CHAPTER VI

FESTUBERT

Objective of Aubers and Festubert--Allies' co-operation--Great French offensive--Terrific bombardment--British support--Endless German fortresses--Shortage of munitions--Probable explanation--Effect of _Times_ disclosures--Outcry in England--Coalition Government--After Ypres--The Canadian advance--Disposition of Canadians--Attack on the Orchard--Canadian Scottish--Sapper Harmon's exploits--Drawback to drill-book tactics--A Canadian ruse--"Sam Slick"--The Orchard won--Arrival of Second Brigade--The attempt on "Bexhill"--In the German trenches--Strathcona's Horse--King Edward's Horse--Cavalry fight on foot--Further attack on "Bexhill"--Redoubt taken--"Bexhill" captured--"Dig in and hang on"--Attack on the "Well"--Heroic efforts repulsed--General Seely assumes command--A critical moment--Heavy officer casualties--The courage of the cavalry--Major Murray's good work--Gallantry of Sergt. Morris and Corpl. Pym--Death of Sergt. Hickey--Canadian Division withdrawn--Trench warfare till June