but I think our Chief in closest touch with the French will save Italy. The 'Commando Supremo' here has learnt nothing of the Art of War & their ideas are those of Livy & the Caesars. The men are very fine material but they want some good British NCOs [non commissioned officers] badly! To see them on the march would make you sob. My little lot 7.23.41 did the long 110 miles march very well indeed. Glorious roads and brilliant sun daily. Now Italy's one hope is snow & Germany's one dread, but for the first year since Tiberius there isn't any! You would love to be [final page unscannable, transcript continues: here and I wish with all my heart I had you & the 29th & the Guards & our oft tried Corps. My love and good greetings to all Yours ever Cavan] but were driven out again by the Guards whose arrival was opportune. They attacked from Gouzecourt Wood & eventually Quentin Ridge was recaptured. Gonnelieu & Villars Guislau were in the hands of the enemy: La Vacquerie was attacked but held out. The 92nd Brigade Royal Field Artillery managed to withdraw their guns with few casualties. At midnight the Divisional headquarters moved to dug outs near Queen's Cross. 1 December 1917 During the night the 29th Division evacuated Les Rues de Vertes & Masnieres but still held Marcoing. 2 December 1917 The 61st Division commanded by General Colin Mackenzie relieved the 20th Division, the latter going into billets round SOREL. 3 December 1917Orders were received for the 20th Division to move by rail to the Baizieux area to reorganize. Losses in men & materielle [sic] have been very heavy. The 61st & 59th Brigades having the