| INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY April 9, 1917 Canadian 5th Battalion |
| was most gallantly led by Lieutenant E. I. D. McLean, who was, however, very soon after killed. In the meantime a bombing party consisting of men from "A" and "B" Companies had successfully silenced several machine guns by the aid of rifle grenades, and proceded at a rapid pace, into a portion of the Wittlesbacher Weg, and after a short sharp fight, the remnants of enemy parties were disposed of, and the business of cleaning out dug-outs was most effectively carried out by smoke bombs and Mills hand grenades -- some prisoners were taken. Acting Captain Day with his Company, then went forward up a communication trench to the Zwischen Stellung with the idea of flanking the enemy in the Red Objective, the movement was very successful, and though its execution necessitated of the Company from it allotted position, its losses were thereby reduced considerably, and the position gained, a junction was affected with "C" Company, parties of whom had already reached the place and were bombing dug-outs and overpowering the remaining opposition. The Red Objective having been obtained, attention was turned to consolidation, but the trench (Augsberger Weg) being heavily shelled, and having a poor field of fire, Captain Day and Lieutenant decided to move forward and take up a better position. On reaching high ground the men were ordered to dig in parallel with the trench behind them. The position taken from the enemy disclosed ample provisions, and almost luxurious conditions of life, electric lights were still burning, elabourate telephone systems in operation, hot coffee and other refreshments provided a well earned repast for our troops. The First Aid Parties of the Medical Detail, under Sergeant Chivers-Wilson, went over with the attacking troops, dressing the wounded as they went, and pressing onward into the final objective. Lieutenant G. E. Hocking was in charge of a party of 57 other ranks, for the purpose of removing the wounded from the battlefield. This party (25 of whom were reinforcements not previously having beein under shell-fire) did splendid work. Enemy prisoners were utilised as carrying parties and assisted considerably in clearing the battlefield, which work was completed by sun set. The location of each wounded man was indicated by a rifle stuck in the ground. The tactic of the enemy, as usual, consisted in the use of his machine guns to the very last, and our most effective weapon against them was undoubtedly the rifel grenade. At one or two places, there were smart bayonet fights, in which our men proved much superior. Several cases of treachery on the part of the enemy were summarily dealt with. The initiative and resource of our men was never more noticeable than during this day's work, casualties among Officers and N. C. O's were extremely heavy, but at no time, were there wanting natural leaders among the men, to carry the work forward with the speed of success. Ample arrangements had been made for every contingency in the way of provisions, water and rations. In addition to the Army issue of supplies the men were provided with candles, trench cookers, cocoa, chewing gum, tobacco and biscuits purchased regimentally. |
 |