HANCOURT 21st March 1918 - At about 4.30 a.m. on March 21st the noise of a heavy bombardment could be heard at Hancourt, and it was evident that the offensive had opened. At 5.40 a.m. the battalion received orders to "stand to," and move up to their battle stations. Well within the half-hour allotted the last company had moved off, and was soon in position, with Battalion Headquarters in a dug-out in Jeancourt.

The battalion, disposed in the four redoubts, was in support of the 17th Infantry Brigade, who were holding the front near Le Verguier, and also, of the right of the 60th Division on their left. A thick fog made observation impossible, and it was exceedingly difficult to obtain accurate information of the progress of the battle.

Before long the right flank of the 60th Division was driven back to the line held by " B " Company, 7th Northamptons, and the 17th Infantry Brigade were forced back a short way, but held on to the village of Le Verguier, the key of their front (where the 8th Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) were offering an exceedingly gallant resistance).

The night March 21st-22nd was spent in these redoubts, but as the enemy renewed his attacks next morning, again assisted by a thick mist, the 17th Infantry Brigade, about 8 a.m., were forced back, owing to their right flank being turned, and the battalion found themselves heavily engaged with the enemy at about midday.

By 1 p.m. it was obvious that the battalion, with both its flanks in the air, was in an exceedingly critical position, and a report was sent back to Brigade Head-quarters. At 1.30 p.m. the battalion, with considerable difficulty, extricated itself from its position and withdrew to Hancourt through the 50th Division.

Courtesy of the Great War Forum