Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/272/1 - 1917 - 1932 - Part 3

X38/54
REPORT PM 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 preceed 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 C.27. Central to O.27.d.O.O. (which
had been laid out by the Intelligence OfficerlLent 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 43th 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 Sere
the barrage was fel 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. O.4. (3 Posts occupied the trench) from 0.28.c.00.65.
3 posts ran to the road at O. 22.d.30, thence along the rear of the
road to C. 22.d.05..53., 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 round an English Battalion
Behind ODONTO TREHCH, 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.a.8.3. to O.28.a.S.S. 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 0.18.a. Central along
the 40 Contour Line, and the other behind the junction of the
52nd and 47th Battalions. A Platoon of English were collected
near the Railway at O. 22.a. 24., and sent out to VAN HOVE FARM to
occupy it, a tank co-operating with them, thus protecting our
left fsex 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 xaround JOYE FARM, and 18 pounders with
some howitzers on the right sector
At 9.0p.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 would be sent on to occupy from
O. 28.b.00.65. to C. 22.a. 9.3., and relieve our ren 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 the
on the centre and left sector the posts were withdrawn to OPIOUS
and ODOUR trenches, about 9-15 p.m., on the right the posts were
withdrawn 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
Sheet No.2.
On 8.6.17 the enemy were kept down by snipers and
Lewis Gunners, and once or twice dispersed by our Artillery xx
At 9-30 a.m. it was found that a large party of enemy ahd crept
forward by one’s and two’s and were massing in shell holes and
old emplacements from O. 22.c.85. to 0.22.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 return 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 prevelent 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 is 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 22th 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 BattalionAl
 

R38/54
REPORT OF OPERATIONS on 10th 11th June 1917.
The Battalion moved from BOYLES FARM at 8-0 p.m. with
guides from 30th 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" & "D" Companies came under a heavy barrage
as a 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 gott 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
C.29.3 & 0.35.a., in Officer's patrol examined the house at
0.34.a. 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 Regiment
taking over on the leftto the [[BLAUWEXPWOORTBWYEEK?]], 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 0.35.a.4.6., and then finding some
concrete posts at 0.35. a.25.60., 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
 

4lst. Battn.
A.I.F.
SABADINE
737 E.E.
Killed in Action 9. 7.27.
The Late No. 737 Pte. R.E.Sabadine, was a member of my company,
which was holding a portion of the ^41st Bn Messines Waineton line in the
early part of July 1917. This line had recently been made after
the capture of Messines.
During my Company’s tour of duty in the line at this time, it
was subject both to heavy shelling and sniping by the enemy, both
day and night. On the night of the 9th. July, when my line was
being heavily shelled, the enemy happened to place one big shell
in my line. This shell exploded and killed poor Sabadine.
The late Pte. Sabadine was perhaps the best 'Bombing man’, that is,
the best 'Bomb-Thrower' in the Battalion. He was exceedingly well
liked by his comrades. All had a good word for him and his death
caused quite a gloom throughout the company. I may here state that
poor Sabadine was alongside Lieut. Pitson, when that officer
was hit by a sniper.
I had the late Pte. Sabadine's body removed and it was officially
buried on the slope of Messines Hill.  Such grave would be registered.
Thur burial service was read by Chaplain Captain A.A.
Mills who may furnish you with any further particulars, if you
may require same. I'm sorry that I cannot add a description of
Pte. Sabadine as I was only new to the company and I cannot recall
SABADINE
41st. Battn
A.I.F.
E.E.
737.
him to memory to describe him.
Ref. letter from Capt. C.W. French,
11.11.17.
London.
23.11.17.
 B.

