Category Archives: 1917

20TH (Light) Division Operations. Instructions No 7. 18 November 1917

G.O.C.
SECRET.
Copy No. 1
20 DNG67
SECRET.
20TH (LIGHT) DIVISION OPERATIONS. INSTRUCTIONS NO 7.
3RD STAGE.

1. As soon as the 29th Div. has captured the MASNIERES – BEAUREVOIR line, East and North of MASNIERES, its right flank, held by the 88th Inf. Bde., will rest on the Canal about G.27.c.4.8.
The 59th Inf. Bde. will push forward its left flank to get into touch with the right of the 29th Div. on the Canal at the above mentioned place.

2. In order to carry out the 3rd Stage as early as possible, it is essential that every advantage be taken of any demoralization of the enemy which may occur during the 1st and 2nd Stages to push forward Advanced Guards boldly.
It is also important that the original breach be widened as soon as possible towards both flanks by turning and operating against the flanks of the hostile troops holding the line of defence.

3. The Lucknow Cav. Bde., under the orders of G.O.C. III Corps, will be raiding Southwards in the direction of WALINCOURT for the purpose of widening the original breach.

4. In pursuance of the above object future action will be as follows:-
(a) The 29th Div. will, when they have secured the ground mentioned in para. 1 and the detachment mentioned in para. 3 have passed through, push out and hold the edge of the spur in G.23.c. & d., sending Tanks, supported by infantry, into CREVECOEUR to clear the village and seize the crossings.
(b) The 59th Inf. Bde. will move forward 2 Bns simultaneously with the advance of the 29th Div., and establish a line on the BONAVIS – CREVECOEUR ridge overlooking the LES RUES DES VIGNES, and extend this line to about G.35.a.1.9., where the right of the 29th Div. will rest. The remaining 2 Bns will move up in close support.
This line is to be at once consolidated.
On relief of the 2 Troops 1/1 Northumberland Yeo by the infantry on this position, the Cavalry will withdraw and remain with the 59th Inf. Bde. H.Q. until further orders.
(c) The 61st Inf. Bde will move to the vicinity of LES RUES VETRES, G.26. in support of the advance of the 29th Div., keeping South of the Canal.
(d) The 60th Inf. Bde. will move to about L.35.b. & d. in support of the above dispositions.

5. The action outlined above is dependent upon the course of the battle, but it is intended if possible to carry out these moves on the afternoon of ‘Z’ day, and if that is not possible, to push on at dawn on Z+1 day.

6. In order not to interfere with the rapid exploitation of successes, artillery action against the following places will cease on the hours detailed below:-
LES RUES DES VIGNES – Z plus 360
CREVECOEUR – Z plus 320
MASNIERES – Z plus 250
MARCOING – Z plus 235
Any bombardment by heavy artillery of these places after the above hours will only be carried out at the request of the Divisions concerned.
7. The further action of our troops, which is intended to set free the Cavalry for active work in a North-easterly direction, and which will take place on Z+1 day, can be outlined as follows:-
(a) At 6.15 a.m., the 61st Bde. will advance and take over the front of the 29th Div. between the Canal and H.19.a.; the point of junction between 29th Div and 61st Inf. Bde. will be on the track in H.19.a.
(b) The 60th Inf. Bde. will move into Div. Reserve at LES RUES VERTES, G.26. and be prepared to support either Bde.

8. In order to render the flank more secure, it is proposed, on ‘Z’ night, to destroy the bridges at LES RUES DES VIGNES and BANTEUX. The destruction of the bridges at LES RUES DES VIGNES will be undertaken by the 20th Div and at BANTEUX by the 12th Div.
It is also intended to clear the enemy with Tanks from the Western bank of the Canal between BANTEUX and CREVECOEUR.
The 59th Inf. Bde. will co-operate with the 12th Div in carrying out these operations, which will form the subject of subsequent orders.

9. The boundary between the 12th Div. and the 59th Inf. Bde. on the BONAVIS – CREVECOEUR spur will run from M.3.c.0.6. to the Canal at M.10.a.5.3.

