General, Sir John Monash, Personal Files Book 21, 3 October - 24 November 1918 - Part 1

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Open to contributions
Accession number:
RCDIG0000638
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3

Page 1 / 10

Asu Ae Rontos Arform Time Bimister Peaont Buvsnsss Fidag Eoptenet. BReanrevort defenets ov a Srortage og aser Goso gaids, Hllung oved sprvaegvond . Svo borsooeds, ieverel jurns ant o It echine puns, over 600 Entnng dest Gosmtuke ana Ove folal damnalties abooke 790 aas det densevns urlt be vestung bog aiptts mstanti, - ane Jeneral bonachs
Army Form C.2121 A Form (In paasof 100.) MESSAGES AND SIGNALS. No. of Message...... Prehk.............Code...............mn. Words ) Charge Thie message ie on a/c ol: Omce of Origin an Service Instruchions Recd. at...m. Sent . ....... Date............... ...............................3er0ic. .... ................ ............ At................... From ........... J1.10 ............ 934. 54 2 88 (oenaturesd Frandes Oodeer LONDOn AlII AboR - In geohb foRumber. 28. Beuder aRabef AAA teh Inform Prine Ainister Second Divisjon totay captre defences on a frontage of over six thousand värde taking over prieoners several guns and nunroue machine gune over eight hundred enamy e e AA Our total cazualties about seven hundred AAn AII divieions will resting by be sit ta AAN CIITERAL MONASH wullesu 1.1 F5 From Pace Tme - The above maug oe jorcuruen us nou corrected. 2 il i St a .. . . . . ..... ....... CemertSerntersd iddrssoror prsun authorsed Toletedrach ldhtes pame This hne should be erased if not required. Order No. 1625 Wt. W3233/ Poll 2722 H& K. Ltd (E. 2634)
APM IST ANZAC CORPS. Re BEF. FRANCE. Güt 412 191 90 3 Nauk it vnbaler Wot Trctter jeleelid b reblade Shred Brück dr R Skonld be a Kicked men she dutier unt Werg lestrmetle andert m nreg efinion beenne Stet Meore Ro ehen Bindizbinctun Mnsenend. Aboned Tredat Hut e Seeislteg leheliet Pattehien Ponmandes hict an sslätleshet ?a. Metuten anld be Seheted, As Mraat Aust Biur an belenleg bo le at o Rline for A Ang henor uns s Kün ler a man o tte Rarh 9 4r Nolder- Holsfon mol ha Aver 15 5 ZLette R.
AUSTRALIAN GORFS. . Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances,--OPEPATIONS. - From Znßelo-19............... Srom.4.17.15...... Fermation noon.1.10.15..... noTs.4-10-18........... .. .. office . 0. Ranks. Officers. O. Ranks. lst Australian Division 2 2nd a do 4th do 5th AUST ALIAN TOTALS 726 75 Corps Troops 252 37 12 Other Formations zzeriez.:....Div. 27th .. . . . . . . . . .....Div. GRAND TOTALS 1232 113 Prisoners of War 164 5? 3 e adquarters. r Mcolonol - 18 D.D.M.S.Australian Corps to-A.c.c. b.G. G.S. inf.Bureau.
AUSTRALIAN CORPS. Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances,--PEPATYONS. Farmation From ........ . . . . . . From ZER0.....3-10-19........ 7o... . . . . . . . . . . . 70.. 34 20 -. 4-10B Officors. O Ranks. Offloe 5. O. Panks. 1st Australian Division 2nd rd a ith 5th do 20 AUST ALIAN TOTALS 42 651 Corps Troops 12 215 Other Formations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DiV. 27th American...Div. GRAND TOTALS 56 919 - Prisoners of War 105 Arnüue dquarters. 18 . Colonl 4-16-18 // D.D.M.S.Australian Corps as to;- A.C.C. b.G. G.S. Inf.bureau. 141
AUSTRALTAN CORPS Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances,--PEPATIONS. 6 a.m. 4-10-19From ZER0.................... 3-10-18 Fermation From.... . . . . . . . . . . To.6.R.m..4-10-18 Te......6.R.m..4-10..8... Officors. O. Ranks. Office s. 0. Ranks. lst Australian Division 2nd 134 45 756 Ir do 4th 5th 22 AUST ALIAN TOTALS 46 139 790 Corps Troops 59 16 274 Other Formations 27th American..Div. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..DiV. GRAND TOTALS 199 62 1118 Prisoners of War 114 3 219 Headquarters. an 4 - 10- 18 Colonel D.D.M.S.Australian Corps Copies to;- A.C.C. L.G. G.S. Inf.bureau.
(COPY TO GENERAL BLAMEY) AUSTRALLAN CORES Corps Headquarters, ath October, 1918. Maj. Cen.T.N. CLA-0Ot,CB,CNO,DSO., Commanding lst Aust. Division. Naj.Cen. C.ROSLMTHAL, (B,CMG,DSO., Commanding 2nd Aust. Division. Maj.Cen. J. CLLLIERAID, CE,DSO., Commanding 3rd Austs Division. Maj.Cen. E.C.SIACLAIN-MNCLACAN,OB,DSO., Commanding eth Aust. Division. Maj.Cen. Sir J.J.TALBUT HOBES,ROB,VD., Commanding 5th Aust. Livision. The whole 5 Divisions of the Corpe will be relieved from the Line in the very near future, and will be concentrated in 5 contiguous areas near the coast.- Although there is at present no definite indication that, this arrangement is the beginning of a rest for the whole of the Corps throughout the winter monthe, there is good reason for believing thet, if the Corps is again employed befors the close of the campaigning season, this employment will be confined to one, or,at most, two Divisions at a time, and then only for comparatively short periods.