Regimental History of New Zealand Cyclist Corps in The Great War 1914-1918

Front Cover

Back Cover

Title Page

Lieut.-General SirA. J. Godley, K.C.B., K.C.M.G.Commanding XVII. Corps and N.Z. Expeditionary Forces.

Regimental HistoryOfNew Zealand Cyclist CorpsInThe Great War1914-1918 By Officers Printed By Whitcombe & Tombs Limited Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington, N.Z.Melbourne and London 1922

To the Memory

of the

Officers and Men

of the

New Zealand Cyclists who

gave their lives in

the Great War

1914-1918

Foreword.

I desire to place on record my high appreciation of the good service done since the formation of the Cyclist Battalion in July, 1916, to the signing of the Armistice.

Your Battalion has had a most varied experience and few units in the B.E.F. have rendered valuable service in so many different directions or in conjunction with so many different formations.

Its work has included traffic control, the felling of trees, cable burying, repairing of trenches, the holding as Infantry of sections of the front line, the reconnaissance of front areas and the participation in offensives as advanced Mounted Troops.

The work of burying cables 6, 7 and 8 feet deep, running up to the front line in shell swept areas, and most of it done by night, proved as valuable and successful as it was arduous and dangerous. Latterly the Battalion became so experienced and expert in this work that its personnel were employed only as supervisors.

On several occasions, when specially needed, your Battalion has done most valuable service in the front line, both as Infantry and Mounted Troops. Of these I desire to specially mention the Battle of Messines, the filling of the gap near Vierstratt at a heavy cost in casualties and the holding off of the enemy for four days in April, 1918, during the critical period of the big enemy offensive. The Capture of Marfaux in the offensive of the Fifth French Army in July, 1918, and the excellent patrol and advanced reconnaissance work in the second Battle of the Somme and finally in our final advance from Arras to Mons.

I congratulate you on being selected as the only British Unit to receive a fanion from General Berthelot.

If Cyclists are included in the post war Army of New Zealand the traditions of your good service cannot fail to permanently stimulate both their efficiency and esprit de Corps.

I ask you with confidence to continue until discharged in New Zealand to do your share in maintaining the high reputation for soldierly qualities held by the N.Z.E.F.

My gratitude for your services and my best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity will follow you to New Zealand.

(Sgd.) Alex. J. Godley, Lieut.-GeneralCommanding N.Z. Expeditionary Forces. XXII. Corps Headquarters,Mons (Belgium). 6th March, 1919.

Lieut.-Colonel C. H. Evans, D.S.O.Officer Commanding N.Z. Cyclist Battalion.

Foreword.

We endeavour to illustrate to our readers the actual part taken in the Great War, 1914-18, by a small Unit called the New Zealand Cyclist Corps. This Unit comprised a very small part of the N.Z.E.F., and was incorporated in the XXII. Corps Mounted Troops. Its work with this high formation separated us from the N Z. Division (whose glorious exploits are touched upon by other writers) and naturally very little was heard in our Homeland about our doings. Casualty lists appearing in our papers here told the public that "Somewhere in France" this small Unit was kept actively employed and was striving to uphold the traditions of the British race and do its bit in the Great War.

The Writers

Contents.

Chapter Page I Formation 13 II On the Seas—Egypt 16 III Landing in France—Organisation 21 IV The Second Anzac Cyclist Battalion—Training 23 V In the Trenches 27 VI Training—With the Cavalry 32 VII Cable Laying 36 VIII Battle of Messines 39 IX The First Anniversary of the Battalion 45 X Gravenstrafel-Passchendale 48 XI Ypres 51 XII Enemy Offensive of March, 1918 55 XIII Kemmel and Meteren and Strazeele 58 XIV Veirstratt 61 XV With the French at Mont des Cats 65 XVI Oissy 67 XVII On the Marne—Marfaux 70 XVIII The Second Battle of the Somme 81 XIX Arras—Mons 91 XX The Armistice 104 XXI Our Departure from France 109 XXII Presentation of Fanion, Epernay 112 Appendix Roll of Honour 117 Honours List 119 Nominal Roll of Original Personnel 122 Nominal Roll of Reinforcements 127

List of Illustrations

Lieut.-General Sir A. J. Godley. K.C.B, K.C.M.G. Frontispiece Lieut.-Colonel C. H. Evans. D.S.O. Facing page 6 1st Cyclist Company Badge 14 The New Cyclist Corps Badge 14 The C.O. Lieut.-Colonel Evans, D.S.O. 16 Headquarters Officers' Mess 16 Officers of N.Z. Cyclist Battalion 18 Original Members ex s.s. "Mokoia," May, 1916 18 W.O s and N.CO.s, Headquarters and No. 1 Company 20 W.O.s and N.C.O.s of Nos. 2 and 3 Companys 20 Officers of 2nd Anzac Battalion 24 Headquarters Staff 2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalion 24 The Adjutant and his Staff 28 R.Q.M.S. and Staff 28 Areo Photo of Messines 38 Concert Celebrating First Anniversary, 1917 44 First Anniversary Dinner, 1917 44 Areo Photo of the Famous Ypres Sector 50 Lieutenant J. T. Stevens 54 Major H. D. McHugh, M.C. 64 Visit to the Front by the Prime Minister, Hon. W. F. Massey. and Sir Joseph Ward 66 Areo Photo of Marfaux 70 The Road to Marfaux 74 The British Cemetery at Marfaux 74 The Corps Guides supplied by the Battalion 78 Review of 51st Division XXII Corps 78 Dispositions of the XXII Corps, 11/11/18 92 The Battalion Flag 98 Official Entry into Mons. 15/11/18 98 O.M.R. and Cyclist's Combined Team 104 Cyclist Battalion Football Team 104 Battalion Pierrot Troupe 108 The Chateaux Baudour 108 Parade for Demobilization 110 Waiting for H.M. the King 110 The Fanion presented to the Battalion 112 The Fanion Presentation Party 114 A Captured German Cycle 114 Grave of our Adjutant, Capt C. A. Dickeson 116 Our First Casualty—Grave of Corp. C. S. Des Barres 116 One of our Last Casualties—Grave of Private R. D. Walker 116

Regimental History of New Zealand Cyclist Corps in The Great War 1914-1918

Chapter I.Formation.

When, on the 3rd August, 1914, the British Empire declared war on Germany, her Dominions beyond the seas answered the call and started earnestly to help the Mother Country.

In accordance with a request from the War Office, the New Zealand Government despatched a Force to Samoa on August 14th, 1914, upon the outbreak of war. On 12th August, 1914, the offer of a Voluntary Expeditionary Force for service abroad by New Zealand to the Imperial Government was accepted, and on October 16th, 1914, this Force sailed for Egypt. During the months that followed, our glorious work in Gallipoli has been told by other writers and need not be duplicated here. On 28th January, 1916, the Imperial Government suggested that in view of the large accumulation of reinforcements in Egypt, a complete New Zealand Division be formed. At the suggestion of the Army Council, details were arranged direct with General Sir William Birdwood, and the Division was formed in February, 1916, under the Command of Major-General Sir A. J. Godley, K.C.M.G., who had raised and trained the N.Z. Expeditionary Force in New Zealand, to whose leadership the whole of the subsequent brilliant success of the N.Z.E.F. is responsible.

A Cyclist Company being included in the composition of a Division, the New Zealand Government in March, 1916, offered to provide the personnel for such a Company and the offer was accepted by the Imperial Government. The officers and men of this Company were found from the Mounted Rifles reinforcements training at that time in Featherston Camp, in New Zealand, who, having more men than were necessary for immediate requirements, voluntarily transferred to this new Cyclist Company. Major C. Hellier Evans, who was in command of A Squadron, 13th Mounted Rifles, was offered and accepted the command of the Company, and the following were selected as officers:—

2nd Lieut. G. Clark Walker 12th A.M.R. 2nd Lieut. J. T. Steven 12th C.M.R. 2nd Lieut. R. W. Kebbell 13th W.M.R. 2nd Lieut. C. G. G. Johnson Reserve Squadron 2nd Lieut. G. L. Comer 11th C.M.R.

The establishment of a Divisional Cyclist Company was 8 officers, 196 other ranks, divided as follows:—

Company Headquarters, 2 officers 1 Major i/c. 1 Captain 2nd i/c.and 13 other ranks 6 Platoons each 1 officer and 30 other ranks.

Transport consisting of 6 vehicles and 201 bicycles.

It was decided that the Company should be drawn from the Reserve Squadrons and 12th, 13th and 14th Mounted Rifle Reinforcements. Volunteers were called for on the 5th April and a selection was made; several cycles were obtained and a riding test instituted. The Company was to leave New Zealand with the 12th Reinforcement on the 29th April, and as there was the Musketry test to be carried out and final leave to be granted, time was short. However, by dint of hard work and organisation these were carried through and

1st Cyclist Company BadgeIssued in New Zealand.

The New Cyclist Corps BadgeIssued in France with Shoulder Badges and Colour Patch.. as the sailing of this portion of the reinforcement was postponed for a week, it gave an opportunity to sort out the unfit and obtain organisation.

The Company, being entirely a new Unit—for Cyclists were unknown in the New Zealand Territorials—had no Mother Unit and consequently no badge. As a badge was necessary a design was submitted to the Commandant of the Camp and approved. The badge was a winged cycle front wheel and handlebars, and had on a scroll beneath the words "1st N.Z. Cyclist Company." A number were manufactured by a Wellington firm and sold to the members of the Company; free issues of badges were not made then. Shoulder titles were unobtainable, and the Unit went forward with their N.Z.M.R. titles.

The following is a list of Officers and Senior N.C.O.'s appointed:—

Company Headquarters: Company Commander, Major C. H. Evans Company Sergt.-Major, A. P. C. Hay Quartermaster-Sergt., F. E. Bisney Orderly Room Sergt., A. Morrison Artificers, Lance Corporal J. S. Hill, Private, S. C. Forrester No. 1 Platoon, 2nd Lieut. C. G. Johnson Sergt. A. C. Martis No. 2 Platoon, 2nd Lieut. G. Clark Walker Sergt. S. C. Fox No. 3 Platoon, 2nd Lieut. R. W. Kebbell Sergt., L. H. Browne No. 4 Platoon, 2nd Lieut. G. L. Comer Sergt., S. S. lvemey No. 5 Platoon, no officer Sergt., F. L. Bowron No. 6 Platoon, 2nd Lieut. J. T. Steven Sergt., F. C. Matthews

The first reinforcement of 10 per cent. of other ranks was mobolised and left with the Company.

On May 2nd the Company was complete, fully equipped and paid up-to-date, and according to custom were put on active service.

The day of embarkation (6th May) approached rapidly, and on the early morning of that day the Company entrained for Wellington, where on arrival the Unit marched to King's Wharf, embarked on the "S.S. Mokoia" and were told off to sleeping quarters, mess rooms, etc.

In the afternoon the usual march through the streets of Wellington took place and the troops were given a right royal send off by the crowds of people. At 5 p.m. all were aboard and the ship cast off, amid frantic waving and cheers. Eyes became dim on realisation that they were leaving something behind—mother, sister, wife and little ones. Many a brave lad that day waved a "last farewell" to his people and Homeland.

After a quiet night in Wellington harbour the ship got under way at daylight, and so commenced our long trip to the War, at which our usefulness is recorded in other chapters.

The C.O.. Lieut.-Colonel Evans, D.S.O.

Headquarters Officers' Mess.

Chapter II.On the Seas—Egypt.

After leaving New Zealand the weather was fine for the first few days and allowed all hands to settle down comfortably in their new surroundings. Many of the men on board had never been on the ocean before, which accounted for that squirmy feeling in the region of the waistcoat. The trip across the Tasman Sea was uneventful except that a stoker who was evidently tired of life went overboard, but his desire was frustrated in a very smart and able manner by the ship's boat under Chief Officer Cordy.

The convoy (Mokoia and Navua) passed through Bass Straits on the sixth day out, and after a very rough passage across the Australian Bight, arrived at our first port of call, Albany, on the 18th May, 1916.

The sight of land and the knowledge that once more our feet would be on terra firma cheered all those who had been suffering from the motion of the sea, and the prospect of a square meal hitherto denied them by Father Neptune also made the heart glad.

There were numerous things to be done; stores to replenish, water to be taken aboard, etc., and while this was being done leave was granted and nearly everyone went to the town. The townspeople treated our men most hospitably and in true Australian style made all welcome. Our departure took place on the forenoon of the 20th May, and our course shaped westward to Cape Leeuwin. After passing this Cape we ran into a heavy S.W. swell and the indifferent sailors again paid tribute to Neptune. Nearing the line the weather was finer and the temperature gradually increased. We crossed on the 31st May, and the usual ceremony of a visit from Father Neptune and his myrmidons was celebrated, the ship's crew providing the "staff." All the novices were shaved and christened, the C.O. being the first. The whole ceremony was well carried out under the watchful eye of the Master, Captain J. L. Brown, who prevented any horseplay or roughness. The weather being fine and the sea smooth, sports were frequently held, and the orchestra, under the leadership of Lieut. Carter (J. Coy., 12th Reinforcements) rendered music for our numerous concerts.

The Island of Ceylon hove in sight and we anchored in Columbo Harbour towards evening on the 4th June. Coaling was at once commenced, and it was a quaint sight to see the coolies in swarms, with next to no clothing, hard at work. Great care had to be taken of one's personal property in these ports, as these natives have a habit of claiming ownership to any detachable article they see lying about. Next day nearly all the troops were taken ashore in barges for a route march through the town, and at the Barracks were treated to "beer," such substance unknown on N.Z. Transports. Fruit was purchased cheaply, also canteen stores. We left Columbo at 6 p.m. on the 6th June, and on clearing the harbour ran into a S.W. monsoon, and for ten days steamed through storm after storm.

Land sighted again; the east coast of Africa showed our progress, and finer weather prevailed for the rest of the voyage. Our course now took us direct for Perim Island, at the entrance to the Red Sea. The heat was now terrific, and most men discarded their clothes to the utmost limits of decency (two nurses on ship). Six days were spent travelling north in the Red Sea and our Padre gave some very interesting talks on the histories of various places passed en route. We arrived at Suez on the 21st June, 1916, and entered the basin the following morning, so ending our voyage. We were forty-six days travelling from Wellington, and it was said to be the record long "voyage"

Next morning, June 22nd, our ship steamed into the basin. The M.L.O. (Major Watson, A.I.R.) came

Officers N.Z. Cyclist Battalion.

Original Members Exs.s. "Mokoia," May 1916 aboard and arranged for landing the troops, stores, etc. By noon all were ashore and allotted to trains, and a little later steamed out en route for camp at Tel El Kebir.

Our impressions of Suez, representing our first introduction to Egypt, were not pleasant. The excessive heat, the dust, the dirt of evertyhing, the filthy niggers, etc., made one disinclined to linger in the uninviting spot Of the train journey little need be said. It was mostly over desert, with occasional verdant patches where irrigation was possible. After a very hot and dusty journey we arrived at the detraining station near Tel el Kebir Camp, and were met by the Camp Staff, who conducted the Unit to Camp, where everything was in readiness.

We stayed there a fortnight, drilling in the early mornings and late at night, it being too hot to do anything by day.

Our unit was soon under orders for France. The Company was fully equipped and ready to move at short notice. 2nd Lieut. C. G. Johnston was appointed Acting Q.M. and he supervised the drawing and issue of the numerous articles of equipment required by the soldier. Leave to visit Cairo was granted, and every member of the Company visited that quaint, wonderful and very dirty city. On 10th July orders were issued to entrain that night for Alexandria; the Company paraded and was inspected by the G.O.C Camp Area, and at 9 p.m. marched to the station and entrained, arriving at Alexandria at 5 a.m. Our transport (S.S. Tunisian) a well known Allen Liner on the Liverpool-Quebec trade (13,000 tons) was to take us across the Mediterrean Sea together with 800 11th Division details, some Australians, making altogether a total of 1,900. Our horses had been issued in Egypt and were sent to France a week earlier.

We sailed at 6 p.m. on our trip to Marseilles. Outside the harbour a small destroyer, H.M.S. "Wallflower," was waiting as our escort, and day and night throughout our trip she kept watch for submarines. The voyage was smooth and uneventful, and on Sunday evening, the 17th of July, we arrived in harbour of Marseilles. Arrangements for disembarkation and entraining were made, and next morning at 10 a.m. everything being aboard our train, we steamed northward to Somewhere in France.

W.O.S And N.C.O.S, Hdqrs. and No. 1 Coy.

W.O.S And N.C.O.S of Nos. 2 and 3 Coys.

Chapter III.Landing in France—Organisation.

Throughout the day we travelled, stopping at Orange for lunch. Half-an-hour spell, and on again, halting near Lyons for tea, and next morning at Marcon for breakfast. These halts were at places where all troop trains stopped, and there the L of C (Lines of Communication) had boiling water ready for the making of tea. The population on the Line of Route greeted us with enthusiasm. Shouts of "Vive Australia" were caught up along the line. Our headgear did not appear any different to these people from our cousins over the sea; but still some more intelligent person who had evidently met the "digger" before shouted "Vive Nouvelle-Zelande" and though our knowledge of the French language was limited, we managed "Vive la France." The small boys amused us greatly by running alongside the train shouting "Bully beef, Biscuit," the only two words they knew of the English language, but it was sufficient to fill their contract.

Our journey took us through Lyons, arriving south of Paris at midnight. The second night we skirted Paris via Versailles and were at Epluches, East of Pont Oise, for the morning meal next day; thence to Amiens where we heard the sound of the guns for the first time on the French front, and saw numerous French soldiers, etc.; continuing through Abbeville, halting at Etaples to drop part of our train; thence via Boulogne, Calais and St. Omer to Hazebrouck, where we detrained at 8.0 p.m. on the 19th July; Enquiries elicited the information that we were to go to a village called Sercus, but nobody seemed to know exactly where it was or how far. However, we set out, and by dint of the exercise of limited French, managed to reach our destination by midnight. Progress was very slow as the men were tired and packs were heavy. We were billetted in a large farm with the 2nd Australian Division Cyclist Coy., who made us welcome and did all they could to assist us in shaking down.

Next day the CO. (Major Evans) reported to 2nd Anzac Corps Mounted Regt. (Lieut.-Col. Long) and found that the Regiment consisted of two Squadrons, 4th Australian L.H. and a Squadron of Otago Mounted Rifles under Lieut.-Col. Grigor, D.S.O.

Major Evans, then visited Lieut.-General Sir A. J. Godley, G.O.C., 2nd Anzac Corps, at La Motte, and learned from him that it was intended to form a Corps Cyclist Battalion, which was to onsist of New Zealand and Australian Cyclists; the present New Zealand Company was to be split into two Companies, and that two New Zealand Officers had been selected and trained in Cyclist work and would take command of the Companies. Major Evans was to command the Battalion. The Australian Company was to be reduced to one Company, i.e., half of the old establishment, and the formation of the 2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalion was proceeded with. The Headquarters were to be appointed by Major Evans. The two New Zealand Companies were designated No. 1 Company and No. 2 Company.

The formation of the 2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalion broke up the original Company, and its story ends here. The subsequent history is that of a Battalion.

It must be remembered that one-third of this new Battalion was composed of Australians, and the history of the Battalion, so long as they remained with us, is the history of Australians as well as New Zealanders.

Chapter IV.The Second Anzac Cyclist Battalion—Training.

On the 22nd July, 1916, in accordance with orders received from the Corps, the above Battalion came into life, the 2nd Australian Division Cyclist Company and the New Zealand Division Cyclists Company supplying the personnel. It consisted of Battalion Headquarters and three Companies, each 98 all ranks, a total of nominally 15 officers, 302 other ranks.

The following is a nominal roll of Officers and Senior N.C.O. on formation:—

Battalion Commander, Major C. H. D. Evans (N.Z.) Adjutant, 2nd Lt. H. K. Love, (A.I.F.) Quartermaster, 2nd Lt. C. G. G. Johnson (N.Z.) R.S.M., R.S.M. A. C. P. Hay, (N.Z.) R.Q.M.S., Q.M.S. C. Forrest (A.I.F.) Staff Sergt., S. Sergt. A. Morrison (N.Z.) Signalling Sergt., Sergt. W. J. P. Ward (A.I.F.)

No. 1 Company:

Comp. Comdr. (Tem.), 2nd Lt. J. T. Steven Platoon Commander, 2nd Lt, C. Clark Walker C.S.M., C.S.M. A. C. Martis C.Q.M.S., C.Q.M.S. F. E. Bisney Sergeants, Sergt. E. C. Fox, Sergt. L. H Browne

No. 2 Company:

Comp. Commander (Tem.), 2nd Lt. C. L. Comer Platoon Commander, 2nd Lt. R. W. Kebbell C.S.M., C.S.M. F. L. Bowron C.Q.M.S., C.Q.M.S. T. H. Dickinson Sergeants, Sergt. S. S. Ivemey, Sergt. H. F. Nunn, Sergt. F. C. Matthews

No. 3 Company:

Comp. Commander, Lieut. A. E. Lord Platoon Commander, 2nd Lieut. P. C. Reid Platoon Commander, 2nd Lieut. H. J. McLennan Platoon Commander, 2nd Lieut. J. B. Jamieson Platoon Commander, 2nd Lieut. H. A. Hallenstein C.S.M., C.S.M. Carr C.Q.M.S., C.Q.M. Sergt. Gilmore Sergeants, Sergeant I Matthews, Sergeant Anderson, Sergt. McLeod.

A good deal of our time and men were employed supplying working parties at various places for the Corps, such as loading and unloading ammunition at Strazelle, traffic control on roads near by, etc.

The Company had come to Egypt without cycles, and early in August, 1916, these arrived at a railhead some distance away. Motor buses were sent by the Corps and the men went to Bac St. Maur, near Armentieres, to draw cycles, riding them back to La Belle Hotesse (the name of the village we were billetted in).

The two officers selected by Lieut.-Gen. Sir A. J. Godley, K.C.M.G., for training in Cyclist duties and drill in France, and to join the Company on its arrival, joined the Battalion at this time and were posted to command N.Z. Companies as under:—

Captain H. D. McHugh, 3rd Battalion N.Z. (R) B, to No. 1 N.Z. Company; Lieut. A. H. Richards, N.Z. Pioneer Battalion to No. 2 N.Z. Company.

The organisation being completed, training was commenced in earnest. Close order drill, Platoon training and Cyclist training being the main syllabus. Field days were held frequently, in which all branches of the Corps Mounted Troops took part. Schemes were worked on where the Cavalry, Cyclists and Motor Machine Guns

Officers 2nd. Anzac Battalion.Back Row.—Lt. Clark-Warker; Lt. Reid, A.I.F; Lt. Griffiths, A.I.F; Lt. Dickeson.Middle Row.—Lt. Steven; Lt. Johnson; Lt. Garden; Lt. Hay; Lt. Comer.Front Row.—Lt. McLennan, A.I.F.. Adjutant; Capt. McHugh, O.C.No 1 Coy; Major Evans. C. Officer; Capt Richards,O.C. No. 2 Coy.; Lt. Lord, A.I.F., O.C. No. 3 Coy.

