Agenda for Conference.

8^th June 1916

Z Division 6 ** per OW

1. Brief description of situation as it stands at present.

1. Grouping of Batteries.

Distribution of 9^th Div Art batteries.

1. Battery Positions.

Work to be completed without delay.

9^th Div Art positions to be commenced, distribution of these.

Site for 1 single gun required.

1. Observation Stations.

Extent of work completed.

Sites and distribution of O.P.s 9^th Div Art O.P.s.

Gauze for O.P. slits.

1. Communications.

(a) Between Groups & batteries

(b) Between Batteries & O.P.s

(c) Between O.P.s & front line

(d) Plans for lines forward from front line.

(e) * Visual Signalling within Groups, and from points in captured German trenches. * Discs i daily bombardment from present O.P. ii

1. Liaison Officers.

Not to be confounded with F.O.O.

One detailed to go with Bde H.Q. in case the latter moves.

One detailed with each attacking batteryalion H.Q. headquarters i.e. 3 pre Group.  Duty:- Liaison not observation.

1. F.O.O.s.

How many to go forward per Group? To be fully acquainted with position of forward terminals of Artillery trench wires.  Party to consist of 1 F.O.O., 2 Telephonists, 2 Linesmen, 3 Signallers with lamp, and 3 orderlies.  To carry 1 mile of D3 and 1* mile of D1.  Wire etc to be stored close to forward terminal previous to assault. * is 1 mile enough?

1. Wire Cutting.

Discuss attached schemes for wire cutting.

1. Bombardment to Support Assault.

Lifts. Nature of ammunition, whether advisable to fire H.E. only for last few seconds before lifts.

Lane fronts allotted to batteries. Simplify.

Barrages to stop counter attacks. When should forward batteries open fire?  Barrages should objective be attained.

Registration with aeroplane of Caterpillar Wood battery valley.

Difficulty of observation from new lines.

1. Preparation for possible Advance.

Each Group to reconnoitre two forward positions:- Batteries to be held in readiness to advance to be detailed. Roads to forward positions to be reconnoitered and bridges prepared.

Suitable advance sites for Wagon lines to be reconnoitered. Possibility of Group H.Q. having to move forward at a later period to be considered. E.g. Left at Carnoy exchange.

Possible sites for batteries on POMMIERS Ridge to be considered.

1. Points brought forward at last Conference.

Ammunition Recesses.

Preparation for 4 days supply of water and food.

Accommodation for increase of personnel at batteries to allow for reliefs and replacement of casualties.

Spare parts for guns. Triggers party plates & springs stakes etc.

Bde Armament Artificer to be in central position.

Group dressing stations.

Reserve of sandbags for batteries moving forward.

Date                Unit                             From                                        To                    Starting time                                       Remarks

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

Night               5^th Bty. R.F.A.                        HENENCOURT WOOD       W.6.c.3.9.        8.0 p.m.

13^th                  (2 Sections)

14^th                  3^rd Bty. R.F.A.                                    ditto                            W.11.b.7.4.     8.0 p.m.

(2 Sections)

D/5 Bty Hows.                        ditto                            W.24.a.3.7.      8.20 p.m.

15^th                  1^st Bty R.F.A.                         ditto                            W.11.b.6.1.     8.0 p.m.

(2 Sections)

“Z” Bty. R.H.A.                     ditto                            W.12.c.3.2.      8.20 p.m.

(2 Sections)

————————————————————————————-

SECRET                                                                                                         A.B. 20/17

82^nd Brigade

83^rd Brigade

84^th Brigade

1. Herewith tracing showing forward lines which it is proposed to lay from observation stations to front line, consisting of four pairs for each group.

2. The object of these lines is twofold:-

(a). For purposes of forward observation during wire cutting.

(b). To form advanced telephone terminals from which lines would be run in the event of an advance.

3. Suitable observation posts for front line wire, and ground visible from them are also shown on tracing.

4. The front terminals are situated at the advanced Battalion Headquarters, and consequently will be available for use of Liaison Officers during assault.

5. Group Commanders should decide which of their main observation stations they wish connected with forward lines respectively.  Decisions arrived at to be communicated to O.C. Signals, 18^th Div through Group Signalling Officer.

(Sd.) A.F. Brooke

Capt., R.A.

Brigade Major, 18^th Div. Artillery

7/6/16

O.C. Signals,

18^th Division.

For your information

A.F. Brooke

Capt R.A.

Brigade Major 18^th Div Artillery.

7/6/16

SECRET

151 Artillery

Reference para. 18 of the Scheme.

151^st Brigade will not go forward as a Brigade but probably by Sections or single batteries.

These sections or batteries will act on their own keeping in close touch with the Infantry.

Communication should also be gained as soon as possible with Group H.Q.s

****

Major

7-6-1916                                                                                                                         Brigade Major 30^th Divisional Artillery

18^th Division NoZ.85

SECRET

53^rd Infantry Brigade

54^th Infantry Brigade

55^th Infantry Brigade

Royal Artillery

The following definition of “Zero time” and with a notes regarding artillery “lifts” are is forwarded for your information.

1. Zero time to be at the hour named, by which time our Infantry is to be in an irregular line, lying down within 60 yards of Bosch wire.

1. All previously announced hours for “lifts” are liable to alteration before the day and all ranks must be quick to learn new times.

A.Byant

June 8^th 1916                                                                                       Lieut-Colonel.

Senior General Staff Officer, 18^th Division.

Y.M.C.A

POSTCARD

Addressee T. Smith Esq., 24, Palmerstone Rd., Bowes Park. London. N.

