The Grenadier Guards in the Great War of 1914-1918, Vol. 3 of 3Ponsonby, Frederick
History
The Grenadier Guards in the Great War of 1914-1918, Vol. 3 of 3
Ponsonby, Frederick
Great Britain. Army. Grenadier Guards; World War, 1914-1918 -- Regimental histories -- Great Britain
No. 4 Company was moved to a position on the high ground on the right
to cover that flank, and was given orders to be prepared to move across
the front of Ervillers, if a hostile counter-attack developed in that
direction. The other three companies swept on to the next objective,
which was carried without a further check. The three leading companies
then proceeded forward to capture the final objective, and the defence
of the enemy broke down, as soon as he saw that the victorious advance
of the Battalion could not be stopped. By 5.45 P.M. the position was
completely in the hands of the Battalion, many prisoners being taken,
numbers of whom rushed forward with their hands up as soon as the
leading companies appeared over the ridge. After the final objective
had been secured, No. 4 Company returned to its proper position in
reserve, its place on the right being taken by a sub-section of
machine-guns. At dusk the Battalion was distributed as follows: No. 3
Company in Mory Switch trench as far as Hally Avenue (exclusive), No. 2
Company conformed from Hally Avenue (inclusive) to Judas trench, while
the King's Company formed a refused right flank in shell-slits about
Iscariot Work, and No. 4 Company was in reserve in Jewel trench.
Considering the extent of ground that had been covered and the rapidity
with which the objective had been secured, the casualties were not
heavy: Lieutenant Rocke, who had been with the leading platoon of the
King's Company, was killed, and Captain Cary in the King's Company
and Lieutenant Conant of No. 2 Company were wounded. The casualties
amongst other ranks amounted to about forty.
[Sidenote: Aug. 24.]
At 4 A.M. Major Bailey received orders to continue the attack,
and summoned a conference of Company Commanders. He explained to them
that the Battalion was to advance at 7 A.M. on a front of 1000
yards and écheloned in depth. No. 4 Company was to lead the attack on a
front of 500 yards, with the left flank on Hally Avenue; No. 3 Company
écheloned at a distance of 250 yards on their right, No. 2 Company in
support, covering the centre at a distance of 250 yards behind the left
of No. 3 Company, and the King's Company in reserve.
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