Charles E W Bean, Diaries, AWM38 3DRL 606/248/1 - 1917 - 1931 - Part 10

(3)
Para 2. contd
Four to six flares on the front of each
platoon should be lit and by the
most advanced troops. The signal
by aeroplane asking for flares will
be a succession of "A's" on the Klaxon
horn. This horn sounds like a
Strombus Horn. If it is not heard a
white light will be dropped by
aeroplane meaning: "Light Flares."
(b) Battn Head Qrs. will send messages
to Brigade (through the aeroplane)
by means of Ground Signal Panel
and Lucas Lamp. To indicate there
is a message for the aeroplane
the white side of the panel will be
displayed, or the lamp directed at
the plane. When the aeroplane
is ready to received, it will send the
code letters A.Q.W.R. followed by
G. Each word or code letter is
acknowledged by the general answer T.
Ground Signal Sheet and panel
will be camouflaged until required
for use  They will be screened
immediately a hostile machine
is sighted.
 

(4)
3. CARRIER PIGEONS
Four pigeons will be allotted
to Battn Head Qrs. and three others
will accompany the Head Qrs of
each of the Assaulting Corps.
The main points requiring
attention by Coy. Commanders
are
(a) The detailing of the pigeon
man to accompany a certain
definite officer; (b) birds to be
released only in daylight; (c)
Messages to be written in the Pigeon
message book to be clear and
concise and always contain
date, time, place, unit, and
signature: (d) All officers should
know how to fix message clips -
message books and clips are
attached to baskets. (e) Usually
two birds are released with
duplicates of the same message
but for this operation, as birds
are scarce, one at a time will
be sent.
Pigeons should be supplied
with water but no food until
24 hours after they have left the loft.

5.
4. EARTH INDUCTION SET
A power buzzer will be installed
at BETHLEHEM FARM to send messages
to Brigade Head Qrs.
This means of Communication
will be used only for short important
messages, and when the station
concerned is out of touch by telephone
Messages sent by power buzzer can
be picked up by the enemy, but
although it is desirable that after
ZERO hour, all messages continue
to be sent in code or cypher, the
tactical situation and consequently
the urgency of the message will
determine whether code or clear
should be used.
5. VISUAL
A Divisional Central Visual
Station will be established on
HILL 63 at U.13.a.9.7. and will
transmit all messages received
from the theatre of operations to
Brigade Head Qrs. by telephone.

6.
Para 5. contd
This station will watch the
whole of the Divisional Front and
pick up any messages readable
All visual messages sent will
be D.D. and no acknowledgement 
will be given.
A Battn. Visual Station will
be established at BETHLEHEM FARM
to send messages to the Divisional
Station and to receive messages
from the Assaulting Coys. One
Lucas Lamp and two venetian
shutters will be issued to each
of the attacking coys. for visual
signalling.
Flags will not be used.
For night signalling or during
smoke screen, or through dust
caused by barrage, the lucas
lamp will be used with red disc.
In the captured trenches
machine gun emplacements and
observation posts can as a rule
be converted into good visual
stations

7.
6 RUNNERS
Runners will maintain
Communication
(a) between Platoon and Coy. HeadQr
3 men to be detailed including
the Officers batman
(b) between Coy. H.Q. and Battn HQ
at BETHLEHEM FARM. : Four men
to be detailed to be at each Coy
Head Qrs
(c) between Battn H.Q. at Schnitzel BETHLEHEM
Farm and Brigade Forward Station,
between Battn H.Q. and Flank
Battalions,
between Battn H.Q. and Attacking
Coys.
16 men to be detailed
Runners must be lightly
equipped and wear red
armband. Messages will be carried
in right hand breast pocket.
It is the duty of all ranks to
forward messages that may
be found on runners who have
become casualties.
All runners must have a
knowledge of joints in order

8.
Para 6. contd.
that they may repair breakages
in telephone lines that may be
found on their runs.
All Signal personnel and
runners will carry out a
careful reconnaissance of the
ground to be attacked by the study
of the large scale map and the
model trenches
MESSAGE-WRITING.
Special forms
having a hectographed map
of the area to be attacked will
be supplied to all officers
Unit, time, date, place, and
signature must always be
inserted in every message
It is extremely important
that all messages should 
be clear, concise and
definite.

