72nd Seaforth Highlanders of Canada - Electric Scotland

attempted only to prove impracticable,
HISTORIC GROUND.
and it would be
to find a
necessary to return and make a new attempt
road forward. Under these conditions it was a matter of
great difficulty to retain direction. Far back in the enemy
trench system flare lights were going up in all directions,
while he maintained a constant machine gun fire. Finally
the objective was reached and outposts put out beyond it.
The demolition parties carried on their work of bombing
and wrecking dugouts. One squad under Lieut. A. C.
Lumsden, took several prisoners, but losing direction they
were finally surrounded by the enemy, and, after holding
out until all their ammunition was exhausted, they were
themselves taken prisoner, Lieut. Lumsden himself being
wounded. After 40 minutes in the Hun position the with
drawal was commenced. Major Johnston having been
killed, Captain Wood was in command. Covered by Lewis
gun fire
the withdrawal was carried out, again crossing the
quagmire over the enemy s second line back once more to
the enemy front line, still garrisoned by Company.
"A"
Here stretcher parties were busily working carrying back
wounded. The withdrawal was continued, and was suc
cessfully carried out, covered by "A" Company, who then
in their turn retired. The artillery fire had quickly died
down, but our trenches were badly knocked about and still
reeked with gas.
Numerous decorations for conspicuous gallantry on this
occasion were awarded, and the raid will be remembered
as another step in the preparation to take Vimy Ridge.
Among the decorations conferred was the D.S.O. awarded
to Major Wilson who on this occasion handled the Bat
talion under most trying conditions. The last incident in
connection with this operation is narrated in the Battalion
diary as follows: On March 3rd, about noon, two German
officers
carrying a white flag were seen to leave their front
line and stop in the middle of No Man s Land to the right
of the Battalion s front. An officer of the 87th Battalion
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