29^th May

0200. Thinning out commenced and by 0300 all coys clear except small unit from each coy holding canal bank till 0400.

ZUYSCHOOTE

0400. All clear- no casualties.

0900. As much rest as possible to be had by all ranks.

0930. Report from B & D coys that enemy had crossed river in small numbers and was been engaged by their forward platoons.

1030. Enemy crossed canal on all Bn fronts.

1045. Enemy caught in fire at 200 yds range crossing main road by LMGs.

1130. Heavy shelling of D & B coys, direct hit on church and Xroads.

1330. CO and adj went to Bde for conference, Mjr Lowe took charge.

1345. Small arms fire frequent.

1400. Message from D coy reporting that enemy trying to break through between 4^th Berks and D coy.

1430. A&C coy and carriers told to be ready for move.

1515. Two coys of R.Berks on left of D coy withdrew in disorder without warning, enemy broke through in small numbers. Major Lowe ordered C coy to counter attack and establish line between D coy and 4 Berks.

1525. C coy less 1 Pt commanded by Mjr Boxer with 2/Lt D Hart in charge of 18 Pt and PSM James in charge of 14 Pt C/A.

1530. Carrier Pt fanned out into covered positions to cover any eventuality.

1545. Several buildings ablaze in D coy area, shell fire intensified.

1600. Message from C coy to say C/A successful, enemy driven out, line established in old position. 20 casualties- enemy casualties very heavy.

1605. CO and adj returned from Bde with withdraw order.

1615. D coy report casualties very heavy. 2/Lt Burrell severely wounded and 2/Lt Larkin also hit.

1650. B coy casualties heavy, Cpt Coulson wounded.

1730. Enemy shelling continued, little support from our own artillery.

1745. Intelligence section under 2/Lt Chamberlain left to organise route back.

1830. Heavy shelling HQ coy area, small arms fire on all fronts.

1845. IO returned and two from intelligence section sent to each coy.

1900. Withdrawal commenced, men in extended line crossed open fields past a coy HQ on route back. Many casualties on route.

1930. Major Tarchell badly wounded, Captain Cartland believed captured. D coy suffered severe losses, enemy casualties very high.

1935. Carrier Pt under Capt Rowell penetrated through enemy forward sections and inflicted severe losses to the enemy.

2000. Almost all coys clear of position. Enemy artillery very accurate following Bn across fields to main road.

2015 CO and Adj wounded by shell splinters

2030 All clear of position and en route for Linde.

2050. Coys boarded transport as lorries passed.

2130. Bridge blown at Linde. HQ already crossed bridge and continued under Capt Gough.

2200. The remainder of the Bn had to march before joining the main road. All transport carried troops, carriers taking 12 to 14 men. Heavy shelling along the whole way, several casualties.