Foreword



In presenting the narrative of some of the doings of the Salvation Army
during the world's great conflict for liberty, I am but answering the
insistent call of a most generous and appreciative public.

When moved to activity by the apparent need, there was never a thought
that our humble services would awaken the widespread admiration that has
developed. In fact, we did not expect anything further than appreciative
recognition from those immediately benefited, and the knowledge that our
people have proved so useful is an abundant compensation for all toil and
sacrifice, for _service_ is our watchword, and there is no reward
equal to that of doing the most good to the most people in the most need.
When our National Armies were being gathered for overseas work, the
likelihood of a great need was self-evident, and the most logical and most
natural thing for the Salvation Army to do was to hold itself in readiness
for action. That we were straitened in our circumstances is well
understood, more so by us than by anybody else. The story as told in
these pages is necessarily incomplete, for the obvious reason that the
work is yet in progress. We entered France ahead of our Expeditionary
Forces, and it is my purpose to continue my people's ministries until the
last of our troops return. At the present moment the number of our
workers overseas equals that of any day yet experienced.

Because of the pressure that this service brings, together with the