We were standing close to an orchard, and some of us were killing
time and quenching thirst by picking apples from the overhanging
trees, when the enemy opened fire with their guns and their rifles.
We were quickly formed into positions allotted to us, and advanced to
the attack supported by the Irish Rifles, who were moving slowly, as
their job was to cover our rushes with rifle fire. Our own artillery
opened out, adding to the frightful din, and making us think we had
been transported to the infernal regions. Soon we reached the village
and found the Germans occupying the houses in strong force. Every
house was a little fort, and the infantry were firing from the windows
furiously, picking us off as we came along. In some houses they had
machine guns mounted at the windows with which to sweep our line of
advance. On another house a big gun was placed in position, and some of
our sharpshooters were told off to pick off the men working it. This
they did in a short time, and it was silenced. Seeing that, the Germans
attempted to send up a new gun’s crew, but they had to pass under fire
when they came out on the roof, so that our men lay there picking them
off as fast as they showed their heads. That went on for over an hour,
but they didn’t get their gun manned, for every man who tried it was
shot down. After that they gave it up: _A Wounded Corporal_.