Note to p. 199.—During the assault on July 12 and 13 there was “much confused fighting,” as Sir Ian’s dispatch states. General Paris, then commanding the R.N.D., writes: “I know the confusion was immense, and the difficulty of locating actual positions continued for some (say two or three) days.” I now take the following to be the order of events: On the morning of the 12th, the 155th Brigade went forward, with the French on its right, and captured two lines of trenches. It was counter-attacked, and one battalion suffered severe loss. In support, General Hunter-Weston ordered the 157th Brigade to attack in prolongation of the left, and this Brigade captured three lines of trenches. Early on the morning of the 13th, part of its right was driven back by a counter-attack of bombers, and the left of the 155th Brigade was also heavily pressed. The men were, however, rallied almost immediately, and returned.

As to the reinforcement by the R.N.D., I quote Sir Ian’s dispatch: “I decided that three battalions of the R.N.D. should reinforce a fresh attack to be made that afternoon (July 13) on such portions of our original objectives as remained in the enemy’s hands. This second attack was a success. The Nelson Battalion on the left valiantly advanced and made good, well supported by the artillery of the French. The Portsmouth Battalion, pressing on too far, fell into precisely the same error at precisely the same spot as did the 4th K.O.S.B. on the 12th, an over-impetuosity which caused them heavy losses.”

It was on the morning of the 13th that Major Sketchley (R.M.L.I.) added to his previous services on the Staff of the R.N.D. by the action which gained his D.S.O.—“a very gallant affair,” as General Paris writes.