the 28th April. Capt. J.W. Jeffreys had assumed command with Lieut. R.V.
Hare as Adjutant.


_Second Phase._

On the 30th April the enemy delivered another attack, using gas. This
fell mainly on the Irish Regiment, but the 6th Battalion in reserve
occupied battle positions, and collected many men who were driven back by
the gas. At night the Battalion marched back to huts in Brielen Wood,
where it rested for 24 hours. Leaving there, it marched to St.
Jansterbiezen, where it was inspected on the morning of the 2nd May by
Sir John French, who thanked the men for their good work and praised
especially A and B Companies. On the 8th May a draft of officers joined
the Battalion, and the following day a move was made back to Brielen
Woods. Here the Battalion, living in bivouacs, was in Divisional reserve
for one day. The transport and Q.M. Stores moved into a field near
Poperinghe.

After this short rest the Battalion learnt that it was to return to the
scene of its first experiences. On the 10th May it marched to Potijze and
occupied the G.H.Q. line near the railway and some dug-outs in the
cutting south-east of Ypres. Here the men were shelled at intervals,
particularly on the 13th, and spent the nights on working parties. It was
whilst in this area that the new gas respirators, consisting of a pad of
cotton wool and a strip of muslin, were issued on a scale of one to every
twelve men. On the 19th May Major W.E. Taylor, York and Lancaster
Regiment, arrived and took over command from Capt. Jeffreys. Two days
later the Battalion was relieved by the East Surrey Regiment, and
returned to Brielen huts.