PROPOSALS FOR EMPLOYMENT OF MEDIUM AND HEAVY TRENCH MORTARS.

 

1. The attached diagram shows sites selected for Medium and Heavy Trench Mortars.

 

1. The sites selected for Heavy Trench Mortars are shown in white. The arcs of fire of these mortars at 1000 yards range are also shown.

 

1. The tasks of the Heavy Trench Mortars will roughly be as under:- (a) No 1 Mortar. Destruction of trenches, trench junctions and dugouts in DUGOUT TRENCH, BACH LANE, BACH TRENCH and BRESLAU SUPPORT.       (b) No 2 Mortar. Destruction of network trenches and dugouts in rear of CRATERS. (c) No 3 Mortar. Enfilade BAY LANE and BAY TRENCH to KASINO POINT, trench junctions in MINE SUPPORT and BUND TRENCH. (d) No 4 Mortar. Enfilade BAY TRENCH from BAY POINT and destruction of dugouts and trench junctions in BLACK ALLEY and the TRIANGLE. Enfilade KASINO POINT.

 

1. Sites selected for Medium Trench Mortars are shown in red. At present 17 sites are being prepared, 6 of which have double emplacements, allowing for 23 mortars in all. Of those shown, 14 emplacements with dugouts are now complete.

 

1. The task of the Medium Trench Mortars will consist in destruction of front and support trench and the wire in front of these trenches.

The proportion of wire to trenches engaged will depend on the proportion of NEWTON fuzes available.

Tasks will be allotted to mortars so as to distribute the front evenly between number of mortars available, and with a view to taking full advantage of enfilade fire.

A proportion of mortars will be kept in reserve.

 

1. Dugouts are also being prepared to accommodate 100 rounds per medium Trench Mortar at each gun. The remainder of the ammunition being distributed in 4 advanced reserve ammunition dugouts and one central dugout situated in CARNOY.

 

1. During the bombardment and up to actual assault, all Medium and Heavy Trench Mortars will be controlled by the Div. Trench Mortar Officer who will be situated in CARNOY.

 

1. After the assault the Medium Trench Mortars will come under control of Infantry Brigade Commanders.

APPENDIX “E”

 

TRENCH MORTARS

 

• NUMBERS AVAILABLE.

 

• Medium Batteries. The following batteries will be employed:- U/18, X/18, Y/18, Z/18, X/9, Y/9 and Z/9. Six of these batteries will be distributed on the Divisional Front, the seventh battery being kept in reserve.
• HEAVY BATTERIES. One 240 mm battery of V/18, if available in time, will be placed in a position to cover the crater area.

 

• DISTRIBUTION OF 2” MEDIUM BATTERIES.

 

The German defences opposite 18^th Division front have been distributed amongst medium batteries so as to bring a preponderance of fire where it is required.

Batteries will be responsible for engaging of front line trenches and wire as under:-

Z/9 from A.9.a.70.99. to A.8.b.9.7.

Z/18 from A.8.b.9.7. to A.8.b.1.5.

X/18 from A.8.a.8.2. to A.7.b.95.28.

X/9 from A.7.b.95.28. to A.7.b.62.60.

U/18 from A.7.b.62.60. to A.7.b.2.4.

Y/18 from A.7.b.62.60. to A.7.b.2.4. to F.12.a.20.12.

X/9 in reserve.

 

• TASKS OF MEDIUM BATTERIES.

 

The tasks of the medium batteries will consist of:-

• The destruction of the wire on the front and support trench in the sector allotted to them.
• The destruction of german front and support trenches in the sector allotted to them, special attention being paid to saps, loopholes and machine gun emplacements.

 

• PROGRAMME OF BOMBARDMENT.

 

Each battery will be provided with a tracing indicating the exact area allotted to the battery.

“U” Day.  All batteries remain silent to avoid detection.

“V” Day.  From 5 A.M. to 7A.M. and from 5 P.M. to 8P.M. wire cutting on front line.  One hundred rounds per gun with Newton fuzes are allotted for this task.

”W” Day.  From 5 A.M. to 7 A.M. and from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. wire cutting on front and support line.  One hundred rounds with Newton Fuze per gun.

”X” Day.  From 6 A.M. to 10 A.M. wire cutting front and support trenches.  From 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. destruction of trenches.  80 rounds per gun.

”Y” Day. From 6 A.M. to 9 A.M. and from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. destruction of trenches – 80 60 rounds per gun.  At night, irregular intervals, 30rounds per gun to prevent repair of wire and trenches.

”Z” Day. For 65 minutes previous to zero hour rapid fire from mortars on german front and support trenches.  30 rounds per gun.

 

• DIVISIONAL TRENCH MORTAR OFFICER.

 

The Divisional Trench Mortar Officer, 18^th Division, will control the Group of Medium Batteries throughout the operation, and will be assisted in this task by the D.T.M.O. of the 9^th Division.

 

He will be situated close to Forward Artillery Exchange in CARNOY.

He will be responsible that all batteries carry out their tasks according to time table, and that all batteries are ready to commence fire punctually at the hour stipulated daily.

 

He will supervise the supply of ammunition from the Ammunition Reserve in CARNOY to batteries, and apply to the nearest Infantry formation for any assistance that may be required in the carriage of this ammunition.

 

Batteries will make render a report every evening to the D.T.M.O. on work accomplished, a consolidated report will be forwarded every evening from D.T.M.O to Divisional Artillery Headquarters.

