Time was passing, the enemy unconquered, and our pleasant stay in Reclinghem came to an end. Companies engaged in preparations for the Battalion move towards the Line. At 8.15 a.m. on the 7th February we proceeded by march route via Beaumetz-les-Aire, Laires, Febvin, Palfart to Ligny-les-Aires, where billets were reached at 12.30 p.m. Rain fell in torrents during this march. At 10 a.m. the following morning the march was resumed, and proceeding via St. Hilaire and Lillers, we halted in billets for the night at Busnettes. The Battalion was joined en route by 6 Officers and 194 other ranks of the 7th Bn. The King’s Own, who had been posted to us on the disbandment of that Battalion. On the 9th, at 9 a.m., we proceeded by march route via Chocques, Annezin, Béthune, Vaudricourt and Drouvin to Houchin, where Camp was reached at 1 p.m. We spent four days in Houchin, where training was resumed while the Commanding Officer, accompanied by the Intelligence Officer and Company Commanders, proceeded to reconnoitre the line, preparatory to the 164th Infantry Brigade taking over La Bassée Canal Sector.

On the 14th February the Battalion paraded, and moved up by Companies at 100 yards interval, to take over position in the Line, as Support Battalion to the Right Sector, and relieved the 6th Lancashire Fusiliers, 42nd Division. On the 20th we relieved the 4th Loyals in the left front Sub-Sector, and spent the time in repairing and improving the trenches. Trench life at this period was comparatively uneventful, quiet periods alternating with intermittent shelling on both sides, while patrols scoured No Man’s Land nightly. Pte. Pepper accounted for one of an enemy patrol, who was identified as belonging to “205 R.I.R.,” which useful item of information was duly conveyed to Brigade Headquarters. On the 2nd March the Battalion was relieved by the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers and moved back to Support in the Village Line. On the 5th March we were relieved by portions of the 6th North Staffs, and the 5th South Staffs. Regiment, and moved back by motor lorry to Hingette, where the Battalion was now in Divisional Reserve.

The time was occupied in cleaning up, bathing parades to Béthune, and training under Company arrangements. “Summer” time was adopted at 11 p.m. on the 9th, the clock being put forward an hour. This period was anything but restful; there was much tension in the air, and the Battalion was under “Stand To” orders in readiness to move to the forward area in case of the expected enemy attack. At 6.10 a.m. on the 11th March, the Battalion received orders to move to the Concentration Area near Gorre, and moved off in fighting order within half an hour of receiving the order. The Battalion, with the remainder of the Brigade, remained in the Concentration Area until 12 noon, when orders were received to move back to Hignette, the orders as to standing-to still remaining in force. A party of Officers and men reconnoitred the ground behind the Portuguese Division on the left, in anticipation of a call to move to the support of that Division. Reveille was now at 4.30 a.m. daily. On the 12th the order to move to the Concentration Area, near Gorre, was received at 6.10 a.m., and within ten minutes the Battalion had moved off. At 10 a.m. we moved back, Headquarters and 2 Companies going into billets at Essars, and 2 Companies to Choqvaux. This state of acute preparation continued, and further reconnoitring of the defences in rear of the Portuguese Division on our left took place. This was a precautionary measure, in the event of orders being received to form a defensive flank if the enemy penetrated the front of that Division.

At 7 a.m. on the 17th, the Battalion moved off by Companies to relieve the 5th King’s Liverpool Regt. in the line at Givenchy. The dispositions were as follows: “C” Company left front; “D” Company right front; “A” Company in support in Tunnels; “B” Company in reserve, occupying Givenchy Keep, Mairie Redoubt, and Moat Farm Redoubt. Battalion Headquarters were at South Moor Villas in Hitchen Road. The day was very clear, and nine enemy observation balloons were up, consequently much of our movement was observed, and the whole system was shelled intermittently during the day. Quiet periods alternated with heavy shelling by the enemy, gas shells being largely used, and these mostly of the mustard gas variety. Wolfe Road, King’s Road and Windy Corner, in the communication area, in addition to the above mentioned posts, all received these unwelcome attentions. At midnight on the 24th March our Artillery opened a heavy barrage of all calibres, including trench mortars, machine guns, rifle grenades and thermite, on the enemy trenches, and a successful raid was carried out by the 5th King’s Liverpool Regt. on our left, and nine prisoners were taken. Enemy retaliation was practically nil. On examination, these prisoners stated that an attack was imminent. In view of this statement the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers were ordered up to the Village Line to strengthen the defences, one Company being attached to our Battalion. Additional Machine Guns were also brought into the Sector, but no attack developed for the time being. On the 27th our snipers had a very successful day, accounting for six of the enemy, including an Officer.

The night was remarkably quiet, and we were relieved by the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers, moving into Brigade Reserve in Gorre. “C” Company occupied the Tuning Fork Line, immediately North of La Bassée Canal. “D” Company took over the Village Line with two Platoons at Pont Fixe, and two Platoons at Windy Corner. Battalion Headquarters and “A” and “B” Companies being in Brigade Reserve in Gorre. The Companies engaged in cleaning up and refitting, also visiting the Divisional Baths at Beuvry. After over a week’s perfect weather rain began to fall. At 11.15 a.m. on the 31st March, Church Parade was held at the Château Gorre.

