I have realised not only the splendid work which has been done in immediate touch with the enemy--in the air, under the ground, as well as on the ground--but also the vast organisations behind the fighting line, honourable alike to the genius of the initiators and to the heart and hand of the workers. Everywhere there is proof that all, men and women, are playing their part, and I rejoice to think that their noble efforts are being heartily seconded by all classes at home. The happy relations maintained by my Armies and those of our French Allies were equally noticeable between my troops and the inhabitants of the districts in which they are quartered, and from whom they have received a cordial welcome ever since their first arrival in France. Do not think that I and your fellow-countrymen forget the heavy sacrifices which the Armies have made, and the bravery and endurance they have displayed during the past two years of bitter conflict. These sacrifices have not been in vain: the arms of the Allies will never be laid down until our cause has triumphed. I return home more than ever proud of you. May God guide you to victory. On the 6th Second Lieutenant L. G. E. Sim arrived, and on the 15th Second Lieutenant B. G. Samuelson and Second Lieutenant W. H. Lovell joined the Battalion. On the 25th the Battalion proceeded by train to Mericourt, and went into billets in Ville-sous-Corbie. The 2nd Battalion [Sidenote: 2nd Batt. Jan. 1916.] At the beginning of the New Year the 2nd Battalion Grenadiers was in billets at Riez Bailleul, and went up every two days to occupy the trench line at Ebenezer Farm. LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE 2ND BATTALION Lieut.-Colonel G. D. Jeffreys, Commanding Officer. Major A. St. L. Glyn, Second in Command. Capt. the Hon. W. R. Bailey, Adjutant. Lieut. W. E. Acraman, Quartermaster. Capt. R. H. V. Cavendish, M.V.O. Capt. A. de P. Kingsmill. Capt. A. F. R. Wiggins. Capt. E. W. M. Grigg. Lieut. A. K. S. Cunninghame. Lieut. D. A. Smith (Brigade Machine-gun Company). Lieut. E. H. Noble. Lieut. F. A. M. Browning. Lieut. M. A. Knatchbull-Hugessen. Lieut. the Hon. W. A. D. Parnell. Lieut. W. H. Beaumont-Nesbitt. Lieut. H. G. W. Sandeman. Lieut. the Hon. B. B. Ponsonby. 2nd Lieut. the Hon. A. V. Agar-Robartes (Brigade Machine-gun Company). 2nd Lieut. T. A. Combe. 2nd Lieut. A. F. Irvine. 2nd Lieut. T. W. Minchin. 2nd Lieut. H. G. Carter. 2nd Lieut. N. McK. Jesper. 2nd Lieut. G. G. M. Vereker. Capt. J. A. Andrews, R.A.M.C., Medical Officer.