Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/228A/1 - June - October 1917 - Part 2

Conflict:
First World War, 1914–18
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Awaiting approval
Accession number:
RCDIG1066688
Difficulty:
5

Page 1 / 10

about. 5.45 am pod ms clhare t sevs, as a tutiminan to th formend morement on the 3 village line leaving company of the dorance formed line of platoon 4 file piotected ty patiets & mover direct on the Pentn billage the second compacy lost its way and dored in the dinection of lagnicinat regiming the es about 6 so am he eventually in support to the leasing which It teaches about 6.00 an. At thes same time the leaving co. from the Bois de Vauls reinfrced the line oppisitie Norcait making 3 cas in time the 4th bers 2 pirt rxept of the his delands forming a flink maid on the sunker wad t Lagnicet for the meantium Pacce company Maving) har teached its anined pisstin Wc ot of morenit about am peactically unopposes. There new honever us signs of either the 21t or the 23 reinforcement companie the company was therefore ithdiam abmt 5.15 am. to the South of the rillage frmin on a line about 250 your frm it on being f to thercis abo referred to at 6 am an arrance hs mior to reoccupy Ms dicontinue the pa bt facted as the carig now tnight hear ing fin from Longalte & hoscnit toker. as will as an. 42 shellin nt 23 ran a line prm I.1. B central to C21C80. as a Bn Avr. K nen as 21A86 eper centrethence b mnne. the ay set for Drins the carly part of the mon to porcuils daguicunt (pent into
casualtian chieft in $5.30 attack on the villan they ughtly held belives so alsfon antitle ( b 3.45 am parc the word ms cleared by 2 cos. as a preteminan to the aorance on the tine of the 3villages. at 340 Pasco's company mond off from 31C. along the high grom right on the vrates shed in tine of plateor in file the 2wood as were still engaged in from up & the 4t. Co. Paikes had not come up of the 2 noor companies knssiter moved dinct in dignacout odis not rejonn till 6.30 am the other mrs co came up onthPases about 6 am
35 anlanar and Doe the Sulver bives Mormanhust Treoping the Colors Milltary Chench a Maw Horg Imprompti CR but Damvin made Jaue Advic c 1 in Amarian Cake wobd ads Sankee Gri Waldmen The Bondster if is the Life The Young Kecrve soildin of the K Maicelan alValon cis W in the lla mery an RIA
5 3 1 osrin, RORO TouS on 7/8/1Y the Battalien neved forward on to the Brigate assently and was waiting in sholl holes ready to preceed to the Jumpir ore came round. Ye wer off Trench, when the erder for New 2df in teuch with the 494h Battalion on our Right. 1t 1-60 pore the Battalion noved forward, cressing the TYYGCKEETN RALD at the two peints we were supposed to EKSSLEES and formed up on the tape from O.2Y. Central to O.EY.A.O.C. fwnich had been 151d ont by the Intelligence OfficerLient YORX.) in two waves of 4 lines each L. 4 B. the first wave, 4 on the Right, 6 D. the 2nd wave; C on the Right The Battalion was in teuch with the 49th Battalion on oar Night, but the 5th Lincolns failed to put in an appearance on the Left and pitrols could fini no word or sign of them. At sese CoDePPago wae 803 On account of the Laft Flank being in the alr, the attacked Brigade Lachine Cun jection hed instructions to Torm a Strong Toat protecting that flank at about C. 27.B. 8.3.. Ten xinutes before -ero 16 Tlatoon was noved out to the left Llank of D Company to kop up as the barrage crept forward and to prerent sniping on to that flank as the Battalion noved shead. t Lero the Battalion moved forward, the Right being in touch with the 49th, Dr Company after the start pas aruag to the left and orne up on the left of Br Coopany partly filling the pap canasd by nen appearance. of the Lincoln's. the 594h Sattalion and Sc Company lost touch during the sivance, but as soen as the objective was renshed this gap was filled by Mr Company. S C Cospanies reached their first objective, companies went through and pnt pests in the 2nd objective. The line as helf by the Battalion as follows :- Frex C. 28.a. 9.2. to D. 28. b. O.t. (3 Fosts occupied the trench) from O. 28.c.00-65. 