Messines
(Extracts from diary of Pte W.D. Gallwey, & 47th Battalion)
Had to march out in drill order this morning and
took a route leading towards Bailleul........Passed
the railhead at which we had arrived some days ago.
There were many big guns about here awaiting transport to
the front line & we also saw soldiers stacking shells in a
largedump........
At the railway yards was a large casualty clearing
station. This consisted of a number of large marquees
& there was a fully equipped nursing staff and
appliances. Numbers of men were at present here
awaiting transport to the rear. The tents were
emblazoned with the red cross and numerous red
cross flags fluttered from the poles surrounding
the place. It was absolutely protected from the
enemy as far as perspicacity was concerned.
At once I thought what an ulterior motive
laid behind this scheme of having a casualty clearing
station right at the rail head. Naturally the enemy
could not rightly shell this place, and what a
protection this affords to all trains arriving at the
station here. Guns, munitions, etc, could be brought
right in & unloaded in the hospital grounds. It
was a cleverly designed move on the part of the
British, but how often is the wily Hun practising
the same tactics. He is not far behind in his methods.
It is fair enough I suppose. Could not help thinking
what a clever ruse it was. Only for this hospital
the railway station would beshelled daily and there
never would be a train allowed to come in with
war materials............
xxxxxx

today... the 12th brigade was to be reviewed
.....great preparations were made early this
 

2.
Morning. Equipment & arms were Thoroughly cleaned
and persons likewise. Our battalion assembled &
marched to a parade ground some kilometres away.
We were a good while on the march & were about the
last battalion to arrive.....We soon took our places
and of course expected the usual delay before the
staff officers would arrive
It was dreadfully hot & standing out in the
glaring sun with no shelter at hand, men began to
falldown under the sun's rays .....There were
Many complaints now about standing out in the sun
& if the reviewing officers did not come along soon there
would be trouble. They did appear eventually
mounted on chargers...... quite a retinue of officers.
We were called to attention & presented arms as they
came on to the parade ground. Following this, the army
Commander (sic) addressed us at some length. It appears
this review is pr precipitate to our going into action
Were told that General Birdwood had given us glowing
reports from the Somme & we were expected to distinguish
ourselves in the near future. Men were bored with all
this talk and were getting impatient. The General rode
through the ranks & inspected every individual. We
afterwards had a "March Past" with battalion bands at
the head of each battalion.......
Were thinking over the prospect of going into action
in the near future. It is some time since we came out of the
line & have had a good rest, if such it can be called.
Have been doing some arduous training I know
until we are all very weak. I do not mind having
another brush with the Boche. Memories of Buellecourt
have not yet faded & this time I know what a little
Hell I am going into........
 xxxxxxxxx
 

....Had a brisk morning at the parade ground,
principally doing bayonet fighting., This lasted all day,
until we were just tired of it. Jumping in & out of
trenches & stabbing sand bags was no joke...... Most of us
take an interest in bayonet fighting......
......heard that we were to go to the firing line
tomorrow morning. Had not been thinking of this
lately & when I received the news now received a great
shock. Was overcome with excitement & rushed home as
hard as I could go. My blood was tingling, & I was
wrapt in thought with regard to the events of the morrow.
Arriving at my billet, all were in a feverish excitement,
The instructions had come all of a sudden. Equipment had
to bepacked, rifles & ammunition cleaned, bayonets
Sharpened, and all private papers such as letters
etc destroyed. There was a host of instructions
men were busily engaged in carrying them out.
If there is anything we like it is the real thing, & now
every individual was in dead earnest. Parades
have little interest and fall into insignificance
compared with the momentousness of the firing line
A stranger walking into the billet the evening
would be under the impression that tomorrow was to
be a great pageant from the conversation & the
preparation being made It was a hive of
industry inside the billet........
It was daybreak when I awakened by the noise of
men rising. Today's the day. Jumped up at once. Had
everything in readiness so there was not much to be
done this morning. All were more or less tired yet
bustled round & spoke of the prospects today. Did not
know what time we would march off but were
ready hours before. It because a suspense waiting
now, so eager were all to get away.
After some time a messenger came to the billet
announcing that there would be a parade to
 

