BATTLE OF CAMBRAI
The move from the line to Ste. Catherine Camp was the beginning of
a series of movements, some leisurely, some hasty, which eventually
brought the battalion into position to take its part in the Battle
of Bapaume and the second Battle of Cambrai. The breaking of the
famous "Hindenburg Line," on which the enemy had lavished such skill
and pains, and on which it was evident he placed such firm reliance,
finally altered the method of warfare from the concentrated attack on
an organized trench system to the battle of movement in unfortified
areas.
But before briefly describing the systems of the Hindenburg Line,
and the general trend of the battle, the preceding movements of our
battalion must be sketched.
On the evening of August 18th we moved back from Ste. Catherine Camp
to the village of Anzin, two or three miles north-west of Arras,
with instructions to move again very early next morning. This we
certainly did, as we rose about 2 a.m., and had finished breakfast
by 3 a.m. About 6 a.m. we moved down to the railway line between
Anzin and St. Aubin--Artillery Point was the name of the spot--and
entrained. A pleasant journey in open trucks on the light railway,
which twisted and turned amid green woods and cornfields smiling in
the lovely summer weather, brought us to Monchy Breton, about twenty
miles west-north-west of Arras and some five miles north-east of St.
Pol. Here we detrained and marched on about three miles to Magnicourt,
another delightful little French village, which had escaped the
destroying hand of war and nestled peacefully amid pleasant rural
surroundings. Instead of the ordinary hutted camp that had formed
our home at Anzin, we were billeted in comfortable farmhouses. We
remained here for two days, doing a little quiet training; while some
of the more privileged attended, on August 21st, a Tank lecture and
demonstration at Monchy Breton. After settling down comfortably for the
night, we were suddenly roused up again and told to be ready to move
forthwith.
At 2.15 a.m. we were again on the march, and after passing through
Chelers and Tinques, arrived about 3.45 a.m. at Penin, some nine miles
due south of our starting-point. After breakfast all ranks turned into
bed for a good sleep, "Reveillé" being at noon. It was a gorgeous day,
but terribly hot, and the effect of the morning's sleep, coupled with
the heat, made everyone feel very lethargic. At 9.25 the same night we
set off once more, this time due south, passing Givenchy, Lignereuil,
Grand Rullecourt, and Sus St. Leger, and reaching Ivergny at 2.45 a.m.
on August 23rd. The march had been somewhat complicated by our having
to cut across a Canadian Division moving west-north-west. We expected
to renew our nocturnal rambles that night, but we were left in peace
for twenty-four hours, resuming our march at 2.15 p.m. on August 24th
in a north-easterly direction through Sombrin to Barly, some ten miles
away, which we reached at 6.45 p.m.
At Barly we remained two days, making final preparations for the
offensive. Seven officers and sixty men were detailed for the "nucleus
party," and Major C. W. Wilson was appointed to command the Brigade
"nucleus." At 11.30 p.m. we left Barly for Ficheux area, arriving at
Le Chat Maigre at 2.45 a.m. on August 27th. Here we made a halt, and
lay down to rest in the open fields. The march had been made in a fine,
clear night and under ideal conditions, and the bivouac was really
delightful.
The proximity of active hostilities was evidenced by (among other
things) a number of tanks, both large and small, which waddled up the
road near us. But the conditions were very different from those at
Passchendaele the previous year. There you saw only an interminable
stretch of mud and water, with never a living thing to vary the
monotony of the scene except soaked and muddy soldiers. Here, on the
contrary, we had fine rolling country, dry and firm, which even a spell
of wet weather did not convert into a muddy swamp. Ripe corn stood
ready for the cutting, birds sang, and save for the distant rumble of
the guns all was peaceful and still. The villages, it is true, were
razed to the ground and often half overgrown with grass and weeds--sad
reminders of the first Battle of Cambrai; the ground was scarred and
pocked with shell-holes, and the ravages of war were only too obvious
in many other ways. Yet even in the war zone itself the open, rolling
country was always pleasant to the eye, and the ground dry and firm
except during actual rain.
At 11 p.m. we moved off to another field a few miles away at Mercatel,
arriving soon after midnight. What might be described as our "circular
tour of France" was now drawing to a close. These night marches, with
all the comic incidents connected with night bivouacs, the confusion
of settling down or setting off in the profound darkness, which the
restless bombing 'planes made imperative, were soon to be but pleasing
memories. One march more was to bring us to the Hindenburg Line.
At 11.30 a.m. we moved off, and in due course arrived at St. Martin,
just in front of the redoubtable Line, and the Commanding Officer
proceeded to the place forthwith. Meanwhile the men settled down
in shell-holes amid the ruins, while Battalion Headquarters was
established deep down in a dug-out under the remains of the church.
Walking wounded and German prisoners were much in evidence. After a
short delay the battalion moved in for the night into the Hindenburg
front line, with all its mass of trenches, wire, and dug-outs--a truly
magnificent work, but looking somewhat forlorn now that the tide of war
had rolled eastward.
At 7 p.m. on August 29th we moved a little farther along the line,
which here bent back in an easterly direction. This brought us to a
point nearly due east of Fontaine Lez Croisilles, which was some 2,500
yards away and in close vicinity to the other two Brigades of our
Division, which were already in action.
At 10 a.m. the battalion was ordered to take up its position as Brigade
Reserve, the 2/7th and 8th Battalions K.L.R having moved up to form a
defensive flank during the attack of the Canadian Division on Upton
Wood, which was about a mile and a half west of Fontaine.
The companies took up ground positions on the south-west and south-east
of Fontaine respectively.
At 6.30 a.m. on August 30th the Brigade took over the front line from
the 170th Brigade, of our Division, and the battalion concentrated west
of Fontaine. We had now come into the fringe of the battle zone, and
had three men killed and four wounded. We remained in this area till
the next day, August 31st, when we received orders at 9.30 p.m. that we
were to attack on September 1st at 6.5 p.m.
