Private Albert George
Edwards (also of 1/6 Gloucesters) recalled the departure for France in his diaries :-
March 31st
1915.
We have only left England an hour ago, and the eyes of all are turned to
the south to catch a glimpse of France – the land of our Great Adventure. It is
a novel experience for the majority of us – few of our fellows have left their
native land before. Most of us were civilians six months ago, while it is only
four month ago since I left home. Now we are fully trained, having spent our
training days at or near Chelmsford in Essex. Britain has called for us! Thank
God she has not called in vain. The night is beautifully clear, and we can
frequently see the escorting Torpedo Boats. At last! The cliffs of France are
in sight – nearer, and nearer they come until we pass up the river for a few
hundred yards, and moor alongside the quay at Boulogne. How eagerly the fellows
scramble out – to be the first on French soil. I cannot help thinking how
different everything seems.
I had imagined
cheering – “Vive les Anglais,” frantic crowds singing patriotic songs etc, -
but no! The hour is near midnight, and silently we march to the camp on the
hill. The small discomforts are all laughed away. At last we are SOMEWHERE IN
FRANCE.