On the 1st April, Companies moved up independently, via the northern bank of La Bassée Canal to Pont Fixe, to relieve the 4th Loyals in the right sector of the Brigade Front on La Bassée Canal. The relief was completed at 11.15 p.m. without incident, the weather being fine, and the night quiet. Dispositions were: Right Front “A” Company; Centre “B” Company; Left Front “C” Company; with “D” Company in support in Givenchy Keeps. Battalion Headquarters were in the Village Line. On the night of the 4th April our Patrols entered the enemy front line and communication trenches without any opposition. Good work on this patrol was done by Second-Lieuts. Raeside, Lyon and Holmes. These patrols again entered the enemy lines on the nights of the 5th and 6th. They penetrated as far as the support line, and found the system unoccupied from the Canal to a point N.E. of Warlingham Crater. A raid which should have been undertaken by the 4th Loyals was cancelled, owing to information gained by our Patrols. The 8th was a very quiet day. Not a shell fell on the Brigade front. “D” Company in the Keeps relieved “C” Company on the left front.

On the morning of the 9th April there was a heavy fog. The enemy opened a bombardment with gas shells, and a few 4.2’s and 5.9’s, behind our front line. Gradually gas shelling decreased, and the volume of heavier shells increased, the front line receiving some attention. The following brief summary of events, altogether inadequate to the occasion, must unhappily suffice to give some indication of the historic stand now made by the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, against what was to be the last main despairing effort of a formidable enemy to overwhelm his opponent:—

7.30 a.m.—Our front line was destroyed by Minenwerfers, and shelling was very heavy on Oxford Terrace and Bayswater.

8.5 a.m.—Battalion Headquarters was very heavily shelled, and caused serious casualties to Headquarters, Runners and Pioneers.

9.30 a.m.—An “S.O.S.” was received by Runner from Canal North, despatched at 9.15 by Captain Ellwood. This was transmitted by power buzzer, and also by Runner, to the forward guns, and to Brigade.

10.30 a.m.—Bayswater from Cheyne Walk to 100 yards north were held by us. 5th Lancashire Fusiliers from Support reached the Village Line. One Platoon of “C” Company, 5th Lancashire Fusiliers reinforced main line of resistance. “D” Company, 5th Lancashire Fusiliers formed a defensive flank at Windy Corner, where the enemy had broken through the Portuguese Division on our left as anticipated. The enemy was prevented from penetrating west of Pont Pike—Windy Corner.

10.50 a.m.—“A” Company were back at Spoil Bank, and re-took Company Headquarters and Cheyne Walk to beyond Bayswater. Bayswater was cleared by bombing, and Death or Glory Sap was still holding out.

10.55 a.m.—Mairie Redoubt was still intact, and Gunner Siding N. held, the enemy being bombed out of Gunner Siding S. towards Orchard Road. We were in touch with the 4th Loyals on our left.

11.20 a.m.—No sign of enemy at Mairie Redoubt. Our right Company was in touch with 5th Lancashire Fusiliers in Bayswater, who bombed up Orchard Road.

12.5 p.m.—Enemy holding top of Orchard Road and firing machine guns across Spoil Bank.

12.15 p.m.—We took 14 prisoners in Death or Glory Sap.

12.55 p.m.—Enemy still in Orchard Keep.

3 p.m.—Enemy in Company Headquarters, in Oxford Terrace, Gunner Trench cleared by Captain Evans and Captain Overton.

3.20 p.m.—Company Headquarters in Oxford Terrace re-taken, and enemy cleared from Bayswater and Oxford Terrace.

3.35 p.m.—Enemy cleared from Orchard Keep.

4 p.m.—Enemy cleared from Cheyne Walk, Bayswater and Spoil Bank. Oxford and Cambridge Terrace reported all clear. Reorganization of Keeps in progress.

4.50 p.m.—Arrival of 2 Officers and 50 other ranks, details of other Units, as reinforcements.

4.55 p.m.—Situation on Battalion front: “A” Company in occupation of Bayswater and Death or Glory Sap. “B” Company in occupation of Bayswater (with 17 other ranks). “C” Company in occupation of Oxford Terrace (with one attached Platoon of 5th Lancashire Fusiliers), Mairie Redoubt, Gunner Siding and Orchard Keep. “D” Company in occupation of Cambridge Terrace to Wolfe Road. Enemy in occupation of Warlingham Crater and Lower Finchley Road.

5 p.m.—One Company of 5th South Lancashire Regiment (Captain Hill) arrives, and is divided between “A” and “C” Companies.

7.20 p.m.—Mairie Redoubt, Orchard Keep, and Gunner Siding normally held by us.

April 10th, 12.30 a.m.—Our original line now held intact. A Patrol of the right front Company reports no enemy movement in No Man’s Land or enemy front line trenches. The night was quiet, with no Artillery fire, and little machine gun fire.

9.40 a.m.—Enemy Aeroplane No. 18 dropped a bomb on Bayswater, wounding 14 of “A” Company. Our low-flying planes fired into enemy trenches. During the afternoon the enemy shelled Windy Corner—Pont Fixe very heavily with 4·2, 5·9, and 8-in. (or 11-in.) shells. Observation of movement behind the enemy lines leads to expectation of another hostile attack. We opened a harassing Artillery and Machine Gun fire on the enemy front line, which continued until 9 p.m. and then slackened.

11th April.—Patrols out during the night of 10th/11th April reported no hostile occupation of No Man’s Land, and no sound of movement of troops. There was no enemy activity during the night, beyond occasional long bursts of machine gun fire from Embankment Redoubt and from North East. The afternoon was quiet, but there was a violent bombardment of Le Plantin in the evening.

11.10 p.m.—Relief of “D” Company in the left Sector, by “C” Coy. in the Keeps, was reported complete, but this relief was considerably delayed by shell fire.

12th April, 9.30 a.m.—The Brigade Major visited Battalion Headquarters and issued verbal orders for the relief of the Battalion in the Line, by the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers from the Village Line. Operation Orders were issued, and reconnaissances of dispositions were carried out at once.

1 p.m.—Relief commenced and was successfully carried out by small parties.

6.35 p.m.—Relief completed. Dispositions now in the Village Line were: Pont Fixe, “A” Company (with “D” Company, 5th South Lancashire Regiment). Fanshawe Castle, “D” and “B” Companies. Windy Corner, “C” Company. Battalion Headquarters remained unchanged.

13th April.—The enemy bombarded the Village Line during the day, and the work of wiring the northern flank between Windy Corner and Lone Farm commenced.

14th April, 4.45 p.m.—The Windy Corner defences were taken over from “C” Company, by a Company of the 5th South Lancashire Regiment. Information was received of the forthcoming relief of the Brigade by the 1st Brigade.

15th April.—Preparations for relief by the 1st Camerons.

16th April, 11 a.m.—Lewis Gun Teams of the 1st Camerons arrived at Westminster Bridge, and were conducted by guides to Companies.

10 p.m.—Relieving Companies met at Westminster Bridge.

11.15 p.m.—Relief completed without incident. Enemy Artillery was quiet during the relief. Companies proceeded independently to a point on the Beuvry—Béthune Road, where buses were waiting to convey them to their destination. During this operation a dozen 5·9 shells fell in the vicinity, but had no effect beyond accelerating the departure of the convoy. The Company of the 5th South Lancashire Regiment left us here, and proceeded to Burbure.

One episode in this outstanding engagement may be commented on. Orchard Keep—a key position—was occupied by 2nd Lieut. J. H. Collin and sixteen Non-Commissioned Officers and men, who held the post until overwhelmed by successive attacks by the Germans. The whole of this party were reported killed, but Lance-Corporal J. Pollitt was wounded and taken prisoner. Badly wounded as he was, this N.C.O. killed his escort, and fought his way back alone to our lines. The defence of Orchard Keep made such an impression on the Higher Command that 2nd Lieut. J. H. Collin was awarded the posthumous Victoria Cross (see Appendix). It therefore seems reasonable to assume that Lance-Corpl. Pollitt, as the only survivor of this very gallant band, was an unlucky victim of the fortune of war, in that he received no official recognition of his valuable services on this and other occasions. It is interesting too, that Lance-Corpl. Pollitt was associated with the events which led to the grant of the two Victoria Crosses previously earned by the Battalion.

The Battalion arrived in billets in Marles-les-Mines at 4 a.m. on the 17th. These billets were comfortable and much appreciated. The usual daily parades followed, and these included bathing parades to Auchel, and visits to the 55th Divisional Theatre at the same village. On the 21st April at 10 a.m., the Battalion paraded and marched, accompanied by the Band, to the Aerodrome near Auchel, where an inspection of the Brigade by the Divisional Commander was held. It was anticipated that the French Premier would be present at this parade, but for some reason of State, this anticipation was not realised. At 6.30 a.m. on the 23rd, the Battalion proceeded by bus to Vaudricourt, in the Houchin area, prior to taking over trenches again. Here, as the weather was delightfully sunny, the day was spent agreeably in the woods. In the evening two Companies moved off by the light railway, to relieve the 1st Battalion The Loyals in the Givenchy Sector, while two Companies and Battalion Headquarters moved up by bus. Headquarters sustained 10 casualties through Artillery fire, when alighting near Annequin. Dispositions were as follows: Right Sector, La Bassée Canal; on the right, “A” Company; centre, “B” Company; left, “C” Company, with “D” Company in support. The Transport moved to the Château Drouvin.

Two of our fighting patrols, which went out just after dark on the 25th, to occupy the junction of Orchard Road and front line, to the junction of Finchley Road and front line, met the enemy in force, became heavily engaged, and were driven back. Second-Lieuts. Sykes and Whitmore were wounded. A barrage was put down to enable a third party to rush this line. The barrage came down in No Man’s Land, behind the objective, and our men could not advance against hostile machine gun fire. Several casualties were sustained. The enemy were holding our old front line in strength. At 4 a.m. on the 26th April, covered by Artillery fire, two platoons of “A” and “D” Companies rushed the enemy position, and heavy hand-to-hand fighting ensued. Our party was forced to withdraw. At 2.20 p.m., under cover of Artillery fire and Machine Gun barrage, two Platoons of “C” and “D” Companies attempted, in conjunction with 5th Lancashire Fusiliers to retake the crater saps on our left. The barrage did not come down on “K” and “J” Saps, and the Lancashire Fusiliers were unable to reach their objectives. The 4th King’s Own reached their objectives after fierce fighting, during which 40 German prisoners were taken. Parties of “C” Company, under Second-Lieut. Hunter, on the left, quickly cleared Berkeley Street, “E” Sap, and front line. Parties of “D” Company, under Second-Lieut. Stewart, on the right, rushed from Coventry Sap and took “A” Sap, also obtaining touch with “C” Company. Second-Lieut. Hunter was killed after these objectives were reached. Touch was established with the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers but the latter were driven from their positions by strong enemy counter-attacks. Our own posts became surrounded on three sides, and we were forced to give ground. After bitter fighting we accomplished a successful withdrawal to our former lines, after inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. Congratulations were received from Corps, Division, and Brigade Commanders on the fine fighting qualities displayed.

On the 28th April we were relieved by the 4th Loyals, and went into support in the Village Line, Battalion Headquarters being in Fanshawe Castle; “B” and “D” Companies in Canal Bank; “A” Company in Pont Fixe, and “C” Company, Windy Corner. The 7th King’s Liverpool Regt. relieved us on the night of the 1st May, and we went into Brigade Reserve in Verquigneul, where re-clothing, refitting and bathing was carried out. Reinforcements joined us and Companies were reorganized. The Divisional Commander inspected and interviewed parties of “C” and “D” Companies who took part in the recent attack on the Crater Saps. Platoon and Company training were also carried out. On the 8th May preparations were made for going up into the line. 2 Officers and 135 other ranks proceeded by march route to Allouagne, to Corps Reinforcement Depot, as “B” Team. At 7.30 p.m. the march to the trenches by platoons commenced. We relieved the 5th King’s Liverpool Regt. in the Givenchy Right Sector, Left Sub-Sector. The relief was completed at 1.40 a.m. on the 9th without incident. Dispositions were as follows: left front, “A” Company; centre, “D” Company; right front, “B” Company; “C” Company in support in the Keeps. There was much enemy activity during this tour of duty in the trenches, especially by his Artillery, and also in the air. On the 14th May a low flying aeroplane was engaged by our machine guns, and shortly afterwards the enemy’s artillery, searching from Pont Fixe to Windy Corner, succeeded in blowing up an ammunition store at the latter post.

Such was the general position at this time. Outwardly, the course of events, for the next three or four months, followed the same routine. Life alternated between the trenches at Givenchy, and Reserve at Drouvin Camp. It is earnestly hoped that a cursory glance at the period under review, will not convey the impression that nothing worthy of note was happening. Far from it; but a closer analysis would be a repetition of what has already been presented to the reader. The Battalion underwent its usual hazardous tour of duty in the trenches, and close proximity to the enemy could never be uneventful. It will be recalled that during the strong attack by the Germans on April 9th, we were compelled to retire slightly from our old front line, and this had since been occupied by the enemy. This line was accordingly re-occupied by our troops, and a great quantity of salvage was found and brought down.

The spirit which now prevailed amongst our troops was restrained optimism. This feeling had an intangible quality, gossamer in texture, more tacit than expressed, but everywhere radiating good cheer, and hope for the near future. The power of the enemy’s attack appeared to have been definitely broken, while the time was approaching when our own irresistible advance was to reach a triumphant conclusion.

On the 21st August, at Vaudricourt, we listened to a lecture by Brigadier-General G. I. Stockwell, telling us about, and explaining a secret attack on the Craters, to be carried out by the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers and ourselves, and Officers and N.C.O.s studied a model of the Craters. The following day this lecture was repeated to the men by Company Commanders. Preparations for the coming attack were made, and great keenness was shewn. On the 23rd August we moved up the line to assembly positions, with Headquarters in the Givenchy Tunnel. The Battalion was very busy making final arrangements.

At 2.20 a.m. on the morning of the 24th August, all Companies were in assembly positions. Despite a very slight harassing fire no casualties were sustained. Wire cutting had previously been carried out by advance parties. The enemy was very quiet, sent up few lights, and showed no signs of anticipating an attack. Supporting Companies received hot breakfasts, and the assembling troops had sandwiches and chocolate. No noise was made in getting up food. Snipers crept out to position on spoil heaps, from which they kept down enemy observation prior to the attack, and kept down enemy fire during the attack, by firing on such targets as exposed themselves.

