Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/249/1 - 1917 - 1932 - Part 17

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owing to shellfire, and also as most of the signal stores and
phones had been destroyed by a shell. Lieut. WALTER, the Signal
Officer, made every effort to establish communication, but finally
runners had to be adopted as the only feasible plan, which resulted
in large casualties to these men.
12 Noon 27th Sept. Everything was fairly quiet, save for some enemy "heavies"
and a shoot by our heavies on the next ridge, through the afternoon.
At about noon part of the 31st Bn., which was slightly
behind the Blue Line, moved up on to the line, in small parties
from shellhole to shellhole.
Through the afternoon things were quiet, but a good
deal of enemy movement was seen on the forward slopes, and this
was harrassed by our Lewis Guns and snipers. At 1.30 p.m. one
of our 60 pr. batteries unfortunately landed several shells on
our position, and altho' they were advised immediately this
occurred again at 4.30 p.m., causing casualties..
The Wounded. The Bn. had received a considerable number of casualties,
mostly in the actual attack, and largely from machine gun fire.
Naturally in such an operation a good deal of difficulty was experienced
in quickly evacuating the more serious cases, but all
things considered in our Bn. they were all well tended by the
heroic Coy. Stretcher Bearers on the spot, and at the R.A.P. which
the doctor had established, really fine work was done under particularly
severe and dangerous conditions, and in the opinion of
all, Capt. Manudsley our R.M.O., did outstanding work.
A German dugout incident. Soon after reaching the Blue Line our troops
on the left noticed an occupied dugout in JUNIPER TRENCH at J.10.d.6.6.
Evidently the garrison were afraid to come out, so
a Lewis Gun team covered the opening with their gun, and had a
thoroughly happy afternoon shooting the enemy whenever he attempted
to emerge, accounting for a large number in this way. Next day

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the remaining garrison surrendered to us, and came in to our
lines under a white flag.
Rations. Owing to the nonarrival of any rations or water, Col.
PURSER ordered us to eat our emergency ration, which we did, and
drank shellhole water.
The consolidation went on all day, and the men were
all very cheerful, lighting small fires in the bottom of shellholes,
cooking what food was available and making tea, with
complete indifference to the shellfire.
Relief. We were informed that we would be relieved by the
30th Bn. that night, and at about 5 p.m. some of their officers
arrived and were shewn round the line.
6.30 p.m. 27th. The S.O.S. was fired on our left, and a very heavy
bombardment resulted from both sides, lasting until 8 p.m., the
enemy's barrage being very heavy, and our Vicars Guns being very
active in thickening our barrage.
At this time the writer took 4 guides down to BLACK
WATCH CORNER, one of the guides being hit in passing thro' the
barrage, and we waited there for the 30th Bn. to come up.
At about 9 p.m. they arrived at BLACK WATCH CORNER under
Col. CLARK, and were led to our positions, and the relief was
carried out very smoothly.
28th Sept. 1 A.M. The relief was complete, and our Bn. was located on
the Red Line. We also now had plentiful rations and water and
the men were quite comfortable.
Col. PURSER now withdrew his H.Q. to an old pillbox
on the racecourse at J.9.b.95.20., and apart from some heavy 5.9"
and 8" shelling by the enemy nothing special happened. At 5.30
A.M. the enemy did a particularly heavy shoot on a line running
behind the BUTTE down the centre of the Racecourse to BLACK WATCH
CORNER, but did not make many casualties, most of the shells

