THE YPRES TIMES
241
About that time a shortage of petrol occurred and the writer can very well
remember the first supply of 600 gallons coming alongthe first issue to be drawn
for some days.
Various rumours got about but came to nought. Finally orders were received
for gun stores to be loaded and for the first two howitzers to be towed to a position
approved at Joffe Farm over No. 4 Bridge at Brielen. This bridge was one of several
which spanned the Yser Canal.
Tanks were filled and reserves put aboard and two tractors started for their
guns. These were picked up at International corner not far from an ammunition
dump, nightly the rendezvous of vehicles of all kinds filling up their battery needs.
So we clattered away from a green lane overhung with branches to the high road
and its iron pave, upon which the track plates beat out a metallic tune.
There are few better guns to draw than 9-2 howitzers dismantled for the road.
The weight is well carried by some 12 wheels (sometimes 14), so that it rides well
over bad ground, and is not easily ditched. Unlike the Mark 19 gun it can be with
drawn in sections, whereas the latter with its 17, tons supported on two wide wheels
had a knack of sinking to its axle in roadside ditches.
For a time we just walk in front and wait till the guns draw up, and step out
for another spell. Hereabouts there was little traffic on the road and the dusk was
quiet, and later the route turned among the dark shuttered buildings of Poperinghe,
more or less deserted at this hour and without lights of any kind.
Here we bear left-handed on to a switch road and halt in order to get spanners
busy tightening up loose bolts and to do a minor adjustment to a slipping fan belt.
Directly the clutch is let in, the tractor rises a good foot on its tracks, and down
comes the front wheel with a violence which brings the water streaming down the
radiator and filling the air with steam. Camouflage strung along from tree to tree
and black lettered notices to "Drive slowly to avoid dust" indicate that the road
into Ypres has been reached. The first gun takes its place in the stream of traffic
the other one is some way behind. Between, before, behind, there is the everlasting
stream of horse drawn wagons, M.T. lorries, field guns.
A quivering horizon towards Wytschaete suggests mild summer lightning, but it
is flashes from gun pits on both sides to the accompaniment of a low mutter. Then
a left-handed turn to a road with little pave but a lot of dust, and here it is quieter
running but the valves beat louder. The whine of a spent shell comes over.
A Belgian cart with its wheel broken holds up traffic here as does also a 60-pounder
gun with its team waiting for a new shaft pole to be attached.
When we do get on the move the next stop will be to see if the bridge across
the canal is intact and to cross it with all speed once it is reached. The timbers creak
and groan but hold the load and higher ground is reached. Recently lorry tracks into
a steeper runway indicate a likely spot for a gun position and off the road there are
figures in the gloom the advance guard were digging out the gun pits, with
practised skill. The driver brings his caterpillar in exactly the right angle for the
gunners to part first the bed plate, followed by the cradle, into which the piece itself
is slung, and we stand by to lend a hand with an obstinate baulk or to strain a hawser.
This done we can get clear of the position, and, in growing daylight, take the road
back at a steady pace, to where breakfast and a few hours' sleep are welcome.
Subsequently, four other guns were taken up in like manner and load upon load
of ammunition. The sequel to be related is that by some means or other the enemy
got wind of the impending "push," and a withdrawal had commenced before our
heavies had shot off half their shells. Column and battery therefore packed up and
commenced another trek, this time via Boeschepe to Berthen where we were employed
for a few days hauling stones and conveying roadmenders to Kemmel.
A. H. Bowen.
