But training, sports, and dallying were rudely interrupted by the call received on March 21, when, at about 6 p.m., warning orders were received that the Division might be suddenly called upon to move southwards into action. The warning was emphasized on the night of the 21st by a terrific bombardment by German aircraft of all back areas, railheads and junctions. The great German offensive had begun. On the morning of March 23 the Division started to join the 6th Corps, Third Army, in the Somme area, the infantry, R.E., and R.A.M.C. personnel proceeding in motor-lorry and ’bus, the artillery and transport by road. [Sidenote: _Strength of Division, March 1, 1918_] Total strength of 42nd Division, March 1, 1918— Officers. Other ranks. Divisional Headquarters 33 111 Royal Artillery, H.Q. 5 19 210th Brigade, R.F.A. 35 778 211th ” ” 38 773 Div. Ammunition Column 29 778 Royal Engineers, H.Q. 3 10 427th Field Company 8 208 428th ” ” 6 197 429th ” ” 7 213 42nd Signal Company 9 274 125th Brigade, H.Q. 3 21 5th Lancashire Fusiliers 45 958 7th ” ” 43 907 8th ” ” 42 934 125th T.M. Battery 3 43 126th Brigade, H.Q. 3 22 5th East Lancashires 44 975 8th Manchesters 46 982 10th ” 54 980 126th T.M. Battery 4 46 127th Brigade, H.Q. 3 21 5th Manchesters 43 958 6th ” 49 982 7th ” 41 980 127th T.M. Battery 5 61 Machine-Gun Companies 38 753 1/7th Northumberland Fusiliers (P.) 43 945 Divisional Train, A.S.C. 20 385 ” Supply Column 4 220 R.A.M.C. 1st E.L. Field Ambulance 8 239 2nd ” ” ” 9 246 3rd ” ” ” 7 234 19th Mob. Vet. Section 1 26 239th Divn. Employment Coy. 2 312 --- ------ Total 773 15,514