| Regiment | 1st Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Abeele |
| Entry | Dull and misty. Battn was inspected by General Haldane CB, DSO at noon to bid them farewell. The general addressed the Battn in the following words:- Colonel Brown, Officers, NCO's and men of the 1st Battn Wilts Regt, I have come to say a few words of farewell on your leaving the 3rd Division. There was no particular reason why the 7th Bde was chosen but I merely took the senior Brigade, the 7th. I am very sorry to lose you although no doubt you are not sorry to leave the "health resort" HOOGE. I have been with you for eleven months and well remember the first time I met you when you were marching back after that heavy fighting round YPRES last November reduced to less than one third of your war strength. Since that time your Battn has always distinguished itself in fighting, work, vigilance and other soldierly qualities. You made the defences of HOOGE when we took over the trenches there. You have had more fighting than any other Battn in the Division. You were in the fighting on the 12th March when we attacked SPANBROEK MOLEN which some of you may remember. 16th June, 22nd of June and the 25th September. On each occasion you distinguished yourselves and proved yourselves second to none. I have always felt that when the Wiltshires were holding the line, that portion of the line was secure. Whilst I have been in command of the 3rd Division no trench has ever been lost until the other day a small portion in SANCTUARY WOOD was lost, that solely owing to the exhaustion of the troops. Your Battn has won more honours than any other Battn in the Division - I think I am right in saying this- Well, goodbye to you all and good luck and I hope you may some day return to the 3rd Division though not necessarily to HOOGE. After the speech the Battn gave three cheers for General Haldane and the 3rd Division. General Haldane then presented the following medals:- 5653 R Sgt Major S J Parker Medal St George 1st Class 7895 Sgt F Collier Medal St George 3rd Class 7788 Sgt A Bull Distinguished Conduct Medal The Battn left at 5p.m. and marched to BAILLEUL arriving there at 7.45p.m. and going into billets. The 3rd Division band was sent to play the Battn away and played 'Auld Lang Syne' etc. |
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