Meanwhile towards morning word came that the Germans were going to counter-attack.
In the position in which the Tanks lay, the crews were able to train their 6-pounders against the enemy, who had been seen massing in the Wanbeke Valley. As the Lewis guns could not be brought to bear, they were dismounted, and the rest of the crews operated them from neighbouring shell-holes.
[25]“Word was sent to the infantry to warn them of the coming attack, and to ask for co-operation. They replied that they had run short of ammunition for their Lewis gun, and some was supplied to them from the Tanks.”
The attack did not develop as early as had been expected, but when it came it was in force.
From about 6.30 onwards the enemy repeatedly attempted to advance, raking the Tanks with a hail of armour-piercing bullets, which, however, failed to penetrate.
They were driven off every time with heavy loss, until at 11.30 a.m. our artillery opened and dispersed them with barrage fire.
III
The failure of their armour-piercing bullets against the Mark IV. must have proved something of a disappointment to the enemy.
It is curious to trace the effort which the Germans made to keep up with our development of the Tank.
For once, we had moved first, and the enemy was always to be a lap behind.