AN ONLOOKER IN FRANCE

I. Field-Marshal Earl Haig of Bemersyde, O.M., K.T., etc.

AN ONLOOKER IN FRANCE

1917-1919

BY

SIR WILLIAM ORPEN, K.B.E., R.A.

LONDON
WILLIAMS AND NORGATE
1921

Pictures and Text, Copyright 1921
by
Sir William Orpen, K.B.E., R.A.

Printed in Great Britain by Richard Clay & Sons, Limited,
Paris Garden, Stamford St., S.E. 1, and Bungay, Suffolk.

PREFACE

This book must not be considered as a serious work on life in France behind the lines, it is merely an attempt to record some certain little incidents that occurred in my own life there.

The only thought I wish to convey is my sincere thanks for the wonderful opportunity that was given me to look on and see the fighting man, and to learn to revere and worship him—that is the only serious thing. I wish to express my worship and reverence to that gallant company, and to convey to those who are left my most sincere thanks for all their marvellous kindness to me, a mere looker on.

CONTENTS

Chap.
PREFACE
I. TO FRANCE (APRIL 1917)
II. THE SOMME (APRIL 1917)
III. AT BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AND ST. POL (MAY-JUNE 1917)
IV. THE YPRES SALIENT (JUNE-JULY 1917)
V. THE SOMME IN SUMMER-TIME (AUGUST 1917)
VI. THE SOMME (SEPTEMBER 1917)
VII. WITH THE FLYING CORPS (OCTOBER 1917)
VIII. CASSEL AND IN HOSPITAL (NOVEMBER 1917)
IX. WINTER (1917-1918)
X. LONDON (MARCH-JUNE 1918)
XI. BACK IN FRANCE (JULY-SEPTEMBER 1918)
XII. AMIENS (OCTOBER 1918)
XIII. NEARING THE END (OCTOBER 1918)
XIV. THE PEACE CONFERENCE
XV. PARIS DURING THE PEACE CONFERENCE
XVI. THE SIGNING OF THE PEACE
INDEX

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Plate
I. Field-Marshal Earl Haig of Bemersyde, O.M., K.T., etc.
II. The Bapaume Road.
III. Men Resting, La Boisselle.
IV. A Tank, Pozières.
V. Warwickshires entering Péronne.
VI. No Man's Land.
VII. Three Weeks in France: Shell-shock.
VIII. Man in the Glare, Two Miles from the Hindenburg Line.
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