attack [sic] was preceded by heavy rifle fire. Within a minute the garrisons had lined the parapets with their helmets on – rapid fire was opened the Germans then began a heavy bombardment with lachrymatory & high explosive shells. Our artillery opened a heavy barrage (?) fire on their right lines. Gas was continued for from 3.5 to 3.5 minutes. No infantry attack followed the gas though small parties in different places were seen to leave their trenches – towns & roads in rear of our lines were heavily shelled. A number of men were gassed. About six officers & 34 other ranks died. Men in dug outs were gassed before they could get their helmets on. In Brigades where gas helmets had been continually