23.11.17

BEF

Dear Berth

Glad to receive Par’s letter today and to hear you are all keeping well.  I am having a nice quiet time at present just about half a dozen of us staying at a chateau.  It’s tres bien but rather expensive as they have a rather good wine cellar.  Sorry to have disappointed Mar but I am only 8^th on the list for Leave which under present rate of leave I should be away in 2 or 3 weeks.  When I wrote saying I should be home ere this unexpected events happened still we have been having a rather quiet time lately and I have the anticipation which is next to realisation with a possible chance of Xmas or getting it at the same time as Geo.  So I am quite merry & bright.  No I haven’t heard from Geo Hand for a considerable time.  I don’t know whether he was in the Paschendale do but they have had some hard fighting round that part.  Still I should think he is OK somewhere in France.  So Byers turned up again.  He seems a decent fellow but I shouldn’t feel like visiting people during war time in civilian clothes after all this time if he had any sympathy for the British Empire.  I suppose his idea is I am alright and doing well and that’s all that interests me.  It’s alright but I haven’t much time for him at present anyway.  Glad to hear Par will be able to take things easier I suppose he’s a very hot man on gardening by now and is looked upon as an authority on gardening.

Yes I could just go some pickled cabbage and hot pot with a pint of the best.  We had our photograph taken here yday so will be sending you one if they turn out OK.  I hope Gladys does well again & doesn’t overdo herself she ought to take a days golfing if she gets the chance.  It’s a very fine time & such an interesting pastime.  I’m glad to hear the boys are waiting to see me.  I had a letter from Jack the other day I often drop him a line so I will enclose his letter.  You see how he’s got his eye on the pickles.  Isn’t he a lucky fellow he’ll be all stars & stripes before this game is over.  Well I think this is all this time.  Hoping to be seeing you all before long.  So Cheerho dear souls

Gussie

G.O.C.

APPENDIX “A”

NARRATIVE OF OPERATIONS

20^TH (LIGHT) DIVISION – 20^TH NOVEMBER 1917

1. ORDER OF BATTLE.

Divisional Commander                       Major General W. Douglas Smith C.B.

B.G.C. 59^th Inf Bde.                           Br. Genl H.H.G. Hyslop, D.S.O.

B.G.C. 60^th Inf. Bde.                          Br. Genl F.J. Duncan, C.M.G., D.S.O.

B.G.C. 61^st Inf. Bde.                          Br Genl. W.E. Banbury, C.M.G.

59^th Inf.  (10^th K.R.R.C.                      A/Lt. Col. A.C. Sheepshanks, D.S.O.

Bde.       (11^th K.R.R.C.                      Lt. Col. G.K. Priaulx, D.S.O.

(10^th R.B.                              Lt. Col. L.H.W. Troughton, M.C.

(11^th R.B.                              Lt. Col. A.E. Cotton, D.S.O.

60^th Inf.  (6^th Oxf & Bucks L.I.          Lt. Col. C.R.C. Boyle.

Bde.       (6^th K.S.L.I.                          A/Lt. Col H.E. Welch.

(12^th K.R.R.C.                     A/Lt. Col G. Moore, D.S.O.

(12^th R.B.                             Lt. Col H.L. Riley, D.S.O.

61^st Inf.     (12^th King’s (L’pool)               Lt. Col. A.N. Vince, D.S.O.

Bde.          (7^th Som. L.I.                           Lt. Col C.J. Troyte Bullock, D.S.O.

( 7^th D.C.L.I.                           Lt. Col H.G.R. Burges-Short.

(7^th K.O.Y.L.I.                       Major L.P. Storr.

Pioneer Battalion (11^th Durham L.I.)        Lt. Col. G. Hayes.

R.E. Units 83^rd Field Coy.                        Major I.W. Massie, M.C.

84^th Field Coy.                                    Major P.G. Norman, M.C.

96^th Field Coy.                                    Major P.F. Story, D.S.O.

1. DISPOSITIONS OF TROOPS AT ZERO.

Map “A” is attached shewing dispositions of troops at Zero, which were as            follows:-

• 60^th Bde.

Front Line.      12^th K.R.R.C. – from Rly. In R.8.c. to R.14.b.7.7.

