CHAPTER IX

THE COUNTER-ATTACK

Method of counter-attack--Successful efforts of the French--The question of time--Attacks which failed--Precipitancy of main counter-attack--Enemy reinforced--The assaulting forces--Inadequate system of railways--Failure of well-laid plans--Value of armoured cables--A stroke of misfortune--Uncertainty as to the enemy's positions--A test of endurance--Defective communications--Artillery unable to support infantry--An American officer gives a lead--The death of Major Stuart--Observatory Ridge--Enemy well supplied with machine-guns--The fatal trench--Heavy casualties--Gallant attempt of the 15th Battalion--The 14th Battalion digs itself in under heavy fire--The fateful gap bridged--Lieut. Beaton and Sergt. Topham--The Higher Command misinformed--Misfortunes of the 52nd and 60th Battalions--The Princess Pats cheer their comrades--Gallant officers of the 49th--Main object of the counter-attack fails--The road to Ypres blocked to the enemy--The 3rd Division wins its spurs--A prospect of defeat turned into an achievement of victory