APPENDIX "B"

Allotment of Personnel

Place	Work	Sigs	Runner	Pigeon Man	Remarks
Beth Farm	Pow.Buzzer	3	-	-	Pte Kowarzik. Green.Andrews
"      "	Contact Plane	2	-	-	L/c Bailey Pte Glasson
"      "	Linesmen	3	-	-	L/cpl Tanian  Pte Lovekin, Woodward
"     "	Tel. Operator	2	-	-	L/cp Wilson. Pte Aitken
"     "	Vis. Station	3	-	-	L/c Fraser. Turner Pte Walker
"     "	Pigeons	-	-	1	Pte O'Halloran
ACoy H.Q.		4	4	1
BCoy HQ		4	4	1
C.Coy. HQ		4	4	1
DCoy H.Q.		4	4	1
D/40Coy H.Q.		4	4	1
Beth Farm	Running	-	16	-
Total		33	36	6

APPENDIX "C"
Equipment to be carried

Party	Nature
Power Buzzer	1 Earth Inductors Set., Cable for base 6 Earth pins, Compass
Contact Plane	1 Ground Signal Panel, 1 Semi Circ sheet, 1 set cable letters, material for camouflage.
Linemen Assisted by runners.	2 miles cable on reels. 3 pliers, 1 DIII phone
Vis Station	1 Lucas Lamp, 2 Venetian Shutters 1 Telescope
Pigeonman	Each one basket containing birds, message book & clips
Tel.Operators	1 D III phone, message forms. 4 x 3 Exchange.
Each Coy.	1 Lucas Lamp. 2 Venetian Shutters 1 D III Phone. Telephone wire 2 Pliers

Secret
Instructions for the attack. On the Enemy on Z day, By 37^th Battⁿ
in conjunction with other units.
REFERENCE MAP 1/10,000 Sheet 28 S.W. 4 Edition 4b. also sketch
maps & plans issued to Coy Commanders 
3rd June 1917
Information (1) Enemy will be attacked at dawn on Z day.
Troops operating on Right and Left Flanks of the
10^th A.I. Bde, will be 9^th A.I. Bde and 12^th
A.I. Bde respectively. Troops operating in
conjunction with this Battⁿ, will be the 34^th Battⁿ
on the Right, and 47^th Battⁿ on the Left (Austr)
names of Commanders of Cooperating units are -
Lieut Col MARTIN  34^th Battⁿ
     "        "  IMLAY      47^th   "
Captain GIBLIN       40^th   "  (D Coy)
Lieut      Foster         40^th  "  (in charge of carrying party)
where the word Battⁿ is referred to in following
Paras. it includes units of 40^th Battⁿ attached
unless tasks for those units is separately
defined.
Approach
March (2) In moving to assembly trenches, This unit
will move by the "Brown Route". thence
½ Coy 40^th Battⁿ and C Coy 37^th Battⁿ, by HEATH
Trench, C Coy leading; A Coy 37^th. D Coy 37^th, B Coy 37

D Coy 40^th Battⁿ will keep to "Brown Route" and move
by ASHe Trench
INTeNTion (3) The 37^th Battⁿ will attack on Z day, as hereunder described
in various paras.
Order of March
To Assembly
Trenches (4) The Battⁿ and 1½ Coys of 40^th Battⁿ will move to the
assembly trenches in the Subsidiary Line, in order
of March as shown below.
Nos  12. 11. 10 & 9 Platoons   C   Coy  37^th Battn

  "       8 & 2              "                             40^th      "

  "        4. 3. 2. 1.        "               A     "     37^th       "

  "    13. 14. 15. 16.      "               D    "     37^th       "

  "    8. 7. 6. 5.            "               B     "     37^th      "

  "    13. 14. 16. 15.      "               D     "     40^th     "
Battn H.Q. will precede the column. The march will
be carried out by Platoons at 150^x distance.
Starting Point (5) Starting point is described in march table issued
separately. For time of starting see March Table.
Reconnaisance
(6) All Officers and N.C.O's of Coys will reconnoitré
Brown Route prior to Z day, and will make 
themselves thoroughly familiar with positions of their units

2
(6) In the assembly trenches. This applies to all
Officers & NCOs of 40^th attached. Sketch map
showing routes and assembly trenches will be
coppied by represent^s of units at B.H.Q.
Brigade
Boundry (7) The Brigade boundry is shown on sketch issued
to Coy. Commanders.
Artillery
Support (8) Artillery fire throughout operation is described below.

