General, Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 20, 15 August - 8 September 1918 - Part 10

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

Page 1 / 10

Arns Foms c ana o Form (In books of 100.) No oljæstterr- MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. Rlesareh Ofe Same aamst r ecet Preix..Code.......Words. From!: wn Ab.........m Charges to Collech 84 5y......... To. Service Instructions. By..1 Handedina00ce....... m. Received. T0 Tansprie shanchr THes schrch Fernschrie scan0hr AAA das Pir.Oe al FROM o TIME & PLACE - C. & R 7800 WE WISSSZ/MLSZS 10 00O SHT (EOSO Forme CMZ
Go A AUSTRALIAN CORFS Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances - Operations From Zero..23-8-18... From.6. pm.30-8-18... Format on T0.6. pm 3148-18.. To..6.pm.31-8-18... 6. Nanks. Officer Officers O.Ranks. 1st Australian Division 10 1811 130 2nd Australian Division 413 793 3rd Australian Division 213 4th Australian Division 297 5th Australian Division 58 31 278 Australian Total 29 421 191 3592 ..........Division .... . . . .. .Division ..32nd....Division 1598 Corps Troops 22 162 Other Formations 29 578 French Troops 321 13 33 Grand Total 507 320 6251 Prisoners of War 82 591 eeule COLONEL, Headquarters, D.D.M.S., Australian Corps. 31/ 8/18. A.C.C. Copies to:- B.G., G.S. Inf. Bureau.
AUSTRALIAN CORFS Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances - Operations From Zero........ . . ... From..... . . . . . . . . . . . Formation To...S/..3. To.......55-3-12.. Officerst olranks. OfficernO3Ranks! 1st Australian Division 1s0l 2nd Australian Division 353 3rd Australian Division 4th Australian Division 5th Australian Division 247 Australian Total 1990 3453 ... . . . . . . .Division ...... . . ..Division Division 1580 Troops Corf 143 Other Formations Sca French Troops Grand Total 155 221 Prisoners of War 547 1nlen COLONEL, Headquarters, D.D.M.S., Australian Corps. o18. ] A.C.C. Copies to:- B.G., G.S. A Inf. Bureau.
AUSTRALIAN GORES Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances - Operations From6 pm 30-8-18... From Zero.23-8-18. Formation To.& am 31-8-18... To. Sam 31-8-18. Officers O.Ranks. Officers O.Ranks. 1801 1st Australian Division 324 41 2nd Australian Division i 640 3rd Australian Division 287 4th Australian Division 25 15 235 5th Australian Division 172 3287 116 10 Australian Total ...... . . . .Division ..... . . ...Division 15 1578 .... 3Znd.Division 143 Corps Troops 35 557 Other Formations 321 13 French Troops 5886 12 142 299 Grand Total 11 520 Prisoners of War r Lluc Ke Sr COLONEL, Headquarters, D.D.M.S, Australfan Corps. 31/ s/18. A.C.C. Copies to:- B.G.; G.S. Inf. Bureau.
COPY. -------- Champagne, 31st August, 1918. The Minister, When my Aunt Juliet died in 1914, killed by the Boche, she gave me a big doll which my father had given her when she was a school girl. When the Boche attacked around Blangy-Tronville and Villers Bretonnoux, we were forced to flee in the night and I left my doll at my grandmother's house at 1 Rue du Vert, Court a Blangy. Papa, who is a soldier, told mother that it was the 16th Aust. Battalion who had saved our village from the Boche Can they have defended it for a long time - a month at least. you find out if they found my doll, and if they will give it I would be so happy and so would my Aunt Juliet back to me. who is buried in the Cemetery with so many English soldiers. Papa would not like me writing to you, but I have saved the five sous which the postman told me to put on a letter going to England, and I have copied your name from the paper to write to you. Grandfather died in May killed by the Boche, otherwise he would have written for me. If you allow me I thank you very much as a little girl. Paulette Baroux (Refugee) 9 years old, 54 Rue Neuve Champagne sur Oise, Seine et Oise. If you must send this letter to the Australians, would you stamp it and tell me what that costs and I will send it on to you as soon as you tell me.
