 The 40th Battalion began its attack at approximately 07 : 30 , and by 08 : 30 had successfully advanced 800 metres ( 870 yd ) . It was at this point , however , that the unit came under an intense barrage from German artillery , and were prevented from moving further forward . With assistance from a Lewis Gun team under Statton 's command , the battalion 's A Company managed to reach the centre of Proyart village an hour later . The remainder of the 40th Battalion attempted to follow , but soon became subject to heavy machine gun fire . With his Lewis Gun , Statton engaged two German machine gun posts and thus enabled the remainder of his battalion to continue its advance . The battalion was later able to reach its objectives . 
