e and
masses of Huns could be seen gradually collecting in the Nisson huts. In
the previous days the 18-pounders had kept this spot under fire, but
Col. Bromfield decided to call for howitzer assistance to smash down the
earth walls round the huts, a plan which met with great success. Our
shells dropped plumb amongst them, and Huns could be seen dashing about
in all directions in search of more effective cover. Our shrapnel
barrage had been considerably improved also, and the moment the enemy
left their positions it promptly came down and drove them to earth
again. The 7th were worn out, and the men were losing their spruce
appearance, but rifles and L.G's. were kept clean, and amidst the
terrific shelling of that day they asked for nothing better than that
Jerry would try to come across to give them an opportunity for revenge.
The enemy's guns had increased in number, chiefly the heavy variety, and
it was now his obvious intention to blow us off the ridge. The heavy
pounding never ceased. Many gallant deeds were performed by runners,
stretcher-bearers and ammunition-carrying-platoons through this inferno.
Lieut. Bagshaw was awarded the M.C. for his work in leading ammunition
fatigues, but the supreme decoration of all--the seal of death--came to
a large number of the Fleur-de-lys. Amongst the officers--Capt. Tinker,
Lieut. Walter Thorp and Lieut. Ludlam were killed outright, while
Lieuts. Woods and McLaine were mortally wounded.

After a final effort in the late afternoon to advance against our
positions in a line of small sections, which was met with the usual
devastating fire, the enemy gave it up and occupied the remaining hours
of daylight with fierce shelling. Our heavy artillery had at last
returned and got to work and their shelling began to have effect, for it
was noticeable that the Boche shells were now arriving from a greater
distance than formerly. The 6th had an exciting episode that day. A
party of courageous Germans, led by an officer, had pushed forward and
were throwing bombs amongst them. Lieut. Mall decided this must be
stopped, and he led one platoon over in a short sharp charge. Fifteen
Huns were bayonetted, and Mall returned triumphantly with the officer
and one man as prisoners. They proved to be Jaegers, and although the
officer told us nothing the man was very voluble. It was some comfort to
find that of one fresh battalion that had entered Ablainzevelle, about
forty only remained. A couple of