The Attack
At 3.45 p.m. (24th August) the bombardment of German lines in Delville Wood commenced by the heavy artillery, and, from observation, appeared most effective.
At 5.45 p.m. the leading line of the assault left their trenches, and were followed by the second and third lines, as directed in Regimental Orders. The first line was enabled to get close up behind the barrage before it lifted, and at the lift advanced and carried the enemy first line (Inner Trench) and passed on, behind the barrage, to the edge of the wood.
The second line, dropping the bombing squads previously detailed, followed, and merged into the first line outside the edge of the wood. Under cover of the artillery barrage these lines reformed, and awaited the lift of the artillery. Some casualties occurred during the advance. A heavy shell on the extreme left of the line caused some casualties amongst the bombers, and some others occurred from splinters, or from the enemy barrage, which opened at 5.35 p.m., as soon as our intense barrage commenced.
Enemy appear to have barraged in two lines—on our original front line, and also on the assembly trenches in rear, but it was not in sufficient density to stop the succeeding waves, which advanced in good order in spite of some casualties. Enemy barrage was heavier on right of attack than on the left, which was comparatively free from shell-fire. Enemy were holding Inner Trench in force, but were much demoralized by our bombardment, and surrendered to the first lines without much difficulty, with the exception of about 50 men with a machine gun, who commenced to fight after third line had passed.
These men commenced to fire at the leading lines from the rear and at the fourth line, but were speedily put out of action or captured by a part of the fourth line, under Lieut. Anderson (B Company), and a section of the Brigade machine gunners.
The company forming the right of the first and second lines (A Company) suffered a good many casualties in this first advance, and all their officers were put out of action. The company forming the left of the line (C Company), with the exception of casualties to the bombers who were on their left by the shell mentioned, advanced without much difficulty, taking prisoners on the way, and reached the edge of the wood at 6.5 p.m. They were then some little distance from the Flers road. A small party of the enemy was left in the gap caused by the casualties to the bombers, and gave some trouble until cleared up by C.-S.-M. Hill and a few men.
The third line (D Company) followed the second line at a distance of about 100 yards, and, not finding the enemy trench on the edge of the wood, commenced to consolidate Inner Trench. One platoon of this company lost direction slightly, and met some men of the. 9th K.R.R.C. who had come too far to the left, but subsequently rejoined their company. Five officers and 200 prisoners were taken in Inner Trench.
The fourth line (B Company) moved as directed in orders and occupied S.12.C. central, and commenced consolidation and construction of communication trench to old front line. Stokes mortars and carrying parties for bombs were somewhat disorganized by enemy party cleared by Lieut. Anderson, and did not come into action.
The first and second lines reorganized meantime outside the wood in one line in the most perfect order, the conduct of the N.C.O.'s of A Company (particularly Sergeant Lewendon) being most noticeable in this respect; and, on the barrage lifting at 6.40 p.m., advanced and seized the final objective (7.5 p.m.), establishing communication with the 100th Brigade on the left, and the 5th K. Shropshire Light Infantry on the right, and commenced to dig in about 200 yards outside the edge of the wood.
At this period the 5th K. Shropshire Light Infantry, finding that the attack of the 9th K.K.K.C. had failed, and that their right flank was exposed, retired to the edge of the wood. This was carried out in good order, but left the right flank of my battalion in the air. The officer commanding the first line (Lieut. Rodocanachi) seeing this, sent an officer to find out what had happened. This officer (Lieut. Jacks) restored the line by forming a defensive flank with some of the 5th K.S.L.I., aided by a platoon of D Company, from S.12 central southward to Inner Trench, and consolidated this line. The conduct of Lieut Ashman in reorganizing his company and part of the 5th K.S.L.I. on new front was also very noticeable.
Meanwhile B and D Companies consolidated Inner Trench, in spite of barrage fire, which was considerable and especially heavy on the northern angle of the wood.
The Vickers gun of the Brigade Machine Gun Company advanced as ordered, and was established in S.12.C. central; the other gun suffered casualties, and was unaccounted for for some time. I sent forward the reserve gun to take its place, which was established in Inner Trench, and subsequently all three guns were installed there.
Telephone communication broke down between Battalion Headquarters and Brigade as soon as enemy barrage commenced; a heavy barrage was put up on the line Longueval Church, south edge of Delville Wood. The special earth-buzzer was read at the visual station for some time, but subsequently ceased to act. So all communication was made by runner. The visual station could not be reached or worked, owing to barrage on Longueval. Information from front line, though somewhat delayed, was good, and a fair idea of the situation was obtained from wounded officers passing through and from an officer sent down by Lieut. Rodocanachi to explain the situation with regard to the 5th K.S.L.I. The Adjutant, Lieut Sebastian, made an excellent reconnaissance at about 2.30 a.m., and confirmed reports previously received'as to the situation of the line.
The front entrenched by the first line was extensive, and valuable assistance was afforded by a R.E. Company of the 33rd Division, lent by a battalion of the Worcester Regiment, on the Tiers road. A platoon of the 100th Brigade held a portion of the trench on the road.
During the morning of the 25th August enemy registered the new line, and at about 8.30 p.m., evidently fearing an attack in the evening, he opened a heavy barrage-fire from guns of various calibre on our new front and on the old front line.
Prisoners captured were of 119th and 121st Regiments. When final objective was reached many men were seen retiring in the open, north-west of Flers road, and fired upon. Our artillery barrage, Lewis guns, and snipers inflicted heavy casualties on these parties. During the morning of the 25th enemy were seen entrenched to N.W. of Flers road, probably Tea Support, and attack was at one time thought imminent. They appeared subsequently to be working on the trench. Good visibility is now possible on the Switch Line trenches and Flers village. Trenches at S.12.a.9.2 appear old gun-emplacements, as shells in baskets could be seen standing in the vicinity.
