On the 11th to the 14th May the Division side-slipped to the south in relief of the 19th Division, thus coming next door to the 14th French Division, and passing to II Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir C. Jacob). On the 28th May the enemy attacked our neighbours on the right and succeeded in driving them out of Ridgewood and almost in reaching Dickebusch Lake. In view of the importance to us of the lost position, and of the exhausted state of the 14th (French) Division, an offer was made to co-operate with them in a counter-attack to regain the lost ground. This was gladly accepted, and on the early morning of the 29th May the 11th Essex Regiment attacked in conjunction with two battalions of Chasseurs of the 46th (French) Division, which was in process of relieving the 14th Division, the operation taking place under the orders of the G.O.C., 14th French Division (General Philipot, the conqueror of Fez).

Under a barrage formed by the French and English artillery the 11th Essex Regiment attacked with great determination, and by the end of the day had achieved the whole of its share of the task. The two battalions of the Chasseurs were, unfortunately, not so successful, with the result that the right of the 11th Essex Regiment was exposed, and it was unable to hold on to a small part of the ground recovered on its extreme right. For this action the Division received a letter of thanks for its "spontaneous" co-operation from General de Mitry, commanding the French Detachement de l'Armee du Nord.

The Division remained in the line as next-door neighbours to the French till the 7th June, when relieved by 33rd Division. Many will retain pleasant memories of our association with our Allies during the three to four weeks that we were alongside them, and of the admirable liaison that existed between us.

During the period of just under three weeks' rest that it enjoyed on this occasion the Division had one brigade always at Dirty Bucket Camp working on rear lines of defence, one training in the St. Jan ter Biezen area, and one at musketry at Cormette, near Tilques. During this period, too, the 71st Trench-mortar Battery and the 18th Trench-mortar Battery were able to be of service to the French, the former being lent to the 46th Division to assist them in an operation on 8th June, the latter co-operating with the 7th (French) Division in a successful raid on the 19th June.

On the 27th June the Division passed to the XIX Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir H. E. Watts) and relieved the 46th French Division (Chasseurs) in the Dickebusch sector. This was in a very unpleasant front, where the dominating position of the enemy on Kemmel Hill made movement, even in the rear lines, impossible by day, and practically all work, of which there was plenty, had to be done by night.

The chief incidents of the tour of the Division in this sector were the successful attack on Ridgewood, the 1st The Buffs daylight raid on the Brasserie, the sixteen-prisoner night-raid of the 2nd D.L.I. on the Zillebeke front, and the co-operation of the 18th Infantry Brigade with the operations of the 41st Division on our right.

The situation created by the enemy's attack on Ridgewood on the 28th May had never been satisfactorily restored, in spite of repeated attempts on the part of the 46th (French) Division. The 6th Division took over with the determination to put this right on the first opportunity, profiting by the lessons learnt in the successive attacks made by the French Chasseurs, which their Division had placed most unreservedly at our disposal. After careful reconnaissance the 18th Infantry Brigade, assisted by two companies of the 1st Middlesex Regiment of the 33rd Division, attacked the enemy at 6 a.m. on the 14th July. The attack delivered by the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment and the 2nd D.L.I. and the two above-mentioned companies was a complete success. The enemy, taken entirely by surprise, only offered any resistance in one or two isolated cases, and the dash and prompt initiative of the attacking troops soon dealt with these. All objectives were gained, Ridgewood and Elzenwalle retaken, and 7 officers, 341 other ranks, 25 machine-guns, and 3 trench-mortars captured at small cost to the attackers. Large quantities of trench-mortar ammunition, found dumped close up to the front line, demonstrated the correctness of the view that the enemy had in contemplation a resumption of his offensive on this front. For this the Division received congratulations from the Commander-in-Chief, the G.O.C., Second Army (General Sir Herbert Plumer), and G.O.C., XIX Corps.

The raid of the 1st The Buffs was carried out on the 2nd August. The objective was the Brasserie and neighbouring farms. The raid, which was by day and on a fairly extensive scale, was very successful.

On the 8th August the 41st Division carried out a small operation, in co-operation with which the 18th Infantry Brigade undertook two minor operations. That by a company of the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment on the Vierstraat Road was unsuccessful, through no fault of the attacking infantry, who were held up by machine-guns sited so far forward that they had escaped our barrage. On the right a company of the 2nd D.L.I., operating in direct touch with the left of the 41st Division, was completely successful in carrying out its task. In connection with operations on this front the Division sustained a severe loss in Major R. W. Barnett, K.R.R., G.S.O.2, who was killed by a sniper while reconnoitring on 12th August.

During July and August the Divisional Artillery was exceptionally busy. An immense amount of effort was put into the preparation of forward positions for a large number of batteries to be employed in a contemplated later offensive. Vast quantities of gun ammunition were carted nightly, and dumped therein in readiness.

During the month of August the Division had the pleasure of close association with our American Allies, part of the 27th American, a New York Division, doing their attachment and apprenticeship to trench warfare with us. On the 21st to the 24th August the Americans relieved the Division in the line, and it was withdrawn for rest and training to the Wizernes area.

On leaving the XIX Corps the Corps Commander sent the Division his "warmest thanks for and appreciation of the excellent service rendered" while under his command.



CHAPTER XI

THE ALLIED OFFENSIVE IN THE SOUTH

1918

Originally destined to take part in a projected attack for the recapture of Kemmel Hill and Village, the Division suddenly received orders at the end of August, to the delight of all, to move southwards at very short notice. During the 1st, 2nd and 3rd September the move southwards was carried out by rail, the Division, less artillery, detraining at Corbie, Heilly and Mericourt. On the 4th the Divisional Artillery followed, and the whole Division was concentrated in the area Heilly-Ribemont-Franvillers on the River Ancre, in G.H.Q. Reserve. The next few days were devoted to a continuation of the training in open warfare commenced in the Wizernes area.

The Germans, forced back in July and August from the high-water mark of their advance in March and April, had stood on the line of the Somme and the Peronne—Arras road. In the southern sector of the British front the Somme defences had been turned by the brilliant capture of Mont St. Quentin (to the north of and guarding Peronne) by the Australian Corps. The retreating enemy had been pursued across the Somme by the 32nd Division, which had been attached temporarily to the Australians. This Division now became part of the newly-constituted IX Corps (Lt.-Gen. Sir W. Braithwaite), which was to bear such a glorious part in the concluding chapter of the War, and which consisted of 1st, 6th, 32nd and 46th Divisions.

The 32nd Division had followed the enemy without much incident up to the large Holnon Wood, three and a half miles west of St. Quentin, and it was there that the Division relieved it on night 13/14th September, with the 1st Division on the left and the 34th (French) Division on the right.

It was expected that the enemy would stand on the heights which command St. Quentin to the west and south, but it was not known whether their resistance would be strong or not, as they were much disorganized.

The 1st and 6th Divisions, hand in hand with the French, were ordered to capture this tactical line on 18th September, as a starting-point for the attack on the Hindenburg Line, which ran just outside St. Quentin to the canal at Bellenglise.

To the 18th Infantry Brigade was entrusted the task of securing a line well clear of Holnon Wood for the forming-up line on the 18th, and in doing so it first had to clear the wood and establish posts at the edge, then push forward. The selected forming-up line included to us Holnon Village on the right and next to the French.

On the morning of the 16th September the 11th Essex, after an unsuccessful attempt to push forward during the night, attacked under a barrage and advanced from the line of posts taken over a little way inside the wood to a line of trenches just clear of the wood, capturing in this small operation forty-six prisoners. It was now arranged for the 1st, 6th and 34th (French) Divisions to advance simultaneously to secure the above-mentioned starting line. On the left the 1st Division was successful, and so were the 11th Essex, who, held up at first by heavy shelling and machine-gun fire, persevered throughout the day and were rewarded by finishing up in possession of the whole of their objectives, a very creditable performance.

On the right the West Yorks had to secure Holnon Village, which lay in a hollow commanded by Round and Manchester Hills in the area allotted to the French, and which was itself strongly held. The French failed in their attack, and though the West Yorks obtained part of the village they could not clear it and establish the starting line beyond it. The situation at the end of the 17th was therefore unsatisfactory on the right, but it was impossible to put off the general attack, and arrangements had to be improvised. Another unsatisfactory feature was that Holnon Wood covered practically the whole 2,500 yards frontage of the Division, and was so drenched with gas shells and the tracks so bad, that both 16th and 71st Infantry Brigades had to make a detour north and south of the wood respectively to reach their assembly positions, and this naturally fatigued the troops and hindered communication and supply.

Standing on the east edge of the wood, a bare glacis-like slope devoid of cover, except for two or three shell-trap copses, stretched away for 3,000 yards to the high ground overlooking St. Quentin. There was no sign of life and very few trenches could be seen, though it was known that they were there as the Fifth Army had held the position in March 1918. It was found afterwards that the Germans had camouflaged their trenches with thistles, which here covered the ground to a height in many places of eighteen inches.

At the highest point about the centre of the Divisional area of attack was a network of trenches known later as the Quadrilateral—a name of bad omen to the 6th Division—and which, like its namesake on the Somme, could be reinforced under cover from the back slopes of the hill. An examination of the battlefield after the 24th September also revealed several narrow sunken roads filled with wire. The position was one of great natural strength, and in addition the whole of the right was dominated by heights in the area to be attacked by the French. Lastly, adequate time could not be given to Brigades for reconnaissance owing to the imperative necessity of pushing on to guard the flank of Corps farther north. Troops had not seen the ground they had to attack over, and rain and smoke obscured the few landmarks existing on 18th September.

On that morning the Division attacked at 5.20 a.m. with the 71st Infantry Brigade on the right, its left directed on the Quadrilateral and its right on Holnon and Selency.

The 16th Infantry Brigade was on the left, with its right just clear of the Quadrilateral and its left on Fresnoy le Petit. Six tanks were allotted to the Division, but met with various mishaps or were knocked out, and were not of much use. The attack met with most determined opposition at once, especially on the right, where the difficulties of the 71st Infantry Brigade were increased by the failure of the French to take Round and Manchester Hills.

The 2nd D.L.I., attached to this brigade to complete the clearing of Holnon Village, accomplished this, but were driven out by shelling and by machine gun fire from Round and Manchester Hills, losing very heavily.

The 16th Infantry Brigade was more successful, and at one time the York and Lancasters had nearly completed the capture of Fresnoy le Petit, but were unable to hold it. The brigade advanced, however, 3,000 yards. Fighting was continuous throughout the day, but without further success. The Sherwood Foresters advancing very gallantly against the Quadrilateral were reported as being just outside it and entrenched. It was machine gun fire from this stronghold which prevented the right of the 16th Infantry Brigade advancing, and an attack was therefore ordered for dawn of the 19th September, but it was evidently anticipated by the enemy, who put down a very heavy artillery and machine-gun barrage before the attackers left their jumping-off positions. Fighting again continued throughout the day, but without success, and it was evident that the enemy meant standing his ground and that this was not a rearguard action as it had at one time been thought. The enemy's artillery was very strong, and, with the thick Hindenburg wire in front of it, was placed close to their front line, and was enabled thus to do considerable execution on our back areas.

The successes of other Divisions in the south of the British zone had been constant and fairly easy for some time, so that the partial success which the Division had obtained was very disappointing to all ranks. They were much cheered, therefore, to get the following wire from the Army Commander (General Sir H. Rawlinson):—"Please convey to the 6th Division my congratulations and warm thanks for their success of yesterday. Though all objectives were not attained they carried through a difficult operation with great gallantry and determination. I offer to all ranks my warm thanks and congratulations."

All units had heavy fighting, in which some had incurred considerable losses, and all were tired and in want of reorganization. It was therefore decided not to renew the attack for a few days, and to devote the interval to a proper artillery preparation (the heavy artillery put 1,000 shells on the Quadrilateral in one day), the reorganization of battalions, and the construction of a jumping-off position, in the execution of which the R.E. (Lt.-Col. H. A. L. Hall) and the Pioneers rendered invaluable assistance. The fighting up to this date had yielded 6 officers and 264 other ranks prisoners, and 65 machine-guns.

On the morning of the 24th September a fresh attack was launched; the 18th Infantry Brigade, to which was attached the 1st Leicestershire Regiment, attacking on the right; the 16th Infantry Brigade on the left. The French 36th Corps attacked with a fresh division simultaneously to our right; the 1st Division, which had taken over the task of the capture of Fresnoy and Gricourt, on our left. The four tanks detailed to attack the Quadrilateral again had bad luck, one being turned absolutely turtle by a mine field. The three battalions of the 18th Infantry Brigade met at first with little success, the 11th Essex on the left establishing a rather precarious footing in one face of the Quadrilateral, and the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment getting in at one point in Douai Trench, running south from the Strong Point. The D.L.I., attacking south of them through Holnon Village, could make no headway. The French had during the morning captured Round Hill and part of Manchester Hill, and came up in line with us. The 16th Infantry Brigade fared much better, and working down from the north was able in the course of the day to secure the northern face of the Quadrilateral. Their four tanks were of great assistance to them this day. Throughout the day the 18th Infantry Brigade maintained the fight with characteristic determination, but without improving its position very much. At 11 p.m., however, it launched the 1st Leicestershire Regiment by moonlight in a further attack on Douai Trench. The attack, delivered with great gallantry, was successful, and many enemy were killed in the trench which was found to be strongly held. In spite of the very rough handling which it had received on the 24th the 18th Infantry Brigade stuck grimly to its task during the 25th. Douai Trench was cleared from end to end by hand-to-hand fighting, and patrols, admirably handled, gradually made good the whole of the objectives allotted for the previous day's attack. On the morning of 25th September 3 officers and 104 other ranks surrendered near Fayet to patrols of the 2nd Y. and L. Regiment. By midnight on the night of the 25/26th September the 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades in co-operation had completed the capture of the Quadrilateral, a position of such unusual natural strength that captured German officers admitted that they had fully expected to be able to hold it indefinitely. For this very fine performance, a remarkable instance of grit and determination and of intelligent initiative by regimental officers of all ranks, to whom the successful results were entirely due, the Division received the congratulations of the Army and Corps Commanders and G.O.C., 1st Division. The message telephoned on behalf of the Army Commander contained the following passage:—"He fully realises the difficulties they have had to contend with, and admires the tenacity with which they have stuck to it and completed their task."

The enemy's resistance now broke down, and during the 26th, 27th and 28th September patrols were able gradually to gain further ground, so that by the time the Division was relieved by the 4th French Division on the 29/30th, posts had been established round three sides of the village of Fayet. Manchester Hill was finally captured by the French on 26th September.

The captures during the period were 10 officers, 372 other ranks, 4 guns, 15 trench-mortars, and 53 machine-guns.

During the relief by the French a noteworthy incident occurred. The 2nd Brigade, R.F.A., were asked to fire a barrage to cover an advance of French infantry at a certain hour, and did so. Just after completion a message arrived saying that the attack had been postponed, and would the brigade repeat the operation very shortly at another hour which was fixed. This the brigade did, clearing to absolutely the last shell the ammunition available on the ground and completing the barrage at the same moment.

During the fighting in September the Division had "B" and "C" Companies, 2nd Life Guards Machine-gun Battalion, at its disposal, and these fine troops helped much in the machine-gun barrage, and added confidence that any counter-attack on the right would meet with a hot reception.

While the 6th Division had been fighting on the right of the British Army, the 46th Division, with the Americans on their left and the 1st Division forming a defensive flank on their right, had broken the Hindenburg Line on 29th September by a magnificent attack. Followed across the canal by the 32nd Division, these two divisions had very severe fighting at Ramicourt and Sequehart and were exhausted. The 6th Division, after four days to rest and absorb reinforcements, was ordered to relieve them and attack on the 8th October in the direction of the small town of Bohain. The 30th American Division was on the right and about 2,000 yards ahead, connected to the 6th Division by a series of posts along the railway. This curious position entailed a very complicated creeping barrage, which, however, was successfully put into operation on the day of the attack. On the right was the French 42nd Division slightly in rear, having followed the Germans through St. Quentin and met with strong resistance beyond it. The position to be attacked consisted of high rolling downs with deep traverse valleys, giving good cover for supports and forward guns, and on the right a broad longitudinal valley closed by a ridge on which stood the village of Mericourt. The French had a stiff task in front of them, and did not propose to advance as far as the British—6,000 yards—with the result that even if they were successful our frontage, thrown back from left to right, would be 7,500 yards, and if unsuccessful over 10,000. Added to this their zero hour was nearly an hour after ours, and there would be a very real danger of counter-attack from the right. The Divisional Commander, therefore, decided to leave the valley severely alone to start with, merely smoking by guns and bombs from aeroplanes the Mericourt Ridge and attacking all along the high ground on the north. As our attack and the French attack progressed the valley was to be cleared by three whippet tanks supported by the 1st Battalion West Yorks, lent to the 16th Infantry Brigade, while finally an attack from the high ground against the Mericourt Ridge would be delivered with a view to cutting off posts in the valley between the two attacks. The 139th Infantry Brigade of the 46th Division remained in position at Sequehart, together with two companies Life Guards Machine-gun Battalion, to secure the right flank against counter-attack. The machine-gun nests on the Sequehart-Mericourt road enfiladed the start line of the 6th Division, and the G.O.C., 139th Infantry Brigade (Brig-Gen. J. Harington), was asked to capture these just before the general attack. The 46th Divisional Pioneer Battalion (1/1st Monmouthshire Regiment) undertook this task, and twice attacked the position but without success, in spite of the greatest gallantry. The Commanding Officer (Col. Jenkins) and his Adjutant were both unfortunately killed. Their bravery, however, was well rewarded, as their action enabled the 6th Divisional troops to work round and cut the position off, and the enemy eventually surrendered.

The weight of artillery for the operations of the 8th October was immense. In addition to the Divisional artillery there were the 5th and 16th Brigades, R.H.A., 161st, 168th, 230th, 231st, 232nd Brigades, R.F.A., and the 14th and 23rd Army Brigades, R.F.A. Only a part of these fired the creeping barrage, the 6th Divisional Artillery, the 5th Brigade, R.H.A., and the 232nd Brigade, R.F.A., moving forward as the infantry attack progressed to new positions, so as to support exploitation and give protection against counter-attack. The attack was launched at 5.30 a.m. The 16th Infantry Brigade on the right next to the valley, and the 71st Infantry Brigade on the left next to the Americans, both made excellent way, the former capturing the very strong Mannikin Hill position, and the latter the formidable Doon Mill and Doon Copse position, and making a good haul of machine-guns.

As had been anticipated the French had been held up by Bellicourt Farm on their left, and the 16th Infantry Brigade suffered a good deal from machine-gun fire from Cerise Wood on the farther side of the valley and from Mannikin Wood in the valley. The three whippet tanks allotted to the 16th Infantry Brigade were all knocked out, but the West Yorks, to whom had been entrusted the clearing of the valley, stuck to their work most gallantly, and in the afternoon, after three attempts, had the satisfaction of securing Mannikin Wood, with 10 officers, 240 other ranks, and 20 machine-guns, by a final attack under an artillery smoke barrage. To this success "B" Company, 6th Machine-gun Battalion, contributed largely by enfilade fire.

By 3 p.m. the French announced that they had captured Bellicourt Farm, and were advancing. The situation on the right was now completely changed, and the 1st West Yorks, advancing up the valley, gained touch with the French east of Fairy Wood, more than half-way to the final objective in that area.

By nightfall Mericourt, which blocked the head of and commanded the whole of the valley, was in our hands.

