“I wish to express to you and the command associated with us on August 8 and following days, on behalf of the 4th Australian Division, our deep appreciation of the most gallant service rendered during our offensive operations by the Tank Corps. The consistent skill and gallantry with which the Tanks, individually and collectively, were handled during the battle, was the admiration of all ranks of the infantry with whom they were so intimately associated, and our success was due in a very large measure to your efforts.
“We hope sincerely, that in future offensive operations in which we may take part, we shall have the honour to be associated with the same units of the Tank Corps as during the operations on August 8 and following days.
“(Signed) E. G. Sinclair McLagan,
“Major-General,
“Commanding 4th Australian Division.”
Finally, in a congratulatory telegram after the battle, the Commander-in-Chief paid a high tribute to the skill and bravery displayed by the Tank Corps in the gaining of this signal victory.
CHAPTER XVIII
THE GERMAN ATTITUDE—“MAN-TRAPS AND GINS”—THE BATTLE OF BAPAUME
I
We had, as we have said, called a halt to the Battle of Amiens.
But the pause was to be only one of a few days.