Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/246/1 - 1916 - 1929 - Part 16

re Casualties mentioned in Bapaume.
It is difficult at this period to remember casualties sustained
by the M.G. in the Town. The writer kept the records of
"D" Co 30 Bn only. The casualties mentioned by Capt Cheese-man
would therefore probably be caused to another unit, ^or a sister Coy. to the 30th. There was
quite a mix up of troops in the Town for some time.
Pts FRENCH of "D" 30Bn was killed mentioned in the MSS
was killed by a sniper (see also enclosed notes). He reached
an advanced position in the E.part of the Town about H28a15
mentioned or H27b82 near the BEAUNATRE Road where he was afterwards buried. 

The map reference H27c44 is obviously a
mistake, as it is on the Western portion of the Town, near the
23rd Bn flank, which was taken prior to FRENCH setting out on
his patrol from the centre of the Town at about 7-30am as described
in the accompanying sketch with notes. Map reference
H27b44 was no doubt intended and would be nearer the mark.
The writer recollects obtaining report of the patrol on
return, and they stated French was Killed by a sniper from
one of the houses, and no mention was made of M.G.
From memory no further casualties took place in "D" CO 30Bn
in the Town itself afterthe above incident, and may represent the
last bout with the enemy in the E.Portion of Bapaume.
In the MSS mention is made of 2 privates woulded by M.G.
fire at H28c32, these casualties took place after the Town was
left behind, and the Co came in contact with the Germans E. of
Bapaume. This explanation may therefore assist in
clearing up the casualty list in Bapaume so far as "D" 30 Bn
is concerned, but as mentioned before other units were in the
Town, and Capt Cheeseman may have included their casualties also,
I recollect the 23rd Bn being held up by M.G.Fire at a later
period as described.
re the Delay in Bapaume, mentioned in yours.
The halt of some 3½ hours was caused a good deal by the
troops being mixed up, and much time was speant in reorganizing.
Elements of the 23rd Bn had also converged on the Town to
add to the confusion, and delay was caused in straightening out
units, and defining the 23rd Bn boundary. Ultimately the
sector was made clear and the 23rd moved off to our left.
Much discussion took place at this juncture as to the first
arrivals in Bapaume, and many claimants came to light. Two
of "D"Cos Officers Lts Richardson and Wells did splendid work
during the move, Richardson particularly, especially in the open
country E. of Bapaume. He was one of the naval reserves, and
joined the 30Bn, with a Naval Company ^from Victoria as infantrymen. He was

later K.I.A. Wells I believe is in Newcastle. Sgt Smith MM
did wonderfully well (see recommendation enc), and would no doubt
be with the first arrivals in the Town. Sgt Whipp of 30Bn
(later Lieut) did splendid work for, the Bn in Bapaume and elsewhere.
He claims to have reached the Town first, and afterwards
called himself Bapaume Whipp.
I might mention prior to "D"Co moving forward from the
positions taken up in the cetre of the Town, the writer despatched
patrols ahead along the route of advance with special instruction
to keep a sharp look out for snipers. The writer accompanied
the leading platoon, ^3 platoons moved off but no sniping or MG fire took place until

we were clear of the town. No doubt at that hour, shortly after
10-30 am the Germans had left Bapaume, and FRENCH's patrol mentioned

may therefore have been the means of dislodging the last enemy post
in the Town itself.