The Americans gained their final objective and continued the advance without much opposition. In attempting to support their flank the 71st Infantry Brigade came under the fire of field guns firing over open sights near Joncourt Farm, and could not advance. A squadron of the Royal Scots Greys (5th Cavalry Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Neil Haig), attached to the Division, worked round and made a gallant attempt to gallop the guns, but were stopped by close range gun fire. Pitch darkness now came on, and left the Division tired but triumphant on their final objectives. The bag of the 6th Division amounted to over 30 officers and 1,100 other ranks.

Congratulatory messages were received from the Army and Corps Commanders as follows:—

From the Army Commander—"Will you please convey to the 6th Division my warm thanks and hearty congratulations on their success to-day. They have done admirable work, and I wish them all good luck for to-morrow."

From the Corps Commander—"Well done 6th Division. So glad casualties so light, considering what Division has accomplished."

Almost before the final objective had been captured an order was received from the Corps for the Division to take over a portion of the 30th American Division front on the left, hand over some ground to 46th Division on the right, and attack at dawn on the 9th behind a barrage. Though very tired, and though it was a pitch dark night, the 71st and 16th Infantry Brigades somehow managed to carry out these almost impossible orders, and advanced splendidly at zero hour—the artillery putting down an accurate barrage. The attack progressed successfully, the first objectives being gained by both brigades without much difficulty, but the enemy was able to delay our advance from the Railway Line, where after stiff fighting the 1st Leicesters, by a turning movement, captured some prisoners and machine-guns. The 9th Norfolk Regiment on the left worked round by the north, and during the night captured Bohain, where some 4,000 inhabitants were liberated, and vast quantities of war material fell into our hands.

During this phase of the operations the 5th Cavalry Brigade was attached to the Division, but circumstances did not allow of much cavalry activity.

We were now in a different country to that in which the operations since 1914 had been conducted. The country had seen no war, houses were intact, inhabitants looking starved and downtrodden were delighted to see the British troops. To stop our advance all roads in Bohain had been cratered at their exits from the village, and delay-action mines on the railways were constantly going up. As an example, D.H.Q. was in Brancucourt Farm, in a main road which had been cratered just outside the farm. A railway bridge just opposite had been blown down and the line cratered. The Canadian Engineers repairing the line had removed a great many bombs, but about three days after the arrival of D.H.Q. a delay-action mine went off on the railway at 7.30 p.m., and two days later again at 7 a.m. Fortunately on both occasions no men were working on the line, and D.H.Q. suffered no worse harm than some injuries to staff cars from falling debris. The total captures by the Division since the 8th October now amounted to 45 officers, 1,839 other ranks, 15 guns, 20 trench-mortars, and 266 machine-guns.

On 10th October the advance was continued—the 30th American Division on the left, the 6th Division in the centre, and the 46th Division on the right next to the French, who were again some distance in rear.

The 71st Infantry Brigade (1st Leicesters and 2nd Sherwood Foresters), passing through the 9th Norfolks, gained most of its objective, which was the high ground about 2,000 yards east of Bohain, but the 40th Division was held up by machine-gun fire in Riqueval Wood. An attempted advance by the 71st Infantry Brigade, assisted by two tanks, on 11th instant was brought to a standstill by machine-gun fire, after a small advance.

On the night of the 11/12th October the 18th Infantry Brigade, which had been in Divisional Reserve, relieved the 71st Infantry Brigade, and at 4.30 p.m. on the 12th October carried out a minor operation, simultaneously with the left brigade of the 46th Division, in order to push its left flank forward to the line of the Americans, who were reported to be in possession of Vaux Andigny—some one and a half miles ahead. The attack on the right failed, with about 100 casualties, owing to machine-gun fire from Regnicourt, and the 46th Division was also held up. The left made a little ground. This attack and a low aeroplane reconnaissance disclosed the fact that the Germans had dug a series of new trenches on the high ground immediately in front, and that there was a considerable amount of wire. The maps of this area were most indifferent, and many copses existed which were not shown. It was now evident that the enemy intended to stand on the high ground east of Selle River and its continuation to Riqueval Wood. Failing to make any progress by a frontal attack, the G.O.C., IX Corps, undertook a very pretty tactical move, which produced the attack of 17th October. The 6th and 46th Divisions were moved to the north flank, and attacked south-east and east instead of north-east. By this manoeuvre a great deal of enfilade fire was brought to bear both from guns and machine-guns. The task allotted to the 6th Division was a difficult one. It had to issue fan-wise from the village of Vaux Andigny on a 1,500 yards front, advancing 2,500-3,000 yards to a front of 5,000 yards. The 1st Division was to pass through it and push on towards the Sambre Canal. The attack was to be made under a barrage of eight brigades of Field Artillery and eighty machine-guns. The IX Corps employed on this occasion 172 60-pounders and heavy howitzers.

In the evening of 16th October Brig.-Gen. H. A. Walker, commanding 16th Infantry Brigade, which was to attack on the left the next morning, most unfortunately lost his left arm by a shell, which blew it off so cleanly that his wrist watch was recovered by his orderly and was still going. Brig.-Gen. P. W. Brown, commanding 71st Infantry Brigade, then in reserve, took command until the arrival of Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braithwaite.

During the night 16/17th October the enemy poured gas shells into Vaux Andigny, causing considerable casualties both to the troops forming up just outside and to those who had to pass through a little later. Zero was at 5.20 a.m., and the attack commenced in a dense fog, which in the fan-shaped advance caused a good deal of loss of direction, although the 18th Infantry Brigade on the left had laid out long direction tapes to give the troops the initial direction.

The latter brigade was held up at the start by uncut wire, which caused it to lose its barrage. It also encountered a good deal of opposition on Bellevue Ridge. It was, however, carried forward by the oncoming waves of the 1st Division, which were to pass through to a further objective, and together the troops of the two divisions made good the objective of the 18th Infantry Brigade. The fog was so dense that all direction was lost, although the 11th Essex Regiment took the unusual precaution of sending its men forward arm-in-arm. Notwithstanding every precaution troops of the 11th Essex eventually fetched up at Regnicourt, which was on the right of the objective allotted to the 46th Division, who attacked on our right. Troops of all three divisions also reached Andigny les Fermes, which was in the objective of the 46th Division. The 16th Infantry Brigade was more fortunate, and was assisted in maintaining its direction by the railway, with the result that it gained its whole objective in good time and with very little trouble. The day's captures were 26 officers, 599 other ranks, 5 trench-mortars, and 82 machine-guns.

The 1st Division having passed through, the 6th Division was now withdrawn from the line to the neighbourhood of Bohain for a day or two.

On the night of the 20th/21st October the Division was again put in, relieving the 27th American Division and a part of the 25th Division on the front from Bazuel to a short way north of Mazinghien, with a view to the attack planned for the 23rd October. There now occurred a sudden change in the type of country. Instead of open rolling downs, there was a multiplicity of small fields, divided by high thick-set hedges trained on wire which proved formidable obstacles. The enemy had good positions for his artillery in the Bois l'Eveque, and on the east bank of the Canal de la Sambre, protected from the danger of being rushed by that obstacle, and it was evident that he intended to put up a determined fight on the strong position thus afforded. The hostile artillery fire was more than had been encountered since the fighting about St. Quentin, and throughout the few days preceding the attack the shelling of roads, farms and villages in our rear area and of artillery positions was continuous. On the night of the attack the assembly positions of the assaulting brigades were subjected to heavy counter-preparation, including a great deal of gas-shelling, and the assembly units suffered considerable casualties. The attack was delivered at 1.20 a.m. on 23rd October in a dense fog; the 1st Division being on the right and the 25th Division on the left. Three sections of 301st American Tank Company were allotted to the Division, and did excellent work in smashing fences and destroying machine-gun nests, though, owing to the fog, the infantry lost touch with them almost at once.

On the right the 18th Infantry Brigade, which attacked with the 2nd D.L.I. on the right and the 1st West Yorkshire Regiment on the left, had a less difficult task than the 71st Infantry Brigade, but were delayed in crossing the gas-shelled valley in their immediate front, and met with opposition from various farms. However, they fought their way steadily forward during the day, and by the late afternoon their right battalion had reached its objective and had pushed its patrols down to the canal, and the left battalion, having reached its first objective, was struggling forward to its second.

The 71st Infantry Brigade on the left attacked with the 9th Norfolk Regiment and the 1st Leicestershire Regiment. Its attack soon became disorganized in the very enclosed country, was unable to keep pace with its barrage, lost touch with its tanks in the fog, and was soon held up on a line not more than about 400 yards beyond that from which it had started. Fighting continued throughout the day, and finally, taking advantage of the progress made by the 25th Division on its left, the 71st Infantry Brigade was able by night to reach a line about half-way through the Bois l'Eveque.

During the night this brigade was relieved by the 16th Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. W. G. Braithwaite), which resumed the attack on the morning of the 24th October. Opposition had by this time decreased, and better progress was made, so that by noon the right battalion, the 2nd York and Lancaster Regiment, held the line of the objective laid down for the previous day's attack, and the left battalion of the 18th Infantry Brigade had also completed the capture of its objective. Some further progress was made during the day by the 16th Infantry Brigade.

During the period 20th to 24th October, Brig.-Gen. E. F. Delaforce, C.R.A., 6th Division, had under his orders the Divisional Artillery of the 3rd, 4th and 5th Australian Divisions, though the 5th Australian Divisional Artillery was withdrawn on the eve of the attack of 24th October. Their fire was most accurate and prompt, and gave the attacking infantry every confidence. The 6th D.A. on this occasion was in Corps Reserve.

During the 26th, 27th and 28th the patrols of the 16th Infantry Brigade continued to work their way slowly forward, and the village of Ors was evacuated of its inhabitants under the protection of patrols of the 18th Infantry Brigade. The latter established a bridge-head across the canal at Ors, and posts on the west side commanding the canal on the whole brigade front.

