On May 18th the defence scheme for the reserve brigade of the centre divisional front of the IV Corps was issued, and we plunged once more into the perplexing variety of the probable and possible actions the battalion could be called upon to undertake. From the very start these were sufficiently multifarious, and were finally grouped under three headings--first, to reinforce the right or left brigade in the line; secondly, to counter-attack in one of four directions; or, third and lastly, to form a defensive flank in one of two totally different places. We also learnt that on the message, "Take precautions," the battalion was to assemble at a given spot in "fighting order," and there await news as to the particular part it was to play. This elastic set of orders plunged everyone into a perfect fever of reconnaissance. Before long, amendments and appendices began to arrive, which contained reference to disposal of prisoners, extra stretcher-bearers, and so forth, which certainly gave one the impression that the attack was due shortly. Most people hoped devoutly that it would develop before we entered the front line again, as the battalion holding the line when an offensive starts has a poor time at the best. On the 20th "C" and "D" Companies moved up to the trenches at the Chateau de la Haie, taking with them the Lewis guns of "A" and "B" Companies in addition, and relieved two companies of the 2/7th K.L.R., who were to occupy Beer Trench, previously not held. Further orders then arrived, detailing the action if the battalion had to occupy Beer Trench; but on May 21st, before any more of these orders arrived, the battalion proceeded up the line, taking over this time the right sector, and relieving the 2/4th South Lancashire Regiment. The period behind the line, if not exactly restful, what with incessant working parties and a general feeling of excitement produced by the endless preparations to foil the Germans when they attacked, had yet been distinctly refreshing after the wet and miserable trenches which we had occupied in the line. The weather had been fine and warm, and all the countryside was pleasant with the fresh smell and bright colours of advancing spring. Baths and clean underclothing, better food, the Divisional Band, together with practice on the range and normal routine, had all helped to send the battalion back to the line in splendid fettle once more. The relief was complete at 2 a.m., but this time one cannot add "without incident." The ration dump was heavily shelled, and, to the great loss of the battalion, Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant Cousins, but recently appointed to that important post, was killed, and another man wounded. Cousins had been with the battalion from very early days, and had risen steadily. It was indeed a tragedy that, on reaching a post which one may call comparatively safe, he should then have been killed. [Illustration: SKETCH MAP OF GOMMECOURT.]