The Seventh Manchesters: July 1916 to March 1919Wilson, S. J.
History
The Seventh Manchesters: July 1916 to March 1919
Wilson, S. J.
Great Britain. Army. Manchester Regiment. Battalion, 7th (Territorial); World War, 1914-1918 -- Regimental histories -- Great Britain
Luckily in this show our casualties were light, totalling a loss of
about 40 other ranks, very few being killed. The action of Capt. Baker
in forming the defensive flank for the 5th undoubtedly restored an
uncertain position, and materially assisted in the further advance. We
were all pleased when he was awarded the Military Cross for this and
general good work throughout the War with the 7th since June, 1915. The
pace and power of the attack can be gauged by the fact that six
battalions of the redoubtable Hun 25th division, in spite of their proud
record, were obliterated, and three days after the battle the division
was disbanded and absorbed in another. The destruction of this division
was an achievement of which the 42nd were justly proud. The motto of "Go
one better" had been "put over" the Boche in an unmistakable manner.
On October 23rd the division marched back to Beauvois again, the N.Z.
division having once more taken up the pursuit of the enemy, following
him vigorously to the vicinity of Le Quesnoy. The IVth corps were going
well, and all through these operations it was a noticeable feature in
the situation maps of the third army front published from time to time
that they always occupied the most advanced positions, and seemed to
perform the function of the spear head of the attacks.
MORMAL FOREST.
As the line of advance for the 42nd division lay through the huge Mormal
Forest, our training at Beauvois was largely in wood fighting. We were
making preparations for what was to prove the last battle of the War.
Col. Manger returned from leave and resumed command of the battalion,
while Major Rae remained on battle surplus where, unfortunately, his old
illness recurred and he had to go to hospital and eventually to England.
His excellent work with the 7th, however, had been recognised for he was
awarded the D.S.O. after the Armistice. Capt. Grey Burn, M.C., was
promoted to Major and became second in command of the 5th L.F's. "B"
company being taken over by Capt. Branthwaite, a recently joined 2nd
line officer. Capt. D. Norbury, having returned from a tour of duty at
home, was made O.C. "A" company, while Capt. S. J. Wilson, M.C.,
commanded "C" company.
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