At ZERO plus 6hrs. 20mins. (10 10 a.m.) the 164th Infantry Brigade formed up under the protective barrage, which stood about 200 yards on the enemy’s side of the Black Line, and moved forward to attack and consolidate the Green Line. Just before forming up under the barrage, we were caused a little trouble by some snipers who had apparently been swept over by the barrage and were lying out in shell holes. From now onwards the artillery barrage was rather thin, owing to the fact that it was out of range for some of the guns which had fired during the initial assault and because it was being provided by batteries who had moved forward since ZERO to positions in the vicinity of the original NO MAN’S LAND. When the 1/4th Loyal North Lancashires moved off from the Black Line, touch had been obtained with the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers on the left and the 6th Cameron Highlanders (45th Infantry Brigade, 15th Division) on the right. During the subsequent advance from the Black Line to the Green Line the casualties, which were particularly heavy amongst Officers, were again principally caused by machine gun fire. Reports were received from several Officers giving their location, and those machine guns immediately in our line of advance were effectively dealt with, but we were still troubled by guns firing from high ground beyond the Green Line and also by guns enfilading us from our right flank.
Several strong points had to be dealt with in the course of the advance, particular mention being made of SOMME FARM, GALLIPOLI, and KEIR FARM. SOMME FARM provided us with 60 prisoners; it consisted of several concrete dugouts, one being an aid post, and had evidently been used as a Battalion Headquarters. There were also concrete dugouts at KEIR FARM and GALLIPOLI, each of which provided us with prisoners.
The Green Line was reported captured at 11 40 a.m., and consolidation was at once put in hand. While this was in progress, hostile machine guns again proved troublesome, especially from NILE FARM. During the advance to the Green Line six batteries—77mm.—were encountered. The gunners continued to fire them until our advancing waves were within about 200-250 yards, and then withdrew. On arrival at the Green Line difficulty was experienced in husbanding the available resources of ammunition until a further supply could be brought up. Demands were received from all parts of the line, but they were unable to be met for some considerable time, owing to the fact that the pack animals, which were bringing up supplies, were experiencing difficulties owing to the unexpected quantity of uncut wire.
Meanwhile, while the GREEN LINE was being energetically consolidated, the third wave moved on to take the BLACK DOTTED or OUTPOST LINE. This was established along a line running about 200 yards in front of the GREEN LINE. Our own barrage appeared to fall a trifle short at this point, and consequently our line was held up slightly and could not be established on the intended line. Fifty prisoners were captured and sent back by the Platoons comprising the outpost line. A message timed 11 41 a.m. stated “enemy in full flight.”
At 12 10 p.m. our protective barrage ceased. Meanwhile the outpost line was being put into a state of defence by the construction of a series of strong points, though considerable difficulty was being experienced in maintaining touch on the left. On the right we appeared to be in touch, but it was obvious that the right flank Company of the 6th Camerons was not up to its alignment, and, consequently, their line was swung back.
The difficulties about ammunition continued to increase. Many Lewis guns were used until every round had been expended, but there was still none available for issue at Battalion Headquarters. Things went well until 2 30 p.m., when a report was received that the enemy were forming up for counter-attack in the vicinity of BOETLEER. At 2 35 p.m. a strong counter-attack developed on the right, and the 6th Camerons on our right were seen to be withdrawing. This attempt on the part of the enemy was immediately followed by an attack on our left. With the enemy advancing on both flanks and closing together in the centre, our outpost line, seriously weakened, particularly on the left, withdrew, and was absorbed into the GREEN LINE. This line in turn then had to withdraw as there was no touch on the right, and the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers had had to fall back well behind the GREEN LINE owing to the GREEN LINE not having been taken by the Divisions on their left.
The withdrawal was carried out in perfect order, the troops fighting as they moved back. By this time our supporting Battalion, the 1/4th Royal Lancaster Regiment, had merged itself into our line, and the combined forces of the two Battalions formed a line of resistance just in front of the BLACK LINE. Posts of Lewis and machine guns were thrown out as soon as it was dark, and our protective barrage and S.O.S. line was withdrawn to conform with our new line.
In the evening, about 10 p.m., a warning order was received to the effect that the Brigade would be relieved by units of the 165th Brigade.
Further general observations will be made under date August 1st.