We spent the first part of our time at Willems resting and cleaning up; the latter part in training and reorganizing, as it was clear that before long we should be required to follow up the retiring enemy once more. Considerable attention was paid to the bugle band, which practised from morning to night, and sounded the recognized calls throughout the day. It was during the days in reserve on the Somme that attention became centred on our bugles. Extra cornets were purchased, and a pair of cymbals was presented by Lieutenant Huntley. Whenever conditions were favourable the bugles were given every opportunity of practising, and, under the skilful handling of Sergeant Cadman and Lance-Corporal Frost, the cornet soloist, they proved a most efficient and excellent addition to the battalion.
The difficulty of keeping pace with the bewildering rapidity of the Allied advance suggested the advantage of a battle map, and accordingly the necessary sheets of the 1: 250,000 map were fastened on a board and the situation shown by cotton on pins. This was placed in a prominent position outside Battalion Headquarters; and here, too, were pinned the telegrams announcing the different stages of the advance. The arrangement proved very satisfactory, enabling as it did not only the troops, but also the civilians, to see at a glance how the war was progressing. The crowd around the board at once testified to its popularity.
For (as it proved) the last time in our history we were now ordered to reconnoitre defensive positions and emergency routes in the event of a German counter-attack. This was a most unlikely event, as we were on one side and they on the other of a wide river. It was, however, quite fitting that our active service should end, as it had begun, with this necessary but illusive form of military exercise.
At 10 a.m. on October 30th we left Willems for the Hallemes area, passing our relieving battalion, the 19th Londons, en route. The hopes of a trip to Italy, so strongly entertained by the 47th Division, had apparently been dashed to the ground once more.
APPROACH TO CAMBRAI. RIFLE RANGE IN FOREGROUND.
Photographed by Aeroplane, 1st October, 1918.
Owing to a sudden attack of influenza, an ambulance had to be requisitioned to remove Captain Fell, the Quartermaster, Lieutenant F. E. Evans, Captain Noon, now in command of "A" Company, and 2nd-Lieutenant D. R. Williams. The Commanding Officer was on a course, and the Headquarters Staff now consisted of the Adjutant, the Intelligence Officer, and the Transport Officer. After a short march along the side-roads we came on to the great highway between Lille and Tournai, and at 1.30 p.m. arrived at the Faubourg de Fives, one of the suburbs of Lille, where billets were awaiting us. Battalion Headquarters, including all the details, were accommodated in a house and a series of factory buildings on the main road, Rue Pierre le Grand. The companies were in two or three roads to the rear of Headquarters, and were billeted after the fashion of 1914—two or three men to a house. For the sick officers another house in the main street was taken over, and here they were kept isolated, except Fell and Williams, who had to go to hospital.
Several new officers now began to arrive. Lieutenant Belk had joined us in Willems, and 2nd-Lieutenants Bethell and Forshaw, A.S.C., arrived at Fives on our second day. Captain Bowring returned that day also from United Kingdom leave, and took over the duties of Adjutant, the latter acting as Second-in-Command. The following day 2nd-Lieutenants Cufflin and Woodworth, M.M., reported for duty.