January to Mérélessart about two miles away, where better quarters were
found particularly for the Battalion headquarters, which occupied a
somewhat pretentious chateau replete with all modern conveniences
including baths, which were very unusual in private houses in the war
area.

Here the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Ramsay, D.S.O., left the
Battalion on his promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General. Before he
left he made a speech to the men and published the following "Farewell
Order":--

On relinquishing command of the Battalion to take over command
of the 48th Infantry Brigade, the Commanding Officer wishes to
express his regret at leaving the Regiment, which he has had
the honour of commanding for the last eight months, and his
gratitude for the loyal way in which all ranks have supported
him.

The Commanding Officer is very sensible of the fact that the
excellent work done by the Regiment has gained for him his
decoration and promotion.

Later in the war he received promotion and commanded the 58th (London)
Division as Major General.

While at Mérélessart the usual training took place. There was little work
done as a complete unit not much attention being paid to tactical work. A
rifle range was at the disposal of the Battalion on which the companies
were able to fire a few practices and so keep up their musketry.