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

SECRET
THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION
[*G6/1]
Divisional Headquarters,
17/1/17.
MINOR ENTERPRISE TO BE CARRIED OUT BY 10th INFANTRY BRIGADE.
PRELIMINARY INSTRUCTIONS.
1. CHARACTER OF ENTERPRISE
The enterprise will be carried out by a portion
of the 10th Infantry Brigade, about the third week
in February. The objects are to thoroughly wreck
a section of the enemy works, and to destroy or capture
personnel, armament and stores.- Time allowed from
40 to 60 minutes.

2. COMPOSITION OF FORCE
The attacking force should be from 800 to 1000
strong, inclusive of Vickers Guns, and Light Trench
Mortar Personnel, - but exclusive of the co-operating
Artillery or Medium Trench Mortars. - The force will
preferably be a complete Battalion, either 37th or
38th Battalion, but, if the Brigadier advances good
reasons, it may be a composite force drawn from both
of these Battalions. - In either case a due proportion
of Officers, N.C.O's and Specialists will not take
part, - (in accordance with "Instructions for Training
of Divisions for Offensive Action" O.B./1635, Section
XXX.) The actual Infantry operations to be commanded
by a Battalion Commander.

3. OBJECTIVE
The choice of the objective is governed by the
possibility of concentrating upon it a sufficient
Artillery fire. For this reason it cannot be near
the flanks of our Divisional front.
It will preferably lie between the ARMENTIERES-LILLE
Railway, and the road from "LES 4 HALLOTS" to
PERENCHIES. -
A suitable frontage will be 500 to 600 yards.
It should be chosen so that.
(a)  Opportunities for the enemy to counter-attack
or reinforce either from the flanks or from
the rear are as meagre as possible.- There
are several places where his main avenues are
widely separated, and also where the depth of
his front line system reduces to a minimum,
thereby forming suitable flanks.
(b)  Opportunities for the enemy to hamper advance
or withdrawal by flank action are reduced to a
minimum. - For this condition, salients are the
better objective

The following possible objectives should be specially
studied,
(i)  reconnaissance
(ii) examination of photographs
(iii) examination of patrol and intelligence reports.
viz:
A.    The flat salient I.11.a.60.65 to I.5.d.15.55.
This has only one avenue behind it, and is
well shielded from flank action; but may
possibly be only lightly held.
P.T.O.
 

-2-
3. OBJECTIVE (Cont'd.)
B. The pronounced salient C.29.c.60.65 to
C.29.a.75.60.
This affords more promise of substantial results
and the advance and withdrawal are well shielded, but
there are several avenues feeding the salient.

Before finally selecting the objective every portion
of the front under considerations should be investigated.
The selection must be made as soon as possible and once
made should be strictly adhered to, even though later
information discloses that the objective is not the very
best that might have been selected; because much
preparatory work by both Artillery and Infantry, which
must be immediately put in hand, would otherwise be
wasted. - I shall make the final selection, after hearing
the views of the Artillery, 1Oth Brigade & "G" Staff.

4. DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY
In order to effect the necessary concentration of
Divisional Artillery, the arcs of fire of a number of
the guns will require extension, and in some cases new
Battery positions will have to be selected, in cases
where on the desired bearing, existing houses form a
crest which the guns in their present emplacements cannot
clear. - If it is decided to run any of the batteries
out into the open, the preparation of platforms,
camouflages, ammunition dumps, and the registration of
the guns must be undertaken in ample time. - It may be
desirable to form a regrouping of the batteries for
this special operation. In this case special signal
communications must be installed. -
The field gun barrages should be calculated on the
basis of not more than 30 yards per gun. If possible
there should be one gun per 20 yards.

