Author Archives: The Bay Museum

AA Laporte Payne Sept 1914

EPSOM September, 1914

 

1st Battalion, No 1 Company, Section 4.

 

J.P.D. Clarke.  Sergt.   “Long John”    C.C.C. Camb X

Williams          “Bimph”                                  X

Osborne           “Ossy”

Harry Richards            “Loose Lizzy”

Roland Richards         “Rolly”                                    X

E.C. Collins                 “Lottie”           C.C.C. Camb

P.D. Gilmour Ellis       “Gil”

A.A. Laporte Payne    “Algy”             C.C.C. Camb

 

———————–

 

September 20 1914

 

Sunday

Alton

Links Road

Epsom

“I was first of all billeted in a public house with three other men. When in the town later I met a friend who said he was in a palace, so I got leave from a Special Constable to move there.  On the next day, most unfortunately, we were re-billeted by companies, and we have landed up in a much smaller house and the food is not nearly as good.  But eight of us all friends are billeted together in two adjacent houses.  It is great fun.  I have met several men I know.  There are 3500 of us here now.  I dined out this evening with Richards at the house of friends of his, named Mountain.

 

SEPTEMBER 24th 1914

 

Having obtained leave of absence I called on Major C. Lancelot Storr, Rom 206, War Office, who took details of such qualifications as I had, and said he would do what he could. He informed me that the application from Cambridge University had been mislaid, but that he would put a fresh application for a commission through for me.

 

I obtained leave to go to town by saying that the War Office wanted to interview me. So a full blown private marched boldly into the “Holy of Holies, armed with a sheet of foolscap on which I had set out my name, age, school, University, degree honours, cadet corps service, and the fact that I had been for four weeks or so a private in H.M. Army.

 

I received the advice from an old soldier that “ the thing to do is to make the most of yourself, and not belittle your achievements. Humility does not pay in the army.”

 

 

September 24th 1914

PUBLIC SCHOOL BRIGADE

ROYAL FUSILIERS

 

Private A.A.L. Payne has leave of absence until 10 p.m. September, 24th 1914

 

H.E. Bowes Lyon

O.C. No 1 Company,

No 1 Battalion.

 

 

W.L.P.

“Colonel Griffin ….. is wondering what the War Office have done for you today, and says if you would like a commission in his battalion, the 11th Middlesex Regiment, write to the Officer Commanding this regiment, Hydrabad Barracks, Colchester, and ask for a commission as a 2/Lieut.  State all qualifications.  There is at present one vacancy for a 2nd Lieut. And one or two vacancies in the 12th and 13th Battalions.

Our love to you, my son. May the right decision be clear.  I esteem your prompt response to the call of duty.  The strongest fortress of prayer is yours.

Your affectionate Father.

 

Form M.T. 397                                                                        WAR OFFICE

LONDON, S.W.

25th September 1914

 

Sir,

With reference to your application for appointment to the Special Reserve of Officers, I am directed to inform you that the applications for such appointments already received are far in excess of the vacancies available. It has therefore not been practicable to grant you a commission in the Special Reserve.

I am to say, however, that your name has been placed on a waiting list of candidates for appointment to a temporary regular commission for the period of the war, and you will be duly informed if, and when, there is a vacancy to which you can be appointed.

If you are desirous of taking up such an appointment it will not be necessary for you (or any other person on your behalf) to address any further communication to this Office on the subject. Owing to pressure of work it will not be practicable to reply to such communication if sent.

If, however, you do not wish to be appointed to a temporary regular commission you should at once notify the fact to this Office.

 

I am,

Sir,

Your Obedient Servant,

  1. Grant, Captain

for Director of Military Training.

 

Secretary of State for War.                                                                 War Office,

Whitehall,

S.W.

25 Sept 1914

 

Dear Mr. Payne,

I have handed your application personally to the Assistant Military Secretary, so I hope you will be fixed up before long. You may have to wait a week or two.

In the meantime, get Major Griffin to apply officially for you to go to him directly you are gazetted and ask him to address the envelope to me by name to save time. Let me hear if you are not fixed up, say, in 3 weeks time.

Very truly yours

  1. Storr.

 

Colchester

28.9.14

Sir,

As I have no vacancies for officers in my battalion I have forwarded your letter to Colonel Glover, commanding 12th Middlesex Regiment.

Yours faithfully

W.D. Ingle

Lieut. Colonel

Comdg. 11th Middlesex Regt.

 

Form M.T. 426 (M.T. 3)                                                                      WAR OFFICE

LONDON S.W.

30th September, 1914.

