The 9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment

For a few days after the Armistice, the Battalion held the line around Sivry and started to repair the main roads of the area.  A Guard of Honour went to the HQ of the Corps Commander, XIII Corps where seven OR received the Military Medal.  The 9th Battalion, almost immediately, then transferred to IX Corps for its march to the Rhine where it was to become part of the force of occupation.  The following message were issued to all in the Fourth Army:

Moving first to Cerfontaine and then Morville, in amongst the usual routine of work and training,  ‘Educational classes for backward men‘ were started.¹  The Battalion was warned to expect 150 mile journey into Germany. In reality it would travel less than 100 km and remain in Belgium, south of Liege until it was disbanded in May 1919.

Demobilization & Flu

In December, a gradual demobilization began, starting with the miners, much needed back at home. Over twenty of the soldiers decided to transfer to the regular army.  By the end of January the Battalion, now in Huy, is less than 600 strong. In February, the Battalion is gripped by influenza.  To contain the epidemic, the military cinemas are closed and Church services are held out-of-doors. Despite these precautions two soldiers of the 9th / Manchester die.

Canadian Corps Concentration Camp

By March (the beginning of summer time), the Battalion, now in Seilles,  has taken charge of the Canadian Corps Concentration Camp. However :‘A draft under the command of Capt CD Walker of 5 officers and 166 OR left by 4^th Army Leave train for Calais for regulation to Dunkirk where it will join the 1/6^th Bn The Cheshire Regt. This draft consisted of volunteers for the Army of Occupation and 1916 and after retainable men. Remaining Officers were 2Lt SE Gwinnell, 2Lt O Hamilton, 2Lt E Aitken-Davies, and 2Lt JM Ryan.’².

End of the 199th Brigade

The 199th Brigade is disbanded on March 22nd and the troops are given a fond farewell by Brigadier General Williams. The following day, the 66th Division becomes a Cadre and Major-General Bethell moves on. The Battalion now comprises 80 officers and men.

End of the 9th Battalion, Manchester Regiment

In May, the Canadian Corps Concentration Camp is closed.  A further 27 OR join 1/6th Bn, The Cheshire Regiment.  The balance of the unit, including Lt Col JFB Morrell MVO, DSO who has commanded both the 13th Bn and then 9th Bn, Manchester Regiment, is demobilized and sail on the SS Sicilian for Blighty.

References & Further Reading

¹ November 26th, 1918, 9th Battalion / ManchesterWar Diary, National Archives Kew

² March 5th, 1918, 9th Battalion / Manchester War Diary, National Archives Kew

* Message from General Rawlinson, November 11th, 1918,  9th Battalion / Manchester War Diary, National Archives Kew