For the next two days the British fought to defend the Somme Crossings.
The batteries took full advantage of the many opportunities offered in engaging the advancing enemy with observed fire, firing an average of 3000 rounds each on 24 March, and continued firing during the night.
The Germans were less visible on 25 March, but all possible crossing places were kept under constant fire overnight.
However, the line of the Somme had been turned by the Germans and the retreat was resumed, with covering fire from the field guns.
The Germans made a major effort on 27 March (the Battle of Rosières).
The brigade was still supporting 39th Division on 27 March, but could only contribute one battery; even with the addition of XLVI Bde of 14th (Light) Division, 39th Divisional Artillery could only assemble 53 guns.
The artillery engaged the attackers with observed and barrage fire, but the right flank having been pushed back, some of the guns had to retire again, after inflicting considerable losses to the enemy over open sights.
Several successful local counter-attacks were made during the afternoon with artillery support.

During 27 March the brigade was transferred to the battered 20th (Light) Division, officially in XVIII Corps (though that Corps HQ ceased to function that night and XIX Corps had taken over that part of the front from VII and XVIII Corps).
20th Division was forced back by another German effort on 31 March, but fresher units and formations were arriving, and the German advance was halted on 4 April.
CCLXXXII Brigade was withdrawn on 5 April for two weeks' rest and refit with V Corps.

The brigade went back into the line with 38th (Welsh) and 63rd (Royal Naval) Divisions from 21 April, then with 2nd Australian Division from 27 April to 6 May. It was then transferred to III Corps in the Somme sector, which was now a quiet part of the front.
It supported 47th (1/2nd London) and 58th (2/1st London) Divisions as they were rotated in the line.
The brigade then made a three-day move north to join XI Corps in First Army, arriving on 22 May to support 16th (Irish), 61st (2nd South Midland) and 5th Divisions in turn before going into corps reserve on 19 June.
It returned to 5th Division on 25 June for the Action of La Becque fought on 28 June.
This small offensive operation by XI Corps was carried out without a preliminary bombardment; the barrage started at Zero-hour, creeping at 100 yards (91 m) in four minutes, and the infantry followed closely behind with the bayonet.
They easily took their objective 2,000 yards (1,800 m) away, and two German counter-attacks were crushed by the artillery.
For the next two days the British fought to defend the Somme Crossings. The batteries took full advantage of the many opportunities offered in engaging the advancing enemy with observed fire, firing an average of 3000 rounds each on 24 March, and continued firing during the night. The Germans were less visible on 25 March, but all possible crossing places were kept under constant fire overnight. However, the line of the Somme had been turned by the Germans and the retreat was resumed, with covering fire from the field guns. The Germans made a major effort on 27 March (the Battle of Rosières). The brigade was still supporting 39th Division on 27 March, but could only contribute one battery; even with the addition of XLVI Bde of 14th (Light) Division, 39th Divisional Artillery could only assemble 53 guns. The artillery engaged the attackers with observed and barrage fire, but the right flank having been pushed back, some of the guns had to retire again, after inflicting considerable losses to the enemy over open sights. Several successful local counter-attacks were made during the afternoon with artillery support.
During 27 March the brigade was transferred to the battered 20th (Light) Division, officially in XVIII Corps (though that Corps HQ ceased to function that night and XIX Corps had taken over that part of the front from VII and XVIII Corps). 20th Division was forced back by another German effort on 31 March, but fresher units and formations were arriving, and the German advance was halted on 4 April. CCLXXXII Brigade was withdrawn on 5 April for two weeks' rest and refit with V Corps.
The brigade went back into the line with 38th (Welsh) and 63rd (Royal Naval) Divisions from 21 April, then with 2nd Australian Division from 27 April to 6 May. It was then transferred to III Corps in the Somme sector, which was now a quiet part of the front. It supported 47th (1/2nd London) and 58th (2/1st London) Divisions as they were rotated in the line. The brigade then made a three-day move north to join XI Corps in First Army, arriving on 22 May to support 16th (Irish), 61st (2nd South Midland) and 5th Divisions in turn before going into corps reserve on 19 June. It returned to 5th Division on 25 June for the Action of La Becque fought on 28 June. This small offensive operation by XI Corps was carried out without a preliminary bombardment; the barrage started at Zero-hour, creeping at 100 yards (91 m) in four minutes, and the infantry followed closely behind with the bayonet. They easily took their objective 2,000 yards (1,800 m) away, and two German counter-attacks were crushed by the artillery.
2nd Middlesex Artillery Volunteers