Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 15, 10 June - 31 July 1917, Part 12

that the swampy ground inside Contour 25 in Square 29 would not be held, &
so the front would be shortened a little, North of Blauportbeck. - The frontage
North of this stream is 1700^x and South of it is 1250^x
6. The front S. of Blauportbeck can be held by on a 2 Battalion front, each
with x 3 Companies in line & 1 in reserve; each Company having only 1
platoon in front line, & remainder back in support, some of them well
back. - This would preserve the present original 6 defended localities as
at present organized, 3 to each Battalion. - However, the alternative
of holding this Brigade front with only 1 Battalion in line, organized as at
present, possesses the great advantage that the other 3 Battalions of this
Brigade can be disposed in depth, & 2 of them can be well to rear
out of the heavily shelled areas. - I prefer the latter dispositions; fresh
cable communications would also be saved by adhering to present single
(left) Battalion front.
7. The front No. of Blauportbeck is 1700^x, or a little less; & can hardly be 
held by less than 2 Battalions in line, say 1 Bn N. of Wambeke on
a 700^x front (say 2 C^os); & the other between Wambeke & Blauportbeck
on a 1000^x front (say 3 C^os). - But the actual dispositions
must depend on reconnaissance, as also upon the number and 
distribution of Communication Trenches already in existence on that front. - The
present dispositions of 37^th Div. will hardly be a guide, as the new
front will be in a fluid condition at the time we shall have to take it
over. -
8. As regards 3^rd Division dispositions, it seems inevitable that the
Brigade to be detailed for the new (northern) sector will have to be the
10^th Brigade. - The 9^th Brigade will have to hold present sector

till Z day, when 11^th Bde does its stunt; & then, as soon as 
situation is clear, another Battalion of 11^th Brigade, which took no
part in the "Diversion", will take over the right Brigade front (Blauportbeck
at Steignast); the 9^th Brigade being withdrawn for a few days
to rest & reorganize. - This, at any rate, is my provisional plan, for
more detailed consideration. -
9. To prepare for above moves, it will be necessary at a very early
date to 
(a) get copies of plans of existing trenches of 37^th Div.
(b) detailed particulars of their present dispositions &
of their Artillery support, &c &c
(c) 10^th Bgde to visit their sector & make a study of it,
particularly as to means of access & approaches to front.
(d) Q to study probable new back areas; trams,
roads, lines of supply, dumps &c &c, also
back area billets & horse standings generally
(e) Arty. to study battery positions covering new Front.
10. All above is fairly tentative & provisional, & is subject to
much variation. -
11. In event of a move forward, one or two alternatives will arise
(a) 3^rd Div. will come out to rest & into Corps Reserve
or (b) 3^rd Div. goes for Honthem & makes the Canal Crossing. -
In this event we would attack on a 3000^x front, with
2 Brigades in line & one in Div. Reserve. -
JM
15/7/17

Advance
Copy
ROUTINE ORDERS
by
Major-General JOHN MONASH, C.B., V.D.,
Commanding 2nd Australian & New Zealand Army Corps.
Headquarters.
16th July, 1917.
GENERAL STAFF.
1263. AEROPLANE BOMBS - GAS.
The possibility of the enemy dropping Gas Bombs from Aeroplanes 
should not be overlooked, and all ranks are warned with regard 
to the importance of keeping Small Box Respirators at hand
during bombing raids by enemy aircraft,
W R Parring
for B.G.G.S.,
2nd ANZAC Corps.
ADJUTANT & QUARTERMASTER GENERAL'S BRANCH.
1264. MILITARY MEDAL.
The Corps Commander, under authority delegated to him, has
awarded the Military Medal to the following N.C.Os. and men :-
Dated 13th July, 1917.

1205. DISPOSAL OF CAPTURED STORES.
A.R.O.705 is re-published for the information of all concerned:-
"With reference to General Routine Order No.2207, the
following is published:-
In the event of any aircraft coming down inside our lines,
information will be telegraphed to Aeronautics, G.H.G., and steps
will at once be taken by the Senior Officer or N.C.0. present to
place a guard to protect the machine, in as close proximity as
safety permits owing to possible hostile shelling.
Strict orders will be given that after the occupants have
been removed, no person is to take away any fittings or any part
whatever of the aircraft.
This order will be read on three successive parades, and
once a month subsequently
Army Routine Orders Nos.351 and 484 are cancelled."
P.T.0.
 

