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[Page 51]
[5-5-18]
Objective was reached after determined resistance, a gap of 60 yards being casued on the Left Flank. The Left Platoon, however, reached the Second objective, three in number and isolated and then returned with 20 prisoners and a machine gun. The Situation of the Left became obscure and at 3-15 am a Coy of the 33rd Bn was ordered to clear up the situation, but word was received in the meantime that the whole of the Second Objective had been taken, hence this Coy was not engaged. Pioneers at 12-15 am moved forward and by daylight had completed 8 T-head Posts. The Pioneer Platoon on the left were hampered in consolidation by the enemy and immediately cleared up the situation themselves.
Whilst this fighting was in progress North of the BRAY-CORBIE Road, the 34th Bn pushed forward South of the Road, overcame a powerful resistance in the trench system in K.19.a. and consolidated on the line K.19.a.9.9. - K.19.a.9.1. This operation ensured the protection of the Right Flank north of the road and resulted in the capture of 24 prisoners, a machine gun and important ground. The total prisoners captured during the night was 3 Officers and 165 Other Ranks, and it is estimated that 150 of the enemy were killed.
Our casualties were :-
Killed Wounded
Offs O.Rs. Offs O.Rs.
33rd Battn - - 1 4
34th Battn - 4 1 19
35th Battn - 12 4 44
6-5-18
Day devoted mainly to consolidation. The 34th Battn was continuously attacked by the enemy in trenches K.19.a. Posts in this trench changed hands several times during the day, but by vigorous counter-attack and the very successful work of the L.T.Ms, it remained in our hands on the evening of the 7th.
7-5-18
11 pm The 34th Bn attacked with the object of capturing enemy works in K.19.c. and advancing the Line to about K.19.central to K.19.c.5.0 in order to link up with the 8th A.I.Bde on our right. One Coy of the Pioneers were attacked [attached] to the 34th Bn for duty and one Coy 33rd Bn as a counter-attack Coy. The attack was entirely successful, but at daylight communication became impossibble. Two Coys 44th Bn (Res Bde) were ordered forward to our old front line.
8-5-18 (Night)
Strong Patrols cleared up the situation and gained touch with the 8th A.I.Bde. During the operation we captured 3 Officers and 190 Other Ranks, 15 machine guns and 3 Trench Mortars (Including one heavy M.G. and one heavy T.M.); and advanced our line to a depth of 1,100 yards on a front of 2,500 yards. A fine view of the ground around MORLANCOURT was now opened up by this operation. Five Officers and 70 Other Ranks are missing. It is not clear how this happened.