ld up. It was
quite imperative to retake the ground lost, as he had captured
important points of observation overlooking the Salient. A counter
attack was set on foot, and we were suddenly called upon to help in
the preliminary bombardment and cover the assaulting troops, which
included a Brigade of Guards. Just before setting off, our B.C.
rejoined us once more, and at two hours' notice we made a beeline for
the scene of our future activity. At dusk we entered the ruins of
Ypres, and, without delay, proceeded to dig ourselves "in," behind a
convent, not far from the south side of the Cloth Hall.

Owing to the number of extra batteries assembled for the operations,
we found ourselves without a billet until the genial Commander of a
Pioneer Battalion, affectionately known to the entire Dominion Forces
as "Big Jim," and credited with innumerable deeds of "daring do," took
pity upon us, and invited us to share his hearth and home. This offer
we gratefully accepted, and accommodation was also provided for the
detachment, and all were made most comfortable.

The bombardment continued for three days, and it became clear, from
the enemy's counter preparations, that he was not going to give up his
newly acquired gains without a struggle. A most stubborn resistance
was offered, and the infantry were forced to fight hard for every foot
of ground that was eventually recovered. The bombardment grew in
intensity as the zero hour approached. Shortly after midnight, the men
went over, and, by breakfast time, had gained all that was required of
them, except at one or two points, which were taken without much
trouble later.

By the time affairs had settled down normally again, the Division was
due in the line, so the Battery pulled out for one night, before (p. 028)
transferring to our new zone, which was in the most northerly sector,
adjoining the one in which we had already been, and which had an even
worse reputation for unpleasantness.

After crossing the Yser Canal, the ground gradually rises towards
Pilkem Ridge, and the enemy was ensconced thereon in a kind of
stronghold known as the High Command Redoubt. Our trenches lay beneath
them, which gave us the feeling of being in a cup encircled round the
brim by our foes. During this particular tour, the Battery was split
up for the purpose of forming two forward sections, and the greater
part of the firing was done by the left section, whose position was
well inside the Salient