General, Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 20, 15 August - 8 September 1918 - Part 9

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open for review
Accession number:
RCDIG0000636
Difficulty:
2

Page 1 / 10

a eam elsam 9.15 a. mn. osdam. 9.45 a.m. 10a.mn. Tam Ten Bülets Breakiast Bülets inntes sunart stes emonhal nature- o ow ttsel peny jornne ut rre mr eetern billets and! e er Ma t attent Sa r wheheyare T Praom. 10.30 a.m.] Range 10 50am. lam. - Tnsge () Ioam Tase Tamnser V a e Eoer aang m von ee 4h of chis sechion train ee adelnke ae e üng, Tomimntes rest and smoke. und Company oommmander shoud superintend thi a sech Mni Tügges inm znch 5 by plate se tonte t e ge ward. ge Nüng l0 munn
PLAcE. WORK. EARXS. Ther. Practise getting into artillery Training Artillery and diamond formations, 12.10 p.m. formation from colunnn of rapid deployments. speed at taking ground. up fre positions. Section com- route. See that men get into manders exercised in dre orders, good fre positions when they get down behind cover, etc. dre discipline, control, etc. 20 nnin- utes to half an hour. Haverec) Lvetargetsforsechion Never keepmen long at anyonething. commanders to pick up. Question them to see if they under stand you. March back by platoons to billets and Before dismissing, the platoon 12.30 dismiss. comnmhander encourages his March discipline as on the outward men by telling them if they 12.40 p.m. did well at any exercise. He journey. During this maarch back the platoons also points out where he ex¬ should march past the battalion or pects to see an improvement company commander and show to-mnorrow. Orders for the themselves off. rest of the day should be given out to the men before they dismiss. Dinners. The quartermaster, sergeant 1 p.m. should be made responsible for the comfort of muen at dinner. 215pm. Recreational Games. Inter-section football matches, onwards. tug of war, rounders, etc. At6pm. or some suitable hour a CONFERENCE of Platoon and Sechion Commanders subject— next days work, dc. NOTE.This programme is not exhaustive. There are many other items of training which will suggest thenselves to company and platoon commanders. It must be remembered that no training will be of real value unless the men take an interestin it. They won'ttake anvinterest in itif it fatigues and bores them or if they have to go through the same programme day after day. The success of a days training depends on the trouble taken in its preparation. Thisisnot easy and requires a little imagination and much thought, but it is well worth while. The faces of the men and the way they set about their work are the best signs of what has been done to make their training interesting and instructive. Don't forget to have a plan up your sleeve for a wet day and try to bring of a surprise by suddenly interpolating a new idea, a new exercise, a storv about recent nghting, or bit of news out of the newspaper(including Punch), a story about a patrol. or an aeroplane or a neighbouring unit. One such item a day keeps your platoon cheerful and expectant and makes them look up to you as altogether a superior being for whom they will willingly die. Also you get an opportunity of telling them how to kill Huns at sight and thus shorten the war. Further copies of this Leaflet can be obtained direct on application to:— LG. Tramning. BEF. FRANCE Peæss A-878-74558--10,000.
TRAINING LEAFLET, NO. 2. IG. TRAINING. PROGRAMME OF TRAINING FOR A BATTALION OUT OF THE LINE FOR TEN DAYS. WORK. REMARKS. (c) This day is spent in overhauling kit and There is more in the organization 1st Day. equipment and cleaning arns. Baths are and preparation for this irst day allotted by companies. Clothing is cleaned than is generally realized. The and repaired. Grease spots and stains are thing to ain at is to start men taken out with soap and water. Barbers, fair and square, clean and tidy on tailors, etc., are told of tovisit companies at theirten days training. Themen certain hours, so that everything is ready will probably be tired —all the for them. The arrangements for days pro¬ more reason, therefore, why those gramme have been made before the battalion who have been out of the line leaves the line. Offcers, N.C.O.s and men should have everything cut and left out of the lne have assisted in these dried for them. They can then preparations and in organizing everything so get on with their work and dnish that the men start straight away. The 2nd it. The men should be told that in conumand has seen to the supply of clean¬ as soon as they have cleaned ing materials for, the comppanies. The themselves they can go out, but quartermaster has arranged for clothing, nottillthen. Platoon commanders etc., to replace worn out and unserviceable should go round during the day articles. Everything has been foreseen and and see them at work. Com pany arrangements muade under the guidance of commander goes into questions of the 2nd in command, to ensure that no time interioreconomy,etc.withC.S.M. is wasted and that the days programme i and C.O.Mi.S. while platoon com- worked out and commnunicated to company manders are going round their comuanders before they leave the lne. platoons. Afterwards he goes Organization of platoons and sections is round billets himself. checked. Section comnianders' rolls exanni- ned and freshones madeoutwhere necessary. Understudies detailed. All arrangements were explained by the C.O. at a conference of company comimanders in the trenches.
md Day 00. Wonx ein "or bllets, fres, ete de for institutes and rec m. Dressand general tur mi insbtutes eegeesremne Either befe sinsped aoonsare i steady dril by their platoc or half an hour. Arnus are er tout to their made CO. and amang ntheeveningof those: as well as the oth ned. Ordersis he danheine er t e an e ued with theirsectio ommanders give then de instruotions re carrying out certain o hisisa dayforthrowing of trench wearine de which every soldi nd resuming feels in hümsen ammingernieni thie betegf Repadkalon. Themore reveryone. Rzmnxs. By "platoon every omc Srent Ghe Sop ia cheblle s to be done. Tth day ge s e 4 Te Reserve day. Worr se einp e e ee d jointheirsectonsthe on comes out of the RrmAnxs. lon eomumander holdecon: poga he "Reserve Day" (7th) has no ung allotted tolt: 1t is kept Repetition ofar ise or dr Die br gade or divistor slnlet gammecan becarnedon und insist on compan geanden et day,se
WORK. REMARKS. 8th and 8th, 9th, and 10th days- companytraining- the The company tactical scheme can hrst hour should consistofintensive training becarriedouton aroad iftraining 9th days under platoon commander in drill and ground is not available. musketry. At 10.30 a.m. they should move by platoons and assemble asacompany, being met bythe company comnmnanderto carry out atactical scheme. Battalion exercise or brigade exercise. Scheme Remember that the succeas of alb 10th day training depends on previous pre- to be prepared and issuedin good timne forits circulation down to section comamnanders parations and orgamization by The scheme will depend on the available battalion, compang and platoon ground. If possible arrangements should be commanders. Everuthing must be made for a Contact Aeroplane or TTanks to thought out beforehand. take part in the exercise. Further Copies of this Leaflet can be obtained direct on application to L.G. Traiming, B.E.F. FRANCE. PRINTED IN FRANCB BY ARMY PRINTING AND STATIONERY SERvIOKS. Pexss A-848-74568-15000.
