rried on until the end of the month,
when they proceeded to Villers-Bretonneux. Of the villages in the
regained area little or no description in the normal sense is possible
beyond the fact that while some semblance of streets could be traced
in some of them, the majority of them were simply masses of masonry
debris literally peppered with shell craters. But it was noticeable in
such villages as Nesle that the civilians showed a very marked
physical improvement as the result of better feeding and life under
British occupation. While at Hangard, Battalion Headquarters occupied
Hangard Chateau--one of the finest chateaux in France. (It was
demolished during the 1918 German offensive.) The Brigade concentrated
at Villers-Bretonneux prior to entraining for the Second Army.

But before leaving the Fourth Army, to which the 17th had given such
brilliant service, the following message was transmitted to the
Battalion as one of the Divisional units concerned:--

"FOURTH ARMY, NO. G.S.702.

"32ND DIVISION.

"As the Division will shortly be leaving the Fourth Army I
desire to express to all ranks my warm thanks for the excellent
services they have performed whilst under my command. The
gallantry and dash displayed by the Division during the advance
in March and April, especially in the actions resulting in the
capture of Savy, Bois de Savy, Francilly, Holnon, Selency, Fayet
and Cepy Farm, reflect the highest credit on all concerned.

"The skilful leadership of all ranks, coupled with the close
co-operation between Artillery, Infantry and Aircraft, was a
feature in these operations deserving the highest praise, and I
heartily congratulate the Division on the successes they have
achieved.

"I much regret that the Division is now leaving the Fourth Army,
but I shall hope that at some future date I may again have the
good fortune to find them under my command.

"(Signed) H. RAWLINSON, _General,
Commanding Fourth Army._

"H.Q., FOURTH ARMY,
"_22nd May, 1917._"

IN FLANDERS.

_En route to Steenbecque--R.T.O.--the 14th Corps--reconnaissance
of Messines Sector--heavy marches--Coxyde and Kuhn--amenities of
Nieuport area._

The Battalion on 1st June, 1917, left the Fourth Army and the Somme
area. The 17th never again served in t