Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 14, 1 December 1916 - 10 February 1917, Part 3

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Part of Quest:
Sir John Monash (General, b.1865 - d.1931)
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Awaiting approval
Accession number:
RCDIG0000617
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 9

etiele Dsende r Hom Cattud. Hoas 1. Send Srres flumn tPnglank ktrr debetofed- Jart tirs av ttr inkastads ons - Hou eoten geachtbe fontet. Oncofg euchtloe ton Shr frlinns t om fiunt g euck t Tert. Haskt a map iiste aute, varnt turt. Stere Spetiiele travinnge for fücket fenar varling arnnk poave, vtorhage me tr lypener (at Rlenstane - H.2. Rifatie 4. Srå ttokste str prave oohen Fantet i. der abvet frontteng Plivens Srarr Heig, Ron D. - Gustg at Tlye taon Gors Rvslg
7. Deed6 IHIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION. ZF NTITTT Oonference at l0th. Brigalo Hoadcuartors, 1hAIR5. o- Dleg ETARTILLETY CO-OPTR.TION. ot dek ortter LGENEA LIST. 1. Explanation of prosent availablo Artillery Support of all natures. Explanation of Artillery and Mortar ummunition cvailable in the immodiate future. Calls for Artillery support - in the dofensivo.- (a). Explanation of existing arrangemant for "S.O.S" calls, and nature of action by Divisional Artillery and by Heavy Artillery theroon. (b). Discussion of samo, and of suggestions for modifying or improving existing arrangemonts. (.). Prosont arrangomonts for Artillory action in ovent of onomy massing for attack. - (ZZZ call). - with a viow to thoir adoption or modification. (d). Who are authorised to call for any and what Artillery support in various ccntingonoios? Artillery Co-operation in Infantry effoncives. - proparation and sukmission of Schomes in consultation.- control of Artillery ammunition exponditure. - what Artillery and Mortars can ond cannot do.- Indication of targots to Artillery by Infantry Observers.- what do the Artillery noed to bo told - and by what channols? Rotalation by (a) Divisional Artillory - (b) Hoavy Artillery. Explänation of tho principlo of Rotaliation - onemy's "tender spots" - how and whon should rotaliation bo oalled for? - by whom: - and through what channels? - oodo mossages to give offeet to thoso arlangomonts. Visits to Battorios by Infantry Offieers.- attaching Infantry Offieers to Ertillery for short tours.
RETURN SHOWING ISSUES AND STOCKS HELD AT õrd DIV. ORDNANCE - 8.12.16. FIGHTING STORES. -------------------- --------------------- ---- a a1 i a! 8. a! Bio. 3. a is ase o s sos .o a: o .x à oo UNIT. o... o 82 . o 3a ... at oc o a so o- Sà 450 e ---- ------- i ---- --------- ---------- 4973 6736 132 12 150 e 9th Bde & att- 12 ched Troops 5765 B836 32 15 10th Bde" e 150 12 5886 4958 132 160 11th Bde 2304 Divl. Troops 2000 13542 e 40 12 STOCKS HELD ..------ ------------ --------- --------------- 20000 15000 27 1 5 500 12 aa 124 GRAND TOTALS ---- - 3-- onuns svores. -------------- ------------------------------- ia aa UNIT. a as l 5. o 58 o 1 1 -- 40 148 30 2900 12 4) Bie a attached Troops 40 148 64 30 2900 loth Bde 14 11th Bde 12 400 Divl. Troops 300 Divl. Baths 10 30 12 50 STOCXS HELD - --------------- 90 298 130 ! 300 90 60 5650 GRAND TOTALS - fled! Lieut.. D.O.0.. 3rd Aust. Dit,sion. 9.12.16
Ordnance, 3rd Aust. Division. 9.12.16 G.O.C. 3rd Aust. Division. Tor your information, please. These stores are in addition to what was issued in England. Below is a statement as to how the three Infantry Brigades stand in regard to Stokes 3" Trench Mortars and Lewis Guns :- 36 Lewis Guns 9th Infy Bde now in possession of 8 Stokes 3"T.M 10th " " " " 36 Lewis Guns 8 Stokes 3"T.Ms. 11th " " " " 24 Lewis Guns 8 Stokes 3"T.Ms art Lieut ., D.O.O., 3rd Austrslian Division.
13. SaRT Ne. T 3c/16. i.b Juöriil Sligslod RREENINS CON DZ1 Divisional Headquarters, 15/12/16. C.R. a 9th Aust. In::e -40. 10th ti -40 1th n Liant 11 Bli-rCltuled No: Oa. t SUBSIDIASY LINE WOG2 1. With reference to General Staff Circular No. 2 a of Nov.30, 1916, para. 4, the worr of tho II rovement of the Sübsidiary Line Defecnes is placed under the contiol or the Iront IIne Drigades. 2. The "Gneral Solicy" reierred to in para. 5 will be as follows.. "The Subsidiary Line will-be repaired and improved so as to be cap- "able of dotermined defence by a force equivalent to at least two "Battalions, and provided with living accommodation for the personnel "of two Battalions, i.e. one Battalion within each present Drigado "Areas". 3. The construction of Hachile Gun emplacements and dugouts for gun crews in or immodiately in fronb of the wiring of the ground in front of the Subsidiary Line will be carried out Divisionally -(see para. 7 of same memo. 4. It is probable that minor altcrations will have to be made in the siting of the Subsidiary Line front trench in certain places. - These alterations will be decided on at an early date by Division, but the work of remaking the trench at these places will be carried out by the Brigades conoerned. 