SECRET                                                                                             A.B. No 240/49

Right Group

Centre Group

Left Group

• The attached copy of “Action of Artillery during the first and second phases” as laid down by XIII Corps is forwarded for your information.

• In the attached letter the First Phase refers to Operations leading up to 18^th Division “Final Objective” as at present laid down, and the green line referred to runs along the line of our present “Final Objective”. The Second Phase will consist of a movement of the XV Corps from West to East across the front of 18^th Division “Final Objective” up to the Brown Line (N.B. The latter line runs roughly from Eastern corner of MONTAUBAN to Eastern corner of BAZENTIN le GRAND).

• Reference para 1, this does not preclude the batteries referred to from registering previously to 15 minutes before Zero time, provided this can be done without disclosing the positions of these batteries.

• Reference para 2. In carrying out the forward movement of batteries indicated, the primary consideration must be to ensure the defence of the new line gained at all costs by an effective shrapnel barrage available at any moment.  The second consideration will consist in placing batteries in such positions that whilst able to support the front at closer range they will be so sited as to be available to assist the forward move of XV Corps by bringing fire to bear on the German second line and on the ground between it and the CATERPILLAR WOOD Stream.

• In order not to weaken the forward barrage unnecessarily the forward move will in all probability be carried out by one battery per group at a time, the remaining batteries of the group distributing their fire to cover the fronts left bare by batteries moving forward.

• Every possible preparation should be made to ensure batteries sent forward being able to resume their duties in defence of the line with the least possible delay. With this object in view the positions, lines of fire, zones to be covered, and means of communication between Group and batteries in forward position, should be sufficiently prepared beforehand to admit of these batteries being available for the defence of the line with the least possible delay.

• The Left Group H.Q., owing to situation of forward exchange in CARNOY, can be moved forward when required with sanction from Div. Art, H.Q. The remaining two groups’ H.Q. should not move forward until all their batteries are in forward positions, and communications established to new sites selected.  In every case of a move notification should be sent previously to this office.

• It might possibly be necessary to move forward a third battery from each group to positions slightly in advance of the forward positions selected in CARNOY Valley, at a later stage in the operations. Group Commanders should consequently consider the possibilities of sending batteries forward up, to, or over the front German line should the necessity arise.

• The movement forward of these batteries as stated in para 2 will probably begin after green line has been captured, and at least during the following night.

• The role of the 50^th Brigade R.F.A. will consist in the first place in maintaining the necessary forward barrage during the movement of other batteries. In the later stages the 50^th Brigade R.F.A. will hold itself in readiness to move forward either to reinforce batteries of 18^th Art. In their forward positions or for any other special task that may be assigned to it.

• The zones allotted to Groups in advance of the forward barrage (line H) will correspond roughly to the respective fronts of Groups on this line.

• Reference para 3. the gun sited at F.12.c.7.3. will be the first gun to be moved forward, and all possible preliminary preparation should be made for this move.

It is hoped that a party of R.E. or Pioneers will be detailed to assist in bridging trenches.

A position would probably be available in the vicinity of POMMIERS trench.

A party should be sent on in advance as early as circumstances will admit to reconnoitre route and position, the gun being subsequently moved forward as soon as possible after capture of the final objective.

• The forward move of the second gun at F.17.b.2.2. will be regulated by circumstances. This gun being moved up to reinforce the first gun should circumstances prove favourable.

• The role of these guns should be made clear to the officers in command, it should be clearly be understood by them that these guns are not to open fire except in case of actual attack or at an exceptionally favourable target. The gun being so sited as to enfilade the N.W. face of MONTAUBAN.

• The primary advantage aimed at in the forward move of these guns is to shorten the communications between the Observation Post and gun. These forward guns should be provided with sufficient telephone equipment to allow of such communication being established.

• The personnel of V/18 and W/18 Trench Mortar Batteries will be reserved for providing fatigue parties or reinforcements as occasions may arise.

One section of V/18 is being detailed to hold itself in readiness to assist the forward movement of the single guns.

Fatigue parties from W/18 will be provided to Groups to assist batteries in occupying forward positions in CARNOY Valley.

