The Battalion marched from Watau at 7 a.m. on 1st September, 1917, via Godwaers-velde, and Cemelhof to Gaestre Railway Station, where they entrained at 2.5 p.m. for Arras, which was reached at 9 p.m., and marched back to billets at Montenescourt. On the 7th of September we once more entered the Arras sector, relieving the 10/11th H.L.I. at Blangy Park. We now settled down into this area, and a delightful place it was after our experience in the Salient. The park at Blangy must have contained many fine residences. The grounds were well wooded, although much destroyed, and there were remains of what were formerly beautiful gardens. The river Scarpe flows through the woods and fills several artificial ponds, where the men were able to spend much of their time bathing and basking in the sun. Major-General Reed, V.C., had now taken over command of the Division, Major-General Thulliers having received an important appointment at home in connection with the production of gas. On the 14th October we were instructed to send over two small fighting patrols, consisting of 1 officer and 4 O.R.'s each. The idea was that, while a raid was being conducted on our right, these patrols should cross "No Man's Land," enter the German trench, and, if possible, seize some identifications. It was not intended that they should search the German trench, but simply rush over and back again. The raid was to be assisted with a preliminary discharge of thermite shells and a ten minutes' bombardment with trench mortars. It was to take place during daylight, though the proposition to our minds did not appear very hopeful. "No Man's Land" was fairly wide, and one could be sure that the enemy would be fully alert, as the raid on the right was bound to attract his attention.