first students to this school were Capt. Ward Jackson, who was in charge
of "A" Company, and Capt. G.W. Allen, the latter for a special
Adjutant's refresher course. After these, all the Company Commanders
went in turn, first to Flixecourt, and later to Auxi le Chateau, whither
the school moved in the early summer. There were similar courses for
senior N.C.O.'s, which were of the utmost value.

Another important innovation at this time was the introduction of the
Lewis light machine gun. The Maxim, and even the Vickers machine gun had
been found for many reasons unsuitable for infantry work, being too
heavy and cumbersome for rapid movement, too conspicuous for easy
concealment. It was therefore decided to form Brigade Machine Gun
Companies, who would be armed with Vickers guns, while Battalions would
have Lewis guns only, on a scale of two per Company, for they were to be
considered a company rather than a Battalion weapon. This light gun had
no tripod, was air-cooled, and fired a pan instead of a belt of
ammunition. It was as easy to carry as to conceal, and was in every way
an enormous improvement on the "Vickers" from the infantry point of
view. Training in the new weapon started at once, and as 2nd Lieut.
Saunders and Serjt. Jacques were required for the Brigade Machine Gun
Company, 2nd Lieut. Shipston was made Lewis Gun Officer, with Corporal
Swift to help him, and these two trained as many men as possible with
the two guns issued to us, so that when more arrived the teams would be
ready for them. Captain Ellwood commanded the Brigade Machine Gunners,
and in addition to our chief instructors, we also sent 2nd Lieut.
Stentiford and 30 N.C.O.'s and men to start the Company. 2nd Lieut.
Stentiford was a new subaltern officer who, with 2nd Lieuts. T.P. Creed
and C.J. Morris, had arrived while the battalion was at Marseilles.

On the 16th February orders came that at an early date we should take