2nd Bn. La Vallee Mulatre, 17th October. The 2nd Battalion, starting from the Bois du Busigny, passed through the 6th Division, who were some 800 yards short of their objective. The attack went well until concealed machine-gun nests began to hold it up. Several were successfully dealt with, but the supporting Whippets were knocked out and the Battalion consolidated their gains. In this action the Battalion met again their opponents of Nieuport in July, 1917, and an officer was captured who had fought in that action. One hundred prisoners, 14 field guns, 12 trench mortars and many machine guns were taken.

Losses: Officers: killed 4, wounded 5; other ranks: 173.

4th Bn. River Selle, 17th and 18th October. The 4th Battalion crossed the River Selle on the left of the Americans on the 17th. After a successful advance in thick fog, the Germans counter-attacked on both flanks and the Battalion was ordered to withdraw. On the 18th they assisted the Americans to capture their objectives around Le Quennelle Farm. A number of machine guns, 2 field guns and 110 prisoners were captured.

Losses: Officers: 7; other ranks: 117.

Englefontaine, 24th to 26th October. After preliminary fighting on 24th and 25th October the 16th Battalion took part in the final capture of Englefontaine on 26th October. This operation involved much stalking of machine guns among fruit trees and hedges in very close country. Luckily, few of the enemy fought to a finish.

Losses: Officers: killed 1, wounded 3; other ranks: 99.

Collapse of the German Defence

The breaking of the defences on the River Selle constituted the loss to the enemy of the Siegfried Line, their last prepared defensive system west of the River Rhine.

On 31st October and 1st November further general advances were made in the north; the Germans were driven across the River Scheldt, and Valenciennes was captured on 3rd November. The Americans were pushing forward in the Argonne, and everywhere the great German military machine was cracking.

On 4th November the Fourth, Third and First Armies again advanced from two to five miles. Over 450 German field guns were taken and over 19,000 prisoners were captured.