Before describing the attack it should be stated that it was the final
stage of the Battle of Bapaume, which had opened on August 21st on the
whole front of the Third Army and the left wing of the Fourth Army. It
finally resulted in the capture of 3,400 prisoners and 270 guns, and
the advance of the line Roye (on the Amiens--Noyon road) to Arleux,
ten miles north-west of Arras, up to a line which ran west of Nesle,
Peronne, and Bullecourt. In other words, the enemy had been driven
right across the old Somme battlefield, and the northern portion of the
Hindenburg Line had been pierced. The action in which the battalion,
in conjunction with other troops, took part was intended to complete
the success which the previous day's fighting had won, and prepare the
way for the next great assault. The following extract from the _Morning
Post_ dated September 3rd, 1918, is worth quoting at this point.
* * * * *
"THE LANCASHIRES' ACHIEVEMENT.
"The breaking of this line was an intricate operation, and a detailed
account of its accomplishment would be too technical for the average
reader. It is sufficient to say that the Drocourt Line is a series
of parallel trenches in two groups, known as the front and support
systems, running northward out of the Hindenburg system near Quéant,
and in front of the villages of Cagnicourt, Dury, and Etaing to the
River Scarpe. Against the greater part of the line--that is, from
Etaing on the Scarpe down to Cagnicourt--the English troops and
Canadians had only simple front and support trenches to cross. On
the right, however, the great triangle of closely woven ditches and
tunnels was a much harder obstacle, and our progress in this region
has been much slower in the preliminary stages of the advance. You
know the trouble caused by Bullecourt and Hendecourt, even more by
Riencourt, all of them lying fast in the meshes of the joined defensive
systems--Hindenburg and Drocourt--a solid mass of earthworks over three
miles deep, riddled with secret refuges and machine-gun emplacements.
"Before the main attack could be made it was essential that we held
Hendecourt and Riencourt. That was effected yesterday evening by
Lancashire troops. Bullecourt had already been prized loose from the
Hindenburg Line by Londoners after several sanguinary efforts and
severe counter-attacks. Riencourt had withstood all blows by reason of
its commanding position, a group of village walls on a slight crest
encircled by trench protected by outlying redoubts. The Lancashires
facing it knew its worth. Hendecourt, besides Riencourt, was hardly
less difficult a nut to crack. They had been fighting without rest in
their conquered portion of the maze. Two days running they delivered
attacks at noon, followed by one at four o'clock the next morning. The
same night--the night of Sunday--they went out to storm these citadels
of the Hun that the victory of to-day might be complete. They found
both village ruins full of Germans and machine guns. It was the usual
mixed experience, surrender in the open and resistance in the cellars.
Some of the Germans ran away, others rallied under their officers.
[Illustration: MŒUVRES, INCHY, AND CANAL DU NORD
Oblique Aeroplane Photograph.]
"Riencourt and Hendecourt contained many German bodies when they were
left quiet, deserted by the forward surge of the battle front, the
survivors of grim hand-to-hand encounters with the Lancashire men and
their bayonets. All night long the 'mopping up' continued. Hardly had
the secret places been declared clear when the Lancashires had to
attack again and take up their share of the greater advance at dawn.
The Canadians and their brother Britishers on their left know the
debt they owe these stout lads of the North, whose unflagging efforts
enabled them to attack with easy minds, knowing their flank would be
secure.
"Riencourt captured, the striking troops were within easy reach of the
Drocourt Line. At Riencourt itself the distance was not over half a
mile. Higher up the Canadians on both sides of the Cambrai road were
closer at some places. Their front was nearly straight. Before them
were unobstructed fields, little scarred by shell, with dull red banks
of tangled wire stretched taut in front of the white band of trenches,
the ground behind rising gently with the tips of broken roofs and the
Church towers of the villages laid against the rain-swept sky of grey.
* * * * *
"It is now necessary to return to the Lancashire men who were on the
Canadian right. They had to attack and pass through the triangle I
have described, east of Riencourt. Some of them followed behind the
Canadians, then slipped south-east into the trenches and mopped them
up. By last accounts they were working satisfactorily down the line of
the triangle, and clearing out nests of machine guns. The drive through
to Buissy was a phase of the attack following this operation of the
Lancashire men.
"This despatch is necessarily very incomplete, for the battle is still
going on and news comes back slowly. Fresh German divisions are no
doubt coming up. The Canadians on Mont Dury at eight o'clock could see
masses of grey moving westwards at several places; and although some
of the German artillery had begun to drop back, the bombardment was
still very heavy. The intermixture of enemy troops is extraordinary.
In one narrow Canadian sector prisoners have been taken from seven
different divisions. Lancashires on the right have taken them from six
divisions. There are Saxons, fresh 1st Guards Reserve, battered 2nd
Guards Reserve, bits of the 30th from Bapaume, and the 12th Reserve
from Bullecourt; 7th Cavalry Division, fighting dismounted, and badly
at that, and apparently other relics of the fighting of the past three
weeks served up with fresh dressing, in the shape of a few rested
divisions from 'the back of beyond.' It is a most disorderly order of
battle. Something appears to have cracked besides the Drocourt Line."
* * * * *
To return to actual details. At 4.40 a.m. on September 1st the 2/7th
and 8th K.L.R. attacked and captured Hendecourt, and advanced to a line
running from Terrier Alley (about 1,000 yards due west of Riencourt) up
Greyhound Trench to Hendecourt Chateau, about 1,000 yards due north of
Riencourt.
