Again, the 125th brigade, who were on our right, and
also on the higher part of the shoulder, were to open the 42nd
divisional assault half an hour ahead of ourselves.
About 8 o'clock "C" company led the way out of the dug-out and took up
their assault positions near the front line. At the appointed hour,
following behind the 5th, they moved forward to the attack, in the
formation which we had practised so frequently, and which was the most
suitable for the large frontage that had to be covered. All four
platoons were in line, and each platoon was divided into four sections,
the two rifle sections on the flanks, and the two L.G. sections in the
middle and echeloned to the rear. This was the artillery formation
useful for covering the ground previous to the actual assault, each
section moving in file (_i.e._, two ranks) well opened out. When close
to the enemy position the platoons extended and formed two lines, with a
L.G. in the centre of each line, and riflemen on the flanks. Every
Company went over in this formation, and strict orders were issued that
no man was to enter the enemy trenches for the purpose of covering the
ground, but to keep out in the open, otherwise great confusion would
arise, and officers would lose control of their men.
Misfortune greeted "C" company from the start. Capt. Allen, M.C. and
2nd-Lt. Ray were killed immediately, and casualties were soon very
heavy. It was evident the enemy was making the most of his superior
position and the clear sweep of ground.
Pages:
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186