Norman Richardson

2^nd Lieut.

18^th D.L.I.

Attached XIII Corps I.

 

XIII CORPS “I”

9^th January 1917.

INFORMATION

REGARDING THE SECTOR

ANCRE – GOMMECOURT.

Headquarters.

Command Posts.

Telephone centres.

Dumps.

Routes and approaches.

Observation Posts.

Billets.

Field Kitchens.

Machine Guns.

Trench Mortars.

General.

 

HEADQUARTERS, COMMAND POSTS, and TELEPHONE CENTRES.

Army H.Q. (First Army).                               —–      HAVRINCOURT.

Group H.Q. (‘A’ Group)                               ——     VAULX-VRAUCOURT (?)

Divisional H.Q. at :-                                      ——-   VAULX-VRAUCOURT

GOMIECOURT

BIHUCOURT

ACHIET-le-GRAND

Regimental & Brigade H.Q.:-                     ——     GREVILLERS

BEHAGNIES

PYS (M.2.c.64.05.and 55.20.) or (M.2.a.1.1.)

IRLES (G.31.a.7.4.) or (G.31.b.6.4.)

BIHUCOURT

ACHIET-le-GRAND

ACHIET-le-PETIT (G.13.a.)

ABLAINZEVILLE (Chateau)

—————————

R.9.b.                          —          Eastern end of GRANDCOURT, S. of Road –

Regimental Command Post.

R.5.a.00.20.               —          PETIT MIRAUMONT. – Regimental Command Post.

R.5.a.45.20.               —               “            “               –       “                   “              “

R.4.a.2.1.                   —          In Ravine                      – Bn. H.Q. and Aid Post.

R.4.b.4.3.                   —          House in MIRAUMONT – Regimental Headquarters.

R.4.b.80.25.               —          MIRAUMONT                        – Regimental Command Post.

L.35.c.4.1.                  —          Farm in  MIRAUMONT        – Artillery Headquarters.

L.32.b.5.7.                  —                                                          – Brigade Battle H.Q.

L.32.c.9.2.                  —          PUISIEUX Trench               – Battalion H.Q.

L.26.a.3.1.                  —          Dugout in  PUISIEUX Trench       – Telephone Post.

L.25.a.8.2.                  —          in POM POM ALLey            – Regimental Command Post.

L.25.a.0.6.                  —          SERRE.                                 – Telephone Centre.

L.20.a.65.65.             —          PUISIEUX House East Regimental Command Post.

L.20.a.0.3.                  —          Dugouts W. of PUISIEUX  -Regimental Battle H.Q.

L.20.a.40.98.             —          PUISIEUX; large corner House in Market Street –

Battalion H.Q.

L.19.a.05.60.             —          Dugouts in HOCK Trench  – Regimental Command Post.

L.14.c.1.2.                  —          W. of PUISIEUX                   – Battalion Command and

Telephone Post.

L.7.c.8.1.                    —          S.E. of ROSIGNOL WOOD – Regimental Command Post.

L.7.c.3.5.                    —                 do                       do                 do              do

E.30.d.8.1.                 —          RETTEMOY FARM              –  Battalion Command Post.

E.28.d.9.9.                 —          GOMMECOURT WOOD     –  Battalion H.Q.

K.36.a.8.6.                 —          S. of  SERRE                        – Battalion H.Q.

K.36.c.12.30.             —          Dugouts in Support Line    – Regimental Command Post.

K.30.a.2.3.                 —          W. of SERRE                        – Battalion Command Post.

K.30 (unlocated)      —          SERRE                                  – Battalion H.Q.

 

K.24.c.8.6.                 —          N. of Trench junction          –  Battalion Command Post.

K.24.b.4.9.                 —          E. end of STAR WOOD      – Battalion H.Q.

K.18.d.0.7.                 —          W. of LA LOUVIERE FARM – Battalion Command and

Telephone Post.

K.12.b.31.22.             —          ROSSIGNOL WOOD           –     do             do

K.12.d.32.02.             —          Dugout in Support Line      – Battalion H.Q.

K.6.c.25.70.               —          Trench N. of ALTER

GARDE STELLUNG           –   do

K.4.b.6.4.                   —          GOMMECOURT.                  –    do

K.4.b.35.92.               —                 do                                    –    do

 

———————————————

 

WIRELESS INSTALATION AND TELEPHONE EXCHANGE:-

ACHIET-le-GRAND (G.10.a.6.1.) E. of Cross Roads.

DIERVILLE FARM (just N. of F.28.a.8.8.)

GOMMECOURT   (K.4.b.3.3.) Artillery Telephone Exchange.

 

CORPS SIGNAL EXCHANGES:-

MIRAUMONT.

GREVILLERS.

 

*=*=*=*=*=*=*

DUMPS

***********************

ACHIET-LE-GRAND.                                                          Railhead.

Large ammunition dump at Station, both sides of railway.