Headquarters Staff, 2nd. Anzac Cyclist Battalion. played their part in the show, and each branch worked well in conjunction with the other.

A distinguishing colour patch was submitted to G.O.C. and approved of; a white diamond 2 inches square with a red centre 1 inch, to be worn on both sleeves.

On 13th August the Battalion made its first move and route marched to a village called Doulieu (a distance of 16 miles) where billets were secured. This move in the direction of the line was looked upon as a preliminary to some fighting and the troops became expectant. After a week in our new location orders were received to supply parties on detachment. 2nd Lieut. Comer and 30 other ranks (one Platoon) were sent to Renescure to be attached to the N.Z. Division Headquarters as runners and orderlies. This Platoon went with the Division to the Somme and was with it throughout the many hard and glorious battles fought by the Division. Another party of 65 O.R's under 2nd Lieut. J. T. Steven reported to Erquinghem for traffic control duties. A third party under 2nd Lieut. H. J. McLennan (A.I.F.) and 65 O.R.'s to Sailly Sur Lys for traffic control duty.

On 2nd September orders were received from 2nd Anzac Corps that the Battalion was to move to the vicinity of Bac St. Maur, picking up some 100 odd details of the 1st and 2nd Australian Cyclists and the whole to be attached to the 5th Australian Division then holding the line south of Fleurbaix and Sailly Sur Lys. On arrival billets were found in partly ruined houses and farms abandoned by the inhabitants. The Battalion was ordered to report to 8th Australian Brigade for tactical purposes and Brig.-Gen. Tivey employed us as working parties in the front line, repairing trenches, building revetments. Our Adjutant, 2nd Lieut. H. K. Love, was transferred to the 60th Battalion A.I.F., and left us about this time, much to our regret as he was a hard worker. It is interesting to note that from the 60th Battalion, Lieut. Love was transferred to the Australian Flying Corps, received his "flying ticket," and eventually was shot down, being taken prisoner by the enemy, in whose custody he remained until the end of the War.

Chapter V.In The Trenches.

After two weeks of the work recorded in previous chapter the Battalion was attached to the 14th Australian Brigade for duty as front-line troops, and marched from their present billets to Fleurbaix where we were attached to the 55th A.I.F. Battalion, commanded by Major Cowev.

Nos. 2 and 3 Companies were sent into the front line and No. 1 Company took over a post at Croix Marechal. The front line companies were distributed among the Australian companies and did not take over a separate Sector. The Sector was known as the Boutillerie Sector and was just opposite Fromelles, where the 5th A.I.F. Division made their attack on the 17th July. The avenues of approach were Watling Street, Boutillerie Avenue; Tin Barn Avenue. Battalion Headquarters were at Foray House, 500 yards from the front line.

I might mention here, to be more explicit to my readers, that the trenches at the front were generally made into three lines, namely (1) the Front Line; (2) the first Support Line, anything from 50 yards to 300 yds. behind the Front Line; (3) the Subsidiary Line or 2nd Support Line, about 1,000 yards behind the Front Line. This sub-line, as it was called, was the rest line where troops generally interchanged after about four days in the Front Line. The communicating trenches running up to the front from the sub-line in the rear were called avenues or streets and were named after famous streets, etc., in Great Britain, Canada, etc., all according to the troops who made the trenches in the early part of the War.

This was the Battalion's first experience at holding the line, and one or two "straffs" on our part and the enemy reply, taught the men to keep their heads down, and early experience mentions that under the Fire step was a safe place. However, there was no great activity to recall any excitement in this Sector.

After holding there for ten days we were relieved at night and marched to rest billets near Sailly for four days and were transferred from the 14th to the 15th Brigade. Our rest was spent in supplying working parties to the front and support lines.

On the 24th September we again went in to garrison the front line, this time in the Levante Sector, near the site of a village called Petilion. Here we had a "Company Sector" in both front and support line and were attached to the 60th Batt., A.I.F., under Lieut.Col. Duigan. Battalion Headquarters were at Rifle House, about 800 yards in the rear of front line. The communication trench to the front line in this Sector was called V. C. Sap, after that gallant Irishman, Sergt. O'Grady, who won his V.C. at that particular spot. This was a much livelier Sector, frequently shelled, and minenwerfers were often sent over; we, in return, practised on the enemy with trench mortars, grenades, etc. It was here that we lost the first killed of our Battalion by enemy action, Corp. F. S. Des Barres (Opotiki) on the 30th September.

Leave to the United Kingdom was now opened, and the Battalion received a small allotment of three per week. The Adjutant, Lieut. McLennan, A.I.F., was the first to go, and his place was taken temporarily by 2nd Lieut. G. Clark Walker (No. 1 Company).

Transport lines were at Bac St. Maur, where our cycles were also stored, they being useless in trench warfare.

It was the Battalion's privilege to furnish a guard for the Corps Commander (Lieut.-Gen. Sir A. J. Godley). This guard had so far been drawn from No. 3 Aust. Company.

On the 27th September, 1916, a change was ordered and 1 officer (2nd Lieut. J. T. Steven) and 42 other ranks

The Adjutant and his Staff.

R.Q.M.S. and Staff. from No. 1 Company were sent for a tour of duty to Bailleul, then the site of the Corps Headquarters.

2nd Lieut. R. W. Kebbell was admitted to hospital on the 8th October, 1916, and did not again rejoin, being sent to N.Z. sick.

On the 13th October, 1916, the 5th Australian Division was relieved by the N.Z. Division, which had just returned from its glorious battles in the Somme, and we being attached to the 5th Division, participated in the relief and marched out, going into billets in Rue de Fiefs. The 5th A.I.F. Division moved away south and we were attached to the 1st N.Z. Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. Johnson) for tactical purposes. The Adjutant (Lieut. McLennan) having returned from leave resumed his duties.

On 15th October, 2nd Lieut. G. Clark Walker went to 2nd Army Central School of Instruction at Wisques for a month's course in general duties.

Congratulatory and appreciative letters relative to our work in the line were received from the Corps Commander through G.O.C. 5th Division and from the C.O. 60th A.I.F. Battalion.

14/10/16. Major H. E. Evans,

C.O. 2nd Anzac, C.C Bn.

Dear Major,

I wish to place on record my appreciation of your Units excellent work during the period of our joint occupation of the Petilion trenches. Your own activity and enthusiasm were reflected in every member of your Unit, and your Battalion left an excellent record of work and discipline to their credit. I wish you and your Officers and men the best of good luck at all times. We shall be thinking of you on our Somme tour.

Sincerely yours, (Sd.) J. Duigan, Lieut.-Col.

CO. 60th Bn.,A.I.F.

R. S. M. Hay was promoted to 2nd Lieut., 2nd October, 1916.

After the Battalion had been in rest billets for two days, orders were received to move into new billets at Bac St. Maur, where we were directly under the N.Z. Division, and the men were employed as working parties in the R.E. yard.

Captain H. D. McHugh and 9 other ranks were sent to the N.Z. Reinforcement Camp near Sailly, Captain McHugh to be Officer Commanding Reinforcement details. 2nd Lieut. C. A. Dickeson, N.Z. (R) B. joined the Battalion on transfer, 23rd October, 1916.

On the 29th October, 1916, the Unit was transferred to Frank's Force, a composite Division composed of a Brigade each, N.Z. (2nd Brigade) and 103rd Brigade (Imperial Infantry), and engaged in holding the line from Houplines to Bois Grenier. The Battalion marched (without cycles) via Erquinghem to Armentieres on the afternoon of the 30th October, where it occupied billets in Rue Sadi Carnot. Next day it moved up to the line and joined the 25th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (Lieut.-Col. Stewart) being attached to that Battalion for tactical purposes. Rear Headquarters and Transport were located in Boulevard Faudherbe in Armentieres.

We rook over a Company Sector in the line having two of our Companies in the front line and the third in the Subsidiary line. Advanced Headquarters at Square Farm (Chapelle Armentieres). We remained in this Sector for four weeks, changing from front to S. S. line every four days.

The Battalion organised a raid on enemy positions to take place on the night of the 18th November. The party consisted of 2nd Lieut. J. G. Jamieson (Aus. Coy.) and 15 other ranks drawn from all companies. The party was withdrawn from the line and underwent considerable training. The raid was not successful, owing to a heavy enemy barrage preventing the raiding party from reaching its objective. A small reinforcement draft of 2nd Lieut. Garden, R.L., and 30 other ranks arrived on the 16th November.

Frank's Force was relieved by the 3rd Australian Division on the 27th November, 1916. Our tour of duty being completed, we were relieved and marched out on the 27th November. Cycles were re-issued at Bac St Maur and the Unit cycled to Doulieu where billets were arranged.

Our casualties while attached to Frank's Force were as follows:—

Killed Private A. F. George Private T. P. Milneand 12 wounded.

Brig.-Gen. Trevor, G.O.C. 103rd Infantry Brigade (34th 1 Division) sent a congratulatory letter to our C.O. and thanked the Unit for its assistance and commended it for its soldierly qualities.

Chapter VI.Training—With The Cavalry.

Our new billets were situated about one mile from Doulieu and as we were to stay there for the winter months, the Corps let us have some huts and other material to make ourselves comfortable. Training in various subjects was carried on every day. Sports were indulged in, and leave being opened to England a number of men got away for the usual ten days. The weather gradually got colder and the hard frosts started. The cold was severe on us, coming as we did from sunny climes. The Platoon from No. 2 Company under Lieut. Comer, who had been with the N.Z. Division to the Somme and had been through all the adventures of the Division, returned to the Battalion on 6th December. The G.S.O. I. (Major Temperley) of the Division sent a letter to the C.O. conveying the G.O.C. Division's appreciation of the excellent work done by this Platoon.

Christmas was celebrated by an extra special dinner being put on, officers messing with the men on this occasion. A splendid menu was arranged by the Company cooks, whose health was loudly toasted at the conclusion of the meal. Our dear folk in New Zealand were not forgotten, as the toast of "New Zealand, Home and Beauty" was the brightest and best of the day, and why not, for most of the cheer that adorned our tables came from far-away New Zealand.

Instructional Schools, under the auspices of Army and Corps, embracing General Courses, Bombing, Bayonet Fighting, Sniping, Gas, Musketry, Signalling, etc., were in full swing during the winter months, and this Battalion sent several Officers and N.C.O.'s for instruction, with the result that considerable benefit was derived. Early in January, 1917, it was decided to equip Cyclist Battalions with Lewis Guns on the scale of two guns per Company (six in Battalion) and Officers and men were instructed to proceed to the G.H.Q. Lewis Gun School at Le Touquet, near Etaples, for in struction.

Training was continued during January when the weather permitted, and in addition the Officers and N.C.O.'s carried out a reconnaissance of the whole Corps front, in order to become familiar with roads and tracks positions of Brigade and Brigade Headquarters, front line, etc., in view of offensive operations to take place later on.

On 15th February the Corps Mounted Regt. left for attachment to 2nd Cavalry Division near Boulogne for training. Major C. H. Evans proceeded on leave to United Kingdom for a period of ten days, Captain H. McHugh commanding the Battalion (temporarily) in his absence.

On the 1st January, 1917, orders were received for the Battalion to proceed by route march to Hennev-Eux, near Boulogne, there to rejoin the Corps Mounted Regiment and be attached to 2nd Cavalry Division for combined training in open warfare. Accordingly the necessary orders were issued by Battalion Headquarters, and at 9 a.m., 2nd February, the Battalion set out in full marching order with transport. The distance, some 50 miles or so, had to be done in two days. The route selected was from Daulieu via Rue-Provost, Neuf Berquin, Merville, Lesart, Haverskerque, Thiennes-Aire, Therou-Anne-Dohem, Remilly, Wavrans to Lumbres, where the Battalion billeted for the night. The day was intensely cold and the roads frozen, and in some places covered with snow so deep as to render riding impossible, and the task of pushing a loaded cycle up hill through snow was a hard one, especially after leaving Therouanne, as the country was very hilly.

Arriving at Lumbres we found billets all arranged and allotted by Lieut. G. Clark Walker (the Battalion Billetting Officer) who was in charge of the advance party. It was a very cold night and no heating conveniences existed in the staging billets, but the majority of the men were provided with beds by the inhabitants of that town who did everything possible to make the men comfortable. Lumbres will be remembered by many tor the hospitality extended on that cold night. The distance covered that day was roughly thirty miles. Next morning at 9 a.m. the Battalion moved en route again towards their final destination. This time we kept to the main road "Route National" Stomer Boulogne Road. These National roads of France are well built and substantial, but as they are mostly very straight, the builders were not particular as to gradients. Some of our climbs were long and steep and our energy and endurance was severely taxed in negotiating some of the rises, particularly on a frozen road which was as slippery as glass. Spills were frequent and our temper sullen.

We arrived at Henneveux about 1 p.m. after a ride of about thirteen miles. Our advance party had secured us good billets in farms which were made very comfortable. Battalion Headquarters was in a fine Chateau owned by the Countess de Belleville. In the next village, Bournenville, the Otago Mounted Rifles were located, with the other squadrons at Crem-Arest and Bellebrun; the Motor M.G. Battery at Alinethun; Regimental Headquarters in a Chateau about a mile from our location. The whole of Corps Mounted Troops were attached to the 9th Cavalry Brigade under Brig. Gen. Leggard, D.S.O., for training.

For the first week little outdoor work was done as the weather was very wintry and snow fell frequently. Training consisted in Lectures on Compass Map Reading, etc. As soon as the weather was suitable, manoeuvres were carried out daily, such as Advance and Flank Guards, Outposts, etc., and much valuable instruction gained. We covered long distances on cycles, and the training was thoroughly enjoyed by all ranks. We were only ten miles from Boulogne and leave was given to half the Unit every Sunday for the day and this made a good break in the work.

Desvres, a large manufacturing town celebrated for its pottery, was about six miles distant as well as other small places of interest.

Our period of training ended on the 13th March, when orders were received to return to our Corps Area. On 15th March the Battalion marched out. Our route was via Lumbres Arques to Racquinghem where we billetted for the night. The weather was much warmer and the roads free from frost, consequently progress was easier. Next morning we departed at 9 a.m. and returned to Doulieu via Aire Haverskerque and Merville. On arrival we reoccupied the same billets that we vacated some six weeks beforehand. Our transport (2nd Lieut. Hay in charge) did not travel with us either going to Henneveux or returning. It took three days each way.

Chapter VII.Cable Laying.

On return to our permanent area, training was carried on and the lessons learnt with the Cavalry were adopted in our manoeuvres.

To provide protection of ammunition dumps against enemy bombing aircraft, a detachment of the Battalion Lewis guns—6 with gun teams complete—were sent to Steenbecque where there were several large army dumps of big gun ammunition. Lieuts. G. L. Corner and G. Clark Walker and 48 other ranks were employed on this work under direction of an Anti-Aircraft Battery.

During March the officers of the Battalion reconnoitred the whole of the Corps front with a view of becoming acquainted with it in the event of operations. Twelve selected men were to the Corps Headquarters for training as Corps Guides. These men learned every road, trench and sap in the area and were most useful to new troops arriving.

A small detachment under 2nd Lieut. A. C. P. Hay was sent to the vicinity of Outersteene to fell some 100 huge trees for sawmilling purposes. The expert axemen, including Private J. E. Shewry (the N.Z. Champion, 1916), soon made short work of the job and the work was well done too.

On the 1st April the Unit was ordered to proceed to Regina Camp near Ploegsteert and to be attached to the N.Z. Working Battalion under Major Pow, N.Z. (R) B. for work on Cable Burying under A. D. Signals 2nd Anzac Corps. The work we were engaged on was called "The Corps Buried System of Communications" and consisted of burying cable containing telephone wires in a trench 6, 7 and 8 feet deep (according to the proximity of the front line) in order the better to preserve the lines from damage by enemy shell fire. All this work was carried out behind the front line in the area which received the full benefit of the enemy's wrath. The ground through which we dug was in many cases a sea of shell holes. Naturally the ground was very loose, and I have in many cases seen where a digger would be just completing his task (7 x 6 x 2½feet) and have the whole trench fall in. The supervising officer was responsible for burying 7 feet and the trench would have to be redug. This was very disheartening to the men, especially when digging at night—a case then of feeling your way ("no lights allowed.")

The N.Z. Working Battalion had been in existence for about three weeks and had buried some 10,000 yards or so. The whole system of connecting the front, reserve and support lines, batteries, various Headquarters, entailed the digging of some 23 miles of running trench.

On the 3rd April Major Pow rejoined his Battalion and the command of the Working Battalion was given to Major C. H. Evans, who continued the programme until the job was completed on 19th May. As the lines in the back areas were completed by day, the work in the forward areas had to be done by night as the ground was under direct enemy observation from Messines. The personnel of the Working Battalion frequently changed, Brigades withdrew Companies and substituted others. During the period there were attached Australian Light Horse and O.M.R. from the 2nd Anzac Mounted Regiment and a Company from the 3rd Australian Division, besides our Battalion and the three N.Z. Division Companies. The whole work comprised over 23 miles of trench, and the wires buried averaged 50 pairs (one line had 84 pairs) sufficient to make one line with return wire of 1,100 miles.

The value of the system was manifested in later operations when it enabled communications to be kept intact despite the heaviest shelling.

On the 19th May the system was completed and the Working Battalion disbanded, the various Units returning to their Brigades etc. The Corps Commander sent a very appreciative letter to the troops and thanked them for their good work. All ranks worked hard, despite unfavourable conditions, oftentimes in water and mud to the waist, heavy shelling, etc. Our Battalion finished its work with the Working Battalion on the 15th May and moved into new billets near Steen-Werk, where training was continued.

It may be interesting to mention in regard to the cable burying operations the Battalion was engaged in during the years 1917-1918 that the total length of trench, excavated to a depth of 7 feet and over, by and under the supervision of the Battalion was over 56 miles, and as the average number of wires laid was over 50 pairs, the total length of wire works out at about 5,600 miles.

Areo Photo of MessinesDotted line in black denotes course of track made by the N.Z. Cyclists on the morning of the Battle, 7/16/17.

Chapter VIII.Battle of Messines.

Preparations for an advance on our particular Army front were obvious, although little was communicated to us by the Higher Command. Guns and ammunition of all calibre began to arrive. Troops and many other signs, including the vastly increased traffic on the roads, could only mean one thing, and all ranks were keenly interested as to their part in the job. To control the traffic the greater portion of two Companies was sent out on point duty to control and direct the endless streams of waggons, lorries, cars, troops, etc. Captain A. H. Richards was in charge of one area for traffic and Lieut. Lord, A.I.F., another.

During the latter part of May, 1917, matters in regard to the projected attack on the enemy positions on our Army front, assumed definite shape. The Army front at that time embraced that sector of country just south of Hill 60 (S.E. of Ypres) to Lys River. Our Corps which was acting on front Wytchaete to the River Lys issued orders administrative and tactical and assigned each Unit its part in the show.

The Corps Mounted Troops consisting of the 2nd Anzac Corps Mounted Regiment, 2nd Anzac Corps Cyclist Battalion and the 7th Motor M.G. Battery were allotted the following tasks:—

1. M.M.G. Battery to be detached and come under orders of G.M.G.O. for employment in the M.G. Barrage. 2. Mounted Regiment to move forward three hours after zero hour and engage enemy in front of Infantry, capture guns and obtain information, etc. 3. Cyclist Battalion to prepare a track from our Reserve line, through our support and front line system, across No Man's Land, and through German trenches to a point called Middlefarm about 500 yards north of Messines, so as to enable the Mounted Men to get through, as otherwise it was impossible for the horses to move through the tangle of wire and trenches and shell holes.

The reconnaissance of the line was made by the CO. Mounted Troops (Lieut.-Col. Hindhaugh), Major R. B. Wood 2nd i/c Mounted Troops, Major Evans and Captain McHugh (Cyclists).

The portion of the track in rear of our own front line was prepared beforehand and marked out with pickets. The work of making this portion was entrusted to Capt. McHugh (Q.C. No. 1 Coy.) who with his party carried out the work in two nights. This work entailed the filling in of shell holes, cutting through our own wire and bridging over one stream and four communication trenches, besides having all material carried to the front line trenches which was required forward on the morning of the battle. The work forward of our trenches could not be reconnoitred, but the ground was carefully studied from the front line.

The attack was fixed for the 7th June, 1917, and the zero hour, 3.10 a.m. The details of our work were thought out and definite jobs were told off to certain parties. There were some 1,800 yards to do, and as time was short, careful organisation was necessary to ensure completion.

The following Officers, etc., were engaged:—

Major Evans, to reconnoitre and peg off the line to be followed by. No. 1 Party, to clear wire and mark line. 2nd Lieut. W. L. C. McLean and 13 men. No. 2 Party. To clear timber and remove obstacles. 2nd Lieut. A. C. P. Hay and 30 men. No. 3 Party. To fill shell holes, trenches, and level the ground. Lieut. Griffiths (A.I.F.) and 84 men. No. 4 Party. To bridge streams. Captain McHugh and 25 men.

Balance of Unit in Reserve in old front line to carry on track further if required and to replace casualties. Battalion Headquarters and F.A. Dressing Station in old front line.

On the morning of 7th June, at 2 15 a.m., the parties left their billets near Steenwerck and cycled to White Gates on Hill 63, a distance of 7 or 8 miles. On the way up, when near Romarin, enemy gas was encountered and gas masks had to be put on. Further on, higher ground was reached, where the gas was less oppressive. On reaching our rendezvous everything was dead still, not a gun had been heard for an hour or so, when suddenly a huge 12in. gun in the rear was fired, at which signal 19 mines along the whole army front were exploded; thus at 3.10, zero hour, the Battle of Messines was heralded.

As we were not due at our front line till zero hour plus one hour, we had plenty of time to work our way up to our objective (the front line). On arrival, the front line was being "straffed" heavily, and there our casualties started. Private A. Duff was killed outright and several men wounded. Punctually to time all parties arrived and the work was started and the whole track finished about half-an-hour less time than was allotted us. Every man worked hard, despite the fact that the enemy shelling was intense and several casualties occurred. In bridging the Steenbecque Stream the locality was subjected to very heavy shell fire. Private Cairns was killed outright, and Privates C. L. Anstey and C. Barwick subsequently dying of wounds received in this area, besides 19 men wounded.

At 7.30 prompt the Mounted men appeared in view and moving at a smart trot along the winding track we had made. Their advent cheered the men, both wounded and sound. The Irish Infantry on our left gave them a cheer as they passed over the hill. They too suffered several casualties, but did their job well and earned abundant praise for the valuable information gained.

Our men, their job finished, remained on Messines Ridge in reserve, ready to carry on if required. At 2 p.m. they were withdrawn, and picking up our reserve troops at Boyle's Farm on the Wulverghem-Messines Road, we withdrew to the top of Hill 63 and bivouacked. Next morning, in anticipation of having to move forward again, two reconnoitring patrols were sent out to ascertain condition of roads to Messines. 2nd Lieut. Dickeson, C.A., and 2nd Lieut. Griffiths, V., were in charge, and these parties had a lively time getting through the enemy's retaliatory barrage.

