f on the top of two bombs and
taking the whole force of the two explosions. He was blown to pieces.
There are many other battle phases and incidents worthy of record, but
that which has been written is enough to show what the old 83rd and
86th Foot, the men of County Down, Belfast, Antrim, the Young
Citizens, and the others have done, and are doing, in this tremendous
combat.

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY BY HIS MAJESTY THE KING.[14]

OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN--

I am very glad to have been able to see my Army in the Field.

I much wished to do so in order to gain a slight experience of the
life you are leading.

I wish I could have spoken to you all, to express my admiration of the
splendid manner in which you have fought and are still fighting
against a powerful and relentless enemy.

By your discipline, pluck and endurance, inspired by the indomitable
regimental spirit, you have not only upheld the tradition of the
British Army, but added fresh lustre to its history.

I was particularly impressed by your soldierly, healthy, cheerful
appearance.

I cannot share in your trials, dangers and successes; but I can assure
you of the proud confidence and gratitude of myself and of your fellow
countrymen.

We follow you in our daily thoughts on your certain road to victory.

GEORGE, R.I.
_December 5th, 1914._

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS.

R.I.R.'s AT NEUVE CHAPELLE.

[_A Poem written by Rifleman J. Dickson._]

DEAR FRANC,

Just a few lines of verse about the Royal Irish Rifles at Neuve
Chapelle.--Yours truly,

No. 9180 RIFLEMAN J. DICKSON,
_"A" Coy., 3rd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, Dublin._

Come, please just pay attention, and a story I will tell
Of how the gallant R.I.R.'s were the first in Neuve Chapelle;
Colonel Laurie gave the order for the regiment to advance,
And when they met the Germans our boys did make them dance.

With bayonets fixed we rushed them, though outnumbered five to one;
Each one did prove a hero, and many a gallant deed was done;
Our noble Colonel, he was killed, our Major fell as well,
And a score of our brave officers lost their lives at Neuve Chapelle.

Our men were lost in hundreds, no regiment could do more,
And when the fight was over our officers numbered four;
Yet manfully they struggl