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the end of which time I hope the whole Corps may be withdrawn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 men, 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
ourselves 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 Battalion, 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
Regimental Football Jerseys, Footballs, etc. ,etc. Inter-Regimental
matches with teams wearing their Regimental 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.
____________________________
Ample notes to be taken by all, - to save issue lengthy orders; stop me, if too fast. -
General :- 1 Transfer to 1st Anzac
2. Go into line - defensive Sector
Scrapping of one Austr. Div. - not us
∴ We must be & remain best Austr. Div.
Call upon all to work in harmony, with utmost industry & judgement, &
to apply our accumulated experience.
____________________________________
Our Task : - (Do it on our heads) Defensive - Nov 15 to Dec. 15
Rest Dec 15 to Jany 15, - whole Corps Jany 15 to Feby 15.
Our Sector: - Two Bgde Front, Lys to Dawe, 9th right, 10th left, 11th reserve
Each Bgde ultimately 1 Bn front; on a 4 Co front.
Readjustment of frontages later
Take over from 8th Div. as we find things
Policy: - Maximum comfort for all; economy of men; no molestation by Arty.
? raids. - Anti-raid measures.-
Reliefs:- probably no Inter Bgde reliefs- but, for a 32 day period, each
Bn to do two tours of 4 days each.
Position of H.Q. Div. - Bgdes. - Bns. - (allBgdes)
Details of the Move up
Reconnaissances prior to 15th - AQ to get busses.
G re maps.
Conditions of line (Wieck)
(2)
Defensive Measures. Patrolling, & Scouting
Sniping
Trench Discipline - Sentries, vigilance.
Stand to
Care of munitions
Care of Arms & Lewis guns.
Cook Houses
Latrines
Anti-gas measures - esp. mustard gas.
Information Acting patrolling
Information about N.M. Land
Infantry O.P's.
Locating, by intersection, enemy mortars
Watch for signs of enemy reliefs -to harass.
Signs of mining, tunnelling, wiring,
bridging.
Study of air photos.
Correct plans of our trenches , in Co H.Q.
Battalion Intelligence - coordinated by Bgde I.O.
Signal Communications Cable burying to Co H.Q.
Telephones to front lines
Pigeons
(Signals to keep us in touch during Move)
Machine Guns. Use of M.G's in line - necessity for reliefs.
No alterations in siting or policy
Harassing fire by M.G's
Anti-aircraft defence. - Lewis gun & rifle best
Take over A.A. mountings from 8th Div.
How do we stand for A.A. Lewis Gun Mountings
for A.A. sights
Deal with enemy planes from Outset
Train L.G. detachments
Barrage of rifle fire - in front of plane
Tracer bullets; - Armour piercing Ammunition.
3.
WORKS.
Simile of 1 man dumped down, with tools, 3 or 4 days,∴ all - if organized.-
Aims: - XXXXX, Good communications; good defences; comfort for all
[Technical Troops liable to be called on by Corps]
Engineers: -2 affiliated, 1 Resting or for Corps:- Drainage
or for Arty. Bn or Co H.Q.} controlling
R.A.P's } Infy. working
Dugouts } parties
No 100 men attached unless Corps orders.
Pioneers: - tentative:- 1 Co workshops & Div. work
under C.R.E. 1 Co tramways & maintenance of} each Bde
communication trenches }
1 Co resting
Workshop at Steenwerck.
? Engineer Workshop also; - Manufacture of duckboards-
wire on same.
Engrs. : - Reconnoitre tunnel dugouts
Supply of Elephants for housings
Salvaging of Engineering materials
Concrete; - Sandbags. -
Infantry Work: - Construction of Defences & Communications
Continuous trenches
An approved plan to be adhered to
Deep traverses;
Good firestepping & parapets.
Correct plans at all H.Q.
Local Names adopt & add to approval.
Wire Entanglements.
Housing of men - to facilitate control.
Camouflage - especially H.Q.
R.A.P's
roads
M.G. positions
Use of false screens
Organization for WORK
Infantry responsibility - begin with Brigadier
Working party tables :- correct details
Numbers & composition
food & water
tools & where to get them
Care of tools
Guides & supervisors.-
4.
Artillery
Artillery reliefs
Artillery available & present organization of same. -
Take over existing battery positions & O.P's. -
Progressive improvements to same
Selection & occupation of new & better battery positions:-
(a) for defence against attack
(b) for raids by us
(c) to cover an advance next year
(d) to counterbattery
(e) for enfilade
Alternative battery positions
Liaison with guns of neighbouring divisions.
Artillery Camouflage
Anti-aircraft Lewis gun defence of batteries
Wagon lines & care of animals.
Liaison with Infantry:-
Interchange of officers.
Arty. questions affecting infantry:-
S.O.S.
Counterbattery & neutralizing fire
Harassing fire
NOT retaliation.
Opportunity targets.
__________________________________________________________
The Rear Units
Housing - especially for increasing numbers
Wagon Lines - care of animals & vehicles & harness
Supply of materials for standings
Duckboarding near Camps & billets
Ventilation of billets - smoke.
