formed containing 1000 rounds for each 18-pounder and 750 for each 4.5-inch howitzer, together with thousands of rounds of gas and smoke shells. The preparatory bombardment began on 26 May and the creeping barrage was practised on 3 and 5 June, inducing the Germans to reveal many of their own batteries, which were then bombarded. The guns ceased fire at 02.40 on 7 June and then the attack was launched at 03.10 with the firing of a series of massive mines under the Messines Ridge. The infantry advanced behind a creeping barrage (about two-thirds of the 18-pounders) protected by a standing barrage (the 4.5-inch howitzers and remaining 18-pounders) further in front. Once the infantry reached their objectives, the creeping barrage became a protective barrage 150–300 yards ahead of them while they consolidated their positions. The plan worked to perfection, and there was scarcely any opposition to the initial attack from the stunned defenders. Some field batteries then moved forward into the old no-man's land to extend the protective barrage. This smashed the first German counter-attack launched at 14.00, and the British second phase attack was launched in the afternoon, taking its objectives. Third Ypres The brigade next (12 June) joined II Corps in the Ypres Salient. II Corps was preparing for the opening of the Third Ypres Offensive, and CCXXXII AFA Bde was allocated to 8th Division from 30 June. Each division in II Corps had 44 batteries or 264 field guns attached to it, packed wheel to wheel between Zillebeke and Verbrandenmolen. The attack was due on 25 July (postponed to 31 July) but the bombardment had begun on 12 June, and over ensuing weeks the British guns suffered heavy casualties from German counter-battery fire. The offensive opened with the Battle of Pilckem Ridge on 31 July. Once again the field guns supplied the creeping barrage and standing barrage. Attacking into 'Chateau Wood', 8th Division got held up and left behind as the barrage advanced to timetable. The rest of the attack was a partial success, but II Corps' failure led to the development of a dangerous salient. Casualties among the gunners rose over the following days as they struggled amongst the mud to bombard the German line for a renewed attack and CCXXXII AFA Bde was withdrawn for rest on 13 August before the next attack went in. When CCXXXII AFA Bde returned to the line on 23