General Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 17, 1 November 1917 - 13 January 1918, Part 5

SECRET.

Copy-3/12/1917. PWP.                                                                                                 

Ist. ANZAC CORPS,
7th. November, 1917.
S/3592.

G.O.C.
Third Australian Division. 

I wish to let Divisional Generals know as early as 

possible what the policy is likely to be for our Corps during

the coming Winter. Though it cannot be definitely stated 

that the following will be entirely adhered to, yet, as far

as I can see, it is what the Army contemplates for us, and I  

know that early information will be acceptable.

All now know the line we have to hold - an extended 

front of some 12,000 yards, not a difficult one, and a great 

portion on the right is covered by the River LYS. The front 

is to be held by two Divisions, the Third and the Fifth going 

in at about the middle of this month. I anticipate that these 

Divisions will hold the line for about a month, after which

they will be transferred to Corps Reserve and replaced in the 

line by the First and the Second. I anticipate that these 

two Divisions will then hold the line for about a month, at

the end of which time I hope the whole Corps may be withdrawn 

into Army Reserve for about one month. It will be seen, 

therefore, that during the next three months, each Division 

is likely to be holding the front for one month only, with 

two months out of the line for training and rest. During the 

whole of this period the Fourth Division will, as you know, 

be continuously in reserve for purposes of which I have already 

informed you.

On going into the line, I want Divisional Generals 

at once to make their plans to ensure that our front shall, 

as a first necessity, be absolutely safe; and in making 

these plans I wish them to keep in view the fact that the 

front should be held as lightly as is possible compatible with

safety. It will, I think, be found on reconnoitring that it 

is easily possible to hold the front extremely lightly with 

machine guns well placed in rear to cover by cross fire all

possible approaches of the enemy.

We all know how we stand as regards future reinforcements 

and it is therefore essential that, while giving the 

Army Commander complete confidence that we can hold our front

efficiently, we should make all arrangements to keep our 

casualties to the lowest possible minimum.

Having thus decided on tactical considerations, the 

next point is to ensure  that everything possible is done for 

the health, wellbeing and comfort of the men in the way of 

seeing that their trenches and shelters are located as favorably 

as possible - well drained, provided with places 

where men can sit down with comfort and change their socks, 

etc. etc., Drainage will I know, be a great difficulty in 

this low-lying country, but it is essential that it be seen 

to and tackled. We also have to remember that our greatest 

enemies are likely to be trench feet and throat and chest complaints. 

If all concerned from Divisional Generals down to 

Non-commissioned officers with sections XXXXX will really put 

their backs into it and do their best for the comfort and wellbeing 

of the me, we shall I hope be able to get through the 

Winter with very small sick returns, and find the men strong 

and cheery when the spring comes.

I do not, however, want Divisions merely to sit down

and do nothing in front of the enemy, for to do so would

naturally

-2-

not only enable the enemy to recover his lost moral, but

deprive our men of that spirit of dash and initiative which they

now have, for it must be remembered that the real spirit of

offensive means everything. I therefore hope that once we

have taken over xxxx the line Divisional, Brigade and

Battalion Commanders will begin to consider the question of

where they can make raids with the greatest advantage to 

ouselves and loss to the enemy. On each Divisional Front

there are probably half a dozen places where raids can be

effectively made, and I hope at least one such raid will be

made by each Brigade in turn during its tenure of the trenches.

There is, of course, no hurry whatever about this, and the

last thing I want is that raids be rushed merely for the sake

of making them. Such could led only to unnecessary loss, and

no gain. When, however, there has been time for Commanding

Officers to look round thoroughly and get to know their ground,

we can I feel with confidence rely on making some really

successful raids, and doing considerable damage to the enemy.

It is therefore behoves us to start training a number of raiding

parties in every Battalions, so that we may be sure of having

everything ready when opportunity offers.

During these three months, too, I am particularly

anxious that everything possible be done to encourage

games and sports of all kinds. Whether we can keep the men

cheery and contented must, as we know, depend much upon the

conditions we provide for them.All Battalions have I think

a certain amount in their Battalion Funds; if not, the Comforts'

Fund will come to their assistance, while I also can help

from our Corps Entertainment Funds, procuring such things as

Regimentaal Football Jerseys, Footballs, etc.,etc Inter-Regimental 

matches with teams wearing their Regimentatl colours

will I know be much appreciated. All Divisions, and, indeed, some

Brigades have I think completed their own Concert Parties and

these and Cinematographs will I trust receive every encouragement

to ensure frequent entertainment for the men.

As I think you may perhaps care to pass

these remarks on, I am sending sufficient copies for Brigade

abd Battalion Commanders.

(Sgd) W.R.BIRDWOOD.

Conference of Brigadiers &c.

10 a.m. - Nov.7/17.

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Ample notes to be taken by all, - to save some lengthy orders; stop me, if too fast. -

General :- 1 Transfer to 1^st Anzac

2. Go into line - defensive Sector

Scrapping of one Austr. Div. - not us

Therefore We must be & remain best Austr. Div.

Call upon all to work in harmony, with utmost industry & judgement, &

to apply our accumulated experience.

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Our Task : -