No 27521

Pte. A.A. Smith

12^th Batt. Essex Regt ‘C’ Coy

Address reply to Dovercourt

Undated.  Postmark Harwich 7 June 16

Dear Father

Many thanks for the letter.  I have great hopes of getting home this week so do not send a parcel.  I believe Albert has written to you.  Will let you know as soon as I know for certain.  Please excuse more news now.  Alf

APPENDIX OO/7/1

SECRET.

MAP REFERENCE France Sheet 62 D 1^st Edition.

—————————————————————

Officer Commanding.

—————————

1. The DIVISION AMMUNITION COLUMN will move to MILLENCOURT in accordance with Table A on reverse.

1. All BATTERY WAGON LINES will move to E.2.a & b as shewn overleaf.

1. Times will be STRICTLY ADHERED TO in all cases.

C.R. Gover Major R.A.

Bde Major 8^th Div Arty.

6.6.16

France

June 6^th 1916

My Dear Nell,

I received your last letter quite safe. Sorry have not been able to write you before.

I am not surprised you forgot the Church Service as it is over 3 yrs since you first came to the Hall. Do you remember the first Sunday?  Well I must say I have forgot the Church Service as well.  Oh sorry I never went then did I?  Still my mistake your never wrong.

You mention we might be sitting in the armchair again before long. That is quite probable as the war is not expected to last very much longer now & even if it does our division start their leaves in August or thereabouts.

Have not had any time to write Bert yet but hope to do so soon as poss. You might send him my best respects in your next letter to him.  You mustn’t let your Mother upset about Bert’s letters.  I should think Bert would know you all write even if he doesn’t receive them.

Well I am sitting in a dug out in the reserve trenches writing this. We came in on Sunday & expect to leave the end of this week.  We get it a bit warm of a night here.  Have shells & machine gun fire knocking around but have had no casualties so far.

Well Dear have no more to tell you. Please Remember me to your Mother & Father & to those round the corner.  Must close with love.

I remain

Your loving

Alf

With Green Envelope to

Miss N. Pilgrim,

161 Abbey Rd

Barking

S.X.

England.

Stamped Field Post Office 122. 8 JU 16.  Noted “Ploegstreet”

4^th Army No. 4/A.A./66/30/27

XIIIth Corps 24/4(G)

18Division No Z.74

SECRET

XIIIth Corps

1. Information has been received that lachrymatory shells will be available for 4.5” howrs. And perhaps for 60 pounders.
2. As regards quantity, you can count on receiving about 1500 and this amount may reach 2500.
3. No estimate can be given yet as to any prospect for the 60 pounders, it is hoped that a few may be available, but no figures have yet been given.

3/6/1916                                                                         sd. C.L.E. BUDWORTH, Major-General

For M.G. G.S. Fourth Army.

-2-

G.O.C. R.A.

18^th Division

30^th Division

”Q”

For information

XIIIth Corps

4^th June 1916.                                                                    sg H.E. BRAINE, Maj

For B.G. G.S.

-3-

Royal Artillery

18^th Division

For information

June 5^th 1916.                                                                    Name unreadable

Major

For Lt. Col S.G.S.O. 18^th Division.

APPENDIX OO/7

SECRET                                                                                             Copy No. 18

8^th Divisional Artillery Operation Order No. 7.

4^th June 1916

1. The 45^th Brigade R.F.A. and “Z” Battery R.H.A. less 57^th Battery (Hows) complete and 1 Section 18-pdr Batteries, will move to Billets in BEHENCOURT in relief of 152^nd Brigade R.F.A. 34^th Divisional Artillery on the night of the 5^th/6^th June 1916.

1. Lieut-Colonel A.T. BUTLER, C.M.G., R.H.A. will be in command of the above Artillery until the return of Lieut-Colonel H.W. HILL, when he will return to the Left Group Headquarters.

1. The Adjutant and staff of the 5^th Brigade R.H.A. will remain with the Left Group Headquarters.

1. The move will be in accordance with Table “A” on reverse.

1. No move will take place between 3 a.m. and 8 p.m.

1. The Left Group will remain as at present.       One Subaltern Officer being in command of each section in Action.

1. Billeting parties will be sent on in advance to report to the Adjutant 152^nd Brigade R.F.A. who will arrange the taking over of Billets.

1. All moves to be reported to this Office.

C.R Gover Major R.A.

Brigade-Major. 8^th Divisional Artillery.

4.6.16

Copies to:-

5^th Bde R.H.A.                        1

33^rd Bde R.F.A.          2

45^th Bde R.F.A.          3

IIIrd Corps R.A.         4

8^th Division.                 5

34^th Div. Arty.             6

A.D.V.S.                     7

Signal Coy.                 8

Div. Train.                   9

S.S.O.                          10

Retained                      11 to 18.

VISIBILITY TABLE BETWEEN DAWN AND SUNRISE

Hour                Time before Sunrise                objects discerned

Hrs.   Mins.

2.5                               1         44         Break of dawn.

2.35                             1         14         Read watch.

2.45                             1         4           See chalk trenches at 600 yards.

2.50                             –          59         See earth trenches at 600 yards.

3.20                             –        29         Distinguish trenches a mile off.

No aeroplane up.         See aeroplane easily flying at 3000’

(Looks black cannot see colours.)

3.15                            –         34          Distinguish men’s heads above trenches at 100 yards.

3.25                          –        24          See foresight of rifle and men at 300 yards    sufficiently easy for accurate firing.

3.40                             –         9            Perfect light to see any objects.

The morning was an average summer morning.

Sky with thin covering of clouds.

June 3^rd 1916