We were found eventually and the brigade major aroused us from
slumber to transmit the news.
Once again the 7th rose up, shouldered their burdens, and strode
backwards. "What are we going back for? What does it all mean? We held
up Jerry yesterday--why retire?" It all seemed very unsatisfactory and
we were very tired. Food had naturally been scanty and only obtained in
snatches, but much energy was being consumed. It was a disappointed
battalion that straggled wearily through Logeast Wood. We were only just
in time, however, for advance parties of the enemy were already entering
the east side of the Wood as we emerged from the south-west side. Here
we found some explanation of things. Col. Wedgewood, of the 6th,
reported bodies of the enemy moving forward to strike in on our southern
flank, and this news had the effect of an electric shock amongst us.
Col. Bromfield at once ordered positions to be taken up to face the
enemy who were advancing from the south and south-east. "A" and "D"
companies moved out quickly to seize the high ground and one or two
Lewis guns opened fire at the bodies of grey figures in the distance.
Meanwhile, however, the brigadier had decided to cover the
Bucquoy-Ablainzevelle road, and so touch up with the 62nd division, who
had some hours previously occupied a position from Hebuterne to Bucquoy,
and were at that moment resisting violent efforts on the part of the Hun
to turn our right flank. It was, therefore, in the latter village where
we met the gallant Yorkshiremen of the 2nd line West Riding
Territorials.
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