nd Sgt.
Aldred, M.M., we carried off the divisional cup for boxing.

On 'Xmas Eve the first of a series of events at once sad and joyful
began to occur. Long-standing friendships and partnerships were rapidly
broken up by the departure of drafts for demobilisation. Every few days
parties went off, and one saw old faces gradually disappear from our
ranks. The return, in the midst of glorious weather, of Capt. Barratt
and Lt. Gresty, M.C. from Manchester, with the battalion colours was the
occasion for a splendid ceremonial parade in which the Belgians took a
lively interest. It was a proud moment when they were safely deposited
in the officers' mess, and everyone took a share in their due honours.

The final stage in the long adventurous career of the 7th Manchesters
during this great war was completed on March 31st when the cadre of the
battalion, led by Brevet Lt.-Col. Manger, arrived at Exchange Station,
Manchester, and amidst a tremendous and enthusiastic concourse of people
proudly made their way through the city to Burlington Street, to deposit
the colours in their home at the depot. The following Saturday evening a
reception was held, when large numbers of men and officers with their
friends united once more to do honours to the record of their battalion.

[Illustration: AREA COVERED DURING ADVANCE OF 42nd DIVISION, 1918.]

Appendix I.

HONOURS AND AWARDS TO MEMBERS OF THE BATTALION.

OFFICERS.

Fawcus, Major (Actg. Lt.-Col.) A. E. F. Distinguished Service Order.
Military Cross.
Legion d'honneur.
Mentioned in Dispatches,
Gallipoli (twice).
Mentioned in Dispatches,
France, June, 1918.
Manger, Major (temp. Lt.-Col.) E. V. Brevet Lieut.-Colonel.
C.M.G.
Hodge, Lieut. (Actg. Lieut.-Col.) A. Distinguished Service Order.
Military Cross.
Mentioned in Dispatches.
Canning, Lieut.-Col. A. (Attached) Order of St. Michael and
St. George (3rd Class
or Companion).
Mentioned in Dispatches.
Cronshaw, Major (Actg. Lt.-Col.)