‘I feel I must write and tell you how splendidly the 5th West Yorkshire supported the attack of the 7th Bedfordshire Regiment on the Schwaben Redoubt.... The Battalion had, I fear, a trying time, as the attack was postponed, and I had to bring them up in support at night, though they had practically been told they would not be wanted that night. In spite of all difficulties, when the final attack took place, they formed up in perfect order and advanced during the attack with marked determination. I was very struck with the soldierly qualities of the men and the keenness they displayed, and I am very proud to have had them under my Command.... All my Battalions are full of praise for the Artillery support afforded them both during the attack on Thiepval and the subsequent attack on Schwaben Redoubt.... We all feel very grateful to the troops of your Division associated with us.... Forgive type,’ added the gallant General, ‘Have just come out of the battle, and have no ink!’ Recognition, too, eminently merited, reached the 49th Divisional Commander from Lieut.-General C. W. Jacob, Commanding, as we saw, the II. Corps. He wrote, on October 3rd: ‘As the Division under your Command has now been transferred to another Corps, I take this opportunity of thanking you, your Staff, the Commanders of Brigades, and all Ranks of the Division, for all the good work you put in while you were in the II. Corps. ‘The conditions were trying, and your casualties heavy. The calls made on units necessitated great exertions, which were always cheerfully carried out. The gallantry of the Officers and men is shown by the large number of decorations won by them, and the spirit of all Ranks is good. The clearing of the Leipsic Salient, the prompt way all calls for raids on the enemy’s trenches were met, and the heavy work done by the Division in the preparations for the final attack on Thiepval are gratifying records.... It was unfortunate that the Division as a whole could not take part in the final capture of Thiepval, but you will all be glad to know that your representatives in that battle, the 49th Divisional Artillery and the 146th Infantry Brigade, did excellent work, and added still further to the good reputation of the Division.’