It may be open to question whether it is for good or for evil that we
should broaden our views of what goes to make a smart and useful
fighting man, but the regimental system of the Devons was for no
innovation of a careless go-as-you-please style. I thus lay stress on
the individuality of the Devons in South Africa, because it was this
individuality of theirs, born of their regimental system, which enabled
them to claim so full a share in the success of that long-drawn-out
campaign.

No one can quite appreciatively follow the story of the work of the
Devons, unless he realizes the intense feeling of comradeship that
animates these West-country men. To work with Devonshire men is to
realize in the flesh the intensity of the local county loyalty so
graphically depicted by Charles Kingsley in his _Westward Ho!_ and other
novels.

In conclusion, let me add, a more determined crew I never wish to see,
and a better regiment to back his orders a General can never hope to
have.

[Illustration: [Signature - Walter Kitchener]]

DALHOUSIE, _May_, 1906.




PREFACE