Ammunition dump at G.4.c.58.40. W. side of bridge.

Ammunition dump at G.10.c.22.60., in dugouts West embankment.

Supply and Pioneer dumps on both sides of railway in G.10.a.

 

ACHIET-LE-PETIT.

G.13.d.9.5. N. side of railway.

G.13.d.6.8. approx ammunition dump.

 

AVESNES-les-BAPAUME.

Ammunition dump at crossing, H.26.d.5.3.

H.26.b.55.05. W. of village.

 

BAPAUME.

H.21.d.8.3. and 9** E. side of branch line.

Ammunition dump at ST. AUBIN, H.28.a.

 

BEAUCOURT-sur-ANCRE.

Dumps at R.1.b.5.0. and along valley at L.31.c.0.3.

 

BIHUCOURT.

G.17.b.2.1. in Sugar Factory, Ammunition Dump.

 

BUCQUOY.

Pioneer Park at F.28.a.3.1.

Dumps of material at L.3.d.0.3. and N. of Railway junction at L.9.c.2.8.

Dump at L.9.b.7.8.

 

COURCELLES-le-COMTE.                                                           Railhead.

Ammunition dump East end of village.

Pioneer dump near Railway at A.16.d.4.9.

 

ERVILLERS-BEHAGNIES ROAD.

Dump on side of road in B.26.a.

 

FORK WOOD.

Dump in L.8.d. central, near road.

Supply dump at L.8.d.2.9.

 

GOMIECOURT.                                                                    Central Ration Depot.

 

Dumps al level crossing G.6.b.10.95. and on railway at B.25.c.2.6.

 

GOMMECOURT WOOD.

Ammunition dump at E.28.d.55.50

Pioneer dump at E.28.d.9.9.

 

GRANDCOURT.

Timber dump at R.8.d.5.4.

Timber and wire along railway at R.9.b.7.5.

S.A.A. dump in dug-out at R.9.b.63.28.

 

IRLES.

Ration dumps at G.32.c.1.9. and near Church.

Grenade dump at G.26.c.6.1. S. of Cemetery.

Dumps at G.26.c.20.65. and at G.32.a.4.6.

Central depot for frames and timber at G.26.c.20.65. and G.32.a.4.6.

 

LOGEAST WOOD.

Large munition dump along S. edge of Wood (G.1.b.62. G.2.a.10).

 

LA LOUVIERE FARM.

Ammunition dump in dugouts near road junction K.18.d.38.85.

Pioneer dump at K.18.d.4.8.

 

MIRAUMONT.

Large ammunition dump in brickfields, L.35.a.

Pioneer, supply and grenade dumps near sidings at L.35.b.2.1.

Supply dumps at L.35.c.4.6. and in yard of large farm at L.35.c.4.1.

Ration dump in chalk quarry L.35.d.1.8.

Large dumps at L.30.a.5.3., Goods Stations.

Dumps at L.30.c.4.0., S of Goods Station, and in dug-outs in bank at

R.5.d.52.34.

MORY (N.E.).

Dumps by the railway sidings.  Supply depot for 2 Divisions.

 

PUISIEUX.

Ammunition dumps at L.20.a.4.6., W. side of road and at L.26.a.7.2.

Pioneer dumps at L.21.d.9.0. and L.15.c.3.3. in loop of tramway.

Dumps at L.14.d.4.3. and W. side of tramway at L.15.d.1.9.

 

ROSSIGNOL WOOD.

Ammunition dump in S. corner at K.12.d.45.90. and in dugouts about

K.12.b.2.7.

Pioneer dumps at K.12.b.1.8. and K.12.b.7.2.

 

SERRE.

Dump of wire and timber at L.25.b.5.3.

Dump at L.25.a.3.7.

 

SQUARE WOOD.

Ammunition and Pioneer dumps in K.6.b.

 

STAR WOOD.

Dumps at K.24.b.2.9., in N. of wood, and at K.18.d.5.1. N.E. of wood.

 

VAULX-VRAUCOURT.

Ration dump in farm buildings at I.1.b.6.6.

 

*=*=*=*=*=*

ROUTES AND APPROACHES

*************************************

The following routes and approaches have been more or less confirmed by recent photographs and prisoners statements:-

 

1. FROM BUCQUOY TO AREA N.E. OF PUISIEUX:-

1. Track, leaving road from BUCQUOY at F.26.d.10.25. to N. corner of BIEZ WOOD following N. edge of Wood, leaving N.W. corner and meeting light railway at about K.6.b.20.95. which it follows to K.4.b.80.25.
2. Road, from L.3.a.8.4., BUCQUOY, to S. corner of BIEZ WOOD, cutting across N corner of SQUARE WOOD. Then by tracks and trenches beside the dividing line between K.6.a. and c., and thence alongside road through K.5.b. and a., cutting off about K.5.a.65.35. to K.4.b.95.10.
3. Same as (2) up to L.1.d.2.5. where road branches off, passing N. corner of ROSSIGNOL WOOD. Tracks lead off this road to the WOOD and BERG GRABEN.
4. Road running through L.8. and 14 to L.14.a.65.10., thence by track to L.14.c.1.9. and then alongside railway past S. edge of BOX WOOD to K.18.d.95.40. whence tracks run to LA LOUVIERE FARM and ROSSIGNOL WOOD.