The lines, trenches, or positions mentioned are shown
on sketch map which will be carefully scrutinised
by Coy Commanders at B.H.Q. Copy of sketch showing
artillery Barrages, will also be examined by Coy Comd^rs.
They will explain details to their own units, in order
to insure that all ranks will work intelligently, should
casualties occur. At Zero + 10 minutes, our Artillery
lifts off E.F.L trench, and creeps forward to the line. G.H.J;
where it remains from Zero + 14, to Zero + 27 or 30 minutes.
Artillery then creeps forward to line through SCHNITZEL
Farm; where it remains, from Zero + 45, to Zero + 1 hr 53m
Artillery again creeps forward to a line 200^x beyond the
BLACK LINE, where it remains until Zero + 10 hours, Artillery
creeps forward at the rate of about 100^x in 3 minutes, to the line
of the "UNCANNY Trenches"(?) where it remains for 15 minutes.
Barrage subsequently comes to rest in front of the "Green Line." generally ]
 It remains here indefinately, to enable the line to be
consolidated  by this Battⁿ. The artillery arrangements quoted
above are tentative, pending written instructions being received
from Bde. These will be issued to Coy Commanders when same is
communicated to this office.
Order of Movement
to the attack (9) At Zero, the 38^th,  39^th& 40^th Batt^ns (less portion of latter
allotted to this Battⁿ) moves from our assembly trenches, at
Zero + 7 hrs this Battⁿ moves from our assembly trenches, to
a suitable position not more than 200^x in rear of BLACK LINE
shown on sketch map. Waves must be in position ^in vicinity of the above
line, not later than Zero + 9 hrs 30 mins. At this juncture
all Officers & NCOs will require to exercise vigilance, to
see that their units are well in hand
Formations (10) The Battⁿ will issue from our trenches in 2 waves in Artillery
formation. 1st wave C Coy 37^th Battⁿ, D Coy 37^th Battⁿ
                        2nd    "    A   "        "        "       D   "   40^th     "
                     Carrying party 40^th Battⁿ
                     B Coy 37^th Battⁿ (Battⁿ Reserve)
Movements
after leaving  
our Trenches (11) Each wave moves across River "DOUVE", by means of bridges
wh will be placed in position by 40^th Battⁿ. In order to cross the
Bridges, & minimise effect of enemy fire, each wave will be
irregularly disposed. The exact direction to be taken by component 
parts of each wave, will be settled by Coy. Comm^drs after reconnaince

3
Cont no (11) other points of passage must also be reconnoitred
Movement and
Directing flank (12) The movement of this unit from the BLACK LINE, forward will be by the
Left, and in conjunction with the movement of the 47^th Battⁿ. It will be
noticed that the RIVER DOUVE runs diagonally across the N.M L. This involves
a straightening of waves after crossing that river; such straightening of
waves will be effected as opportunity offers; It must be completed
prior to moving forward from the BLACK LINE. Deployment into extended
waves from waves in Artillery formation, must depend upon circs
and will be decided by unit Commanders concerned.
Objectives of, and
Action by Coys (13) The following shows the objectives and action to be taken by Coys, after
advancing at Zero + 10 hours
C Coy 37^th Battⁿ At Zero + 10 hrs 20 mins. C Coy captures and consolidates the line
_X of the UNCANNY TRENCH, from the Brigade Boundary at U 4a 57.20
inclusive and along the GREEN.LINE to U4 c 45.85 inclusive. It will
form a double bombing block at junction of UNDULATING SuppoRT.
& UNDULATING TRENCH.
A Coy 37^th Battⁿ At Zero plus 10 hrs 35 mins, this coy captures and consolidates
the line of the UNCANNY TRENCH from the Bde Boundary at
U.4 a 57.20 inclusive and along the GREEN LINE to U4.c 45.85
inclusive. It will form From HUNS WALK inclusive to junction of
UNDULATING SuppoRT & 
_X UNDULATING TRENCH enclusive
The O.C Coy will establish a strong point in rear
of his coy frontage. one T.M & one M.G will be allotted
? A Coy. The T.M must be so placed that it can assist
the Double Blocking bomb Block to be formed by C Coy
in addition to performing its function with the Strong point.
D Coy 37^th Battⁿ At Zero + 10 D Coy 37^th Battⁿ will consolidate the GREEN LINE from U4c.45.55
to U4c (13)19.15xx. The OC Coy will form a strong point in rear of this Coy frontage

