flanks and harassed with machine gun fire, the detachments withdrew, taking their breech blocks and sights, having to abandon 16 18-pdrs. Having withdrawn, D Bty brought its howitzers back into action and continued to fire on the advancing enemy troops. Two remaining 18-pdrs of C Bty had been in the workshops, and these were brought into action in a fresh position alongside guns and howitzers of another brigade. Meanwhile, CLXXXVI Bde's limbers had been closer, and the brigade was able to withdraw, having remained in action until the enemy infantry were within . 39th and 16th Divisions fought on throughout 23 March as they retired towards the River Somme, the field brigades withdrawing to new positions from time to time as they covered the infantry, inflicting serious casualties on the Germans. One gun of C/CLXXXVI was destroyed by a shell, but five stray guns of another brigade attached themselves, and men from CLXXIV Bde helped to man the guns of a heavy battery supporting 39th Division. CCLXXXII Army Field Artillery Bde distinguished itself in support of 39th Division on 23 March, firing on the advancing Germans until the last moment before pulling out. 39th Division and the guns then crossed the Somme before the bridges were blown up. For the next two days the British fought to defend the Somme Crossings. The 'batteries took full advantage of the many opportunities offered in engaging the advancing enemy with observed fire, and one section of A/186 did particularly good work over open sights'. The batteries fired an average of 3000 rounds each on 24 March, and continued firing during the night. The Germans were less visible on 25 March, but all possible crossing places were kept under constant fire overnight. However, the line of the Somme had been turned by the Germans and the retreat was resumed, with covering fire from the field guns. Some reorganisation was achieved: Brig-Gen W.G. Thompson took over as CRA, and the heavy battery returned to its group. The Germans made a major effort on 27 March (the Battle of Rosières). 39th Divisional Artillery had XLVI Bde of 14th (Light) Division and a battery of CCLXXXII AFA Bde also under command, but could only assemble 53 guns. The artillery engaged the attackers with observed and barrage fire, but the right flank having been pushed back, CLXXXVI Bde had to retire again, after inflicting considerable losses to the