TRAINING LEAFLET, No. 3. IG. TRAINING. BATTALION COMMANDERS CONFERENCE. Battalion Commanders Conference on lst day after coming out of the Line for 10 days. The following attend: — Znd in Command, Adjutant, Company Commanders, Platoon Commanders, Platoon Sergeants, Quartermaster. The C.O. addresses his subordinates as follows: Before we go into the question of training I want to say something about organisation and forethoweht. I notice that offcers and N.C.Os seldom take the trouble to think chead. If you do not do this you cannot be prepared; if you are not prepared you will make a muddle of things. If you make a muddle your men lose conndence in you and then you can take it that you lose your ight before you start. Yet there is a great fascination in organising and making plans and seeing your ideas working out satisfactorily. Just think of the time and trouble it saves you. For instance, what a godsend it is to move into a new billet and ind everything ready and arrangements made for the comfort and happiness of the men; isn'tit well worth while to go over and over again the plans for a move and ask yourself if there is any danger of a hitch? If there is, do not rest satisied till you have putit right and untilyou can say that your show is joolproof. Are company and platoon commanders satisded with the plans made for the moue of the battalion from the line into this village last night? I don't mean the battalion orders, but the companw, platoon and section plans which should have been based on the battalion orders. Did the platoons know where they were to pick up gufdes to take them straight to their billet? Did the guides go to the best place so that platoons couldn't go wrong before meeting thei guides? Was all this arranged beforehand: Were the platoon commanders told before they dismissed their men what the orders were for the next day? —When reveillé would sound and when breakfast would beup? At what hour the platoon was to parade for ride inspection and for baths, etc.? Was there any hot soup or tea ready for the men before they turned in? What was the Quartermaster Sergeant doing? Were there any lanterns at hand to lght the men to their billets, or did they trip over the men of other platoons who had turned in an hour or so before? Was there much talking or shouting, or did everyone turn in quietly: What happened this morning? Did section commanders go round and see how the men were getting ready for ride inspection? Did all the men know what was expected of them to day in the way of PRINTED IN FRANCE BY ARMY PRINTING AND STATIONERY SERVICES. Pexss A- 8/18--74578-10,000.
ethey been shewn hou to sr clothing ontof ol er they sesn idet s gen ett sort then rar e A deas fron Sogea u not be e Sege! a eg ehe Gahe e e e sne An Dr eeeee late his) Mnes or Have any of you thoughtit on gogg gee en 2 emnen into our cond Adence erplain toth sre onto short tin e tothinka und also D e anders ersngas mber the progn am ntend tha Ehan a et sonne o e enene very elen me eg ee 1. What s ee a They are: on the programmes issued that! a ee n to hand hich drill te atis the that is the best! is Hrat gpine? wh Haes A ae Dr
shoot every day we are out--those who are very bad must have special instruction. You can easlly arrange section competitions with bottles or tins, etc., as targets, If necessary, give the men 10 or 20 minutes instruction in aiming, etc., before they go on the range. Take a section at a time if you think more individual instruction is necessary, pick out those who require extra training, and send them of under a good N.C.O. Look up your records, get those N.C.O.s. who have done well at schools- they will be only too glad to take on backward men and try to improve them. Now we come to the handling of companies and platoons in the deld- I want you to practise dre and movement and the use of ground. In doing this every opportunity muust be given platoon and section commanders to handle their nen, but before starting thenn of on any scheme explain to them the points or principles they must keep in their minds when carrying it out. Do not give them too nuany to rementber at once.; For instance, if you do an attack on a strong point, explain to your section conumnanders that you want one section to open dre on the enemny while another section is exposed and so on -tell one you want him to remmember all about fre control and direction, and another to remnember that he can advance under cover of his friends dre-when fre should be opened and when stopped, then the best way to use ground so as to auotd being seen when advancing. This is a simmple little lesson in dre and movement. Do not arrange to upset their plans by having a machine gun suddenly brought into action against then or by a charge of cavalry—-bring this in another day. Let them just learn one or two lessons each day. Do not cram their brains with all sorts of ideas-if you can teach one or two sound principles each day, even if you overlook others, you will have taught a lot. Let one platoor represent the enemy —that platoon can practise taking up a defensive position, and both platoons will take an interest in the exercise. But whatever you do, make sure that the men understand what the scheme is--take time in explaining, and before you start pick out one or two mnen and ask them to tell you what it is about- ask them how they would take on the job-tell theun to talk it over amongst themsebues drst and then tell you. When you have nnished your four days' platoon training, I will examnine two platoons pen company in a litte schemne which will be based on this dre and mnovement, and I will pay attention to the explanations given by section comnmanders to their men as well as to fre direction and control. I will let you have the schemes later on as well as the lessons each scheme is intended to teach. In order to accustom you to having other units working with you, the last day will be a battalion day, I will let you have the scheme for this also in a few days, and I will add the points and principles I wantoffcers to bear in mnind when carrying it out. It will be an advance by bounds, then a deployment, afterwards some strong points which will hold us up here and there. Do not forget your diary of training--not an elaborate afair but just a few notes on what you did each day- how the men worked and what men want extra instruction. Also, put donom in gour book at once any little tips or ideas you have suddenly thoughtof and bring thenn up at the next conference. Ifyou do not put them down you will forget them-another point, when you have your sections working independently, make sure they are all under your ege-don" send Brown's section to a placé a nuile away--Brown and his section mnight spend the morning in discussing their prospects of leave and what they did on their last leave. I have issued a programme drawn up by the sports commmittee. It includes ganes and evening shouos for the men. The Blue Bells troupe will perform