3 posts ren to the road at O. 2L.d. 30, thence elong the reer of the road to C. 22. d. 05.053., and in a caries of pests which bent beok iyf to C. EL. C.45.75. to OBSTR TRENIH at O. LL. S.55.50., along ODOUE FaE A petrol worked along to the left and round an Mnelish Enttelion 79 TR.S.E, but no one in 1t for 400-500 yards to our Bokind SrO. left agrangements were made with this English Reginent to form s defensive Tlank to their right, thas linking the front line ap. Cr Toxesnies had supperts dug in from C. 28.92. to behind the enemy wire at O. 28.sc C.3. to 9.28.a. G.S. and forward through the wire to O. 28-b. 09-65. Tso Sompanies of Borders were founl just behind our Frent line nt these sere pat in one at O. 16.a. Central along the 40 Gostsar Lize, and the other behind the junction of the Send anj 39th Lcttalions. A Flatoon of English were collected near the Railway 2t C. 2sca. 21., and sent out to TAR EOYE FARk to Occupy 1t, c tanl :rcopernting vith them, thus protecting our left Soex flank from the anuny. Tso tanks were sent down to O.2L. co C. Se to Strengthen the valley there and support the posts in froat. Soon after S-C poke our artillery comsensel firing chor hecvies on the left Sector zaround JOYE FARM, and 18 pounders rith sore heritzers on the figh: sector. At Je0 boke the C.ScLeft sector got in toach with the hen quarters of he LI.CUQ: and arranged that an soon as their cox-anies canc forsard a Company culd be sent on to rcapy from O. 26. be 00.6S. to C. 2L.s. J.S., and rellevs our en of this sector 212t 317 3 Organisihs the josts for tren and onnecting their 11y 270 The shelling of our artillery has becose se sevore the on the rentre ind left sector the posts were githerrsn to r7CY and OrOUR trenchss, abunt 2-15 por., on thy right the posts were withrawn to the Tupport Line, rnd all troops except sentries were irnt absointaly down under cover; all verk censing. t 11-0 p.m. the enery counterstiacted along our Front but failed to reach our trunches or get sithin boxbing fietance seine to our pachine gun and ri.le fire. The rest of the night vas spent in concolidating. 13
35 Shoet Nal. On 66.17 the enony were kept down by smipers and Lewis Gunners, and ense or twice dispersed by our Artillery & At 9-30 som. 1t was found that a large party of eneny and erept forward by ene’s and two’s and were massing in shell heles ar old explacements from O. 22.c. 8S. to O.22.c.VY., 29 bembers under End Lt.BOASR were sent forward to Aisledge then These men bembed forward, get in tench with the enemy and onthembed Mis, standing on the surface and chasing hin from cever with bembs, and when they broke and tried to reture our Lewis Gunner and snipers ent them dorn. This centinued until nene were 10f In the afternoon a party went ent and collected forty xounded Gorman prisoners, and estimated there were from 60-80 dead Three man of our were Miled, and 4 wounded. The whele party showed remarkable dash and bravery, especially as the shell holss occupted by the Germans had quantities of beabs of every descript- lon in them. 4 prisoner who spoke English stated the whole Company was Mlled or taken prisoner.. The attask finished any active opposition the enemy gave ns until ws were relieved. At 8040 pom. a barrage was pnt down by beth sides, the British treeps in present and in, the rear bacame very jumpy. an S.O.S. even being sent up by the supporting treops. an osder was received for the Battalion to neve back at 9-0 pem to supperts of the 49th & 51st Battaliens. Sr Companies moved through the barrege to time and wild runours were very prevalent anong the English Troops that c2 Dc Companies were kept unti the Anstralians ware returing, the fire had alsekened, and an Officer preseded the reliaf to Farn troeps ta warn troeps at Headquarters of Hattalions through whom they passed of the relief, because the treeps in the rear by that their steadiness was abselntely shaken mare so in No S.O.S. Signals sere sent up by this Battalion during the afternoon or evening of the 22th 876/17. the Tanks rendared very valuable aid, and were antiring in thair offerts to help. They acted with the strest promptituas in going to the assistance of treepe or accomplishing any work asked of them. They dismounted their Levis Cuns and worked them from the tranches and refused to leave the frent Line until everything ans conselidated. Major. Tempy. Commanding 52nd Battaliona!
1 REPORT CY-OPEEATIONS On LOERCUIth June 18276 The Battalion noved from BOTLES FARM at 800 pem. with ruides from 30th Battalion, and went forward to take up a position at 34 a. en a tape which was being laid oat. owing to the early hour that the attack was comzencing was necessary to nove forward over MESSINES RIPCE in 11 apanies cane under a heavy barrage ight, and 5 result of them having been observed by the enemy. Companies, after the barrage, were led by their ruides on to a tape which was some dietence in the rear of the correct junping off place., DGoppany was drifted into the line after the attack, and helped to a flank and get in touch with the P-ttalion on the aignt.Fo£ company which had got out of touch with H.es in the smoke and barrage, were instructed to renuin where they were, as the line was consol- idated by the time they had located themselves and reported where they were dug in. The two Companies which attacked on the 52nd Battalion Trontage started later and found the enemy wire unent, a few wen reneged to get through, entered the enery trench and formed ao on the right of the 50th Battelion. Afterwards as sen yere reorganised they were put into the line already held, and worked to their right, forming their right yost at O. 34.a.1. 