The billets of the Battalion in reserve.
]
During the greater part of this time A, B, and D Companies retained the
right, centre, and left positions respectively, each one being relieved
in turn by C Company when it was due for a tour in support. For the last
two tours A and B Companies changed round in order to give B Company a
rest from the centre sector, which had the reputation of being the most
trench mortared. From the neighbourhood of Battalion Headquarters we had
a very fine view of the whole of the enemy’s trench system and the
country behind his line, and sniping with artillery became one of the
principal amusements. It was great fun chasing groups or single Huns
about behind their lines with whizz-bangs or sniping with a 60-pounder
at the intrepid cyclist who rode into Hulluch regularly every afternoon,
and the effort to knock down Wingles Tower was another constant sport
for the heavier artillery. We got to know the gunners very well in these
days. In addition to having the liaison officer actually with the
Battalion, most of their observation posts were in the neighbourhood of
our headquarters, and the F.O.O. usually dropped in to see us on his way
up to ask if anyone wanted to do a shoot.
[Illustration: