line, just as we were beginning the relief. It was decidedly unpleasant,
and we had no idea what it was about until we heard the brutes cheering
as they rushed into the empty copse. From a report which we captured
later we found that this was another addition to their long list of
"victories," and I have no doubt that a few iron crosses were doled out
to commemorate the occasion.

After three and a half weeks' continuous duty in and around Havrincourt
Wood the battalion moved out for a week's rest to Ruyaulcourt in brigade
reserve. It was a pleasant diversion and we made the most of the
glorious weather with football matches and very successful sports, the
latter largely taking the form of comic dress contests.

The affair of "Wigan Copse," and the constant patrolling activity
exercised by ourselves and the 5th in that direction had induced a
lively interest in this spot, until finally it was decided to raid it,
and the 7th were selected to do the job. As this was the first effort of
this nature attempted in the division there was naturally a good deal of
anxiety as to the result. The 8th were to co-operate with a diversion on
"Dean Copse," and if possible, of course, they also were to obtain
prisoners. "C" Company (Capt. Townson's) were honoured by the C.O. in
having to supply the raiding party of 40 men, and 2nd-Lt. Hodge was put
in charge. His qualities as a leader, and his expert knowledge in
bayonet fighting left him undisputed as the officer most fitted for the
business. He took his men off to Ruyaulcourt, when we had gone into the
line again, and there trained them vigorously "over the tapes" for the
task in hand. Each time he took them "over" they were inspired to a
fiercer zest for the blood of Boche, so that when they returned to the
Slag Heap on the night of July 2nd every man was primed up like a
fighting cock.