Extract from John Buchan's "History of the War," Vol. VII.:—
"Early in the morning of Thursday, May 13th, a day of biting north winds and drenching rains, a terrific bombardment began. . . . . The infantry on the left of the cavalry were fiercely attacked, but contrived to hold their own. . . . . The London Rifle Brigade had lost most of its men in the earlier fighting. It began the day 278 strong, and before evening 91 more had gone. One piece of breastwork was held by Sergeant Douglas Belcher with four survivors and two Hussars, whom he had picked up, and though the trench was blown in, and the Germans attacked with their infantry, he succeeded in bluffing the enemy by rapid fire, and holding the ground until relief came. That gallant stand, for which the Victoria Cross was awarded, saved the right of the 4th Division. . . . ."
[Lieut. Trevelyan and "A" Company.]
20th May, 1915.
![[Lieut. Trevelyan and "A" Company.]](#554794819204116998_i-10.jpg.id-6701022485833589587.wrap-0.html.html){kind=link}
"A" and part of "B" Companies were in the front line. "C" Company garrisoned three fortified supporting points. The rest of "B" Company and "D" were in support. The reinforcement of the front line commenced at about 8 a.m. (the shelling on the Battalion's sector had started at 4 a.m.). The distance between the front line and the supports was about 900 yards.
The shelling did not cease till 6 p.m. Later in the evening the Battalion was withdrawn to the second line.
Captain Oppenheim, D.S.O., was wounded on this date, and Lieutenant H. L. Johnston took over the duties of Adjutant. He was subsequently confirmed in the appointment, and held it till April 7th, 1916, when he took over command of a company, being succeeded by Captain F. H. Wallis.
May 14th.
This evening the Battalion moved into the trenches in front of La Brique, which it had dug less than a week before.
May 15th.