EXTRACTS FROM NEWSPAPERS.
“The Times,” April 11th, 1918:—
55th DIVISION’S FINE FIGHTING.
(From our Special Correspondent.)
“The breach made by the Portuguese retirement threw an enormous strain on the British 55th Division on the extreme right, which held the positions about GIVENCHY. The Lancashire men threw back their left to make a flank on that side, and then began the defence of GIVENCHY, which will be remembered as one of the brilliant incidents of this war. The ground here was of some importance, as being almost the only exception to the general flatness of the battle area. Three times, it is said, at least, the German masses succeeded in breaking a way into GIVENCHY, once during the course of the day, and twice during the evening and night, only to be thrown out again by the most dashing counter-attacks. This morning GIVENCHY and all our original line remained in our hands, and I believe it still remains, and, out of the prisoners taken, over 700 were captured by the Lancashire men.”
[Note.—Of these, 560 were taken by the 1/4th North Lancashire Regiment.]
“The Times,” April 12th, 1918:—
“The section of attack was delivered in great strength, some eleven or twelve Divisions being used on not more than 17,000 yards, and the weight of the impact drove back the Portuguese front at the centre. It was the magnificent stand of the 55th Lancashire Division at GIVENCHY which prevented what might have been a rather serious disaster. Of the behaviour of our men in this fighting round GIVENCHY nothing could be said in too high praise. This morning the Germans were still attacking here, and in vain.”
“Daily Mail,” April 15th, 1918:—
“For the work of such Divisions as the 9th, 51st, and 55th no praise can be too high, no words of laudation extravagant. With their backs to the wall they have shown that they are capable of reaching new heights of heroism, as great as any the glorious past has known.”
“Daily Mail,” April 16th, 1918:—
“They have fought with a gallantry and endurance worthy of their race, and the heroism of the 55th (Lancashire Territorial) Division is worthily celebrated by Sir Douglas Haig in a special despatch. Their country may indeed be proud of these men who are so lavishly giving their blood on her behalf, and she will follow their efforts with her love and prayers.”
“Le Petit Parisien,” April 12th, 1918:—
“At the beginning of the attack, after the Portuguese had been forced back, the plan of the German High Command was checked thanks to the indomitable resistance which was offered by the British right flank. There the enemy found established a Lancashire Division—the 55th—which will certainly be mentioned in the communique. It is the least that can be done for this Division. For ten hours three German Divisions tried in vain to dislodge it.”
“Le Matin,” April 13th, 1918:—
“It was there that the 55th Division—as I have already told you—held on and triumphed. I wanted to see with my own eyes some of these bravest of the brave. But before seeing them I had already seen their prisoners....
“‘One should be almost proud to have been beaten by such men,’ said one prisoner who belonged to the German nobility.
“An Officer of the highest rank said to them (the 55th):
“‘You have accomplished one of the finest feats-of-arms—perhaps the finest of the whole war.’
“It is true. They had fought to the limit of the impossible.”
On the 28th we moved into the right sector and relieved the 1/4th King’s Own—A Company to MAIRIE REDOUBT, B Company to DEATH OR GLORY SAP, C and D to GUNNERS’ SIDING. The sap had been heavily trench-mortared before we took over, and parts of it were blown in. One Other Rank was killed and four wounded. The award of the French Croix de Guerre to Sergeant J. Cookson was announced.
On the 29th, DEATH OR GLORY SAP was heavily “minnied.” Two Other Ranks were killed and three wounded. On the 30th, there was some heavy shelling, though only one man was wounded, but we lost one man killed and one wounded from minenwerfer the following day. On the 2nd we were relieved by the 1/5th King’s Liverpool Regiment, 12 men being wounded in the course of the day, and went back to rest.
This rest was thoroughly enjoyed by the whole Battalion, being the first real rest since the battle of GIVENCHY. The billets were good, and the canteen well stocked.
On the 8th, we moved back to the line, Major Duggan, M.C., being in command, and relieved the 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the right sector.
Wiring and working under difficult conditions continued until the 12th, three men being killed and eight wounded, two missing, and seven sick during the tour. We were relieved on the night of the 12th by the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers, and moved back to support.
On the 14th, A Company carried out an operation against the enemy’s front line post in WILLOW DRAIN, penetrating his line at one point and establishing a block which they held till about 10 30 p.m., being then obliged to withdraw by strong counter-attack. The front and support lines were heavily bombarded from 6 15 p.m. till about 11 p.m., harassing fire being kept up until 2 a.m.
