bombardment commenced and lasted until 7.15 p.m., when the German infantry attacked. German aeroplanes machine-gunned the breastworks from as low as sixty feet. No British plane was seen during the day.

The Battalion fought it out to the end and there were many acts of high courage and devotion to duty. They were, however, choked and buried by sand, and were overwhelmed in detail. Their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel R. N. Abadie, D.S.O., was killed.

Losses: Officers: killed 7, wounded 4; missing 6, Other Ranks 481

By the end of July the Battalion was re-formed and rejoined the 1st Division to train for the proposed landing behind the Germans on the Belgian coast. This landing did not take place.

The Passchendael Battles

31st July to 2nd December

The battle round Ypres started with a twelve-day bombardment which blocked the scientific agricultural drainage and caused small brooks to become large marshes. The well-constructed concrete pillbox defence formed a new and difficult feature. These pillboxes usually were not destroyed by the artillery, and their machine gunners held on to the last.

17th Battalion, Pilckem, 31st July

The 17th Battalion attacked on the extreme left. The front-line system was easily overrun.

Losses: Officers: killed 1, wounded 1; Other Ranks 73

The 18th Battalion took part in the Second Army attack on the same day, the first objective being taken with ease; only a party of one lieutenant and eight men gained the second objective, Forest Farm, which was not taken until 2nd August.

Losses: Officers: killed 4, wounded 2; Other Ranks 146

During August the 21st Battalion were not in the big attack, but were engaged in repelling counter-attacks, raiding and holding the line.

Losses: Officers: killed 2, wounded 10; Other Ranks 288