We were relieved on February 5th by the 2/7th K.L.R., and took over new dispositions as reserve battalion to the Brigade. Two companies remained in the subsidiary line of the 2/7th and 8th K.L.R., a third being in Nouvel Houplines itself, and another at the Jute Factory in Armentières. Headquarters were at the Convent as before. On February 7th "B" Company were relieved in the subsidiary line by a company of the 2/7th K.L.R., who had just completed a successful raid on our old spot at Centaur Trench, and moved to the Jute Factory. This was a fine large building close to the wooden bridge over the Lys, with massive walls and concrete floors. In the cellars tiers of bunks had been erected, and there was excellent shell-proof cover for a whole battalion.
The next day the 2/7th K.L.R. relieved us in reserve, and we went to Pont de Nieppe in Divisional Reserve.
The main attraction at the time was a "demonstration platoon" of another regiment which was on tour. All the officers and N.C.Os. were required to go and see this performance, but the distance was great and the display not above the average. However, it fired the Commanding Officer with enthusiasm to produce something better, in order that the battalion might have ocular proof how admirably drill and similar things can be carried out if the requisite trouble is taken.
The billets in Pont de Nieppe were indescribably dirty, and a great deal of work had to be done in cleaning and improving them. The Pioneer Platoon were invaluable in making ovens and other even more necessary conveniences; and their services were also required to repair and adapt some dilapidated rifle ranges. Units of the 38th Division, too, were in Pont de Nieppe, and the band of one of the battalions used to play daily in the streets, whence it was quite audible in the front line. However, the enemy was very good to us, and never put a shell into the place, which, considering that most of the houses were cellar-less, was on the whole, perhaps, as well for us. An attempt was made at this time to force us to change our green diamond for the green square previously used by the 2/5th K.L.R., but happily we were able to prevent this.
On February 11th we relieved the 8th K.L.R. in Houplines, and occupied those trenches, so rich in memories for the battalion, for the last time. "B" Company occupied the right sector, "A" the left sector, and "C" and "D" the subsidiary line. We found the trenches much improved as regards water, but still in need of most urgent attention to prevent a complete collapse of all breastworks. Except for one or two angry bursts on Tissage Dump, the enemy was exceedingly quiet; and at 8.45 p.m. on February 14th, the first anniversary of our departure for France, we handed over to the 13th Welch and said good-bye to Houplines. Of the many men who served with the battalion, few, if any, will look back on Houplines without some feeling akin to affection. Tissage Dump, the Cemetery, Edmeads or Hobbs Farm, Cambridge, Irish or Spain Avenues—what memories these names conjure up! Some happy, some tragic, but all happily tempered now by the softening touch of years.
We spent from February 15th to March 1st in reserve at Pont de Nieppe, engaged in strengthening the defences of Armentières and the River Lys. This work the 38th Division had already commenced, and we took it up where they left off. About 260 men per day were employed in digging and wiring, and a great deal was achieved against the day when the great German offensive should commence. Unfortunately, we learnt afterwards that no men were available to hold our trenches, which in the end caused little, if any, inconvenience to the enemy, as perhaps was not unnatural. These great working parties did not end without a certain amount of friction developing with the R.E., and a memorable meeting took place at Headquarters between the Commanding Officer, the C.R.E., and the G.S.O.1. So warm grew the discussion that a considerable quantity of Benedictine had eventually to be consumed in order to restore that feeling of harmonious co-operation on which the text-books dwell so persistently.
The demonstration platoon composed of riflemen was trained during this period, and really reached a very high pitch of efficiency by the time it was called upon to exhibit its powers to the battalion.
On February 27th, about 9.30 p.m., we received a message from the 38th Division, warning us that it was understood that a German offensive was to start up north at dawn, and that a barrage was to be put down on Pont de Nieppe as a feint. This encouraging piece of information caused a considerable stir. Arrangements, of course, had to be made for the speedy evacuation of billets, should it be found necessary; and also for providing some cover for Battalion Headquarters, which would have to remain in position, bombardment or no bombardment. Fortunately, nothing happened, and the night proved as quiet as any other.
Captain Ormrod left us on the 20th for six months' home service in England, whither Lieutenant Goulding had already preceded him, and Lieutenant Royle was soon to follow. Everyone thought the war would be over before they were due to return. As a matter of fact, Royle, the last to go and the only one to return, did rejoin before the Armistice.