Report on capture of Vimy Ridge 9 April 1917.

APPENDIX “A”

APRIL 9^TH 1917

THE ATTACK AND CAPTURE OF VIMY RIDGE

Promptly at 5.30 a.m. this morning the barrage opened and from here it appeared well synchronised all along the line. Practically coincident with the first rounds fired flares of all sorts were sent up from the German lines.  Within ten minutes the German barrage was well under way but it was not very effective owing to high bursts.  Our barrage was reported as being very good, a large percentage of the rounds being just off graze.  The smoke barrage put up by the R.Es was also reported to be most effective.  At 5.37 a.m. report was received that we had crossed enemy’s front line.  Within 23 minutes from Zero Hour our Infantry were reported as having crossed the support line and that the enemy barrage was light.  At this period our Communication Trenches were subjected to a searching fire from enemy 5.9s.  After our crossing of the support line enemy commenced sending up white flares from immediately in rear of SWISCHEN STELLUNG.  At 6.07 a.m. a small party of prisoners were reported as being brought in.  Seven minutes later we occupied SWISCHEN STELLUNG.  Enemy barrage now heavier on ARTILLERIE WEG and FLAPPER TRENCH.  At 6.45 a.m. infantry reported as having left SWISCHEN STELLUNG and started advance to next objective.  Reports from Infantry were that our barrage was very satisfactory.  At 7.10 a.m. a large number of prisoners had been brought in.  Tanks were reported as advancing on our right.  At 7.35 a.m. our Brigade F.O.O. Lieut. J.R. Jamieson established a Group telephone communication as far forward as VIMY RIDGE.  About the same time Lieut. F.B.L. Heney, F.O.O. also established communication from the RIDGE.  At 7.40 a.m. report received was that the Infantry were consolidating RED LINE.  By 9.30 a.m. situation was quiet on our zone.  Infantry still busily engaged in consolidation and as covered them by occasional bursts of fire.

In addition to barrages the enemy also resorted to Gas Shells. Points in front of LA FOLIE WOOD and also the 43^rd Battery (S.25.b.31.02.) was shelled for a short time with Gas Shells.

Throughout the day the enemy was reported as massing at various places particularly in VIMY and vicinity of PETIT VIMY, also large numbers of Infantry were reported at various times throughout the day as being seen in back areas.

At 4.30 p.m. German machine gunners and snipers were reported active in FLOWER and FILLIP Trenches.  These trenches were fired upon by the 36^th Howitzer Battery.  Through our Left Battalion Liaison Officer and different F.O.Os number of hostile batteries were reported and they were immediately taken on by Counter Battery Group.

CHRONOLOGICAL REPORT OF ATTACK

5.30 a.m.         Barrage commenced.

5.33 a.m.         Left Battalion Liaison Officer, Lieut. Webster, reports everything going as per programme.

5.37 a.m.         Left Battalion reported as crossing enemy F.L.

5.41 a.m.        Effect of enemy barrage lessened by extremely high bursts.

Our barrage reported as very good.

5.53 a.m.         Our Infantry have crossed support line, enemy barrage light but is searching C.Ts with 5.9s.

6.00 a.m.         Infantry reported as leaving second line and advancing to next objective.  Enemy sending up white flares from immediately in rear of SWISCHEN STELLUNG.

6.17 a.m.         Small party of prisoners coming in.

6.14 a.m.         Our Infantry have now reached SWISCHEN STELLUNG.  Enemy barraging heavily ARTILLERIE WEG and FLAPPER TRENCH.

6.42 a.m.         We occupy SWISCHEN STELLUNG.  Party of 100 prisoners reported coming in.

6.45 a.m.         Infantry leaving SWISCHEN STELLUNG.

6.47 a.m.         Reports state that Infantry advance is even all along the line.  Our barrage is reported to be very successful.

6.55 a.m.         One of our Infantry outposts reported on the outskirts of BOIS DE BONVAL.

7.04 a.m.         Our Infantry have disappeared over LA FOLLIE CREST.  Enemy still barraging his old front line.

7.10 a.m.        Large number of prisoners coming in.