Front Line.      6^th Oxf. & Bucks L.I. – from R.14.b.7.7. to R.14.d.9.7.

Support.          12^th R.B. – about R.14.a.8.7.

Support.          6^th K.S.L.I. – about R.14.b.2.3.

The role of the front line battalions was to capture the BLUE Line from     R.3.a.15.60. to R.10.a.3.5., after which the 2 Support Battalions were to take        the BROWN Line from L.32.d.5.5. to L.34.b.2.5.

• 61^st Bde.

Front Line.      7^th D.C.L.I. – from R.14.d.9.7. to R.20.b.65.35.

Front Line.      7^th Som. L.I. – from R.20.b.65.35. to R.21.c.4.6.

Support.          12^th R.B. – about R.20.a.

Support.          12^th King’s (L’pool). – about R.20.d.3.5.

This Brigade attacked in 3 waves as follows:-

(i)                 2 Coys of 7^th D.C.L.I. were detailed for the capture of the trenches about CORNER WORK about R.15.central, while the Som. L.I. were to capture LA VACQUERIE.

(ii)               The 2 remaining Coys. of the 7^th D.C.L.I. and 2 Coys. of the 12^th King’s (L’pool) were detailed to take the BLUE Line from R.10.a.5.6. to R.16.b.6.4.

(iii)             The 7^th K.O.Y.L.I. and the remaining 2 Coys of the 12^th King’s (L’pool) were to take the BROWN Line from L.34.b.2.5. to R.5.d.2.9.

• 59^th Bde. In and about GOUZEAUCOURT to carry out a special task as described in paras. 3 and 4 (iii).

1. OBJECTIVES.

Map “A” attached shows the objectives:-

BLUE Line.                1^st Objective.

BROWN Line.            2^nd Objective.

RED Line                    The Defensive Flank to be taken up by                                                          59^th Inf. Bde. in touch with 12^th Div. on right                                           flank to the South, and in touch with 29^th Div.                                         on the left flank to the North.

The final position actually reached by 9 p.m. is as shewn on attached map “B”.

1. PLAN OF ATTACK.

• (i). The essence of the plan was to effect a surprise, overwhelm the enemy with a sudden rush of Tanks followed by Infantry, and to penetrate the first line before he had time to realise the nature or locality of the attack. With this end in view, there was no preliminary bombardment or wire cutting by the Artillery.  The attack, besides being preceded by waves of Tanks was covered by standing barrages which included smoke.  These barrages were arranged to lift from objective to objective as the attack progressed.

(ii).   The 20^th Div. was allotted 60 Tanks, and these were distributed to Brigades as follows:-

Right assaulting Bde. (61^st Inf. Bde.) 1 Bn. – 36 Tanks.

Left assaulting Bde. (60^th Inf. Bde.)   2 Coys – 24 Tanks.

(iii)    The 59^th Inf. Bde. was held in Reserve, but as soon as the successful issue of the operations undertaken by the two assaulting Bdes. Was notified, namely, the capture of the BROWN Line, this Bde. was ordered to advance down the LA VACQUERIE Valley, to follow the line of the Sunken Road from LA VACQUERIE Village to R.5.c.95.40., seize the bridges over the ST QUENTIN CANAL between MASNIERES and MARCOING until the arrival of the 29^th Div., and then to establish itself on the line M.2.d.9.7. – LES RUE VERTES so as to form a defensive flank to cover the operations of the 29^th Div. towards MASNIERES and MARCOING.  This Bde. was also ordered to cover itself with an advanced guard, a portion of which was seize the crossings over the ST QUENTIN CANAL, if unoccupied, at G.26.b.4.4. – L.24.c.8.5.  – L.23.d.9.3., and to form a bridgehead at the first-named place until relieved by the advanced guard of 29^th Div.  the 59^th Inf. Bde. was allotted 10 Tanks for this operation to be taken from the original 36 allotted to the 61^st Inf. Bde., which were to be at the disposal of the B.G.C. 59^th Inf. Bde. as soon as the BROWN Line (2^nd objective) was captured.

(b)  The action of the artillery on Zero day consisted:-

(i).        In placing a barrage on each objective prior to its being assaulted.

(ii).       Forming smoke screens in front to cover the advance of the Tanks.

(iii).      In neutralising hostile batteries.

(iv).      In bombarding O.P’s, the positions of assembly, rest billets, and known centres of communication and command.

(c). The 2 assaulting Bdes. and their respective Tanks were moved to the assembly positions after dusk on “Y/Z” evening. Considerable congestion of traffic occurred N. and S. of R.19.central on the GOUZEAUCOURT – VILLERS PLOUICH Road which the Tanks had to cross at R.19.d.1.8. and R.19.b.3.2. in order to reach their positions of assembly.  This congestion was due to the following causes:-

(i). Transport and Infantry personnel of 2 other Divs. Using this road instead of the one allotted to them.

(ii). The blocking of the Northern end of the two Tank crossing places by trains on the light railway which crosses the road near R.19.central. and then runs parallel to the road to VILLERS PLOUICH between the road and broad gauge railway.

These unforeseen difficulties somewhat delayed the assembly, but nevertheless all the units taking part in the assault were in position by

11 p.m.

The assembly positions were all approximately 1,000 yards from the enemy front line, and the noise of assembly was no doubt covered by the pre-arranged intermittent bursts of machine gun fire throughout the night.

1. ACCOUNT OF THE ACTION.

It suffices to say that the attack by the Infantry and Tanks allotted to this Division went entirely according to plan from the hour of Zero 6.30 6.20 a.m., until the 59^th Inf. Bde. took up its position so as to form the defensive flank facing Eastwards.  The enemy was completely surprised, and in those places where he held out for a time, his resistance was overcome by Infantry and Tanks.

The enemy front line was reported taken about 6.45 a.m., the BLUE Line, 1^st Objective, about 9.30 a.m., then the BROWN Line about 12 noon.  The 59^th Inf. Bde. took up their position forming a defensive flank while the 29^th Div. moved on MASNIERES and MARCOING, the bridges across the Canal at and W. of MASNIERES having been seized by the 59^th Inf. Bde.

At 4.15 p.m. the situation was reported to be as follows:-

20^th Div. in the BROWN Line with a defensive flank thrown out in M.2., the 12^th Div. on the right held the BROWN Line including LATEAU WOOD, and were continuing the defensive flank to M.8.a., the 6^th Div. held BROWN Line and PREMY CHAPEL Ridge, and were in touch on left with 51^st Div. in BROWN Line near Corps Boundary.  The 29^th Div. held NINE WOOD with troops across Canal at L.33.a.0.8., while the 88^th Inf. Bde. (29^th Div.) were working through MASNIERES in co-operation with 59^th Inf. Bde.

Div H.Q. moved forward from W.9.d.7.3. to VILLERS PLOUICH where they were established at about 2.45 p.m.

The situation at 9 p.m. on evening of the 20^th was as shewn on the attached map marked “B”.

At 10.20 p.m. on the night of the 20^th, orders were received from III Corps to the effect that every effort was to be made to gain possession of the MASNIERES – BEAUREVOIR Line to allow the early passage of Cavalry and also to capture CREVECOEUR.

The role of the Div. was to push on to CREVECOEUR, seize the bridges there and effect a junction with the 29^th Div in CREVECOEUR.  12 Tanks from 3^rd Bde. Tank Corps were placed at the disposal of 20^th Div. for this purpose.

The 59^th Inf. Bde. were detailed for this operation, and Zero hour was fixed in conjunction with the 29^th Div for 11 a.m.  The 12 Tanks were to assemble in G.33.c.  The attack by the 29^th Div. was, however, cancelled, and the 59^th Inf. Bde. were to attack alone.

This attack was only partially successful, the assaulting columns coming under enfilade fire from high ground N. of Canal and E. of RUMILLY, and several efforts were made during the day to cross the Canal at CREVECOEUR, but owing to the bridges not being strong enough to bear Tanks, and the fact that some Tanks had run out of fuel and could not be moved, no appreciable advance was made. At 10 p.m. on the evening of the 21^st the situation was as follows:-

11^th K.R.R.C. consolidating about REVELON CHATEAU and guarding the bridges from the W bank of the Canal; 11^th R.B. forming a defensive flank covering the crossing at G.34.a.2.9. and G.34.b.2.9., while 1 Coy. of the 10^th R.B. held bridgehead in M.5.c.  This Coy. was forced to retire during the night, and all efforts to destroy the bridge in M.5.c. failed.

