right flank he proceeded along the line and found a Platoon of D Company
under 2nd Lieut. Lyon digging themselves in. A little further along
another Platoon was found, and whilst showing them the line he was
heavily fired on. After returning to Brigade Headquarters for a fresh
horse he went to Hill 37 and there heard of D Company from some men of
the Rifle Brigade. Before dusk all formed parties had got into touch with
Battalion Headquarters, which were at Zevencote barn, beside Zonnebeke
level crossing.

About 4 p.m. Lt.-Col. Bridgford, who was in command of all troops in this
sector, issued orders for an attack to be made to clear the enemy from
the Fortuin-Passchendaele Road. The attack was to be made by two
Companies of the Shropshire Light Infantry, with the 7th Durham Light
Infantry in support and the 6th in reserve. The attacking troops were to
pass through the front line and establish a new line on the road when
captured. A conference of officers was held, and it was ascertained that
the men available for the attack were as follows:--No. 3 Platoon under
2nd Lieut. Blenkinsop, Nos. 5, 7 and 8 Platoons, under Capt. T. Welch,
with Lieuts. A.B. Hare and H.C.W. Haythornthwaite; No. 9 Platoon under
2nd Lieut. G. Angus, and about forty men of D Company under Capt. J.
Townend and 2nd Lieut. P.H.B. Lyon.

The Battalion, which was lying in a trench near the road, began to
advance about 7 or 8 p.m., moving in artillery formation and following
the 7th Durham Light Infantry towards the ridge to the north of
Zonnebeke.

On reaching the ridge, which was found unoccupied, the 7th Battalion
moved off to Zonnebeke and the 6th Battalion was ordered to send three
Companies to the support of the Hampshire Regiment on Gravenstafel Ridge