The enemy suffered a sanguinary defeat, being repulsed by our troops with tremendous loss at all points, except that he gained possession of a small corner of Bucquoy.
Major G. A. Swain was awarded the Military Cross for his gallant behaviour on the 5th. His battery, D/312, fired no less than 2600 rounds while under the heavy gas bombardment referred to above.
During the two days' fighting the following officers were wounded in addition to Major Crofton:
| Lieut. | H. F. Nowill, M.C. | } |
| " | F. G. Sharpling | } A/310. |
| Capt. | A. Senior | } |
| Lieut. | J. B. Boden, M.C. | } |
| " | S. A. Rissik | } all of C/312. |
| " | E. W. Puttock | } |
| " | A. E. Stuttle | } |
Although the Boche had failed so disastrously on this occasion, his resources in men and guns seemed to be unlimited, and he still kept up his daily attacks with unremitting vigour. Our troops were exhausted almost beyond the limits of human endurance, and the first three weeks of the great offensive seemed to us like as many months—a period of constant danger and anxiety, unceasing hardships, and utter fatigue. The news from other fronts was of so sinister a nature that it might well have driven even the bravest of men to despair. Amongst our splendid troops, however, there was never any thought of further retreat, and the following stirring order, issued by the Commander-in-Chief on the 11th April, only served to confirm the resolution already taken by every officer and man in the British army to hold back the hated enemy as long as there was a gun or rifle left to fire at him:
"To all ranks of the British army in France and Flanders.
"Three weeks ago to-day the enemy began his terrific attacks against us on a fifty-mile front. His objects are to separate us from the French, to take the Channel ports, and destroy the British army.
"In spite of throwing already 106 Divisions into the battle, and enduring the most reckless sacrifice of human life, he has as yet made little progress towards his goal.
"We owe this to the determined fighting and self-sacrifice of our troops. Words fail me to express the admiration which I feel for the splendid resistance offered by all ranks of our army under the most trying circumstances.
"Many amongst us now are tired. To those I would say that victory will belong to the side which holds out the longest. The French army is moving rapidly and in great force to our support.