Second Objective.—_The Town of Auchy._—This is also plainly visible from our trenches. It is four hundred yards beyond the Farm and defended by a first line of trench half way across, and a second line immediately in front of the town. When we have occupied the first line our direction is half-right, with the left of the battalion directed on Tall Chimney. Third Objective.—_Village of Haisnes._—Conspicuous by high-spired church. Our eventual line will be taken up on the railway behind this village, where we will dig in and await reinforcements. When Thomas had reached this point the shoulders of The Actor were shaking with laughter. ‘What’s up?’ asked Thomas irritably. The Actor asked: ‘Who in God’s Name is originally responsible for this little effort?’ Thomas said: ‘Don’t know. Probably Paul the Pimp or someone like that.’ (Paul the Pimp was a captain on the divisional staff, young, inexperienced and much disliked. He ‘wore red tabs upon his chest, And even on his undervest.’) ‘Between you and me, but you youngsters be careful not to let the men know, this is what they call a subsidiary attack. We’ll have no supports. We’ve just got to go over and keep the enemy busy while the folk on our right do the real work. You notice that the bombardment is much heavier over there. They’ve knocked the Hohenzollern Redoubt to bits. Personally, I don’t give a damn either way. We’ll get killed anyhow.’ We all laughed. ‘All right, laugh now, but by God on Saturday we’ve got to carry out this funny scheme.’ I had never heard Thomas so talkative before. ‘Sorry,’ The Actor apologized, ‘carry on with the dictation.’ Thomas went on: ‘The attack will be preceded by forty minutes discharge of the accessory,[5] which will clear the path for a thousand yards, so that the two railway lines will be occupied without difficulty. Our advance will follow closely behind the accessory. Behind us are three fresh divisions and the Cavalry Corps. It is expected we shall have no difficulty in breaking through. All men will parade with their platoons; pioneers, servants, etc. to be warned. All platoons to be properly told off under N.C.O.’s. Every N.C.O. is to know exactly what is expected of him, and when to take over command in case of casualties. Men who lose touch must join up with the nearest company or regiment and push on. Owing to the strength of the accessory, men should be warned against remaining too long in captured trenches where the accessory is likely to collect, but to keep to the open and above all to push on. It is important that if smoke-helmets have to be pulled down they must be tucked in under the shirt.’ [Illustration: THE CAMBRIN—CUINCHY—VERMELLES TRENCH SECTOR]