EXTRACTED FROM WAR DIARY.
TRENCHES.
21st September. There was fairly lively shelling at dawn, but the situation was reported quiet at 7 30 a.m. The front was continually patrolled before daylight and no signs of the enemy found. During the morning a further Officers’ patrol worked forward to KEIR FARM and confirmed the previous report that it was practically non-existent. On the afternoon of this day the strength of the Companies in the line was reported at 90, though it was known there were still many more men of this unit who had become merged in the Battalions on either flank.
At about 4 40 p.m. the 1/8th King’s Liverpool Regiment, on the left of the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers, attacked and occupied SCHULER FARM. Owing to the small amount of resistance encountered it was decided that the 2/5th Lancashire Fusiliers should take CROSS COTTS and that then the 1/4th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment should conform by moving forward to the new alignment. The attack on CROSS COTTS, however, never materialised, as at 6 30 p.m. heavy enemy counter-attacks were launched on Hill 37 on our right, and on the London Division on our left, the front held by this unit simply being subjected to an intense bombardment. Our artillery promptly replied to the S.O.S., and no enemy succeeded in reaching our lines.
During the ensuing night a further effort was made to complete the reorganisation by separating the 1/4th Royal Lancaster Regiment and the 1/4th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. This unit took over the south, viz., 200 yards of the KEIR sector, extending approximately from D 13 d 23 32 to D 13 d 23 75. By this means a few more men were collected together. The Battalion was then organised on a two-Company frontage with two Companies in support, and the whole line was straightened and pushed forward an average depth of 50 yards. It was found that the only practicable way of doing this was by arranging a system of guide wires of a fixed length, which were taken out by posts in advance and, after their direction, etc., had been checked, the rear wave advanced along them by Platoons and took up the new alignment. It was intended that this process should be repeated by leap-frogging the two waves until the YELLOW LINE was reached, but owing to the still imperfect state of organisation, it was decided to postpone this movement until the following night.
During this night, however, guide wires were laid from the main line to the isolated Lewis gun posts 100 yards in front. This ensured cohesion and gave the most forward men confidence. Guide wires were also made from the main line of resistance to Battalion Headquarters to facilitate the work during the night of carrying parties bringing up S.A.A. and food.
The enemy’s artillery was quiet during the night, but our own was very busy, apparently with gas shells, upon the enemy’s batteries.
Killed:—Second Lieutenant H. Holden and two Other Ranks.
Wounded:—Two Other Ranks.