 

• HEAVY TRENCH MORTAR BATTERIES.

 

In the event of one 240 mm Mortar being available in sufficient time it will be brought into action in the position prepared by V/18 and will engage system of trenches in rear of CRATERS in accordance with instructions to be issued later.

In the event of the mortar not being available V/18 will be used in forming fatigue parties to assist in the supply of ammunition to medium batteries.

O.C. V/18 will keep in constant communication with D.M.T.O., and assist in controlling the supply of ammunition in every possible way.

The personnel of W/18 battery will remain in their present billets and keep in constant communication with Right Artillery Group H.Q. – This battery will hold itself in readiness to provide working parties to assist in the supply of ammunition or in forward movement of 18-pr batteries.

 

• FORWARD MOVEMENT OF BATTERIES.

 

From zero hour onwards, X/18, Y/18 & Z/18 will hold themselves in readiness to move forward if required, and will come under the control of their respective Infantry Brigades.

Should the assistance of a 2” Trench Mortar Battery be required by any Infantry formation, the following procedure should be adopted:-

• The commander of the formation requiring the battery sends a message to that effect to the battery of its Brigade or direct to the Divisional Trench Mortar Officer, stating where battery is required. A site for the battery should then be selected and prepared if possible.

 

• The battery ordered to move forward will immediately send one officer and orderly forward to examine site selected and superintend construction of position. The orderly will be sent back to lead battery to the new position.

 

• The Divisional Trench Mortar Officer will detail the personnel of one Trench Mortar Battery of 9^th Division to assist the battery ordered forward and will form a fatigue party from V/18 to assist in the supply of ammunition. Any further personnel required for the supply of ammunition will be applied for from the Infantry Brigade concerned.

APPENDIX “D”

 

PREPARATIONS FOR FORWARD MOVE

 

• GENERAL PRINCIPLES GOVERNING DISPOSITIONS FOR FORWARD MOVE.

 

The general principle on which the forward move of batteries will be carried out is briefly as under:-

• The Three Group System, with each Group supporting its own Infantry Brigade, will be adhered to throughout.
• Certain batteries from each Group have been placed in forward positions to form an advanced basis, to be reinforced by batteries of the same Group as occasion arises.
• The 18-pr batteries of the 50^th Brigade R.F.A. have been distributed amongst the three Groups in such a manner as to be available to move forward or be detached as a complete Brigade, at short notice, without seriously affecting the efficiency of the Groups supporting the Infantry Brigades.
• Certain single guns have been so placed as to be able to bring close range and enfilade fire in the initial stages, and to be available for a very early move forward in close support of the infantry.

 

• DISPOSITIONS FOR FORWARD MOVE.

 

The following batteries of each Group will hold themselves in readiness for a probable early move during the operations:-

Left Group     B/82 & A/85.

Centre Group A/83 & B/85.

Right Group   B/84 & C/84.

 

The positions to be occupied by these batteries, and routes to them, are shown in attached diagram.

 

Group Commanders will ensure that bridges are prepared where necessary, the forward positions thoroughly reconnoitered, and every possible preliminary preparation made to enable these positions to be occupied without delay where when required.

 

• ORDER OF ADVANCE.

 

The order of advance will necessarily depend on circumstances. In all probability one battery per group will first be moved forward.

 

• SINGLE GUNS FOR CLOSE SUPPORT OF INFANTRY.

 

The two single guns at F.17.b.2.2. and F.12.c.7.3. will hold themselves in readiness to be moved forward at an early hour during the proceedings.

It may not be possible to bring limbers and teams up in sufficient time to move these guns, every preparation should consequently be made to man handle these guns forward if necessary. Sufficient drag ropes, picks and shovels will be kept in these emplacements for this purpose.  In addition to the above 6 iron girders per gun will be held ready to form trough bridges for the wheels of guns to assist in crossing trenches.

Line of Advance “A” shown on attached diagram will probably afford the best route for a forward move leading to positions in the vicinity of POMMIERS TRENCH.

In the event of it being necessary to man handle guns forward, a fatigue party from W/18 will be provided to assist in moving the guns forward, and in the supply of ammunition.

 

• LINES OF ADVANCE BEYOND OUR FORWARD TRENCH.

 

The attached diagram indicates roughly the forward lines of advance which it is hoped to open up shortly after the assault.

 

• ADVANCED SITES FOR WAGON LINES.

 

Advanced sites for wagon lines of batteries detailed to hold themselves in readiness are being reconnoitered at present. They will probably be sited in GROVETOWN VALLEY or in BILLON WOOD Valley.

APPENDIX “C”

 

APPROXIMATE allotment of ammunition for various tasks.

 

N.B. This table is worked out for one gun of a wire cutting battery.

——————————————————————————————————-

DAY            TASK                                              18-prs         4.5”             T.M.

Hows             2”   240 mm

——————————————————————————————————

 

“U” day     Wire cutting 18-prs at rate                200

Of 200 rounds per gun.

&

U/V Night   Approaches & Communications

at night, about 2 Batts: per

Group, to consist of about               100              50

12 salvoes per hour.

N.B. Night from 8 PM to 5 AM.

 

18-prs preventing repair of wire.        20

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL          320           50

——————————————————————————————————-

Wire cutting.                                    200                                  100

 

O.Ps, Machine Gun

emplacements,                                                  100

Communication trenches.

