Whilst our party was breaking into the enemy’s trenches or perhaps even before, a party of the enemy, approximately 25 to 30 strong, succeeded in getting away from the front line trench and making their way back to the Weisse Steinmauer, but were again driven back by our artillery fire, and now came running towards Stradtmann’s patrol. The latter, apprehending a counter-attack, opened fire. Ersatz Reservist Walzer, of the 11th Company, followed by Under Officer Staiger, of the 10th Company and others, raised a cheer and charged the Englishmen, bayoneting two of them. Those who did not put up their hands and surrender, were killed.
Lieutenant Erb had soon caught up Dumas’ patrol and took part in the subsequent fighting, which was practically continuous, for almost every one of the enemy offered resistance. With hand grenade and pistol, Dumas’ patrol killed more than 20 of the enemy, besides wounding a large number. In this fighting Volunteer Hees, of the 6th Company, particularly distinguished himself. Always to the fore, he alone accounted for several Englishmen. On our side only one man was slightly wounded.
In consequence of the events described above, Dumas’ patrol remained in the enemy’s trench considerably longer than intended. When all the other patrols had returned to the Hohlweg, the Dumas-Erb patrol was still missing.
Hereupon, Lieutenants Boenig and Stradtmann, with several non-commissioned officers and men, went back to the enemy’s lines and searched the trench to the left until they met the Dumas-Erb patrol on its way back. Here again Under Officer Nössler, of the 11th Company, 110th Reserve Infantry Regiment, distinguished himself.
At 8.50 p. m., the last men of the entire party had returned to the Hohlweg and went back to their dug-outs.
At 8.51 p. m., the first shell fell on the front line trenches east of Sap No. 3.
At 8.57 p. m., the artillery commander was informed that the artillery fire could be gradually broken off.
At 9 p. m., a heavy battery near Albert dropped a few shells near Sap No. 3.
At 9.05 p. m., the conclusion of the operation was reported.