By this time, the rest of the train was scattered, at Rouge Criox, Eecke and Hazebrouck.  It took a few days for their equipment, including supply wagons, to arrive, things being somewhat confused in the mean time.  The Headquarters Company moved to what would be their permanent base for the next few months at Croix-de-Poperingue on the 23rd September.  The remaining companies moved to Croix-de-Poperingue too over the next week.  No. 7 Company transferred from Neuve Eglise, near Nieppe, where they had been since the 22nd, on the 27th September.  Having all four companies of the train "within a small radius" of the headquarters, as well as having received at least some of their equipment, made it much easier to carry out their duties, delivering rations and forage to the troops of the entire 2nd Division.

The following is taken from the history of the 28th Battalion:

"Early September 1915:  28th Battalion received a warning order: prepare to move to France.  Major General Turner takes command of 2nd Division from General Steele, who remains to command the training camp at Shorncliffe.  The Battalion is issued British uniforms, boots, webbing, equipment, all of it new and stiff.  This, along with the issued ammunition was quite a load, men's packs were 90 pounds, officers 75 pounds."
"September 16, 1915:  The event called 'The Retreat from Moscow' by the 28th Battalion.  The Battalion received orders to embark for France.  The march to embark at Folkstone is diverted onto narrow, dusty side roads for security reasons.  High temperatures, high humidity, tall hedges, new webbing & new boots resulted in sore feet, severe chaffing, exhaustion and confusion.  Some troops dropped out on the 10-mile march.  Sailing was postponed due to reports of submarines in the English Channel so a bivouac was arranged on St. Martin's Plain, one mile from the port.  The local guide became lost, leading most of the battalion on a 5-mile trek.  Stragglers and separated parties began to fall out and lie down on sidewalks, porches & half a company at the railroad station.  Colonel Embury was found it to be quite embarrassing that a fit, well-trained outfit could fall apart so easily.  Major Alex Ross gathered the stragglers onto the plain in the early morning.  The bivouac was poor as the water supply was limited and all supplies (including food & cookers) were already loaded on the ship."
"September 17, 1915 - A night march from St. Martin's Plain to Folkstone harbour takes 1/2 hour.  There are none of the incidents of the previous day's march.  The Battalion embarks for France."

"Friday, September 17, 1915:  Anyway, our training was at an end, word was passed around that we were leaving today for France.  The camp was all excitement.  At last we were to witness real fighting.  It was almost too good to be true.  Everyone was pleased at the idea though a bit dubious of the outcome.  The consequences, however, were thrown to the winds, the only thing that mattered was we were bound for France.  Orders to strike camp were given and in due time we were on the move, our packs choke full of clothing, etc.  It was a memorable day as our brigade stepped out on the road and marched for Folkestone through Lympne, Hythe, Seabrook and Sandgate.  The march was gruelling one.  Our packs were so heavy that the strappings almost cut into the flesh and there were many connivances  employed to ease the aching back, and shoulders.  Near Folkestone at the Leas we halted and lay on the road.  By this time the stragglers had caught up.  It soon became evident that there was something wrong and everyone was enquiring the reason for the delay.  The command rang out along the lines, "about turn," then we learned the reason - there were mines in the English Channel and we could not cross until the sweepers announced all clear.  Our first battle, the retreat from Folkestone, commenced.  Twos and threes were falling out by the roadside, the climb to the plains above Sandgate took the heart out of many, so they took up their abode for the night on the roadside, in gardens, in the fields, amidst bushes, and a few fortunate ones managed into houses.  The Companies got badly mixed.  By the time a halt was called the battalion was widely scattered.  About a couple of dozen, including the writer, represented 'A' Company.  That night we slept on [Sir John Moore's] Plains under the canopy of heaven with only what we carried with us for covering.  Next morning and forenoon the stragglers began to arrive from all directions and by the afternoon we were up to strength again …"
"Saturday, September 18, 1915:  The channel was evidently clear for in the early evening we were on the road again.  At Folkestone we embarked.  The British Navy had its sentinels out, one particular vessel keeping a watchful eye on us.  It darted hither and thither, racing alongside us or crossing our bow or stern.  In the fading light England was soon lost to view - to many forever."

"… speaking of having been in the Fort Garry Horse before becoming a machine gunner … Fort Garry Gate features on the 20 cent definitive stamp issued 15 Jun 1938, and it's possible that sight of this prompted Dad to tell me."

Chapter 6: Canadian Machine Gun Corps & The Somme Front (Summer 1916)