That is, the
British front would consist of a series of posts, each self-contained,
but mutually supporting, that would act like a huge breakwater to the
Hun waves. In accordance with this general idea, the line near La Bassee
was reconstructed, and a good deal of hard work was put in during those
winter weeks. Later, when we heard how well the 55th division had
stopped the enemy in the localities that we had done so much to perfect,
we felt a good deal of pride and satisfaction that they had proved a
success, and complimentary messages were exchanged between Maj.-Gen.
Solly-Flood and Maj.-Gen. Jeudwine, commanding the 55th division. A
combination of the work and fighting qualities of Lancashire men had
been too much for the Hun.
It must not be imagined that it was all a bed of roses on this front,
for the enemy had his unpleasant moments, particularly at night. There
was a steady flow of irritating casualties, and when Corporal O'Connell
and Pte. Bowie of the regimental police were killed at headquarters one
night, we felt that old familiar faces might not be so permanent amongst
us as might be supposed. The cruel disruption of war was ever present.
Still we had the satisfaction of knowing that the Boche received as much
and more than he gave. The battalion snipers occasionally registered
hits, and in this type of warfare there was plenty "of good sport" to be
had owing to the short distance across No Man's Land and the large gaps
in the sides of the enemy trenches.
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