The 2/6th K.L.R., in conjunction with two companies of 2/7th K.L.R.
on our left and the 52nd Division on our right, were now to attack in
the evening and capture Riencourt Lez Cagnicourt, and consolidate a
line 500 yards east of the village. The formation was two companies
in front--"C" Company (Captain Williams) on the right and "B" Company
(Captain Robinson) on the left; "D" Company (Lieutenant Noon) was in
support, with "A" Company (Lieutenant Sage) in reserve.
After spending the night of August 31st-September 1st in an area just
west of Fontaine, the battalion moved forward by Crux Trench at 3.15
p.m. in the order "B," "C," "D," "A." The trench at this point was
extremely shallow, and there can be little doubt that the movement of
the battalion was observed.
[Illustration: THE CAPTURE OF RIENCOURT
2/6th The King's (Liverpool Regiment)
_To face Page 210._]
The forming-up positions were as follows: The front line companies
moved on a line running along the lower part of Terrier Alley, and
thence in a northerly direction across to Greyhound Avenue, on the
southern edge of Hendecourt, which positions had been captured by the
2/7th K.L.R. in the morning. "D" Company were some 300 yards in rear in
Morden Trench; "A" Company were some 1,200 yards farther back.
The orders were that the Hendecourt--Bullecourt road was not to be
crossed till 5.15 p.m. Just at this moment as the companies were
moving to cross this road an aeroplane came over, flying very low, and
immediately afterwards the enemy artillery opened out on Crux Trench
and the road with 5·9's and gas shells, causing many casualties to both
"B" and "C" Companies, including many N.C.Os. The aeroplane also fired
several belts of ammunition at the men as they lined up.
In spite of this bombardment, the companies moved steadily to their
appointed positions, and were ready at 6 p.m., and great credit is due
for this to their platoon commanders. Just before zero (6.5 p.m.) the
barrage of the right Division (52nd) opened, which caused the enemy to
drop a protective barrage on our front also. Luckily, this fell about
100 yards in rear of our companies, and no harm was done. At 6.5 p.m.
our artillery opened on the barrage line for three minutes, during
which period the two leading companies (with two platoons in front and
two in support) advanced through the 8th K.L.R. and moved forward with
sections in "worms" up to the barrage. This at zero plus three minutes
moved forward at the rate of 200 yards in eight minutes, settling down
finally for ninety minutes on the German side of our objective, Emu
Alley and Wolf Trench, the far side of Riencourt.
The moment the barrage lifted the enemy opened on our forming-up line,
shortening from time to time, but so well did our men keep up to our
own barrage that the enemy's was always behind us.
The first opposition was encountered by the right platoon of "C"
Company, who were held up by heavy machine-gun fire. The supporting
platoon at once commenced an enveloping movement, which apparently
disheartened the foe, as the post retired into a dug-out, out of which
they were bombed, and the survivors made prisoners. "B" Company then
advanced again with three platoons in front, though as progress was
made sections darted off to deal with individual posts. "C" Company
encountered little opposition till they approached the west edge of
the village, when our own barrage, unfortunately, came back 200 yards,
causing considerable casualties. A third platoon was accordingly
sent forward to reinforce, and just at this moment heavy machine-gun
fire was opened from the sunken road. No. 6 Section promptly dashed
forward and successfully dealt with this nest of machine guns, when the
company proceeded to deploy and move through the village, "B" Company
continuing the line from the southern part of the village to the
Brigade boundary.
The enemy now concentrated his artillery fire on the village, and both
companies sustained somewhat serious casualties. Moreover, some of the
enemy had gone to ground, and, reappearing after the leading wave had
passed through, came up and opened fire on them from behind. A section
was consequently detached to put a stop to this, and successfully drove
the enemy back into the arms of "D" Company, who were "mopping up,"
twenty-one Germans being taken prisoners.
During the passage of the village 2nd-Lieutenant Anderson (No. 5
Platoon) became a casualty, and Sergeant Adlington took over command;
while in "C" Company 2nd-Lieutenants Upward and Paterson were both
wounded. Corporal Stevenson, finding both his platoon officer and
sergeant out of action, assumed command of his platoon and led them
successfully to their final objective in a masterly fashion.
After passing through the village, where numerous prisoners had been
taken, the companies advanced steadily over difficult country to their
final objectives. These were reached by "B" and "C" Companies at 7.10
p.m. and 7.15 p.m. respectively.
Shortly before this 2nd-Lieutenant T. L. Williams (No. 11 Platoon)
was most unfortunately killed by a shell, and his place was taken by
Sergeant Warren, who took the men over to their objective, which he
consolidated with marked ability.
The enemy still held out with one very determined machine-gun party at
Wolf Alley, and the advance was slightly checked. Rifleman Dury, with
the utmost coolness, scored a direct hit on the gun at point-blank
range with a rifle grenade, and the whole gun team were taken prisoners.
At 7.25 p.m. the contact aeroplane passed over as prearranged, and
the flares were lit. By 9 p.m. both companies had completed the
consolidation of their objectives, and on the right were in touch with
the Scots Fusiliers. The left company, however, had not succeeded in
getting touch with the 2/7th K.L.R., so Captain Robinson and Corporal
Lee set out at 9.45 p.m. to try and find the right post of the left
battalion. Soon after starting they ran into a party of the enemy,
consisting of one officer and twenty-one men, which was apparently
working round our left flank. The enemy proceeded to get his machine
gun into action, but the officer and N.C.O. who were attending to it
were promptly shot dead by Robinson and Lee, while five men of the
party were killed as they tried to take cover, whereupon the remainder
at once surrendered. For this fine performance and his general conduct
throughout the operations, of which too much cannot be said, Captain
Robinson received a bar to his Military Cross, while Corporal Lee was
awarded the Military Medal.
The left battalion was located about 10 p.m., but being 500 yards away
two sections were moved up from "D" Company to fill the gap, the rest
of that company forming supporting posts. They had done their "mopping
up" well, and took fifty prisoners in Riencourt itself.
