Pontruet, 24th September. The 2nd Battalion, again in action, were successful in an attack near Pontruet and held their line against the German attack on the next day. Lieutenant-Colonel E. G. St. Aubyn was wounded.

Losses: Officers: killed 1, wounded 8; other ranks: 85.

Canal Du Nord, 26th/27th September. Big attacks by the Americans and the Fourth French Army took place here on a front of some forty-four miles. The left of our Third Army attacked also on these dates. Our 1st Battalion crossed the canal on the 27th.

Canal de L'Escaut, 28th and 29th September. The crossings of the Canal de L'Escaut were captured on the 28th and 29th. Considerable fighting took place around and in the village of Noyelles. Several prisoners were taken in their pyjamas; a field gun, complete with its officer and team, was taken at Marcoing, in front of the 62nd Division barrage. All objectives were not taken owing to the failure of the next division to co-operate.

Losses: Officers: killed 1, wounded 4; other ranks: 92.

Ossus, 29th/30th September. The 16th Battalion were also facing 16th Bn. the crossing of the Canal de L'Escaut near Ossus. The attack started well, but enemy smoke and gas caused much confusion later, and leading platoons retired, thinking themselves surrounded. Positions north and south of the village were occupied.

Losses: Officers: killed 2, wounded 1; other ranks: 55.

Le Catelet, 2nd to 4th October. In July our 4th Battalion, having returned from Macedonia, joined the 151st Brigade of the 50th Division. After a period of training the Battalion went into the line near Epehy on the Fourth Army front, and were ordered on 2nd October to clear the villages of Le Catelet and Gouy the next day. They succeeded entirely in their object despite bitter fighting. They captured an officer and 252 other ranks and 35 machine guns. On 4th October, in a further attack, they captured 2 officers, 51 other ranks, 25 machine guns and 2 mortars.