Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 16, 1 August - 3 September 1917, Part 10

15/8/17

(*To Major General John Monash C.B.V.D
for information*)
HEADQUARTERS,
3rd Aust. Division.
Night Offensive Action against Aircraft by Machine or Lewis Guns:-
The following suggestion is forwarded for favour of
consideration, and if approved, for transmission to higher
authority.
Some inconvenience has been occasioned by aeroplane
attacks at night time, particularly in Back Areas. Their
Bomb dropping is decidedly disconcerting, and although the
material damage may be small, and the military results insignificant, 
there would appear to be danger of these raids
increasing, unless steps are taken to combat this phase of
enemy activity.
To be of much value, the 'planes must of necessity
fly comparitively low to recognise their objective, otherwise 
it will mean simply indiscriminate dropping of Bombs
in the vicinity of points determined by compass bearing,
and distance covered, a practice which may give partial
success, but must of necessity be somewhat indefinite.
It is assumed, therefore, that at night-time, little
can be seen from 'planes at altitudes above 4,000 to 6,000
feet, and that they fly at a height not exceeding 6,000 feet.
If this is correct, it is submitted that Lewis or Machine
Guns may be so disposed as to effectively deal with these
attacks.
Anti-aircraft gun batteries, on the other hand, require 
so many calculations and measurements with delicate
instruments, unfitted for use by night, that they cannot
be reasonably expected to deal with these attacks effectively.
The same difficulties do not apply, however, with
the lighter and more flexible Machine and Lewis Gun, which,
it is submitted, may be used with far better success.
METHOD:-
Using a Searchlight with three or more Lewis Guns
carried on a frame surrounding the projector body, and working 
in unison with the beam.   A barrage may be formed in the
beam, which it is contended, will make conditions precarious
for the 'plane, if not actually fatal.
The illumination of a 'plane by a searchlight, will
automatically place a barrage round the 'plane, through
which it must pass, and take its chance. This will probably
be sufficiently unpleasant to act a deterrent, and, indirectly, 
minimise the frequency of such attacks.
The difficulties of range and sighting are eliminated
by the means suggested, and from the figures herewith, it
would appear that the known measurements of trajectory, divergence 
of beam, rate of fire, and movement of the 'plane
can be combated by the arrangement put forward. 

(2)
Using a searchlight projector, motor directed from
a flank or flanks, it is comparitively easy to pick up and
follow an aeroplane (N.B. This principle is being neglected
at present, and the consequent penalties are being paid,
vide - Manual of Military, Electric Lighting, valumes 1, 2
and 3).
The divergence of a searchlight concentrated beam
is approximately 2½ degrees, which produces at 2,000 yds.,
a disc of 250 feet in diameter.   Taking the average speed
of a 'plane at 60 miles per hour, i.e., 88 feet per second,
it will take a 'plane approximately 3 seconds to pass from
one edge of the disc to the other.
It follows, therefore, that bullets from a Machine
Gun, with a muzzle velocity of 2,440 feet seconds, have
ample time to reach the objective, and form an efficient
barrage about the 'plane.
The fact of trajectory must also be considered,
and from "Musketry Regulations", it is found for horizontal
fire, that the culminating points are as under: -

1,000 yds - 17.8   feet  at       600 yards.
1,200 yds - 37.4   feet  at       700 yards.
1,400 yds -  54     feet  at       800 yards.
1,600 yds -  87      feet  at     1,000 yards.
2,000 yds - 195     feet  at     1,200 yards.

