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Battalion, the 1st Hampshires, met with opposition in Le Hamel itself, and
from the beach defences West of it.
Le Hamel was still holding out in the afternoon, and then AVREs
(Assault Vehicles Royal Engineers), mounting petards, were put in to support
the Hampshires in the street fighting. The well-known landmark, the
sanatorium, had been turned into a strong point by the enemy, and received
attention from one AVRE under the command of Sergeant Scaife, who fired two
petard "dust-bins" at it. The infantry then assaulted, and took 20
prisoners.
The most important objective from the Dorsets' point of view was the
hill about a mile inland, laiown as Point 54, which dominated the beaches
and contained a battery position and strong points. C and D companies, under
the command of Major R.M. Nicholl and Major W.N. Hayes respectively, assaulted
with great dash and determination and overcame the first of these defenses,
suffering considerable casualties. Te advance was frequently held up by
heavy and accurate fire, but both the company commanders showed great
determination and courage by continually reorganising their men, and pressing
the attack. Both of these officers were later awarded the Military Cross.
A Company, under the command of Major A .A.E. Jones completed the capture
of the chief strong point, killing many Germans and taking a large number of
prisioners. By that evening the Battalion had reached all its objectives
although casualties had been very heavy and many of the best junior leaders,
officers and other ranks, had been killed or wounded. The attack was
supported by a squadron of the Sherwood Rangers.
The 2nd Battalion, the Devonshire Regiment, third battalion of the