The raiding party sustained heavy casualties. Going across No Man’s Land—a mass of shell holes—Second Lieutenant Ibbotson was wounded and then killed by a shell; Second Lieutenant Milne was killed by a bomb while passing through the enemy wire; and Second Lieutenant Cooper was wounded by a bullet in the throat, causing the loss of his voice, but gallantly went on writing his orders in his pocket book and carrying on until killed by a second bullet[J]. There is no record of the other casualties, but they numbered about 50.
This raid was supported by a creeping barrage, the ground in the neighbourhood being blanketed throughout by artillery and Stokes’ mortars.
On the 17th we relieved the 1/4th King’s Own in the left GIVENCHY sector, A Company at PLANTAIN SOUTH, B Company left front Company, C Company right front Company, D Company holding the KEEPS. Four Other Ranks were killed and Second Lieutenant Chapman and 19 Other Ranks wounded during the tour, which came to an end on the 20th, when the 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment relieved us at 2 10 a.m.
The Battalion then moved back to rest billets.
The period now under review was known as the “bustle” period, as that was the code word on receipt of which all kinds of moves were to take place which cannot here be detailed.
In our rest billets at VAUDRICOURT we went through the usual training and bathing routine until the 26th, when we relieved the 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the GIVENCHY left sector. During the rest Second Lieutenant Hampson was killed and four men wounded.
At this time a stringent order was issued that anyone damaging crops was to be court-martialled (rather a contrast to the same period in the previous year, when the fields which formed our training grounds being covered with young corn, we had been ordered to disregard the crops entirely. Obeying this order went literally against the grain!).
On the 25th May the following honours were announced:—
Bar to Military Medal:—Corporal Pendlebury, M.M., and Lance-Corporal P. Wyre, M.M.
Military Medal:—Sergeants R. Parkinson and A. Lowe, Corporal J. Gradwell, Privates A. Hommans, G. Rotherham, T. Marsh, W. Goodram, J. Meadows, R. Williams, F. Lloyd, J. Read, L. Cunliffe, and T. Farnworth.
We had five men wounded on the 27th.
On the 28th, described in the War Diary as “a quiet day,” a small party of the enemy entered one of our posts in PICCADILLY at 12 30 a.m. It was immediately bombed out without casualties to us. The attempt was repeated the following day, but frustrated by our Lewis gunners and rifle grenadiers. Thirteen men were wounded in the next three days.
On the 1st June, the enemy bombarded us heavily with mustard gas shells and shrapnel for two hours, killing Second Lieutenant Greaves and wounding Captain Lonsdale and 10 Other Ranks.
On the 2nd, also described as “a quiet day,” six Other Ranks were killed and Second Lieutenant Dawson and 23 Other Ranks were wounded, and on the following day two killed and 15 wounded. The Battalion was relieved in the evening by the 1/4th King’s Own, when we went back to support. Working parties occupied us for the next few days, three men being killed, one missing, and five wounded during the period.
On the 8th, on relief by the 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment, we moved back to rest billets at VAUDRICOURT.
The following appeared in the King’s Birthday Honour List:—
Mentioned in Despatches:—Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Crump, Privates R. Worden and J. Bates.
Distinguished Service Order:—Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Crump.
Bars to Military Cross:—Major Duggan, M.C., Captain Lonsdale, M.C., Second Lieutenant H. Fazackerley, M.C.
Military Cross:—Captain D. Carmichael, Lieutenant A. Bardsley, Second Lieutenants H. Bailey and C. Milne.
Distinguished Conduct Medal:—Company Sergeant-Major Ireland, Sergeants J. Miller, M.M., and A. Atkinson, Privates F. Reddish, J. Livesey, and T. Parkes, M.M.
Companies were thoroughly reorganised. Training was carried out and sports were held.
On the 14th June, Major T. G. Williams, M.C., 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment, took over command of the Battalion. On the same day the Battalion relieved the 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the right GIVENCHY sector. The usual routine was carried out during the tour. The enemy bombarded the sector on the 19th and again on the 20th at 3 a.m., when he put down a severe barrage of 4.2’s and some mustard gas. We were relieved on the night of the 23rd by the 1/4th King’s Own. During the tour our casualties were:—Second Lieutenant Pasley and eight Other Ranks killed, and 17 Other Ranks wounded, Lieutenants Hyndson and Pierce, Second Lieutenant Boddington, and 16 Other Ranks going sick to hospital.
Our bombing post in HALF-MOON TRENCH was not more than 20 yards distant from a bombing post in the enemy’s sector, and after a careful reconnaissance had been made under the supervision of the Officer Commanding B Company (Captain R. H. Smith, M.C.), Second Lieutenant Weatherhill volunteered to take out a patrol the following night and raid the enemy’s trenches. The night was a particularly dark one, but, unfortunately, the enemy discovered the patrol getting out of the trenches, and the attacking party was subjected to a heavy fire from machine guns and bombs. The patrol remained out for about an hour, but finally they returned to the trenches, and it was found that Second Lieutenant Weatherhill was missing and two Other Ranks wounded. Another patrol was immediately sent out by the Officer Commanding B Company to find out what had happened to Second Lieutenant Weatherhill, but this and other subsequent patrols met with no success.
On the 27th, on relief, we went back into support, and at 5 a.m. on the following day to rest billets at VAUDRICOURT. Here the G.O.C. presented medals and ribbons to Officers and men of the Battalion on the 30th.
On the 1st July, at the Brigade Horse Show, the Battalion did very well, carrying off the Championship Cup and six first prizes, which in itself was sufficient reward to the Officer Commanding Transport (Lieutenant A. Bardsley, M.C.) and all Other Ranks. It might here be mentioned that, under the supervision of Lieutenant A. Bardsley, the Battalion Transport did very well in the Division Show and later on obtained first prize at the Corps Transport Show.
On the 3rd we moved up in position to the line and relieved the 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment in support in the GIVENCHY sector, one man being killed and four wounded, and two more wounded the following day.
On the evening of the 7th we relieved the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers on the left sector—a very difficult relief, Companies having to move up their sectors through a heavy bombardment of 4.2’s, 5.9’s, whizzbangs, and minenwerfers. This was the enemy’s retaliation for our bombardment in connection with a raid carried out on our flank by the 1st Cameronians. One Other Rank was killed and six wounded. The next few days were spent in the usual routine and working and wiring parties, and were fairly quiet, our casualties for the tour being:—Seven Other Ranks killed and eight wounded.
On the 16th we were relieved by the 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment, and moved back to LE PREOL, where we stood-to for the night, moving back to VAUDRICOURT the following morning.
On the 20th a dance for Officers and men took place in the Recreation Hut.
On the 22nd we relieved the 1/5th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the right GIVENCHY sector.
No prisoners having been captured by the Corps for about a fortnight, the Divisional Commander was very anxious that prisoners should be obtained for the purpose of identification, and with this end in view, on the 27th, two reconnaissances by Second Lieutenant Archibald on the old British Line opposite ORCHARD ROAD during the morning, and by Second Lieutenant Dawson opposite FINCHLEY ROAD SAP in the afternoon, found both enemy posts unoccupied. It was therefore decided that these two Officers should take part in a silent daylight raid, and on the following day both Officers took over patrols. Second Lieutenant Dawson’s patrol met with no success, but Second Lieutenant Archibald’s patrol succeeded in capturing three of the enemy and one machine gun and returned to our trenches with no casualties and without a single shot having been fired by either side.
Congratulatory telegrams were received by the Officer Commanding and Second Lieutenant Archibald was awarded for his gallantry the Military Cross and the Non-Commissioned Officer who accompanied him was awarded the Military Medal.
On the 29th, at his own request, Second Lieutenant Dawson again tried to effect an entry into the enemy’s line, and was successful in finding three men and a strong working party, which the patrol promptly bombed. Our casualties were nil, and from documents subsequently captured from the enemy it would appear that these raids had a depressing effect on the enemy’s morale.
On the 30th, Second Lieutenant Archibald and two Other Ranks again entered the post and reconnoitred the trench, finding quantities of bombs. Later in the day they returned to the enemy’s trench, collected all explosives in a dugout, and blew it up. We were relieved that night by the 1/4th King’s Own, and went back into support. The casualties during the tour were eight Other Ranks wounded.
On the 1st August we found ourselves in the GIVENCHY VILLAGE Lines.
On the 3rd we tried to select a shooting team for the Army competition, but had to give it up owing to hostile shelling. That night we moved back to rest billets at VAUDRICOURT. Boxing, cricket, dances, and Divisional Horse Shows were the chief events of the next few days.
The Battalion relieved the 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the left GIVENCHY sector on the 9th. All ranks of the Battalion, with the exception of those actually on sentry posts, were employed during the day on wire carrying and making “concertinas” with a view to strengthening the defences, and during this tour the Battalion accomplished a great improvement in the wire defences.
Things were quiet, except for wire-cutting by our artillery, up till the 15th, when we had two hours’ shelling by yellow cross gas shells, projected from trench mortars. We moved back to support in the evening, being relieved by the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers. During the tour, Second Lieutenants Archibald, Cowan, and Shell were wounded, and four Other Ranks were wounded and 14 Other Ranks were gassed. The next few days in support were occupied by bathing, working and carrying parties, the casualties being:—Three Other Ranks killed, 18 wounded, and Second Lieutenants Dixon, Dawson, and 61 Other Ranks gassed.
On the 23rd, we moved in to hold the right and left sub-sectors during the capture of the craters by the 1/4th King’s Own and the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers, which operation was successfully accomplished.
There was a good deal of shelling during these days, Second Lieutenant Fazackerley, M.C., and one Other Rank being killed, one Other Rank gassed, and Second Lieutenant Pride and 10 Other Ranks wounded. The loss of Second Lieutenant Fazackerley, M.C., was keenly felt by all ranks of the Battalion.
On the 27th we went back to rest billets at VAUDRICOURT.
On the 3rd September we relieved the 1/6th King’s Liverpool Regiment in the GIVENCHY left sub-sector. The craters were heavily shelled between 4 and 6 p.m. with 5.9’s and blue and yellow cross gas. Reconnoitring patrols pushed out at daylight and established posts on the west edge of CHAPPELLE ST. ROCHE. Second Lieutenants Tennant, Kershaw, and Scott, and 21 Other Ranks were gassed, 1 killed, and 1 wounded.
The change of mental attitude in this chapter and in the next is very noticeable. No longer do we take part in costly attacks on a wide front or beat off similar attacks by the enemy, nor do we sit still and merely harass him. We feel ourselves winning at last—the game becomes more exciting as we begin to press, and then to follow, a beaten enemy.
CHAPTER X.
THE ADVANCE.
On the 1st September, 1918, orders were received that Infantry Brigades in the line must be prepared to follow up the enemy rapidly should he commence to withdraw on the Divisional front, fighting patrols to make good what ground they could; this was consequent upon reports of fires and explosions behind the enemy’s line and information from enemy prisoners.
On the 4th, patrols having reported the evacuation of the enemy’s front line trenches, Battalion Headquarters moved up from WINDY CORNER to GIVENCHY KEEP TUNNEL. D Company secured a prisoner. One of our night patrols encountered enemy at ROCHE ALLEY, and a sharp fight ensued; we left one man severely wounded, who was brought in by a daylight patrol. Lieutenant King and 38 Other Ranks were gassed, one Other Rank killed, and Second Lieutenant Davies and two Other Ranks wounded.
The following day, daylight patrols continued to push up ROCHE ALLEY and CUPOLA ALLEY, and established outposts, our own line being in advance of the right Battalion. The enthusiasm of all ranks to push forward was much marked, and the respective Companies vied with each other in their endeavour to establish posts farthest east of any in the Battalion or in the Division. Four Other Ranks were wounded and 12 Other Ranks gassed.
On the 6th there was a little scattered shelling; we were relieved in daylight by the 1/4th King’s Own, and went into support. The next two days were occupied with carrying parties, which involved hard and continuous work owing to the state of the trenches and the increasing distance between the front line posts and the reserves. We had one Other Rank killed, seven wounded, and three gassed.
On the 9th we relieved the King’s Own again, and patrols located the enemy at APSE HOUSE. The following night a patrol attacked him, but without success.
The 11th was very wet, and on the 12th we were relieved by the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers and moved back to support. The casualties during the tour were: 5 Other Ranks killed, Second Lieutenants Jones, Daniels, Marsden and Thomas and 18 Other Ranks wounded, 1 Other Rank gassed.
The weather began to improve. The enemy carried out as usual the daily strafe on the craters on the 13th. Two Other Ranks were killed, one wounded, and two gassed.
