Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 2, 23 February - 31 March 1915, Part 10

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Finalised
Accession number:
RCDIG0000579
Difficulty:
3

Page 1 / 10

FIIIDMRSSISS 79 M.R. Brigade. 11. G 99 15th March 1915. THE ENENY HAS RETIRED SOUTH OF LAHR BAADEIN THICH POSITION IS MYIT APPARENFLY HELD BY A COVERING FORCE AAA THE M.R.BRIGADE WILL ATTACK THIS COVERING FORCE WITH THE OBTECT OF DISCOVERING THE NEEIY'S DISPOSITIONS TO THE SOUTH OF ZAHR BAADEIN. Reports to FLAGSTAFF HILL. ARWY HEADGUARTERS. A.B.C. Gen. Staff. EL MARG. 3 a.m.
where TET LEALAPD AND AUETRALLAN DIVLSION. INTER-BRIGADE FIELD OPERATIONS. MowDay, 15th MAROH, 1915. ROFerenco Map of EspDt 1.50,000 NUDTRLA AALLUREA, Sheet Corrocted 1914. GENERAL INER. NORTHLAND (WHITE) is at wer with SOUTHLAND (BROWN). SEECEALLNNA (WELEEL. A severe battle took place yesterday, 14th March, about the SUEZ ROAD between HELIOPOLIS and TOWER NO. 3. From information received from spies, it appears that, though undefeated, BROWNS morale was so shaken that he has withdrawn a portion of his troops for the purpose of recorganization. A WHITE FORCE, strength as under, is ordered to drive in his covering force in order to gain information as to the situation. WHITE FORCR. Commander - Colonel A.H. Russell, A.D.C. roops - N.2. Mtd Rifles Brigade and one 18 pr Battery. INSTRUCTIONS. The above force will wear white hat bands. The above force will rendezvous at road junction NORTH of TRAMLINE, Square F-9 at 7 a.m. on Monday, 15th March. No one is to be SOUTH of the SUEL ROAD before 7.30 a.m. at which hour operations will comnence. At the rendezvous Field Message No. G.99 will be handed to the O.C. WHIlTE FORCE by the Chief Umpire. 10 rounds blank S.A.A. vill be carried per rifle. Casualty screens will be displayed. Two Ambulance Wagons, each drawn by six horses, will accompany the above Force. Casualties are to be practised. All lst Line Transport is to be doublenorsed. Bayonets are not to be fixed at any time during these operations. Cpposirg forces will not approach within 50 yards of each other. No operations to take place EAS7 of the lire 1-J.
may umpose Notes 10//15 White Forse (Rnssel - N. Kifles Hodes handed an 645a Wellington Kyt nve the advance - direction Virging Wreast, pt 195 pateol wind Coombe Hill Frshatt Several snemy sconts obsilved ut 7 frn. it Verguns Hreast & to North At 7.15 a body of les hoons ging Senth wery to west of Vergins theast Scoeen starts at 7.29/– before time. J.42. Scveen firing or under five Brgadi dromount tobue W hrond place to Conciteate &f hin taken &no concealment. 7.50 Messages on Sveny Sconts N.E. T.H.W. of Visp Brensh
7 252 Canteobuty - ordered t move up to the left west at a trot 7.SS. Hend of Cantotury crosses Odge & comes in to right of advance E10. Onering much exposed on taked Adeen, & neaver widges - Sums put on to them 8.15 Lot Send 1 Squadon Anckland to suppot sereen immediately in found of Virgiin Breast I hold remained naty tomorr 8.19. Look theway messages rache Bigndw, altho he mare rapidly
821 Cantiburr Squadron dimounts pematurely 530 Moustil officig in Fiting line 8.35 We mip across to Vergun Beast Canterting from exposed 8.52 Wgnder dietates fest order at Vrgins Weast
Nyde H.Q. too for forward too early (P.S2) Byd alied man on what he fould see himself than upon reports 355 orders to Arty. Dsuitch on to 195 Hill when Anok Htanterbury attack 9.04 - Excellent signalting fc service C 86 White bathery in action egunt A Spiakion mory in doze toratioon alms the hort at a witk
.15 - Upti now no setion attempt to carty out the tust. to get information. 6-20 - Anckland sweeping lartwards - I wits t of Virguis Briast.- While Canterbury is going theat White tuce now scattered- alay a 3 wite bont - no weight at any point 34 - Lood Artitlery Tragets White lneny is nanforcing Wetward across his bomt
