which it is almost impossible to withdraw without the most serious
losses.

There are no hedges in Belgium; the ground was perfectly open, and the
Subaltern could easily see what was happening on the right. It seemed to
him that some unit delayed too long, for the rest of the line showed
signs of envelopment. Eventually, however, the retirement to the village
was effected quietly, and without loss. He led his Platoon to a second
defensive position about a mile behind the village, but already shells
were beginning to drop around, and even beyond it.




CHAPTER V

THE BEGINNING OF THE RETREAT


It was from this point that the great "Retreat from Mons" really began.
The road in front of the Battalion was hit by one or two shells.
Apparently it was being "searched," and so the Battalion was hastily
moved into the open fields, assuming what is known as "Artillery
Formation," i.e. small collections of troops, moving on the same
objective, with "irregular distances and depths." By this means many
lives must have been saved. After about a mile of very hurried marching,
through turnip fields and stubble, the road was again reached, and the
Battalion was apparently out of the enemy's range.

The heat was beginning to be intense. The men had marched for the last