Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 14, 10 February - 30 March 1917, Part 7

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open to contributions
Accession number:
RCDIG0000618
Difficulty:
3

Page 1 / 10

7o accompany G.S. Cirgular No. 394. of 24-er... IPrumpli799 B.ttalion Hoadquarters :- Administrative Portion. Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant. 1. Company Quarter Master Sergeants. 4. Clerk. .. .... ........ 1. Groom for C.O. .. ...... 1. Transport Sergeant & Personnel. 28. (1). Postal Clerk, Tailor, Butcher, Armourer. 4. Provost Sergeant. .. .. . .. 1. (2). Shoemakers. .... 2. (3). ... . . . . Storemen. .... 5. .. . . .. Cooks. ...... .. .... 17. (4). Batmen (for Q.M. and Transport Officer). 2. Sanitary Man. ... ..... .. 1. Sundry Duties. ...... 5. TOTAL. 70. (5). NOTES:- (1). These may be augmented by the brakesmen, when the Battalion is not fighting, i.e. on the march or in passive warfare. (2). Remainder of Regimental police must belong to platoons. (3). Extra shoemakers taken from Companies when act- ually required. (4). Includes Company Cooks, detached to Companies - not tighting mon. (5). "Attached" A.A.M.C. are additional to this total. All other administrative duties not provided for in this organization must be performed by trained fighting men in the platoons. - Such men must either remain with their platoons or be made available to rejoin their platoons whenever required to fight. - The number of platoon fiahting men thus "employed" must be kept down to an absolute minimum.
To accompany G.S. Cirqular No. 394. of 24.2-1. APPENDIK 2". -Company Headquarters. Company Sorgeant Major. 1. Batmen. ...... 2. 1. Gas Personnel. .. 1. Clerk. ...... Signallers & Runners. -5. poril. M. N.B. - All above are fighting men. ------------------ APTENDIX "D". Platoon Headquarters. Platoon Sergeant. 1. Batmen. .. . . .. 1. Runners. . . . . .. 2. T0T:L. N.B. . All above are fighting men.
TBIP AUSTRALIAN DIvrston. Divisicnal Handquartors, CONFIDETTIAL 25th Tobruary, 1917. C.ROULAR MEMIPANDII Ko. 51 NLEEN TATION OF DECODATIOHS BI TH ARLX COMMNTER. -------------- ------- - MAP REMERENCE, 36 R.T. 765006 Tho Army Commander will prosont docorations awardod to ) nombors of tho 3rd Division on Wodnesday 28th Fobruary, 1917 at 2.39 2.n. (2) Porresentativos of all Units of tho Division will parado .3. in tho fiold G.13.d.5.8,, and will form throo sides of a square, contral sido facing North, Veits in line. Tho recipionts will parado in line, facing Forth, in front of the contro sido of tho squaro, in gradation, Sonior on tho loft. Tho Commandor of tho Parado will bo six paoos in front of tho contro of tho rocipionts. Tho following is tho allotment (Pro rata) and Dorsonnol 2 will bo drawn up from right to loft in tho following ordor:- Unit. daloors Otbor 18 Divisional Ar Allory 21 Divisional EngInoors 21 Divisional nallors 9th Infant Brigado 129 17th Infant tigado 129 11th Infantry Brigado 129 Pionoor Battalion Divisional Train 12 3. A. M. C. 21 Mobile Votorinary Soction Divisional Salvago Company 11 500 Tho Pionoor Battalion Band will attond. rrangomonts for extra bandsmon will bo mado by C.0. Picuoor Battalion dircot with Lwigado Hoadquartors, in ordor to form a strong Band. 13) Tho Parado will bo Commanded by Licut. Colonol A.R. WOOL - CCCK, 42nd Battalion. (4) DE 33. Harching Order, O fficors will bo drossed liko tho mon; Australian hoaddress will bo worn; Stocl Holmots on tho back of NO O fficer or man will be mountod. All lack. i rsonnol will be fully oquippod and spocial caro takon that all ranks havo oolour patchos. Tho mess tin will bo worn on top of tho peck. (5) STARTING PCLET. Potachments will roport in cidor mention¬ ed in para (2) to D.A.A. & w.M.G. at G.6.d.3.5. at 1.30 p.m. P.T.0.
- Pago 2. CIRCUIAR IELNI NDUII No. 51. 25th Fobruary, 1917. D-T7-3T)" 4eill. (6) Lunchoon should bo arranged by Indantry Brigados at Respoctive Transport Linos. 11th Infantry Brigade will mako arzangemonts for Pion¬ cer Dattalion. NVERES nay arrango to nærch out with tho Pionoor (7). Units in ARiEAII Battalion Band. (8). Tho C. R. E., will crrango to lay 50 yards of planking or bridg. ing loading to tho Parado Ground, from ho radway Eastwards, and will not sink trostles into tho ground unloss absolutoly nocoss V. Planking to bo complotod by 10-0 a.m. 28th instant. Tho C. R. E., will also arrango for sufficiont duckbcards to bo laid from odgo of bridging to 5 yards South of Flagpolo (single row only) and a small standing at Saluting Point for final March Past. (9). A lorry will bo at Halí Past Elovon Squaro, ARLUNTIS, at 1-0 p.m. to convoy recipionts of docorations to Parede and return to ARSDH- TISRES on conclusion of Parado. (10). PRSTTDTO- pi- oa +-diDy: On tho arrival of tho Irmy Conmandor tho parado will RSSNT ERMS, and tho band will play tho Goncral Saluto. On tho complotion of tho Conoral Saluto tho parado will SLOES ARMS and como to AT"ENTION on tho ordor of tho O. C. Parado and ewait tho word to Stand At Easo by tho Irmy Commandor: Tho Prrado Commandor will OEX RANKS, whoroupon tho Arny Cormandor, acoompaniod by tho Corps and Divis¬ ional Commanders, will inspoot. Platoon Commandors will acos y thom to the limit of thoir rospoctivo Cor nands. On complotion of Ine spootion the Parado Commandor will CLOSS RXMKS and tako post four yards in roar of tho rocipionts. Tho Ribbons will thon bo distributed. Tho Paradc will thon novo to tho Right in fours and whocling to tho loft will MiRCH PST tho Army Commandor. Each Gfficor on roaching tho first flag marking tho Saluting Daso, will givo tho cormand DYES RIGET. H. FARR, Licut-Colonol.- A.4- 8 5.M.G. THIRD AUSTR'LIAN DIVISION.
