But these were searching days for
everyone, when physical endurance and mental stamina were stretched to
their furthest limit. As the day wore on, the guns that we had seen in
the distance gradually came into action against us until shells were
raining down continuously on all parts of our line. Obviously, the enemy
infantry had given up the hope of further progress, for our men were
like terriers, keenly watching for the slightest sign of a Hun helmet,
and the artillery were left to do their worst upon us. Just before dusk
the M.O., Capt. Philp, was killed by a shell whilst bending over a
wounded man on a stretcher. No cover could be found for an aid-post, and
it had to be established in the open at a convenient spot on the ground.
In fact, the only dug-out in the area was that occupied by H.Q., and it
was shared by Col. Wedgwood of the 6th, so that two battalion H.Q. were
confined in a spot no more than seven feet square, while the entrance
faced the enemy in an exposed part of the road.
Darkness had brought quiet at last, but no rest. Rations had come up and
they had to be distributed. Similarly with ammunition and water. Also
the enemy might attempt a night assault, for it was not to be expected
that he would be satisfied with this very pronounced re-entrant in his
line. The 6th, whose line ran close to the edge of Ablainzevelle, sent a
patrol into the village. The small parties of Boche fled at their
approach and left two M.G's. in their hands.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134