as its reputation is very high. I need hardly say how much I feel leaving the 4th (Guards) Brigade, and I would rather remain its Brigadier than be a Field-Marshal elsewhere.
General Feilding, whom you all know, is coming to take my place, and I could not leave you in better hands. I wish you all luck.
His special farewell order ran:
28th June 1915.
On leaving the Brigade to take Command of a Division it would not be seemly to recall the various actions since 18th September in which it has been my privilege and my delight to command you, but I may say this—whether in action, in trenches, or in billets, no unit of the 4th (Guards) Brigade has ever disappointed me, nor has any Battalion ever fallen short of that great standard set us by our predecessors.
We welcomed the 1st Herts Territorials at Ypres, and most worthily have they borne their part with the rest of us.
To you all I convey the gratitude of a very full heart, and I wish you Good-bye and God Speed.
(Sd.) Cavan,
Brigadier-General
Commanding 4th (Guards) Brigade.
And for recognition of their work in the trenches for
the past three weeks, the following was sent from the
G.O.C. Second Division to the Officer commanding the
Irish Guards:
The Brigadier-General has received the following letter
from the G.O.C. Second Division, and he would like C.O.'s
to arrange that all the men hear it, so that they may realise
how fully their splendid efforts are appreciated both by General
Horne and himself:
"Since the 4th (Guards) Brigade went into 'Z' Section on June 6, it has really done splendid work. In addition to opening up and deepening the communication-trenches and the construction of several different minor works in rear, you have dug and wired a new line across a front of at least 2000 yards. The 4th (Guards) Brigade and the 11th Company R.E. have done great work on many previous occasions, but I think that this last achievement surpasses them all."
26th June 1915.
