Ludendorff ordered the (ground holding divisions) to reinforce their front garrisons; all machine-guns, including those of the support and reserve battalions were sent into the forward zone, to form a cordon of four to eight guns every . The were reinforced by the regiments of divisions, which were moved into the artillery protective line behind the forward battle zone, to counter-attack sooner. The other regiments of the divisions were to be held back and used for a methodical counter-attack () a day or two after and for spoiling attacks as the British reorganised. More tactical changes were ordered on 30 September; operations to increase British infantry losses were to continue and gas bombardments were to be increased, weather permitting. Every effort was to be made to induce the British to reinforce their forward positions with infantry for the German artillery to bombard them. Between 26 September and 3 October, the Germans attacked at least and Operation High Storm , a (methodical counter-attack), to recapture the area around Zonnebeke was planned for 4 October.