"The Least Trouble"

The continual reorganisation of the British Army continued well into the spring of 1918. Though the threat of German advance in the west had passed, the losses inflicted on the B.E.F. in those crucial weeks of March and April had taken their toll.
In the 7th Battalion rumours abounded that yet another disbandment might be in the offering. The Battalion has already taken drafts of men from the 'B' and 'D' Company’s of the 8th Battalion in January and their old commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel G.V.W. Hill has assumed command of the 7th Battalion, leading it through the tough times it had in the March Offensive.
By May, they still found themselves in the Somme sector in the north near Mailly. Signaller Sydney Fuller noted on 7th May in his diary that: “A rumour which had been floating about for some time, to the effect that the Batt. was to be disbanded, was confirmed. Apparently, the 1st Cambs. (Territorials) were to take outlet place, absorbing part of the Batt., the remainder going to the base. Our C.O. gave Sigs the option of joining the Cambs. or going to the base, and we chose the former, as being the least trouble. Orders issued for the next day were for the Batt. To be prepared to move at half-an-hour’s notice, as Fritz was expected to attack in the morning”.

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