Special Order of the Day

Tuesday 18th December 1917

We have heard from 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment in Italy that today A and C Companies have made the eleven mile march from San Giorgio in Brenta to San Giorgio delle Pertiche to join B and D Companies. The combined might of the Battalion was then defeated at football by 15th Brigade Field Ambulance

The 8th Battalion are reconnoitring the front line ready to move up to it on 20th of this month. They have received, along with the rest of 6th Division, a special order of the day from Brigade Major W H Saint-John on behalf of divisional commander Major-General Thomas Marden. It is as follows:

The Divisional Commander in reviewing the operations between 20th November and 4th December, wishes to express his appreciation of the following: -

(1) The good work of one company 9th Battalion, Suffolk Regiment in pushing forward and holding bridges at Marcoing on 20th November.

(2) The initiative shown by 2nd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment in charging and capturing an enemy battery on 20th November.

(3) The dash shown by 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry in capturing a German battery on the same date.

(4) The initiative and spirit of 14th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry in supporting the attack by cavalry and tanks on Cantaing on 21st November.

(5) The good fight put up by 2nd Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment on the night of the 30th November/1st December in their attack on the Quentin Ridge.

(6) The gallant behaviour of the Transport of the 2nd West Yorks and 2nd Durham Light Infantry on the 30th November, when they prevented the enemy reaching a part of Gouzeaucourt.

(7) The splendid fight of the 14th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry on 3rd December when without wire or any protection they repulsed three attacks on part of their front and counter-attacked three times, regaining a portion of the line which had been broken through. When finally borne down by superior numbers they retired, reorganised, and advanced again.

(8) The steady behaviour of two companies 8th Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment on 3rd December, who advanced through a barrage and reinforced and helped to hold the line across the Canal at Marcoing.

(9) The gallant conduct of 16th Machine Gun Company on 3rd December especially that of No. 2 Section under Lieutenant Battershill, M.C.

These are worthy of the best traditions of the 6th Division and of the British Army, and the Divisional Commander heartily congratulates the officers and men who were responsible for these achievements.

Source: X550/9/1