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THE SUN was overhead for as long as 15 hours during summer. Many troops in the Salient had no overhead cover. The positions occupied also provided little protection from the enemy because solid rock prevented the digging of trenches of any depth.
From Hill 209, the Germans had a birds-eye view of the Australian positions. Consequently, the Australians kept movement to an absolute minimum during daylight hours.
The Salient came alive at night. It allowed the troops to stretch their legs, catch up on any digging and eat. Breakfast was served around 9:30pm, lunch was at midnight and dinner was just before it got light.
On the night of 14/15 May, the Australians in the Salient moved their line 350 yards closer to the enemy. One man was killed during the move, which was reported on the BBC. This was the first of several moves instigated by Colonel Burrows with the intention of shortening the distance to the enemy as well as reducing the number of troops needed to man the Salient. |
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