• In order to facilitate control, the two single guns at F.17.b.2.2. and F.12.c.7.3. will come under tactical control of Left Group from 0 hour on Z day.

Capt., R.A.

Brigade Major, 18^th Div. Artillery.

28/6/16

Copies to 50^th & 51^st Bdes. For information.

C.R.A. 18 Division

Returned herewith – please see G.O.C.s remarks.

unreadable signature

18 Division

27^th June 1916

“A” Form

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

H.Q. 18^th Div

TB 206 26-6-16

The attached diagrams are forwarded for your information.

They indicate the results of the two Tests of forwarding barrage on line “H” carried out with aeroplane observation.

The 15 barrage batteries fired salvoes of 4 rounds each in succession from the right at 4 minutes intervals.

The attached diagrams were in possession of the aeroplane observer, who marked four dots for the four rounds of each battery and enclosed them in a circle.

On completion of the observation the Pilot flew over Div H.Q. & dropped message containing diagram. The latter was received within 10 minutes of last round being fired, and a tracing forwarded to each Group. – The barrage appears satisfactory.

Could you please return attached diagrams.

18 Div Art.

A.F. Brooke

for B.G. R.A. 18 Div

“A” Form

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

SECRET

Left Group

Centre Group

Right Group

28-6-16

Dear Colonel,

We have just received information that the operations for Z day have been postponed for 48 hours.

No Programme of Bombardment or official orders have been received yet, until such orders are received the General wishes Wire cutting to be continued where required taking advantage of the extra two days to profit by good light – Ammunition should not be expended unnecessarily but where wire remains it should be engaged – He also wants 18 prs to continue preventing the repair of wire.

As soon as possible a programme for the extra two days will be sent out.

Yours Sincerely A.F. Brooke

SECRET

32^nd Division No. S.G.142/91

Stamped Headquarters 14^th Infantry Brigade 25 JUN 1916

Additions to para 8. Appendix ’C’

32^nd Division Operation Order No. 24.

Dated 18-6-16

1. By day the lamp cannot be read but the helio can be read.

The panel might also be read if placed against a steep bank.

1. By night the lamp can be easily read.

1. Communication will be from Battalion and Brigade Headquarters.

1. The distinctive pennant referred to is 18’ x 3’ and will be 30’ below the basket.

The following table gives the method of distinguishing balloons:-

By day.                                   By night.

VIII Corps.     Black & White chequered      Light exposed for 10 secs. At intervals of                                                                  10 minutes.

X Corps           Half Red and Half White       Succession of dots every 10 minutes.

III Corps.        Plain White                             Succession of dots and dashes every 10                                                                     minutes.

XV Corps        Black & White vertical           Succession of dashes every 10

strips 3’ broad                         minutes.

XIII Corps      Plain Red                                Succession of dots every 10 minutes.

1. All messages will be “DD-DD” and balloon will only answer:-

1. With lamp as already stated
2. With pennant, when the unit calls up with its code calls, the pennant will be hauled up to the basket.As soon as the observer is ready to read, the pennant will be lowered again. When the message has been received the pennant will be hauled up and down 3 times in succession.

K2/11

18^th Div Art

Lt. Col Brooke R.F.A. of 50^th Bde R.F.A. has consented to watch this group front on Z day from our group O.P. near  A.14.d.6.2.  He will be connected by a direct wire to Group H.Q. and will send any information he can obtain as to the situation.

25/6/16

***** Lt. Col

Cmdg R^t Group

SECRET

SECRET

Copy No.

XIII Corps

132/27 (G)

ACTION OF ARTILLERY DURING THE FIRST AND SECOND PHASES.

Reference Plan of Operations Part I, para 4 the following is a summary of the action which it is intended shall be taken by the Artillery during the First and Second Phases.

1. the batteries mentioned below, in prepared positions North of the PERONNE Road, will not open fire until:-

18^th Divisional Arty.               30^th Divisional Arty.

A/51}                                      A/52}  0 -65 29^th June

C/53} 0 -15                             B/52}   If possible, will do

C/51} 29^th June                      A/53}   a little registration

D/51}                                      B/53}   on the afternoon of

B/51}   28^th June.

