Lieut.-Col. H. S. ATKINSON, T.D.
On April 12th, the transport men, with their animals and loaded vehicles, entrained for Southampton. They were to move by a different route from the rest of the Battalion. Major R. E. Sugden and Lieut. C. Hirst, the Battalion Transport Officer, were in charge of the party. Considering the men’s lack of experience, the embarkation went very smoothly. On board elaborate drill in case of torpedo attack was practised, but the voyage proved uneventful. They disembarked at Havre and proceeded by train to Hesdigneul, where they rejoined the Battalion on April 15th.
April 14th, the fateful day, arrived. Reveille was at 4-0 a.m., and, after breakfast, preparations were soon complete and the Battalion paraded ready to move off. The following is the complete list of officers, warrant officers, and quartermaster sergeants who were to accompany the Battalion overseas:—
Battalion H.Q.
- Lieut.-Col. H. S. Atkinson, T.D. (C.O.).
- Major E. P. Chambers (Second in Command).
- Capt. H. A. S. Stanton (Adjutant).
- Hon. Lieut. T. Fielding (Q.M.).
- Lieut. E. Lee (Machine Gun Officer).
- Lieut. S. Balme (Signalling Officer).
- Lieut. C. Hirst (Transport Officer).
- Capt. A. T. Griffiths, R.A.M.C. (Medical Officer).
- R.S.M. J. McCormack.
- R.Q.M.S. F. J. Cooke.
A Company.
- Major R. E. Sugden;
- Capt. M. P. Andrews;
- Lieut. G. W. I. Learoyd;
- Lieut. E. N. Marshall;
- Sec.-Lieut. E. Taylor;
- Sec.-Lieut. G. P. McGuire.
- C.S.M. E. Bottomley.
- C.Q.M.S. C. Southern.
B Company.
- Capt. J. Walker;
- Capt. H. N. Waller;
- Lieut. J. T. Riley;
- Lieut. B. A. Bell;
- Sec.-Lieut. J. G. Mowat;
- Sec.-Lieut. H. H. Aykroyd.
- C.S.M. A. Parkin.
- C.Q.M.S. D. McKeand.