Sunday 19th January 1919

Billets at Grumolo and Montecchia di Crosara

A Special Order of the Day (dated 17^th January) was received from General The Earl of Cavan, Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in Italy:

“Soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force, tomorrow I hand over the command to Lt. Genl. Sir J.M. Babington, after more than a year in Italy. I want to thank every Officer, NCO and man of you for your pride in your units, which is the essence of discipline, and for all the unforgettable work that you have done in the mountains and on the plains. No Commander ever had his task made so easy for him, owing to the loyalty, steadfastness and enthusiasm of you all.

I wish you all the happiest possible furlough on return to England – good football, good beer, good friends – and, after a holiday, a real good job.

With all my heart I thank you and hope you will not forget the hospitality and kindness of our Italian friends”.

The new Corps Commander, Lt. Genl. Babington inspected all ranks of the Brigade who were entitled to the 1914-15 Star (ie, having served overseas before 1^st January 1916), of whom there were 31 Officers and 1,413 other ranks. He also presented medal ribbons to those who had been awarded honours in the New Year Honours List.

10DWR was selected to represent 69^th Brigade in the ‘Italian Expeditionary Force Horsemanship and Transport Competitions’ and finished in third place, and first in the 23^rd Division.

69^th Brigade also won the Division Point-to-Point Cup; the team of four included Capt. Leonard Norman Phillips MC (see 12^th January)

Pte. William Havery (see 15^th November 1918), who had been on on attachment to 71^st Field Ambulance, was posted back to England for demobilization.

Pte. James Arthur Markinson MM (see 4^th January), who was on leave to England from 2DWR, was officially demobilized from North Camp, Ripon.