1. As soon as circumstances permit, if possible immediately the green line has been captured, and at least during the night following the capture of that line, the following batteries will be moved forward North of the PERONNE Road:-

18^th Divisional Arty.               30^th Divisional Arty.

(B/82                                      A/150)   After capture of

Left Group   (A/85                                      C/150)

C/52)   GLATZ REDOUBT

In addition, 151^st F.A. Bde

will be in readiness for forward support if

(A/83                                                required.

Centre Group (B/85

(B/84

Right Group   (C/84

In addition, 50^th F.A.  Bde will be in readiness to reinforce 18^th Divisional Artillery.

The tasks of the batteries mentioned in paras 1 and 2 above are as follows:-

• The defence of the green line.
• To assist with their fire the advance of the XV Corps to the brown line by bringing fire to bear on the German second line and on ground between it and the CATERPILLAR WOOD Stream (Plan of Operations, Part I, para 4 (d))

1. The following artillery will be moved up in close support of our front line as soon as possible after the capture of the green line; the function of these guns is the close defence of our new line especially of the MONTAUBAN salient.

18^th Divisional Arty.                                  30^th Divisional Arty.

2-18pdr} atF.17.b.2.2.                       C/148} Enfilade Eastern

guns of } and at                                 B/148} of MONTAUBAN

C/51     }  F.12.c.7.3

to move to position in                         A/52}  Enfilade Western edge

vicinity of A.2.c. to                            B/52}  of BERNAFAY WOOD

enfilade N.W. face of                                     A/53}  and barrage South edge

MONTAUBAN. These                                Wood.

Guns will advance after

POMMIERS REDOUBT

has been taken.

These guns will not open fire except in case of actual attack or at an exceptionally favourable target, such as limbered up hostile artillery attempting to escape, (Plan of Operations Part I para 4.(c).)

1. The 30^th Division will make arrangements to enfilade with artillery fire the Eastern face of MONTAUBAN and barrage the Southern edge of BERNAFAY WOOD; the 18^th Division to enfilade the N.W. face of MONTAUBAN.

Both Divisions will aim at bringing as effective a fire as possible to bear on the BERNAFAY WOOD – CRATER – PILLAR WOOD Valley.

These tasks will not necessarily be carried out by the guns advanced as in 3 above, but in whatever way Divisional Commanders consider most effective.

1. The following batteries of the Corps Artillery will be moved forward as stated below as soon as circumstances permit after the capture of the green line (Plan of Operations, Part I, para. 4. (e).)

• Counter Battery Batteries.

31^st Heavy Battery 60 prs to A.26.a.4.5.) probably

124^th Heavy Battery to 60A.26.a.9.7.)      night of

29/30

D/50 4.5” Howitzers to A.9.c.2.5.)               probably

12^th Heavy Battery 60 prs to A.14.d.85.90.)  night of

115^th Heavy Battery 60 prs to A.14.b.60.)     30/1

• Siege Batteries.

12^th Siege Battery 9.2” 1 Secn to A.19.d.1.1.)  probably

15^th Siege Battery 6” 1Battery to A.25.b.20.45) night

66^th Siege Battery 9.2” 1 Secn to A.21.b.60.58.)  of

6^th Siege Battery 6” 1 Battery to A.21.b.95.76.)   29/30

Sd W.H. Greenly

B.G., G.S.

XIII Corps

25^th June 1916

Copies to:-

No 1 French XX Corps

2 XV Corps

3) G.O.C., R.A.

4)

5 9^th Division

6 18^th Division

7 30^th Division

8 No 9 Squadron R.F.C.

9 Corps Commander

10 B.G., G.S.

11) ”G”

12)

13”Q”

To,                                                                                                                   AB240/30

48^th Siege Battery R.G.A.

XIII Corps H.A. (for information)

With reference to XIII Corps H.A. Operation Order No 3 dated 21/6/16 and amendment:-

(1) From 1.00 on zero day the section of 49^th Siege Battery (under orders of 18^th Divisional Artillery) will be allotted the following tasks.

(2) From 1.00 to 2.00.

Junction of trenches at S.26.c.4.4., and new german trench running through S.26.c. and S.25.a..

Steady rate of fire.

