Bohain and Vaux Andigny in October, where the gallantry
and determination of all ranks filled me with admiration.

"I congratulate most heartily you all on the victories you have
won, and trust that at some future time I may again find the Division
under my command."

The Division spent the period 14th to 19th November in a march, via
Catillon and Avesnes, to the area round Solre le Chateau and Sars
Poteries, where it was to assemble for the March to the Rhine. For
this it was organized in three Infantry Brigade Groups and a
Divisional Troops Group under the C.R.A. The 16th Army R.H.A. Brigade
(Chestnut Troop, "Q" and "U" Batteries) was attached to the Division,
and formed part of the 18th Infantry Brigade Group. The 2nd Brigade,
R.F.A., marched with the Divisional Troops Column, the 24th Brigade,
R.F.A., with the 71st Infantry Brigade, and the Divisional Ammunition
Column with the 16th Infantry Brigade. Each Infantry Brigade had a
Field Company and Field Ambulance.

The march resembled the progression of a snake, the rear group moving
forward at each advance to the area occupied the previous day by the
leading group. Commencing officially on the 20th November there were
long halts up to 2nd December, owing to the difficulty of feeding the
leading Divisions (cavalry and infantry), caused by the destruction
done by the Germans to the railways, and also owing to the withdrawal
of the Germans not being carried out in accordance with programme.
Sometimes groups did not move, or only made minor adjustments to
obtain more comfortable quarters.

Both branches of the staff had long days of reconnaissance in cars
ahead of the Division, made to avoid moving troops farther off the
main roads than necessary, while the R.E. and Pioneers were often
pushed ahead to see about water supplies and mend roads. Up to the
Belgian frontier roads had been cratered and bridges blown down, and
these caused defiles and impeded the march. Once across the frontier
the roads were splendid, the inhabitants most hospitable and
enthusiastic, and the advance only held up until it could be
pushed through continuously.

However, it was no hardship to be delayed in such charming
surroundings, though the weather was for the most part vile. The march
from the neighbourhood of Dinant across the Ardennes, and along the
lovely valley of the River Ambleve, will always stand out as a most
delightful reminiscence. All ranks worked hard at their equipment, an