General Headquarters,
12th May, 1915.
For the first time for 18 days and nights it has been found possible to withdraw the 29th Division from the fire fight. During the whole of that long period of unprecedented strain the Division has held ground or gained it, against the bullets and bayonets of the constantly renewed forces of the foe. During the whole of that long period they have been illuminating the pages of military history with their blood. The losses have been terrible, but mingling with the deep sorrow for fallen comrades arises a feeling of pride in the invincible spirit which has enabled the survivors to triumph where ordinary troops must inevitably have failed. I tender to Major-General Hunter-Weston and to his Division at the same time my profoundest sympathy with their losses and my warmest congratulations on their achievement.
Ian Hamilton,
General.
General d'Amade.
Also I have penned a farewell line to d'Amade:
General Headquarters,
Medn. Exped. Force,
12th May, 1915.
Mon Général,
With deep personal sadness I learn that your country has urgent need of your great experience elsewhere.