Hretr 1- Zn 5/ago- 31-8-18. vner Aueysuulhd pyyislom. vorgs aup lussos Faow AUoTWT FIONTINd. Operatfons for Cupture of CHUIGNES VALLEY August 23-8-18 and explostation on subsoquent daye. --- Forsktiogs au0 PRowraors. Frontagos for straight forward attack everaged 1.000 yards per Battalion, Right Brigade had 2 Coys in first wave, a 2 in second wave per Battalion in line. Left Brigade had to form e long defonsive flank and had 2 Battalions in line one in support, one in roserve. Frontage for assaulting companies varied acoording to Company In one Battalion one company had 600 yards, the other 400 yards. strength. Company formations also varied according to strength and frontage but in noarly all oases 3 platoons were in first line, one platoon with Coy Hoadquarters in 2nd line. In nearly all oases, platoon formations (on 3 seotion organisation) were 2 soctions in line namoly from right to left double L.H.G. Section, one rifle soction, double Lewis Gun seotion. Romaining rifle section plus Platoon Headquartere in 2nd line. All moved in file distributed ovor platoon frontago. The 2nd wave i,e, sppport companios movod 400 - 500 yards in rear. Platoor File formatfon was maintained as long as possible. Commanders and Company Commanders of 2nd or support wave led their formations, so as to be able to soo what was going on. Aocuracy of interval was not insisted on, units went for the taotiool points or pointe of opposition within their frontages and let the groun between such points go. 2. MAP MESSAGE FORI. This was found as useful as ever and is in grest demand, Battalion Commanders suggest that the headings TIME and DATE should be printed in very prominont RED type so that a Platoon or Compan; Commander has little chance of forgetting to insert either. 3. STOKES MORTARS There Is general agreemont that pack mules should be usod and single guns pushed forward with loading companios. The Bosche frequontly used old artillery gun pite and broken lengthe of trench as M.Gun nests and the Stokes is the best means of dielodging them from these. 4. N0,38. RIPLE GRUNADE Te large majority of Junior Commanders would not be without these. The 4 Oup-dischargers per platoon is considered sufficient. VICKERS GUNS Ia mentioned in provious Notes by thie Divieion, the M. Gun Companies require much training in Offensive Aotion, The Lowis Gun is not strong enough for targets at 800 yards or more. Opportunities arose for Vickers Oune to deal with enemy artillery both Anti-Tank and Field. The Vickers Seotion Commander should keop his sub-sootion Commanders up with the leading Company Commanders and forward guns should follow olosely bohind leading oompanies. Roar guns were directod boforchand to finod loouities for defemdive and enmolidatien muroe.
.2 - à. DOUBLE LEVIS GUN SECTIONS This fa, of course, split for the aseault. Half seotions moved on the flanks of the platoon and co- operated instinctively, one say, taking on a Bosche Gun and the other working round or one hip-firing and the other advanoing and and reserving its ammunition. It is all a matter of training intelligent bravery. In many cases, Tank Commanders halted their Tanks under cover TANKS. of banks or woods and ascertained the situation from Company or Platoon Commanders; Where this was doné, good resulte accrued. The Liaison Infantry man in the Tank should keep the Tank in the vicinity of a strong poînt or nest which is giving trouble until he is sure that the infantry aro well up and have got the local situation well in hand. MOPPING UP This was loft, by strict ordere, to the 2nd Wavos. 