ei AOOUAS No. 6. 6/I 1ilh Dn. an RRRUN Divisional Hend martere 25th. February. 1917. Hendqurters. and. A. 4 N. Z. Army Corre.- Tbeg te rgand hererith detellelrorata raiding operatios carried out last night at 10.30 p.m. 5y a detachmont from the 3örd. Battslion. - This operation wos part of a connected series of operations culminating in the proposed large operetion en the Löth. instant. The objeot ef this small suberlinate operatios has beon to endecsour to pereunde the eneny that the recest wire cutting operations have culminated in this raii and to allay his suspicions thet further operations at the smse peint aag be istended se scon as tomorros night. From this point of view. it is thøneght that last nicht'e operatien ams been atirely effeetive and suecesaful, apart from the great dach anl esterprise shoen by the Offloers and sen of the raiding party, es disclosed by the follosing detailed report :- "Until Zere heur the eneay was partioularly quiet. Raiders left our Sally Pert at 10 p.m. and got into pesition st the place of asseably without ang lose. Evory uon knes ennetly his place ani shat he hed tode. Departy "was under excellent cover. -On the liin ef tie Hositsara et aru rlme the part,/ moved forward and ruched the enen trench at Lere plue 5 om the formatien of the boz barrage. Theg entered the hostile trenches at Zere plue 6j. There vus a lrge gap in the caav'e wire thich dii net offer the glichtest diffieuly. I- Tneeeesary to mse stras sts. Ls fremt of the enemy's lini aAaneed tramch. This wae hesvily wired with oeils e: Trench vire and e måes of jagged iren langthe. Thie wae oross- L.t.
.). a by licht bridgee carried Dor the rurrese. Theren Borros ditch.- The enemy's trenches are duckboarded and well revetted with hurdles. They ere in aver adåg state ad much water is lying abeut, ami they sere vory greatly knockod shen: by euf ertilley fr. Nrd Fürl.. Errusee be liev. Les, aurs. On rushing the gup both the ledding havenet se vere vonndei. This dii not dster or delay the party. They dached ferwed inte the trench, cheering. The eneny hat established a strong bomb- ing pest is a dieusei trench is front of his parapet about 20 yarde from eur peint ef estry. Ne put up a stiff fight here. but was eventually eleared off. Thie part of the trench was well organized and very plentifully sapplied with bombe, chiefly Stiek Handle Orenades. Our party foroed ite way fer 50 yarie drng his frent trench, chem it wos heli wo by tha eneay's artiller chich frei on hie omm freat tranch. Thie party decounted for aa ledst 10 Cermans, but it is probable that in the heavy bomb ficht- ing they overlocked other oasmalties inflicted. Be prineners vere taken. The Cermans vore wearing long grey grestooats. LERT PARTY. This cas under the coconni of 2/Lieut. U.D. Mox ZZLA. Almost as sooa as it entered the trenches the lending beyonet man b yenetted aa enaay bomber, cho was in the est ef threwing a bomb. Altogether this party sccounted in the trenches Dor 16 Cormans and captured 4. ineluding an Offioer. f large dercout vitk e eteel door vas demolikhed and on eraminn tion vae found to be an efploeive bomb store. Zwoeverekilled in this. Further along a post sith a conerete bottom ani steel sidee vas also desclizhed. This was eviiestly a post fros chich e sachine sun ocull eafilade a considerable portion of hie trench. Cloce by was found e large door is the sile of the parapet. Thie vas denoliched and prevei te be the entrance to a sally port leading into a dieused tronch osteide. Im it vas a hesp of machine gus eannitien, but no machine gen, although there vere sigme of