“V” Day

&          Concentration of fire,

V/W Night   Right Group                                    10                10

 

Approaches & communications

at night.                                            100               50

 

Gas barrage if required.                      50              30

 

Preventing repair of wire

and trenches.                                      20

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                380             190               100

——————————————————————————————————-

 

 

——————————————————————————————————-

DAY           TASK                                              18-prs         4.5”                T.M.

Hows             2”   240 mm

——————————————————————————————————

 

Wire cutting.                                   200                                  100

 

O.Ps, Machine Guns

Communication trenches.                                100                              30

“W” Day

&          Concentration of fire,

W/X Night   Left Group                                         10                10

 

Approaches & communications

at night.                                            100               50

 

Preventing repair of wire

and trenches.                                       30                10

 

Gas barrage if not fired on

Previous night.

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                340             170               100           30

——————————————————————————————————-

 

 

Wire cutting.                                     200                                  40

 

O.Ps, Machine guns,

Trenches, etc.                                                    100                 40           30

“X” Day

&          Concentration of fire,

X/Y Night   one battery per Group                        10                10

 

Approaches & communications

at night.                                             100               50

 

Preventing repair of wire

and trenches.                                       30                10

 

Gas barrage if not fired on

Previous night.

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                340             170               80           30

——————————————————————————————————-

 

——————————————————————————————————-

DAY           TASK                                              18-prs        4.5”                T.M.

Hows            2”   240 mm

——————————————————————————————————

Wire cutting.                                     200                                30

 

O.Ps, Machine Guns

trenches etc.                                                    100               30           30

“Y” Day

&          Concentration of fire,

Y/Z Night   Centre Group                                    10                10

 

Approaches & communications

at night.                                            100               50

 

Preventing repair of wire

and trenches.                                       40                20              30

 

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                350             180               90           30

——————————————————————————————————-

 

 

“Z” Day       65 minute bombardment

up to             (at about 3 rounds per

assault           gun per minute (18-pr))                  200             125               30          10

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                200             125                30           10

 

 

TOTALS per Gun previous to Assault.

 

 

18-prs         4.5”                T.M.

Hows                2”   240 mm

——————————————————————————————————

 

“U” Day &U /V Night                                          320                 50

“V” Day & V/W Night                                         380                190            100

”W” Day & W/X Night                                        340                170            100         30

”X” Day & X/Y Night                                          340                170              80         30

”Y” Day & Y/Z Night                                          350                180              90         30

”Z” up to assault                                                  200              125              30         10

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL               1930                 885           400       100

 

Rough estimate of expenditure from 0.00 to 2.30 and remainder of “Z” day and night.

 

During assault at rate of approximately

3 rounds per gun per minute 18-pr and                 500                  250

2 rounds per gun in minute for 4.5”

How:

 

For barrages, special undertakings etc.                 500                 250

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                                                                 1000               500

Total up to 0.00 time.                                            2000             1000             430      100

——————————————————————————————————-

GRAND TOTAL                                                 3000              1500            430      100

=============================================================

 

(8) The above alterations will affect Appendix “C” slightly, Group Commanders should consequently consider these slight alterations:-

“V”. Concentration of Right Group should now be considered under “X” day expenditure, whereas the expenditure allowed for concentration on “X” day may now be cancelled.

 

An additional expenditure of 15 rounds of 18-pr and 10 rounds of 4.5” per gun should be added to “W”, “X” and “Y” days for intense bombardment in support of discharge of gas.

APPENDIX “B”

 

BOMBARDMENT TO SUPPORT ASSAULT.

 

(1) PHASES.

 

The bombardment to support the assault will be divided into distinctive phases, as under.

 

Phase I.          From 65 minutes previous to zero time up to zero time.  Intense final bombardment preparatory to assault.

 

Phase II.          From 0.00 to 0.04 minutes.  Bombardment of line “B” for 4 minutes.

 

Phase III.        From 0.04 to 0.09 minutes.  Bombardment of line “C” for 5 minutes.

 

Phase IV.        From 0.09 to 0.19 minutes.  Bombardment of line “D” for 10 minutes.

 

Phase V.          From 0.19 to 0.58 minutes.  Bombardment of line “E” by Left Group and one battery of Centre Group.

LOOP TRENCH, BLIND ALLEY by Centre Group.

Concentration on MONTAUBAN, THE TWINS, THE MILL and communication trenches by Right Group.

 

Phase VI.        From 0.58 to 2.00 minutes.  Two minute test barrage on line “H”.  Concentration of Right Group batteries and forward batteries on MONTAUBAN.

Shelling of BEETLE ALLEY, MONTAUBAN ALLEY, THE TWINS, BLIND ALLEY, THE LOOP etc.

 

Phase VII.       2.00 to 2.30 minutes.  Shrapnel barrage starting from ”F” line and moving in front of infantry by increments of range, until final barrage is established on line ”H”.

 

Phase VIII.     2.30 onwards protection of infantry during consolidation of position gained.

 

• TIME TABLE.

 

Time Table of bombardment with actual tasks allotted to each battery in the various phases is attached.

 

• CHART.

 

The attached chart indicates trenches to be engaged by each of the 5 wire cutting batteries per group during the advance.

The lines have been lettered in accordance with preliminary instructions already issued.

 

 

• 5” Howitzer BATTERIES.

 

When not engaged in Counter Battery work with gas shell these batteries will engage trenches somewhat in rear of front barrage in accordance with time table, and on special points to be selected by Group Commanders.

 

• FORWARD BATTERIES.

 

These will be employed for dealing with any unforeseen contingencies, and will be allotted certain tasks for which they are well suited owing to their close range.