8. First Waces pushed on with the barrago, so as not to lose it on Tho place to be mopped up was gonerally indicated by the Tank any account. movement or seon by the Commanders of following wavos because they were leading their men. Hip-firing with the Lowis Gun Vory much used and especially by the 4th Battalion A.I.F., Very effective in keeping enemy from putting his head up as the South of OHUIGNES. The Gun was carried by sling passing over barrage passes on. the left shoulder. PASSING BACK INFORMATION, Battalion Commanders used one or all three methods. 10. An O.P. as far forward as possible, with a wire to it. (b) the Battalion Intelligence Officer or selected Officer followed close up with a wire. (c) relays of runners. In all cases, Battalion Commanders found that it was neoossary to have their own direot means as well as the ordinary oompany ohannels SOUVENIR HUNTING The desire for Souvonirs appoars to be beooming very prevalent. 11. Platoon Commanders had diffioulty in some casos in keoping their men together and well up with the barrage owing to tho distraction oaused by ZEISS Glassos eto. Troops should be warned as to the serious results of this. 12. ARTILLERY AND INFANTRY It was again proved that F.O.O's of forward sections or batteries should be actually with the leading oompany commanders and that communioation by wire should bo carefully arranged. Fleoting targets cannot be fired upon by artillery quickly enough Batterios to be used in aid of if communioation is by runner, exploitation should be pushed forward as early as possible even at the oxpense of weakening the later stages of the barrage, so that Battalion Commanders can fix up communications to them. Further artillery notes follow. 13. EXPLOITATION. Was dono by strong patrols, supporting platoons or posts to them on the principle of "bounds" being pushod up REGULATIONS. Principles therein again of proven kimun spruior 14. salue.
T Art 20 Ihid Gorfo holt tomosove at o.v coo tta addance m the deeatin o Holtd - aantant Unstralss-Drvnn horlt torve - along the öpret unnnng foome djomt ilt lneater to logenevenit a defen aafootapd. aue Hlankk 5ofuvver mes advaner g ske Third lärpe Vaas Thie defenaive flankk nilt foltoes 'sta feneral lune Liß6. curtoad, soat bant i I. 11. d. aud thanse along coutt on J cantat Befest-t ad ush it effrts Ae Stattkel aston om abvor drfo 1961 Thet i) de not tiofe, at bert, 5r be adle trcvsed the advaner o) hr E Bevaro fosttir Frolttr east kan Rigersnita, t'Sket, kerfrr, of Shus Bvøsroe onensats imn rachig NOgtD st smdd- meke it ov defananse Plandle, adong thr line AENOLU 0
e 3216 HEAOGUARTERS. AUSTRALIAN CORP8. 166/1063. 2nd Werican Corps (G.II) 27th American Division G.II) 3Oth American Division (G.II) 2nd Australien Division. 3rd Australian Division. 5th Australian Dtvision. C.M., Aust. Corps. G.O.C.R.A., Aust. Corps. B.G.H.A., Aust. Corps. ist Aust. Div. Arty. 4th Aust. Div. Arty. ist Australian Division. 4th Australion Division. 4th Tank Brigade. 5th Tank Brigade. ----...-..-- Herewith / coppé of report on the ST. QUEMTIN Canal thowing: (i) Sources of Supply. (ii) Desoription of the Canal. (iii) Dimensions of the Canal. (iv) Possibilities of Floo ding. (v) The Tunnels. (vi) Quarries. (vii) Bridges. (viii) Present Condition of Canal. (ix) Trenckes. Sueses une Brigadier-General, alligence, General Staff, Australian Corps. .5-18. Distribution Overleaf.
- 2 . DIsypipupjom. 2nd American Corps 27th American Division 30th American Division 2 2nd Australian Division. 22 3rd Australian Division 5th Australian Dlvision C.E., Aust. Corpe G.O.C.R.A., Aust. Corps B.G.H.A., Aust. Corps 10 ist Aust. Div. Arty. 4th Aust. Div. Arty. ist Australian Division 4th Australian Division Copies to Ag (2) c.0.0. (1) B.G.0.S.(1) G.S. Australien Misston, ......-.....- (Each Bn. 1, Reg.R.G.2, Bde.H.G.4, Diy.H.G.4.). (Each Bn. 1, Bde.H.Q.4, Div.H.G.6./. . "

