Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 14, 10 February - 30 March 1917, Part 1

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Part of Quest:
Sir John Monash (General, b.1865 - d.1931)
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
RCDIG0000618
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

10/27/1 Dear General. Susson is staying on grosit with Grandmen There is a dog and a cat on our house at dettlehampton. I would like to play with you & cove from Mary, W the drawing whats ending on to the chamney is the smobe (heroun woording
10/2/1 Mayor Anderwn Mineir - to small units. Rules for Cooking lack of superrision by officers Weonline 26027th Hatterns - Lingle Cookhouse - dity. 25th disty - no diet sheet. de Roast Meat - Complaints because not every man fets some every day A. thinks it could be done by Companiise R.O. N.149 K Order drit sheek to be preserved in the Kitcheen. tersonal interst of men in the dutry Fortel by a small subscription lich day. eye Curty, Sance, extra enjue, spices. to avid monoton Best then ins any mit to be disveniated
40 SAATE TRTRD AUSERALIEN DIVYSION (4 (No. S 32/72 Divisional Headquarters, Men 10/2/27. 1 copy 9th Aust. Inf. Bde. -do- 10th 11th 1d0_ 2nd A. 8 N.K.a.C. for information 3rd aust. Fioneer Bn. C.R.A. C.R.E. A.D.M.S. ARENDLEENT TO GLNERAL ETLPY CTIOULER No. 32 A dated 2/2/27. Delete para. (1), and substitute:- (1) The Divisional Reserve consists of 3 Battalions and three machine gun Sections, as follows:- Transport Billets & K'grs. UnLt Dr Bn. C.25.0-80.55. B.27.0.8.7. 9th Inf. Bde. Dr Bn. 11th -do- C.25.0.5.2. B.27.d.5.2. Dr Bn. 10th do- H.5.a.3.6. B.27.0.9.9. C.25.0.25.50. B.27.0.8.7. 1 Section 9th M.G. Co. B.27.d.5.2. 1.9.0.2.5. 1 Section 11th M.G. Co. H.6.d.95.55. B.27.0.9.9. 1 Section 10th M.G. Co. +7 + 1 on. a 0 Major, General Staff. Goe
RE THIRD AUSTRELIAN DITLSLON (NoQ. 26139 Divisional Headquarters 10/2/27. GENERAL STATY CTROULAR No. 35 4. re PRAINING. As compared with conditions 2 to 3 weeks ago, something life an additional 1800 men are now actually available for working parties or training, in the whole of the Infantry of the Division.- This arises partly from a redisposition which has withdrawn five Companies from the line, and made them available for working parties, - and partly by considerable reinforcements which have arrived in the interim. - Some Battalions are already considerably over war strength. In view of this, the Divisional Commander wishes Brigadiers to take into serious consideration the question of at once putting a portion of the personnel into cystematic treining. - An ideal to be aimed at is that two compenies each of the C and D Battalions, should be training, - while the remainder of C and D Battalions would be available to supply working parties - for Brigade and Divisional Works respectively; say two companies training for 3 of the 6 days out of the line, and the other two compenies for the other 3 days. - If it is not found precticable thus to train 4 companies at a time in each Brigade, three, or at least two Compenies could be so trained. The above suggestions can hardly apply to the 10th Brigade until after the Battalion Raid now in preparation; nor to two Battalions of the 11th Brigade, who have each had one Company with- drawn, in the same connection; but it is significant that the 10th Brigade is at present able to hold ite line and yet train, out of the line, some 880 men for a special enterprise. The training contenplated comprises marching and close order drill, and particularly refresher treining in musketry, rapid loading, bombing, and bayonet fighting. For these purposes, Instructors who have been favorably reported upon by the Divisional and other Schools, can be employed, to supplement other resources in Instructors. 9G2 bow Major, General Staff. DISERIBUTION 9th aust. Inf. Bde. -do 10th 11th -do- 2nd A. & N.L. Army Corps For information. 3rd Aust. Fioneer Bn. Go6
CARD. OS THE ADDEESS ONLY TO BE THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR PRINTED WRITTENHERE OR WRITTEN MATTER. ors. Mouast Grand Hotel Melbourne Melborerne Victoria
Warrawel Feb. 11th/17 A most Enjoyable Day & a Pleasar Dunion lnd W Du 2 Mo- 1 fardesfo Loce Bsenban Water ii ben
15/2/ AR TSS II S M MIT THE ADDRESSOMTYTOSY HERE OR WRITTEN MATTER. Major General J. Monash C.B. V.D. G.O.C. 21 Australian Division australian Tuperial Force B.B.I. -PRANCR
4 Warnawce Feb. 114 the end of a perfect 4 ipeat cunios X ✓ ✓ Lou. Rosenhai Hope a Watter Rosent 15 1 15 4 172 nan
