The Children's Story of the War Volume 4 (of 10): The Story of the Year 1915Parrott, Edward
History
The Children's Story of the War Volume 4 (of 10): The Story of the Year 1915
Parrott, Edward
World War, 1914-1918 -- Juvenile literature
The newly-arrived brigades, all belonging to the 7th Division, which had
won such glory in the October battle round Ypres, formed up on the left
of the 24th Brigade, and the attack began again; but everywhere
difficulties were met with. The Germans had taken advantage of the lull
to strengthen their third line of trenches, and had brought up
reinforcements. When our men advanced they were ready to receive them.
The Indian brigades pushed through the wood towards the ridge, but could
make but little headway, and suffered terrible losses. One of the Indian
battalions would have been entirely cut off but for a splendid bombing
attack by the 2nd Leicesters. It was at this point of the battle that
the 3rd London--a Territorial regiment--made a brilliant charge to aid
the front line, and won the cheers of their regular comrades by their
gallantry and devotion.
Further to our left the 25th Division was checked along the line of the
little river, while the 24th Brigade and 7th Division were held up by
machine-gun fire from the cross roads and the defences of Pietre Mill.
The line of the river could not be forced without artillery
"preparation." Everywhere in this part of the line there were German
positions which our big guns had not touched. To push infantry against
them was simple murder. So, as the evening closed in, we busied
ourselves in strengthening the positions which we had already won. The
village was ours; we had gained a mile, and had straightened out our
line. We had, however, failed in the bigger business of seizing the
Aubers ridge.
Not until darkness fell did the 1st Brigade of the First Corps arrive.
Next morning our guns began to boom again, but they could not repeat the
surprise of yesterday. The Germans had pulled themselves together; their
lines were strongly reinforced, and mist prevented the artillery
observers from directing the fire of their guns. More than once our
infantry were caught by their own shells. We could make no further
headway, and on the 12th the Bavarians advanced against Neuve Chapelle,
an officer on horseback with drawn sword leading them right up to the
Worcesters, who met them with a shattering fire. At another point
twenty-one machine guns were turned against them, and they fell by the
hundred. So fierce was the fire that the survivors were forced to
protect themselves behind ramparts of their own dead.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account