(3). reeent use. There were three rifles and bandoliers hanging on the wall. The Germans had evidently cleared off with the gun which, more than likely, is a light machine gun. It is estimated that this party get 150 yards Nerth of the peint of entry, but could not move further for- ward ewing to eur barrage. A machine gun and emplacement ver. diseevered, but they were feund te be totally destreyed. Pieces of chain were lying abeut. In ene bay used as a bombing post were feund five wem. They were tied to a strong vire attached to a large post st each end of the bay by means of strong straps or wired cloth bande round their shoulders and attached either to their belts (or to anether strap reund their waists. Three of these men were dead and the two surviving ones were quite willing to surrender. /Lieut, MeKäMZIE eut one free, but as he lost his knife in a puddle he was compelled to shoot the ether. The Offieer prisener was found hiding in a recess which was net searched until the pårty was returning. He made no resistance until the party were leaving the trench, when he asked in English "Where are you taking me". Lieut. MoKEmZIE told him to be quick and, as he hesitated, hit him on the head with his revolver. He then came along but while passing through the German wire was bloen to pieces by a German shell. Lieut. MoKmMZIL was himself blown over and dased by this shell. Private SEAGROTT knew that ieut. MoKMMZIE was the last to leave the trench and realizing that he was not coming en, went back to look for hln. H. found him with the arm of the German Offieer lying elese beside him. Private SEAGROTT, although of small stature, carried his Officer right back to our trenches. Another prisoner beoame fractious just after leaving the Cerman trenches, and had to be mhot. The third prisener knelt down and eried "Merei Kamerad" but would not come en. As his escort found that he had a revelver and being alone in NO MAN'S LAND with him he shot him. P.T.0.
AUS 1.) This happened clone to eneay's vire. The fourth prisener also had te be killed. The three sen escorting his hal two woundel sen te bring in asd as the geing in N0 Mals LLXd wae very bad they shot his and usei his body as a bridge, to get over the enn's wire. This party showod great daring and did ersellest Dr Salgdeg Gndde ven danss un- Steel Helmete, epe. choulder strope marked 23. bouhe, rifle ani cas odgel bayonet. Our artillery put dowa an ersellent berrage mad net only caused great damage to ensay treuchee, but inflieted heavy loseee on his peroonnel. Ammmber of dead were scen in the trenches. All ranke :peuk very highly of the occurey of our choeting. Special sention must bo made of the exsellest work of the Stokee Mortærs which agsisted very largely is the pietening of omgny unchins guus. RrS. A Zere plue 1 the first R2D LLn? vas fired AUI und was followed half a misute later by two more. They were then fired at intervale without epparent result. They appeared to beevemning to the artillery amd to indieate that flre is to be kept wp. AENLIMTS. A CAAN LLOKI was firei se Zere plus 2. The enemy's suns opened fire at Zere plus 4. Two Grees rockets were fired et Zero plas P. chercupom the enemy cenoentrated at about the peinte from chich they were flrei. throughout, partioalarly betzcen Zoro anl Zere plus 5. Three erechate rockets vore fired. Cerman artilley action wae ngain teek rescabling that of "g" night. 6.9 and 4.0 H.E. were mostly uscd. Very little 77 sm. Shrapnel was fired. As usual he sest a consider¬ able mmuber of Hifle Crenados ovor to Localitioe Il ani 12, and Cap 1'. Fire was directed at first om Is his usual targets. the Orchard, towarde the Cemotory, tram line, Clouosster and al4
131. Fedeer Avamnen. Hore flre vas dirested on our front line dhen last night. The enemy bombarded his orn line. He kept his gune trained on the ene spot and neither lengthened ner shortened. He did net traverse. He has very fow guns and what he has are net sede the best mec of. Compared te eure, hie artilleryivy leeble. Dering eur bemberiment the fire fros his mochine guns was negligible. After cur fire ceased he firei two gae, bat their flre was very high. The raidere vere in the trenchee for fifteea sinutes ehen the signal te eithdres vas fired. Progress in N0 Ma's LaKD is vory eriuous. filled - opi Srsul PS. Missing - 2. Trobably killed. Lounded - 20. of the wounded a are serieus amd 3 badly SInder austzlned anly Einer Ikrurier. Lnjured: ther Vory valnable sesistance was rendered by the lSth. Fieli Ambalance in evaeuating the wounded. This unit has given most valuod assistanoe at all times. Artutranst Majer-General.- vrrdlng Tuirg aurtrallan pyrueiem.
32 . HVotnal Formatian fastt. attack detwürck 13). Grtroduugtong Rerpore gg Si oddses. Frevunes vransd av to ftøneifles - agannst Stercstgtung At OIE ie ze Revolutim s konghet - mave defonite condeteon eig. Fuuch tatsench attach, o varetungit. Pang drendd - aste fommatinns, disfoattions, Bontagen, deftte- -Mound dack ttietraning deapon ve. Vne le ghereneee vearch fod ovme snove deforiste t ptandandigt onetod. (5 C darns: () Underisaadlelaave gaatean at large (å) deinahle fuud metkod - aritable for Fenchiti teuch attack, wat appliealle ho ofen batfare (3) Deaadlete Standardap fot Smaller boute - nomtte poomnlgated Neuce- Ordets tave cone tat Mlalen not get availabla 2.. Hhin address (a) To mtoduce aubpaet to Divaron (6 1o eyplain - autte appaveittg eungle Ict vealleg lomflet, i brumeifles hot gute enag to auat fraufs (c) to aange fot tomadiste statt ustts Freinnng.

