"On the 26th, 27th and 28th March, during operations near Bucquoy, Capt. Miles established and maintained a complete system of communication to all batteries of the brigade, and all neighbouring formations taking part in the operations. During the whole of this time he was continuously laying or mending wires; where the shelling was most severe he had to go oftenest, and did so with entire disregard for his personal safety. His work (and the results of it) and his behaviour were beyond all praise."
On the 29th fighting was still very severe, but our front line was now more firmly consolidated, and it began to look as though the tremendous onslaught had been checked not only here but all along the British front. This was Good Friday, and it seemed very fitting that the day which already means so much for humanity should be still further consecrated as marking the first serious check received by the opponents of all that Christianity stands for. The following Divisional Order was issued:
"The Divisional Commander knows that all ranks are cheerfully bearing the strain of the prolonged fighting, and he is proud of their endurance and fine fighting spirit.
"The Division is performing a very important rôle of holding up the German advance in this part of the battlefield, and the very heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy are an earnest of their determined fighting.
"He congratulates all troops on their splendid gallantry, and is confident in the continuation of the fine resistance they are making to the enemy's attempts to break our line.
"Well done, 62nd (West Riding) Division!
"Walter Braithwaite,
"Major-General.
"29/3/18."
Lieut. G. A. Ellis was this day awarded the Military Cross:
"He maintained communication and observed for his battery throughout the day, though his O.P. was spotted by the enemy and subjected to continuous rifle fire and shelling. He twice mended the wire, which was cut by shell fire, in the open."