War Diary 16 Aug 1917

Langemark – Aug 16

4.45am: Zero hour was fixed for 4:45am on the 16^th, precisely at that hour the 11^th R.B. put up a smoke barrage on Au Bon Gite & And rushed forward to the assault and our first wave moved out and got well under the barrage, which started just on the far side of Au Bon Gite.

At the same time the remainder of the leading companies successfully carried the Steenbeek On the portable bridges which had been laid for the purpose during the night. A & B Coys had been detailed to take the first objective (the Blue Line see sheet) and C & D  Coys the second objective (the Green Line).

The two left companies met with the most opposition as they not only had to get past Au Bon Gite but had also other strong positions on their front including the Blockhouse marked A on sheet, they also had the even ground to advance over the men in places being fearless?.

The first objective was reached with trifling loss to the the first companies. When the time came to move forward to the second objective (the Green Line) D Coy got up there to time and with little loss. C Coy was somewhat late but the whole line was eventually carried and consolidation rapidly preceded with.

After the capture of the blue line a forward bombers post was made at Blockhouse A & a forward Battalion HQ was subsequently established there. The barrage appears to have worked excellently throughout. About 35 prisoners were taken at Au Bon Gite and a similar number at Blockhouse A.

5pm: An enemy counter-attack was reported to be developing about 5pm & about 8pm orders were received from the Brigadier to place a company at the disposal of the O.C. 12^th K.R.R.C. in the Red Line.

9pm: Our C Coy was accordingly sent up as soon as it was dusk & filled the gaps in the K.R.R. line & remained there the two following days. END