Sir,

I am directed to inform you that your application for an appointment to a Temporary Commission in the Regular Army has been received. The Cavalry List is full at present.  Will you kindly state by return if possible, whether you desire to be considered for appointment to a Temporary Commission in the Royal Field Artillery.

Please state exactly what previous military experience you have had and also what standard of riding you have attained. If you have hunted state for how many seasons and with what pack etc.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant

E.B. CLIVE Capt.

for Director of Military Training.

 

Archie A. Laporte Payne letter home 20 Sept 1914

Archie A. Laporte Payne letter home 20 Sept 1914

 

On headed notepaper.

 

Christ Church Vicarage,

North Finchley N.

‘Alton’

Lukes Rd

Epsom.

 

Sunday Sept 20 1914.

 

My dearest Mother,

 

Many thanks indeed for your letter and parcel which arrived safely. Thank you for your tie which is just right.  I am sorry you had a bother about the address.  I was first of all billeted in a pub – four men in a smelly little room – I was very bored – when in the town later I met a friend who said he was billeted in a palace – so I got leave from the special constable & went there.  They treated us like lords and my friend & I had a room to ourselves and a bed each.  Next day unfortunately we were all re-billeted by companies – and we have got in a very much smaller place & not nearly such nice food – but eight friends have got together in two houses.  We are up in the morning at 5.30, and we get plenty of work – but it will be rather fun I think.

 

I have met heaps of men I know. There are 3500 of us here now.

 

This afternoon & evening my friend Richards took me to some friends of his who have a gorgeous place here. We had tea & dinner there.  They are very nice.

 

Thank you very much for the really good time I have had at home – but I am glad you let me go off, as I really could not stay at home when everyone is enlisting. I may get a commission yet – but I don’t mind if I don’t now.

 

Will you get me a Vyella shirt Khaki – 10/6 at Army & Navy Stores – detachable shirt collar one and one collar (1/-) collar 15 ½ in – also please send me my Hawkes colour sweater.

 

We get very little time to ourselves – the Parade ground is miles away.

 

Hope you are all well & flourishing

With much love to you all

Ever

Your affectionate son

Archie.

 

18 Div Arty 29 May 2016

VISIBILITY TABLE BETWEEN DAWN AND SUNRISE

 

 

Hour                Time before Sunrise                Objects discerned

 

 

Hrs.   Mins.

1-30 a.m.                     2         15         Break of dawn.

2-20 a.m.                     1         25         Read watch.

2-30 a.m.                     1         15         See chalk trenches at 600 yards.

2-45 a.m.                     1          0         See earth trenches at 600 yards.

3-5 a.m.                       0         40         Distinguish trenches a mile off.

3-10 a.m.                     0         35         See aeroplane easily flying at 3000’

(Looks black cannot see colours.)

3.15 a.m.                     0         30         Distinguish men’s heads above trenches at 100 yards.

3-25 a.m.                     0         20        See foresight of rifle and men at 300 yards    sufficiently easy for accurate firing.

3-35 a.m.                     0         10         Perfect light to see any objects.

 

 

 

Sunrise at 3-45 a.m.

 

The morning was an average summer morning, clear sky with thin banks of clouds in the East.

 

29/5/16

 

18 Div Arty 29 May 1916

M.P. 6

18 Div Arty

 

I enclose plan showing routes of F.O.O lines as arranged.

 

Each red line represents a pair.

 

All lines except from battalion at A 7/3 to CARNOY exchange are under floor of trenches.

 

Will you please return this tracing when done with.

 

M.T. Porter Captain

O/C Sigs 18th Div

29/5/16

18th Div Art 28 May 1916

18th Div Art

 

I forward herewith tracing shewing German wire, correct to date so far as I can see.

 

I have not shewn front line wire as there has been no change in that. Gaps at KASINO POINT and BRICK POINT have been repaired.

 

  1. Thorpe Lt. Col R.A.

Comd. 82nd Bde R.F.A.

28.5.16

18 Div Arty 28 May 1916

APPENDIX 3

 

SCHEME FOR ARTILLERY SUPPORT.

 

  1. The Artillery available will consist of the Divisional Artillery (12 4 gun 18 pdr Batteries and 3 4 gun 4.5” Howr Batteries) possibly reinforced by several 18 pdr and 4.5” Howrs. Batteries.

 

  1. The Artillery will be arranged in 3 groups, and each affiliated to one Infantry Brigade as follows:-

Right Group – 84th Bde. R.F.A. and one 4.5” How Batt 55th Inf Bde.

Centre Group – 83rd Bde R.F.A. and one 4.5” How Batt 53rd Inf Bde.

