at work helping the R.E. in "50" and "A1," and on the 30th July two of
them, Serjt. J. Emmerson and Pte. H.G. Starbuck, working underground,
came upon a German gallery. Without a moment's hesitation, Starbuck
broke in and found that the charge was already laid, and wires could be
seen leading back to the enemy's lines. If the Germans had heard him at
work there was no doubt that they would blow their mine at once, but
heedless of this danger, he stayed in the gallery until he had cut the
leads, and so made it possible for the Engineers to remove the half ton
of "Westphalite" which they found already in position, immediately under
"49." For their daring work, the two miners were awarded the D.C.M.,
Starbuck getting his at once, Serjt. Emmerson in the next honours list.
Two nights later the enemy suddenly opened rapid rifle fire opposite
"49," which equally suddenly died away, and we like to think that some
Boche officer had at the same time pressed the starting button to
explode his "Westphalite," only to find that nothing happened.

Towards the end of June, there appeared in the German official
communiqué a statement that the French had been using liquid fire in the
Champagne fighting, and those who had studied the Boche methods
recognized this as a warning that he intended to make use of it himself
at an early date. The prophets were right, and at dawn on the 30th July
the enemy, anxious to recapture Hooge, attacked the 14th Division who
were holding the village, preceding the attack with streams of liquid
fire, under which the garrison either succumbed or were driven out. At
the same time an intense bombardment was opened, and we, whose rest was
not due to end until the following day, were ordered to stand by ready
to move at 30 minutes' notice. As we waited we wondered whether the 3rd
Battle of Ypres had begun, there certainly seemed to be enough noise. By
mid-day, however, we had not been used, and as no news of the battle
reached us we were preparing to settle down again for another day of