A.G. Richardson’s Diary May 1916

Pernois.

Monday 1^st May 1916:            Signalling with the Officers – on guard at wagon park.

Tuesday 2^nd May 1916:           On guard all day at wagon park.

Wednesday 3^rd May 1916:      Signalling with the officers one hour.

Thursday 4^th May 1916:          Colonel returns from leave.  Signalling with Officers in morning.

Friday 5^th May 1916:              Interview with the Adjt.  Signalling with the Officers.

Saturday 6^th May 1916;          Signalling with the Officers & 1^st Sect aft.

Sunday 7^th May 1916:             Church Parade at 10 am.  Lovely ramble.

Monday 8^th May 1916:           Signalling with the Officers.  Fishing with S.M. Spencer.

Tuesday 9^th May 1916:           Signalling with the Officers.  1^st Sect in aft.

Wednesday 10^th May 1916:    Signalling with the Officers.  1^st Sect in aft.

Thursday 11^th May 1916:        Signalling in morning with the Officers.  1^st Sect in aft.

Friday 12^th May 1916:                        Signalling with the Officers in morning.

Saturday 13^th May 1916:        Signalling with the Officers.  Fishing with Shaw.

Sunday 14^th May 1916:           Church Parade at 10 am.  Lovely walk with Cecil & Tommy.

Monday 15^th May 1916:         x Received my stripe back & exonerated from all blame. Only the Adjt to be thanked.

Tuesday 16^th May 1916:         Signalling with the Officers.

Wednesday 17^th May 1916:    Signalling with the Officers.

Thursday 18^th May 1916:        Went a long walk with Eagle & then played billiards Friday 19^th May 1916:                       Sent to 1^st Sect (near D.A.C.) to Capt Emsley with recommend from the Adjt & paid Bombr.  Also Cecil & Tommy.

Saturday 20^th May 1916:        Placed into E Sub-Sect.  In stables all day.  Out in village at night.

Sunday 21^st May 1916:           Reveille 6.  Stables 6.30.  Went to VIGNACOURT with 920 hand grenades to 146^th Inf Bde.  Half Holiday.  Fine day.

Monday 22^nd May 1916:         Reveille 6 am – Stables 6.30.  Grooming & cleaning harness all day.  Cecil & Tommy leave & go to 4^th Sect.

Tuesday 23^rd May 1916:         Stables 6.30 am.  Lieut P.H. Walker exchanges 18 old 4^th Sect men but leaves me at 1^st Sect.  “Ca ne fait rien”.  Harness cleaning.

Wednesday 24^th May 1916:    Empire Day.  No special celebration.  Reveille 6 am.  Took 29 Reinforcements to M.O. for medical inspections.  Cleaning Harness.

Thursday 25^th May 1916:        Received my old job back – Went for rations to Havernas at 10 am with Gnr Briggs.  Returned at 2 pm.  Drew stores at H.Q. with Q.M.S.

Friday 26^th May 1916:                        Reveille 6 am.  Went to Havernas for rations 10 – 2 pm.  Saw Forster & Trench Mortars.  On H.Q. guard.

Saturday 27^th May 1916:        Went to Havernas for rations with Briggs.  At Berteaucourt at night.

Sunday 28^th May 1916:           Went to Havernas with Briggs for rations.  Out in the village at night with Cecil & Tommy.

Monday 29^th May 1916:         Went to Havernas for rations.  Briggs goes on leave.

Tuesday 30^th May 1916:         Went to Havernas for rations.  On piquet at night.

Wednesday 31^st May 1916:    Went to Havernas for rations on bicycle.  At Berteaucourt at night.

18^th Division No G.502.

C.R.A.

54^th Infantry Brigade.

Herewith 2 copies of enlargement of POMMIERES REDOUBT, for your information.

Captain,

for Lieut-Colonel,

Senior General Staff Officer, 18^th Division.

31/5/16

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

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 18^th Div

29/5/16

18^th 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. 82^nd Bde R.F.A.

28.5.16

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

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

Left Group – 82^nd Bde R.F.A. and one 4.5” How Batt 54^th 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 26^th 1916

AGENDA

1. In practice attacks there occur gaps between leading and supporting troops. At POULAINVILLE 25 minutes interval before 3^rd 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. 4^th 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 Cmd^s.

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.

Brigd^rs 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 7^th and 18^th 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 rec^d the position of the 2” mortars?

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

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

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.

Y.M.C.A headed notepaper

Pte. A.A. Smith

No 27521

Reply to “C” Company 12^th 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