In less
than twenty-four hours small groups of men had made a hole for
themselves, covered it with an elephant shelter, and camouflaged it with
sods. It was heavy work while it lasted, but it was necessary to work
quickly because of hostile aircraft. A neighbouring battery of
60-pounders were righteously indignant at our invasion, but still the
staff said we were to go there, and there we went. On the other hand it
was by no means comforting to realise that once the Hun spotted the
60-pounders we should be partakers in the unwelcome attention that would
probably follow, so we were quits anyhow. Luckily the enemy did not see
us, or he was displaying a lofty contempt, for after five day's
residence the battalion moved up into the line at Gommecourt, having had
no mishap. During this period our lists of "Bucquoy decorations" came
through, and they were very gratifying. In addition to the M.C's.
already mentioned, Capt. Nidd and 2nd-Lt. Harland were similarly
rewarded for their work as company commanders. Sgt. McHugh, who had
acted as C.S.M. of "C" company, received a bar to his M.M., and Sgt.
Heath, who had died of wounds, was decorated in like manner.
Twenty-four other men received the Military Medal, their names being
recorded in the appendix at the end of the book.
On April 30th the new C.O., Lt.-Col. Manger, of the Durham L.I.,
arrived. A regular soldier of many years' standing, he was pleased to be
sent again to a territorial battalion, for he had learnt the value of
these troops whilst commanding the 2nd 9th King's Liverpool Regiment of
the 57th division.
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