| Regiment | 1st Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, Berlaimont |
| Entry | 11.00. Instructions received that HOSTILITIES were to cease at 11.00 and that defensive measures to be taken and that no intercourse was to be held with the enemy. Lieut Col G B Ward, DSO returned from leave and assumed command of the Battn. 12.45. Battn proceed by March Route to BEAUFORT. Battn HQ established at W.14.d.2.7. Sheet 51. Appx SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY BY GENERAL HON. SIR J H G BYNG, KCB, KCMG, MVO. Commanding Third Army 11.11.18 To all Ranks of the Third Army The operations of the last three months have forced the enemy to sue for armistice as a prelude to peace. Your share in the consummation of this achievement is one that fills me with pride and admiration. Since August 21st you have won eighteen decisive battles, you have driven the enemy back over sixty miles of country and you have captured 67,000 prisoners and 800 guns. That is your record gained by your ceaseless enterprise, your indomitable courage and your loyal support to your leaders. Eleven Divisions in the four Corps (Guards, 2nd, 3rd, and 62nd, 5th, 37th, 42nd, and New Zealand, 17th, 21st, and 38th) have been continuously in action since the beginning of the advance and have borne the brunt of the operations. Other Divisions have joined and left, each one adding fresh lustre to its history. To all ranks, to all Corps and formations, to all administrative and transport units, I tended my thanks. May your pride in your achievements be as great as mine is in the recollection of having commanded the Army in which you served. J BYNG, General, Commanding Third Army. Appx 21st Division Special Order. Monday, 11th November,1918. The work which the Division has done, whilst helping to win the great series of victories which has forced Germany to sue for peace, has been surpassed by no Division and equalled by few, if any, in the whole of the Allied Armies. The record of the Division during the past eight months is absolutely unique. Every officer, NCO and Man who has ever belonged to the 21st Div may well be proud of the fact and especially those who fought so doggedly through the dark days of the Spring, and early Summer, and then returned to the attack with a spirit which no troops in this world could have surpassed. Proud indeed you may be, and proud indeed am I to have the honour of commanding such a glorious Division during the greatest epoch making period in the history of the whole world. Peace is not yet ensured and, until it is, I confidently rely on every officer, NCO and Man so training himself that, whatever the result of the peace negotiations may be, you will be prepared to live up to the magnificent reputation which you have so rightfully and worthily earned and which will cause the name of the 21st Division to be remembered and honoured as long as our Empire exists. (signed) D G M Campbell, Major General, Commanding 21st Division. |
The Wardrobe,
58 The Close,
Salisbury, SP1 2EX,
England
For Collections, Research & Volunteering Enquiries:
Please note that we are currently not accepting new object donations.
07304 068136
For Venue Hire, Retail & Other General Enquiries:
07375 103910