“They were at once warned of the advance of the enemy, and here he was finally beaten off.  A number of casualties were sustained in the withdrawal from the dug-outs behind Schuler Farm.  At that time we could not get into touch on our left, but the gap was soon filled in by a party of the 6th King’s Liverpool Regiment and the Battalion Headquarters from Spree Farm.  Later we got into touch with the 1/5th South Lancashire Regiment on our left and the 45 Brigade on our right.

“At that time I could find none of my own Battalion.

“(Signed) J. R. BODINGTON,
“Captain,
“2/5th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.”

The 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers, what remained of them, “spent August 1, Minden Day, in the utmost discomfort in Bilge Trench, everybody was soaked through from the pouring rain.  However, we all flaunted Minden roses in our helmets.  On August 2nd we were relieved and marched back to our transport lines.  There all preparations had been made for us and everybody enjoyed a good hot meal.  The same evening we were taken back in buses to the Watou area.”  Thus writes the official chronicler in the Lancashire Fusiliers’ Annual.

It was on July 31 that Philip Cave Humfrey distinguished himself by his able and courageous leading of his Transport to carry supplies to the worn and wearied troops.  “He led one hundred pack mules, laden with ammunition and bombs, through heavy enemy barrage to a point close behind our lines which was then being defended against a strong counter-attack.  At this point he unloaded his mules in spite of hostile machine-gun and rifle fire, and the ammunition which he brought up was immediately used by the troops who were defending the position.  By his promptness and fearlessness he greatly assisted the defence at a critical moment.”  For this act of gallantry he was awarded the Military Cross.

Many were the brave deeds done and numerous the honours gained by the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Battalion on this historic day.  Captain Bodington was awarded the Military Cross as a matter of course.  He was the sole combatant officer who came through unscathed, and his unique services have already been fully recorded; he showed himself on July 31, what he has invariably shown himself since, an incomparable man over the top, fearless and ruthless, ever where the fight is hottest and always ready to display his individual initiative on all possible and impossible occasions, a born man of action to whom long experience of shot and shell has made the art of modern war a second nature—­an officer after Best-Dunkley’s own heart:  the Military Cross was the least form of recognition which could reward such an achievement as his.  The bright and chivalrous Newman too—­who had already been recommended for the Military Cross for his bravery in tending wounded at the Menin Gate on Messines Night—­won this decoration by his unselfish devotion to duty on July 31.  Horace