On the 29th orders were received for the relief of the Division. In order to be able to hand over to the relieving Division a satisfactory position from which to launch the attack on the line of the canal, a further small operation was planned by the 16th Infantry Brigade, and brilliantly carried out by the 1st The Buffs on the 30th October. Two companies attacked and captured an important farm and spur overlooking the canal, were counter-attacked in the afternoon and turned out of the farm, but retook it at once with the bayonet, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy and capturing five more machine-guns.

On the night of the 30th/31st October the relief of the Division (less artillery) was completed, and it withdrew to billets in Fresnoy le Grand, whence it moved some days later to Bohain.

The captures during the fighting from the 19th to the 31st October numbered 9 officers and 431 other ranks, 13 guns (including two 5.9-in. howitzers), 12 trench-mortars, and 61 machine-guns.

The total captures during a period of between six and seven weeks, in which the Division had seen much stiff fighting, and had suffered over 6,000 casualties, amounted to 96 officers, 3,505 other ranks, 32 guns, 52 trench-mortars, and 527 machine-guns counted.

The infantry of the Division saw no more fighting, but its artillery remained in till the end, finishing up in the neighbourhood of Avesnes.

Among the many casualties which the artillery suffered must be mentioned Major W. S. Ironside, D.S.O., M.C., commanding 112th Battery, R.F.A., who was killed east of Le Cateau on 2nd November. He was among the then much reduced number of those who had landed originally with the Division in France in 1914, being then a sergeant.

Very little mention has been made of the services of the Royal Engineers during this period. Exceptionally heavy work was thrown on the signal sections, owing to the frequent changes of headquarters, but they were untiring in their devotion and met each emergency with resource. To the Field Companies fell the dangerous task of taping out the jumping-off lines for the attacks, but they invariably achieved this difficult task to the complete satisfaction of the brigadier-generals and units concerned in the operations.

It is inevitable in a short History like this that the services of the administrative branches should not receive the same notice as those of the purely fighting portions of the Division, but the History would be incomplete without some reference to them.

The Field Ambulances showed throughout the high devotion to duty which has always characterized the Royal Army Medical Corps. The work of the bearer sections during actions always elicited the admiration of the infantry, while the tent sections were frequently under shell fire, which, however, in no way interfered with their care of the wounded. Both at advanced dressing stations and tent sections many of the chaplains rendered most valuable assistance in carrying and helping wounded men, while during trench warfare they were frequently to be found with their men in the forward trenches.

In the action of 18th September 1918, Lt.-Col. Collins, D.S.O., and Major German, both of the R.A.M.C., and also Father FitzGibbons, were killed by shelling at a tent advanced dressing station.

The work of our Army Service Corps has always been the envy and admiration of our Allies, and that of the 6th Divisional Train was up to the highest standard of the British Army. The acknowledged excellence of the horses and mules of the Division is a tribute to the efficiency of the Veterinary Section and of the horsemasters attached to the artillery, as well as to the mounted branches.

In spite of the amusing comments of "The Fancies," the life of the Military Police was not all beer and skittles. The control of the traffic at some of the cross-roads, favoured by the Boche heavy gunners, was nerve-racking in ordinary times, and tenfold more so during an action, and several awards were given to the Divisional Military Police for gallant conduct under these conditions.

Very few officers or men served throughout with the Division. Perhaps the two most notable were Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Forsyth, D.S.O., commanding 24th Brigade, R.F.A., who came out as a Captain, and Staff-Sergt.-Major Woollard, who was Chief Clerk of the Division for some time before mobilization.



CHAPTER XII

THE MARCH TO THE RHINE AND OCCUPATION OF GERMANY

1918-19

Armistice Day—11th November—found the Division in billets in Bohain area, training for possible future operations. The news of the cessation of hostilities was received with calm satisfaction that we had beaten the Germans, and of relief that now we could sleep peacefully at nights and that lights need not be screened.

Early in November the 1st and 32nd Divisions of the IX Corps had forced the crossings of the Sambre Canal at Catillon and Ors after heavy fighting, and had driven the enemy back towards Avesnes. On 11th November a mixed force, under Major-Gen. Bethell, was pushing the disorganized Germans over the Belgian frontier near Beaumont.

The IX Corps was now transferred to the Second Army, under Gen. Sir H. Plumer, to whom was assigned the command of the British Army of Occupation in Germany.

On leaving the Fourth Army the following letter, addressed personally to the Divisional Commander, was received from Gen. Sir Henry Rawlinson:—

"Now that the 6th Division is passing to the command of another Army, I desire to place on record my sincere appreciation and warm thanks for the valuable services rendered by you since you joined the Fourth Army in September last.

"The Division has passed through strenuous times and has seen some heavy fighting, especially in September between Holnon Wood and the Canal, and at Bohain and Vaux Andigny in October, where the gallantry and determination of all ranks filled me with admiration.

"I congratulate most heartily you all on the victories you have won, and trust that at some future time I may again find the Division under my command."

The Division spent the period 14th to 19th November in a march, via Catillon and Avesnes, to the area round Solre le Chateau and Sars Poteries, where it was to assemble for the March to the Rhine. For this it was organized in three Infantry Brigade Groups and a Divisional Troops Group under the C.R.A. The 16th Army R.H.A. Brigade (Chestnut Troop, "Q" and "U" Batteries) was attached to the Division, and formed part of the 18th Infantry Brigade Group. The 2nd Brigade, R.F.A., marched with the Divisional Troops Column, the 24th Brigade, R.F.A., with the 71st Infantry Brigade, and the Divisional Ammunition Column with the 16th Infantry Brigade. Each Infantry Brigade had a Field Company and Field Ambulance.

The march resembled the progression of a snake, the rear group moving forward at each advance to the area occupied the previous day by the leading group. Commencing officially on the 20th November there were long halts up to 2nd December, owing to the difficulty of feeding the leading Divisions (cavalry and infantry), caused by the destruction done by the Germans to the railways, and also owing to the withdrawal of the Germans not being carried out in accordance with programme. Sometimes groups did not move, or only made minor adjustments to obtain more comfortable quarters.

Both branches of the staff had long days of reconnaissance in cars ahead of the Division, made to avoid moving troops farther off the main roads than necessary, while the R.E. and Pioneers were often pushed ahead to see about water supplies and mend roads. Up to the Belgian frontier roads had been cratered and bridges blown down, and these caused defiles and impeded the march. Once across the frontier the roads were splendid, the inhabitants most hospitable and enthusiastic, and the advance only held up until it could be pushed through continuously.

However, it was no hardship to be delayed in such charming surroundings, though the weather was for the most part vile. The march from the neighbourhood of Dinant across the Ardennes, and along the lovely valley of the River Ambleve, will always stand out as a most delightful reminiscence. All ranks worked hard at their equipment, and the transport was so smart as to be thought by the Belgians to be new.

It was a proud and splendid Division which marched, with drums beating and colours flying, across the German frontier into the little town of Malmedy between 13th and 16th December.

Marching generally by only one road, the length of the Division, when billeted, varied from ten to twenty-five miles. It was particularly interesting for Brigades to occupy the German huts at Elsenborn Camp of Exercise, where large numbers of the enemy had assembled in the end of July 1914 for the conquest of Belgium.

The attitude of the population in Germany was servile, and little hate could be felt by one or two battalions which marched into Malmedy in pouring rain and found German women lighting special fires, without being ordered to do so, to dry their clothing. It must, however, be added that the inhabitants of Malmedy speak French and have Belgian sympathies.

Passing through the lovely little village of Montjoie, which reminds one so much of Switzerland, the Division marched to its allotted area south-west of Cologne, Divisional Headquarters arriving at Bruhl, six miles from Cologne, on Christmas Eve; Headquarters 16th Infantry Brigade at Zulpich, Headquarters 18th Infantry Brigade at Lechenich, Headquarters 71st Infantry Brigade at Eichhols (a country house), and Headquarters Divisional Troops at a chateau near Weilerswist. The route followed—220 miles—is given in the Diary.

It was with a great feeling of gratitude and elation that the Division ate their Christmas dinner on the Rhine in December 1918.

The area allotted to the Division was a strip of country almost rectangular in shape, with a maximum length of twenty miles, and a maximum breadth of twelve miles, and lying to the immediate south-west of Cologne. The north-west border was on the ring of forts encircling the city, which were later included in the divisional area.

The Civil Administration was carried out by the G.O.C. Infantry Brigades and the C.R.A., who were much assisted by a Civil Staff Captain and a Provost representative, and in the town of Bruhl by the G.O.C. Division, who also generally supervised under the Corps and the Army the work of the Group Commanders.

The Germans were very orderly, and little trouble was given, but guard and night patrol was fairly heavy.

On 1st February 1919, General Sir H. Plumer presented a Colour to the 9th Norfolk Regiment, 11th Essex Regiment, and 11th Leicester Regiment respectively, and made a stirring speech to each, congratulating them on their fine appearance and steady drill, and emphasizing their duty to their King and Country.

The Division settled down to improving their billets and to education, and frequent lectures were given by special lecturers sent out from England. Some of the troops were very comfortable, and notably those in towns like Bruhl, where each man had a bed and mattress, and Warrant Officers and N.C.O.s who were billeted in private houses, but others in the smaller villages were not so well off.

As the Germans did not play football there was a general lack of football grounds, which had to be made, but the troops scored considerably by finding electric light in even the tiniest cottages, and at least one concert-room, with a stage properly fitted up, in even the smallest village. The Opera, too, was a great source of pleasure to many. But it was a period of transition—men were being demobilized freely, and it was with a sigh of relief that something definite had been fixed, as well as with many sighs of regret, that orders were eventually received that the 6th Division, as such, would cease to exist in the middle of March 1919. Farewell parades were held, farewell speeches made, farewell dinners given, and on 15th March the Machine-gun Battalion, Pioneers, Field Companies (except 12th Field Company), and Train were transferred to the newly-constituted Midland Division.

The 6th Division, B.E.F., had completed its task.