5-70. Patrole then pushed out to the right and failed to get in toush with our right Battelion. During the night the position was consolidated and just after dawn another patrol reported they had gotk in touch with the 4oth sattalion on eur right. e soon as it was light enough to see enemy were noticed neving back towards the road which runs through 0.28.c 6 d, C. 29.36 O.35.s., in Officer’'s patrol exrminel the house at C. 54.b. 4. G.and found it to be a very strong conerete post anocengied; and with five or six Carman deed lying in and around it, this post was occupied and the patrol then got in touch with an Officer of the Right Battalion who later worked sown, and joined us at the road at C.34.a. 8.30. During the day 11.6.17 consolidation was continued with exiping at enemy's snivers.xachine gunners, nl at their planes whick were constintly over our lines. t Jusk an outpost was pushed out to 9.31.b. 75.15.,rnd an Officer's patrol went out and patrolled DECONLYTK FARE 6.34.b.65.70., and renained there. 5 11-0 pewe the relief convenced, an English Reginent taking over on the leftto the BL.UUEKFTOORTEYEEK, and the 14th Battalion relleving our right sestor. As the C.C. of the relieving Corpany of 14th Battalion refused to occupy DECONINCK FARE the officer was ordered to fall back but on this being reported to Lient-Colonel GALLUPUF he refused to consider the relief of the Brigade Tector complete and instructed the Farm be reoccnpied by our Batialion. A party of the 14th Battulion was then led out by Capt.EANYELL of the Sand Battalion, who first personally reconneitred the road running by the Farm to O. 35.a. daC., and then finting sone concrete posts at C.55.a. 2S.6C., placed the post in position there. Capt. J.SEER of the 14th Battalion acconpenies the perty and was handed over the position which had been selected by Capt EAKYELL. the relief of the Battallon was then conpleted. Majot Temp- Commending Sand Battalion A.1.
65 AUSTRALLAN T MLI B. LA CRECE 24th Jue 1027. Sment Pertion, Vistons Mnd Con Of MO ISI, MISA, oa to you Ealay & an not soine to aako a motats mean Iands on tha 2ast occasion men & adaressed you, and men I space of you, 28 you renorber, as tho LSth. Bisade. Matever Feaned yon, there was one inine mich & had in ay nind and that nas tho Brreade that count at BrEEcor - thoro was no nstate about that ins was tho Brigads Thich Couent so cnlenty at MEco. I have noy cone to thank you for what the Brigede aid in the Great victory no have had over the comens at Iesms. It has peen a great, victory and may pare very ear reaching effects. mhere is no Brigate in the mole or tho ma ar mch and nov0 to actoro that rotor ten you aid You nee a very aissiouit 106. moro 2s nothing namer then to go through other troops to cot to a and objective co fer in advance. It required groat callantry to cot it because you had to so over and dom a fornard sopo in sun vior of the mary alter that mnawy had had tio to run mesanf together a vit.not only was tara their callantry or tho troons verona an praice, but ingy mor that they wore about, and aid it like experionced poistors. Tho Brigad, vill have the satisfaction of moring that it was they ho cot to our final objective and held it in the face of very deternined counterattacks. I. can only say that I hope that this priene mii romin with no, and that I shall fool that mere is no. Briende which I would rather nave with no; ard I thene wixt you from my hoart for and that you have done in this creat battd.
CER A DEETS SEO SO ISE ASTAMEA TFATTE DAAE Juno 2ath. 2027. General Classon, Osficers, von samissioned orficers, and Hen of the 15th. Intentry Bribeds I here, cono domn poro toder to thenk and concratulate son on that the Brisado did in the groat battie of MSSERS Wich is just over. Mo Brigads nad a ve difficuait task in having to go through other troops to start under rather difficult conditions nn its attack. It had to so through the whole battelfield, find its way under difficult circimstances and over difficult country through other troops and then get under the barrage; establish thenselves there and eventually Go on to our final objectives. Nox it was a 5 operation a good deal nore difficult than sone of you nay have realised. It reflects infinite credit not only on the Gallantry of the Brigade, but on its discipline, training,; and experience. I was very glad to have an experienced Division like the 4th. Division to do this