It was empty with the exception of one dead man who had just been
killed by one of our shells. He was quickly carted back, but with great
difficulty for he was a big heavy fellow, while Gorst and Horsfield
searched along the trench both ways for more Huns. None were to be
found, however--evidently our inexplicable shelling had scared them off
altogether. Still the dead man was good enough for the purpose, for he
furnished the required identification, and his regiment was immediately
wired to H.Q. There had been no relief, so calm reigned once more.
The spirit of "Go one better" inspired Lieut. Wilkinson and a few of his
transport men to perform deeds of "derring do" in the line, for one
night they came up and captured a German G.S. wagon from No Man's Land.
It lay just in front of our line near the Serre Road and had evidently
been abandoned during the New Zealand counter attack in March. A bridge
of duck boards was put over the trench and Wilkinson and his men went
out and skilfully dragged their prize back to safety. Its arrival at the
transport lines next morning was naturally the occasion for great
rejoicing and hero-worship, after the sensation caused by dressing up
the driver in a Boche tin hat and great coat. On another night Sgt.
Aldred with a small party made an exceptionally plucky effort to enter
an enemy post and was afterwards awarded the M.M. After eight days of
such work as this in the front line we moved out to Bus in divisional
reserve to enjoy a most pleasant few days under canvas.
Pages:
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159