APPENDIX I

BATTLE CASUALTIES

1914 Aisne (19th Sept.—12th Oct.) 1,482 Battle of the Aisne. 1914 Armentieres (13th—31st Oct.) 4,696 First Battle of Ypres. 1914-15 Armentieres (1st Nov.—31st May) 3,940 Trenches. 1915-16 Ypres (1st June 1915—31st July 1916) 10,938 Includes 1,780 in attack on Hooge; 660 gas attack, 15th Dec; 400 Morteldje attack. 1916 Somme (5th Aug.—20th Oct.) 7,430 Battle of the Somme. 1916-17 La Bassee (25th Nov. 1916—16th February 1917) 709 Trenches. 1917 Loos (2nd Mar.—25th July) 4,884 Raids and attacks, Hill 70. 1917 Loos-Lens (26th Aug.—23rd Oct.) 1,400 Trenches. 1917 Cambrai (20th Nov.—10th Dec.) 1,790 Battle of Cambrai. 1918 Bapaume (17th Jan.—20th March) 313 Trenches. 1918 Lagnicourt (21st—22nd March) 5,160 German offensive. 1918 Ypres (3rd April—24th Aug.) 4,715 Includes 750 at Neuve Eglise (71st Infantry Brigade) and 250 in attack on Scottish and Ridge Woods. 1918 St. Quentin (14th—28th Sept.) 3,163 Battle of St. Quentin. 1918 Bohain—Ors (4th—29th Oct.) 3,120 Battles of Bohain, Vaux-Andigny, and Ors.

Grand Total 53,740

N.B.—Above are approximate, and have been compiled from D.H.Q. War Diaries (Administrative).



APPENDIX II

V.C.s WON BY THE DIVISION

No. 7504 Private HENRY MAY, 1st Battalion The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), 19th Infantry Brigade, at that time attached to 6th Division.

For most conspicuous bravery near La Boutillerie, on 22nd October 1914, in voluntarily endeavouring to rescue, under very heavy fire, a wounded man, who was killed before he could save him, and subsequently, on the same day, in carrying a wounded officer a distance of 300 yards into safety whilst exposed to very severe fire. (Gazetted 21st April 1915.)

No. 9730 Private JOHN CAFFREY, 2nd Battalion The York and Lancaster Regiment.

For most conspicuous bravery on 16th November 1915, near La Brique.

A man of the West Yorkshire Regiment had been badly wounded, and was lying in the open unable to move, in full view of, and about 300 to 400 yards from, the enemy's trenches. Corporal Stirk, Royal Army Medical Corps, and Private Caffrey, at once started out to rescue him, but at the first attempt they were driven back by shrapnel fire. Soon afterwards they started again, under close sniping and machine-gun fire, and succeeded in reaching and bandaging the wounded man, but just as Corporal Stirk had lifted him on Private Caffrey's back he himself was shot in the head.

Private Caffrey put down the wounded man, bandaged Corporal Stirk, and helped him back into safety. He then returned and brought in the man of the West Yorkshire Regiment. He had made three journeys across the open under close and accurate fire, and had risked his own life to save others with the utmost coolness and bravery. (Gazetted 22nd January 1915.)

No. 3/10133 Sergeant ARTHUR FREDERIC SAUNDERS, 9th (Service) Battalion The Suffolk Regiment.

For most conspicuous bravery. When his officer had been wounded, in the attack he took charge of two machine-guns and a few men, and, although severely wounded in the thigh, closely followed the last four charges of another battalion, and rendered every possible support. Later, when the remains of the battalion which he had been supporting had been forced to retire, he stuck to his guns, continued to give clear orders, and by continuous firing did his best to cover the retirement. (Gazetted 30th March, 1916.)

2/Lieutenant FRANK BERNARD WEARNE, 11th (Service) Battalion Essex Regiment.

For superb courage, leadership and self-sacrifice.

On 28th June 1917, 2/Lieut. Wearne was in command of two sections on the left of a raiding party, whose objective was the German front line, east of Loos. He led his men into the objective against opposition, and by his magnificent example and daring, they held on to the German trench for one hour according to orders.

Throughout the hour they were repeatedly counter-attacked, from their left down the trench and from their front over the open. Grasping the fact that if the left flank went, our men would have to give way, 2/Lieut. Wearne at a moment when the attack was being heavily pressed, and when matters were most critical, leapt on to the parapet and, followed by his left section, ran along the top of the trench, firing and throwing bombs at the enemy. This unexpected and daring manoeuvre threw the enemy back in disorder. Whilst on the top 2/Lieut. Wearne was severely wounded, but refused to leave his men. He remained in the trench directing operations, organizing the defence and encouraging all. Just before the order to withdraw was given 2/Lieut. Wearne was severely hit for the second time, and when being brought away was hit for the third time and killed.

His tenacity in remaining at his post, though severely wounded, and his magnificent fighting spirit enabled his men to hold on to the left flank; had this gone, the whole operation would have failed. (Gazetted 5th August 1917.)

2/Lieut. (A/Captain) ARTHUR MOORE LASCELLES, 3rd Battalion, attached 14th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry.

At Masnieres on 3rd December 1917, showed the greatest courage, initiative, and devotion to duty when in command of his company.

His company was in a very exposed position, and after a very heavy bombardment, during which Captain Lascelles was wounded, the enemy attacked in strong force, but was driven off, largely owing to the fine example set by this officer, who refused to allow himself to be dressed, but continued to encourage his men and organize the defence. Shortly afterwards the enemy again attacked and captured the trench, taking several of his men prisoners. Captain Lascelles at once jumped on to the parapet and, followed by the remainder of his company, twelve men, rushed across under very heavy machine-gun fire and drove over sixty of the enemy back, being wounded again, thereby saving a most critical situation. He then was untiring in re-organizing the position, but shortly afterwards the enemy again attacked and captured the trench and Captain Lascelles. Later he escaped, being wounded again in doing so.

The remarkable determination and gallantry of this officer inspired everyone. (Gazetted 11th January 1919.)



APPENDIX III

DIARY

1914.

Sept. 8. Division embarked Southampton.

9. Commenced disembarking St. Nazaire.

10. Commenced entraining.

12. Into billets Coulommiers—Mortcerf—Marles—Chaume.

13-19. Marching to the Aisne—into General Reserve, D.H.Q. at Bazoches.

19. 18th Infantry Brigade to I Corps to relieve 2nd Infantry Brigade.

20. Attack on I Corps—18th Infantry Brigade heavily engaged.

21. 16th Infantry Brigade to II Corps to relieve 7th and 9th Infantry Brigades, and 17th Infantry Brigade to I Corps to relieve 6th Infantry Brigade and 4th Guards Brigade.

Sept. 20 to Oct. 6. In trenches on the Aisne.

Oct. 2. Division (less 16th and 17th Infantry Brigades) concentrated in area Serches—Jury, under III Corps—D.H.Q. at Serches.

6. 17th Infantry Brigade rejoined Division, which marched west.

9. Division (less 16th Infantry Brigade) entrained at St. Sauveur near Compiegne.

10-11. Division arrived St. Omer and went into billets—19th Infantry Brigade joined Division (one battalion to Renescure)—one battalion 18th Infantry Brigade to Racquinghem.

12. March to Hazebrouck to cover detrainment of 4th Division. 16th Infantry Brigade relieved by French troops.

13. 16th Infantry Brigade entrained for Cassel. Division marched east—fighting from 1 p.m. on line La Couronne—Merris—Fontaine Houck, which was reached at nightfall—considerable casualties.

14. Line reached R. du Leet—Blanche Maison—east of Bailleul.

Oct. 15-16. 18th Infantry Brigade crossed River Lys at Sailly, and 17th Infantry Brigade at Bac St. Maur during the night—Steenwerck occupied.

16. Line advanced to Rouge du Bout—Rue Dormoire. 16th Infantry Brigade rejoined Division and went into Divisional Reserve.

17. Line Rouge du Bout—Bois Grenier—Chapelle d'Armentieres reached without opposition.

18. Reconnaissance in force on enemy's reported positions. Line at night after considerable fighting Radinghem—Ennetieres— Premesques—Halte to west of Perenchies—l'Epinette (east of Armentieres).

19. Entrenching above line.

20. Massed German attack all along line—Division driven back to Touquet—Bois Blancs—Le Quesne—La Houssoie—Rue du Bois—l'Epinette.

21. 19th Infantry Brigade (sent to fill gap between II and III Corps) driven back from Le Maisnil—Fromelles to La Boutillerie—Touquet.

22. Heavy attack on 19th Infantry Brigade in evening repulsed.

23. 17th Infantry Brigade relieved by 4th Division and became Divisional Reserve—attacks on 16th Infantry Brigade (K.S.L.I. and Y. and L.) repulsed with much loss to enemy— 300 dead in front of trenches.

24-25. Continuous attacks on Divisional front throughout day, all repulsed, but situation critical.

25-26. Retirement made during night to prepared line about half a mile in rear Touquet—Flamengerie Farm—Rue du Bois, so as to straighten front.

27-28. Attack by night on 18th Infantry Brigade trenches, which were captured but retaken by counter-attack—East Yorks especially distinguished themselves.

28-29. Attack by night on 19th Infantry Brigade repulsed.

29-30. Strong attack by night on 19th Infantry Brigade captured trenches, but was driven out by counter-attack and 200 dead counted.

Nov. and Dec. } 1915. } In trenches Armentieres front. Jan. and Feb. }

Mar. 12. L'Epinette attacked and captured by North Staffordshire Regiment.

Mar. 15. 16th Infantry Brigade moved up to Vlamertinghe, but returned next day.

May. A little mining and counter-mining on the Frelinghien and Le Touquet fronts.

27. Major-Gen. Sir John Keir left to command VI Corps, being succeeded by Brig.-Gen. Congreve. Brig.-Gen. Humphreys succeeded Brig.-Gen. Paget in command of Divisional Artillery.

Relief by 27th Division commenced.

31. Front handed over to 27th Division—19th Infantry Brigade left Division.

May 31 to June 1. Took over new front Ypres Salient.

