11 a.m. Orders were received from the 166th Infantry Brigade to clear enemy from VILLERS GUISLAIN. Battalion ordered to advance in extended order to clear enemy from VILLERS HILL. This they proceeded to do, led by Lieutenant-Colonel R. Hindle, D.S.O.

The men were firing from the hip as they advanced, and the foremost line of the enemy began to retire. The advance was successful until the centre of the line reached a point about 200 yards from the crest of the hill, when ammunition ran short. At this time fresh enemy troops advanced over the hill in considerable strength.

The Colonel was killed, and all three Company Commanders became casualties. The Adjutant took command of the Battalion and ordered a withdrawal to VAUCELLETTE FARM. This was carried out slowly, under covering fire from the left flank.

A defensive line was established on the east side of VAUCELLETTE FARM, and the men commenced to dig themselves in with their entrenching tools, under cover of Lewis gun fire. A supply of ammunition was brought up by stretcher-bearers returning from the Aid Post.

11 30 a.m. At this time Major Crump, who was reconnoitring under orders from the G.O.C. (166th Infantry Brigade) established a post on the EPEHY—VILLERS—GUISLAIN ROAD, consisting of one Vickers gun and team, one Officer and 30 Other Ranks of various units. The gun in this post did great execution amongst the enemy in LEITH WALK, and effectually prevented him from advancing further.

12 15 p.m. A composite Battalion of the 12th Division arrived as reinforcements, one Company being sent to strengthen our garrison in front of the farm, two Companies continued our line northwards, and one Company was kept in the camp as local reserve. Touch was obtained on the left with the 9th Essex Regiment.

12 55 p.m. Major Crump having completed reconnaissance and reported to 166th Infantry Brigade, was ordered by the G.O.C. to assume command of the Battalion and to take with him two Vickers guns and teams and supply of ammunition for LONE TREE POST (EPEHY—VILLERS—GUISLAIN ROAD). One gun was sent to right flank of the post to command the LINNET VALLEY, the other to VAUCELLETTE FARM. Soon afterwards touch was obtained with 1/4th Royal Lancaster Regiment on our right.

1 30 p.m. C Company arrived as reinforcements and were sent into the trench south of the farm, in front of the railway. After this the consolidation of the line was carried on by the men with the entrenching tool, only a few picks and shovels being available. This was eventually remedied by the arrival of the Battalion mobile reserve of S.A.A. and tools, so that, with the help of the composite Battalion (12th Division), a fire trench was dug across the whole front of the farm, and a considerable amount of wire put out soon after dark.

5 p.m. The Canadian Cavalry Brigade, under Brigadier-General Seeley, arrived at rear line of VAUCELLETTE Camp. One regiment dismounted and reinforced our line. One Regiment dug a support line west of the farm. C Company were relieved at 11 p.m. by the 1/8th King’s Liverpool Regiment, and went into the line east of the farm to assist in the consolidation of the position.

Our casualties were:—Killed: Lieutenant-Colonel R. Hindle, D.S.O.; Second Lieutenant J. H. Livesey.
Wounded and Missing (afterwards reported killed): Captain R. N. L. Buckmaster.
Wounded: Captain A. T. Houghton, M.C.; Captain F. K. Matthew, Second Lieutenant E. M. Easterby, Second Lieutenant R. B. Wilkinson, Second Lieutenant P. Adamson, Second Lieutenant F. G. Green, Second Lieutenant J. E. P. Nicholson.
Other Ranks: Killed 11, Wounded 84, Missing 15.