Part 28

Relief by Australians was effected near Merris. The tiny, devastated string of Normans (53) came out. But in a situation of acute urgency they were still used to construct trenches upon which withdrawal by the newly engaged Divisions could be made.

The Brigadier. G.O.C., 80th Brigade, a few weeks later bade farewell to the little force in a speech that sent a wild thrill of pride throughout the small Battalion.

In their honour the Divisional band played them on their march to a station ("Ebblingham"), from which they entrained for G.H.Q., where they were to take over duties from the H.A.C.

And thus the Passing from the Great Undertaking!

Farewell, Norman warriors who this night in Valhalla sing of mighty deeds of valour from high with the Anses.

Farewell, a sad farewell, to for ever lost echoes to ten hundred voiced raised in rallying chorus to the swing of square shoulders and the ring of manly feet.

The "old order changeth." Away from the strong fray ... free life ... laughter, glamour, song ... the Great Open ... the MEN....

Back to the little world, its little things, to ITS LITTLE LIFE.

See ye Masnières canal a flood And where yon green graves lay? There Norman warriors fled to their God Ne'er more to glimpse the day. But writ there, first, a name in blood-- Norman Ten Hundred.

At Doulieu, the night birds flits Across yon blue-gray water. And in dusk ghost warriors sit-- Wraiths of a fearsome slaughter. There too in blood the name is writ-- Norman Ten Hundred.

And thus there the battle's flame Laid men out fast and low, So Young Sarnia died, but Fame Cast o'er their graves its glow, And honours wove about the name Norman Ten Hundred.