Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/272/1 - 1917 - 1932 - Part 4

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carried Verey lights......
Nonethe least important was the ration supply.......
48 hours iron rations were now issued, consisting of 2 tins of
bully beef & three biscuits......Had enough weight to
carry now.....
All were nearly mad with excitement......Full well we
know our hours of life may be numbered, therefore like to
make the most of the time we have yet to live. Stood watching
the ridge tonight & the scene of desolation. Fire was raging as
far as we could see. Every gun was pounding away
at his defences and by tomorrow morning there should be
little left in the way of opposition. We were very
optimistic of unparalleled success.
A column of troops was coming along the Ypres
road. We rushed across to see them. Were agreeably
surprised to find they were New Zealanders......all
were singing and appeared very light hearted. We gave
them lusty cheers to which they vociferously
responded. Some called out "Give it to them boys & they
replied "There will be none left for you." ..........
xxxxxxxx
Precisely at 0300 there was an explosion
that shook the earth .... From a deep sleep I was
rudely awakened & it was as though I were in a dream.
The hut rocked as the earth trembled and I felt a
sensation such as one would feel on a sinking ship
The motion lasted some seconds & ultimately I thought of the
mine. The motion ceased as suddenly as it had
begun & then there was a tumult of gunfire that was
simply deafening.....
I heard no disturbance in the hut. Every man
had momentarily awakened but there was no comment &
nobody got up. Beyond a thought that the big attack had
Commenced, I do not think one man, gave it consideration.
.........
The next thing I can remember, is being suddenly
awakened at dawn. Every wan in the hut was hurried
 

8.
out & ordered into fighting order of dress at once......
It was a salubrious morning. The sun was just
coming over the trees in the wood nearby. The fresh
morning air was crisp. Glancing across at
Messines ridge our whole vision was obscured by a
dense cloud of smoke which hugged the ground in the
valley. Every gun appeared to be in action at once
---
Too excited to eat much food this morning. There
was more than sufficient for every man & it was just the
time one should have made a good meal. One cannot say
how long it will be before we get the next. I was astounded
when I saw men refuse even a bite of food this morning
I found I was little better. Could not force myself to eat.
The food was mostly left untouched...... then appeared
preoccupied with their own thoughts. Some I noticed
were quite nervous & unsettled. Others walked up & down
pacing to & fro as though they were impatient. For the first
time I realised that human nature was revolting against
the power of the mind. Today we are going to meet death face
to face. Actually these men are calm, which surprises
one beyond words. One would expect a much greater
emotional display in the circumstances. The mental
strain is cruel, yet each is endeavouring to contain
himself although prurient with nervous excitement
.......
At 0600 the parade was assembled in Aldershot
Camp. This was the last roll call at which every man
would answer........All were on parade fully
equipped infighting order......all officers are wearing

a uniform similar in most details to that worn by the
men....... in addition to a braced pistols they now
carry a rifle...... There was much talking & laughter
now, the officers making themselves very sociable......
Took a route direct towards the front line instead of
going round the roads. For one thing the roads would be
taxed to their utmost this morning with vehicular
traffic & then again would be heavily shelled......
 

Passing a humble Belgian peasant cottage an
elderly lady came out & with tears streaming down her
face, waved a handkerchief as we passed & shouted
"Bonne chance" (good luck)......It was becoming
frightfully hot. Began to feel very tired & thirsty
from carrying such a weight.
Winding through the debris of battle & picking our
way over ground pitted with shellholes was harrowing
Were just entering ^upon the valley which skirts the Messines
ridge & in which havoc had been wrought this
morning...... We beheld numbers of aeroplanes
flying about here & many lying shattered on the ground.
some were burned........ Passed so close to some of them
that we could see the occupants still in the wreckage.....
Big guns were out in the open here with as cover
of any description... Saw some of the howitzers with
muzzles pointing almost towards the Sky. ....The
gunners, stripped to the waist in the hot sun, were wet
with perspiration as they fed these guns in quick
succession. It was a fine sight.
On all sides farm houses..... were now burning,
....Came to a roadway. Telephone lines which are
part of our signalling system were suspended on poles
here. A British aeroplane had fouled these & now hung
suspended, the fuselage entangled in the wires while the
propeller was embedded in the ground....
All through the valley were field guns & in places mule
teams & tractors were straining their utmost to pull guns
into position...... . An occasional shell interrupted
this work in places and always relief men & relief mules
took the places of those who had perished.
Famous Hill 60 was looming infront now
enveloped in smoke & appeared to be on fire. The
bombardment of this hill by the enemy was fearful.
These shells came right into the valley at the foot of the
hill.....The ground was being torn up all along the
hillside. Shrapnel shells burst over the valley
abere with a crack like a rifle shot.
 