"C" Form
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS
[*


T0
*Sender's Number K1217.
Day of Month 31.

TIME & PLACE
AAA
This important [[?]] and
I congratulate Troops with
all my heart
 FROM Gen Rawlinson.
TIME & PLACE
 

 

AUSTRALIAN CORPS
Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances - Operations

Formation

From 6 pm 30-8-18
To 6 pm 31-8-18

From Zero 23-8-18
To 6 pm 31-8-18

 

Officers

O. Ranks.

Officers

O. Ranks.

1st Australian Division

1

10

80

1811

2nd Australian Division

8

130

23

413

3rd Australian Division

13

213

43

793

4th Australian Division

 

10

14

297

5th Australian Division

7

58

31

278

Australian Total

29

421

191

3592

. . . . . Division

 

 

 

 

. . . . . Division

 

 

 

 

32nd Division

 

35

71

1598

Corps Troops

2

22

8

162

Other Formations

2

29

37

578

French Troops


 


 

13

321

Grand Total

33

507

320

6251

Prisoners of War

1

82

6

591

[[?]]
COLONEL,
D.D.M.S., Australian Corps.
Headquarters,
31/8/18.
Copies to:- A.C.C.
B.G., G.S.
A.
Inf. Bureau.
[*JM
1/9/18*]
 

 

AUSTRALIAN CORPS
Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances - Operations

Formation

From noon 31-8-18
To 6 pm 31-8-18

From Zero 23-8-18
To noon 31-8-18

 

Officers

O. Ranks.

Officers

O. Ranks.

1st Australian Division

 

 

 

 

2nd Australian Division

 

 

79

1801

3rd Australian Division

3

70

18

353

4th Australian Division

10

91

40

671

5th Australian Division


 


 

14

287

 

5

27

29

247

Australian Total

18

188

180

3359

. . . . . Division

 

 

 

 

. . . . . Division

 

 

 

 

32nd Division

1

17

72

1580

Corps Troops

 

3

6

163

Other Formations

 

13

35

502

French Troops


 


 

13

321

Grand Total

19

221

306

5965

Prisoners of War

 

38

5

547

[[?]]
COLONEL,
D.D.M.S., Australian Corps.
Headquarters,
31/8/18.
Copies to:- A.C.C.
B.G., G.S.
A.
Inf. Bureau.
[*JM
1/9/18*]
 

 

AUSTRALIAN CORPS
Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances - Operations

Formation

From 6 pm 30-8-18
To 6 am 31-8-18

From Zero 23-8-18
To 6 am 31-8-18

 

Officers

O. Ranks.

Officers

O. Ranks.

1st Australian Division

 

 

79

1801

2nd Australian Division

1

41

16

324

3rd Australian Division

8

60

38

640

4th Australian Division

 

 

14

287

5th Australian Division

1

15

25

235

Australian Total

10

116

172

3287

. . . . . Division

 

 

 

 

. . . . . Division

 

 

 

 

32nd Division

1

15

72

1578

Corps Troops

1

3

7

143

Other Formations

 

8

35

557

French Troops

 

 

13

321

Grand Total

12

142

299

5886

Prisoners of War

 

11

5

520

A G. Collins Major
for COLONEL,
D.D.M.S., Australian Corps.
Headquarters,
31/8/18.
Copies to:- A.C.C.
B.G., G.S.
A.
Inf. Bureau.
[*JM
31/8/18*]
 

 

COPY.
Champagne,
31st August, 1918.
The Minister,
When my Aunt Juliet died in 1914, killed by the Boche,
she gave me a big doll which my father had given her when she was
a school girl.
When the Boche attacked around Blangy-Tronville and
Villers Bretonnoux, we were forced to flee in the night and I
left my doll at my grandmother's house at 1 Rue du Vert, Court
a Blangy.
Papa, who is a soldier, told mother that it was the
16th Aust. Battalion who had saved our village from the Boche -
they have defended it for a long time - a month at least. Can
you find out if they found my doll, and if they will give it
back to me. I would be so happy and so would my Aunt Juliet
who is buried in the Cemetery with so many English soldiers.
Papa would not like me writing to you, but I have
saved the five sous which the postman told me to put on a
letter going to England, and I have copied your name from the
paper to write to you.
Grandfather died in May killed by the Boche, otherwise
he would have written for me.
If you allow me I thank you very much as a little
girl.
Paulette Baroux (Refugee)
9 years old,
54 Rue Neuve,
Champagne sur Oise,
Seine et Oise.
If you must send this letter to the Australians, would you
stamp it and tell me what that costs and I will send it on
to you as soon as you tell me.
 

