page 58

Chapter XIII.
Kemmel and Meteren and Strazeele.

The balance of the Battalion comprising Battalion Headquarters and Nos. 2 and 3 Companies moved to Boeschaepe, leaving behind a great number of stores which it was impossible to move through lack of transport. From Boeschaepe we moved to Locre, and there received orders to establish a defensive line on the South Eastern slopes of Mont Kemmel. This was done without delay, and two lines of posts manned. The rest of that day was quiet. The enemy had broken through at Neuve Eglise and we could see the battle raging in this vicinity.

On Sunday, the 14th, our Infantry (Imperial) began to fall back from Neuve Eglise and the ridge, and we "stood to" all night. We collected a lot of stragglers, and attached them to our little garrison. Next morning the enemy attacked on our right Crucifix Hill and Ravelsberg and made considerable progress.

We were, on the 16th, relieved by the 8th Corps Schools Battalion and we moved further east to Donegal Farm Sector where our men had a particularly hot time with enemy M.G. fire and surprise shelling, and frequently had to dislodge enemy patrols. Privates T. W. Burrows and V. E. Hudson were killed on outpost. Late that night we were pulled out and retired to Fairy Farm. The shelling on this hill had by this time become intense and casualties began to mount up.

The Mounted men, minus horses, had been sent up to dig in and occupy trenches in rear of our previous line and there were signs of French troops coming in to our relief.

A very brief stay at Fairy House was ours, and that same evening the two Companies, Nos. 2 and 3, moved once more to the top of Kemmel to reinforce the page 59Mounted men. The enemy shelling was most intense, every sort of gun and gas shell was used. We had numerous casualties. The killed were Privates W. E. J. Browne, T. J. Clinton, A. W. Hunter, T. E. Power, R. E. Harris. Died of wounds: C.S.M., T. C. Hodgson, Private L, L. Martin.

On the night of the 18th the French troops finally took over the defence of this sector and we withdrew to Fairy House once more, and after a night's rest left in the early morning for the vicinity of Brandhoek. We occupied some Nissen Bow Huts by the ammunition dumps as the only available billets to be had, as everywhere round us were troops, guns, horses, wagons, etc., who had possession of all the camps.

L/Sergt. W. T. N. Bond and Corp. W. H. Whiting were awarded the M.M. for bravery in action and devotion to duty.

Let us now follow the doings of No. 1 Company under Captain McHugh, M.C., on detachment with the 33rd Imperial Division. This Company moved out from Vancouver Camp on the night of the 12th April at 9 p.m. with orders to report to 33rd Division towards Bailleul. The night was particularly dark and the road one endless stream of traffic going and coming, so progress was slow. On nearing Bailleul we turned off towards St. Jan's Cappel where Divisional Headquarters were supposed to be, but on arrival found they had moved to Mont Blanc. We reported there at 2 a.m. and received orders to bivouac on the roadside for the remainder of the night and to report in the early morning to G.O.C. 192nd Brigade with Headquarters at Meteren. We moved at 6 a.m. next morning, 13th, arriving at 7 a.m. on outskirts of Meteren, which was being intensely shelled. It was decided to reach Headquarters which was on the other side, by running the gauntlet, and the Company was sent through in small parties. Luckily, this was achieved without casualties, though the margin was narrow. Captain McHugh reported to G.O.C., page 60192nd Brigade and was told to send out patrols to get information, as the position of the Brigade front was indefinite. These were sent out, and the whole line patrolled, and by 11 a.m. the definite, line was marked on the map. On the right of Bailleul the N.Z. Entrenching Battalion was encountered, where it was learned that a whole platoon had been captured in the night, owing to having been left " in the air " by the troops on their right retiring in the night. At 2 p.m. Captain McHugh received orders to proceed to Strazeele and send back reports as to our and enemy positions and the Headquarters of our Battalions. On arrival at Strazeele patrols were sent out, and at 7 p.m. that evening a full report was furnished to Brigade Headquarters. Patrols were established throughout the night and valuable information obtained. The next morning the 1st Australian Division arrived and took over the sector, and the Company returned to Meteren to stand by. On 15th we were ordered to report to C.O. Queen's Own Battalion and did duty in the line until 18th when we were sent into reserve at Mont Des Cats. On 19th we received orders to rejoin our own Battalion at Brandhoek, and on the morning of the 20th at 5 a.m. set out, arriving at 9 a.m. Major Gen. Penny, G.O.C., 33rd Division, sent for Captain McHugh on the 19th inst. and congratulated him on the splendid work of the Company whose services he highly appreciated.

The Company had five wounded during their detachment, and Sergt. H. Gilchrist and the two Gallagher Brothers were awarded Military Medals for special gallant actions.