," displayed by the rank and file of the "contemptible
little army" and its reinforcements.

On the 27th I had received an urgent message from Haig about the
exhausted condition of the 7th Division. During the day I went to Haig
at Hooge and had a conference with him and Rawlinson. I decided to
break up the 4th Corps for the present, and to send Rawlinson and his
Headquarters home to supervise the preparation of the 8th Division
pending its despatch to France.

The 7th Division, under Capper, was to be attached to the 1st Corps
until the 8th Division arrived and the 4th Corps could be again
reformed under Rawlinson. Byng with the 3rd Cavalry Division was
placed under Allenby.

The 7th Division took over the ground south of the
Ypres--Menin road, then occupied by some troops of the 1st Division
which were withdrawn in reserve.

The further progress of the enemy between La Bassee and the sea was
probably now in suspense, awaiting the arrival of reinforcements. We
had reliable reports that the detraining of troops was rapidly
proceeding at Lille and Courtrai.

During the next two days they began pouring in, and, by October 30th,
from La Bassee to the north the following German Corps opposed us:--

La Bassee to Armentieres - 7th, one Brigade of 18th,
19th.
North of Armentieres to
east of Ypres - 13th, 15th, 24th Reserve,
27th Reserve, and two
Ersatz Divisions.

East of Ypres to Dixmude - 26th Reserve, 23rd Reserve,
22nd Reserve.

Dixmude to Nieuport - 3rd Reserve and 4th Ersatz
Division.

Roughly speaking there were some twelve German Corps opposed to seven
of the Allies, whilst the enemy enjoyed enormous artillery
superiority, both numerically and in calibre of guns.

The condition of the 2nd Corps was again causing me anxiety, and the
Corps Commander was calling out for help and reinforcements. It had
also given cause for apprehension to our Allies.

Willcocks arrived on the 27th, and took over command of the Indian
Corps in the field.

On this day Prince Maurice of Battenberg died of his wounds.
He was a young officer of great promise, and much beloved in his
regiment, the 60th Rifles.

The 28th saw the loss of Neuve Chapelle by the 2nd Corps.

I met Smith-Dorrien and Willcocks together at Merville, and arranged
for the In