When the Germans launched a general counter-attack on 6 May they used flame-throwers, which caused the 3rd Brigade to withdraw from its trenches. At 6am Howell notified battalion headquarters that the battalion to his right was retiring. The 1st Battalion commander then hurriedly organised a group to resist the enemy assault and a fierce bombing fight ensued. Howell, fearing that the enemy would outflank his battalion, climbed on to the top of the parapet and bombed the enemy, forcing them back along the trench. When his bombs ran out Howell continued to pursue the enemy with his bayonet but as he was exposed to heavy bomb and rifle fire it was not long before he was severely wounded. In the interval, the retreating battalions rallied and a party from the 1st succeeded in reclaiming the ground lost to the enemy earlier.