Dozens of congratulatory messages were received from individuals and from institutions personally interested in the exploit of the men of their own counties, who were engaged in making history and in creating traditions to uplift the hearts of those who should come after them, while setting a standard for future “Territorials” to strive to equal. Such messages, republished in Divisional Orders and read by all the troops, could not fail to intensify an ardour and raise a moral, already well above the average. Perhaps the message which most touched the hearts and steeled the nerves of men who not so long ago themselves had thronged the playing-grounds and class-rooms of Midland schools, was one from the Mayor of Buxton, worthy of record in its intimate appeal:—
“Two thousand boys and girls from Buxton schools, Derbyshire, assembled in the Market Place to-day and saluted the Union Jack in honour of the glorious deeds of the 46th Division. They thank you for all you have done for them, send their love, and pray God to bless you all.”
