The scheme of operations was on a large scale. The 52nd and 63rd Divisions were to capture the first objective (Red Line), which ran north and south just beyond the main system of the Hindenburg Support Line; and then the second objective (Brown Line), which ran through Anneux Chapel round Anneux to east of Graincourt. After this, the 171st and 172nd Brigades of the 57th Division were to pass through and capture the third objective (Blue Line), which ran round the east side of Fontaine, west of La Folie and east of Cantaing. The 170th Brigade were then to seize the crossings of the Canal de L'Escaut if not already taken, and carry the attack farther. The Canadians on the left and the Guards on the right were continuing the line of attack north and south with the same relative objectives. The 6th Dragoon Guards and Corps cyclists were in reserve; and orders were issued to make a swift advance possible if the conditions should prove favourable. In consequence of these movements, the accumulation of troops behind the front line was very considerable. The country was similar to what had been covered in the previous attacks, though perhaps some of the rolling slopes were bolder and the sunken roads deeper. * * * * * Everywhere you looked were groups of men dotted about, and the enemy proceeded to shell vigorously, as the force opposite his front was only too conspicuous. At about 1.30 p.m. a message was received from the 8th K.L.R. that the Sugar Factory beyond the Red Line on the Cambrai--Bapaume road had not been captured, and that in consequence the attack of the 57th Division could not take place. There was nothing, therefore, to do but for the battalion to dig in, which they proceeded to do under heavy machine-gun and artillery fire, a none too pleasant task. At 4.30 p.m. news was received that the 63rd Division had captured the Sugar Factory; and at 5.30 p.m. General Longbourne, our Brigadier, arrived at Battalion Headquarters. It now appeared that the attacking divisions had made progress towards their second objective, and that it was our turn to continue the operation. Our instructions were to capture Cantaing Trench and Support. This was a double line of trenches which ran in a south-south-easterly direction from the south side of Bourlon Wood round the south-east side of Anneux down to Cantaing. To reach this line we were to move down to our objective from the north, using the section of Cantaing Trench and Support that ran along the west and south sides of Bourlon Wood, and obtaining cover from the wood itself.