1. (a). GENERAL RESULT.

The general result of the operations of the 20^th and 21^st Nov, were as follows:-

Thorough disorganisation of the enemy.

A large breach in his defensive system.

A loss to him of considerable personnel and guns.

On the other hand our lines at the conclusion of the operations formed                    a very dangerous salient completely overlooked from the high ground                   E. of RUMILLY.

(b). PRISONERS.

The total number of unwounded prisoners captured by the Div during these operations was 17 officers and 700 other ranks, including one Regtl. Commander.  The prisoners were chiefly men of the 9^th Res. Div. and 54^th Div.

(c). CASUALTIES.

Our casualties during the attack itself were slight; the total casualties up to 12 mn. The 20^th/21^st being only 31 Officers and 515 O.Rs.

(d). MATERIAL CAPTURED.

A list of material captured is given in Appendix “I”

(e). LESSONS LEARNT

Any lessons learnt from these operations are to be found in Appendix “II”.

10^th December 1917

………………………………………………………………………………………

APPENDIX “I”

LIST OF CAPTURED MATERIAL.

Map Spotting.       Calibre.                        Condition                    Ammunition.

L.28.c.55.20.         15 c.m.                        All badly damaged. (Blown   Plentiful.

(L.Z. 7)                                                      Up, no sights.)

L.34.a.95.40.         77 m.m.           Bolts and breaches missing.    Plentiful.

(in open)                                        No sights.

L.34.d.50.90.        77 m.m.           No sights. 1 no wheels.           Plentiful.

(L.Z.20.)

L.36.b.30.01.         12 c.m. (4)       1 can probably be fired.         Very Plentiful.

(L.Z.21.)                (Captured        The remainder no breeches.

French or         All no sights.

Belgian How.)

R.6.a.75.70.           10.5 c.m. (3)    1 complete with sights.           Very Plentiful.

(R.X.24.)                                       Remainder no sights.

G.33.a.0.0.                        A.A. G            uns (4) Complete.

on 4 wheeled

wagons.

R.5.a.00.90.           77 m.m.           1 sight only                             All used more (R.X.33.)                                                                                       being collected.

L.34.a.2.6.             1 T.M.

4 M.G’s

Strictly Private and Confidential

Telephone No

1245 LONDON WALL

THE LIFE OFFICES’ ASSOCIATION

(With which is federated the Associated Scottish Life Offices)

6 Broad Street Place

LONDON E.C.2,

22^nd November 1917

Dear Sir,

CLAIMS ON THE LIVES OF OFFICERS AND MEN REPORTED “MISSING”

Referring to the Minutes of the Meeting of the Standing Committee held on 16^th July, 1917, I have the pleasure to append Copy of a further List, received from the War Office, of Missing Men whose deaths had been presumed on lapse of time, but who were subsequently found to be alive.

I am,

Yours faithfully

E.W.HUMPHREY,

Secretary.

On next page.

CONFIDENTIAL

List of Missing Men who had been accepted as dead, but who have been ascertained to have been living.

Date missing. Date of acceptance as dead. Reg. No.  Name and Initials.      Bn.       Regiment

26/8/14           8/5/16                         9496       Pte. Picton J.    —           19^th Hussars

29/8/14           ———                       2855       Pte Webb R.H. —          4^th Dragoon Guards.

26/8/14         25/11/16                     10265      Drumr. Kydd S.   2      R. Inniskg Fus

War Office

20^th November 1917

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne

EXTRACTED FROM.

Brigade Diary, Personal Diary, Operation Orders, Note Books, Memoranda

Correspondence

—————–

21^st November 1917

Region Esercito Italiano

COMANDO MILITARE ITALIANO

Modane.

Foglio di viaggio per servizio.

Il Cpitano dell’Esercito Inglese A.A.L. Payne, con 4 Ufficiali e 121 soldati deve viaggiare il giorno 21-11-17, da Modane a Piacenza.

Modane, li 21-11-17

Il Capitano

Comandante Militare di Stazione

(Ufficio Carabinieri Reali Modane.)

