Thursday 27th December 1917

Front line trenches on the Montello.

A fine, sunny day with another hard frost and snow lying on the ground. Brig. Genl. Lambert (see 24^th December), accompanied by the Prince of Wales, who was on the staff of XIV Corps Commander, the Earl of Cavan, visited the Battalion positions. The outcome of the visit was a set of orders which were issued by XIV Corps regarding the organisation and defence of the front line.

1. The Corps Commander is thoroughly aware of the amount and excellence of the work on defensive lines which as been carried out by all units in the Corps, and has no complaints to make on this head.

2. At the same time, every one can learn, and he is of opinion that the work done in the Sector held by the 69th Infantry Brigade of the 23rd Division is in advance of anything that is being carried out at the moment, both as regards organisation of labour, and as regards the tactical dispositions.

3. He wishes all units of the Corps to study, and where possible to initiate the system which is to be seen in this Brigade Sector. He wishes therefore G.S.Os.1. and C.R.E. of Divisions and all Brigadiers to visit this Sector at as early a date as possible, and in any case before January 3rd, the arrangements to be made direct with the G.O.C. 23rd Div.

4. There are many points of interest to be seen. Special attention is called to:

(a) The combined action of Machine and Lewis Guns with Trench Mortars in the defence.

(b) The amount of tunnelling work which is carried out by men who are not trained as tunnellers. Units have complained that they have no tunnellers available, but the GOC 69th Infantry Brigade has clearly proved that tunnellers can be produced from any Unit.

(c) The excellent interior economy and cleanliness. Every dugout has its rifle rack, in which rifles are standing as clean as if in a barrack room.

5. If it were possible, and can be arranged with the GOC 23rd Division, the Corps Commander would like Battalion Commanders to visit these lines, in addition to the officers enumerated above.

Pte. Harold Charnock (see 20^th December) was clearly aware of the significance of the visits, noting that, “The 69th Brigade was particularly congratulated on the good work done on the defences and dug-outs and all other units were told to copy our methods.  A constant stream of ‘brass hatted’ visitors ensued”.

2Lt. Christopher Longstaff (see 31^st October) was posted to France to join 9^th Battalion West Yorks.

Sgt. Herbert Lawton (see 19^th November), serving with 86^th Training Reserve Battalion, was transferred back to 3DWR at North Shields.

Pte. James Arthur Markinson MM (see 24^th September), who had been in England since having been wounded on 20^th September, was posted to 3DWR at North Shields.

2Lt. Thomas Arnold Woodcock (see 26^th September), who had served with the Battalion for only three weeks before reporting sick in April, and was currently on attachment to 52^nd Durham Light Infantry, appeared before a further Medical Board assembled at Chelmsford. The Board found that, “his stomach condition is still improving and the bladder irritability is much diminished”. The Board recommended that he should return to his unit and continue his treatment.

A payment of £5 3s. 10d. was authorised, being the amount due in pay and allowances to the late Pte. Harold Shaw (12758) (see 20^th September), who had been killed in action on 20^th September; the payment would go to his mother, Martha.