Chapter XVII: LAST BATTLES, August to December, 1918 208

German retreat from the Lys.--Orderly Room and its staff.--
The new devastated area.--Itchin Farm, Merville and Neuf
Berquin.--Mines and booby-traps.--Advance to the Lys.--
Estaires destroyed.--Laventie revisited.--The attack on
Junction Post.--Lance-Corporal Wilcox, V.C.--Scavenging at
the XI Corps school.--On the Aubers ridge.--The end in sight.
--Move to Cambrai.--In action near Bermerain and Maresches.--
A fine success.--Domart and Demobilisation.--Work at Etaples.
--Off to Egypt.

Composition of the Battalion on going Overseas 221

" " " at the Armistice 222

Index 223

AUTHOR'S PREFACE

My cordial thanks are due to my old Brigadier for his kindness and trouble in writing the Preface, and also to Colonel Ames for contributing the Introduction.

From many friends in the Regiment I have received information and assistance.

This book is based on a series of articles, which appeared in the _Oxford Times_ during the summer of 1919. The project, of which this volume is the outcome, was assisted by that newspaper and by the courtesy of its staff.

G. K. ROSE.
Oxford, November 1919.