The Battle meanwhile had gone well, and all objectives gained. The attacking troops were the 3rd Australian Division (right), N.Z. Division (centre) and the Irish on the left. Our part, though not spectacular, was important, in fact just as important as any other, and earned the highest praise of the Corps Commander. On the whole Army front each Corps Troops was allotted the same task as ours, but was not so successful as we were. One Corps got its cavalry out at 3 p.m. in the afternoon; the other, not at all. The behaviour of our men was splendid. To advance against an enemy during a heavy fire, when there is a chance of hitting back, is quite a different matter from working under heavy fire where no such chance exists.

The following decorations were awarded:—

D.S.O. Major C. Hellier Evans M.C. Capt. H. D. McHugh M.M. Sergt. A. H. Coe Sergt. A. C. Anderson Sergt. R. H. Sly Private R. J. Ringham Private F. J. Sharpe

On the 11th instant the Mounted Troops were ordered up to Hyde Park Corner (Ploegsteert Wood) to assist the 3rd Australian Division on some minor tactical operation. At 8 p.m. we arrived at Ploegsteert Wood and received orders to take up a position east of Ploegsteert Wood by night, with a view of attacking and taking the Sugar Refinery in the early morning. This was modified by later orders and our task was to establish a line of outposts near Thatched Cottage. These two parties, about 30 strong, with Lewis guns, set out after dark directed by guides whose knowledge of the country was very vague. One party got lost and returned; the other under Lt. Lord (Aust. Coy.) succeeded in reaching its objective at 2.a.m. Battalion Headquarters and also those of the Mounted Regiments were established in Bunhill Row, a strong breastwork running through the wood. The enemy shelled the Wood all night and it wasn't very comfortable. Next day nothing happened and at dusk our outposts were withdrawn and the Unit then returned to permanent billets at Steenwerck without having suffered any casualties.

Next day, 13th June, orders were issued to the Unit to continue cable burying from our old front line to points forward in the recaptured territory. A reconnaissance of the work was made by the officers who decided that owing to visibility it was advisable to work by night instead of by day. Work on the job was started that night and continued for three weeks, when it was completed. About 5 miles of trench were dug in this job. The cable burying parties were frequently subjected to enemy fire and casualties occurred. Sergt. R. H. Sly and Corp. Bellamy were conspicuous in their behaviour in getting the wounded away one night when we were caught in heavy shell fire. Both these N.C.O.'s were wounded, and despite the heavy fire, carried the others to safety, returning for those left behind. For their conspicuous bravery, Sergt. Sly was awarded a Bar to his M.M., and Corp. Bellamy awarded the M.M. Privates A. P. Kay and M. A. Pankhurst were killed in this area on the 10th July.

On the 26th June, H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught visited the front and inspected representatives from all the Corps Units at Bailleul. Our Battalion was represented by several Officers and N.C.O.'s.

On the 6th July the Corps Commander inspected all the Corps Mounted Troops at our billets, and presented ribands of the decorations awarded for the Messines Battle.

Concert Celebrating First Anniversary of the Battalion,1917.

First Anniversary Dinner,1917.

Chapter IX.The First Anniversary of the Battalion.

On the 21st July, the first anniversary of the formation of the Battalion was held, and to celebrate this occasion sports were held in which items were included for the Mounted Regiment. All ranks thoroughly enjoyed the day, which was free from work. Furthermore, a dinner for all ranks was specially prepared by our cooks and the usual ration, augmented by extras, provided an excellent meal. A concert was held after dinner and the Battalion was photographed.

The Corps Commander, desiring to reward men whose services had been valuable, but who by reason of their employment in the Unit were debarred from winning distinction in the line, instituted an admirable system of presenting Parchment Certificates called "Record of Good Service." On recommendation, these certificates were granted in limited number. The following were recommended in the Battalion and received the award:—

2nd Lieut. C. G. Johnson Quartermaster L. Corpl. J. S. Hill Artificer Driver A. Grant Headquarters Private W. Attneave Storeman No. 3 Coy Private R.. C. Cruse Cook No. 3 Coy.

During August the Battalion was employed in various ways, cable burying, traffic control, training; several officers and men being sent to special courses.

Towards the end of August the Corps, which had been continually in the southern sector of the 2nd Army front, was withdrawn, and sent out to back areas for a rest, this Battalion moving on the 2nd September to La Motte area and going into billets near Vieux Berquin. The Battalion Lewis Guns and teams were sent to Hazebrouck on anti-aircraft defence of the railway station. The Mounted Regiment moved out of the Cavalry Area near Boulogne for training on the 7th.

We were just beginning to settle down when orders were received to report to X Corps in Dickebusch area for employment under A. D. Signals on our old job of burying cabled. Accordingly we moved on the 8th September by route march to La Clytte where we were billetted. Our job was to assist this Corps (X) to complete its buried system. They already had two Battalions of the N.Z. (R) B. working for them, but their System was incomplete, and some "linking up" was required.

Our route was about a mile through Sanctuary Wood, the scene of some bloody battles in 1915, where the Canadians fought so gallantly and where the enemy first used poison gas. The work was by night, and our first night on this job we were shelled lavishly with Mustard Gas, from which some 50 odd men and 1 officer went to hospital next day from gas burns on their bodies.

We finished our work with the X Corps on the 17th September, and received orders to move back to our Corps Area. On the 19th we moved out of La Clytte with our destination as Renescure via Bailleul Staple, but on arrival there were told to go on to Arques where we halted for the night. The distance travelled was 32 miles, mostly against wind, much traffic, and its attendant dust.

Next morning we left Arques at 9 a.m. and made Bouvelinghem (15 miles) by noon, and there settled down in fairly good billets.

We thought that we would be in this area for at least a fortnight, but were hardly settled down when the Corps which had been training and resting in the area were ordered once more into the fray and we had to return with them. So after three days' rest we took the road again and made some farm houses near Cassel that night: next day on to Watou, thence to billets near Poperinghe.

Next day it was ascertained that we were to be used on our old job of cable burying east of Ypres to complete the system required for the forthcoming assault on Passchendaele Ridges.

The new badge for the N.Z. Companies was approved and issued in August, 1917, It was a similar badge to that worn by Imperial Cyclist Units, having a wheel with crossed rifles surmounted by a crown and a scroll underneath with the words N.Z. Cyclist Corps (see illustration). also shoulder badges, bearing the letters N.Z.C.C. were issued to the N.Z. personnel.

The following letter was received from the G.O.C. X Corps:—

X Corps, No. 852.

Headquarters, 2nd Anzac.

It is difficult for me adequately to express to you my gratitude for the splendid work of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions, 3rd New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade and the 11 Anzac Corps Cyclists in burying cable on my Corps front during the last three weeks. Their achievement in digging over 13,000 yards of cable trench, laying the cable, and banking it up from three to four feet is an extraordinary one; the keenness that they displayed is universally admired, and their skill is acknowledged to be an example to any troops. Will you please tell these gallant men how much, while I deplore the casualties they suffered, I appreciate both their valuable work and their soldierly spirit.

(sd.) K. W. Moreland,Lieut.-General, Commanding Xth Corps. H. O. Xth Corps, 10th September, 1917.

Chapter X.Gravenstrafel—Passchendaele.

Our work in this sector was not to dig trenches, but by our practical knowledge of cable work, we acted as Signal Engineer personal, having complete charge of the running out of the cable, laying it, and in generally supervising the work. The actual digging was done by the first and 3rd Battalions N.Z.R.B. The Unit moved up to Brandhoek into Camp there. Major Evans, D.S.O., was given charge of the whole work, and with Lieut. Dickeson in charge of cable, moved forward to Goldfish Chateau where Headquarters were established. The system consisted of about 11 miles of trench in two main forward fines linked at three places by lateral lines.

The whole work was divided into two parts, Major Evans taking the Southern line with Lieut. Lord and No. 3 Australian Company (cable) and the 3rd Battalion N.Z.R.B. (diggers), Captain McHugh, M.C., taking the northern line with Captain A. H. Richards and No. 1 and 2 N.Z. Companies (cable) and the 1st Battalion N.Z.R.B. as diggers.

Work was started on the evening of the 27th September on both routes and was continued for ten nights (not continuous) until finished. The Riflemen, under the capable guidance of their Officers and N.C.O.'s worked remarkably well, and for 800 men to accomplish the average length of close on a mile a night was a wonderful achievement.

The Passchendaele advance started on the 4th October, and by that time both lines were almost up to the "hopping off" place. From that forward the work proceeded on the heels of the advancing troops. The enemy shelling throughout was heavy and the going bad owing to the rain and the sea of shell holes filled with water, but the men stuck to their work well and accomplished a result which any army may be proud of.

The technical work of handling the cable, which included transportation over difficult ground, the reeling out of cable, laying, and marking trench, was done entirely by this unit. Its officers supervised the whole work, and no difficulty or obstacle was allowed to hinder them in their desire to complete a satisfactory job. Lieut. C. A. Dickeson was in charge of the cable and responsible for getting it to the end of the roads in the sector, and in spite of many difficulties, owing to the awful weather and lack of roads, never once failed. For this work, under the difficult conditions existing, this Officer was awarded the M.C.

Latterly, when the N.Z.R.B. was withdrawn from the work to take its place in the fighting, parties from the 1st and 2nd Brigades were detailed to carry on, and with their help the whole system was finally finished, and on the 17th October the Canadian Corps took over our Corps front, and we, with the rest of the troops, left Brandhoek and moved to a place near Steenvoorde for the night. Next day we proceeded to Hazebrouck and went into billets there for reorganisation and rest. We stayed there a week, and on the 26th received orders to proceed to Fruges area.

Next morning at 9 a.m. we marched out and made a small village called Fiefs, a distance of 25 miles. Our route lay through Steenbecque, Aire, St. Hilare, Westrehem, At Fiefs the Battalion was billetted in the Chateau Beaucnine, once a beautiful place, but now much spoiled by war's destruction.

Next day our march was continued, and early in the afternoon we reached Ambricourt, a small village which had not previously had British troops billetted there. It was in this village that some of the peasants chased their pigs out of the stye for the men to sleep in Only a little of that treatment is sufficient, and it did not take many minutes to convince the people they were dealing with soldiers; after that the billets were fairly good.

This village is quite close to the famous old-time battlefield of Agincourt, where King Henry V. of England defeated the French in 1415.

We stayed in this area for about two weeks and enjoyed the rest, and carried on useful training, the country there being very suitable for field training.

Areo Photo of the Famous Ypres Sector.

Chapter XI.Ypres.

On the 13th November we marched out to rejoin our Corps which had its Headquarters at Abeele in Belgium. Our first destination was Merck St. Levien, near Fauquemberques, next day on to Zuytpeene near Cassel, and next day through Poperinghe to a place called Vancouver Camp near Vlamertinghe. This camp consisted of wood and iron huts which had been built in 1915 and were in an indifferent state of repair. However we soon made them comfortable, and also erected earth walls round each hut three feet above floor level for protection against lateral bursting bombs from aircraft.

We soon learned that our job was to be cable laying and the system embraced several forward lines in the newly captured territory east of Ypres. Approximately some 22 miles of trench would be required. As before, we were to supply the technical personnel, the diggers being supplied by a Battalion from the 2nd N.Z. Infantry Brigade.

On 17th November a party of Officers and N.C.O.'s proceeded to survey the routes. The party consisted of Major Evans, Captains McHugh and Richards, Lieut. Lord (Coy. Commanders), Lieut. J. T. Steven and others, and journeyed by motor lorry to Hellfire Corner, thence on foot to Westhoek. After three hours the party was returning from the reconnaissance when the enemy started one of his "area" shoots, and shells fell in close proximity to the party. One shell landed just alongside the road and Lieut. Steven was hit by a fragment. He was carried to the nearest dressing station, but died before reaching it. Lieut. Steven had only returned to the Unit from hospital where he was admitted on receiving a slight wound at Passchen-Daele. He was thoroughly capable, a keen sport, and extremely popular with the men. His loss was keenly felt by all ranks. Lieut. Steven's death marked the first of the officers of the Unit to make the supreme sacrifice.

Work was started two days later; two parties were engaged and continued almost continuously until Christimas. The enemy shelling was considerable in this area; every day marked casualties, either our own Unit or the Battalion digging for us, sometimes both. In the first week on this work, Lieuts. Lord and Griffiths (A.I.F.) were both wounded, the latter severely, near The Butte, Polygon Wood, and Private A. Stokes was killed a. few days later.

The weather gradually became colder, and winter set in. Recreational training was not neglected and two good football teams were selected, A and B teams. Many hard games were fought out with teams from the N.Z. Division. Imperial teams were also met, but proved easy.

Our Lewis guns and teams were sent into the forward area to protect the heavy artillery from enemy aircraft, and three posts were established, one each at Hooge, Railway Wood and Westhoek Ridge. These teams were changed weekly.

Early in December the CO., Major Evans, D.S.O., went to England on leave, Captain McHugh, M.C., taking over command during his absence.

Christmas arrived and was celebrated as usual with cheer provided by our good people in New Zealand.

On 1st January, 1918, the old 2nd Anzac Corps was renamed XXII. Corps, and we became the "XXII. Corps Cyclist Battalion."

Early in January Lieut. A. C. P. Hay and Corps. McKenzie and Agnew left for England. They had been selected for some special secret service abroad, no one knew what for or where to. It has since transpired that they went east (Mesopotamia).

The Australian Company (No. 3 Coy.) were withdrawn from the Battalion on the 16th January and left to join the Australian Corps Cyclist Battalion. At the time of parting it is shown how we regretted their leaving us and what firm friends we had made. Although at times minor differences occurred, they were all good fellows, and during the eighteen months they formed part of the Battalion, they did their "bit" to uphold the traditions of the service.

To bring the Battalion up to full strength again authority was given by G.O.C., N.Z.E.F., for the formation of another N.Z. Company. Accordingly applications for transfer were invited from the Division; the Officers and Senior N.C.O.'s were to be found by promotion within the Battalion.

The following appointments were made in the new Company which was designated "No. 3 Company."

Company Commander Lieut. G. L. Comer C.S.M. C.S.M., T.H. Dickinson Sergeants Sergt. R. H. Sly, M.M. and Sergt, T. C. Hodgson

Additional officers were to be selected by G.O.C. in London from reinforcements and sent on to complete.

Parchment Certificates, Record of Good Service, were awarded by the Corps Commander for period 15th January to 1st November, 1917, as under:—

Private E. C. Cragg Storeman Private W. Fitzmaurice Driver Private E. J. Morris Cook Private W. J. Cheshire Cook Corporal R. J. Hyde Transport Corpl.

On 24th January our camp was bombed by enemy aircraft, one hut being hit direct; Private P. Mudie and four men wounded; the former died from wounds next day.

Lieut. C. A. Dickeson, M.C., was appointed Adjutant with acting rank of Captain, vice Lieut. H. J. McLennan. (A.I.F.) who left with the Australian Company

The selection of the personnel for the new Company from men in the Division who had volunteered for transfer was proceeded with. Preference was given to men of long service in the Division, and they were an excellent lot of men. Training into the ways of the Unit Drill, both foot and cycle, was carried out. Early in February the cable burying was resumed (this time the 3rd O.I.R. were digging) and was continued intermittently till early March. On 12th February Sergt. W. H. Thomas and Corp. Foulds were awarded the Croix de Guere (Belgian) for gallantry in the field and received their decorations from the Belgian Army Commander at Abeele.

As usual the Battalion supplied a number of men for traffic control duties in forward areas. This work was strenuous and responsible, and during March all forward road junction received particular attention from the enemy long range guns, the post in Ypres being well "straffed."' Whilst on duty there Private J. S. Clark was killed and several of our men wounded during the month.

The rest of February and part of March was spent alternately working on cable and training, with the usual recreations. Football matches were frequent. The N.Z. Divisional Theatre, and others of similar sort, were handy, and everybody found plenty to occupy any spare time on their hands.

Lieut.J. T. StevenKilled in action at Westhoek, near Ypres, 17/11/17.

Chapter XII.Enemy Offensive of March, 1918.

March 21st, when the enemy started his big push, found us still working at cable laying, and many conjectures flew around as to what our next job would be. The N.Z. Division hurriedly left our area and went south, where they finally added fresh glories to their record near Albert, and we regretted their leaving our special front.

On the night of the 26th March we received orders to be ready to move at short notice, and next morning our CO. received orders to report to 63rd Brigade, 21st Imperial Division, at Bedford House, near Ypres, and be prepared to take over a Battalion sector that night. The line was reconnoitred by Major Evans, D.S.O., Major McLeish (A.L.H.), Captain McHugh, M.C., and Captain Mitchell, M.C. (O.M.R.) that morning. The whole of Corps Mounted Troops were formed into a composite Battalion named the 22nd Corps Mounted Troops Composite Battalion.

Re-organisation was necessary to bring our formation to correspond with an ordinary Infantry Battalion, so four Companies were formed.

A Company, comprising Nos. 1 and 2 Coy.'s Cyclists, under Capt. H. D. McHugh, M.C, with 2nd Lieuts. Coe, Dickinson and Branson. B Company, comprising No. 3 Coy.'s Cyclists, under Capt. G. L. Comer, with Lieut. McLean and 2nd Lieut. Highet. C Company, comprising D and part of B Squadrons, A.L.H., under Major R. McLeish, with Capt. Birnie, Lieut. Apps and Pearse. D Company, comprising the rest of B Squadron and O.M.R. Squadron, under Capt. Mitchell, M.C., with Capt. Pleasants, Lieuts. Biggar and Herbert.

Companies were about 150 strong.

The following were the composition of Battalion Headquarters:—

Major C. H. Evans, D.S.O. in command Major S. Armstrong, A. I.F. 2nd in command Captain —Fox, A.I.F. M.O. Captain C. A. Dickenson, M.C. Adjutant Lieut. C. G. Johnson Quartermaster Lieut. G. Clark Walker I.O. and M.G.O. Lieut. —Alder, A.I.F. S.O.

The Battalion was organised in a remarkably short time, as it was late in the forenoon before the Commanders were back from their reconnaissance. The mounted squadrons, minus their horses, assembled at Vancouver Camp (our Headquarters.).

The whole Battalion moved off at 6 p.m in two trains (light railway) and arrived at the detraining point at 8 p.m., thence by route march to trenches—three or four miles—taking over from a Battalion of the 63rd Brigade. A and B Companies went into the front line outposts, C Company into support, and D Company in reserve. Battalion Headquarters were situated in a dugout near Hill 60.

The sector was known as Shrewsbury Forest and was part of the ground recaptured in July-Sept., 1917. by the 8th and 10th Corps.

The front line consisted of a line of organised shell holes and Pill Boxes (German concrete dugouts) at the foot of a fairly steep hill. No lateral communication trenches were in existence, and as the enemy overlooked us in daylight no movement was allowed, only in the dark. Rations had to be sent out overnight, and as the ground was nothing but a sea of shell holes and water, the going was very difficult. A back lamp from Company Headquarters was flashed at night to guide parties in the line to Headquarters. We remained in for nine nights, having a comparatively quiet time, and were relieved by the 146th Brigade. We journeyed out to Scottish Wood Camp for two days and then back again into the same sector, being finally relieved on the night of 12th-13th April. During our stay in this sector we had very few casualties, Private Potter being killed and six wounded.

At this time the awful cannonading going on just south of our sector in the direction of Armentieres told us of further advances of the enemy. Things began to become anxious with us, and when on the 11th April the troops on our right withdrew their front line posts, it necessitated an alteration in our defences to protect our right flank which was "in the air." However, the enemy attack did not reach as far north as our sector.

On the afternoon of the 12th April, Captain McHugh and No. 1 Company were withdrawn from the line and ordered to proceed to Vancouver Camp where orders awaited them to proceed mounted and report to the 33rd Division at Mont Blanc, near Bailleul. That night the Battalion was relieved in the line by the 7th Leicesters (21st Division) and marched to Lambton Siding near Zillebeke Lake, where a train took them to Vancouver Camp, where orders awaited them that the Composite Battalion was disbanded and Mounted men were to get their horses at Reninghelst, and Cyclists their cycles at Vancouver, and be ready to move at 7 a.m., 13th.

Chapter XIII.Kemmel and Meteren and Strazeele.

The balance of the Battalion comprising Battalion Headquarters and Nos. 2 and 3 Companies moved to Boeschaepe, leaving behind a great number of stores which it was impossible to move through lack of transport. From Boeschaepe we moved to Locre, and there received orders to establish a defensive line on the South Eastern slopes of Mont Kemmel. This was done without delay, and two lines of posts manned. The rest of that day was quiet. The enemy had broken through at Neuve Eglise and we could see the battle raging in this vicinity.

On Sunday, the 14th, our Infantry (Imperial) began to fall back from Neuve Eglise and the ridge, and we "stood to" all night. We collected a lot of stragglers, and attached them to our little garrison. Next morning the enemy attacked on our right Crucifix Hill and Ravelsberg and made considerable progress.

We were, on the 16th, relieved by the 8th Corps Schools Battalion and we moved further east to Donegal Farm Sector where our men had a particularly hot time with enemy M.G. fire and surprise shelling, and frequently had to dislodge enemy patrols. Privates T. W. Burrows and V. E. Hudson were killed on outpost. Late that night we were pulled out and retired to Fairy Farm. The shelling on this hill had by this time become intense and casualties began to mount up.

The Mounted men, minus horses, had been sent up to dig in and occupy trenches in rear of our previous line and there were signs of French troops coming in to our relief.

A very brief stay at Fairy House was ours, and that same evening the two Companies, Nos. 2 and 3, moved once more to the top of Kemmel to reinforce the Mounted men. The enemy shelling was most intense, every sort of gun and gas shell was used. We had numerous casualties. The killed were Privates W. E. J. Browne, T. J. Clinton, A. W. Hunter, T. E. Power, R. E. Harris. Died of wounds: C.S.M., T. C. Hodgson, Private L, L. Martin.

On the night of the 18th the French troops finally took over the defence of this sector and we withdrew to Fairy House once more, and after a night's rest left in the early morning for the vicinity of Brandhoek. We occupied some Nissen Bow Huts by the ammunition dumps as the only available billets to be had, as everywhere round us were troops, guns, horses, wagons, etc., who had possession of all the camps.

L/Sergt. W. T. N. Bond and Corp. W. H. Whiting were awarded the M.M. for bravery in action and devotion to duty.

