Sequehart, however, if not at this time actually in our hands, was at all events clear of the enemy, and our right flank had no trouble.  The mist and smoke made communication between the Companies very difficult, and so each moved, more or less independently, to its allotted station.  “C” was the first to reach the “Fonsomme Line,” only to find that the line was nowhere more than six inches deep, and, except for its concrete machine gun posts, was only a “big work” when photographed from the air.  Captain Banwell accordingly took up his position in a sunken lane running between Sequehart and Preselles.  Meanwhile, the other leading Company, “D,” had moved too far to the left, a very fortunate circumstance, because Colonel Griffiths was able to change their direction and dispose them facing right, to form a defensive right flank opposite Sequehart.  “B” Company was also ordered to face right in support to “D” Company.  “A” Company, however, had not made the same error as “D,” and Captain Petch, keeping his direction, found, as “C” Company had, that the “Fonsomme Line” gave him no cover.  He, therefore, occupied the same sunken lane, about 300 yards south of “C” Company.  Soon afterwards an intercepted message told Captain Petch of our changed dispositions, and, to protect his right, he too moved his Company to conform with “D.”  Battalion Headquarters had by this time occupied a large bank at the bottom of the hill, where Colonel White, of the 5th South Staffordshires, had already planted his flag.

From our new positions we had an extensive view to the East.  Mannequin Ridge was on the right flank with Doon Hill at the end of it, held by the enemy, though we could see the Staffordshires holding the ridge.  In the foreground was a valley, and on our left another ridge stretching from Preselles to Ramicourt.  The Staffordshires did not appear very numerous for their large frontage, and it was clear that unless the Cavalry appeared soon, there was danger that they would be counter-attacked.  But at 10-0 a.m. the leading Cavalry were only just beginning to appear over the Magny heights.  The enemy was fairly quiet, except for one field gun, 2,000 yards away on our extreme right, beyond Sequehart.  C.S.M.  Angrave kept sniping at the gunners, who replied to each of his shots with a whizz-bang.

It soon became obvious that so long as the enemy remained on Doon Hill, the Cavalry could not advance, and shortly after midday we received orders to place two Companies at the disposal of the 137th Brigade, to assist in an attack on the Hill.  Colonel Griffiths decided to use “A” and “D” Companies, and Captain Fetch and Lieut.  Corah were at once summoned to Headquarters, when we were told the attack was to be made by the North Staffordshires, Colonel Evans, and that our Companies would be in support.  Accordingly Colonel Griffiths and the Company Commanders set off for Colonel Evans’ headquarters while the two Companies moved over the open to “C”