Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/260/1 - 1916 - 1930 - Part 19

I was acting during the advance in the capacity of Staff Officer
to the Van Guard Commander, coupled with the job of forward reconnaissance
for General Elliott.  I do not remember details of Formations very
clearly, but retain the following impressions.
The occupation of FREMICOURT was achieved from the South-West by,
I think, Platoon Columns.  R.H.SALMON, ex 57th Bn who was I think
Bde I.O. at the time, took a hand with one Platoon.
I was by myself to the North of the village a fact I well remember
as I experienced M.G. fire while mounted, from enemy guns at the HALTE
in I.20.d. and had to go hard for cover. It was because I was North
of the Village that I did not see the actual approach but I remember
SALMON talking to me about it afterwards.  I do not think there was
any fighting in the Village, the enemy having retired as we approached.
The DELSAUX FARM ridge South of HEUGNY was actually held and an
attack supported by fire was developed, I think, by the 60th Bⁿ. I am
under the impression that (now) Major D.B. DOYLE( c/o N & M Club, Melbourne
would find him) was concerned in that show.
In HEUGNY resistance had been offered to some British Cavalry who
had been operating in the vicinity, the Eastern exit from the Village
being strewn with dead men and horses.   Whether they had fought in the
Village I cant say - they may only have been caught debauching.
Our V.G. moved South of HEUCNY, Lai^ygh and I going into it. He was
much concerned at the time, I remember, by resistance offered along the
ridge East of the Village and, after discussion, despatched several
messages urging his Companies forward.   My impression is that the enemy
retired along that Ridge towards HEAUMETZ under continuous pressure by
fire and movement from our Van Guard troops.
Enemy resistance was by this time(about 20 or 21 March I
should think) making our movement slower and we had to fight harder for
HEAUMETZ  .   I cannot recall details but I think most of the Brigade
was engaged by this time.   After occupation several counter-attacks
were launched but I expect WIECK covers this in his diary. 8th Bde
Battalions(under Col CLARK) attached to 15th Brigade were in occupation
of the Village.
My last recollection of the line in this vicinity was(1/40000
57 C) VELU WOOD(with Patrols towards BERTINCOURT) -BEAUMETZ -CHAUTOURS
WOOD - MORCHIES - MARICOURT WOOD - BOIS DE VAULX.
I take this detail
from an old sheet on which I marked theod line with a few details for
a situation report to the Brigadier.
The day I marked the Map was the day Prince Frederick Charles
of PRUSSIA was forced down about C.29 central.   I saw the event and an
entertaining corollary.
He had been shot through the foot when forced down and
endeavoured to run to a German post on the LAGNICOURT-MORCHIES RD. He
was shot through the middle while running and turned back taking cover in
an old spitlocked trench.  But the enemy post had disclosed itself and
was immediately charged by three hairy heeled 13 L.H. men who, I think
killed one and captured two and came back untouched.  The enemy in
LAGNICOURT did not molest us I suppose for fear of injuring their
aviator and I with Capt NEALE of the M.G. Coy and the Coy Comdr of the
Sector went and gathered in the Prince and dressed his wound. We did not
know who he was but his sweater embroidered with a magnificient Imperial
Eagle impressed us.  My presence also gave him confidence because he
expressed to me( in perfect English) his trust that I would see he was
not maltreated by' these Australians'    The others were of course
in Digger Jackets and I think Hats, while I wore ordinary kit with Cap
and Staff Tabs. It was a sidelight on propaganda.
 

4987.
15 October 1929.
Captain T.F. Rossiter, M.B.E.,
20, Stonehaven Avenue,
East Malvern, S.E.5, Vic.
Dear Captain Rossiter,
I am sorry to worry you again about the details of the
fight on 19 March 1917 at Noreuil, but the event is very difficult
to disentangle. I conclude that the companies from right to left
were as follows - Captain Moss, Captain Rossiter, Captain Pascoe.
The commonder of the fourth company, which was to have advanced
beside Pascoe's but missed its way, I do not know.
l also conclude that Captain Moss's company was held up
somewhere in the valley south-west of Lagnicourt; that yours
reached the sunken road leading into Lagnicourt from Noreuil; that
Pascoe's crossed this road and reached a point east of Noreuil;
and that the fourth company lost its way, and did not really enter
the fight until the others were withdrawn and put in again later
over the spur between Noreuil and Lagnicourt.
I should be very grateful if you could in a few words
inform me whether, as far as you know, these conclusions are
correct.
Yours sincerely,
 

4555.
10 June 1929.
Major J. Pascoe, M.C.
212A. Lyons Street,
North Ballarat. Vic.

