Douglas, was
selected to provide the attackers. They were back in reserve, close to
Batt. H.Q., and on suitable ground for carrying out a quick rehearsal.
Also it was decided that the best method of clearing the Boche would be
by bombing. The battalion bombing officer was Lieut. Gresty, who
belonged to "D" company, and he was put in command of the attacking
party, 2nd-Lt. Gorst, at his own request, being detailed to assist him.
The post captured the previous night was the "jumping off" place, and
the plan was to work along the enemy trench to the right, clear it by
bombing, and so get to the Triangle. The whole operation was a huge
success, and never did the eager fighting qualities of the Fleur de Lys
show up to prouder advantage than in the display given by "D" company
that night. The unexpected direction of approach took the enemy
completely by surprise, for our men had not proceeded far before they
caught a working party out in the open. There was a short scrap, but
most of the poor Jerries had no weapons handy, and they ran off
squealing and chattering like a lot of monkeys, leaving their dead and
wounded behind. Our men pushed on quickly, anxious to make the fullest
possible use of the surprise element, until the northern corner of the
Triangle was reached. Here they split up into two parties, Gresty
continuing the original direction, and Gorst turning along to the right.
The latter party found the trench strongly occupied, but the enemy were
so oblivious of what was happening that they were busy "dishing out
stew" for the evening meal.
Pages:
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163