June 2. Relief completed on front from Ypres—Roulers Railway to Wieltje.

5. 17th Infantry Brigade into line, which now extended to just short of Turco Farm.

8. D.H.Q. from Couthove to Vlamertinghe.

15. Gallant bombing attack by Lieut. Smith's Grenadier Platoon to assist 41st Brigade.

16. Artillery co-operation with 3rd Divisional attack on Bellewarde Farm.

20. 16th Infantry Brigade's first experience of gas.

22. Artillery co-operation in 14th Divisional attack.

July 6. Artillery co-operation in 4th Divisional attack near Pilkem.

30. Attack on 14th Division at Hooge. Drove them back to Sanctuary and Zouave Woods. Counter-attack unsuccessful.

31. 16th Infantry Brigade moved up. Decided to relieve 6th Division and give it task of retaking Hooge.

Aug. 2-3. Relieved.

6. Took over new front and commenced bombardment.

9. Attack on Hooge by 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades—infantry moved close up under barrage, which remained on support trench five minutes longer—attack successful, but right suffered very heavily from shelling from south and fire from east.

Oct. 14. 17th Infantry Brigade left for 24th Division, and 71st arrived.

Nov. 19-20. Division relieved—to Houtkerque and Poperinghe, but had to find working parties for divisions in line.

Dec. 14. Into line again—Routers Railway to Wieltje.

19. Gas attack by enemy.

1916.

Jan. 24. 11th Essex patrol raid (3 officers and 10 other ranks) on mound on Verlorenhoek Road—killed six Germans.

Feb. 14-15. Two enemy raids near Wieltje and Trenches B9 and 10 repulsed.

Mar. 9-10. 1st The Buffs bombing raid (1 officer and 19 other ranks) on crater at I 12.

15-16. 2nd D.L.I. (3 officers and 44 other ranks) successful raid, capturing a prisoner—Bangalore torpedo laid by Lieut. Smith, R.N.V.R.

15-18. Relieved from line—to Houtkerque, Wormhoudt, Calais.

April 15-18. Back into line 5,500 yards front, with left on canal next to 58th French Division and right next Guards Division.

19-20. Enemy occupied trenches out of which he had shelled a company of the 8th Bedfords in Morteldje Salient—counter-attack unsuccessful.

21. Trenches retaken by two companies K.S.L.I., in spite of very heavy going.

May 14-15. Enemy attacked four bombing posts of 1st The Buffs—beaten off three times, but captured them at fourth attempt—all garrison casualties.

June 3. Five officers and 200 other ranks 1st West Yorks drove enemy out of posts on frontage 450 yards and re-occupied it.

10. "Admiral" reported missing from patrol of 9th Norfolks.

17-18. Relieved—to Bollezeele, Houtkerque, Wormhoudt.

July 15-17. Into line north-west of Hooge to north of Wieltje.

July 29 to Aug. 1. Relieved preparatory to entraining.

Aug. 2-3. Entrained Hopoutre, Proven, and Esquelbec, and detrained Candas and Doullens.

3-4. Marched to Acheux—Raincheval area.

5-7. Into line on Ancre—preparing for attack.

21. 9th Suffolk and 2nd Sherwood Foresters' unsuccessful raid.

24. 14th D.L.I. unsuccessful raid.

Aug. 26-27. Relieved and began to move south to Vignacourt— Flesselles area.

Sept. 6-8. Moved up to XIV Corps area.

11. Into line on front between Leuze Wood and Ginchy.

13. Attack by 71st Infantry Brigade on Quadrilateral unsuccessful—renewed in evening but only partially successful.

15. General attack by 16th and 71st Infantry Brigades—6th Divisional objective beyond the Quadrilateral—attack failed—renewed in evening and failed again.

16. 18th Infantry Brigade into line in relief of 71st Infantry Brigade.

18. Fresh attack on Quadrilateral after bombardment by 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades—successful.

19. Relieved.

21. Into line again.

25. General attack—6th Division on Lesboeufs, and south to Morval—by 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades, with 71st Infantry Brigade in reserve—successful—over 500 prisoners.

30. Relieved by 20th Division.

Oct. 8-9. Into line relieving 20th Division.

12. General attack—6th Division towards Le Transloy—by 18th and 71st Infantry Brigades—16th Infantry Brigade in reserve—unsuccessful.

15. Attack renewed—partially successful.

18. Fresh attack by 71st Infantry Brigade—only partially successful on left.

20. Relieved—to Corbie.

28. Assembled in reserve to I Corps.

Nov. 25. Into line on Canal Sector, La Bassee.

During Dec. Side-slipped slightly to south.

1917.

Jan. 26. 1st West Yorks raid (6 officers and 160 other ranks under Capt. Trimble) in Cambrin Sector—five prisoners.

29. 8th Bedford Regiment raid (C Company—150—under Capt. Brewster) in Hohenzollern Sector—two prisoners.

Feb. 4. Enemy raided 1st West Yorks and captured a Lewis gun and a prisoner.

Feb. 9. 2nd Sherwood Foresters raid (6 officers and 100 other ranks under Major Wylie) in Quarries Sector under smoke barrage by Special Co. R.E.—20 dug-outs blown in—about 60 enemy killed and wounded—8 prisoners.

10. 2nd D.L.I. raid (3 officers and 38 other ranks) on Mad Point—over 30 enemy dead counted—1 prisoner brought in —several dug-outs destroyed.

12. 71st Infantry Brigade scouting party raid partly successful only—one machine-gun entrenchment blown in.

15. Enemy attempted raid in Hohenzollern Sector repulsed by artillery and machine-gun fire—one enemy identification made.

16-17. Relieved by 21st Division—to Bethune—Busnes—Robecq.

Mar. 2-4. Into line Loos Sector—from Double Crassier to Railway Alley.

18. Enemy carried out several simultaneous raids—that on 2nd York and Lancasters dispersed by Lewis-gun fire—that on Buffs repulsed after hand-to-hand fighting—that on 1st West Yorks penetrated and captured one Lewis gun and six men.

19. Enemy raided 2nd York and Lancasters—unsuccessful—two Germans killed in our trenches.

24. 11th Essex Battalion raid on area round Posen Crater (4 companies of 2 officers and 80 other ranks each)—penetrated to enemy support line and remained one and a half hours—captured 1 officer, 8 other ranks, and 1 machine-gun.

25. Enemy raided 9th Norfolk Regiment and 2nd Sherwood Foresters and captured nine prisoners, penetrating some distance between the battalions, but leaving one officer and three other ranks dead in our trenches.

30. 1st The Buffs raid (4 officers and 100 other ranks under Capt. B. L. Strauss) in Loos Sector—remained in trenches over half-hour—took one prisoner and one machine-gun, and blew in eight dug-outs.

April 5. Enemy raid on 2nd Foresters at Border Redoubt—driven off with very slight casualties.

April 8. 2nd D.L.I. patrol raid (2 officers and 47 other ranks) in Loos Sector—held up by wire.

10. 9th Suffolks raid (D Company under Capt. England, M.C.) in Quarries Sector—successful and obtained identification.

12. 2nd York and Lancasters raid (2 officers and 80 other ranks under Capt. Hardy)—got into trench and killed sixteen Germans.

13. Enemy withdrew from Railway Triangle, closely followed by 2nd York and Lancasters, who entered enemy dug-outs before candles had burnt out.

24th Division on our right also advancing line.

System of bombardment followed by pauses during which patrols went out and occupied what they could.

14. Enemy small raid on 1st West Yorks—driven off by counter-attack and identification obtained.

15. A certain amount of ground gained in the face of increasing opposition—Buffs and York and Lancasters advanced a bit.

16. Systematic bombardment of Hill 70 trenches commenced—enemy counter-attacked and drove Buffs back slightly, but failed against 8th Bedfords' advanced post—D Company, West Yorks (3 officers and 65 other ranks under Capt. Rendall), attempted raid, but driven back by artillery fire.

17. Gas released on enemy—ideal conditions—enemy attacked right flank of 8th Bedfords but driven back.

18. Enemy shelled Loos heavily during night (about 1,000 5.9s) —1st Leicesters (C Company under Capt. Cox) raided and captured one prisoner—1st K.S.L.I. and 8th Bedfords made more ground, latter taking twenty-seven prisoners and one machine-gun.

19. 1st K.S.L.I. got north end of Novel Alley, but three attempts to push forward by 8th Bedfords unsuccessful—K.S.L.I. took eighteen prisoners—14th D.L.I. relieved 8th Bedfords—11th Essex placed under orders of G.O.C., 16th Infantry Brigade.

20. 46th Division relieved 24th Division on our right—11th Essex into line, relieving 1st Buffs and 1st K.S.L.I.

April 20-21. Line partially withdrawn to allow of bombardment.

21. Attack by 14th D.L.I. in conjunction with 46th Division— successful—two machine-guns and thirty-six prisoners.

21-22. 14th D.L.I. repulsed two enemy counter-attacks.

22. Attack by 14th D.L.I. and 11th Essex in conjunction with 46th Division—latter unable to attack Narwhal trench on account of uncut wire—11th Essex unable to get on—14th D.L.I. took objective, but gradually shelled and sniped out and driven back to original line—forty-six prisoners and three machine-guns.

22. 1st Leicesters relieved 14th D.L.I.—9th Suffolks lent to 16th Infantry Brigade—position became stationary with enemy in Nash Alley.

23. Small enemy raid dispersed and an identification obtained.

26. G.O.C. 71st Infantry Brigade assumed command Loos Sector vice G.O.C. 16th Infantry Brigade to northern sector of Division.

27. Enemy raided in Quarries Sector—one prisoner taken by us.

28. Raid by 9th Norfolks (No. 8 Platoon) stopped by new wire—same by West Yorks, also unsuccessful.

29. 7,000 gas shells by enemy on Vermelles, Philosophe, and Maroc.

May 2. 46th Division took over portion of Southern Brigade area.

