On my return, I had a curious experience which throws a light upon railway travelling at the Front.

A friend had motored me to Abbeville that afternoon, just in time to catch a leave-train full of men returning from England.

I only wanted to go as far as St.Pol, about thirty miles off, where I hoped to get a car for Bruay.

I got into a carriage with four officers, one of whom was a chaplain who had just been decorated with the D.S.O.I had crossed the Channel with him once before, so was glad to renew our acquaintance.

The train left Abbeville about four o'clock.