Sir Joseph John Talbot Hobbs personal diaries, Vol. IV. (June 30, 1918 to November 20, 1918)
supporting the Attack which was all over by 6 a.m. The 5th Div accounted for over 100 killed by the bayonet & 60 odd prisoners & the taking of 1200 X of trench on our left. The whole operation went without a hitch. our losses in the 5th Div about 15 killed 120 wounded (also 3 Officers killed) X July 5th Fine day, warm, indif vis. Boche showed his spite over yesterdays defeat by unusual air activity rained bombs alround here but not much damage that I know of He heavily bombarded my left & then launched counter attacked (sic) which was stopped by our Art fire & severely punished enemy left 3 prisoners in our hands. On the right after heavy bomb he attacked & tried to dig in on 4th Div 11th Bde front here he was counter attacked by our men & destroyed losing 50 prisoners & 10 M. Guns. He seems badly disorganized here. In morning to 14th A.F. Bde. saw G.O.C & directed him to get in touch with G.O.C. Infy Bde on his right with a view of at once taking steps to occupy the re entrant on our right or the portion of it opposite our front. also described proposed major operation- I propose to suggest on our front. Saw G.O.C. 15th Infy. Bde. & also visited H.Qs 8th Infy. Bde. & discussed with Gen Elliott & L'. Col. Clarke propd operation on our front. Also discussed with Col. Clarke the question of his supercession by Col. Davies & the reasons. July 6th Fine day, indif vis. X A fairly quiet night. The prisoners taken during recent operation by Aust Corps now amt to 40 Officers & 1467 O.R. 1,779 guns about 130 M.G.s & much other war material July 4th Corps Commder called about noon & most cordially thanked me & the Division for the success of our share of the operations of today. I discussed with him briefly future propd operations in this Sector Front. 25.