Fires could not be put out after the waterworks had been hit; rampart gates on the (main defensive wall) where the wet ditches were bridged were also bombarded. The shelling of caused little damage but facing east, were attacked by Brigade 26 to outflank which faced south to cut off the garrisons. Erroneous reports to the Belgian and British commanders before dawn on 8 October that had fallen, led to a decision that if they were not recaptured, the inner line would be abandoned at dusk and the defenders withdrawn to the city ramparts. The ramparts were earth parapets with shelters underneath and had (passages) protruding on the flanks, with moats wide and deep in front.