C.S.M. Clough,
of "D" company, was appointed as his successor and although the post of
R.S.M. is a difficult one to fill, he did some excellent work,
particularly in the line.
Toronto Camp sheltered us again for a night or two after which we moved
nearer to Poperinghe. It was evident by now that we were to leave Ypres
altogether, and no one exhibited any regrets, but there was a peculiar
feeling that the division was rather under a cloud, and apart from a
natural partisanship in the matter, everyone was indignant at the
unfortunate opportunities which had been afforded us to make our
reputation in this country. All were emphatic that had we been given a
sporting chance in a general attack, there would have been nothing
wanting in the final result. However, there was a violent spring clean
through the division. The G.O.C. left us, as well as a number of the
staff. In accordance with an army scheme to move round commanding
officers, Lt.-Col. Cronshaw was exchanged for the C.O. of the 8th
Worcesters--Lt.-Col. Carr, D.S.O.--and bade a sad farewell to the 7th on
September 20th. The men sent a good many regrets after him, for he had
done sound work, and had had a big hand in the creation of the fair name
of the Fleur de Lys. We were pleased later to see his name in the
honours list for a D.S.O. in recognition of his work with the 7th
Manchesters.
On that day the battalion marched to Winizeele and there we were joined
by the new C.O. A sort of kinship sprang up when it was discovered that
he had been wounded at the landing on Gallipoli with the Worcesters of
the famous 29th division.
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