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falling behind the Red Line.
Through the day stray prisoners came back through
our line, evidently stragglers from broken counterattacks, and
there was a lot of enemy aeroplane activity, the planes flying
very low. By keeping still not much shelling resulted.
Through the morning Major CASEY and Capt. MACFARLANE
came up, and went on to the 30th Bn.
We busied ourselves in collecting discs and pay books
from the dead, the C.O. and adjutant being very energetic in
this. In fact the energy of the C.O. throughout was wonderful,
and he seemed tireless, visiting the men in their shellholes
frequently in both Lines. Wherever possible the dead were
buried, but this was difficult, as the movement invariably drew
shrapnel fire.
Towards evening the enemy did an intense and prolonged
bombardment of our sector but no infantry attack followed.
Night of 28th/29th Sept. At about 9 p.m. the Bn. was relieved by a portion
of the 32nd Bn. taking over the Red line, and we moved
back to the MENIN TUNNEL at CLAPHAM JUNCTION. There was not
much shelling at the time, but as we reached CLAPHAM JUNCTION
the enemy put over a very heavy "mustard" gas-shell shoot, which,
in the wearied condition of the men made the wearing of the S.B.
Respirators throughout the night very irksome. He continued
the gas-shelling of our position at intervals during our stay
here, but with no great damage save a few gas cases.
29th Sept.  The day passed uneventfully, the men resting and reorganisation
being carried out further by the relief officers
who met us here.
Relief 30th Sept. At about 9.30 p.m. we were relieved by the 6th Bn. of
the LEICESTER REGT., and moved back via HOOGE CRATER, HALFWAY

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HOUSE - where the Coy. cookers gave us some much appreciated hot
cocoa - and CAFE BELGE CORNER. Here again we were supplied with
hot drinks, and moved back about 4 kilos into a camp where every
possible preparation had been made by our Q.M. for our comfort,
and which evoked much praise from our tired but cheerful men.
The next day (1st Oct.) we marched back to the WIPPENHOEK area,
and resumed the usual routine for a few days before moving up
to the line again.
GENERAL.
The Men. Throughout the whole operations, the cheerfulness and
willingness of the men, even in the worst situations, were admirable,
and everywhere existed a quiet confidence in their
ability to hold what they had won, which they often expressed
in such remarks as "He'll never get in here, sir," and which they
fully carried out.
Where all did so well, it is difficult to select any
special group of men, but without doubt the work done by our
Lewis Gunners was of a very high order. In one case a whole
gun team was wiped out early in the attack, except one man Pte.
McCOWAN, "B" Coy., who carried gun, magazines and ammunition
for the remaining period, and did excellent work with his gun,
and finally carried it out himself when relieved.
Before closing, the writer would like also to mention
the fine work done by Lieut. CLAYTON DAVIS, who acted as adjutant
through the operations. He was ceaseless in his efforts in all
directions, often at considerable risk to himself, rendering
assistance both of a technical and practical nature whenever he
could, irrespective of unit or circumstance.
The writer regrets deeply the loss of many tried and

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good men, and also close friends, among the latter Capt. J.V.
HOULIHAN, Lieut. GRANT and Lieut. W.T. HOGG, all of whom were
doing gallant work when they lost their lives, and also Lieut.
CASTLE, who is reported "missing", and who was also doing his
duty well.
S.W. Gullet ..Lieut
29th Bn. A.I.F.
3rd London General Hospital,

Wandsworth
2/11/17


 

Polygon Wood
Pte A.G. Scragg
30 Bn
Killed in action
26/9/17
Belgium.
27. 9. 17.
Dear Mrs Scragg,
It is with the greatest regret that I am writing
to inform you of the death of your Son, Pte. Scragg, of this
Battalion.
He was killed by an enemy shell whilst courageously
endeavouring to get rations and supplies to his comrades in the
front line. His death was instantaneous and he was buried on the
spot where he was hit. A Cross was erected on the place giving his
name and full particulars. A burial service was read over him by
one of his officers, who was a clergyman propr to the war. The
position he was killed was a short distance East of Ypres, and the
grave has been notified to the proper authorities and has been
registered.
He was employed at the time in the transport section
of the Battalion, & did excellent work every night, assisting to get
rations etc., up to his mates. By his eagerness & utter contempt for
danger, the men in the front line were well supplied. He showed great
courage, frequentlyin going up, even tho' the heavy shelling was in
progress.
By his death we lose one of our best workers, & his
loss is deplored, not only by his comrades but by his C. O.& all his
officers. He was general favourite with us all, & always cheerful &
bright, setting a great example of fortitude and courage to all, even
under the most adverse conditions. All the Battalion join me in sending
our sincere sympathy at your loss.
W. Jander.
Lieut.
Assistant Adjutant.
30th Battn. A I. F.
[*Copy of letter
sent by
W. Jander 30th Batt.
A.I.F.*]