10
Progress here was futile. We could have attempted
it but it was not worth the casualties, the enemy still had
his observation balloons or some of them intact & must have
spotted our advance.....At the foot of Hill 60 we
were forced to call a halt to try & find some means of going
[*?free 62*]over ... (At the present time it is the scene of the
renowned "Catacombs"...... tunnels driven under the hill
& capable of accommodating 1000 men.)
We were just standing here now resting with the
rifle propping the haversack to take the weight off the
back.....At this early hour the sun would nearly
blister one, it was so hot...... We were in a bath of
perspiration....... surveying our surroundings
now, observed a large ammunition dump on fire on
the side of Hill 60. The noise from this alone was like a
small bombardment as each shell exploded. It was
a ludicrous sight to see a train laden with
ammunition steaming along close to here as though
nothing untoward was taking place......
It was fully half an hour we had been standing
here & time was getting our We had a full day's programme
& could not delay too long if we ^wished to reach our objective.
The bombardment so far had ceased a little but not to
any appreciable extent ........orders were issued
for every man to act independently, keep well apart,
& advance over the hill as quickly as possible..........
before moving off had orders to charge the magazine of our
rifles.........
The shrapnel was murderous overhead as we
approached the hill & began the ascent. Rushed ahead as
fast as we could but only at a walking pace. Went
dangerously close to the burning ammunition dump.....
In front, on every side, behind, above, shells continued to
burst & the shreik seemed to penetrate the soul at times.
On several occasions had to fall flat on the ground to avoid
flying metal...... With calm indifference we progressed
and at last reached the goal.
 

11
.....The shellfire of the evening was mainly
directed the other side of Hill Co. & the intervening space
between here & our old front line was comparatively
quiet......Had not proceeded for here when we
entered a sap leading to our front line. This sap was like
a well worn road & in excellent state of preservation
In places a receat shell had shattered it. It was about
8ft deep & 6ft wide..... Passing along this sap in
single file........
After progressing some distance along here, came to
an open space and passed into what until this morning
were our front line trenches......I could not say
these trenches afforded us any cover now. Only a few
hundred yards ahead was the ruined village of Messines
.......Numbers of derelict tanks were scattered about
in fantastic positions. Some had great holes torn in
them exposing all the machinery......
Parched with thirst, we came to a place where under
the duckboards was a small pool of green slimy water.
Men passing before had not noticed this on account of the
green slime covering it I but now it was disturbed
by some man stumbling, & exposing the water. Like
sheep these men feel down on it while other laid on
top of them in the vain endeavour to slake their
thirst. It was a dangerous moment & the advance was
temporarily stopped. All were frantic to get to the water
& such filth as it was ...... An officer promptly
jumped up on the parapet & brandishing a revolver,
threatened every man, firing shots into the side of the
trench. This had the desired effect & slowly they
extricated themselves & moved on, but that officer
had to stand there & threaten to shoot the first man who
attempted to stoop to that water......
Emerged upon an open space again & this time
were to advance over what was formerly NoMans Land
......The first sight of what was before us gave
every individual a severe shock. A continual
 

