DESPERATE FIGHTING

This complete failure piled up the losses which the enemy suffered yesterday in all parts of the field, and it was a black day indeed to German hopes. There were many astounding episodes of fighting, and the enemy’s defence revealed a most varied state of courage and fear among his troops. Their Alpine Corps on each side of Epehy fought with most fierce valour, and did not yield anywhere until they were utterly overcome. On the left of our attack, the 17th Division fought through Gauche Wood to Villers-guislan. German machine-gunners had established themselves in four derelict tanks of ours and held out for some hours, sweeping the area around them with machine-gun bullets. Several times the 17th Division were forced back through Gauche Wood by the German fire and German assaults, but every time they thrust the enemy out again, and at the end of the day were in possession.