Enclosures
Am enclosing four items for perusal.
(1) A sketch with some notes re the advance on Bapaume
taken on completion of the operations. It shows (5-30am)
that the bombing party were in the old Factory close to the Town
well ahead of the main posts.
(2) Rough hasty sketch of the situation taken in the line E
of Bapaume, showing 2 platoons only in the line on an app. 700
yards frontage, with 2LG's in position.
(3) Later sketch same day, after the 23rd Bn linked up, and
3 Platoons of the Co in line, embracing app.900 yards for
the Co front. 11 posts with 3L.G.'s, with barricade on the
CAMBRI Road, and platoon in support. These sketches shoulld
be in the Bn records, including field messages mentioned in MSS. despatched

to Capt Cheeseman.
(4). Recommendation re SGT Smith for his MM. This
includes a short description of events, also time of patrol etc
Some of the above information may help to clear
up doubtful points. Will you kindly return the enclosures
with the MSS on completion to me at Melbourne.
Yours faithfully,
L Barbour

FL.4151

xxxxxxx
4434.
7 May 1929.
Dear Barbour,
Many thanks for your answer to my letter and for
the enclosed documents, which I have now finished with.
They are very interesting, and are really the only original
documents relating to the capture of Bapaume that appear to
exist.
The manuscript of your chapter that you sent me
previously is being returned under separate cover.
Yours sincerely,
CEW Bean
Captain T.C. Barbour
Box 2022 S, G.P.O.,
Melbourne.

FIFTH AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE
REPORT ON OPERATIONS.
24th/25th Febry to 2nd March '17.
Brigade Headquarters,
14th March 1917.
Reference: LE SARS to LOUPART WOOD and LE BARQUE, 1/10,000
1. PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS.
On the night 22nd/23rd and 23rd /24th February a marked
decrease in enemy activity was noticed, particularly so on the
night 23rd/24th. Patrols sent out on night 23rd/24th reported
that during the night "no enemy M.Gs. or T.Ms. fired from BUTTE
TRENCH or vicinity of S.Ps. at M.17.a.3½.2., nor were there any
flares from these positions, although onthe two previous. nights
M.Gs., snipers and flares had all been very active" (Vide Brigade
Intelligence Summary ofn24th Febry). This state of affairs was
unfortunsately not reported to Brigade Headquarters until daylight
on 24th Febry., when no further action could be taken.
Further enquiry elicited the information that no flares were sent
up from BUTTE TRENCH during the night, but that flares were
observed coming from places about 400 yards in rear. Patrols
also reported that the enemy shrapnel had been bursting high
over his own lines and that one of his posts was found to be
unoccupied.
From the above infrmation it was suspected that the
enemy front line system was being evacuated.
This information was communicated to G.O.C. 3rd Brigade
(on our right) who stated that he had received similar reports.
It was then arranged to send out a number of patrols from the
3rd Brigade and 5th Brigade at 6.30 p.m. to clear up the
situation. (Vide instructions issued at 2.30 p.m. to C.Os. 18th
and 20th Battalions, No. 18/2 dated 24th Feb.) 5th Brigade
patrols were to push on as far as the line GIRD TRENCH, QUARRY
M.17.a.0.6½., M.16.b.9.8½. and establish posts, if BUTTE TRENCH,
BUTTE ALLEY, BUTTE and QUARRY were found unoccupied. Patrols
from 3rd Brigade were to establish posts in GIRD TRENCH, providing
they were not held up before reaching it. On receipt
of "all clear” from patrols, the front line battalions of both
Brigades were to push forward and consolidate, pushing futher
further patrols forward.
G.O.C. 6th Aust. Inf. Bde. agreed to send out patrols
at the same time to co-operate by occupying GALLWITZ TRENCH if
it was found unoccupied.
5th Aust. Inf. Bde. Operation Order No. 81 was issued
to all concerned by special runner at 6 p.m.
2. NARRATIVE OF EVENTS. 24th February 1917.
At 7.35 p.m. G.O.C. 3rd Brigade reported that his
patrols had found GIRD TRENCH unoccupied. It was then agreed
that the advance should begin at 8.30 p.m. provided our patrols
reported "all clear" by that hour. 6th Brigade asked to move
forward at that time also if possible.
As no reports had been received by 8.28 p.m. from our
patrols the advance was postponed till 9 p.m.
At 8.45 p.m. Col. BRIDGES (G.S.O. 2nd Aust. Div.)
was asked to arrange that artillery be given a new S.O.S. line
300^x in advance of the objective laid down in Order No. 81.
At 8.55 p.m. word was received that 18th Bn. patrols had/ 