S.D.C NOTES FROY LFCTURE, 14-2-17. Bounds of French Artillery, in other words; lifts in big atteck, 500 to 1,000 metres, worked at request of Infentry transmitted by rooket signal, not by clock. Corps Arrange counter-battery nork; Divisions arrange to out wire and destroy strong points, &c. French have 1 battery to 100 metres for supporting the attack in in offensive; certain batteries are billed to go forward in Echelon, In our own they & 4th. Army, 14th. Corps hove allotted one 9.2r battery and three 6t to each Division. These acted under the Divisional Commender’s instructions, but if he did not want them they were used for counter-battery work. Divisional Commanders settled the bombardments. 14th. Corps had a eysten of 5 minutes rapid bombarament, 5 minutes slack, and then 15 minutes rapid. When S.O.S. signal was fired, hearies helped and did not therefore do counter-battery work. Lecturer referred to counter-preparation which 1o here in hand on this Front. 1 letter to C.R.A. was that a combination of our S.O.S. and Retallation schenes, slichtly amplified or modified, would meet the case. on the some the English had a front of 26,000 yards, French 1,600. English had 1072 light pieces, French 456 - English had 443 heary pieces, French 611 - English had los trench morters, French 516. English had 1 piece to 15 yards. SnerTo 1 piece to every yard. French Aecording to measurements, English had 1 plece to 14 yeres, but his yards he said were doubtful. - French had 1, 583 pieces for 1,600 yards. French use Cuns for counter-batteries, being 15-2-17.
A0 12 MMISIOL. 40 c Divisional Roadquarters Kadquarters, February 15th, 7977. 9th Inf. Brignde. do. 10th 11th do. 3rd Pioneer Pattalion. 1229.887 1.— Special attention is directed to Hamorandun of 221 of TazelY, sufficient copies of which are forwarded herewith for the Infantry Units of each Brigade. 2.- The principles laid down apply to the whole Infantry of the Army, and will, therefore, require the closest study by Brigade Com- manders, and the closest co-ordination by them of the action thereon by the four Battalions of each Brignde. 3.- The following important points are to be noted :- (al Battalion Readquarters, as at present organised in this Division will have to be very materially reduced. All Lowis Cuns go to plateons (i.c., 3 to each Company at present, 4 to each Company when the extra guns are avail- ablel, the battalion bombing plateon disappears. The tetal allowed for Battalion Headquarters must not ex- geed 150. (6) As regards the Battalion scout Plateon (which has been found so useful in trench warfare), it is hoped that Battal- lons may be able to retain a sall body of akilled scouts, with Readquerters, without increasing the maximme permitted. (e! The Randquarters of Companies and platoons are new or- panisations. They comprise nothing but fighting men, bat- man being classed as such. Cormany C.M. Serjeants and Coaks form part of Battalion Headquarters. The Company Readquarterg should include the Company Signallers. There must be no Jempleyad’ men (shoorkers, butchers, cooks, aforeman, etc! with the plateons. Al1 these latter must go to Battalion Headquarters (part of the 150) although they could be allocated for dnty with Companies and oons. to Brigade Commanders will submit, by 6-0 p.m. on the 21st instant, a concrete proposal for the reorganisation of a Battalion at War Strength carrying these principles into effect- Upon these proposals the Divisional Commnder will ismue an approved Battalion Creanisation to apply to the whole Division, and thereupon the re- organisation will be put into effect. 5.- on the question of the recall of man on extra-regimental employment, and,with a view to concerted measures to reduce the mun bers so detached, a Consus of theDivision will be taken at 12-0 noon on 18th instant by all Infantry Battalions, with a view to preparing a detailed return as per pro form issued herewith. In order that such returns may be absolntely raliable and prepared on uniform lines, the Dadad. & C.M.C. will meet Staff Captains, and Adjutant Pioneer Ba, at 11th Brigade Headquarters, at 2-30 pam. on 16th instant, to explain what is required, and the Staff Captains will then assemble their res- pective Adjutants for a similar purpose. 6.- Aotion for the recall of man on extra-regimental employ- ment, where same is practicable, will be based on these returns. Se sacum Major. (R.Ml.- D.AcA. 8 Coll.G., 3rd Anstralian Division.

10/2/17

Dear General,

Susan is staying on a visit with grandmum.

There is a dog and a cat in our house at

Littlehampton. I would like to play with you.

Love from Mary.

the drawing what's ending

on to the chimney is the smokie!

(her own wording! 

V.F)

Diagram - see original document

 

10/2/17

Major Anderson

Miners - for small units.-

Rules for Cooking

Lack of supervision by officers.

Wagon lines 26 & 27th Battery's - simple cookhouse - dirty.-

 do. 25th           dirty - no diet sheet.

Roast Meat - Complaints because not every man gets some every day. -

A: thinks it could be done by Companies. -

X Order diet sheets to be preserved in the kitchens. - R.O. No149.

Personal interest of men in their dietary fostered by a small subscription

each day.-  e.g. Curry, Sauce, extra sugar, spices.

to avoid monotony.

Best idea in any unit to be disseminated.

 

HEADQUARTERS THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION

No..G.32/72.

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION
Divisional Headquarters,

10/2/17.

"Q" 1 copy
9th Aust. Inf. Bde. 3   "
10th        -do- 3   "
11th         )do- 3   "
2nd A. & N.Z.A.C. for information 1    "
3rd Aust. Pioneer Bn.            " 1    "
C.R.A.                                         " 1    "
C.R.E.                                          " 1    "
A.D.M.S.                                     " 1    "

AMENDMENT TO GENERAL STAFF CIRCULAR No. 32 A dated 2/2/17.

Delete para. (1), and substitute:-

"(1) The Divisional Reserve consists of 3 Battalions and

three machine gun sections, as follows: -

   

Unit

 Billets & H.qrs. Transport
  "D" Bn.  9th Inf. Bde. C.25.c.80.55. B.27.c.8.7.
  "D" Bn. 11th    -do- C.25.c.5.2. B.27.d.5.2.
  "D" Bn. 10th   -do- H.5.a.3.6. B.27.c.9.9.
1 Section  9th M.G. Co. C.25.c.25.50. B.27.c.8.7.
1 Section 11th M.G. Co. I.9.c.2.5. B.27.d.5.2.
1 Section 10th M.G. Co. H.6.d.93.65. B.27.c.9.9"

J H F Pain

Major,

General Staff

GOC

 

 

HEADQUARTERS 

NoG.26/391.
THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION
THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION

Divisional Headquarters,

10/2/17.

GENERAL STAFF CIRCULAR No. 35 A.

re TRAINING

As compared with conditions 2 to 3 weeks ago, something like 
an additional 1800 men are now actually available for working parties
or training, in the whole of the Infantry of the Division. - This
arises partly from a redisposition which has withdrawn five Companies
partly by considerable reinforcements which have arrived in the
interim. - Some Battalions are already considerably over war strength.
In view of this, the Divisional Commander wishes Brigadiers to
take into serious consideration the question of at once putting a
portion of the personnel into systematic training. - An ideal to be
aimed at is that two companies each of the C and D Battalions, should
be training, - while the remainder of C and D Battalions would be
available to supply working parties - for Brigade and Divisional Works
respectively; say two companies training for 3 of the 6 days out of
the line, and the   other two companies for the other 3 days. - If it
is not found practicable thus to train 4 companies at a time in each
Brigade, three, or at least two Companies could be so trained. -
The above suggestions can hardly apply to the 10th Brigade
until after the Battalion Raid now in preparation;  nor to two
Battalions of the 11th Brigade, who have each had one Company 
withdrawn, in the same connection;  but it is significant that the 10th
Brigade is at present able to hold its line and yet train, out of the
line, some 880 men for a special enterprise.

The training contemplated comprises marching and close order
drill, and particularly refresher training in musketry, rapid loading,
bombing, and bayonet fighting.  For these purposes, Instructors
who have been favorably reported upon by the Divisional and other
Schools, can be employed, to supplement other resources in Instructors.

S.G.E. Coully

Major,

General Staff.

DISTRIBUTION

9th Aust. Inf. Bde.   8

10th          -do-          8

11th           -do-          8

2nd A. & N.Z. Army Corps   )

3rd Aust. Pioneer Bn.          )  For information.

GOC

 

KINGSTON 
11.15 AM
12 Fe
17

THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR PRINTED
OR WRITTEN MATTER

THE ADDRESS ONLY BE 
WRITTEN HERE.

MRS J. MONASH

GRAND HOTEL

MELBOURNE
VICTORIA
MELBOURNE

 

Warrawell

Feb. 11th/17

A most enjoyable day &  a pleasant union.

J M Ellins

– Ditto – Ditto –

Harold Pope

Lou Rosenhaiu

Walter Rosenhaiu
RECEIVED
APR
14
1917
GRAND HOTEL MELBOURNE

 

15/2/17

THIS SPACE MAY BE USED FOR PRINTED

OR WRITTEN MATTER

THE ADDRESS ONLY BE 
WRITTEN HERE

KINGSTON ON
11.15 AM
12 FE

 

Major General J. Monash

C.B. V.D. 

G.O.C. 3rd Australian Division

Australian Imperial Force

B.E.P. - FRANCE. -

 

"Warrawee"

Feb. 11th.

The end of a perfect day. A great reunion.