5. The main work of re-instating the subsidiary line is to be under- taken forthwith by Beigados. Thoy will consult C.R.E. in order that work may not be wasted on repairing portions of the line which require resiting.. The works requirad may be conveniently grouped as follows.- A. Preparatory a. Repair of duchboards in traffic trench, and wire on same, to facilitate movement of working parties and transport of materials. b. Collection into dumps of derelict materials from the trenches,collapsed shelters, and elsswhore c. Local draingo to clear and keep elear site of works from aocumulations of water. d. Romoval of all revetting, fire-stepping, strutting Gc. which has fallen into dis-ropair and which cannot be repaired 'in sitn 3. Iyprorins 3. Thickening and adjusting heights of parapets and breastworks. existing works f. New revetting, where weal or collarsed. g. Repair and renewal of fire-stepping throughout. h. Abolition by filling up, with solid earth packing, of all dug-outs and shelters now in the reast- wol i. Improvement of parados where it exists. C. New Works. j. Provision of splinter and bomb proof dugouts and shetlors immediately behind the lino k. Construction of parados where non-existent. 1. Construction of raverses where non-existent. P.T.O. 806
e 2 6. The frontage for which each Brigade is responsible should be sub-divided into sectional frontages each placed in oharge of a namod Infantry Officer (who will be relieved when his Unit goes into the line) to whom should be allotted daily sufficient working partios from the C or D. Bättalions with ongineering assistance and technical supervision. - This will ensure simultaneous progress throughout the whole lengths of the eub.idiary line. 7. At the point of contact of the Drigade frontages, works to be carried out mus; be cettled in conference between the two Drigades concerned: 18. Aprogross report upon the obove works is to be furnished by each Brigede weekly, to reäch Divisional Headquarters by 10 a.m. every Monday. beble Lieut-Colonol. 16. Ceneral Staff. e
T Ernfomnng Confrenee 212 1312 1. Bripade Commnanter rufonartle. Tandenng far engiininst te altnert zntrb. Pe. Apu ttr a Atpt güun. 2. Out mein tark i touk. - instt füphtung. 3. Aoallalte otrrg 2 plifkg les 4. Basating Etrgt Fu g unte (dugit aoe?) Ih etsh Hue B. ( tat bi 2 hgag ior undd each Bte. Raaas 2 ckifeg Sot3o (lZeo t'too te shipt 4.Hak (2) Soavdenanel (8) Sødrit lune Got gor forakfrl Sortirs fr bdr 2 Srtridinng lun de der dr da () Dinnmn nork- SSrettiste of forveetere - trek tiher a 4. 6. Nar g Tramvags. ager enftrenae - Aes ttee SHienlt Leskt frrdg 1 t hndesknnt. La Ar Min M. Johen- so unve rd nykt gferatons - ti la utt. hot kwande an 20 Bott Ligt bomnples weit - dnake montg it In srie. angtgnntg reder: C
Major Bananl I 2857 Boo. 2 8.M 8 (8. O. 8. 2. 2. Bommanding t ihr Stushnlemn Darision eongistulales axhis gallant conduct under fire during operations November and December 1916. ...... OE.E.F., FRANCE, S SL i 213t Dec., 1916.
380 Q4 GENERAL ROUTINE ORDERS GENERAL SIR DOUGLAS HAIG, G. C. B. G. C. V. O., K.C.I.E. 4. B. G. Commnander-in-Chief. British Armies in France. e sesee General Heudqnurters. Decemuber 14th. 1916. ADJUTANT GENERALS BRANCH. 1989 Courts-Martial. (i) Second Lieutenant E. S. Poole, 11th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, was tried by Field General Court-Martial on the following charge: "When on active service deserting His Majestys Service. The accused absented himself from the command of his platoon, while carrying out a relief of the front line, and remained absent till found behind the fghting area two days later. The sentence of the Court was "Tosuffer death by being shot." The sentence was duly carried out at 7.25 a.m. on 10th December, 1916. (ii) No. 13167 Private V. H. Randle, 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, was tried by Field General Court- Martial on the following charge:- " When on active service deserting Hlis Niajesty s Service. The accused absented himself from the trenches till apprehended behind the fghting area ten days later. The sentence of the Court was "To suffer death by being shot." The sentence was duly carried out at 6.46 aumn. on 25th November, 1916. (iii) No. 11296 Private W. Simmonds,23rd Battalion Middlesex Regiment, was tried by Field General Court-Martial on the following charge: When on Active Service deserting His Majestys Service. The accused absented himself from the trenches till apprehended behind the fghting area three weeks later. The sentence of the Court was "To suffer death by being shot. The sentence was duly carried out at 7 a.m on lst December 1916. (iv.) No. 1791 Private J. Cameron, 1/5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (T.F.) was tried by Field General Court-Martial on the following charge:- When on Active Service deserting His Majestys Service. The accused having been warned to proceed with a party to rejoin his battalion in the trenches, absented himself on the line of march, in the neighbourhood of the trenches, until surrendering himself three days later in a town behind the line. The sentence of the Court was "Tosuffer death by being shot The sentence was duly carried out at 7.3 a.m. on 4th December 1916.

