On 14 July 1916 South African units managed to take the wood but came under intensive counter attack by the Germans. The battle raged for several days with gains and losses for both side.

By 19 July 1916 the South Africans were virtually cut off  at a strategic high point and the 53rd Division sent to provide aid. Part of this Division at the time were the 10th Essex Battalion.

The 8th Norfolk were allocated the task of clearing the Southern Sector while the 10th Essex and 8th Norfolk made a direct attack on the strongest part of the German defences. Due to the urgent situation the attack was carried out in broad daylight against an enemy concealed behind dense foliage making it very hazardous.

The attack was hastily planned so there was little artillery support and the advance seemed to take a long time under heavy German fire from the wood.

Although the attack made ground it could reach only the low ground leaving the South Africans vulnerable.

May men performed valiantly although Captain A S Tween deserves a mention. Captain Tween commanded B Company and was the only Company Commander not to be seriously wounded or killed so for a long period he assumed command on all four companies.

Likewise 2nd Lieutenant G P Hunt performed valiantly when he was the only surviving Officer in C Company shortly after the attack started.

Although they were unable to advance the Division maintained the ground that they had captured although the 10th Essex, Sergeant Major Mercer deployed, servant's, signalers and runners to strengthen the defensive positions.

The following day an attack by the 76th Brigade finally succeeded in reaching the South Africans and relieved the intense pressure felt by the 53rd Division.

The battle for control of the wood raged and it was not until 3 September 1916 that the Germans were finally driven from the wood.