"Lieut. H. G. Nelson: when his battery came into action in a forward position it was heavily shelled with gas, but with great courage and determination he moved about encouraging his men. Later, when two of his guns received direct hits, he kept them in action, removing the casualties himself. His disregard for his own safety was a splendid example to his men, and enabled them to maintain the fire of their guns when this appeared impossible."
Four officers were wounded during these operations, Lieuts. F. R. Stuart, W. J. Green, J. C. Harker, and H. G. Nelson. Eight Military Medals were gained (v. Appendix). Lieut. N. Hess won a bar on the 1st September to the M.C., which he gained in November 17, and Lieut. E. C. Lintern was awarded the Military Cross for the following action on the 3rd September at Mesnil:
"When during night harassing fire one of the guns of D/312 burst, killing two and wounding two of his detachment and setting fire to the pit, he and a gunner at once went to the assistance of the wounded men. They removed burning charges which had been blown into the ammunition recess, and succeeded in preventing an explosion and keeping down the fire, until other help was forthcoming and the fire was put out. His prompt action prevented further loss of life."
The following letter was received by the Divisional Commander from the G.O.C. 38th Division:
"I have experienced the great honour and privilege of having under my command, from the 21st August to the 5th September, 1918, the artillery of your Division.
"This Division has attacked on a 3000 yard front for 16 days consecutively with a truly remarkable success. I attribute this success to a great degree to the magnificent support I have received from the Field Artillery. On many occasions batteries of your artillery have literally moved parallel with my advancing infantry. Their dash, determination, and staying power are above all praise.
"I wish especially to bring to your notice the gallant and distinguished conduct of Lieut.-Colonel D. J. Sherlock, D.S.O., and Lieut.-Colonel A. G. Eden."
This battle from the 21st to 31st August is now officially known as the Battle of Bapaume, which, runs the official account, turning the flank of the German positions on the Somme compelled the enemy to withdraw to the east bank of the river. Here 23 divisions defeated 35 German divisions, capturing 34,250 prisoners and 250 guns.
On the 28th August Major-General W. P. Braithwaite left us on promotion to the command of a corps. Glad as we all were that he should receive the recognition due to his distinguished services, each one of us felt his departure as a personal loss. He had always taken the keenest interest in his artillery, and had been a constant visitor at the battery positions, and we felt that we were losing in him a leader who inspired confidence and could understand our needs. Whatever the difficulty and danger of the situation, he always preserved the same cheery, courteous, and debonnaire demeanour, and he never passed through a battery without leaving the officers and men the happier for his visit. Less than this I cannot say, and I would gladly say more; but it would be unbecoming in me to speak of the soldierly qualities of a superior officer, while he and I are still on the active list, and I must content myself with saying that Sir Walter Braithwaite will long be remembered with admiration and affection by his old artillery.
He was succeeded in command of the Division by Major-General Sir Robert Whigham.