The above trajectories will be about half at the
false range, of angles of 45 and upwards, until the vertical 
is reached, when the trajectory is practically "Nil".
The force of gravity being minimised  a minus acceleration
affecting the velocity of the projectile.   It is
claimed
for the suggestions submitted: - 

(1). An effective barrage can be placed about the 'plane,
at ranges not exceeding 6,000 feet.
(2). That the barrage moves with the 'plane, and therefore
compensates for the rate of flight.
(3). That no laying or sighting is necessary, other than
the placing of the searchlight beam on the aeroplane
(4). That the time of flight of the bullet is compensated
for by the diameter of the disc.
(5). That in passing out of the disc, the 'plane must
pass through that barrage.
(6). That the cost would be comparitively small, and the
extra personnel required, practically "Nil".
(7). That the formation of the barrage is practically
automatic.
(8). That the mechanical arrangement of guns can be
effectively applied to the searchlight projector.

Other points may arise which require elucidation,
and which one would be glad to have an opportunity of replying 
to personally, if this matter is considered
favourably.

Robert  Law
LIEUT.COLONEL,
C.O. 3RD AUSTRALIAN PIONEER Bn. A. I. F.
F I E L D,
15/8/1917. 0. 

16/8/17.
Steinwerke baths
Capacity 800 ^∧ to 1000 rising to 1400 Capacity.
We were running it, N.Z. took it over. - Reid & Collard. -
We are impartial
because have Palmer baths
Army, Corps, Div.Tr., N.Z., D.S.C use
Steinwerk baths.
. who will never get chance of a bath. -
Destruction of much which involved
much labour.
Palmer bath ^∧ will be [[overturned?]] &
may be again shelled.
Destruction Pt de Nieppe - laundry portion.
                              _______________
Suggest larger laundry in rear. - 

16-8-1917.
(*Suggested, basis for a monthly certificate
to be required from Commanding Officers.*)

I certify that I have seen each Company paraded as strong
as possible once during the month, and that every Warrant Officer,
N.C.O. and man was complete as regards his equipment and dress.
I certify that the accommodation, including Kitchens, of
the men has been visited once daily by Company Officers, and
once a week by myself or by the 2nd. in Command.
I certify that all parties proceeding for any purpose by
road have been correctly marched as a formed body under an
Officer or N.C.O.
I certify that close order and communicating drill has
been practised twice a week under the Adjutant or Regimental
Serjeant Major as a Battalion Parade, the latter for Young
Officers and N.C.Os.
I certify that I have inspected the whole of the Transport
and animals once a week and that all animals, vehicles and
harness are in show order.
I certify that the transport personnel are fully trained
and conversant with their duties both in lines and on the march.
I certify that the Battalion Standing Orders have been
enforced in so far as they can be made to apply to conditions
in the Field.
(*I certify that the Regimental Police have
co-operated with those of the Division in
enforcing Orders, especially as regards
walking out dress.*)

(* Field Officers of Day.]
Transport on march}
& thinking ahead.}
& using N.C.O's. -)  *)
    _________________________________________
Consider such certificates impracticable,
because
(a) No C.O. could ever truthfully certify to most
of the
statements suggested.
(b) Even if he could, the giving of such
certificates speedily becomes
perfunctory, & they afford a 'false security'.
(c) They trespass upon Brigadiers responsibility. -
I consider however that much good can be done by
issuing an instruction
to Brigadiers that it is their duty to assemble
their C.O's at regular
intervals, once a month, say, - & satisfy themselves, by close & personal 

enquiry that each C.O. does exercise 
^∧ satisfactory supervision over the
matters mentioned, so far as circumstances permit.
JM
17/8/17 

16/8/17
Ypres battle of Aug 16/17
Order from N. to S. of attacking Divisions
[[Trench. ?]]
29  Div  }     XIV     Corps
20    "     }
11      "      }    XVIII         "
48    "      }
36     "       }    XIX           "
16      "       }
 8       "      }   II            -.
56      "      }

1 Bde 18. (53)
(per Major-Genl. Harrington
16/8/17)
 

Diagram -see original document 

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.
Divisional Headquarters,
16th. August, 1917.
MESS GUESTS - AUGUST, 1917.
Dear.......
The Divisional Commander wishes me to say that he will
be very glad if you will come to Dinner at "A” Mess, Divisional
Headquarters, at 8.0 p.m. on. . . . .evening,  ..th  .. August.
[*Reply
Arrange send car.*]
Captain.
A. D. C.

August 8th. Lt.-Col. DAVIS. Lt.  Col. BUTLER.
9th. Lt.-Col. HENDERSON. Lt.Col. DERHAM.
10th. Lt.-Col. PURDY.
11th. Lt.-Col. MORSHEAD D.S.O. Lt. Col. ALLSOP.
12th. Lt.-Col. LORD D.S.O. Major HERON (postponed).
13th. Lt.-Col. LAW. Lt.Col. GODDARD.
14th. Lt.-Col. WOOLCOCK. Lt.Col. MARTIN. (Came on 13/8/17)
15th. Lt.-Col. DOWNEY. Major HERON (altered to 14/8/17)
16th. Lt.-Col. MAGUIRE. Major LYONS.
17th. Lt.-Col. HENLEY. Major CLARK.
18th. Col. WEBB and another.
           --------------------------------------------
MESS GUESTS.
Those uninvited are Brig.-General JOBSON. √
Lt.-Colonel. MILNE.
Brig.-General McNICOLL.
Lt.-Colonel KNIGHT.
Lt.-Colonel LORD.
Brig.-General CANNAN.
Brig.-General GRIMWADE.
Lt.-Colonel MACARTNEY. √
Lt.-Colonel CLOGSTOUN.
Colonel WHITE.
 

SECRET.
THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.
Divisional Headquarters.
17th. August, 1917.

9th Aust. Inf. Bde.
10th.        do.
Ilth.          do.
The following itinerary of the Divisional Commander
is forwarded for your information: -
At 10 a.m., 20th. instant, he will be at CAMIERS,
12 miles North of ETAPLES, to witness experiments at the Machine
Gun School there.
That afternoon he will visit the Camouflage Depot-
at WIMEREUX and return to RAVELSBERG the same night.
On the 21st., he will remain at Divisional 
Headquarters 
to witness Smoke Demonstration at 3 p.m.
On 22nd., he will proceed to 9th. Brigade 
Headquarters 
and spend the day with that Brigade. - Feed and sleep
at the Estaminet at CAMPAGNE LEZ BOULONNAIS.   9th. Brigade will
warn them to be ready for him and G.S.O. I. There will be 2
cars, 2 drivers and an A.D.C. also to be provided for.    9th.
Brigade will make arrangements for these elsewhere, if there is
no room at the Estaminet.   The owners of the Estaminet, when
consulted by G.S.O. I, asked that they might be warned as early
as possible, and said that they could accommodate the G.O.C. and
G.S.O. I, but did not want the N.C.O's already billeted there
turned out, if it could be avoided.
On the 23rd., the G.O.C. will spend the day with
the l0th. Brigade.
On the night of the 23rd/24th., he will ^∧ may return to
the Estaminet at CAMPACHE LEZ BOULONNAIS.
On the 24th., he will proceed to HAVRE to see the
reinforcements at that place, the G.S.O. I returning that day to
RAVELSBERG.
On the 25th., the G.O.C. will ^∧ may return from HAVRE,
stopping en route at MARIE CAPPEL to see the 41st. Battalion.
[[GM?]]
Lieut-Colonel. G.S.
 

18/8/17
CONDUCTING OFFICERS.

Commander-in-Chief  }
Colonel Cochrane.         }
G.H.Q., Staff                      }
Major Barry. M.C.             }

Lieut-Colonel Lindsay, D.S.O.   }
Army Commanders                    }
General Staff Armies.                  }

Major Cameron, M.C.
Corps Commanders

Major Waters, M.C.
General Staff Corps.

N.B.  After the CONCENTRATION in 4 (a) (11) officers will move
to new position of D Battery and after seeing it come
into action will proceed to the Hotel for tea. After
which the Demonstration will be viewed from the Beach.