1. FROM ACHIET-le-PETIT TO SERRE.

1. By road to PUISIEUX, through PUISIEUX by MARKET STREET, down SERRE ROAD to L.25.a.3.9. then:

1. Through SERRE village to K.30. central, and into communication trenches which cross SERRE trench, (L.30.a. and c.: TUEBINGER STELLUNG) or
2. Down lane S.E. of SERRE past L.25.a.45.65. to K.30.d.25.10., where PENDANT ALLEY WEST (LANGER GRABEN) is entered, or
3. Down SERRE ROAD to L.25.a.0.7., then through communication trench past K.30.b.6.8. and K.30.a.3.7.

1. By road, through PUISIEUX into PUISIEUX VALLEY ROAD, into PUISIEUX Trench and C.T’s running off Westwards.
2. By tracks, leaving ACHIET-le-PETIT – PUISIEUX ROAD at about L.16.c.7.0., crossing through L.21.b. and c., following close to road and converging at L.20.c.8.2. leading into PUISIEUX VALLEY ROAD. Thence, by tracks, running through L.25.d. and c. converging just S. of cross-roads in K.36.a.

1. FROM ACHIET-le-PETIT TO TRENCHES N. OF BEAUCOURT.

1. Leaving ACHIET-le-PETIT – PUSIEUX Road at

1. About L.16.c.7.0. by track to railway junction in L.22.c.
2. About L.18.c.2.8. and meeting railway at L.23.a.25.25. and then to railway junction in L.22.c.
3. From L.22.c. route diverges:-

1. By railway, running through L.27.b. and a., L.26.b., into PUISIEUX VALLEY ROAD, into PUSH ALLEY, TEN TREE ALLEY and GLORY LANE.
2. By track, through L.27.a. and c. to PUISIEUX ALLEY and PUISIEUX Trench.

