stance to our hopeless position and at last ordered
a mixed company of Russians and Cossacks to go forward in the attempt.
After issuing an overdose of rum to all, the commander made a stirring
address, calling upon them to do or die in behalf of their comrades in
such great danger. The comrades in question consisted of a platoon of
Russian machine gunners who were bravely fighting with the Americans in
Vistavka. Eventually they became sufficiently enthusiastic and with a
great display of ceremony they left Kitsa. As was to be expected, they
at once started on the wrong trail, but as good fortune would have it
this afterward proved the turning point of the day. This trail, unknown
to them, led into a position in rear of the enemy and before they
realized it they walked squarely into view of a battalion of the enemy
located in a ravine on one of our flanks, who either did not see them
approaching or mistakenly took them for more of their own number
advancing. Quickly sensing the situation, our Cossack Allies at once got
their machine guns into position and before the Bolos realized it these
machine guns were in action, mowing down file after file of their
battalion. To counter attack was impossible for they would have to climb
the ravine in the face of this hail of lead, and the only other way of
escape was in the opposite direction across the river under direct fire
from our artillery and machine guns. Suddenly, several of the enemy
started running and inside of a minute the remainder of the battalion
was fleeing in wild disorder, but it was like jumping from the frying
pan into the fire, for as they retreated across the river our artillery
and machine guns practically annihilated them. Shortly thereafter the
Cossacks came marching through our lines where they were welcomed with
open arms and again Vistavka was saved. That night fresh supplies and
ammunition were brought up and the little garrison was promised speedy
relief.

Our total numbers during this attack did not amount to more than four
hundred men, including the Cossack machine gunners and Canadian
artillery-men. We afterward learned that from four to five thousand of
the enemy took part in this attack.

The next day all was quiet and we began to breathe more easily, thinking
that perhaps the enemy at last had enough. Our hopes were soon to be
rudely shattered, for during this lull the Bolo was busily occupied in
bringing up more ammunition and fresh troops, a