Whose Name We Share

17 Despite this, the infantry used the momentum created by thwarting the German counter attacks to advance through Doignes and Louveral. Amazingly enough, the snow was still heavy – even in April. The momentum generated by the German withdrawal, meant the Battery would also move once more to Halpincourt, with the BC moving ahead to recon the battery position. The Infantry continuously attacked, moving through Hemies and the battery consistently supporting through registration missions before establishing supreme firepower in the area. Finally, after such a large push, the 103 rd would eventually be relieved on the 12 th May, moving to Velu Wood where they could enjoy some brief respite from the tempo. Its from here in Velu Wood where they would eventually embark on a train journey at Albert, arriving at Bailleul on the 19 th . Its from this position that they would then continue to fight around Messines. It would be a gruelling month of fighting until they would be withdrawn from action on the 26 th of June. They would move to Wulverghem to take a well-earned rest. The 3 rd of July saw the Battery come under heavy shell-fire from the German lines. The intense fire had caused an ammunition dump nearby to be set ablaze, threatening the lives of every man present. Leftennant Gordon Murray Wallace of the 103 rd would leave the safety of the lines in order to ensure that no harm would come to his men. “Awarded for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leaving cover with a sergeant under very heavy shell fire and extinguishing two large ammunition dumps which were burning and exploding close to his battery. This gallant and timely action furnished a most inspiring example to the men of the battery.” – Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 20 th December 1917, Page 3374, Position 12 The constant shifting of the battlespace meant that moving was a priority as well. The battery would continue to change positions throughout the year, either pulling into reserve or relieving the line. The 3 rd Artillery Field Brigade eventually became a part of the XV Corps and were attached to the 32 nd Divisional Artillery from the 14 th July. Their movements included Dunkerque, Nieuport and Dickebusch areas, not seeing relief until the 23 rd of August. Pulled back into reserve, the Brigade marched from the line to Amplier to rest for a period of 2 days. They would then entrain to Godewaersvelde to conduct their routine maintenance and rest. This of course included stable duties and the cleaning of saddlery and equipment. They wouldn’t face the call to the frontline again until the 2 nd of September, a cruisey one and a half weeks. Marching back into Ypres line on the 2 nd of September, the Battery’s rest proved to have been beneficial. Hitting the ground running,, the 103 rd would fire 446 rounds of HE right off the bat in barrage-styled missions. Despite this incredible level of tempo, the Battery would lose two more members, BDR Seeley and GNR Giddings. The threat they faced on the line never diminished, despite having suppressed counter battery fire before in the past. Heavy fighting would ensue in the closing months of 1917, constant shelling that was desperate to withdraw or destroy the enemy, brutal rifle fire and the constant threat of gas