On March 8 Viscount Gort took over command of the Battalion from Lieut.-Colonel Maitland. A strong German Offensive was now daily expected, and the Battalion was consequently reduced to fighting strength, the surplus men being sent to the Guards Divisional Reinforcement Battalion. But although the enemy’s working-parties could be distinctly heard, nothing in the nature of an attack from the enemy took place during the first fortnight in March. The artillery on both sides was very active, and never ceased sending over shells. On March 15 the 1st Battalion retired to Gordon Camp, and remained always on the alert, so that it could be available at three-quarters of an hour’s notice. Advantage was taken of a week’s rest to have football matches, boxing contests, and musical entertainments in the evening, after the day’s training had been done. This undoubtedly freshened up the men, and helped them to forget the monotony of trench life. On the 20th Captain Greville came from the 4th Battalion to take up the duties of second in command. On the 21st Major-General Feilding sent for the Battalion Commanders, and expounded his views on the various rôles in a counter-attack, which the Division might be called upon to play. It was of course impossible to issue any definite orders, since everything depended on where and in what strength the Germans contemplated making their attack. OFFICERS WHO TOOK PART IN THE OPERATIONS AT THE END OF MARCH 1918 Lieut.-Colonel J. S. S. P. Viscount Gort, D.S.O., M.V.O., M.C. Commanding Battalion. Capt. R. D. Lawford, M.C. Act.-Second in Command. Lieut. the Hon. P. P. Cary Act.-Adjutant. 2nd Lieut. E. G. Hawkesworth Intelligence Officer. Lieut. J. A. Lloyd King’s Company. 2nd Lieut. R. C. Bruce ” ” 2nd Lieut. A. Ames ” ” Lieut. L. de J. Harvard No. 2 Company. 2nd Lieut. J. H. Frere ” ” Capt. O. F. Stein. No. 3 Company. 2nd Lieut. W. A. Fleet ” ” Lieut. the Hon. T. G. P. Corbett ” ” 2nd Lieut. C. C. Mays No. 4 Company. 2nd Lieut. G. E. A. A. Fitz-George Hamilton No. 4 Company. Lieut. R. F. W. Echlin Transport Officer. Capt. and Q.M. J. Teece, M.C. Quartermaster. 1st Lieut. C. A. Forgety, U.S.M.O.R.C. Medical Officer.