2
had found BUTTE TRENCH unoccupied, and were pushing on. Informed
Divisional Commander of the situation.
Advance again postponed until further reports were
received from patrols. At 9.2 p.m. 29th Bn reported that No. 2
patrol were in position 200 yards in advance of the culvert
at M.16.b.6½.7½. At 9.35 p.m. instructions were issued by phone
to the front line battalions to begin the advance at 10 p.m.
Other battalions advised and the Os.C. M.G.Company and T.M.
Battery istr instructed to follow the advance closely and assist
in consolidation. At 9.45 p.m. informed G.O.C. 3rd Brigade
that we intended to begin the advance at 10 p.m. He said that
he was not quite ready, so postponed time again.
At 9.50 p.m. 6th Brigade reported they had established
a post at M.10.d.5.4.
At 9.56 p.m. instructions were issued by phone to the
front line battalions to begin to move forward steadily at
10.20 p.m. Other units advised. At 10.15 p.m. informed G.O.C.
3rd Brigade that we would commence to move forward at 10.20 p.m.
3rd Brigade agreed to move forward at the same time. Division and
6th Brigade informed.
3. ACTION - Night 24th/25th Febry.
At 10.20 p.m. front line battalions commenced to move
forward steadily taking all precautions. The "going" was fairly
heavy owing to darkness and state of ground which was ploughed
up by shells and very muddy.
At 11.34 p.m. the 18th Bn. were in occupation of BUTTE
TRENCH and had established a forward Company H.Q. with a phone
in an old German dugout, there.
The 20th Bn. progressed more slowly owing to more difficult
nature of the ground over which they had to move.
At 11.45 p.m. the 18th Bn. had reached the line of
GIRD TRENCH and were moving forward to dig in at their objective.
BUTTE TRENCH was found to have been blotted out by shell fire
At 11.50 p.m. units informed that Brigade Boundaries
would be ^right M.17.central to H.32.central; Left M.16.b.8.2., M.11.a.65.
30. to G.36.central, excluding WARLENCOURT.
At 11.57 p.m. the 3rd Aust. Inf. Bde, on our right were
in occupation of GIRD and GIRD SUPPORT as far east as the MAZE
and had pushed patrols forward to BANK TRENCH without encountering
the enemy,
At 12.4 a.m. word was received that the advance ofthe
20th Bn. was held up and that the post established on the
BAPAUME ROAD had been bombed out with "pineapple" bombs. C.O.
20th Bn. was immediately instructed to push on at all costs.
At 12.55 a.m. 6th Aust. Inf. Bde. reported that
they were met by M.G. fire and bombs at M.9.d.2.2½.
At 1.24 a.m. touch was gained by patrols on our right
with the 3rd Aust. Inf. Bde. and the 3rd Aust. Inf. Bde. had
established posts at M.18.d.7.5., M.18.d.1.8..
At 2.33 a.m. touch was gained with the 20th Bn by 18th
Bn. who were now 200 yards North of the BUTTE.
At 2.37 a.m. the right of the 20th Bn had passed the
QUARRY, but the left was progressing more slowly. Captain
RICHARDS, O.C. Light Trench Mortar Battery, had by this time
got one mortar and some ammunition as far as M.17.a.2.5.
At 2.57 a.m. the right of the 20th Bn was about 200
yards in advance of the QUARRY and the left had occupied the
trench between BAPAUME ROAD and LE SARS ROAD at M.10.d.5.0.
At 4.25 a.m. 19th Bn had moved forward two Coys.
into positions vacated by Reserve Coys. of 18th and 20th Bns.
respectively, at M.28.b.8.8. and M.22.a.75.05.
At 5.10 a.m. 20th Bn were in possession of their
objective on a line M.17.a.3.9. - M.16.b.95.95. - M.10.d.5.0. -
M.10.d.4.0. and were consolidating whilst patrols pushed on.
At 6.10 a.m. 18th Bn reported that their right was 

