The gas in many places blew back over our own lines and added to the difficulty of the attack. The 1st Battalion was employed on 26th September in an unsuccessful attack on the Quarries. They dug in 300 yards short of the objective and repelled heavy attacks. They were also heavily engaged on 28th and 29th September and 3rd October, but held their ground. The 2nd Battalion, after heavy fighting, reached the Lens-La Bassde road and dug in by nightfall on the 25th. Both battalions were again employed, but not in major actions.

Rifleman George Peachment, 2nd Battalion, was awarded the Victoria Cross.

The 9th Battalion took part in an expensive holding attack at Bellewaarde; the 7th and 8th Battalions, though held in readiness for another holding attack, were not used, nor were the 10th and 11th Battalions of the 20th (Light) Division.

Casualties: 1st Battalion: Officers, killed 3, wounded 3; Other Ranks, about 400. 2nd Battalion: Officers, killed 7, wounded 6; Other Ranks, 496. 9th Battalion: Officers, killed 5, wounded 2; Other Ranks, 250.

The battle faded out about 15th October with a British loss of 50,000 and a German loss of 20,000. No strategic gain was made. No other fighting of importance occurred during the year. A few successful raids were recorded.

On 18th October the 3rd and 4th Battalions sailed with their division for Salonika.

On 8th December General Sir Douglas Haig succeeded General Sir John French as Commander-in-Chief, British Forces in France.

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