1. FROM ACHIET-le-PETIT to MIRAUMONT.

1. By road through G.19 to GOODS STATION, than along railway.R.3.b.4.5. – R.3.a.2.5. – R.2.b.9.8.L.33.c.7.2. – L.33.c.1.7. – L.32.d.7.6.  ***************************************** K.30.c.65.13.             (S. of SERRE).K.30.b.45.40.             (House in SERRE).K.4.d.85.75.               (S. of GOMMECOURT).L.32.a.9.2.                 (PUISIEUX TRENCH).L.28.c.central            (     do                     do         ) O.P. on ridge.L.24.b.95.80.            (E of STAR WOOD).L.14.c.2.2.                  (Red house in PUISIEUX).  R.2.b.90.15.               (Behind PUISIEUX Trench) – Conspicuous artificial mound, slit  SUSPECTED.K.30.a.6.2.                 (W of SERRE).K.30.c.2.9.                 (covered with chalk).K.12.d.65.05.             (FARM Trench, S. of SUNKEN ROAD).K.11.b.3.6.                 (S.E. of NAMELESS FARM).K.5.c.25.33.               (Junction of LEHMANN GRABEN with 3^rd Line).K.4.d.2.5.                   (Front line, W of SUD GRABEN).                                     TRENCH).L.14.a.3.0.                  (PUISIEUX). R.2.d.8.5.                   (S. end of RIVER Trench).*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*BILLETS AND DUGOUTS*****************************************PUISIEUX:                Dugouts and cellars.Dugouts, 2½ Kilos S. of village. Road.LOGEAST WOOD:   Chiefly in S.E. corner.                                    areas.?COURCELLES-le-COMTE: Dugouts, 8 or more, each connected, and each holding GOMIECOURT:        In Church (?)IRLES:                       Dugouts and cellars.BEHAGNIES:           Houses and barns.ERVILLERS:   K.12.b.27.60 – ROSSIGNOL WOOD.K.18.b.35 or 39- Permanent.(K.24.b.15.95 – near STAR WOOD.ACHIET-le-PETIT, brought up once in every 24 hours, either day or night into main street about G.13.b.84  ************************************R.1.a.5.5.                                                                                           R.1.d.2½.3.R.1.d.½.5.                                                                                          R.1.d.7.4.R.1.d.2.5.                                                                                           L.20.a.1.4.R.2.b.20.15.                                                                                       L.32.a.89.38.Q.6.a.50.60                                                                                        K.35.a.4.1.Q.6.c.6.5.                                                                                           K.35.a.8.7.L.20.a.0.2.                                                                                          K.30.c.2.9.K.35.a.8.7.                                                                                         K.29.b.4.1.K.35.c.92.75.                                                                                     K.29.b.62.89.K.30.c.75.50.                                                                                     K.23.b.7.0.K.29.b.4.6.                                                                                         K.4.d.2.5. (O.P.?).K.29.b.7.1.K.29.d.1.3.K.24.c.45.15.K.24.c.75.90.K.23.d.7.9.K.4.a.22.49.K.4.c.79.47.K.4.d.05.50.  ————————————————–K.35.a.8.3.                             K.35.c.30.10.                                     K.35.c.8.3.K.30.a.10.85.                         K.30.a.2.2.                                         K.29.b.75.25.K.29.d.2.3.                             K.23.b.8.3.                                         K.23.b.9.2.K.17.d.35.10.                         K.11.a.25.75.                                     K.11.d.80.30.K.4.a.9.3.                               K.4.b.03.38.                                       K.4.b.10.03.R.1.d.5.5.SUSPECTED.K.30.b.2.9.                             K.29.d.39.45.                                     K.29.d.41.31.  ————————K.35.d.0.7.                             K.29.d.4.5.                                         K.35.c.6.8.*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*************************
2. GENERAL
4. K.36.c.1.2.                             K.35.c.8.8.
5. SNIPER POSTS.
6. *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
7. K.29.d.3.8.
10. K.4.b.08.08.                           K.4.b.1.1.                                           K.4.b.05.18.
11. K.4.a.68.45.                           K.4.a.7.5.                                           K.4.a.99.31.
12. K.24.a.0.1.                             K.24.a.1.0.                                         K.17.d.2.1.
13. K.29.d.4.4.                             K.29.d.6.1.                                         K.29.d.6.2.
14. K.35.c.35.30.                         K.30.a.00.75.                                     K.30.a.45.03.
15. CONFIRMED.
16. HOSTILE TRENCH MORTARS
17. *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
18. K.4.d.3.4.
19. K.4.c.85.45.
20. K.4.c.32.88.
21. K.4.a.43.95.
22. K.24.c.8.6.
23. K.24.c.6.4.
24. K.24.a.5.3.
25. K.29.b.40.55.
26. K.29.b.5.7.                                                                                         K.4.d.68.22.
27. K.29.b.2.1.                                                                                         K.23.d.8.7.
28. K.30.c.2.1.                                                                                         K.29.b.8.9.
29. K.35.c.8.8.                                                                                         K.29.b.53.69.
30. K.36.c.0.1. (in front of front line)                                                    K.29.b.47.13.
31. Q.6.c.63.34.                                                                                       K.35.a.7.3.
32. Q.6.a.60.40.                                                                                       K.35.a.6.5.
33. R.2.d.4.2.                                                                                           L.32.a.90.45.
34. R.1.d.4.7.                                                                                           L.22.a.9.3.
35. R.1.d.0.4. (2 guns and very strong point).                                   Q.6.c.50.30.
36. R.1.c.3.1.                                                                                           R.1.d.3.5.
37. CONFIRMED.                                                                                   SUSPECTED.
38. HOSTILE MACHINE GUNS.
39. *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
40. R.5.c.44 – Crucifix in MIRAUMONT.
41. 200 yards W. of road in L.13.a. (Drives up every night and goes away again at once).
42. (K.18.d.5.1. – STAR ALLEY, or
43. K.12.c.9.2. – In SUNKEN ROAD.
44. E.28.d.84.80 – GOMMECOURT WOOD.
45. FIELD KITCHENS.
46. *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
47. EPINOY.
48. SAPIGNIES:             3 Regiments and 2 F.A. regiments.
49. PYS:                           Cellars and dugouts.
50. MIRAUMONT:           Cellars and dug-outs, (N. end only).
51.                                     30 – 40 men (A.10.c.5.0).
52. ABLAINZEVILLE:    Houses and barns.
53. BIHUCOURT:           rest billets (for 1day) for troops moving up to line from back
54. BUCQUOY:               Cellars and dugouts (L.3.b.2½.2½.).
55. ACHIET-le-GRAND: Also in hut barracks W. of Station and N. of ABLAINZEVILLE
56. ACHIET-le-PETIT:    Dugouts and cellars (G.13.b.65 and G.13.d.97)
57. SERRE:                     Dugouts and cellars.
61. R.2.b.9.2.                   (Ridge W. of BAILLESCOURT FARM).
62. L.7.c.4.1.                    (S.E. ROSSIGNOL WOOD)
63. L.20.a.30.95              (PUISIEUX).
64. L.26.c.25.25.             (series of O.P’s) (Junction of PUSH ALLEY with PUISIEUX
65. K.4.d.68.22.               (Front line, W of LEHMANN GRABEN).
66. K.5.b.29.05.               (behind GOMMECOURT).
67. K.5.c.50.05.               (Junction of BECKER GRABEN with 3^rd line).
68. K.11.b.3.0.                 (Slit in Bank).
69. K.18.c.90.35.             (STAR WOOD).
70. K.30.b.30.35.             (SERRE).
71. K.35.b.8.2.                 (SERRE TRENCH).
72. ——————————————-
73.                                     visible.
74. R.3.a.2.5.                   (Ridge N.E. of BAILLESCOURT FARM).
75. Q.6.a.43.70.               (MUNICH Trench).
76. L.13.b.7.8.                  (N. of PUISIEUX).
77. L.19.d.20.36.             (Camouflaged tree on SERRE Road, about 15 ft. high).
78. L.25.a.30.85.             (junction of roads).
79. L.28.c.95.00.             (BEAUREGARD DOVECOTE) Platform in most Southerly tree.)
80. K.18.c.35.50.             (W. of LA LOUVIERE FARM) Battalion O.P.
81. K.24.c.8.6.                 (WALTER TRENCH) – Battalion O.P.
82. K.30.d.18.06             (S. of SERRE).
83. K.35.d.1.7.                 (Mound near SERRE Trench).
84. CONFIRMED.
85. OBSERVATION POSTS.
86. *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
87. L.33.b.1.3. – L.32.b.5.0.
88. L.34.c.9.1. – L.33.c.7.2. – R.2.b.9.8.
89. The following tracks are in area W. of MIRAUMONT

