"We are two miles short of Noreuil in the valley. We have been wandering on the downs in a heavy snowstorm. We never quite lost our way, but it was almost impossible to keep the tanks together. I will send in a report. The men are dead-tired."
"How long will it take to get to the starting-point?" I asked.
"An hour and a half at least," he replied wearily.
"Stand by for orders."
It was 1¼ hours before zero. The men were dead-tired. The tanks had been running all night. But the Australians were out on the railway embankment and dawn was breaking.
I went to see the General, and explained the situation briefly.
"What will happen to your tanks if I put back zero another hour and we attack in daylight?" he asked.
"My tanks will be useless," I replied. "They will be hit before they reach the German trenches—particularly against a background of snow."
He looked at his watch and glanced through the window at the growing light.
"It can't be helped. We must postpone the show. I think there is just time to get the boys back. Send B. to me."