Left Group – 82nd Bde R.F.A. and one 4.5” How Batt 54th Inf Bde.

The Headquarters of the Artillery Groups will be with the Headquarters of the Infantry Brigade.

 

  1. The positions of the various batteries is given in Appendix ”A”.

 

  1. In addition to the list given in Appendix ”A”, the following list of positions have been reconnoitered and will be prepared for the accommodation of any additional batteries that may become available. Some of these positions may have to be occupied by the Divisional Artillery.

1 Section 18 pdr at A.15.d.7/9

1 Section 18-pdr at A.15.c.35/80

1 4-gun 4.5” How Battery at A.14.a.6/4

1 Single 18 pdr at A.14.b.8/5.

1 Single 18 pdr at F.17.b.30/35

 

  1. The zones allotted to each Artillery Group are shewn in attached tracing marked ”B”.

 

  1. The Artillery support, including Trench Mortars, will be divided into the following phases.

Phase I   Bombardment of hostile front and support trenches as shewn    in Tracing ”C”

Phase II Bombardment of Support trenches as shewn in tracing ”D”

Phase III Bombardment of Support trenches as shewn in tracing ”E”

Phase IV Bombardment of POMMIER and trenches in vicinity by left Group as shewn in tracing ”E”.

Right and Centre Group establish protection barrage for consolidation of position.

Phase V Consolidation of position gained, protection barrage.

 

  1. There will be no cessation of fire between the various phases, the artillery will lift each barrage by increments in range corresponding to the distance apart of the opposing trenches.

 

  1. Owing to the German defences being situated on rising ground, where the rear support trenches overlook those in front, it will be necessary for 60 pdr and 4.7” guns firing shrapnel in enfilade to barrage the rear support trenches shewn in ”brown” on tracings of phases.

 

  1. The 4.5” Howrs will be employed to enfilade communication trenches special attention being paid to prominent trench junctions.

DIVISIONAL COMMANDER’S CONFERENCE, May 26th 1916

DIVISIONAL COMMANDER’S CONFERENCE, May 26th 1916

 

AGENDA

 

  1. In practice attacks there occur gaps between leading and supporting troops. At POULAINVILLE 25 minutes interval before 3rd Battalion arrived.

**** slow *** instruction. Visit the dummy trenches.

 

  1. When Brigades are practicing the attack all four battalions are to be present and an enemy and umpires arranged for.

 

  1. Construction of strong points. To be practiced during training.

 

  1. Attack formations. See diagrams. Role of each Battalion and Company. Every Battalion and Company to be trained to carry out any role.       Forming up trenches essential.       Drill in them more essential.

Forming up trenches in rear for training. 4th Company in column not in lorries & no note assigned to its leading platoon men 4 yds apart

 

  1. Miniature trenches for training of N.C.Os keep model and miniature trenches up to date from latest aeroplane photographs.

Get our trench maps in line with Divn H.Q.

 

  1. Notes for Company Conferences:-
    1. N.C.Os must take detail off Officers hands.
    2. Every N.C.O. must be ready at any time to take command of his platoon.
    3. Every Officer must be ready at any moment to take command of his Company.N.C.Os responsible – cleanliness, huts, ***, billets etc.
    5. At least 2 N.C.Os of *** to be able to take the place of Sectn Cmds.
  1. STOKES Mortar 100-rounds demonstration on tactical schemes.

 

  1. The principal object of a commander is to try and keep command. Therefore he should get platoons or sections together in folds of the ground or wherever possible. He keeps command by handling his reserves. To do so they must be capable of manoeuvre.

 

  1. Bombers must be in hand ready for use.

 

  1. Searching of dug-outs. Special parties to be told off for this. Query form No 3 Company.

 

  1. When the ultimate objective is reached Company Commanders must immediately arrange for the following:-
    1. re-organise.
    2. Consolidate
    3. Scout.
    4. Flanks
    5. Lewis Guns
    6. Strong Points
    7. Bombers
    8. Common-sense
    9. Reports
  1. Collecting prisoners in German trenches and dug-outs.       Arrangements for sending them to rear and safe-guarding them till handed over to Divisional Staff about BRONFAY or BILLON.

 

  1. Parties for repair of communication trenches between Brigade Battle posts and front.

 

  1. The GREEN Line. Time it will take to get there. Programme – Duration of Bombardment. Accessories – Clearing of our trenches and villages during bombardment – Hour of Assault.
  1. Guns in good dug outs.

 

  1. Success now depends almost entirely on training in back area.

 

  1. The danger of our being engaged prematurely seems to have passed and we shall get at least 3 weeks notice before the date is finally fixed.