- Under these circumstances, at least 3, and possibly d Divisions, will be assured long periods of rest from duty in the Line, during which Divisional Commanders will be enabled to take in hand, on a com- prehensive scale, questions of reorganization and training. - It should be the first concern of Divisional Commanders to re-create a high standard of discipline and soldierly bearing, giving the utmost attention to small matters such as clothing, equipment, turn-out, saluting and deportment.- In this, ceremon¬ ial drill plays a not unimportant part and it will be a good thing occasionally to have a formal review of a complete Prigade Croup (less Artillery), if not of the Division as a whole. All matters of reorganization must be taken in hand at Problems arising from the depletion of our strengths once.- through the recent battlo wastage and through the withdrawal of men on furlough to AU-THALLA, must be solved at once, and the Pattalions definitely reorganized on lines which will permit them to absorb the steady recruitment from the Depots which may from /now...
now on be expected to ensue.- I am opposed to the breaking up of cadres and prefer that the d-company organization should be maintained throughout, even though some Companies may, for the time being, be able to furnish only two or three weak Platoons. - Questions of the appointment and posting of officers, and of the selection and appointment and promotion of non-commissioned officers should be taken in hand early, so as to stabilise the orgenization of Platoons and Companies.- All Pattalion and Brigade Staffs should be carefully overhauled with a view to consolidated recommendations as to any moves or changes desired.- Suitable regimental officers should be selected and oarmarked for future absorption as Staff Trainees. In regard to Training,- this chould be progressive, care being taken that secure foundations are laid before advanced training is undertaken.- Classes (by Brigade or Battalion) for n.c.o's or aspirant n.c.o's, chould be formed with a view to teaching command and responsibility as well as capacity to instruct.- Lectures should be arranged for officers, particularly in Map Reading, Message Writing, and methods of Training.- Brigade Commanders should lecture to junior officers on lines which will develop their sense of responsibilit both to the men and to their superiors.- special attention should be given to Arms Drill, Care of Arms, and Musketry, and the personnel capable of handling Lewis Ouns and Rifle Crenades should be largely increased. - In the later stages of the Training, much attention should be given to Open warfare Training and, for this, Platoon exercises should form a basis so as to teach Platoons to work together intelligently, and the Platoon Commander and his sergeant to skilfully combine the use of the various weapons at their disposal.- These Platoon exercises should lead, by stages, to Battalion exercises in Semi-Open or Open Warfare, so that Signal Communications can be exercised and tested in the field on a full scale. - As regards larger Open Warfare exercises, it will probably not be possible, with the Training Aroas available, to achieve more than skeleton exercisee, either by Brigades or by the Division as a whole.- These exercises should be conceived on lines which will enable all Commanders, Staffs, and the whole of the Signal service to be turned out and be taught to work together in Reconnaissance, the rapid making of Dispositions, the dealing with unexpected situations, reading of maps and study of country, problems of time and space, flow of information, and the exploitation of all available means of communica tion.. /I....
It remains to be seen whether the Areas allotted to Divisions will permit of programmes of Training on the above lines being carried out in their entirety; but I look to Divisional Commanders to organize the Training on as comprehen¬ sive lines as possible, so that we may have every guarantee that the fighting efficiency of the'Corpe shall be in no way impaired as the result of a long period of rest from line duty. As many senior officers are likely to be given the opportunity of benefitting by extended leave during the winter, Divisional Commanders should ensure that there is a complete continuity of policy and that there will be no interruption.to the realization of any Commander's policy owing to his temporary absence on leave. Lieut.-Ceneral, Commanding Australian Corpe.
CASUALTIES SUSTAINED BY AUSTRALIAN CORPS IURING PERIOD 1.6.18 T0 5.10.18. onmn3 DIED OF DIED OF ENTALLY KILLED IN GASSED. OF WAR. TOTAL. ACTION. WoUFDS. GAs. KILLED. WOUFDFD. 12 1833. 1215 127 330 139 Officers, 32895. 4597 2 21471 4648 1962 62 Other Ranks, Grand Total Cas'ties, 34728. 7214. GRAND TOTAL KILLED, CRAND TOTAL WOUNDED, CASSED 2 P.O.W.,27514. 34728. lup op 1 Clou 121 Jonking fas o nrindtad a nohe at, toe heud 454 Por Dr. Sr Ly Nann geit smtäüided- fa ag