3
held up by strong rifle fire and that a strong post was
being put in 80 yards N. of the BUTTE. Instructions were
immediately issued that the S.P. was to be constructed at
least 150 yards from the BUTTE, and that a bombing squad was
to work down GIRD TRENCH from the left whilst the right of
the 18th Bn. rushed the occupied portion from the front.
The 3rd Aust. Inf. Bde, were asked to send a bombing party
up GIRD TRENCH from the right to co-operate.
At 6.40 a.m. two Coys. of 17th Bn (Reserve) were
ordered forward from SUSSEX CAMP (S.15.a.) to occupy Support
positions in MARTINPUICH and STARFISH TRENCH and to provide
carrying parties.
At 7.5 a.m. touch was gained in GIRD TRENCH by
18th Bn. with 10th Bn on the right and a gap of 300^x found
unoccupied in GIRD TRENCH between the two Bns, the enemy party
which was holding up the right of the 18th Bn having retired.
The trench was immediately occupied.
At 7.10 a.m. 20th Bn had occupied the trench from
M.17.a.2.9. to M.10.d.5.4.
Both Bns. now pushed forward strong patrols to
reconnoitre GIRD SUPPORT on the right and LE BARQUE SWITCH
on the left. Patrols were instructed to push on to MALT TRENCH
if possible.
At 10.35 a.m. instructions were issued to 20th Bn
to cooperate with 6th Aust. Inf. Bde. who were establishing
strong posts in advance of the line WARLENCOURT.
25th Feby. At 12.10 pm. 18th and 20th Bns were each instructed
to move their Reserve Coy. forward to the old front line
system, whilst the 2 Coys. 19th Bn. (Support) in PRUE TRENCH
and SEVEN ELMS moved into positions vacated by them at
M.22.d.80.75. and LE SARS CUTTING respectively. At the same
time the Headquarters 19th Bn to move forward from SEVEN ELMS
to old Right Bn. Headquarters at N7.28.3.8.8 (B.M.219).
At 12.15 pm 17th Bn was instructed to move their
H.Q. and remaining two Coys. forward into the positions vacated
by the 19th Bn at SEVEN ELMS and PRUE TRENCH.
At 1.20 p.m. 20th Bn reported by phone that their
patrols had been fired on from LE BARQUE SWITCH, and that a
hostile M.G. was sweeping their front from that line. 20th Bn
instructed to be ready to push forward in advanced guard formation
to LE BARQUE SWITCH in co-operation with 3rd Aust. Inf. Bde.
On receiving the order from Bde. to move:20th Bn boundaries to be
M.11.d.0.3. to M.11.c.2.8. and advance to be covered by rifle
grenadiers.
At 1.37 p.m. 18th Bn reported that LE BARQUE SWITCH
was occupied by enemy with M.G's. but what strength not known.
At 1.45 p.m. orders were issued by wire for 2 Coys
each of 18th Bn and 20th Bn to advance in artillery formation
to occupy LE BARQUE SWITCH in cooperation with 3rd Aust. Inf.Bde.
who were also advancing to occupy the same objective (B.M.210).
At 1.50 p.m.n patrol of 18th Bn under Captain HOBBS
reports having reached CULVERT on BAPAUME ROAD at M.11.b. 2.0.
but were being troubled by M.G. fire from enemygun at CROSS ROADS
in M.11.a. G.O.C. 6th Aust. Inf. Bde. was asked to send a party
from his right post at Cross Roads M.5.c.5.1. to cooperate with
our patrol with a view to capturing this gun.
At 2 p.m. 3rd Aust. Inf. Bde. reported that they
were in occupation of LE BARQUE SWITCH.
At 2.30 p.m. the two Coys of each 18th and 20th Bns
moved forward in artillery formation under cover of their
protective screen of patrols to occupy the line of LE BARQUE
SWITCH. Although subjected to fairly heavy artillery fire the
advance was carried out with the utmost steadiness and the
formation was excellently maintained.
The 20th Bn. were able to continue their advance to
the line of WARLENCOURT, where they established at 4.30 p.m.
from M.11.a.4.4. to M.11.b.7.4. with posts thrown back to protect
their right at M.11.b.4.0. and M.11.c.0.9. 