To accompany G.S. Circular No. 39A.

of 24-2-17.

APPENDIX "B".

Battalion Headquarters :- Administrative Portion.

Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant.        1.

Company Quarter Master Sergeants.          4.

Clerk.                                                                     1.

Groom for C.O.                                                    1.

Transport Sergeant & Personnel.                 28.   (1).

Postal Clerk, Tailor, Butcher, Armourer.       4.

Provost Sergeant.                                               1.   (2).
Shoemakers.                                                        2.  (3).
Storemen.                                                             5.

Cooks.                                                                   17.  (4).
Batmen (for Q.M. and Transport Officer).     2.

Sanitary Man.                                                       1.

Sundry Duties.                                                    3.

                                                                               —

                                                          TOTAL.        70. (5).
 

NOTES:-  (1). These may be augmented by the brakesmen, when the

Battalion is not fighting, i.e. on the march or

in passive warfare.

(2). Remainder of Regimental police must belong to

platoons.

(3). Extra shoemakers taken from Companies when actually

required.

(4). Includes Company Cooks, detached to Companies -

not fighting men.

(5). "Attached" A.A.M.C. are additional to this total.

All other administrative duties not provided for in this

organization must be performed by trained fighting men in the

platoons. - Such men must either remain with their platoons

or be made available to rejoin their platoons whenever required

to fight. - The number of platoon fighting men thus "employed"

must be kept down to an absolute minimum.

 

 

 

To accompany G.S. Circular No. 39A.

of 24-2-17.

APPENDIX "C".

Company Headquarters.

Company Sergeant Major.    1.

Batmen.                                     2.

Gas Personnel.                          1.

Clerk.                                           1.

Signallers & Runners.             9.

                                                    —

                        TOTAL.              14.

N.B. - All above are fighting men.

           --------------------

 

APPENDIX "D".

Platoon Headquarters.