He will be allotted 1 M.G & 1 T.M.
D Coy 40^th Battⁿ Will consolidate in GREEN LINE from U4c.13.15 and inclusive of the

RIVER.DOUVE. at U10.a. 10.60. A bombing Block will be established in UNGODLY
AVENUE. It will be noticed that a change of direction will need to be made by
Coys, in order to enable them to capture and consolidate GREEN LINE

great care will therefore be necessary when following Barrage to see that
direction is not lost and that Coys do not overshoot their objectives.
Careful reconnaissances by Commanders and their Subs. before moving to the
captured objectives & before giving final instructions, will result
in mistakes being avoided
B Coy 37^th Batt^n. This coy under Major C.B. STORY will form the Reserve.
Mutual Support and
Covering Fire (14) These principles must be adhered to by all units throughout the operation
Consolidation (15) The necessity of vigorous digging during Consolidation must be impressed
on all ranks. Coy Comd^rs are here reminded to send out Covering
parties during digging. These will be relieved under Coy arrangements
by outpost Picquets. Such Picquets etc. shd be allotted one or
more L.Guns
Line of Resistance (16) Will be the Picquet Line. until such time as work of consolidation
is completed, when the GREEN LINE becomes the Line of Resistance.
The Line of Resistance will be held at all cost no support can 
be expected.
Lewis Gun Fire (17) After the GREEN LINE has been captured L.Gs of C. Coy
posted near junction of UNDULATING TRENCH & UNDULATING
SUPPORT, and guns of D Coy 37^th, posted near its right flank 

4

Lewis Gun
Fire (17) shd be able to cross fire on area between UNGODLY AV

and UNDULaTING Trench to deal effectively with any

enemy movements within area named. Similarly L.G,s

judiciously posted in A Coy 37^th line could X fire with

L.G of 47^th Battⁿ East of UNDULATING SUPPORT, the

To assist in repelling enemy movement in that direction, the

actual position of such Guns to be left to Coy Commdrs on the spot.

Battn Area (18) After GREEN Line has been occupied, will be bounded on the Left

by the Brigade boundary and HUNS WALK & on Right by R. DOUVE

Engnrs & Pioneers
(19) Brigade will be asked to allott 2 Engns & 2 Pionrs to B, and C coy

37^th Battⁿ & D Coy 40^th Battⁿ, & 4 Engns to A & D Coys 37^th Batⁿ

Report
Centres (20) Battⁿ Report Centre, ADVANCED ESTAMINET, subsidy Line

advanced     "     "  vicinity of BETHLEEM FARM H Qrs & report

centres of other units will be published when received.

Carrying
Party (21) NO S  2 and 8 Platoons 40^th Battⁿ will act as C.P for this Battⁿ

O.C. Carrying Party will ascertain positions of all dumps forthwith &

will so arrange his stores & supplies, that he will be able to make the 1^st

carry with the attacking troops. If necessary to put a guard on supplies

and stores prior to Zero day, he will do so. Lieut Foster will keep in

constant touch with Bde Bombing Officer, and will keep his office

informed of action taken by him, or any instructions issued by Bde parties.
Prior to Zero day the carrying party will be subdivided into 2 parties.
one to carry for A & C Coy 37^th Battⁿ

_X  "       "     "    B & D   "      "        "   & D Coy 40^th Battⁿ. The

o/c C .P will arrange to establish forward dumps E of BLACK LINE

on outset of operations. Members of C P in addition to carrying other

stores will always carry 10 sand bags p. man.

Tools and

Other Articles (22) These are mentioned in appendix already issued, this may be

varied by Brigade.

WATER (23) Water must not be drunk in occupied area until passed by M.O

men must be cautioned agst undue use of water bottles as

fresh supply cannot be expected for at least 24 hrs. There

will be placed in the Subsidy Line, at even lengths, 46

water barrels, these will be under direct control of Plat Comdrs.

in whose area they are, they are for drinking water for men

of this and other units of Bde. Capacity 2500 gals (about)

Liason (24) The following liason will be arranged, to report to units named

at 1 P.M on Y day.

