One night when it was unusually wet and miserable and dreary, and some
of us had got all the humps that ever were seen on a camel’s back, the
Assembly sounded, and we were paraded at midnight. We fell in, glad
to have something to take us away from our miserable surroundings.
We didn’t know what the move was when we were marched out into the
darkness, but we didn’t care much so long as it was warming work. We
tramped through weary swamps and soaking wet fields for nearly five
miles, and then we were halted near to a line of German trenches, while
scouts went on ahead and the remainder of the force was being conducted
to its assigned position. Just when some of us felt like having the
creeps all over because of the uncanny stillness of everything, a
rifle shot rang out, followed by others, and then there was a regular
volley. We lay down quickly and tried to peer into the darkness to see
something to aim at. There was nothing: and then their artillery opened
fire all along the line. Shells kept bursting all over us, and our
horses began to get restive. By now the whole of our attacking force
was in position, and our artillery opened fire at the points where the
attack was to be delivered. The order to advance was given quietly,
and we sprang to our feet with right good will. Some of us went down
again jolly quick under the German fire, but we kept moving on, and by
that time the Germans were losing the range. We were supported by an
infantry brigade that had to clear a line of trenches on the right.
The four battalions opened out in extended order and pressed slowly
towards their goal. Men dropped quickly, dotting the line of advance,
but in less than half an hour our lads were ready for the tiger-spring
that never fails. The Germans met them with a heavy rifle fire as they
climbed the last slope, and when they got to the top they were assailed
by twice their number of infantry armed with the bayonet. At one point
the line broke, and our lads fell back in some confusion. Reserves
were pressed forward to feed the fighting line, and the advance began
again. Once more the Germans were too heavy for our chaps, and again
they were forced back. They halted for a little to take a rest and then
began again. They dashed up the slope like wild cats and closed with
the Germans, who were by this time getting tired of it. There was no
falling back this time, and though it was very hard work indeed, the
whole line of trenches was cleared and the Germans sent flying: _A
Trooper of the 15th Hussars_.