(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:—