6.15am. A repeat of the initial bombardment is ordered with the added difficulty of uncertain
locations of the most advanced troops.
7.20am. Major-General Haking (CO 1st Division) reports failure and asked if he should bring in his
last Brigade. He offers his opinion, that it would not be successful.
7.45am. A further one hour bombardment starts. The only impact is to encourage German artillery
to reply, bringing heavy shelling down onto British front and support trenches. German fire
continues until 10.30am.,
8.00am. First reports reach Haig, but they underestimate losses and problems. Haig also hears of
early French success in Vimy attack.
3.20pm. Bombardment repeated, and seen to be a little more successful, blowing gaps in the wire,
and in the enemy front line.
3.45pm. Bareilly Brigade, moving up to relieve Dehra Dun, loses more than 200 men due to enemy
shelling.
3.57pm. The leading companies of the lst Guards Brigade bought in to replace the shattered 2nd
Brigade, went over the top; and despite the late arrival of l/Cameron Highlanders, moved at the
double, across No Man’s Land. Some reached the German breastwork just as the bombardment
lifted; most were killed or captured in the German firing trench, although a small party reached the
Second. Other batallions began to advance but were cut down without reaching the enemy. The
Brigade suffered more than 100 casualties within minutes.
4.35pm. Another 10 minutes shelling, but it is seen to have no effect.
4.40pm. Large explosion at German ammunition dump in Herlies, hit by a long range British heavy
shell. Smoke clouds drifting towards British lines caused a gas alarm.
5pm. General Haig, hearing of the continued fatalities of the Southern attack, orders a bayonet
attack at dusk 8pm.