8/12/16
Agenda on Harry Cathie's Grave
1. Send Eric's films to England to be developed.
Last two are the important ones. Three copies
of each to be printed. One copy each to Eric & me,
the films & one print of each to Bert.
2. Mark a map with site, to send to Bert.
3. Lt Col Melville to arrange for picket fence railing
around grave, & to charge me the expense
(At Fleurbaix - N.Z Rifle Bde)
4. Eric to photo the grave when railed in.
5. See about planting flowers.
Grave No. 27, Row D. - Cemetery at Hye Farm
Cross Roads.
 

 

Dec 8/16
THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.
Conference at l0th. Brigade Headquarters,  ARMENTIERES on Dec 9/16
[[*Put date on paper*]]
RE ARTILLERY CO-OPERATION.
AGENDA LIST
1. Explanation of present available Artillery Support of all natures.

2. Explanation of Artillery and Mortar ammunition available in the
immediate future.

3. Calls for Artillery support - in the defensive.-
(a). Explanation of existing arrangement for "S.O.S" calls, and
nature of action by Divisional Artillery and by Heavy
Artillery thereon.
(b). Discussion of same, and of suggestions for modifying or
improving existing arrangements.
(c). Present arrangements for Artillery action in event of enemy
massing for attack. - (ZZZ call). - with a view to their
adoption or modification.
(d). Who are authorised to call for any and what Artillery support
in various contingencies?

4. Artillery Co-operation in Infantry offensives. - preparation and
submission of Schemes in consultation.- control of Artillery
ammunition expenditure. - what Artillery and Mortars can and cannot
do.-

5. Indication of targets to Artillery by Infantry Observers.- what
do the Artillery need to be told - and by what channels?

6. Retaliation by (a) Divisional Artillery - (b) Heavy Artillery.
Explanation of the principle of Retaliation - enemy's "tender
spots" - how and when should retaliation be called for? - by
whom: - and through what channels? - code messages to give effect
to those arrangements.

7. Visits to Batteries by Infantry Officers.- attaching Infantry
Officers to Artillery for short tours.
 

 

RETURN SHOWING ISSUES AND STOCKS HELD
AT 3rd DIV. ORDNANCE - 8.12.16.
FIGHTING STORES.

UNIT.

Guns, 

Lewis.

Stokes"

T.M. 3-in.

Medium

T.M. 2-in.

Knobker-

ries.

Horns,

Strombos.

