CHAPTER IV.
Arras.
All this time in France our Brigade had formed part of the 51st (Highland) Division. This apparent anomaly—a Lancashire brigade in a Highland division—arose through paucity of men and the consequent necessity for compression and rearrangement of units in the early days. The unusual association worked remarkably well. The subsequent careers of the two Divisions—the 51st and 55th—on the Western Front, both of which won outstanding reputations, serves but to emphasise the sentiments of respect for a fine Division, which were ours throughout the time we had the unique honour of serving with them. Times were changing, and we were to get back to our own Lancashire formation. What was to be our last stay in Hénencourt was very short, and on the 3rd the Battalion girded itself together and set off on a series of marches, by fairly easy stages, for its new destination. The end of the first day found us at Montigny, and on the second at Coisy, where Second-Lieut. P. J. Blundell joined us. Here we stayed two days, and, continuing our movement further and further west, and further and further away from the din and squalor of the trenches, we passed through delightful country unspoiled by the ravages of war, through La Chaussee, where we stayed one night, until on the 7th we marched into Longpré-les-Corps-Saints, footsore and weary, and not ill-disposed to the long rest which followed.
Henceforward we belonged to the 164th Brigade, 55th (West Lancs.) Division. The process of collection and assimilation of the component parts of a Division—Artillery, Royal Engineers, Infantry and the Auxiliary Services—went on without a pause, under the supervision of the new Divisional Commander, Major-General Sir Hugh Jeudwine, who on closer acquaintance and in the fullness of time came to be known by the affectionate and not disrespectful appellation “Judy.” The Infantry units comprising the 164th Brigade were the 4th King’s Own, 8th Liverpool (Irish), 4th Loyals and 5th Lancashire Fusiliers. After a rest and clean up we began to take stock of our new surroundings. A sense of exhilaration and freedom from the clogging discomforts of the trenches prevailed, and we were in no mood to be critical. Had we been so fault could have been found with the billets, which should have been of the best in this rural backwater. Quite clearly they had been misused and adverse opinion of the “last lot in” was again freely expressed. They were probably new arrivals in France, and only experience would disclose the practical value of the adage “Do unto others.” In putting this disorder to rights we had to overcome the antagonism of the inhabitants to English troops caused thereby, and many were the complaints to be heard and assuaged. A more cordial atmosphere was eventually established, but the “last lot in” had bequeathed a legacy of horse-work.
The surrounding country was well adapted for what followed. Battalion training of a simple and not too strenuous nature. The land was undulating in a pleasing way and eminently suited to small tactical schemes. Here and there were patches of level ground where ceremonial drill could be practised. The month being January no crops were endangered, and the weather for the time of year was excellent. Time was even found to form a class of equitation for Officers. This was of the homely variety, and it is not without humour to review this imposing parade. All the young gentlemen, not otherwise required for duty, were mounted on a mixed lot of hairies, limber and pack animals, those with a little previous knowledge adopting an attitude of bored toleration to their less gifted colleagues. This pleasant exercise went on for some time, but tragedy all but overtook it. Lieut. Hodkinson had his long legs astride a yellow pack pony, the pony stumbled, and in falling poor Hodkinson’s foot failed to disconnect with the stirrup. The pony bolted, dragging its rider along the ground, and it had travelled a score or two yards before it was stopped by the horrified instructor. Hodkinson was unconscious, rather badly injured, and was in hospital for many days before we saw him again. Equitation was discontinued.
