, through Peronne on
the left and Le Mesnil on the right. There was still a considerable
amount of transport on the east of the river, and it was expected that a
fight would follow to allow this to get away. After about two hours,
however, orders came to cross the river by the Eterpigny footbridge. A
route was taken across country towards this bridge, but there being no
gap through the marshes and undergrowth, the Battalion was forced to turn
aside through Le Mesnil village and, incidentally, to pass under a light
shrapnel barrage. It was not known that the village was in the enemy's
hands, but as soon as Z Company, who were leading, had reached the far
side, the remaining Companies were attacked. Again Y Company
distinguished itself, as did W and X Companies. They at once deployed,
and though driven towards the marshes, successfully checked the enemy and
eventually followed Z Company over the partially destroyed footbridge,
about 300 yards long, with the loss of only two officers, Lieut. D.F.
Charlton (killed) and 2nd Lieut. A. Dobson (prisoner), and about 20 men.
For his action Capt. J.F.G. Aubin, M.C., was awarded the D.S.O.

When all the Companies had been assembled on the west of the river a line
was formed, along with the remnants of another Division, overlooking the
marshes. By this time the day's fighting had died down, and things
remained fairly quiet throughout the night.

Early on the following morning, the 24th March, orders were received to
withdraw the Battalion to Foucaucourt. The Companies were therefore
assembled on the road and marched back by the main Amiens-Peronne road to
an old prisoners of war camp near Foucaucourt village. Further orders
awaited them there to be ready to move up again, and in about two hours
they were again marching eastwards. About 8 p.m. they were again in
position, in reserve, in a line north-east of Estrees.

The next morning the Battalion was hurriedly assembled and moved to
Genermont, south of the main road, coming under the orders of the General
Commanding the 8th Division. The situation here appeared to be very
serious, as the enemy was advancing rapidly. Without any very definite
orders the Battalion moved in artillery formation towards Marchelepot,
but before reaching it the 8th Division, who were holding the line, had
retired to the railway behind the village. Gaps along the line of the
railway were accordingly filled by W and Z Companies, but it soon became
necessar