ROUTE TO ITALY.

Train No. 232.

Marche A.N. 24.

LOON-PLAGE                      Entrained.  Night 18/19th November 1917 via Calais.

HAZEBROUCK

AMIENS

LONGEAU                            Halte Repas

CHATEAU THIERRY

EPERNAY

CHALONS-SUR-MARNE   at 7.30, p.m.

VITRY-LE-FRANCOIS        (Along the valley of the Marne.)

CHAUMONT

GRAY

BOURG.

AMBERIEU.

CHAMBERY.

SAINT PIERRE d’ALBIGNY          (Ascend the valley of the Isere.)

MODANE      Mont Cenis Tunnel  (Eight miles long nearly.)

South end of tunnel, Bardonnecchia, the first Italian Station.

Best views on the left.

ROUTE in ITALY.

Down the valley of the Dora Riparia

Chiomonte. Through the wild and narrow Le Gorgie.

Susa on left the town of Susa with Roman Arch.

BUSSOLENO Junction for Susa.

Borgone. Pass over the Dora.

Condove.

1. Ambrogio

TURIN

PIACENZA.

MANTOVA

ISOLA DELLA SCALA. Arrived on the evening of the 22^nd November 1917.

F.S.P.C.                       21, 11, 17

do                          21,11,17, Post mark “Louhans a Dijon” 21,11,17

P.P.C.                          Torino. 21,11,17

P.P.C.                          Mantova  Dated Nov. 22, 1917.  Post mark, “Comando del Presidio di Mantova”

FIELD SERVICE POST CARDS.

Nov. 20, 1917. Postmark “LOUHANS A DIJON

Nov. 21, 1917.   DO “MODANE GARE”

P.C. from Turin.

P.C. from Mantova

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne

EXTRACTED FROM.

Brigade Diary, Personal Diary, Operation Orders, Note Books, Memoranda

Correspondence

—————–

17^th November 1917

A, Battery 175^th Brigade, R.F.A.

ENTRAINING STATE.

Two Sections              One Section                TOTALS

Train No                      Train No

232                              235

Officers…                                  4.                              2.                                  6.

Other Ranks…                        121.                             64.                               185.

Horses..

Light draught..                                    )113.                            57.                               123.

Riders                                      )                                                                       47.

Heavy Draught                          4.                              2.                                 6.

TOTAL HORSES..                                                                                        176.

Guns 18pdr. Q.F.

with Limbers                           4.                                 2.                                 6.

Ammunition Wagons              8.                                 4.                                 12.

Wagons G.S….                       3.                                1.                                 4.

Water Cart                              1.                                 -.                                  1.

Mess Cart                                                                    1.                                 1.

Total Vehicles                                                                                                 24.

17, November 1917

SECRET

MOVE OF THE 175^th BRIGADE ARMY FIELD ARTILLERY, R.F.A.

Entraining Station, Loon-Plage.

TRAIN Serial Nos.                 UNIT.                         Time of                        Date.

No.                                                                              Departure.

1. B.40.                           Headquarters

B.43a.                          1/3 How. Battery        11-45                           18^th Nov.

1. B.43.                           2/3 How. Battery        17-45                                do
2. B.41.                           2/3 A. Battery             23-45                                do
3. B41a.                           1/3 AB                                    5-45                            19^th Nov

B42a.                           1/3 BB

1. B42.                            2/3 BB                         11-45                                do
2. ½ Brigade Amm. Col.                         17-45                                do
3.         do                                                               23-45                                do

Acting Traffic Officer

COAST AREA

TRAFFIC OFFICE

MALO

16^th Nov. 1917

(The whole Brigade want via VINTIMILLE with the exception of Train No. 3 2/3, A. Battery.)