Such is a brief and bald account of the taking of Riencourt, a feat of
which the battalion may well be proud. The barrage that fell on them
as they were moving forward to their assembly positions might well
have disorganized the attack. As it was, the N.C.Os. and riflemen rose
to the occasion as their seniors became casualties, and carried on
admirably. Some names have already been mentioned, but some additions
must be made. Rifleman Lewis, after his Company Sergeant-Major and
the other N.C.O. at Company Headquarters were knocked out, took
charge of the Headquarters personnel and kept up communication with
all concerned. Rifleman Prior on liaison patrol tackled a German
party of eight men with such determination that two were killed and
the rest captured. Sergeant Haigh proved a skilful and bold platoon
commander; Rifleman Dodd an equally dashing section commander. Riflemen
Hatton, Fairclough, and Atkin ran backwards and forwards unceasingly
throughout the action, keeping up communication; while Rifleman
Mount, as stretcher-bearer, was untiring in his efforts, and entirely
regardless of danger. He organized enemy stretcher parties, and many
of the battalion wounded undoubtedly owe their lives to his energy and
resource.
The resistance offered varied. Generally speaking, from covered
positions it was determined. One or two groups certainly gave in rather
too readily. One party in particular of the 66th (Würtemberg) Regiment,
sixteen strong, issued from a dug-out, pushing in front of them the
usual Red Cross man. This fellow came along holding his medicine chest
at arm's length, with an expression on his face of "I am touching wood"
which was really comical.
The total prisoners captured by us that day amounted to 170, with 13
machine guns and a trench mortar. As against this, we had 1 officer
killed and 3 wounded, 19 men killed and 95 wounded.
The following criticism of a German Sergeant-Major, made to the
Divisional Intelligence Officer, may be quoted here in the form in
which it was passed on to us.
"57TH DIVISION P. OF W. CAGE,
"2-9-1918.
"A.D.C. FOR G.O.C. 57TH DIVISION.
"In the course of a conversation with a Sergeant-Major of the 7th
Cavalry Division, this N.C.O. expressed warm admiration for the British
as soldiers, and particularly for the way in which the attack was
carried out when he was captured. He said he had not seen a finer
attack, and knew how an attack should be carried out, because he had
formerly belonged to a 'Sturm' Battalion.
"He said that the infantry were into the trenches the moment the
barrage 'lifted,' and this was confirmed by an artillery Observation
Officer, who also mentioned that the attack had been very smartly
carried out.
"The N.C.O., when asked what badges the attacking troops wore, said
they were green diamonds.
(Sgd.) "S. A. SPALL, _Lieutenant_,
"_Intelligence Officer,_
"_57th Division_.
"_September 2nd, 1918._"
* * * * *
Hearty congratulations on our success were received both from the
Commander-in-Chief and from our more immediate Commanders.
In this action, in addition to the rewards already mentioned, Captain
Williams and Lieutenant Harris were awarded the Military Cross, and
twelve men the Military Medal.
The next morning the Battle of Cambrai and the Hindenburg Line opened
with a general attack by the Third Army; and before nightfall we were
three miles behind the front line, the 172nd Brigade of our Division
and the 63rd Division having passed through us. We had a magnificent
view of the battle, and the sight of our artillery galloping up and
opening fire was a most welcome reminder of the new type of warfare
which was now taking the place of the old. After one peaceful day we
were ordered, on September 3rd, to concentrate in the vicinity of
Hendecourt, where the rear headquarters, transport, and "nucleus party"
joined us.
Here we remained quietly, cleaning up and training, till September 6th,
the only excitement being a high velocity gun which shelled us on that
day, wounding two men.
This day we received orders to move into the line in the vicinity of
Inchy the next day (September 7th), in order to relieve the 190th
Brigade, of the 63rd Division. Accordingly, at 10 a.m. our advance
party set off to the trenches, followed in the evening by the rest of
the battalion.
The Royal Fusiliers, from whom we took over, were in support, and the
relief was complete at 2 a.m. on September 9th. The rear headquarters
and transport meantime moved to Quéant. Nothing of any moment happened
this day in the line. We were issued with a defence scheme, from which
we learnt that the Guards Division were on our right and the 2nd
Canadian Division on our left; while we were to be responsible for the
main line of resistance, a section of the Hindenburg Support Line about
1,200 yards in extent running round the south-west outskirts of Inchy.
"A," "D," and "C" Companies were in front, and "B" in support. The
other two battalions were responsible for the temporary main line of
resistance, east of Inchy.
[Illustration: THE ROAD TO CAMBRAI.
2/6th The King's (Liverpool Regiment)
_To face Page 216._]
Later on during the day these orders were altered, but only in the
matter of exact frontages. At "stand-to" on September 10th "D"
Company dropped in for some attention, 2nd-Lieutenant Green, who had
but recently joined, being wounded, along with one or two others.
Otherwise little happened. On September 11th the 2/7th and 8th K.L.R.
attempted, at 6.15 p.m., to establish posts on the Canal du Nord.
This great canal stands roughly north and south about 1,000 yards
east of Inchy and about 500 yards east of Mœuvres, the latter place
being just over a mile south-south-east of Inchy. The ground had been
excavated to a great depth, and very large banks constructed, but the
canal had never been finished and contained no water (_see_ photo.).
It was, notwithstanding, a formidable obstacle, being 20 feet deep in
places, though the embankment had been pierced in places for roads and
tram-lines. Opposite Mœuvres the canal banks were in some places quite
low.
The attempt of the other two battalions to establish posts proved
unsuccessful, and at 10.15 p.m. our "C" Company was pushed forward to
replace "A" Company of the 8th K.L.R. in the Hindenburg Line.
