Eventually the limber was on the road again, and we reached the Bridge, near which the Boche every few minutes dropped a shell.  This fact, coupled with a long line of Artillery horses going to “water,” and the Brigadier trying to get his Brigade across the Canal, produced an effect which completely eclipsed the limber scene.  However, as we crossed, the Boche stopped shelling, daylight came and we found the road good, though traffic made the rate of march very slow.  The blaspheming consequently subsided, and, finding a field track going in the right direction, we continued our march at a fine pace until we reached our assembly position—­an open stretch of ground on the South side of the Magny-Joncourt Road.  Along this road were batteries of heavy guns, standing almost wheel to wheel and firing rapidly, so, in view of possible retaliation, the Companies were scattered over various little groups of trenches in the neighbourhood.  The cookers came up and we prepared to make ourselves as comfortable as possible, while we once more had the pleasure of watching the Cavalry waiting to be used, and once more saw them go slowly back.

In the afternoon we moved into the next valley Eastwards, so as to be nearer the “line” if wanted; there was also better and less scattered accommodation.  Gun pits, dug-outs and the inevitable grassy bank provided all we wanted, and when, an hour later, some few gas shells fell in the valley, we were all snugly under cover.  All that is to say except the cookers and with them Serjeant Thomson and his cooks; these were in a shallow sunken road, and had a shell within a few yards of them, fortunately doing no damage.  Thinking it best to take all the rest we could, we had the evening meal early, and long before it was dark most of the Battalion were asleep.  The Commanding-Officer himself retired before 9-30 p.m., and was consequently fast asleep when, soon after 10-0 p.m., a runner appeared with the usual “B.G.C. will see all Commanding Officers at once.”  The rendezvous this time was Preselles, some two miles away across country.  It was a dark night, but with the aid of a compass he found his way there all right and received orders from General Rowley for an immediate move.  The Brigade was to relieve a Brigade of the 6th Division in the right British sector next the French; the Battalion would relieve the West Yorks R. in the right sub-sector.  The following morning the Brigade would move forward into Mericourt which was supposed to have been evacuated by the enemy; we were to be “squeezed out” by the 5th Line.  R. and French joining hands across our front, and would come into support.  Guides would meet us for the relief at Preselles at midnight, October 8th/9th.