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Foreword.

I desire to place on record my high appreciation of the good service done since the formation of the Cyclist Battalion in July, 1916, to the signing of the Armistice.

Your Battalion has had a most varied experience and few units in the B.E.F. have rendered valuable service in so many different directions or in conjunction with so many different formations.

Its work has included traffic control, the felling of trees, cable burying, repairing of trenches, the holding as Infantry of sections of the front line, the reconnaissance of front areas and the participation in offensives as advanced Mounted Troops.

The work of burying cables 6, 7 and 8 feet deep, running up to the front line in shell swept areas, and most of it done by night, proved as valuable and successful as it was arduous and dangerous. Latterly the Battalion became so experienced and expert in this work that its personnel were employed only as supervisors.

On several occasions, when specially needed, your Battalion has done most valuable service in the front line, both as Infantry and Mounted Troops. Of these I desire to specially mention the Battle of Messines, the filling of the gap near Vierstratt at a heavy cost in casualties and the holding off of the enemy for four days in April, 1918, during the critical period of the big enemy offensive. The Capture of Marfaux in the offensive of the Fifth French Army in July, 1918, and the excellent patrol and advanced reconnaissance work in the second Battle of the Somme and finally in our final advance from Arras to Mons.

I congratulate you on being selected as the only British Unit to receive a fanion from General Berthelot.

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If Cyclists are included in the post war Army of New Zealand the traditions of your good service cannot fail to permanently stimulate both their efficiency and esprit de Corps.

I ask you with confidence to continue until discharged in New Zealand to do your share in maintaining the high reputation for soldierly qualities held by the N.Z.E.F.

My gratitude for your services and my best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity will follow you to New Zealand.