C 43 Canterlury & Wellington ponly abtert W o l mpty 2 2 Anckland Regt having diven off enemy - reteved on fort nealy 2 mite to their hoose, instend of Brnging the haoses np 10-2 Ape H.A. moves forward t w:1 at new position 10- Case fire
RD L1GHT Horse Manoaures ArForm OMl PONN A.B. 1573/15 Army Form C. 2121. 10. O MCCARS MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. Nore - Cae Reed at Thismessage is on a/e of: Office of Origin and Service Instructions. mndmn L Date Service Mning Den n Fromam communmummmm To andaenen Byenan By ammnin n Oprature of Pranting Onaci T0 M.B Brigade SerttESN Day of Montn. WMOTS WO MiS AAA Fifteen SC has retured The enewse Soutu EHHR BAADEIN which prit is apparently held by force 444 The M.R Gorsin will covering tie Bricade attack object wt the ef c the disosittons to the enemns discoverig sout 6ot ZAHR BAADEIN AAA Reports Hlagataff t Hill D 2.6 RaCe CTL NARG Time San 12 The above may be forwarded as now corrected. bb Cennor. Bratire of Koltegr of Perpon on horned to Coterrarn o CIONnO 20810. OOS This line should be erased it not required.
ALL PACKAGES FORNARDED AT OWNERS RISH UNLESS INSURED. DECLARATION FORM. This form should be filled up and sent to THOS. COOK & SON (Egypt), Ltd., CAIRO. Full particulars and instructions must be stated herein, as this form will be solely acted upon for Shipping and Advising the Goods. TTEYOS. GOOE L SOT (EAVPT, LTD., GENERAL PASSENGER, SHIPPING, AND INSURANCE AGENTS, Near Shepheards Hotel, CAIRO. Also at HIEKANDRIA, PORT SAID. SUEL. ASSIUT. IUNOR. ASSUAN. WADI HAIEA, KHARIOUM. &c. Head Office:-LUDGATE CIRCUS, LONDON, E.C. AND IN ALL THE PRINCIPAL TOWNS AND CITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORI Mail or Cargo Steamer Please arrange for the shipment of the undermentioned packages of which declare the contents and value as under:— ] (State if per "Mail or Cargo Steamer, "Grande Vilesse, or "Petite Vitesse,) NOTE.—The property mentioned below is entrusted to and accepted by THos. Coox & Son (Egypt), Ltd, on the Conditions set out below but also on the condition that all hiability on the part of Thos. Cook & Son (Egypt), Ltd, absolutely ceases and determines on the MOPOTTYPABNLOMANETO TO RAAMM Name and full delivery address. MUNNO 2/1 Col.D. Woodey Dr Rosenham Monash Caliin "Warrawce Clothing, uniforms) Comdy Frunk Coombe Lane military books & 322414 Roigade 600 Kingston Hill accoutrements not A.1.F. Turrey all used tin lines England Latts a simula from reguodion upune 7/10/0 Lreen Sint Casg No. of Kors One a co A osign ne Missisisippipi Sate an S t IS Tistsin Mn Mn AM e a 110 Menan an M n The Foies io Baide ate Maanes Tan H-11 I1I- 1 E M M S M Mane MTea MTT M 2 2.5 SO Mans Fn C in Liquids, Ous, Spirits, Cunpowder, Cartridges, Percussion Caps, Matches, or any other IWe ded MAAS SS may be required in the erent of Customs or other difficuities. TIHO S 1 We agree to and ascept the Geyditiens net logth abore. Daw. March A15 Signature of endera ver Reradrome Camp, Heliopalio2gypt FOR RATES AND CONDITIONS OF INSURANCE SEE OYER. (E.L. quis. To THOS. COOK & SON. Please clear the undermentioned packages from S.S." from ,and forward same trait the following address. MS TEN FI CALS OIS Keys herewith. re following are the principal articles on which duty is charged in Great Britain, viz. Tocoa, Cigars, Tobacco, Wines, Spirits, Pertumed Spirits, Sugar, Preserved A15, B All dutiable articles must be distinctly declared, id the package in which they are contained specifed. It is an advantage to place all di able articles in the same pactage if possible. Mark or Address on Package.] Description of Pactage General Contents. 1 B32 Fatire to late detate artdes centens anne tate to fre ant canteation of goods, and a rigid examination by Customs of all other packages belonging to same I hereby declare that, with the exceptions above mentioned, these packages do not contain any articles liable to duty Thumonac Da Marh 47 194

