To All Ranks of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division.

I regret that owing to the move of the Division I have not been able to see all units since the fight on 20th September. I hope to do so later as opportunity offers.

The messages received from higher Commanders and others since the battle have been published from time to time as received and have no doubt been read by all ranks, who will see from these messages how well the higher Commanders have appreciated the work of the Division.

In addition, I have recently been allowed to see the reports on the Division rendered to General Headquarters by the Army and the Corps in which we served. In these reports the Division is spoken of as “a good fighting Division possessing the right spirit” and as “a first-rate Division.” I know that all ranks throughout the Division will share the pride that I feel myself in reading those opinions of the Commanders under whom we have served.

I have also had the advantage of reading scores of stories of individual courage, determination, endurance, and self-sacrifice, narrated by Commanding Officers in bringing the services of individuals of all ranks to notice for recognition. These stories increase my pride in the Division and my confidence in it.

The West Lancashire Division had a good reputation before the recent fighting in front of Ypres. You have now won for it a reputation second to none in the Expeditionary Force, and every soldier in the Division may well be proud of belonging to it. That reputation I feel confident you will cherish and maintain. We are now in an easy part of the line, but ordinary trench duties demand constant alertness, endurance, and conscientious observance of orders; besides it is up to us at all times to take advantage of any opportunities for aggressive action which will cause loss or damage to the enemy. It is by such action, as well as by smartness and good discipline when out of the line, that the great reputation of the West Lancashire Division can, and I am sure will, be kept up by each soldier in it, of every rank.

H. S. JEUDWINE,

55th Division Headquarters,

Major-General,

10th October, 1917.