ion, knocking over a limber of one of
French's batteries at the second shot, and practically before his guns
came into action.

General French's force, now considerably augmented, marched off at 2.30
p.m. The 1st Devon Regiment was formed in company column at fifty paces
as a reserve to the Manchester Regiment. After proceeding about a mile
heavy firing was heard on the right front, direction was changed
half-right, and the Regiment was then ordered to form for attack on the
left of the Manchesters, and to take up a front of 500 yards.

Three companies were placed in the firing-line and supports under Major
Park, and four companies in reserve under Major Curry. At about 3.15
p.m. the firing-line reached the top of a low hill, and came in sight of
the enemy's position distant about 4400 yards. Here a halt of a quarter
of an hour was made, and at 3.30 p.m. orders were received by the
Regiment to make a frontal attack on the position, to advance to within
effective rifle range, and to then hold on till a flank attack by the
Manchesters and Gordons came in on the right. The ground between the
Regiment and the position sloped slightly up to the foot of the low
rocky hills, on which the enemy was posted. There was no cover of any
kind, except a few ant-heaps, in the first half of the distance.

The firing-line advanced keeping intervals and covering a front of about
600 yards, the centre being directed on to a conical hill at the back of
the enemy's camp. The reserve followed in column of companies, in single
rank, at fifty paces distance between companies. The enemy's guns opened
on the Regiment at once with shrapnel, but most of the shells went high,
only one striking the reserve companies.

A steady advance to about 1200 to 1300 yards from the position was made,
when, the rifle fire becoming rather heavy, fire was opened by section
volleys. The light was bad, and it was very difficult to see the enemy
or estimate the distances. In a few minutes the supports reinforced, and
the firing-line then pushed on to the foot of the slope, and established
itself in a shallow ditch 800 to 900 yards from the position. Here it
held on, firing sectional volleys, till the flank attack appeared on the
hill, apparently about 500 yards from the position.

An advance by companies from the right was then ordered, and, the
reserve reinforcing, a further 200 yards was gained. Some bugling and
shouting was then heard on the hill. A rush to 35