| Regiment | 2nd Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | France, St Hilaire |
| Entry | Company at arms drill during the morning. At 2.30pm Major General HE Watts CB CMG GOC 7th Division addressed the Battalion on its recent good work he said:- I should like to say a few words to you. I came down today because I wanted specially to see you after your very fine performance during the recent fighting and especially on account of your very fine attack on the 25th. You were ordered to attack and you advanced in a very well organised formation in a straight line. There was no hesitation, there was no holding back, to see whether others were coming on or not. Every man went straight on, and were evidently determined to get there. That was the result of very good training, of very good discipline combined with a strong sense of duty and the right spirit. You must always remember that the only way to win is for every man to be absolutely determined to go on quite irrespective of casualties, once you begin to hesitate or look to the right & left or behind to see if others are coming on it is very unlikely that the attack will be a success. On the other hand as you know you go straight on nine times out of ten when you get up to the Bosches they surrender or if they don't surrender you have got the satisfaction of putting your bayonet into them or shooting them when they go away. Of course there will always be losses. You cannot get there without and in the recent fighting you had your full share and that added to the credit of what you did. I deplore the loss of many brave commanders not the least amongst whom was that gallant soldier your late Comdg Officer Major Leatham. I know, and you know, how hard he worked to get the Battalion into the splendid position in which it now is. Well I congratulate you and you must keep up that spirit. The Wiltshires I know will go home with a reputation second to none. |
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