Friday 25th October 1918
Today we have heard more of the 2nd Battaion, Bedfordshire Regiment's exploits on 23rd and 24th. The commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Percival read to me over the telephone remarks he has made in an account of the actions to his Brigadier. He noted that, as the operations began in the early hours of the morning and in a thick mist, there had been confusion but it had been overcome by good training and leadership: "Although no opposition was encountered, I consider Lieutenant R. I. Edwards' performance in moving forward his Company a distance of over a mile on a very dark night without loss of direction and again establishing contact with the enemy is worthy of considerable praise".
"I wish to mention the excellent work done by the Tanks both on the 23rd and 24th October. They frequently appeared on the scene just when they were wanted and assisted the advance of the Infantry and they also displayed a fine spirit in returning to the fight in spite of having the majority of their crew wounded by Armour Piercing Bullets".
18th (Eastern) Division has received a congratulatory wire from General Sir Ivor Maxse (late Commander of 18th Division) now Inspector General of Training and fromthe French general Morland. the latter wrote: "Hearty congratulations to yourself, staff and all ranks on their great success of last two days which reflects the greatest credit on all concerned". Sir Ivor wrote: Hearty congratulations to 18th Division on their splendid fighting successes this week".
Source: X550/3/wd
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