Dear Major Pascoe,
I am at present writing the story of the 6th Brigade's
advance through Bapaume in 1917, and should be grateful if you
could give me any details of the advance by the 23rd Battalion
on the night of March 19-20. There is literally ntohing in the
battalion diary, but from the brigade accounts I gather that you
would be able to give me the story of the 23rd's operations.
It is not an easy fight to understand, and if you
could see your way to assist me with your recollection I should
be much obliged. In particular, I would like to know -
(a) whether any instructions for this operation arrived
prior to the midnight order upon which the attack
was launched; and
(b) whether you were to attack Noreuil and Lagnicourt
merely to command them.
Yours faithfully,
EW Bean

[[??]]
 

20 Stonehaven Avenue
East Malvern [[S.E5?]]
5 Nov 1929

 

Dear Captain Bean/

With reference to

your letter No 4987 of the 15th [[net?]], your

conclusions as far as I can

remember are quiet correct, the

commander of the fourth company 'A'

was I think Captain A.Martin.

I would have answered your letter

sooner but have been away for 

some time.

Yours Sincerely

T.F. Rossiter

 

Possibly -

Capt. Wm Alexander Martin MC 23 Bn

Who was commissioned on 17/1/16

promoted Lieut. 31/10/16

" Capt. 21/10/18

Seconded with 6th [[Training??]]. 1/9/17

He was, however, not a

Senior Lieutenant at the time.

 

Address (1929) :-

175 Waterdale Road

Ivanhoe N21

Vic

 

FL.4151

5132.

8 November 1929

Captain W.A. Martin, M.C.,

175, Waterdale Road,

Ivanhoe, N.21, Vic

 

Dear Sir,

I have been describing for the Official History the

operations of 19-20 March 1917 at Noreuil. The account is

very difficult to disentangle, but I think the main facts have

been settled. I understand that you commanded "A" Company of

the 23rd, and should be most grateful if you could give me

any assistance with the events of that night.

Yours faithfully,

EW Bean

[[??]]

 

[*Capt WA Martin*]

[*23 Bn*]

[[*Noreme?*]]

 

National Mutual Life Association

of Australasia, Limited,

G.P.O.Box 1505,

Wellington,

20th December, 1929.
 

Captain C.E.W. Bean,

Victoria Barracks,

SYDNEY, N.S.W.

 

Dear Sir,

I have received your letter of the 8th ultimo and not

having my War records with me at present I am afraid I cannot

enlighten you very much regarding the matter on which you desire

information.

My recollection is that on the dates in question I

was in charge of a Company at an outpost situated on the road

to ^Morchies? Monachies. The morning of the 20th was very foggy I remember

and visibility was exceedingly bad. In company with two or

three of my men I walked some distance along the Monachies road

but did not sight any of the enemy.

In the afternoon of the 20th my Company was withdrawn

and I took it out to occupy a position which later in the afternoon

was relieved by Colonel Travers of the 29^6th Battalion I think.

The remainder of the Battalion remained at the Vaux to which I returned on completion of the relief.

The above fact are only from memory and I am sorry

that I cannot give you any Map references or details that I should

imagine you are in need of. 

Yours faithfully

WA Martin

 

5398.
22 January 1930.
Captain W.A. Martin, M.C.
National Mutual Life Association of Australasia, Ltd.,
Box 1505. G.P.O.,
Wellington, N.Z.

Dear Captain Martin,
Many thanks for your letter about the events of
19-20 March 1917. I realize that with the passage of time it
is exceedingly difficult to recall events so long past, but I
think that on the morning in question the company must have
taken part in the general action of the battalion. Do you
remember how, late on the night of the 19th, a sudden order
reached Vaulx-Vraucourt for an advance upon Lagnicourt and
Noreuil? The order was too late to be acted on in time, and
the companies mostly lost their way.  The only available
records concerning your company state that it, too, lost its
way, but took part at a late stage in the advance from the
Lagnicourt valley towards Noreuil together with the companies
of Rossiter, Pascoe, and Moss, which suffered fairly heavily.
They were withdrawn between 9 and 10 a.m., it being impossible
to go farther.
I do not know if this short summary will recall any
of the events to your memory, but, if so, I should be most
grateful for your assistance. Possibly your company was on the
road to Morchies.
Yours faithfully,
EWBean

[[??]]
 

City Engineer's Office,

Town Hall,

26th. June, 1929.

