The attack was launched about three o'clock in the morning
of Thursday week, and was signalized by the explosion of a gigantic system of mines. The engineers with their skilled miners bad been tunnelling for months. This tremendous explosion engulfed or transfigured considerable parts of the German position, and was plainly heard in England by those who were in the secret and listened for the dramatic opening. For a fortnight before the opening of the battle there had been a crushing artillery preparation. After the firing of the mines our men went " over the top," and quickly occupied position after position with very small losses. It should be understood that in the latest phase of fighting those who are " first over " are paradoxically less exposed than those who follow a good deal later. Our heaviest losses occur when the enemy begins his counter-attacks on our newly won positions, and is able to place his barrage between those positions and the reinforcements coming up behind.
