Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 13, 1 June - 1 July 1916, Part 12

4th Bde

SECRET
COPY No......18
OPERATION ORDER No. 15
BY
BRIGADIER-GENERAL W. HOLMES, C.M.G., D.S.O., V.D.
COMMANDING FIFTH AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE.
24th June, 1916.
Reference:
1/10,000 Trench Map, BOIS GRENIER, 36 N.W. 4. Edition 6 (Redrawn) B.
1/5,000 Plan of NO MAN'S LAND.
AEROPLANE PHOTOGRAPH, 15..b. 4. 1.
1. INTENTION:
After a short preliminary artillery bombardment, a raid
will be made on the enemy's trenches at I.32.o.1¼.9. by
the 18th Battalion, on a date to be notified later, for
the purpose of.-
(a) Obtaining prisoners for identification.
b) Capturing a 'Minnenwerfer' and a Machine Gun suspected in this locality.
(c) Gaining information regarding the design and construction of enemy defences.
(d) Doing as much damage as possible.
(e) Destroying the enemy's morale, whilst maintaining the offensive spirit in our troops.
2. Composition of Parties.
The composition of the raiding force is as shown in
Appendix "B".
3. Assembly Places
(a) The raiding force will assemble at old "B" Battalion Headquarters, off SHAFTESBURY AVENUE, at 9.30 p.m. 5 spare 
men will be in attendance to replace casualties which 
may occur prior to leaving our trenches. Every member 
will be carefully inspected by O.C. Attack before leaving
billets to ensure that neither officers nor men are 
carrying anything likely to be of value to the enemy.
As far as possible, all marks on arms and equipment will 
be obliterated.
(b) The party will assemble in the Front Trench in rear 
of SALLY PORT at Trench 51 (1.31.b.7.3½.) and be ready
to move out 45 minutes after Zero time.
4. Preliminary arrangements
(a) Duck Walks will be prepared for crossing COUR AU 
RIVER and placed at SALLY PORT in Trench 51 (1.31.b.7.3½.
in readiness to be taken forward when party moves from
trench.
(b) Mats for crossing barbed wire will be prepared and 
held in readiness at DITCH 14.a. in case the enemy's wire
is not sufficiently cut.
5. Action of Parties
Parties will reach the enemy's parapet in the 
following order.-
Scouts,
O.C. Assault,
Stretcher bearers,
Left Bombing Party,               Right Bombing party
Left Parapet Party                   Right Blocking party
Telephonist and Linesman   Right Parapet Party.
Runners
Escort for prisoners.                Centre bombing party.

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5. Action of Parties
(contd.)
(a) THE SCOUTS will leave our trenches by SALLY PORT in
Trench 51 30 minutes after zero time and will reconnoitre
the ground for 75 yards beyond ditch 14.A. to
which place they will, ^then return. They will remain there
until the Assault Party joins them - one scout having
returned to SALLY PORT to guide the latter party to the
DITCH 14.A. When the artillery fire lifts, they will
guide the Assault party through the enemy's wire,
cutting any strands not destroyed by the preliminary
bombardment. They will then make an easy exit for the
party, remaining to guide them on withdrawal.
One scout will be detailed beforehand to lay luminous
tape from enemy's parapet, through the gap in his wire,
for 100 yards towards DITCH 14.A.
The telephonist and linesman will move out in rear of
the scouts and lay the line as far as the junction of
DITCHES 14 and 14.A, and remain there until Assault
Party moves forward.
They will accompany the O.C. Assault through the enemy's
wire, and establish communication from a point just
outside enemy's parapet with O.C. Attack.
(b) THE ASSAULT PARTY will leave our trenches by SALLY
PORT in trench 51, fortyfive (45) minutes after Zero
time and will follow the scout guide and telephone wire
to DITCH 14. A. When the Artillery bombardment begins,
the O.C. Assault Party will move his men forward as far
as possible (compatible with safety) and be ready to
assault the moment our fire lifts.
(a) The right blocking Party will work along front
trench as far as point 'A' marked on attached
plan (Appendix 'A') and block it.
(b) The right bombing party will work along trench
'B' (see Appendix 'A') to points marked 'X' and 'Y'
and block it at those points.
(c) The centre bombing party will work down trench
'C' (see Appendix 'A') to junction of Trench 'D"
and then turn to the right along Trench 'D' to
'Minnenwerfer' emplacement, (point marked 'Z')
(d) The left bombing party will work along front
trench to its junction with Trench 'D'. They
will block both trenches about 5 yards beyond
the point of junctionL
(e) Right and left parapet parties will not enter the
enemy's trench; but will move along parapet
slightly in rear of bombing parties, watching
the ground between the front and support trenches
to ensure that none of enemy enter the trenches
in rear of bombing party.
(f) (1) The Intelligence men will.-
Examine dug-outs and trenches, note dimensions
and material used in construction.
Search for papers, maps, letters, steel helmets,
arms and equipment, flares and grenades.
Search dead for identity discs, pay books,
papers and documents, gas helmets, shoulder
straps and caps.
(2) Engineers will be prepared to demolish
any 'Minnenwerfer', machine guns, etc. that
cannot be removed; also their emplacements.
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-3-