 

• SHRAPNEL & H.E.

 

During the bombardment 18-pr batteries will fire shrapnel with a mixture of 20% H.E.

As an indication to the infantry that a lift is about to occur, all 18-pr batteries will fire exclusively H.E. ammunition for 30 seconds at an increased pace previous to each lift, namely about 5 rounds per gun.

All concentrations on MONTAUBAN should consist mostly of H.E. ammunition, a proportion of this class of ammunition should be consequently reserved for these tasks.

 

• FLANK BARRAGES

 

Throughout the advance Group Commanders will hold themselves in readiness for the possibility of having to establish a flank barrage to protect a salient that may be formed found owing to some portion of the advance being temporarily checked.

 

 

 

PHASE I.

 

65 minutes previous to zero time up to zero time.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 wire cutting     Line “A”                                 Intense fire.

batteries

 

D/82, D/83,D/84   Communication trenches      Under instructions to be

& trench junctions on            issued by Group Commanders

respective fronts, up to          Counter battery work under

5 minutes before zero.            XIII Corps H.A. for 5

Minutes previous to zero time

 

Forward

Batteries:-            Remain silent.

A/51                       Wire in front of

B/51                      POMMIERS REDOUBT.     During last 15 minutes.

 

 

A.15.d.7.9.   Enfilade BAY TRENCH.       During last 15 minutes

C/51 F.17.b.2.2.   Enfilade BLACK ALLEY.    During last 15 minutes

F.12.c.7.3.    Enfilade MONTAUBAN.       During last 15 minutes

D/51                     BUND TRENCH from BAY  During last 15 minutes

LANE to TRIANGLE

 

2” T.M.                 Front & Support trench

 

Heavy T.M.s         Trench junction in rear

of CRATERS.

 

 

PHASE II 0.00 to 0.04

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 wire cutting         Line “B”                                 Intense fire.

Batteries

 

D/82, D/83, D.84.    Counter battery work             Under orders of XIII Corps                         H.A. with gas shell.

 

Forward

Batteries:-

A/51                       Enfilade MINE ALLEY & BRESLAU ALLEY

B/51                       Same as Phase I.

 

 

A.15.d.       Enfilade BUND TRENCH.

C/51 F.17.b.        Enfilade BLACK ALLEY.

F.12.c.        Same as Phase I.

D/51                     POMMIERS TRENCH           100 yards either side of   junction with POMMIERS LANE.

 

 

PHASE III 0.04 to 0.09.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 wire cutting         Line “C”

Batteries

 

D/82, D/83, D.84.   Same as Phase II.

 

Forward

Batteries:-

A/51                       Same as Phase II.

B/51                       Same as Phase II.

 

 

A.15.d.         Enfilade BUND SUPPORT.

C/51 F.17.b.         Enfilade BLACK ALLEY.      Only North of Line “C”

F.12.c.          Same as Phase I.

D/51                     Same as Phase II.

 

 

PHASE IV 0.09 to 0.19.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 wire cutting         Line “D”

Batteries

 

D/82, D/83, D.84.   BEETLE ALLEY &              On their respective Group MONTAUBAN ALLEY.       fronts, as soon as Counter

Battery Work is finished.

 

 

 

Forward

Batteries:-

A/51                       Same as Phase II.

B/51                       Enfilade LOOP Trench.

 

 

A.15.d.         Enfilade POMMIERS LANE

C/51 F.17.b.         Enfilade BLACK ALLEY .       Only North of Line “D”

F.12.c.         Remain silent.

D/51                     POMMIERS Redoubt.

 

 

PHASE V 0.19 to 0.58.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

Left Group Wire

Cutting Batteries       Line “E”             Normal rate of fire intense fire at last and B/83                                                10 minutes.

 

Centre Group       LOOP TRENCH,.    Normal rate of fire intense fire at last

Wire Cutting         BLIND ALLEY,      10 minutes.

Batteries               ETC

 

Right Group Wire   Concentration on Western.       Normal rate of fire, bursts Cutting Batteries     extremity of MONTAUBAN    of intense fire, mostly H.E.

 

D/82                     POMMIERS REDOUBT  Steady rate of fire.

D/83                     THE TWINS.                  Steady rate of fire.

D/84                     MONTAUBAN MILL.     Steady rate of fire.

 

Forward

Batteries:-

A/51                       Same as Phase II.           Only North of Line “D”

B/51                       Western extremity of

MONTAUBAN.

 

A.15.d.         Bursts of fire at S.20.c.2.8.    On tracks at junction of

C/51 F.17.b.         Bursts of fire at S.20.c.2.8. .  valleys

 

F.12.c.          Same as Phase I.

D/51                     POMMIERS REDOUBT.

 

 

 

PHASE VI 0.58 to 2.00

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 Wire Cutting 2 minutes test barrage”     From 1.00 to 1.02. Intense fire.  .

Batteries.           on Line “H                      Barrage will be observed by aeroplane and corrections dropped by message at Divnl. Arty. H.Q. and passed to Groups.

 

Left Group wire   BEETLE TRENCH       Steady rate of fire.

Cutting batteries

 

Centre Group         MONTAUBAN ALLEY,

wire cutting           BLIND ALLEY &         Steady rate of fire.

Batteries.               LOOP TRENCH

 

Right Group           Concentration on

Wire cutting           Western portion of         Bursts of fire.

Batteries.               MONTAUBAN.

