Meanwhile the South Staffordshires moved up to the copse whence “B” Company had started, and a Company occupied the line along the bottom of the “Z” hedge to the “wall and corner” position—­i.e., about 200 yards behind the line held by Battalion Headquarters and “A” Company.  The relief of the Left half Battalion, though difficult, was carried out in daylight, and was complete by 11-30 a.m., largely owing to the energy of the Staffordshire Company Commanders.  Crossing the crest by the group of houses was by no means an easy matter, and both relievers and relieved had to crawl through the scrub, in which 2nd Lieut.  F.G.  Taylor of “C” Company did particularly good work, while for “D” Company C.S.M.  Cooper worked magnificently.  Three Platoon Serjeants had become casualties and this Warrant Officer did all their work himself, rendering invaluable assistance to his Company Commander.

The relief of Battalion Headquarters and the Right half Battalion was impossible during daylight, and the G.O.C. 137th Infantry Brigade took over the command of the line as soon as our “C” and “D” Companies were relieved, while the rest of our Brigade moved back into billets at Fresnoy le Grand; we were to follow when relieved.  Meanwhile, arrangements were being made for some Artillery and Tank support, and it was proposed to try a further advance during the afternoon.  At the same time the Chateau was recaptured from us, the position on the edge of the wood had become so badly enfiladed that the Headquarters moved out and started to dig a new line in the open, where, as the Staffordshires were holding the “wall and corner” position, we were fairly safe.  About mid-day, however, as the enemy had become quieter, we returned once more to the edge of the wood.  It was never very comfortable in this isolated position, but Lieut.  Ashdowne and R.S.M.  Lovett showed the most wonderful coolness, and were continually out looking for new positions or watching the flanks.  At 2-0 p.m. the Staffordshires received orders that they would have the help of two Tanks for their attack, which would start at 4-0 p.m. from the isolated copse.  At about 3-0 p.m. the enemy again started to enfilade our wood position so badly, that for the last time we decided to leave it and came back to our line in the open, which we deepened as quickly as possible; it was hard work as the men had to dig with their entrenching tools as they lay flat.  We had not, however, been long in this position before the Staffordshires behind us withdrew to form up for the attack, and, though the party at the “Z” hedge remained, the other party left the “wall and corner” unprotected.  Meanwhile, thinking that, if not relieved soon, we should be surrounded from the right flank, Major Dyer Bennet went back to reconnoitre some deep short lengths of trenches about 100 yards in rear, deciding that if the attack did not prove successful he would bring Battalion Headquarters back into them.