difficult operation of comir through the attacking Division and going on to the Green Line- I. had perfoct confidencd that, in the 25th: Brigade, who had to establish touchwith the Corps on our left, we had a Brigade My confidence was nore than anpl which would do it well. justified. Nothing could have been better. So well and so succossfully was it done; that the left Battalion of the Bri ade went even further than was intended and took over a good bit of line or the left which was really allotted to the oth. Corps. Then, afterwards, a very ankward situation developed in which a pocket of Germans held out in about 603 yards of trench on the GREEM LIME. This had to be taken and Col. Salisbury’s Battalion, and I should add, the Sand:-Battalion did it and did it nost excellently) It forleets great cred on these two Battalions. You were countgrattacked heavily, Derhaps more heavily than we knew;; because the Gernans them- selves sey that they counterattackod with at least, two Divisic Youwore nainly in the particular place where you not then. responsible for repuising that counterattack. an proud to think that by connection with the Brige dates from the time when you were formed on the SUEE CAIAI The Brigade promised to be a good one and its performances ever since in Flanders and on the SOMLE and here have wroved; it second to none.. You now have not only this battle to your crodit but also the fact that you went furthost and, together with the 13th. Brigade, were the Brigade which was given the final objective to be nade, which you did with such conspicuou , and further success. To are now in front of GAPAAD FA East almost on to WARLEETON? To this Brigade as much as an other in the and. belongs the crodit of hiaving achieved to hat is in We doplore your Heavy losses, but result. when a Brigado of proved valour id sot such a task as do. It is the result of desperato fighting against a dot and gallant xxxxx enony.. I an very pround to have you in Corps and to fool that I have a Brigado on which I. thoroughly depond in any further Fienting that may be before you
RLL GOMEYIS SFE To Hi Oth. AUSTRILLAN HEATRY BAIA 10th. June 1927. nearDouliou. General Jobson, Officers, non-commissioned officers, and man tho 9th. Infantry Brigade, I have cono hero today as Commander of the and. Ansac Corps to congratulate you, on the part of which all renks of the Brigade played in the Battle of MESSINES, which the Brigade was the right Brigade of the is still Going on. whole 2nd. Army, xxx and was tho' pivot on which the whole operat- lons of the first day depandod. If this Brigade had not only cano 1ts job woll, but also learnod what to do and how to do it the operations of Knn an Army of three Axxx Army Corps night have boan L-morilled. Dit it proved that not only vou but carried out its nost difficult task. It is a very difficult thing to pivot as you did on your right and oving round on to the BLACK LIHE? It was done in a way worthy of the bost trained regular It was extresely 7oll done, and that was vecuase every. Eroops. one’s. heart was in tho job and they made a point of knowing what to do and how to do it. They got on to the BLACK LIILE without difficulty. Then you cane under a very heavy shelling - 1 think the heaviest arolling expericiced by any Brigado in the 2nd. Army. I had nany nessages from all parts of the line, but from the right 1 never had any message which showed the lcast doubt about the result or about the right of the line sticking it. It was worth noro than I can to2l you to lmoy that the richt was firm. The Prigade yas then called on to take a very intricate, Righly develoged, strongly fortufied systen known as the PoTTERIES The 1t was done annirably and could not have been done better. effect of all this is that we cloared the BOCHE altogether out IN... Yo are in possession now right down to the on the right fla line of the LYS, and have driven hin back almost into WARRETON, 3,000 yaruis further than you were told to Co or than you actuall; went. Last night we got sone nore gains, about 70 prisoners, What 1 and aro withing striking distance of TARIETO noY Going to happen in the future only the Hogher conmanders know, but the Pth. Brigade cleared the way to this manEx rosalt. This is the first big fitht the Brigade has been in. It has rovo: itsaif orthy to rank with any of the Brigades of the A.I.F. or in any force in the Ripire - with the Brigades that landed in GMLIPOLI or fought in the SOTEE. And I want to tell you hor he sister Corps, the 1st. Anzac Corps, and the Ocople of Aurtralia will be Then they hear of the performances of the 9th. Brigedc. 1 feel that I can confidently trust a Brigade like thys for any Turth r operations which we nay be called upon to carry out.

