Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 13, 1 June - 1 July 1916, Part 19

1/7/16

Assault Commences      JUMP
We are in                           EUREKA                               
We are out                        BUNKED  
We have..... prisoners      WHISKY
We are lying up                DOGGO
we are coming in             SAYEDA
all going well                     D.D.
 

"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 Officer.)
AUSTRALIAN 
IMPERIAL FORCE
JUL1 1916
4th Infantry Brigade
Recd. at...
Date...
From...
By...
4AB
4557
JUL 1 1916
4th Infantry Brigade
TO 4th Inf Bde

Senders Number S.P232

Day of Month 1^st July
In reply to Number
AAA

Reference Centre Group Arty. Operation
Order N^o 29. In Phase II of trench -
mortar tasks delete I 26 B 3¼. 7¾ xx to
read I 26 B 7¾.3¼
Noted
JM

From Centre Group Arty
Place
Time
The above may be forwarded as now corrected.
JM
Censor.
(z) 
[[?]] [[Lieut?]] [[?]]

Signature of Addressor Of Person authorised to telegraph his name
This line should be erased if not required.
(4'98) Wt. W14 42-M44. 300000 Pads 12/15. Sir J. C. & S. 
 

COPY   SECRET
6th AUST. INF. BDE..
30th June, 1916.
4AB/46009
AUSTRALIAN
IMPERIAL FORCES
JUL 1 1916
4TH Infantry Brigade
Headquarters
G1/51
Headquarters,
2nd Aust. Divn.
Report on Minor Operations 29th/30th June.
Following on the short forerunner despatched at 5.50 a.m.
this morning, the undermentioned report is forwarded.

Scouts from all parties left our trenches one hour before
zero followed by the Raiders ¼ hour afterwards. The respective "LIE"
positions were reached by the Right (23rd En.) Centre (22 Bn.) and
Left (24th Bn.) at 3, 5, 4, minutes respectively before zero time.
The message "ARRIVED" was 'phoned to O.C. Attack by each party.
Communications to O.C. Attack from the right and left parties was
maintained throughout. On the whole the cutting of the wire by 2"
Trench Mortars was unsatisfactory. Bombs were thrown by enemy
into our men getting through the wire. Trenches were fairly full
and occupants resisted more so than reported in previous raids. Only
5 prisoners were taken, more however would have been taken had the
right and centre parties not been held up for some time in getting
through the wire. They had to fight their way along the trenches
and thinking time was very limited they decided to inflict as much
loss as possible. Subsequent reports obtained by questioning all
ranks show that at least 100 Germans were killed. This fact together
with demoralising effect of 3 raiding parties on a frontage
of 400 yards more than compensates for our casualties which were 8
killed and 21 wounded 1 missing. The toll is small when it is
mann remembered that 253 of all ranks left our trenches. The retaliation 

was not severe our losses were chiefly at the enemy's wire or
in his trenches. Cease fire was ordered at 00.45, the gas and smoke
demonstration had to be abandoned on account of unfavourable wind.
Briefly each party reports thus.-
Right Party 23rd Bn. Arrived LIE position junction of COURAU
and DITCH 30, 3 minutes before 00.00, being delayed by search
light and a party in front of enemy wire cutting grass. 2" Trench
Mortars on parapet not on wire which the Scout officer carefully
examined whilst party was in trench. No wire cut. Apron and French
wire two rows 25 yards in depth. Realising wire impassable the
party entered via listening post the occupants of which
retired and ran along parapet 4 bodies found later. whole trench
party entered over parapet, 3 minutes lost so far. Party remained
in 5 minutes. Bombs thrown from parapet as party climbed out of
listening sap 2 of our men were wounded. 2½ bays traversed, 4
dugouts bombed, more resistance met by left bombing party. 
Communication Trench brushwood 8 feet wide danalixande ^∧ vanished to nothing.
Flares fired from support lines. Parties called back to xxxxxxx
entrance no Very lights used. This Bn. maintained it accounted for
at least 40 dead Germans. When the Artillery took up phase 111 the
party was back at its LIE position, where considerable rifle fire
came evidently from the support line.
Centre Party (22nd Bn.) Luck was against this party but the true
offensive spirit was displayed xxxx when difficulties and obstacles
confronted them. Arrived at LIE position in ditch 32 about 120
yards from enemy’s parapet at 5 minutes before zero. Back blast
and concussion of 2" Trench Mortars considerable, evidently party
too near Mortars which were bursting 60 yards in front. Damage to
wire not as satisfactory as anticipated. Scouts had to hack their
way through. A formidable borrow ditch 10 feet wide, 6 feet deep
3 to 4 feet with water and slush, and wire with spiked stakes caused
5 minutes delay. Only half the party entered the trenches. Right
and Left Bombers quickly organised and drove enemy towards our Trench
Mortars now playing on the parapet. Men, thinking the salvage party
(who could not cross the ditch would collect trophies) did not
bother to do this. 1 prisoner passed over, but no definite details
as to his later movements. Trenches 8 feet deep, firestep 3 feet
high, good parades. This party, generally disappointed at delay in
getting in, and consequent reduction of time in trenches, withdrew
 

