2nd September, 1918.

The Battle of the HINDENBURG LINE--
27th September, 1918.

The Battle of the SELLE RIVER--
20th October, 1918.

In every one of these the 7th Manchesters were called upon to play a
part. Whether their original role in the plan of battle had been to lead
the attack or to act in support they were always in the picture before
the end of the fight. I am not going to pick out this or that as their
finest performances. The reader can choose for himself when he has
finished the book. It is enough for me to say that, whatever task was
given them, they took on cheerfully and carried through magnificently.
Not only that, but they were anxious to go beyond what was demanded of
them, as is well shown by the fighting at La Signy Farm which they
attacked and captured on their own initiative.

I can only wish them individually the same success in peace as they won
as a battalion in war. I think they will have it. For it takes
first-class men to make a first-class fighting unit. Perhaps many of
them will join again under the old colours. I hope so, and I
congratulate in advance any commander whose good luck it may be to lead
them.

A. M. HENLEY, _Brig. Gen. (retired)_
_late Commanding 127th Infantry Brigade._

_21st February; 1920._

Introduction.

Captain Wilson's book continues the story of the 7th (1st 7th)
Manchesters, which is recorded in my own book "With Manchesters in the
East," from July, 1916 until November, 1918. It is written with intimate
knowledge and much understanding, and will be enjoyed by all his
comrades. It was the good fortune of the Manchester Territorials (127th
Brigade) to belong to the first Territorial Division (the 42nd), that
ever left these islands for active service, and this active service
eventually took place on three fronts. The 7th Battalion garrisoned the
Sudan and fought through the Gallipoli campaign. It recruited its
strength at Suez, and then helped to clear the Sinai Peninsula of the
Turks. Finally it served for two and a half years in Flanders. It
translated its motto, "We never sleep" into its daily life.

This volume will be a useful supplement to any general history of the
War. It is based on the diary of a Regimental Officer, who won
considerable distinction in the field, and whose eyes missed little of
consequence. It is of even more value as evidence of what men of
essent