ACKNOWLEDGE.

T. McN. Haskard
Lieut. Col.
General Staff, 20th Division.
18th Nov, 1917.
Copies to:-
No. 1. G.O.C.
2. “G”
3.”A”
4. 59th Inf. Bde.
5. 60th Inf. Bde.
6. 61st Inf. Bde.
7. B.G., R.A.
8. C.R.E.
9. Div. Signals.
10. A.D.M.S.
11.) 12.) 3rd Bde. Tank Corps.
13.)
14. III Corps.
15. III Corps R.A,.
16. 6th Div.
17. 12th Div.
18. 29th Div.
19. 59th Sqdn R.F.C.
20. III Corps Cavalry.
21. Lieut. The Hon. C.F.N. RAMSAY 1/1 Northumberland Yeo.
22. D.M.G.O.
23. War Diary.
24. File.

53 Infantry Brigade Order 108 22 October 1917

53 Infantry Brigade Order 108 22 October 1917

SECRET. B.M. Copy No: – 2.
22nd October, 1917.
53rd Inf. Brigade Order No. 108.
1. 11th R. Fus, and 12th Middlesex will relieve 10th Essex R. and 8th Norf. R. in the line this evening.

2. 1 Coy. 11th R. Fus. has captured TRACAS FARM.

3. This Coy will continue to hold the ground captured.
1 Coy will take over the front E. of MEUNIER HO.
The other 2 Coys. will be disposed about GLOSTER FARM and V.20.a.5.0.
Bn. H.Q. at V.19.a.6.1.
A forward O.P. and R.C. will be established at V.19.b.4.1., the present Bde. O.P.

4. 12th Middlesex R. will hold the Bde. front N. of the SPRIET Road with 1 Coy., with 1 Coy. In support about the BREWERY, 1 platoon of this Company forming garrison for the S.P. at REQUETE FARM.
Bn. H.Q. at V.19.a.6.1.
2 Coys. 12th Middlesex will be held in Bde. Reserve about ROSE TRENCH for immediate counter-attack.
H.Q. Counter-attack Coys:- PHEASANT FARM.
5. 53rd M.G. Coy will remain in their present position.

6. 3 Secs 79th Fd. Coy. R.E. and attached platoons making S.Ps. will continue to garrison them tonight.

7. Boundary between Bns. Will be the SPRIET – POELCAPPELLE – NEW HOUSES Road inclusive to the 12th Middlesex R.
Bde. boundaries will be as follows:- on the South – LEKKERBOTERBEEK; on the North – a line from V.14.b.2.2. – V.19.a.2.2.

8. All details of relief to be arranged between C.O.s concerned.

9. On completion of relief, 10th Essex R. and 8th Norf. R. will withdraw to CANE TRENCH.

10. Completion of relief to be reported to Brigade H.Q. by the code work TRAMWAY.

ACKNOWLEDGE BY WIRE.
John D. Crosthwaite
Captain,
Brigade Major, 53rd Inf. Bde.
Issued at: – 2/30 p.m.
Copy No:-
1. G.O.G. 15. 10th Essex R.
2. B.M. 16. 11th R. Fus.
3. S.C. 17. 12th Middlesex R.
4. Sig. O. 18. 54th Inf. Bde. .
5. Supply. O. 19. 55th Inf. Bde.
6. T.O. 20. 54th T.M.B.
7. Norf. R. 21. 55th T.M.B.
8. Suff. R. 22. 102nd Inf Bde.
9. R. Berks. R. 23. 27th Inf. Bde.
10. 53rd M.G.C. 24. 18th Div “G”
11. 53rd T.M.B. 25. 18th Div “Q”.
12. 79th Fd. Coy R.E. 26. Bde. H.Q. Rear.
13. 56th Fd. Amb. 27. A.P.M. 18th Div.
14. 151st Coy. A.S.C. 28. War Diary.
29. War Diary.
30. File.

