To you all I convey the gratitude of a very full heart, and I wish you Good-bye and God Speed.
(Sd.) Cavan,
Brigadier-General
Commanding 4th (Guards) Brigade.
And for recognition of their work in the trenches for the past three weeks, the following was sent from the G.O.C. Second Division to the Officer commanding the Irish Guards:
The Brigadier-General has received the following letter from the G.O.C. Second Division, and he would like C.O.’s to arrange that all the men hear it, so that they may realise how fully their splendid efforts are appreciated both by General Horne and himself:
“Since the 4th (Guards) Brigade went into ‘Z’ Section on June 6, it has really done splendid work. In addition to opening up and deepening the communication-trenches and the construction of several different minor works in rear, you have dug and wired a new line across a front of at least 2000 yards. The 4th (Guards) Brigade and the 11th Company R.E. have done great work on many previous occasions, but I think that this last achievement surpasses them all.”
26th June 1915.
The C.O. directs that the above is read to all platoons, and not more than one platoon at a time.
(Sd.) Desmond FitzGerald,
Captain Adjutant,
1st Battalion Irish Guards.
26th June 1915.