r the town. In July the Huns smashed down
all the bridges over the river with shell fire and then attacked in
overwhelming numbers, with the result that amongst the sand dunes, being
unsupported either by artillery or infantry, the battalions on the east
of the river were completely blotted out. Very little progress, however,
was made against the 32nd division, and their line remained more or less
intact. It was impossible to retake the lost ground, for the wide river
mouth had now to be crossed. This incident altered the whole face of the
situation, for a general advance over the inundated sector alone was out
of the question, and the scheme was given up. A number of guns was
brought up to form an effective background to the infantry and that was
as far as matters developed.

When the 42nd arrived they found, by a curious chance, the 66th division
in charge of the coast sector. This division was composed of the 2nd
line battalions of our own units, so there was a tremendous amount of
interest in each other displayed by both sides. Friends met friends, and
opportunities for these meetings were further afforded by the fact that
most units relieved their own 2nd line battalions.

The 7th, after a novel experience of being carried up to the coast on
motor 'buses from Winizeele, were "debussed" at Coxyde, where they
billeted themselves comfortably in the deserted houses. The Boche had
paid this place some attention prior to his attack in July, and had not
really left it alone, so that the civilians had made a rather hurried
departure. A few had elected to remain, and were to be seen walking
furtively about the streets with that curious strained look that the
war-driven peasantry of France and Belgium always wore. Here we met the
2nd battalion of the Manchesters, and were glad of the opportunity to
make their acquaintance. A 7th officer, then Capt. L. Taylor, was
amongst them and it may be mentioned here that later in the war he added
lustre to the Fleur de Lys by winning, with the 2nd Manchesters, the
Military Cross with two bars, which decorations he fortunately lived to
carry home after the conflict. Whilst here the 2/7th being anxious to
prove their mettle, challenged us to a game of football, from which we
carried off the honours by a comfortable margin. Needless to say, this
match excited considerable enthusiasm.

After a couple of days we took over the brigade support position, where
we were charmed to find ourselve