3 Oct/1918
Adminaust
London
Inform Prime Minister Second Division
today captured Beaurevoir defences on a
frontage of over 6000 yards, taking over
1000 prisoners, several guns and xxxxxx numerous 
machine guns, over 800 enemy dead
counted aaa our total casualties about 700
aaa All divisions will be resting by sixth 
instant. - aaa General Monash  
 

 

Army Form C.2121
(In pads of 100.)
"A" Form
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.
No. of Message......
Copy
[[To?]] ADMINAUST LONDON
Sender's Number
AB
Day of Month.
3rd/10/18
In reply to Number.
AAA
Inform Prime Minister Second Division
today captured BEAUREVOIR defences on a
frontage of over six thousand yards
taking over 1000 prisoners
several guns and numerous machine guns
over eight hundred enemy dead counted AAA
Our total casualties about seven hundred
AAA All divisions will be resting by
sixth instant AAA GENERAL MONASH
From AUSTRALIAN CORPS.
(Z)
(sgd). H.O. Townsend
Capt. 

 

Re. A.P.M.
IST ANZAC CORPS.
B.E.F., FRANCE.
Oct 4/18 191
G.OC
I think it important that the officers
selected to replace Lt. Col Smith as A.P.M
should be a picked man. The duties are
 very responsible, and will, in my opinion become
still more so when demobilisation commences.
I would suggest that a specially selected
Battalion Commander with an established
reputation should be selected. As the 1st and 4th 
Aust Divs are likely to be out of the line for
a long period, one of their C.O.S., a man of the [[Sla??]]
of Col. Wilden - Neligan might be given the post
2/10/18 Rae

 

 

AUSTRALIAN CORPS.
Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances,--OPERATIONS.

Formation From 4-10-18
noTo 4-10-18
From ZERO 3-10-18
noTo 4-10-18
       

 

Officers.

0

Ranks. 

Officers.

0

Ranks.

