the company was compelled to fall back from the wood. Here, however, Captain Ball rallied his men and, reinforced by "B" Company of the 1/6th South Staffords, coolly reorganized his company and again advanced into the wood at its head. Much opposition was encountered from enemy machine guns, in particular from the house at the edge of the wood and from a derelict British tank which had been abandoned in the previous attack. In face of this, however, the men managed to make their way forward amidst a hurricane of bullets. The two companies penetrated into the wood some 200 yards without coming across any sign of German occupation except the barrage, but, on this line, dire shadowy figures were seen moving amongst the dense undergrowth and the already galling fire was redoubled, while for the first time rifle fire was added to the little inferno already raging.
As it was obvious that further progress was impossible unless the attackers were strongly reinforced, an attempt was made to consolidate the line already held. Officers and men proceeded hastily to dig themselves in and obtain what shelter they could, but the enemy opened trench-mortar fire with disconcerting accuracy, and orders had to be given to withdraw to the edge of the wood. The enemy, who must have been exceptionally well served by his scouts, now dropped a heavy barrage along the edge of the wood, and Captain Ball decided to order a retirement to the high ground west of the wood. Here the original line held before the attack was once more taken over.
Many casualties had been suffered during this little operation and the men engaged were much shaken by their experiences. The enemy was so well hidden in the undergrowth, and so well supplied with machine guns, that he possessed an overwhelming advantage, and this,