4. From notebook 240/15.
(?from ....Ridley).

53rd BATTALION POLYGON WOOD.
Moved off from Halfway House at dusk on night of Sept. 24.
Mob bed past Birr Crossroads. H.Q. were in Glencorse Wood. The
4 Coys, went out onto the ridge just in front - in supports.
There was a bit of a trench on the right and little dugout pozzies
on the left. About 9 p.m. they were shelled for half an hour.
Then all was quiet till 5.30 a.m. on Sept. 25.
Then the German opened a general bombardment and pounded
them all day, right on the mark - a terrible bombardment. It
didn't slacken at all until 8 p.m. Sept. 25. All told the
53rd Bn. lost about 170 - many direct hits, Lewis guns blown up.
H.Q. at 9 p.m. Sept. 25 moved up to the Pillbox on the ridge.
The officers were called in and the attack explained to them for
next morning. No rations or water turned up because they had
been gassed on the way. They had to fill their waterbottles
from dirty shellholes and some used their iron rations.
Just after midnight they moved off along a tape to the
J.O. tapes - a very slow job. They were shelled and Lieut.
Correy lost his foot there.
They settled on the tapes about 4.30 a.m.
The barrage opened at Zero like a wall of fire - a splendid
barrage. It was a bit foggy and a little hard to pick your way
forward. The diggers went ahead smoking cigarettes, bombed pillboxes,
throwing bombs down the chimneys and ventilators - very
little hand to hand fighting - diggers slinging off as they
advanced.
Came on the Butte about 6.30 or 6.45 (check the time). Here
the barrage remained stationary, and the troops for the final
objective passed through, when it lifted.
Some post had evidently been passed over on the right and
this now opened against 53rd Bn. inflicting many casualties:
The C.S.M.'s of two Coys. (C.S.M. Loney killed at once and C.S.M.
Brewer mortally wounded) were killed near together.
This was a dangerous spot all through. The 15th Bde.
(who were in touch with 53rd there) suffered very heavily on
their left.
During the morning 4 53rd Bn. made a pretty good line.
From the Butte to the right of 53rd Bn. line, about 200 yards
they had 13 L.G.'s and a fair supply of ammunition, though the m
men were rather short.
Col. Croshaw had been mortally wounded during the advance.
Capt. P. T. Roberts took over the Bn., having his H.Q. in
the Butte.
B Coy. dug in on the safe side of the Butte as a sort of
Bn. reserve. A on left and C and D on the right - though very
mixed.
During the night whole night warnings of counterattack were
coming. Both artilleries opened. Every now and then
the word would come down the line - "Look out, they're just
here" and the men would crouch with bayonets fixed
just behind the lip of the shell hole. One counter
attack was said to have been chewed up by our guns just before
dusk.
53rd Bn, was there 4 days. Every day there were rumours
of counterattack, and at times heavy bombardments would break
out.
The supply of rations, water and ammunition was very good
throughout.
On the night of Saturday 29th the 53rd Bn. went back to
Halfway House - got there safely, stayed there a day and then
came right out.
OFFICERS: KILLED - Col. Crowshaw, Lieut. Corry; Lieut.
Jennings (killed in bombardment day before attack). WOUNDED:
Capt. Johnson (a very fine officer - wounded during the advance
by M.G. bullet in right wrist); Capt. Ramsay, M.C., (afternoon
of Sept. 26 by shell); Lieut. Waite, M.C. (afternoon Sept. 26
by shell - severely); Lieut. Pettifer (some days after attack,
bullet in thigh); .........(one more).

Account of operations taken part in by the 53rd Battalion between
22nd and 30th Saptember 1917.
(I) In Reserve and Support
At about 5.30 P.M. on 22nd Sept. the Battalion moved from
the CHATEAU SEGARD AREAtothe HALF WAY HOUSE AREAwhere it
bivouaced in trenches and shelters. the strength of the
Battalion was 2I Officers and 676 Other ranks.
The Battalion remained here in Reserves until the night of
the 24th/é(th Sept.;parties from the Battn.were on various
tactical working parties, the remainder resting. The enemy
shelled thois vicinity at periods and caused a number of
casualties.
On the night of the 24th/25th Sept.the Battn. moved into
Support in front of GLENCOURSE WOOD where it remained till
moving up to the Assembly Point. Only 3 casualties were
suffered moving up. Very heavy shell fire was encountered
during the whole time the Battn remained in support; "B"Coy
especially suffering very heavy losses and having one
Officer (Lieut C.C.JENNINGS) killed.
(2) Assembly and Formations
At 12 midnight 25th/26th Sept the Battn moved up to take its
position at the Assembly Point, I Officer and 5 O/R being
wounded on the way up,(the Officer, Lieut A.O.Correy,
subsequently dying of his wounds),.
The Battn reached its position at 3.I5 A.M. being delayed
owing to a barrage being put up by hte enemy the crossing
of which would have entailed heavy casualties.
The Battn were assembled on a 2 Coy front covering an area
of 550 yds by 20 yds. "A" Coy were in front on the left
with "B" Coy in support, "D" Coy were in front on the right
with "C"Coy in support. The formation (as far as the
natural cover afforded by the shell holes allowed) was
lines of sections in single file. Battalion H.Q. was in the
middle of the two support Companies.
The Signalling Officer (2/Lt.J.G.Blackney) had been sent back
to Details by the R.M.O.that afternoon and the Lewis Gun Officer
(Lt.H.C.W.Pain) was evacuated with shell shock as the
Battalion was moving up to the Assembly Point.
While waiting at the Assembly Point the enemy shelled the
area at intervals most of the shells however burst behind the
Battalion and only one casualty was xxxxxxxx sustained.
The R.M.O. established his AID POST on the outskirts of
Glencourse Wood.
The strength of the Battalion at Zero hour Was 16 Officers
507 Other Ranks.
(3) The Attack.
Punctually at Zero hour (5-50 am) our barrage opened and
the battalion immediately rose and doubled across "No Man's
Land" till reaching about 60 yds short of the barrage where
the men knelt down waiting for it to begin to creep forward
The formation of sections in single file was kept here and
throughout the operations
When the barrage began to creep two platoons preceded by a
line of scouts went forward the remainder following when the
proper distances had been set up. The two rear Companies
moved in column of platoons with each platoon in lines of
sections, ^in single file the two rear platoons of each rear company keeping
behind battalion H.Q. as the battalion reserve.