At 12.55 a.m. on September 12th orders were received for our Battalion
Headquarters to join Headquarters of the 8th K.L.R.; and we were warned
that as many as three companies might be required to form a defensive
flank north-east of Mœuvres. At 3.30 a.m. "A" Company was ordered
forward for this purpose, with instructions to form platoon posts in
Cemetery Trench, just north of Mœuvres, and to gain touch with the
170th Brigade on the right. It was now nearly daylight, and the company
experienced the greatest difficulty in gaining its position, as there
was no cover, and touch was not obtained with the 170th Brigade. At 6
p.m. the enemy counter-attacked on the Inchy--Mœuvres line, and "A"
Company, finding itself being outflanked, after hard fighting was
obliged to withdraw. In the course of this movement Lieutenant Sage,
the Company Commander and a very gallant officer, and seven men were
killed, and twenty-one men wounded.
That night the battalion was relieved by the 2/4th South Lancashire
Regiment and one company of the Munster Fusiliers. This was completed
at 5.30 a.m. on September 13th. Our new dispositions were two companies
in the Buissy Switch and two in the Hindenburg Support north-east of
Pronville. After remaining here for two days we learnt, on September
15th, that we were to be relieved by the 52nd Division and go back
for a short rest. Taking everything into consideration, we had had a
pretty strenuous time since we left Anzin on our preliminary marches,
and after our first arrival in the battle area had had our share of
fighting and shelling. There was, of course, no cover from the weather
except in trenches. Villages had for the most part long since ceased to
exist, and were but grass-grown mounds with notice boards to indicate
what places they had once been. Our casualties had been fairly heavy,
and the reduction in officers and N.C.Os., of course, threw extra work
on the remainder, whose opportunities for sleep and rest, small as they
were likely to be in any case, were thus further curtailed. A few days'
rest and all would be well again, so we greeted the news that we were
going back for a while with no little pleasure.
The relief by the 7th Cameronians commenced at 1.30 p.m. on September
16th with Battalion Headquarters, "A" and "D" Companies. This was
finished by 4.30 p.m. "C" and "B" Companies could not be relieved
till after dark, but had finished by 11.30 p.m. There was very little
hostile activity during the relief, only two men being wounded, and the
companies made their way back to Croisilles for the night in their own
time.
Next day, September 17th, we moved to Boyelles, and entrained there at
4 p.m. for Saulty. Here we detrained and marched to Barly, arriving
there at 7.10 p.m. Our rest at Barly will live long in the memory of
the battalion. We had enjoyed periods out of the line before, but never
was any place so acceptable as Barly. Everyone arrived full of that
comfortable feeling which only hard work well done can produce. All
were pleasantly tired, but quite ready to make the most of the golden
hours so long as they should last. Even the senior officers of the
battalion became light-hearted and youthful. Were not the Commanding
Officer and the Padre seen hurrying up the main street with pockets
and arms filled with bottles of "bubbly," and in no way disconcerted
on reaching the Mess to find that a supply had already been obtained?
Our stay lasted till September 25th, and during that time we rested
and trained, cleared up and repaired, and generally made ready for the
resumption of the offensive.
The second instalment of "Cheerio," published by the "Whizzbang
Press," and edited by Rifleman Wheway, of "B" Company, duly made its
appearance, and was acclaimed as a great journalistic success. The
"Cheerios" Concert Party made its début here, and produced a really
first-class entertainment in the Cinema on September 22nd. As to the
doings of these artistes more will be said hereafter.
A number of officers joined us at Barly--2nd-Lieutenant Alty, D.C.M.,
and 2nd-Lieutenant Shirt on the 18th, 2nd-Lieutenant Hardy on the
21st, 2nd-Lieutenant D. R. Williams on the 22nd, and Lieutenant
Kissan on September 23rd. As against this, more than one officer was
now suffering from dysentery brought on by shell gas, and Lieutenant
Penrice, Captain Robinson, and 2nd-Lieutenant Lever had to be evacuated.
Captain Robinson in particular was a great loss. His command of men
was truly remarkable. Forceful and brave in the extreme, he had at
Riencourt the opportunity to show the stuff he was made of, and proved
himself a fine officer. Lieutenant Kissan took over command of "B"
Company.
On September 25th we learnt that our rest was over and that work was
before us once more. At 8.40 a.m. on September 26th we entrained at
Saulty and proceeded to Vaux Vraucourt, which was reached at 3 p.m. A
march took us thence to our concentration area near Quéant, which we
reached at 5 p.m. At 2.50 a.m. on September 27th the battalion moved
forward from the concentration area to the first assembly position,
which was in the Hindenburg front line about 500 yards south-west
of Pronville. This was reached at 4.30 a.m. At zero (5.20 a.m.) the
battalion moved forward to the second assembly position, which was
about 600 yards west of Mœuvres, arriving there at 12.30 p.m.
The battalion now opened up into artillery formation and advanced
across the Canal du Nord, through an arm of the Hindenburg Support
Line, and on to some high ground about a mile east of Mœuvres. Here we
settled down and waited for the attack to develop.
* * * * *
The scheme of operations was on a large scale. The 52nd and 63rd
Divisions were to capture the first objective (Red Line), which ran
north and south just beyond the main system of the Hindenburg Support
Line; and then the second objective (Brown Line), which ran through
Anneux Chapel round Anneux to east of Graincourt. After this, the
171st and 172nd Brigades of the 57th Division were to pass through and
capture the third objective (Blue Line), which ran round the east side
of Fontaine, west of La Folie and east of Cantaing. The 170th Brigade
were then to seize the crossings of the Canal de L'Escaut if not
already taken, and carry the attack farther. The Canadians on the left
and the Guards on the right were continuing the line of attack north
and south with the same relative objectives. The 6th Dragoon Guards
and Corps cyclists were in reserve; and orders were issued to make
a swift advance possible if the conditions should prove favourable.