-2-
withdrew via. ditch 32 - Small barrage of shrapnel - Telephonic
communication broke down after zero time.
Left Party (24th Bn.) Most successful of the three parties, though
every credit is to be given to the other two parties for pressing
on to their objective after realising that their wire was not
effectively cut, and ditches wired. xxxxxxx Arrived LIE position in
short trench between ditch 34 and Railway 5 minutes before zero.
Telephonic communication good throughout. Wire well cut, ditch
same as Centre Party encountered, but not as well wired. 2½ minutes
from LIE position into trench, 8 minutes in trench.
8 prisoners passed out, one left to the signaller at the parapet
to watch got away, two others became troublesome on way over and
were left in NO MAN'S LAND.
New Island parades in course of construction - Trenches traversed
and revetted with brushwood. Objectives reached by each Bombing
Parties. Calculated at least 35 to40 Germans dead.
First prisoner, who spoke English well, was astounded at the
quickness our men pounced into trenches after bombardment started.
This Battalion lost 5 killed in the trenches, but succeeded in
bringing the bodies back to our lines. Fine piece of work.
Covering Party (21st Bn.) This unit carried out its work satisfactorily.
When raiders were in the covering party to each of
the Assaulting Parties lay near enemy's wire. Machine Guns
from opposite RUE DU B01S Salient, evidently in Support or Reserve
line, played on then. The party withdrew in sympathy with the
raiders. Their casualties were only 1 Killed and xxxx 1 wounded.
Ammunition expended.

Enemy’s parapet breached in several places. Retaliation opened
00.7½ and ceased 10 minutes after our Artillery ceased fire.
Casualties from this source - 1 killed, 5 slightly wounded; all in 
"A" Bn. Sector.
Hints for future guidance.-
(a) More effective wire-cutting by Trench Mortars.
(b) Short Bombardment with no preliminary diversion most likely
to meet with success.
(c) All men to be armed with revolvers.
(d) Use of tape both at exit, through our wire and through
enemy’s wire. This was done last night and proved invaluable.
(e) LIE positions to be at least 80 to 100 yards away from Trench
Mortars. Our men effected by them to some extent in this
operation.
(f) Very Lights not required.
(g) Rehearsal of the three parties working as one proved worth the
trouble, irrespective of weather condition.
(h) Preserve normal activity in our trenches before zero time. This
was done by "A" and "B" Bns.
(i) Scouts to gain the initiative by going out after "Stand to"
This was done last night by sending out usual Bn. scouts.
(j) Very little danger from machine suns if men lie flat.
(k) The arrangements made for this raid and every detail were made
known to all ranks and discussed. A good idea, hence the
confident initiative taken by the leaders of Right and Centre
parties when obstacles loomed up turned ^a failure into a success
Every man must know what he and his mate are expected to do.
Altogether the operation can be described as a success, due
to the coolness, courage and intelligent initiative displayed by two
or three officers and several N.C.O's and men, whose names it is
proposed to submit for consideration of some reward.
(Sd) C.H.BRAND, Colonel,
Commanding (tempy.) 6th Aust. Inf. Bde.

4AB/4604

AUSTRALIAN
IMPERIAL FORCE
JUL 1 1916
4th Infantry Brigade
4th AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE.
HEADQUARTERS.
July 1st, 1916.