 

D/82                      MONTAUBAN.            Bursts of fire

D/83                       MONTAUBAN.            Bursts of fire

D/84                       THE TWINS.                 Bursts of fire

 

Forward Batteries:-

A/51                       Same as Phase II.           Steady rate of fire.

B/51                       Western extremity of      Bursts of fire.

MONTAUBAN.

A.15.d.         Same as Phase V.

C/51 F.17.b.         MONTAUBAN.             Steady rate of fire.

F.12.c.          MONTAUBAN.              Steady rate of fire.

D/51                   MONTAUBAN.              Steady rate of fire.

 

 

 

 

PHASE VII 200 to 2.30.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 wire cutting   Barrage to be on line                The distance from line “F” to batteries.             “F” for 5 minutes previous       line “H” is approximately

                          to 2.00.  At 2.00 the                  1000 yards for all batteries. 

                           barrage will lift by                    Batteries will consequently   

                           increments of range                  open the barrage at a range

                           of 50 yards until line                of 1000 yards short of the

                          “H” is reached at 2.30               the range required for

                                                                             barrage “H” & will increase

                                                                            their range at the rate of

                                                                             50 yards every 1 ½ minutes

        

D/82,

D/83,

D/84. CATERPILLAR WOOD   On their respective Group fronts       

 

Forward batteries:-              

A/51                 CATERPILLAR WOOD   On Centre Group front, sweeping.

B/51                 CATERPILLAR WOOD   Moderate rate of fire.           

C/51                 CATERPILLAR WOOD   On Right Group front, Moderate rate of

fire.

D/51                CATERPILLAR WOOD   On Left group front, all four guns.  moderate rate of fire.

 

 

PHASE VIII 2.30 onwards.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                         REMARKS

 

 

Wire cutting         Barrage “H”                 Steady rate of fire, periodic bursts

Batteries.                                                               and ready to turn on intense bombardment if required.

 

Remainder.         Same as Phase VII.

 

 

AMENDMENTS TO 18^TH DIVNL. ARTY. OPERATION ORDER NO 1

 

Appendix ”B”, Phase VII & VIII should be amended as under.

 

 

PHASE VII 2.00 to 2.30.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 Wire Cutting Barrage to be on             The distance from line “F” to line

Batteries.             line “F” for 5                  “H” is approximately 1000 yards for

minutes previous             all batteries.  Batteries will cones-

to 2.00.                           quently open the barrage at a range

At 2.00 the barrage         1000 yards short of range required

will lift by increments     for barrage “H” and will increase

of range of 50 yards        their range by increments of 80 yds.

until line “H” is reached  The four right batteries of Right

at 2.30.                              Group (C/85, A/50, C/84, A/84) will increase their range at a slower rate, 50 yds every 2 ½ minutes until line “H” is reached.

 

D/82,D/83,               Western houses of                 Bursts of fire up to 2.15, intense

D/84.                         MONTAUBAN.                    from 2.15 onwards.  Lift off MONTAUBAN at2.25.

 

A/51                         MARLBRO WOOD

 

B/51                         Western corner of           Orchards & houses just east of Right

MONTAUBAN.            Group boundary.

 

C/51                         CATTERPILLAR WOOD     MARICOURT Section to enfilade western portion of wood

D/51                         CATERPILLAR WOOD.      On Centre Group front.

 

PHASE VIII 2.30. onwards

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

Wire Cutting     Barrage “H”                         Steady rate of fire, periodic bursts of fire,

Batteries                                                          and ready to turn on intense fire if necessary.

 

 

D/82, D/83,   CATERPILLAR WOOD on   During this phase forward observation

D/84.               respective Group fronts.         must be obtained as soon as possible, and barrage regulated by actual observation and reports from Liaison Officers.

 

A/51                               -do-

B/51                               -do-

C/51                              -do-

D/51             MARLBRO WOOD

 

 

 

A.F. Brooke

Captain R.A.,

Brigade Major R.A. 18^th Division

 

H.Q. R.A. 18/Div

27 June 1916

 

Copies to all concerned.

APPENDIX “A”

 

PROGRAMME OF PRELIMINARY BOMBARDMENT.

 

(1).       The attached programme is worked out with a view to conforming with the instructions issued as regards sequence of the bombardment, and to minimise the difficulties of observation caused by smoke and dust of one battery interfering with another.

 

(2).      SPECIAL HOURS ALLOTTED TO BATTERIES.

 

Special hours have been allotted to the various batteries concerned for engaging the front system of trenches, this does not preclude other batteries from engaging trenches further to the rear at these times provided the targets engaged are not obscured by the guns firing on trenches in advance.

 

(3).       WIRE CUTTING.

 

Wire cutting will be carried out in accordance with previous instructions issued.  Group Commanders will issue necessary instructions within their Group to prevent the wire cutting batteries interfering with each other.

 

(4). PREVENTING REPAIR OF WIRE & TRENCHES.

 

Each 18-pr battery will be responsible for the front allotted to it for wire cutting, as regards prevention of repairs at night.  Table ‘C’ indicates approximate allowance of ammunition for this task, this ammunition should be expended in irregular bursts of fire throughout the night under instructions to be issued by Group Commanders.

 

(5). SHELLING OF APPROACHES & COMMUNICATIONS.

 

The shelling of approaches and communications will be allotted to Groups as under:-

{18- prs. Western exits of MONTAUBAN. Tracks from CATERPILLAR WOOD to MONTAUBAN.

