May 26th.--Gas shells known as yellow cross shells, were fired
over "A" Company's sector in the early morning. The men
quickly adjusted their masks, and no casualties were
sustained. The rest of the day passed quietly.

May 27th to 29th.--These days were fairly quiet.

May 29th.--RUM TRENCH.--The Battalion relieved the 2-4th Loyal
North Lancashire Regiment and occupied the reserve position in
the Left Brigade Sector. "B" Company and Headquarters were in
Gommecourt Wood. "A" Company was in the centre with posts in
Gommecourt Trench, and "C" Company was on the left flank in
Pigeon Wood. "D" Company was in reserve with orders to man a
strong point, known as Julius Point, in case of an attack.
Opportunity was afforded of studying the solidarity of the
enemy forms of revetment, their fortified sentry boxes,
observation posts, and the thoroughness of the mined dugouts,
several of which were occupied by the Battalion.

May 30th--31st.--These days were spent in comparative
quietness, and the Battalion furnished several working
parties. There was abnormal sickness during this tour in the
trenches, due in all probability to the effects of gas.

June 1st.--GOMMECOURT.--The Battalion was in reserve to the
Brigade in the Left Brigade Sector at Gommecourt with
Headquarters in the old German support line, north of
Gommecourt Wood, which was renamed Rum Support. The companies
were disposed from right to left in order, "B," "A" and "C" in
Gommecourt Trench and Gommecourt Support. "D" Company was in