At 6 a.m. visibility became very poor, a slight rain falling. Our own Stokes Mortars fired intermittently on the crater areas up to the time when the rockets were fired at zero hour. One of our aeroplanes flew low over the craters, drawing only a very slight machine gun fire. On the firing of the rockets at 7.20 a.m., the assaulting troops immediately advanced under splendid leadership. Two and a half minutes elapsed before the enemy fired his first rifle shot. There was no artillery fire at all. The enemy was completely taken by surprise, and was found mostly in dugouts. Not a single enemy machine gun was in action on the Battalion front. At 7.24 a.m. an S.O.S. rocket, bursting into two red lights, was fired from well behind the enemy’s lines. Meanwhile, mopping up parties had followed closely behind the front line of sections, but found the enemy to be in small strength. These were effectively dealt with, some being killed and some being taken prisoner. A few tried to run away but were heavily fired on.

At 7.30 a.m. our own protective barrage fell beyond the crater area, this being answered three minutes later by a poor counter barrage directed chiefly on Gunner Siding. At 7.35 a.m. Companies had reached their objectives on the far lip of the craters, and telephone communication was established between them and Battalion Headquarters. At 7.43 a.m. consolidation was immediately proceeded with. Up to this time casualties were practically nil. Patrols were sent out to deal with Trench Mortar emplacements, and one was reported destroyed by mobile charge by the Left Company. Our own barrage, which was very heavy, seems to have dropped some shells short, inflicting casualties, two men being killed and 8 wounded in the Left Company, and approximately the same number in the Right Company.

Enemy retaliation dwindled down to very slight proportions between 8.30 and 10.30 a.m. He did not appear to know on what points to fire. At 8.34 a.m. a message was received from the snipers that a party of nearly forty of the enemy were seen at the far end of Duck Bill extension. These were fired on and soon disappeared. Shortly afterwards news was received from the Australian Tunnellers to the effect that there were no mines in dugouts, and that all shelters were badly smashed, a pill-box in Red Dragon Crater alone being untouched. Parties of the enemy in small numbers were seen running to the rear, and were dealt with by Lewis Gunners and Snipers, those escaping getting right into our barrage. At 9.20 a.m. consolidation was reported to be making good progress, while communication trenches were being rapidly dug by Pioneers, from Wolfe Road to Berkeley Street.

At 9.40 a.m. an S.O.S. rocket was sent up from the area of the left Battalion. Enemy Artillery was not firing at all at the time. Five minutes later the S.O.S. was cancelled.

Shortly afterwards the enemy fired on the crater area for the first time, on Warlinghem. Owing to our own Artillery fire some patrols had difficulty in reaching Trench Mortar emplacements, and these were now sent out again. The Right Company reported reaching an emplacement, but found the Mortar gone, though plenty of very heavy ammunition, and a range finder were lying near. The Left Company reported the destruction of another emplacement.

Between 11 and 11.15 a.m. enemy Artillery became much more active, blue cross shells falling on Givenchy, and the gas drifting over our area. This had cleared by 11.45 a.m. From this time onwards, much heavier enemy barrages were put down on the crater area. Tea and sandwiches were got up to the front line troops about 12.30 p.m., and about an hour later, a hot meat meal. Considerable difficulty was experienced in getting rations over the broken ground to the crater area, and the work done by the Transport and Quarter-Master’s Department was commendable. Perhaps a smile may be permitted here. This devoted personnel, its duty well and truly done, assembled for departure from the inhospitable region of the craters, which the Hun was now freely shelling. One member of the party was missing, and he the Company Quarter-Master Sergeant. Impatience grew as the minutes passed, and when well nigh insupportable, he appeared, to meet the indignant queries of his comrades, he silenced criticism with the explanation “Well, I couldn’t find t’ dixie lid”!

Our casualties during these operations amounted to 30, viz.: 7 killed and 23 wounded. On the 25th and 26th August the new line was organized. Difficulty was experienced by our Patrols in getting into touch with the enemy, and it was not until the second day that his posts were found. Our Snipers did excellent work, getting three confirmed hits, and continually harassing the enemy in his broken communication trenches. On the 27th we were relieved by the 5th King’s Liverpool Regt. without incident, and went into billets at Drovbin Camp, arriving shortly after 9 p.m.

News of a German retirement on the front of the 15th Division, reached Battalion Headquarters astride La Bassée Canal, at 10 a.m. on the 2nd October. In consequence of this information, daylight patrols were sent out by “A” and “B” Companies, these Companies holding the right half of the Brigade Outpost Line. The advanced Platoons of “B” Company, under Lieut. Peers, were, on this morning, occupying Canteleux Trench, from its junction with Canteleux Alley S., to Towpath Alley, with forward posts in shell holes. “A” Company, to the south of the Canal, had taken over, the previous evening, the dispositions of three Companies of the 4th Loyals, who had captured the Distillery, viz., a line of posts 200 yards East of the Distillery Line, with supporting and counter-attack platoons in rear. The two counter-attack platoons were attached from “D” Company.

Progress was first made by “B” Company, one of whose patrols had entered La Bassée Line before mid-day. By 1.30 p.m. the western outskirts of La Bassée were reached, and at 2 p.m. patrols were pushing North up the front and support trenches of La Bassée line, to gain touch with the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers who were advancing towards La Bassée from the direction of Canteleux and Violaines. Opposite their front, however, the enemy seemed to hold his line normally, until mid-day, and even later.

