But composed as they were of young troops, many being lads sent off to the front a few weeks after being recruited, the success of such an attack, so managed, was well-nigh impossible from the first.
It was a gloomy evening in the British camps.

We were defeated, while the French were victorious.

The fact, too, that the attack had failed in some degree owing to the misconduct of the men added to the effect of the failure.

It was said that the attack was to be renewed next morning, and that the Guards and Highland Brigade were to take part in it.

Very gloomy was the talk over the tremendous loss which had taken place among the officers.