Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 5, 16 May - 25 May 1915, Part 7

Conflict:

First World War, 1914–18

Subject:

Documents and letters

Status:

Awaiting approval

Accession number:

RCDIG0000588

Difficulty:

"^{A" Form. Army Form C. 2121.}
^{MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No. of Message}
^{Prefix Code m.}
^{Office of Origin and Service Instructions.}
^{Words. Charge}
^Sent
^{At m.}
^To
^By
^{This message is on a/c of:}
^Service.
^{(Signature of "Franking Office.")}
^{Recd. at m.}
^Date
^From
^By
^TO
^{*Sender's Number Day of Month In reply to Number.}^AAA
(d) to raise back parapet in a few low places to
protect the trench against reverse fire.
Lieut. Skelsey will cooperate, with advice, if required.
The G.O.C. directs that no step will be omitted to absolutely
ensure that this work shall be completed by
nightfall today. - You are therefore to give this
whole matter your urgent personal attention,
& you will send me special reports in writing
at 4 pm & 6 p.m & 8 p.m to state how
this work is progressing
Please report this as of special importance
Acknowledge receipt
John Monash
Col.
for C.O. No.3 Section
21/5/15 2.25 p.m.
^From...
^Place...
^Time...
^{The above may be forwarded as now corrected.}
^{Censor. (Z)}
^{Signature of Addressor or person authorized to telegraph in his name.}
^{*This line should be erased if not required.}

^{"A" Form. Army Form C. 2121.}
^{MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No. of Message}
^{Prefix Code m.}
^{Office of Origin and Service Instructions.}
^{Words. Charge}
^Sent
^{At m.}
^To
^By
^{This message is on a/c of:}
^Service.
^{(Signature of "Franking Office.")}
^{Recd. at m.}
^Date
^From
^By
TO NZ. Inf. Brigade
*Sender's Number Day of Month In reply to Number. AAA
B.M. 153 May 21st/15 B.M 279
Captain Morrison and four guides from
your Brigade have already reconnoitered
the road from your Bivouac to this H.Q.
and know the way. AAA Nevertheless a
guide will be sent to Div H.Q. to guide
you here in event of your having to
reinforce us.
From 4th Inf. Bde
Place MONASH VALLEY
Time 3.25
^{The above may be forwarded as now corrected.}
^Censor.
(Z) JohnMonash
^{Signature of Addressor or person authorized to telegraph in his name.}
^{*This line should be erased if not required.}

4^th. I.B. COPY
(*21*)
From O. C., 2nd. Battery
To C.R.A., N.Z. Division.
Re the Artillery firing last night, this Battery fired 480 rounds at
Battery fire, from 30 seconds to 5 seconds, with occasional bursts of
gun fire and sweeping.
Target over QUINN'S POST, Bearing 78 deg. to 84 deg. and a few rounds
on~~xxxx~~ bearings 72 deg. and 74 deg. 3 series were fired:-
a) from 7.40 p.m. to 8.10 p.m.,starting at 1200, fuze 3.9, angle
of sight 3 deg. 15 min. Elevation, and finishing at 1100,
fuze 3.3, angle of sight 3 deg. 15 min.Elevation.
b) from 10.40 p.m. to 11.35 p.m. starting at 1200. fuze 3.7. angle
of sight 3 deg. 25 min. finishing at 1100. fuze 3.4. angle of
sight 3 deg. 10 min Elevation.
c) from 2 a.m. to 2.30 a.m. started and finished as in (b).
(*JM*) (b) the 2nd. Battery was the only battery firing, laying for line
and elevation, and fuze setting extraordinarily good.
(b) & (c) Series apparently gave the Infantry satisfaction, as they
reported "your rounds are bursting just where wanted" and later
"your rounds are bursting on front Turkish trenches".
The whole zone registered was checked during the day for Range, Fuze.
and Angle of Sight on eight targets. Results arrived at were, for
QUINN'S POST:-
Day firing, Range 975, Fuze 3.1. Angle of sight 3.5 on right to
3 deg. 15 min. on leftt.
Night firing (allowing considerable margin for safety) Range
1100, Fuze 3.3 angle of sight the same.
I shall be glad if C.R.A. Army Corps could also be notified of the
above. Casualties - Nil. though under ~~xxxx~~ ∧heavy shell fire at times.
224 H 1
21/5/15.
(Sgd.) F.B. Sykes, Major, R.A.,
Commanding 2nd. Battery, N.Z.F.A.
[*JM*]

