I stayed where I was, although there was no infantry in front of me, and I could not see any behind me. My object in staying was more to be able to fire at any enemy counter attacks then in simple obedience to the infantry commander's

order, though I hoped that soon another attack would come in and the CO would rejoin me.

Everything became very quiet: it was not until the early after-noon that I saw infantry moving up towards the river again. Heavy enemy mortar fire opened on the river and intense small arms fire. I saw that the infantry were not attempting to come up the valley towards me, so I attempted to get back to them: this took me some time because of the heavy fire, and when I reached the river all the infantry had disappeared. I joined some French of the Corps Franc D'Afrique who pointed out some targets to me on the hills on the left which I engaged. I then moved upstream in an attempt to contact the DLI. I met a small party coming back, who told me that they were from B Coy and who were the infantry I had recently seen. They had been moving up to the right and had intended to reinforce D Coy. D and B Coys had apparently gained a foot-hold on the hills on the right, but had been heavily counter-attacked and sustained serious casualties. They had now all withdrawn. I moved back with this party towards the area of the bridge. At about this time I saw a very fine attack go in on the hills on the left, and I later learned that this was C Coy who captured a hold on the hill feature with very light casualties.

When I reached the bridge area it was dusk and I collected my party and withdrew to RHQ to find out what the situation

was, and to get orders. On arrival at RHQ I reported to the CO, who questioned me on the activities of the day. Capt J Dawson was sent out to relieve me and took over duty with the DLI.

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