53 Infantry Brigade Order 107 22 October 1917

53 Infantry Brigade Order 107 22 October 1917

SECRET. Copy No:-
22nd October, 1917.
53rd Inf. Brigade Order No. 107.
1. 11th R. Fus. will carry out the attack on TRACAS FARM with 1 Coy in accordance with instructions issued in my B.O 51 of to-day’s date.
2. O.C. 11th R. Fus will inform Brigade H.Q. of the Zero hour he wishes, at once. This is not to be later than 4 p.m.
ACKNOWLEDGE BY WIRE.

John D. Crosthwaite,
Captain,
Brigade Major 53rd Infantry Brigade.
Issued at 1 p.m.
Copy No. 1. G.O.C.
2. O.C. 11th R. Fus.
3. Norf. R.
4. Essex R.
5. 18th Div. “G”

53 Infantry Brigade B.O. 22 October 1917

53 Infantry Brigade B.O. 22 October 1917

SECRET. 53rd Inf. Bde No. B. O. 51.
11R. Fus. R.
10th Essex R. )
8th Norf. R. ) For information.
18th Div “G” )

In the event of all objectives of Brigade being gained, 11th R. Fus. will be prepared to exploit success by the capture and consolidation of TRACAS FARM.
The attack will be carried out by one of the two Coys. which have been detailed as counter-attacking troops.
This Coy. will form up in the Valley North of BEEK HOUSES and will attack and capture the line: – V.20.d.6.0. – TRACAS FARM – V.20.d.6.8. including the MEBUS at V.20.d.40.75.
10th Essex R. will cooperate by bringing fire to bear on the enemy from MEUNIER HILL, and will push forward and get in touch with 11th R. Fus. about V.20.d.6.8.
Immediately TRACAS FARM has been taken, 11th R. Fus. will push forward one platoon to capture, consolidate, and hold the enemy Strong Point at V.21.c.0.6.
11th R. Fus. will establish a Strong Point about V.20.d.6.0. and get in touch with 27th (Lowland) Brigade on the Right.
Please acknowledge by wire.
John D. Crosthwaite,
Captain,
Brigade Major, 53rd Infantry Brigade.
22nd Oct. 1917.
Issued at 12/20 p.m.

53 Infantry Brigade note of Objective 22 October 1917

53 Infantry Brigade note of Objective 22 October 1917

B.M.
SECRET. 53rd Inf. Bde. No. B.O. 64
Norf. R.
Essex R.
R. Fus.
Middlesex R.
27th Inf. Bde.
102nd Inf. Bde.
18th Div. “G”
1. The final objective of to-day’s operations is to be retained as the main line of defence.
2. An advanced Post has been established at TRACAS FARM, and patrols are pushing out to try and occupy CAMERON HO.
3. O.C. 8th Norf. R. will push forward patrols and attempt to make good the line V.15.c.0.0. – 08 and thence to the objective line at V.15.b.2.2.
ACKNOWLEDGE BY WIRE.
John D. Crosthwaite,
Captain,
Brigade Major, 53rd Infantry Brigade.
22nd Oct. 17.
Issued at 2/30 p.m.