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bombardment was being maintained & large shells were
falling on nearly every square yard of ground just ahead of
us. These were what we call "coalboxes." ......
This barrage formed an impenetrable barrier
here & I really thought we would have stopped until it
eased a little. I think most men were of the idea that we
would not attempt to penetrate this. Undaunted we
continued our way & walked into certain death it
seemed...... Had hardly advanced into the shelled
area when a coalbox with a fearful shriek fell right
amougst us. There was a flash, then a mass of dense
black smoke. Many of us were too surprised to lie
down flat, it came so suddenly. I saw four men appear
to be down as the smoke was clearing. In the same
instant I realised that they were struck & had either
been killed or wounded. Stretcher bearers were called
at once, & the remainder of the battalion passed on.
......
Until all our men were out of the sap, we had
to pause for a few moments to reorganise & take
up our direction.......... in in this was the most forbidding
place xx of all to be halted. Captain Davey was
very active & moving about amongst us issuing orders
Observed here long lines of white take extended in
various directions toward the enemy lines.- As
soon as we picked up our line - promptly moved off.
adopted shellfire formation.
.....We had the greatest difficulty in getting
over this ground, it was so rough......Every yard of
the journey was brimming over with interest.....
Came upon a portion of trench in which the sides had caved
in after the explosion. Three Germans were pinned in the
trench with just their heads protruding.....
In the immediate vicinity now were so many
dead men that we were picking our way through them.
this must be the centre of the great mine explosion.
All these men were fully equipped & even had the pack still on
 

13
their backs, the whole scene immediately suggested itself. We had
heard that the Bavarian troops were just relieving the Saxons
when the explosion occurred. This accounts for them all being fully
dressed in marching order.....
It was a wonderful sight when we now came upon a huge
mine crater. Shells were still falling about us......
Cannot say we are exhibiting any signs of oern nervousness as
yet notwithstanding the carnage with which we are surrounded....
At intervals my stell helmet gave a muffled ring as small pieces
of flying metal struck it.....
Captain Davey still cheered us on. Shellfire was
noticeably on the increase now & it was soon evident that
the enemy was putting up a barrage to prevent our progress.
Shells of all calibre were falling in our midst......
Came across a large concrete pillbox. Were feeling doubtful
about passing this because we could not see what was on the
other side; however our minds were soon at ease when we
discovered a heap of corpses at the entrance. Fully 20 men
were piled up here in neat order, heads one way, feet the
other.... In the increasing shellfire progress became
rather hazardous but we would neither halt nor turn back
.....Passed through this barrage of shells....
While passing along some very rough ground in shellfire
formation..... there was a terrific crack overhead. Could
only see a flash like a flash of lightning before my eyes & was
momentarily blinded. I threw myself down & crouching.
low on the ground waited. It had been too late. No one can
escape from a shrapnel shell. It bursts long before the sound
of the explosion reaches our ears. I heard my helmet ring with
piece of metal, but could experience no wound.
Lying down for a few moments, I waited for a signal
to move on. None came & hearing a groan, I was conscious
that something was amiss. Jumped up instantly & soon
discovered the situation. One man looked up at me, his
face streaming with blood. Noticed another badly hit
about the neck.... that just spurted with his life blood.
Went to my section commander. He was groaning but quite
conscious. Saw him trying to release the wire cutters from
his belt this last words were. "Carry on, carry on Denver"
 

14
spoken in a feeble voice. Writhing in agony, his face
distorted & covered in blood from head wounds, I feared
he was breathing his last. I had no time to attend wounds
& tried to get the wire cutters from his belt. Was shocked to find
that the buckle infront of the belt had been knocked into his
stomach......I secured the clippers for we only had a
few pairs amongst us.......We had already lost
ground on account of this tragedy. I called the survivors to
action at once & told them to follow me. Only four^x
[*there were abt xxx 10 men in the section*]
followed me.....Two tried to get up but then wounds held
them down..... My blood was stirred at the sight of my comrades
being struck down before my eyes & as I glanced at their broken
bodies my eyes filled with tears......
The remainder of the battalion had advanced some distance
by this time & we had to move along fairly quickly to catch
them up.......Observed the battalion halt at a
railway line now & all get cover in shellholes. This
encouraged us & we redoubled our efforts over the tangled
masses of barbed wire & debris that littered the field.
..... I sounded my courage found I had been badly
shaken but firmly resolved to die bravely if need be...
Finally reached the battalion without further mishap.
We spread along a low embankment of what was once the
main railway line connecting Steenwerck, Messines, & Lille.
......Saw Captain Davey holding pow-wow with
some of his officers. Immediately went along to report to
him the casualties in my section & that I had taken command
He expressed regret at so many losses before we had
really commenced our attack & commended my action in
taking charge. Told me I was to carry on in charge of the
bombing section. Was just returning now to my section
& suddenly there was an explosion..... Captain Davey threw
up his arms & dropped dead. A "whizbang" had just
burst in front of him & a fragment had caught him under
the jaw taking the side of his head off..... He was one of
our best officers & in whom we had infinite faith.....
There was a trench just alongside the embankment of the
 

