the limbers were sent
up to the position, and the guns were withdrawn the same night and
placed in action in the railway cutting immediately behind the ridge
to the south of Flesquieres.

It became evident, after the experiences of the previous day, that, as
long as we remained in this awkward salient, we would undoubtedly be
exposed to further attacks at the hands of the enemy. The Germans
meanwhile had concentrated huge forces in the vicinity, so a
continuation of our advance was now out of the question, and a
modification of our front was decided upon. The infantry (p. 065)
constructed a new line running north of Flesquieres Ridge, and, as
soon as it was completed, our troops fell back on it under cover of
darkness, unperceived and therefore unmolested by the enemy, who only
made the discovery on the following day, and then cautiously followed
up until they came in contact with us once more. The salient presented
a curious aspect at night to those inside it, and we seemed to be
almost surrounded by Verey lights, as indeed we were, except where the
narrow neck led out towards Metz.

The enemy did not, as was expected, attempt any further operations on
a large scale, but contented himself with making things very
uncomfortable for us. In spite of our withdrawal, the line was still
saggy to a large extent, and he could bring his guns to bear on any
part of the salient and enfilade it. He also paid much attention to
bombing, and his planes came over at dawn and dusk and caused a good
deal of damage. The wagon lines came in for their share of
unpleasantness, and in the course of a fortnight we were forced to
quit no less than three positions in turn. The battery was specially
handicapped by the colour of its horses, and was evidently easily
spotted by hostile aircraft, for we had more than our share of ill
fortune at this period. To take the worst case that befell us, one
night the wagon line lost 35 horses. A covey of enemy planes had been
over at daybreak, and apparently made a mental note of our location,
as they returned the same evening and dropped several bombs, though,
strange to say, no damage was effected. However, towards midnight, a
4.2 battery suddenly opened fire with instantaneous fuse action, and
many casualties were inflicted before the horses could be removed,
owing to difficulties in the pitch darkness.

The most wonderful fact in the whole proceedings was that, although
there was little or