on
to bombing, and our Airmen freely besprinkled enemy territory with
their bombs by day, whereas the foe rarely attempted raids over our
lines during daylight. However, after dusk, the air was filled with
the planes, as the weather was particularly favourable, and the hum of
the machines coming and going was incessant throughout the whole
night. At times one could scarcely get any sleep for the continual
drone they made, like the hum of gigantic bees around their hives. One
thing certain was that we had almost complete control of the air and
both out-numbered and out-witted the enemy to a marked extent. (p. 081)
It was most unpleasant to hear the noise of the hostile planes drawing
nearer, for one could not mistake the beat made by the German machines.
The amount of bombing experienced by us was quite bad enough in all
truth, but we used to smile when contemplating what our foes must be
suffering at the hands of our Airmen, as truly it was ten times worse.

During this period the two counter offensives were progressing
favourably in the south, and we suspected that something would be
doing on our front before long, as the din of battle was creeping
further north. It came as no surprise, therefore, when serious
fighting commenced north of the Somme, and the enemy retreated from
Serre and later withdrew in error from Ablainzevelle. As soon as he
discovered his mistake he attempted to retake it, but, by that time,
our men were firmly lodged there and could not be shifted from the
village.

In the middle of August, to everyone's satisfaction, it became known
that we were to be up and doing at no distant date, and preparations
were immediately and silently set on foot. Throughout each night a
continual stream of teams and wagons conveyed thousands of rounds of
ammunition up the line to battery positions, and fresh dumps were
placed in forward localities. New battle positions were constructed in
advanced positions and stocked with shells, and we only awaited the
order to occupy them. Instructions were issued to wagon lines that all
surplus kit and stores were to be left behind, as a strenuous time was
in store for us, and all ranks responded with a will to the hard work
these preparations necessitated. Drivers were elated at the prospect
of a change from their humdrum existence, and their enthusiasm knew no
bounds. New reinforcing batteries appeared like mushrooms during the
night, and lay safely ensconced in their app