Written entirely during my service in the Army and the major part of it whilst under shellfire at Ypres and on the Somme, this book was ready for the press save the sketches, early in 1919.
Anticipating almost immediate demobilisation, I determined to post to my home the manuscript that had been such a labour of love to me, with some small magical apparatus that had accompanied me during the campaign. I am still awaiting the arrival of that parcel.
Considerably lightened by the possession of an exceptional memory, my task of re-writing is now finished and I confidently offer this "twice-told tale" to my known and unknown friends the World over, feeling that its publication is a duty imposed by the unanimous appreciation of my earlier efforts.