Capt. A. R. COX.
In order that there shall be no doubt as to the
meaning of the signals connected in the the withdrawal and close of
the operations, I describe hereunder the action intended.
As soon as the O.C. Assault decides to conclude the
mid, he sends his runners to each flank to call loudly "Out, Out,
out", in both directions, the call being taken up by all within
hearing. Simultaneously he fires three Very green lights. This
is not only a signal to these of his own men who have failed to hear
the call  "out", but also acts as a signal to the Artillery and
Brigade H.Q., in the event of the telephone having failed.
The Artillery will shorten back to the hostile from
trenches upon the telephone message "Bunked," but will, in any case,
do so three minutes after they see or hear of these green lights,
whether they get the telephone message or not. But, as an
additional safeguard, the O.C. Assault will not fail to send in
the telephone message "Bunked" when all his party are clear.
Similarly at the close of the operation, when the
Commander of the raid wishes our Artillery to cease, he sends
"Cease Fire" by telephone to Brigade H.Q., and also fires two
blue rockets, in case the telephone is not working. Either the
message or the signal will operate to stop our Artillery.
Warn all your men to take no notice of any call
to "Retire" or any similar ruse which the enemy might employ.
Brig.-Genl.
Commdg. 4th Aust. Inf. Bde.
Copies to
Capt. Cox.
13th Battn.
14th Battn.
√ G.O.C
[*File*] 

SECRET    CENTRE GROUP ARTILLERY    COPY. No. 3
1-7-16.
OPERATION ORDER NO. 29.
Ref. Map.
BOIS GRENIER
Edition 6B (re drawn)
1/10,000
4AB/4557
AUSTRALIAN
IMPERIAL FORCE
JUL 1 1916
4th Infantry Brigade.

INTENTION .1. At a time and date to be notified later, a
raid will be made on the enemy’s trench at 1.26.b. 8½-7½.
by the 14th Battalion for the purpose of:
(a) Taking Prisoners
(b) Inflicting Casualties.
(c) Capturing Machine Guns etc.
(d) Destroying emplacements and dug-outs
(e) Gaining information.
SUPPORTING ARTILLERY .2. The supporting Artillery will be the Centre
Group reinforced by
One 2" Trench Mortar Battery
2½ 18.pdr.batteries.)   Left Group.
3. 4.5 Howitzers)
1½. batteries 18 pdr.    Right Group
Lieut-Col. W.H. Lloyd will command.
DIVERSIONS .3. Diversions will be made by the Right
and Left Groups, under the command of Lieut-Col. H.E. Cohen
and Lieut-Col. Grinwade  respectively.
ARTILLERY ACTION. .4. The action of the Artillery, including trench
mortars and the artillery of the Diversions will be
as laid down in Artillery Task Tables.
Anzac Heavy Artillery are co-operating.
TIME. .5. All times will be calculated from Zero.
At zero the Right Diversion will commence
At 0.5. the Left Diversion and main bombardment 
will commence
At 0.10. the main barrage will be placed and the
assault commence.
LIAISON/ .6. The C.O. Centre Croup will arrange for two
Liaison Officers to be with the O.C. attack, (Lieut.R.G,
Osborne and Lieut. Irvine.)
COMMUNICATIONS .7. The Liaison Officers will be in telephonic
communication with the C.O. Centre Group.
C.Os Groups will arrange that batteries
engaged in the main operations are telephonically
connected to Centre Group Headquarters.
ZERO TIME .8. Zero time will be communicated to all
concerned by the following code message :-
"OFFICERS GOING ON LEAVE WILL REPORT AT......ACKNOWLEDGE
This message will if possible be sent by
D. R.L.S.
PHASE III  .9. When our Infantry have left the enemy's trench
and are at such a distance from the enemy's trench,
 

SECRET    -2-   COPY NO.
PHASE. III.
CONTINUED .9. that our artillery can, with safety, be directed on to
the front trench the O.C. Attack will pass back the word
"OUT"
This will be immediately transmitted to all
concerned.
Batteries will then direct their fire as laid down
in Phrase III (Task Table)
The supplementary signal for Phase III, in case of
a breakdown in telephonic communication, will be three
Green Very Lights fired by O.C. Attack and repeated by
"A" Battalion 4th. Infantry Brigade from Trench 52.
"CEASE FIRE" .10. The order "Cease Fire" will be given by the C.O. 4th
Infantry Brigade and will be immediately transmitted
to all concerned.
The supplementary signal for "CEASE FIRE" will be
two blue rockets fired by O.C. Attack and repeated by
"A" Battalion, 4th. Infantry Brigade, from trench 52.
.11. Watches will be synchronised by Adjutant Centre
Group Artillery 1 hour previous to Zero Time.
XXXXXXXX.
DISTRIBUTION.  

[[ED H?]]
Lieut.
a/Adjutant Centre Group Artly.

TASKS AND TIME TABLES OPERATION ORDER
No.29. PHASE.1.
  

TASKS AND TIME TABLES PHASE.II.