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9      

The wood was cleared by 2 cos about. 3.45 am, as a preliminary to the
forward movement on the 3 village line.
The leading company of the advance formed line of platoons
in file protected by patrols & moved direct on the centre
village the second company lost its way and moved in the
direction of Lagnicourt rejoining the 23' about 6.30 am.
The 2 Cos eventually in support to the leading which it

reached about 6.00 am. At this same time the leading Co.
from the Bois de Vaulx reinforced the line opposite
Noreuil making 3 Cos in line, the 4th less 2 posts NE xx & E of
the Boix de Vaulx forming a flank guard on the sunken
road to Lagnicourt.
In the meantime Pascos company (leading) had
reached its assigned position NE & E of t of Noreuil about
4.45 am practically unopposed. There were however no signs
of either the 21st or the 23' reinforcement companies & 
the company was therefore withdrawn about 5.15 am.
to the South of the village forming on a line about 250
yards from it. On being reinforced by the 2 Cos above
referred to at 6 am an advance ws made to reoccupy
the pn but failed was discontinued as the enemy now brought heavy
mg fire from Longatte & Noreuil to bear. as well as
77 and 42 shelling.
23 ran a line from ^Bn H.Q. I 1 B Central to C21 C80. as a
report centre thence by runner. BN arrd HQ were at 21A86

During the early part of the morning the enemy set fire
to Noreuil & Lagnicourt (part only).

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10

23rd casualties chiefly in 5.30 attack on
the village then lightly held. believed so.
also from artillery.
(n.)
para 5
The wood ws cleared by 2 Cos. ^by 3.45 am as a preliminary
to the advance on the tine of the 3 villages.
Pasco's company moved off ^abt 3.40 from 21C. along the
high ground right on the water shed in line of platoon
in file the 2 front cos were still engaged in forming
up & the 4th. Co. Paelles had not come up.
Of the 2 front companies Rossiter moved direct
on Lagnicourt & did not rejoin till 6.30 am the other
front co came up with Pasco about 6 a.m

 

R36/1
Fantasias and Overtures
The Silver Cross
Normanhurst
Trooping the Colors
Milltary Church Parade

Intermezzos and Au Varies

The Village Forge
Impromptu (O.P. 142
Salut D' amour

Serenades
J'es Vous Adore
 

Marches Waltzes
The Crusaders Dreams of the Ocean 
All boon to Day Fairest in the Land
Chalk Farm Quaker Girl
Enquirer Club Queen of Jewels
Step Along A Waltz Dream
Speed Away Dridna
Pal in America Over the Waves
Dinahs Holiday Donauwellan
Vene Vide Vice Alisia
Yankee Grit Dreaming
Waldmers  
The Roadster  
This is the Life  
The Young Recruit  
Soldiers of the King  
La Marcellaise  
By Right of Valour  
Loyal Hearts  
R36/1

36/1

12

Rags
Rag Time Soldier Man

That Mesmerising Mendellsohn Tune
Utopia
Phonograph

Diagram - see original document

 

R38/54        

13

REPORT ON OPERATIONS BY 52nd BATTALION ON 7th, 8th
JUNE 1917
On 7/6/17 the Battalion moved forward on to the Brigade assembly
line and was waiting in shell holes ready to proceed to the Jumping
off Trench, when the order for New Zealanders came round. We were

