It was now expected that the enemy might fall back at any moment. Active patrolling for the night of October 7th-8th was arranged by the battalion scouts working in relief. As had been anticipated, no enemy were located in the area bounded by the Cambrai--Bapaume road, the Cambrai embankment, and the canal; but up to 4 a.m. machine guns were still firing across the open country from the south bank of the canal. By this time the general attack of the Canadians, which had commenced at 1.30 a.m., had carried them up to the canal bridgeheads without serious opposition. Accordingly all companies in the front line were instructed to push forward small patrols, to be followed by strong fighting patrols, to keep abreast with the Canadians. At 7.30 a.m. a general advance was ordered, and, after consultation with the 8th K.L.R., who had relieved the 2/7th K.L.R. on our right, we made the following moves: "D" Company worked along the south of the canal up to the railway embankment in front of Cambrai; "B" Company worked along south of the Cambrai--Bapaume road, crossed the canal in front of Cambrai by a footbridge; "A" followed "B" Company, to form the left of our front line, which was now the railway embankment; while "D" Company occupied "B" Company's old position as support. By twelve o'clock our new line was established with three companies on the line of the railway embankment running along the western outskirts of the town, and piquets placed over all entrances to Cambrai. Battalion Headquarters had moved from the canal bank up to the rifle range. At 2 p.m., the pursuit having swept through and past Cambrai, we were concentrated for the night with "A" and "B" Companies in the rifle range, "C," "D," and Headquarters in houses some few hundred yards nearer the town itself. Our casualties from shell and machine-gun fire for three days were three killed and twenty-eight wounded. The capture of Cambrai was the end of our share in the battles of Bapaume and Cambrai. The month of September and the early days of October saw the final initiation of the battalion, and, in fact, of the whole Division, into the mysteries of a great offensive. Looking back, we have reason to feel that we acquitted ourselves with credit. The following letter from General Sir Julian Byng, commanding Third Army, to our Divisional Commander, is reproduced here by special permission:-- "I cannot allow the 57th Division to leave the Third Army without expressing my sincerest appreciation of its services during the Battle of Cambrai. "The success that has crowned its efforts has been brought about by careful preparation by the Staff, by skilful tactical handling by all leaders, and by determined resolve of all ranks to beat the enemy. "The Third Army's record of ground gained, of prisoners and guns captured, is a fine one, and I owe my deepest thanks to all ranks of the 57th Division for their fine share in the achievement." CHAPTER IX RUITZ--LILLE--FROYENNES