In every one of these the 7th Manchesters were called upon to play a
part. Whether their original role in the plan of battle had been to lead
the attack or to act in support they were always in the picture before
the end of the fight. I am not going to pick out this or that as their
finest performances. The reader can choose for himself when he has
finished the book. It is enough for me to say that, whatever task was
given them, they took on cheerfully and carried through magnificently.
Not only that, but they were anxious to go beyond what was demanded of
them, as is well shown by the fighting at La Signy Farm which they
attacked and captured on their own initiative.
I can only wish them individually the same success in peace as they won
as a battalion in war. I think they will have it. For it takes
first-class men to make a first-class fighting unit. Perhaps many of
them will join again under the old colours. I hope so, and I
congratulate in advance any commander whose good luck it may be to lead
them.
A. M. HENLEY, _Brig. Gen. (retired)_
_late Commanding 127th Infantry Brigade._
_21st February; 1920._
Introduction.
Captain Wilson's book continues the story of the 7th (1st 7th)
Manchesters, which is recorded in my own book "With Manchesters in the
East," from July, 1916 until November, 1918. It is written with intimate
knowledge and much understanding, and will be enjoyed by all his
comrades. It was the good fortune of the Manchester Territorials (127th
Brigade) to belong to the first Territorial Division (the 42nd), that
ever left these islands for active service, and this active service
eventually took place on three fronts.
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