behind our forward line. Later
it was found that the 5th positions required more strength, and "A"
company were sent up for that purpose, while Capt. Baker was ordered to
take his company to form a defensive flank behind the 6th, for the New
Zealanders were still echeloned to the rear. Evening of September 2nd
thus found the 6th at the tip of a sharp salient, and the enemy still
very active in front, with his shelling steadily increasing in
intensity. "B" company were thus ordered to continue the advance on the
right and attain the final objective, slow and complicated work for it
all took place in the dark. First the 1,500 yards from Riencourt to "C"
company had to be traversed, and from there it was another 1,000 yards
to the required position; meanwhile the enemy was continually shelling
with 5.9's at important points and with whizz-bangs promiscuously.
Nothing was known of the enemy in front, and the situation on the right
was equally obscure. Patrols worked cautiously ahead however and
fortunately no opposition was encountered, so that the final objective
was made before dawn.

As daylight broke on the 3rd Sept. it was found that the next village,
Barastre, had been rapidly evacuated by the enemy who had left a
quantity of material behind him. Although the men were dog-tired "B"
company sent out a large fighting patrol to try to get in touch with
him, but they traversed well beyond Bus, the next village, and returned
according to orders without seeing him. Meanwhile a squadron of cavalry
(Scots Greys) had been ordered up, and they preceded the advance of the
125th brigade who by this time were marching through in accordance with
previous plans. They encountered Hun rearguards near Ytres, but the
attack was resumed at once, and in the course of the next two days the
enemy was pressed back into the Hindenburg system in the vicinity of
Havrincourt.

The Manchesters had now the opportunity of seeing how great an
organisation must follow in the wake of advancing infantry. First came
the field guns, drawn by teams of mules, followed by the 6-in.
howitzers, bouncing along in jolly fashion over the uneven roads behind
motor lorries containing their ammunition. Then the observation balloons
appeared, still observing, at a height of about 100 feet, being pulled
steadily by motor conveyances. Intermingled amongst these were staff
cars, ambulances, motor lorries for all purposes, infantry transport,
D.A.C. waggons and vario