The following letter was received, from the G.0.C. 101st Brigade :-

“Dear Colonel Somerset,

Will you please express to your Battalion my admiration for their gallant conduct in the attack on July 1st, theirs was the hardest task of any, having the farthest to advance before crossing our own front line in face of a deadly fire, their courage was magnificent as in spite of wave after wave being mown down they fearlessly pressed forward towards their objective and got well into the German line but unfortunately their numbers were too few in the end to gain it. No troops could have done better and I am sure that their advance in this battle will go clown to posterity as one of the most gallant actions of the War.

Yours sincerely,

5-7-16.

(Sgd) R. C. Gore, Brig-General, Commdg, 101st Infantry Brigade.

The following Special order of the day was issued by the G.O.C. 34th DivIsion :-

“The Divisional Commander congratulates his Troops on the fine reputation they have earned for themselves. With them he mourns deeply for our absent comrades."

The G.O.C. III Corps himself addressed the 101st Brigade and expressed himself as greatly pleased with their performance in the action.

The following wire was sent by the G.O.C. Fourth Army to the G.O.C. III Corps :-

“Please convey to the 34 th Division my hearty congratulations on their successes. Whilst regretting their heavy casualties I desire to express my gratitude for and admir ation of the determination and gallantry with which they carried out their difficult task.”

8-7-16.

Capt & Adjt., 11th Suffolks.