Let us now follow the doings of No. 1 Company under Captain McHugh, M.C., on detachment with the 33rd Imperial Division. This Company moved out from Vancouver Camp on the night of the 12th April at 9 p.m. with orders to report to 33rd Division towards Bailleul. The night was particularly dark and the road one endless stream of traffic going and coming, so progress was slow. On nearing Bailleul we turned off towards St. Jan's Cappel where Divisional Headquarters were supposed to be, but on arrival found they had moved to Mont Blanc. We reported there at 2 a.m. and received orders to bivouac on the roadside for the remainder of the night and to report in the early morning to G.O.C. 192nd Brigade with Headquarters at Meteren. We moved at 6 a.m. next morning, 13th, arriving at 7 a.m. on outskirts of Meteren, which was being intensely shelled. It was decided to reach Headquarters which was on the other side, by running the gauntlet, and the Company was sent through in small parties. Luckily, this was achieved without casualties, though the margin was narrow. Captain McHugh reported to G.O.C., 192nd Brigade and was told to send out patrols to get information, as the position of the Brigade front was indefinite. These were sent out, and the whole line patrolled, and by 11 a.m. the definite, line was marked on the map. On the right of Bailleul the N.Z. Entrenching Battalion was encountered, where it was learned that a whole platoon had been captured in the night, owing to having been left " in the air " by the troops on their right retiring in the night. At 2 p.m. Captain McHugh received orders to proceed to Strazeele and send back reports as to our and enemy positions and the Headquarters of our Battalions. On arrival at Strazeele patrols were sent out, and at 7 p.m. that evening a full report was furnished to Brigade Headquarters. Patrols were established throughout the night and valuable information obtained. The next morning the 1st Australian Division arrived and took over the sector, and the Company returned to Meteren to stand by. On 15th we were ordered to report to C.O. Queen's Own Battalion and did duty in the line until 18th when we were sent into reserve at Mont Des Cats. On 19th we received orders to rejoin our own Battalion at Brandhoek, and on the morning of the 20th at 5 a.m. set out, arriving at 9 a.m. Major Gen. Penny, G.O.C., 33rd Division, sent for Captain McHugh on the 19th inst. and congratulated him on the splendid work of the Company whose services he highly appreciated.

The Company had five wounded during their detachment, and Sergt. H. Gilchrist and the two Gallagher Brothers were awarded Military Medals for special gallant actions.

Chapter XIV.Veirstratt.

The Battalion remained in the area of Brandhoek for three days, when the enemy got our range with his guns, and as there were acres of shells (reserve dumps) around the vicinity, it was thought advisable to move. So tents were procured and the Battalion moved to an open field 1,000 yards south of Poperinghe where a camp was erected.

At this time the battle was raging furiously. The enemy attempt to advance was being met gallantly by the French and our 21st Division, but numbers told, and the enemy was gradually making progress along the line Kemmel-Zillebeke Lake. Things were becoming serious for the safety of the Poperinghe Flat, and our Unit was told to be ready to move at short notice.

On the morning of the 25th we received orders to move forward, and after reporting at Ouderdom received orders to " stop a gap" near Veirstratt. We accordingly moved off (with the Mounted men) and reached Hallebast Corner amid awful shelling. We proceeded in small parties and on arrival at Swan and Edgar Corner, three enemy planes followed and peppered us with their M.G.'s. It was decided by Captain McHugh to leave the cycles on Veirstratt Road and proceed on foot in artillery formation. We were advised by a returning wounded officer that the enemy had advanced in huge numbers. Our patrols soon reported this fact, and it was impossible to get within 600 yards of the line given us to take up, owing to the enemy having advanced in such numbers it was beyond our power to push him back. The Companies took up a defensive line astride the Veirstratt Road, filling a gap of 1,000 yards, and for four days held the enemy off with determination and with such success that he did not advance past the point where our men stopped him. That night small organised out-flanking movements gained us prisoners, from whom valuable information was obtained.

Battalion Headquarters were established at Hallebast Corner, but owing to its unhealthy region for shelling moved 100 yards back next day.

On the morning of 26th April an attempt was made by Nos. 1 and 3 Companies to straighten out the line. These two Companies advanced at 5 a.m., but owing to the troops on the right flank not conforming to the action as arranged, we were left "in the air" and had to return to our original line suffering some casualties during the movement.

The C.O., Major Evans and Captain Dickeson (Adjutant) left Headquarters later in the morning to make a reconnaissance of the line. On the road down an enemy shell burst between them, killing the Adjutant instantly. Major Evans escaped unhurt, but was severely shaken by the explosion, together with having been gassed at Kemmel, and was advised by the M.O. to give in and he left for hospital that day, Captain H. D. McHugh, M.C., assuming command of the Battalion in his absence. Lieut. G. Clark Walker was appointed Adjutant.

Up to the 28th instant the Battalion held on to their positions. The enemy made no further progress, although he made several attempts which were held off by our troops. On the evening of the 28th we were relieved, and moved into support slightly right of our original line. This position was open and swampy. The men dug in during the night and remained in these slit trenches for the next two days. During the daytime no movement was allowed, so the inevitable was to remain up to the knees in water, wishing for the night to speedily come so that cramped limbs could be revived. Our cycles were still on Veirstratt Road, and received a fair amount of she1lfire and were badly damaged. On the nights of 29th and 30th small parties of men who could be spared from the line were engaged in moving the cycles back to the rear, and this saved the total loss of several; as it was some 90 cycles were so badly damaged as to be totally useless.

We had many casualties in this sector, as all the time the shelling and M.G. fire was intense.

Lieut. (A. Capt.) Dickeson, killed.

Lieuts. McLean and Branson, wounded.

Among the N.C.O.'s and men, Sergt. H. Gilchrist M.M., Privates R. H. Curtis, O. Fisher, A. Gold, D. Mulcahy, J. D. Welsh and H. R. Williams were killed or subsequently died of wounds.

The whole engagement cost the Unit 4 officers and 96 other ranks, besides 100 cycles.

On the 1st May the Battalion was relieved and moved out to Hillhoek (between Poperinghe and Abeele) where comfortable billets in huts were obtained. Here the Battalion remained till the 12th May, carrying on re-organisation and training, and enjoying a spell after the six weeks strenuous operations.

Decorations for gallantry were awarded the following N.C.O.'s and men —

M.M. Sergt. F. G. Matthews Sergt. H. M. Carr Corpl. F. C. Forrester Private C. Brown Private C. McLean Private T. Nimmo Private I. G. West Private A. A. Close

Reinforcements to the number of 93 arrived on the 8th inst., also three officers from Infantry Units for attachment, viz., 2nd Lieuts. D. C. Griffiths, R. G. R. Sinclair, and E. Malcolm. The two latter did not remain long, rejoining their units a few days later.

On the 12 th May the Battalion moved to Polinchove Area under orders received from Corps and went into billets at a village called Ruminghem, near Watten. The inhabitants were very kind to all ranks who enjoyed, their stay in this place.

2nd Lieut. Bloomfield (O.I.R.) joined the Battalion as an attached officer, and 2nd Lieut. A. H. Coe, M.M., left for England to embark for New Zealand on a tour of duty.

On the 17th May, Major Evans, D.S.O., returned from hospital and resumed command, and the same day the Battalion were attached to 2nd Army for cable burying with the French.

MajorH. D. McHugh,M.C. 2nd. I/C N.Z. Cyclist Battalion.

Chapter XV.With The French at Mont Des Cats..

On the 17th May Captain McHugh, M.C. (who was placed in charge of the cable laying) accompanied by Captains Richards and Comer, proceeded by motor to Eecke via Winnizeele to survey the routes and points which were to be connected by cable. Next day, the 18th, Nos. 1 and 2 Companies left Ruminghem for Winnizeele where they went into camp. The weather was perfect, and it was decided to start in the early morning, 4 a.m., allot each man a task 7ft. x 7ft. x 1½ft. and when that job was completed the rest of the day was given up to recreational training. Work was started next morning, 19th, and the going was good. The men proceeded to work on their cycles some six miles from the camp. The party told off for laying the cable preceded them by lorry. The work was generally completed by 9 a.m. and the men returned to camp by 10 a.m. Under these conditions, which the men thoroughly enjoyed, the work progressed rapidly on a daily average of 400 yards completed cable line. The companies were changed every six days, having two companies on work at cable and one at Battalion Headquarters, Ruminghem, for training purposes. The training consisted of the usual Company training and musketry practices on rifle ranges at Moule.

Our work on cable was in the area taken over by the French, and our men received a great ovation from them, besides learning the ways and methods of our staunch allies. This work was continued until the 4th June, when our Corps was ordered to proceed south to near Amiens and to be there in reserve should the enemy attempt to continue his advance on the coast. On the morning of the 5th June Battalion Headquarters and No. 2 Company moved out and made a small forest near Wizernes that night, where bivouacs were prepared. Nos. 1 and 3 Companies left Winnizeele the same morning and joined the Battalion there that evening. A move on was made next morning with destination Caupelle-Vielle near Fruges, a distance of roughly 25 miles being covered, and good time was made despite heat and dust. Billets awaited us, arranged by our advance party, and we soon settled down. Next morning we moved on again via Fruges, Rousseau-Ville, Auchy Le Hesdin, Hesdin, and over some steep hills to Wavans, our halting place. It was a long day—33 miles being covered.

Continuing next day we travelled over more hills to Bourdon through Flexicourt (4th Army Headquarters) and made our camp on the low-lying fields adjoining the Somme River. Next day we moved on to Oissy, our final destination.

This treck from Ruminghem had taken us three full days and two half days, and the distance covered was about 90 miles.

This is not quick travelling for cyclists, who could do 40 miles a day easily, but we were hampered then by having slow horse transport, and the length of our day's journey had to be paced accordingly.

Visit to the Front by the Prime Minister, Hon. W. F. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward.The Inspection.

The March Past.

The Prime Minister Addressing the Battalion.

Chapter XVI.Oissy.

On arrival at Oissy we were allotted the chateau grounds for our billetting area, and as tents were available made a camp in the wood adjoining the chateau. The weather was good and the men were comfortable, though several wet nights were encountered during our stay. On arrival we were joined by 2nd Lieuts. Greville, Rowland, Wylie, Randall, D.C.M., and Yorke, new officers for attachment. This brought our complement of officers to full strength.

Our stay at Oissy was for five weeks, during which the Battalion was trained in its job for open warfare. Several practice "stunts" were carried out in conjunction with the Mounted Regiment and an Armoured Car Battalion. The latter was entirely a new organisation, having eight armoured cars to the Battalion. The cars were armed with two Hotchkiss guns, one in each turret, going into action at 60 miles per hour and coming out at 25 miles per hour without turning the car, having a driver both front and rear. This unit was very mobile and where decent roads existed proved most valuable in the offensive and defensive. They were included in Corps Mounted Troops and our practice "stunts" with them were valuable and instructive.

In the chateau grounds there was a fine ornamental lake, and this was much used by all ranks for bathing and aquatic sports. The recreational portion of the training was not forgotten, and sports in conjunction with the Mounted Regiment were held on three occasions, together with a race meeting organised by Corps Headquarters.

A ten mile cycle race (on service machines) was held one evening and great interest was manifested by all ranks. The winner was Sergt. Sutherland, M.M., out of eighteen starters.

On the 14th June the Corps Commander, Lieut.-Gen. A. J. Godley, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., inspected the Corps and expressed himself very well pleased with the turnout. On the 3rd July we were visited by the Hon. W.J. Massey, Prime Minister, and the Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, Finance Minister, of New Zealand, who, after inspection of the Battalion and the Otago Mounted Rifles, briefly addressed the assembled troops. The party afterwards inspected the camp and then proceeded by cars to Paris.

On the 13th July, after spending some five weeks in the woods of Oissy, a rumour went around of a move, as it was said that the Corps was under orders to move. Preparations in anticipation of orders were made, and next morning (Sunday, 14th July) orders to entrain the Unit arrived at an early hour. The transport and two Companies were to entrain at Pont Remy at noon, and Battalion Headquarters and one Company at Hangest at 3 p.m. for a destination then unknown.

Nos. 2 and 3 Companies under Capt. A. H. Richards left for Pont Remy and arrived in ample time to entrain. The transport, although a long march (10 miles) on heavy roads, was also on time. Battalion Headquarters and No. 1 Company arrived at Hangest at 1 p.m., and entrainment proceeded.

The Mounted Regiment Were also entraining two squadrons at Pont Remy,, and one squadron (O.M.R).

The trains moved out at 7 p.m.; our destination was then given as somewhere east of Paris. We travelled all night, the route being via Eu-Beauvais. The shorter route through Amiens was not used owing to the enemy shelling the fine. In the morning we stopped at Chars for breakfast and on again to Paris, passing west of that city via Versailles. At 5 p.m. we arrived at Pont Sur Seine and detrained, billeting in that village for the night.

Next day orders arrived to move on to Vertus about 70 kilometers away in an easterly direction. The day was very hot, and many hills had to be climbed, consequently the going was slow and hard work. We stopped at Villeneux for lunch and made Sezanne at 4 p.m., where billets were found for the night.

Next morning the Battalion moved forward early and arrived at Vertus before lunch, and found our billets were at a small village named Chevigny, three kilometers further on, where we were very comfortable.

The next morning we were ordered to move into Vertus, as French troops were allotted this village. On arrival we had great difficulty about accommodation, and on learning that Chevigny was not occupied (the French troops not having arrived) we returned and re-occupied our old billets.

Chapter XVII.On the Marne—Marfaux.

On Friday, the 19th, while the Battalion rested, Major Evans was away all day in the direction of Reims on a reconnaissance of the forward positions, and returned with the information that the French troops and our Corps were attacking next morning, and that we were to move up to support the attackers if required. So on Saturday morning we moved out at 4 a.m. to AY, near Epernay, on the Marne River, arriving at our destination at 6 a.m. We stacked cycles on the roadside and waited there all day, ready to move forward if required. In Epernay, about two miles away, a large fire was burning, started by a bombardment from enemy long range guns. At 6 p.m. orders were received to bivouac for the night, so we moved to the canal bank at AY and settled down, all ranks enjoying a swim in the canal after a hot and dusty day.

On Sunday we stood to all day expecting orders, and at 6 p.m. they arrived with instructions for the Battalion to report to the 62nd Division at St. Imoges, on the top of the Montagne De Reims. At 9 p.m. we moved out, the C.O. going ahead to Divisional Headquarters, where he received orders to report to G.O.C. 186th Infantry Brigade at Fme de Ecueil. The Unit was met on the road and directed to its altered location. The destination was reached by midnight after a difficult ride along miles of indifferent roads through dense forests where the roads were full of troops, transport, motor lorries, etc. One of the boys had his leg broken through being run over.

Arriving at our destination we bivouacked in a small wood close to an Italian Heavy Battery and some Devon troops. Next morning we could see in the distance that once beautiful city of Reims, now utterly

Areo Photo of Marfaux. Marne,23/7/18. destroyed by the enemy's bombardment, and a mile or so to the east of us the battle was raging in earnest. During the forenoon Major Evans and the Senior Officers went out with the G.O.C. of the 186th Brigade (Brig. Gen. Burnett) to look over some ground where the Battalion was to operate next day, and returned later with the news that the Battalion would move up to the assembly trenches that night and attack and capture the village of Marfaux at 6 a.m. next morning During the interval preparations were made. Cycles could not be used so were parked under cover from view, and at 11 p.m. that night the Battalion (less transport) moved off, arriving at and occupying the assembly trenches at 2 a.m.

Battalion Headquarters were established at a village named Pourcy, some 600 yards in rear, where Major Evans directed operations.

Marfaux, the Battalion's objective, is a small village on the right bank of the River Ardre, and marks the limit of the enemy's advance on the 3rd of June, 1918. The capture of this village was attempted on the previous Saturday, but the troops on reaching the village had to retire under heavy fire, as it was untenable. A distance of 800 to 1,000 yards separated the assembly trenches from the village. Our force for the attack consisted of the Battalion and a small company of the 24th Hampshires, making a total of 340 all ranks.

During the remainder of the morning until zero hour there was intermittent shelling by the enemy and gas towards daybreak.

At 6 a.m. a creeping barrage was put down by the British, French and Italian Batteries, and the advance started in two waves. Our boys advanced under cover of the barrage and the first objective was reached on time but not before several casualties had occurred. The ground 300 yards in front of the objective sloped down from a crest which afforded no cover whatever. Enemy machine gunners took advantage of this and swept the ground with bullets until they were finally overtaken by the barrage and either dislodged or killed.

The village was "mopped up" and a number of prisoners, including a German doctor and Captain, were found in dugouts, who surrendered freely. In the dressing station were found two wounded British, who had been there since Saturday, and several wounded Germans.

In the meanwhile the second wave of the advance passed through the first and arrived at their objective line 300 yards in front of the village and consolidated in record time. A visual signal station was established at a point from which "all objectives taken" was sent back to Battalion Headquarters. The first wave, after mopping up the village, "dug in" 100 yards in rear of the first line in support.

So ended the battle of Marfaux. Our boys had done their job well, showing that dash and determination so well known of Colonial troops.

During the operation we captured 9 enemy Machine Guns and re-captured several French and our own Lewis Guns, a battery of 75's, and numerous souvenirs.

Our casualties were high. Among the officers were:

Killed:

2nd Lieut. Griffith, D.C. 2nd Lieut. Rowland, A.E.M.

Wounded:

Captain Richards, A.H. 2nd Lieut. Greville, R.H. 2nd Lieut. Wylie, L.T.

Among the other ranks, the following were killed, or subsequently died of wounds received:— SergeantMatthews, F.C., M.M.Lance SergeantFoulds, C.R.Lance CorporalsFoote, P.A. and Grindrod, C.PrivatesBaker, F.Chatwin, R. A.Hannan, F.Johnson, H. J.Kloth, A. R.Lindsay, H. J.McLaughlin, A. J.McLeod, A. R.Mills, H.Newman, L. A.Perry, A. J.Sunmiss, F. A. H.Smith, A. E.Smith, F. W. T.Turner, R. H.
and about 70 men wounded.

The stretcher bearers and medical orderlies deserve the greatest praise for the way they carried out their job. They worked unceasingly, though the day was exceptionally hot, and the carry back a long distance.

The officers who went forward with the advance and arrived at their objectives, Lieuts. Knubley, Blomfield and Yorke (the latter wounded but carried on) worked very hard, and were most energetic in caring for the wants of the men, caring little for themselves in their desire to see the job through.

C.S.M. Baker, M.M., was also conspicuous in his fine leadership after all his company officers became casualties.

For the next three days we held our line. The enemy did not "counter attack," though he sent over some strong patrols who met with a very warm reception.

On Friday night we came out into the Reserve line, the old assembly trenches. Captain McHugh, M.C., who returned from leave that day, taking over command of the line.

Next day a general advance was commenced towards Blingy, by the Scottish and Yorkshire troops. We were withdrawn and sent back to our cycles to operate with the Corps Mounted Regiment in the advance.

Having obtained our cycles we returned to Presle Farm where we camped for the night, moving forward to to Marfaux at daylight on Sunday morning. It had rained heavily during the night and the roads, with the traffic of guns, transport, etc., forward, were in an awful mess, making our progress very difficult.

We remained at Marfaux all day, the Cavalry being out in front on patrols and reconnaissances.

On Monday night what was left of the Battalion was sent out under Captain McHugh, M.C., on a reconnaissance in force to the slopes of Montagne de Blingy. This patrol advanced 1,000 yards to a wood in front of our forward positions, captured a prisoner and gained a lot of valuable information.

On Wednesday the British troops in the sector were relieved by the French and we moved out, bivouacking in Bois de Talina for the night. Next morning we moved on to Dizy-Magenta, where we marched past Gen. A. Berthelot, Commander of the Fifth French Army, under whose command our Corps had been during the operation on the Marne. He issued a special army order of the day in reference to our work and gave all ranks in the Corps great praise.

The review over, we moved to the canal at AY, and in record time the canal was full of soldiers minus khaki, enjoying the first wash that many had had for ten days or so. We rested there for two hours and then on to Moussy, near Eperney, where billets were secured. We spent Friday and Saturday, the 2nd and 3rd August, at Moussy, resting and reorganising, for the Unit was reduced to small numbers.

On Sunday, 4th August, we received orders to return with the Corps to the north again and to entrain that night, men and cycles at Oiry and the transport at Vertus. The transport left at 2 p.m. under Lieut. W. E. Randall, D.C.M., and the Battalion at 6 p.m.

Trains were late, and it was nearly morning before we left Oiry. We arrived at Marles, E. of Paris at 10 a.m., where a halt was made for breakfast; then on to Pantin, N.E. of Paris, passing that city on the

The Road to Marfaux.

The British Cemetery at MarfauxContains 800 graves, British, Australian and New Zealand soldiers,killed in the Valley of the Arde. eastern side. Whilst at Pantin we could hear the big shells from the German "Big Bertha" bursting near St. Denis.

We continued our journey to the north and at 6 a.m. next morning arrived just N. of Abbeville, near the mouth of the Somme River. Our final destination by train was Bryas, near St. Pol, where we detrained, and marched to billets at Conteville.

So ended our visit to Champagne. The whole trip was an experience of value to us all, and if not for the fact of leaving so many of our dear comrades behind us, it would remain as a pleasant memory.

As a result of the good work done by officers and men, the following decorations were earned and awarded:

Military Cross: Lieut. H. C. J. Knubley 2nd Lieut. E. H. Blomfield 2nd Lieut. H. M. Yorke D.C.M. C.S.M. W. H. Thomas

Military Medal: Sergeant W. H. Thomas Sergeant H. E. Coates Sergeant F. A. Sutherland Private J. E. Shewry Private A. J. Byron Private A. McCulloch

The following French decorations were awarded:—

Legion de Honneur (Chevalier). Major C. H. Evans, D.S.O.

Medaille Militaire: R.S.M. A. Turner Private A. McIntosh

Croix de Guerre: Sergeant W. Jamieson Private C. D. McLaren

Wire]. O.C. 22. Corps Cyclists BTN/.c/o 62nd Division.

Following from 22nd Corps begins aaa. The Corps Commander wishes to express his appreciation of the good work done by the N.Z. Cyclists Btn. during the present operations, and desires you to convey his congratulations to Major Evans and all ranks of his command on their gallantry and success in the attack aaa ends aaa For necessary action. Recd. 26/7/18.,

6 p.m. C.D.E. 22nd Corps Mounted Troops.

Special Order By Lieutenant-General SirA. J. Godley, K.C.B., K.C.M.G. Commanding XXII. Corps.

The following order of the day by General Bertholot commanding Fifth (French) Army, together with the Corps Commanders' reply to it, are published for the information of all ranks.

The Corps Commander wishes this Order to be distributed as widely as possible, and to be read out on parade, and takes this opportunity of expressing to the Commanders, Staffs and All Ranks of the 51st (Highland) and the 62nd (West Riding) Divisions, and all the Corps Troops, his thanks for the loyal assistance and support that he has had from them during the recent arduous operations.

He takes this opportunity of again expressing his admiration of the conspicuous valour and endurance of the troops, and trusts that it may be his good fortune to have them again under his command in any future operations.

(Sgd.) A. M. de la Voye, D.A. and Q.M.G. Headquarters,31/7/1918.

Translation. Vme Armée Q.G., July 30th, 1918. Etat Major 3me Bureau Order of the Day No. 63.No. 1863/3.

