[70] In the Ninth, however, it was thought that the principal factor was surprise, and the raid of the “Rifles” already referred to was undertaken to show that a preliminary bombardment was not necessary for success.
[71] At the end of January a party of the Division proceeding along the road to Arras was accosted by a Canadian soldier. “Hullo, what crowd are you?” “Ninth Division” was the reply, and then came the exclamation, “Huh! the scrappin’ Ninth.” The Canadian’s tone of mingled friendship, admiration, and uneasiness betrayed more clearly than any words his firm conviction that storm-troops were gathering for a battle.
[72] Haig’s Despatches, vol. i., p. 81.
| 14th | Brigade | R.H.A. |
| 50th | ” | R.F.A. |
| 51st | ” | R.F.A. |
| 52nd | ” | A.F.A. (taken from the Ninth in January). |
| 23rd | ” | A.F.A. |
| 29th | ” | R.F.A. |
| 32nd | ” | R.F.A. |
[74] The enemy opposing us consisted of the 1st and 24th Bavarian Reserve Divisions.
[75] A Short History of the Great War, p. 257.
[76] The original Green Line consisted of the strongly-wired trenches immediately west and north of Fampoux. Shortly before the attack on the 9th April the final objective was altered so as to include the hostile positions just west of the Roeux-Gavrelle road and the village of Fampoux.
[77] Major Sir J. Campbell commanded the 11th, and Major Macpherson the 12th Royal Scots in this action.
[78] Brig.-General Tudor, who was assisting the Fourth Division, received news of the battle so late that he had no time to reconnoitre.