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altitudes in large numbers. At 11.35am Brigade message by runner states
enemy attack is on right and that ank requires protection. Enemy reported
to have broken through between 20th and 29th Division or both. Messages
from Brigade and 2nd Sherwood Foresters report enemy seen advancing
on right between Masnieres and Marcoing, latter place was heavily shelled
throughout the morning. At 12.30pm Report received. Enemy reported
moving between Fontaines and Cantaine by this to -?- left ank advanced
by 71st Infantry Brigade. Front line Company’s report okay at this minute.
At 1.05pm 71st Infantry Brigade Operational Order number 258 received
advising action to be taken in the event of a retirement from Noyelles
considered necessary. All Company’s instructed accordingly. At 2.00pm
29th Division on our right report via 71st Infantry Brigade that their positions
are intact (12.20pm) so far as 87th Infantry Brigade on our immediate right
is concerned. At 2.30pm B Company report having been shelled out of their
positions and digging in along west edge of Noyelles – Marcoing Road
about L.17 c central M.O. reports R.A.P. compelled to evacuate position
in Marcoing owing to heavy enemy shelling and prospect of attack, and
new position taken up at L.16 a 15.10. At 5.20pm Brigade advise proposed
relief cancelled. At 6.40pm Enemy were reported to have captured right
post of 9th Suffolk Regiment east of Noyelles. Mutual action taken by 9th
Suffolk Regiment right front Company and our left front Company resulted
in post being re established at 10.45pm. Battalion HQ’s was heavily shelled
throughout the artillery bombardment. Day closed without further action on
part of enemy. Patrols reported enemy present on eastern side of Noyelles.
The War Diary records for the Gouzeaucourt Sector, at 8.00am the enemy
suddenly appeared at Gouzeaucourt having broken through our lines east
of that place. The situation was critical, as no knowledge had been obtained