on that straggled wearily through Logeast Wood. We were only just
in time, however, for advance parties of the enemy were already entering
the east side of the Wood as we emerged from the south-west side. Here
we found some explanation of things. Col. Wedgewood, of the 6th,
reported bodies of the enemy moving forward to strike in on our southern
flank, and this news had the effect of an electric shock amongst us.
Col. Bromfield at once ordered positions to be taken up to face the
enemy who were advancing from the south and south-east. "A" and "D"
companies moved out quickly to seize the high ground and one or two
Lewis guns opened fire at the bodies of grey figures in the distance.
Meanwhile, however, the brigadier had decided to cover the
Bucquoy-Ablainzevelle road, and so touch up with the 62nd division, who
had some hours previously occupied a position from Hebuterne to Bucquoy,
and were at that moment resisting violent efforts on the part of the Hun
to turn our right flank. It was, therefore, in the latter village where
we met the gallant Yorkshiremen of the 2nd line West Riding
Territorials. Gen. Henley personally assisted in getting the platoons of
"B" and "C" companies into position, and then "A" and "D" companies were
ordered to withdraw to their line.

When the withdrawal had been completed the 7th were on the right of the
division, with the flank resting on the edge of Bucquoy village. The
road from Bucquoy to Ayette, which was almost south to north, is an
important one and is marked by a row of trees on each side. As one walks
from Bucquoy along this road, another road branching off to the right
from the edge of the village is seen leading down to Ablainzevelle. The
road junction marks the highest portion of ground in the vicinity, and
there is a long sweep eastwards towards Logeast Wood and
Achiet-le-Petit. It was when we noticed the latter place that the whole
irony of the situation broke upon us. Eight month's ago we had been
enjoying a blissful period of rest on this self-same spot, and such
features as we now gazed upon had merely been used for the purpose of
containing a supposed enemy in the working out of a tactical exercise--a
sham fight. Now--the enemy could not be more real or more alive. He was
here with the sole intent of destroying us by any possible method if we
would not vacate our position. What happened?

The 7th was assured that this was at last the spot where resistance
would be offered.