k the
enemy a heavy blow. It has brought us appreciably nearer to the
complete victory which our country is determined to achieve.

I do not yet know the full amount of our booty. It can be estimated
from the two miles of our advance, and from the prisoners,
considerably more than a thousand in number.

I wish to record my admiration for the splendid behaviour of all
ranks. The victory was won under conditions of exceptional
difficulty, and, as at Villers-au-Flos, against an enemy superior
in numbers to the attackers; and it was won by the magnificent
determination and devotion of the troops.

ANTHONY HENLEY, _Brig.-Gen._,
Commanding 127th Inf. Brigade.

CHAPTER X.

Pursuing the Hun.

THE SELLE RIVER.

Yet again the vicinity of Havrincourt Wood was the abode of the 42nd
division, and having been supplied with tents we set about the task of
refitting and reinforcing. Companies once more attained a strength of
about 100, and as the new men largely consisted of troops drafted from
non-infantry units, principally A.S.C. from England, and men out for the
first time, it was necessary to push along vigorously with training, for
it was certain that we should be wanted again for fighting very soon.
Returns from leave, etc., caused the following arrangement of company
commanders:--Lieut. Douglas, M.C., "A" company; Capt. Grey Burn, M.C.,
"B"; Lieut. Gresty, M.C., "C," and Capt. J. Baker, "D"; while Capt. S.
J. Wilson, M.C., was detailed to battle surplus. In the absence of Col.
Manger on English leave, Major Rae assumed command of the battalion,
while Capt. Barratt resumed the duties of adjutant, Capt. Creagh having
gone to England on a senior officers' course.

When the division broke up camp on October 8th and marched up the line
to get into closer support, the situation was roughly as follows. Since
the battle on the Hindenburg Line the enemy had had no rest, and in
spite of the difficulties of the ground (in one place a canal running
north and south intervened) the N.Z's. and divisions right and left, had
made steady progress, inflicting terrible casualties on the Boche who
were sturdily resisting every yard of ground. To the north, Cambrai was
still in the hands of the Hun, and from the continual fires seen in
that direction it was obvious that he was wreaking characteristic
vengeance on the helpless town. The part of the Western Front between
Cam