1st Australian Division

 

2

 

10

   
2nd       do            do

1

71

1

693

   
3rd        do            do

 

-

42

-

   
4th        do            do

 

1

 

2

   
5th        do            do

 

1

 

21

   
AUSTRALIAN TOTALS

1

75

43

726

   
Corps Troops

1

37

13

252

   
Other Formations

 

1

2

52

   
27th [[??]] Div.
                     Div.

 

 

 

2

   
GRAND TOTALS

2

113

58

1032

   
Prisoners of War

 

59

3

164

   

Alphonsus a Court
Major
for Colonel
D.D.M.S. Australian Corps

Headquarters.
4-10-18
Replies to; - A.C.C.
B.G.  G.S.
A.
Inf. Bureau.
JM
4/10/18 

 

AUSTRALIAN CORPS.
Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances,--OPERATIONS.

Formation From .....
To ......
    From ZERO 3-10-18
To 0600 4-10-18
   
  Officers. 0 Ranks.  Officers. 0 Ranks.
1st Australian Division       1   8
2nd       do            do       41   622
3rd        do            do       -   -
4th        do            do           1
5th        do            do           20
AUST ALIAN TOTALS       42   651
Corps Troops       12   215
Other Formations       2   51
                             Div.
27th American Div.
          2
GRAND TOTALS       56   919
Prisoners of War       3   105

Alphonsus a Court
Major
for Colonel
D.D.M.S. Australian Corps

Headquarters.
4-10-18
Replies to; - A.C.C.
B.G.  G.S.
A.
Inf. Bureau.
JM
4/10/18

 

INSERT TABLES
AUSTRALIAN CORPS.
Wounded admitted to Field Ambulances,--OPERATIONS.

Formation From 6 a.m. 4-10-18
To 6 p.m. 4-10-18
    From ZERO 3-10-18
To 6 p.m. 4-10-18
   
  Officers. 0 Ranks.  Officers. 0 Ranks.
1st Australian Division 4   2 1   10
2nd       do            do     134 45   756
3rd        do            do     -     -
4th        do            do     1     2
5th        do            do     2     22
AUST ALIAN TOTALS     139 46   790
Corps Troops            
Other Formations            
                             Div.
27th American Div.
           
GRAND TOTALS            
Prisoners of War            

Alphonsus a Court
Major
for Colonel
D.D.M.S. Australian Corps

Headquarters.
4-10-18
Replies to; - A.C.C.
B.G.  G.S.
A.
Inf. Bureau.
JM
4/10/18 

 

(COPY TO GENERAL BLAMEY)
AUSTRALLAN CORPS
Corps Headquarters,
4th October, 1918.
Maj. Gen. T.W. GLASGOW, CB, CMG, DSO.,
Commanding 1st Aust. Division.
Maj. Gen. C. ROSENTHAL, CB, CMG, DSO.,
Commanding 2nd Aust. Division.
Maj. Gen. J. GELLIBRAND, CB, DSO.,
Commanding 3rd Aust. Division.
Maj. Gen. E.G. SINCLAIR-MACKAGAB, CB,DSO.,
Commanding 4th Aust. Division.
Maj. Gen. Sir J.J. TALBOT HOBBS, KCB, VD.,
Commanding 5th Aust. Division.
The whole 5 Divisions of the Corps will be relieved
from the Line in the very near future, and will be concentrated
in 5 contiguous areas near the coast.- Although there is at
present no definite indication that, this arrangement is the
beginning of a rest for the whole of the Corps throughout the
winter months, there is good reason for believing that, if the
Corps is again employed before the close of the campaigning season,
this employment will be confined to one, or, at most, two Divisions
at a time, and then only for comparatively short periods.- Under
these circumstances, at least 3, and possibly 4 Divisions, will be
assured long periods of rest from duty in the Line, during which
Divisional Commanders will be enabled to take in hand, on a
comprehensive scale, questions of reorganization and training. -
It should be the first concern of Divisional Commanders
to re-create a high standard of discipline and soldierly bearing,
giving the utmost attention to small matters such as clothing,
equipment, turn-out, saluting and deportment.- In this,
ceremonial drill plays a not unimportant part and it will be a good thing
occasionally to have a formal review of a complete Brigade Group
(less Artillery), if not of the Division as a whole.-
All matters of reorganization must be taken in hand at
once.- Problems arising from the depletion of our strengths
through the recent battle wastage and through the withdrawal of
men on furlough to AUSTRALIA, must be solved at once, and the
Battalions definitely reorganized on lines which will permit them
to absorb the steady recruitment from the Depots which may from
/now
 