in touch with the 49th Battalion on our Right.
At 1-40 p.m. the Battalion moved forward, crossing the
MESSINES-WYTSCHAETE ROAD at the two points we were supposed to
and formed up on the tape from O.27. Central to O.27.d.0.0. (which
had been laid out by the Intelligence Officer Lieut YORK.) in two
waves of 4 lines each A. & B. the first wave, A on the Right,
C. & D. the 2nd wave; C on the Right
The Battalion was in touch with the 49th Battalion on
our Right, but the 6th Lincolns failed to put in an appearance on
the Left and patrols could find no word or sign of them. At Zero
the barrage was 601 On account of the Left Flank being in the
air, the attached Brigade Machine Gun Section had instructions to
form a Strong Post protecting that flank at about O.27.b.8.3..
Ten minutes before Zero 16 Platoon was moved out to the left
flank of D Company to mop up as the barrage crept forward and to
prevent sniping on to that flank as the Battalion moved ahead.
At Zero the Battalion moved forward, the Right being
in touch with the 49th. "D" Company after the start was swung to
the left and came up on the left of "B" Company partly filling the
gap caused by non appearance. of the Lincoln's.
The 49th Battalion and "A" Company lost touch during
the advance, but as soon as the objective was reached this gap was
filled by "C" Company.
"A" & "C" Companies reached their first objective, "D"
& "B" companies went through and put posts in the 2nd objective.
The line as held by the Battalion as follows :- From O.28.a.9.2.
to O.28.b.0.4. (3 Posts occupied the trench) from O.28.c.00.65.
3 posts ran to the road at O.22.d.30, thence along the rear of the
road to O.22.d.03..55., and in a series of posts which bent back
to ODOUR TRENCH at O.22.c.55.50., along ODOUR TRENCH to O.22.c.45.75.
A patrol worked along to the left and found an English Battalion
behind ODONTO TRENCH , but no one in it for 400-500 yards to our
left arrangements were made with this English Regiment to form a
defensive flank to their right, thus linking the front line up.
"A" & "C" Companies had supports dug in from O.28.93.
to behind the enemy wire at O.28.s.8.3. to O28.s.8.5. and forward
through the wire to O.28.b.00.65.
Two Companies of Borders were found just behind our
front line and these were put in one at O. 28.a.Central along
the 40 Contour Line, and the other behind the junction of the
52nd and 49th Battalions. A Platoon of English were collected
near the Railway at C.22.a.24., and sent out to VAN HOVE FARM to
occupy it, a tank co-operating with them, thus protecting our
left from flank from the enemy. Two tanks were sent down to O.22.
a.8.3 to strengthen the valley there and support the posts in
front.
Soon after 8-0 p.m. our artillery commenced firing short
heavies on the left sector zaround JOYE FARM, and 18 pounders with
some howitzers on the right sector.
At 9-0 p.m. the O.C. Left sector got in touch with the
headquarters of the LINCOLNS and arranged that as soon as their
companies came forward a Company could be sent on to occupy from
O.28.b.00.65. to O. 22.a.9.5., and relieve our men of this sector
2/Lt BILSON organising the posts for them and connecting their fls
up.
The shelling of our artillery had become so severe that
on the centre and left sector the posts were withdrawn to ODIOUS
and ODOUR trenches, about 9-15 p.m., on the right the posts were
withrawn to the Support Line, and all troops except sentries
were kept absolutely down under cover; all work ceasing.
At 11-0 p.m. the enemy counterattacked along our Front
but failed to reach our trenches or get within bombing distance
owing to our machine gun and rifle fire. The rest of the night was
spent in consolidating.

 

R38/54        14
Sheet No.2
On 9.6.17 the enemy were kept down by snipers and
Lewis Gunners, and once or twice dispersed by our Artillery wh.
At 9-30 a.m. it was found that a large party of enemy had crept
forward by one’s and two’s and were massing in shell heles and
old emplacements from O. 22.c.85. to O.22.c.77., 20 bombers
under 2nd Lt. BOASE were sent forward to dislodge them. These
men bombed forward, got in touch with the enemy and outbombed
him, standing on the surface and chasing him from cover with
bombs, and when they broke and tried to retire our Lewis Gunners
and snipers cut them down. This continued until none were left.
In the afternoon a party went out and collected forty wounded
German prisoners, and estimated there were from 60-80 dead:
Three men of our were killed, and 4 wounded. The whole party
showed remarkable dash and bravery, especially as the shell holes
occupied by the Germans had quantities of bombs of every description 

in them. A prisoner who spoke English stated the whole Company
was killed or taken prisoner.. The attack finished any active
opposition the enemy gave us until we were relieved.
At 8-40 p.m. a barrage was put down by both sides,
the British troops in present and in the rear became very jumpy,
an S.O.S. even being sent up by the supporting troops.
An order was received for the Battalion to move back
at 9-0 p.m to Supports of the 49th & 51st Battalions.
"A" & "C" Companies moved through the barrage to time,
and wild rumours were very prevalent among the English Troops that

the Australians were retiring. "B" & "D" Companies were kept until 
the fire had slackened, and an Officer preceded the relief to
warn troops to warn troops at Headquarters of Battalions through
whom they passed of the relief, because the troops in the rear
were so jumpy that their steadiness was absolutely shaken.
No S.O.S. Signals were sent up by this Battalion
during the afternoon or evening of the 11th 8/6/17.
The Tanks rendered very valuable aid, and were
untiring in their efforts to help. They acted with the utmost
promptitude in going to the assistance of troops or accomplishing
any work asked of them. They dismounted their Lewis Guns and worked
them from the trenches and refused to leave the front Line until
everything was consolidated.
Major.
Tempy. Commanding 52nd Battalion AI

 

