 Located to the south of Polygon Wood , the 1st King 's was one of only a few units available to defend British lines . A force of " 12 and a half " divisions , including a composite of the élite Prussian Guard , attacked at 0900 along a 9 miles ( 14 km ) front extending from Messines to Polygon . Some German units breached the front in places but quickly lost momentum and were gradually pushed back by a desperate defence . The Prussian Guard had advanced in dense formations , each guardsman effectively side @-@ by @-@ side and led by sword @-@ wielding officers . In the defence of Polygon Wood , the 1st King 's held on and virtually destroyed the 3rd Prussian Foot Guards with concentrated rapid @-@ fire and artillery support . By battle 's end , the 1st King 's casualties numbered 33 officers and 814 other ranks from an original strength of 27 officers and 991 other ranks . Among the battalion 's dead was Lieutenant @-@ Colonel Bannatyne , killed by a sniper on 24 October . 
