Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/243A/1 - 1916 - 1934 - Part 4

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54th BATTALION, FROMELLES.
Before getting over Nomansland:
Capt. Taylor, A Coy., killed; Lecky, 2nd-in-command (shell
burst just over tin hat); Hanson ("B") hit twice before getting
across; 2nd-in-command, Hurst, wounded; Holman ("C") wounded in our
trenches; 2nd-in-command .......; Capt. Jack ("D") wounded as he got
over top (killed in Sept. 1918); Young, 2nd-in-charge, wounded in
xxxx Nomansland; Lieut. Boon killed before getting over top; Lieut.
Morris (I.O.) wounded in trenches; Lieut. Downing (L.G. officer)
wounded in trenches; Lieut. Harris ("D”) wounded in trenches; Lieut.
Tedder wounded in Nomansland; Shaw wounded in Nomansland; (Dalpuget
killed two days before); Col. Cass blown over b y shell crossing
Nomansland; Major Roy Harrison 2nd-in-command Bn. (of 2nd Bn. of
Anzac) killed in Nomansland. (Gunter, bombing officer, and Lowe,
Adjutant, unwounded). This was the enemy's shell barrage in
Nomansland. Barrage was on before we crossed. Germans could see
us coming up our communication trenches. Ammunition dump of 8th
Bde. caught fire about time show started; that of 54th Bn. blew up
about 8 p.m.
In retirement in morning, when 8th Bde. gave, Cass threw back
[*Capt N. Gibbins* ]left flank and had Guibboins (55th Bn) there lining a C.T. When
ordered to pull out M.G.'s and L.G.'s first, this was done. Cass
ordered Vickers guns out first and Lewis Guns after, and told Colonel
McConaghy, 55th Bn, to keep the Coy. of 55th Bn., which was in old
German front line, as a rearguard. By some error McConaghy didn't
do this but took that Coy. back to our trenches and brought Gibbon's
party back into front line as rearguard. (Gibbon was a trusted
officer and had already been wounded early in the night). This left
the left flank quite open and the last 30 men had to fight their way
through with the bayonet. The party with Gibbon got through the
C.T. through Nomansland (which the German shell was missing
regularly by a few yards). On a block in the trench Gibbon and ......
decided to go overland and chance it - and Gibbon was hit in
Nomansland and killed by M.G.

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Report of Col.Cass, C.O. 54th Bn on the "Raid" at
Armentiereson July 19/20 1916.
IN THE FIELD
21/7/16
14th A.I.Brigade.
I desire to forward the following report on
the assault and capture and subsequent withdrawal from the German
threnches by the 54th Bn as seen by myself.
During the period prior to the assault this bn suffered
very heavy casualties in our own front line from enemy artillery.
Three of the four coy commdrs were killed or wd, three of the 4
second in commd of coys were wd. Two offrs and a no. of men were
k. when going from the 300 yds line to the front line, and so accurate
ws t enemys fire on these coys tt I am convinced tt not only did
t enemy know we were coming but tt they cd see t advance.
The enemys barrage ws very heavy on t section allotted x
to t 14th bde and as soon as our men moved forwd over t parapet
they were met by m.g. and rifle fire wh again caused heavy losses
in Nomansland. The coys moved forwd in perfect order losing t
senior major and t remaining coy commdr while doing so.
The trenches were easily captd, and two m.gs in additn.
Our men followed the fleeing enemy for abt 600 yds andthen came ux
under fire from our own arty also. We retired to the German first
system of trenches and at abt 150 to 200 yds in rear of their first
line set to wo k to dig a trench. At the ti me the 54th had touch
on the right w t 53rd bn who stated they were in touch w t 15th
bde. On t left we had touch w t 8th bde.
The site selected for a fire trench ws a drain containg
from 18'' to 2' of water and ran almost parallel to t German front
line. A solid parapet ws built up during t night to a height from
7' to 9'. Sandbags came in time and t work ws made bullet proof.
At t time there were very few officers left in t coys and these were
juniors.
Abt 2.20 am the enemy made a strong counter up t road
past Rouge Bancs but m.gs and Lewis guns placed there in anticipatn
of this drove it off. In t dark it could not be seen what losses to
t enemy were caused, but t attack died away. Soon after, abt 2.40
a.m. a strong counterattack on our right along t German front 2nd
and 3rd lines ws made. This ws t first intimatn tt t right flank x
had given away. The 53rd bn had not any knowledge of this defection
on their right and had not barricaded these trenches In consequence
t enemy were behind t 53rd bn front line and within 80 yds of my
right flank. Grenades were at a premium, and both these attacks
caused the 53rd to break and crowd in on my right. Many of the men x
were demoralised and a mixed party surrendered. It wd appear tt at
least 6 Germans in Australian uniform went over to t Germans from
t vicinity of t right and others seeing this followed. I am
informed also that four officers of the 53rd. Bn. surrendered at th
this time, but in t half light there may be some mistake about
this.
The position was now getting serious. My stock of
bombs was gone and the Germans were in strength. They were close
up to my right flank and I could not stop the 53rd. from dribbling 

