The change of mental attitude in this chapter and in the next is very noticeable. No longer do we take part in costly attacks on a wide front or beat off similar attacks by the enemy, nor do we sit still and merely harass him. We feel ourselves winning at last—the game becomes more exciting as we begin to press, and then to follow, a beaten enemy.
CHAPTER X.
THE ADVANCE.
On the 1st September, 1918, orders were received that Infantry Brigades in the line must be prepared to follow up the enemy rapidly should he commence to withdraw on the Divisional front, fighting patrols to make good what ground they could; this was consequent upon reports of fires and explosions behind the enemy’s line and information from enemy prisoners.
On the 4th, patrols having reported the evacuation of the enemy’s front line trenches, Battalion Headquarters moved up from WINDY CORNER to GIVENCHY KEEP TUNNEL. D Company secured a prisoner. One of our night patrols encountered enemy at ROCHE ALLEY, and a sharp fight ensued; we left one man severely wounded, who was brought in by a daylight patrol. Lieutenant King and 38 Other Ranks were gassed, one Other Rank killed, and Second Lieutenant Davies and two Other Ranks wounded.
The following day, daylight patrols continued to push up ROCHE ALLEY and CUPOLA ALLEY, and established outposts, our own line being in advance of the right Battalion. The enthusiasm of all ranks to push forward was much marked, and the respective Companies vied with each other in their endeavour to establish posts farthest east of any in the Battalion or in the Division. Four Other Ranks were wounded and 12 Other Ranks gassed.
On the 6th there was a little scattered shelling; we were relieved in daylight by the 1/4th King’s Own, and went into support. The next two days were occupied with carrying parties, which involved hard and continuous work owing to the state of the trenches and the increasing distance between the front line posts and the reserves. We had one Other Rank killed, seven wounded, and three gassed.
On the 9th we relieved the King’s Own again, and patrols located the enemy at APSE HOUSE. The following night a patrol attacked him, but without success.
The 11th was very wet, and on the 12th we were relieved by the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers and moved back to support. The casualties during the tour were: 5 Other Ranks killed, Second Lieutenants Jones, Daniels, Marsden and Thomas and 18 Other Ranks wounded, 1 Other Rank gassed.