With reference to the attack in which the Battalion took part, the following points are of interest:—
1. Ammunition ran short in every Company, a proof of the fact that the rifle has again come to its own as the chief weapon of the infantryman.
2. It is estimated that quite 90 per cent. of the casualties were caused by machine gun fire and snipers.
3. Casualties amongst Officers were exceedingly heavy, and great responsibility devolved upon N.C.O.’s. This fact emphasised the necessity for careful preparation, by means of daily lectures and demonstrations to all Platoon Sergeants and Section Commanders.
4. It is generally agreed that on this occasion the men were far too heavily laden. It is thought that in an attack of this kind, when a distance of several thousand yards has to be traversed, it is far better to go lightly equipped, and to trust to the probability of being able to get additional supplies of water and rations from the rear as soon as darkness falls.
5. All systems of communication, except runners, broke down. Visual was impossible owing to the dull mist which prevailed, and wires, when once laid, were soon broken.
6. Tanks were a failure (except possibly in one case), the ground being far too wet and heavy. One tank is said to have done useful work in co-operation with the infantry in reducing Somme Farm.
7. Aeroplanes for some reason failed us, the R.F.C. evidently considering the bad visibility sufficient reason to cancel flying. This was particularly unfortunate, as the enemy were not slow to take advantage accordingly, and three hostile machines are reported to have been flying over our positions practically all the time that consolidation was in progress. In one case a machine gun was fired at our troops.
8. Lastly, many acts of extreme gallantry and devotion to duty were reported after the fighting of the 31st July, on the part of all ranks of the Battalion.
In fact the 55th Division as a whole, and particularly the 164th Brigade, will ever be remembered for its share in the attack which started the third battle of YPRES. The 164th Infantry Brigade in particular can ever be proud of the advance from the Black Line to the Green Line.