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2.
away although I appealed personally to the men to fight. I could
not find the CO. 44 55th. Bn. at t time, and one company of his
Unit was my only support. I would not denude my weak front line
and I appealed for help. It was now 3.45 am. About 4 am I
found the C.O. 55th and tried to get him to counter attack with the
bayonet. I then got a small party of the 54th. and 55th. under
my pioneer sergeant and they ran forward with the bayonet and drove
the enemy back about 50 yards. I could find no officer of the 53rd
and could spare none of the 54th. At t time I had only six of whom
the Lewis Gun officer was already wounded but sticking to his work
splendidly. About the same time some grenadiers arrived and I
was able to keep the Germans back. I asked 4.5 am in my report
for help from the Artillery - indicating the position occupied by t
enemy. At 4.20 am I again reported the position as desperate and
again asked for artillery support. Having no telephone. communcn.
(I had already asked six time for it) I had bo knowledge for 1½
hours after each message, that t message was recd. At 6.15 I was
able to report t position much easier. My Pioneer Sergeant
Stringer had by splendid work kept the enemy out of bombing range
by his wonderful example and enthusiasm and had got about a dozen
men to assist him. Lt. Dunoon 55th had counter attacked across t
open, under instructions from the C.O. 55th to whom I gave a direct
order that this counter attack should be made. Lt. Dunoon did good
work but was wounded while doing it. At this time the 8th. Bde
retired and my left flank was open. I at once drew my left in on
the German first line and now held a semicircle. I arranged with
C.O. 55th to build a firing line facing West towards Fme Delaporte
and reported this and the position of the Germans to Bde HQ again
asking for artillery help. At 6.30 I received word that the 8th.
Bde had retired and that I was to hold on till ordered to withdraw.
At the same time I was told to save the Lewis and Vickers guns.
At 6.35 I issued orders to Companies that we were to hold on to our
ground until ordered to withdraw. At 6.30 I sent word to the
Vickers and Lewis Gun officers to get their guns away one at a
time. Again I asked for artillery support as machine guns on both
my flanks were causing many casualties. At 7.20 I reported that t
machine guns had been sent away and that Lewis guns were following.
I had to retain two to keep down German fire.
I directed Col. Mc Conaghy to hold the German front line
as a rear guard and to ensure that his men covered the retirement
of the rest of the force. He gave orders (I understand) to Capt.
Gibbons whose Coy. was on my left to form this rear guard party
and then left. Capt. Gibbons seems to have misunderstood this
and withdrawn his coy at once. Consequently the Germans rushed in
between my front and rear and my 54th. had to charge through them
killing many in doing so.
At 7.50 the order to withdraw reached me and I started
the men through the sap. Unfortunatly some of the men were too
demoralised to go in an orderly way and broke across NO MANS LAND
where they were badly cut up by machine guns on both flanks and
by artillery. The sap saved hundreds of lives without doubt

