The Story of the 9th Kings in France | Page 8

The terrible sights of open
wounds, bodies that have been minced by shell splinters, torn off limbs,
dying men uttering their last requests, are enough to unnerve the
bravest men. The stretcher bearers nevertheless continue with their task,
well knowing what fate may soon befall them.
For the second time in a fortnight the 9th King's had been called upon
to play an important part, and worthily had the men acquitted
themselves on each occasion.
The following letters were received by the Battalion and show the value
of the good work done:--
To G.O.C., IV. Corps.
This was a fine performance and reflects the greatest credit on all ranks.
I particularly admire the splendid tenacity displayed by our infantry in
holding on to their trenches during so many long hours of heavy shell
fire, and the skill with which they so gloriously repulsed with bomb
and rifle the enemy's most determined onslaught.
Our gunners, too, must be complimented on their timely and accurate
shooting. And lastly the Commanders, from General Davies downward,
deserve praise for the successful combination of the two arms, for the
handling of their units, and for the well-judged advance of the supports
to the aid of those in the fire trenches.

I am very glad to hear of the great deeds of the 9th Battalion Liverpool
Regiment on the 8th October. They have proved themselves most
worthy comrades of the 1st Liverpools who started with me from
Aldershot and have consistently fought like heroes all through the
campaign.
Please convey my very hearty congratulation to all concerned and to
the 1st Division, in which I am proud to see the determined fighting
spirit is as strong as ever, in spite of heavy losses.
D. HAIG, General, Commanding 1st Army. 10th October, 1915.
* * * * *
To 1st Division.
In forwarding Sir Douglas Haig's remarks, I desire to endorse every
word he says, and to congratulate the Division on the well deserved
praise it has received from the Army Commander. I hope before long to
see them personally and to speak to them on parade.
H.S. RAWLINSON, Lieut.-General, Commanding IV. Corps. 11th
October, 1915.
* * * * *
1st Div. No. 604/2 (G). To 2nd Infantry Brigade.
The General Officer Commanding wishes to place on record his
appreciation of the steady defence made by the 2nd Infantry Brigade
against the German attack yesterday afternoon. He especially wishes to
commend the soldierly qualities and discipline displayed by the 9th
Liverpool Regiment and the 1st Gloucesters, which enabled them to
endure the heavy shelling to which our front trenches were subjected,
and there to meet and repulse with great loss the German infantry
attack.
The result of yesterday's attack again proves how powerless the

enemy's artillery is against good infantry, properly entrenched and the
superiority of our own infantry over that of the enemy at close quarters.
The General Officer Commanding wishes to record his appreciation of
the good work done by the artillery in support of the infantry.
H. LONGRIDGE, Lieut.-Colonel, General Staff, 1st Division. 9th
October, 1915.
* * * * *
The above remarks were communicated to the men, and they were all
very proud of the achievement of their unit and that it had so highly
distinguished itself in the defence of their country. For a few days the
Battalion remained in support, sending forth working parties each night
for the battle that was still continuing.
On the 13th October the 1st Division attacked the village of Hulluch.
An intense barrage was directed against the enemy trenches in the early
part of the afternoon, and after a discharge of cloud gas an attempt was
made in vain to reach the enemy trenches. The 9th was held in close
support, ready to exploit any success that was gained, but,
unfortunately, the attack was a total failure. The Battalion came in for
some very heavy retaliatory shell fire.
On the 14th October the Battalion was taken out of the line and
marched to Noeux-les-Mines, where it entrained for Lillers. Here the
men were accommodated in houses in the centre of the town in the
vicinity of the Church and the Rue Fanien. The billets were good, the
parades not severe, and several of the officers who were well quartered
felt to some extent the comforts of a home. The training area was near
Burbure, where the Battalion had trained for the battle. Many faces
were missing that had been present at the jovial little gatherings that
had taken place before the battle, and the survivors wondered at times
who would be wanting at the next divisional rest.
As the parades were not onerous, there was plenty of time for
recreation. Concerts were arranged in the local concert hall at which the

latent talent of the Battalion came