J M Ellins

Lou. Rosenhaiu

H. Pope
Walter Rosenhaiu

AUST IMP. FORCES
8
FE 13
17
BASE POST OFFICE

 

G.O.C. -

NOTES FROM LECTURE, 14-2-17.

Bounds of French Artillery, in other words,

lifts in big attack, 500 to 1,000 metres, worked at request

of Infantry transmitted by rocket signal, not by clock.

Corps arrange counter-battery work; Divisions arrange to cut

wire and destroy strong points, &c. French have 1 battery

to 100 metres for supporting the attack in an offensive;

certain batteries are billed to go forward in Echelon..⁄⁄ In our own

the 4th. Army, 14th. Corps. have they allotted one 9.2" battery

and three 6" to each Division.  These acted under the

Divisional Commander's instructions, but if he did not want

them they were used for counter-battery work. Divisional

Commanders settled the bombardments.  14th. Corps had a

system of 5 minutes rapid bombardment, 5 minutes slack, and

then 15 minutes rapid.  When S.O.S. signal was fired,

heavies helped and did not therefore do counter-battery work.

Lecturer referred to counter-preparation which

we have in hand on this front. My letter to C.R.A. was that

a combination of our S.O.S. and Retaliation Schemes, slightly

amplified or modified, would meet the case.

On the SOMME the English had a front of

26,000 yards, French 1,600. English had 1072 light pieces,

French 456 - English had 443 heavy pieces, French 611 -

English had 288 trench mortars, French 516.

Summary. - English had 1 piece to 15 yards.

                       French          1 piece to every yard.

According to measurements, English had 1 piece to 14 yards,

but his yards he said were doubtful. - French had 1,583

pieces for 1,600 yards.

French use Guns for counter-batteries, being

a bit short of Howitzers. We prefer Howitzers.

15-2-17.

JM

 

G.O.C.

Copy

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.

Divisional Headquarters.

February 15th, 1917.-

HEADQUARTERS 
15 FEB 1917
THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION
No Q80/1

Headquarters,

 9th Inf. Brigade.

10th     do.

11th      do.

3rd Pioneer Battalion.

1.- Special attention is directed to Memorandum of C. G. S., 
of 7-2-17, sufficient copies of which are forwarded herewith for the
Infantry Units of each Brigade.

2.- The principles laid down apply to the whole Infantry of the 
Army, and will, therefore, require the closest study by Brigade 
Commanders, and the closest co-ordination by them of the action thereon 

by the four Battalions of each Brigade.

3.- The following important points are to be noted :-

(a) Battalion Headquarters, as at present organised in

this Division will have be very materially reduced. -

All Lewis Guns go to platoons (i.e., 3 to each Company at

present, 4 to each Company when the extra guns are available), 
the battalion bombing platoon disappears.

The total allowed for Battalion Headquarters must not exceed 
150.

(b) As regards the Battalion Scout Platoon (which has been 

found so useful in trench warfare), it is hoped that Battalions 
may be able to retain a small body of skilled scouts,

with Headquarters, without increasing the maximum of 150

permitted.

(c) The Headquarters of Companies and platoons are now 
organisations. They comprise nothing but fighting men, 
batmen being classed as such. Company Q.M. Serjeants and

Cooks form part of Battalion Headquarters. The Company

Headquarters should include the Company Signallers. There

must be no "/employed" men (shoemakers, butchers, cooks,

storemen, etc) with the platoons. All these latter must

go to Battalion Headquarters (part of the 150) although

they could be allocated for duty with Companies and platoons.

4.- Brigade Commanders will submit, by 6-0 p.m. on the 21st

instant, a concrete proposal for the reorganisation of a Battalion

at War Strength carrying these principles into effect. Upon these

proposals the Divisional Commander will issue an approved Battalion

Organisation to apply to the whole Division, and thereupon the 
reorganisation will be put into effect.

5.- On the question of the recall of men on extra-regimental

employment, and, mwith a view to concerted measures to reduce the 
numbers so detached, a Census of theDivision will be taken at 12-0 noon

on 18th instant by all Infantry Battalions, with a view to preparing 

a detailed return as per pro forma issued herewith. In order that

such returns may be absolutely reliable and prepared on uniform lines,

the D.A.A. & Q.M.G. will meet Staff Captains, and Adjutant Pioneer Bn,

at 11th Brigade Headquarters, at 2-30 p.m. on 16th instant, to explain

what is required, and the Staff Captains will then assemble their respective 
Adjutants for a similar purpose.

6.- Action for the recall of men on extra-regimental employment, 
where same is practicable, will be based on these returns.

Rob. [[C?]] Jackson

Major.

(R.M).- 

D.A.A. & Q.M.G., 3rd Australian Division.

 

 

 

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