At 3 p.m., the German bombing attacks increased in vigour, and this time a large part of our garrison of the German second line trench gave way and came back to the original front line of the Redoubt—­some even to our front line.  Who gave the order for this withdrawal was never discovered, but there was undoubtedly an order “Retire” passed along the line, possibly started by the Boche himself.  Such a message coming to tired and leaderless men was sure to have a disastrous effect, and in a few minutes we had given up all except Point 60, a trench junction at the N. end of “Big Willie,” and the front line of the Redoubt.  In this last there were still plenty of men, and these, led by a few resolute officers and N.C.O.’s such as 2nd Lieut.  Tomson, C.S.M.  Gorse, and others, were prepared to hold it against all attacks.  The original parados was cut into fire steps, bomb blocks were built in “Little Willie” and “North Face,” and the garrison generally reorganized.  Messages were sent for more bombs, and these were carried up in bags and boxes from Brewery Keep, Vermelles to the old front line, and thence across No Man’s Land by parties of “C” and “D” Company.

[Illustration:  General map of Arras-Bethune area to illustrate Chapters IV, V, VI, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV & XV.]

While this took place in the Redoubt, Colonel Jones occupied the old front line with “C” Company (Lieuts.  Farmer and Shields), and elements of “D” Company occupying the bays which were free from gas.  The trench had been badly battered by shells at mid-day, and there were many killed and wounded still in it, amongst the latter being Colonel Martin, of the 4th Battalion, who garrisoned about 100 yards by himself.  Shot through the knee and in great pain, he refused to go down, but sat at the top of “Barts Alley” receiving reports, sending information to Brigade, and directing as far as possible the remnants of his Battalion.  For twenty-one hours he remained, calm and collected as ever, and only consented to be carried out when sure that all his Battalion had left the Redoubt.  Meanwhile further to the left along the same trench, Colonel Jones made it his business to keep the Redoubt supplied with bombs.  He was here, there, and everywhere, directing parties, finding bomb stores, helping, encouraging, and giving a new lease of life to all he met.  Many brave deeds were done by N.C.O.’s and men and never heard of, but one stands out remembered by all who were there.  L.-Corpl.  Clayson, of “D” Company, during the time that his platoon was in this trench, spent all his time out in the old No Man’s Land, under heavy machine gun fire, carrying in the wounded, many of whom would have perished but for his bravery.