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Private PeatStill smiling though his right arm is useless

PRIVATE PEAT

BY

HAROLD R. PEAT

Ex-Third Battalion First Canadian Contingent

PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTIONS
TAKEN AT THE FRONT.
ALSO WITH SCENES FROM THE PHOTO-PLAY OF THE SAME NAME
RELEASED BY FAMOUS PLAYERS—LASKY CORPORATION

NEW YORK
GROSSET & DUNLAP
PUBLISHERS

1917
The Bobbs-Merrill Company

To the boys who will never come back

FOREWORD

In this record of my experiences as a private in the great war I have triedto put the emphasis on the things that seemed to me important. It is true Iset out to write a book of smiles, but the seriousness of it all came backto me and crept into my pages. Yet I hope, along with the grimness and thehumor, I have been able to say some words of cheer and comfort to those inthe United States who are sending their husbands, their sons and brothersinto this mighty conflict. The book, unsatisfactory as it is to me now thatit is finished, at least holds my honest and long considered opinions. Itwas not written until I could view my experiences objectively, until I wassure in my own mind that the judgments I had formed were sane and sound. Igive it to the public now, hoping that something new will be found in it,despite the many personal narratives that have gone before, and confidentthat out of that public the many friends I have made while lecturing overthe country will look on it with a lenient and a kindly eye.

To my wife, who has helped me greatly and who has been my inspiration inthis, as in all else, I should have inscribed this volume had she not urgedthe present dedication. But she prefers it as it is, for "the boys who willnever come back" gave themselves for her and for all sister-women the worldover.

H.R.P.

CONTENTS