Touch was obtained with the 62nd division
in Ribecourt, and it was found that the VIth corps had had great success
in their part of the battle, so that already the advance was proceeding
towards Marcoing.
"B" company's effort was really a separate story. As soon as "D" company
had disappeared over the crest in front of the Red Line they continued
the advance. 2nd-Lt. Pearson was on the extreme right and he had been
instructed to keep touch with the L.F's. From the beginning, however, he
had not seen them, and his platoon was moving along "in the air," and
naturally meeting with strong resistance. They had not expected to meet
the enemy for another 1,500 yards if events had worked out "according to
plan," but they were now fighting them at every step. Gallant deeds were
performed in dealing with Hun machine guns, and many prisoners were
taken, but greatest of all were the achievements of Pte. Jack White.
Single-handed he rushed a machine gun post, bayonetted the man on the
gun and pursued the remainder of the team with fire, inflicting
casualties. Later on he again rushed forward alone to a strongly held
trench, but was killed practically on the parapet. His name was
recommended for a V.C., but unfortunately nothing more was heard of it.
In view of the heavy casualties, Lt. Wilson went across to Pearson and
told him to close his platoon slightly towards the left, in order to
keep a cohesion in the company, for it was evident that the Hun
resistance promised to be strong, and there was no hope now of
assistance from the right flank.
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