Short, sharp struggles took place at various points, but the
Boche were overpowered, and eventually a good line was established on
the objective. "C" company lost 2nd-Lt. Harland, M.C., and Lt.
Lofthouse, both wounded, while "D" company, although keeping their
officers, had Sgt. W. Brown killed.
The next phase of the battle comprised the attack of "A" and "B"
companies who passed through the first objectives and advanced to the
top of the ridge. Lieut. H. N. Kay of "B" company was shot dead at close
range during the clearing of a dug-out in the early stages of this
fight, while later on this company suffered heavy casualties, Sgt.
Green, D.C.M., M.M., being killed and Sgts. Guttery and Gleeson wounded.
On reaching the final objective Lt. Douglas carried out work of the
greatest value in the organisation of his company. In spite of the
strongly increasing enemy shell-fire he moved about amongst his men with
such coolness and disregard for personal danger that his example
inspired the men for the strong counter attacks which later took place.
For his splendid leadership and initiative he was afterwards awarded the
Military Cross. Capt. Grey Burn and his company on the right were having
an awkward time from enemy snipers, but he organised his now small
numbers very carefully, and personally kept the enemy under close
observation. Seeing an enemy concentration in progress, evidently for a
counter-attack, he quickly gave information, and the gunners were able
to disperse the enemy with a very effective barrage.
Pages:
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170