G. fire. Yet, through
this the runners and stretcher bearers performed their appointed tasks,
and there was no period when perfect touch was not maintained between
the C.O. and any part of the front line and also back to brigade H.Q.,
nor were there cases of wounded men being left unduly exposed after they
had been hit. The constant stream of runners, etc., of both battalions
converging on the H.Q. dug-out, exposed to observation as it was, soon
made the truth of the matter plain to the enemy, and he began to pay
attention to it with 5.9's. An anxious moment came when he hit the
entrance and buried a number of men standing in the improvised steps.
All were extricated, however, and those who were wounded carried away.
The entrance was cleared, steps constructed again, and the work carried
on as usual. "D" company lost its commander again, for Lieut. Morten was
hit, and this left Lieut. Gresty in charge.
Evening again brought a welcome respite, and it was decided to minimise
casualties by reducing the garrisons of the front trenches, for by now a
sort of trench had been made and a little wire had been put out in front
the previous night. One platoon per company was taken out and sent back,
where they were placed under the command of Col. Blatherwick of the 5th,
who remained in brigade support. Daylight of March 28th brought a
resumption of the enemy effort at least to straighten his line and
masses of Huns could be seen gradually collecting in the Nisson huts.
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