The echeloned company formed front to the flank, and the supporting company followed suit.

The Germans annihilated the right front company, and, using the white flag ruse, apparently captured some of the next company.

Major Ingles, collecting a proportion of the front companies, withdrew a short distance and counter-attacked, but was unsuccessful and lost his life in this gallant endeavour.

At about 1 p.m.a counter-attack was delivered by the Sherwood Foresters, who were in Brigade Reserve, the support company of the West Yorks, under Lt.-Col.

Towsey, and a squadron of the 18th Hussars from Paissy.