On the 5th, Lieutenant-Colonel T. G. Williams returned from leave and resumed his command.
On the 8th, we marched to billets at BETHUNE, and were comfortably billeted by 4 p.m. Here Second Lieutenant W. E. Crossley, M.C., M.M., Captain R. J. Cross (Chaplain), and Second Lieutenants Blount, Towers, and Kennett joined for duty.
On the 12th, we went up in lurries and relieved the 1/5th King’s Own as outpost Battalion on the left Brigade front, Battalion Headquarters being at LATTRE.
On the 13th, our patrols at dawn found the enemy very alert, and located several machine gun posts west of the HAUTE DEULE CANAL. Some harassing fire on our forward posts during the day. Two Other Ranks were killed, Second Lieutenant Taylor and nine Other Ranks missing, and Second Lieutenant Crossley and one Other Rank wounded.
On the 14th, the enemy artillery became more active, and our patrols were heavily engaged by machine guns. The marshes were found almost impassable, the water being eight feet deep in places. Our sentry posts located in the marshes were unremitting in their attempts to push forward, and the spirit of all ranks, despite the conditions, was excellent. Seven Other Ranks were killed and 11 Other Ranks wounded. Second Lieutenant R. G. Latham joined for duty.
On the 15th the harassing fire continued. Our patrols were very active, but did not advance. Captain W. L. Price and five Other Ranks were wounded. Second Lieutenant H. C. Saville joined for duty.
On the 16th, patrols reported some of the enemy posts unoccupied. At 12 noon D Company and two Platoons of B Company crossed the HAUTE DEULE CANAL at LES ANSCRUILLES, and proceeded to attack from the flank the strongly-held bridgehead at BAC DE WAVRIN, A and C Companies attacking frontally at the same time. The attack was under the personal supervision of Major H. J. G. Duggan, M.C. The bridgehead was taken at 9 p.m., and patrols pushed on to the SECLIN CANAL. Pontoon bridges were thrown across the Canals. Lieutenant Bury and Second Lieutenant Taylor and one Other Rank were wounded.
On the 17th, the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers and the 1/4th King’s Own passed through our outposts at 5 a.m. The Battalion reorganised and assembled at WAVRIN. At 4 p.m. we moved to NOYELLES, and were billeted by 11 p.m. Second Lieutenant Taylor died of wounds. Second Lieutenant Hailwood and two Other Ranks were killed and seven Other Ranks were wounded.
On the 18th, at 3 a.m., we moved into the main outpost line of resistance east of D’ENCHEMONT.