 

 - 2 -
now on be expected to ensue.- I am opposed to the breaking up of
cadres and prefer that the d-company organization should be maintained
throughout, even though some Companies may, for the time being, be
able to furnish only two or three weak Platoons. -
Questions of the appointment and posting of officers, and of
the selection and appointment and promotion of non-commissioned officers
should be taken in hand early, so as to stabilise the organization of
Platoons and Companies.- All Battalion and Brigade Staffs should be
carefully overhauled with a view to consolidated recommendations as to
any moves or changes desired.- Suitable regimental officers should be
selected and earmarked for future absorption as Staff Trainees. -
In regard to Training,- this should be progressive, care
being taken that secure foundations are laid before advanced training
is undertaken.- Classes (by Brigade or Battalion) for n.c.o's or
aspirant n.c.o's, should be formed with a view to teaching command and
responsibility as well as capacity to instruct.- Lectures should be
arranged for officers, particularly in Map Reading, Message Writing,
and methods of Training.- Brigade Commanders should lecture to
junior officers on lines which will develop their sense of responsibility
both to the men and to their superiors.-
Special attention should be given to Arms Drill, Care of Arms,
and Musketry, and the personnel capable of handling Lewis Guns and
Rifle Grenades should be largely increased. -
In the later stages of the Training, much attention should be
given to Open Warfare Training and, for this, Platoon exercises should
form a basis so as to teach Platoons to work together intelligently,
and the Platoon Commander and his Sergeant to skilfully combine the use
of the various weapons at their disposal.- These Platoon exercises
should lead, by stages, to Battalion exercises in Semi-Open or Open
Warfare, so that Signal Communications can be exercised and tested in
the field on a full scale. -
As regards larger Open Warfare exercises, it will probably
not be possible, with the Training Areas available, to achieve more
than skeleton exercises, either by Brigades or by the Division as a
whole.- These exercises should be conceived on lines which will
enable all Commanders, Staffs, and the whole of the Signal service to
be turned out and be taught to work together in Reconnaissance, the
rapid making of Dispositions, the dealing with unexpected situations,
reading of maps and study of country, problems of time and space, flow
of information, and the exploitation of all available means of
communication..
/It....
 

 

It remains to be seen whether the Areas allotted to
Divisions will permit of programmes of Training on the above
lines being carried out in their entirety; but I look to
Divisional Commanders to organize the Training on as comprehensive
lines as possible, so that we may have every guarantee
that the fighting efficiency of the 'Corps shall be in no way
impaired as the result of a long period of rest from line duty.
As many senior officers are likely to be given the
opportunity of benefitting by extended leave during the winter,
Divisional Commanders should ensure that there is a complete
continuity of policy and that there will be no interruption to
the realization of any Commander's policy owing to his temporary
absence on leave.
Lieut.-General,
Commanding Australian Corps.
 

 

22.8.19.
CASUALTIES SUSTAINED BY AUSTRALIAN CORPS DURING PERIOD 1.6.18 TO 5.10.18.

  KILLED IN
ACTION.
DIED OF
WOUNDS.
DIED OF  GAS. ACCIDENTALLY
KILLED.
WOUNDED. GASSED. PRIONERS
OF WAR.
  TOTAL.
Officers, 330 139 5 5 1215 127 12 - 1833.
Other Ranks, 4648 1962 62 63 21471 4597 92 - 32895.
         

Grand

Total Cas'ties   34728.
GRAND TOTAL KILLED, 7214.
GRAND TOTAL WOUNDED, GASSED & P.O.W.., 27514.
GRAND TOTAL CASUALTIES, 34728.

Omitting gas & accidental
above works out, for period
47 per Div. per day.
Now get it subdivided - from Aug 8 to Oct 5.
 

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