'On October 1st near Flers. The left section of 3rd Battery were in action in a semi covered position in hastily constructed pits. Zero time for an attack on this day was 3.15pm but this section received orders to fire an hour earlier in order to enfilade trenches in front of the Division on the left. 20 minutes after starting the section was subjected to a very heavy bombardment by 7.7, 5.9, and 8 inch guns. This hostile bombardment was intense for 2 1/2 hours and intermittent till 8pm. During the bombardment the pits and the detachment were hit several times by large pieces of flying splinters. About 4.45pm the enemy obtained a direct hit on "C" gun pit killing one and wounding the whole of the detachment, and destroying all the ammunition in the pit. The section was now reduced to these three under a sergeant, but they gallantly worked all through the heavy fire, continuing the fire with the remaining gun and eventually clearing away the wreckage and wounded from the other gun and eventually firing both guns.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 22 January 1917