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To add to the difficulty of the situation, the enemy had about this period succeeded by counterattack in driving the Americans from their positions on the KNOLL, thus threatening the left flank of the Division. The 9th Brigade was therefore instructed to place one battalion in position round TOMBOIS FARM to cover the left of the 10th. Brigade.
The 9th Brigade was then warned of the probability of their move Southwards through the captured area and the situation again reported to Corps Headquarters.
At 3.30 p.m. the Headquarters of the 27th American Division had reports of wounded that they had reached the HINDENBURG Line, and air reports of flares near GOUY; no further information was available and the Divisional Commander was very averse to any use of artillery.
6. Night 29th/30th Sept. 1918
Weather conditions throughout the day had been good, a slight mist favouring the early morning operations, but throughout the day the clear observation had been in the favour of the enemy's artillery firing. Towards 6 p.m. however, conditions changed and the night came in very dark, cold and raining.
At about 7.0 p.m. Corps Commander ordered the Reserve (9th) Brigade Southwards to the vicinity of MALAKOFF WOOD for a combined attack with the Fifth Australian Division along the HINDENBURG Line on the morning of the 30th September.
At 8.30 p.m. preliminary instructions were issued to the 9th Brigade for this movement and an officer sent to Fifth Australian Divisional Headquarters to make detailed arrangements.
The enemy had maintained his artillery fire on to our positions throughout the day and evening and communication,even wireless, was very irregular. As it was impossible to get orders to the 9th Brigade in sufficient time to ensure them reaching the jumping off line prior to the commencement of the attack next morning, the attack was to be carried out by those battalions of the 11th. Brigade nearest to the position of starting - the 9th Brigade to move to the area GILLEMONT FARM-MALAKOFF WOOD - 2 battalions of the 9th Brigade to come under the orders of the G.O.C., 11th. Brigade - one battalion of the 11th. Brigade to come under the orders of the G.O.C., 9th Brigade, who would be responsible for maintaining touch beween the Right Brigade (11th) and the Left Brigade (10th). these instructions were sent to the 11th. Brigade at 10.20 p.m.
The plan of attack was: The 14th Brigade to attack on the right of the general line from A.27. central through LE CATELET and seize RAILWAY Ridge. The 11th Brigade were to attack on the left of this line, mopping up the tunnel and trenches and occupy the line BONY POINT, THE KNOB and the CANAL. The attack by the 11th. Brigade was to be carried on a one battalion front, each battalion being given portion of the HINDENBURG LINE and TUNNEL to mop up,