Shortly after 1 o’clock, Lieut. Rudall (“A” Company) had entered without opposition, La Bassée line S. of the Canal, and was pushing S. down the trench to gain touch with patrols which were working their way along Vert Alley. At 2.30 we were in occupation of La Bassée line, from the Canal to Vert Alley, and had gained touch with the 16th Division. Instructions were then received from the Brigadier-General Commanding 164th Infantry Brigade to hold La Bassée Line with two Platoons, and push into Le Faubourg to Canal Basin and Crassiers. Meantime patrols of “B” Company had pushed through La Bassée, and reached at 4.30 p.m., a point 800 yards East of it. Major R. Gardner, M.C., under whose command this advance guard was operating, then left Battalion Headquarters at Spoil Bank, and at 5 p.m. established Headquarters of the Right Advance Guard at the Distillery. He was accompanied by Lieut. Tucker (Intelligence Officer), and by a few Signallers and Runners. Communications with Spoil Bank were at first maintained by telephone, via one of the other Company Headquarters. On the establishment of Battalion Headquarters at Canteleux at 7 p.m., communications became very precarious, as the wire over the Canal became “dissed” by the blowing up of a barge. A “loop set,” however, was fixed up at the Distillery, with which efforts were made to get into touch with a similar instalment in Red Dragon Crater. Telephone communication, however, with the Company Headquarters already referred to, was maintained.

Patrols had by 5 o’clock, reached Crassiers, and located the enemy. Patrols elsewhere were also pushing on, in touch with the 16th Division. Two Platoons from “B” Company then crossed the Canal, and were disposed in La Bassée Line, which was temporarily held as the main line of resistance. By 8 p.m. outposts were established along an advanced line, and Vanguard Headquarters were in La Bassée, in a concrete cellar. From a reconnaissance of the Canal it was observed that the bridges had been totally destroyed. It was, however, just possible to scramble over near the remains of the old railway bridge. There was no sign of any footbridge along the Canal. Road reconnaissance showed that the main Annequin—La Bassée road was fit for horse and motor traffic as far as Le Faubourg. Roads towards Canal Basin from Le Faubourg were also good for horse traffic; that running south towards Cité de Douvrin was not so good.

The only opposition to our Patrols came from a machine gun. This, however, ceased before dusk, and a party of 20 of the enemy were seen marching thence towards Salomé in full marching order. Before midnight a post was established in the Old Brewery on the Salomé Road, and another south of the Canal. Detachments of Machine Gunners (55th Division Machine Gun Battalion, 4 Guns; 16th Division Machine Gun Battalion, 2 Guns), Stokes Mortars, Lewis Gunners, and Investigation Parties had all reported at Advanced Guard Headquarters at the Distillery by 8 p.m. About midnight two patrols were sent out to push forward into Salomé, one along the N. and the other along the S. side of the Canal, and establish a post in Salomé, in touch with each other. These posts were established by 2 a.m. on the 3rd October. A patrol also went down the road to gain touch with the Division on the right.

Salomé was found deserted—the enemy had completely disappeared—and touch was gained with a patrol of the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers in Salomé. At 7 a.m. the line of resistance of the Advance Guard was moved forward to a general line, with forward posts and two supporting platoons. A patrol reached the Canal angle, and further patrols were sent to reconnoitre Berclau. Billy Berclau was found to have been reached by the 16th Division, and touch was established with their left post. At 10.55 a.m. Billy Berclau was lightly shelled by the enemy, and at the same time Machine Gun and Anti-Aircraft Artillery fire was observed from Berclau. Advance Guard Headquarters was established near the Canal Basin, whither the “loop set” from the Distillery was removed. This was picked up by the “loop set” of the forward Brigade, and communication with our Brigade was thus obtained. In other directions visual signalling was resorted to.

Four machine guns were disposed in the main line of resistance, 2 were maintained in reserve at Headquarters. One Stokes Mortar was also conveyed by mule to the Vanguard Headquarters. A forward dump of 57 boxes of small arm ammunition was established in rear of the main line of resistance. Cooking was done in La Bassée, and the men supplied with hot food during the day. Cross-country communications from La Bassée to the outpost line of resistance was easy, the tracks being undamaged. At 1 p.m. a post was reported established in Berclau, but later an enemy rearguard was located in another part of the village. Fighting took place, and our post was compelled to withdraw. The N. and N.E. outskirts of Berclau were found strongly held by machine guns and snipers. We established a Lewis Gun Post which commanded Berclau.