Right Group   {4.5” How. Communication trenches & Trench junctions in A.3.a.

 

 

{18-prs. CATERPILLAR WOOD Valley, and MONTAUBAN-MAMETZ Road.

Centre Group

{4.5” How. LOOP TRENCH, MINE ALLEY & POPOFF LANE.

 

 

{18-prs. Junction of valleys and trenches in S.20.c.

Left Group

{4.5” How: BLACK ALLEY and MONTAUBAN ALLEY.

Group Commanders will detail at least two 18-pr batteries and one 4.5” howitzer per night for the shelling of approaches. These batteries will have to carry out this task in addition to preventing repair of wire on the portion of front allotted to them.

The shelling of approaches by 18-prs will consist of approximately 12 salvoes per hour fired at irregular intervals and changed localities throughout the night.

The night should be considered as lasting from 8 P.M. to 5 A.M.

4.5” Hows will fire approximately 6 rounds per hour at the communication trenches.

The shelling of Communications and Approaches in rear will be carried out at irregular intervals throughout the day.

 

(6). TEST CONCENTRATION OF FIRE.

 

Tests of concentration of fire will be carried out by Groups in accordance with attached Programme.  These concentrations will consist of a test carried out by Groups on various portions of the front.

Batteries will fire consecutively at 10 minutes interval, and effect of fire will be observed.

Forward batteries will remain silent during these concentrations.

 

(7). SHRAPNEL BARRAGE IN SUPPORT OF DISCHARGE OF GAS.

 

Should the wind be favourable it is intended on one of the nights previous to assault to discharge a gas cloud with a view to inflicting loss on the enemy by taking them by surprise.

Notification of such a discharge will be forwarded to Groups previously. –the five wire cutting batteries per Group will support the discharge of gas by establishing a heavy shrapnel barrage, at the rate of 3 rounds per 18-pr per minute for two periods of 8 minutes.

This barrage will be carried out with the following lifts:-

Gas discharge begins:-            0.00 time

Barrage front trench:-                         0.30 to 0.32 and 1.15 to 1.20.

Lift to second line:-                0.32 to 0.37 and 1.20 to 1.23.

Return to front line:-               0.37 to 0.40 and 1.23 to 1.25.

 

(8). TIMES RESERVED FOR CORPS ARTILLERY.

 

Certain periods daily have been reserved for Corps Artillery for bombardment of front trenches, this is to ensure the Divisional Artillery and Corps Artillery not interfering with each others’ tasks.

Copies of diagram indication wire to be engaged daily by 18-prs have been forwarded to XIII Corps H.A. who will refrain from firing on these trenches at the hours detailed for 18-pr wire cutting.

 

(9). TRENCH MORTARS.

 

Special hours have been allotted to Medium Trench Mortar batteries for wire cutting.  These batteries will refrain from firing at the front trench during the other hours of the day.

(10). DESTRUCTION OF OBSERVATION STATIONS, MACHINE GUNS, COMMUNICATION TRENCHES, ETC., BY 4.5” HOWS.

 

Special hours have not been allotted for 4.5” How: firing on front trenches – Group Commanders will allot tasks to their 4.5” How batteries within their own fronts, and regulate their fire so as not to interfere with wire cutting operations.

 

(11). GAS SHELLS.

 

The use of the Divisional 4.5” How: batteries will be required by XIII Corps H.A. for 65 minutes previous to zero hour for counter battering work with gas shells – It is not certain yet how long these guns will be required for this task.

 

(12). FORWARD BATTERIES.

 

The forward batteries (51^st Brigade R.F.A.) in the CARNOY valley will not take part in the preliminary bombardment, and will be kept as silent as possible.

Group Commanders should however endeavour to carry out any possible registration of these batteries which they consider could be done without disclosing their positions.

The objectives requiring special registration may be obtained from the tasks allotted to these batteries in Appendix ”B”.

 

(13). TESTS OF FORWARD BARRAGE NEAR CATERPILLAR WOOD.

 

It is hoped to carry out two tests during the preliminary bombardment of the final barrage required after the assault.

This test will be carried out by all 15 wire cutting batteries firing salvoes at 4 minutes interval commencing with the most easterly barrage battery of the Right Group. full particulars of the test will be forwarded to Group Commanders and to O.C. 9^th Squadron R.F.C.

 

(14). DISCHARGE OF SMOKE.

 

In order to lead the enemy to believe that an assault is about to be made, and induce him to man his front trenches, smoke will be discharged for the last 5 to 10 minutes of the times laid down for concentrated bombardments on “W”, “X” and “Y” days.

The discharge of smoke will be accompanied by a heavy shrapnel barrage on front line and support trenches by all wire cutting batteries and searching of communication trenches by 4.5” howitzers for 5minutes as under:-

Front trench,                           2minutes.

Lift to support line,                 2minutes.

Return to support line,                        1minute.

 

 

“U” DAY

 

 

TIME.                         NATURE                    TASK.

OF GUN.

 

All day             18-prs.            Wire cutting in Second Line in accordance with Wire Cutting Programme.  Registration if required.

 

All day             4.5” Hows      Complete Registration.

All day            2” T.M.           Remain silent

All day             240 mm T.M. Remain silent.

U/V Night       18-prs             Communications, approaches and preventing repair of   wire.

U/V Night       4.5” Hows       Communication trenches.

 

 

“V” DAY

 

 

6 AM to 9AM     18-prs                     Wire cutting on Third line in accordance with wire cutting instructions.  Batteries may continue

12.30 to 3 PM                         firing up to 11 AM provided observation is not obscured by 2” T.Ms.

