Then came a sudden desire to cross streams, however swollen, and a party
rode off to Bishops Stortford to learn the very latest plans. We had
just received a set of beautiful mules, well trained for hard work in
the transport. As horses were scarce, and the party large, our
resourceful adjutant ordered mules. Several mules returned at once,
though many went with their riders to the model bridge, and in their
intelligent anxiety to get a really close view, went into the water with
them.

On another day we did a great march through Harlow, and saluted Sir
Evelyn Wood, V.C., who stood at his gate to see us pass.

Football, boxing and concerts, not to mention dancing, filled our spare
time, and there was the famous race which ended:--BOB, Major
Toller, a, 1., BERLIN, Capt. Bromfield, a, 2. And we are not
forgetting that it was at Sawbridgeworth that we ate our first Christmas
war dinner. Never was such a feed. The eight companies had each a
separate room, and the Commanding officer, Major Martin, and the
adjutant made a tour of visits, drinking the health of each company in
turn--eight healths, eight drinks, and which of the three stood it best?
Some say the second in command shirked.

Officers had their dinner, too. After the loyal toast there was one
only--"Colour Sergt. Joe Collins, and may he live for ever!" The reply
was short--"Gentlemen, I think you are all looking very well." It was
his only thought, and we were well. We know how much we owe to him as
our mess sergeant; he studied our individual tastes and requirements,
and kept us well for many months. Good luck to him!