"Please convey to His Majesty the heartfelt thanks of all ranks
of the 32nd Division for His gracious message and their
determination to justify His expectations.
"The Division deeply regrets the accident which has deprived it
of the honour of a visit from His Majesty, and humbly offers its
best wishes for His Majesty's speedy and complete recovery."
On Sunday, 21st November, 1915, the Battalion paraded in full
strength, 1,032 all ranks, at their hutments, Codford. A minute and
final inspection was made, and everything pronounced to be in order. A
memorable feature of this parade was the head-gear, Balmoral bonnets
of the war service pattern being worn for the first time. Next morning
the Battalion left Codford in three parties for Southampton, and
without any delay embarked on two transports for Havre, the remainder
of the Division going _via_ Boulogne. It was a perfect crossing, no
wind, bright moonlight, with everyone in the best of spirits.
At 7 a.m. on the 23rd, the troops disembarked at the port of Havre and
marched off at once to the Rest Camp, three miles away, great interest
being displayed in the few German prisoners working on the docks. On
arrival the Battalion found it was under canvas, no floor boards and
plenty of mud--a first taste of real discomfort. Moreover the day was
raw, with a suspicion of snow, and no one was sorry when it was
announced that the Camp was being left first thing in the morning.
That evening a few of the Officers visited the town itself, and others
went out on a first reconnaissance to discover the route to the
station, and the Ration Depot.
The next day, after drawing two days' rations as well as "Iron
Rations," the Battalion left for the "Front,"--"A," "B," and "C"
Companies going off at 1.15 p.m., and "D" Company following a few
hours later.
[Illustration: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BATTALION, TROON, APRIL,
1915.]