4 
The 20th Bn were in touch with the Bn. who were moving
forward on our left through WARLENCOURT but had lost
touch with the 18th Bn.
The 18th Bn. occupied LE BARQUE SWITCH, but on
attempting to push further forward were met by strong
M.G. fire from at least 3 guns in MALT TRENCH. Posts
were however established on the line of the THAMES DITCH
in M.11.d. and on the line M.12.c.0.9 to M.12.c.4½.3½.
At 12.49 p.m. No. G.188 from Division received
stating that the Divisional Commander desired line MALT
TRENCH and GAMP TRENCH to be occupied by dusk - 5.30 p.m.
if possible - unless proved to be strongly held by the
enemy. Front line battalions were immediately warned by
phone to be ready to attack MALT TRENCH with 2 Coys. each.
The remaining 2 Coys. to move up in Support, and remain in
LE BARQUE SWITCH Line unless required to reinforce.
At 3.47 p.m. Operation Order No. 82 for the attack
on MALT TRENCH at 5 p.m. was issued.
Frontages for attack-
18th Bn. M.12.central to M.12.a.3½.7½.
2Oth Bn. M.12.a.3½.7½. to M.5.d.5.4.
At 5 p.m. the advance commenced but was met with
such strong M.G. and rifle fire that it was held up almost
at its inception. The 20th Bn. withdrew to thir original
position, whilst the 18th Bn. attempted to work forward
from shell hole to shell hole, but were forced to remain
quiet under the grazing M.G. fire to which they were subjected
whilst daylight lasted. The left Coy. of the 18th
Bn. sustained heavy casualties in this attempt.
At 6.15 p.m. it was decided to push two Coys. of
the 19th Bn ^forward in immediate support of Front Line Bn., forward
to occupy the general lineof GIRD and GALLWITZ TRENCHES
between M.17.b.4½.4. and M.10.d.6.4. and instructions to
that effect were issued to all concerned.
At 6.15 p.m. the line to the 18th Bn H.Q. was cut,
and telephonic communication was interrupted until 7.20 p.m.
At 8.10 p.m. 18th Bn received a report from their front
line Coys. that they had reached the wire, MALT TRENCH, and
were trying to find a gap to enter it. Flares were being
sent up from the trench at intervals of 20 yards and a couple
of M.G's. were active.
At 10.25 p.m. the 20th Bn were in occupation of COUPE
TRENCH with right flank on BAPAUME ROAD and were in touch with
22nd Bn on their left at M.11.a. 2½.3. Patrols of right Coy.
of 20th Bn. had gained touch with patrols of left Coy. of
18th Bn.
Although most determined attempts were made by bombing
parties 18th Bn. to enter MALT TRENCH at various points,
each attempt was held up by the wire, which was a continuous
belt about 15 feet across. Attempts were made to rush the
machine gun at the junction of MALT TRENCH and the BAPAUME
ROAD and the one at M.12.a.5.6., but these failed for the
same reason. One small bombing party managed to crawl under
the wire at one point wbefore they were discovered, but were
all killed or wounded before they could effect an entry into
the trench.
26th Feby. At 12.40 a.m. permission was asked to use artillery
to cut the wire and knock out M.G. positions in MALT TRENCH,
with the idea of rushing the position at dawn. This was
granted on condition that the 3rd Aust. Inf. Bde. had no
objection, as a patrol of theirs had reported that they were
working up CORN LANE to MALT TRENCH. The 3rd Aust. Inf. Bde.
did not agree to this proposed shelling.
From 1 a.m to 2.40 a.m ^enemy put a heavy barrage on LE BARQUE SWITCH

previous to this hostile shelling had been confined in our
area, mainly to the vicinity of the BUTTE, LE SARS and the
area in rear.
At 1.30 a.m. touch with the left 6th Aust. Inf. Bde.
was lost owing to a battalion relief taking place in 6th
Aust. Inf. Bde. 