(3) Escort for prisoners will immediately bring back
to our lines all prisoners handed to them. Every
care will be taken to ensure that they do not get
rid of, or destroy any papers, etc.
(4) Runners will report to O.C. Assault Party as
soon as they reach the parapet and will be
available for keeping touch with all parties.
(c) THE COVERING PARTY (who will be in 2 sections) will
follow the assault party from our trenches and take up a
position in extended order as under.-
Right section, along FLARE SAP (See appendix "A")
Left section, along DITCH 14, 40 yards in advance
of DITCH 14.A.
Left Section will detach one man to accompany scout to
listening post (Marked L.P.), left of ditch 14, (see
appendix "A")
The covering party will remain in position until the order
to withdraw is given by O.C. Assault.
6, Position of Leaders 
(a) The control station of O.C. Attack will be at machine
gun dugout near SALLY PORT in trench 51.
(b) Captain Kirke will take post near O.C. Attack and be
prepared to take his place if necessary. He will not
occupy the same dugout.
(c) O.C. Assault party, when enemy's trench has been entered
will direct operations from near point of entry.
7. Withdrawal
The assaulting party will not remain in enemy's trenches
longer than (ten) 10 minutes; but may be withdrawn sooner
at the discretion of O.C. Assault party. The signal for
withdrawal will be a series of flares, fired in quick
succession by O.C. Assault towards enemy's support line.
The colour will be notified later.
The runners will be employed to warn parties if necessary.
O.C. Assault will report by 'phone to O.C. Attack immediately the withdrawal from the enemy's trench is complete.
In the event of the telephone failing, the special flare
provided by 5th Field Co. Engineers, will be fired on
enemy's parapet.
All ranks will be warned that no delay must occur in leaving
the trenches once the signal to withdraw has been given; but
if any party is actively engaged with then enemy, they will
hold on for a short time to allow those parties not engaged
to retire first. In such a case an immediate report will be
made to O.C. Assault party.
Assaulting party will return to DITCH 14.A. as soon as
possible, and thence by DITCH 14. to our trenches as soon
as enemy's fire permits. If compelled by enemy's barrage
to remain in NO MAN'S LAND, the situation will be reported
immediately to O.C. Attack.
Wounded and prisoners will be moved to NO MAN'S LAND
without delay. If enemy's fire permits, they will be
brought into our trenches at once. Prisoners will be
searched as soon as brought to our trenches by order of
O.C. Attack. They will not be questioned; but at once sent
to advanced Brigade headquarters (I.19.c.6.6.) via 18th
Bn. headquarters. 18th Battalion will furnish escorts.
8. Dress. 
All ranks taking part in the attack will wear British
Army Pattern Uniform. Hats will not be worn. Faces and
hands will be blackened. A band of white material three
inches wide, will be worn round each arm; this will be
covered with a piece of khaki cloth, loosely tacked on
which will be removed before entering hostile trenches.
Gas helmets will be carried by all ranks.
 

