Owing to heavy casualties caused by enemy shellfire, the troops of various units to the left of Second Lieutenant Pollard's Battalion had become disorganised on 29th April, 1917 at the Gavrelle, France. A further enemy attack only caused further confusion and retirement, and being closely pressed by enemy forces. Realising the seriousness of the situation, Second Lieutenant Pollard rushed up to put a halt to the retirement. With only four men, he began a counter-attack with bombs, pressing it home, breaking the enemy and regaining all the ground that had been lost: and much more in addition. The enemy sustained many casualties as they retired in complete disorder. With his lack of regard for danger, he instilled every man, who saw him, with courage.