On the 14th, four Platoons from A and C Companies were detailed for carrying parties to the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers, who were attacking CANTELEUX TRENCH at 1 30 p.m. The operation was classed as unsuccessful owing to strong counter-attack and heavy shelling, but they secured 10 prisoners. Second Lieutenant L. B. Smith was killed whilst assisting the attack of the Fusiliers, and six Other Ranks were wounded. The 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment relieved us, and we were taken back by ’buses to VAUDRICOURT, where we rested, trained, and carried out the usual recreational programme.
On the 20th, Lieutenant-Colonel T. G. Williams, M.C., went on leave, and the Battalion was then under the command of Major A. E. Entwistle.
On the 21st, the Divisional boundaries having been altered, we relieved the 18th Gloucesters on the CANAL, A Company taking over the outpost line north of the CANAL, B Company the outpost line south of the CANAL. The relief passed off without incident.
On the 22nd, B Company pushed their forward posts out about 400 yards. Much enemy harassing fire on this and the following days. The weather broke on the 23rd. On the 25th, Companies changed over.
On the 28th, we were relieved by the 1/4th King’s Own, and went into support at BARGE HOUSE. The casualties during the tour were: 5 Other Ranks killed, Second Lieutenant Kirkby and 10 Other Ranks wounded.
On the 30th, B and D Companies attacked the DISTILLERY, capturing 58 prisoners, but were forced back to their original line later in the day. Second Lieutenant Bryne and three Other Ranks were killed. Second Lieutenant Cairns and 46 Other Ranks were wounded, and two Other Ranks missing.
On the 1st October, Major H. J. G. Duggan returned from the Senior Officers’ Course, Aldershot, and took over command from Major Entwistle. On the same day, at 6 15 a.m., B and D Companies, each reinforced by two Platoons of C Company, attacked and captured the DISTILLERY and machine gun posts on the right and left of it; 23 prisoners and four machine guns were taken; Second Lieutenant Griffiths, Parkinson, Haworth, and Bowler and six Other Ranks were wounded and 13 Other Ranks killed. At night we were relieved by six Platoons of the King’s Own, and moved back into support.
On the 2nd, early morning patrols having reported that the enemy was retiring along his whole front, we moved forward, Headquarters being in MARIE KEEP. The movement was continued on the following day, 2 Other Ranks being killed and 5 Other Ranks wounded and missing.
On the 4th, we went back to positions of assembly in LA BASSEE, going into reserve billets on the 5th.
On the 5th, Lieutenant-Colonel T. G. Williams returned from leave and resumed his command.
On the 8th, we marched to billets at BETHUNE, and were comfortably billeted by 4 p.m. Here Second Lieutenant W. E. Crossley, M.C., M.M., Captain R. J. Cross (Chaplain), and Second Lieutenants Blount, Towers, and Kennett joined for duty.
On the 12th, we went up in lurries and relieved the 1/5th King’s Own as outpost Battalion on the left Brigade front, Battalion Headquarters being at LATTRE.
On the 13th, our patrols at dawn found the enemy very alert, and located several machine gun posts west of the HAUTE DEULE CANAL. Some harassing fire on our forward posts during the day. Two Other Ranks were killed, Second Lieutenant Taylor and nine Other Ranks missing, and Second Lieutenant Crossley and one Other Rank wounded.
On the 14th, the enemy artillery became more active, and our patrols were heavily engaged by machine guns. The marshes were found almost impassable, the water being eight feet deep in places. Our sentry posts located in the marshes were unremitting in their attempts to push forward, and the spirit of all ranks, despite the conditions, was excellent. Seven Other Ranks were killed and 11 Other Ranks wounded. Second Lieutenant R. G. Latham joined for duty.
On the 15th the harassing fire continued. Our patrols were very active, but did not advance. Captain W. L. Price and five Other Ranks were wounded. Second Lieutenant H. C. Saville joined for duty.
On the 16th, patrols reported some of the enemy posts unoccupied. At 12 noon D Company and two Platoons of B Company crossed the HAUTE DEULE CANAL at LES ANSCRUILLES, and proceeded to attack from the flank the strongly-held bridgehead at BAC DE WAVRIN, A and C Companies attacking frontally at the same time. The attack was under the personal supervision of Major H. J. G. Duggan, M.C. The bridgehead was taken at 9 p.m., and patrols pushed on to the SECLIN CANAL. Pontoon bridges were thrown across the Canals. Lieutenant Bury and Second Lieutenant Taylor and one Other Rank were wounded.