All the 12 Divisional Howitzers should be made
capable of being concentrated on the objective chosen.
Special emplacements for all three Medium Trench
Mortar Batteries should be prepared to permit of the
employment of all 12 guns on the flanks of the objective
during the operation. -
5. HEAVY ARTILLERY
Corps Heavy Artillery will be asked to co-operate
in the Artillery preparation and during the attack, as
well as to take part in Artillery diversions. -

6. ARTILLERY DIVERSIONS
The remainder of the Divisional Artillery will be
employed upon diversions to one or both blanks, and upon
action to prevent enemy interference from a flank.
The Artillery of the 34th and 25th Divisions will be
requested to co-operate. - The diversions must be
designed so as to draw off enemy retaliation upon our
Infantry and Mortars and to confuse him as to our real
intentions. -

7. WIRE CUTTING
The destruction of the enemy's wire, and interference 
with his efforts to repair it must be carried
out energetically, commencing forthwith and continuing
right up to the selected date. - While most attention
must be given to the zone under attack, the cutting of
wire must be general along the whole front.
 

 -3- 
8. MACHINE GUNS AND STOKES MORTARS.
Those from 10th Brigade will take part in the
operation, the former by bringing indirect fire upon
enemy communication trenches along which he can either
withdraw or reinforce; and the latter by bombarding
probable enemy M.G. Positions in the flanks. - The
Machine Guns of other Brigades can usefully co-operate
with indirect fire upon Communication trenches on
both flanks likely to be used by the enemy for runners
or for evacuation or supply, - also on ascertained
tram routes in rear.

9.  AEROPLANE CO-OPERATION
The assistance of aeroplanes to locate active

enemy batteries and mortars to be secured if possible.

10. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS
The latest photographs of the selected objective

and enlargements of same to be obtained as soon as
possible, and held at the disposal of the Artillery,
the Staff concerned, and the Infantry Commander.

11. COMMAND POST
A special Command post, bomb and splinter-proof.
to be constructed as near as possible to our front
line capable of accommodating say 3 officers and 4
others, and the telephone terminals.

12. BURIED CABLE 
A special line, well and securely buried, to be laid

from the nearest Battalion Headquarters to the Command
post, to ensure uninterrupted communication with Brigade
and Divisional Headquarters. - If time permits, an
alternative line, with a terminal 50 yards to a flank,
in a small bomb-proof post to be also prepared.

13. AMMUNITION
As the expenditure of ammunition of all kinds,
bombs, and flare signals will be upon a more extensive
scale than usual, arrangements must be thought out for
establishing special forward dumps in suitable
locations, and for carrying supplies forward if necessary

^-14. TRAINING
The selected personnel will undertake about two
weeks training of a general character, - bombing,
revolver shooting, bayonet, lewis gun,  &c.,  &c., and
about 10 days rehearsal of organization, and team working
upon a full replica of the enemy's trenches - on ground
to be reconnoitred and made available in the STEENWERCK
area. - The selected force must, as soon as possible,
prepare its own bayonet courses, bombing ground, revolver
school and Lewis Gun _^miniature range. "Q" Staff and C.R.E. must
co-operate in this to all possible extent, so as to avoid
any delay in commencing the training. — In order that
the training may, throughout, be in proper conformity wit
the final action required by all taking part in the
operation, this training will be carried out by the
Commander under the direct supervision of the ^Brigadier and "G" Staff.
15. ORDERS
The Division will issue orders defining the objects 

and objectives, laying down the general plan for the
operation, and co-ordinating the action of all arms and
of neighbouring formations.
The Brigade will issue orders - supplementing the
Divisional Order to the extent necessary to ensure the
necessary co-operation of the several Units within the
Brigade who are taking part, including Medical, arrangements, 

dealing with prisoners, and collecting _^of reports
after the action.
The Commander will issue the actual detailed orders
to the Infantry forming the assaulting force. -
P.T.0.
 