Now that the XXII. British Corps has received orders to leave the Fifth (French) Army, the Army Commander expresses to all the thanks and admiration which the great deeds, that it has just accomplished, deserve.

The very day of its arrival, feeling in honour bound to take part in the victorious counter-attack which had just stopped the enemy's furious onslaught on the Marne, and had begun to hurl him back in disorder to the North, the XXII. Corps, by forced marches and with minimum opportunity for reconnaissance, threw itself with ardour into the battle.

By constant efforts, by harrying and by driving back the enemy for ten successive days, it has made itself master of the Valley of the Ardre, which it has so freely watered with its blood.

Thanks to the heroic courage and proverbial tenacity of the British, the continued efforts of this brave Army Corps have not been in vain.

21 officers and 1,300 other ranks taken prisoner, 140 Machine Guns, and 40 Guns captured from an enemy, four of whose Divisions have been successively broken and repulsed; the Upper Valley of the Ardre, with its surrounding heights to the north and south, reconquered; such is the record of the British share in the operations of the Fifth Army.

Highlanders under the orders of General Carter-Campbell, commanding the 55th Division; Yorkshire lads under the orders of General Braithwaite, commanding the 62nd Division; Australian and New Zealand Mounted Troops; all officers and men of the XXII. Army Corps, so ably commanded by General Sir A. Godley, you have added a glorious page to your history.

Marfaux, Chaumuzy, Montagne De Bligny—all these famous names will be written in letters of gold in the annals of your regiments.

Your French comrades will always remember with emotion your splendid gallantry and your perfect fellowship in the fight.

"Berthelot," le General Commandant,la Vme Armée.

Special Order by Lieutenant General SirA. J. Godley, K.C.B., K.C.M.G. Commanding XXII. Corps.

The Corps Commander has been desired by the General-Officer-Commanding Fifth (French) Army to express his great satisafction at the appearance and bearing of the troops which he reviewed this morning. The Corps Commander wishes to add his appreciation of the excellent turn-out, good march discipline and smartness of the representative detachments of the Corps Mounted Troops, 51st (Highland) Division and 62nd (West Riding) Division, and to thank them for the evident

The Corps Guides, supplied by the Battalion.

Review of 51st. Division XXII. CorpsBy General Berthelot, 5th Armie Francaise, 1/8/18.Dizy, Maggenta, Marne. pains which they they had taken, though only just out of the battle, to so worthily uphold the credit of the British Army before the French Generals and Staffs.

(sd.) A.M. de la Voye,D.A. and Q.M.G.,XXII. Corps. Headquarters1/8/18.

62nd (W.R.) Divn. 31st July, 1918. XXII. Corps "G."

I have the honour to bring to the notice of the Corps Commander the services of the Cyclist Battalion, Corps Troops XXII. Army Corps, under the command of Major C. H. Evans, D.S.O., which have been attached to the Division under my command during the recent operations. Nothing could have been better than the fighting qualities displayed by, or the valour and endurance of, all ranks not only during the action of 23rd July, but throughout the subsequent fighting.

I desire also to bring to the notice of the Corps Commander, the services of the Corps Mounted Troops, under Lieut.-Colonel Hindhaugh, who did valuable service throughout the time they were attached to the Division under my command. The men shewed enterprise and bravery while working in a country difficult for Cavalry. The patrols were boldly handled and sent back useful and accurate information.

(sgd.) W. P. Braithwaite,Major-General Commanding 62nd (West Riding) Division. Headquarters,31/7/18.

G.O.C. 62nd. (W.R.)

Dear Evans,—Now that you have left my Brigade I should like to thank both you and your men for the splendid work you did at Marfaux. You had a nasty job to do and could not have done it better. Would you please let your officers and men know how much we appreciated all the help you gave us at a very trying time.

Yours sincerely, (sgd.) J. S. Bennett,Brig.-General. (For orders).185th Brigade.

Chapter XVIII.The Second Battle of The Somme.

Reinforcements arrived for us at Conteville to the number of 60; also 2nd Lieuts. Bowron and Evans. We were also favoured by the attachment of a Padre, Captain Rev. L. A. Knight. Up to the present time our spiritual welfare had not been attended to except occasionally by Padres belonging to other Units, so we welcomed his arrival with pleasure.

2nd Lieut. T H. Dickinson, who had been acting Adjutant in the absence of A. Capt. G. Clark Walker, to Hospital, sick, went for a six weeks' course of instruction to 1st Army Infantry School, Hardelot, and Lieut.-Quartermaster C. G. G. Johnson, was appointed to carry on his duties in his absence.

Lieut.-Gen. Sir A. J. Godley, who had taken over the duties of the G.O.C. III. Corps (on sick leave) sent for his Corps Mounted Troops on the 20th August, and we accordingly packed up and moved south at 8 p.m., arriving at Reomaisnil, our halting place, at midnight, the transport arriving three hours later

We continued our march next evening, starting at 6 p.m., arriving at Villers-Bocage (where 3rd Corps Headquarters were situated) at 9 p.m. and bivouacked in an orchard.

Our retaliatory push had commenced to regain the ground lost in March and April, and up to the present good reports were received, and the arrival of bands of German prisoners, told us that the first phase of the advance was successful.

During the forenoon of next day we received orders to move forward in the direction of Albert. No. 1 Coy., under Captain McHugh, M.C., was detailed to report to a work under orders of 18th Division, the rest of the Battalion to go into bivouac at Bois de Escard-Onneuse and await orders.

No. 1 Company left at 1 p.m. to report to 54th Infantry Brigade (18th Division) near Albert, the rest of the Battalion proceeding via Querrieu to La Houssoye, where it obtained billets in abandoned and ruined houses.

Next day, the 24th August, 1918, No. 2 Company, under Temp. Capt. Blomfield, M.C., and No. 3 Company, under Temp. Capt. Knubley, M.C., were detached and sent to report to 58th Division at Heilly and 12th Division at Ribemont respectively for employment in reconnaissance and patrol work.

The description and report on the Companies' work follows.

Captain H. D. McHugh, M.C., O.C., No. 1 Company, reports as under:—

On the 22nd August the Company left the Battalion at Villers Bocage, and proceeded to near Albert, where the Company occupied some trenches and dugouts by the road side, the O.C, reporting personally to the G O.C. Fifty-fourth Infantry Brigade. Captain McHugh was then given orders that the Company would be used for the purposes of reconnaissance and patrol work to supply a steady source of information to the G.O.C. Brigades attached to. On the 23rd, Sergeant H. M. Carr M.M., was despatched with a patrol to ascertain the enemy positions at La Boisselle, and successfully carried out his mission. The same evening Lieut. Randall, D.C.M., and a patrol proceeded to the left of the Divisional front on a similar mission, and obtained the necessary information. On the 25th the Company was ordered to follow up the retiring enemy and moved out as an advanced guard to Longueval. The enemy was met with in considerable force at Mametz Wood and the advance held up. Nevertheless valuable information was obtained for Brigade by flanking movements. The advance continued each day when our patrols were on the heels of the enemy. On the 29th, forward to Combles, under full view and heavy M.G. fire, a reconnaissance in force made a dash and succeeded in reaching Combles and obtained very reliable information. The following day patrols were sent forward in three directions towards Sailly, Saillisel and Rancourt, and good reports sent in. From 2nd to 5th September, operating in the direction of St. Pierre Vaast and Vaux Woods, where the enemy made a stand, our patrols gained very useful information, being at times 2,000 yards in advance of our attacking infantry. Reconnaissances were daily continued until the 12th September, where Peiziere had been reached by that time.

On the above date the Company was withdrawn to join the Battalion. For the last 22 days they had been employed continually on reconnaissance, and in every case the patrols succeeded in gaining their objectives and in securing the special information asked for.

Captain McHugh in his report to the CO. states:—

"I cannot praise the Company enough for the loyal support they have given me. The latest joined men worked with the older hands and soon acquired the principles of patrol work. Splendid work was carried out by the N.C.O.'s, who were my chief support, with so many new men. My officers, Lieuts. Cody and Randall, D.C.M., have had the bulk of the work to do, and I cannot praise them too highly. They had some very tough corners to investigate, and did their job thoroughly.

"The valuable work done by Sergt. Carr, M.M., Midgley, Brown and Lance Sergt. Ryan, cannot be passed by in these fines; their coolness in tight coners, and daring on patrol work earned for them the praise of officers on Divisional and Brigade Staffs we have been attached to."

The Corps Commander directed a letter of apprecia tion of the work done by the advance guard to Brig.-Gen. Wood, the A.G. Commander, and the Brigade Major of the 55th Infantry Brigade wrote to Captain McHugh as follows:—

"General Wood has directed me to inform you how delighted he was with all the work done by your command during the period attached to him. Reconnaissances ordered were always carried out quickly, and absolutely valuable information obtained and good reports sent back. He hopes that you will be attached to his Brigade in any future operations he may be entrusted with."

T. Capt. E. H. Blomfield, M.C., O.C., No. 2 Company, reports as under:—

On the 24th August the Company was ordered to report to the 58th Division, when operating on the right of the Corps front, and the O.C. Company reported to Divisional Headquarters at the Heilly Chateau, and was ordered to take his Company in the vicinity of Happy Valley near Bray Sue Somme. The Company left the Battalion billets at 10 pm., and travelling by moonlight arrived at 1.30 a.m. at its destination, where good quarters had been found in German dugouts by an advance party. The Company remained in this place all day, and next morning were ordered forward to the Citadel on Fricourt-Bray Road. It had rained during the night; and the roads were in a very bad mess, necessitating the cycles being carried for a considerable part of the way. Sergt. Hughes, in charge of a patrol, had been sent forward, and had been out and working with the Northumberland Hussars, and had done some good work and gained valuable information. At 10 p.m. that night, 26th August, we were engaged with D Squadron A.L.H. in holding the line with Lewis guns south and west of Maricourt. 2nd Lieut. Bowron was in charge of the guns, and his teams went over the top with the 3rd London Infantry next morning at dawn. Sergt. Coats and three men were wounded in the advance A patrol under 2nd Lieut. Ewan was sent out N. and N.E. of Maricourt and obtained useful information.

This work continued without cessation until the night of the 28th, when patrols were withdrawn to Company Headquarters, and remained until 2 p.m. on the 29th, when the Company was ordered to move forward and occupy positions in front line. This, however, was altered, and the Company remained in reserve at Battery Copse.

Patrols were sent out and kept busy obtaining information for Brigades and Division. On the 31st patrols were out all day in the direction of Marriers Wood and operated in front of our Infantry. One patrol captured 11 prisoners.

On the 3rd September the Company was transferred to 74th Division and moved to dugouts in Marriers Wood. There was little doing until the 6th when the Company again moved to a new position south o Bouchavesnes; remained in this Camp doing small patrol work till next day, when we moved again to near Aziecourt. Nothing further eventuated on the front to require the Company's services, as the Infantry had been unable to get forward. On the 12th September orders were received to rejoin Battalion at Combles, so the Company moved out and arrived at the latter place at 3.30 p.m.

During the period the Company was on detachment its work was of high order and the difficulties of roads, long distance, wire and enemy fire of all sorts were overcome and the object of the stunt, whether it was reconnaissance, defence or advance, was, without exception, carried out to the letter.

The officers were all new in their positions. T. Captain E. H. Blomfield, M.C., had only had command a month, and the two subalterns, 2nd Lieuts. F. L. Bowron and J. F. Ewan had only just joined the Battalion. Still they took to the work as in manner born and earned high praise from the Divisional and Brigade Commanders. The N.C.O.'s were mostly newly appointed —many of the men counted their service with the Battalion by days. Nevertheless the aim of all was to give good service and they amply succeeded in their desire, for nothing could be finer than the work done by the other ranks.

T. Capt. H. C. J. Knubley, M.C., O C., No. 3 Company, reports:—

The Company was attached for work under a Division —in this case the 12th—a Welsh Division, and on the evening of the 24th August the O.C. Company reported at Ribemont to Divisional Headquarters and the Company went into bivouac for the night, along with B Squadron 4th A.L.H., with whom the Company worked throughout the operations.

Next morning at 3 a.m. orders were received to follow up the enemy's retirement which had started during the night. Accordingly the Company moved off via Meaulte to the high ground between Monteban and Carnoy near Mametz. The enemy was met with and the Company and L.H. dismounted for action. A lively little fight ensued in which we came off best, killing several and taking prisoners. It was here that Private W. G Cavenett performed a very plucky action. An enemy machine gun in Pommiers Redoubt was annoying us and he and others were told off to silence it. Cavenett alone worked round the rear and, ignoring the heavy machine gun fire, rushed the position single handed bayonetted three of the garrison and took one man prisoner, the remainder of the garrison escaping. It was a very plucky action and earned for this soldier the cheers of his comrades and the award of the D.C.M.

The Company held their position till 5.30 p.m. when the 35th Infantry Brigade went through and took the ridge (Monteban). The Company then withdrew to Ville sur Ancre, where they bivouacked for the night.

Later orders were received transferring the Company from the 35th to the 37th Brigade and ordering a concentration at Carnoy at 6.0 a.m. the following morning. The Infantry were attacking Maricourt and had a stiff fight. The Company, being reserve, were not used, but got a good gassing from the enemy before they withdrew to their bivouac.

On the 29th, a further change took place, the 47th Division taking over from the 12th Division, and the Company attached to 142nd Brigade. The Company was not used, as the enemy was putting up a stiff fight at Priez Farm and Cavalry and Cyclists could not get out.

At 8.0 a.m., the 30th, the Company moved to Le Foret Marepas, and took position on high ground, over-looking where they held on till relieved by Infantry in the evening. The first and only casualty occurred in this sector, Private Thacker being so badly wounded by a shell that he subsequently died. Private Shand, the Battalion nightingale, was wounded at the same time.

On the 31st August the Company was moved forward to Maricourt, and remained in reserve till next night when 2nd Lieut. Nicholson and 20 men were sent to the 24th Londons to act as flank guard, during their advance from Priez Farm, which they had captured with 170 prisoners. The party moved out at 2.0 a.m., 4th September, and "hopped over" with the 24th Londons at 5.30 a.m., carrying out their job all day and remaining entrenched that night and all next day, being relieved at 5.0 p.m. The officer and his party received the thanks of the G.O.C. 142nd Brigade for their good work. It was here that we lost our only prisoner to the enemy, Private J. Fisher being captured whilst on patrol. (He was, however, released after the Armistice.)

On the 4th September an inter Division change took place, the 58th relieving the 47th, and the Company was transferred. No operations took place, but the Company bivouac was moved forward to Bois de Hem, where very good quarters were secured.

Received orders to report at 5.30 a.m. next day, the 5th, to 141st Brigade at Bouchavesnes, and on doing this were ordered to send a patrol to Bois de Epinette and Aziecourt, to ascertain the position with regard to our troops and the enemy. This was successfully accomplished, the enemy having left. On this information the Infantry moved up and took possession of the village of Liermont. The patrol returned at 6.30 p.m.

On the 6th, no orders being received in regard to operations, the Company moved forward again to Moislains, where quarters were obtained in what was a British C.C.S. prior to March, '18. The Canal du Nord was close by and all ranks indulged in the luxury of a swam—the first for many days.

On the 7th there was nothing doing, except the supply of Cyclist runners between the Brigade and Battalions.

On the 8th, the Division the Company was working under was withdrawn from the line, and the Company was sent back to the Battalion near Mametz to be in Corps reserve.

In common with Nos. 1 and 2 Companies, this Company earned the highest praise for its faithful and complete work. Its officers, like No. 2, were new to their positions. T. Capt. Knubley, M.C., had only been Company Commander since the battle of Marfaux, and 2nd Lieut. E.C.E. Nicholson only joined the day before going into action. Nevertheless, their work was of high order, and they were ably and faithfully assisted by the N.C.O.'s and men of the Company, who, to a man, worked hard amid trying and unpleasant conditions in a manner characteristic of The New Zealand Cyclist Corps.

After the departure of Nos. 2 and 3 Companies on 24th August, Battalion Headquarters with Transport settled down. The Companies' packs were all stored away and the only personnel left were a few sick, besides the Headquarters Signallers and details. The C.O., Adjutant, and acting Q.M. (2nd Lieut. D. H. Evans) and the Padre were the only officers with Battalion Headquarters.

The C.O. visited one or more of the Companies daily, and as the line' was advancing rapidly the distance of travel increased. On the 7th September, Battalion Headquarters moved forward and occupied some German dugouts near Mametz, and again on the 10th moved still further to Bois Douage near Combles, where German dugouts were again used.

Consequent on the Corps front being held by two Divisions, one Company (No. 3) was withdrawn from the front line on the 8th September, and joined the Battalion at Mametz and held in Corps reserve. A much appreciated consignment of gift parcels from the Lady Liverpool Fund arrived, and were very welcome to the boys in a part of France where such foods and comforts as were contained in these parcels were quite unobtainable. The receipt of these gifts from the women of New Zealand were always most acceptable and the thanks of the soldiers are heartily given to the donors.

Lieut.-Gen. Sir A. J. Godley, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., our Corps Commander, who had been commanding 3rd Corps during the absence of Lieut-Gen. Butler, on relinquishing command of the Corps sent a letter to all Units in the Corps, in which he expressed his appreciation of the work done during the advances E. of Albert from the 11th August till the 12th September, and thanked all troops for their support and assistance. Inter alia he says: "The Mounted Troops and Cyclists of the 3rd and 22nd Corps have rendered conspicuous service in patrolling, reconnaissance and liaison work.

The advance referred to covered 22 miles on a 4¼ mile front (Corps front) and recaptured 28 towns and villages, 7,300 prisoners, of whom 146 were officers, 43 guns and numerous M.G.'s, T.M.'s and stores.

On the 12th September our Corps Commander having returned to resume Command of our Corps (22 nd) we received orders to return also, and having concentrated the detached Companies, packed up once more, and at 9.0 a.m. on the 13th September, left Combles on route march northwards, our first day's journey being to Couin. As the roads in the old Somme battlefield, Poisieres, etc., were in bad repair, we went the longer way round via Albert, Bouzincourt, Betrancourt, and made our destination in good time despite the heavy head wind.

Continuing next day we found our final destination in Stewart Camp, about 1½ miles west of Arras, on the ST. POL Road. The Camp was composed of N.B. Huts, and there was splendid horse standings which were occupied by the Corps Mounted Regiment, who were also with us in the Camp.

The good work done by Officers, N.C.O.'s and men in the advance on the Somme in August and September, were rewarded by the following decorations being awarded:— M.C.2nd Lieut.F. L. BowronD.C.M.PrivateW. G. CavenettBar to M.M.SergeantH. M. CarrM.M.CorporalI. W. WestonM.M.SergeantF. E. BrownM.M.PrivateF. BarlowM.M.Lance.-Sergt.R. RyanM.M.SergeantH. L. Midgley

Chapter XIX.Arras—Mons.

By 14th September, 1918, the Unit was comfortably settled down, the Camp being well suited for our requirements.

The Corps front extended from Gavrelle, N.E. of Arras, to a point near L'ecluse on Arras-Cambrai Road, and the nature of our duties requiring a knowledge of the front, parties of officers and the N.C.O.'s were attached to Lovatt's Scouts (who man the Army O.P.'s) in order that they might become acquainted with the position of the roads, trenches, etc. A number of men under 2nd Lieut. Bowron were also sent to guard Railway tunnels and bridges on Aubigny Arras railway. Another detachment of Lieut. Highet and 27 men was sent to 11th Division for reconnaissance and liaison work.

On the 16th September Captain H. D. McHugh, who was commanding the Battalion in the absence of the CO., Major Evans, D.S.O., in England on duty, was sent to hospital suffering from gas burns received on the Somme, Captain G. L. Comer taking over command of the Battalion.

It being found that the name this Unit was known by, viz., XXII. Corps Cyclist Battalion was confusing, it was decided by Headquarters that in future, the Battalion, being a purely N.Z. Unit, should be known as:—

"New Zealand Cyclist Battalion."

On the 6th October the Battalion was inspected by G.O.C. 22nd Corps (Lieut.-Gen. Sir A. J. Godley, K.C.B., K.C.M.G.) who expressed himself pleased with the turnout and smartness displayed.

The victorious advances being made on our immediate front foretold a move forward, and on the 10th October a warning order came that the Battalion was to be ready to move on short notice. Next day at noon the order came, and at 1.0 p.m. the Battalion moved out with its destination Bourlon. This village was reached at 6.0 p.m. after a trying march, owing to the traffic on the roads and bad going, it being necessary to push the cycles the greater part of the way.

On arrival billets were found in this town, which was very much damaged by shell fire, and next morning two Platoons of No. 1 Company were sent out to Divisions in the line to act as Scouts, etc., Lieut. D. G. Cody going with his platoon to 49th Division and 2nd Lieut. W. E. Randall, D.C.M., to 51st (Highland) Division.

That afternoon the remainder of the Battalion was ordered forward to Ramillies, north of Cambrai, and after a particularly trying march, the cycles having to be pushed all the way, arrived at 9.15 p.m., and after some difficulty found billets; this village, having been the scene of heavy fighting two days earlier, was in ruins.

Next morning at 10.0 a.m. orders were received to send out all available fighting men to increase platoons with 49th and 51st Divisions to Company strength. This was done and Battalion Headquarters and transport was left at Ramillies.

Major Evans returned from duty in United Kingdom on the 14th instant, resumed command of the Battalion.

On the 16th October all personnel of No. 1 Company were withdrawn from Divisions, leaving No. 2 Company (T. Capt. Blomfield, M.C.) with 49th Division and No. 3 Company (Capt. Comer) with 51st Division.

These Companies continued with above and other Divisions until the Armistice was signed on the 11th November, 1918, and their doings are recorded separately.

Dispositions of the XXII. Corps, 11/11/18.

Narrative of No. 1 Company, 12/10/18.-11/11/18.

At Bourlon on 12/10/'18, at 6 a.m., orders were received for two platoons to move out for attachment to Divisions operating in advance on the Corps fronts. Accordingly Lieut. D. G. Cody, with his platoon, went to 49th Division, and 2nd Lieut. W. E. Randall, with his platoon, to 51st Division. Both Divisions were at Escaudoevres near Cambrai. The roads were particularly bad, and very congested with the traffic necessary to an advancing army, and riding was impossible, the cycles having to be pushed all the way—a heavy task with a full pack up.

On arrival at Divisional Headquarters it was found that Divisions were moving to Naves, and the two platoons moved to that village and billetted.

Next day Lieut. Cody's platoon was engaged as runners between Division (51st) Headquarters and the forward Brigades.

Lieut. Randall's platoon (with 49th Division) was similarly engaged, also finding patrols along Naves-Villers Road. Whilst so engaged Lieut. Randall was slightly wounded and returned to Battalion Headquarters at Ramillies, Sergt. F. E. Brown, M.M., taking charge of the platoon.

This platoon received "special mention" from the Brigadier 147th Infantry Brigade for its excellent work. This sort of work went on until the 17th October, when the two platoons were ordered back to rejoin their Company at Battalion Headquarters, where the Company remained in reserve until the 28th October, when it was sent to Thiant to relieve No. 3 Company, then attached to 51st Division (152nd Infantry Brigade).