FIELD MESSAGE.                   
TO M . R . Brigade . 
No.  G 99 15th March 1915.  White 
THE ENEMY HAS RETIRED SOUTH OF ZAHR BAADEIN WHICH POSITION IS 
APPARENTLY HELD BY A COVERING FORCE AAA THE M. R. BRIGADE WILL  
ATTACK THIS COVERING FORCE WITH THE OBJECT OF DISCOVERING THE  
ENEMY'S DISPOSITIONS TO THE SOUTH OF ZAHR BAADEIN. 
Reports to FLAGSTAFF HILL. 
ARMY HEADQUARTERS.  
A.B.C. Gen. Staff. 
EL MARG    3 a.m.

 

White 
NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIAN DIVISION. 
INTER-BRIGADE FIELD OPERATIONS. 
MONDAY, 15th MARCH, 1915. 
Reference Map of Egypt 1:50,000 MUDIRIA QALIUBIA. Sheet Corrected 1914. 
GENERAL IDEA
NORTHLAND (WHITE) is at war with SOUTHLAND (BROWN). 
SPECIAL IDEA (WHITE). 
A severe battle took place yesterday, 14th March, about the SUEZ  
ROAD between HELIOPOLIS and TOWER NO. 3. 
From information received from spies, it appears that, though  
undefeated, BROWN'S morale was so shaken that he has withdrawn a 
portion of his troops for the purpose of re-organization. 
A WHITE FORCE, strength as under, is ordered to drive in his 
covering force in order to gain information as to the situation. 
WHITE FORCE. 
Commander - Colonel A.H.Russell, A.D.C. 
Troops - N.Z.Mtd Rifles Brigade and one 18 pr Battery. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 
The above force will wear white hat bands.
The above force will rendezvous at road junction NORTH of TRAMLINE, 
Square F-9 at 7 a.m. on Monday, 15th March. 
No one is to be SOUTH of the SUEZ ROAD before 7.30 a.m. at which hour 
operations will commence. 
At the rendezvous Field message No. G.99 will be handed to the O.C.  
WHITE FORCE by the Chief Umpire. 
10 rounds blank S.A.A. will be carried per rifle. 
Casualty screens will be displayed. 
Two Ambulance Wagons, each drawn by six horses, will accompany the 
above Force. 
Casualties are to be practised.  
All 1st Line Transport is to be doublehorsed. 
Bayonets are not to be fixed at any time during these operations. 
Opposing forces will not approach within 50 yards of each other.
No operations to take place EAST of the line I-J.

 

My Umpire Notes 15/3/15 
White Force (Russel - M. Rifles) 
Orders handed over 6.48 am. 
"Wellington Rgt won the advance - direction 
Virgin's Breast, pt 195 
patrol round Coombe Hill 
I shall 
Several enemy scouts observed at 7 am. at  
Virgin's Breast & to North 
at 7.15 a body of led horses going South was to 
west of Virgin's Breast 
Screen starts at 7.29 - before  time. 
7.42 Screen firing or under fire 
Brigadier dismounts & observes 
Awkward place to Concentrate & time 
taken & no concealment. 
7.50 Messages re Enemy Scouts N.E & N. W. of  
Virgin's Breast

 

7-52 Canterbury - ordered to move up to the 
left west at a trot 
7.55. Head of Canterbury crosses Bdge 
& comes in to right of advance 
8.10 Enemy much exposed on Zahr  
Baadein, & nearer ridges - Guns put 
on to him 
8.15 hold Send 1 Squadron 
Auckland to support screen 
immediately in front of Virgin's 
Breast, & hold remainder ready 
to move 
8.18 Good, the way messages 
reaches Brigadier, altho he 
moves rapidly

 

8.21 - Canterbury squadron  
dismounts prematurely 
8.30 Mounted officers in firing 
line 
8.35 We nip across to Virgin's 
Breast 
Canterbury Horses exposed 
8.52 Brigadier dictates fresh 
orders at Virgin's Breast

 

