The battalion was in position of assembly at 5.40a.m. At 5.30A.m. Captain W. Vernon, MC, Adjutant, made a reconnaissance of our frontage. The battalion attacked after a 20 minute barrage at 6.20a.m. B, C, and D companies in front and A Company was support. Hd Qrs. were established at pill box just outside a village. The battalion passed over and crossed the Douai-Cambrai road in face of intense shell and machine gun fire and progressed some 250 yards when held up by very heavy MG fire from Railway Embankment. We were unable to connect up on either of our flanks. Companies held their positions but were unable to advance. The 28th Can. Inf Battalion in support attempted to reinforce us but was unable to reach the Douai-Cambrai Road. During this period Lieut F.H. Barnes made a reconnaissance of utmost value under most trying conditions, enabling companies to gain touch and to communicate with Hd. Qrs. During the night companies moved to west side of Douai-Cambrai Road.
Image: The Canadians advance East of Arras, September 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.