General, Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 18, 8 May - 25 May 1918, Part 2

(2)  9/5/18.

gained, but not to attempt any further advances. -

At day-break this morning, the Brigade reported that the

front line was established on the line as reported in my telegram

No.C.H.J.282. -

Subsequently information was received from the Brigade

that up to time of notification four officers and ten other ranks

who took part in the Operations on the night May 7th/8th had not

been accounted for, and were, for the time being, to be classed as

missing, believed killed, but that inquiries were proceeding. -

In the Casualty Report Return furnished to Australian Corps

through "A.Q." channels this evening, it is reported that four

officers and thirty six other ranks of the 34th. Battalion are

missing;  but I regret to say that this report was not submitted to

me, and was transmitted without reference to me. -

On reference to the Brigadier, it appears that his Staff

Captain also transmitted this report, without informing him of its

nature. -

It has resulted from above circumstances that neither I

nor the Brigadier were aware of the magnitude of the number of men

unaccounted for, and my attention was not drawn to the matter until

this evening. - In the meanwhile Lieut.-Colonel FRY commanding

the 34th. Battalion has been evacuated ill and is not available

for reference to explain the circumstances under which these men

came to be missing, or as to why reports in this matter were so

belated. -         

(3)  9/5/18.

I have at once given instructions for an exhaustive

inquiry into the whole of the circumstances covering full details

as to the plans of the operation, as to the probable circumstances

under which these men came to be made prisoners, whether as the

result of advancing too far or as the result of counter-attack,

and also as to the very unsatisfactory lapse of 48 hours before

the facts were properly brought under notice.

Major-General

Commanding Third Australian Division.

[*Ga*]
Diagram - see original document

AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL               RCDIG0000630

- 2 -

Diagram - see original document

AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL               RCDIG0000630

9/5/18

Rosenthal.  (Conversation)

[Prisoners 4 & 44 - report wanted A]

[General Investigation & report. -]

✓  Joint post.  Corps Commander. (Hobbs)

✓  Action to clear up front. 

✓  Expect attack tomorrow. -

✓  Pioneers - 2. [[Crs?]] & work.

✓  Wick & report n rum.

✓  Tactical Command of 44^th till Relief.

Q.

Reports of prisoners/& material.

Relief order.

Hawkins & Cruickshank.

Canteens  
5/6

7/8

8/9
9/10

 9/5/18

C.R.A.

Artillery (Div. & Heavy) observation

& enfilade fire, on Southern

side of Ry. embankment

Ville - to & beyond Dernancourt

Ring up Maj. Gen Tancred.

G.O.C.R.A.       

Sr with M .Guns

Australian Corps.

Situation in K.19.C not still

not ^∧fully satisfactory xxning and a little obscure

aaa.  We are definitely in touch with 8^th Brigade

at K.19.C.00  aaa  Thence our line of posts

runs North easterly to K.19.a.9.3   aaa

From there Northwards our front line is well

established and consolidated  aaa  Owing to

darkness of night and enemy alertness the

situation in South eastern part half of K.19.C is

still obscure, but this part of our ∧front line is

well covered by our supporting troops.

No C.H.J. 282.   10.45 am.    9/5/18.

9

10

11

Warn all troops that enemy, during an ∧local

attack on Third Army this morning which

was we repulsed with heavy loss to him his

troops loudly shouted "Retire". -
✓

CHJ/286

6.6 pm

9.5-18

Diagram - see original document
[*3DRL12316*]

AUSTRALIAN CORPS,

B.E.F., FRANCE.

9th May, 1918.

My dear Monash,

I think it is possible that before long I may

be asking you for Wieck to be transferred as G.S.O. 2.

Corps Headquarters, if, as is probable, Ross moves on.

I mention this only that you may not be caught without

a warning.

In Wieck's place, I should probably wish to

put in McColl, whom you possibly know - a very excellent

man, whom I recently sent to the 2nd Division to get

more regimental experience after a long spell on the

staff.

I have heard definitely that the Bishop of

Bathurst will be available for a church parade on

Sunday at any time after 10.30, so you might perhaps

arrange your parade for 11 a.m. - if it is possible to

hold one at all.

Yours ever,

W.R. Birdwood-