7.13 a.m.         Tanks can be seen advancing on right.

7.27 a.m.         Enemy putting gas shells on western outskirts of LA FOLIE WOOD.

7.37 a.m.         Lieut. J.R. Jamieson Brigade F.O.O. and Lieut J.B. L. Heney 32 Btty telephones us from VIMY RIDGE.

7.40 a.m.         Infantry consolidating along RED LINE.

8.30 a.m.         Situation quiet on our zone.  Infantry consolidating and we are covering their work by intermittent bursts of fire.

10.15 a.m.      Enemy reported to be massing in S.24.d.

10.20 a.m.       43^rd Battery position being shelled with gas shells.

10.40 a.m.       Enemy reported in large numbers on road in S.19.a.3.5.  From road they are going into BOBBY Trench and then proceeding to a point on the outskirts of PETIT VIMY where they are reported as massing.

10.50 a.m.       Enemy reported as massing in S.23. central.

11.15 a.m.       Enemy is reaching massing point in PETIT VIMY  by way of BOBBY, BODKIN and BIMBLE Trenches.

11.15 a.m. to 3.50 p.m.

Our Infantry busily engaged in consolidation and trench work and enemy reported massing at many places. These points were all kept under fire.  Number of enemy batteries reported through Infantry F.O.Os were taken on by the Counter Battery Group.

3.50 p.m.         German machine gunners and snipers reported active in FLOWER and FILLIP Trenches.  These points were kept under fire by our 36^th Bty.

4.00 p.m.         Enemy reported to be massing behind VIMY.

4.20                 500 German Infantry reported as observed going into PETIT VIMY from direction of Railway Line.

5.30 p.m.         Situation practically normal both sides apparently settling down to improving trenches and fortifications.

1. King

Lieut.

Adjt. 9^th Brigade C.F.A.

9^th Canadian Artillery Bde Addendum to Operational Order 59.

SECRET                                                                                 COPY NO.

9^TH CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE

Addenda No 1

To

Operation Order No 59

8.4.17

SIGNALS       1. (a)  The S.O.S. Signal will be RED, either rockets or Very Lights.  As many as possible fired in quick succession.

(b) When objectives are reached the Divisional distinguishing flags will be waved NOT stuck in the ground.

Flags will be carried as below:-

3^rd Canadian Division,   Black and Red.

2^nd Canadian Division,  YELLOW flag with Black Maple Leave, Reverse Khaki.

4^th Canadian Division, RED.

The 2^nd Canadian Division are also using a signal of three WHITE Very Lights to denote that their objectives are reached.  The 3^rd Canadian Division will not use light signals to denote their position.

2. After reaching the final objective of the Division the 7^th and 8^th Canadian Infantry Brigades will arrange to push patrols forwards towards BOIS DE CHAMP POURRI (S.23.b.), PETIT VIMY and VIMY in order to ascertain whether the defences of these localities are occupied. The protective barrages will be lifted by order of Headquarters 3^rd C.D.A. to enable this to be done.

H.G. Carscallen

Lieut. Col

Comdg CARSCALLEN’S GROUP

Issued at       a.m.

TO: All Batteries

Alf Smith’s Field Service Post Card 7 April 1917.

FIELD SERVICE
POST CARD

To T. Smith, 24, Palmerston Rd. Bowes Park London N 22 England. Postmarked Field Post Office 68. 9 MY 17.

I am quite well
I have received your letter dated
Letter follows at first opportunity
Signature only. A. Smith
Date April 7th 17

April 6^th 17

Dear Father

I am still anxiously waiting to hear from you.  I should think they are lost, stolen, or strayed; it is quite three weeks now since I had a letter from anybody.

In case you did not get my last note you would not know my present abode: – No 27521 Pte. A.A. Smith 10^th Essex Regt ‘C’ Company No 10 Platoon B.E.F. France.

Have you had any hot X buns to-day but I don’t expect that troubles you very much; it makes no difference here one day is the same as another but I mean to have a jolly good time when I get home again.  What do you say?

We have been having very rough weather here, but it is much better now; last Tuesday I woke up & found the blankets covered in about 2 in of snow how would you like that?  Thought I was sleeping in white sheets.  I am none the worse for it glad to say I a keeping A.1.