-4-
15 ORDERS (Cont'd.)
The Brigade and Force Orders will be submitted in
draft to the Division for review and approval.
All orders for the actual operation will be most
strictly confined to the operation itself, dealing with the
action of every unit or man concerned from the preliminary 

assembly to the final withdrawals. - All instructions
relating to equipment, preparatory measures of all kinds,
dress, badges, and every matter that is capable of being
dealt with beforehand will be issued separately in a
prior order, so that the actual assault orders may be kept
as brief and simple as possible.

 

16. Other points for consideration are. -
(a)  The preparation of mobile charges and other means
for demolition of dugouts, bomb stores, machine-
guns, &c.
(b)  The carrying out of a secondary operation, on
another portion of the front, in order to distract
attention. This might be combined with one of
the Artillery diversions referred to in para. 6
above.
(c)  Careful preparation from the photos of large scale
maps of enemy trenches to be raided, so that the
leader of every party may have a map in his
possession.
(d)  Methods of dealing with sunken wire in enemy BORROW
DITCH
(e)  Best methods of assembly, and crossing of NO MAN'S
LAND
(f)  Best methods of maintaining communication between
the Command Post and the raiders.
(g)  Use of smoke bombs on the flanks to screen advance
and withdrawal

John Monash
Major-General,
Commanding Third Australian Division.
Issued to. -

"G" Staff

"Q"

C.R.A.

C.R.E.

9th Aust. Inf. Bde.

10th           -do-

11th            -do-

A.D.C.

Spare (2)  

19/1/17

Gordon

Butler
Kinnish

(1) not enough men on parade.
(2) my seeing Bn. struggling at Colins Farm
(3) Steenwerck  — trouble at Schools — 6 instances of 

failure
(4) Band at Army Comdr inspection very dirty
(5) Simultaneous patrols — didn't make any use of
advance orders — no officers picked  ∧ ^{time for} reconnaissance

didn't use 41st Scouts. 

(6) No practising of Scouts before going into line.
(7) Dirty Billets Dec 30, Jan 10
(8) His first relief badly done - no routes, times &c

(9) Jan 8 - out of line - didn't know his C^s billets -
(10) Working parties - inability to produce.
 

No personal supervision
lack of organizing ability
Inability to express his wishes in clear orders.
Prevaricates.
Case of drive — all the time
doesn't take his position sufficiently seriously. 

[See over altho' struck out. 

(11) No bathing organization

(12) His simultaneous patrols - evidence that his

officers didn't get oders from patrol

(13) Inactive during thick fog.

Harrison 
With training will make a good Co Cdr"

Resending him to Div. School
 

19-1-17.
SYLLABUS OF LECTURES, - SENIOR OFFICERS.
Reasons for Trench Mortars.
Economy in gun and man power.
Gun.
Men.
Establishments.
Technical training.
Ammunition.
Material.
Percentage of Explosive.
Efficiency of Ammunition.
Fragmentation.
Crater effect.
Accuracy.
Short communications and first hand
knowledge.
Closer co-operation with Infantry.
Advantages in close fighting.
Mobility.
Limitations of Trench Mortars.
Ammunition supply.
Shortness of range from which follows.
Limited choice of positions.
Liability to detection.
Indirect fire at low velocity.
Visibility of bomb in flight.
Retaliation of front line system.
Types of Mortars.
Vide appendix.
General remarks on each type.
9.45".

2".

6".
Stokes.
Effect of each type.
9.45".
2".
Crater.
Wire.
Ammunition Requirements.
9.45".
Based on area to be destroyed.
Medium.
Earth works 2 rounds per yard of trench.
Wire 20 square yards per round factor of safety.
P.T.0. 

(2).
Gunnery.
Length and width, zones of various types.
Percentage of effectives.
Safe distances to fire over friendly troops
under cover without abnormal rounds 200^x  40^x
                                                                          300^x   50^x

                                                                          400^x   80^x                                                                                                                               575^x   100^x 
With addition of 50% for silencer.
Safe distance over troops in open
Instantaneous.
Delay action.
General principles of tactical employment.
Danger of dogmatism.
Sense of proportion.