 

4 P.M.                 18-prs         Test forward barrage near CATERPILLAR WOOD with aeroplane observation.

All day                 4.5” Hows  O.Ps, Machine gun emplacements and communication trenches.

 

9 AM to 11 AM} 2” T.Ms     Wire cutting front and support trenches.

5 PM to 8 PM}

 

11 AM to 12.30 PM} XIII Corps H.A. Reserved for Corps H.A. on front trenches.

3 PM to 5 PM}

 

4 PM to 4.20 PM 18-prs         Concentration of Right Group wire cutting batteries on MONTAUBAN.

 

V/W Night 18-prs &               Same as U/V Night.

4.5” Hows           18-prs ready to support gas barrage if necessary.

 

(4) “V” DAY

XIII Corps H.A. will not require any time reserved for front trenches, the times allotted for this purpose are consequently re-alloted as under:-

11 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. for 18-prs wire cutting.

3 P.M. to 5.00 P.M. for 2” T.M.s wire cutting.

in addition to times already allotted.

The concentration of Right Group on MONTAUBAN between 4 P.M. and 4.20 P.M. is cancelled.

 

 

“W” DAY

 

 

TIME.                         NATURE                    TASK.

OF GUN.

 

10 AM to 1 PM 18-prs            Wire cutting on POMMIERS TRENCH line in accordance with Programme.

4 PM to 8 PM                         Batteries may continue from 1  to 3 PM provided observation is not obscured by 2” T.M.

 

3 PM                 18-prs           Test forward barrage near CATERPILLAR WOOD with aeroplane observation.

 

Irregular 18-prs & 4.5”Hows  Approaches and communications.

intervals

 

All day             4.5” Hows      Same as “V” day.

5 AM to 7 AM} 2” T.M.        Wire cutting front and support trenches.

1 PM to 4 PM }

 

9 AM to10 AM 18-prs            Concentration of Left Group wire cutting batteries on

& 4.5” Hows  POMMIERS Redoubt.

 

7 AM to 10 AM. XIII Corps H.A.     Reserved for Corps Artillery on front trenches.

 

W/X Night   18-prs & 4.5” Hows      Same as V/W Night.

 

 

(5) “W” DAY.

18-pr wire cutting batteries from 10.30 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. instead of 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. etc.

 

Add:-

10.15 A.M. to 10.20 A.M., 18-prs intense bombardment of front and support trenches, and 4.5” howitzer batteries on communications in support of smoke discharge.

 

 

“X” DAY

 

 

10 AM to 4 PM   18-prs          Wire cutting on front and supporttrenches in accordance with wire cutting instructions.

Irregular               18-prs: & } Approaches and communications.

intervals               4.5” Hows}

All day             4.5” Hows:     Same as “W” day.

 

6 AM to 10 AM} 2” T.Ms      Destruction of trenches and wire cutting.

6 PM to 8 PM}

 

6 PM to7 PM     18-prs &      Concentration of centre Right Group wire cutting battery

4.5”Hows     from each group on MONTAUBAN commencing with Right Group battery, 10 minutes interval between batteries.

9 AM to 10 AM   XIII           Reserved for Corps H.A. on front trenches.

4 PM to 6 PM                         Corps H.A.

 

X/Y Night 18-prs &                Same as W/X night.

4.5” Hows

 

(6) “X”DAY

Cancel concentration detailed for 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. and substitute :-

4.30 A.M. to 5.30 A.M., 18-prs and 4.5” howitzers concentration of Right Group wire cutting batteries on MONTAUBAN.

 

5.45 A.M. to 5.50 A.M., 18-prs & 4.5” howitzers intense fire in support of smoke discharge, similar to “W” day.

 

Y DAY

 

 

TIME.                         NATURE                    TASK.

OF GUN.

 

 

11 AM to 1 PM 18-prs            Wire cutting on any portion of wire left uncut.  Batteries may continue from 1 PM to 3 PM provided 2” T.M. do not interfere.

 

4.30 PM to 8 PM                    Approaches and communications at irregular intervals.

 

All day             4.5” Hows      Same as X day.

 

6 AM to 9 AM}   2” T.M.     Destruction of trenches and wire.

1 PM to 3 PM.}

 

9 AM to 11 AM XIII Corps H.A. Reserved for Corps Artillery on front trenches.

3 PM to 4.20 PM

 

6 AM to 7.20 AM 18-prs Concentration of Centre Group batteries on the LOOP

& 4.5” Hows.

 

Y/Z Night 18-prs & 4.5” Hows Same as X/Y Night.

 

“Y” DAY.

Times for concentration of Centre Group are altered to read from 6 A.M. to 7 A.M. instead of 6.0 to 7.20 A.M.

 

Add:-

7.15 A.M. to 7.20 A.M., 18-prs & 4.5” howitzers, intense fire in support of smoke discharge similar to ”W” day.

 

 

“Z” DAY

 

In accordance with Bombardment to Support Assault Appendix ”B”.

 

 

 

FURLOUGH & LEAVE.

No. 4748 Medical

Headquarters, 6^th Divisional Area,

Poona 19^th June 1916

 

From The Assistant Director Medical Services

6^th (Poona) Divisional Area.