5
Arranged to join up with right flank of 6th Bde. at TANK TRAP
at M.11.a.6.4., with 20th Bn occupying COUPE TRENCH from there
to the BAPAUME ROAD. On account of the exceedingly heavy M.G.
fire it was decided to withdraw 18th Bn. front line from
WARLENCOURT TRENCH to the line of the THAMES before daylight, and
to establish a strong post at M.12.c.½.9½.
Arrangements were then made to get Stokes Mortars and
ammunition forward from the BUTTE QUARRY to M.11.b.9½.6. with the
object of destroying enemy M.G's at M.12.a.5.6. and M.12.a.2½.8.
under cover of artillery who were ^to destroy gun at M.5.d.5.3.
C.O. 20th Bn to arrange artillery support through Liaison Officer
and also time at which fire was to be opened.
In the event of the enemy vacating MALT TRENCH IT was
to be occupied immediately. Owing to shortage of labour it was
only possible to get one mortar and 60 rounds into position by
6.5 a.m. The bombardment was therefore opened at 6.40 a.m. and
immediately on opening hostile M.G's. which had been apparently
moved to alternative positions, began a heavy fire. No retaliation
followed.
At 8.5 a.m a message was received stating that the
patrols from the 20th Bn sent forwardoto examine MALT TRENCH
had been subjected to strong M.G. Fire from MALT TRENCH, but had
obtained a good view of the wire, which was estimated to be about
15 feet wide.
At 8.15 a.m. 6th Aust. Inf. Bde. patrols reported the
same results.
At 8.20 a.m. touch had again been obtained with the
6th Aust. Inf. Bde. on our left.
Dispositions at this period were -

Support Battalion H.Q. M.28.b.8. 8.
2 Coys. 19th Bn on line GIRD - GALLWITZ.
2 Coys. 19th Bn in old Front Line System.
Reserve Battalion. H.Q. SEVEN ELMS.
1 Coy. 17th Bn in PRIETRENCH
1 Coy.        "            MARTINPUICH
1 Coy.        "            SEVEN ELMS
1 Coy.        "            STARFISH TR.
At 10.10 a.m. 18th Bn. patrols reported having seen
about 30 of the enemy, in MALT TRENCH between BAPAUME ROAD and
WARLENCOURT ROAD and another 15 between there and BATTERY COPSE.
They estimated that there were three M.G's. in the whole sector.
At 11.30 a.m. instructions were issued by 'phone and
later confirmed by wire that the two Coys. of 18th Bn after
artillery preparation would attack MALT TRENCH, between M.12.central
and BAPAUME ROAD. Wire was found to be intact so attack could not
be pushed home. "C" Coy. 18th Bn. lost heavily in moving in to
position. Arrangements for further bombardment were then made and
attacking party were instructed to move up to barrage, if the wire
was being cut, and to go forward. If wire was not being cut, the
attack was to be cancelled.
At 3.20 p.m. 2 enemy M.G's. were observed in action on
the Boche parapet and reinforcements were being dribbled into
MALT TRENCH from LE BARQUE. Later more reinforcements received.
were seen moving in from the west of the BAPAUME ROAD. Assault
was to be at 3.40 p.m. but did not take place owing to the wire
not being cut. The F.O.O. observing the shoot reported that the 

