21st Bn. CEF- Saturday, August 10, 1918
This attack operation commenced about 8.00am, August 10th. The enemy resistance had, by this time, been greatly strengthened, particularly on the Australian Corps Front, North of the Amiens-Roys Railway. Although the 4th Canadian Divisions were able to exploit the gains of the 2nd Canadian Division to the extent of capturing Hallu, they were forced to evacuate this village, on account of its making such a pronounced salient, and by the night of August 10th, the 4th Canadian Division were holding an approximate line South to East of Chilly and line from South to Foquescourt. In these past two days it reminded me of the old tactics used for practice purposes in open warfare, before we arrived in France. The Artillery moving forward so rapidly, lorries passing to and fro on the roads which few hours previous had been in enemy territory. On the morning of August 10th a reconnoitering party was sent forward by the Battalion to gain information as regards the positions held by the 4th Canadian Division. This party had an unusual experience in being bombed and machine gunned by ten enemy planes. Thinking of the old adage, discretion is the better part of valour, got to the nearest cover and sustained no casualties. It was noticed that the cavalry had come to their own. It was pleasing to note the number of dead enemy about who had been lanced or cut with sword. We also found that the 6th Canadian Infantry Brigade had made a great capture in enemy rolling stock. In fact there were three live engines on the tracks and the trucks with the enemy water tanks were appreciated by thirsty troops.
Image: German Red Cross Hospital Train captured by Canadians. Battle of Amiens. August, 1918, Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada.