Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 11, 31 January - 29 February 1916, Part 3

[*Bde Copy  
4 AB
2478*]
AUSTRALIAN
IMPERIAL FORCE
FEB 3 1916
4th Infantry Brigade.
Moascar Camp.
Ismailia
3rd. February 1916
N.Z. & A. Division/
Nothing is known, in this Brigade, of the removal, by a party
under an N.C.O., of 4 barrack rooms or booths from the Canal bank.
Other Australian Units have recently been camped on the Canal
bank.
JM
BRIG-GENL.
Commdg. 4th. Aust. Inf. Bde.
[*File
NZ a Div*]

4/2/16
Instructions for Night Advance & Assault.
√ 1. From position of Divisional Assembly Point, Brigadier will march
between 14 & 15 Bns , in line with leading Fours.
2. One officer from each Bn will then join Bgde H.Q. as Liaison Officer.
3. C.O's & Adjts will march at head of Bns & stay there unless sent for.
4. 13^th Bn finds Advanced Guard of 1 C^o.  -
Vanguard to be one line of scouts at 2 paces interval, covering
200^x of our front. Vanguard to march 100 yards in front of Bgde
Main Guard, in Col. of Fours 50 yds behind screen. Connecting
files in front & rear of it.
5. 16^th Bn finds flank patrols. - Every 15 minutes 1 N.C.O
& 8 men to be detached & move out half right from direction of
advance for 15 minutes, then make a left turn & rejoin the rear of 16^th Bn.
6. When within 500^x of enemy, column will halt. - Patrol
(Major Durrant) will go forward to locate enemy. Vanguard
will dig in xx. Under cover of screen, 14^th & 15^th Battalions
will form two lines, of two companies in each line, in two ranks.
all well closed up. - 14^th on left of 15^th. - 13^th & 16^th will
form line of platoons companies in Col. of Fours at deploying
distance; 13^th in rear of 14^th, 16^th in rear of 15^th. - all
officers dismount. -
7. When all clear, Bgde advances till screen is 200^x from
enemy & halts. - Here the two leading Battalions deploy

into single ranks at one pace interval, in two lines.
8. First line crawls up to within 100 yds of enemy & halts;
9. On signal from Brigadier ∧ all fix Bayonet. 1^st line rises & charges; second
line follows at 50yards distance.
10. After position taken, reserve 16^th Battalions pass through &
takes up a position 100 200 yards beyond enemy's trenches, to
cover the reforming of the xxxx assaulting Battalions.
11. 13^th Bn ∧ reforms & remains in hand to meet a Counter attack

Copy No. 8
FOURTH AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE
Divisional Exercise Feby. 4 & 5.
Moascar xxx
Feby. 4th. 1916.
Ref Map: 1: 1000000
GENERAL IDEA: 1. As for previous exercises.
SPECIAL IDEA: 2. Yesterday's attack was entirely successful but the enemy
was unexpectedly weak and withdrew rapidly pursued by our
Mounted Troops.
During the day heavy enemy columns advanced from
the NORTH along the EAST bank of the ABBASSIYEH CANAL
and commenced an attack on our line. The attacks so far
have been repulsed without difficulty, but more enemy
troops are known to be comoing up. The enemy is holding
the W. bank of the Canal which is dry - the water having
been cut off higher up.
The Corps Reserve is ordered to move to a position
of assembly about 1½ miles N.E. of K.105 and from thence
attack the enemy holding the Canal.
INFORMATION: 3. This morning the enemy commenced an attack against our
NORTHERN defences EAST of the ABBASSIYEH CANAL; but
were repulsed. Aeroplane reconnaissance reports fresh
troops assembling NORTH of EL FERDAN. To protect himsel:
against attack from the WEST he is holding the line of
the ABBASSIYEH CANAL from and including the pine grove
¾ mile SOUTH of K. 5 to K. 10.
(The Canal is assumed to be dry)
The Otago Mounted Rifles (imaginary) is in touch with
the enemy to the WEST of EL MAHSAMA and will patrol the
Desert to the NORTH til 11 pm tonight at which hour all
patrols North of the Railway and WEST of the canal have
been ordered to withdraw.
4. The Brigade will form up in Line of Battalions in Mass,
facing NORTH, each Unit in front of the centre of its
Camp Lines, dressing on 13th. Battalion, ready to move
at 2130 tonight, Friday, Feby. 4th. - DRESS :- Full marching
Order, great-coats to be either worn, or carried in
pack, at discretion of Commanding Officers, but each
Battalion must be uniform. No ammunition. Only Battalion
Commanders and one other officer per Battalion to be
mounted; other mounted officers to march on foot, their
chargers (led) marching with Battalion Transport. The
latter will comprise:- Led chargers, Ammunition Pack Horse
one water cart and one G.S. Limbered wagon per Battalion -
vehicles double horsed - Machine Guns on Pack horses, march
with their Detachments in rear of each Battalion. All
other Battalion Transport, placed under a mounted officer
specially detailed by each Battalion, will march in one
body in order of march of units of Brigade, the whole,
under command of Captain. O.C.W. Fuhrmann 14th. Battalion
marches behind the Transport of the N.Z. Infantry Brigade
full waterbottles and one small ration carried, to be
consumed prior to final assault at dawn.
ORDER OF MARCH: 5. Brigade H. Qrs,, 13th, 14th, 15th 16th Battalions in the
order named. The xxxxxxxx Brigade follows the N.Z. Inf.
Brigade, and is followed by the N.A. Rifles Brigade. The
Brigade Transport halts clear of the Level Crossing and
falls in behind the N.Z. Inf. Bde. Transport, passing the
crossing about 2205.

INSTRUCTIONS:
(continued)
MARCH DISCIPLINE: 6. The Brigade will march, while in column of route,
completely closed up - no distances preserved - no
smoking - no lights - utmost silence to be preserved
throughout the operations. At the first hourly
halt, or sooner if ordered, the rear Battalions will
come up in Column of Route, in succession, on the
RIGHT of the 13th. Battalion, at 20 PACES interval,
after which the Brigade will march in four parallel
colums of route, 13th. Battalion directing.
ROUTE 7. The Division moves XXX WEST and NORTH WEST for about
5 miles to a Divisional Assemble Point; thence the
Brigade will move to a Brigade Assembly Point, and
thence the Brigade will advance in a NORTH EASTERLY
direction towards K. 5 on the ABBASSIYEH CANAL, with
a view to an attack at dawn.
REPORTS 8. Until Brigade Assembly Point is reached, to head of
13th. Battalion.
JP McGlinn Lieut. Colonel,

BRIGADE MAJOR, 4TH^. INF. BRIGADE,
AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE.
-4 FEB 1916
Issued at
Copies: No. 1,2,3 Staff
4.      13th. Battalion
5.      14th. Battalion
6.      15th. Battalion
7.      16th. Battalion
8.      G.O.C. Brigade
9.      Captain O.C.W. Fuhrmann 14th. Battalion.
10.      File. 

AUSTRALIAN
IMPERIAL FORCE
4aB
FEB 4 1916
2510
4th Infantry Brigade
NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIAN DIVISION
Divisional Order No. 3 (Training).     Copy No. 8.
Ref: Map 1:100,000  MOASCAR, ISMAILIA,
Sheet ISMAILIA
4th February, 1916.
INFORMATION.
1. This morning the army commenced an attack against
 our Northern defences East of the ABBASSIYEH Canal: but
was repulsed. Aeroplane reconnaissance reports fresh
troops assembling North of El FERDAN. To protect himself
against attack from the West he is holding the line of
the ABBASSIYEH Canal from and including the pine grove
¾ mile South of K. 5 to E. 10.
(The Canal is assumed to be dry).
The Otago Mounted Rifles (imaginary) is in touch
with the enemy to the West of El MAHSAMA and will patrol
the desert to the North till 11 pm. tonight at which hour all
patrols North of the Railway and West of the Canal have
been ordered to withdraw.
INTENTION.
2. The N.Z. & A. Division, less Artillery, Engineer Field
Companies, Divisional Signal Company, and one infantry Brigade
will march at dusk to a Divisional Assembly Point N. of
K. 165. From here two brigades will attack the enemy's line
on the ABRASSIYEH Canal with the object of seizing the
sandhills bordering the Canal and engaging the enemy forces
attacking ISMAILIA from the North.
ORDER OF MARCH.
3. Div. H.Q.         9.30 pm.) Troops as per margin will pass
N.Z. Inf. Bde.     9.30 pm.) the W Level Crossing. The general
4th A.I. Bde.      9.45 pm.) direction of the route after xx
2nd Batt.N.Z.R.Bde.         ) crossing the Railway will be West
                             10.0 pm. ) by South. for 2¼ miles and N.W.
Led horses and 1st           ) assembly point: from here
line Transport.   10.5 pm. ) Brigades will move to their xx

respective starting points which will be selected and marked
under Brigade arrangements. The Division will be joined
by the Divisional Signal Company which will proceed in
advance of the Division to the Divisional Assembly Point
under separate instructions.
4. The objectives are as follows: -
ORDER FOR ATTACK
N.Z Infantry Brigade - The salient in the enemy's line at
K.5: right not to extend more than
200 yards South of the salient.
4th Aus. Inf. Bde.  - Right on pine copse (inclusive ½ ¾ mile South of K.5: left on deserted hut
½ mile South of K.5.

The assault will be delivered at 5.45 am. 5th inst.
HORSES AND VEHICLES.
5. The horses or vehicles will accompany Brigades during
the march to the Divisional Assembly Point except horses of 
the following: -
Divisional Headquarters, G.O.C, A.D.C., 1 Staff Officer,
and 2 horse holders. 
Brigade H.Q. Brigadier, 1 Staff Officer and
1 horse holder.

2 horses per Battalion at the discretion of the Brigadier
All other horses and all vehicles will search in rear
of the column in order of march of the units.  A Mounted
Officer will be placed in charge of the horses and vehicles
of each unit.

