st night. The
preparations were well and carefully thought out, the
Artillery support was good, and the whole conduct of the
operations reflects credit on all concerned."

From the G.O.C. 97th INFANTRY BRIGADE:--"Commander-in-Chief has
awarded the following decorations:--Lieut. Begg, and 2nd Lieut
Carpenter, Military Cross; 15507 Sergt.-Major Reith, D.C.M.;
15458 Sergeant Taylor, 2797 Private Leiper and 15720 Private
M'Intosh, Military Medal. All 17th H.L.I. Major-General
Rycroft offers his heartiest congratulations to above
officers, N.C.O.s and men on their decorations. Letter with
authority following."

The Battalion had three men killed and four wounded during enemy
retaliation, but any serious effort by the enemy was checked, and on
the 24th the unit went into reserve billets at Bouzincourt.

A LULL BEFORE THE STORM.

_Preparations commenced for the Somme offensive--a complimentary
shoot with "P" Battery--Divisional, Brigade and Battalion
identification marks--happy days at Rubempre._

On 27th April, in brilliant summer weather, the Commanding Officer,
Company Commanders, the Intelligence Officer and four N.C.O.s per
Company attended a Divisional Exercise at Baizieux, and this was the
start of those preparations which were to culminate in the Battle of
the Somme on 1st July.

On 3rd May the Colonel returned and took over command from Major Paul,
and during the following day, Major Lawder, Commanding "A" Battery,
168th Brigade, R.F.A., entertained those who had taken part in the
raid and allowed them to fire the guns which had rendered such fine
support during the sortie.

Identification marks had now been issued for some time for major
operations pending. The Divisional colours were crimson and the sleeve
mark was a red circle for the 97th Brigade. The K.O.Y.L.I. had one bar
below the circle; the Border Regiment, two; the 16th H.L.I., three;
and the 17th, four bars, worn horizontally and parallel. Runners,
bombers, etc., had further identification marks. Prior to this, from
November 1915, to April, 1916, no distinctive mark had been worn on
the sleeve, but on the centre of the tunic collar at the back there
was worn a strip of ribbon coloured yellow, pale blue, and yellow.
During the succeeding period, up to the disbandment of the Battalion,
the sleeve marks were used only. While the circle was always red the
bars were colou