16th Battalion, Menin Road, 25th to 27th September

The 16th Battalion had a good deal of successful fighting in support of other units, but did not take part in the big attack on 26th September. Their division did very well indeed and were specially mentioned by the Commander-in-Chief.

Losses: Officers: wounded 4, Other Ranks 216

This concluded the Regiment's share in the Third Battle of Ypres, which dragged on hopelessly in seas of mud for some time. The strategic objective was never reached and the German flank remained secure. Bombardment created an impossible barrier to our infantry. Tanks could not operate off the old roads and so were most vulnerable.

The battle honours granted to the Regiment for the Third Battle of Ypres were YPRES, 1917; PILCKEM; MENIN ROAD; POLYGON WOOD; BROODSEINDE; POELCAPPELLE; and PASSCHENDAELE.

During these operations the Regiment lost in action three Battalion Commanders—Lieutenant-Colonel R. Chester Master, O.C. 13th Battalion, Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Roberts Manners, O.C. a battalion of Northumberland Fusiliers, and Lieutenant-Colonel A. Blewett, O.C. a labour battalion.

Cambrai—November

In the last battle of 1917 the Third Army took the offensive on good, hard chalk downs. The battle was planned for the tanks.

Four hundred and seventy-four tanks were used in the operation, and no artillery bombardment preceded the attack. Tanks smashed the wire for the infantry and crossed the great trenches by means of fascines borne on the tanks and released from inside. All the vast administrative arrangements were well carried out. All troops taking part rehearsed the new tactics required and yet secrecy was maintained. A large force of cavalry was in reserve ready to exploit a break-through.

On 20th November, the 20th (Light) Division attacked at 6.20 a.m. The 12th Battalion were in the front line and captured their objectives. The 59th Brigade were in support, their duty being to go through to the canal crossings at Marcoing and Masnieres, and hold them until the 29th Division came up. This they did. The 10th Battalion, in support to the Brigade, occupied La Vacquerie easily, and assisted the 10th and 11th Rifle Brigade. The 11th Battalion were in reserve on the 20th, but on the