1. LISTENING SETS.
2. At a dugout in GOMMECOURT E.28.d.8.8.
3. QUARRIES.

1. In W. corner of BEITZ WOOD at K.6.b.63.72. there are several very deep quarries.
2. Four large quarries at PUISIEUX used by the enemy:-

1. VAQUETTE QUARRY L.20c..63
2. DESSENNE QUARRY (L.20.c.65.63.)
3. Quarries of the Rue de la Chappelle (L.20.a.52.42.)
4. Quarries of the lime maker hauel (L.20.a.2.9.)

1. TANK TRAPS.

1. K.11.a.60.23. (HEBUTERNE – CRUCIFIX Road) (photo: 5 AE 327)
2. K.11.b.95.25. (The CRUCIFIX) (photo: 5 AE 324)
3. K.17.b.41.92 (SUNKEN ROAD) (Photo 5 AE 190)
4. K.17.b.32.52. (HEBUTERNE – LA LOUVIERRE FARM) (Photo 5 AE 190)
5. K.18.a.65.10 and 82.01 (HEBUTERNE – LA LOUVIERRIE FARM)
6. (Photo 5 AE 149)
7. K.13.a.55.65 (SUNKEN ROAD, N. of BOX WOOD)
8. K.29.d.41.07 ( ***** from SERRE)

1. WATER SUPPLY.Well in STAR WOODThe Sugar Factory at G.17 (BIHUCOURT) was used by 52^nd Division as a mineral water factory.*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
5. PUISIEUX: has good supply; SERRE: not good. Mineral waters are much used.
6. About K.4.b.69.07, K.18..20.85.

1 East York’s R Report 4 January 1916

 

This Reconnaissance was made with the object of finding a way into the enemy’s line with a view to a “silent” raid.

 

1^st E. York R.

 

Report of Reconnaissance in front of trenches 81 – 83.

 

Monday 31^st Jan[Dec] 1916[?15].      Lt Huntriss left trench 83 No M.G. emplacement at 10 p.m. with two Corporals and followed the line of Willows & on reaching the last one proceeded towards the Salient C.23.c.8.7. a ditch was crossed which could easily be jumped and then a dry ditch.  The patrol then passed through a wire fence some distance from the enemy’s trenches & then proceeded directly for the enemy’s trenches about C.23.c.8½.6½.  Here, when lights were sent up, knife rests could be seen in front of enemy’s parapet but no weak point was noticed.  On returning the patrol crossed a sap which appeared to be grown over & disused & knowing this was not the way they came by they re-crossed it & proceeded towards what they thought to be their starting point.  This was found to be a mistake on shots being fired at them which at first was thought to come from trench 84.  This was discovered to be wrong on the TREES in front of LE HALLOTS FARM being noticed.  A left handed direction was taken which brought the party into the L’AVENTURE – FRELINGHIEN RD &then they returned still being fired at.  Even if a weak point had been discovered it would not be a possible to guarantee leaving a party there owing to its great distance from our lines.

 

Another party consisting of 2Lt Green & Sergt Barnes left trench 81 bay 15 & crossed the stream in front by bridge C.29.a.3½.5½. & proceeded Northwards for about 30^X & then S.E. to enemy’s wire about C.29.A.6¼.5¼.  There they discovered what was thought to be a very suitable gap for the enterprise, the wire being badly damaged & very low as far as it was possible to see.  Two sentries were heard talking just to the left & somebody was walking up & down the footboards.  The party then returned.