Bgde H.Q. too far forward 
too early (8.52) 
Bgdr relied more on what he  
could see himself than upon 
reports 
8.55 Orders to Arty. to switch  
on to 195 Hill when Auckland 
& Canterbury attack. 
9.04 - Excellent signalling & despatch 
service 
9.06 White battery in action against 
a squadron moving in close 
formation across the front at 
a walk

 

9:15 - Up to now no sections 
attempt to carry out the task 
to get information. - 
9:20 - Auckland sweeping 
eastwards - 1 mile E of Virgin's 
Breast. - While Canterbury 
is going West 
White Force now scattered- 
along a 3 mile front - no 
weight at any point 
9.34 - Good artillery Targets 
while enemy is reinforcing 
Westward across his front

 

9-43 Canterbury & Wellington 
pressing attack W & S respectively 
9-52 Auckland Regts having 
driven off enemy - retired 
on foot nearly ½ mile to 
their horses, instead of 
bringing the horses up 
10-2   Bgde H.Q. moves forward 
to 
10-12 at new position 
10-16 Cease fire

 

LIGHT Horse Manoeuvres  15/3/15
"A" Form
C.M. Form A.39.
Army Form C.2121.
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. 
  
TO M.R. Brigade 
  
Sender's Number G.99 
Day of Month Fifteen
AAA 
  
The enemy has retired south 
of ZAHR BAADEIN which position 
is apparently held by a 
covering force  AAA  The M.R. 
Brigade will attack this covering 
force with the object of  
discovering the enemy's dispositions to the 
south of ZAHR BAADEIN       AAA 
Reports to Flagstaff Hill 
  
From Army H.Q. 
Place EL MARG 
Time 3 p.m. 
  
A.B.C. General Staff 
Signature of Addressor or person authorized to telegraph in his name

 

ALL PACKAGES FORWARDED AT OWNER'S RISK UNLESS INSURED
DECLARATION FORM
This form should be filled up and sent to THOS.COOK & SON (Egypt), Ltd., CAIRO. 
Full particulars and instructions must be stated herein, as this form will be solely acted upon for Shipping and Advising the Goods.
THOS.COOK & SON (Egypt), Ltd 
GENERAL PASSENGER, SHIPPING AND INSURANCE AGENTS 
Near Shepheard's Hotel, CAIRO. 
Also at ALEXANDRIA, PORT SAID, SUEZ, ASSIUT, LUXOR, ASSUAN, WADI HALFA, KHARTOUM, &c. 
Head Office: LUDGATE CIRCUS, LONDON, E.C. 
And in all the principal towns and cities throughout the world. 
Please arrange for the shipment of the undermentioned packages of which I declare the contents and value as under:- 
Mail or Cargo Steamer 
NOTE - The property mentioned below is entrusted to and accepted by Thos. Cook & Son (Egypt) Ltd., on the Conditions set out below, but also on the condition that all liability on the part of Thos. Cook & Son (Egypt) Ltd., absolutely ceases and determines on the property passing out of their possession. 
  
Marks and Numbers. 
Col. J. Monash. 
Commdg. 4th Brigade 
A.I.F. 
  
Name and full delivery address. 
Dr Rosenhain 
"Warrawee" 
Coombe Lane 
Kingston Hill, 
Surrey 
England 
  
Description of Pkg., and if tin-lined or not. 
Wooden Cabin Trunk 
3'x2'x14" 
Not tin lined 
  
Full description of Contents, for Customs and Insurance purposes. 
State if new or used. 
Clothing, uniforms, military books & accoutrements 
All used 
  
Value for Customs. 
£60.0s.0d. 
  
Separate value of each package for Insurance. 
For Rates and Conditions see Back. 
£60.0s.0d. 
  
No. of Keys one 
  
Later a similar form regarding Green Suit Case 
value 7/10/0 
  
Freight or Carriage to be charged to Consignor 
Duty (if any) to be paid by Consignee 
  
CONDITIONS. 
I/We agree to and accept the conditions set forth above. 
  
Date March 4/15 
Signature of Sender John Monash (Colonel) 
Address Aerodrome Camp, Heliopolis, Egypt 
  
FOR RATES AND CONDITIONS OF INSURANCE SEE OVER. 
  
I hereby declare that, with the exceptions above mentioned, these packages do not contain any articles liable to duty. 
  
Signature John Monash 
Date March 17 1915

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Jacqueline KennedyJacqueline Kennedy
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