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The Wellington Regiment (NZEF) 1914 - 1919

Chapter XXXIX

page 261

Chapter XXXIX.

Midsummer in the Trenches—Relieved by the Manchester Regiment—A Welcome Spell—A Combined Church Parade at Henu—Vauchelles—Divisional Sports-Old Friends Foregather—Divisional Band Concert and Boxing Tournament—Hon. W. F. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward attend Church Parade.

The 1st June was spent by both battalions in making preparations to go into the line again and, that night, the 2nd Battalion relieved 1st Battalion of the Rifle Brigade in the front line in the Hebuterne sector. (Major F. K. Tuvnbull, M.C., was now commanding the 2nd Battalion, vice Lieut.-Col. W. H. Cunningham, D.S.O., Acting- Brigadier, temporarily in command of the First Brigade.) The same night, 1st Wellington moved into the support line, relieving 4th Battalion of the Rirfle Brigade. While in the line here, two officers from the 74th Division, a division lately arrived from Palestine, joined up with the 2nd Battalion for four days to obtain an insight into conditions of trench warfare.

Midsummer now, and fine sunny days. The trenches were veiy good, in some places, bordered with trees and hedges, which gave a very welcome shade to the garrison. We were not to remain long in the line, for, on the night of the 6th June, 1st Wellington was relieved in the support line by 6th Manchester Regiment., and marched back into reserve. By midnight of the same night, the. 2nd Battalion had been relieved in the front line by 7th Manchester Regiment, and marched back to the canvas camp in Bois de Warnimont.

page 262

On the 11th, the 1st Battalion, in reserve in the purple line, was relieved by the 2nd Battalion, and moved back to the Bois de Warnimont. Major H. Holderness was now promoted Lieut.-Col. and to command the 1st Battalion, vice Lieut-Col. C. F. D. Cook, D.S.O. (died in sickness).

On the 14th June, both battalions marched to a tented camp in the Henu area to cany on with training. While at Henu, many had the opportunity of being present at the enjoyable entertainments provided by "The Kiwis" (New Zealand Divisional Concert Party). On the 21st. we were on the move again, this time to Vauchelles, both battalions marching to a hutment camp there and practising manoeuvres on the way. The following Sunday (the 23rd) advantage was taken of the two battalions of the Regiment being camped along side each other to hold a combined Church Parade in the morning after which both battalions marched to the Divisional Sports. Here 1st Wellington represented the First Brigade and won the Divisional Gurd Mounting Competition. It was a very enjoyable day, and a grand opportunity for old friends throughout the division to foregather.

On the following evening, the officers of the 2nd Battalion entertained the officers of the 1st Battalion at dinner. There were present also Brigadier-General Melvill, Major W. I. K. Jennings, Lieut.-Col. D. N. W. Murray, Major A. S. Muir (now D.A.Q.M.G.) and Capt. R. Riddiford. Many toasts were honoured and many excellent speeches made; but, alas! none by "Stonewall Jackson" this time. There were eighty present, which indicates how strongly both battalions were officered at this time, as, indeed, they had been ever since the breaking up of the Fourth Brigade.

Towards the end of June, both battalions attended the Divisional Band Concert and Finals of a Boxing Tournament. The 2nd Battalion's band secured third prize (second place for music), while the 1st Battalion's band obtained fifth place. Considering the 2nd Battalion's band was at that time the youngest in the Division, great credit wae due to all concerned, but, particularly, to the bandmaster, page 263Mr. Osborne, for his good work in preparing for the contest.

On the 29th June, a start was made at 6.30 a.m. on a brigade tactical exercise, which occupied until 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and was carried out to the entire satisfaction ot General Melvill. On the following day (Sunday) a combined Brigade Church Parade was held on the 2nd Battalion's parade ground. This was attended by the Prime- Minister of New Zealand, the Right Hon. W. F. Mnssrv, the Minister for finance, Sir Joseph Ward, and party. Brigadier-General G. N. Johnston, then acting G.O.C. New Zealand Division, was also present. Afterwards, in the afternoon, the 1st and 2nd Battalions competed in a sports tournament, the honours of the day being with the 2nd Battalion.

Towards the end of June, Capt. W. H. McLean, M.C., returned to the 2nd Battalion from Aldershot. Early in the month, Capt. J. N Ranch of the 2nd Battalion and Lieut. H. E. Crosse formerly of the 3rd Battalion had been awarded the Military Cross for services in the field.