Platoon Sergeant.      1.

Batman.                        1.

Runners.                       2.

                                       —

                     TOTAL.     4.

N.B. - All above are fighting men.

 

 

 

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.

Divisional Headquarters,

25th February, 1917.

C O N F I D E N T I A L

CIRCULAR MEMORANDUM No. 51

PRESENTATION OF DECORATIONS BY THE ARMY COMMANDER.

MAP REFERENCE,   36 N.W.   1/20,000.

 

(1) The Army Commander will present decorations awarded to

members of the 3rd Division on Wednesday 28th February, 1917 at 2.30 p.m.

(2) Representatives of all Units of the Division will parade

in the field G.12.d.5.8., and will form three sides of a square, central

side facing North, Units in line.

The recipients will parade in line, facing North, in front

of the centre side of the square, in gradation, Senior on the left.  The

Commander of the Parade will be six paces in front of the centre of the

recipients.

The following is the allotment (pro rata) and personnel

will be drawn up from right to left in the following order :-
                                                                       Other

Unit.                              Officers.            Ranks.

Divisional Artillery                   1                        21  

Divisional Engineers               1                        21

Divisional Signallers                 -                         6

9th Infantry Brigade               2                      129

10th Infantry Brigade              2                      129

11th Infantry Brigade               2                      129

Pioneer Battalion                     1                        28

Divisional Train                         1                        12

A.A.M.C.                                       1                         21

Mobile Veterinary Section       -                        2

Divisional Salvage Company   -                       2

                                                      __________________

                                                        11                    500

                                                       __________________

The Pioneer Battalion Band will attend. Arrangements

for extra bandsmen will be made by C.O. Pioneer Battalion direct with

Brigade Headquarters, in order to form a strong Band.

 

(3) The Parade will be Commanded by Lieut. Colonel A.R. WOOLCOCK, 42nd Battalion.

(4) DRESS. Marching Order, Officers will be dressed like the

men;  Australian Headdress will be worn;  Stool Helmets on the back of

Pack.  No Officer or man will be mounted.  All personnel will be fully

equipped and special care taken that all ranks have colour patches.  The

mess tin will be worn on top of the pack.

(5) STARTING POINT.  Detachments will report in order mentioned

in para (2) to D.A.A. & Q.M.G. at G.6.d.3.5. at 1.30 p.m.

 

P.T.O.

 

 

   [*AQ*]

 

Page 2.-    CIRCULAR MEMORANDUM No. 51.     25th February, 1917.

CONFIDENTIAL.

(6). Luncheon should be arranged by Infantry Brigades at Respective

Transport Lines.  11th Infantry Brigade will make arrangements for Pioneer

Battalion.

(7). Units in ARMENTIERES may arrange to march out with the Pioneer

Battalion Band.

(8). The C.R.E. will arrange to lay 50 yards of planking or bridging

loading to the Parade Ground, from the roadway Eastwards, and will

not sink trestles into the ground unless absolutely necessary.

Planking to be completed by 10-0 a.m. 28th instant.

The C.R.E., will also arrange for sufficient duckboards to be

laid from edge of bridging to 5 yards South of Flagpole (single row only)

and a small standing at Saluting Point for final March Past.

(9). A lorry will be at Half Past Eleven Square, ARMENTIERES, at 1-0

p.m. to convey recipients of decorations to Parade and return to

ARMENTIERES on conclusion of Parade.

(10). PROCEDURE ON PARADE:  On the arrival of the Army Commander the

parade will PRESENT ARMS, and the band will play the General Salute.

On the completion of the General Salute the parade will SLOPE ARMS and

come to ATTENTION on the order of the O.C. Parade and await the word to

Stand At Ease by the Army Commander.  The Parade Commander will OPEN

RANKS, whereupon the Army Commander, accompanied by the Corps and 

Divisional Commanders, will inspect.  Platoon Commanders will accompany

them to the limit of their respective Commands.   On completion of 

Inspection the Parade Commander will CLOSE RANKS and take post four yards

in rear of the recipients.

The Ribbons will then be distributed.

The Parade will then move to the Right in fours and wheeling to

the left will MARCH PAST the Army Commander.

Each Officer on reaching the first flag marking the Saluting

Base, will give the command EYES RIGHT.


H. FARMAR, Lieut-Colonel.-

A.A. & Q.M.G. THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.

 

 

(* G.O.C. Copy *)

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION

Divisional Headquarters, 

25th. February, 1917.


