Photograph of the famous order issued by Lieutenant Frank P Bethune MC of No 1 Section, 3rd ...

Photograph of the famous order issued by Lieutenant Frank P Bethune MC of No 1 Section, 3rd Machine Gun Company on 13th March, 1918, when the Section was ordered to occupy a defensive position at Buff Bank near Messines in France. The Section survived and 18 day tenure of the position. The order reads 'Special Orders to No 1 Section 13/3/18 (1) This position will be held, and the section will remain here until relieved. (2) The enemy cannot be allowed to interfere with this programme. (3) If the section cannot remain here alive it will remain here dead, but in any case it will remain here. (4) Should any man through shell shock or other cause, attempt to surrender, he will remain here dead. (5) Should all guns be blown out, the section will use Mills grenades and other novelties. (6) Finally, the position as stated, will be held. F P Bethune LT O/C No 1 Section.'