objective. At 12.35 p.m., the battalion halted immediately behind the Dotted Blue line, and at 1.40 p.m., passing through the Lincolns, moved steadily forward to the capture of the second Green line, which was reached about 2 p.m. The work of consolidation was commenced at once, and at 3 p.m. touch was gained with the 139th Infantry Brigade on the right flank.
At 1 p.m. the Divisional Commander rode to the battlefield to congratulate the Brigadiers. The mist by then had completely cleared and the sight was one for which every commander worth the name had lived during the long years of the war.
As far as the eye could see, our troops were pushing forward; batteries were crossing the Canal and coming into action; Engineers everywhere were at work; large bodies of prisoners were coming in from all sides; and the men of the 32nd Division were advancing fast. The enemy were shelling the line of the Canal and Bellenglise, but no one seemed to mind.
It was indeed a break-through.
Thus the battle ended early in the afternoon with the complete attainment of all objectives, and, at 5.30 p.m., the advanced troops of the 32nd Division passed through our front line in pursuit of the retreating enemy.
During the following night, however, the Division was continuously in action, as both flanks were exposed to the enemy. On the morning of the 30th September, the situation was eased through the capture of Thorigny and Talana Hill by the 1st Division, while, during the day, the 2nd Australian Division on our left also moved forward. Towards evening, both Divisions having established touch with the 32nd Division in front of us, the 46th Division was squeezed out of the line, and all three Brigades were withdrawn for a well-earned rest.
