Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 16, 1 August - 3 September 1917, Part 9

13/8/17
PROGRAM
BY 3RD AUSTRALIAN PIONEER BATTALION Band, at Divisional H.Q.
MONDAY AUGUST 13th '17.

SERGEANT Geo MICHELL, Bandmaster.

Diagram - see original document
 

15/8/17
No. 990. Sergeant George percival RAYNER was detailed on the
nignt of the 3 1st July/1st August 191 7, to retake No.7 post
(Windmill) which had been captured by the enemy
When the Artillery Barrage lifted it was found that there
was an enemy machine gun firing from the South which rendered a
direct advance on post 7 impossible.
Sergeant RAYNER thereupon arranged with another platoon
Leader to support whilst he, RAYNER, carried out a successful
counter-attack from the North. His platoon retook and held post No 7
until relieved by the 41st Battalion,
By his cool and good tactical handling of the situation he
inspired his men to persevere with the undertaking though at one
time it looked almost impossible owing to the Artillery not having
silenced the enemy's machine guns,
prior to this attack his own platoon Commander had become
a casualty, and another newly appointed Officer had been detailed
to the platoon. This latter Officer did not know either the men
or the ground and it was due therefore to Sergeant RAYNER's initiative
that the operation was a success,
His Battalion Commander recommends him for a D.C.M. or in
any case a Military Medal
Since the foregoing operation Sergeant RAYNER has been
recommended for a commission.
It is thought that General CANNAN did not wish to emphasise
Sergeant RAYNER'S action because the action of the platoon Commander
and of another platoon supporting RAYNER'S platoon was involved,
As a matter of fact the Supporting platoon of the 41st Battalion
did exactly what was required of it though at first RAYNER imagined
that his platoon was the only ^one engaged in the Operation,
The Company Commander, Capt SIMS, reports that RAYNER'S
conduct was admirable.
G.H. James Lt Col
G.S
14/8/17
 [* H.Q. [[Divn?]]
Woolcook is sending in a
statement on this. GHJ
15/8/17*]

15/8/17
To Major General John Monash C.B. V.D.
for information R6
3rd Australian 
PIONEER BATTALION
A.I.F.
No 893/17

HEADQUARTERS,-
3rd Australian Division.
Lewis Gun Anti-aircraft Stand, with
attachments for False Range and Altitude:-

Reference S.S. 142, "Provisional notes
for firing at aircraft with Machine Guns and other
small arms", MARCH 1917, Page 2, "Table of allowances",
para. 3:-
"It has been found that tables ......... are
"far more simple when "altitude" is considered 
"instead of "Distance".
Very complicate and expensive apparatus
is used at fixed stations for determining height. As
far as Lewis and Machine Guns are concerned, practically 
nothing is used to get even the most crude corrections 
for the many intricate variations which are involved 
in anti-aircraft work. The range is seldom
known. The height is never known.
Barrage fire from Lewis Guns against
aircraft is therefore resorted to at present, and is
no doubt effective if sufficient guns are used, but
even with these, accurate shooting would be more 
economical, and should be the aim, both with Lewis and
Machine Guns.
At a-previous date there was submitted
a device which compensated- (more or less) for false
range. Following on this, and in terms of S.S. 142,
is submitted what is believed to be a simple device to
give altitude, without calculation, and also thefalse
range, by the one device.
The device is based on the measurement
of distance by the Barr & Stroud Range Finder, but
any other range finding instrument, the more accurate
the better, can be used to give the preliminary data.
By making one adjustment for range, the height can be
immediately read off with fair accuracy.
The apparatus consists of a horizontal
datum line, concentric with the horizontal axis of the
gun, but fixed to the vertical axis about which the
gun moves in-a horizontal plane, "H", vide Sketch.
This bar is also graduated in yards, and from this,
the false range can be read, and the necessary 
corrections made on the back-sight, in accordance 
therewith.
A scale divided to read in yards is
attached to the Lewis or-Machine Gun, and therefore,
moves with the gun in the vertical-plane. "D", vide
Sketch. This scale or diagonal bar is graduated in
yards, to correspond with the range as given by the
Barr & Stroud. Attached to this by a sliding block
with a clamp,  is fitted a vertical rod with plumbob.
"A", vide Sketch.
 

(2).