53 Infantry Brigade medical instructions 21 October 1917

53 Infantry Brigade medical instructions 21 October 1917

SECRET. B.M.
53rd Inf. Bde. No. S.C. 22
Copy No: – 2
POELCAPPELLE OPERATIONS II.
Medical arrangements already issued are cancelled, and substituted by the following which come into force on “Z” day.
1. The O.C. 56th Fd. Ambulance will be responsible for evacuation of the wounded in the forward area.
2. Bn. Medical Officers will arrange location of Regtl. Aid Posts.
Collecting Post: – THE TANKS V.19.c.7.1.
Relay Posts: – (i). U.30.d.2.8.
(ii). U.29.d.7.4.
(iii). MON de RASTA C.5.a.8.1.
(iv). PALACE FARM C.4.d.6.4.
Advanced Dressing Stn: – MINTY FARM C.10.c.2.7.
Divisional Walking Wounded Collecting Post: – RUDOLPH FARM C.3.d.5.*.
XVIII Corps Main Dressing Stn: – DUHALLOW C.25.d.3.0.
XVIII Corps Walking Wounded Collecting Post: – IRISH FM. C.27.a.2.6.
3. Scheme of Evacuation.
(a). Walking sick and wounded will be sent by the duckboard track to RUDOLPH FARM and thence will be conveyed by petrol train and horsed ambulances to IRISH FARM.
(b). Lying and sitting sick and wounded will be brought to Reg. Aid Posts by Reg. Stretcher Bearers, thence they will be conveyed by a series of relays of R.A.M.C. bearers. The route will be
(i) By hand to U.30.d.2.8.
(ii). By push tram to MINTY FARM C.15.c.9.5.
The XVIII Corps are responsible for evacuation of wounded from MINTY FARM.
4. Personnel.
The O.C. 56th Fd. Amb. will be responsible for the evacuation of sick and wounded in the forward area. He will have under his command the 56th F. A. Tent Division and the bearer division of the 54th, 55th, and 56th F.A’s. 8 R.A.M.C. bearers will be attached to each R.M.O. to carry between the Reg. Aid Post and the foremost R.A.M.C. Post. All horsed ambulances, Ford Cars and wheeled stretchers in the Div will be at the disposal of O.C. 56th F.A. The tent Divs. of 54th and 55th F.A’s are working under the XVIII Corps.
5. Various.
The greatest care must be taken to avoid waste of stretchers and blankets; a serious shortage in their supply is threatened.
6. Sick from the Area West of the Canal.
In event of casualties from bombs West of the Canal, Ambulance Cars will be found at the following points:-
(i). DUHALLOW. (ii) BRIELEN. (iii) GWALIA FARM (iv) C.S.C. Depot.
S.J. Price,
Captain,
Staff Captain, 53rd Inf. Bde.
21st Oct. 17
Copy No 1. G.O.C. 13 11th R. Fus. 25. War Diary.
2. B.M. 14. 54th T.M.B. 26. War Diary.
3. S.C. 15. 55th T.M.B. 27. File.
4. Supply O. 16. 54th M.G.C.
5. B.T.O. 17. 151st Coy. A.S.C.
6. Norf. R. 18. 56th Fd. Amb.
7. Suff. R. 19. 79th Fd. Coy R.E.
8. Essex R. 20. Bde. Dumps O.
9. R. Berks. R. 21. 54th Inf. Bde.
10. M.G.C. 22. 55th Inf. Bde.
11. T.M.B. 23. 18th Div “G”.
12. 7th Queens R. 24. 18th Div “Q”.

SECRET.
53rd Inf. Bde. No. S.C. 21
The following Amendments are made to ADMINISTRATIVE INSTNS. issued under 53rd Inf. Bde. No. S.C./Y/2. Dated 9th Oct 17.
1. Ammunition (S.A.A. & Grenades).
Para: 2 delete.
Para:3 delete and substitute the following:-
PHEASANT DELTA
Snipe H. BULOW FARM. FARM. HOUSE.
S.A.A. 180.000 rds. 12.000 rds. 66.000 rds.
No. 5 Grenades. 84 “ 500 rds. 850 “
No. 23 “ 200 “
No. 24 “ 260 “ 160 rds 160 rds 100 “
No. 20 “ 60 “
No. 26 “ 180 rds.
T.M.C. “ 96 “ 84 “
V.P.A.1” White 150 “ 600 rds.
Water Tins. 32 tins

