definite news that at last we were to receive the reward of all our
hard training and see service overseas. We were inspected and
addressed by General Sir H. Smith-Dorrien. Our horses, that had done
us so well on many a strenuous field day, that knew cavalry drill
better than some of us, that had taken part in our famous charge with
fixed bayonets on the common at St Ives, were taken from us and sent,
some to our second line and some to remount depots. In return for a
horse we were each given a heavy cavalry sword, presumably to prevent
us being confused with mere infantry.

On 5th September we said good-bye to our friends in Fakenham and
started off on our journey for an unknown destination but--business.

[Illustration: GUARD MOUNTING, FAKENHAM.
_To face page 8_]

[Illustration: ENTRAINING HORSES, FAKENHAM.
_To face page 8_]




CHAPTER II

ABROAD--1915


The last few days at Fakenham were busy ones, chiefly owing to the
floods of new equipment which were at last showered upon us. Two
squadrons got a complete issue of new saddlery, harness, and vehicles,