29
3.
although it was so shallow. By 9 am the last of the troops had
crossed, thoroughly exhausted and then were again subjected to a
heavy bomberdment while in our own front line. T need for
medical attention in our first trench was most pressing, for I saw
scores of men badly wounded and no help at hand to bind them up.
T casualties were mounting up and there was no communication
except by runners with Bdem H9 and all seemed to dazed to send for
help. Our communication (?) trenches were being blown to pieces
and not until I myself reached Bde HQ at Rue de Petillion about
11 am was I able to inform anyone of this most pressing need for
doctors and trained stretcher bearers. I there saw Capt.
Cosgrove R.M.O. and told him of the position. He at once set off
sent off 14 stretchers and three doctors, but I was too exhausted
to do any more. At abt. 1 pm a cart came and took me away to the
14th. Bde HQ at Les Croix Lecornex when I reported verbally to
the O.C. 14th. Bde.
I believe that the Germans have some very accurate
system of observing the rear of our position. It could be done
by a telescope periscope (similar to a submarine's periscope)
about 20 ft. long and placed in a tree. T observer in tt case
could easily be in a dugout behind the tree observing everything
and reporting to t guns when he saw a target. I know that on
returng to Rue de Petillion via York Avenue I had no sooner reachd
our 300 line when with about 12 or 15 men than heavy shells
rained on us and searched the Avenue for abt. 50 yds. This
could not have been done by chance as there had been no fire over
this point for 15 minutes.prior to my arrival there. Similarly
any party of 6 or 8 men in t forward end of Brompton Rd. was
similarly shelled by most accurate fire and yet only trees in the
german area could be seen.
I believe that enemy batteries are placed somewhere on
continuation of the line N 2 Central N 9 centre N 16 Central or
close to the vicinity of Hayem N 16 D Central to les Clochers N 16
B or in the wood N 17 C 33. The batteries referred to were very
close to tt area I am sure and may be located by our aeroplanes
on this information. Reference map Trench map France sheet
36 S W Edition 7Ax /1/20000.
I venture this report from my own observation
supported by one of my officers.
At present I cannot report further but as events recur
I may be able to record them, and will forward them direct.
(sgd) W.E. Cass. Lt-Col.
Commanding 54th. Bn.

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TO ALL Coys.
From D8
Prepare to move to a new billeting area tonight time
will be notified later. All men not on Brigade or Divisional
duties must be warned to be ready at a moments notice.
Strength. 31 officers 968 O.R. incldg. 1 Parson 1 Interpreter.
2 Absentees O.R.
To AZN
From XED 0415
In.position at 0400 Zero time. Shall I use Zero time or
clock time for future messages please.
To Col. Norris.
From W.E. Cass. 3.50 pm
Have you had any reply yet from Bde re tt farm please.
To AZN
From XED  R. 4.35 pm
Reporrs from firing line reports tt enemy artlly. fire very
feeble. Casualties to date 1 killed 2 wounded by our own
shrapnel bursting short. One report states that enemy parapet
not much damaged as our shells appear to burst 30 or 40 yds behind
enemy parapet. Also states enemy wire not much damaged. This
from my left coy. No reply yet to my XED1 regarding time to be
used whether zero or clock
To C and D Coys.
From XED 4.40
Move forward commencing 5.15 pm No half hour reports recd.
from you yet.

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To A and B Coys.
From XED 4.45 pm
Reports recd. C and D will move down to you
commencing at 5.15 pm. First wave goes over parapet at 5.50
second 5.53. Everything appears to be going well. xxxx 53rd. Bn
ststes parapet of enemy inruins. Has t Trench Mortar batty got to
work on wire yet.
Telephone is in firing line somewhere now. Send runners
to find it.
To Col. Norris.
From W.E. Cass. 4.55
If you have not yet had reply from Bde will you please
send reminder asking for it as it is important.
To Major Harrison
from W.E. Cass 5 pm
Take the police and Sanitary squad with you. Sgt. Wass
is somewhere in front line now. Will you send you signallers now
take six with you leaving Wass behind. He should have wire to go
forward with you.
ToAZN
From XED 5.25
My left coy reports again tt enemy parapet about
N 9 D 8 to N. 10 C 1 not yet smashed. Please inform Artillery.
Capt. Taylor seriously wounded.
To Capt. Street
From W.E. Cass. 5.30 pm
Have not yet got telephone communication with front
line. Please instruct Bde signallers to go over line and make
repairs. URGENT.
To AZN
From XED 5.30 pm
Enemy wire in front of B Coy (my XED3) not yet breached.

32
3.
To Major Harrison.
From W.E. Cass.  5.30 pm
Have informed Bde HQ of your message re wires. Put
Lecky in charge of A Coy.
Our first line should go over at 5.50.
To AZN
From XED 5.45
Enemy are enfilading Brompton Road with shrapnel and
trench mortars and heavy artillery. Communication blocked for
the time. More artillery support required to check enemy artlly.
as most of their guns are playing on parapet and communication.
To AZN
From XED 8.20 pm
Am holding a line about 150 yds from German front line.
Bn. on my left appears to have drawn back. Am consolidating but
my line is very thin and have no supports. Send if possible the
2 coys 55th. Have put Lewis gun on my flanks also machine guns.
My men went too far forward and our own artillery caused some
losses so theycame to present position. Herewith Books from a
German HQ. About 12 prisoners already sent in. German machine
guns on both my flanks still in action. All cables broken.
To 55th. Bn. Working parties or Engineers.
From W.E. Cass.  8.25
Send all available sandbags, shovels, and working xxx
parties. URGENT.
To Lt. Harris.
From W.E. Cass. 8.50
Messages recd. I have sent two messages for sandbags
and when they come you will have them. Tell the men how very
well they have done and how proud of you all I am. Where is
Major Harrison or Capt. Jack?

