CHAPTER X

A LULL IN THE STORM. THE FIGHT FOR HOOGE

Relief of the front-line Battalions--Heavy losses of the Seventh Brigade--Good work of the Third Pioneer Battalion--Sudden advance of the enemy--The Knoll of Hooge--The Menin Road--Description of the scene--The 28th relieves the Royal Canadians--Heavy bombardment by the enemy--The importance of the Knoll of Hooge--The enemy springs four mines under the first-line trenches--A company of the 28th perishes--A terrific explosion--Fierce fighting of the 6th June--Effective work of Captain Styles--The enemy in dangerous proximity to our support line--Former tragedies in Zouave Wood--Serious casualties of the 6th Brigade--The effective loss of the village of Hooge--Preparations for retaliation