page 109

Chapter XVI.

In comfortable billets away from the harassing conditions of trench warfare, we rapidly recovered our good spirits. A company in attack was practised as soon as the men were fit, and bayonet fighting and lectures on every phase of warfare formed part of the daily routine.

The reinforcements coming forward were soon absorbed.

While the 1st and 2nd Battalions were in Fricourt and Airaines respectively a good deal was done to foster the spirit of the Regiment. Church parades were arranged at which the battalions attended altogether, and, at such parades, battalions vied with each other as to their turn-out. In a few weeks an excellent regimental spirit prevailed in both battalions and small differences which had existed rapidly disappeared, so that we no longer looked upon ourselves simply as members of one or other of the two battalions, but as part of the Wellington Regiment.

The effect of the continuous trench warfare on the troops and the long route marching to Airaines and Fricourt was soon dissipated as all ranks found themselves living in comparatively congenial circumstances without the nerve-racking shell fire, without the muddy trenches, without the early morning stand-to and without the thousand and one other little details of life in the front line trenches.

The importance of getting every available man fit again was now paramount. Every effort was made to ensure a complete and rapid recovery to health of all ranks who had shown any signs of ill-health.

The rationing of the troops in Fricourt and Airaines was improved in every way possible. We voluntarily added to page 110the funds available contributions towards buying food outside the schedule of ordinary Army rations, with the result that green vegetables and delicacies not dreamt of since our arrival in France appeared daily on the menu. The effect was not only physical but psychological. Staleness gave way to cheerfulness and optimism, and reinforcements filling up the depleted ranks soon brought up the strength of the two battalions. For the first week or so it was found impossible to do much training: but at the end of that time both battalions spent the day-time in acquiring the latest knowledge of warfare and in making all ranks as efficient as possible.

We remained at Fricourt and Airaines until 2nd September, 1916 During that time route marches were frequent, and everything was done to produce soldiers of a maximum efficiency and in perfect health.

Morale improved wonderfully. Apart from the perfect discipline that prevailed in both battalions, enthusiasm caused everyone to do his respective work to the best of his ability.