War Diary 30th November 1917

30^th Nov 1917: Heavy barrage fell of front of right Division (55^th) and on our lines and the whole Divisional front at 7am

At 7.15am the enemy attacked in great force on 1) the 55^th Division on the right. This attack was completely successful and the enemy got through in very large numbers to Gonnelieu, Gouzeaucourt and Villers Guislain on which line they were held and 2) on Chateau Wood NE portion of Divisional Front. This attack drove back the 36^th and 37^th Infy Bdes who withdrew slowly bombing all the way. So far the Battalion had not been attacked and we did not know that any attack had been launched.

At 7.30am the enemy attacked Quarry Post under a barrage of Heavy T.M’s and simultaneously bombed up New trench from the South. The enemy succeeded in getting into the trenches and fierce bombing fighting ensued down Quarry trench and Quarry Support. They were several times driven back and at 9.30am enemy were still held in line of Adams trench, though enemy had broken through on both flanks.

Owing to a difficulties of supply of bombs we had gradually to withdraw down Bleak Trench and Bleak Support. The 9^th Essex Regt were meanwhile  holding the enemy who had come through lines of 7^th Norfolk Regt. Bn HQ had meanwhile withdrawn to a position about 500 yards further N in original German front line.

At 10.30am: the news was received that the enemy were in Gouzeacourt and that the Northern portion of the Divisional front had been pierced.

At 10.45am: the O.C’s of this Bn and 9^th Essex issued orders to all Company’s that they were to withdraw fighting in direction of Villers Plouich. The situation was very uncertain, but there was no-one between us and the enemy on the right flank and the enemy were certainly overlooking  our left flank. Enemy aeroplanes were co-operation very closely with their Infantry, flying very slow and signaling.

The withdrawal was gradually carried out along the old German front line, through La Vacquerie & Sunken Road but could not get in touch with any troops on either flank. O.S.C then went into Villers Plouich to reconnoitre the situation and received orders to man the old British front line in front of that village.

At 3.30pm this withdrawal was effected, the disposition then being 1 Coy (A under Capt Ready MC) dug in in R.21 central holding the flank towards Gonnelieu. Remained of 35^th Bde (about 300 strong) holding old British line near Pope Alley with a defensive flank down Foster Lane and Fusilier reserve. Bn HQ during night at Farm Ravine.