Stamp HEADQUARTERS

No G 6/1

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION


Headquarters,

2nd. A. & N.Z. Army Corps .-


I beg to forward herewith detailed report of

raiding operation carried out last night at 10.30 p.m. by a

detachment from the 33rd. Battalion. - This operation was

part of a connected series of operations culminating in the

proposed large operation on the 26th. instant. The object

of this small subordinate operation has been to endeavour to

persuade the enemy that the recent wire cutting operations

have culminated in this raid and to allay his suspicions

that further operations at the same point may be intended so

soon as tomorrow night.   From this point of view, it is

thought that last night's operation has been entirely effective and

successful, apart from the great dash and enterprise shown by

the Officers and men of the raiding party, as disclosed by

the following detailed report :-

"Until Zero hour the enemy was particularly

"quiet.   Raiders left our Sally Fort at 10 p.m. and got into

"position at the place of assembly without any loss.   Every

"man knew exactly his place and what he had to do.   The party

"was under excellent cover.

"On the left of the Howitzers at Zero plus

"3 the party moved forward and rushed the enemy trench at Zero

"plus 5 on the formation of the box barrage. They entered the

"hostile trenches at Zero plus 6½.

"There was a large gap in the enemy's wire

"which did not offer the slightest difficulty.   It was 

"unnecessary to use straw mats.  In front of the enemy's line is

"a disused trench.  This was heavily wired with coils of

"French wire and a mass of jagged iron lengths. This was crossed

P.T.O.

 

 

(2).

by light bridges for the purpose.  There was no  Borrow ditch. -

The enemy's trenches are duckboarded and well

revetted with hurdles. They are in a very muddy state and

much water is lying about, and they were very greatly knocked

about by our artillery fire.

RIGHT PARTY. - Commanded by Lieut. L.C.B. SMITH.

On rushing the gap both the leading bayonet men were wounded.

This did not deter or delay the party.  They dashed forward into

the trench, cheering.   The enemy had established a strong bombing

post in a disused trench in front of his parapet about 20

yards from our point of entry.  He put up a stiff fight here,

but was eventually cleared off.  This part of the trench was well

organised and very plentifully supplied with bombs, chiefly Stick

Handle Grenades.  Our party forced its way for 50 yards along his

front trench, when it was held up by the enemy's artillery which

fired on his own front trench.  This party accounted for at

least 10 Germans, but it is probable that in the heavy bomb fighting

they overlooked casualties inflicted.   No prisoners

were taken. The Germans were wearing long grey greatcoats.

LEFT PARTY.  This was under the command of

2/Lieut. W.D. McKENZIE.   Almost as soon as it entered the trenches

the leading bayonet men bayonetted an enemy bomber, who was in the

act of throwing a bomb.   Altogether this party accounted in the

trenches for 16 Germans and captured 4, including an Officer.

A large dug-out with a steel door was demolished and on examination

was found to be an explosive bomb store. Two men were killed in

this.   Further along a post with a concrete bottom and steel

sides was also demolished.  This was evidently a post from which

a machine gun could enfilade a considerable portion of his trench.

Close by was found a large door in the side of the parapet. This

was demolished and proved to be the entrance to a sally port

leading into a disused trench outside. In it was a heap of machine

gun ammunition, but no machine gun, although there were signs of

P.T.O.

 

 

(3).

recent use.   There were three rifles and bandoliers hanging

on the wall.   The Germans had evidently cleared off with the

gun which, more than likely, is a light machine gun.

It is estimated that this party got 150 yards

North of the point of entry, but could not move further forward

owing to our barrage.   A machine gun and emplacement

were discovered, but they were found to be totally destroyed.

Pieces of chain were lying about.

In one bay used as a bombing post were found five

men.  They were tied to a strong wire attached to a large post

at each end of the bay by means of strong straps or wired cloth

bands round their shoulders and attached either to their belts

or to another strap round their waists.  Three of these men were

dead and the two surviving ones were quite willing to surrender.