Offensive.
Rolls of each type.
Heavy.
Medium.
Light.
Allotment of tasks.
Consideration governing choice of objectives.
Trench Mortars as distinct from long range
Artillery targets.
Opportunities for enfilade.
Targets close, covered by trees or on reverse
slopes.
Choice of positions.
Major and Minor Operations.
Most suitable ranges.
Facility of approach.
Control of Mortars in action.
Support of advance.
Value of Trench Mortars for this purpose.
Time and method of advance.
Difficulties of task.
Registration before offensive.
Principles governing.
Distribution over long period.
Artillery covering fire.
Made easier by continuous Trench Mortar
activity.
Use of Silencer.
P.T.0. 

(3).
Defence.
Local offensive.
Relations with Infantry.
Systematic use with other arms.
Retaliation.
Difficulties of immediate retaliation with
Medium Trench Mortars.
Positions for local offensive.
Permanent. - Their difficulty.
Temporary.
Action against hostile attack.
Limitations of Trench Mortars as defensive
weapon.
Objections of front line positions.
Value to support local counter-attack.
Policy and positions for such purpose.
Defensive emplacements.
Requirements for.
Registration form.
Tactical command of Trench Mortars.
Responsible authority.
Respective spheres of Infantry & R.A. Commanders.
Heavy and Medium.
Light.
Allotment of Trench Mortar Batteries to R. A.
Groups.
Position of D. T. M. 0.
Defence Scheme.
General Policy.
By whom approved.
Continuity of policy assured.
Control and Communications.
Special difficulties.
How overcome.
Mental readiness.
Close accord with Infantry.
Standing Orders.
Emplacements.
How much generally possible.
Influence of ground.
Temporary.
Permanent.
Standard pattern.
Ammunition Supply.
Difficulties of.
Organization of Infantry carrying parties.
Carrying of ammunition in advance.
P.T.0.  

(4).
How Staff a Senior Officers can help Trench Mortars.
Realize their limitations due to causes stated
above.
Shortage of men and stores.
Lay down clear policy offensive and defensive.
Provision of ammunition carrying parties.
Consider Trench Mortars in connection with tramway
service.
Visit positions and examine general arrangements.
Assist with transport.
Allow sufficient time for handing over.
APPENDIX "A".
Details of Ammunition.

Type.	Weight of  Bomb.	Bursting Charge.	Propelling Charge.	Nature of Fuze.	Method of Driving.	Components of 1 Round
9.45" (English)	152 lbs.	60 lbs. H.E. Ammonal.	17 ozs. Cordite	Time 31 B or C	Rifle mechanism	Bomb. Exploder. Fuze. Charge. Special blank S.A.A cartridge for firing mechanism

Type.	Weight for  Transport.	Projectile.	Range		Effect	Uses	Extreme rate of firing. Average condition
			yds	yds
9.45"	LBS Mortar       485  Mounting 425 Platform   509 7 Sleepers each....130   Sundries 190 Total.       2519.	Weight. 152 lbs, Aerial torpedo type.	1040	500	Crater Depth 10 ft. Width 24 ft.	Destruction of works.	1 rd. in 6 minutes.	For hand transport barrows are provided for Mortar, mounting & platform x with Temple Silencer
2 "	Mortar       105 Bed            150 Elevating Stand.         50 Total.        305	Weight. 51 lbs. (Stick Bomb).	573 513 x	100 100	Crater Depth 5 ft Width 14 ft.	Destruction of  works. Wire cutting.	1 rd. in 2 minutes
6"	Mortar       145 Weight      125 Total.         270	Weight 50 lbs.	500	65		do.	9 rds. per minute. 23 rds. per minute.
3" Stokes	Mortar & Elevating  stand          56 Base plate 28 Total.          84	Weight 10 lbs 11 ozs. Cyl'drcl. Bomb	430	170	Crater Depth 2 ft Width 4 ft	Against personnel. Destruction of minor works

P.T.O