h May, 1915._]

[Sidenote: =May 11th.=]

The Battalion moved up to the canal bank, and occupied some very
insanitary dug-outs, which had not been previously inhabited by British
troops.

[Sidenote: =May 12th.=]

The London Rifle Brigade took over from the Dublins a section of the
front line, and was on the extreme right of the 4th Division. A Cavalry
Division was on its immediate right.

[Sidenote: =May 13th.=]

Extract from Sir John French's despatch:--

"On the 13th May the heaviest bombardment yet
experienced broke out at 4.30 a.m., and continued
with little intermission throughout the day. . . .
The 5th London Regiment, despite very heavy
casualties, maintained their position
unfalteringly."

Extract from John Buchan's "History of the War," Vol. VII.:--

"Early in the morning of Thursday, May 13th, a day
of biting north winds and drenching rains, a
terrific bombardment began. . . . The infantry on
the left of the cavalry were fiercely attacked,
but contrived to hold their own. . . . The London
Rifle Brigade had lost most of its men in the
earlier fighting. It began the day 278 strong, and
before evening 91 more had gone. One piece of
breastwork was held by Sergeant Douglas Belcher
with four survivors and two Hussars, whom he had
picked up, and though the trench was blown in,
and the Germans attacked with their infantry, he
succeeded in bluffing the enemy by rapid fire, and
holding the ground until relief came. That gallant
stand, for which the Victoria Cross was awarded,
saved the right of the 4th Division. . . ."

_To face page 22._

[Illustration: LIEUT. TREVELYAN AND "A" COMPANY.

_20th May, 1915._]

"A" and part of "B" Companies were in the front line. "C" Company
garrisoned three fortified supporting points. The rest of "B" Company
and "D" were in support. The reinforcement of the front line commenced
at about 8 a.m. (the shelling on the Battalion's sector had started at 4
a.m.). The distance between the front line and the supports was about
900 yards.

The shelling did not cease till 6 p.m. Later in the evening the
Battalion was withdrawn to the second line.

Captain Oppenheim, D.S.O., was wounded on this date, and Lieutenant H.
L. Johnston took over the duties of Adjuta