On the opening day of the Battle of the Canal du Nord (27 September), 42nd Division failed to achieve its objectives, the 1/7th and 1/8th Bns being 'exposed to a terrible enfilading fire from the high ground around Beaucamp, and the leading companies were practically blotted out ... With great gallantry the two battalions persisted in face of a murderous fire, but the failure to drive the enemy out of Beaucamp made it impossible for the Fusiliers to get beyond their first objective ... until towards midday'. However, on the second day (28 September) 125th Brigade went forward at 02.30 and caught the enemy by surprise. The attack was completely successful, rolling up the Hindenburg Line defences and taking many prisoners. Resuming the attack the following morning, the brigade reached the division's objective of Welsh Ridge.