in the Cinema on Wednesday evening. Iexpect al! Oftcers tojoin in games with their men. It does not matter whether you are good or not, the mere fact of your being with them will shew them you take an interest in them-they will work all the better for you, and will help you out of a tight corner. Finally, the question of sanitation and the comfort of the men. I want all ofcers to go carefully into this. You maustinsist on tidiness and cleanliness in and about billets. Everything must be left ready for inspection before the troops move of for their morning's work. You all know how kits, blankets, etc., are to be arranged - this must be uniforn throughout the battalion. Andlast, but by no meansleast, food— the way itis prepared and served. See that the conpang quurtermaster sergeaots take an interest in this. I won't have the men "pigging it" Every days' menu will be carefully thought out, and everything done to vary it- you already have mincing machines; field ovens have been made- gointo this question of food and its preparation and make your Quartermaster Sergeants report to you every evening what they have done for next days meals. Rememnber, an army Rohts on ita stomach.
AUS INSPECTOR GENERAL OF TRAINING. Dietated. BRITISH ARMIES I FRANCE. 30th.August 1918. Begstenevnl Monest, I enclose for your perusal copies of some simple training leaflets on various subjects. They are not being issued officially because it is doubtful whether all They i mations and all units require them. are in the nature of HINTS for those who like are to take hints. They are not orders nor they instructions. Other leaflets are being prepared on various subjects, to comply with requests by battalion commanders. Would you kindly read them through and let me know whether they are likely to I should also be grateful meet a want ?. if you would suggest subjects for future leaflets if you think them desirable. They only aim at reminding battalion and other commanders of a few points which they are often too busy to think of themselves. Worlde plo Co xeanne bnl Ser o fay a na Wdt Sepe onden yos Suerlg k k. øv e
AEr Fansc adn "og Form. Tir borks pi No. of Niesange.A.. MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. Rlans rieft Sent, or senv out. Omgastamp Eet I. au bi fen . n Fom.... a A Charges to Collech B. Jictzs I Service Instructione 831 - 2 Handedin nt.. em ................................0tce............ Received. 7ö4 To Tansrsciskhnch AAA a IIn at r?C. 2. o 2 24 -o? I ( A 144 Pas atneig e. 6 FROM A TIME & PLACE „This Hne should be erased if not required C & R 7300. WA WIRSSZIMLSZE 100000 STT (ROCON Forms C
TIME. PLACE. WORK. REMARKS.
8 a.m
or
8.15 a.m
Billets Breakfast After breakfast men clean up
billets and leave kits tidy for
inspection. The greater part
of cleaning arms and equipment
must be done the evening
before. Platoon commanders
inspect their billets.
Sometimes the platoon
sergeant should be detailed
for this duty.
9.15 a.m.
or 
9.30 a.m.
Billets All platoons fall in on parade in
dress ordered for the day's training.
Careful inspection by platoon commanders
to see that men are properly
turned out with arms, clothing
and equipment clean and in good
repair. Men to be practised in
standing at attention for two or
three minutes.
Company commander inspects
one or two platoons each day.
Men who are not well turned
out ordered to parade in the
evening and show the article
of equipment or clothing 
cleaned or mended. A platoon 
which has left its billets dirty
or untidy should be sent back
to clean them up and the time
thus spent added to the day's
work.
9.45 a.m. Billets or Vicinity. All platoons 10 minutes smart steady
drill of a ceremonial nature - to
show itself off.
Great attention to be paid to
the way the men hold themselves
in the ranks. Also to
the handling of arms, and 
silence.
10 a.m. Billets
or Vicinity.
Company forms up. Two platoons
march to the range. Two platoons
march to training ground. March
discipline to be practised, including
halts, falling out, taking off equipment,
falling in, marching at attention.
On arrival at destination,
platoon commander explains to
section commanders the work to
be done during the morning, and
discusses faults noticed in march
discipline. The section commanders
gather their men round them and
go over these points with their
sections. This is done during a 10
minutes rest.
Company commander mounted
sees his plattons on the march
and notes points in march
discipline requiring attention.
Then he rides to the range
or to the training ground. 
Troops should march at
attention when approaching
or leaving billets, range,
training ground, or other
halting place. Organized
singing on the march. Good
singing will carry men a long
way when they are tired.
10.30 a.m. Range Two platoons shoot at improvised
targets, glass bottles, etc. Sections
from one platoon compete against
sections of the other. Same with
Lewis guns. Men not shooting
practise rapid loading with ball
ammunition; platoons compete with
each other in this also. Judging
distance competition and picking
out different objects - men almost
completely hidden, etc.
No one should be idle. Those waiting
to shoot must be kept busy by their
own section commanders. Don't
wait for orders. Get going on your
own account.
Arrangements must be made
beforehand for every range
practice. When not firing,
men should be practised in
using their eyes in some
simple competition between
sections.
A good plan is to keep an old
German cap and jacket for
wear by a man who represents 
an enemy scout or
sniper looking round the 
trunk of a tree, bank, etc.
Section commanders encouraged
to estimate ranges
to places such as bridges,
edge of woods, banks, hedges,
farms, etc.
10.30 a.m. Training
Ground
Two platoons box respirator competition.
One platoon represents
gas cloud, and on whistle sounding
rushes at other platoon and tries to
prevent men putting on respirators.
Platoon commander notes whether
respirators have been correctly
adjusted.
Change over. 10 minutes.
Bayonet fighting. 10 minutes.
10 minutes rest and smoke.
Much of this section training
under a good platoon commander
can and should be
made into a sporting event.
11 a.m. Training
ground.
A short demonstration in fire and
movement and the use of ground,
action of scouts and Lewis guns,
20 minutes.
Company commander should
superintend this.
11.30 a.m. Range. Two platoons from training ground:
practices similar to those carried
out by the other two platoons:
about 1 hour.
When well trained, the section
commanders carry on for an
hour at different exercises
without any platoon commander.
11.30 a.m. Training ground. Two platoons from range. Short
lecture by platoon commander on
mutual support - how in defence
one position should help the other. 
Explanation and illustration of this.
Also simple illustration of fire and
movement. Take 2 men and show
how one can assist the other to get
forward. 20 minutes. Bayonet
fighting 10 minutes, then 10 minutes rest.
Select any bit of ground and
ask section commanders to
put their sections in a position
to cover another position
on the flank. Let the Lewis
gun section commander explain
what he would do. See
how flank sections arrange to
protect themselves, &c.
 
TIME. PLACE WORK. REMARKS.
12.10PM Training
ground.
Artillery and diamond formations,
rapid deployments, speed at taking
up fire positions. Section commanders
exercised in fire orders,
fire discipline, control, etc. 20 minutes
to half an hour.
Never keep men long at any one thing.
Question them to see if they understand
you.
Practise getting into artillery
formation from column of
route. See that men get into
good fire positions when they
get down behind cover, etc.
Have real live targets for section
commanders to pick up.
12.30
or 
12.40 p.m.
  March back by platoons to billets and
dismiss.
March discipline as on the outward
journey.
During this march back the platoons
should march past the battalion or
company commander and show
themselves off.
Before dismissing, the platoon
commander encourages his
men by telling them if they
did well at any exercise. He
also points out where he expects
to see an improvement
to-morrow. Orders for the
rest of the day should be
given out to the men before
they dismiss.
1 p.m.   Dinners. The quartermaster sergeant
should be made responsible
for the comfort of men at
dinner.
2.15 p.m.
onwards.
  Recreational Games Inter-section football matches,
tug-of-war, rounders, etc.

At 6 p.m. or some suitable hour a CONFERENCE of Platoon and Section Commanders;
subject- next day's work, &c.
NOTE.- This programme is not exhaustive. There are many other items of training which

will suggest themselves to company and platoon commanders. It must be remembered that no 

training will be of real value unless the men take an interest in it. They won't take any interest 
in it if it fatigues and bores them or if they have to go through the same programme day after
day. The success of a day's training depends on the trouble taken in its preparation. This is not

easy and requires a little imagination and much thought, but it is well worth while. The faces of
the men and the way they set about their work are the best signs of what has been done to make
their training interesting and instructive. Don't forget to have a plan up your sleeve for a wet
day and try to bring off a surprise by suddenly interpolating a new idea, a new exercise, a story
about recent fighting, or a bit of news out of the newspaper (including Punch), a story about a patrol,
or an aeroplane or a neighbouring unit. One item a day keeps your platoon cheerful and
expectant and makes them look up to you as altogether a superior being for whom they will
willingly die. Also you get an opportunity of telling them how to kill Huns at sight and thus
shorten the war.
Further copies of this Leaflet can be obtained direct on application to :--
I.G. Training, B.E.F., FRANCE.
 

 

TRAINING LEAFLET, No. 2.
I.G. TRAINING.
PROGRAMME OF TRAINING                       
FOR A BATTALION OUT OF
THE LINE FOR TEN DAYS.

 

WORK.

REMARKS.

1st Day.

(a) This day is spent in overhauling kit and

equipment and cleaning arms. Baths are

allotted by companies. Clothing is cleaned

and repaired. Grease-spots and stains are

taken out with soap and water. Barbers,

tailors, etc., are told off to visit companies at

certain hours, so that everything is ready

for them. The arrangements for day's programme

have been made before the battalion

leaves the line. Officers, N.C.O.s and men

left out of the line have assisted in these

preparations and in organizing everything so 

that the men start straight away. The 2nd

in command has seen to the supply of cleaning

materials for the companies. The

quartermaster has arranged for clothing,

etc., to replace worn-out and unserviceable

articles. Everything has been foreseen and

arrangements made under the guidance of

the 2nd in command, to ensure that no time

is wasted and the day's programme is

worked out and communicated to company

commanders before they leave the line.

Organization of platoons and sections is

checked. Section commanders' rolls examined

and fresh ones made out where necessary.

Understudies detailed. All arrangements

were explained by the C.O. at a conference

of company commanders in the trenches.

There is more in the organization

and preparation for this first day

than is generally realized. The

thing to aim at is to start men

fair and square, clean and tidy on

their ten days training. The men

will probably be tired – all the

more reason, therefore, why those

who have been out of the line

should have everything cut and

dried for them. They can then

get on with their work and finish

it. The men should be told that

as soon as they have cleaned

themselves they can go out, but

not till then. Platoon commanders

should go round during the day

and see them at work. Company

commander goes into questions of

interior economy, etc., with C.S.M.

and C.Q.M.S. while platoon commanders
are going round their

platoons. Afterwards he goes

round billets himself.

 
  WORK REMARKS
1st Day - continued (b) In the afternoon or evening, the battalion
commander holds a conference of company
and platoon commanders, at which he
outlines the programme of training for the
next week, brings our points requiring
special attention, goes into the detail of
training for observers, scouts, and signallers,
and organizes a class of instruction under
the sergt.-major and assistant instructor for
backward N.C.O.s. Hours of work, standing
orders for billets, fires, etc., arrangements
made for institutes and recreation for the
men. Dress and general turn-out. System
of arranging kits and arms in billets, daily
inspections, sanitation. All the above has
already been published in orders, but the
C.O. discusses these orders and lays stress
on points to which he wishes special attention
paid, e.g., diluting, march discipline,
sanitation, etc.
By "platoon commander" is meant
every officer OR N.C.O. who is
acting as platoon commander on
that date. There must be 16
officers or N.C.O.s representing
16 platoons at the C.O.'s conference. 
Otherwise some platoons
will hear nothing of it.
2nd Day C.O. inspects billets, institutes, cookhouses,
etc. and companies on parade. He sees
whether the orders he issued at the conference
yesterday are being carried out. During
the inspection of the men he pays attention 
to neatness and uniformity in dress, the
proper fitting of equipment, the state of repair
of clothing and boots. Either before or
after the C.O.'s inspection, platoons are taken
in steady drill by their platoon commanders
for half an hour. Arms are examined. Platoon
commanders point out to their men any
points noticed by the C.O., and arrange for a
further inspection in the evening of those men
who did not turn out as well as the others.
Standing Orders are explained. Orders issued
re allotment of baths, extra clothing, etc.,
and for completing the cleaning up process
started yesterday. The platoon, less section
commanders, is dismissed. The section commanders
are re-issued with their section rolls
and platoon commanders give them detailed
instructions re carrying out certain orders.
This is a day for throwing off trench weariness
and resuming the pride which every soldier
feels in himself and his battalion. The more
amusement the better for everyone.
C.O. see the billets. The Coy. falls
in and is inspected by platoon
commanders before arrival of C.O.
This day's programme starts at
9.15 a.m. and should as far as the
men are concerned end about
12.45 p.m. The rest of the day
should be devoted to recreational
exercises, completing the cleaning
up and repairing started yesterday,
and getting ready for to-morrow's
training programme. Coy. and
platoon commanders reconnitre
ground in the vicinity of billets
and hold a conference afterwards
at which section commanders
attend. To-morrow's training and
the lessons to be learnt are discussed.
Programme for next day
is posted up on notice board so
that men can see the work to be
done.
  Work. Remarks.
3rd, 4th
5th & 6th 
days.
Platoon and section training on lines similar
to those shewn in specimen programme.
The programme should be varied daily and
cars taken in its preparation. Some simple
scheme to demonstrate certain principles
should be included in each day's instruction.
Night patrols should be practised during this
period.
Drafts of new men should join their sections the
moment the battalion comes out of the 
trenches.





 
The battalion commander holds
conferences on alternate days. Co.,
platoon and section commanders
have a conference day after
C.O.s conference. Officers who
have done well at courses, etc.,
give lectures. The additional
training of scouts, Lewis gunners
(technical training), and rifle
bombers should take place from
2.15 to 3.30 p.m. on alternate days.
A certain amount of elementary
training and instruction for new
Lewis gunners, etc., should be 
done when the battalion is in the
line. This is not allowed for in
this programme. 
 
7th day Reserve day. The ''Reserve Day'' (7th) has no
training allotted to it: it is kept
free for
(a) Repetition of any particular
exercise or drill which the company
commander has noticed as
requiring more practice; or
(b) In case the brigade or
battalion commander has used up
any other day for some special
exercise. The training arranged
for that particular day can then 
be carried out on the Reserve
Day; or
(c) The brigade or divisional 
commander can select this day
(without interfering with the
training programme) for any
special scheme-such as an 
exercise with Tanks; or,
(d) In case of bad weather interfering
with a previous day's work,
the programme can be carried out
on this day.
C.O.s should insist on company
and platoon commanders having a
programme ready for training in
billets on a wet day, so that it can
be put into force at short notice.
Interesting schemes can easily be
arranged with sand models, etc.
 
  Work. Remarks.

8th and

9th days

8th, 9th, and 10th days- company training- the

first hour should consist of intensive training

under platoon commander in drill and

musketry. At 10.30 a.m. they should move

by platoons and assemble as a company, being

met by the company commander to carry out

a tactical scheme.

The company tactical scheme can

be carried out on a road if training

ground is not available.

10th day

Battalion exercise or brigade exercise. Scheme

to be prepared and issued in good time for its

circulation down to section commanders.

The scheme will depend on the available

ground. If possible arrangements should be

made for a Contact Aeroplane or Tanks to 

take part in the exercise.

Remember that the success of all

training depends on previous 

preparations and organization by

battalion, company and platoon

commanders. Everything must be

thought out beforehand

 

Further copies of this Leaflet can be obtained direct on application to I.G. Training, B.E.F., FRANCE.

 

 

TRAINING LEAFLET, No. 3.
I.G. TRAINING.
BATTALION COMMANDER'S
CONFERENCE

Battalion commander's Conference on 1st day after coming out of the Line

for 10 days.
The following attend:- 2nd in Command, Adjutant, Company Commanders,

Platoon Commanders, Platoon Sergeants, Quartermaster.
The C.O. addresses his subordinates as follows :- 
Before we go into the question of training I want to say something about organisation

and forethought. I notice that officers and N.C.O. s seldom take the trouble to think ahead.

If you do not do this you cannot be prepared; if you are not prepared you will make a muddle
of things. If you make a muddle your men lose confidence in you then you can take it that

you lose your fight before you start.
Yet there is a great fascination in organising and making plans and seeing your ideas working
out satisfactorily. Just think of the time and trouble it saves you. For instance, what a
godsend it is to move into a new billet and find everything ready and arrangements made for the
comfort and happiness of the men; isn’t it well worth while to go over and over again the plans
for a move and ask yourself if there is any danger of a hitch? If there is, do not rest satisfied
till you have put it right and until you can say that your show is foolproof.
Are company and platoon commanders satisfied with the plans made for the move of the
battalion from the line into this village last night? I don’t mean the battalion orders, but the
company, platoon and section plans which should have been based on the battalion orders. Did
the platoons know where they were to pick up guides to take them straight to their billet?
Did the guides go to the best place so that platoons couldn't go wrong before meeting their
guides? Was all this arranged beforehand? Were the platoon commanders told before they
dismissed their men what the orders were for the next day?—When reveillé would sound and
when breakfast would be up? At what hour the platoon was to parade for rifle inspection and
for baths, etc. Was there any hot soup or tea ready for the men before they turned in? What
was the Quartermaster Sergeant doing? Were there any lanterns at hand to light the men to
their billets, or did they trip over the men of other platoons who had turned in an hour or so
before? Was there much talking or shouting, or did everyone turn in quietly? What happened
this morning? Did section commanders go round and see how the men were getting ready for
rifle inspection? Did all the men know what was expected of them to-day in the way of
 

 

cleaning up? Have they been shewn how to clean up and get grease spots out of their clothing?
Were they told that the sooner they got their kit clean and tidy the sooner they could go out?
Did platoon commanders fix some reasonable time at which they would inspect their men before
passing them fit to go out in the village? Have the men heard the news, and has anyone drawn
a plan on the ground with a.stick and shewn them how our troops advanced and why the enemy
were forced to wihdraw? What about that platoon which held out when the enemy were all
round them and finally drove the Huns away? Do they know that Sergt. Brown has got the
D.C.M. and what he got it for? Is there a notice posted up showing what amusements, concerts
etc., have been arranged? Have all platoon commanders got a real grip of their men? Are
section commanders being consulted before some of their best men are taken away from them as
servants, clerks. sanitary men, etc.? Perhaps some of these men are very good scouts or good
shots. Perhaps the section commander might like to keep them, and, as he commands his
section, perhaps it would be a good plan to give him the chance of a say in the matter. How
were the duties for to-day detailed? Did the Company Sergt.-Major send for the platoon
sergeants and divide the duties up between all platoons, or did he detail one platoon to fnd all
the duties? Which would have been the best plan for to-day and to-morrow? Which would be
the best plan for the days we are at training? Were the men who have been out of the line for
some time taken for duty, or were those who have just come out detailed? Who thought out
the plan about this? Did anyone think it out, or were things just left to sort themselves?
Can we give the right answers to all these questions? Was it a good show? Are we all
satisfied that it was—or not? These are the sort of questions that everyone should ask himself
after every move, every operation, and every day's training—how did the work plan out and
how could we have improved it? Before we begin criticising the plans of our superiors let us
first make sure that our own were above reproach. If they were not, then let us make sure we
don't make the same “ blobs " again. Perhaps you may think I am talking too much about this
question of preparation and plans, but, remember, it is the little things that count. If the men
see that all these little things are thought of and worked out they will think that the big things
will be equally well arranged, and they will have confidence in us—and when we have their
confidence the rest is easy. Remember, also, it is a good plan to consult your section
commanders when you have any scheme on foot. Sometimes you get valuable ideas from them,
and when they know that they have, so to speak, a share in the business, they will go all out to
make your plans successful—besides, they will realise your difficulties, and therefore will not be
so much inclined to “ crab “ things.
A few words about march discipline. Yesterday the Brigadier saw one of our platoons of the
support company which came out in daylight. This platoon was marching along the road far too
quickly—the platoon commander was in front and setting, or rather not setting. the pace. The
Lewis gunners were unable to keep up and were straggling. The value of march discipline is
that it keeps men going when they are tired. Why was the platoon commander all the time in
front of his platoon? Why didn‘t he go to the rear occasionally and see what the pace was like?
Again, why had the men their equipment, haversacks, canteens, etc.. hanging about them and
swinging from side to side? Nothing is so tiring. I have spoken about this before, I will see
this particular platoon in marching order to-morrow, and I shall expect to find the equipment
properly fitted. Remember, the pace should always be slow and steady going in and out of the
line, because the men have work in front of them when going in, and have been at work before
coming out.
(After details connected with supply of clothing, equipment, etc., have been discussed, the
Quartermaster withdraws—he has made a note of what the C.0. has said about preparation, and
has decided in future to gather his staff round him and get their ideas about arrangements for
dealing with the comfort and welfare of the men. He thinks this plan a good “ egg," especially
as up to date his has been rather a one man show, and his staff never knew what plans were
in his head.)
Now we can discuss our training programme. I have already given out the lines on which
I want training carried out. You must remember that the men are tired after a trying time in
the trenches—as a rule they don't look forward to a spell out of the line because they think they
will never be left in peace, and that each day and all day will be spent in some tiresome and
boring drill or exercise which they have done over and over again—how are you going to get over
this? Have any of you thought it out? There is only one way in which we can put this nightmare
2
out of the men's minds. Take the men into our confidence—explain to them the reason
why we do every exercise, let them know that each item will only last a short time and that it
is up to them to pay attention to their work and think out what they are doing. When they do
anything well—tell them so. If they do not do it well, explain how they could have done it better,
and put them at it again. Don't make any scheme too long-—knock off as soon as you see that
the men have got the hang of it—then go on with something else. You all know what it is to
read a story in a monthly magazine-just as you get to the most interesting point the story comes
to an end for the time being, and you have to wait for another month for that interesting
chapter—you wish the story had not stopped just then. Try and get your men to feel like that
when you are instructing them—lf you can do this you have won the battle of training. It sounds
difficult, but you will be surprised to find that with care and preparation it can be done. When
men realise that they are good at anything they begin to think a lot of themselves—you can see
by the way they salute you—the way the guard turns out, and also by the way they criticise
others. You often hear men say when looking at another regiment—“ That wouldn't do in our
crush." When you hear remarks like that you can take it that the men take a pride in their
regiment and in themselves. Let company and platoon commanders meet sometimes and put
their heads together with a view to making the training interesting as well as instructive.
Remember the programme laid down is only a guide—I don't intend that you should follow it
to the letter—some men will require more training in one subject than another, and some may
require very elementary training—but whether the work is elementary or advanced you can
always make it interesting. Now, Brown, you got a very good report at the last army course, and
so did you, Robinson—I want you both to tell the others of any interesting schemes you carried
out so that they can practise them too. If any platoon commanders feel shaky about any point
I will take them out myself on the ground and shew them one or two schemes, after which they
can take their men through the exercise. When the commanders are away the platoon sergeants
must carrying on the training—this will give them a chance to shew what they are worth, and
the company commander can keep an eye on them.
We have only got seven clear days for training. What sort of training are we going to do?
It would be useless to try and cram every subject we can think of into the men's heads in that
time. Now, what particular subjects do we want most? I have decided on the following and
you will see from the programmes issued that these items are included. They are :—
Smart and steady drill—this pulls men together after their trench life—explain to them why
we are so particular about drill—tell them that although we do not do the same thing in the field,
drill makes them alert and ready to carry out orders–it makes them easy to handle and prevents
them from becoming a mob—above all, tell them how the discipline which drill teaches helps
them to kill the enemy. That is the great point to have uppermost in your mind and theirs at
all times. Point out to them how splendidly well-drilled regiments fight. This is because
discipline and obedience are second nature to them. Some officers say “ Our fellows fight as well
as any men and yet they are not very good at drill, therefore I don't see the use of it "—these
officers condemn themselves. If their men were good at drill they would fight better still
and would suffer fewer casualties. But, like everything else, you can overdo it. Ten
minutes’ drill well done is better than an hour spent in boring the men and leaving them
worse than when they started. It is not a bit of use standing in front of your platoon and
saying “Slope Arms " and then “Order Arms ” unless you see that these motions are correctly
carried out and that the men are steady and hold themselves properly. Therefore you must
look out for faults and check them. If one of your N.C.0.’s or men is particularly good at drill,
put him out in front facing the platoon, and then, when you give a word of command, the men
can copy him, and that is the best way to learn—by copying good men. After a bit the men will
begin to notice that they drill well, and they will then like showing themselves off-in other
words they will be taking a pride in themselves, and that is the best reward for any trouble you
have taken.
Then march discipline—why do we insist on march discipline? Why not let the men go
along just as they like? Here again I want you to explain to the men that march discipline is
insisted on for their own good. If men can't march they can't fight. March discipline helps
them to march well with the least fatigue.
The next subject is musketry. How few men realise what damage they can do with their
rifles. How often does one hear the cry, “ send for the Lewis gun," and when the Lewis gun is
blocked out few think of using their rifles. This subject requires attention. Every man must

3
 

 

shoot every day we are out—those who are very bad must have special instruction. You can
easily arrange section competitions with bottles or tins, etc., as targets If necessary, give the
men 10 or 20 minutes instruction in aiming, etc., before they go on the range. Take a section at
a time if you think more individual instruction is necessary, pick out those who require extra
training, and send them off under a good N.C.O. Look up your records, get those N.C.O.s. who
have done well, at schools—-they will be only too glad to take on backward men and try to
improve them.
Now we come to the handling of companies and platoons in the field—I want you to practise
fire and movement and the use of ground. In doing this every opportunity must be given
platoon and section commanders to handle their men, but before starting them off on any scheme
explain to them the points or principles they must keep in their minds when carrying it out. Do
not give them too many to remember at once., For instance, it you do .an attack on a strong
point, explain to your section commanders that you want one section to open fire on the enemy
while another section is exposed and so on—tell one you want him to remember all about fire
control and direction, and another to remember that he can advance under cover of his friends’
fire—when fire should be opened and when stopped, then the best way to use ground so as to
avoid being seen when advancing. This is a. simple little lesson in fire and movement. Do not
arrange to upset their plans by having a machine gun suddenly brought into action against them
or by a charge of cavalry—bring this in another day. Let them just learn one or two lessons
each day. Do not cram their brains with all sorts of ideas—if you can teach one or two sound
principles each day, even if you overlook others, you will have taught a lot. Let one platoon
represent the enemy—that platoon can practise taking up a defensive position, and both platoons
will take an interest in the exercise. But whatever you do, make sure that the men understand
what the scheme is—take time in explaining, and before you start pick out one or two men and
ask them to tell you what it is about—ask them how they would take on the job—tell them to
talk it over amongst themselves first and then tell you.
When you have finished your four days’ platoon training, I will examine two platoons per
company in a little scheme which will be based on this fire and movement, and I will pay
attention to the explanations given by section commanders to their men as well as to fire
direction and control. I will let you have the schemes later on as well as the lessons each scheme
is intended to teach.
In order to accustom you to having other units working with you, the last day will be a
battalion day, I will let you have the scheme for this also in a few days, and I will add the
points and principles I want officers to bear in mind when carrying it out. It will be an advance
by bounds. then a deployment, afterwards some strong points which will hold us up here and
there. '
Do not forget your diary of training—not an elaborate affair but just a few notes on what
you did each day—how the men worked and what men want extra instruction. Also, put down
in your book at once any little tips or ideas you have suddenly thought of and bring them up at
the next conference. If you do not put them down you will forget them—another point, when
you have your sections working independently, make sure they are all under your eye—don't
send Brown’s section to a place a mile away—Brown and his section might spend the morning
in discussing their prospects of leave and what they did on their last leave.
I have issued a programme drawn up by the sports committee. It includes games and
evening shows for the men. The Blue Bells troupe will perform in the Cinema on Wednesday
evening. I expect all Officers to join in games with their men. It does not matter whether you
are good or not, the mere fact of your being with them will shew them you take an interest in
them—they will work all the better for you, and will help you out oi a tight corner.
Finally, the question of sanitation and the comfort of the men. I want all officers to go
carefully into this. You must insist on tidiness and cleanliness in and about billets. Everything
must be left ready for inspection before the troops move off for their mornings work. You all
know how kits, blankets, etc., are to be arranged—this, must be uniform throughout the battalion.
And last, but by no means least, food—the way it is prepared and served. See that the company
quartermaster sergeants take an interest in this. I won't have the men “ pigging it." Every
days’ menu will be carefully thought out, and everything done to vary it—you already have
mincing machines ; field ovens have been made—go into this question of food and its preparation
and make your Quartermaster Sergeants report to you every evening what they have done for
next day's meals. Remember, an army fights on its stomach.
4
 

 

INSPECTOR GENERAL OF TRAINING.
BRITISH ARMIES IN FRANCE.
Dictated.
30th. August 1918.
Dear General Monash,
I enclose for your perusal copies
of some simple training leaflets on various
subjects. They are not being issued
officially because it is doubtful whether all
formations and all units require them. They
are in the nature of HINTS for those who like
to take hints. They are not orders nor are
they instructions. Other leaflets are
being prepared on various subjects, to
comply with requests by battalion commanders.
Would you kindly read them through
and let me know whether they are likely to
'meet a want?. I should also be grateful
if you would suggest subjects for future
leaflets if you think them desirable. They
only aim at reminding battalion and other
commanders of a few points which they are
often too busy to think of themselves.
Would it be convenient to you
if I came to see you one
day next week? Say after"
Monday 2nd Sept?
Yours Sincerely
Ivor Maxse
 

 

"C" Form.
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. 

[*ARMY
AU0[[?]]
TELEGRAMS*]
Prefix [[?]] Code DW/[[?]] Words 87
Received 
From Cohud

By [[?astam]]
Handed in at DCR  Office  4.30pm  Received  9.30pm
TO Aust Corps. 31/8/18
*Sender's Number   Day of Month           AAA
Ch21N                             3
The capture of MONT
ST QUENTIN by the 
2nd Div is a
feat of arms worthy
of highest praise
aaa The natural strength
of the position is
immense and the tactical
value of it in
general to PERONNE and
the whole system of
the SOMME defences cannot
be overstated aaa I
am filed with admiration
at the gallantry and
sustained daring of that
2nd Div on winning
FROM 90 Trip.
 

 

 

 

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