Portable Baths.
Exposure to view of Enemy Aircraft
Recreational training; sports grounds; games etc.
5
Administrative
Frontline:- Supply:- pack transport
Yukon packs
Cookers up
trenches : - Care of feet - pamphlet re chilled feet - talc
dry socks
hot food
bathing
gum boots & drying of same
No wrongful diversion
Hot food containers
Primus Stoves
Braziers & fuel
Solidified alcohol
Spare boots
patrols etc. - Raid clothing
Patrol clothing
Wiring gloves
Warm Clothing
Back Amusements - Cinema & Pierrots
_______________________________________
Meeting General Godley tomorrow - no lunch
8/11/17
Trip to London - Nov /17
| Worn or Carried | Leather Holdall | Pannier No 1 | Toilet Case | Parcels | Leather Portfolio | Agenda in London | Agenda here prior to leaving |
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Book Putties
18 Handkerchiefs
Slacks
Bed socks Boot cleaning kit Spare Tobacco
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6 Handkchfs Toilet outfit Medicines Hairbrushes Clothes brushes Pyjamas Cigarette supply√
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1st ANZAC CORPS,
9th NOVEMBER, 1917.
HEADQUARTERS
15 NOV 1917
no. Q98/166
THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION
[*File*]
MY DEAR GENERAL,
You will, I am sure be interested to hear that I have to-day received a telegram from Australia announcing
that the Commonwealth Government have decided to take an immediate Referendum on the subject of compulsory
service throughout Australia. I feel sure, too, that it will of interest to all our officers to know how we stand as
regards reinforcement, etc., throughout the A.I.F.
I had recently to point out the face that, owing to lack of reinforcements, we shall probably be at least 8,000
men down by the early spring, and without any reinforcements whatever immediately in sight to replace them. After
considering this, G.H.Q. decided that we must withdraw one division into reserve, to act primarily as a feeder for
the remainder of the force; but we of course all had to recognise the fact that this might only be the first step, and
that, later on, unless the reinforcement situation improved, the question of abolishing one and even, I fear a second
and probably a third division might have to be taken up.
I naturally informed the Commonwealth Government how the situation stood and told them how deeply all
here would feel the breaking up of any single one of the magnificent units, which we have with us, and which have
indeed made history for Australia for all time, and I urged the sending of further reinforcement to us without
delay. I may mention that at the present time reinforcements are coming forward to the extent of a total of some
2,000 per month, while we must have about four times that number to keep our five divisions efficient in the field.
It is, or course, impossible to foresee what the result of the Referendum may be, but I am convincced that
everyone of us must contemplate with the horror the possibility of having to break up any of our battalions,
brigades, or divisions, and, indeed, I do not know where we should make a start should we unfortunately even be
called upon to do so.
As I think that all will be interested to know about this question of reinforcements, I am sending copies of
this letter for all officers.
The information I have given you as regards numbers must of course, be treated as confidential.
Yours very sincerely,
(Sgd.) W. R. BIRDWOOD
A.P.-344-MM-11.17
9/11/17
Ive got the cutest ^neatest little pack,
Fits so nicely on my back,
Goods and chattels it contains,
Leastwise all them what remains,
Kit inspection, strike me pink,
What the hades will he think,
Officers are coming round,
Iron rations can't be found.
And when I tells im i lost 'em on the SOMME,
He'll never believe, he'll never believe me,
He'll say, look here that tale's too old,
So many times has it been told,
Then he'll tell Sgt. JONES to take my name,
And if I argues and I'm certainly going to argue,
That it's the truth just take it straight from me,
He'll never believe me, He'll never believe me,
And I'll be given No. 1 F.P. [* - Field Punishment*]
Got the stubbiest of chins,
Just like rows of bally pins,
Can't be gfagged to shave it now,
Guess there'll be a bally row,
On parade again at nine,
Officer comes down the line,
Why have you not shaved your face,
Your an absolute disgrace.
And when I tells 'im my razor's very blunt,
He'll never believe me, He'll never believe me,
He'll say you know you must be made,
To shave each day by rouse parade,
And tell Sgt. JONES to bring me up and
If I argues, and I'm certainly going to argue,
That a new razor'd cost me 1/3,
He'll never believe me, He'll never believe me,
And he'll give me seven days C.B [*- Confinement to Barracks.*]
Got the cutest little scheme,
Seems to me just like a dream,
I no longer want to stop,
Where them sausages all drop, [*- mortar bombs*]
So I think as I'll go sick,
And get from it pretty quick,
When I see's the old M.O., [*- medical officer*]
Do you think as how he'll know.
But when I tells him I came all over queer,
He'll never believe me, He'll never believe me,
He'll say I think that its a sign,
That you should have a No, 9.,
And He'll tell Cpt. SMITH to make a note,
But when I argues, and I'm certainly going to argue,
That I've got aches and pains all over me,
He'll never believe me, He'll never believe me,
And he'll make the bally sheet "M.D." [*- Malingering Defaulter*]
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
RCDIG000625
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