In my last letter I mentioned that I should be pleased to have a parcel now.  Will tell you a few things I should like if you can get them.  Bourbon creams or custard cream biscuits, a small pot of jelly & paste, a box of chocolates, & a cake; also some Harrisons pomade I think you can get it at Boots.  The animals are beginning to bite one cannot help it in this country.

Well how is everything going at Wood Green I hope you are all in the best of health & still smiling.

The war news looks very good still don’t you think. I don’t think it will be very long before it is ‘finis’.  I would like to have the Sunday Pictorial occasionally. We get Daily papers here sometimes price 2 ½ d they are always two or three days old.

How are Darvills & Miss Dimond & all other friends that I know I intend to write to them but have not had much time lately.

Cannot think of any more news to tell you so must finish now hoping to hear all the latest news from you soon.

With much love from

Your devoted

Son

Easton’s Group

Carscallens Group

Soccer Group

Hockey Group

REPORT ON HOSTILE SHELLING, April 3^rd 1917

Sirs,

At 9.17 p.m. cluster flares (yellow) from enemy front line. Hostile artillery at once barraged front, support and communication lines.

At 9.27 p.m. retaliation by 3^rd C.D.A. and 63^rd Divisional Artillery.

At 9.28 p.m. 43^rd Canadian Battalion report artillery and T.M. barrage heavy.

At 9.32 p.m. situation reported to 3^rd Canadian Division.

At 9.35 p.m. orange and green flares from enemy front line.

At 9.37 p.m. one red flare bursting into yellow reported on left of Left Battalion.

At 9.44 p.m. hostile artillery slight. T.M.Bs still active.

At 9.46 p.m. situation reported normal by Battalions.

Artillery advised and report submitted by wire to Division.

Captain Cook

33^rd Batt. C.F.A.

L.O. 9^th Canadian Inf. Bde.

12.45 a.m.

April 4^th 1917

APPENDIX C

April 4^th 1917

Captain Cook

L.O. attached to 9^th Can Infy. Bde.

Kindly convey to O.C. Groups who co-operated this morning the thanks of myself and all ranks for their splendid assistance. All reports from those taking part in the raid and observing, that the fire was well timed, splendidly placed and very effective.

(Sgd)  W.B. Evens Lt. Colonel

52^nd Battalion

Eastons Group

Carscallens Group

Soccer Group

Hockey Group

Forwarded for your information.

Reports indicate raid quite successful. Our casualties, slightly wounded O.Rs 4.  Detailed report forwarded when available.

(sgd) Captain Cook

33^rd Battery C.F.A.

L.O. 9^th Can. Infy. Bde.

April 4^th 1917

SECRET                                                                                 COPY NO.

REF:

VIMY 1/10,000

Edition 8.A.

9^TH CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE

Operation Order No 60

By

Lieut. Col. H.G. Carscallen Comdg

4.4.17

INFORMATION 1. The 43^rd Canadian Battalion will carry out three simultaneous raids on the afternoon of the 5^th instant

“B” Party: 1 officer and 21 O.Rs will enter enemy front line at S.28.a.45.55. and remain 15 minutes.

“C” Party: 1 Officer and 16 O.Rs will enter enemy front line at PATRICIA CRATER, S.28.a.36.90. and remain 15 minutes.

“D” Party: 1 officer and 30 O.Rs will enter enemy front line at S.22.c.20.25 and remain 15 minutes.

ARTILLERY 2. CARSCALLEN’S GROUP will co-operate in accordance with barrage table attached.

CLEARANCE OF FRONT LINE.

3. Infantry including flank battalions will be notified to be clear of front line between minus 15 and plus 35.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

4. 9^th Brigade Light T.Ms will occupy enemy’s attention S.28.a.65.20. to S.28.a.50.30 KIRKEN GROUP and points round S.22.c.27.45.

ZERO             5. ZERO hour will be 2.00 p.m. 5^th instant.