 

To Flight Sub Lieut. L.E.R. Murray

                                    R.N.A.S. ‘Throu’ Stn Hosp Poona

 

MEMORANDUM

 

Please note that at a Medical Board which assembled at Poona on the 19^th June 1916, the Board recommended that you be granted leave to proceed to Poona for 2 months & 21 days months, and that you be allowed to proceed in anticipation of sanction.  Leave to date from 29-4-16.

 

1. Please submit your application for leave to the General Officer Commanding 6^th (Poona) Divisional Area.

 

1. Grant

Colonel. I.M.S.

A.D.M.S. 6^th (Poona) Divisional Area.

 

Copy to:-

The General Officer Commanding

6^th Poona Divisional Area.

 

For information

Copy of Proceedings of Medical Board on this officer is attached.

 

Colonel, I.M.S.

A.D.M.S. 6^th (Poona) Divisional Area.

Y.M.C.A headed notepaper

Pte. A.A. Smith

No 27521

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

Stationed at Dovercourt

June 19^th 1916

 

Dear Father,

I expect you received my letter I sent to Southend did not have time to write more then.

I have settled down to camp again now, but it took a little time after the enjoyable holiday I had.  When we got back on Monday we had no blankets only our mattresses; so I used my overcoat as a cover & was soon asleep; have had a bad cold since but am alright again now.  It is much better now we are having fine weather the ground is dry again.

I had a nice job on Sunday 24 hours guard.  It was jolly fine had nothing to do but lie on the sands all day watching the girls bathing; we only had to keep guard for two hours each after dark; it was like having a days holiday by the sea but very different to last Sunday.

Would you mind sending a card before you post another parcel please, & I will answer it.  There is a rumour we are moving to Romford next week; I do not believe anything until we really start there are so many tales about but this one seems to be very general.  I hope it is true I shall not be so far from home then.

I believe you said you were going to Farnham next Saturday, I hope you will have a good time remember me to all of them. I wrote to Ciss this week.

Cannot think of any more news to tell you.

 

Hope you are all well

With much love

Your devoted

Son

Alf

APPENDIX 10/a

 

SECRET.

8^th D.A. No BM/164

 

Reference 8^th Divisional Artillery Operation Order No. 10 dated 15^th June 1916.

 

Wagon lines 45^th, 33^rd, and 5^th Brigades, will move on night of 23^rd/24^th instead of night 19^th/20^th June.

 

89^th Brigade R.F.A. (less 1 battery) and D/88 battery R.F.A. (Hows) will move on night of 28^th/29^th June, instead of night of 23^rd/24^th June.

 

 

C.R. Gover Major R.A.

Brigade Major 8^th Divisional Artillery.

18-6-16

 

 

APPENDIX OO/10/b

 

SECRET.

8. D.A. B.M./164/1

 

Officer Commanding.

 

Reference Correction to 8th D.A. Operation Order No. 10 dated 15^th June forwarded under my 8^th D.A. No. B.M./164 dated 18.6.16.

For night of 28^th/29^th June

Read night of 27^th/28^th June.

 

C.R. Gover Major R.A.

Brigade Major 8^th Divisional Artillery.

18-6-16

 

 

 

TABLE “A”

 

DATE.                        UNIT.               FROM .                    TO.                              ROUTE.                                                          REMARKS.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Night               33^rd Bty (1 Sect)          X.25.c.8.5.                  W.24.c.6.4.                                                                              No move before 10 p.m.

17/18^th             36^th   “         “               X.25.c.8.5.                  W.24.c.3.7.                                                                                          ditto

D/86  “ R.F.A. (Hows)  BAIZIEUX              W.18.b.7.0.     HENENCOURT – MILLENCOURT                        Not to pass the road

– EMERGENCY Road No 1.                         junction V.29.d.7.3.                                                                                                                                                                                                    before  10.30 pm.

A/86 Bty R.F.A.         BAIZIEUX                W.12.d.2.6                     ditto                                                             ditto

Night               B/86Bty R.F.A.          BAIZIEUX                W.12.d.3.1.                    ditto                                                 To leave BAIZIEUX at

18/19^th                                                                                                                                                                                     9.0 p.m.

A89   “      “                ditto                            W.18.b.6.2.                    ditto                                                 To leave BAIZIEUX at

9.30 p.m.

Night               C/86 Bty R.F.A.         ditto                            W.18.d.2.8.                 ditto                                                  To leave BAIZIEUX at

19/20^th                                                                                                                                                                                     9.45 p.m.

45^th Bde. R.F.A.         HENENCOURT        BRICKWORKS         MILLENCOURT –                          To leave HENENCOURT

(Wagon lines)              WOOD                       (W.22)                         EMERGENCY Road No 1                WOOD at 9.0 p.m.

 

33^rd Bde. R.F.A.            ditto                                    QUARRY                      ditto                                              To leave HENENCOURT

(Wagon lines)                                                  W.27.b                                                                                                WOOD at 9.15 p.m.

 

5^th Bde R.H.A.                           ditto                         E.2.a & b.                    ditto                                             To leave HENNENCOURT

(Wagon lines)                                                                                                                                                  WOOD at 9.30 p.m.

 

Night               89^th Bde R.F.A.          HENENCOURT        LONG VALLEY       BAIZIEUX – HENENCOURT            Not to pass road junction

23/24^th             (less 1 Battery and D/88 Battery W.19d/20.c.           – Road Junction V.29.c.6.4.                                        V.29.c.6.4. before 10.30                                             R.F.A. (Hows)                                   – Cross roads V.24.c.                                                            p.m.

• EMENGENCY Road No 3.