At 4.45 p.m. orders were received from Brigade to arrange for the 16th Division to take over the dispositions of the Right Advance Guard, owing to a change of boundaries. The southern boundary of our Brigade was fixed on the line of the Canal—Canal Angle—Canal Tee. The Advance Guard, and all attached troops were to move to assembly positions in Salomé, N. of the Canal, and await the remainder of the 4th King’s Own, which was coming up from La Bassée, to relieve the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers in the Brigade Outpost line, on the night of the 3rd/4th October, and to continue the advance on the morning of the 4th. At 7.30 p.m. Advance Guard Headquarters closed and crossed the Canal. Major R. Gardner, M.C., the Commander, reported at Battalion Headquarters in Salomé at 9 p.m. The outpost platoons and attached troops crossed the Canal, and spent the night in billets in Salomé. The whole Battalion, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel G. B. Balfour, D.S.O., now acted as Advance Guard to the Brigade.

On the morning of the 4th October, patrols pushed forward at dawn from Hantay, and drove the enemy back to the Canal. A good deal of patrol fighting took place. “D” Company attacked and took Prevore Farm. The enemy held the western bank of the Canal and bridgeheads with machine guns. The 18-pr. Battery attached to the Advance Guard, shelled the bridgeheads and the Laundry. On the 5th October, patrols continued to drive the enemy back, but could not get across the Haute Deule Canal, which he was holding strongly. The enemy flooded the area in front of the Canal, and caused our patrols and posts to withdraw a short distance. The Battalion was relieved during the night by the 6th King’s Liverpools and marched back to Divisional Reserve in the vicinity of Pont Fixe and Givenchy, with Battalion Headquarters at Barge House. Here we rested, bathed and refitted. The weather was wet, and there were no working parties. Companies were not very comfortable in dugouts, and on the 7th the Battalion moved back to billets in Beuvry. Here training in Advance Guards was carried out, and kits and stores were again reduced to the lowest minimum, so as to conform to the transport available.

On the 11th October one Officer per Company reconnoitred the left Brigade front (166th Brigade), with a view to taking over the following day. A demonstration in rapid pontoon bridging was given in the afternoon. This followed a lecture in the morning by the Divisional Educational Officer on the scheme for education on the cessation of hostilities. This encouraged impressions not to be ignored, and if the general spirit of the troops was exuberant, it was based on solid foundation and not mere flimsy excuse. Much remained to be done, however, and on the 12th October the Battalion left Beuvry in trains at 8.30 a.m. to relieve the 10th Liverpool Scottish in the forward area. There were two collisions on the way but no one was hurt. We detrained at Cambrin, and marched to the neighbourhood of Marquillies, where Battalion Headquarters were established. “A” Company in Marquillies; “B” Company in Sainghin; “C” Company in Le Willy, and “D” Company in the Sugar Factory. Relief was completed at 5 p.m. without any special incident.

On the following day posts were dug and wired all round. There was a good deal of shelling but no casualties were sustained. On the 14th, Battalion Headquarters moved to a house near the Sugar Factory. Two Companies were in the main line of resistance, and two in support. We supplied one working party, and Officers reconnoitred the forward area.

On the 17th the Battalion left Sainghin, moving off at 9 a.m., and marched by Companies through Wavrin to Lattre. There was some delay in crossing the Canal at Seclin, owing to the bridges being blown up. We then moved on to Ancoisne, where a mid-day meal was served. Here we met the first released civilians, and our reception was most cordial. About 2 p.m. the Battalion moved on to Houplines, and were still under orders to advance. At 6.30 p.m. we arrived at Templemars, remaining there for the night. Our reception here was even more cordial than before. Battalion Headquarters were established at the Mayor’s house. At 6 a.m. on the 18th, the Battalion moved off to pass through the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers. “C” and “D” were Outpost Companies, with “A” and “B” Companies in support. The patrols pushed on and entered Peronne. The enemy were holding the bank of the river La Marque in considerable strength, and there was a good deal of shelling, the fort at Sainghin, and Peronne, being the chief targets. Bas Sainghin caused “D” Company a good deal of trouble, and it was not until the afternoon that it was cleared. A heavy mist hung over the area of operations, and greatly assisted us in moving forward. The night was very light, with a brilliant moon. By means of a ladder, “D” Company patrol was able to cross La Marque, and enter Bouvines. At 10.30 p.m. we put down a machine gun barrage, also our 18-pr. Batteries fired on woods where the enemy were located. This seems to have forced the enemy to retire before he intended, and he finally left the village at 11.15 p.m. Our reception by the villagers was most cordial.

On the 19th October, the whole Outpost Line pushed out, and by the early morning our line was established on the railway line east of Bouvines, and patrols had entered Cysoing. The 4th Loyals now passed through us, and our Battalion concentrated in Bouvines for a rest. During the early morning “B” Company had captured 23 prisoners and 3 machine guns. Headquarters were established in a Château, and everyone was very comfortable. The villagers were overjoyed at their deliverance, and did all they could to make the troops comfortable. The bridge across the river had been blown up, and the villagers helped the Royal Engineers to build a new one, which was completed by 11.30 a.m.