5. Enemy patrol entered our lines, but was shot and identification made.

9. Enemy attempted raid on 2nd D.L.I., but driven off.

13. Heavy enemy bombardment in 14bis Sector—raid broken up as it came out of trenches by artillery fire.

15-16. Enemy raided Boyau 46 and captured four men.

20-21. 1st West Yorks raid (2 officers and 52 other ranks) entered trenches but enemy fled—no result.

22. 1st Leicesters raid (B Company, 4 officers and 132 other ranks, under Capt. Wykes) in Quarries Sector—several dug-outs with enemy in destroyed.

May 28. 2nd Sherwood Foresters (6 officers and 133 other ranks under Major Addison-Smith) raided under cover of a smoke barrage—captured two prisoners and destroyed some dug-outs, machine-gun entrenchments and tunnel entrances.

June 1. 1st K.S.L.I. (3 officers and 130 other ranks under Capt. E. Spink, M.C.) raided enemy near Hendon Alley—sixteen Germans killed and machine-gun entrenchments blown in.

4. Two officers and forty other ranks of 1st K.S.L.I. raided same trenches and got in, but no prisoners taken.

6. Small raid 2nd D.L.I. (2 officers and 50 other ranks) unsuccessful—enemy's barrage too heavy.

8. Enemy small raid on 9th Suffolks at Newport Sap repulsed—four enemy dead left on our wire.

10. 9th Suffolks (3 officers and 94 other ranks) raided as far as enemy support trenches, but found no one.

12-13. 9th Norfolks (1 officer and 35 other ranks) attempted raid on Merthyr Sap, but could not get in.

15. 14th D.L.I. successful daylight raid (3 officers and 80 other ranks) in vicinity of Nash Alley—a good many enemy killed and seven prisoners taken.

23-24. Enemy entered post of 11th Essex and did some damage, but was driven out by counter-attack.

24. Raid by 1st Buffs (two companies under Capt. Jacob) near Halifax Alley—remained in trenches three and a half hours and captured fifteen prisoners and two aerial-dart machines. Lieuts. Harrington and Buss (both killed) greatly distinguished themselves.

27-28. Very gallant raid by 2nd D.L.I. (2 officers and 84 other ranks under Capt. Fawcett) and 11th Essex (3 officers and 67 other ranks under Capt. Silver) in connection with operations of 46th Division—though anticipated the raiders got into the enemy's trenches and remained there one hour, repelling all counter-attacks—one prisoner taken.

July 1-2. Small enemy raid on Novel Alley unsuccessful—left one dead in our trench.

3. Small enemy raid on 1st West Yorks in Novel Alley unsuccessful —two prisoners taken and one enemy left dead in trench.

7-8. Brilliant repulse of strong enemy raid near Boyau 70 by 1st The Buffs and 1st K.S.L.I.—two prisoners taken by us.

9-10. 14th D.L.I. raid (1 officer and 30 other ranks)—trenches entered but enemy fled—enemy small raid on Novel Alley driven off.

12. Patrol raid (3 patrols of 12) by 8th Bedfords in Hulluch Sector—one prisoner.

16. Surprise raid by 9th Norfolks (2 officers and 36 other ranks)—stiff fighting but no identification obtained.

20. Three patrols (3 officers and 55 other ranks) of 2nd York and Lancasters raided enemy's posts but only partly successful.

23. Raid by 1st Leicesters (8 officers and 291 other ranks under Capt. Mosse) in Quarries Sector—enemy bolted into dug-outs —remained one and a half hours in enemy's trenches—one prisoner taken.

Division relieved by 46th Division—D.H.Q. to Ourton— troops to area Ourton-Monchy Breton.

31. 9th Norfolks and 1st Leicesters went by bus to Bac St. Maur to come under orders G.O.C., 57th Division.

Aug. 5. 9th Norfolks and 1st Leicesters returned.

24-27. Into line on Hill 70 front.

Sept. 9. 2nd Sherwood Foresters raided enemy Hill 70 Sector unsuccessfully—enemy had bombarded trenches all day and blown in many, and had anticipated the raid.

13. 8th Bedfords (2 officers and 85 other ranks) raided enemy and bombed his crowded trenches, but failed to get in.

20-21. Enemy's raid on 11th Essex failed.

24. Side-stepped with a view to attack on Cite St. Auguste.

29. Enemy raided York and Lancasters, but was repulsed and left an unwounded prisoner in our hands.

Oct. 4. Preparations for attack. Enemy raid (about half battalion) on 18th Infantry Brigade repulsed.

Oct. 19. Raid with heavy bombardment on 14th D.L.I. unsuccessful.

20-23. Relieved by 11th Division—to St. Hilaire area.

29. Marched south to join Third Army. Training with tanks.

Nov. 15-19. Commenced march to Cambrai front.

20. Battle of Cambrai.

16th Infantry Brigade on right, 71st Infantry Brigade on left, 18th passed through—broke both systems of Hindenburg Line, capturing Ribecourt and Premy Chapel Ridge—first company into Marcoing—over 1,100 prisoners and 23 guns.

All objectives gained with few casualties by 12 noon.

Congratulatory message from Corps Commander.

21. Action of 14th D.L.I. supporting cavalry in advance to Cantaing.

26-27. 18th Infantry Brigade extended front to Cantaing. 1st The Buffs cleared and occupied Noyelles.

30. Enemy counter-attack in force on Third Army.

16th Infantry Brigade moved from Divisional Reserve to near Beaucamps and ordered to counter-attack on Gouzeaucourt— found Guards already in possession.

Arranged to attack by night on La Vacquerie-Gonnelieu— attack unsuccessful.

Gallant action of 18th Infantry Brigade transport under Shea, Q.M., 2nd D.L.I., and Paul, Transport officer, 1st West Yorks —both died of wounds.

Congratulatory message on this action received from G.O.C., 29th Division.

Night Dec. 2/3. 16th Infantry Brigade relieved part of 29th Division north of St. Quentin Canal.

3. Enemy attacked K.S.L.I. and 14th D.L.I. north of canal. Three counter-attacks by D.L.I., but finally driven back.

Bedfords and York and Lancasters put in to restore situation —partially successful.

Front withdrawn to line of canal night of 3rd/4th.

4. General withdrawal of British line to Support System of Hindenburg Line ordered.

Dec. 10. Relieved by 19th Division.

11. 16th Infantry Brigade to VI Corps.

12. 18th Infantry Brigade to VI Corps.

Above brigades placed at disposal of 3rd Division, and went into line to relieve two of their brigades on Bullecourt front for a few days.

Dec. 14 to } In rest—Basseux area. Jan. 17, 1918. }

1918.

Jan. 17. Commenced move up to Fremicourt.

Feb. 4. Enemy's silent raid on three posts of Boursies area and captured one prisoner.

13. Side-stepped into Lagnicourt Sector.

Mar. 3. 1st K.S.L.I. (2 officers and 50 other ranks, B Company) raided Magpie's Nest and captured one machine-gun—enemy fled.

16. 1st Leicesters (2 officers and 50 other ranks) repeated raid— post empty.

21. Great German offensive commenced. Fighting all day—heavy casualties—71st and 18th Infantry Brigades holding out in Reserve line till dark.

22. Fighting all day on Corps line.

Remnants of Division relieved at night—to Achiet and Logeast Wood.

25. By train to Second Army.

30. King's visit to Steenvoorde.

April 3-4. Into line in Ypres Salient on high ground between Menin and Zonnebeke Roads—came under XXII Corps.

13. 71st Infantry Brigade left to join 49th Division on Neuve Eglise front.

16. Line withdrawn to battle zone—enemy followed up in the afternoon and a good many casualties were inflicted on him— one party of twenty-five annihilated.

18. Enemy raided post unsuccessfully and lost an officer killed—identification obtained by us.

25. Capture of Kemmel by enemy from the French.

26. 71st Infantry Brigade returned to Division.

Night 26-27. Further withdrawal to west end of Zillebeke Lake-White Chateau.

29. Heavy attacks against Division on our right.

May 8. Unsuccessful enemy attack on Ridgewood.

11-14. Side-slipped to south and came into II Corps.

19. 11th Essex raided Manor Farm successfully but no prisoners taken.

May 22. 2nd D.L.I. (A and C Companies) raided pill-boxes Bedford front and took sixteen prisoners.

28-29. Attack by 11th Essex in conjunction with French 46th Division.

June 5. 2nd York and Lancasters raided (3 officers and 68 other ranks) Lankhoff Farm unsuccessfully.

7-8. Division relieved—to Dirty Bucket Camp and Jan ter Biezen area.

71st T.M.B. co-operated in 46th French Division operation.

19. 18th T.M.B. lent to 7th French Division for a raid.

27-28. Relieved 46th French Division in Dickebusch front.

July 6. Enemy's raid on Scottish Wood repulsed.

9. Patrol of 2nd Sherwood Foresters rushed a post near Ridgewood by day—captured a machine-gun and killed the garrison.

14. Attack by 18th Infantry Brigade on Ridgewood. 1st West Yorks and 2nd D.L.I. assisted by two companies 1st Middlesex of 33rd Division—enemy surprised—most successful— captures, 7 officers, 341 other ranks, 23 machine-guns, 1 H.T.M., 2 L.T.Ms.

Aug. 2. 1st The Buffs daylight raid on the Brasserie—successful— three prisoners.

6. H.M. The King saw some of the troops at Winnezeele.

8. Minor operation by 18th Infantry Brigade in connection with 41st Division's operation—company West Yorks unsuccessful —company 2nd D.L.I. on right co-operating with 41st Division entirely successful.

In August. Attachment of units of 27th American Division.

21-24. Relieved by 27th American Division—to Wizernes area.

31. Division marched to Arques.

Sept. 1. Entrained for Fourth Army.

2-4. Detrained and billeted in area Heilly-Ribemont-Franvillers.

13-14. Relieved 32nd Division at head of IX Corps by bus.

18th Infantry Brigade took over front in Holnon Wood with 11th Essex.