R38/54    15
REPORT OF OPERATIONS on 10th 11th June 1917
The Battalion moved from BOYLES FARM at 8-0 p.m. with
guides from 50th Battalion, and went forward to take up a
position at 34 a. on a tape which was being laid out.
Owing to the early hour that the attack was commencing
it was necessary to move forward over MESSINES RIDGE in
daylight, and "C" and "D" companies came under a heavy barrage
as result of them having been observed by the enemy.
"C" & "D" Companies, after the barrage, were led by their
guides on to a tape which was some distance in the rear of
the correct jumping off place. "D" Company was drifted into
the line after the attack, and helped ^to work to a flank and get in
touch with the Battalion on the Right. "C" company which
had got out of touch with H.Qs in the smoke and barrage, were
instructed to remain where they were, as the line was consolidated 
by the time they had located themselves and reported
where they were dug in.
The two Companies which attacked on the 52nd Battalion
frontage started later and found the enemy wire uncut, a few
men managed to get through, entered the enemy trench and formed
up on the right of the 50th Battalion.
Afterwards as men were reorganised they were put into
the line already held, and worked to their right, forming
their right post at O.34.a.1.5.70.
Patrols then pushed out to the right and failed to get
in touch with our right Battalion.
During the night the position was consolidated and just
after dawn another patrol reported they had gotk in touch
with the 45th Battalion on our right.
As soon as it was light enough to see enemy were noticed,
moving back towards the road which runs through O.28.c & d,
O.29.3 &  O.35.s., in Officer’s patrol examined the house at
O.34.s.4.9. and found it to be a very strong concrete post
unoccupied; and with five or six German dead lying in and
around it, this post was occupied and the patrol then got in
touch with an Officer of the Right Battalion who later worked
down, and joined us at the road at O.34.a.8.30.
During the day 11.6.17 consolidation was continued with
sniping at enemy's snipers. machine gunners, and at their planes
which were constantly over our lines.
At dusk an outpost was pushed out to O.34.b. 75.15., and
an Officer's patrol went out and patrolled DECONINCK FARM
O.34.b.65.70., and remained there.
At 11-0 p.m. the relief commenced, an English Reginent
taking over on the left to the BLAU EXFWOORTSWEXK, and the 14th
Battalion relieving our right sector.
As the O.C. of the relieving Company of 14th Battalion
refused to occupy DECONINCK FARM the officer was ordered to
fall back but on this being reported to Lieut-Colonel SALISBURY
he refused to consider the relief of the Brigade Sector complete
and instructed the Farm be reoccupied by our Battalion. A party
of the 14th Battalion was then led out by Capt.MAXWELL of the
52nd Battalion, who first personally reconnoitred the road
running by the Farm to O.35.a.4.6., and then finding some
concrete posts at C.35.a.2S.60., placed the post in position
there. Capt. JACKA of the 14th Battalion accompanied the party
and was handed over the position which had been selected by
Capt MAXWELL.
The relief of the Battalion was then completed.
Major
Temp. Commanding 52nd Battalion A.I.F

 

R39/94     16
AUSTRALIAN
GENERAL GODLEY'S SPEECH TO THE 12th./INFANTRY BRIGADE.
LA CRECHE. 14th. June 1917.
General Robertson, Officers and men of the 12th. Brigade,
when I speak to you today I am not going to make a mistake which
I made on the last occasion when I addressed you, and when I
spoke of you, if you remember, as the 13th. Brigade. Whatever
I called you, there was one thing which & had in my mind and
that was the Brigade that fought at BULLECOURT - there was no
mistake about that this was the Brigade which fought so
gallantly at BULLECOURT. I have now come to thank you for what
the Brigade did in the great victory we have had over the
Germans at MESSINES. It has been a great victory and may have
very far reaching effects. There is no Brigade in the whole
of the 2nd. Army which fought did more to achieve that victory
than you did. You had a very difficult job. There is
nothing harder then to go through other troops to get to a
final objective so far in advance. It required great gallantry
to get it because you had to go over and down a forward slope
in full view of the enemy after that enemy had had time to pull
himself together a bit. Not only was there their gallantry
of the troops beyond all praise, but they knew what they were
about, and did it like experienced soldiers.
The Brigade will have the satisfaction of knowing that it
was they who got to our final objective and held it in the face
of very determined counterattacks. I can only say that I hope
that this Brigade will remain with me, and that I shall feel
that there is no Brigade which I would rather have with me;
and I thank wixt you from my heart for all that you have done
in this great battle.