In consequence of these movements, the accumulation of troops behind
the front line was very considerable. The country was similar to what
had been covered in the previous attacks, though perhaps some of the
rolling slopes were bolder and the sunken roads deeper.
* * * * *
Everywhere you looked were groups of men dotted about, and the enemy
proceeded to shell vigorously, as the force opposite his front was
only too conspicuous. At about 1.30 p.m. a message was received from
the 8th K.L.R. that the Sugar Factory beyond the Red Line on the
Cambrai--Bapaume road had not been captured, and that in consequence
the attack of the 57th Division could not take place.
There was nothing, therefore, to do but for the battalion to dig in,
which they proceeded to do under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire,
a none too pleasant task.
At 4.30 p.m. news was received that the 63rd Division had captured the
Sugar Factory; and at 5.30 p.m. General Longbourne, our Brigadier,
arrived at Battalion Headquarters. It now appeared that the attacking
divisions had made progress towards their second objective, and that it
was our turn to continue the operation.
Our instructions were to capture Cantaing Trench and Support. This
was a double line of trenches which ran in a south-south-easterly
direction from the south side of Bourlon Wood round the south-east side
of Anneux down to Cantaing. To reach this line we were to move down to
our objective from the north, using the section of Cantaing Trench and
Support that ran along the west and south sides of Bourlon Wood, and
obtaining cover from the wood itself.
It was decided to attack on a two company front--"D" on the right, "C"
on the left, with "B" in support and "A" in reserve. "C" Company was
responsible for the clearance of Cantaing Trench. Zero was 6.20 p.m.,
at which hour a twenty minutes' barrage was to begin. The companies
moved over at 6 p.m., but the barrage never came off. However, at
about 9.30 p.m. word was received from Captain Fell that, as neither
Cantaing Trench nor Support was half dug or continuous, he thought it
inadvisable to continue before daylight. This was approved.
At 4.30 a.m. on September 28th Captain Patteson, the Brigade Major,
arrived with fresh orders. The battalion were now to capture a trench
just west of Fontaine and round the southern edge of that place to the
east end of Cantaing, the attack to commence at 6.20 a.m.
The formation for the attack was the same as had already been detailed,
except that "B" and "A" Companies were given objectives on the left of
the attack.
Companies moved off at 6.15 a.m. and at 9.30 a.m. Captain Fell and
Captain Williams reported that they had gained their objectives and
were moving through Fontaine--where a Divisional Headquarters, complete
with maps and papers, was occupied--to take up positions on the east
side.
While proceeding to attack Anneux, Lieutenant James, commanding "A"
Company, was severely wounded. Notwithstanding, he carried on for
eighteen hours, and was only evacuated at length by the direct orders
of the Commanding Officer. For his gallantry on this occasion he was
awarded the Military Cross.
Platoon posts were established by the three companies, "B," "C" and
"D," east of Fontaine, "A" Company being on the western outskirts of
the village. The casualties were 2nd-Lieutenant Shirt and ten men
wounded. The same morning the 170th Infantry Brigade passed through us
to capture the Marcoing Line, which runs north and south about 1,400
yards east of Fontaine, but, having failed to do so, were withdrawn
through us early in the morning of September 29th. At 7.30 a.m.
on September 29th information was received that the Canadians had
captured the Marcoing Line as far south as the trenches just north
of the railway embankment which cuts the Cambrai--Bapaume road. Two
patrols from "D" and "B" companies were despatched in consequence at
9.30 a.m. to "mop up" the balance of this line north of the Canal De
l'Escaut. "D" Company's patrol reached the sunken road which runs from
the north end of La Folie Wood towards Cambrai, but were there held
up by machine-gun fire. 2nd-Lieutenant Waln and "B" Company's patrol
worked along the north side of the railway embankment, which runs from
about 100 yards north of Fontaine due east, till they got in touch with
the southernmost post of the Canadians in the Marcoing Line. Turning
south, he proceeded to clear the Marcoing Line, fighting his way with
the utmost coolness and gallantry. At the very outset several of his
men were knocked out by artillery and machine-gun fire, but he worked
his way doggedly along. Being presently reinforced by another platoon,
he completed the clearing of this section of the line, joining hands
finally with "D" Company's patrol at the southern end of this section
of the line. He finished his task at 6.30 p.m., and brought in one
machine gun and sixteen prisoners. For this very gallant performance,
which was highly complimented by the Canadians, 2nd-Lieutenant Waln
was recommended for the Military Cross, but was awarded a Divisional
Commander's Card of Congratulations only. Lance-Corporal Chambers was
awarded the Military Medal in the same connection.
At 3 p.m. news was received that the enemy was falling back, and an
attack on Proville Trench, on the east side of the Canal De l'Escaut,
was ordered. The same formation was prescribed as before, and the
advance began at 6.30 p.m. About 7.10 p.m. Captain Fell reported that
his company ("D") were across the Canal de l'Escaut, little opposition
being encountered. Shortly afterwards "C" and "B" Companies reported
to the same effect. "A" Company were remaining in reserve on our side
of the canal and La Folie Wood. But at this point our difficulties
began. "C" Company, as darkness fell, found themselves floundering in
a swamp, and could make no headway. "D" Company's left platoon reached
Proville Trench, but came under heavy machine-gun fire and were forced
back to the lock. The rest of that company were similarly checked by
the fusilade, and the company established itself in the vicinity of the
lock, about 400 yards west of Proville. Reference was made to Battalion
Headquarters, and instructions were issued to wait for the dawn to
renew the attack.