6
majority of the shells fell beyond the wire.
At 4.40 p.m. Liaison Officer with left Bn. 3rd Aust.
Inf. Bde. reported that bombing parties of 3rd Aust. Inf. Bde.
were bombing up MALT TRENCH in the vicinity of BATTERY COPSE.
Special bombing detachments were immediately organised
and it was arranged that one under Captain LOWTHER, 18th Bn. should
proceed to BATTERY COPSE and take over from 12th Bn and bomb up
MALT TRENCH to the left, while another party under Captain HOBBS,
18th Bn; effected an entry from BAPAUME ROAD and worked to the
right.
At 9.15 p.m. 6th Aust. Inf. Bde. reported that their
patrols had entered MALT TRENCH at junction of MALT and GAMP
TRENCHES and had worked east for 300 yards without encountering
opposition. Arranged that 6th Aust. Inf. Bde. worked along as far
as LOUPART ROAD whilst 20th Bn pushed up C.T. (LAYTON LANE) from
COUPE TRENCH to MALT TRENCH and worked right and left along
MALT TRENCH after establishing a S.P. at M.3.d.5.2.
At 10.55 p.m. 18th Bn bombing party under Captain LOWTHER
had entered MALT TRENCH and were making good progress in spite of
fairly strong opposition.
Party under Captain HOBBS was held up by fire from
strong points in MALT TRENCH - one 30 yards east of BAPAUME ROAD,
and the other at M.12.a.1.9.
At 11 p.m. the vicinity of MALT TRENCH was being heavily
shelled with lachrymatory shells.
About this time two other bombing parties effected entries
into MALT TRENCH at junction with WARLENCOURT ROAD and THAMES DITCH

respectively. By 11.53 p.m. we were in possession of MALT TRENCH
from BATTERY COPSE to M.12.a.5.6. where fighting was still in
progress. After three attempts to enter MALT TRENCH from the
BAPAUME ROAD, Captain HOBBS withdrew his party and lined them up
about 70 yards from the enemy wire, whilst a Stokes Mortar was
got into position at the junction of BAPAUME and WARLENCOURT ROADS,
to deal with the two strong points near the BAPAUME ROAD.
At 12.40 a.m. instructions were issued to carry on with
the relief of the front line battalions withthe exception of the
front line companies which would be relieved when the situation
in MALT TRENCH had been cleared up - 17th Bn to relieve 18th Bn
and 19th Bn to relieve 20th Bn.
27th Feby. After preparation by the Stokes mortar at M.11.b.9.3.
an attempt was made to rush the portion of MALT TRENCH between
M.12.a.5.7. and BAPAUME ROAD, whilst parties bombed along from
either flank. The frontal attack did not succeed but the bombing
parties, after about two hours fighting caused the enemy to
evacuate the remaining portion of the trench.
A patrol then pushed forward to MALT SUPPORT which was
found to be unoccupied.
At 7.20 a.m. 17th Bn took over MALT TRENCH from the 18th
Bn and at 7.25 a.m. 19th Bn took over front line from 20th Bn.
By 10 a.m. the situation was as follows :-
On the right the 17th Bn wereein occupation of MALT
TRENCH from BATTERY COPSE to BAPAUME ROAD, and had occupied
MALT SUPPORT without opposition and captured a wounded prisoner of
the 5th Guard Grenadiers.
On the left 19th Bn were in occupation of COUPE TRENCH
and had established a block at M.11.b.4½.9½.
Touch was maintained on both flanks.
Supports and reserves as on 26th February.
At 10 a.m. 19th Bn were instructed to send bombing party
up LAYTON LANE into MALT TRENCH - one to bomb to the right until
touch was obtained with a bombing party of 17th Bn which was to
work to the left up MALT TRENCH from BAPAUME ROAD and the other
to bomb to the left as far as LOUPART ROAD, whilst the 7th Aust.
Inf. Bde, who had relieved the 6th Aust. Inf. Bde. on 26th/27th
February, cooperated by bombing to the right from the junction
of GAMP and MALT TRENCHES.
At 1.20 p.m. these instructions were further amplified
and confirmed by wire which further extended 