SYNCHRONIZATION

6. Watches will be synchronised with Group Headquarters one hour before zero.

7. the 33^rd Battery will fire from 0.00 – 0.22 at the rate of 1 round per gun per minute. From 0.52 – 0.54 the rate will be as for other 18-pdrs.

H.G. Carscallen

Lieut. Col

Comdg 9^th Brigade, C.F.A.

TO ALL BATTERIES

SECRET                                                                                 COPY NO.

REF: VIMY1/10,000

ROCLINCOURT do

9^TH CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE

Operation Order No 59

By

Lieut. Col. H.G. Carscallen Commanding

4.4.17

INFORMATION       1.         On Z day the Canadian Corps will capture the VIMY Ridge.

The 3^rd Canadian Division will attack with two Brigades, the 8^th Brigade on the right and the 7^th Brigade on the left, the 9^th Brigade being in Divisional Reserve.  Each Brigade will attack with three Battalions, one Battalion being in Brigade Reserve.  The 2^nd Canadian Division will attack on the right and the 4^th Canadian Division on the Left of the 3^rd Canadian Division.

OBJECTIVES

• 1^st INTERMEDIATE OBJECTIVE (Black Line).

Junction of SWISCHEN STELLUNG and PRINZ ARNOLF GRABEN (S.29.c.2.5.) thence along SWISCHEN STELLUNG to its junction with ARTILLERIE WEG to S.28.b.9.9. thence to Trench Junction S.22.d.9.2. thence to junction SWISCHEN STELLUNG and STAUBWASSER WEG (S.22.d.4.5 ½) thence along SWISCHEN STELLUNG to Hill 145, S.16.c.3.1. to Northern Boundary.

• 2^nd OBJECTIVE (Red Line)

29. FIDDLE TRENCH from a point east of LILLE ROAD at S.29.d.7.3. to the road junction S.30.a.6.2. (to include German dugouts and Headquarters along the road from S.29.d.8.5. to S.30.a.6.2.) thence to consolidate a line of Strong Points within the LA FOLIE WOOD from road at S.29.b.9 ½.1. to S.22.b.7.3.
30. The above line will be supported by a line of Supporting Points West of the Road running Northwest from S.29.d.8.8.

• FAMINE and FICKLE trenches will be prepared as a second line of defence.

• 3^rd Objective (Blue Line)

The 8^th Canadian Infantry Brigade only in conjunction with 2^nd Canadian Division.

BOIS DE BONVAL (inclusive) to S.30. central, touch to be maintained by 3^rd Canadian Division with 2^nd Canadian Division and post established in the vicinity of S.30. central.

ARTILLERY             2. The 3rd C.D.A. and 63^rd (RN) D.A. will support the attack of the 3rd Canadian Division, the 3^rd C.D.A. covering the advance of the 8^th C.I.B. and the 63^rd D.A. the advance of the 7^th C.I.B. in accordance with Barrage Table “A” and “B” and Maps “A” and “B” attached.

One 18-pdr battery from each Group will be detailed for standing barrages in advance of the rolling barrage up to Zero plus 75. These batteries will be considered as the superimposed batteries for their respective Groups in the rolling barrage.

At zero plus 75 all 18-pdrs will join the rolling barrage. 4.5 howitzer batteries will fire on selected points in rear of 18-pdr barrages in accordance with Barrage Table “B” and Map “B” attached.

The 43 Howitzer battery C.F.A. will be at the disposal of the Counter-Battery Group from Zero onwards and will not take part in the barrage.

Trench Mortars.           3. Trench Mortars will not take part in the barrages.  The M.T.M. tunnel emplacements in GRANGE and GOODMAN Subways will be handed over by Zero minus four hours to No 4 Special Coy. R.E. who will place a smoke barrage at Zero on the black Line.

LIAISON                   4. The O.Cs 33^rd Battery and 36^th Battery will detail the following Liaison Officers:-

Lieut. A.B. Manning to Hqrs Centre Battalion (2^nd C.M.R.) S.28.c. ½. 3 ½

Lieut. H. Webster to Hqrs Left Battalion (4^th C.M.R.) S.27.d.9 ½ .6.

