accurately, taking account of weather conditions, etc. They had practice in forward, lateral, and bilateral observation. From battery problems there came battalion, regimental, and finally, brigade problems.

After being rumored and rather dreaded for over a week, our first "J Day" was ordered in a regular operations order. The whole procedure for a drive was carried out. The ground was reconnoitered by the Colonels, Majors, then Battery Commanders with their Special Details. The guns were pulled into position the day before and "registered" for the barrage. The actual Firing was very simple—one shot per minute for thirty minutes with regularly lengthening range for the rolling barrages. This was the first chance given to see the results of a concentration of Are on any area. It was an interesting sight to see the opposite slope fairly smoking. The barrage by the "75's" gradually crept over the fields, hedges, and lines of dummy trenches. The "155's" played on the ruined towns, or neutralized suspected enemy batteries and machine-gun emplacements. It gave a very good conception, on a small scale, of a real attack.

Just previous to "J Day" there was the big inspection to judge whether the brigade was ready for active service. This was by far the worst of its kind we had been through. Including the preliminary washing, cleaning and policing of persons, harness, guns and barracks, it spoiled a good three days. The rumor then was that General Lassiter was satisfied, but recommended another month of training. Soon it became evident we would not go to the front im­

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