rived at the Red Line, and
then took cover for a short period. Soon after this, "B" company came
along, but on nearing the Red Line, they found many men of "D" turned
about firing rifles and L.G. towards their right rear. It was now
obvious that the ground to the right of us had not been cleared at all,
and the enemy was left free to work his will upon us from the higher
ground. By this time a tank had arrived and materially assisted us in
dealing with the problem. Gresty then decided to push on and his company
mounted the rising ground in front. From this point they unfortunately
swerved to the left, probably being influenced by a road which ran
diagonally across the front towards Ribecourt, but nothing could stop
their irresistible dash. As they crossed this road Milne, with a handful
of his platoon, added to our already considerable number of prisoners,
by capturing a large crowd of Huns.

With characteristic impetuosity, reminiscent of the La Signy Farm days,
Gresty and the men of "D" following up under the barrage, rushed across
the Brown Line and made for the Yellow Line. They were now only a small
gallant band but they were undaunted. Prisoners captured were told to go
down to the rear, which they did right gladly without an escort, so that
the assaulting party who now in formation and well-nigh in size, began
to resemble a Rugby football team, could preserve their strength. Two 77
m.m. guns lay in their path, and at their approach the Boche gunners
spiked them and made off, leaving them an easy prey to the 7th. After
this, Gresty decided that he was on his objective, as indeed he was, but
he was more or less in the 6th sector, and when he was quickly joined by
a company of the 6th he began to realise it. There was trouble on his
right, however, as well as from the front, and the small party of men
were disposed to defend the ground they had captured, a difficult enough
task in view of the fact that they had to find positions to face in two
or three different directions. Touch was obtained with the 62nd division
in Ribecourt, and it was found that the VIth corps had had great success
in their part of the battle, so that already the advance was proceeding
towards Marcoing.

"B" company's effort was really a separate story. As soon as "D" company
had disappeared over the crest in front of the Red Line they continued
the advance. 2nd-Lt. Pearson was on the extreme right and he had been
instructed to keep touch with