Chapter III: The 55th Division (3)

On the departure from the Division of three Battalions, the
1-8th The King's Liverpool Regt. (Liverpool Irish), 1-9th The
King's Liverpool Regt., and 1-5th Loyal North Lancashire
Regt., I wish to assure all officers, warrant officers,
non-commissioned officers and men belonging to them, how
greatly I, and I am sure, everyone in the Division, regrets
their loss.

Some, I am glad to say, remain with us.

As to the battalions themselves, I refuse to regard the
separation as permanent, and I look forward confidently to the
day when they will rejoin their old Division.

They have had their full share in all the hard fighting of the
past two years, and have helped to make and maintain the
reputation which the Division has gained, a reputation which,
I am sure, makes every member of it proud of belonging to it.
As for myself, to have commanded it during these years is the
highest privilege.

I hope that eventually the Liverpool Irish, the 9th King's,
and the 5th Loyal North Lancs. may rejoin our ranks, and that
the final blow may be given shoulder to shoulder with them.

Till they come back again I wish them, on the part of the
Division and myself, all good fortune and success, and can
assure them that we shall watch their career as keenly as if
they were still with us.

H.S. JEUDWINE,
Major General,
Commanding 55th Division.

Unfortunately the hopes of the Major General were not realised. He never saw this Battalion on parade again.