On the 29th, the 49th Division took, over the 51st Division front and the Company was transferred to former Division.

On the 30th and 31st the Company supplied runners for Brigades, and the Officers and N.C.O.'s made reconnaissances of the country forward in view of the continuation of the advance on the 1st November. The village of Thiant was well shelled by the enemy, but no casualties to our men resulted.

Early on the morning of the 1st November the attack commenced with certain objectives, and our orders were that on those objectives being gained we were to push out strong patrols (in conjunction with the Corps Cavalry) and exploit the successes gained.

2nd Lieut. Greville with No. 1 Platoon was attached to the 146th Infantry Brigade and moved forward at 5.45 a.m. from Thiant to Famars, where cycles were left, as roads were bad and shelling was heavy. This platoon was heavily engaged by Machine Gun fire near Aulnoy, but did good work in obtaining information finally returning to Company Headquarters at 9.30 p.m.

No. 2 Platoon, under 2nd Lieut. C. C. Southey, M.M., worked forward on the left of 147th Brigade and near Saultain, engaged three enemy field gun teams engaged in removing some light guns. The Lewis gun, worked by Lance Corporal Wharton and Private M McMeeking, shot the teams and forced the gunners; to take shelter and kept them there until the platoon had to withdraw, owing to our Infantry having withdrawn. When withdrawing Lieut. Southey saw an enemy counter attack coming, so he again got his gun into action, the N.C.O. and man (Wharton and McMeeking) working the gun to such effect that the counter attack was stopped; the party maintained their positions until dark and then withdrew to Brigade Headquarters, where the Brigadier met them and made very complimentary reference to the excellent work done by them.

2nd Lieut. Southey was afterwards awarded the M.C, and the two gunners (Lance Corporal Wharton and Private D. McMeeking) the M.M., for their gallantry and devotion to duty, on the Brigadier's recommendation.

On the 2nd November the Company was attached to 148th Infantry Brigade, but was not used.

On the 3rd the Company was ordered to report to Monchaux to XXII. Corps Mounted Troops, and finally, after much difficulty, owing to bad roads, made Famars. Next morning moved on to Saultain and billetted there, and beyond finding a few runners was not used.

On the 6th moved to Sebourquiaux and billetted. On the 8th moved out in direction of Autreppe on reconnaissance and patrol work, and the men had a very difficult and unpleasant time owing to heavy rain and bad roads. However their work was most successful, and all patrols accomplished their missions. When preparing to move from Sebourquiaux, the enemy shelled the village, and a shell bursting near by wounded Sergt. Midgley so badly that he subsequently died.

On the 10th instant Captain H. D. McHugh, M.C., rejoined the Company, having been away in hospital for a brief period suffering from gas burns.

The Company was on that day ordered to Fayt le Franc to report to 56th Division, by whom it was employed in controlling and directing traffic, and on various duties. Subsequently it was moved on to Athis where it remained until hostilities ceased.

On the 12th instant orders were received by the Company to rejoin the Battalion, but owing to location being incorrectly given, it marched to Harvengt, where the Corps Mounted Troops had their Headquarters, and from there was directed to Aulnois, the location of the Battalion.

Narrative of No. 2 Company, 12/10/18-11/11/18

On the 12th October, the Company, with the rest of the Battalion, arrived at Ramillies late at night from Bourlon. On the morning of the 13th, under command of T. Capt. E. H. Blomfield (who had with him Lieuts. Highet and Knubley, M.C.) the Company marched out to Iwuy and reported to 51st Division. Billets were found, and next morning the Officer Commanding was instructed to report to 152nd Infantry Brigade, who ordered a change of location to Naves.

On the 16th Captain A. H. Richards, who was wounded at Marfaux in July, rejoined, and took over command of the Company. There being no offensive operations, the Company was employed with the D.A.C., 51st Division, loading ammunition, and between whiles indulged in football, though the village was under shellfire.

Meantime the 49th Division had taken over the 51st Division and the Company was transferred. On the 19th, the 4th Division relieved the 49th and again the Company transferred, and it was under orders of the 4th Division that 2nd Lieut. Bowron's Platoon went to the 10th Brigade, and 2nd Lieut. J. F. Ewen's platoon to 11th Brigade, who were at Villers En Cauchies on the 19th instant.

These two platoons were employed by the respective Brigades on patrol and reconnaissance duties in front of the advancing infantry, and were constantly on the move forward.

On the 21st 2nd Lieut. Ewen's platoon moved to Haspres, and from there made a reconnaissance of Monchaux village. In carrying out their mission 2nd Lieut. Ewen was wounded. Nevertheless the party carried on and obtained the required information, Lance Corporal Hasting and Private Prenderville giving very good service in bringing their wounded officer back over difficult ground.

On the 22nd 2nd Lieut. L. H. Browne and his platoon relieved 2nd Lieut. Ewen's men, who had had a very strenuous time. 2nd Lieut. Bowron's men had meantime been operating forward on Saulzoir with success.

On the, 23rd the Company moved its Headquarters (with the Division) to Asvenes-Le-Sec Captain Richards left the Company at this place, he having been granted a "course" in England in Staff duties, and Lieut. E. H. Blomfield again took over the Company.

On the 25th, 2nd Lieut. Browne moved up to Saulzoir and from there made a very successful reconnaissance of the village of Artres and the surrounding country, ascertaining enemy dispositions and enabling our artillery to deal effectively with them. Nos. 5 and 6 Platoons (2nd Lieuts. Bowron and Ewen) moved to La Travise, and the Company Headquarters remained at Asvenes-Le-Sec.

No further operations were undertaken until the 1st November, when the Company moved to Haspres, Nos. 4 and 5 Platoons being sent on ahead to reconnoitre ground near Preaseau and towards Curgies, but owing to strong enemy opposition this patrol did not accomplish its mission. Next day the advance continued, and the Company Headquarters moved forward, the Platoons with Brigade continuing their work and in succession reconnoitring and occupying Artres and Curgies with the Infantry. The going for cyclists over all this country proved very difficult owing to bad roads and the frequently met mine craters at road junctions.

On the 7th the Company moved to Roisin and was engaged in operations with a Lincoln Regiment towards Autreppe which were quite successful. Lieut. Bowron was wounded in this advance.

The Company, its mission finished, withdrew to Roisin, and next day moved again to Autreppe, and on the 9th to Aulnois. Patrols were sent on ahead to ascertain the position, and this village was found unoccupied. The patrols received a great reception from civilians as each village was reached, particularly at Blaregnies.

On the 10th the Company moved on to Quevy Le Grand, at which village the 33rd Infantry Brigade (Brig.-Gen. Spring) had its Headquarters.

On the 11th November instructions were received from G.O.C. 189th Brigade that Armistice would start at 11.0 a.m., and that the Company was to proceed to Givry and form a right flank for 189th Brigade. This was done, and at 11.0 a.m., when the Great War finished, this Company was in battle position in the front line. Outposts were established and maintained on the night of 11th-12th November. On the morning of the 12th, orders were received to rejoin Battalion at Aulnois.

Narrative of No. 3 Company, 13/10/18-11/11/18

On the 13th October the Company under command of Captain G. L. Comer, moved from Ramillies to Iwuy, and reported to G.O.C. 51st Division. Not being required, billets were secured for the night. Next day moved to Naves. Lieut. Knubley, M.C., took over command from Captain Comer, who returned to Battalion Headquarters sick.

The Company was not used except as working parties until the 18th, when patrols were sent forward to Asvenes Le Sac.

On the 19th moved to Iwuy again, and at 5.0 p.m. a platoon was sent forward along the Valenciennes Road as scouts for the Brigade (153rd) which was advancing.

On the 20th moved to Pave de Valenciennes, one platoon being sent to each of Infantry Battalions in the line as Scouts. Their work merited a message of appreciation from the Brigadier, who was very pleased with the resource and dash displayed by the Scouts.

On the 21st the Company moved to Douchy, and at 8.30 a.m. three patrols were sent out in the direction of Valenciennes to locate enemy. The patrols were respectively under Lieut. Highet and Corporals I. W. Weston, M.M., and C. Gerrard, and all did good work, resulting in the Brigadier expressing himself very pleased with the reports.

The Battalion Flag.

Official Entry into Mons,15/11/18. N.Z. Cyclists in the van.

On the 22nd one platoon (Lieut. H. A. Highet) was sent to Novelles and the remainder of the Company moved to Asvenes Le Sec where a brief rest was obtained.

On the 24th the Company moved to Novelles (to 153rd Infantry Brigade) and afterwards to Douchy again. 2nd Lieut. C. C. Southey, M.M., reported with a platoon to 6th Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders at Thiant for patrol duty but not being required returned to the Company.

On the 28th No. 1 Company, which was in reserve at Ramillies, moved in relief of No. 3 Company, which returned to Ramillies for a rest.

The Company remained with Battalion Headquarters, moving on the 3rd November to Haspres and from there on to Artres for attachment to 33rd Infantry Brigade. On the 4th November, moved on again to Curgies via Preseau. Next day on again to Le Triez, where billets were secured with difficulty. The roads en route were simply awful, and progress was slow and difficult owing largely to the continual stream of traffic.

On the morning of the 6th November the Infantry continued their advance and our men were used in small patrols ahead of the Infantry, after objectives were gained, to ascertain enemy positions. The Bois de Dandois was reconnoitred (E. of Autreppe and our own dispositions, as well as those of the enemy, marked and reported to Brigadier, who sent for the Company Commander and thanked him for the clear and useful reports.

On the 7th moved to Roisin, and next day to vicinity of Bois d'Angre where patrols were sent out to locate enemy who was found at Eugnies and engaged, the Infantry (9th South Staffs) then advanced and relieved our patrols.

On the 9th the Company moved to Aulnois, and being the first troops in this village received a great reception from the inhabitants.

On the 10th moved on to Quevy Le Grand and patrols were sent out in direction of Ihy and S. of Harvengt to ascertain positions of enemy and gain possession of high ground in that vicinity. This was accomplished with very little opposition, and on Infantry arriving our patrols returned to Quevy Le Grand.

Next morning, the 11th, news was received at 10.0 a.m. hat hostilities were to cease at 11.0 a.m. and that the Company was transferred from 11th Division to 63rd (R.N.) Division.

The G.O.C. 33rd Brigade (11th Division) sent to the Company Commander (T. Capt. H. C. Knubley, M.C.) a letter of appreciation of the consistent good services given by all ranks.

Next day the Company rejoined the Battalion at Aulnois.

Battalion Headquarters remained at Ramillies and carried on its administrative duties to Companies from there until the 3rd November, when orders to move forward were received The destination was Haspres which was reached by noon. No. 2 Company was in that village and they with No. 3 were sent on to Artres that afternoon.

The Battalion Headquarters only stayed the night in Haspres and next morning marched out with Querenaing for destination. Arrived at 11.0 a.m. and there received orders from 11th Division (to whom we were attached) to go on to Preseau which village was reached at 4.0 p.m. and billets secured with difficulty as the village was very badly damaged and there was hardly a sound house left. However, with our customary luck, we managed to get fairly good quarters.

The roads from Haspres were in bad order—the enemy did not keep his roads in nearly as good order as we did—and the traffic was tremendous—lorries, wagons, guns, cars, etc., and made a continuous stream for the whole of the way from Haspres.

The inhabitants of Valenciennes, wishing to mark the occasion of the release of the town from German domination, invited the Army Commander to receive an address in company with representatives of all troops concerned in the capture. Accordingly, on the 8th November, representatives of the Army assembled at the Grand Place and an address was presented to Sir H. Home. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales was present. This unit was represented by one officer and twelve other ranks.

At Preseau Battalion Headquarters remained for several days and on the 9th November moved on to Roisin, where it only stayed for the night, trekking further forward to Aulnois next day, where good quarters were secured, and it was in this village that we were when the news of the Armistice being signed reached us.

The day following all the three Companies which had been out with Divisions rejoined, and were accommodated in a large unfinished factory.

At 11.0 o'clock on the 11th November, 1918, when hostilities were suspended, the Battalion was distributed as follows:—

Battalion Headquarters at Aulnois attached 11th Division.

No. 1 Company (Captain H. D. McHugh. M.C.) at Athis attached 56th Division. No. 2 Company (T. Capt. Blomfield, M.C.) at Girvy attached 63rd (R.N.) Division. No. 3 Company (T. Capt. Knubley, M.C.) at Quevy Le Grand attached 11th Division.

The Corps occupied a front extending from half-a-mile W. of Estinne au Mont northwards to a point about a mile north of Villers-Saint-Chiclain, and this line formed the outpost line at the Armistice hour.

The news of the signing of the Armistice and cessation of hostilities was received with great joy by all ranks. The thought that our object after fighting for over four years, had been gained, and our enemy, the enemy of all civilization, had been forced to his knees, gave a sense of great relief to us all, and the joy of every soldier and the inhabitants of the village was manifested by cheering, flag waving, music, etc. Aulnois Village hailed our men as its saviours because our No. 3 Company was the first of the British troops to enter in pursuit of the flying enemy a few days earlier, and our boys got a great reception.

The operations of the various Companies of the Battalion throughout the advances from Cambrai to Mons during the period 10th October to 11th November were carried out under unfavourable conditions of weather and roads, long hours and marches, indifferent billets, often short rations, but the unfailing energy and resource of all ranks, characteristic of our army, prevailed, and never once was a job, however difficult and trying, left undone or half done. Each successive Divisional or Brigade General we were under (and we served 5 Divisions during the advance) expressed himself very pleased with the troops. To the N.C.O.'s and men concerned in the supply of rations a special mention is due—their work entailed long journeys at all hours over bad roads, frequently shelled, and their devotion to their duty earned for them the hearty thanks of all ranks.

As a reward for the work done the following decora tions were awarded:—

Military Cross: Lieut. H. A. Highet Lieut. G. D. Cody 2nd Lieut. C. C. Southey, M.M. 2nd Lieut. L. H. Browne

Bar to Military Medal. Sergt. F. A. Sutherland, M.M. Corpl. S. C. Forrester, M.M. Private H. Gallagher, M.M.

Military Medal. Lance Corpl. J. Wharton Private D. T. McMeeking Sergeant L. F Lees Sergeant W. G. Brown, D.C.M. Sergeant C. E. H. Dass Corporal C. D. Matthews Sergeant C. E. Hounsell Corporal G. McGregor

Chapter XX.The Armistice.

The Corps Commander (Lieut. General Sir Alexander J. Godley, K.C.B., K.C.M.G.), issued a special order appreciative of the work done by the Corps, of which the following is a copy:—

Special Order. byLieut.Gen. Sir A. J. Godley, K.C.B., K.C.M.G. Commanding XXII. Corps.

I desire on the concluson of the Armistice with the enemy to-day to thank all ranks of the Corps for the gallantry and devotion to duty which they have displayed, and to express my admiration of their conduct. The manner in which the troops after the great exertion of the previous years and the desperate defensive battles of this spring, responded to the call for a renewed offensive, has no equal in history.

I am fully sensible to the strain imposed on Units, often depleted in numbers by the maintenance of the constant pressure which has finally worn out the enemy's power of resistance.

It was not superiority in numbers but superiority in dogged determination and courage which, in spite of the physical obstacle of successive river lines, and in spite of the difficulties created by the enemy and the hardships imposed by bad weather, broke down the enemy's defence.

Commanders and Staffs, R.A.F., Corps Mounted Troops, Artillery, Engineers, Infantry, Machine Gunners, Labour Units, Transport, R.A.M.C., Ordnance Services

O.M.R. and Cyclists' Combined Football Team.

Cyclist Battalion Football Team. and Veterinary Services have worked loyally together toward the same end, and I congratulate them on their share in the victory of which they may all justly be proud.

(Sgd.) Alex. J. Godley,Lieut.-General Commanding XXII. Corps. Headquarters, XXII. Corps, 11th November, 1918.

The concentration of the Battalion at Aulnois was complete by evening of 12th November, and all ranks settled down for a rest and refitting. On 15th November 8 officers and 100 other ranks went to Mons and there took part in the official entry by the Army Commander, General Sir H. Horne, into the city, which was a fine show, some 10,000 troops taking part.

Training, principally of a recreational nature, was carried on for remainder of the month.

On 29th, intimation was received that the Australian personnel of the Corps Mounted Troops was leaving the Corps to join the Australian Corps, and Lieut.-Colonel S. G. Hindhaugh, D.S.O., who had commanded for the past two years, visited the Battalion to say farewell. A parade was held and the Colonel made some very complimentary remarks and expressed his regret at the severance of his connection with the New Zealand personnel.

Since the Armistice was signed various rumours had been circulating regarding our inclusion in the Armies of Occupation in Germany, and opinions were divided to whether we would go or not. However, on 30th November, doubts were set at rest by orders being received that the Battalion would move to Baudour about 16 miles in a northerly direction and billet there for the winter.

Accordingly we packed up and moved, arriving at midday. The billetting party had secured us fine accommodation—Nos. 1 and 3 Companies in a fine large chateau, and No. 2 in the Gendarmerie, Headquarters being accommodated in houses. Here the Unit soon made itself comfortable, and finding the inhabitants kind and hospitable, all ranks soon had friends. The war being over, military training was not carried out to much extent, only sufficient to keep everybody fit. Sports Committees were formed and arrangements for education under our Padre, L. A. Knight, and 2nd Lieut. C. C. Southey, M.C., M.M., were made, and their classes were well attended. Football (our National winter game) was played frequently. Teams from each Company and Headquarters played a tournament which was eventually won by Battalion Headquarters Team. Several outside matches were arranged with

156 Battery, R.F.A.

South African Heavy Artillery

New Zealand Railway Engineers and others, with varying results.

The Corps Rugby Championship was fought out between our team and O.M.R. combined, and the S.A.H.A. at Mons; the South Africans won, but were given a good go for it. (5 to 3).

A rifle range was built and Rifle and Revolver Matches were held.

The O.M.R. Squadron was with us all this time, and with this Unit formed the XXII. Corps Mounted Troops under command of Lieut.-Colonel C. Hellier Evans, D.S.O. Captain H. D. McHugh, M.C., was promoted to Field rank as 2nd in command of the Battalion, and Lieuts. C. G. Johnson (Q.M.), A. C. P. Hay and D. G. Cody were promoted to Captain.

Up to the end of November the M.O. of Corps Mounted Troops attended our Medical wants. On departure of Australian personnel, Captain F. Dewsbury Penfold, N.Z.M.C., was attached to the Battalion and O.M.R. as Medical Officer.

At end of December all the officers and men of 1914 and 1915 classes were sent to England for demobilization and from this Unit one officer (2nd Lieut. D. H. Evans) and 23 other ranks were sent.

Leave to U.K., and places in France and Belgium was liberal, and many took advantage of the privilege; those going to U.K. were mostly retained for demobilization.

The historic field of Waterloo was within easy distance and lorry excursions were arranged, as were trips to Brussels, Lille and other towns.

Concerts, dances and cinema entertainments were held in the "Salon d'Harmonie" at frequent intervals. The Battalion Pierrots under 2nd Lieut. W. E. Randall, D.C.M., provided several very enjoyable concerts. The Pierrot Troupe consisted of 2nd Lieut. Randall, conductor, Corpl. P. R. Boagey, pianist, Corpl. C. D. Matthews, Privates C. Wright, J. D. Donaldson, B. J. O'Connell, J. Connell and C. R. Foster.

The cessation of hostilities in November, 1918, brought permission from G.H.Q. for the use of cameras again, these having been prohibited during the war, and so it became possible to indulge in this mild form of amusement, but the opportunity of securing really interesting photos of war scenes was gone, and only those scenes of a more or less peace-time period were obtainable; still those with an inclination that way used up quite a lot of films, and some useful snaps resulted.

The winter spent at Baudour was a very cold one and snow fell frequently, and for weeks everything was under a mantle of snow. Our quarters, however, were comfortable, fuel was pentiful, and so no great inconvenience was experienced.

Early in January our Corps Commander, Lieut. General Sir A. J. Godley, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., who has always taken an interest in his cyclists, visited us and presented the decorations awarded to its officers and other ranks during the six months preceding the Armistice. The Battalion was paraded in front of the Chateau and the General presented each in turn with a ribbon of the decoration, making a splendid speech at the conclusion.

Battalion Pierrot Troupe.

The Chateau Baudour.Our Last Billet in. Belgium.

Chapter XXI. Our Departure from France.

After spending over three months at Baudour orders were received that the Unit would shortly leave for U.K. preparatory for embarkation to New Zealand for demoblization, and on 18th March the cycles, wagons and all regimental stores having been previously moved into Mons and stored, the Unit bade good-bye to Baudour and moved by motor lorries to Mons, and from there entrained to Rouen, from whence after a brief stay it crossed to England and there ceased to exist as a Unit, each officer and man being drafted to his Demobilisation Group.

Major H. D. McHugh, M.C., Captain C. C. Johnson, the Q.M. and 20 others remained at Mons to guard the stores until same could be railed to Calais and be handed over to the Ordnance Department. This was not done for about six weeks owing to the congestion on the French and Belgian lines.

Before the Battalion left Belgium the Corps Commander sent the following letter to our C.O.:—

"In view of the probable early demobilisation of the New Zealand Cyclist Battalion, I desire to place on record my high appreciation of the good service done since the formation of the Battalion in July, 1916, to the signing of the Armistice.

"Your Battalion has had a most varied experience and few Units in the B.E.F. have rendered valuable service in so many different directions or in conjunction with so many different formations.

"Its work has included traffic control, the felling of trees, cable burying, repairing of trenches, the holding as Infantry of Sections of the front fine, the reconnaissance of front areas and the participation in offensives as advanced mounted troops.

"The work of burying cables 6, 7, and 8 feet deep, running up to the front line in shell-swept areas, and most of it done by night, proved as valuable and successful as it was arduous and dangerous. Latterly the Battalion became so experienced and expert in this work that its personnel were employed only as supervisors.

"On several occasions when specially needed, your Battalion has done most valuable service in the front line both as Infantry and Mounted Troops. Of these I desire to specially mention the Battle of Messines, the filling of the gap near Vierstratt at a heavy cost in casualties, and the holding off of the enemy for four days in April, 1918, during the critical period of the big enemy offensive; the capture of Marfaux in the offensive of the Fifth French Army in July, 1918, and the excellent patrol and advanced reconnaissance work in the second Battle of the Somme, and finally in our final advance from Arras to Mons.

"I congratulate you on being selected as the only British Unit to receive a fanion from General Berthelot.

" If Cyclists are included in the post war Army of New Zealand, the traditions of your good service cannot fail to permanently stimulate both their efficiency and esprit de corps.

"I ask you with confidence to continue until discharged in New Zealand to do your share in maintaining the high reputation for soldierly qualities held by the N.Z.E.F.

"My gratitude for your services, and my best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity, will follow you to New Zealand.

"Will you please bring the contents of this letter to notice of ranks under your command.