- 2 -
6. Divisional and Brigade Staff Officers will wear white
bands round their caps.
The Officers responsible for guiding the Division to
the Divisional Assembly Point will wear white patches
between the shoulders.
The Brigadier N.E. Infantry Brigade will detail 12
selected men to report to the Divisional Guiding Officers
(Major Gard'ner and Captain Hastings) at the starting point
at 9.20 pm. to assist in keeping touch. All commanders
are responsible that touch is kept with troops in front and
they should have selected men ready to hand to throw out
as a connecting chain should a gap occur.
In the event of a serious breach in the line occuring,
the nearest Mounted Staff Officer or Adjutant will ride to
the front of the column and report the fact: and
similarly when a gap has been closed up and the column is
ready to move on again.
7. Dress -   Marching order - great coats will be either
carried or worn at the discretion of Brigadiers - a small
ration will be carried: to be consumed before the assault.
8. Reports to the head of the column.
(Sgd. W.R. PINWILL, Lieut-Colonel,
General Staff,
N.Z. & A. Division
Copies as under to
War Diary Copy No.  1
Records                       2 & 3
C.R.A.                            4
C.R.E.                             5

A.D.M.S.                        6
N.Z. Inf Bde.                 7
4th A.I. Bde.                 8
N.Z.R.B.                          9
Signals                           10
Div. Train                        11
Admin. Staff                  12 & 13
A.D.C. for G.O.C.            14
ANZAC.                           15

AUSTRALIAN
IMPERIAL FORCE
1855 4aB
FEB 3 1916
2587
4th Infantry Brigade.
NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.
Divisional Exercise - 4th February. 1916.
Exercise to test communications.
1. The following will pass the West Level Crossing in the 
order named at 8.0 am. :-
Divisional H.Q. & Signal Section.
N.Z. Rifle Brigade.
N.Z. Infantry Brigade.
4th Aust. Infantry Brigade.
(Staffs only required but Adjutants of Battalions will be
accompanied by one or more signallers).
2. No dismounted personnel will be taken except those belonging
to Brigade Sections of Divisional Signal Company who will
remain out all day.
3. The above will march in the direction of EL MAHSAMA and will
practise an attack (skeleton) in a North-easterly direction.
General and Special idea will be issued in due course.
(Sgd.) W.R. PINWILL, Lieut-Colonel,
General Staff,
N.Z. & A. Division

AUSTRALIAN
IMPERIAL FORCE
4aB
JAN 31 1916
2443
4th Infantry Brigade.
NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.
Divisional Exercises - 2nd, 3rd, & 4th February, 1916.
Ref:Map 1:100,000
Sheet ISMAILIA.
GENERAL IDEA.
1. A defensive line facing North and West runs from
K.120 on the SUEZ Canal - point 1 mile S. of K.5 on
ABBASSIYEH Canal - point 1½ miles East of K.105 on CAIRO
Railway - thence to E of EL MANAYIF.
The Divisional Reserve of the Corps holding the line
was located near the Ferry, but has recently been moved
to MOASCAR with a view to making a counter stroke.
The enemy has unsuccessfully attacked out line from
the North along the ABBASSIYEH Canal and from the West
along the Railway.

He is now believed to be assembling his last available 
troops for a final effort.
2. Gaps in the defensive line exist as follows:-
(a) Along W. bank of ABBASSIYEH Canal between the trees
and the Canal.
(b) 200 yards wide astride the track running N.W. from
above Canal.
(c) 300 yards wide due N. of I in ISMAILIA.
(d) 300 yards wide N. of CAIRO Railway.
3. SPECIAL IDEA - 2nd February, 1916.
Last night the enemy was reported to be massing on the 
ABBASSIYEH Canal. The Corps Reserve is ordered to move
N.W. through the line with a view to attacking him should
an opportunity offer.
4. SPECIAL IDEA - 3rd February, 1916.
The enemy's concentration on the ABBASSIYEH Canal
proved to be unimportant and the Reserve withdrew on the 2
2nd to MOASCAR. During the night however reliable
information is received of an impending attack along the 
CAIRO Railway. The Corps Reserve is ordered to move out
North West and attack if opportunity offers.
5. SPECIAL IDEA - 4th February, 1916.
Yesterday's attack was entirely successful but the
enemy was unexpectedly weak and withdrew rapidly pursued
by our Mounted Troops.
During the day heavy enemy columns advanced from the
North along the East bank of ABBASSIYEH Canal and
commenced an attack on our line. The attacks so far have
been repulsed without difficult but some more enemy troops are
known to be coming up.  The enemy is holding the W. bank
of the Canal which is dry - the water having been cut off
higher up.
The Corps Reserve is ordered to move to a position of
assembly about 1½ miles N.E. of K.105 and from thence
attack the enemy holding the Canal.
(Sgd.) W.R., PINWILL, Lieut-Colonel

General Staff,

E.P. Tents      4/2/16
Summary