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of the HINDENBURG LINE as far as the BLOCK, beyond this the

ank was to be secured by the 64th Infantry Brigade. Bombing

attack down the line. The morning was very dark, sunrise was not

until 5.23am (summer time), the dust and smoke from our own

barrage and that of the enemy which opened almost simultaneously,

making it impossible to see more than a few yards ahead. Direction

was lost rather early and the line swung over to the right, being

compelled thereto by the 18th Division on the left, crossing the

front of the 9th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT and pressing then to the

right. By 6.00am it became evident that the attack had failed. No

progress had been made by the 64th Infantry Brigade bombers in the

HINDENBURG LINE, and the front of the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE

REGT was outanked, in parts surrounded, and with a prospect

of being cut off. The left ank (“C” Company) had been held up by

excessive machine gun re and took up a position in the sunken

road running into FONTAINE-LES-CROISILLES through U.1.b.

The remainder of the Battalion were on a line roughly 300 yards

south of the jumping off place BROWN TRENCH T.6.a., N.36.c.

and d. to road in O.31.c. Here the Battalion remained and at about

11.30am, it was reinforced by the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGT.

This line was held throughout the day and consolidated.

No assistance was given by the two Tanks during the attack, both

of them breaking down.

The following casualties were suffered by the Battalion during the

action, Ofcers. Captain A. G. ASTLE and 2nd Lt. F. E. PRATLEY