On the 17th, the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers and the 1/4th King’s Own passed through our outposts at 5 a.m. The Battalion reorganised and assembled at WAVRIN. At 4 p.m. we moved to NOYELLES, and were billeted by 11 p.m. Second Lieutenant Taylor died of wounds. Second Lieutenant Hailwood and two Other Ranks were killed and seven Other Ranks were wounded.
On the 18th, at 3 a.m., we moved into the main outpost line of resistance east of D’ENCHEMONT.
On the 19th, at 7 a.m., the Battalion passed through the outpost line held by the King’s Own on the LAMARQ RIVER, and advanced—A and C Companies in front and B and D in support. The enemy resistance was practically nil, and the villages of CYSOING, BOURGHELLES and WANNEHAIN and ESPLECHIN were captured. At night we took up outpost positions, with B and D Companies along the line of resistance, on the high ground east of WANNEHAIN; A Company found the outposts to the east. One Other Rank was wounded.
On the 20th, the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers marched through our outpost lines and we moved into Brigade reserve. One Other Rank was wounded.
On the 21st, in the afternoon, we moved into billets at FROIDMONT. At 2 a.m. on the 22nd, we relieved the 1/4th King’s Own in the outpost line—C Company on the right, D on the left, A and B Companies in support. We attempted to advance, but were unable to do so owing to heavy machine gun and artillery fire, five Other Ranks being killed, 14 wounded, and one missing. Our daylight patrols found the enemy was holding a strong line with many machine guns. At the time of relief it was understood that the enemy had been cleared out of the wood in O 33 b and d, but when the Officer Commanding D Company (Captain Montague Smith) attempted to enter the wood he was met by strong machine gun fire.
The Officer Commanding D Company planned two attacks on the wood, but the enemy were so strong as to make these unsuccessful. Artillery assistance was asked for, and at 4 30 p.m., under an artillery barrage, D Company attacked and was completely successful in capturing the wood, taking 18 prisoners and four machine guns. Outposts were pushed up in front of the wood, and at dusk the Company was relieved by B Company (Captain R. H. Smith, M.C.).
At 2 a.m. on the 23rd, we drove off an enemy counter-attack, but at 4 30 a.m. a strong counter-attack delivered from the flank with the strength of about two Companies forced our posts to withdraw from the wood. There was a thick fog at the time of the attack, and, communications having broken down, no assistance was forthcoming from our artillery. The Officer Commanding B Company, however, immediately organised Company Headquarters and a Platoon of A Company and delivered a quick counter-attack, which, whilst it was not successful in regaining the wood, effectually managed to establish us some little distance our side of the wood. We were relieved by the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers about midnight. Second Lieutenants Chambers and Blount and 33 Other Ranks were missing, one Other Rank killed, and 25 Other Ranks wounded. We moved into billets at FROIDMONT, where Battalion Headquarters had to change their location, being shelled with mustard gas. Seven Other Ranks were wounded.
On the 25th, we relieved the 1/4th King’s Own in the main line of resistance, Battalion Headquarters being at FERME DU BARON, C Company on the right, D Company in the centre, A Company on the left, and B Company in support. Lieutenant King rejoined us here. The next two days were occupied in working parties.
On the 28th, we were relieved by the 1/7th King’s Liverpool Regiment, and moved to billets at WANNEHAIN, where we bathed and rested. Two Officers and 59 Other Ranks had gone sick during the month. A Divisional Paper Chase was attended by the mounted Officers on the 1st November.
On the 9th, the enemy having retired further, we moved on to ESPLECHIN, and on the 10th to BARRY, marching to VILLIERS ST. AMAND on the 11th.
The Armistice at 11 o’clock on that day put a stop to further operations. Whilst nobody could be sorry that the War had come to an end, it was annoying to be stopped when we had at last really got going and the fox was in sight.
Many of us thought at the time, and still think, that we might have gone on a little further, and that it was a mistake not to push the advance and really rout the enemy.
At eight o’clock on Armistice night the Battalion Band attended a dance given by the Brigadier, General C. B. Stockwell, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., and the first social function after the Armistice at which the Officers of the Battalion were represented was a great success.