16th Infantry Brigade in support in Trefcon area.

71st Infantry Brigade in reserve in Monchy-Lagache area.

Sept. 15. 11th Essex attacked and captured trenches just clear of Holnon Wood, taking forty-six prisoners.

15-16. Divisional front re-organized with West Yorks on right and Essex on left.

17. West Yorks attacked Holnon Village and Essex Badger Copse to establish starting line for general attack on 18th September —fighting all day—Essex eventually successful—West Yorks unsuccessful.

18. General attack to capture high ground overlooking St. Quentin—71st Infantry Brigade on right, with D.L.I. attached to capture Holnon—16th Infantry Brigade on left —latter advanced 3,000 yards—former held up by Quadrilateral—right made little progress as French failed to capture Round and Manchester Hills on right flank.

19. Attack renewed on Quadrilateral but unsuccessful.

20-23. Digging new assembly trenches and bombarding Quadrilateral with heavy artillery.

24. Attack on whole IX Corps front—18th Infantry Brigade on right, 16th Infantry Brigade on left—fighting all day; half Quadrilateral captured by nightfall.

1st Leicesters, attached to 18th Infantry Brigade, captured Douai Trench east of Holnon at 10.30. p.m. by moonlight.

25. Gradual completion of capture of Quadrilateral. Selency Village captured—Position consolidated.

26-30. On position.

Sept. 30 to Oct. 1. Relief of Division by the French.

Oct. 1-3. Resting in Tertry area.

4. Division relieved 46th Division—D.H.Q. at La Baraque, 71st Infantry Brigade at Magny la Fosse, 16th Infantry Brigade took over line with 139th Infantry Brigade (46th Division) left at Sequehart under 6th Division.

7. 71st relieved part of 16th Infantry Brigade on left next to 30th American Division.

8. General attack towards Bohain—71st Infantry Brigade on left, 16th Infantry Brigade on right, 18th Infantry Brigade in Divisional Reserve with West Yorks (attached to 16th Infantry Brigade) attacking up valley, French on right—all objectives gained by night.

Oct. 8-9. Took over part of line by night from 30th American Division and handed over part to 46th Division.

9. Attack under a barrage at dawn towards Bohain and Fresnoy —Bohain captured during night by 9th Norfolks.

10. Advance by 71st Infantry Brigade to high ground 2,000 yards east of Bohain—46th Division on right.

11. Reconnaissance in force by 71st Infantry Brigade brought to a standstill by machine-gun fire.

11-12. 18th Infantry Brigade relieved 71st Infantry Brigade by night.

12. 18th Infantry Brigade reconnaissance in force at 4.30 p.m. made a little ground.

14. 71st Infantry Brigade relieved 18th Infantry Brigade.

16-17. 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades moved to north for general attack on 18th, with 30th American Division on left and 46th Division on right. Brig.-Gen. Walker wounded.

18. General attack through Vaux Andigny—16th Infantry Brigade on left, 18th Infantry Brigade on right, 71st Infantry Brigade in reserve—successful—1st Division passed through 6th Division, which came into Corps Reserve.

19-20. Resting.

20-21. Division relieved 30th American Division in St. Souplet area —18th Infantry Brigade on right next to 1st Division, 71st Infantry Brigade on left next to 25th Division—D.H.Q. Becquigny.

23. General attack to gain high ground overlooking Sambre Canal—zero 1.30 a.m.—18th Infantry Brigade successful on right—71st Infantry Brigade on left, disorganized by gas shelling in assembly position and losing the barrage by reason of the high fences and the mist, gained most of their objectives by the afternoon.

23-24. 16th Infantry Brigade relieved 71st Infantry Brigade by night and pushed on, completing capture of final objective.

Oct. 28. 71st Infantry Brigade relieved 18th Infantry Brigade.

30. Successful attack on a farm by 1st The Buffs.

30-31. Division relieved by 32nd Division, went to rest at Fresnoy le Grand.

Nov. 6. Division moved to Bohain.

11. Hostilities ceased.

14. Division marched to area Catillon-Mazinghien-Vaux Andigny.

15. To area Prisches-Le Sart-Catillon.

16. To area Avesnes-Favril.

17. Halt.

18. To area Solre le Chateau-Dompierre.

19. Tail closed to Dimechaux-Sars Poteries.

20. March to the Rhine commenced.

To area Barbencon-Thirimont. Tail at Solre le Chateau.

23. Tail closed to Barbencon-Beaumont.

24. To area Leneffe-Fraire-Walcourt-Boussu.

Nov. 25th to Dec. 1. Halt.

Dec. 2. To area Mettet-Flavion-Morialme. Tail at Leneffe-Fraire.

3. To area Sommieres-Onhaye.

4. To area Bouvignes-Anhee. Tail at Mettet-Biesmeree.

5. H.Q. Group and 71st Infantry Brigade crossed Meuse and went to Crupet-Braibant-Purnode.

16th and 18th Infantry Brigades closed to river at Anhee-Bouvignes. Tail at Gerin-Maredret.

6. 16th and 18th Infantry Brigades crossed Meuse Division in area Achet-Hamois-Ciney. Tail at Yvoir.

7. Halt.

8. To area Les Avins-Pailhe. Tail at Ciney.

9. To area Ouffet-Tinlot-Stree. Tail at Havelange.

10. Halt.

11. To area Remouchamps-Aywaille-Comblain la Tour. Tail at Tinlot.

12. To area Francorchamps-Stoumont. Tail at Ouffet-Hody.

13. 71st Infantry Brigade crossed German frontier to Malmedy.

Remainder in area Stavelot-Stoumont. Tail at Oneux-Presseux.

Dec. 14. H.Q. Group crossed frontier—71st Infantry Brigade to Elsenborn Camp. Tail at Aywaille.

15. 18th Infantry Brigade crossed frontier—71st Infantry Brigade to Montjoie. Tail at Stoumont.

16. 16th Infantry Brigade crossed frontier—71st Infantry Brigade to Simmerath-Rotgen. Tail at Malmedy.

17. Tail to Elsenborn Camp.

18. Halt.

19. To area Heinbach-Gemund-Schleiden. Tail at Elsenborn Camp.

20. To area Mechernich-Kommern-Zulpich. Tail at Montjoie.

21. To area Euskirchen-Zulpich. Tail at Harpersheid-Drieborn.

22. To area Lechenich-Weilerswist. Tail at Vlatten-Satzvey.

23. To area Rondorf-Kendenich. Tail at Zulpich-Froitzhein.

D.H.Q. at Bruhl—all units now in final positions.



APPENDIX IV

ORDER OF BATTLE ON MOBILIZATION.

DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS

G.O.C. Major-Gen. J. L. Keir, C.B., late R.A. A.D.C. Capt. P. F. Fitzgerald, King's Shropshire Light Infantry. G.S.O.1 Col. W. T. Furse, D.S.O., late R.A. G.S.O.2 Lt.-Col. J. T. Burnett-Stuart, D.S.O., Rifle Brigade. G.S.O.3 Capt. A. T. Paley, Rifle Brigade. A.A. and Q.M.G. Col. W. Campbell, D.S.O., Gordon Highlanders. D.A.A. and Q.M.G. Major F. C. Dundas, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. D.A.Q.M.G. Major A. Delavoye, A.S.C. A.D.M.S. Col. H. O. Trevor, R.A.M.C. D.A.D.M.S. Major N. J. C. Rutherford, R.A.M.C. A.D.V.S. Major H. M. Lenox-Conyngham, A.V.C. D.A.D.O.S. Major H. M. Howard, A.O.D. A.P.M. Capt. H. S. Rogers, King's Shropshire Light Infantry.

DIVISIONAL ENGINEERS

C.R.E. Lt.-Col. G. C. Kemp, R.E. Adjutant Major B. W. Y. Danford, R.E. 12th Field Company Major A. F. Sargeaunt, R.E. 38th Field Company Major F. M. Browne, R.E. 6th Divisional Signal Capt. A. N. Paxton, R.E. Company.

DIVISIONAL CAVALRY

O.C., Squadron, 19th Major H. O'S. F. Tanner, 19th Hussars. Hussars.

DIVISIONAL CYCLISTS

O.C., Cyclist Company Capt. S. H. Dix, Leinster Regiment.

DIVISIONAL TRAIN

O.C., 6th Divisional Lt.-Col. H. Davies, A.S.C. Train.

ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS

O.C., 16th Field Lt.-Col. A. C. Fox. Ambulance. O.C., 17th Field Lt.-Col. J. P. Silver. Ambulance. O.C., 18th Field Lt.-Col. A. A. Watson (S.R.). Ambulance.

DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY

C.R.A. Brig.-Gen. W. L. H. Paget, C.B., M.V.O. Brigade-Major Major J. Farquhar. Staff-Captain Capt. J. de V. Bowles. Orderly Officer 2/Lieut. K. F. W. Dunn.

2nd Brigade, R.F.A.

O.C. Col. W. A. M. Thompson. Adjutant Capt. H. R. S. Massey. 21st Battery Major L. M. Phillpotts, D.S.O. 42nd Battery Major H. J. Brock. 53rd Battery Major C. J. Rugge Price. Brigade Ammunition Capt. C. E. S. Bower. Column.

24th Brigade, R.F.A.

O.C. Lt.-Col. C. E. Lawrie, D.S.O. Adjutant Capt. H. A. Boyd. 110th Battery Major W. M. Warburton. 111th Battery Major E. C. W. D. Walthall, D.S.O. 112th Battery Major W. B. Browell. Brigade Ammunition Capt. B. H. Shaw-Stewart. Column.

38th Brigade, R.F.A.

O.C. Lt.-Col. R. F. Fox, D.S.O. Adjutant Capt. C. S. Rich. 24th Battery Major A. G. Arbuthnot. 34th Battery Major A. R. Wainwright. 72nd Battery Major F. A. Tighe. Brigade Ammunition Capt. C. R. Hill. Column.