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9. Countersign
A countersign will be arranged for parties leaving our
trenches.
10. Arms and Equipment
List of arms and equipment carried by each man is
shown in appendix 'C'
11. Action of 'A' and 'B' Battalions
Commanding officers of 'A' and 'B' Battalions will
take the necessary precautions to prevent casualties in
case of hostile artillery retaliation.
12. Action of Artillery
The supporting Artillery and Trench Mortar action will
be as shown in Appendix 'D'.
The following time table will be observed.-
0.00 Bombardment of point of assault for- 10 mintes.
O.30 Left diversion (I.27.a.0.8¼.) commences and
continues for 10 minutes.
1.30 Bombardment of point of assault and left
diversion for three (3) minutes.
1. 35 Barrage at point of assault completed and
Assault Party enters enemy's trench.
On receipt of a telephone message 'ALL CLEAR' from
O.C. Attack the 'Third Phase' of the Artillery action will
commence and will continue until the O.C. Attack gives
the command 'CEASE FIRE'
In case telephone communication between O.C. Attack and
the supporting Artillery Headquarters breaks down, the
signal for the 'Third Phase' of the Artillery Action
will be four (4) blue rockets fired from trench 51
towards  BOIS GRENIER LINE.
The commanding officer of supporting artillery will
arrange for an artillery liaison officer to be with O.C.
Attack during the operation.
13. Action of Machine guns
O.C. 5th Australian Machine Gun Company, will detail
4 machine guns to occupy temporary emplacements in front
line, on the flanks of the area to be raided. These guns
will be prepared to engage any hostile machine guns which
may open fire on our assault party, either from the
enemy's trenches or NO MAN'S LAND'
The Lewis Machine Gun sections of 'A' and 'B' Battalions
will also co-operate by engaging any known or suspected
Machine gun positions on the flanks of the area to be
raided.
14. Communications
The 5th Brigade Signal Officer will arrange for the
following special telephone lines to be laid do and
tested frequently.-
1 line from 10th Battalion Headquarters to O.C. ATTACK
I line from Group Artillery Commander to Liaison officer
1 line from Selected battery to Liaison officer.
1 line from D.T.M.O. to liaison officer.
1 line from D.T.M.O. to each 2 inch trench mortar
Battery Headquarters.
15. Zero time
The code signal notifying the raid will take
place will be as follows and will be sent to all concerned
on the date fixed.-
'WISDOM EXPECTS TO ARRIVE AT ....p.m. TO-NIGHT.
ACKNOWLEDGE'
The message, if possible will be sent by special
messenger.
Zero time will be the time given in above message.
Watches will be synchronised at 9.30 p.m.
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-5-
16. Reconnaissance
Careful reconnaissance will be made by the scout
officer on the nights prior to the attack.
All ranks taking part will make themselves familiar
with means of approach under guidance of Scout officer to
within 100 yards of enemy's wire.
17. Bombs.
The brigade bomb officer will provide all bombs
required. He will carefully inspect them all, both
before and after being fused.
18. Aid Post
The R.M.O. of 'A' Battalion will be prepared to deal
with casualties and will arrange for 6 spare stretchers
to be placed in trench 51 near SALLY PORT.
19. Reports
After 10 p.m. to Advanced Brigade Headquarters.-
I.19.0.6.6.
(Sd) H.G. VINEY,
Major,
Brigade-Major, 5th Aust. Inf. Bde.
Issued at...........
Copies Nos. 1 and 2 . . . .o.c. Attack.
3 to 6  . . . . . .Second Aust. Division.
7 to 10 . . . . . .C.R.A.
11 . . . . . . . . . . .17th Battalion
12 . . . . . . . . . . 18th     "
13 . . . . . . . . . . .19th     "
14 . . .  . . . . . . .20th     "
15 . . . . . . . . . . 5th Aust. Machine Gun Co.
16. . . . . . . . . . .War diary
17 . . . . . . . . . . 6th Aust. Inf. Bde.
18 . . . . . . . . . . 4th       -do-
19 . . . . . . . . . . 1st Aust. Inf. Bde.
20 . . . . . . . . . .File.

