These billets were very good, and the advantage of being near a town was
fully appreciated. The story of the Battalion would not be complete
without a reference to the band, which, under the direction of Sergt.
T.O. Hann, M.M., had reached a very high standard, and was second to none
in the Division. With the buglers, whose smart appearance attracted much
attention, a selection of music was played in the town daily at
"Retreat." At this time, also, the Battalion concert party, the "Red
Diamonds," trained by Capt. Cardew and Capt. Lyon, provided several very
good entertainments.

It was now March, and the great enemy offensive on the Somme was
expected. After three weeks, the rest was abruptly terminated by orders
to entrain for Amiens, and about the second week in March the Battalion
marched off from St. Martin, and entrained at Arques. At this time it was
perhaps as efficient as any on the Western front, having had few
casualties during the past year, and also having had a large proportion
of rest and training. The officers knew their men both in and out of the
line, and it was confidently expected that in the coming active
operations great credit would be earned--but the overwhelming disasters
of the next three months were never anticipated.




CHAPTER VI.

THE SOMME, THE LYS AND THE AISNE.

_First Phase._