 

  1. The bombardment will be a deliberate undertaking with every engine of war utilised. It will be the fault of Brigade and Battalion Commanders if special points are not dealt with. They are apt to leave much to their artillery. This artillery requires guidance.

Brigdrs to send  list of points  such as M.Gs,  wire, s** they want dealt with.

 

  1. Whether at the start or after an advance our artillery must endeavour to fire in enfilade. This is specially required as between the gunners of the 7th and 18th Divisions. Company Commanders must observe independently whether German wire to their front has or has not been cut. They must patrol freely at night for this.

See Genl about this.

 

  1. After our Infantry have reached their furthest objective our Artillery must place a barrage in front of them to repel next days counter attack. Success depends upon rapidity of our Artillery moving forward. (Guns and Observers).

Single guns well forward possibly in trenches.

 

  1. Gas shells for counter-battery, but don’t put them into villages we may want to occupy.

 

  1. Physical exhaustion of gunners. 20 additional personnel per battery will be added.

Two or more reliefs.

 

  1. Some 18 pounders to be pushed forward close up to front trenches, concealed there, unregistered, for use in later phases.

Single guns well forward possibly in trenches.

 

  1. Company Commanders are apt to barge ahead according to orders without looking about them. If a leading Company cannot get through the front German trench, companies must deviate betimes or stop. Every reserve unit must try to help people on its flanks.       Are Platoon Observers made use of?

Rapid decisions.

 

  1. Water supply from CARNOY to front requires thought. Men must be trained not to use their water bottles. No water on our objective.

 

  1. Use of 4” STOKES Mortars for flank barrages of smoke. Where are they required? Report.

Decide on places where required.

 

  1. (a) VICKERS GUNS. Direct overhead fire against enemy communication trenches by Reserve Machine guns.
  1. LEWIS GUNS. Not to be carried on men’s shoulders or by a few isolated men. Must go up in midst of a line. Ammunition also. Arming of LEWIS Gunners.
  2.  
  1. What is to be done with troops for whom there is no room at the ultimate objective? Suppose the leading troops get on to their objective with small loss? Suppose they lose 50% casualties?

 

Have Brigadiers recd the position of the 2” mortars?

1 platoon of pioneers & 1 section R.E. to each Brigade.

 

18 Div Arty Appendix “A” 26 May 1916

Appendix “A”

 

 

GROUP     Position of Headquarters                        Map co-ordinates of Battery Positions.

 

 

RIGHT            COPSE B.                               A.21.c.80/85

A.27.a.20/35

A.20.d.8/2

A.26.b.2/6

A.21.d.3.8

 

 

CENTRE        BILLON VALLEY               A.20.c.45/25

A.20.c.3/3

A.19.d.2/3

F.23.c.8/5

A.26.d.5/8

 

 

LEFT               West of BILLON FARM       F.22.d.8/5

F.23.c.0/4

F.28.b.8/7

F.23.d.37/34

F.28.b.3/1

 

18 Div Arty Heavy Trench Mortar tasks 26 May 1916

APPENDIX 4

 

 

HEAVY TRENCH MORTARS

 

(9.45”)

 

POSITION                                                     REMARKS

 

F.12.c.55/46                To fire from point 2845 along BITTE TRENCH and Trench junctions in BLACK ALLEY.

 

A.7.d.9/1                     Fires at CASINO POINT and German re-entrant.

 

A.8.c.3/0                     Alternative.

 

A.8.c.55/15.                Zone CASINO Point to CRATERS.

 

A.8.d.2/0                     Alternative.

 

A.8.c.8/4                     Fires on CRATERS and East of them.

 

A.13.b.8/9.                  Alternative.

Alf Smith’s letter 25 May 1916

Y.M.C.A headed notepaper

Pte. A.A. Smith

No 27521

Reply to “C” Company 12th Bat. Essex Regt

Stationed at Dovercourt

 

May 25 1916

 

Dear Father

 

Many thanks for the parcel received to-day. I know I shall enjoy them all very much; also for a letter from Jess which I got a day earlier.

It was very thoughtful of you to send the street door key, perhaps you were thinking I would make use of it & come home; but that is impossible at present.  We start firing on the big range to-morrow, which lasts about 10 days directly after that we have 4 days holidays.

What do you think of all this conscription business?  I see you are not within the age limit yet.  I am afraid your poor feet would be rather tender after a long march.

The King is supposed to be coming to Felixstowe on Monday we have been getting ready for him.  I believe we are going over there.

Glad to say I am quite well & hope you are all in the best of health.

 

With much love from

From your devoted

Son

Alf