In this manner the high ground near the
Brown Line was reached, but the company was suffering from fire both
from the front and the right flank. 2nd-Lts. Siddall and Gapp were
wounded, as well as three platoon sergeants, and there was no knowledge
as to what had happened to "D" company. At this moment the Germans
developed a counter-attack from the right in a manner to be expected
from an intelligent and courageous enemy. The obvious thing for them to
do was to cut in behind "B" company's right flank and attempt to regain
a footing in "Unseen Trench" which had just been taken from them. From
an offensive force we were suddenly transformed into a defensive force,
and the men were still out in the open. Wilson drew back his right flank
so as to face the Huns, but kept his left in touch with the 6th on the
road in front of the Brown Line, and from this position, the men being
disposed in shell holes, "B" company held up the enemy attack and
defended the ground won. The Huns were on higher ground and when they
had been finally driven to earth they kept up vigorous sniping at very
close range, a form of fighting that we returned with interest. Pearson
was hit in the stomach and later died on the way down, so that Wilson
and C.S.M. Shields were left to control the remainder of the company.
The arrival of 2nd-Lt. Smith with signalling apparatus enabled
communication to be obtained with battalion H.Q. Lt. Wilson outlined
the situation and was told in return that the L.
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