CHAPTER II

FIRST EXPERIENCES IN FRANCE

MAY 1915 TO SEPTEMBER 1915

Move of Division to France, May 1915—Instruction in Trench Duties— Bombing and Bombs—Visit by Field-Marshal Sir J. D. P. French— Festubert—Training near Busnes—Vermelles—General reasons for Battle of Loos—The Plan of Battle—Importance of Gas—Task of the Ninth Division—Duties of the Staff—Major-General Landon’s Plan— Objectives—Preparations—Assembly Trenches—Communication Trenches—Artillery—Machine-Guns and Trench Mortars—Arrangements for Gas—Smoke—R.E. Pioneers, Tools—Medical Arrangements— Communications—Equipment of the Men 12