Arras, 9th April to 4th May

9th Battalion, The Harp, 9th April

Here the 9th Battalion attacked what was known as the String of the Harp trench system. Uncut wire and heavy machine-gun fire caused many casualties, but the Battalion took and consolidated its objective. No tanks were present.

Losses: Officers: killed 6, wounded 4; Other Ranks 204.

Wancourt, 10th/11th April

The 7th and 8th Battalions took part in 8th Bns. an attack near Wancourt, the 8th being in support. Uncut wire was again met with and heavy machine-gun fire, but the 7th Battalion took its objectives. A snowstorm gave some cover to its advance. Wancourt was evacuated on the night of the 11th/ 12th and occupied by the 8th Battalion the next day without loss.

Losses: Officers: killed 6, wounded 5; Other Ranks 254.

Monchy-le-Preux, 10th April

The 13th Battalion supported an attack on Monchy-le-Preux. The first objective, some 800 yards north-west of the village, was reached. Our artillery support was very inadequate and further advance was prevented by heavy enemy fire. At 3.45 a.m. on 11th April the two Rifle battalions (13th/60th and 13th/R.B.) attacked with negligible artillery support. Enemy fire was very heavy, but the village was captured by 9 a.m. During this advance four tanks had come up and gave invaluable assistance in dealing with enemy machine-gun nests. Several cavalry units arrived about 9 to 10 a.m. and gave most valuable help in holding the position. Cavalry had been brought up in the vain hope of a break-through. Consolidation was arranged by the Commanding Officer.

Losses: Officers: killed 3, wounded 10; Other Ranks 212.

This action and Wancourt above are included in the battle honour SCARPE 1917

13th Battalion, Gavrelle, 23rd April

The Battalion again in action south of Gavrelle in a renewal of the Third Army offensive on a big scale. All three objectives were taken in a 2,000-yard advance. They had no support on their flanks for the last 1,000 yards, but they held their isolated position and repelled several counter-attacks.