Finally, under weight of numbers, the
British retired behind the line marked
by the ruined villages of Bullecourt,
East Noguell and Croiselles.
The next morning the Germans re
newed the attack, striking northward
from Fontalnelles and Croiselles and
westward from Cherissy. They drove
In mass formation, wave after wave,
toward the heights between Henln-sur-Cojeul
to Henin bill.
Two hours of drum Are, In which
gas and high-explosive shells were
mingled, preceded the infantry attack.
From eight o'clock In the morning un
til noon continuous waves of gray-clad
troops stormed the heights.
British machine guns posted on the
ridge swept down line after Une of
Germans. By three o'clock In the aft
ernoon the Teutons had succeeded In
pressing past Henln hill on both sidas
and threatened to cut off the machine
gunners posted on the crests. Not
until then did the latter retire and re
join the main British force.
Similar fighting was going on at the
same time on the right wing. Tremen
dous pressure was brought to bear
around St. Leger, Vaulx and Vrau
court. It lasted all day.
At times under the German blows
the British line sagged heavily, but at
no point did It give way.
Desperate Defense of Vaulx.
A bitter battle was fought for pos
session of Vaulx, but British machine
gunners posted In the ruins of the
village held the Germans at bay. A
ruined factory served as a fortress
despite the shelling to which It was
subjected.
Not until late in the afternoon was
It Impossible for the British to hold
the town longer. Even then the re
treat only went for a thousand yards.
