Move Order

Tuesday 11th June 1918

The 1st Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment is currently in position south of Hazebrouck and north of Bethune, near a place called Saint-Venant in the flat lands of French Flanders. They will move up to the front line tomorrow. On a visit today I noticed the order, which has already been drawn up, though dated with tomorrow's date. With the adjutant's permission I reproduce it here as it may be of interest to readers to see what a move order looks like.

OPERATION ORDER No.145. 1st. Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment. Map - Reference 36.A. 1/40,000 June 12th. 1918. 1. The Battalion will relieve the 1st Bn. D.C.L.I. [Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry] to-day. 2. Order of march - H.Q., "B", "C", "D" and "A" Coy's. 5 minutes between each Coy. 200 yards between each platoon. Head of Headquarters to cross pontoon bridge at D.7.c.4.5. at 2.15 p.m. 3. ROUTE - Pontoon bridge, (D.7.c.4.5.) along canal to D.8.a.7.9. - Main ST.VENANT Road to l'Epinette, from thence along inside edge of wood, and along VIA ROMA. 4. GUIDES - Guides at the rate of one per platoon will meet Companies at the house by old Dressing Station, E.13.a.8.4. 5. O.C. Coy's. will render to Orderly Room before marching off, certificates that billets vacated by them have been left clean and free from S.A.A. and that Gas appliances are correct. 6. Administrative arrangements as in Battalion Orders dated 11/6/18. 7. Relief complete will be reported by Runner. 8. Necessary precautions will be taken in case of enemy Aircraft.

Source: X550/2/5