Saturday 22nd
July 1916 From our Correspondent in the
Field
We understand that 18th (Eastern) Division, of which the 7th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment forms a part, is leaving Fourth Army and this Battle of the Somme, now in its twenty second day. Rumour has it that the move north will be to the area near Béthune and Loos, scene of so much of the fighting last year but comparatively “quiet” this year.
Colonel Price
shared the following telegram sent by Fourth Army commander General Rawlinson
to the whole of 18th Division: “The part which the 18th Division has taken in
the Battle of the Somme reflects the highest credit on every Officer, Non
Commissioned Officer and Man, and I desire to tender to one and all my
gratitude and congratulations”.
“The
gallantry and determination displayed in the assault of the enemy's first
system of defence, together with the night attack on, and final capture, of
Trônes Wood, were feats of arms which will rank amongst the best attainments of
the British Army. Nothing could have been finer than the behaviour of those men
of the West Kent Regiment who held their position throughout the night when surrounded
by the enemy at the northern end of the wood”.
“The heavy
fighting in the village of Longueval and Delville Wood in which portions of the
Division were engaged was an example of discipline, valour, and endurance which
was wholly admirable”.
“It is with
great regret that I hear the Division is to be transferred to another Army and
I trust at some future time I may be honoured by again having it under my
command”.
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