2.
The formations and methods of Attacking strong posts as laid
down and practised proved entirely satisfactory and effective,
and I cannot suggest anything to better these principles.
Resistance from "Pill-Boxes" and strong posts as encountered
almost immediately but in no case was the Advance checked.
In one case a strong post was encountered and machine gun fire
opened on the attackers; immediately a C.S.M., and about half a
dozen men worked round the flnks while a Lewis Gun and team
opened direct fire on the position drawing the enemy fire off
the enveloping parties who were then easily able to work round
rush the position with bombs and the bayonet, and account for the
occupants and capture the gun.
In spite of a fairly heavy mist direction was well maintained
by working on compass bearings which had been previously taken.
On reaching the BUTTE the two platoons which had been previously
detailed to occupy it rushed the position and established
themselves on the top after slight fighting. Sentries were placed
on all entrances to the dugouts and bombing parties were organised
and worked down the passages, several of these were met with fire
from inside the dugout and retaliated with grenades, eventually
driving the occupants into one compartment, and as they still
continued firing grenades were thrown amongst then and several
wounded; the remainder consisting of 2 Officers and 56 others then
surrendered.
The objective was reached at 6.25 a.m.
Companies were at once organised and began to consolidate under
cover of the protected barrage.
Just before reaching the objective the Commanding Officer (Lt.Col.
O.M. CROSHAW, D.S.O.) was reported missing and Captain P.T. ROBERTS
assumed command of the Battalion.
The casualties in the actual attack are estimate at 2 Officers
(Lt.Col. CROSHAW, whom it afterwards transpired died of wounds,
and Captain C.A. JHONSON, who was wounded in the arm) and about
40 other ranks.
Communications.
Immediately the mist lifted communication was established with
Brigade by means of the Lucas lamp and during the whole of the operations
communication was maintained by pigeon service, relay runner
posts and power buzzer.
Consolidation, Counter attacks, etc.
By the time the barrage moved on towards the 2nd objective the
Battalion was established on the RED Line having dug well in
though under heavy fire from Machine Guns and Snipers on the
right front and enemy planes which were flying very low over our
lines. Communication had also been established on both flanks.
Very shortly after reaching he objective an immediate counter
attack was launched against the BUTTE but was easily repulsed
with Lewis and Machine Gun Fire and about 20 more prisoners including
I Officer surrendered.
During the attack 9 Machine Guns were captured one being used
from a strong point on the left flank and 2 by the party from
the I4th Brigade Machine Gun Coy. attached to the Battalion,
the remainder, all of which were wholly or partially destroyed,
were also handed to the Machine Gun Company. No difficulty was
experienced in getting ammunition for the supply of these guns.
Several patrols were sent out in and around the Battalion Area
to deal with individual snipers and in every case these were
successful.
Machine Guns were mounted on top of the BUTTE where they had
the very best of observation and a splendid field of fire and
were able to render invaluable service in assisting to beat off
all threatened counter attacks, and the excellent work done by this
party from the I4th Brigade Machine Gun Company is deserving of
every praise: observation of their shooting showed the excellent
results achieved by them and the casualties inflicted were enormous.
Communication was maintained with the Advance Battalions and at
the request of the O.C. Firing Line, 36th Battalion 3 Machine Guns
and all S.A.A. that could be spared were sent forward.

3. 
The Battalion had consolidated in depth but owing to heavy shell
fire on all back areas and heavy casualties these parties had to
be brought forward to the RED LINE. One and a half Companies
were kept well under cover on the BUTTE as a Battalion reserve.
Two Aid Posts were established and Stretcher Bearers dealt with
all wounded at these Posts. As far as possible prisoners were used
as bearers, but before long all means forward the removal of
wounded were exhausted.
This lasted till next morning, when the R.M.O. came forward
bringing up 20 bearing parties with him and from that time the
steady evacuation of all wounded was maintained.
The First Heavy Counter Attack on the BLUE LINE was at about 7 p.m.
that evening when the enemy made several attempts to attack, but on
each occasion was frustrated and very severe casualties inflicted
by the Artillery and Machine Guns. The Artillery F.O.O. attached
to this Battalion (2/Lieut. MONEY) rendered invaluable service
in this connection.
The supply of ammunition and rations under Brigade arrangements
could not have been better.
The period from the night of 26/27 September till the Battalion
came out on the night of the 29/30 September was occupied by improving
the line and continuing the work of consolidation, wire being
erected along the whole front and good trenches dug. The enemy
shelling was heavy but not continuous. Several attempts to
counter attack were made but none at any time reached the stage
of becoming really serious, owing to the magnificent barrage put up
by our Artillery and Machine Guns.
On the morning of the 27th September an enemy plane of the "GOTHA"
type flew low along our lines firing its machine gun; several
Lewis and Machine Guns opened fire, and the plane was brought down
just in rear of our lines and behind the Battalion on our right
flank.
The spirit of the men at all times was excellent and showed them
to be in splendid physical condition. On the night of the 29/30
September the Battalion returned to HALF WAY HOUSE area and on the
following night to PIONEER CAMP.
On both occasions getting through with no casualties.
The total casualties suffered by the Battalion were:-
                                                                     Officers.       Other Ranks.
KILLLED AND DIED OF WOUNDS.               3                      63
WOUNDED                                                         4                     222

HOSPITAL         (N.Y.D.N.)                                  I                       4I
MISSING                                                             -                         I6       

Total                                                                      8.                    342
The new method of the wearing of the Entrenching Tool Head proved
very effacacious. At least three instances in this Battalion
casualties were averted as Machine Gun bullets were found embedded
in the Web Covering of the Entrenching Tool Head.