-Cpl. Lockett of "C" company, who was in charge of the post
at the apex, took a couple of men and promptly counter attacked them.
Their leader, an N.C.O. with the Iron Cross and another man were
captured, while the rest made off again. Lce.-Cpl. Lockett was awarded
the D.C.M. for his sensible and courageous action. A good many
casualties must have been inflicted on the enemy during this night's
work for they left a number of dead and wounded behind, whilst several
others suffering from slighter wounds must have got away. They left
booty in our hands, and the large number of rifles and machine guns
alone indicated the strength of the garrison. Our men obtained plenty of
souvenirs, but they were sensible enough to hand over anything of
military value, which was returned to them after examination by
competent authorities. Useful disposition maps, and intelligence
reports, to say nothing of piles of letters and post-cards were thus
sent up for inspection, while during the next few days when visiting the
area occupied by "D" company one was greeted by the unwonted scent of
cigar smoke, for the Hun was ever a connoisseur on cheap cigars.
Heavy rain during the following days converting our new trenches into a
quagmire, the necessity for digging and cleaning up became all the more
urgent, although it entailed a heavy strain upon the men under most
uncomfortable conditions. As "B," "C" and "D" companies had each "had a
stunt" and covered themselves with glory, it now remained for "A"
company to do likewise.
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