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[Page 56]
4-8-18
10 am Lieut-Col J.C. LORD DSO, 40th Bn assumed command of the Bde vice Lt-Col L.J. MORSHEAD DSO who was entrusted by the Division for conducting the operation of dealing with ACCROCHE WOOD.
to 6-8-18 Preparing for the attack. Making forward Dumps, taking out approach Route and preparing T.M.positions.
7-8-18
10 pm Bde Headqrs moved to HAMEL WOOD (p.15.a.2.3.).
The Bde had detailed 33rd and 35th Bns for the assault with the 34th in reserve. The Bde was to carry out the attack against the enemy positions between the N and S ends of ACCROCHE WOOD and push on as far as the GREEN LINE.
Location of H.Q. at nightfall. HAMEL WOOD (P.15.a.2.3.)
8-8-18
3-20 am The approach march was completed and the troops assembled on the jumping off tape. The 33rd and 35th Battalions had taken over the patrolling earlier in the night. An encounter with enemy Scouts took place in which 5 of our Scouts were wounded. At Zero Hour (4-20 am) our Artillery and Trench Mortars opened an intense and accurate creeping barrage starting 200 yards short of the enemy's most advanced works. A dense fog had arisen and it was impossible to see 10 feet ahead. Great difficulty was experienced in keeping touch with flank Units owing to fog and dust from the barrage. The tanks had great difficulty in keeping direction.
5-15 am The 35th Bn were completely clear of the Wood, which although strongly garrisoned offered very little resistance. The Bde was very much disorganised by this time and re-organisation was commenced by Officers taking command of all troops in their vicinity and forming them into platoons and companies on the move.
5-45 am The mist had began to lift and GAILLY had been reached. The advance was continued across LONG VALLEY, three 77 [mm] guns and three 4.2 Hows being captured at the southern end of RAT WOOD.
6-50 am The GREEN LINE had been captured and consolidate and touch had been gained with the 11th A.I.Bde on our Left and the 5th A.I.Bde on our Right.
8-20 am The 4th Aust, Division passed through us on the GREEN LINE to the Second Phase of the attack, accompanied by the tanks. The Support Bn has meanwhile followed the assaulting troops and was now digging the Support Line on GAILLY RIDGE. Our booty was Four 4.2 guns; Five 4.2 Hows; 17 77mm Guns; 1 Med N.W.; 12 Light N.W.; 1 Pine apple Gun; 1 Anti-Tank Rifle and 67 Machine Guns. Prisoners - 20 Offs and 1,000 Other Ranks.
Bde Headqrs was established at P.17.c.5.9.
As the work of consolidation progressed, 33rd and 35th Bns took up defensive positions with 3 Coys in the Front Line and 1 in Support. 34th Bn with 4 Coys on the Reserve Line. 9th AL.T.M.Bty had 4 Mortars covering the Front Line and 4 in Reserve. 9th A.M.G.Coy had 24 guns disposed in depth.
2 pm Units rested. The night was spent guarding against surprise and preparing for a possible forward move.
Location of H.Q. at nightfall. P.17.c.5.9.