We break off here for a moment to set down one or two of the gallant deeds which were done in the three days’ battle. And, first, we should quote in full the special Order of the Day, which General Braithwaite, Commanding the Division, published on November 24th, the first full day of the relief. The Divisional Commander, it stands written,
‘has the honour to announce that the Commander-in-Chief and the Army Commander have expressed their high appreciation of the achievement of the 62nd Division in the battle.
‘The Divisional Commander had the most implicit confidence that the Division would acquit itself with honour.
‘To have advanced 7,000 yards on the first day, taken all objectives, held them against counter-attacks and handed over all gains intact to the relieving Division is a feat of arms of which any Division may be justly proud.
‘The number of prisoners taken is not far short of 2,000. Thirty-seven guns have been captured, which include two 8-inch Howitzers, one complete Battery of 4·2, one complete Battery of 5·9, and the remainder, guns of various calibres, many of which were brought into action against the enemy.
‘The number of Machine-Guns, Granatenwerfer, etc., etc., which have fallen into our possession is so considerable that it has not been possible yet to make an accurate tally of them.
‘The advance of the Artillery to Graincourt, and the accuracy of the barrage, is worthy of the best traditions of the Royal Regiment. To C Battalion, the Tanks, all ranks of the Division express their admiration of the skill, bravery and the splendid self-sacrifice which made success possible.
‘The discipline, valour and steadiness of all ranks has been beyond praise.
‘It is with great and legitimate pride that I have the honour to sign my name as Commander of the 62nd (West Riding) Division.’