We are now ready to move off to a more central point in the brigade area for the purpose of better communication. Stackpoole has been studying O.S. map Sheet 22 and making frequent reference to Captain Kinsman regarding a correct order of march. The order of the march was to be as follows:

Advance guard: myself and three others
Connecting file: Kirkby and Sullivan
Main body under Stackpoole and Pat
Rear guard
(Total body of troops to be moved, thirty-one men)

We got off to a poor start. Pegeen’s pub at Kilbrien was early on the line of march. Although usually well behaved the two men in the connecting file were sour on the new dispensation and they were acting up. Both emerged from Pegeen’ s with bottles of beer just in time to be caught by the main body. Disgraceful business. After we were all got together by whistle the two bottles were immolated against the stones of the ditch and we got a temperance lecture and the march was resumed. When we had progressed another mile I was whistled and yelled at for losing distance. The correct procedure was to be rigidly adhered to and was to be as follows: When coming to a road, advance guard to take up a protective or covering a position, then the main body would advance at the double to make the crossing, after which the column would reform and continue the advance.

While we of the advance guard were covering the first road crossing the main body came charging up. Passing me at full gallop Stackpoole had just time for an apologetic “Sorry for yelling at you”. He got a stony response.

We finished crossing the valley in a series of mad rushes and finally arrived at the foot of the Drum Hills with everybody in a very bad state of humor.