All the notebooks were written on the right hand page and additions, photos, cartoons or other documents were added to the left hand page.

27^th Sept. 1916.        We had another fine day and the tension was considerably relaxed.  We moved to the Citadel where the men were in huts.  A heavy thunderstorm arose on the way and the men got wet through.  A number of fires were lit to try & get warm when suddenly there were a series of crashes.  A bombing airplane overhead.  An incendiary bomb was dropped which lighted up all around.  We had 3 killed and 18 wounded.  A very unpleasant reminder of our proximity to the front line.

28^th Sept.       Lord Cavan commanding the Corps complemented all C.O.’s on the action.

Glued into the opposite page is a series of complementary messages as follows:-

1^st BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT.                                                           5^th Division

G.B. 978

The G.O.C. wishes to thank all ranks in the Division for their magnificent conduct yesterday.

In spite of their heavy losses in previous actions and the hardships which they have endured during the recent bad weather they have shown that their spirit is as good as ever.

No task is too hard for the 5^th Division.

(signed) R.A. CURRIE, Lieut. Colonel,

General Staff, 5th Division.

5th Division

26th September, 1916.

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To 1^st BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT.                                                      15^th Infy. Bde.

G.299

Following from Army Commander aaa  Begins aaa

Please convey to Guards, 6^th, 5^th, and 56^th Divisions my thanks for and admiration of the excellent manner in which they carried out their attacks to-day  aaa Special credit is due to 5^th Division who have already undertaken two prolonged and successful offensives since July 20^th aaa  My warmest thanks to yourself and 14^th Corps Staff for the able and thorough manner in which the operations have been controlled and directed aaa Ends. aaa

(Signed) W.P. BROOKS, Captain,

26/9/16

Sept. 28^th, 1916.  Bde. Major, 15^th Bde.

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To 1^st BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT                                                      15^th Inf. Bde.

G.281

Following from General CAVAN begins aaa

Hearty thanks and sincere congratulations to you all aaa

A very fine achievement splendidly executed aaa  Ends aaa

(Signed) W.P. BROOKS, Captain,

26/9/16

Sept. 28^th, 1916.  Bde. Major, 15^th Bde.

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29^th Sept. 1916.        We had a six mile march and then entrained for Longpre in cattle trucks.  The train was an hour late in starting otherwise we should have missed the motor which was bringing our kits and food and which got stuck in the mud.  Billets in Longpre proved a great difficulty.  I went round myself with the Adjutant to various houses “all full up” finally I went to the place we had previously supped.  The same story.  “But I am an old acquaintance”.  “Oh that is another matter I will come down”.  I then had four excellent beds placed at my disposal.  The last lot of officers passing through had left the place very dirty, had not said “thank you” for having their wet garments dried and pressed and had not paid them for the billet.  They were probably Australians.  We had received similar complaints before.

30^th Sept.       We stayed on the next day, there was a presentation of medal ribbons by Gen. ….

On the opposite page is stuck in a duplicated letter from General Rawlinson.  It reads:-

Fourth Army No. 359 (G)

5^th Division.

The conspicuous part that has been taken by the 5^th Division in the Battle of the SOMME reflects the highest credit on the Division as a whole, and I desire to express to every Officer, N.C.O. and man my congratulations and warmest thanks.

The heavy fighting in DELVILLE WOOD and LONGUEVAL, the attack and capture of the FALFEMONT FARM line and LEUZE WOOD, and finally the storming of MORVAL, are feats of arms seldom equalled in the annals of the British Army.  They constitute a record of unvarying success which it has been the lot of few Divisions to attain, and the gallantry, valour, and endurance of all ranks have been wholly admirable.

The work of the Divisional Artillery in establishing the barrages and supporting the Infantry attacks is deserving of the highest praise and proves that a very high standard of training has been reached.

It is a matter of great regret to me that the Division is leaving the Fourth Army, but after three strenuous periods in the battle front they have more than earned a rest.

In wishing all ranks good fortune for the future, I trust I may one day have this fine Division again under my command.

Rawlinson

General

H.Q. Fourth Army,

Commanding Fourth Army.

30^th September, 1916.