Appendix "A"
Map - see original document. 

APPENDIX "B"

P.T.0. 

APPENDIX "C"
LIST OF ARTICLES TO BE CARRIED BY EACH MAN
1. OFFICERS 
Revolver 1, Bombs 4, Bomb Belt 1, Life Preserver 1,
Electric torch 1.
2. BAYONET MEN 
Rifle 1, Bayonet 1, Bombs 4, Bomb belt,1, Life
Preserver 1, 20 rounds S.A.A.
3. PARAPET PARTY 
Rifle 1, Boyonet 1, Bombs 4, Bomb belt 1, Life
preserver 1, 20 rounds S.A.A.
4. BOMB THROWERS  
Bombs 8, Bomb belts 2. Life preserver 1, Electric
torch 1, Revolver 1.
5. CARRIERS 
Same as Bomb Throwers, only with 12 bombs and
3 bomb belts.
6. SPARE MEN 
Same as carriers.
7. SCOUTS 
Revolver 1, Life preserver 1, Wire-cutters 54,
Bombs 4, Bomb Belts 1.
8. MACHINE GUNNERS 
Revolver 1, Bombs 4, Bomb belt 1, Life preserver 1,

Electric torch 1, Spanner adjustable 1.
9. TELEPHONIST & LINESMAN 
Telephone 1, Revolver 1, Life preserver 1,
Bombs 4, Bomb Belt 1.
10. STRETCHER BEARERS 
Revolver 1, Stretcher 1, Life preserver 1, Bombs 4,
Bomb belt 1.
11. COVERING PARTY 
Bombs 4, Bomb belt 1, rifle 1, bayonet 1, Life
preserver 1, 50 rounds S.A.A. and web equipment.
12. RUNNERS, with O.C. Assault 
Revolver 1, bombs 4, bomb belt 1, life preserver 1.
13. INTELLIGENCE MEN 
Revolver 1, Bombs 4, Bomb Belt 1, Life preserver 1,
Electric torch 1, Haversack 1.
14. ENGINEERS 
Revolver 1, Life preserver 1, Bombs 4, Bomb Belt 1,
Electric torch 1, Guncotton for demolition.
Torches will be carried in left breast pocket, which
should be buttoned up.
Bayonets will be painted with dark paint and carried fixed.
All life preservers will have a thong through handle.
Additional wire cutters will be issued, two to each bombing
party to be carried by spare men. One to each parapet party, 
one to Machine Gunners, one to Intelligence men and one to each
officer. 

0.00 Bombardment of point of assault
0.10 Bombardment of point of assault ceases

0.15 Diversion commences
0.25 Diversion ceases
1.25 Bombardment of point of assault and diversion commences again.
1.28 Lift at point of assault and diversion commences
1.30 Barrage placed at point of assault and also at diversion "Assault" 

"C" Form (original)
Army Form C.2123
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS,
No. of Message 9
Prefix  SA [[?]] Words......
Received From Ayb
By [[Jh?]]
Sent, or sent out
At.......m
To...........
By.........
Office Stamp
AZD
24/6/16
Charges to collect £ s d 

                                       42
Service Insfructions.
....................
Handed in at Ayb Office 12.3 pm. Received 12.8 pm.
TO 4th Aust Inf Bde
* Sender's Number.  Day of Month    In reply to Number
A89/162                         24th                                                         AAA
Reference telephone message last
night aaa Recommendation
made for leave for Genl
MONASH to commence 25th inst
Aaa Wire received corps
commander wishes genl MONASH

postpone his leave for the
present
From 2nd Aust DIV
Place & Time noon
* This line should be erased if not required.