ST. ELOI FIGHTING

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 143, 17 June 1916, Page 5

ST. ELOI FIGHTING

PLUCKY NORTHUMBERLANDS.

CANADIAN BRAVERY

The magnificent fighting of the Canadian troops during the recent violent battle of St. Eloi, when the struggle at times assumed a "touch and go" character, deserves to be recorded at greater length (says the London Daily Telegraph of 25th April)

Further interesting details of this important engagement have been supplied to a Central -News representative by a Canadian officer, who gives a thrilling account of the dash and heroism not only of the Canadian forces, but also of the English regiments who fought by their side. The main burden of the fighting, he states, was shared by the Northumberland Fusiliers, the Royal Fusiliers, and several Canadian battalions.

First of all (said the oificer) let me pay a warm tribute _to the valour and pluck of the Northumberland Fusiliers. They are entitled to the lion's share of the credit for the victory which the British achieved at St. Eloi. I have been at the front now for many months, and I have taken part in numerous attacks and counter-attacks, but I have never seen. any soldiers called upon to undertake a tougher job than that allotted to 'the Northumberland Fusiliers. From first to last they fought like tigers, with a determination and passion, which completely nonplussed the German troops, who once again were launched against us in mass forma'tipn. The enemy positions were so ingeniously and elaborately protected by wire entanglements that it seemed impossible to make any advance. But the Fusiliers were not to be discouraged by-obstacles which no longer have any 'terror for the British. It was a painfully slow and dangerous task to cut the wires, especially as the Fusiliers were in full view of the enemy's guns, which belched forth a 'Constant hurricane of shells. An opening was at last effected, however, and then the Fusiliers went for the first ' line of German trenches, for all the world as though they were a football .team lushing a goal at a Crystal Palace Cup Tie final. A largo number of the brave fellows fell, for their bodies were an easy target for the German machine guns and riflemen. They had to make their dash over a stretch of ground which afforded absolutely no cover—there was nothing between them and death but the breeze of an early morning. Their contempt for the gunnery of the enemy was grand —that is the only word to describe it— and like a wave they swept over the German trenches.

It must not be supposed that the enemy was1 taken unawares; . indeed, they had made careful preparations for this not unexpected onslaught by the British. They fought desperately in the hand-to-hand encounter, and for a. time the.issue of the struggle wa3 doubtful. Eventually, however, the superior bayonet work of the British gave them the upper hand, but not until we had witnessed frightful slaughter. t "

The Canadians fought as they have never fought since the war began. Nothing appeals to them like a hand-to-hand encounter. It fell to the lot of the Canadians to take over a position which had been held by the Northumberland and Royal Fusiliers. At a certain point we successfully exploded five mines in a direct line, and these completely shattered the enemy's defences. Seizing our opportunity, under cover of heavy artillery fire, we advanced to occupy an enemy position. A ding-dong, hand-to-hand struggle ensued. The Germans came out to meet us, and, though we went for them regardless of losses, the decision remained in the balance for a long time. I'irst we gained the upper hand, and then the Germans, who appeared to outnumber us by five to two. But the Canadians, reckless as ever, and despite steadily decreasing numbers, stuck hard and would not yield an inch of ground which they had taken. The position thus captured was vital to the enemy, and he continued with all his might, in men and machine fire, to force the Canadians to retire. But our orders were to hold what we had, even if it cost us every man. These orders we fulfilled, and although the enemy mac]e frantic and repeated attempts to 'dislodge us we succeeded in retaining the position. i I cannot speak too highly of the heroism of our boys. There were many outstanding instances of great personal gallantry. !N"o soldiers have greater reason to liate the enemy than the 'Dominion, fighters, and yet the humanity which they displayed towards wounded Germans was something to be proud of. On several occasions 1 saw our boys craw] out on all fours, under a. constant machine-gun, fire, to pick up wounded Germans. In contrast to this behaviour I saw a. woiinded German officer actually try to shoot a Canadian who was making an effort, at the risk of his lite, to save him. It lias happened before, and it will happen again. But the Canadians will always fight like true men, no matto whs-t. t!ie mUU may !>*• that* tha jasirit-Of-.Caaid*.