Grey Burn, "B," Lt. Abbott, "C" and Capt. J. Baker,
"D." Suddenly, without previous warning, operation orders were received
on August 20th for a big attack to commence along the whole army front
the following morning. This was rapid work indeed, and the hurried
state of preparation can be better imagined than described, especially
in view of the extraordinary nature of the barrage which called for most
accurate timing and an elaborate barrage table. The manner in which
Major Rae and Capt. Barratt swiftly dealt with all these details and
communicated their wishes to the people concerned, a task of no small
magnitude under more favourable conditions, calls for the keenest
appreciation from all who took part in that first important battle.

The division expected to cover, in the first day's fighting, the large
mass of high ground which is flanked on its western edge by Serre and
overlooks Miraumont on the eastern side. A Prussian division was known
to be defending this part of the line. The 7th were to take part in the
initial assault in the right brigade sector, while the 125th brigade
were on the left. A thick mist enshrouded the land in the early morning
of August 21st, and doubtless many men on both sides thought of the
similar conditions which prevailed on the 21st of another month when the
Hun attacked with such terrible results. Here was the revenge and it was
to take place, curiously enough, under like circumstances. At 4.50 a.m.
the attack commenced, preceded by a short but destructive barrage over
the enemy position. For the Fleur de Lys "C" and "D" companies led off,
their objective being a part of the sunk road running across the front
from Puisieux to Beaumont Hamel. It was impossible to see more than
forty yards, and this rendered control by the officers practically out
of the question. The section commanders, however, in many cases
Lance-Corporals and even privates, rose magnificently to the occasion,
with the result that touch was maintained and the direction of advance
preserved. Short, sharp struggles took place at various points, but the
Boche were overpowered, and eventually a good line was established on
the objective. "C" company lost 2nd-Lt. Harland, M.C., and Lt.
Lofthouse, both wounded, while "D" company, although keeping their
officers, had Sgt. W. Brown killed.

The next phase of the battle comprised the attack of "A" and "B"
companies who passed through the first objectives and advanced to the