21
AGA G INTELLIGENCE STAFF
SURRENDER OF TURKISH TROOPS

In view of the importance of securing Turkish prisoners,
both Military and civilian, for purpose of the Intelligence
Staff, it is desirable that, whenever possible, the surrender of
such perons should be accepted.
Experience in other fields of the war against ~~Turkin~~ Turkey
has shown that many Turkish soldiers are serving under compulsion
and are anxious to give themselves up at the first opportunity.
From these men information of great military value has often been
obtained. Consequently, where such a course does not expose our
own men to any danger, facilities should be given for as _∧many surrenders ~~xxx~~
as possible.
~~TTurkkxx~~ Turkis soldiers as a rule manifest their desire
to surrender by holding their rifles butt upwards and by waving
cloths or rags of any colour. An actual white flag should be
regarded with the utmost suspicion as a Turkish soldier is unlikely
to possess anything of that colour.
The following phrases, to be shouted to those apparently
desirous of giving themselves up, will assist our officers and
men to accept a BONA FIDE surrender without exposing themselves
to any unnecessary danger.
~~XXXXXXX~~
IN NO CASE SHOULD OUR TROOPS LEAVE THEIR POSITIONS OR
COVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF RECEIVING PRISONERS OF THIS TYPE.

SURRENDER TESSLIM OL (SINGULAR) TESSLIM OLUNUZ
YOU WILL BE WELL TREATED SIZĖ EYI BAKILAJAK
THROW DOWN YOUR ARMS SILLAHLARENEZE BRAK
THROW DOWN YOUR RIFLES TUFEYINI ASHAYA
THROW DOWN YOUR SWORD KELECH VE REVOLVER ASHAYA KOI
AND REVOLVER
HOLD UP YOUR HANDS ELERINIZI YUKARI KOI
HIGHER THAN THAT DAHA YUKARI
ADVANCE SLOWLY YAWASH GEL (in plural) GELINIZ
ONE BY ONE BIR BIR HALT DOUR
ATTENTION ASKER HAZER OL MARCH MARSH
COME OVER THIS WAY BOU TARAFA GHEL
WALK TO THE LEFT SOLA YURU
WALK TO THE RIGHT SAGHA YURU.

Urgent
OC 13^th Bn
Please copy & return to Bde H.Q. JPMcG Lt Col
BM 2/5/15
Copied & retd
AWDavis Sgt
21/5/15
Urgent
O.C. 16^th
ditto
Copied & Rtn GWOrchard

21
^{"A" Form. Army Form C. 2121.}
^{MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No. of Message}
^{Prefix Code m.}
^{Office of Origin and Service Instructions.}
^{Words. Charge}
^Sent
^{At m.}
^To
^By
^{This message is on a/c of:}
^Service.
^{(Signature of "Franking Office.")}
^{Recd. at m.}
^Date⁵³
^From
^By
TO C O 13^th Bⁿ
*Sender's Number Day of Month In reply to Number. AAA
[* For information*]
It has been arranged with
the concurrence of the
G.O.C. that the 13^th Bⁿ
is till further notice
to take its full share
of the garrisoning of
QUINNS POST AAA In pursuance
of this, the 13^th Bⁿ
will find the major portion
of the garrison of this
post from 1 pm this day
(21^st) till 1 pm on 23^rd
inst. AAA Please arrange for
350 men including due proportion
of officers & NCOs to report
^From
^Place
^Time
^{The above may be forwarded as now corrected.}
^{Censo.r (Z)}
^{Signature of Addressor or person authorized to telegraph in his name.}
^{*This line should be erased if not required.}

^{"A" Form. Army Form C. 2121.}
^{MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No. of Message}
^{Prefix Code m.}
^{Office of Origin and Service Instructions.}
^{Words. Charge}
^Sent
^{At m.}
^To
^By
^{This message is on a/c of:}
^Service.
^{(Signature of "Franking Office.")}
^{Recd. at m.}
^Date⁵²
^From
^By
TO 2
^{*Sender's Number Day of Month In reply to Number.}^AAA
at QUINNS POST at 1 pm
sharp this day an officer
preceding the party and
reporting to L.Col Cannan
or his representative at
the post at 12.45 pm AAA
The balance of the garrison
for the next 48 hours
will comprise a squadron
of 1st Light Horse AAA
Acknowledge
From 4th INF BDE
Place MONASH VALLEY
Time 9 pm.
^{The above may be forwarded as now corrected.}
^Censor.
W J M Locke Lieut (Z)
Orderly officer
^{Signature of Addressor or person authorized to telegraph in his name.}
^{*This line should be erased if not required.}

^{"A" Form. Army Form C. 2121.}
^{MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No. of Message}
^{Prefix Code m.}
^{Office of Origin and Service Instructions.}
^{Words. Charge}
^Sent
^{At m.}
^To
^By

²¹^{This message is on a/c of:}
^Service.
^{(Signature of "Franking Office.")}
^{Recd. at m.}
^Date
^{From 44}
^By
TO 4^th Inf Bde

