Regiment

Potter; First World War Seven manuscript IWW documents from the papers of Brigadier-General Herbert Cecil Potter King's Liverpool Regiment including copies of documents by Lieut.-General Sir T. L. N. Morland and others.

rif. 12775 — Six of the seven dating from March and April 1918; the seventh from August 1918. The seven items are from the papers of Brig.-Gen. H. C. Potter who served in the 3rd Division whose conduct during the Spring Offensive of 1918 is the main subject. Of particular interest is Item Two concerning a visit by King George V. The collection is in good condition on lightly-aged paper Item Five having a few closed tears to one edge. ONE. Manuscript copy or original dispatch headed '1/North L. Fus. 4/Royal Fus. 13/ Kings. R./S.H.B. The following messages have been received from 3rd Division for communication to all ranks'. Dated 31 March 1918 and with the following signature at foot: 'G. <J. Gartree> Major Brigade Major 9th Infantry Bde.' 1p. 4to. 'The C. in C. has desired me to express to General DEVERELL and all ranks of the 3rd division his sincerest appreciation for their splendid conduct during the recent battle.' TWO. Copy of dispatch by 'R. W. sic Collins. Lieut. Col. A.A. and Q.M.G. 3rd Division'. Headed 'A/144 9th. Bde.' and dated 30 March 1918. 1p. 4to. 'The Army Commander informed the Corps Commander last night that his Majesty the King had visited his headquarters during the day 29th March General Byng had told him what a splendid defence the 3rd. Division had made and his Majesty was profoundly gratified to hear how unflinchingly they had held their ground.' THREE. Copy of despatch by 'R. H. Collins Lieut-Colonel A.A. & Q.M.G. 3rd. Division'. 1p. 4to. Headed '3rd. Division. No A/ G.O.C. 3rd. Division' and dated 2 April 1918. 1p. 4to. 'I cannot allow the 3rd. Division to leave my army without endeavouring to express my admiration of their conduct during the past fortnight. By this conduct they have established a standard of endurance & determination that will be a model for all times.' FOUR. Two items on 1p. 4to. Copy of dispatch from 'G. V. Horden Brigadier General General Staff Corps'; with covering note 'for Lieut Colonel blank General Staff. 3rd. Division'. Headed 'I. Corps. 947 G.O. 3rd. Division'. Both dated 19 April 1918. Horden begins by stating that 'The Corps Commander wished to place on record his appreciation of the valuable work done by the 9th Brigade whilst attached to the 55th. Division during the battle in the "Givenchy" sector from the 9th. to the 15th. of April 1918.' FIVE. Manuscript copy of 'Special Order by Lieut.-General Sir T. L. N. Morland KCB KCMG DSO Commanding XIII Corps'. Dated from 'H.Q. XIII Corps. 13th Augt. 1918.' 1p. 4to. Of the 3rd. Division he writes: 'In offensive operations the fighting spirit of the division has been splendid; work on defences has been thoroughly organised and carried out.' SIX. Manuscript copy of 'Press Communique. Troopers. London Supplementary Press Communique. O.A. 561/579 11.45am April 15 1918. The 55th. Division at Givenchy. 9th.-14th April 1918.' At end: 'Chief. <Sut'd.> J. H. D.' 3pp. 4to. Begins: 'On the morning of the German attack on the 9th. April 1918 the 55th West Lancashire Division Territorial was holding a point of about 6000 yards extending from La Bassie Canal to just south of Richbourg l'Avoué where its line jointed that held by the Portuguese'. SEVEN. Manuscript copy of 'Extract from the "TIMES" of April 2nd. 1918. "THE THIRD DIVISION"'. 3pp. 4to. Six of the seven dating from March and April 1918; the seventh from August 1918. unknown