Mr. C.E.W. Bean
Victoria Barracks
PADDINGTON.
N.S.W.
Dear Sir,
Reference your No. 4555 of the 10th. instant.
I regret the delay in replying to your
request but as my diary was destroyed and expecting to
have been in Melbourne about the 15th. instant I had
intended getting in touch with at least two other
Coy. Commdrs., to verify my recollections of this stunt.
I find now it will be the end of the week before I will
be in Melbourne & the delay I feel would be too extended,
so will advise you as best as my recollections permit.
To be frank I cannot give you the story as a
whole of the 23rd. Bns. operations. I had just received ^returned

from leave and joined the Bn., outside Bapume during the

afternoon of the 19th, and found the not unusual furphy
being broadcast"we are being relieved to-night". This of
course did not occur. On the evenoing of the same day
the Bn, went forward and through Vaux, already cleaned up
of a few snipers by another Bn. On the far side of Vaux
a series of outposts were formed by the 23rd. Bn., with
B Coy, of which I was O.C. more to the direct front.
With the Coy's. in position and communication established
Coy. Commndrs. naturally assumed that our Coys, had a job
to carry out in this particular locality for the night of the
19-20. To answer more directly your query xxx (a) No.
Re your Query "b"
About midnight Coy. Commnders, were instructed
to report to Bn. Headquarters. Capt. W.R. Gilchrist
6th. Field Coy. Engrs. was present with orders from Brigade
Headquarters and persistent in his remarks that Noreul and
Lagnicourt was only held by a few snipers. Verbal
instructions were given by the C.O. "Coy. Commnders, will
collect Coys. A,C and D Coys. to rendezvous at B. Coy. Hqrs.
 

City Engineer's Office,

Town Hall,

2.
within one hour's time. (this brought a protest from at least
two Coy. Commnders. that it could not be done in the time)
The Bn. to move forward on compass bearings Capt. Gilchrist
directing. B. Coy, to encircle the village of Noreuil
and link up with the 21st. Bn. A and believe C. Coys. to encircle
Lagnicourt. It was easy for B. Coy, to be gathered
in. The distance that I had to travel and shorter frontage
enabling this. Short of the hour the C.O. arrived at B
Coy's. Hqrs. The hour passed and no sign of the other
three Coys. The hour exceeded by about fifteen minutes
and still no sign of them. The C.O. ordered B. Coy, to move
forward oin column of fours. After advancing for about 200 yards
I halted the Coy. The C.O. -who was marching in front with
Capt. Gilchrist- and myself asked the reason. My reply
was that I proposed to extend the Coy. astride the road
as I suspected a enemy machine gun some short distance in
front. This information I had had some two hours previously
from an Officer of another Bn. who was slightly wounded from
this direction when patrolling this particular sector. The
C.O. demurred, I respectfully upheld my point, was instructed
to carry on. The movement was carried out quickly and quietly
partly due no doubt to the information being passed to every
many before we moved off that we might meet with opposition
about here. Advanced about another 200 yards and found
a barricade across the road and considerable number of empty
cartridge cases lying about. On passing this point formed
into column of fours again and struck across country.
After a short march we came into full view of Noreuil
and halted. Hung around here for some time still ^no sign of
the other three Coys. During this halt we observed a
considerable number of flares being thrown up from different
points in Noreuil. who was getting anxious now for the light was
changing and further delay dangerous. The C.O. with the
words (I do not know what has become ^of to the other Coys.
you carry on and encircle the village of Noreuil. My Hqrs.
will be over the other side of the hill, " left us.
I immediately got the four platoon Commnders. around me
and gave the instructions that the Coy. would move in single
file, No. 5 Platoon leading carry out the encircling movement

on the right of Noreuil command the high ground on
the far side linking up with the 21st. Bn. on our left.
 

City Engineer's Office,

Town Hall,

26th. June, 1929
3.
To this day I do not know what was intended, whether after
having reached this high ground a extended line was intended
or a series of strong posts. Decided we would have to use
judgment on the spot and space B. Coy. of about 100 strong
to the best of advantage governed by the contour of the
ground. Nothing was mentioned about my right flank but
I hoped to establish communication with A or C. Coys.
Before dispersing ^the with platoon Commnders. I sensed something
was on their minds and found that they were not impressed
with the statement that Noreuil was occupied by only a
few snipers. Because of the increased number of flares
and a machine gun now in action they could not think otherwise.
The increasing light was becoming very serious,
dawn not far off. Rather than discuss what was on their
minds much as I would have liked I finished my orders with
"You have heard my instructions we are going to see this
thing through". The characteristic reply from the four
was "You bet". The Coy. advanced in single file along
low ground on the right of Noreuil and going well. With
eyes straining forward I thought I observed movement on
the high ground about 100 yards in front. I halted the Coy.
I now observed definite movement and saw the head and shoulders
of a Boche moving frome side to side against the skyline.
It looked like a sitting shot. I pointed him out to the
lad behind me and told him to take careful aim and make sure
he got him. He missed, and observed the Boche duck about
ten feet to his right and immediately two others came into
view mounted a machine gun and opened fire. We at once
extended and strange to relate without one casualty. Same
old story apparently sights too elevated. Moving forward,
flanks working around,we were getting welll on the way to
mopping this nest up. Good light now, and at this stage
I received instructions from the C.O. to retire back to sunken
road. We left one man killed behind us. During this
time rifle fire was heard in the direction of Lagnicourt,
and from Noreuil machine gun and rifle fire was brisk.
The sunken road was untenable a couple of enterprising
Uhlans enfiladed this.