“Sir Ian Hamilton wishes the troops of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force to be informed that in all his past experiences, which include the hard struggle of the Russo-Japanese campaign, he has never seen more devoted gallantry displayed than that which has characterised their efforts during the past three days. He has informed Lord Kitchener by cable of the bravery and endurance displayed by all ranks here, and has asked that the necessary reinforcements be forthwith dispatched. Meanwhile, the remainder of the East Lancashire Division is disembarking, and will henceforth be available to help us to make good and improve upon the positions we have so hardly won.” [Sidenote: THE 29th DIVISION PRAISED] In spite of a heavy counter-attack against the French position on the night of the 9th-10th, comparative quiet prevailed during the next two or three days. But at Helles, even on the quietest days, shell-fire never ceased, and, to say nothing of the V and W Beaches, the troops withdrawn from the firing line to rest were continually exposed to danger. For such rest, it was time to withdraw the 29th Division, now that the East Lancashires (42nd) could take its place. The Division had lost about 11,000 men and 400 officers. The relics of those unyielding battalions began to come back on the 11th. That night and next day it rained heavily for the first time, but the over-wearied men sank down into mud or pools of water, indifferent to everything but sleep. In their honour, so well deserved, Sir Ian issued a second special order, dated May 12: “For the first time for eighteen days and nights it has been found possible to withdraw the 29th Division from the fire fight. During the whole of that long period of unprecedented strain the Division has held ground or gained it, against the bullets and bayonets of the constantly renewed forces of the foe. “During the whole of that long period they have been illuminating the pages of military history with their blood. The losses have been terrible, but mingling with the deep sorrow for fallen comrades arises a feeling of pride in the invincible spirit which has enabled the survivors to triumph where ordinary troops must inevitably have failed. “I tender to Major-General Hunter-Weston and to his Division at the same time my profoundest sympathy with their losses and my warmest congratulations on their achievement.”[115]