The motto of "Go
one better" had been "put over" the Boche in an unmistakable manner.
On October 23rd the division marched back to Beauvois again, the N.Z.
division having once more taken up the pursuit of the enemy, following
him vigorously to the vicinity of Le Quesnoy. The IVth corps were going
well, and all through these operations it was a noticeable feature in
the situation maps of the third army front published from time to time
that they always occupied the most advanced positions, and seemed to
perform the function of the spear head of the attacks.
MORMAL FOREST.
As the line of advance for the 42nd division lay through the huge Mormal
Forest, our training at Beauvois was largely in wood fighting. We were
making preparations for what was to prove the last battle of the War.
Col. Manger returned from leave and resumed command of the battalion,
while Major Rae remained on battle surplus where, unfortunately, his old
illness recurred and he had to go to hospital and eventually to England.
His excellent work with the 7th, however, had been recognised for he was
awarded the D.S.O. after the Armistice. Capt. Grey Burn, M.C., was
promoted to Major and became second in command of the 5th L.F's. "B"
company being taken over by Capt. Branthwaite, a recently joined 2nd
line officer. Capt. D. Norbury, having returned from a tour of duty at
home, was made O.C. "A" company, while Capt. S. J. Wilson, M.C.,
commanded "C" company.
The battalion marched out on the evening of November 3rd to take part in
the work of exploiting success after the N.
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