(Sgd.) "Alex. J. Godley,Lieut.-GeneralCommanding N.Z. Expeditionary Forces. 6th March, 1919."

Parade for Demobilization, Feby. 1919.

Waiting for H.M. The King.

Such an appreciation as the foregoing cannot but make everyone who served in the Unit feel proud, and its receipt gave the greatest satisfaction to everyone, particularly those who had been Cyclists since the Unit's formation.

In addition to the letter our General visited and inspected the Unit at Mons Railway Station before it entrained, and in a brief address thanked all ranks for the very creditable work done during the past three years.

The cadre, consisting of a selected party from the Otago Mounted Rifles and another from the Cyclists, under Major H. D. McHugh, M.C., received orders on the 4th May to load the Unit's equipment on railway trucks at Mons and proceed to Calais, where it was to be handed over.

We left Mons on May 5th, and three day's journey brought us to Calais, where the equipment was handed over to the Ordnance Department and the necessary receipts obtained. The party left France for England on the 10th of May, and on arrival in London were given the usual 14 days' leave, after which they were absorbed into the Demobilisation Units at our bases, Sling and Codford.

Chapter XXII.Presentation of Fanion, Epernay.

It will be remembered that the Battalion was in July and August, 1918, with the Corps in the Champagne District, where it gained considerable glory for its work whilst associated with the Fifth French Army under General A. Berthelot.

The Maire and Municipality of the the town of Epernay (Department of the Marne) wishing to signalise the victory of the Second Battle of the Marne which, by turning the enemy back when within a few kilometers of the town saved Epernay and adjoining towns from devastation from the enemy, presented through General Berthelot to our Corps and several of the French units who were in action at that time, fanions or banners to commemorate the victory. Our Corps Commander nominated our Battalion to receive the honour, his selection being made from all the British Battalions engaged.

This was a very high compliment to us, and gave the greatest satisfaction to all.

The presentation of the fanion was fixed to take place at Epernay on the 20th July, 1919, the anniversary of the opening of the Second Battle of the Marne, and the C.O. was invited by the Maire to visit Epernay with a delegation to receive the presentation.

As the Unit was disbanded and most of the officers and men had already left for New Zealand, it was not easy to secure a party. Eventually, after one postponement, a small party consisting of three officers and nine other ranks left London for Epernay, via Paris, arriving there a day or so before the eventful day, which was fixed for Sunday, 27th July, 1919.

The Fanion presented to the Battalion by the people of Epernay.

The town, the home of the champagne manufacture, was en fete for the occasion, and representatives of ten French Units and one Italian Unit, which had also participated in the operations of the Second Battle of the Marne, were present to receive fanions allotted to them.

Our Unit was represented by:— Lieut. Col.C. Hellier Evans, D.S.O.CaptainT. H. Dickinson, AdjutantCaptainC. G. Johnson, QuartermasterR.S.M.A. TurnerQ.M.SE. F. BisneySergeantTaskerSergeantPagetCorporalT. TaylorPrivatePembertonPrivateMayPrivateWinkiePrivateStorm
whilst Captain G. L. Comer, Lieut. N. P. Branson, and Lieut. C. C. Southey, M.C., M.M., were with the parties as visitors.

The ceremonies started on the Saturday night by a torchlight procession and military tattoo by the 54th French Infantry Regiment. On Sunday morning the lengthy programme started by the reception of M. Nail, Minister of Justice and General A. Berthelot, who arrived rom Paris. The Maire was visited and welcoming speeches were made, then followed the visit to the military cemetery. The principal event, the presentation of the fanion, took place in the Square at 11 a.m. before a large crowd, the recipients forming a hollow square in front of a dias erected for the purpose. Several speeches were made by Dignitaries and at their conclusion the Maire of Epernay presented the banners; our Unit was first, and as Captain Dickinson stepped forward to receive it, the cheers of the assembled multitude testified to the popularity of our troops and the town's gratitude to us for our share in freeing it from the danger of the enemy. The other presentations followed, first the Italian Delegation and then the ten French Units, all of which were accorded hearty applause. More speeches followed, and then the troops marched through the streets, our party leading the procession. The Military and Civil Dignataries, with all the visiting officers then adjourned to the Maire, where a splended lunch was provided, and some very congratulatory speeches were made; the Maire's reference to our Army was most cordially received.

The next day (Monday) the group was photographed and afterwards left for Paris where the night was spent, the journey to England via Boulogne being continued next day.

Whilst at Epernay facilities were given us by the French Authorities to visit the scenes of our Battle at Marfaux, over a year previous. All the party visited the battlefield, and those who had been in the scrap found satisfaction in living again the stirring times. The graves of those who fell were visited also.

M. Le Comte de Chandon-Moét, the principal of the great firm of champagne makers (Moét and Chandon) was particularly kind to us. He entertained the officers at his house and did all he could to make our stay enjoyable. The N.C.O.'s and men were the guests of the French Red Cross, and were very well looked after.

Everyone of the party thoroughly enjoyed the trip—it formed a very fine break in the monotony of life, and all carry with them the most cordial recollections of the kindness and hospitality of our Gallant French Allies.

The fanion has been greatly admired by all who have seen it, and many congratulations have been received by the Unit on being the only N.Z. Unit to have such a high honour conferred on it.

The Fanion Presentation Party.

A Captured German Cycle.

So ends the history of the Cyclists' part in the Great War which engaged the close attention of all British subjects during the years of 1914 to 1918.

The majority of members have returned to New Zealand, a few taking their discharges in England, and settling in other parts of the world.

Of our Battalion 59 of our lads have been left behind on the Glorious Battlefields of France where they fell. The inspiration given by the deeds of these brave lads did not end with their lives, but is passed on to build up the soul of our Empire, and furthermore we lay, as it were, a wreath upon their graves.

We take this opportunity of congratulating the majority of our lads on their safe return to the Homeland, and may they prosper.

With undaunted spirit they went forth to give all they had to give, and we crown them with laurel for their efforts in the Great Cause of the Empire.

It is sure to say that our lads have gained materially by their War experience, besides receiving an education generally from the peoples on the other side of the world, and all are proud to have formed a part in that Great Army which rid the world of a Prussian menace.

New Zealand Cyclist Battalion. Statistics.

Strength: Officers Other Ranks Total The original Cyclist Company 6 Ten of the original Company were susbequently commissioned.211 217 Reinforcements 16 475 491 708

The above figures do not include 6 Officers and 200 other tanks, Australian Personnel, with 2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalion from 21/7/16 to 16/1/18.

Killed in action, N.Z. Officers Other Ranks Total Personnel only 4 55 59 Wounded.Fitty-one of these were wounded more than once. 7 252 259

Number with Unit at Armistice, 11/11/18 8 Officers, 286 other ranks.

Billets.

During service in France and Belgium from 18/7/16 to 18/3/19, equalling 2 years and 8 months, the Unit occupied 82 different Billets and Bivouacs.

Three of these absorbed 11 months of the period, therefore for the balance of the time the Unit moved its location on an average about once a week.

Grave of our Adjutant.Captain C. A. Dickeson, M.C. at Abeele.Private Dickeson, brother to the above in rear of cross.

Our First Casualty.Grave of Corp. C. S. Des Barres, at Bois Grenier.

One of our Last Casualties.Grave of Pvte. R. D. Walker. at Saultain.

Appendix

Roll of Honour of Officers, N.C.O.'s and Men killed in action or died of wounds.

No. Rank Name Date of Casualty Place 10716 Lieut. J. T. Steven 17/11/17 Westhoek, near Ypres 24/2128 Lieut. C. A. Dickeson, M.C. 26/4/18 Hallebast, Corner, Vierstraat 11583 2nd Lieut. D. C. Griffith 23/7/18 Marfaux 32540 2nd Lieut. A. E. M. Rowland 23/7/18 Marfaux 10747 Cpl. C. S. DesBarres 30/9/16 Laventie 10820 Private A. F. George 1/11/16 Armentieres 10866 Private T. P. Milne 8/11/16 Armentieres 10795 Private A. L. M. Duff 7/6/17 Messines 10773 Private —Cavins 7/6/17 Messines 11/2226 Private D. J. Shewry 7/6/17 Messines 10296 Private C. Barwick 11/6/17 Messines 10754 Private C. L. Anstey 12/6/17 Messines 10883 Private M. A. Pankhurst 10/7/17 Ploegsteert 10845 Private A. P. Kay 10/7/17 Ploegsteert 16007 Private A. Stokes 22/12/17 Westhoek, Ypres 17090 Private P. Mudie 3/1/18 Vlamertinghe 9/366 Private J. S. Clarke 25/3/18 Yyres 26/1099 Private W. Potter 30/3/18 Shrewsbury Forest, Zillebeke 27160 Private W. Burrows 16/4/18 Kemmel (Mount) 5/29 Private V. E. Hodson 16/4/18 Kemmel (Mount) 24485 Private W. E. J. Browne 17/4/18 Memmel (Mount), 10837 Private A. W. Hunter 17/4/18 Kemmel (Mount) 10887 Private T. E. Power 18/4/18 Kemmel (Mount) 10783 Private T. J. Clinton 18/4/18 Kemmel (Mount) 10827 Private R. E. Harris 23/4/18 Hallebast Corner, Vierstraat 10749 Sergeant (T.C.S.M.) T. C. Hodgson 23/4/18 Kemmel (Mount) 25/624 Private O. Fisher 25/4/18 Vierstraat 25/1126 Private A. Gold 25/4/18 Vierstraat 10930 Private J. D. Welsh 26/4/18 Hallebast Corner, Vierstraat 20110 Private R. H. Curtis 27/4/18 Hallebast Corner, Vierstraat 24/1804 Private H. R. Williams 27/4/18 Hallebast Corner, Vierstraat 24/2043 Private D. Mulcahy 29/4/18 Hallebast Corner, Vierstraat 10813 Sergeant H. Gilchrist, M.M. 6/5/18 Vierstraat 17894 Private L. L. Martin 5/7/18 Kemrael (Mount) 45181 Private F. Baker 23/7/18 Marfaux 10779 Private R. A. Chatwin 23/7/18 Marfaux 10807 L/Sergt. O. R. Foulds 23/7/18 Marfaux 10819 L/Corpl. G. Grindrod 23/7/18 Marfaux 59654 Private H. J. Johnson 23/7/18 Marfaux 10851 Private A. R. Kloth 23/7/18 Marfaux 13/3129 Private H. J. Lindsay 23/7/18 Marfaux 10731 Sergeant H. Matthews, M.M. 23/7/18 Marfaux 10047 Private A. J. McLaughlin 23/7/18 Marfaux 51865 Private A. R. McLeod 23/7/18 Marfaux 28511 Private H. Mills 23/7/18 Marfaux 18891 Private L. A. Newman 23/7/18 Marfaux 18891 Private L. A. Newman 23/7/18 Marfaux 25/456 Private A. J. Perry 23/7/18 Marfaux 13120 Private A. E. Smith 23/7/18 Marfaux 46397 Private F. W. T. Smith 23/7/18 Marfaux 10928 Private R. H. Turner 23/7/18 Marfaux 102763 Private F. A. A. Simmiss 24/7/18 Marfaux 102629 Private F. Hannam 29/7/18 Marfaux 16214 L/Corpl. R. A. Foote 4/8/18 Marfaux 10/4008 Private J. T. Thacker 30/8/18 Aulnois 28211 Private R. H. Read 27/9/18 Near Arras 13533 Private J. F. Spear 1/11/18 Aulnois 46504 Private R. D. Walker 1/11/18 Saultain 10370 Sergeant H. L. Midgley, M.M. 7/11/18 Serbourquiaux 13016 Private J. F. Harston 10/11/18 Quevy Le Grand

Summary.

Officers 4 N.C.O.'s 8 Men 47 59

Honours List.

Distinguished Service Order. No. Rank Name Date Action 10711 Lt. Col. C. Hellier Evans June, 1917 Messines

Bar to Military Cross. 25/4 Major H. D. McHugh, M.C. June, 1919 Cambrai, Mons Advance, 1918

Military Cross. 25/4 Capt. (Now Major) H. D. McHugh June, 1917 Messines 24/2128 Lieut. (A./Capt.) C. A. Dickeson (Killed in action) Sept./Oct. 1917 Passchendale 10743 Lieut. H. C. J. Knubley 23rd July, 1918 Marfaux, S.W. of Rheims 4/150A Lieut. E. H. Bloomfield 23rd July, 1918 Marfaux, S.W. of Rheims 25/651 2/Lieut. W. H. Yorke 23rd July, 1918 Marfaux, S.W. of Rheims 10723 2/Lieut. F. L. Bowron Sept. 1918 Somme 22438 Lieut. H. A. Highet Oct./Nov. 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance 28617 Lieut. D. G. Cody Oct./Nov. 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance 10918 2/Lieut. C. C. Southey Oct./Nov. 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance 10724 2/Lieut. L. H. Browne Oct./Nov. 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance

Distinguished Conduct Medal. 24844 C.S.M. G. B. Raker, M.M. 23rd July, 1918 Marfaux 12/324 Private W. G. Cavenett Sept., 1918 Somme

Bar to Military Medal. 13502 C.S.M. R. H. Sly, M.M. June, 1917 Ploegsteest 10944 S/Sgt. H. M. Carr, M.M. Sept., 1918 Somme 23/1206 Sgt. F. A. Sutherland, M.M. Sept., 1918 Somme 12700 Cpl. S. C. Forrester, M.M Sept., 1918 Somme 28126 Private H. Gallagher, M.M. Sept., 1918 Somme

The Military Medal. 1740 Sergt. (now 2/Lt.) A. H. Coe June, 1917 Messines 10899 Private H. J. Ringham June, 1917 Messines 3/1722 Private F. J. Sharpe June, 1917 Messines 13502 C.S.M. R. H. Sly June, 1917 Messines 10758 Cpl. H. Bellamy June, 1917 Ploegsteest 24844 C.S.M G. B. Baker, D.C.M. Oct., 1917 Passchendale 10918 Sergt. (now 2/Lt.) C. C. Southey Oct., 1917 Passchendale

The Military Medal. No. Rank Name Date Action 16465 L/Sergt. W. I. N. Bond April, 1918 Mont Kemmell 10/1700 Cpl. W. H. Whiting April, 1918 Mont Kemmell 10813 Sergt. (Since died of wounds) H. Gilchrist April, 1918 Meteren Strazeele 28126 Private H. Gallagher April, 1918 Meteren Strazeele 36966 Private M. C. Gallagher April, 1918 Meteren Strazeele 6/690 Private C. McLean April, 1918 Meteren Strazeele 6/697 Private T. Nimmo April/May, 1918 Vierstraat 10931 Private I G. West. April/May, 1918 Vierstraat 10/322 Private A. A. Close April/May, 1918 Vierstraat 10731 Sergt. (Since killed in action) F. C. Matthews April/May, 1918 Vierstraat 12700 Cpl. S. C. Forrester April/May, 1918 Vierstraat 10944 Sergt. H. M. Carr April/May, 1918 Vierstraat 10739 Private C. Brown April/May, 1918 Vierstraat 10925 C.S.M. N. H. Thomas 23rd July, 1918 Marfaux 10784 Sergt. H. E. Coats 23rd July, 1918 Marfaux 23/1206 Sergt. F. A. Sutherland 23rd July, 1918 Marfaux 10912 Private J. E. Shewry 23rd July, 1918 Marfaux 3/1381 Private A. J. Byron 23rd July, 1918 Marfaux 14840 Private A. McCullagh 23rd July, 1918 Marfaux 24946 Cpl. I. W. Weston Sept., 1918 Somme 10768 Sergt. F. E. Brown Sept., 1918 Somme 20952 Private F. Barlow Sept., 1918 Somme 10945 Sergt. R. Ryan Sept., 1918 Somme 10370 Sergt. (Since died of wounds) H. L. Midgley Sept., 1918 Somme 10932 L/Cpl. J. Warton Oct.,/Nov., 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance 10875 Private D. J. McMeeking Oct.,/Nov., 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance 10852 Sergt. T. F. Lees Oct.,/Nov., 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance 12/3569 Sergt. W. G. Brown D.C.M. Oct.,/Nov., 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance 10168 Sergt. C. E. H. Daas Oct.,/Nov., 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance 22632 Cpl. F. D. Matthews Oct.,/Nov., 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance 21686 Sergt. G. E. Hounsell Oct.,/Nov., 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance 10873 Cpl. G. McGregor Oct.,/Nov., 1918 Cambrai-Mons Advance

Meritorious Service Medal. 10869 Sgnl Sgt G. B. Morton Oct., 1918 Passchendale, Operation 10741 R.Q.M.S.E. G. D. Eden Feb./Dec, 1918 Operations Western Front 10901 S/Sergt. L. E. Rowley Feb./Dec, 1918 Operations Western Front 10787 Private C. E. Cragg Feb./Dec, 1918 Operations Western Front

Foreign Decorations (French).Chevalier de la Legion D Honneur. Liet. Col.C. Hellier Evans, D.S.O. July, 1918 Marfaux

La Medaille Militaire. No. Rank Name Dats Action 10745 R.S.M. A. Turner July, 1918 Marfaux 9/1466 Private A. McIntosh July, 1918 Marfaux C.S.M. Henderson July, 1918 Marfaux Cpl. Hurley July, 1918 Marfaux

La Croix De Guerre. 12/1682 Sergt. W. Jamieson July, 1918 Marfaux 14844 Private C. D. McLaren

La Croix De Guerre (Belgian). 10925 C.S.M. N. H. Thomas, M.M. 10807 L/Sergt. G. R. Foulds (Since killed in action) Oct. 1917 Passchendale

Chevalier Crown of Roumania (Roumanian). Lieut. (T./Capt.) T. H. Dickinson 30/12/18 Operations Western Front

Mentions in Despatches, 8. Good Service Certificates,. 12.

Summary

Decorations. British. French. Foreign. D.S.O. 1 Legion d'Honneur 1 Bar to M.C. 1 Medaille Militaire 4 M.C. 10 Crox de Geurre 2 D.C.M. 2 Belgian—Crox de Guerre 2 Bar to M.M. 5 Roumanian. —Crown of Roumania 1 M.M. 39 M.S.M. 4

Nominal Roll of Original Personnel of New Zealand Cyclist Corps who embarked from New Zealand on 5th May, 1916.

10911 Major Evans, C. H. D. W 10716 2nd Lieutenant Steven, J. T. K 10713 2nd Lieutenant Comer, G. L. 10714 2nd Lieutenant Johnson, C. G. G. 10712 2nd Lieutenant Clark-Walker, G. 10715 2nd Lieutenant Kebbell, R. W. 10748 L.-Corporal Agnew, G. 10752 Private Edenbrooke, J. K. 10754 Private Anstey, C. L. D W 10755 Private Ashworth, S. H. W 10756 Private August, C. 10753 Private Angove. A. W 10717 Q.M.-Sergeant Bisney, E. F. 10723 Sergeant Bowron, F. L. 10724 Sergeant Browne, L. H. 10940 Corporal Banks, J. 10738 Corporal Betchley, F. F. 10739 Corporal Brown, C. W 10757 Private Barker, A. B. 10758 Private Bellamy, H. W 10759 Private Billman, V. W 10760 Private Blair, A. T. 2 W 10761 Private Boagey, P. R. 10762 Private Bolt, H. S. 10763 Private Bowers, H. D. W. 10765 Private Branson, N. P. W 10766 Private Bravo, V. S. 10768 Private Brown, F. E. 10769 Private Bruce, G. F. W 10770 Private Burns, T. D. 2 W 10771 Private Butler, E. G. W 10942 Private Barrett, W. W. 10296 Private Barwick, O. DW 10767 Private Broughan, A. F. 10740 Corporal Coe, A. H. 10775 Private Cantweil, R. H. W 10776 Private Carlyon, E. J. 10777 Private Carrie, J. G. 10778 Private Charleston, J. C. R. W 10779 Private Chatwin, R. A. K 10781 Private Clark, F. D. W 10782 Private Claydon, F. F. 10783 Private Clinton, T. J. K 10784 Private Coats, H. E. W 10785 Private Corkhill, H. W 10786 Private Crabb, L. J. 2 W 10787 Private Cragg, E. C. 10944 Private Carr, H. M. 10788 Private Cuningham, S. A. W 10789 Private Curgenven, W. L. 10791 Private Christie, G. w 10943 Private Cameron, L. G. w 10949 Private Cumming, F. G. w 10772 Private Cabot, J. T. 10774 Private Cameron, R. S. 10725 L.-Sergeant Dickinson, T. H. 10747 Corporal Des Barres, C. S. K 10793 Private Dickey, N. R. 10794 Private Dobson, G. 2W 10795 Private Duff, A. L. M. K 10796 Private Duncan, R. D. W 10741 Corporal Eden, E. G. D. 10797 Private Ensor, R. W. W 10798 Private Edwards, P. F. w 10799 Private Emmett, J. w 10800 Private Evans, R. R. 10727 Sergeant Fox, E. G. 10803 Private Finlay, R. W. w 10802 Private Findlay, F. A. 10805 Private Fitzmaurice, W. 10806 Private Foster, C. R. 10807 Private Foulds, G. R. K 10808 Private Fraser, H. 2 W 10810 Private Fuller, A. E. 12700 Private Forrester, S. C. 10811 Private Geddes. J. W 10812 Private Gibson, H. J. 10813 Private Gilchrist, H. D W 10814 Private Gourley, S. C. 10815 Private Grant, A. 10816 Private Gray, G. F. W 10818 Private Greenslade, S. 10819 Private Grindrod, C. K 10820 Private George, A. F. K 10821 Private Garrett, W. J. 10721 C.S.M. Hay, A. C, P. W 10746 Corporal Hart, E. G. L. 10749 L.-Corporal Hodgson, T. C. D W 10751 L.-Corporal Hill, J. S. W 10822 Private Haigh, W. E. w 10823 Private Hall, R. C. 10824 Private Hanna, T. R. w 10825 Private Hansen, G. w 10826 Private Hardy, C. J. 10827 Private Harris, R. E. D W 10828 Private Harvey, C. N. w 10829 Private Hebden, F. w 10831 Private Hill, F. H. 10832 Private Hobbs, C. V. D S 10833 Private Holmes, F. W. H. 10834 Private Home, W. 10838 Private Hurley, G. A. R. 10836 Private Hughes, R. H. 10837 Private Hunter, A. W. K 10948 Private Henderson, T. W. 10728 Sergeant Ivimey, S. S. W 10839 Private Ingham, L. F. 10729 Private Jones, F. T. 2 W 10840 Private Jabocsen, W. G. 10841 Private Janes, H. W. J. 10842 Private Johnson, G. W. D S 10843 Private Johnson, O. A. W 10844 Private Jonkers, E. J. W 10354 Private Johnson, C. N. 10742 Corporal Knowles, W. 10845 Private Kay, A. P. K 10847 Private Kelling, H. W 10848 Private Keys, C. E. 10849 Private Keys, E. G. 10850 Private Kirk. H. W 10851 Private Kloth, A. R. K 10852 Private Kerr, C. G. 10743 Corporal Knubley, H. C. J. 10854 Private Loversidge, R. W 10855 Private Lucas, J. P. W 10857 Private Lees, T. F. 2 W 10731 Sergeant Matthews, H. K 10734 Private Marks, A. C. 10737 Private Morrison, A. K 10858 Private Mackenzie, A. 10859 Private Mann, W. 10860 Private Manson, W. W 10861 Private Matthews, T. E. 10862 Private May, A. J. L. W 10863 Private Mears, A. W 10864 Private Mercier, L. St. V. W 10865 Private Meredith, R. C. 10866 Private Milne, T. P. D W 10867 Private Mullins, J. F. 10868 Private Murray, E. R. W 10869 Private Morton, G. B. 10370 Private Midgley, H. L. D W 10835 Private Mora, H. F. 10870 Private McAuliffe, T. J. 2 W 10871 Private McCann, P. W 10872 Private McDougall, J. M. 10873 Private McGregor, G. 10874 Private McLaughlin, W. L. 10875 Private McMeeking, D. T. 10877 Private McLean, W. L. C. W 10941 Private McEvoy, W. T. 10736 Sergeant Nunn, H. T. 10878 Private Neal, T. A. 10879 Private Nuttall, W. McL. W 10881 Private Orme, A. J. 10882 Private Palmer, F. H. W 10883 Private Pankhurst, M. A. K 10884 Private Pearce, W. G. 10885 Private Pemberton. T. H. H. W 10886 Private Pengelly, G. E. 10887 Private Power, T. E. K 10888 Private Pragnell, P. 10889 Private Prestidge, F. B. W 10890 Private Prince, W. H. 10891 Private Rae, F. W 10892 Private Raine, R. F. 10893 Private Ramsay, M. S. W 10894 Private Ritchie, J. W 10895 Private Robertson, G. 2 W 10896 Private Robertson, W. 10897 Private Rogers, C. B. W 10898 Private Roiall, J. 10899 Private Ringham, H. J. 10901 Private Rowley, L. E. 10903 Private Rusterholtz, P. 10904 Private Rutherford, C. D. 10905 Private Ryan, W. J. 10906 Private Ryan, W. 10907 Private Rees, V. H. 10945 Private Rvan, R. W 10750 L.-Corporal Sutherland, W. 10908 Private Scott, J. O. W 10909 Private Scott, R. G. 10910 Private Shaw, J. E. 10911 Private Shearer, J. 10912 Private Shewry, J. E. 2 W 10913 Private Silvester, A. H. W 11914 Private Smith, G. H. W 10915 Private Smith, H. 10916 Private Smith, H. A. W 10917 Private Smith, R. A. 10918 Private Southey, C. C. 10919 Private Spratt, F. C. W 10920 Private Stevens, F. 10921 Private Stewart, F. H. W 10922 Private Stirling, J. 10923 Private Sutherland, A. W 10745 Corporal Turner, A. 10924 Private Tasker, H. C. 2 W 10925 Private Thomas, N. H. 10926 Private Thompson, J. 10927 Private Tourell, J. M. W 10928 Private Turner, R. H. K 10946 Private Withers, R. W 10929 Private Walker, H. J. W 10575 Private Welsh, J. D. K 10931 Private West, I. G. W 10932 Private Wharton, J. w 10933 Private Wilde, C. W 10934 Private Wilson, H. 10935 Private Wilson, H. A. 10936 Private Wratt, R. W. M. 10937 Private Wright, A. A. F. 10938 Private Wright, P. M. 10411 Private Watson, W. G. 10413 Private Whitten, J. A. 10947 Private Young, J.

