The following morning, the 32nd Division continued the advance, with a small barrage, against Sequehart, Joncourt and, in the near centre, Levergies.  The enemy had found it impossible to remain in their positions at Pontruet and South of the Canal, and hustled by the 1st and French Divisions, had evacuated them.  The French were now therefore continuing our line Southwards from Lehaucourt.  The attack started at dawn and soon afterwards the valley past Fosse Wood was thronged with Whippet tanks and cavalry, waiting in case of a possible “break-through.”  It was the first time most of us had seen Cavalry in action, and they made an imposing sight as they filed along the valley in the morning mist.  At the same time several batteries of Horse Artillery trotted up and taking up positions near our “D” Company, opened fire to assist the attack.  Levergies, overlooked from two sides, was soon taken and several prisoners were captured on the left, but elsewhere the enemy had been strongly reinforced, and the attacks on Sequehart, Preselles and Joncourt broke down under heavy machine gun fire.  Apparently a stand was to be made along the “Fonsomme” trench line—­running N. and S. along the next ridge.  After waiting all day, the Cavalry and “whippets” slowly withdrew again in the evening.

That night and the following day, as the 32nd Division had now definitely taken over the outpost line, the Companies were brought into more comfortable quarters near Magny la Fosse and Headquarters moved into an old German Artillery dug-out on the hill.  In these positions “A” Company had the misfortune to lose Serjeant Toon, a most energetic and cheerful Platoon Serjeant, who was wounded by a chance machine-gun bullet, but otherwise we had a quiet time.  Reorganization and refitting once more occupied our minds, and, as “B” Company’s gas casualties had made them so weak, all “battle details” were ordered to join us.  The following day they arrived under C.S.M.  Cooper, who resumed his duties with “D” Company. 2nd Lieuts.  Todd and Argyle also rejoined us from leave, and the Stores and Transport moved up to Magny village.  The same afternoon there was a Battalion parade and General Rowley complimented us on our work during our two battles.  He had visited Pontruet since the attack and was unable to find words to express his admiration for our fight in the village.  The arrival of the “Daily Mail,” and the discovery that at last the name “North Midland” figured in the head lines cheered us all immensely, and the fall of St. Quentin to the French gave a practical proof of the value of our efforts.  We were all very happy and said “Now we shall have a good rest to re-fit.”