Saturday 29th August: Bassoles-Aulers
After a few hours’ sleep under a tree we were up and had breakfast. We then had a letter from General French* read out to us thanking everybody for the way they had done their duty. He also told in the letter about the Great Charge by the Scotch Greys and 12th Lancers the day before. They charged the enemy cavalry three times. That was where the 5 of us were sent back for Captain Wilson.
Saturday 22nd August: Aulnoy-Aymeries/ Maubeuge
We arrived at a place called Aulnoy, 121/2 miles from the Belgian Frontier at 9am. We dis-entrained here. British troops were dis-entraining at the last 3 or 4 stations we passed through. We marched off from here at 2pm.
Monday 17th August: Aldershot
We have been getting ready here all day. We leave tomorrow morning early. Other regiments have been leaving here today and yesterday.
Saturday 8th August 1914: Leith/ Aldershot
Left here at 10pm for Aldershot. The people of Leith and Edinburgh gave us a good send off.
Tuesday 4th August 1914: Greenock
7pm Notice posted at the Town House calling up Reservists*. “War Declared”
*Reservists are men who had previously served in the Regular Army and who undertook to re-join in an emergency. They had to spend some time on training each year and were paid a weekly allowance.
We, the Bearers 