The multifarious activities of the Guard, of which a complete survey is given in this profusely-illustrated memento, were all a proof of that national will-to-victory which brought us through in the end. Two special pieces of work, undertaken in common with other Volunteer Corps, were invaluable: firstly, the Station work, which was continued for many months after the War. and will never be forgotten by the British Army or the Overseas Forces: secondly, the establishment of the Machine Gun School, which has extended its sphere of influence far beyond the scope of its original organization, numerous officers of the Regular Army having availed them-belves of its instruction. As for the _'Methusaliers" themselves, Mr. Foster observes in his Preface that their toil was in effect a great cause of rejuvenation: "Men of middle age and past get into grooves. They become creatures of habit and routine. Many lead grey, drab lives devoid of colour and excitement. They become old before their time. The National Guard has beet a splendid cortective. Just as it has improved character, so it has toned up the body and physical powers. It has brought the oldest into personal touch with the youngest soldier. Tt has rejuvenated many. and given them an added span of at least ten years of life." There was truth in the Bishop of London's saying: "The National Guard is making boys of you all again—and it is step in the necessary organization of the nation for service" (said in a sermon at St. Paul's in June, 1915). The humorous side of the work is not ignored in this pleasant and complete chronicle. Pictures are reproduced from the "National Guard Magazine," and some good stories are told in the section on "Station Work," from which we quote the advice of a soldier at the front to a comrade who was going on leave: "When you get to Blighty, Bill, look out for them old blokes with the red bands on their arms—they're no bally good for soldiers, but they'll treat you like a mother." So everybody hag a right to be quietly proud of that service in the National Guard.. of which we now have so excellent and picturesque a record.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.