were all wounded quite early in the day.  Out of nineteen combatant officers eighteen were casualties.  The non-combatants, Padre Newman and Dr. Adam came through this battle safely, but they were both wounded at the Battle of Menin Road on September 20!  Newman got to England with his wound after that battle, but he was very soon back with the Battalion again to play an even more conspicuous part in the drama of the Great War.

It was a great day was the 31st of July.  General Gough sent the following message of congratulation to Brigadier-General Stockwell: 

“The Army Commander wishes to convey his thanks and congratulations to the G.O.C. and all ranks of the 164th Infantry Brigade on their fine performance on July 31st.  They carried out their task in a most gallant manner and fought splendidly to retain their hold on the ground won.

“All officers showed energy, courage, and initiative in dealing with the situation, and the men under their command in spite of heavy losses did their utmost by carrying out their orders to ensure our success and the enemy’s defeat.  Great credit is due to G.O.C. 164th Brigade for the magnificent behaviour of the troops under his command.”  And Stockwell sent on the message with the following personal addition:  “The Brigadier-General Commanding has much pleasure in forwarding the above remarks of the Army Commander.  He considers that all the credit is due to the officers and men of the Brigade.”

Major-General Jeudwine congratulated Stockwell in the following terms:  “Well done, 164th Brigade.  I am very proud of what you did to-day.  It was a fine performance and no fault of yours you could not stay.”  And in the course of a Special Order of the Day issued to his Division on August 3, General Jeudwine said:  “The attack you made on the 31st is worthy to rank with the great deeds of the British Army in the past, and has added fresh glory to the records of that Army.”

Meanwhile, the supreme hero of the day lay at the Main Dressing Station mortally wounded.  But like Sir Henry Lawrence long ago he had the consolation of feeling that he had tried to do his duty.  The Reverend James Odgen Coop, D.S.O., T.D., M.A., the Senior Chaplain to the 55th Division, visited the dying Best-Dunkley at the Main Dressing Station on August 1.  It was to Colonel Coop that Colonel Best-Dunkley said that he hoped the General was satisfied, and Colonel Coop recounted the conversation to General Jeudwine.  Old “Judy’s” heart was touched as it always was by any deeds of gallantry, and to Best-Dunkley he immediately wrote the following historic letter: 

“Headquarters, 55th Division.
“1st August, 1917 (Minden Day).

“Dear Best-Dunkley,

“The padre has given me your message, and I am very much touched by it.

“Disappointed!  I should think not, indeed.  I am more proud of having you and your Battalion under my command than of anything else that has ever happened to me.