125th Brigade,1017.Fairly fresh.
126th ”1037.Much shelled, ready to fight, but cannot march.
127th ”1100.Very weary.

But in spite of weary bodies cheerfulness pervaded the Division, though most of the men could not understand why they had been ordered to withdraw on the 26th, after proving that they could do more than hold their own against Jerry. Open warfare of this sort was more to their taste than the monotonous trench warfare had been. “Simply topping fighting!” was an officer’s opinion. “Bit of change like, this ’ere, from the trenches,” observed one Wigan man to another after four days of hard fighting without sleep. After due consideration the other replied: “Aye, mate, this is a bit of aw reet; it favours a b⸺ picnic.”

The sappers had been sent up in support, and though instructions had been given that they were not to be used in the front line, they made their way into it and even sent out patrols. They and the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers, who were also being used as front-line troops, captured prisoners. The battle surplus of battalions had been formed into a composite battalion, to be used as a fighting unit if required, but this was not found necessary, as the enemy’s progress was stayed. March 29 was a comparatively quiet day. The great German Offensive had been definitely checked on this part of the Third Army’s front by the determination and fighting qualities of all ranks and all arms. On the night of the 29th-30th the Division was relieved by the 41st Division and given a couple of days in the second-line trenches, in the Hébuterne—Gommecourt sector, with the exception of the 126th Brigade and “B” Company, M.G. Battalion, which remained at Essarts at the disposal of the G.O.C., 41st Division. The Divisional Artillery now occupied positions around Essarts, and there was no chance of even two days’ rest for them.

Enemy Offensive Checked

The Division had entered upon these operations under exceptionally difficult circumstances. South of Arras the whole British front was being pushed back. Information was indefinite and conflicting. Owing to the congestion of the roads, the constant changes of positions and the consequent difficulties of keeping in touch, the troops had had to rely for a time on emergency rations solely. They had been pitted against specially selected and trained storm-troops, greatly superior in numbers and imbued with the confidence and enthusiasm which a triumphant advance is bound to inspire. On several occasions both flanks of the Division had been left in the air, but even then it had proved its ability to hold its ground stubbornly and cheerfully until ordered to retire; and its withdrawals had been carried out in good order and with exemplary steadiness. The Divisional Commander was more than pleased with his officers and men; he was now confident of their fighting spirit and skill, as they were confident in his leadership; and when the Division was relieved he issued the following Special Order of the Day—

“On being withdrawn from front line of the great battle in which the Division is engaged, the Major-General wishes to congratulate all ranks of all arms and services in the Division on the magnificent work they have done.

“The co-operation between all arms on the battlefield, and the soldierly spirit displayed by all ranks, resulted in no ground being given up by the Division without an order, and in enormous losses to the enemy, whose advance has thereby for the moment been brought to a standstill.

“The Divisional Motto to ‘Go One Better’ has been truly established. The Divisional Commander is convinced that all ranks, at all times and in all places, will live up to it.”

Lieut.-General Sir G. M. Harper, commanding the 4th Corps, telegraphed—

“The Corps Commander congratulates 42nd Division on their magnificent behaviour during the last few days of fighting. Numerous heavy attacks have been made by the enemy, and have been completely repulsed with heavy loss, and the capture of prisoners and machine-guns. He heartily thanks the troops for their courage and endurance, and is confident that they will continue to hold the line against all attacks.”