Lieut.-Colonel Viscount Gort, D.S.O., M.V.O., M.C. Commanding Battalion. Major W. S. Pilcher, D.S.O. Second in Command. Capt. C. R. Gerard Adjutant. Capt. G. C. Sloane-Stanley Assistant Adjutant. Lieut. M. Chapman Intelligence Officer. Lieut. I. J. Ingleby Act.-Quartermaster. 2nd Lieut. N. A. Pearce Transport Officer. Capt. J. N. F. Pixley No. 1 Company. Lieut. C. E. Irby ” ” 2nd Lieut. E. H. Tuckwell (Battalion L.G. Officer) ” ” 2nd Lieut. G. R. Green ” ” 2nd Lieut. J. M. Chitty ” ” Capt. the Hon. F. E. Needham No. 2 Company. 2nd Lieut. C. E. Benson, D.S.O. ” ” 2nd Lieut. T. T. Pryce, M.C. ” ” 2nd Lieut. R. C. Denman ” ” 2nd Lieut. H. W. Windeler ” ” Capt. J. B. M. Burke, M.C. No. 3 Company. Lieut. C. S. Nash (Battalion Bombing Officer) ” ” 2nd Lieut. D. J. Knight ” ” 2nd Lieut. R. L. Murray Lawes ” ” Capt. G. H. T. Paton, M.C. No. 4 Company. Lieut. H. H. Sloane-Stanley ” ” Lieut. E. R. D. Hoare ” ” 2nd Lieut. B. J. Hubbard, M.C. ” ” 2nd Lieut. F. R. Oliver ” ” 2nd Lieut. N. R. Abbey ” ” Capt. N. Grellier, M.C., R.A.M.C. Medical Officer. CHAPTER XXV THE CROSSING OF THE BROEMBEEK (THE GUARDS DIVISION) [Sidenote: The Guards Division. Oct. 9-12. 1917.] The crossing of the Broembeek and the occupation of the southern edge of Houthulst Forest by the Guards Division was one of those brilliantly executed attacks which are apt to be counted among minor operations simply because of their success. There had been plenty of time to make the arrangements, and General Feilding was determined to ensure the success of the whole operation. The weather was an important factor, as the ground was low, and there had been much rain. If the Broembeek should become swollen by the rain, it would develop into a serious obstacle, and the ground, already very deep in places, might become a morass over which the troops would pass with difficulty. Two patrols, which had gone out the week before the attack, reported that mats would be necessary for crossing the stream, but the weather fortunately improved, and on the day of the attack the passage of the Broembeek presented few difficulties.