7
the objective on the left to M.5.d.0.5½. and instructed
battalions to consolidate the ground from that point to the
BAPAUME ROAD on the right, as it was gained, making full
use of rifle grenades.
At 4.45 p.m. the enemy put up a heavy barrage
down on the area between GIRD TRENCH and LE BARQUE SWITCH.
By 5.20 p.m. the whole of MALT TRENCH from BAPAUME
ROAD to M.5.d.3½.5. had been cleared and was jointly
occupied by 17th and 19th Bns.
At 5.40 p.m. 19th Bn reported that they had bombed
up 300^x to the left of junction of MALT TRENCH and LAYTON
ALLEY and were about LOOS CUT, but at 6 p.m. were forced to wi
withdraw about 200^x owing to shell fire from the direction
of BAPAUME and also from the direction of LOUPART WOOD. A
block was established here.
Strong posts were ordered to be established at
dugouts at M.6.c.2.8. and in the vicinity of M.5.d.6.8½.
At 9.17 p.m. G.O.C. 3rd Brigade reported that flares
were no longer coming from GREVILLERS TRENCH but from the
ridge in rear. 17th Bn was ordered to push patrols forward
to see if GREVILLERS TRENCH was occupied.
At 9.45 p.m. 19th Bn reported that small enemy
parties were being dribbled down LAYTON ALLEY. Artillery
were advised and opened up on LAYTON ALLEY near its junction
with and along GREVILLERS TRENCH. At the same time 19th Bn
reported that flares were being sent up from GREVILLERS TRENCH.
28th February.
At 2 a.m. C.O. 19th Bn reported that 7th Brigade had
established a S.P. at junction of LOUPART ROAD AND LOOS CUT,
that patrol which had been sent out to occupy the dugout at
M.6.c.2.8. had found them occupied and were sniped at, also the
sound of orders as from an F.O.O. were heard from that point.
A strong patrol was ordered out to capture this place and
occupy it.At 3 a.m. dugouts occupied and no sign of enemy,
17th Bn reported the occupying establishing of S.Ps. at approx.
M.6.d.2½.6. and M.6.d.5.3. They also reported sounds as of
orders from the direction of M.6.c.2.8.
From 4.30 a.m. to 5.30 a.m. the trenches held by 19th
Bn were shelled with lachrymatory shells.
At 7 a.m. under cover of heavy fog patrols were sent forward
to examine GREVILLERS TRENCH. Patrol report received at
10.30 a.m. to the effect that there was considerable movement
in the trench. Wire was in two rows, one 3' 6" high the other
lower. They were sniped at. Sounds of talking and of limbers
moving were heard.
At 2.50 p.m. enemy shelled WARLENCOURT ROAD from
WARLENCOURT to BAPAUME ROAD with H.E. and shrapnel from the
direction of BAPAUME.
At 4.45 p.m. reported that 19th Bn had again reached
junction of MALT TRENCH and LOOS CUT and were established there
and were proceeding up LAYTON ALLEY. This party was unable to
proceed further than 15 yards up the alley and were held there
by the enemy.
March 1st/2nd.
2nd Divisional Order No. 95 received providing for
readjustment of boundaries. Orders issued accordingly providing
for the 17th Bn to take over the whole ofthe Brigade front
relieving the 19th Bn. The whole move was completed by 9 p.m.
the 19th Bn being sent back to Reserve.
Orders were issued to C.O. 17th Bn to attack the
enemy party in LAYTON ALLEY FROM THE REAR from the rear and he
reported that hew would be in a position to carry this out at
10.30 p.m. This was carried out successfully as follows. The
enemy were kept engaged in front while a party, strength 1
officer and 20 o.r., worked up the valley on the right of
LAYTON ALLEY. Cut through the wire and moved down the trench.
They succeeded in surprising the enemy and captured 6
prisoners /