assigned to them certain objectives near
Gommecourt, towards the northern end of our
original line of advance, where, as is well known,
owing to the extraordinary preparations which the
enemy had made in that direction, we did not fare
so well as we have done, and continue to do,
further south. The London Regiments, which fought
with magnificent gallantry and tenacity, did, in
fact, accomplish their primary objects, but, owing
to circumstances beyond their control, they
subsequently had to retire to a line which nearly
corresponds to that they occupied before the
battle began. . . ."

For its work on this day the Corps, of which the Division formed a part,
received a special verbal message of thanks, delivered by one of Sir
Douglas Haig's A.D.C.'s. This was subsequently confirmed in writing by
the Chief of the General Staff.

_To face page 30._

[Illustration: TRENCH BATTALION HEADQUARTERS.

_November, 1915--February, 1916._]

Lieut.-Colonel Bates, D.S.O., was given sick leave in August, and Major
R. H. Husey, M.C., took command. Under his leadership the Battalion
added to its laurels in the fighting during September.

SECOND BATTALION.

At the beginning of September, 1914, permission was obtained to form a
second Battalion. Recruiting was commenced at Headquarters in Bunhill
Row on the 3rd, and the Battalion was filled in one day. So great was
the rush of recruits that, had it been possible to obtain leave to do
so, another Battalion could easily have been formed. Great care was
taken, under these advantageous circumstances, in the selection of
recruits. Those taken, combined with the draft from the 1st Battalion of
men who were unable at that time to undertake the foreign service
obligation, made up a fine Battalion.

Of the officers on formation, the following had formerly served in the
Regiment, or were serving, and transferred from the 1st Battalion under
the home service condition:--

Lieut.-Colonel G. R. Tod, formerly Adjutant for
five years, 1898-1903.

Major G. Harvest.

Quartermaster and Hon. Major J. Guppy.

_To face page 31._

[Illustration: ENTRANCE TO CAMP, REST BILLETS, MAY, 1916, WHERE THE LORD
MAYOR SAW THE BATTALION ON PARADE.]

Captain C. G. H. Macgill, M.V.O., who acted as
Adjutant until the formatio