 

Another party went out from Trench 82 under L.Cpl Kelly & proceeded to enemy’s wire C.29.A.8.7. but failed to find any suitable place.

 

Tuesday 1^st Jan 1916.  A party went out under Lt Huntriss to confirm the information gained by Lt. Green on the previous night & proceeded by the same route.  The wire was reached & a weak spot noticed.  Many “Crows feet” were parked which were intended to stick in one’s knees.  A gap was found & apparently the same sentry post was noticed but on this occasion the sentries fired into the wire.  This was again thought to be a suitable place.  The position was kept under observation by listening posts of 1 N.C.O. & 5 men until 5 a.m. but no movement was seen.

 

A party under Lt. Green set out from M.G. emplacement in Trench 83 with a view of reconnoitring the ground about C.23.c.9.4. but owing to the great distance & the dense mist the party lost their bearings & after great difficulty returned. The ground is very unsuitable for night operations owing to the lack of landmarks.

 

Wed 2^nd Jan 1916.  The enemy’s wire was observed through glasses throughout the day & the conclusion arrived at was that the wire about C.29.A.6 ¼.5 ¼. was the weakest.

A party under Lt. Huntriss left trench 81 with a view to making sure of the former & also of penetrating the wire if possible. On getting about 50^X from the enemy’s wire it was discovered that [a] wiring parties were working on a frontage of about 150^X. At the same time sniping was very brisk about the gap & on to the ground in front.  A covering party in front of wire was suspected & it was hoped to take a prisoner but on closer investigation the firing was found to be coming from the trench.

 

The party returned about 11 p.m. & a M.G. was turned on the wiring party.

 

It was then ordered that a party should go an hour later in order to investigate the gap & see if possible whether it had been closed. When the party arrived within about 50^X of the enemy’s wire a great deal of sniping took place the bullets hitting the ground in front of the wire.  The party however continued to within what was thought to be 5^X of the gap.  The sentry fired into the gap & the *** & a piece of the wire pierced the forehead of Sergt Baines who was slightly wounded.  Not being able to ascertain the nature of the wound the party returned.

 

In addition the party heard a great deal of movement in this sector & sniping on the ground in front from all sections. Men were running about & a lot of extra talking took place.  The sentry posts were about 4 times as numerous as previously.  The conclusion is that the enemy are suddenly very much alert or else a relief has taken place.

 

3^rd Jan 1916.  A patrol consisting of Lts Huntress, Green & 2 Corpls & 6 men went out from Bay 30 of trench 82 & proceeded to bridge in willows at & from thence towards the German trenches at ?

The wire was found to be strong & formed of large Knife rests. The patrol then returned & proceeded to work along to the right about 100X & then again to within about 20X of the German wire.  Here again large Knife rests were noticed but a gap was seen between 2 of them which was subsequently found to be *** up.  The patrol was out from 10.30 p.m. to 1.40 a.m.

 

A strong patrol consisting of 2 N.C.O.s & 10 men went out from trench 81 in search of a white flag with orders to watch it carefully & to attack any party they saw. The flag was not discovered.

 

Wed 4^th Jan 1916.   During the day the German lines were carefully observed through glasses & a position located at — where the knife rests appeared either to cease or to be hidden by a rise in the ground.  The ground behind this appeared to be free from wire except some trip wires on the parapet.  Some distance behind the German front line could clearly be seen a large earthwork which is supposed to be a M.G. emplacement & which commands the front of the German parapet.

 

It was decided to investigate this position & at the same time to search the willows for a German Listening post.

 

The patrol consisted of Lt. Huntress, 2 N.C.O.s & 2men & supported in rear about 20^X by Lt Green, 1 N.C.O. & 6 men.  The party left trench 82 bay 30 at 10.30 p.m. & proceeded to bridge at —- & thence to 6 ft along the whole line of willows but no listening post was discovered.  They then worked towards the German lines at —– & a working party was heard putting out wire.

 

Lt Huntriss’ party crawled as near as possible without detection, followed by support at 20^X distance.  Both parties could hear the working party talking & one man was thought to be working towards the party with a coil of wire & it was hoped that he would get close enough to the patrol to be captured.  As this did not occur Lt. Huntriss sent to supports for 3 men & decided to approach near enough to rush the party.  When three men arrived delay was caused through one of our men coughing & he had to be sent back & replaced.  When this was done the word was given to go forward but they rather suddenly seeing three men walk along the wire from the left from the working & the whole disappeared over their parapet.

 

Suspicions that the party would be relieved & also that the party of 3 might be a listening post relieving, the patrol waited about ½ hour on hearing or seeing nothing returned.

 

The patrol was out from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. The patrol had some difficulty in getting back & although carefully warned the 15^th D.L.I fired on them.

Report of Drifters off Cape Helles 2 January 1919

 

S.O. 9^th Div of Drifters

D “Northesk” II

Chanak.