Cylinders,

filled for

Horns,

Strombos.

Snipersco-

pes with

periscopes

Covers,

Breech

Respira-

tors Box
9the Bde & attached Troops 12 6 - 150 2 12 32 3736 4973
10th Bde  " 12 6 - 150 3 15 32 3836 5765
11th  Bde  " - 6 - 160 - - 32 3886 4958
Divl. Troops - - - - - - 8 - 2304
STOCKS HELD - 6 12 40 - - - 3542 2000
GRAND TOTALS 24 24 12 500 5 27 104 15000 20000

OTHER STORES.

UNIT.

CAPES,

Waterproof.

Stoves, 

Soyers.

Stoves,

Primus.

Kettles,

Camp.

 Bags, W.P. Braziers

Food

Containers

[[?]] Bde & attached

Troops

 2900 12 30 64 - 148 40
10th  Bde   " 2900 10 30 64 - 148 40
11th   Bde   " - 14 - - - 2 -
Divl. Troops 400 12 - 2 - - -

Divl. Baths

STOCKS HELD

-

50

-

12

-

30

-

-

300

-

-

-

-

10
GRAND TOTALS 5650 60 90 130 300 298 90

[[G H Jackson?]]   Lieut.,

9.12.16   D.O.O., 3rd Aust. Division
 

 

Ordnance,
3rd Aust. Division.
9.12.16
G.O.C.
3rd Aust. Division.

For your information, please. These stores
are in addition to what was issued in England.

Below is a statement as to how the three
Infantry Brigades stand in regard to Stokes 3" Trench
Mortars and Lewis Guns :-
9th Infy Bde now in possession of    36 Lewis Guns
                                                                      8 Stokes 3" T.M


10th   "     "         "     "            "             "     36 Lewis Guns
                                                                     8 Stokes 3"T.Ms.


11th    "     "         "     "            "             "      24 Lewis Guns
                                                                      8 Stokes 3"T.Ms
W Jack      Lieut .,
D.O.O., 3rd Australian Division.

 

 

HEADQUARTERS

No G36/16.
THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION
CONFIDENTIAL
Divisional Headquarters, 10/12/16.
C.R.E.
9th Aust. Inf. Bde
10th         -do- 
11th          -do-

GENERAL STAFF CIRCULAR No. 8a
SUBSIDIARY LINE WORKS.
1. With reference to General Staff Circular No. 2 a of Nov.30, 1916,
para. 4, the work of the Improvement of the Subsidiary Line Defecnes
is placed under the control or the front line Brigades.

 

2. The "General policy" referred to in para. 5 will be as follows.-
"The Subsidiary Line will be repaired and improved so as to be cap-

"able of determined defence by a force equivalent to at least two
"Battalions, and provided with living accommodation for the personnel
"of two Battalions, i.e. one Battalion within each present Brigade
"Areas".

 

3. The construction of Machine Gun emplacements and dugouts for gun
crews in or immediately in front of the wiring of the ground in front
of the Subsidiary Line will be carried out Divisionally -(see para. 7
of same memo.

 

4. It is probable that minor alterations will have to be made in the
siting of the Subsidiary Line front trench in certain places. - These
alterations will be decided on at an early date by Division, but the
work of remaking the trench at these places will be carried out by
the Brigades concerned.

 

5. The main work of re-instating the subsidiary line is to be under-

taken forthwith by Brigades. They will consult C.R.E. in order that
work may not be wasted on repairing portions of the line which
require resiting.. - The works required may be conveniently grouped
as follows.-
A. Preparatory a. Repair of duckboards in traffic trench, and wire
on same, to facilitate movement of working
parties and transport of materials.
b. Collection into dumps of derelict materials from
the trenches,collapsed shelters, and elsewhere
c. Local drainage to clear and keep clear site of
works from accumulations of water.
d. Removal of all revetting, fire-stepping, strutting
&c. which has fallen into dis-repair and which
cannot be repaired 'in situ'.
B. Improving existing works 
e. Thickening and adjusting heights of parapets and
breastworks.
f. New revetting, where weak or collapsed.
g. Repair and renewal of fire-stepping throughout.
h. Abolition by filling up, with solid earth packing,
of all dug-outs and shelters now in the reast-

works.
i. Improvement of parados where it exists.
C. New Works.
j. Provision of splinter and bomb proof dugouts and
shetlers immediately behind the line
k. Construction of parados where non-existent.
1. Construction of traverses where non-existent.
G.O.C.
P.T.O.
 