(2)
1266. LEAVE.
Owing to an outbreak of Measles at TAMFORTH, Staffordshire,
England, leave should not be granted to soldiers to proceed to
that place until further orders.
1267. AREA COMMANDANT - INSTRUCTIONS TO.
Reference Corps Routine Order No.1224 dated 26.6.17. Area
Officers will send in on last day of each month to this 
Headquarters a list of all Tents and Shelters in their Area, 
explaining in column of remarks any variation with previous return.
1268. REFILLING POINTS.
No Refilling Points are to be established on main Roads
without sanction from Corps Headquarters.
1269. HARNESS & SADDLERY - ISSUES IN REPLACEMENT OF.
Units requiring Harness and Saddlery in replacement of worn
out items will return the old article to the Ordnance Officer
when drawing the new one.
1270. COURT OF ENQUIRY.
The Court of Enquiry ordered to assemble in C.R.O.1253 will
reassemble at STEENWERCK at 10 a.m. on the 20th, to take such
further evidence as may be brought before it.
The Court will again record an opinion.
[[?]]
D.A. & Q.M.G.
2nd ANZAC Corps.
NOTICES.
LOST.
From Camp Commandant's Office, 4th Australian Division
Headquarters, on 7th instant, BICYCLE; No. 18026.
Information to Headquarters, 4th Australian Division.
From KANDAHAR FARM, Sheet 28 S.W. T.10.b.7.6., on 14th
July, Douglas MOTOR CYCLE; No.33420.
Information to Headquarters, 3rd Australian Division.
An A.B.108 (Salvage Receipt Book) belonging to 554th (Dundee)
A.T.Coy.,R.E. (T.F.), on the road between BAILLEUL Railhead and
OUTERSTEENE Baths, on 10th inst.
Information to A.P.M., 2nd ANZAC Corps.
FOUND.
By 11th King's Liverpool Regt., Light Bay MARE; Height
15.2 hands; F. B. 122-66 on near fore; Saddle Blanket marked 3rd
Australian Pioneers.
Information to A.P.M., 2nd ANZAC Corps.
 

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.
Precis of Telephonic conversation between G.O.C. Division
and G.O.C. 9th Aust. Inf. Bde. 16-7-17. - 11 am

11..0 a.m. HEAVY ARTILLERY SHOOTS.
G.O.C. 9th Inf. Bde states.- As Infantry action is being taken
by Colonel MARTIN against Posts 8,9, and 10 to-night, no Heavy
Artillery action is required against these posts to-day. Colonel.
MARTIN intends to get his Field Artillery Group to take some
action against these posts. Post No. 7 may, or may not, be
included in the Operation.
Question by G.O.C.Division.- Do you want any Heavy Artillery
action against Posts 7, 8, 5 and 10 to-day?
Answer by G.O. 9th Bde.- No. No Artillery wanted against Posts
7,8,9, or 10 to-day for reasons given above.
Question by G.O.C. Division.- Do you want any Heavy Artillery
action against Post No. 2 to-day?
Answer by G.O.C. 9th Bde.- Yes. Colonel MARTIN and Heavy Artillery
Officer in consultation re Post No. 3 now.
Question by G.O.C. Division.- Will you xxxxxx co-ordinate the action at
your end and I will clinch it here?
Answer by G.O.C. 9th Bde.- Yes.
Question by G.O.C. Division.- Do you want Heavy Artillery action
on Posts Nos. 2, 4, 5 and 6?
Answer by G.O.C. 9th Bde.- No. No Artillery action required
on Posts 2, 4, 5 and 6.
Question by G.O.C. Division.- What about Post No.13?
Answer by G.O.C. 9th Bde.- I want Heavy Artillery action to-day
on Post No. 13.
Question by G.O.C. Division.- Do you need any further Heavy 
Artillery action against any other posts or are you agreeable to Heavy
Artillery action against any other Posts?
Answer by G.O.C. 9th Bde.- I require Artillery action against
Posts 3 and 13 provided due notice can be given of such action,
but do not require action against any other Posts.
G.O.C. Division to G.O.C. Brigade.- There has been some confusion
with regard to these targets to-day and you must arrange
definitely what is required. Battalion Commanders must not be
allowed to arrange these matters as their views are purely local,
while yours are necessarily much broader. You are acquainted
with our policy and must see that it is carried out.
[[*Copy for GOC
JM/??*]]

ROUTINE ORDERS
by
Major-General JOHN MONASH, C.B., V.D.,
Commanding 2nd Australian & New Zealand Army Corps.
Headquarters.
16th July, 1917.
GENERAL STAFF.
1263. AEROPLANE BOMBS - GAS.
The possibility of the enemy dropping Gas Bombs from Aeroplanes 
should not be overlooked, and all ranks are warned with regard 
to the importance of keeping Small Box Respirators at hand
during bombing raids by enemy aircraft,
W R Parring
for B.G.G.S.,
2nd ANZAC Corps.
ADJUTANT & QUARTERMASTER GENERAL'S BRANCH.
1264. MILITARY MEDAL.
The Corps Commander, under authority delegated to him, has
awarded the Military Medal to the following N.C.Os. and men :-
Dated 13th July, 1917.

