commenced at 10.30 p.m., fresh material having been received from Prisches. 12.30 a.m. on the 9th, the bridge was certified fit for the guns, was examined and approved by the Artillery officer in charge of them, and the "heavies" limbered up and crossed.
It is estimated that 3,000 guns and other vehicles crossed the bridge within twenty-four hours of its completion, comprising the heavy transport of our own Division, part of the transport of the French Corps on our right, and the whole of the transport of the 32nd Division on our left. From these figures, some idea can be gleaned of the impedimenta of a Division on the march. Keeping touch with the enemy by means of mounted troops and scouting Infantry is the least part of the task involved, and these days, when three British Armies chased the Germans across a country devoid of food and forage, were not the least severe test on the organization which had to ensure the arrival and distribution of the supplies and ammunition, without which pursuit would have been futile and dangerous.
Busy days indeed for both "G" and "Q." Divisional Headquarters moved every two or three days, and, the higher the formation, the more difficult is the movement of its Headquarters. A company packs up its tin box of papers and the balance of its imprest account and is ready to move at a moment's notice, with or without transport. The move of Battalion Headquarters is a little less simple, and Adjutants have been known to look worried when moves were frequent and unexpected. Brigade is the first formation with a tendency to split into advanced and rear headquarters. Brigade Headquarters transport is of respectable dimensions, though still horse-drawn, and so able to tackle pontoon bridges and the viler roads which lead thereto. Moves of Divisional
