General, Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 19, 7 July - 30 July 1918- Part 9

22/7/18
Fourth Australian Division
:Race Meeting:
Patron: Major-General E. G. Sinclair-MacLagan, C.B., D.S.O.
(Commanding 4th Australian Division.)
President: Brig-General C. H. Brand, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
(Commanding 4th Australian Infantry Brigade.)
Stewards: Capt. A. Waite, M.C., 4th D.A.
Capt. R. B. McIntosh, M.C., 15th Battalion, A.I.F.
Capt. W. Syme, M.C, 46th Battalion, A.I.F.
Lieut. W. R. Wills, M.C., 50th Battalion, A.I.F.
Capt. S. A. Robertson, 27th A.A.S.C.
Committee: Capt. M. L. F. Jarvie, Capt. Smith, M.C.,
Capt. R. B. Mclntosh, M.C., Lt. A. O. Bilson, M.C.,
Lt. G. K. Henderson, M.M.
Judges: Lt-Colonel R. Dowse, D.S.O., Major E.S. James, A.A.V.C.
Major J. H. Tuckett, M.C., M. M., Capt. W. Carter, M.C.
Hon. Sec.: Capt. E. H. G. KEMMIS., 4th D.H.Q.
Starter: Major T. A. J. Flayfair, D.S.O., 4th D.A.
Clerk of Scales: Major A. W. Hyman, 4th D.H.Q.
Clerk of Course: Sgt Corbey, 4th M.G. Battalion.

CONDITIONS.
Races Nos. I,4,7 and 8 will be ridden at catch weights above 11
stone.
Other races at catch weights.
Ponies (under 15 hands) will be measured on the Course.
The "Boot and Saddle" will be sounded 20 minutes before the
start of each race, when all horses will be saddled in the paddock
and riders declared and weighed in and colours and saddle cloths
drawn. The "Mount" will sound 10 minutes before the start, when
riders will mount in the paddock. Races will be started by FLAG,
After finish signals as follows:-
GREEN FLAG and BELL — All correct
RED FLAG    —     —       —   Objection.
5 franc totalisator will be on the course. No Bookmaker not
registered by Committee will be allowed.
The profits of Race Meeting will go to 4th Aust. Div. Prisoners
of War.
The Starter is authorised to disqualify any rider for disobedience
of orders.
The course will be left handed, and competitors will take up
their places for the starts in order of numbers shown on programme.
These have been balloted.
Scratchings must be in ½ an hour before each race.
Protests must be lodged IMMEDIATELY after finish of race—
2 minutes only allowed.
No betting disputes will be settled by the officials
16th Battalion, 46th Battalion and 51st Battalion
Bands will play selections during the Afternoon.
[*Leslie*]
Event No. 1. Time, 12.15 p.m.
Pozieres Stakes
5 Furlongs. 100 Francs. 2nd Horse, 25 Francs. Open to Officers of 4th Aust. Div.
Owner. Horses Name. Colours
1 Capt. Payne, 46th Battalion, BROOKS— Yellow, Red Sash and Sleeves.
2 Maj. L. F. Tassie, TANGO—Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3 Lt-Col. R. Christie, 51st Battalion, BOB—Green, Red Diamond and Sleeves.
4 Lt. Lipscombe, 42nd Battery, NIGGER—Blue, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
5 Capt. Tambling, 49th Battalion, NAT—Blue, Yellow Sash and Sleeves.
6 Maj. Hinton, 4th M.G. Battalion, GEORGE—Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
7 Lt. Asche, 4th Div. Sig. Coy., THE RAKE—Pink, Blue Sash and Yellow Sleeves.
8 Maj. C. H. Spurge, 39th Bty., BORONIA (Lt. A.T. Best)—Pink, Red Sash and Blue Sleeves
9 Capt. Smith, 4th Div. Sig. Coy., ETTA—Green, Purple Sash and Pink Sleeves.
10 Capt. Kemmis, 4th D.H.Q, LADY MARDA—Purple, Yellow Sleeves.
11 Capt. C. Horne, 4th Pioneer Battalion, TASMANIA—All Green.
(Rider's Name in parenthesis).
1.        Bob.       2     Nat
Event No. 2.   Time, 12.45 p.m.
Gallipoli Hurdles.
6 Furlongs. 100 Francs. 2nd Horse, 25 Francs. Any horse 4th Aust. Div
Owner. Horses Name. Colours.
1 Capt. White, 4th Div. Arty., TALKATIVE—Yellow, Red Sash and Sleeves.
2 Capt. Smith, 4th Div. Sig. Coy., CHARLIE CHAPLIN—Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3 Dvr. Adams, 4th Div. Sig. Coy., DICKO—Green, Red Diamond and Sleeves.
4 Dvr. H. Williams, 42nd Battery, SOVEREIGN—Blue, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
5 Lt. G.R. Baillie, 4th D.H.Q., MAY CUTEY (F. B. Jackson)—Blue, Yellow Sash & Sleeves
6 W.O. McKenzie, 4th Aust. D.A.C., GINGER MICK—Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
7 Dvr Roberts, 4th Div. Sig. Coy. D3—Pink, Blue Sash and Yellow Sleeves.
8 Maj. Riddell, 12th Field Coy. Engrs., KEN (Sutherland)—Pink, Red Sash and Blue Sleeves
9 Dvr. Ellison, 4th Div. Sig. Coy., WEE JIM—Green, Purple Sash and Pink Sleeves.
10 Capt. T. B. Lloyd, 26th Coy., A.A.S.C, BUNGARRABEE—All Yellow.
11 Cpl. Humphreys, No.1 Sub-Section, BILL—ALL Green.
12 Lt. Lackman, 4th Bde. H. Q., LONG'UN—All Blue.
(Rider's Name in parenthesis).
1     Talkative 2     Bill    3 Bobbie

Event No. 3. Time, 1.15 p.m.
Moquet Farm Plate.
6 Furlongs. 125 Francs. 2nd Horse 50 Francs. (Any Horse in Allied Forces).
Owner. Horse's Name. Colours.
1 Maj. R. F. Fitzgerald, 5lst Battalion, QUANDONG—Yellow, Red Sash and Sleeves.
2 Maj. Hinton, GEORGE—Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3 Lt. De Dampierre, 24th Drgs, French Army, CORONADO—Green, Red Diamond & Sleeves.
4 Maj. H. M. Wright, A.S.C. 18th Army, BELLMAN—Blue, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
5 B.S.M. Dominey, 42nd Battery, BIDDY—Blue, Yellow Sash and Sleeves.
6 Maj. North, 46th Battalion, JIMMY (B. Missen)—Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
7 Sgt. Maslin, S.A.A Sec., 2nd D.A.C., BILL—Pink, Blue Sash and Yellow Sleeves.
8 Lt-Col. S. H. Lister, R.A., Aust. Corps, POLLY—Pink, Red Sash and Blue Sleeves.
9 Cpl. Robinson, 1st Army Troop Coy. Engrs., JERRY, Green, Purple Sash and Pink Sleeves
10 Lt Deegan, 13th L.H, MADEMOISELLE—All Yellow.
11 Lt. R. Witcombe, 9th Fld. Coy., 3rd Aust. Div. QUIVER—All Green.
(Rider's Name in parenthesis.)
Dolly. Joe. Nicolaeiff Rita
1    George      2   Quandong    3. Mademoiselle
Event No. 4. Time, 1.45 p.m.
Polygon Wood Jump.
3 Furlongs. 100 Francs. 2nd Horse, 25 Francs. (Horses owned and ridden by Officers of
4th Australian Division).
Owner. Horses Name. Colours.
1 Capt. Varley, 12th A.I. Bde, MAJOR (Owner)—Yellow, Red Sash and Sleeves.
2 Major Playfair, 4th D.A., VISCOUNT GREY (Owner) —Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3 Capt. E Kemmis, 4th A.D.H.Q., AUSTRALLA (Owner)—Purple, Yellow Sleeves.
4 Lt. L. G. Stevens, 14th Battalion, FLOSS (Owner)—Blue, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
5 Lt. Clarke, 42nd Battery, BILLY (Owner)—Blue, Yellow Sash and Sleeves.
6 Capt. Aaron, 16th Battalion, DON (Owner)—Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
(Riders Name in parenthesis.)
1............................................. 2..............................................
Event No. 5. Time, 2.15 p.m.
Messines Gallop.
4 Furlongs. 75 Francs. 2nd Horse, 20 Francs. (Open to N.C.Os and men 4th Aust. Div)
Owner. Horse's Name. Colours.
1 Dvr. Grimley, French Mission, BOB (Grimley)—Yellow, Red Sash and Sleeves.
2 Dvr. Lee, 4th Pioneers, MOLLY—Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3 Cpl. Mayer, TORCHY—Green, Red Diamond and Sleeves.
4 Dvr. Adams, GEM—Blue, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
5 W.O. Fulton, BLANCHETTE—Blue, Yellow Sash and Sleeves.
6 Sgt. Shirley, DOLLY—Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
7 Tpr. Adkins, LITTLE LAD—Pink, Blue Sash and Yellow Sleeves.
8 Pte. F. B. Jackson, WINSOME WINNIE (Owner)—Pink, Red Sash and Blue Sleeves.
9 Pte. W.L. Cusack, IVY—Green, Purple Sash and Pink Sleeves.
10 Dvr. Brown, PHYLISS—All Yellow
11 Dvr. Musgrove, 4th D.H.Q., SQUEALER—All Green.
12 Cpl. Barker, 4th Div. M.M.P., LOFTY—All Blue.
13 Capt. F. Albrecht, 51st Battery, TEDDY—All Pink
14 Dvr. Avery, 4th Pioneers, ALEC—Red, Black Sash and Sleeves.
15 Dvr. Lye, 4th D.A.C., LIL—Red, White Sash and Sleeves.
16 Dvr. Roberts, 4th Div. Sig. Coy., DON 3—Red, Purple Sleeves and Band.
17 Dvr. L. W. Snell, 4th D.A.C., DOLLY GREY—White, Purple Sash and Sleeves.
18 Cpl H. Clifford, 42nd Battery, BEESWING—Purple, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
19 Sgt. G. Granter, 13th Field Coy. Engrs., TOBY—Black, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
(Rider's Name in parenthesis)
1.Bob     2. Beeswing  
Torchy
Event No. 6. Time, 2.45 p.m.
Bullecourt Hurdles.
6 Furlongs. 125 Francs. 2nd Horse, 50 Francs (Any Horse in 4th Army).
1 Capt. Fitzgerald, 13th A.L.H., GINGER I—Yellow, Red Sash and Sleeves.
2 Cpl. W. Haylock, 10th Coy A.A.S.C., PLAIN BILL—Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3. Capt. G.B. Owen, 3rd Div. Art., JOHN—Green, Red Diamond and Sleeves.
4 Maj. Playfair, 4th Div. Art., VISCOUNT GREY—Blue, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
5 Capt. E.J. Chenery, M.C., Aust. Corps QUARTER—Blue, Yellow Sash and Sleeves.
6 Lt.-Col. Corngan, 46th Battalion, GINGER II (Roche)—Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
7 Sgt. Haygarth, S.A.A. Sec., 2nd D.A.C., TRUE SPEC—Pink, Blue Sash ad Yellow Sleeves
8 Maj. L. F. Tassie, TANGO—Pink, Red Sash and Blue Sleeves.
9 Maj. J.A. Brazenor, 10th Coy. A.A.S.C., MINDOREWEE—Green, Purple Sash, Pink Sleeves.
10 Brig.-Gen. Burgess, 4th Div. Art., PRINCE RUFUS—All Yellow.
11 Lt.-Col. Matson, Aust. Corps H.Q., DARK HORSE—All Green.
12 Sgt. Maslin, S.A.A. Sec., 2nd D.A.C., BILL—All Blue.
13 Capt. H. B. Sewell, Aust. Corps, SAWDUST—All Pink.
14 Maj. Buchanan, 13th L.H. PHYLISS (Allen)—Red. Black Sash and Sleeves.
15 Lt. Lipscombe, 42nd Battery, NIGGER—Red, White Sash and Sleeves.
16 Sgt. Grandand, 9th Bde. H.Q., MISS CACHY—Red, Purple Sleeves and Band.
(Rider's Names in parenthesis).
1.................................. 2.............................

Event No. 7. Time, 8.15 p.m.
Dernancourt Flutter.
Owner. Horse's Name. Colours.
4 Furlongs. 125 Francs. 2nd Horse, 50 Francs. (Any Horse in 4th Army, Officers up).
1 Maj. R. F. Fitzgerald, 51st Battalion, QUANDONG—Yellow, Red Sash and Sleeves.
2 Capt. Tambling, 49th Battalion, NAT—Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3 Capt. H. J. COBB. Aust. Corps., LADY SPARTAN—Green, Red Diamond and Sleeves.
4 Lt. Chester, 4th Pioneers TOMMY—Blue, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
5 Maj. H. M. Wright. Aust. Corps, RAY—Blue, Yellow Sash and Sleeves.
6 Bd.-Gen. Burgess, 4th Div. Artillery, SCOTSMAN—Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
7 Maj. Hinton, 4th M.G. Battalion, GEORGE—Pink, Blue Sash and Yellow Sleeves.
8 Maj. C. H. Spurge, 39th Battery, BORONIA—Pink, Red Sash and Blue Sleeves.
9 Capt. Romer Williams, Welsh Guards, PEGGY—Green Purple Sash and Pink Sleeves.
10 Capt. Smith 4th Div. Sig. Coy., KATHLEEN—All Yellow.
11 Capt. C. D. Horne, 4th Aust. Pioneers TASMANIA—All Green.
(Rider's Name in parenthesis).
1.......................... 2..........................
Event No. 8. Time, 3.45 p.m.
Hebuterne Scamper.
3½ Furlongs. 100 Francs. 2nd Horse, 25 Francs (4th Aust Div. Officers horses, Owners up).
Owner. Horse's Name. Colours.
1 Lt. Clark, 42nd Battery, BILLY (Owner)—Yellow, Red Sash and Sleeves.
2 Capt. Cadell, 49th Battalion, GINGER (Owner)—Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3 Capt. Payne, 46th Battalion, BROOKS (Owner)—Green, Red Diamond and Sleeves.
4 Lt. Beazley, 4th Div. Sigs., SPOTTED WONDER (Owner)—Blue, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
5 Lt.-Col. Dowse, 4th D.H.Q., REJECTED (Owner)—Blue, Yellow Sash and Sleeves.
6 Brig.-Gen. Brand, 4th A.I Bde, QUEENIE (Owner)— Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
7 Capt. Kemmis, 4th D.H.Q, LADY MARDA (Owner)—Purple, Yellow Sleeves.
8 Lt.-Col. Christie, 51st Battalion, BOB (Owner)—Pink, Red Sash and Blue Sleeves.
9 Maj. C. Morlet, A A.M.C., SLIM JIM (Owner)—Green, Purple Sash and Pink Sleeves.
10 Maj. Norman, 12th A.I Bde., GLADYS COOPER (Owner)—All Yellow.
11 Capt. Ahearn, l6th Battalion, SATAN'S MATE (Owner)—All Green.
12 Capt. Aaron, 16th Battalion, DON (Owner)—All Blue.
13 Lt. MacLean, 4th Field Coy., NELLIE (Owner)—All Pink.
(Rider's Name in parenthesis)
1............................ 2.........................
Event No. 9. Time, 4.15 p.m.
Villers-Bretonneux Sprint.—First Division
3 Furlongs. 35 Francs. 2nd Horse, 10 Francs. (Any Donk 4th Army).
Owner. Horse's Name. Colours.
1 Maj. Riddell, 12th Fld. Coy. Aust. Engrs., PORKY (G. Sutherland)—Yellow, Red Sash
and Sleeves.
2 Pte. Mooney, 49th Battalion, BOXER—Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3 51st Battalion, CYRIL—Green, Red Diamond and Sleeves.
4 51st Battalion, BROWNIE—Blue, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
5 46th Battalion, HUNS DAISY (M. Roche)-Blue, Yellow Sash and Sleeve.
6 S.A.A. Sec., 4th D.A.C., PLONK (F. Jury).—Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
7 S.A.A. Sec., 4th D.A.C., POMME DE TERRE (G. R. Parker)—Pink, Blue Sash and
Yellow Sleeves.
8 42nd Battery, SALVO (W. Wilson)—Pink, Red Sash and Blue Sleeves.
9 Maj. Riddell. SLIM (T. Bower)—Green, Purple Sash and Pink Sleeves.
10 51st Battalion, JOE—All Yellow.
11 Lt. L. G. Stevens, 14th Battalion, BLUE SPEC (Marshall)—All Green.
12 4th D.A.A.C., S.A.A. Sec., THE BOULDER (R Griffiths)—All Blue.
13 4th D.A.A.C., S.A.A., LOUSY LIZ (J. Lonney)—All Pink.
14 4th D.A.A.C., S.A.A., EYEGLASS (L.F. Rogel)-Red, Black Sash and Sleeves.
15 Dvr. Campbell, 4th Aust. Pioneers, FLY SPECK—Red, White Sleeves and Sash.
(Rider's Name in parenthesis)
1............................... 2..............................
Event No. 9. Time, 4.30 p.m.
Villers-Bretonneux Sprint-(Second Division)
3 Furlongs. 35 Francs, 2nd Horse, 10 Francs. (Open to any donk in 4th Army.)
Owner. Horse's Name. Colours.
1 Dvr. Lee, 4th Div. Sig., ACK—Yellow, Red Sash and Sleeves.
2 46th Battalion., YELLOW BELLY (B. Missen)—Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3 4th D.A.C., RANSOME (Dvr. Hammond)—Green, Red Diamond and Sleeves.
4. Dvr. Lee, 4th Pioneers, MORRAINE—Blue, Pink Sash Gand Sleeves.
5 4th D.A.C., BLACK NED (J. Cassidy)—Blue, Yellow Sash and Sleeves.
6 No. 1 Sub-section, CLEVER DICK (Dvr. Walters)—Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
7 No. 1 Sub-section FAIR-PLAY (Dvr. Cox)—Pink, Blue Sash and Yellow Sleeves.
8 No. 1 Sub-section MISTAKE (Dvr. Hartshorne)—Pink, Red Sash and Blue Sleeves.
9 No. 1 Sub-section, THE GOAT (Dvr. Maclean)—Green, Purple Sash and Blue Sleeves.
10 4th Field Engineers, ENGINEER (Cpl. Hair)—All Yellow.
11 16th Battalion BLUE SPEC (Sgt. Brackenridge)—All Green.
12 16th Battalion OUR ANZAC (Dvr. Fitzgerald)—All Blue.
13 No. 2 Section, D.A.C., AUSSIE (Dvr. Callaghan)—All Pink.
14 13th Battalion, NIGGER (Dvr. Spring)—Red, Black Sash and Sleeves.
15 13th Battalion, JACK (Dvr. Doyle)—Red, White Sash and Sleeves.
(Rider's Names in parenthesis)
1................................ 2............................

Event No. 10. Time, 4.45 p.m.
Hamel Steeple.
3 Furlongs. 35 Francs, 2nd Horse, 10 Francs. (Any Donk 4th Aust Div.)
Owner. Horse's Names. Colours.
1 51st Battalion, CYRIL—Yellow, Red Sash and Sleeves.
2 4th D.A.C., JOE BLOW (G. Asimus)—Yellow, Blue Sash and Sleeves.
3 4th D.A.C., TEXAS (R Griffiths)—Green, Red Diamond and Sleeves.
4 46th Battalion, NARROW GUTS (B. Missen)-Blue, Pink Sash and Sleeves.
5 46th Battalion BLUEY (Pte. Menbrey)—Blue, Yellow Sash and Sleeves.
6 4th D.A.C., PETER JACKSON (Dvr. G. Slade)—Pink, Green Sash and Sleeves.
7 12th Field Coy. Engineers, FRITZ (G. Sutherland)—Pink, Blue Sash and Yellow Sleeves.
8 51st Battalion, BROWNIE—Pink, Red Sash and Blue Sleeves.
9 51st Battalion, JOE—Green, Purple Sash and Pink Sleeves.
10 42nd Battery, SALVO (Dvr. W. Wilson)—All Yellow.
11 No. 1 Sub-section, BLUEY (Dvr. Culhane)—All Green.
12 No. 1 Sub-section, MISTAKE, (Dvr. Hartshorne)—All Blue.
13 13th Battalion, COCKY (Cpl. Howie)—All Pink.
14 13th Battalion, BLUEY (Sgt. Spring)—Red, White Sash and Sleeves.
15 4th Field Coy, Engineers, ENGINEER (Cpl. Hair)—Red. White Sash and Sleeves.
16 16th Battalion, BLUE SPEC (Sgt Brackenridge)—Red, Purple Band and Sleeves.
17 16th Battalion, OUR ANZAC (Dvr. Fitzgerald)- -White , Purple Sash and Sleeves.
(Rider's Name in parenthesis)
1...................................... 2....................................... 
A.I.F. PRINTING SECTION, IN THE FIELD.

23/7/18
T/9.
Issued down to Divisions
(for distribution down to Battalions).
NOTES ON RECENT FIGHTING No. 18.
(ISSUED BY THE GENERAL STAFF.)
GERMAN ATTACK ON THE FOURTH FRENCH ARMY EAST OF RHEIMS
ON THE 15th JULY, 1918.
1.—Organization of the French Defences before the Attack.
It was recognized that the loss of the Monts, the high ground north of Prosnes, would make
the defence of Rheims extremely difficult. In view of the events of the last three months, however,
the French Army Commander adopted the following organization to meet the German
offensive:—
Distribution of the Infantry.
The troops in the advanced outpost zone, which varied in depth from two to three
kilometres, were reduced from two to three battalions to one battalion in each divisional
sector. The greater part of each of the battalions in the outpost zone occupied the line
of tactical strong points (ligne de reduits), which were held by tactical units (groupes de
combats) of not less than a platoon. The object of the garrisons of the strong points was
to delay and to break up the enemy's attack as much as possible, and, in most cases, they
were ordered to withdraw fighting on to the main line of resistance. The greater part of
each of the divisions in the line occupied the main line of resistance, in which the troops
received orders to maintain their position at all costs. Certain battalions, however, were
disposed farther in rear in a position (ligne de barrage) between the main line of resistance
and a second defensive position three or four kilometres behind it, and were held in
readiness for immediate counter-attack.
Divisions in close support occupied the second defensive position, with orders to
reinforce the troops in the main line of resistance, and to counter-attack if that line were
broken to any serious extent.
Distribution of the Artillery.
With the exception of anti-tank guns, of which the army possessed about 75, and a
very few forward guns, all the batteries were placed in, or immediately behind, the "ligne
de barrage." The batteries of the reserve divisions and a proportion of the heavy guns
were distributed behind the second defensive position. One battery, and in some cases
two batteries, from each artillery brigade, had orders to change positions as soon as
warning was given of an impending attack, alternative emplacements having already been
prepared.
2.—Indications and Preparations for the Attack.
Indications of an impending attack became evident at the beginning of July. By the 7th of
July observation and information gained from all sources made it possible to forecast the extent
of the proposed attack. In the period between the 7th and the 15th of July the French blew up
from four to six ammunition dumps daily, and made continual raids to obtain prisoners.
3—Night of the 14th /15th and Day of 15th.
At 9 p.m. a raid was made by the French between Vaudesincourt and Moronvilliers. Twenty¬seven
Germans were captured, and evidence was obtained by which it appeared that the attack
was to be made during that night or very early on the 15th.
The alarm had already been given earlier in the evening, and battle positions had been taken
up.

At 11 p.m. the French began a counter-preparation on the whole front, working gradually
backwards from a line about 2½ kilometres behind the German first line to their front line.
At 12.30 a.m. the German bombardment opened. It was very heavy on the advanced outpost
zone and on villages, etc., in the back areas, but was comparatively light on the main line of
resistance. The Germans failed to neutralize the French artillery owing to batteries having
changed their positions and to the numbers of silent batteries which had been brought up into
position during the preceding week.
At 4.10 a.m. the attack developed, and at 8 a.m. a number of the French strong points were
still holding out.
At two points in the line, viz., at Perthes and Prosnes, the Germans penetrated a short distance
into the main line of resistance, but were counter-attacked and driven out by battalions of the
division in close support.
The German columns which followed the assault troops do not appear to have realized that
the outpost zone had been evacuated, but followed with their artillery. There seems to be no doubt
whatever that great execution was done by the French artillery ; for instance, six German batteries
going down the Somme-Py Souain road were blown to pieces. In addition, prisoners stated that
the French counter-preparation had been very effective.
By the evening the attack had died down except at the two points mentioned above, where
local fighting continued.
The French put the losses of the German attacking divisions at 50 per cent of their effectives,
as far as it is possible to judge.
P.T.O.

Conclusions.
1.—The offensive east of Rheims was carried out in a most determined manner by assault
divisions, two of which had replaced each division in the line on the night previous to the attack.
They had received orders to turn the Montagne de Rheims and to reach the line of the Marne
between Mareuil and Chalons. Chalons was to have been taken at the end of the second day's
fighting. This is proved by the statement of captured prisoners. To what extent it was proposed
to exploit the attack towards the east with the object of reducing the Verdun salient is not certain
2.—The method of defence was a complete success and came as a surprise to the Germans,
but a defence of this nature needs a well-organized front.
3.—The German losses were out of all proportion to the results gained.
4.—The operation shews the value of good information, and Illustrates the necessity for
secrecy in the preparation of an offensive if it is to be successful.
NOTE.— It is worth noting that the French succeeded with little trouble at several points in
regaining their advanced outpost zone, and that less than a third of the troops in close support were
engaged.
No divisions in Army or G.Q.G. reserve were engaged.
23rd of July, 1918.

LEAVE OR DUTY
RATION BOOK
Serial No. S4 N^o. 005202
SOLDIER OR SAILOR.
1. Holder's }
Name}    Sir J. Monash
{Rank  Lieutenant
{Number  General
2 Unit or Ship G.O.C.Australian Corps
3. Proceeding from Boulogne
4. Beginning of leave or duty  23.7.18
5. End of leave or duty  6.8.18
6. Is holder proceeding at end of )
leave or duty on Active Service    } Service in
Abroad or Service Afloat?              } France.
7. Signature and Rank. }
of Officer issuing            } WMBerry  
8. Unit or Ship of Officer issuing ... Camp Commdt. Australian ^Major Corps
N. 9.
CAMP COMMANDANT.
AUSTRALIAN CORPS.
H.Q.
IF FOUND, RETURN TO ANY FOOD OFFICE.