ountering serious resistance. Later in the
day the New Zealand Division marched through to follow up the enemy, so
that the 42nd could go down for a rest. Gladly did the Fleur de Lys pack
up their traps and march back over the ground that had recently seen
such stern work. The brigadier had been up and personally thanked Lts.
Gresty and Wilson for the work achieved by "D" and "B" companies,
remarking that having seen the ground, and knowing the difficulties
which had to be encountered, he thought all the men were heroes in
having accomplished so much. Such praise coming from so sound a soldier
was naturally received with gratitude and pride, and we felt that once
again the name of the 7th Manchesters had been scored honourably and
deeply in the records of warfare. The battalion reassembled in the big
dug-out and there realised sadly the abundance of accommodation now
afforded.

It had been a glorious fight but won at a terrible cost. Out of the 450
or so men who went over there had been more than 300 casualties. Of the
sixteen officers who started out four only remained. 2nd-Lt. Pearson's
death was particularly sad. He had gone out in the ranks in 1914 with
the 7th, and had been twice wounded on Gallipoli, after which he served
continuously with the battalion till the winter of 1917, when he went
home for a commission. He had returned as an officer only a few weeks
previously, and in this fight proved himself a courageous and skilful
leader of men.

About 600 prisoners had been taken by the battalion, as well as the two
field guns, large numbers of machine guns and other booty. More
important was the death-blow to the German resistance. The Hindenburg
Line had been smashed, the enemy was obviously demoralised, and they
were in full flight for the next piece of ground which could offer a
suitable position for delaying our rapid advance. The awards to the 7th
for this battle included a bar to his Military Cross for Lt. Gresty, and
Military Crosses for Lt. Wilson, 2nd-Lt. Milne, 2nd-Lt. Siddall, and
2nd-Lt. Thrutchley. C.S.M. McHugh, M.M., C.S.M. Tabbron, and Sgt. Mather
received the D.C.M., while twenty N.C.O's. and men obtained the M.M.,
Pte. Greer being given a bar to his M.M.

The following Special Order of the Day indicates the value of the work
done by the Manchesters in this day's fighting:--

_29th September, 1918._

MANCHESTERS,

For the second time in this month of September you have struc