On June 7 the Division took over the right sector of the 4th Corps front from the New Zealand Division. As this was an exceptionally broad sector, with a frontage of more than 6000 yards, from a point north of Hébuterne on the left to a point east of Auchonvillers on the right, only one infantry battalion could be held in Divisional Reserve. D.H.Q. was opened at Bus-les-Artois. The Field Ambulances took over the Advanced and Main Dressing Stations at Sailly-au-Bois, Bus and Louvencourt, the Transport Sections being also accommodated in the two last-named villages. Artillery on both sides was active, and the 126th Brigade, on the left, had some casualties from shelling on the first night, “C” Company, 10th Manchesters, losing one officer and six other ranks killed, and nine men wounded. There was much gas-shelling of the forward areas, and long-range guns frequently opened on Bus and Louvencourt. But our artillery inflicted still greater damage on the enemy around Serre and Puisieux, and at night our aircraft flew over to bomb the back areas. Trench mortars were also active, and every landmark on the enemy’s front was obliterated. The trenches were well constructed and well sited, particularly in the centre at La Signy Farm, where the front line ran along a ridge from which the enemy was under observation as far back as the villages of Serre and Puisieux, whereas the British support lines were in dead ground, secure from rifle and machine-gun fire; and rations and water-carts were able to come up in daytime. Luxuriant masses of hay-grass, clover, weeds and thistles covered the ground, and partridges and quails were plentiful around the trenches.
SAILLY AU BOIS CHURCH. THE CATACOMBS IN THE VICINITY WERE USED BY THE RESERVE BATTALION.
COUIN VALLEY. THE LEFT BRIGADE AND A FIELD CO. R.E. AND PIONEER CO. HAD THEIR QUARTERS IN THESE BANKS.
COLINCAMPS. CONCRETE MACHINE-GUN EMPLACEMENTS AND O.P. CONSTRUCTED IN A FARM.
COLINCAMPS. APPLE TREE O.P. OVERLOOKING GREAT EXPANSE OF ENEMY COUNTRY TOWARDS BAPAUME.