20 Unfortunately there are little writings available to determine why exactly the 103rd was detached from the 3rd Brigade or what tasks they performed during February. The next closest entry in war diaries picks up again in March, which saw the withdrawal of the German forces, however the entry is actually after the date the 103rd returned to the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade’s position. On the 16th March the AIF had occupied Bapaume and, of course, the guns had to move up in order to cover the advance. It wouldn’t be until the 23rd where the Germans would attempt a counterattack in order to regain lost ground, but this move was too little too late. On the 2 April, 103 battery absorbed a section of 15 howitzer battery, meaning they now possessed six 4.5 inch guns. Mid-April saw the destruction of the Regiment’s kite balloon – a kind of aero dynamic hot air balloon – taken out by German planes, setting it ablaze and destroying it. Kite balloons were designed to be able to fly in higher winds than ordinary round balloons and they were used primarily for observation. The loss of such an important piece of equipment – especially one so advanced for the era, was a hard hit to handle. Despite this, the infantry used the momentum created by thwarting the German counter attacks to advance through Doignes and Louveral. Amazingly enough, the snow was still heavy – even in April. The momentum generated by the German withdrawal, meant the Battery would also move once more to Halpincourt, with the BC moving ahead to recon the battery position. The Infantry continuously attacked, moving through Hemies and the battery consistently supporting through registration missions before establishing supreme firepower in the area. Finally, after such a large push, the 103rd would eventually be relieved on the 12th May, moving to Velu Wood where they could enjoy some brief respite from the tempo. Its from here in Velu Wood where they would eventually embark on a train journey at Albert, arriving at Bailleul on the 19th. Its from this position that they would then continue to fight around Messines. It would be a
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