 

[* With 1st Div
S/9807*]
FIRST AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.
31-8-18.
NOTES AND LESSON FRON RECENT FIGHTING.
Operations for Capture of CHUIGNES VALLEY
August 23-8-18 and exploitation on susequent days.
1. FORMATIONS AND FRONTAGES.
Frontages for straight forward attack averaged 1.000 yards
per Battalion,
Right Brigade had 2 Coys in first wave, and 2 in
second wave per Battalion in line.
Left Brigade had to form e long defensive flank and had 2 Battalions
in line one in support, one in reserve.
Frontage for assaulting companies varied according to Company
strength.
In one Battalion one company had 600 yards, the other 400 yards.
Company formations also varied according to strength and frontage
but in nearly all oases 3 platoons were in first line, one platoon
with Coy Headquarters in 2nd line. In nearly all cases, platoon
formations (on 3 section organisation) were 2 sections in line
namely from right to left ½ double L.H.G. Section, one rifle section,
½ double Lewis Gun section. Remaining rifle section plus Platoon
Headquarters in 2nd line.
All moved in file distributed over platoon frontage.
The 2nd wave i,e, support companies moved 400 - 500 yards in rear.
File formation was maintained as long as possible. Platoon
Commanders and Company Commanders of 2nd or support wave led their
formations, so as to be able to see what was going on.
Accuracy of interval was not insisted on, units went for the tactical
points or points of opposition within their frontages and let the grouns
between such points go.
2. MAP MESSAGE FORM.
This was found as useful as ever and is in great demand,
Battalion Commanders suggest that the headings TIME and DATE should be
printed in very prominent RED type so that a Platoon or Company;
Commander has little chance of forgetting to insert either.
3. STOKES MORTARS.
There Is general agreement that pack mules should be used and
single guns pushed forward with loading companies. The Bosche
frequently used old artillery gun pits and broken lengths of trench
as M.Gun nests and the Stokes is the best means of dislodging them
from these.
4. N0.36. RIPLE GRENADE.
The large majority of Junior Commanders would not be without
these. The 4 Cup-dischargers per platoon is considered sufficient.
5. VICKERS GUNS.
As mentioned in previous Notes by the Division, the M. Gun
Companies require much training in Offensive Action,
The Lewis Gun is not strong enough for targets at 800 yards
or more.
Opportunities arose for Vickers Guns to deal with enemy artillery both
Anti-Tank and Field.
The Vickers Section Commander should keep his sub-section Commanders
up with the leading Company Commanders and forward guns should follow
closely behind leading companies. Rear guns were directed beforehand
to fixed localities for defensive and consolidation purposes.
 

 

-2 -
6. DOUBLE LEWIS GUN SECTIONS.
This is, of course, split for the assault.
Half sections moved on the flanks of the platoon and cooperated
instinctively, one say, taking on a Bosche Gun and the
other working round or one hip-firing and the other advancing
and reserving its ammunition. It is all a matter of training and
intelligent bravery.
7. TANKS.
In many cases, Tank Commanders halted their Tanks under cover
of banks or woods and ascertained the situation from Company or
Platoon Commanders; Where this was done, good results accrued.
The Liaison Infantry man in the Tank should keep the Tank
in the vicinity of a strong point or nest which is giving trouble
until he is sure that the infantry are well up and have got the
local situation well in hand.
8. MOPPING UP.
This was left, by strict orders, to the 2nd Waves.
First Wacves pushed on with the barrage, so as not to lose it on
any account.
The place to be mopped up was generally indicated by the Tank
movement or seen by the Commanders of following waves because
they were leading their men.
9. Hip-firing with the Lowis Gun.
Very much used and especially by the 4th Battalion A.I.F.,
South of CHUIGNES.
Very effective in keeping enemy from putting his head up as the
barrage passes on. The Gun was carried by sling passing over
the left shoulder.
10. PASSING BACK INFORMATION.
Battalion Commanders used one or all three methods.
(a) An O.P. as far forward as possible, with a wire to it.
(b) the Battalion Intelligence Officer or selected Officer followed
close up with a wire.
(c) relays of runners.
In all cases, Battalion Commanders found that it was necessary to
have their own direct means as well as the ordinary company channels
11. SOUVENIR HUNTING.
The desire for Souvenirs appears to be becoming very prevalent.
Platoon Commanders had difficulty in some cases in keeping their men
together and well up with the barrage owing to the distraction
caused by ZEISS Glasses etc.
Troops should be warned as to the serious results of this.
12. ARTILLERY AND INFANTRY.
It was again proved that F.O.O's of forward sections or
batteries should be actually with the leading company commanders
and that communication by wire should be carefully arranged.
Fleeting targets cannot be fired upon by artillery quickly enough
if communication is by runner, Batteries to be used in aid of
exploitation should be pushed forward as early as possible even at
the expense of weakening the later stages of the barrage, so that
Battalion Commanders can fix up communications to them.
Further artillery notes follow.
13. EXPLOITATION.
Was done by strong patrols, supporting platoons or posts
being pushed up to them on the principle of "bounds".
14. FIELD SERVICE REGULATIONS. Principles therein again of proven
value.
 