This may-be referred to as the altitude
bar, and will read accurately, the height of the 'plane
within a given range, within the limits of the instruments. 
This altitude bar is graduated in feet so that
the height of the 'plane is given in feet, in accordance
with the usual practice.
A diagonal bar is graduated in yards to
correspond with the range given by the Barr a Stroud.
The altitude bar is graduated in feet, to give the 
height of the 'plane in feet.
Using 25" as a basis, and making 25"
equal 2,000 yards, 10 yards will equal .125 of, an inch,
or one eighth of an inch, which can be easily read, and
will give an accuracy of plus or minus 5 yards, which,
it is claimed, should be of some service'
Indirectly, this-simple attachment shows
at once to those using the gun, that the 'plane is out
of range, for if the range by the Barr & Stroud cannot
be set on the range bar, it is no use firing the gun.
The same device is capable of attachment to anti-aircraft
guns, but here, it should be applied to synchronise with
the movements of the telescopic sight. The false range
of these guns being so great, and the muzzle velocity so
low, that it introduces considerable error if attached
to the gun itself, but if used, and working in unison
with the telescope and line of sight, the vertical height
can be rapidly read with great accuracy, as the base line
can be very much longer, on account of the greater length
of the barrel. The height to within a few feet is not
necessary in the case of anti-aircraft guns, as the forward 
burst of-the shrapnel increases-the limits of permissible
error so that the error of plus or minus 3 yards,
is much closer than-is absolutely necessary:
Indirectly, also, this arrangement can be
used, taking as a basis, the data given as to height  as
taken by the height finder, and if the vertical or altitude 
bar be made to slide along the horizontal datum line,
the range can be read from the vertical height data given.
No attempt has been made, as far as-this
attachment is concerned, to eliminate the factor of
movement, due to the 'plane itself, and wind, but a backsight
has been- introduced which permits the necessary correction
to-be made for any direction of movement, in a similar manner 
to the disc sight issued for use with Lewis and Machine
Guns.
In submitting these prepositions for consideration
 of the Division, it is considered that the information
which can be rapidly deduced from the attachment,
will give more confidence to those engaged-in Lewis Gun
Anti-aircraft work, and indirectly, create an interest-in
some of the complex questions which arise in connection
with Anti-aircraft gunnery. as it permits the Lewis Gunner
to know the height at which the 'plane is flying, and the
false range necessary, which should conduce to more 
accurate shooting.
 

(3).
A Stand, as per sketch, has been fitted,
and will be ready for delivery at  D. H. Q. in the
course of a few days, when the engraving is complete.
Robert Law
LIEUT. COLONEL,
C.O. 3RD AUSTRALIAN PIONEER BN.A. I. F.
FIELD,
13/8/1917.  0.

Diagram - see original document
Lewis-gun Anti-aircraft Stand
with special attachments
App Scale: 1' to 1".
 

NOTES.
15-8-17
1. Sniping School at MONT DES CATS is said to be teaching shooting 
only at short distances.
G.3. to find out how things are there.
2. G.3 to take special steps with regard to scouting and sniping,
and let me know present establishment of scouts and snipers.
3. Cadet Officers of other Arms to do a period with Infantry before
being given Infantry commissions.
4. G.2 to take up question of a possible light signal to call off
"S.O.S" action.
Would it,be safe to arrange that no "S.O.S"went on for more
than 10", and that front line troops should be responsible for
continuing to send up "S.O.S" signals if they wished a continuance 
of the artillery action?
5. Battalion Commanders complain that there are too few telescopes
and telescopic rifles allowed.
G.3 to go into establishments, and also find out numbers we
actually have.
6. Major o' DELL ^McDowell at conference represented that there were too few
telephones with a Battalion.
G.2. to take this matter up and see about replacement of those.
recently withdrawn.
7. G.2 to bring forward the question of extra telephones for
for Machine Gun Companies, adding numbers necessary for M. G.
Coy. O.Ps.
8. G. 2 to take up question of increase in 0.0. Lamp.
0.C., Div. Sigs. to speak G.1 and G.2 re this lamp. - Battalions 
state they require 4, not 2 as at present allowed.
9. G. 3 to look up S.S. 142 re anti-aircraft barrage, and speak
G.1.
10. G.3 and D.I.O. to note that our 'tender spot' plan, when next
we go into the line, will be circulated to all concerned, i.e.
notify Heavy Artillery and Divisional Artillery. -
The enemy's area will be divided into sections and particular
'tender spots' included in each will be shot at amongst others.
11. C.R.A. to be informed that one Lewis Gun is of no value 
whatever against aircraft.
12. Question of burying cable in the following order. -
Companies to Battalion.
Battalions to Brigades.
Brigades to Division -
is dangerous. The proposals put up at the conference were
without any reference to the comparative distance that
messengers would have to go in case lines were cut. -
The one foot bury does not appear to receive sufficient attention. 
A one foot bury will protect from everything except a
direct hit.
13. The suggestion of taking water from wounded should be tabooed
at once.
14. G Staff Do not let Platoon and other Commanders talk loosely about
reorganization. They must have in their minds the type of
reorganization that they intend to carry out, and the conditions 
under which such reorganization will be possible.
15. Get sniping outfits from Camouflage School, WIMEREUX.
16. How are we off for waterproof suits? G.2 3 to take this up with
"Q" and with Brigades.
P.T.0.
 

