‘Wild cheering erupts next morning when Corps Commanding Officer ‘Birdy’ Birdwood announces that the Old Bat has been selected to attack and capture the village of Hermies – even louder when he tells us USA has declared war upon Germany.’
*
‘Like apparitions we drift from the snow upon the ruins of Havrincourt and take shelter behind a remnant wall from a pitiless wind slicing across the countryside like a bayonet.’
*
‘An officer is shouting. ‘Men, the Second Division attack on Bullecourt hasn’t gone well. They are in a desperate situation under heavy shelling and have been forced to withdraw.’
*
‘Through swirling smoke I glimpse Riencourt on a ridge and directly behind it, splashed in sunlight, Bullecourt – our objective!’