[Major A. S. Bates.]
20th May, 1915.
![[Major A. S. Bates.]](#554794819204116998_i-08.jpg.id-7117099768567242341.wrap-0.html.html){kind=link}
There is no doubt that, during their advance from about 1,000 yards till they got into dead ground, the Germans suffered fairly heavy casualties from the rifle fire of the two companies on the right, and this may possibly have deterred them from trying to leave the dead ground. With the assistance of the two companies of the 4th Yorks and one company of the East Lancs, which was also attached to the Battalion, the damage to the trenches was almost all repaired during the night, and all the wounded were evacuated.
May 3rd.
On this night the line was readjusted, and the whole Brigade retired through the new line in rear without a single casualty.
May 4th.
The actual withdrawal commenced at 12.45 a.m., commencing from the right of Battalions. Wieltje was timed to be reached at 1.45 a.m.
The casualties over the period April 25th to May 4th were 16 officers and 392 other ranks.
May 4th—8th.
These days were spent at various places in the woods behind Vlamertinghe resting, reorganising, and dealing with accumulations of mail.
May 9th.