Battn. H.Q. Battn. H.Qrs. S.A.A. Reserves.
V.19.a.7.2. 60.000 rds
V.19.a.2.6. 60.000 rds
2. Supply Arrangements.
Para: 4 delete, and substitute:-
(a). 2280 Barrage Rations at Fd. Div. Dump TRAM TERMINUS.
(b). 890 Barrage Rations at Brigade Dump CAT HOUSE.
(c) 440 Barrage Rations at DELTA HOUSE.
3. Water.
Para: 1 delete.
Para:2 delete “400” and read “930 Petrol Tins filled”.
After Para: 2 add:-
“210 Petrol Tins filled at Div. Emergency Dump TRAM TERMINUS.
165 do DELTA HOUSE.
21 do Bde Tram Terminus Dump marked with RED flag.
S.J. Price,
Captain,
Staff Captain, 53rd Inf. Bde.
21st Oct. 17
Copy No 1. G.O.C. 13 11th R. Fus. 25. War Diary.
2. B.M. 14. 54th T.M.B. 26. War Diary.
3. S.C. 15. 55th T.M.B. 27. File.
4. Supply O. 16. 54th M.G.C.
5. B.T.O. 17. 151st Coy. A.S.C.
6. Norf. R. 18. 56th Fd. Amb.
7. Suff. R. 19. 79th Fd. Coy R.E.
8. Essex R. 20. Bde. Dumps O.
9. R. Berks. R. 21. 54th Inf. Bde.
10. M.G.C. 22. 55th Inf. Bde.
11. T.M.B. 23. 18th Div “G”.
12. 7th Queens R. 24. 18th Div “Q”.

53 Infantry Brigade instructions 21 October 1917

53 Infantry Brigade instructions 21 October 1917

SECRET. Bde Major. 53rd Inf. Bde No. C. 770.
POELCAPPELLE OPERATIONS II
Instructions for Counter-attack Battn.
1. If we succeed in making good all our objectives, the most probable point of attack by the enemy is MEUNIER HO.
The attack is most likely to be made from the direction of CAMERON HO, as it can form up unseen from MEUNIER HO and NOBLES FARM.
By attacking Westwards on both sides of the SPRIET Road, the enemy might include the S.Ps. South-east of NOBLES FARM in his objectives. The attack would be assisted by fire from TRACAS FARM.

2. As advance on NOBLES FARM and HELLES HO due West from V.15.c. is improbable, as the enemy would have to pass over very wet ground.
Similarly the ground about TRACAS FARM does not offer any advantages to the enemy attacking troops.

3. An attack from the N.E. directed about V.14. central is a likely one.

4. The MEUNIER HO is the most important point in our objective so that the Hun will almost certainly make his main attack on this.
The position is best defended by means of cross fire from both flanks. The M.Gs. at OXFORD HOUSES are in a good position to do this from the right flank.
Lewis guns will be sited with a special view of bringing oblique fire to bear up the slopes of the MEUNIER Ridge.

5. Any attack from the N.E. can be dealt with by one or both of the M.Gs about V.14. central: these guns are primarily intended to fire S.E., but alternative positions for firing N.E. will be made.
L.G. fire from REQUETE FARM can also be brought to bear on this attack.

6. The action of counter-attacking troops cannot be definitely fixed until the situation is fairly clear, and the following instructions only take into consideration:-
(i) A counter-attack by us on the MEUNIER hill.
(ii) The same on HELLES and REQUETE FARMS.

7. In the case of (i) the most covered line of approach is close to the POELCAPPELLE Rd. The best forming up position will probably be along the Northern side of the HELLES HO Road under cover of the debris. The attack would be made from the same direction as the attack of the 10th Essex R. (i.e. from N.W.) and the same barrage lines could be used. The attack must be developed quickly and the frontage of it should extend well out to both flanks of MEUNIER HO.
In the case of a counter-attack by us on HELLES HO., the line of approach will be much the same as for the attack on the MEUNIER. Troops with L.Gs (& M.Gs if available) should be pushed up to the crest of the REQUETE FARM spur to bring fire to bear on HELLES HO. area while other troops are pushed forward on both flanks to envelop the enemy: it will probably be found best to make the main attack from the North as carried out by the 8th Norf. R.

