flat on the ground & cut the wire very carefully – this was done without the sentry hearing (He will be tried & shot tomorrow for a certainty). The wire being cut messages were sent back [to the rear – crossed out] & the rest of the party was brought up – all had blackened their faces so that their faces would be more difficult to be seen, & also to recognise friends from foe. At about 4 am a red flare (which was the preconcerted signal) was fired – the Scots Fusiliers who had all crept up close to the German wire, rose up to charge into the trench – the Germans however seemed to be on the alert & only three men with an officer managed to get in & bomb some Germans – they got out without any casualties