men proceeded to Hulls
Farm Camp close by, on the Ypres road. This camp was occupied, however,
by the 4th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, which was moving up in the
afternoon to take part in an attack along the Ypres-Staden railway north
of Poelcapelle. Whilst lying in an open field waiting to occupy the camp
a visit was received from a squadron of Gotha bombing planes, and about
20 casualties were suffered. About 5 p.m. the camp was taken over. Here
the Battalion remained for three days, and had considerable experience of
Hun aeroplane bombs, fortunately without further casualties.
Exceptionally large working parties were demanded on each of the three
nights, and their experiences were perhaps worse than those of the tour
in the line which was to follow.

The third battle of Ypres was still in progress at this time, and
Passchendaele had not yet been taken. On the front between the railway
and Houthulst Forest, due north of Poelcapelle, the 149th Infantry
Brigade had attacked and advanced the line slightly. A further attack by
battalions of the 150th Brigade had partially failed, and about the
beginning of November the battalion moved up to occupy the left sector
of the line which was just inside the forest.

The journey up to the front line was far from pleasant. After crossing
the canal it consisted of a six-mile walk along a duck-board track across
one of the most devastated areas on the whole front, and to add to the
difficulties, the enemy's artillery was very active. Owing to lack of
roads for the transport, each man carried four days' rations. The
position consisted of a series of water-logged shell holes, which were
troubled considerably by low-flying aeroplanes. Battalion headquarters
were in a pill-box known as Egypt House, which received very assiduous
attention from the Boche gunners.

As it had been decided to make no further attack on this sector, though
an improved position was desired, the nights were spent in pushing
forward the posts as far as possible under cover of darkness. This was
done very successfully, and the battalion line was advanced during the
tour by 200 yards with very few casualties. Several decorations were
obtained for this work including the Bar to the Military Cross to Capt.
J.F.G. Aubin, M.C., commanding Y Company; and the Military Cross to Capt.
P.H.B. Lyon, commanding X Company. Sergts. Britton and Cruddace were
awarded Bars to the Military Medal.

After four days in the