Commanding the 8th Division. The situation here appeared to be very
serious, as the enemy was advancing rapidly. Without any very definite
orders the Battalion moved in artillery formation towards Marchelepot,
but before reaching it the 8th Division, who were holding the line, had
retired to the railway behind the village. Gaps along the line of the
railway were accordingly filled by W and Z Companies, but it soon became
necessary to put in Y Company also. No further developments occurred till
about 5 p.m., when Y Company on the right found that the 24th Division on
their right was withdrawing to Chaulnes ridge. A defensive flank was
formed, and X Company moved to the north-east of Hyencourt to deliver a
counter-attack if necessary. For a couple of hours the prospect looked
very black, but the enemy did not press his advantage, and about 7 p.m.
orders were received to withdraw the Battalion to a line of old trenches
south-east of Pressoire. Here a quiet night was spent, with only a few
casualties from shell fire.

About 9 a.m. the next day the enemy renewed his attacks and a hurried
withdrawal of the whole of the 8th Division was ordered. The instructions
which reached the Battalion were somewhat confused, but along with the
Battalions of the 24th Infantry Brigade they moved from the trenches in
artillery formation, and passing through the ruins of Lihons--which was
under observation, and consequently was heavily shelled as the men passed
through it--continued the withdrawal almost to Rosières. About a mile
south-east of that village a line was formed, but no further attack took
place. In this position the Battalion had the 2nd Northants on its left
and a Labour Battalion on its right.

At 9.30 a.m. the next day (the 27th) the Labour Battalion withdrew and
forced the two forward Companies of the Battalion to do the same. A
counter-attack was delivered, however, and the line restored by the end