The following narrative is based mainly on the Regimental War Diary. For
the rest, my thanks are due to Lt.-Colonels C.H. Jones, C.M.G., T.D.,
and J. Ll. Griffiths, D.S.O., Major C. Bland, T.D., Captains D.B. Petch,
M.C., J.R. Brooke, M.C., and A.D. Pierrepont, and R.Q.M.S. R. Gorse,
M.S.M., for sending me notes and anecdotes; to Captains G.E. Banwell,
M.C., and C.S. Allen, Corpl. J. Lincoln, and L/Corpl. A.B. Law, for
taking me round the battlefields and explaining the Lens fighting of
1917; to 2nd Lieut. G.H. Griffiths, for supplying me with many of the
battle-field photographs; to all officers, N.C.O.'s and men of the
Battalion who have always been ready to answer my questions and to give
me information; to Major D. Hill, M.C., Brigade Major, for the loan of
his Brigade documents; and lastly to Mr. Deakin of Loughborough, for
undertaking the publication of this book and for giving to it so much
time and personal care.

J.D. HILLS.

16, SOMERSET ST.,
LONDON, W.1.

_Sept., 1919._




CONTENTS.


CHAPTER PAGE.