| |
|August | 20 | 4 | 16 | 4,650 | 205 |
+--------+------+-----------+-----------+----------+-----------+
|Total | 72 | 19 | 53 | 12,150 | 791 |
+--------+------+-----------+-----------+----------+-----------+

Our two best days occurred on August 6 and 12. On the 6th a large
movement was observed in the early hours, indicating a relief, which
was reported to the Division at once by wire. So that when the relief
was continued at night, our artillery were prepared to deal with the
German parties moving in or out of the trenches. On this day alone
1126 infantry and 55 transport vehicles were seen on the move. The
42nd Division Intelligence Report of August 7 reported the matter as
follows:

'Relief south of the Serre-Mailly Road which commenced on a
large scale on the morning of the 6th was continued during the
evening; between 6.50 and 8.20 P.M. 197 men with packs in
nineteen parties came towards the front line past Q. 6. a. 95.
80. These parties were engaged by H.A. with great success.
Casualties caused being estimated to be at least fifty; four
direct hits were obtained on a party at 7.15 P.M., and on one
occasion an out-going party was seen to have a free fight with
an in-going party to gain possession of a sunken track or trench
in Q. 6. a. Total hostile infantry seen by Divisional O.P. on
the 6th reached the high number of 1126.'

The observers had their share in those fifty casualties, as Pte. F.
Turner went to Rose O.P. and directed the Sergeant Gunner in charge to
the proper map reference of the German troops. That 6-inch battery
shot superbly, and I wish I knew the Sergeant's name. The G.O.C. sent
his congratulations to the observers on the day's work.

On August 12 at 6 A.M. the observers informed me that the Germans had
been seen going out of their trenches in large numbers and all
carrying packs, rifles, and boxes as well. On this I sent a pigeon
message to the Corps, saying that the enemy might be retiring now. As
it happened this was quite correct, as the Germans admitted themselves
a few days later in their communique.

I also wish to put on record an act of kindness to the observers by
the Division and Corps. On August 8 the enemy began to shell the
neighbourhood of Adam O.P. rather severely with a 5.9-inch howitzer
battery. As this went on, I rang up D.H.Q. and asked if anything coul