A
good deal of wanton destruction had been carried out by the retiring
Hun, but on the whole the countryside presented a normal appearance, a
most welcome sight to eyes wearied with the scenes of devastation, and
an important factor also in keeping up the morale of the troops.
Eventually the N.Z's. were relieved, and it was found that a very
skilful and determined enemy lay in front. Subsequent events, indeed,
showed that the strongest remaining division in the German army, the
25th division, had been put into this sector. They had been conserved
during the recent fighting, and on the prisoners who were captured
clothing and equipment were brand new. They had a proud record extending
right through the War, and claimed they had never received a beating
from any British troops. (They were soon to meet their Waterloo.) The
126th brigade were detailed to deliver the first shock of assault. Their
objective included, after crossing the Selle River within point blank
range of the German M.G's. and rifles, a deep Railway Cutting east of
the main Solesmes road, Belle Vue Farm, and the ground immediately
beyond the railway. The 127th brigade were to go through when these
positions had been made good and occupy the high ground overlooking
Marou, a small hamlet on the final objective, which was to be taken by
the 6th Manchesters.
The battle opened at dawn on October 21st, and after very heavy
fighting, in which one exceptionally large number of the enemy stood and
fought hand to hand and were killed with the bayonet; the 126th brigade
took all their objectives in splendid fashion.
Pages:
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197