t work for which both received the
M.M.

The signallers also suffered heavily. Wires were difficult to keep in
repair but the linesmen continued to go out during the heaviest
shelling, while others maintained a system of lamp signalling to the
brigade behind a pile of ammunition boxes until a 5.9 dropped plumb
amongst them with dire results. Other signallers at once found a new
spot and kept communication going. But these were searching days for
everyone, when physical endurance and mental stamina were stretched to
their furthest limit. As the day wore on, the guns that we had seen in
the distance gradually came into action against us until shells were
raining down continuously on all parts of our line. Obviously, the enemy
infantry had given up the hope of further progress, for our men were
like terriers, keenly watching for the slightest sign of a Hun helmet,
and the artillery were left to do their worst upon us. Just before dusk
the M.O., Capt. Philp, was killed by a shell whilst bending over a
wounded man on a stretcher. No cover could be found for an aid-post, and
it had to be established in the open at a convenient spot on the ground.
In fact, the only dug-out in the area was that occupied by H.Q., and it
was shared by Col. Wedgwood of the 6th, so that two battalion H.Q. were
confined in a spot no more than seven feet square, while the entrance
faced the enemy in an exposed part of the road.

Darkness had brought quiet at last, but no rest. Rations had come up and
they had to be distributed. Similarly with ammunition and water. Also
the enemy might attempt a night assault, for it was not to be expected
that he would be satisfied with this very pronounced re-entrant in his
line. The 6th, whose line ran close to the edge of Ablainzevelle, sent a
patrol into the village. The small parties of Boche fled at their
approach and left two M.G's. in their hands. Our patrols searched all
the low ground in front but could not find the enemy.

Next morning, March 27th, about 9 o'clock, the battle re-opened with
redoubled vigour. Fresh enemy troops had been brought up and they made a
determined attempt to push forward. A terrific bouncing barrage came
down upon our positions, but the men stood up to it, in spite of the
heavy casualties, and opened fire upon the groups of Boche who attempted
to get across the open. The main infantry assault took place near
Ablainzevelle, and here the 6th had the work of repelling them, but
af