All Liaison Officers will be at their posts at least two hours before Zero. They will remain with the Headquarters to which they are detailed and accompany them when they go forward.

F.O.Os                       5. Lieut. J.R. Jamieson, 33^rd Battery, is detailed as Group F.O.O. and will go forward to obtain observation on the far side of VIMY RIDGE as early as possible.

COMMUNICATION

6. As soon as possible after the capture of the objectives the buried cable system is being extended forward from the exits of GRANGE and GOODMAN Subways. The extension from the forward exit of Goodman Subways will run to PRINZ ARNOLF GRABE Tunnel.

A central forward Divisional Visual Station will be established in Quarries S.27.a.8.5. which will be in telephonic communication with FORT GEORGE where a rear Visual Station will be established.  There will also be visual and telephonic communication from ALBANY and PATRICIA Craters (8^th and 7^th C.I.B. O.Ps respectively) in the Quarries. Capt. H.R. Hendy, 3^rd C.D.A.C. will be the Artillery Officers at the Quarries Visual Station.

HEADQUARTERS

7. Headquarters 3^rd C.D.A. and 63^rd D.A. will be at FORT GEORGE, F.6.c.5.5.

ZERO                         8. Zero hour, the date of Z day and arrangements for                                               synchronization will be communicated later.

NOTE: Barrage tables will be issued later.

H.G. Carscallen

Lieut. Col

Comdg CARSCALLEN’S GROUP

Issued at 2.10 p.m.

TO: All Batteries

A.A. Laporte Payne letter 3 April 1917.

B.E.F.

France.

April 3^rd 1917

My dearest,

Thank you so very much for your two letters and the box of cigarettes all of which are delightful. I thought of your kisses with each one I smoked.  Perhaps if the gods are kind I may have them in reality in a short while – provided of course if you will let me.  I may be able to get away sometime next week – about the middle – if I don’t get away then I shan’t be able to get away at all.  Don’t let anyone know – not even my people as of course, it may not come off.  But I have to tell you as with everything else.

At any rate April 16^th to the end is quite impossible I am so sorry your temper has not been good lately; you must not get like that.  Think of what I shall feel like if you are unkind on my leave.

You seem to be having a good time in town. It will be delicious to have some civilization again, and some time with you after all these months.

Thank you – so you think that my arrival on April 1^st would have made you an April fool!

The weather is still awful. Thick snow yesterday.  It must clear up if I get away on leave.

I hope you & all are keeping well. I am quite fit only a bit anxious in case I don’t get my leave.  We have to get our leave from Corps and the Colonel signed it last night.

I am just off to the line to observe for a bombardment and I am keeping two officers waiting for me, and I have only half an hour left to get down there, but I had to write & let you know that I am still thinking & longing for you & hoping for leave.

We had a gas alarm last night but it was a false one. There was quite a fuss for a time.

Au revoir, darling,

Ever yours with love & kisses.

Archie.

SECRET                                                                                 COPY NO.

REF:

VIMY 36c S.W.

1/10,000

9^TH CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE

Operation Order No 58

By

Lieut. Col. H.G. Carscallen Commanding

3.4.17

INFORMATION      1.  The 52^nd Battalion will carry out two simultaneous raids on the morning of the 4^th instant.

The first (one officer and 22 Other Ranks) will enter enemy front line between B.4 and B.5. Craters (A.4.a.66.85) and remain ten minutes.

Second party (one officer and 22 Other Ranks) will enter enemy front line at S.28.a.60.25 and remain ten minutes.

ARTILLERY             2. CARSCALLEN’S GROUP will assist the raid in accordance with Barrage Table attached.

ZERO                         3. Zero hour will be 4.00 a.m. the 4^th instant.

SYNCHRONIZATION 4. Watches will be synchronised with L.O. (Captain Cook) at  one hour before Zero.

POSTPONEMENT CODE 5. Should it be necessary to postpone raids, telephone code will be “NO SUNLIGHT TODAY” and Zero hour will be 4 a.m. 5^th instant.

H.G. Carscallen

Lieut. Col

Comdg CARSCALLEN’S GROUP

Issued at 10.50 p.m.

TO: All Batteries