B Coy 37^th Battⁿ   1 officer to HQ. 47^th Battⁿ

A   "       "         "        1 N C O   "     "    D Coy 47^th Battⁿ

_XC  "      "         "        1 N C O   "     "    B  "        "         "

D   "     40^th    "        1 N C O   "     "    L Coy 34^th Battⁿ

D   "     37^th    "        1 N C O    "  B.H Q   34^th Battⁿ

The above details will be accompanied by a runner. In

addition to above, O.C Reserve will arrange to maintain

Liason with 38^th Battⁿ.

Dress &
Equipment (25) D & E & other articles to be carried or worn are described

in instructions already issued, which may be supplemented

by Bde.

Transport
&
Supplies (26) Instructions have been issued to responsible Officers.

(5)

The following distinguishing badges will be worn

Scouts green band

Runners Red   "

Distinguishing
Badges (27) Regt & Coy Sigs Blue Shldr strap

Carrying Party Yellow Band

Moppers up White       "

Salvage parties Yellow with Salvage in Red. Excepting

Sigs, bands will be 1½" wide & worn on Left forearm

men with wire cutters or wire breakers wear white tape

attached to Right Shldr strap

Medical
arrangements (28) The R.M.O has supplied to this office sufficient copies ^in writing of his plans to permit of issue to 6 corp.

Sketches &
Reports (29) To supplement reports sketches of enemy area over wh coys will

work are to be prepared by all officers & n. c o's prior to Z day.

Strengthening
Localities (30) All ranks must be impressed with importance of immediately

strengthening all Localities occupied, this refers also to

all carrying parties & outpost lines. The importance of

forming traverses concurrently with construction of trenches

must not be overlooked.

Flares & Lights (31)

S.O.S. & flags All ranks must be instructed how to light flares, to signify

positions reached by ^most advanced troops. Details will be explained

by O/cs Coys. The use of light signal rockets for artillery Barrages

& the use of S.O.S. must communicated to all concerned. one or

two men in each platoon carry a Black & Yellow flag to indicate line reached
Rifle &
Bayonets (32) must be sharpened & blackened prior to Zero day

by leading infantry

Bayonets (32) Must be sharpened & blackened prior to Z day

Communication
Trenches (33) After GREEN Line is captured a C.T. will be dug by a coy

of 39^th Battⁿ from BLACK to GREEN LINE to a point

near to junction of UNCANNY & UNDULATING TRENCHES. This

_XC.T will run back via ULCA_X RESERVE, R. DOUVE & ULRICA

ROW to ONLY WAY.

Brigade (34)
Forward Station Will be established in or near ULCA_X RESERVE, between

_XR.DOUVE & ULNA AV.

WIRE  35  Lines of Consolidation will be wired as soon as required

material can be brought forward. Strong Points must

be wired during their construction

Contact
Planes (36) A Contact Plane will be permanently allotted for work

over Divisional Area, the hours at which C.T s will fly

will be notified later.

Watches (37) Two hours prior to leaving billets all Coys will send

an officer to Synchronise Watches at B.H Q

Special  38 Immediately after assault & capture of objectives, Coy Com^ds will
reorganise their units & be ready to act offensively, a special party in 

an coy will be detailed to (A) meet counter attacks. (B) afford mutual

support to flank units (C) exploit success (D) to conduct any

enterprise agst any special object or place, or capture material.

P.T.O.

6

General.    This order will be read in conjunction with

(A) 3rd Aust Division Trench Standing Orders

(b) Standing orders for war

(c) Training of Divs for offensive action

(D) S.S. 144. Normal formation for the attack

(e) Preliminary instructions for Magnum Opus, issued

by Brigade & such other instructions & orders

issued by Higher Authority for this office, from
time to time.

[[WJ Smith?]]

CO 37th A.I.F.

 

Distribution  Copy NO  1    Brigade H. Q by runner 8 P.M.  3.6.17

                             "       "     2    A Coy 37^th Battⁿ   do       do        do

                             "       "     3     B  "        do              do        "           "

                             "       "     4     C   "         "                  "         "           "

                             "       "     5     D   "         "                  "         "           "

                             "       "     6    34^th Battⁿ                 "          "          "

                             "       "     7    47^th     "                      "          "           "

                             "       "     8    D Coy 40^th Battⁿ    "          "           "

                             "       "     9    38^th Battⁿ                 "          "           "

                             "       "    10   10^th Bde H. Q

                                                   for artillery                "          "          "

                             "         "   11   Lt Foster 40^th Battⁿ "         "           "

                             "         "   12   War Diary