Monday 26th November 1917

In billets at Grantorto for rest and training.

L.Cpl. Israel Burnley (see 7^th August) was deprived of his rank and reverted to Private for “not complying with an order” (details unknown).

Brig. Genl. Lambert (see 25^th November) took his first look at the section of the line which was shortly to be taken over by 69^th Brigade, describing in his diary how he went via Montebelluna, “onto the Montello and looked over lines generally – very interesting”.
(I am greatly indebted to Juliet Lambert for her generosity in allowing me access to Brig. Genl. Lambert’s diary and letters).

The Supplement to the London Gazette formally published notice of the award of a Bar to the Military Cross to Capt. John Edward Lennard Payne MC (see 19^th November) and of the Military Cross to 2Lt. Edward Kent Waite (see 18th October), both of which had been gained in the actions of 1^st October. For Capt. Payne his conduct was described as, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in support with his company, and was cut off- from the front line by an artillery barrage of exceptional intensity. The enemy endeavoured to turn his flank, but he rallied men of a neighbouring unit and secured his position in the most able manner. He showed magnificent courage and energy in most difficult circumstances”. For 2Lt. Waite the citation stated, “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the enemy had enveloped the flank of his company and the whole of the front line was in danger of being turned, he made a reconnaissance under heavy fire, and in the most able manner formed a defensive flank. By his constant encouragement and energy he maintained his line intact under exceptional difficulties”.

L.Cpl. Jesse Merritt (see 29^th October) was admitted via 69^th Field Ambulance and 38^th Casualty Clearing Station to 62^nd General Hospital at Bordighera, near Ventimiglia; he was suffering from pneumonia.

Pte. Rowland Firby (see 24^th October), serving with 3DWR at North Shields, was appointed (unpaid) Lance Corporal.

Pte. James Bentley Crosland (see 20^th September), serving at the Dukes’ Regimental Depot at Halifax, appeared before an Army Medical Board assembled at Ripon. The Board declared unfit for further military service and recommended that he be discharged.

L.Sgt. Albert Earnshaw (see 20^th October) was discharged from Netherfield Road Auxiliary Hospital in Liverpool and posted to Northern Command Depot at ripon; he would have ten days leave before reporting at Ripon.