 

-2-

6. The frontage for which each Brigade is responsible should be
sub-divided into sectional frontages each placed in charge of a
named Infantry Officer (who will be relieved when his Unit goes
into the line) to whom should be allotted daily sufficient working
parties from the C or D Battalions with engineering assistance and
technical supervision. - This will ensure simultaneous progress
throughout the whole lengths of the subsidiary line.

 

7. At the point of contact of the Brigade frontages, works to be
carried out must be settled in conference between the two Brigades
concerned.

 

8. A progress report upon the above works is to be furnished by
each Brigade weekly, to reach Divisional Headquarters by 10 a.m.
every Monday.

G.H. Jackson
Lieut-Colonel,
General Staff.
 

 

11/12/16
Engineering Conference
of 12/12/16
1. Our main task is works - not fighting. 
2. Brigade Commanders responsible. -
Tendency for engineers to be allowed control
R.E. Officer to be a staff officer. -
3. Available strengths
(a) front line Bn 2 shifts of l00
A. Duration of shifts - time of works (daylight)
7½ to 8 hrs from billets 2 after 2 p.m
B. (a) Front line  2 shifts of 100 each.            ) each Bde.
     (b) Reserves 2 shifts of 300 to 350 each.)
            (1200 to 1400 per shift)
4. Works 
A. Maintenance
B. Front line            600 to 700 per shift | 300 to 350 per Bde
C Subsidiary line       do       do                  |   do       do
D Division works
5. Methods of procedure - task tables &c &c.
6. Use of Tramways

___________________________________________________
After Conference (both Bdes to listen)
McNicoll - : - belated support of 11th  /bombardment.
like O.C. Lark Hill.
Jobson - no wire re night's operation - his letter belated.
not possible till 34th
Both - Corps Commander's visit - make most of it
our wire.
Employment of reserves.
C-in-C.

 

Major General Sir H.V. Cox, K.C.M.,
C.B., C.S.T., Commanding 4th Australian
Division congratulates

................................................................................................................
on his gallant conduct under fire during
operations November and December 1916.
Place B.E.F.,  FRANCE,
Date 13th Dec., 1916. 

 

[[*GOC
AQ*]]
GENERAL ROUTINE ORDERS
by
GENERAL SIR DOUGLAS HAIG,
G. C. B.,   G. C. V. O.,     K.C.I.E.     A. D. C.
Commander-in-Chief. British Armies in France.

General Headquarters.
December 14th, 1916.

ADJUTANT GENERALS BRANCH.
1989 Courts-Martial.
(i) Second Lieutenant E. S. Poole, 11th Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment, was tried by
Field General Court-Martial on the following charge:
"When on active service deserting His Majesty's Service."
The accused absented himself from the command of his platoon, while carrying out a relief
of the front line, and remained absent till found behind the fighting area two days later.
The sentence of the Court was "To suffer death by being shot." The sentence was duly
carried out at 7.25 a.m. on 10th December, 1916.
(ii) No. 13167 Private V. H. Randle, 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, was tried by
Field General Court- Martial on the following charge:-
" When on active service deserting His Majesty's Service."
The accused absented himself from the trenches till apprehended behind the fighting area
ten days later.
The sentence of the Court was "To suffer death by being shot." The sentence was duly
carried out at 6.46 a.m. on 25th November, 1916.
(iii) No. 11296 Private W. Simmonds, 23rd Battalion Middlesex Regiment, was tried by
Field General Court-Martial on the following charge:
"When on Active Service deserting His Majesty's Service."
The accused absented himself from the trenches till apprehended behind the fighting area
three weeks later.
The sentence of the Court was "To suffer death by being shot." The sentence was duly
carried out at 7 a.m on 1st December 1916.
(iv.) No. 1791 Private J. Cameron, 1/5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (T.F.) was
tried by Field General Court-Martial on the following charge:-
"When on Active Service deserting His Majesty's Service."
The accused having been warned to proceed with a party to rejoin his battalion in the
trenches, absented himself on the line of march, in the neighbourhood of the trenches, until
surrendering himself three days later in a town behind the line.
The sentence of the Court was "To suffer death by being shot. The sentence was duly
carried out at 7.3 a.m. on 4th December 1916.
[[* Sent to show you how strict the discipline
 is on the front. JM*]]

 
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