Lieut. McKENZIE cut one free, but as he lost his knife in a

puddle he was compelled to shoot the other. The Officer prisoner

was found hiding in a recess which was not searched until the

party was returning.   He made no resistance until the party

were leaving the trench, when he asked in English "Where are you

taking me". Lieut McKENZIE told him to be quick and, as he

hesitated, hit him on the head with his revolver. He then came

along but while passing through the German wire was blown to

pieces by a German shell. Lieut. McKENZIE was himself blown

over and dazed by this shell. Private SEAGROTT knew that

Lieut. McKENZIE was the last to leave the trench and realizing

that he was not coming on, went back to look for him.   He

found him with the arm of the German Officer lying close beside

him.   Private SEAGROTT, although of small stature, carried his

Officer right back to our trenches.   Another prisoner became

fractious just after leaving the German trenches, and had to be

shot.  The third prisoner knelt down and cried "Merci Kamarad"

but would not come on.   As his escort found that he had a

revolver and being alone in NO MAN'S LAND with him he shot him.

P.T.O.

 

 

(4).

This happened close to enemy's wire.  The fourth prisoner also

had to be killed.  The three men escorting him had two wounded

men to bring in and as the going in NO MAN'S LAND was very bad

they shot him and used his body as a bridge, to get over the

enemy's wire.  This party showed great daring and did excellent

work.

The following articles were brought in:-

Steel Helmets, caps, shoulder straps marked "23", bombs, rifles

and saw edged bayonet.

Our artillery put down an excellent barrage and

not only caused great damage to enemy trenches, but inflicted

heavy losses on his personnel.   A number of dead were seen in

the trenches.   All ranks speak very highly of the accuracy of

our shooting. Special mention must be made of the excellent

work of the Stokes Mortars which assisted very largely in the

quietening of enemy machine guns.

RED LIGHTS. At Zero plus 1 the first RED LIGHT was fired

and was followed half a minute later by two more.   They were

then fired at intervals without apparent result. They appeared

to be a warning to the artillery and to indicate that fire is to

be kept up.

GREEN LIGHTS.   A GREEN LIGHT was fired at Zero plus 2.

The enemy's guns opened fire at Zero plus 4. Two Green rockets

were fired at Zero plus 2, whereupon the enemy concentrated at

about the points from which they were fired.

WHITE LIGHTS.   A great number of Very Lights were fired

throughout, particularly between Zero and Zero plus 5.   Three

parachute rockets were fired.

German artillery action was again weak resembling

that of "R" night.   5.9 and 4.9 H.R were mostly used.   Very

little 77 mm. Shrapnel was fired.   As usual he sent a considerable

number of Rifle Grenades over to Localities 11 and 12, and

Gap "L".   Fire was directed at first on xx his usual targets,

the Orchard, towards the Cemetery, tram line, Gloucester and

P.T.O.

 

 

(5).

Wessex Avenues.   More fire was directed on our front line than

last night.  The enemy bombarded his own line. He kept his guns

trained on the one spot and neither lengthened nor shortened.   He

did not traverse.   He has very few guns and what he has are not

made the best use of.   Compared to ours, his artillery is very

feeble.

During our bombardment the fire from his machine

guns was negligible.   After our fire ceased he fired two guns,

but their fire was very high.

The raiders were in the trenches for fifteen

minutes when the signal to withdraw was fired.

Progress in NO MAN'S LAND is very arduous.

OUR CASUALTIES.   

Killed -          2.

Missing -      2.  Probably  killed                                                                Wounded - 20. 

Of the wounded 4 are serious and 3 badly

injured;  the remainder sustained only minor injuries.

Very valuable assistance was rendered by the

10th. Field Ambulance in evacuating the wounded.   This unit

has given most valued assistance at all times.

JohnMonash

Major-General.-

Commanding Third Australian Division.

 

 

26/2/17

Normal Formation for the attack.

delivered 1/3/17

Introductory.

Purpose of this address.

Previous views as to principles - against Stereotyping

Inf. Trg. Ch IX S114 p. 120.

Revolution of thought - more definite conditions

e.g. trench to trench attack, & variations of it.

Many views - as to formations, dispositions, frontage, depths

weapons &c. - | Our Lark Hill training

                           | Somme & Aucre experiences

Search for some more definite & standardized method.

C-in-C's decisions :- (1) Undesirable leave question at large.

(2) Desirable find method - suitable for

trench-to trench attack, yet

applicable to open warfare

(3) Desirable to Standardize for

Smaller units.

Hence - Orders have come - soon to be promulgated

but plates not yet available.

Therefore This address

(a) To introduce subject to Division

(b) To explain - altho' apparently simple

it really complex, & principles

not quite easy to see & grasp

(c) To arrange for immediate start with

training. - 

 

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