General Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 17, 11 February - 18 March 1918, Part 13

(14). 28/2/18.
enemy counter-attack?. - In other words, dividing your personnel 
like you divide your machine guns and your Lewis guns. - While 
giving no orders on the subject, I encourage Infantry Battalions to 
develop a body of sharpshooters, not for the defensive, but for the 
offensive. -
The only mobile training that I think we can afford time 
for is the training of the platoon. - Train Platoons in platoon 
exercises with all weapons. - Train Platoon Commander in the 
exercise of initiative and control. -
The last thing I will speak of in regard to training is 
really more preparation than training; - it is the general question 
of the mobility of our units. - It has now become imperative for 
units to commence to lighten their loads, to get rid of what they 
can, - anything that is not really essential, whether it be personal 
kit, regimental gear or documents. - Find out exactly what your 
vehicles can carry and what they cannot carry. - Do not take what 
is not wanted;  so as to have to leave behind what is really required. - 
Perfect your internal organisation, and be so organised and prepared 
that you can move at short notice, and move a long distance, - if 
required. -

A.H. THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION. SECRET.

Divisional Headquarters,

3rd. March, 1918.

SUMMARY OF MOVES AND RELIEFS.

(1).

P.T.O.

(2).

3/3/18.

G.I. & AQ

Matters arising out of Conference on Feby 26/18 & still

open : -

AQ

1. Proposal to give Cooks aprons, in lieu of overalls. — Would like
   expert views hereon
2. Loss of time of men in passing through Reinforcement Camps.
   Can anything be done to cut this down?
3.  

[*copy taken*]

G.I.

1. A definite role in the Defence scheme for the Pioneers.
   Is anything laid down for them? √
2. Question raised by 9^th Bgde about attaching 8 Regimental
   Signallers to Brigade H.Q. Sig. Section. — Is
   there any real need for this? — 9^th Bde say no!

J.M.
3/3/18

GOC

1. Yes.- Those at billets - "Stand by" - Those at work
   forward - report to nearest CO
2. Yes - Not at present, perhaps, but proved
   by the (now,) progressive [[suction?]] of men from
   div to form an "Aust" Sig. Coy — losses of
   sig's in battle ^to allot them for duty — still available where GOC Bde choose

BILLETTING AT NIELLES  LES BLEQUIN

Division Headquarters,
3rd March, 1918,-

A.D.C for G.O.C

March 3^rd 1918

Recd by M^elle [[Hanlon?]]

Time 11 hours

1 St addressed "Baroness de
La Grange
"La Motte,,

Baronne de La Gange

DR/ Sgt Roberts

Australian Corps

Commander Special R. E. Company has in

view of very unfavorable wind conditions
Cancelled gas projector operations for this night.
3^rd Aust. Div.
G.101
10.3 PM
3/3/18

THIRD AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.

Divisional Headquarters,
4th March, 1918 .-

Reference Hazebrouck 5A 1/100,000.

The 3rd. Australian Divisional Headquarters will move to
NIELLES LEZ BLEQUIN on FRIDAY 8th March, 1918.-

1. - Personnel, (less grooms and drivers), baggage and office equipment
   will move by Motor Transport.-
2. - Office Equipment and baggage must be carefully marked and
   dumped ready for loading at 8-0 a.m.-
3. - Cooks will supply a mid-day meal to be carried in Haversacks.-
4. - Billets and Offices will be occupied, as per attached list.-

5. (a).Lorries, as under, will stand by at 8-0 a.m. for loading :-
    

   No.	For.-	-	Escort to lorry .-
   1.	G.O.C., "A"Moss,Officers' Baggage.-		Pte. Dawson, McCoy,Sherman; 3 Cooks and waiters.-
   2.	"G" Office.-	-	"G" Clerks.-
   3.	"Q" Office.-	-	"Q" Clerks.-
   4.	"B" and "C" Mess.-	-	8 Cooks and Waiters.-
   5.-	Pay Office, Camp Commandant; Officers' Baggage.		5 Pay Staff. 4 Batmen.-
   6.	A.D.M.S. Office; French and Belgian Mission.		5 A.D.M.S. Staff.- 4 Interpreters.-
   7.	A.P.M., Gas Office, and Field Post Office.-		2 A.P.M. Staff; 2 Gas Staff; 2 Field P.O., & 2 Orderlies.
   8.	Serjeants' ,Clerks' and Men's Messes.-		8 Cooks and waiters.-
   9.	Quarter-Master's Store.		10 Personnel.-
   10.	Motor Garage & Stores.		15 Personnel.-

   (b). ROUTE:- Bailloul, Outterstoene, Morris, Strazeele, Pradellos,
   Borre, Hazebrouck, Renescure to Arques, then turn
   South after passing the Church to Wisernes, Hallines,
   Setques, Lumbres, then turn South and West to Affrinques
   to NIELLES Lez BLEQUIN. -

6. - MOTOR CARS will be available, as under :-
   (1). G.O.C. and A.D.C.-
   (2). Major King and Capt. Molesworth - (last car to leave).-
   (3). G.S.O. I, G.S.O.II, G.S.O III and Major Connelly.-
   (4). D.A.D.O.S., Lieut. Kruglinger, Major Wells(if available),C.R.E.
   (5). A.A. & Q.M.G., Capt. Moss, Lieut. Irwin, Lieut.Brissenden.-
   All other Officers will travel by 2-30 p.m. train
   from Steenwerck.-

P. T. O.-

(1).

Sheet -2-. Move of Divisional Headquarters.- 
4- 3- 1918.-

7. LOADING PARTIES.- Escort to lorries will act as an escort
   a loading party and, on arrival at their destination, will assist
   in unloading.-
8. DISCIPLINE.- The senior N.C.O., on each lorry will be held
   responsible for the discipline of the men, and the safe arrival
   of stores at their destination. -
9. MARCHING OUT.- All huts must be left in a clean state;  they will
   be inspected before marching out - offenders will be severely
   dealt with. -
10. HORSE TRANSPORT.- Grooms and Drivers with G.S. Wagons and
    Officers' Chargers, will move by road with 11th Australian
    Infantry Brigade Group, commencing on Tuesday, 5th instant.-
    They will parade in full marching order ready to move off
    at 11.0 a.m. and will join the 11th Aust. Infantry Brigade
    Group at 12-30 p.m. at a point just clear of Bailloul on the
    Meteren Road. -
    Rations and Fodder will be carried for 5th and 6th instant. -
    They will draw rations and Fodder at Ebblinghem for
    7th and 8th March. -

A. MOSS, Captain.-

Camp Commandant.-
Headquarters, 3rd. Australian Division.
(R. M). -