82 THE HORSE AND THE WAR 



done. And, moreover, the units to receive them make acquaintance with 

 them at the base, since a special party is detailed to proceed from their 

 positions at the front to bring them up. 



It follows, of course, that they have been passed fit for their ordeal. The 

 Commanding Officer of the depot has done his part conscientiously and with 

 strict regard to what will be required of them. My experience goes to show 

 that there is perhaps greater strictness shown in France than in the United 

 Kingdom. It is quite right that the supervision in this way should touch 

 the highest possible standard, since it would be grossly unfair and wrong 

 to a degree to send indifferent animals to those who are fighting in the death 

 zone and who must at times rely on the activity and strength of their horses 

 for their own personal safety. So, also, it is with the veterinary officers. A 

 heavy responsibility lies with them, for to allow anything but the absolutely 

 fit in health to proceed to the front must be to choke the sick lines with units 

 and the advanced mobile veterinary sections. Besides, neglect in this respect 

 does not give the horse a chance. But I am happy to say, as the result of 

 close observation, that ever}- officer in France in the Remount and Veterinary 

 Services is keenly sensible of this point, and that he never consciously allows 

 an animal to go to the front either too soon or too late. 



On all the roads that lead to the line there are staging camps where men 

 and horses are rested for the night. The journey ma}^ be of two or three days ; 

 usualty only two days. Good water is handy, and our wonderful O.M.G.'s 

 Department has ensured rations being in readiness. The}^ never fail to be 

 there. And so they progress to the last receiving place, where they are met 

 by the Deputy Director of Remounts attached to the Army Headquarters 

 concerned, and forthwith distributed throughout the area. Their life, doings 

 and welfare can best be told in another chapter. We are within sound of 

 the guns now. 