(3) From 2.00 to 2.30 25. Western houses of MONTAUBAN in S.27.c..

Steady rate of fire.

(4) From  2.30 25 MARLBRO WOOD and trench from this wood to CATTERPILLAR WOOD.

Bursts of fire at irregular intervals.

• Whilst employed on the above tasks the section should hold itself in readiness to be turned on any special objective which circumstances may require.

• The targets indicated above should be registered by ”Z” day.

• From zero time of ”Z” day the 49^th Siege Battery will provide an orderly to remain at 18^th Divisional Artillery Headquarters until further notice.

Unreadable signature

Lt. R.A.

Captain R.A.

Brigade Major. R.A. 18^th Division.

H.Q. R.A., 18/Div.

25^th June 1916

No B.M/148/1

8^th DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY

INSTRUCTIONS No 4

—————————————–

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ARTILLERY OFFICERS

ACTING IN “LIAISON” WITH INFANTRY.

——————————————————————–

1. Officers detailed, whether to Infantry Brigades or battalions, will remain in close touch with such Headquarters throughout operations.

They must never leave Headquarters (but will move with them) without giving       clear information as to where they can be found.

1. Their role is: –

1. To keep their group constantly informed of the progress of events.
3. To alter the rate or direction of fire, if considered necessary.
5. To give information concerning the effective, (or otherwise), shooting of the guns.
7. To give the earliest possible information obtainable concerning position of our Infantry, counter attacks or other matters of importance.
9. To ensure their communications to group Headquarters is kept up.            NOTE (i). It must be borne in mind that on ”Z” day, operations start with a                             carefully prepared programme which it is intended shall go through                     and the ammunition allotted is considered suitable. Liaison                                      officers, when asking for alterations in rates of fire, must clearly                              understand the difficulties that may arise in ammunition supply.            NOTE (ii). All information sent to group Headquarters must be at once                                    forwarded to Headquarters R.A.

1. It is of the greatest importance that the time be inserted on each message. This must be done by the Liaison Officer, who is held responsible.

C.R. Gover Major R.A.

Brigade Major 8^th Divnl.  Artillery

25-6-16

Copies to :- 5/33/45/86/89 Bdes.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFICERS IN OBSERVATION STATIONS DURING BOMBARDMENT TO SUPPORT ASSAULT.

• During the bombardment to support the assault a copy of the Time Table of Phases should be available both at the Observation Station and at the Battery, in as fer as it concerns the battery itself and the neighbouring batteries.
• Spare diagrams of the Phase chart are forwarded herewith for this purpose. These charts are amended to show new trenches near CATERPILLAR WOOD.
• The duties of the officers posted on Observation Stations up to 2.30 after zero time will mainly consist in supervising the bombardment, and in furnishing all available information as to progress of the battle.
• These officers should not interfere or alter the timings or tasks of the bombardment except in special and urgent circumstances.
• In the event of a counter attack being clearly visible, or it being obvious that the fire of their own battery is being misdirected or causing casualties to our own troops, it may be admissible for officers in observation stations to issue orders departing from the prepared programme.
• Reports as to progress of the battle should be continually transmitted from observation station to Group Headquarters, where the information will be consolidated and forwarded to Divisional Artillery Headquarters without delay.
• The following information will be urgently required throughout the operation:-

• Times of arrival of our infantry at the various trenches.
• Any signs of the assault being held up by unexpected resistance.
• Any display of flags as signals by the infantry, stating times.
• Any signs of the enemy massing for counter attacks.
• Forward hostile guns suddenly disclosed.
• General observation as to the effect or defects of our artillery fire.
  • The importance of exercising scrupulous care in stating exact times of all observations should be impressed on all officers. A message stating arrival of our infantry in a given line without stating the time, owing to delays in transmission loses nearly all its value; in fact such a message may give false information.
  • Similarly the greatest care should be exercised in sending all names of places and trenches in block letters, and in ensuring that map coordinates are given accurately. Any slight error may lead to serious consequences.
  • It should also be remembered that negative information may often be of the greatest importance.

A.F. Brooke

Captain R.A.,

Brigade Major, R.A. 18^th Division.

H.Q. R.A. 18/Div.

24^th June 1916