8. The O.C. counter-attack Bn. will establish his Advd. H.Q. at V.19.a.6.1. when his Bn. has moved forward from the PHEASANT FARM area, and will keep in close touch with the Bns. holding the line.
John D. Crosthwaite,
Captain,
Brigade Major, 53rd Infantry Brigade.
21st Oct. 17.
Issued at 7 a.m.
11th R. Fus. 10th Essex R.
18th Div “G”. G.O.C.
8th Norf. R. File.

53 Infantry Brigade Order 21 October 1917

53 Infantry Brigade Order 21 October 1917

SECRET. B. M. 53rd Inf. Bde No. B. O. 25.
8th Norf. R.
10Essex R.
11R. Fus. R.
12Middlesex R.
18th Division “G”.

In the event of an emergency arising which calls for the employment of a Brigade Reserve, the 2 Coys 11th R. Fusiliers detailed to assemble about ROSE TRENCH, in Amendments No. 2. to 53rd Inf. Bde. Preliminary Instructions No. 1. For POELCAPELLE OPERATIONS II (issued under 53rd Inf. Bde. No. C.757) will be available for this purpose, as distinct from their role as counter-attacking troops.
It is considered that the O.C. 8th Norf. R. will have sufficient troops of his own Bn. to deal with any emergency arising on his own Battalion front.
These 2 Coys of the 11th R. Fus. will therefore primarily be at the disposal of the O.C. 10th Essex R., who is however, empowered to allot a portion of them up to 1 Coy to assist the 8th Norf. R. if the situation demands it.
One Officer of these 2 Companies accompanied by two runners of each Coy., will report to O.C. 10th Essex R. at V.12.a.6.1. by Zero hour.
Should any of these troops be used as supporting troops as above, the O.C. 11th R. Fus and O.C. 10th Essex R. will immediately inform Brigade H.Qrs. in order that they may be replaced by 2 Coys. 12th Middlesex R. These 2 Coys will not be used until all Battalion Reserves have been absorbed in the Battle. If not used as Brigade Reserve, they will be available to carry out their original role as counter-attacking troops.
Acknowledge.
John D. Crosthwaite,
Captain,
Brigade Major, 53rd Infantry Brigade.
21st Oct. 17.
Issued at * 45 p.m.

53 Infantry Brigade message 20 October 1917

53 Infantry Brigade message 20 October 1917

MESSAGE AND SIGNALS form.
CINDER CHUM CHORUS CLUB
B.M.A. Day of month 20
1. CINDER will relieve 2 secs CHUM in the line on the night 20/21.
2. All details of relief will be arranged between Cos concerned.
3. These 8 guns will withdraw on Y/Z night commencing at 3 am and will take up the foll positions.
2 guns with counter attack Bn.
2 guns at FERDINAND FM.
4 guns at CANAL BANK.
4. Ack.
CIVIC
1.30 pm signature unreadable.

53 Infantry Brigade amendments 20 October 1917

53 Infantry Brigade amendments 20 October 1917

SECRET.
53rd Inf. Bde. No. C. 768
Bn. 54th Bde
18th Div.

Reference Amendments No. 2 to 53rd Inf. Brigade Preliminary Instructions No. 1 for POELCAPPELLE II, para:5 b.
It is hoped to be able to put down an artillery barrage to assist any attack of the counter-attack Battalion to dislodge enemy who have obtained a footing in our position.
Copies of Maps of artillery barrages that can be put down at once, are issued herewith.
In order to enable this to be done, counter-attacks will be carried out if the situation permits from the same direction as the assaults on ”Z” day, I.e. from the N.W.
As soon as word is received at Brigade H.Q. that the enemy have penetrated our lines and that the counter-attack Coys are moving up, a standing barrage will be put on the position held by the enemy.
At a time to be agreed upon between O.C. Bn and the Brigade Commander, a creeping barrage will open on the nearest line that is safe for our troops, and will stand for eight minutes before starting to creep back at the rate of 50 yards in four minutes.

The counter-attack troops will move forward close under this barrage.
J.D. Crosthwaite,
Captain,
Brigade Major, 53rd Infantry Brigade.
20th Oct. 17.