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4.
To AZN
From XED 8.53
Please get cable connection made immediately as all my
messengers are exhausted. Send reinforcements as my line is too
thin. All going well and I appear to have about 450 men.
Officer casualties very heavy no senior officers left. In urgent
need of sandbags flares, and verey pistols. Please send them
urgently. More Books herewith.
To Major Bachtol
55th. Bn.
Lt. Giblett
or Engineer Officer.
From W.E. Cass.  9.10 pm
Send me 3000 sandbags at once. Am in most urgent need
of xxxx picks shovels sandbags.
To A Coy.
From W.E. Cass. 9.15
Lieut. Harris has the only pistol and flares available
as yet but I have sent for more and when they come will send them
on. Tell the men how splendid they have done and to hang on like
death to a nigger. I am awfully proud of the Bn.
To All Companies.
From W.E. Cass. 9.30 pm
You and your men have done well and the Bde has every
reason to be satisfied. Work and work hard making your position
strong for we shall be counter attacked tonight. We must not lose
one yard of the ground we have taken and for t honour of t 54th.
and the Bde hang on. What we have we hold and never let a German
come into our line except as prisoner. You have my entire
confidence, and I want the men to be told so.

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5.
To AZN
From XED 9.30 pm
Have got touch with both my flanks. Have got Lewis
guns and machine guns in position and am making a trench but its
a bad place being so wet. Engineers are making tempy. duck
boards to keep men out of water. Want flares and sandbags
urgently and cannot raise them. Have found a few German ones
but do not know the colours and mistakes may arise. Cable
communication urgently needed.
TO AZN
From XED 10 pm
Have two German machine guns one with ammunition so
have it in use. T other No. 465 am sending across to you as no
belts available. Have large quantity German ammunition.
Telephone communication not yet through but I am using some German
wire on spec to see if it will work. My big difficulty is
communication as Fritz is shelling NO MANS LAND heavily.
Sandbags have arrived but am in need of ammunition particularly
for Lewis guns. Sending this by runner again.
To Coys.
From W.E. Cass. 11. 25 pm
Keep touch with both flanks. It is said that two coys
x 55th are in front of our line and I have had a message asking tt
no more flares be sent up. Do you know anything of other troops
being in front of us. If so please state where they are. Be
careful of Germans in Australian uniform speaking English and
getting amongst our men. Let each man be sure of his neighbours.
To AZN
From XED 1.15 am
Referring to DHQ telegram. The 54th. Bn is holding and
consolidating a line N 15 B 59 to N9d 10. It is in touch with
53rd. Bn. on right and 8th. Bde of left. We are being enfiladed
to a certain extent with shrapnel. Enemy machine guns appear to
be in rear of us on right and in front of us on left front.
The line has a fair field of fire and if supported we could retake
ROUGES BANCS N15 b 6½. 6½. We had to leave it because of our own
artillery fire.

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6.
TO AZN
From XED 1.20 am
Sandbags are arriving in good numbers. One coy 55th.
is in front line on my left and one attchd. to 53rd. on its left
flank also. Have not at time of message received Verey pistols
or flares but am using German flares. Enemy artillery strafeing
us pretty badly as it comes enfilade. I fancy some rifle grenades
or similar things have just landed in my back yard.
Cannot our artillery stop their guns as they are a
source of danger to us. Am forwarding papers and books found in
dugouts here. They contain range tables and description of
minenwerfer that might be useful. Sorry we did not get the guns.
TO AZN
From XED 2.25 am
Strong counter attack being made up road between 53rd.
and 54th. Owing to shortage of grenades our men are being driven
back. Please organise some system to send forward all
necessaries as I cannot spare men to go for them. Grenades
water ammunition sandbags urgently needed. Please send them at
once. Road mentioned runs SE from N9d to N15b towards ROUGES BANCS
No cable communication through yet. Cannot Bde Signal Section
lay another wire from Rue Petillion to me. It is urgently needed.
To AZN
From XED 2.40 am
Can you give me any information as to position on my
right. Enemy machine gun fire is coming from my right rear and
taking me in reverse. Is the right of 53rd. Bn secure. I can
get no information regarding my flank on that side.