At 10 p.m. Battalion Headquarters moved up into La Folie Wood and
occupied some huts close to the canal, where they were shelled
continuously throughout the night with the utmost vigour. At 12.20
a.m. "A" Company was sent over the canal, and a further attack by the
leading companies was attempted. However, the enemy machine guns,
which had a perfect field of fire, were too much for the attackers,
and caused severe casualties. All that could be done was done,
Sergeant Bibby in particular distinguishing himself on this occasion,
but it became evident that a mere frontal attack was useless. It was
accordingly decided that "D" Company should renew the frontal attack
while "A" Company supported by "C" Company was to work round the sunken
road which ran from our right towards Proville. However, before this
order could take effect we were informed that the 2/7th K.L.R. would
take over and carry out this attack, which they did successfully, our
battalion being concentrated west of the canal by 4 p.m.
At 6 p.m. the 2/5th King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment relieved us,
and the battalion withdrew to bivouac in an open field just west of
Fontaine and on the south side of the Cambrai--Bapaume road. This
completed an awkward period of desultory but difficult fighting.
We took twenty-one prisoners, with one machine gun and one trench
mortar, but had two officers killed and two wounded, while among
the men there were fifty-nine casualties. The officers killed were
2nd-Lieutenant Purdie, a most popular and gallant Scotsman who had
been with us for a long while, and had seen active service during the
greater part of the war; and 2nd-Lieutenant Alty, D.C.M., who had only
joined us at Barly, but whose worth we knew, as he won his D.C.M. when
serving at Houplines in the ranks of the 2/7th K.L.R. Of the officers
wounded, Lieutenant James has been already mentioned; the other was
2nd-Lieutenant Shirt, who, like Alty, had joined us at Barly, and we
regretted his swift departure to "Blighty." Among the men the loss of
Company Sergeant-Major Woodward, of "C" Company, who was wounded during
the concentration in front of the Canal du Nord, was the most serious.
He was one of the very old members of the battalion who had risen
steadily to warrant rank. He was badly wounded and his subsequent death
in hospital was universally deplored. Company Quartermaster-Sergeant G.
Lane was promoted to fill the vacancy that had occurred.
[Illustration: Official Photograph by permission of The Imperial War
Museum.]
For the whole of September, during a good part of which the battalion
had been engaged in active operations, our casualties had totalled
as follows:--Four officers killed and 10 wounded; 47 men killed and
188 wounded; 13 men missing. Our "effective strength" was 34 officers
and 708 men, as against 42 officers and 919 men on September 1st.
Our "trench strength" was, as always, considerably lower than our
"effective strength," as the latter included everyone detached, whether
on duty or leave, who was not counted in the war establishment of
another unit. Moreover, the Transport, rear headquarters, and the 33⅓
per cent. forming the "nucleus party" have to be further deducted to
show the number of "rifles" available for fighting purposes.
The battalion remained in its present position till October 4th.
Our habitation consisted of the remnants of old enemy trenches and
shell-holes in an open field. To the west of this, at a distance of
some 200 yards from the nearest "bivvies," was a line of six 6-inch
howitzers, which was continued by six 60-pounders. These two batteries
were almost continuously in action, and were frequently engaged in
firing salvos for barrages, and the effects of their presence had to
be experienced to be properly appreciated. Except for these--and it is
a very big exception--we were quiet enough. On October 1st some shells
fell among our most eastern "bivvies" and wounded three men. Apart from
this we were not troubled; but the hum of aeroplanes filled the air
all night, while the detonations from bombs were sufficiently close to
remind one of the unpleasant possibility of our turn coming next.
The weather was fine and mild, but beyond cleaning up and repairing the
damage of war very little training was attempted, except some useful
demonstrations of the best method of coping with hostile machine guns.
On October 1st 2nd-Lieutenant Simpson and a draft of sixty men arrived,
which was a welcome reinforcement. The Adjutant had also returned from
the United Kingdom and resumed his duties, Captain Bowring departing
shortly after to England for a well-earned leave.
Rear headquarters and the transport remained in the field on the north
side of the Cambrai--Bapaume road close up to the south-west edge of
Bourlon Wood, where they had moved on the evening of September 29th.
Bourlon Wood showed little signs outwardly of the hurricane fire to
which it had been treated both in 1917 and again recently. It covers
a large area, but is chiefly composed of small bushy trees with but
few of the large and stately boles which show the effect of shell
fire so markedly. Inside the wood the scent of gas was still fairly
strong; while derelict tanks and endless fragments of foreign and
British equipment served to show what hard fighting had taken place
in its green glades. Forward of Fontaine the country to our immediate
front was far less bold in its hills and valleys than the ground that
we had traversed. It still consisted of rolling downs, but the slopes
were gradual and less pronounced; and whole areas, especially in the
vicinity of the canal, were dead flat right up to Cambrai itself,
of which one could obtain a good view from the high ground on which
Bourlon Wood itself stands. Columns of smoke could be seen rising from
the town, and not infrequent explosions showed that the enemy was
preparing for his departure.
An unpleasant incident had occurred with a "booby trap" at Riencourt,
which caused the death of a rifleman and hurled Quartermaster Smith to
a considerable distance. Consequently, when the fire by the Battalion
Headquarters tent suddenly blew up, lodging a considerable quantity of
hot potato in the eyes of the cook, we were somewhat alarmed. It turned
out, however, to be only a small bomb detonator that the heat had
exploded.
While we were in bivouac here word came that the Commanding Officer had
been awarded the D.S.O. Although he modestly referred to it as being
a recognition of the merit of the battalion, all ranks felt that it
was richly deserved. His unofficial exploits in rallying and taking
forward stragglers from other units had been noted with approval by the
men, and throughout the operations he had been conspicuous by his total
disregard of personal safety.
On October 4th we moved up from reserve into support with two companies
("A" and "B") in the Marcoing Line and "C" and "D" Company in support.
