Kemmel 26.4.18.
The Transport and Stores too did magnificent work. Frequently shelled, and on one occasion at least under machine gun fire, constantly on the move and often surrounded by disorder, they carried on their work in a way which earned the admiration of everyone. At a time when one was continually hearing of battalions who had had no rations for days, the 4th Battalion had never lived in such plenty. There is no doubt that this happy state of affairs increased the fighting efficiency of everyone enormously.
The work of the 49th Division, in which the Battalion had played no inconsiderable a part, was recognised on all sides. On the night of April 29th, the Commander-in-Chief expressed himself in the following terms:—
“I desire to express my appreciation of the very valuable and gallant services performed by troops of the 49th (West Riding) Division since the entry of the 147th Infantry Brigade into the battle of Armentiéres. The courage and determination showed by this Division has played no small part in checking the enemy’s advance, and I wish to convey to General Cameron and to all officers and men under his command my thanks for all that they have done.”
Among the many other messages, too numerous for reproduction, which were received, the following, expressed in the inimitable manner of the French, deserves special notice:—
“The G.O.C., 2nd Cavalry Corps, warmly congratulates the brave British troops who have heroically assisted in the defence of the chain of hills, and who, by their admirable resistance have broken down the enemy’s effort and barred the way to Dunkerque.
Shelterless under a bombardment of the heaviest description, surrounded by poisonous gases of various description, stubbornly disputing every foot of ground, they have held their own against repeated attacks by greatly superior numbers, and though at first overwhelmed by weight of numbers they were obliged to give ground, they have inflicted such heavy losses on the enemy that his forces have been exhausted.
Once more the Germans have seen their hopes dashed to the ground. France will remember that.
Robillot.”