(2).
17. CUTLACK to lecture to Brigades on "Intelligence Duties".
Field Companies to lecture on "Consolidation".
PECK to lecture on "Wood Fighting".
WIECK to lecture on "Use of Stokes and M.Gs in semi-open 
warfare" - in the light of his experiences as a Brigade Major
down South.
G.1 to lecture on "The present day attack", if Brigades ask
for it.
18. G.3 to find out if Ia. 37133 of 29th. July with regard to
German instructions concerning counter-attack has been issued
to Brigades and Battalions.
19. Senior Clerk to give G.S.O. 1 a copy of G.O.C's letter re
depth of advance.
20. G.1 to speak G.O.C. re putting 2 Brigades of another Division
in first, under orders of another Divisional Commander.
21 G.1 to go into system of smothering 'Minnies' and systematic
pepper potting', with C.R.A.
22. Notes for Training.- 
Develop initiative in subordinates. Better to do something,
even if it is not the best thing, as it may be a good thing,
while to do nothing is bad.
23 Skill at arms. - Platoon handling (semi-open warfare). -
Train understudies. - Adopt concrete examples where-ever
possible. - Do not argue and train too much in the abstract.
[[* doubling G1.*]] 24 23. G.2 to see Chief Engineer re employment of Pioneer Battalion
and one Field Company on Corps work. Point out and insist
that our skilled workmen shall not be used on 'coolie labour'
Gay
 

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.
Divisional Headquarters,
15th. August, 1917.
G. 51/49.
GENERAL STAFF CIRCULAR No. 52A.
FIELD OFFICER FOR WORKS.
1. Whenever a Brigade is either holding a defensive sector in
the Line, or called upon to provide Working Parties for any Authority 
or Department within or without the Division, the Brigade will
appoint an Officer to be designated "Field Officer for Works".
2. This Officer will be either a Major or a Senior Captain.
3. His tour of duty will be decided by the Brigadier in each
case, but it is desirable that, in order to secure the training of
Senior Officers in organization for works, this Officer should
frequently be changed.
4. The Field Officer for Works will take no responsibility for
the design of the work to be carried out, nor for its technical
direction. - He must, in no way, usurp the functions or responsibilities 
of Engineer or Pioneer or other technical Officers under
whose technical supervision, if any, the work is being carried out.
5. The Field Officer for Works will, however, be responsible
for all matters relating to the provision, organization and management  
of all Working Parties provided by the Brigade, and for the
general efficiency of the carrying out of the tasks allotted to
the Brigade.
6. He will act as a link between the Brigade Staff concerned,
out. - and the Authority or Department for whom the work is being carried
In cases where the work is under the control of his own
Brigadier, the latter will be at liberty to extend the functions of
the Field Officer for Works in any manner that he thinks fit, subject 
to the general spirit of these instructions.
7. The Field Officer for Works will closely supervise and advise
the Brigade Staff upon, and assist to organise all questions and
matters relating to the smooth and efficient carrying out of works;
such as the number of working hours; adequacy of the Working Parties
provision of guides; provision of skilled supervisors;
saving of man power; time and labor generally; provision of materials, t
tools and gum boots; arrangements for the comfort of the men;
arrangements for bringing together the Working Parties and their
guides at appropriate points; avoidance of casualties; and provision 
of alternative tasks during enemy shelling.
8. He will, during or on completion of his tour of duty, render
reports to the Brigade Staff, bringing under notice suggestions for
the betterment of the system of organizing and allocating Working
Parties, and for the improvement oy the conditions under which the
men work. - He will investigate complaints and irregularities and
take steps to rectify same; and will deal generally, on behalf of
the Brigade, with all questions which will secure smooth working and
maximum efficiency, with minimum stress upon the personnel.
G. H. Jackson
Lieut-Colonel. G.S.
DISTRIBUTION.
C.R.E         4 copies                        10th. Aust. Inf. Bde. 6 copies
9th. Aust. Inf. Bde. 6 copies        11th.              do           6 copies
3rd. Aust. Pioneer Bn. 1 copy      War Diary.   ..........       3 copies
File. 1 copy.