 

R39/94         17

GENERAL GODLEY'S SPEECH TO 13th AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE.
CANTEEN CORNER.  June 14th. 1917.
General Glasgow, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and
men of the 13th. Infantry Brigade I have come down here today to
thank and congratulate you on what the Brigade did in the great
battle of MESSINES which is just over. The Brigade had a very
difficult task in having to go through other troops to start
under rather difficult conditions on its attack. It had to
go through the whole battlefield, find its way under difficult
circumstances and over difficult country through other troops,
and then get under the barrage, establish themselves there and
eventually go on to our final objective. Now it was a g
operation a good deal more difficult than some of you may have
realised. It reflects infinite credit not only on the
gallantry of the Brigade, but on its discipline, training, and
experience. I was very glad to have an experienced Division
like the 4th. Division to do this difficult operation of coming
through the attacking Division and going on to the Green Line.
I had perfect confidence that, in the 13th. Brigade, who had
to establish touchwith the Corps on our left, we had a Brigade
which would do it well. My confidence was more than amply
justified. Nothing could have been better. So well and so
successfully was it done, that the left Battalion of the Brigade 
went even further than was intended and took over a good
bit of line on the left which was really allotted to the 9th.
Corps. Then, afterwards, a very awkward situation developed
in which a pocket of Germans held out in about 600 yards of
trench on the GREEN LINE. This had to be taken and Col.
Salisbury’s Battalion, and I should add, the 52nd. Battalion
did it and did it most excellently. It reflects great credit
on these two Battalions. You were counterattacked heavily,
perhaps more heavily than we knew; because the Germans themselves 

say that they counterattacked with at least two Divisions
in the particular place where you met them. You were mainly
responsible for repulsing that counterattack.
I am proud to think that my connection with the Brigade
dates from the time when you were formed on the SUEZ CANAL.
The Brigade promised to be a good one and its performances ever
since in Flanders and on the SOMME and here have proved it
second to none. You now have not only this battle to your
credit but also the fact that you went furthest and, together
with the 12th. Brigade, were the Brigade which was given the
final objective to be made, which you did with such conspicuous
success. We are now in front of GAPAARD FARM, and further
East almost on to WARNETON. To this Brigade as much as any
other in the 2nd. belongs the credit of having achieved that

result. We deplore your Heavy losses, but that is inevitable
when a Brigade of proved valour is set such a task as you had to
do. It is the result of desperate fighting against a
determined
and gallant xxxxx enemy. I am very proud to have you in my
Corps and to feel that I have a Brigade on which I can so
thoroughly depend in any further fighting that may be before you.

 

R39/94      18

GENERAL GODLEY'S SPEECH TO THE 9th. AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BRIGADE
nearDoulieu. 15th. June 1927.
General Jobson, Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men
of the 9th. Infantry Brigade, I have come here today as Commander
of the 2nd. Anzac Corps to congratulate you on the part of which
all ranks of the Brigade played in the Battle of MESSINES, which
is still going on. The Brigade was the right Brigade of the
whole 2nd. Army, xxx and was the pivot on which the whole operations 

of the first day depended. If this Brigade had not only
done its job well, but also learned what to do and how to do it,
the operations of Knn an Army of three Axxx Army Corps might have
been imperilled. But it proved that not only you but carried
out its most difficult task. It is a very difficult thing to
pivot as you did on your right and swing round on to the BLACK
LINE: It was done in a way worthy of the best trained regular
troops. It was extremely well done, and that was because everyone’s

heart was in the job and they made a point of knowing what
to do and how to do it. They got on to the BLACK LINE without
difficulty. Then you came under a very heavy shelling - I think
the heaviest shelling experienced by any Brigade in the 2nd. Army.
I had many messages from all parts of the line, but from the right
I never had any message which showed the least doubt about the
result or about the right of the line sticking it. It was
worth more than I can tell you to know that the right was firm.
The Brigade was then called on to take a very intricate,
highly developed, strongly fortified system known as the POTTERIES
It was done admirably and could not have been done better. The
effect of all this is that we cleared the BOCHE altogether out
on the right flank... We are in possession now right down to the
line of the LYS, and have driven him back almost into WARNETON,
3,000 yards further than you were told to go or than you actually
went. Last night we got some more gains, about 70 prisoners,
and are within striking distance of WARNETON now. What is
going to happen in the future only the Higher commanders know,
but the 9th. Brigade cleared the way to this xxxx result.
This is the first big fight the Brigade has been in. It
has proved itself worthy to rank with any of the Brigades of the
A.I.F. or in any force in the Empire - with the Brigades that
landed in GALLIPOLI or fought in the SOMME. And I want to tell
you how proud the sister Corps, the 1st. Anzac Corps, and the
people of Australia will be when they hear of the performances of
the 9th. Brigade. 1 feel that I can confidently trust a Brigade
like this for any further operations which we may be called upon
to carry out.

 
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