As the enemy was reported to be assembling east and south-east of Bihucourt, a company of the 6th Manchesters under Captain S. L. Bridgford was ordered there. It arrived simultaneously with the Germans, and, in spite of their great numerical superiority, immediately attacked them. Fighting desperately, the company was forced out of the village step by step, but in a brilliant counter-attack the ground was regained by sheer grit, backed by superiority with the bayonet. Again overwhelming numbers prevailed, and the survivors of the company were once more driven out. With the handful that remained Bridgford made another gallant effort, but he was severely wounded and died in the enemy’s hands. The prompt and determined action of this company gained time for troops to be moved in support, and prevented the enemy debouching from Bihucourt. Had they been able to do so and reach Achiet-le-Grand, they could have commanded the reverse slopes of the ridge on which rested the centre of the Brigade. The O.C. 6th Manchesters was ordered to deny Achiet-le-Grand to the enemy at all costs, and the Pioneer Battalion (7th N.F.) was placed at his disposal. The 6th Manchesters, however, accomplished their task, though heavily engaged and under increasing artillery fire, without calling upon the Pioneers. Towards midday the situation about Bihucourt on the right of the divisional front having become critical, the Tanks in Logeast Wood were ordered to counter-attack, and the 62nd Division, which had moved up to Bucquoy during the morning, was called upon to support the right flank of the Division about Achiet-le-Petit. This manœuvre was successful, four Tanks with a detachment of the 127th Brigade inflicting heavy casualties. About 2 p.m. scouts of the 5th East Lancashires on the left confirmed the report that the enemy had seized Behagnies and were advancing on Gomiecourt in strong force.[13] Lieut.-Colonel Clare, commanding the 5th East Lancashires, seeing that this move threatened to cut off his own battalion and also the 10th Manchesters between Gomiecourt and Ervillers, immediately sent forward headquarters details to hold the enemy back for a few precious moments. The handful of scouts, police, signallers, and runners reached the ridge in front of the enemy and, having good targets at short range, did great execution. Time was thus gained for two companies of the battalion to advance from the cross-roads south-east of Gomiecourt in artillery formation, shaking out into extended order below the crest, and doubling forward into fire positions from which they opened rapid fire, breaking up two lines of infantry in extended order not more than 200 yards away. Two Lewis guns were then brought to bear upon a large body in close formation farther back, scattering it. The remaining companies were brought up, and the battalion linked up with the 125th Brigade. The enemy’s losses were heavy, and the position appeared to be satisfactory.