ead, and the next night there was a "stand-to." The day
following, the officers and a few N.C.O.'s reconnoitred a line of posts
in support which were to be occupied in the event of an attack, and in
the evening instructions were received for a relief of the Portuguese
Division, which was holding the line, the relief to take place the night
after (9th April).

On the night of the 8th April, there was another "stand-to," and at 4
a.m. the threatened attack commenced with a heavy bombardment of the
town. One of the first shells burst in the Convent, and all the occupants
with two exceptions became casualties. The men, however, got out of their
billets in safety, and the highest praise is due to the N.C.O.'s, who
gave valuable assistance to the three surviving Company Officers in
getting the Battalion into its battle positions in the Cockshy, Marais
East and West, and Drumiez posts. Amongst the officers killed in the
Convent were Capt. G. Kirkhouse, Capt. J.F.G. Aubin, D.S.O., M.C., and
Lieut. C.L. Tyerman, all of whom had seen much service with the
Battalion.

The morning was misty, and beyond the fact that the Portuguese were being
driven back in confusion, nothing definite could be ascertained as to the
situation. The first reports which reached the Commanding Officer (Major
T.B. Heslop) were to the effect that three Companies (W, X and Z) had
been completely overwhelmed, and that two of his three Company Officers,
Capt. Cardew (killed) and 2nd Lieut. Railton (prisoner) were casualties.
The remainder of the Battalion, however, under Lieut. A.N. Brown, held
its ground till the afternoon, when it was forced to withdraw to the
railway near La Gorgue.

At dusk, orders were received to cross the river Lawe and to hold the
Western bank. This withdrawal was successful, and the opportunity was
taken to reorganise the Battalion, which was divided into two companies,
one under Lieut. Brown, with Sergt. P. Finn, M.M., and Sergt. Field; and
the other under C.S.M. T. Sordy, M.C., with Sergts. Bell and Cooper. The
strength of the Battalion was now barely 100, and when touch had been
established on the flanks it was found that it was holding a frontage of
about 2,000 yards.

Assistance was therefore asked for, and a company of the Corps Cyclists
and a company of the 7th Durham Light Infantry were attached. The latter
were sent to fill a gap on the right flank between the Battalion and a
Battalion of the Black Watch (51st Division).