 

2nd Aust Div.
Third Corps will tomarrow at   a.m. continue
the advance in the direction of NURLE x – aaa Second
Australian Division will form [[?ded]] along the spur
running from Mont St Quentin to Aizecourt a defensive
flank to ^conform to and cover this advance of the Third Corps
aaa This defensive flank will follow the general line
I.16.central, road bend in I.11.d and thence along
road as far as Aizecourt AIZECOURT square
J.1.central,-
repeat to all whom it affects
BGGS.
Further action on above
Inform BGGS that I do not hope, at best, to
be able to cover the advance of 74th Division further
north east the Aizecourt, & that, therefore, if
this Division succeeds in reaching NURLU it must
make its own defensive flank, along the line
AIZECOURT - NURLU,
JM
1/9/18
 

 

[* G.O.C.

-/9/18*]
[*HEADQUARTERS
AUSTRALIAN CORPS
106/1063.*]
2nd American Corps (G.II)
27th American Division (G.II)
30th American Division (G.II)
2nd Australian Division.
3rd Australian Division.
5th Australian Division.
C.M., Aust. Corps.
G.O.C.R.A., Aust. Corps.
B.G.H.A., Aust. Corps.
1st Aust. Div. Arty.
4th Aust. Div. Arty.
1st Australian Division.
4th Australian Division.
4th Tank Brigade.
5th Tank Brigade.
Herewith / copiesy of report on the ST. QUENTIN Canal
showing:
(i) Sources of Supply.
(ii) Description of the Canal.
(iii) Dimensions of the Canal.
(iv) Possibilities of Floo ding.
(v) The Tunnels.
(vi) Quarries.
(vii) Bridges.
(viii) Present Condition of Canal.
(ix) Trenches.
Sueses une
for Brigadier-General,
General Staff, Australian Corps.
Intelligence,
[[?]]9-18.
Distribution Overleaf.
 

 

- 2 -
Distribution,
2nd American Corps 6 copies.
27th American Division 28   "   (Each Bn. 1, Reg.H.Q.2,
                                                           Bde.H.Q.4, Div.H.Q.4.).
30th American Division 28   "     "         "         "        ""
2nd Australian Division 22    "   (Each Bn. 1, Bde.H.Q.4,
                                                           Div.H.Q.6.).
3rd Australian Division 22   "           "      "           "      "
5th Australian Division 22   "           "      "           "      "
C.E., Aust. Corps             10    "
G.O.C.R.A., Aust. Corps   2    "
B.G.H.A., Aust. Corps     10    "
1st Aust. Div. Arty.           10    "
4th Aust. Div. Arty.         10    "
1st Australian Division     2   "
4th Australian Division    2  "
Copies to Ag (2)
G.0.C. (1)
B.G.G.S.(1)
G.S. (1)
Australian Mission,
 

 
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