Two days after this operation, orders were issued by the 12th Division for an attack on Hulluch. These orders were very complete and abounded in map references of the most detailed description. They point to a well-organized advance to secure an advanced line and put it in a state of defence.
The 37th Brigade, in which, it will be remembered, the 6th Buffs were serving, was to be strengthened by one company of the Northamptonshire Regiment and the 69th Field Company of the Engineers, was awarded a distinct task and was to join up with the 35th Brigade.
The divisional and attached artillery to cover the whole operation.
The start to be made from the trenches.
Orders were given for creating a smoke screen for about 1,200 yards.
This was to be most intense ten minutes before the start for the assault.
Although the men’s packs were left behind, they had much to carry, as it was intended to occupy what the assault had secured. The artillery was to open fire, and did so, at 12 noon, and at 1 p.m. gas and smoke commenced, the former till 1.50 and the latter till 2 p.m., at which hour the assault was launched.
The 7th East Surrey were ordered to detail a party to carry up tools, sandbags and wire, wherewith to consolidate the position when won. This battalion, together with the Buffs, was to hold what was captured.
The Buffs were, by map reference, given a separate and distinct part of the enemy’s trenches to assail and to make good; one end of their appointed portion was the east end of the Quarries, and the battalion was to join up with the East Surreys on their right and with the 35th Brigade on their left. Prior to the attack all troops were to wear smoke helmets with the fronts raised ready to be adjusted at a moment’s notice.
On these elaborate and clear instructions Colonel Eaton based his battalion orders, giving each company its place of assembly and all detail. The fifth paragraph of these orders reads: “The assault led by A Company will take place immediately the 35th Brigade reaches the line ‘54 to 82.’” Two hundred and fifty bombs were carried by each company.