56153 Rfln F.W. Springett
A Company 3rd Platoon
51st G. Battn Kings Royal Rifles
Cliftonville
Margate
Kent

My Dear Brother Sid,
Just a few lines in answer to your letter of a few days ago, so sorry to hear that you have a rotten cold. I am still very well at present.
Its awfully cold here now, you must excuse the writing as my hands are nearly perished.
Glad you have plenty of work to do, hope you may continue to have plenty.
We still keep fairly busy, plenty of route marches, and all that sort of thing.
We went through the Gas Chambers on Thursday of course I passed alright Ha Ha.
I think I told you I were a Lewis Gunner didn’t I, well we are going to pass our test next week. I want to pass, and I don’t think it matters thank you.
I can’t promise to be home for Christmas yet.
Sid, probably I shall though, for the last time. Keep this to yourself, don’t tell them at home.
Well, Sid I had a decent parcel from home again this week. It was alright.
You might address my letters as Pte again until I tell you to alter it, they are a funny lot.
I suppose Ted is still alive and enjoying himself. I don’t hear from him yet.
Yes, this is rather quiet down here now, but it is a lot better place than Harwich, my word that was some place.
I suppose you didn’t keep on smoking did you Sid, that wasn’t in your line “was it”?
I don’t think I have any more news this time. So Goodbye Best Love
I remain
Your Affec Brother
Frank W
Write soon

With cover to Mr S.K. Springett, 29 Bath Road Dartford Kent
Postmarked Margate 9.45PM 17 No 17

Message from GOC 51^st Division 13 Nov 1917.

G.317/1

51^ST (HIGHLAND) DIVISION.

Message from the G.O.C. to be read out to every man at Dinner on November 13^th 1917.

———

Today is the Anniversary of the Capture of BEAUMONT HAMEL. This was the first real opportunity the Division had of shewing its superiority over the enemy.

The following is an extract from the message sent by the Corps Commander after the Battle:-

“All the world looks upon the capture of BEAUMONT HAMEL as one of the greatest feats of the war, and to those who know the ground and defences it must ever be a marvellously fine performance.”

Since BEAUMONT HAMEL the Division has inflicted several crushing defeats on the enemy, and has established a glorious record unsurpassed by any Division in the British Army.

The reputation of the Division is known throughout the Army: it is appreciated by the enemy.

I am absolutely confident, and I feel that every man in the Division is confident, that, given a fair chance, the Highland Division can always defeat the enemy.

I send every man my heartfelt wishes for the best of good luck in the future.

G.M. Harper

Major General

Commanding

51^st (Highland) Division

13^th November 1917

Nov 12^th 17

My Dear Father

Thank you very much for Sunday Pictorial.  I have been waiting to hear from you but no doubt it was owing to me telling you not to write when I went to the rest camp.

Well it is about the same as usual not a lot of news to tell you but I expect you are glad to hear from me if it is only a few lines.

What do you think of this weather it is blooming rough out here now.  We came here about 5 A.M. yesterday morning soaked through so we had a day between the blankets to allow our clothes to dry.

You will be surprised to hear I met Sid Taylor last week he had been looking out for me for sometime & he discovered that we were billeted close together but we were both moving the next day so I don’t know where he is now I have got his address so I might run across him again he looks very well.

How are you all getting on at home have you had any more air raids lately?  Do you have much trouble to buy provisions now I suppose there will not be many people making Xmas puddings this year.

Cannot think of any more news. Hoping you are all enjoying good health glad to say I am tres bien.

Au revoir

With much love from

Your devoted

Son

Sent with letter of 23 Nov 17

Monday

12.11.17

PS Bill sent me a bottle of pickles the other day

Dear old Jack

Your’s to hand I recognised the place immediately, rather bon beer there evidently we crossed on our journey.  You will be glad to learn that I am now a captain .  you are an old dog to have the cheek to go on leave while your young brother is doing the old shell hole work but take it from me old man you *** to be steady with the ***.  I am not exactly sweating on leave yet being the 5^th ***.  I should think in a months time I ought to be somewhere near.  We may get home together yet.  I suppose it’s too cold to do any bathing where you are.  We had quite a nice lot of swimming here.

I am looking forward to a good bottle of Bass it will **** something to get tight now at home.  Well so long drop me a line as soon as you know you are going.  I would not mind a round on the links with you.  I think most of the time would be spent in the Golf House.  Don’t forget to buy some **** when you go home.

Yours *** *** Jack

A.A. Laporte Payne letter to Muriel 11 November 1917
On crested notepaper.
Queen’s Hotel
Westcliff-on-Sea.

Dearest,

The above is my address! I arrived safely this evening and am sharing a room with the Colonel!!

Much love
Ever your
Arch.