The 62nd Division, on October 19th and 20th, had the task of capturing Solesmes, and of driving the enemy from the line east of the River Selle, to which he had retired a few days before, partly as a result of the operations in which the 49th had borne themselves so gallantly. This further assault on the German positions, directed ultimately at Le Quesnoy, was to be a surprise, without preliminary bombardment. It was carried out ‘according to plan,’ with very conspicuous success. Twelve Officers and six hundred and eighty-seven other ranks, seventy-one machine-guns, thirteen trench mortars and five guns were captured at the cost of a casualty list of fifty-seven other ranks killed, ten Officers and three hundred and seventy other ranks wounded. The River Selle was crossed by wading, the water being in many places waist-high. The ground to be traversed proved difficult, with dense hedges and barbed-wire fencing, and in Solesmes itself the street-fighting was serious and severe. But the fine leadership of Platoon Commanders and the excellent spirit of the men carried all obstacles before them; and, once more, and now for the last time, we have the advantage of illustrating these qualities by an extract from the _London Gazette_ (January 6th, 1919), announcing the award of the supreme decoration of the Victoria Cross to Corpl. (A/Sergt.) John Brunton Daykins, of the 2/4th York and Lancaster Regiment, 187th Infantry Brigade, 62nd Division, in the following circumstances: ‘For conspicuous bravery and initiative at Solesmes on October 20th, 1918, when, with twelve remaining men of his Platoon, he worked his way most skilfully, in face of heavy opposition, towards the Church. By prompt action, he enabled his party to rush a machine-gun, and during subsequent severe hand-to-hand fighting he himself disposed of many of the enemy,[138] and secured his objective; his party, in addition to heavy casualties inflicted, taking thirty prisoners. ‘He then located another machine-gun, which was holding up a portion of his Company. Under heavy fire he worked his way alone to the post, and shortly afterwards returned with twenty-five prisoners, and an enemy machine-gun, which he mounted at his post. ‘His magnificent fighting spirit and example inspired his men, saved many casualties, and contributed very largely to the success of the attack.’ [Illustration: Douai. The Belfry]