The soldiers in our picture have a hard and almost impossible task. That they succeeded in their enterprise speaks volumes for their bravery and determination.
Over and over again have I heard from soldiers of the feelings that actuated them when waiting, often in the early dawn, for the signal for the attack. Going over the top often meant going into eternity. within five minutes. This happened to a dear young friend of mine in his first engagement.
Pte. James Wallace, of the King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment), writing to Mr. Piper says:—I write you a line lying on my back at—a little behind the firing line. I have been hit in the stomach by a bullet. How peaceful I am! and yet only a short distance away tens of thousands are fighting for their lives. How sweet to know that nothing happens by chance—that all things work together for good to those who love God. As I jumped over the parapet when advancing to the attack, I could not help but sing, “Jesu, lover of my soul,” and I knew He was that to me. How calm I was, knowing He never fails, no matter what surrounds us. “I can praise Him for all that is past, and trust Him for all that’s to come.” Truly God is good, a very present help in trouble.