His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught then sent the following
message to the Minister of Militia for Canada:

"Canada has every reason to be proud of the gallantry of her
sons who have nobly done their part in this great struggle for
the liberties and honor of our Empire against the tyranny and
injustice of Germany.

"As an English officer, I am proud of our Canadian comrades
and feel that they have brought honor to the British Army as
well as themselves, and that their heroic work will thrill the
Dominion from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

"I deeply lament the long list of casualties and send our
profound sympathy to every home which is plunged into sadness
and sorrow by the tidings that reach us from hour to hour.

"Assuring you again of my heartfelt sympathy for the relations
of all those Canadian officers, non-commissioned officers and
men who fell so nobly on the field of battle. I am,

"(Signed) Arthur."

It has been impossible to describe the part the British troops played
in this historic action which lasted over twelve days. Their valor was
beyond question. This story deals with the Canadians and their British
brothers did not begrudge them any glory which they may have received.
The story of the British troops and their part in the fight will no
doubt be written. I can testify to their incomparable valor. Braver
men than those from London, Durham, Northumberland, and other parts of
England who fought alongside of us never lived.

With reference to our comrades from the Indian Empire having fought
alongside of them and seen their wounded and their dead, I can testify
to their spirit of loyalty, their unquestioned bravery and all the
qualities that are to be found in great soldiers.

The Empire contains no better men than the men of the Lahore Division
and more particularly the Sir Hind Brigade, whose deeds have shed
undying lustre upon the British Army. The lie factories that have been
established by German gold, even in the heart of the Empire, have
endeavored to cast doubt upon the relative value of the Indian troops
and the troops from other parts of the Empire. There was no truth in
these stories. The army in Flanders was equally good all round.

With a national system of military service, such as they have in
France, there would be no qualms of patriotic consciences at home, and
fewer lie f