Jan 2^nd 1919

Div II Pay Office.

H.M.S. “Europa”

 

During passage from Taranto to Mudros Oct 24^th to Nov 4^th 1918, my Division was ordered to tow two Tugs (A.S.C., T.) Nos 3 & 18.

 

Owing to bad weather the crews were taken off Tugs and accommodated on Drifters, also victualled.

 

It was understood that the Captain of H.M.S. “Queen” was arranging for cost of victualling these men (1/8 per man per day) to be credited to the Drifters and the list of vessels accommodating & the number of men was handed in before leaving.

 

I have been asked by the Skippers whether the amounts were credited to their Victualling accounts & should be grateful if you could inform me.

 

For information I give herewith the particulars of Tugs towed & how the crew were accommodated.

 

R.H. Palmer.

Lieut. R.N.V.R.

S.O. of Div.

 

List of crews of Tugs

Accommodated & victualled.

 

H.M.D. “Prime” No. 2289

Towing A.S.C.,T. Tug No 18.

Oct 26/18        7 Hands victualled from Tug 18 @ 1/8          11-8

“  28             2     “              “        “       “    “  @ 1/8           3-4

“  29             2     “              “        “       “    “  @ 1/8           3-4

“  30             7     “              “        “       “    “  @ 1/8           11-8

“  31             2     “              “         “       “    “  @ 1/8           3-4

Nov 1              2     “              “        “       “    “  @ 1/8           3-4

“   2              7     “              “        “       “    “  @ 1/8           11-8

“   3              7     “              “        “      “    “  @ 1/8           11-8

“   4              7     “              “        “       “    “  @ 1/8           11-8

Total                         £3-11-8

——————————————————————————————————-

H.M.D. “Ten” No 1052.

 

Oct 26 &                     }          3 hands victualled from Tug No 3

Oct 28 to Nov 4          }                                                          @ 1/8 ea

(9 days)                                                                                   or 5/- day         2-5-0

Oct 26 to Nov 4^th (10 days)

1 Passenger Skipper Chas Dent R.N.R.

(H.M.T. Cassandra II 1767)                           @ 1/8                 16-8

Total                                                    £3.1.8.

 

——————————————————————————————————-

 

H.M.D. “Northern Scot” No. 2425.

Towing A.S.C. T. Tug No. 3 from Oct 26 to 30^th

and A.S.C. T. Tug No. 1   “ Oct 31 to Nov 4

 

Oct 26 to 30^th 7 Hands victualled from Tug No. 3 for 5 days @ 1/8                         2-18-4

Oct 31 to Nov 4 2 Hands victualled from Tug No. 1 for 5 days @ 1/8           16.8

Total £3-15-0

 

——————————————————————————————————-

 

H.M.D. Ebenezer No. 2298.

 

Oct 23^rd to Nov 4/18

1 Passenger carried & victualled from Taranto to Mudros 12 days @ 1/8 £1-0-0

Name Victor Debenham Dk. Hd. Hydro

(discharged to Trawler “Newland” 942)

 

 

Strength of 9^th Canadian Artillery Brigade December 1918

 

APPENDIX                                         WAR DIARY                     DECEMBER 1918

 

9^th. CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE

 

 

STRENGTH DECREASE

 

 

Cause                                                        Officers                                    Other Ranks

 

Transferred

(Mjr. LV COSGRAVE DSO                              2                                            3

to 1^st. Bde CFA.)

(Capt. A.V. MEIKLE to CARD)                                                                                      1 to Eng with a view to leave to CANADA

 

Hospital over 7 days                                                                                         24

———————————————–

Total                              2                                             28

 

 

 

STRENGTH INCREASE

 

Transferred

(Capt. A.V. MEIKLE)

(Capt. C.A. GORDON)                                         2                                            2

Reinforcements                                                                                                 63 CCRC

22 CGBD

————————————————-

Total                                                               2                                            87

 

 

 

Officers                                            O. R.s

 

EFFECTIVE STRENGTH December 1^st       35                                         781

 

Decrease                                                               2                                        28

Total                                                                   33                                        753

——-                           —————-

Reinforcements                                                 2                                        753

 

EFFECTIVE STRENGTH DECEMBER 31^st 35                                       840

Awards for 9^th Canadian Artillery Brigade December 1918

 

APPENDIX TO WAR DIARY MONTH OF DECEMBER 1918

HONOURS & AWARDS.

 

BAR TO MILITARY CROSS

 

No               Rank.            Name                      Unit                                                         Action for which recommended

 

 

 

Lieut.     C.D. CROWE (MC)          31^st. Battery CFA              On September 27^th 1918 this officer was bringing in his guns into position East of INCHY.  As they approached Inchy they came under a heavy enemy barrage and disabled two gun teams.  This officer displayed exceptional coolness and good judgement in clearing the road and guiding through the teams which were uninjured.  He remained with the horses and took all the guns in position in time to open the barrage.  Throughout the entire time he was under exceptionally heavy shell fire.

