11026 Pte H Newland's stuff

[Guest KevinEndon]

I have been given 2 forage caps belonging to 11026 Pte H Newland 1st North Staffs Regt, C Coy. Both are in excellent condition, 1 more of a dress cap the other looks like it was worn day in day out but still in brilliant condition.

Along with the caps was a wallet with 2 pieces of yellow paper in them, the first was a letter from the time that read.

XXIV. DIVISION

I. APRIL 12th to 16th, 1917

With reference to the successful operations which took place on this front on the morning of April 12th, resulting in the capture of B-------------, by the 24th Division, the following message has been received from the C, in C, ---------.

“Please convey to the 24th Division congratulations on the success of their operations this morning and my appreciation of the gallantry and skill shown by the troops engaged.”

II. April 16th, 1917

The C. in C. has desired me to express to the 24th Division his appreciation of the able and energetic manner in which the enemy has been pressed during his recent retirement. Our advance has been bold and methodical, and has in consequence succeeded with a minimum of casualties.

The operation now being carried out is of considerable value to the general plan.

The Corps Commander in making known the appreciation of the C. in C. wishes, at the same time to express his own thanks to all ranks for the very good work which has been done.

III. April 17th, 1917

Commander and Staff Second Army delighted to hear of your success.

Many congratulations to you and your Division.

IV. April 17th 1917.

I am anxious to express to you, the Divisional and other Commanders, and to all ranks, my appreciation of the important part taken by the Corps in recent operations.

The 24th Division deserves great credit, not only for the skilful capture of B----------, but also for the promptitude and determination with which they have followed up the retirement of the enemy through an area presenting so many difficulties. This is more noteworthy when it is remembered that this Division has spent practically the whole winter and spring in a trying section of the trenches.

GENERAL COMMANING 1st ARMY.

V. April 18th, 1917

On the departure of the 24th Division I wish to express to the Major-General Commanding, the Divisional and other Staffs, and to all Ranks, my high appreciation of the work done by the Division during the time I have had the honour to command the Corps.

During the time the 24th Division has shown themselves possessed of the highest military qualities. In trench war-fare they have been most tenacious in defence, and enterprising in raids; and when the opportunity was afforded by the retirement of the enemy, most dashing in offence.

In bidding good-bye to the Division I wish it all good luck in the future.

LIEUT. GENERAL COMMANDING CORPS.

The second piece of paper was a prayer, which read

O God, who never sleepest,

and art never weary:

Have mercy upon those who watch to-night;

On the sentry, that he may be alert;

On those who command, that they may be strengthened with counsel;

On the sick, that they may obtain sleep;

On the wounded, that they may find ease;

On the faint-hearted, lest they forget thee;

On the dying, that they may find peace;

On the dead, that they may have rest;

On the sinful, that they may turn again-

And save us, O good Lord.

There was also 3 tins of Survival Ration Chocolate which was packaged by C Ltd 7/64. There is no best before date on the time so I wonder should I try some, maybe not.

I wonder where the B----------- was and the surname of the C and C mentioned in paragraph 1.

I will try and post photos of these items later but I am delighted with these brilliant pieces of history,

Kevin

[Paul Reed]

From memory the 24th Division were in the area of Le Verguier in April 1917 and the nearest place beginning with B is Bernes.

I think Chris Baker has done some research on this battalion?

[Guest KevinEndon]

Cheers Paul. I love the prayer, I would love to know how many times Harry read it.

Kevin