Battalion Headquarters were to have occupied the Chateau Pill-box at
the corner of La Folie Wood, but this was already in occupation, and
eventually they were accommodated for the night in a deep dug-out in
the sunken road some two or three hundred yards farther back and next
door to Brigade Headquarters.
Next morning (October 5th), most unfortunately, Brigadier-General
Longbourne was wounded while patrolling in front of the advanced posts.
Though his wounds were not at first thought serious, they proved worse
than had been suspected, and we saw him no more. He was a fine leader
of men, a most gallant gentleman, and as popular with the men as with
the officers. No one could wish for a better Brigadier.
The Commanding Officer assumed command of the Brigade, and Major C. W.
Wilson of the battalion.
The same morning Battalion Headquarters moved up to the Chateau
Pill-box. This was a small concrete erection, of no strength, and
the inside was literally covered with flies. Besides this there were
various wooden "bivvies" and slit trenches for the men, into which all
soon settled. A large number of demolition charges littered the ground
in wooden cases about the size of a box that would contain a dozen
bottles of beer. These charges seemed to have an unholy attraction
for some people. A pioneer was found hacking the casing off one for
firewood; the cooks made a screen round their fire with others; while
a signaller was found carrying one into the pill-box to put his candle
on. They may have been safe enough, but you can never tell.
It was certainly a most unpleasant corner that we were in. There were
8-inch howitzers just behind us which fired at frequent intervals,
while the enemy kept us pretty occupied with shells. We had several
wounded, two cooks in one instance, bending over their fire, being
simultaneously disabled by a "whizz-bang," and the breakfast
spoilt. All night long revised orders as to defensive positions to
be maintained along the canal bank kept coming in, which kept the
companies always on the move.
* * * * *
At 6.45 p.m. on October 6th we relieved the 8th K.L.R. in the front
line--"D," "A," "B" Companies in front and from the right, and "C"
Company in support. The line ran from a point in the Marcoing Line
about 300 yards north-north-east of Proville across the Canal de
l'Escaut, and right across an old German aerodrome almost to the
Cambrai--Bapaume road, where the Canadians carried on the line. "D"
Company were south of the canal, "B" and "A" Companies north of it.
Posts were for the most part in old houses and cellars. "A" Company
had an enormous covered concrete rifle range (_see_ aeroplane photo)
on their front. Their posts were at one end, and Company Headquarters
at the other--a most convenient arrangement, affording protection from
weather or hostilities for the Company Commander when visiting his
posts.
* * * * *
During this night rear headquarters and transport lines by Bourlon
Wood, to which the Padre and Lieutenant Hazell had been sent sick, and
Captain Bowring for a rest prior to going on leave, were visited by an
aeroplane and heavily bombed. The destruction caused by these terrific
explosions was very considerable. One man was killed and seven wounded;
while among the transport itself, which received the brunt of the
bombing, eighteen animals were either blown to pieces or so maimed that
they had to be shot. It was a horrible business digging out the wounded
men and putting the mutilated and screaming animals out of their pain,
and in the morning the place looked like a shambles.
October 7th passed off quietly with only intermittent shelling; but
next day there was a general attack by the Third Army on limited
objectives, which was connected with the turning of Cambrai from the
flanks, though but mild retaliation occurred on our front.
It was now expected that the enemy might fall back at any moment.
Active patrolling for the night of October 7th-8th was arranged by
the battalion scouts working in relief. As had been anticipated, no
enemy were located in the area bounded by the Cambrai--Bapaume road,
the Cambrai embankment, and the canal; but up to 4 a.m. machine guns
were still firing across the open country from the south bank of the
canal. By this time the general attack of the Canadians, which had
commenced at 1.30 a.m., had carried them up to the canal bridgeheads
without serious opposition. Accordingly all companies in the front
line were instructed to push forward small patrols, to be followed by
strong fighting patrols, to keep abreast with the Canadians. At 7.30
a.m. a general advance was ordered, and, after consultation with the
8th K.L.R., who had relieved the 2/7th K.L.R. on our right, we made
the following moves: "D" Company worked along the south of the canal
up to the railway embankment in front of Cambrai; "B" Company worked
along south of the Cambrai--Bapaume road, crossed the canal in front of
Cambrai by a footbridge; "A" followed "B" Company, to form the left of
our front line, which was now the railway embankment; while "D" Company
occupied "B" Company's old position as support.
By twelve o'clock our new line was established with three companies on
the line of the railway embankment running along the western outskirts
of the town, and piquets placed over all entrances to Cambrai.
Battalion Headquarters had moved from the canal bank up to the rifle
range.
At 2 p.m., the pursuit having swept through and past Cambrai, we were
concentrated for the night with "A" and "B" Companies in the rifle
range, "C," "D," and Headquarters in houses some few hundred yards
nearer the town itself. Our casualties from shell and machine-gun fire
for three days were three killed and twenty-eight wounded.
The capture of Cambrai was the end of our share in the battles of
Bapaume and Cambrai. The month of September and the early days of
October saw the final initiation of the battalion, and, in fact, of the
whole Division, into the mysteries of a great offensive. Looking back,
we have reason to feel that we acquitted ourselves with credit. The
following letter from General Sir Julian Byng, commanding Third Army,
to our Divisional Commander, is reproduced here by special permission:--
"I cannot allow the 57th Division to leave the Third Army without
expressing my sincerest appreciation of its services during the Battle
of Cambrai.
"The success that has crowned its efforts has been brought about by
careful preparation by the Staff, by skilful tactical handling by all
leaders, and by determined resolve of all ranks to beat the enemy.
"The Third Army's record of ground gained, of prisoners and guns
captured, is a fine one, and I owe my deepest thanks to all ranks of
the 57th Division for their fine share in the achievement."