Bailleue today & men were to bring towels..... No
one can imagine what a better disappointment this
was. At once every man became discontented & was
complaining about the disappointment... Army orders
are always the same. At times I wonder if there is a
motive behind this method of issuing orders.....
xxxxxxxx
The next morning when most of us were quite
unconcerned, the startling news came out that men
would fall in in fighting order today & were to leave
forthe firing line. Such news to be given out nearly
swept us off our feet. Did not expect that today
at all... The billet was in an uproar. Everybody
was happy & preparing for a big day......
While assembling on the side of the road here, columns
of troops were passing on their way back from the firing line,
& others were moving up to take their places. They were all
British regiment & their bands led them to the strains of
lively airs.. Those returning from the line looked
as though they had been there for some time, being filthy
with mud, unshaven, & very much worn, their faces
were haggard & it was quite time they were relieved.
.........
Preliminary arrangements had been fairly well
completed now & we were getting ready to move. Allthe
girls filled our ranks with tears ^in their eyes & said
goodbye. Old men who were watching the scene were
equally moved & I saw the tears rolling down their
cheeks. The civilians here had been exceedingly kind
to us all the time we were here. When all drawn up
waiting for the final order, it was amusing to see a
young girl run up to a mounted officer & bending down
he kissed her goodbye. This was in front of the whole
parade & we cheered him.
All farewells taken, the parade now moved off.
.....Passing through Steenwerck, there was great
excitement. Troops had been passing through the town
all the morning &, the civilians were excited because
 

5.
they thought it heralded big events .....We heard
"Bonne Chance" from all sides & acknowledged it feelingly
.........
Passed through a couple of small villages......
the road we were negotiating now was the main Ypres road
......It was crammed with war traffic...... We just had room
to move along.......Expected to go right into the firing line
& who were surprised when we halted before a camp of wooden
huts....."Aldershot Camp"........ Every one of them was
like a seive from shrapnel bullets.
[The next eight days were spent in this camp, near Neuve
Eglise, the men spending their time at lectures, bomb practice
physical drill, & in a sham attack, etc, and, during their
lesson hours, in watching with unallayed interest the
artillery laying down the preparatory bombardments.
On the Sunday before the attack the men had Australian
frozen rabbit for dinner - "this was simply delicious
& there I was any quantity of it, too." One night gas
was a little troublesome A few days before the attack,
the plan ^of operations was explained ^ by the company officers to the rank & file, who "displayed
intense interest." Speaking of the plans of the battalion
which would be on the right of the 47th, Captain Davey
say that he "did not favour them too much." He even
doubted if they would reach the 3rd line trench and had
therefore made arrangements to protect our right flank
if this advance broke down while we occupied the
forward area."
About this time the troops were oer ordered to
cover their steel helmets with sandbags, which were
issued for the purpose. Addressing the battalion on
parade the day before the attack, the CO. gave the men
the day to themselves provided they brought back to
camp a pick & shovel, tools of which the battalion was
then very short. The humour of the proposal appealed to
the men, especially when the colonel said that any of
them caught stealing would be severely dealt with and
then let off with a caution. One party went as far as the
railway junction at Hellfire Corner, where a large
gang of Tommies were working on the line. When, during
 

a bombardment, the Tommies dropped their tools & sought
cover, a "good number" of the 47th rushed in where the
shells were falling & grabbed every tool they could lay
their hands on. Another party looted an engineer camp.
Before long a stack of picks & shovels grew outside the
battalion orderly room & orders had to be issued to
the men to give up the quest.]
There were scenes of the wildest enthusiasm
this afternoon (the day before the attack) I had ever
seen amongst men before. The most sober minded
ofthem became like children All were told
to make the most of their time today because they may
not have long to live. Excitement was unbounded.
All went mad with joy & regaled themselves to the utmost
in every form of pleasure available. The diligence displayed
was astounding. Some of the more garrulous could
not be silenced.......
A large issue of ammunition & other supplies was to
be made. For a start each man was issued with two
bandoliers of cartridges of 25 rounds each. This made
a total of 170 rounds we carried in all....... Two
Mills grenades were then issued, to each man......
just now the corporal of my platoon told me I had been
selected to join the Hand Grenade Section. About five men
comprise this section in each platoon. I had now to
accept a small canvas bag for a hook for attaching to the
belt. This bag contained six Mills grenades.........xxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and hooks on the
belt infront of the body & swings between the legs when
walking........
Three sand bags were issued to each man. These
are for use as soon as we reach our objective.... These
were trapped at the back just under the haversack.......
To augment present supplies we were issued with another
water bottle....... A green ground flare was issued to
each for use in signalling our contact aeroplane...... Others