 From 1916 until his retirement in 1920 Friend was President of the Claims Commission of the British Armies in France.He was awarded the Ordre de Léopold, Legion d'Honneur and Croix de Guerre for his role and in 1919 was made KBE and mentioned in despatches for a fourth time in his career, his organisational skills being praised by Haig.He was placed on retirement pay in June 1920 after 47 years of military service, although he continued to serve as Chairman of the French Committee of the Disposal Board.