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[Page 43]
[2.4.18]
Move up to VILLERS-BRETONNEUX in support of 35th Bn. Switch line reconnoitred and actual siting decided upon. 34th and 36th Battalions ordered to dig line and 9th A.M.G. Coy ordered to reconnoitre for M.G. positions for same.
3rd April
8 am. 34th and 36th Bns commenced to dig the Army Switch Line. Positions to be un-wired owing to lack of material. Quiet morning
11 pm. Div Headqrs advised enemy expected to attack on the Bde Front on the morning of the 4th. This information obtained from prisoners. All Units warned to be prepared. to meet heavy attack.
4.4.18
5.30 am. The enemy commenced a bombardment of our forward system, VILLERS-BRETONNEUX , CACHY, BOIS de L'ABBE and GENTELLES, with gas and H.E. (all calibres).
6.30 am. Enemy seen massing on outskirts of WARFUSEE ABANCOURT, dealt with by Machine Guns and Lewis Guns. Heavy casualties inflicted.
7. am. The enemy advanced opposite our whole front in dense masses. Our S.O.S. Signal sent up and immediately responded to by an accurate barrage, causing enormous losses. When enemy had advanced to 300 yds of our Front Line the 8th Bn Rifle Brigade on our left fell back exposing our left flank. 35th Bn threw its left flank back. The Buffs on our right swung back in conformity with the slight change of front. Enemy suffered heavy casualties. Two Coys 33rd Bn, sent on to threatened left flank. 8 more Vickers guns sent into line. All wires to forward areas cut. Situation critical.
10.15 am. 1st Dragoon Guards came forward dismounted and filled gap on our left flank. This action caused the enemy to fall back towards WARFUSEE ABANCOURT.
10.27 am. 33rd Bn established a position East of the aerodrome at P.25 d. 80.25 improving our line considerably.
11.10 am. 34th Bn ordered to move from BOIS de L'ABBE to position of readiness at O.29 a and b. 36th Bn to O.35 c and d, both Battalions placed at disposal of C.O. 35th Battalion for counter attack purposes.
3.30 pm. Our line firmly established, enemy holding ground 500 yds to our front. Rain during day made ground very heavy. Three Lewis Guns of 8th London Regt, sent forward to our men.
3.50 pm. Troops on our right flank retired in disorder through our lines. Situation critical.
5 pm. Enemy had advanced to the road in U.6 a and were firing at our artillery in U.5. a and c. 3[?] Battalion, with one Coy in Reserve, launched a counter-attack south of the VILLERS-BRETONNEUX-MARCELGAVE Railway Line at 5.15 pm. At the same time Reserve Coy, 35th Battn, counter-attacked North of the Railway. A party of the Queens, co-operated. A party of the Buffs declined to co-operate. Counter-attack subjected to very heavy machine gun fire. Three Coys of the 6th London Regt,