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Regimental History of New Zealand Cyclist Corps in The Great War 1914-1918

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By 14th September, 1918, the Unit was comfortably settled down, the Camp being well suited for our requirements.

The Corps front extended from Gavrelle, N.E. of Arras, to a point near L'ecluse on Arras-Cambrai Road, and the nature of our duties requiring a knowledge of the front, parties of officers and the N.C.O.'s were attached to Lovatt's Scouts (who man the Army O.P.'s) in order that they might become acquainted with the position of the roads, trenches, etc. A number of men under 2nd Lieut. Bowron were also sent to guard Railway tunnels and bridges on Aubigny Arras railway. Another detachment of Lieut. Highet and 27 men was sent to 11th Division for reconnaissance and liaison work.

On the 16th September Captain H. D. McHugh, who was commanding the Battalion in the absence of the CO., Major Evans, D.S.O., in England on duty, was sent to hospital suffering from gas burns received on the Somme, Captain G. L. Comer taking over command of the Battalion.

It being found that the name this Unit was known by, viz., XXII. Corps Cyclist Battalion was confusing, it was decided by Headquarters that in future, the Battalion, being a purely N.Z. Unit, should be known as:—

"New Zealand Cyclist Battalion."

On the 6th October the Battalion was inspected by G.O.C. 22nd Corps (Lieut.-Gen. Sir A. J. Godley, K.C.B., K.C.M.G.) who expressed himself pleased with the turnout and smartness displayed.

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The victorious advances being made on our immediate front foretold a move forward, and on the 10th October a warning order came that the Battalion was to be ready to move on short notice. Next day at noon the order came, and at 1.0 p.m. the Battalion moved out with its destination Bourlon. This village was reached at 6.0 p.m. after a trying march, owing to the traffic on the roads and bad going, it being necessary to push the cycles the greater part of the way.

On arrival billets were found in this town, which was very much damaged by shell fire, and next morning two Platoons of No. 1 Company were sent out to Divisions in the line to act as Scouts, etc., Lieut. D. G. Cody going with his platoon to 49th Division and 2nd Lieut. W. E. Randall, D.C.M., to 51st (Highland) Division.

That afternoon the remainder of the Battalion was ordered forward to Ramillies, north of Cambrai, and after a particularly trying march, the cycles having to be pushed all the way, arrived at 9.15 p.m., and after some difficulty found billets; this village, having been the scene of heavy fighting two days earlier, was in ruins.

Next morning at 10.0 a.m. orders were received to send out all available fighting men to increase platoons with 49th and 51st Divisions to Company strength. This was done and Battalion Headquarters and transport was left at Ramillies.

Major Evans returned from duty in United Kingdom on the 14th instant, resumed command of the Battalion.

On the 16th October all personnel of No. 1 Company were withdrawn from Divisions, leaving No. 2 Company (T. Capt. Blomfield, M.C.) with 49th Division and No. 3 Company (Capt. Comer) with 51st Division.

These Companies continued with above and other Divisions until the Armistice was signed on the 11th November, 1918, and their doings are recorded separately.

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Dispositions of the XXII. Corps, 11/11/18.

Dispositions of the XXII. Corps, 11/11/18.

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