At 3 p.m. news was received that the enemy was falling back, and an attack on Proville Trench, on the east side of the Canal De l'Escaut, was ordered. The same formation was prescribed as before, and the advance began at 6.30 p.m. About 7.10 p.m. Captain Fell reported that his company ("D") were across the Canal de l'Escaut, little opposition being encountered. Shortly afterwards "C" and "B" Companies reported to the same effect. "A" Company were remaining in reserve on our side of the canal and La Folie Wood. But at this point our difficulties began. "C" Company, as darkness fell, found themselves floundering in a swamp, and could make no headway. "D" Company's left platoon reached Proville Trench, but came under heavy machine-gun fire and were forced back to the lock. The rest of that company were similarly checked by the fusilade, and the company established itself in the vicinity of the lock, about 400 yards west of Proville. Reference was made to Battalion Headquarters, and instructions were issued to wait for the dawn to renew the attack. At 10 p.m. Battalion Headquarters moved up into La Folie Wood and occupied some huts close to the canal, where they were shelled continuously throughout the night with the utmost vigour. At 12.20 a.m. "A" Company was sent over the canal, and a further attack by the leading companies was attempted. However, the enemy machine guns, which had a perfect field of fire, were too much for the attackers, and caused severe casualties. All that could be done was done, Sergeant Bibby in particular distinguishing himself on this occasion, but it became evident that a mere frontal attack was useless. It was accordingly decided that "D" Company should renew the frontal attack while "A" Company supported by "C" Company was to work round the sunken road which ran from our right towards Proville. However, before this order could take effect we were informed that the 2/7th K.L.R. would take over and carry out this attack, which they did successfully, our battalion being concentrated west of the canal by 4 p.m.