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[Page 62]
[31.8.18]
Northern Boundary for the attack was a line running east and west through B.24 d 8.2. and southern boundary was a line running through B.30 central. The approach march was carried out through heavy artillery and M.G. fire.
5.42 am Barrage opened, 33rd Bn attacked and met heavy opposition from the start; although suffering heavy casualties the Bn continued to advance until 6.20 am when the advance was held up by M.G. fire from the edge of Wood in C.25 a 4.3. This obstacle was overcome by one man [George Cartright, V.C.] who alone captured the gun and 8 prisoners enabling the line to be advanced against most determined and bitter opposition from Road Wood. 120 dead Germans were found in Wood alone, 2 days later.
7 am Road Wood cleared; strong resistance from C.25 b and C.26 a which was overcome by bombs. Battery of 77's firing over open sights fought until every man was killed. Both flanks exposed.
9.25 am Exploiting ordered to be carried out by 33rd Bn. Patrols met with strong resistance; 42nd Bn ordered forward on left of 33rd Bn. Line was eventually established as follows :- C.21 b 75.00 - C.20 d 85.33. - C.20 d 98.10 C.26 b 89.32. Further advance was impossible on account of insecurity of flanks and of losses. "A" Squadron, 13th Aust. Light Horse rendered valuable assistance with information of flanks. At nightfall squadron was withdrawn to Bde reserve. 34th Bn moved forward to C.25 and 35th Bn to B.30 b. 2 Mortars of the 9th A.L.T.M. Bty were attached to C.O. 33rd Bn for operation but were not used. The days fighting was as severe and bitter as any the Bde had taken part in. Captures, 600 prisoners, 100 M.G's, 7 - 77mm guns, 5 Light Minenwerfers, 1 Medium Minenwerfer, 1 field kitchen. [Minenwerfer = Short range mortar]
[Casualties]
Off O/R
K. 3 21
W. 4 98
M. 2
7 121
September
1.9.18 Bde relieved by 11th A.I.Bde. Units moved back into reserve in the neighbourhood of CURLU, rested and refitted.
Location of H.Q. at nightfall - CURLU
to 11.8.18 Bde rested in the CURLU area and daily swimming parades were held in the SOMME River. A concert party showed each night in an improvised theatre.
12.9.18 Bde moved by road to HALLE area and Units were billetted at Mont St. Quentin, Halle and vicinity.
Location of H.Q.at nightfall - MONT ST. QUENTIN
13/25.9.18 Resting and training for future operations. 2 enemy aeroplanes were brought down in flames. Reinforcements received by units. 9th A.L.T.M. Bty held a Minenwerfer school for officers of the Bde. Bathing parades were held at PERONNE baths. Enemy aeroplanes were active at night.