ratus enabled
communication to be obtained with battalion H.Q. Lt. Wilson outlined
the situation and was told in return that the L.F's. had not yet reached
Boar Copse, having met with powerful resistance. He was further ordered
to hang on to his position and wait until the L.F's. had drawn up in
line. Meanwhile a company of the 5th was sent up to strengthen the
flank. Continuous touch by means of patrols were kept with the enemy,
and his movements were carefully watched. Within 300 yards were a couple
of German 77 m.m. guns, pluckily worked by the gunners at point blank
range until our machine gunners, who had now arrived, co-operated with
L.G's. from the 6th and ourselves in putting them out of action. They
were taken by the 10th in the night. Meanwhile Gresty and the company of
the 6th on the Yellow Line had been ordered to fall back 300 yards to a
less isolated position, and a sound front and flank was thus
established.

The battle had now reached a stage when the next move would be ordered
by the brigade or even by the division. Careful observation of the enemy
led us to suppose that he was weakening and Gresty and Wilson intimated
that when the L.F's. arrived at the Brown Line, having re-organised
their companies, they should be prepared to continue the advance in the
7th sector. Division had decided otherwise, however, and had ordered up
a battalion of the 126th brigade. Rapid preparations were made for a
night attack to complete the divisional task, the 10th Manchesters to
cover the 127th brigade front and the L.F's. to continue on their right.
Before nightfall, the enemy having withdrawn from the trenches
immediately in front, "B" company pushed on again and established a good
line running north and south in front of the Brown Line, and touching up
with the L.F's. who had now arrived. This considerably simplified the
work of the 10th, who were able to assemble in the night on an even
front.

The night attack was a success. The Huns were evidently demoralised and
put up no fight at all, surrendering in large batches without firing a
shot when our men arrived at their dug-outs, so that the Blue Line was
made good before dawn. Then came the work of exploiting success, and on
the 42nd divisional front this was carried out by the 8th Manchesters,
and the 5th East Lancs., the 126th brigade having taken over the front
during the afternoon of Sept. 28th. They were able to make good progress
over Welsh Ridge before enc