1205. DISPOSAL OF CAPTURED STORES.
A.R.O.705 is re-published for the information of all concerned:-
"With reference to General Routine Order No.2207, the
following is published:-
In the event of any aircraft coming down inside our lines,
information will be telegraphed to Aeronautics, G.H.G., and steps
will at once be taken by the Senior Officer or N.C.0. present to
place a guard to protect the machine, in as close proximity as
safety permits owing to possible hostile shelling.
Strict orders will be given that after the occupants have
been removed, no person is to take away any fittings or any part
whatever of the aircraft.
This order will be read on three successive parades, and
once a month subsequently
Army Routine Orders Nos.351 and 484 are cancelled."
P.T.0.
 

(2)
1266. LEAVE.
Owing to an outbreak of Measles at TAMFORTH, Staffordshire,
England, leave should not be granted to soldiers to proceed to
that place until further orders.
1267. AREA COMMANDANT - INSTRUCTIONS TO.
Reference Corps Routine Order No.1224 dated 26.6.17. Area
Officers will send in on last day of each month to this 
Headquarters a list of all Tents and Shelters in their Area, 
explaining in column of remarks any variation with previous return.
1268. REFILLING POINTS.
No Refilling Points are to be established on main Roads
without sanction from Corps Headquarters.
1269. HARNESS & SADDLERY - ISSUES IN REPLACEMENT OF.
Units requiring Harness and Saddlery in replacement of worn
out items will return the old article to the Ordnance Officer
when drawing the new one.
1270. COURT OF ENQUIRY.
The Court of Enquiry ordered to assemble in C.R.O.1253 will
reassemble at STEENWERCK at 10 a.m. on the 20th, to take such
further evidence as may be brought before it.
The Court will again record an opinion.
[[?]]
D.A. & Q.M.G.
2nd ANZAC Corps.
NOTICES.
LOST.
From Camp Commandant's Office, 4th Australian Division
Headquarters, on 7th instant, BICYCLE; No. 18026.
Information to Headquarters, 4th Australian Division.
From KANDAHAR FARM, Sheet 28 S.W. T.10.b.7.6., on 14th
July, Douglas MOTOR CYCLE; No.33420.
Information to Headquarters, 3rd Australian Division.
An A.B.108 (Salvage Receipt Book) belonging to 554th (Dundee)
A.T.Coy.,R.E. (T.F.), on the road between BAILLEUL Railhead and
OUTERSTEENE Baths, on 10th inst.
Information to A.P.M., 2nd ANZAC Corps.
FOUND.
By 11th King's Liverpool Regt., Light Bay MARE; Height
15.2 hands; F. B. 122-66 on near fore; Saddle Blanket marked 3rd
Australian Pioneers.
Information to A.P.M., 2nd ANZAC Corps.
 
 

Q119/573
THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.
Divisional Headquarters.
17th. July, 1917.
Headquarters,
2nd. A. & N. Z. Army Corps.
With reference to the complaint of Major C. B. STORY,
37th. Battalion, dated 15/7/'17, I beg to point out that he
has no cause of complaint of a nature suitable for submission
to the Army Council, as requested by him.
He assumes that he has been superseded in rank; but
this is not the case.
The short facts are as follows :- On the occasion of
the offensive of June 7th., Major STORY commanded a Company
of the 37th. Battalion with orders to capture the Green Line. -
After advancing towards the Green Line, this Company again
withdrew to the vicinity of the Black Line. - There is strong
reason for believing that this withdrawal was actually ordered
by Major STORY. - But, after inquiry, I came to the conclusion
that there was not sufficient evidence available on which a
definite charge of any specific impropriety could be laid
against this officer. - I found, however, on the report of
his Brigadier, and upon his own statement in writing, that he
(1).
 

(2).

17/7/1917.
had displayed such shortcomings, under the stress of battle,
that I ought to convey to him a mark of my displeasure.
I, therefore, instructed his Brigadier to inform Major
STORY, that I viewed his actions on the date in question so
unfavorably, that I would not be prepared hereafter to recommend
Major STORY for a higher command than that of a Company, until
he had satisfied me that he was able to command a Company in
action creditably and efficiently.
Inasmuch as appointments to Battalion and higher commands
are by selection, and not by seniority, Major STORY has, by this
expression of my intention, been deprived of no rights; nor has
he been deprived of seniority, and I submit, therefore, that
he has no ground of complaint requiring the decision of higher
authority.
As to the justification of my action in conveying an
expression of my displeasure to Major STORY, I do not propose
to enter into the reasons for this action unless directed to
do so by the Corps Commander.
I would, however, point out that the whole tenor of
what Major STORY has written on this subject, both in his
letter to the Corps Commander of July 15th., and in the
annexed copies of correspondence, shows a lamentably, incorrect
attitude towards his responsibilities as regards determined
leadership and keeping up the moral of the men placed under
 

(3).
17/7/1917.
his command.
Major-General.
Commanding 3rd. Australian Division.