^{*Sender's Number Day of Month In reply to Number.}^AAA
Message reference 13^th Bn
garrisoning QUINNS POST at
1 pm 21st inst. with
350 men hereby acknowledged
JM
21/5/15
From 13TH BATTALION.
Place
Time 9.57 a.m.
^{The above may be forwarded as now corrected.}
^{Censor. (Z)}
^{Signature of Addressor or person authorized to telegraph in his name.}
^{*This line should be erased if not required.}
^{8350 S. B. Ltd. Wt. W4843/541-50,000. 9/14. Forms C2121/10.}

^{"C" Form. (Original.) Army Form C.2123.}
^{MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No. of Message 30}
^{Prefix Code Words}
^Recd
^From
^{By 21}
^{Sent, or sent out}
^{At m.}
^To
^By
^{Office Stamp.}
^21/5
⁴⁵
^{₤ s. d.}
^{Charges to collect}
^{Service Instructions.}
TO 4^th Bde
^{Handed in at the Office at m. Received here at 1.30p m.}
^{* Senders Number. Day of Month. In reply to Number}^AAA
¹
The Guns which are at
present shooting down the
valley can be distinctly
seen from the right of
Courtney Post AAA Magnetic
bearing 10 degrees Range
under 2000 yds
JM
FROM MAJ. RANKIN
PLACE & TIME Courtney's Post 1/25 pm
^{*This line should be erased if not required.}
^{W. 2384-583. 30,000 Pads-8/14 S. B. Ltd.- Forms/C.2123.}

^{21 "C" Form (Duplicate). Army Form C. 2123.}
^{MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No. of Message 29}
^{SM [[?XQW Nrs]]}
^{Charges to Pay.}
^{₤ s. d.}
^{Office Stamp.}
^21/5/15
⁴⁶
^{Service instructions.}
^{Handed in at Office m. Received 3.3pm.}
TO OC 4 AUST BDE
^{Senders Number. Day of Month. In reply to Number}^AAA
BM 279 21^st

In the ~~xxx~~ event of this brigade
or any portion of it
being required to reinforce
you will it be convenient
for you to send a
guide to meet our troops
outside Divisional H. Qrs to
guide them to the place
where they are required
39
Replied to by
BM JM
BM 153
group
JP McGlinn
21
FROM NZ INF BDE
PLACE & TIME RESERVE GULLY 2.55 pm
^{W. 2384-583. 30,000 Pads-8/14 S. B. Ltd.- Forms/C.2123.}

QUINNS POST. (48)
4th Inf. Bde.
4.0 pm. 21.5.15
Reference your message 2.25 pm.
officer and men on job have orders to
knock off at 5.30 pm. work has
progressed to some extent - but it
will not be complete by any means
by 5.30 pm.
Lieut Skelsey was not aware
that party was being detailed. He
has seen the officer in charge of
party and explained to him what
is required.
Can the tour of present party
be extended or fresh party sent
to relieve it at 5.30 pm please.
H Pope
Lt.Col
4.0 pm 21.5.15

^{"A" Form. Army Form C. 2121.}
^{MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No. of Message}
^{Prefix Code m.}
^{Office of Origin and Service Instructions.}
^{Words. Charge}
^Sent
^{At m.}
^To
^By
^{This message is on a/c of:}
^Service.
^{(Signature of "Franking Office.")}
^{Recd. at m.}
^Date
^From⁴⁷
^By
TO LT COL POPE
ACTING C O QUINNS POST
^{*Sender's Number Day of Month In reply to Number.}^AAA
Ref. your message 4 pm there
must be no question of
working party ceasing at
5.30 pm Give orders that
work must continue till
too dark to work AAA
Nor must you lean on
Lt. Skelsey for more than
technical advice the
responsibility of executing
the work on the lines
specified in my message (2.25pm)
resting upon you
From No3 Section H.Q.
Place MONASH VALLEY
Time 4.15 pm
^{The above may be forwarded as now corrected.}
^Censor.
W.J.M. Locke Lieut. (Z)
^{Signature of Addressor or person authorized to telegraph in his name.}
^{*This fine should be erased if not required.}

21
QUINNS POST (50)
21.5.15
H.Q. 4^th Inf. Brigade

I have personally seen
Lieut Harris and the working party
on the trench leading from the
right of this position -
I found the party working to the
right of the flag which indicates
the left of COURTNEY'S POST. which
portion of trench is already in
order.
I pointed out to L^tHarris the
portion of trench which obviously
requires attention. viz. from the
flag mentioned above to the left
for about 60 yards to the junction
of first support trench.
Lieut. Harris is fully aware of
the position and will press on
with the work - taking it in the
precedence named in your order.
If the work is not fully completed

by nightfall as ordered it
would be advisable to put
the same working party on
to it tomorrow - as, owing to
the narrowness of the trench,
it is work of which the
"knack" takes a little time
to acquire.
HPope
Lt.Col
a/O.C. Quinns Post
6.0 pm

Last edited by:

Marj Moodie

Last edited on:

9 July 2024, 10:01 am

Last updated: 8 July 2024