15.
railway here or what was left of it. This was about two feet
deep. There was really no embankment at all; for the
line was practically on ha level ground only for the
ballast, which raised it a little. Bullets were beginning
to fly now.... Whizzbangs were also rather frequent....
and as soon as it was observed they were being fired at us,
we all took the warning to keep under cover as much as
possible instead of walking about unnecessarily.....
All along our lives men were being knocked out.....
In view of the Seriousness of the situation.... I asked for one to
take my place should I be knocked over. The man to accept that
responsibility was one whose first action this was. He said he
would lead the section if anything happened to me.....
The gunfire became too severe & we were suffering
many casualties. Finally decided to seek a safer
rendezvous.. .. Immediately after losing two of our
machine gunners, we were called up & moved forward
about 50 yards, halting again & taking cover in a few
shellholes. Observed some distance in front a
German Observation balloon. This was about the only
German balloon we we could see left standing, all the
others having been shot down..... Not long after we
had advanced to our new positions we saw an aeroplane
hovering round the balloon & finally the latter went up  in
flames to our great joy.....
Some 500 yards ahead was a large wood & we
believed this was harbouring many of the enemy troops who
had been driven back from their original front line. Could
see nothing much from our position here. Towards the
left was a small rise in the ground & on top of this a
road known as "Hun's Walk". This led from.... Messines
& was a wai main road. An avenue of trees still stood
along this xxxx walk & that was the only relief from a shell
scarred waste that stretched as far as we could see.
 

16  2
Not a blade of grass had we walked over since
leaving our front line trench. The ground was just
as though a plough had been through it.
Could see a couple of large pillboxes in front....
Could not tell if they were occupied or not... then were saying
now that things would be interesting as soon as we commenced
to move.
In our present position we were just out of the line of
fire that was still pounding the railway line.... Crouched in
shellholes we had to remain here for some time until the
time was given for our advance..... Six of us we cramped
into a smallhole & laid low. The heat was intense & beat
down on us from a noonday sun. Parched for want of a
drink, yet dare not touch this precious water that may be
more urgently needed as time goes on.....
Lying in the bottom of this shellhole, we were in such an
exhausted condition that we all fell into a sound sleep after
a few minutes....Eventually woke up with a start...
noticed a jagged piece of metal about 3 inches long was lying
alongside me smoking. The knock in the back was from
this. hardly of sufficient force to inflict a wound....
My platoon officer came over now & told me to be ready
to move in 3 minutes time. Was much refreshed after the
long sleep. For two hours we had slept soundly.... Immediate
orders were received to prepare for our advance, all were on
the alert... Hardly had this order been given when it was
countermanded. Word had been received of a strong German
c/attack on our left flank.  XX .. Being just over the crest
of the hill we could not see what was going on, but at
once took up a position facing that flank & waited.....
Our artillery was bombarding the ground heavily & could hear
the shells going over in one continual shriek. It was a regular
moaning found as these thousands of shell passed over.....
It was a great relief when we heard it was all over......
Now received orders again to prepare for an advance
immediately. Collected my section together and told them to
Clean their rifle bolts thoroughly & be ready for considerable
rifle fire..... Bayonets had to be fixed now & with little