It was particularly interesting for Brigades to occupy the German huts at Elsenborn Camp of Exercise, where large numbers of the enemy had assembled in the end of July 1914 for the conquest of Belgium.
The attitude of the population in Germany was servile, and little hate could be felt by one or two battalions which marched into Malmedy in pouring rain and found German women lighting special fires, without being ordered to do so, to dry their clothing.

It must, however, be added that the inhabitants of Malmedy speak French and have Belgian sympathies.
Passing through the lovely little village of Montjoie, which reminds one so much of Switzerland, the Division marched to its allotted area south-west of Cologne, Divisional Headquarters arriving at Bruhl, six miles from Cologne, on Christmas Eve; Headquarters 16th Infantry Brigade at Zulpich, Headquarters 18th Infantry Brigade at Lechenich, Headquarters 71st Infantry Brigade at Eichhols (a country house), and Headquarters Divisional Troops at a chateau near Weilerswist.

The route followed--220 miles--is given in the Diary.
It was with a great feeling of gratitude and elation that the Division ate their Christmas dinner on the Rhine in December 1918.
The area allotted to the Division was a strip of country almost rectangular in shape, with a maximum length of twenty miles, and a maximum breadth of twelve miles, and lying to the immediate south-west of Cologne.

The north-west border was on the ring of forts encircling the city, which were later included in the divisional area.
The Civil Administration was carried out by the G.O.C.

Infantry Brigades and the C.R.A., who were much assisted by a Civil Staff Captain and a Provost representative, and in the town of Bruhl by the G.O.C.Division, who also generally supervised under the Corps and the Army the work of the Group Commanders.
The Germans were very orderly, and little trouble was given, but guard and night patrol was fairly heavy.
On 1st February 1919, General Sir H.Plumer presented a Colour to the 9th Norfolk Regiment, 11th Essex Regiment, and 11th Leicester Regiment respectively, and made a stirring speech to each, congratulating them on their fine appearance and steady drill, and emphasizing their duty to their King and Country.
The Division settled down to improving their billets and to education, and frequent lectures were given by special lecturers sent out from England.