Captain M. Smith was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry and initiative displayed in the successful attack on the wood O 33 b and d. Captain R. H. Smith was awarded a Bar to his Military Cross for his personal bravery and initiative in organising a prompt counter-attack after we had lost the wood O 33 b and d. Major H. J. G. Duggan, M.C., was awarded the D.S.O. for personal bravery and leadership displayed at BAC DE WAVRIN and the attack on the wood O 33 b and d.
The Colours Marching Past the King of the Belgians, Brussels, 3rd January, 1919.
CHAPTER XI.
AFTER THE ARMISTICE.
Although fighting was now over, the “War” was not. Working parties and training still continued at LEUZE, whither we marched on the 14th, and on the 25th the “Education Period” commenced. We moved to WATTINE (Chappelle) on the 26th, and on the 2nd December sent an escort, consisting of Captain S. H. Pruden, M.C., and Lieutenant Bulling, Company Sergeant-Major Roberts, and two Sergeants, to England to bring out the Colours, which were handed to them on the 7th in Preston by the Mayor. The same day the Battalion lined the main road on the occasion of the King’s visit to LEUZE.
The Colour Party rejoined us on the 10th, and the Colours paraded with the Battalion for the first time on the 13th. On the 15th we moved to ATH. On the following days we moved to EUGHEHEIM, LEMBECQ, and UCCLE, where we prepared for a long stay in good billets. Second Lieutenant A. Livesey was awarded the Military Cross.
The total casualties for the year 1918 were as follows:—
| Killed | Wounded | Missing | Gassed | D. of W. | W. & M. | |
| Officers | 10 | 31 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 25 |
| Other Ranks | 140 | 514 | 101 | 154 | 0 | 595 |
| Totals | 150 | 545 | 107 | 158 | 1 | 620 |
| Officers 77. Other Ranks 1,504. | ||||||
The Battalion marched past the King of the Belgians in BRUSSELS.
The total casualties of the Battalion for the whole of the War are set out in the War Diary as follows:—
| Killed | Wounded | Missing | W. & M. | M. believed Killed | Gassed | Died of Wounds | Dwnd. | Sick to F.A. | |
| Officers | 37 | 95 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 65 |
| Other Ranks | 376 | 1846 | 596 | 10 | 0 | 165 | 1 | 1 | 1496 |
| Totals | 413 | 1941 | 607 | 12 | 2 | 169 | 5 | 0 | 1561 |
| Officers 220. Other Ranks 4,301. | |||||||||
Most of those entered as “Missing” were afterwards reported “Killed in Action;” many were reported “Prisoners of War,” and it is a matter of history now these were kept alive by the weekly parcels which reached them from the Prisoners of War Committee in Preston, to which our grateful thanks are due.
The process of demobilisation and disintegration of the Battalion now set in, and our numbers steadily dwindled until nothing but the Cadre was left.
The Cadre returned to Preston on the 12th June, 1919. Only short notice was received, but there was a good turnout of Officers and men who had served with the Battalion, and an entertainment was given by the Corporation.
With this function the War History of the unit comes to an end. Practically all of us are now back in civil life, a few not much the worse for wear, others maimed or with impaired faculties, but 870 Officers and Other Ranks rest in France and Belgium, and to their memory it is hoped to erect a memorial over there.
The telegraph post at which the Padre is standing marks the site of the Battalion Memorial, with the broken trees surrounding Vaucellette Farm about 200 yards behind.
As the 55th Division Memorial is to be put on GIVENCHY HILL, the scene of the Battalion’s best-known exploit, another site has had to be fixed upon. This has been found on the crest of the ridge on which VAUCELLETTE FARM stood, where the Battalion on 30th November, standing alone, stemmed the advancing tide of Huns. To the Maire of VILLERS GUISLAIN and to M.M. Henri and Leon Nolin, the owners of the ground, we owe the gift of a small square plot by the roadside there, on which to erect a memorial to our comrades.
“These gave up the years to be
Of joy and work, and that unhoped serene
That men call age; and those who would have been
Their sons, they gave, their immortality.”
Although many graves have been marked and identified, there are countless others which never can be; hence the necessity of a single monument to include all.
Those graves which can be identified have been marked with the Divisional Cocarde, a representation (about six inches in diameter) in colour, on enamelled iron, of the 55th Division badge.
