The Old Frenchman: "Our guns come nearer."
Reading edition
12:30 a.m. In coöperation with the French on our immediate right we attacked the enemy at several points.
We have captured part of Ginchy and the whole of Guillemont. Our front now runs some five hundred yards east of Guillemont from Ginchy to near Falfemont Farm.
On the east side of Mouquet Farm we have also gained ground.
We have captured several hundred prisoners.
Between our right and the Somme the French have made substantial progress and captured a considerable number of prisoners.
Fighting continues.
Our aircraft did most useful work in coöperating with the artillery and infantry.
The enemy's aëroplanes, which made desperate attempts to interfere, were successfully engaged in many aërial fights and driven off with a loss of three machines destroyed and at least four others damaged, while we lost three.
12:10 p.m. Last night was generally quiet.
Fighting is in progress this morning near Mouquet Farm, south of Thiepval, and on the banks of the Ancre; also on our right about Falfemont Farm. We have gained ground.
Last night we carried out a successful raid on the enemy's trenches north of Monchy, capturing prisoners.
British Official, September 5, 1916.