The Battalion left Bouvines at 8.30 a.m. on the 20th to take over the role of “B” Battalion. We passed through Cysoing at 10 a.m. and marched to Creplain, where we halted. The Battalion then moved on again to the area around the Ferme du Baron, north of Froidmont, where we again halted and awaited orders. The next move was to a field about 800 yards north of Esplechin, where we formed up into Artillery formation. “D” Company was sent to support the left flank of the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers, and one Platoon to obtain touch with the 74th Division on our left. At 6 p.m. Battalion Headquarters moved to a farm in Esplechin, and “A” and “B” Companies moved to support the right flank of the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers. The remaining three Platoons of “C” Company moved to the left, and joined “D” Company, thus the whole Battalion was now in the Support Line. Battalion Headquarters moved to the Asylum in Froidmont, and were cordially greeted by the jovial Brothers of Charity.

On the 21st October, the Battalion passed through the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers, but found progress well contested by the enemy. Severe patrol fighting took place. The high ground on the road from Froidmont to Tournai was captured by “B” Company at 3.15 p.m., but was re-taken by the enemy at 10 p.m. On the right, considerable opposition was met with in Ere, and a machine gun was located, firing from the Church. The Church itself was mined. The enemy were finally pushed beyond Ere, and we took up a line about 500 yards beyond the village. Ere was heavily shelled during the day and night. At 7 p.m. Headquarters moved to the Château near Ere, and an advanced Headquarters was established in Ere. The enemy appeared to be making a stand on the north side of the river Scheldt. The shelling was severe, and all the sunken roads were marked down for harassing fire. During the morning of the 22nd, the 5th Loyals took over our line, and the Battalion took over a battle line in support. “D” Company had some casualties when coming out of the Outpost Line. The Battalion rested during the day. “A” Company were gassed rather heavily at 6 p.m., but suffered no casualties.

On the 23rd October the Battalion was holding the Battle Line, the men being as far as possible in farm houses, within easy reach of posts to be manned in case of S.O.S. At 4.45 p.m., in conjunction with the 14th Black Watch (late Fife and Forfar Yeomanry), one platoon of “D” Company attacked a sunken road, but without success. Enemy machine gun fire was very intense, and the men could only advance to within 100 yards of the trench, when the Officer and 5 men were wounded. The men were collected together by the Platoon Sergeant, and formed posts on the eastern edge of a wood, about 150 yards from the objective. The remainder of the Battalion were making posts. On the 24th Companies were engaged in digging V-shaped trenches, about 40 yards long, and these were inspected by the Commanding Officer during the morning. This work was carried out until 2 a.m. on the 25th, when 15 such trenches had been completed. Battalion Headquarters were moved to the farm house Du Baron during the afternoon, and Companies were billeted in farms in the vicinity.

During the morning of the 25th October, “D” Company (Reserve Company) carried on with the construction of the trenches. The Battalion was relieved in the main line of resistance about 5 p.m. by the 4th Loyals, and, on relief, moved forward and relieved the 5th Lancashire Fusiliers in the Outpost Line. Battalion Headquarters were established in the Tannery. “B” and “C” Companies held the front line, with “A” and “D” Companies in support. Second-Lieut. A. Rigg was here wounded in the leg by a machine gun bullet. The Battalion and the 4th Loyals now became attached to the 165th Infantry Brigade. On the 26th October the Battalion had the misfortune to lose the further services of the Commanding Officer, Lieut.-Colonel G. B. Balfour, D.S.O., who, along with Lieut. H. Tucker, went to hospital, sick. Colonel Balfour had the distinguished honour of serving with the Battalion throughout the War, from the time when he mobilised as a Lieutenant in August, 1914. The Command of the Battalion devolved upon Major R. Gardner, M.C., who was promoted Acting Lieut.-Colonel, and who himself had proceeded to France with the Battalion and had rendered most valuable service.

Ere Church and vicinity were continually harassed during the day with gas shells and whizbangs. An aeroplane, belonging to “C” Flight, was shot down, but was salvaged intact from No Man’s Land by “A” Company. During the morning another of our aeroplanes was forced to land, with a bullet through the tank, near Pic-au-Vent, the pilot and observer being uninjured. On the whole, the Battalion had a quiet day.

At 5.30 a.m. on the 27th the Royal Air Force took away in a lorry the first aeroplane we salvaged the previous day. During the morning there was a slight gas shelling of Pic-au-Vent, Croix-de-Pierre, and Ere Church, but the Battalion had a quiet day in the Line. On the 29th an enemy aeroplane was brought down on the right of the Battalion front. The observer was seen to descend by means of a parachute, and was taken prisoner by the 10th Liverpool Scottish on the right. The Battalion had a quiet day in the Line, and was relieved at 7.30 p.m. by the 6th King’s Liverpool Regt. On relief, the Battalion proceeded to billets in Bourchelles. Here the opportunity was taken of cleaning up, paying the men, and bathing at Cysoing. Succeeding days were devoted to training in open warfare, and Colonel Gardner addressed the Battalion on the parade ground. Capt. A. E. Morton, M.C., Lieuts. H. Lauder and Steeple, and Second-Lieut. I. G. Anderson rejoined the Battalion here, whilst by way of recreation, a dance was given in the village school, with the Battalion Band in attendance, and which proved very popular. There were also some fine Cinema shows given in the same building from time to time. The weather was not too kind at this time, rain being rather persistent.