Little of a sensational nature took place during this long period on the Maas. Yet the strain was constant. It was not a position in which one could relax for an instant, and the bitter winter conditions of snow and ice made life intensely uncomfortable. Consequently, when on the 25th January the Battalion was withdrawn to the Horst area for a rest, the change was greatly welcomed, especially as it was found that in this locality there was a really generous allocation of entertainment. Neither should it be forgotten that for the last month or so, an increasing number of officers and other ranks had been able to enjoy short leave in Brussels, and that leave to the United Kingdom had begun. The life was hard, but it could well have been much worse.