W denotes Wounded

2 W denotes Twice Wounded

K denotes Killed in Action

D W denotes Died of Wounds

D S denotes Died of Sickness

Nominal Roll of Officers and other ranks joining the New Zealand Cyclist Corps as re-inforcements from 21st July, 1916, to 11th November, 1918—Armistice Day.

25/4 Captain McHugh, H. D. 9/1392 2nd Lieutenant Richards, A. H. W 6/4578 2nd Lieutenant Garden, R. L. 24/2128 2nd Lieutenant Dickenson, Cl A. K 28617 2nd Lieutenant Cody, D. G. 11583 2nd Lieutenant Griffith, D. C. K 22438 2nd Lieutenant Highet, H. A. 4/150A 2nd Lieutenant Bloomfield, E. H. 12328 2nd Lieutenant Greville, R. H. W 18583 2nd Lieutenant Randell, W. E. W 26/651 2nd Lieutenant Yorke, W. H. W 10/3796 2nd Lieutenant Wylie, L. T. W 32540 2nd Lieutenant Rowland, A. E. M. K 5/583 2nd Lieutenant Evans, D. H. 12/817 2nd Lieutenant Nicholson, E. C. E. 5/230A 2nd Lieutenant Ewen, J. F. W 24839 Private Adams, C. T. 24844 Private Baker, G. B. W 25188 Private Bidgood, E. 24831 Private Bircham, A. E. 13660 Private Browne, S. H. 24854 Private Burd, J. M. 24878 Private Chamberlain, E. W 10773 Private Cairns K 10726 Private Ellison, T. H. W 24851 Private Forsyth, W. 11646 Private Gilkes, G. W 24834 Private Griffiths, V. E. W 11652 Private Guy, A. L. 25239 Private Harris, C. B. W 13018 Private Hayes, W. A. W 24832 Private Howell, T. R. 25243 Private Hughes, A. J. 11945 Private Mackinson, A. E. 25308 Private Phillips, G. H. 24928 Private Rossbottom, R. R. w 10391 Private Smith, F. 16007 Private Stokes, A. D W 16006 Private Shaw, J. W. 24833 Private Thorburn, S. 18031 Private Webber, G. T. 24837 Private Webster. W. 16003 Private Walker, E. L. 2 W 24946 Private Weston, I. W. 12660 Private While, A. V. W 23899 Private Thomas, L. G. w 13433 Private McLachlan, G. P. w 25295 Private Oberg, J. A. 13441 Private Hogg, C. H. 13447 Private Jobson, W. B. w 16014 Private Vause, A. G. V. 16149 Private Alexander, J. 17876 Private Barton-Brown, H. G. 22594 Private Bicknell, D. W. w 26243 Private Booth, W. 5/874 Private Bowler, G. W. 2 W 22595 Private Burch, B. L. 27160 Private Burrows, W. K 16465 Private Bond, W. M. 2 W 10440 Private Cheshire, W. G. 13515 Private Clark, R. 16155 Private Clark, A. E. 17881 Private Druce, A. W 21667 Private Dunnett, J. 16481 Private Davis, W. 27162 Private Ferguson, T. S. W 17887 Private Garlick, C. W 27165 Private Grigg, N. C. W. W 16164 Private Hanlen, W. 17894 Private Martin, L. L. D W 22596 Private Maxton, C. W. W 24920 Private Newton, J. W. W 26312 Private Petterson, H. P. G. 13502 Private Sly, L. W. W 13532 Private Sorensen, W. W 13533 Private Spear, J. F. 2 W D W 4/1641 Private Twigger, T. W 21622 Private Victor, W. 5/903 Private Wawman, E. W 16197 Private Green, M. J. 21584 Private Isherwood, F. W 26316 Private Reilly, H. D. w 11/2226 Private Shewry, D. J. D W 16170 Private King, F. T. L. W 13746 Private Fernendez, R. A. 25/1207 Private Antunovich, I. M. 42465 Private Bryce, W. 26236 Private Bate, J. 10/3302 Private Buhlman. J. 29217 Private Gate, H. C. 21954 Private Dashwood, W. J. H. 6/2128 Private Foster, A. G. 10/1523 Private Hewitt, H. E. 5/29 Prviate Hodson, V. E. K 37825 Private King, E. F. W 17090 Private Mudie, P. D W 11070 Private Mercer, J. C. W 3/1874 Private Owen, T. E. W 12/2469 Private Simons, R. B. w 10/1700 Private Whiting, W. H. w 12/1652 Private Harding, H. C. w 24854 Private Burd, J. M. 23916 Private Stemson, Merritt, J. 15850 Private Thompson, W. B. W 56768 Private Hughes, A. J. 10/3169 Private Annan, W. G. F. 26760 Private Adams, P. w 24/1341 Private Blyde, J. N. w 12/3569 L.-Corporal Brown, W. G. w 27438 Private Beatty, B. 28958 Private Bennett, E. 20825 Private Brott, A. 25/90 Private Butler, J. 12972 Private Best, H. C. W 22946 Private Cropley, H. W 33300 Private Chappell, C. E. 12979 Private Coughlin, J. 24/732 Private Darby, E. G. 45085 Private Dabinett, G. 24/1976 Private Ede, A. J. W 24/1677 Private Fitzgerald, R. 8/2911 Private Forrester, J. W 9/1682 Private Gallagher, D. 25/1734 Private Gillispie, J. 10718 Private Haig, W. W 10/2629 Private Hannam, F. D W 23/1066 Private Hardwick, W. R. W 34067 Private Harvey, H. C. 21831 Private Hawke, A. J. 12/4193 Private Holden, A. E. 28143 Private Hooper, J. W. 12/1682 L.-Corporal Jamieson, W. 25/770 Private Kenyon, H. W 31858 Private Kilsby, S. V. 6/1089 Private Kirk, J. G. W 10/2994 Corporal Larkin, E. A. 2 W 6/1923 Private Mann, J. 6/2985 Private McGregor, W. 13454 Private Mathews, A. F. 20185 Private Maxwell, H. 26/366 Private Moroney, M. P. W 21881 Private O Rourke, D. J. W 34724 Private Philip, E. H. 2 W 24/659 Private Perry, L. 18072 Private Pitkethley, N. K 29077 Private Radcliffe, C. E. 29193 Private Rountree, H. B. W 23/1206 Corporal Sutherland, F. A. 23/1478 Corporal Springer, G. C. W 10/3745 Private Springer, H. W. W 10/1984 Private Simmons, W. C. 26/1714 Private Saies, J. 13/3078 Private Sing, A. 11962 Private Southwood, J. B. 12/452 Private Stonnell, H. H. 16980 Private Sabine, T. A. 26/210 Private Spicer, L. W. W 8/3722 Private Strode, W. E. 22292 Private Taylor, T. J. B. 26/1050 Private Thomson, J. 12/3851 Private Vegar, T. W 24/1864 Private Williams, H. B. D W 12/4188 Private Wiles, R. A. 12/2141 Private Verner, J. E. 23/1250 Private Young, L. L. 14362 Private Adams, W. R. 19117 Private Christian, S. H. W 5/705A Private Curtis, S. A. W 12/2705 Private Galvn, C. W 13/3677 Private Hewitt, F. W 20358 Private Johnson, R. W 14844 Private McLaren, C. D. W 9/1585 Private Monk, H. E. W 10/4169 Private Pederson, N. C. W. W 8/2706 Private Reid, F. W. 9/2133 Corporal Titteton, C. W 10/752 Private West, A. 10/1102 Private West, A. 10/1012 Private Williams, H. 2 W 11/2383 Private Williams, J. H. 9/1466 Private McIntosh, A. 40670 Private Dickeson, C. G. W 20952 Private Barlow, F. 26/657 Private Barnes, I. S. G. 25/593 Private Bennett, H. A. 22775 Private Christensen, H. H. 23/709 Private Churchhouse, H. 9/366 Private Clarke, J. S. D W 23/2552 Private Claydon, C. 25/855 Private Clements, E. R. 10/322 Private Close, A. W 23362 Private Edwards, S. 25/624 Private Fisher, O. K 10978 Private Gerard, C. 13440 Private Hayes, A. G. W 28137 Private Huckle, H. 12202 Private Kennedy, J. T. 25/1775 Private Levet, C. T. w 22632 Private Matthews, C. D. 23/830 Private Whitmore, C. 12226 Private Monyihan, T. 24/2043 Private Mulcahy, D. K 7/979 Corporal McAuley, T. H. 14840 Private McCullagh, A. 24/508 L.-Corporal McNaughton, W. G. 12242 Private Newberry, J. 6/697 Private Nimmo, T. 8/4200 Private Pahi, H. 26/1099 Private Potter, W. D W 6/3837 Private Prebble, H. F. W 20246 Private Seal, H. 23/2587 Private Shand, W. L. W 8/3072 Corporal Slaughter, R. J. 13612 Private Sluce, D. 13120 Private Smith, A. E. K 21617 Private Stanley, G. A. W 14342 Private Watts, T. 13382 Private Wilson, D. N. A. W 14921 Private Harwell, A. E. W 10168 L.-Corporal Bass, C. E. H. 21686 Private Hounsell, G. E. 24193 Private McDonald, T. W. W 10047 Private McLaughlin, A. J. K 6/690 Private McLean, C. 6/4128 Private Prebble, F. W. 22459 Private Skudder, S. B. W 6/3192 Private Walker, H. E. 2 W 23/1865 Private Waters, J. W 10/1491 Private Gardner, H. 2 W 10/3310 Private Jones, C. E. 23/576 Private Relph, E. A. 18868 Private Stretton, C. W. 2/1368 Private Mercer, H. S. 9/570 Private Stuart, W. W 46504 Private Walker, R. D. K 24270 Private Boon, W. J. 24485 Private Brown, W. E. J. K 21568 Private . Deary, J. 12360 Private Donaldson, E. 25/538 Private Ellenberger, D. D W 12/2696 Private Fisher, J. H. 28126 Private Gallagher, H. 36966 Private Gallagher, M. C. 25/1126 Private Gold, A. K 13/2446 Private Henry, A. W. W 14648 Private Larsen, A. 18891 Private Newman, L. A. K 25/456 Private Perry, A. J. K 8/3041 Private Porter, J. 17/310 Private Pritchard, J. A. W 14873 Private Sardent, W. E. W 26/293 Private Schroeder, A. 10/2763 Private Simmiss, F. A. H. D W 23262 Private Sleath, A. A. 14695 Private Storm, L. C. 26/1723 Private Stretton, L. 20581 Private Tallke, R. 16009 Private Taylor, R. W 25/1022 Private Spillane, G. J. D. W 10/4008 Private Thacker, J. D W 10406 Private Thoumine, L. S. 7/2176 L.-Corporal Watts, V. A. W 15826 Private Wills, S. F. 10110 Private Curtis, R. H. K 11/1414 Private Brown, J. A. 3/1381 Private Byron, A. J. W. 36718 Private Clark, G. L. W 28113 Private Donaldson, J. D. W 3/3491 Private Francis, R. S. R. 34356 Private Gibson, F. H. W 24/703 L.-Corporal Kemsley, E. W 1/506 Private Walker, T. W. W 18519 Private Wright, A. W 12/2088 Private Price, A. W 39647 Private Adams, G. W 53459 Private Askey, J. W. W 45181 Private Baker, F. K 20087 Private Booth, E. L. 46164 Private Borck, C. A. 47696 Private Bain, J. J. 26/1055 Private Barrett, L. J. 10/2533 Private Brightwell, F. 53120 Private Binney, T. L. 59312 Private Brown, F. F. 46979 Private Collinson, A. J. 44898 Private Coleman, C. C. 17696 Private Clark, J. A. 37774 Private Coleman, R. J. W 62942 Private Duggan, J. A. 28692 Private Dean, C. J. 6/3003 Private Dunnill, A. V. W 24808 Private Ashby, W. T. 45486 Private Davidson, C. A. L. 52171 Private Douglas, G. A. 59342 Private Egginton, N. A. W 14084 Private Edgar, W. C. 52981 Private Frederick, S. F. 39984 Private Glenn, A. 57151 Private Gailer, A. E. W 38379 Private Green, W. T. 36611 Private Harlwick, G. S. E. 25525 Private Hunwick, C. E. 58876 Private Hoatten, F. A. P. 38538 Private Henderson, J. A. 31638 Private Hampson, W. T. 13016 Private Hareton, J. E. K 26832 Private Hadden, G. 40952 Private Hubbard, C. 22982 Private Harding, T. R. 51849 Private Johnson, W. W. W 59654 Private Johnson, H. J. K 26111 Private Johnson, A. F. 38546 Private Knox, A. D. W 13/1329 Private Lindsay, H. J. K 32524 L.-Corporal Lorimer, G. 53037 Private Lloyd, C. H. 46736 Private McKenna, P. J. W 49197 Private McKinlay, J. B. W 19026 Private McCutcheon, A. J. 51865 Private McLeod, A. R. K 56333 Private McGoram, E. R. 11705 Private McKenzie, K. C. 28511 Private Mills, H. K 47355 Private McNaul, D. 57239 Private McDowall, S. 53397 Private Ormand, W. A. W 47177 Private O'Connell, B. J. 33054 Private Ogilvie, G. E. 44310 Private Patter, J. F. 12/3134 Private Quarrie, F. W 51071 Private Rolls, H. 9/1613 Private Ryan, T. 24492 Private Robertson. O. 35220 Private Reidy, P. 58932 Private Shirres, L. E. 39346 Private Stewart, D. A. 31368 Private Symons, E. 46397 Private Smith, F. W. T. K 47686 Private Scott, S. C. W 32401 Private Sincock, H. 24081 Private Topps; W. E. 6/2785 Private Twizell, J. 47486 Private Vennell, C. W 46198 Private Wright, W. O. 8/2756 Private Webb, A. R. 30680 Private White, L. G. W 26357 Private Win, D. W. 55359 Private Beal, A. T. 8/3257 Private Ferguson, J. A. W 47138 Private Harrison, D. E. W 52242 Private Meachem, W. 52477 Private Smith, E. H. 12/2948 Private Begovich, S. W 9/1382 Private Bevan, J. 3/2368 Private Bolton, F. G. W 41716 Private Brosnahan, P. J. 28981 Private Cooke, G. W. W 46878 Private Doidge, O. J. 45254 Private Egan, P. C. 16214 L.-Corporal Foote, R. A. DW 10342 Private Hagan, C. W 45034 Private Hurst, S. W 40312 Private Gifford, R. H. W 26308 Private Oliver, W. R. 36664 Private Park, J. G. 34430 Private Regan, R. J. 27618 Private Shepherd, J. 34445 Private Smith, J. G. 10184 Private Watkinson, H. W 10/3438 Private Woodham, S. 24264 Private Woolley, D. S. 16707 Private Moore, L. G. 5/355 Private Stock, L. N. W 12213 Private Laws, C. R. 10290 Private Apperley, L. P. 5/872 Private Barwick, H. 23/1554 Private Bennett, R. G. 10/2863 Private Blair, J. W. 5/277 Private Boocock, A. F. W 33821 Private Brady, F. D. 28098 Private Cantwell, H. H. 12/324 Private Cavenett, W. G. 12/329 Private Chandler, P. H. 28086 Private Chapman, G. 12/2175 Private Cochrane, W. 31600 Private Cook, R. W. 10/2574 Private Dale, J. I. 12/3629 Private Egan, G. 10/3254 Private Elvines, O. L. 12/1087 Private Fagan, J. A. 12/4176 Private Furber, P. 11/1317 Private Gee, R. 10/3892 Private Hall, H. C. W 23/1652 Private Hall, J. E. 12/2321 Private Hastings, W. C. 10/348 L.-Corporal Holt, J. W. W 10/4463 Corporal Hunter, A. W. 33370 Private Irwin, H. W 10/3613 Private Johnson, M. 17/362 Private Johnson, R. 9/1576 Private Jones, A. E. 11047 Private Jones, N. L. 28165 Private Lewis, A. E. 11/2642 Private Lumsden, J. S. W 10/3639 Private Maitland, J. M. 12230 Private Metcalfe, H. H. W 12340 Private Mills, H. 13057 L.-Corporal Mourie, F. 5/1886A Private Mullis, W. W. 12463 Private Paddison, H. 10/4157 Private Quarrie, F. 25590 Private Raby, G. S. 12/4129 Private Rattray, S. 23/1792 Private Ridling, M. L. 32076 Private Shaw, W. F. 31442 Private Skelley, A. L. 29503 Corporal Smith, P. J. 12/2486 Private Taylor, J. F. 11977 Private Thomas, C. H. 25616 Private Thompson, G. 12/3847 Private Tole, H. 14702 Private Vold, P. N. 23459 Private Warden, H. L. 13157 Private White, H. W 6/4591 Private Capon, W. J. 33691 L.-Corporal Catley, G. 10125 Private Currie, W. G. 8/824 L.-Corporal Faulkner, J. W 29875 Private Hutchinson, W. G. 8/3324 Private Lyndon, E. A. 27945 Private O'Connell, S. R. 22082 Corporal Pearson, L. R. 9/1485 Private Rowlands, L. E. 6/4357 Private Shaw, J. 15311 Private Oliver, A. M. W 30508 Private Banks, G. 11643 Private Finlay, S. 10051 Private Prenderville, M. 40274 Private Abdallab, H. 25436 Private Balks, J. 10/2844 Private Baines, H. O. 30336 Private Baker, C. A. 20291 Private Bridgeman, N. 35142 Private Brookes, H. G. 24518 Private Burton, E. J. 36850 Private Butler, G. A. 18199 Private Connell, T. D. 25814 Private Cook, H. 7/1606 L.-Corporal Davidson, J. H. 31236 Private Death, N. G. A. 18632 Private Denham, G. 25479 Private Dornauf, A. J. 34342 Private Dunwoodie, J. L. 27079 Private Elliott, R. E. 30781 Private Flavell, E. E. 31264 Private Halligan, W. J. 24/799 Private Hodges, F. 11396 Private Jepson, C. J. 30597 Private Johnson, J. 11833 L.-Corporal Jones, C. H. 26861 Private Laurie, F. N. 9/1895 Private Marks, F. W. 34397 Private May, N. A. 11898 L.-Corporal Montgomery, E. 25/725 Private Morgan, F. L. 26/598 Private McKay, A. J. 10/2698 Private McWhitter, G. W. A. 20405 Private Ogle, M. 10/3693 Corporal Paget, G. E. 28211 Private Read, R. H. K. 24420 Sergeant Reid, R. C. 40649 Private Sharp, M. 30412 Private Smith, A. 10085 Private Spencer, W. C. 31367 Private Stemp, H. L. W 23893 Private Stuart, W. G. 30662 Private Taine, R. V. 14697 Private Tanner, L. J. 24/1499 Private Thompson, E. D. 31910 Private Thorpe, J. H. 10/2775 Private Twomey, H. J. 8/959 Corporal Warren, S. 29519 Private Walker, J. M. 4/1964 Private Watson, J. 30679 Corporal Welsh, J. A. 28248 Private Wemyss, C. R. 25627 Private Williams, W. E. 31389 Private Winkie, J. 25631 Private Wylie, F. J. A. D W 66336 Private Bright, A. J. 26536 Private Jones, A. E. 10/4497 Private Walker, R. T. 3/1722 Private Sharpe, F. J.

W denotes Wounded

2 W denotes Twice Wounded

K denotes Killed in Action

D W denotes Died of Wounds

D S denotes Died of Sickness