 

MILITARY CROSS

 

No               Rank.           Name                   Unit                                                          Action for which recommended

 

Lieut.     C.A. SMITH             33^rd. Battery CFA                   For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.  During Operations near INCHY on September 27^th. 1918, the Battery came under very heavy shell fire, several men being wounded.  Lieut Smith went backwards and forwards through the shelled area looking after the wounded and assisted in laying out the lines of fire.

 

 

 

 

No               Rank.            Name                      Unit                                                          Action for which recommended

 

MILITARY CROSS

 

Lieut.      J.R. O’GRADY           36^th Battery CFA                             On the night of October 7^th. 1918 just as the Battery had moved into action they were heavily shelled.  All the other Officers and 30 men became casualties.  Lieut. O’Grady took charge, helped to clear the teams and had the wounded removed to shelter.  He then took charge of removing the guns from the position and succeeded in saving all Howitzers except one.  During this time the ammunition was burning and exploding all around the position.

 

Lieut.  A. LIVINGSTONE      36^th Battery CFA                       On the night of September 27^th/28^th, near BOURLON.  While taking up ammunition the teams were heavily shelled.  The horses became frantic with fright.  Lieut Livingstone steadied the Drivers and horses and after attending to the wounded returned to the ammunition dump and delivered the supply to the guns, all the time the shells were falling thick around.

 

Capt.      J.H. MacLAREN       31^st Battery CFA                        On October 8^th, near HEM-LENGLET the enemy put on a destructive shoot and set fire to ammunition beside two guns.  This Officer rushed to the ammunition and helped in extinguishing the fire.  He afterwards assisted to get the wounded to the dressing station.

 

 

 

No           Rank           Name                   Unit                                                                  Action for which recommended

 

 

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL

 

 

91036       Sgt.  W.R. LAWS MM     36^th Battery CFA                             For gallantry and devotion to duty.

On the night of October 7^th at ST. OLLE just after the Battery had moved into position they were subjected to a heavy concentrated shoot which caused about 30 casualties to personnel.  Sgt. Laws managed to get the remaining teams and personnel away from the place of danger, and assisted in dressing the wounded.  Later he helped to remove the guns, all the time under very heavy fire.

 

 

301108     Cpl.   A. MORRISON    36^th Battery CFA                                 On the night of September 27^th/28^th. 1918 near BOURLON, the column when return from the gun position was caught in an area shoot, several horses and men becoming casualties.  Corpl. Morrison by his coolness and disregard of the shelling rearranged the shattered teams and prevented a stampede.  The night previous, this N.C.O. had his horse killed under him, and although badly bruised from his fall remained on duty.

 

Awards to 9 Canadian Artillery Brigade December 1918

 

APPENDIX TO WAR DIARY FOR MONTH OF DECEMBER 1918

 

9^th CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE.

 

BAR TO MILITARY CROSS

 

Lieut.               C.D. CROWE MC                31^st. BATTERY CFA.

 

MILITARY CROSS

 

Lieut.              C.A. SMITH                              33rd BATTERY C.F.A.

Lieut.             J.R. O’GRADY                           36^th. BATTERY C.F.A.

Lieut.             A. LIVINGSTONE                     36^th. BATTERY C.F.A.

Capt.               J.H. MacLAREN                         31^st. BATTERY CFA.

 

 

 

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL

 

91036         Sgt.  W.R. LAWES MM                  36^th Battery CFA

301108       Cpl.  A.     MORRISON                    36^th. Battery CFA

Letter to Rev. R.M. Laporte Payne 1 Jan 1919

 

On Government embossed notepaper

1. M. Prison,

Pentonville, N. 7.

Jany 1^st 1919

 

Dear Sir,

 

My wife joins me in Greetings for the New Year.

 

We desire to thank God for the many answers to Prayers on behalf of my soldier brothers. We had a visit from William on leave from Nottingham, and had the great joy of welcoming Sam home from Germany, the latter on 2 mns furlough is in Belfast.

 

Thanking you for continued Intercession

Believe me

Yours very sincerely

Thos Smith C.A.

 

49, Dumbreck Rd,

Eltham Park S.E. 9.

Motor Permit 1 January 1919

 

G.P.19234 A

WAR OFFICE

The undersigned…Miss Dillon L.

(description)…MOTOR DRIVER GROVE PARK T & W COMPANY

 

Being employed on Active Service, is hereby authorised by the Secretary of State for War to drive a motor car, lorry or bicycle, when on Government duty.

 

1. Maude

Secretary of the War Office

Blank

Signature of Holder

 

 

Available from 1-1-19 to 31-1-19

 

On reverse

 

A.B. Pitt Capt.

1. i/c Transport Section.

For O.C. Transport & Workshop Coy.