Rue du Bois, 9th May, 1915.
Congratulations from the General Officers Commmanding 1st corps and 1st division, to the 3rd Infantry Brigade
The G.O.C.,
3rd Infantry Brigade.
I am directed by the G.O.C. 1st Army and the G.O.C. 1st Corps, to express to the Officers, N.C.O.’s, and men of the 3rd Infantry Brigade their deep appreciation of the efforts of all ranks to carry by assault the enemy’s defences in front of the Rue Du Bois on the 9th May.
On my own behalf I shall be glad if you will tell Commanding Officers to inform their Battalions that nothing could have exceeded the gallantry displayed by Officers and other ranks in the assault.
I deeply regret the casualties which occurred, but they were not in vain. The men who fell afford the rest of us a fine example of how such an assault should be delivered. From a military point of view the attack was of the greatest value, because it drew away hostile reinforcements urgently required to repel the successful French attacks to the South. These reinforcements coming up towards our front formed an excellent target for our heavy guns, who fired on them with great effect.
(Sd) R. Haking, Major-General,
Comdg. 1st Division.
1st Division H.Q.
11th May, 1915.