On Friday, December 4th, the King visited various Staffs, and
on December 5th be conferred a Victoria Cross on one of the first Indian soldiers to earn this decoration since the announcement at the Delhi Durbar that the Indian troops would be eligible for it. On December 5th, the last day of the visit, a most happily worded Order of the Day was issued to the troops from the King :-
" I am very glad to have been able to see my Army in the Field. I much wished to do so in order to gain a slight experience of the life you are leading. I wish I could have spoken to you all, to express my admiration of the splendid manner in which you have fought and are still fighting against a powerful and relentless enemy. By your discipline, pluck, and endurance, inspired by the indomitable regimental spirit, you have not only upheld the tradi- tion of the British Army, but added fresh lustre to its history. I was particularly impressed by your soldierly, healthy, cheerful appearance. I cannot share in your trials, dangers, and successes ; but I can assure you of the proud confidence and gratitude of myself and of your fellow-countrymen. We follow you in our daily thoughts on your certain road to victory."
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