The remainder of the line gradually withdrew, but in good order, and it was not until 8.40 P.M. that the 4th Gordon Highlanders, who had moved forward to the vicinity of Le Cornet Malo and had fallen back fighting through Pacaut Wood, crossed with elements of the 152nd Infantry Brigade to the south side of the canal.
Meanwhile the defence of the La Bassée Canal was handed over to the Ist Corps, the 51st Division being ordered to cover the junction between the XIth and Ist Corps. A composite brigade was therefore formed under the command of Lieut.-Colonel A. Fleming, D.S.O., the C.R.E., known as Fleming’s Force, which took up a line from the bridge over the canal south of Robecq, east of Robecq, to the hamlet of Les Amusoires. Fleming’s Force, as it took over this line, was composed of the following:—
Echelons B (transport men, quartermasters’ staffs, bands, &c.) and further reinforcements of the 154th Brigade.
One hundred officers and men, details of the 152nd Brigade.
Two hundred officers and men, details of the 153rd Brigade.
Nos. 1 and 2, special companies, R.E., 300 strong (gas projector companies).
Two companies, 11th Canadian Railway Construction Battalion, 250 strong.
One company, 51st Division M.G. Company.
One company, 39th Division M.G. Company.
Some further elements of the 152nd Brigade were collected in reserve at Hollanderie.