There arrived at this time a draft of sixty-three men, the largest to be received so far, also Second-Lieuts. Corless, Myatt, J. Welch and W. B. McCall joined the Battalion from the Third Line Unit, the latter being posted to “D” Company. On the 17th a scheme of attack was well carried out, the Signallers, under Sergeant T. H. Middleton, particularly distinguishing themselves. On the 22nd we were inspected and reviewed by the Brigadier, who was good enough to express himself satisfied. This was a good result considering the small opportunity we had had to practise this exacting ceremony. Captain Tillyard relinquished his appointment as Adjutant and left for duty at Salonica. He was a gifted linguist and his services were needed further afield. He was succeeded by Lieut. H. A. Brocklebank, who now took over the duties of Adjutant. Captain W. D. Barratt left the Battalion to be O.C. at the new Divisional School at Hallencourt, and Captain J. M. Mawson, having been appointed to the Staff at Etaples, was struck off the strength of the Battalion. On the 26th, Lance-Corporal D. Winnicott, “C” Company, proceeded to England, having been granted a Commission in the Sherwood Foresters. On the 29th there was a Divisional concentration march. The Battalion left Longpré at 8 a.m. and reached Hallencourt at 10.45, where the whole Division was reviewed by the Corps Commander, which ordeal having been negotiated successfully, we returned to billets at 2.30 p.m.
Our pleasant stay at Longpré was rapidly drawing to a conclusion. Having received its hall mark from the Corps Commander our newly-formed Division began to bestir itself, and stretch its wings as it were, prior to new flights. On the 30th January, 1916, at 12 noon, we left Longpré for the last time and marched to Berteaucourt. The Commanding Officer having gone on short leave, Major N. E. Barnes was in command of the Battalion at this time. From here we marched to Candas, where we were to have another lengthy stay under new conditions. Captain Wright here rejoined from the Machine Gun Company and took over command of “D” Company, Second-Lieut. Chapman replacing him.
Candas was a rather insignificant village in the back area, and its importance now lay in its suggestion of a portent. The first stirrings were evident of the giant which, in six months’ time, was to transform the face of Northern France, and the whole aspect of the war. We were now to be initiated into these beginnings and make acquaintance with a remarkable organization—the R.O.D., or, to be less mysterious, the Railway Operating Division. This marvellous enterprise was run under the ægis of the Royal Engineers, but probably even that distinguished Corps would disclaim full credit for all its activities and achievements. Its personnel must have been largely recruited from those to the manner born, and with the making and running of railways in the blood, as it were. The rate at which these light railways were growing, connecting existing systems, and extending eventually to the very front, was a source of wonder and amazement.
The surroundings of Candas, flat and uninteresting, lent themselves admirably to the service of yet another phenomenon making itself manifest. The Royal Flying Corps, like the Artillery, had been with us from the beginning, but in minute doses, and to see a British aeroplane was an unusual experience. Powerful forces were at work to remedy this deficiency, which before long were to give undisputed supremacy in the air to the Allies. We found an Aerodrome established at Candas and were prepared to pay homage to its novel personnel. But we reckoned without our unwilling hosts; not only the canteens, but the village estaminets were locked, bolted and barred against the alien. This was a matter which called for instant adjustment. There were infantry before Pontius Pilate, and this proud arm will survive when the odour of petrol has once more been forgotten! We are not aware whether Major Barnes’ representations took this trenchant form, but his views eventually prevailed, and a truce was proclaimed.
February, 1916
On the 1st February the Battalion took over fatigue duties from the 9th Inniskilling Fusiliers. These duties were carried out under the direction of the 112th (Railway) Company, R.E., and consisted in constructing a light railway stretching between Candas and Puckevillers. It was hard work, but interesting and not unpleasant. Each day the working parties went out to railhead, which daily extended, taking their mid-day meal with them, and returning to billets at the close of the day’s work. The billets were good, the amenities fair, and existence supportable during those halcyon days. Further serious demands on our already lamentably depleted Roll of Officers had now to be met when orders were received for Major Barnes to be attached to G.H.Q. for special duty and for Captain Barratt to proceed to England for munition work. This continued attrition could not in the nature of things conduce to the efficiency and contentment of the Battalion, which now bore visible evidence of these changes, and it is a tribute to the Battalion’s innate qualities that these involuntary departures had no lasting ill effects.