Dec. 1917.
Divisional Headquarters left the area of the Cambrai battle on the 4th December, together with the infantry of the Division, and after several moves the Artillery Headquarters finally settled down for a time at Bethoncourt, near Tincques, on the 19th. The guns, as usual, remained in action, supporting different divisions in the arduous work of adjusting the new trench line. Bourlon Wood was given up together with some more of the captured ground, but Havrincourt was retained, and the net result to us was considerably on the credit side.
Capt. E. F. Johnson was killed on the 9th December only about a week after joining the Division. On the 13th Lieut. L. Gane was awarded the Military Cross when in action at Doignies:
"When an enemy shell hit one of the gun pits which contained a large number of charges, Lieut. Gane ordered all the men away, and himself went into the pit. Satisfied that immediate action would save the shell dump and prevent the fire from spreading, he had a party to extinguish the flames, which was successfully accomplished. By his prompt action and coolness he saved the shells and guns from being blown up."
I received the following letter dated the 11th December from the G.O.C. R.A. of the 47th Division:
"To-morrow I shall be parting with your brigades and D.A.C., and I take the opportunity of thanking you most heartily for all the work they have done since you handed them over to me.
"Our infantry have been greatly pleased with the support your gallant fellows have given them, not only on November 30th, but ever since, and I am only sorry that they have had to put up with so much discomfort, but the conditions have made it impossible to do much for them. Colonel Sherlock has been a tower of strength.
"E. N. Whitley,
"Brig.-General R.A."
At last, after another fortnight of hard fighting and great discomfort, the artillery was withdrawn, and arrived in the rest area behind Arras on the 29th December. In spite of the severity of the weather, all ranks greatly enjoyed the rest which they had so well earned, although it could only be called a rest in the sense that they were out of danger and in a condition of comparative comfort. Much work of course had to be done in cleaning up and generally refitting, and in preparing to take up the new positions just north of Arras, which were now to be our special charge.
Jan. 1918.