The Cross Roads.
]
The end of it was that at midnight we had orders from Brigade to
withdraw to positions at Hallu. We could hardly believe it, but the
orders were clear enough. The enemy was very close, and the withdrawal
had to be done with great care. It took a long time creeping, section by
section, along the grass border of the village road, out beyond the
village, until it was safe to march in column of route on the road
itself. The withdrawal was made in perfect order, without casualties,
and we took up positions at Hallu by 3.30 a.m. About 5 a.m. it was
possible to inspect the new line, and a gap was found between ourselves
and the 9th East Surreys on our right. A Company, now commanded by Capt.
J. H. Selfe, moved up from support to fill the gap.
[Illustration: