nearly two o'clock in the afternoon
At the same moment , the company , being recalled , doubled back to its position in the square . Here they found the defence work so far advanced that the generals were beginning to feel some confidence in their being able to repel any attack . At the same time the men were working with tremendous energy , for news had just come in that the enemy was advancing in strong force . It was nearly two o'clock in the afternoon when Captain Lacey and his company resumed their place in the square . About that time an officer of the Berkshire Regiment represented the condition of his men as requiring attention . They certainly did require it , for they had been without food since four o'clock that morning , and were consequently in urgent need of provender as well as rest and water -- the last having been all consumed . As it was imperative that the work should go on , it was found necessary to serve out food by wings .