Somewhere in France

Apl 25^th 1918

Dear Gladys

I suppose you will be wondering what on earth has become of me.  Well you must know from Elsie that I am in hospital I had to go under a minor operation and this was about a week ago I expect to be getting up in a few days anyway and then it will not be long before I shall be up with the Batt again.  I hope all the people at home are well.  Excuse the short note as I don’t like writing in bed.

With love

George

Telegram to Mrs Dick-Cunyngham dated 24 Apr 1918.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS

Postmarked EARLS COURT P.O. N^r R^ly S^tn 24 AP 18.

Brompton Rd.

TO Mrs Dick Cunyngham 28 Coleherne Ct. S.W.

General Dick Cunyngham prisoner well, wiring camp when known.

Red Cross S. Kensington

Issued down to Divisions

(for distribution down to Battalions)

T.9.

NOTES ON RECENT FIGHTING – No. 7.

GERMAN ATTACK NEAR GIVENCHY, APRIL 9^th, 1918.

From captured German orders and the attached map which shows the dispositions and plans of the 4^th Ersatz Division, it appears that the following method of attack was adopted by the enemy:-

1. A very careful study was made of our defences in this locality. It is noteworthy that three days before the attack the enemy issued to platoon commanders detailed information gathered from air reconnaissance carried out at low elevation on that day, together with a note indicating not only the force expected to oppose the attack but also the estimated quality of the opposition anticipated. As a result of his reconnaissance, the enemy seems to have based his plan on avoiding the strong locality at Givenchy itself, penetrating our line on either flank, and turning inwards so as to take Givenchy from the right rear (south-west and south). The attacking force was divided into two portions, a northern and a southern. The northern attack was undertaken by four battalions, of which two were in front line, one in support and one in reserve. The southern attack consisted of two battalions, one being in the front line and one in support. In these attacks, the leading battalions were ordered to push straight forward, while the supporting battalion of the southern attack was to turn north and to take Givenchy in flank and rear from the south-west and south, and the supporting battalion of the northern attack was to deal similarly with Festubert from the south. This method of dealing from the flank and rear with strong points which are not attacked frontally has been conspicuous in the German operations since the 21^st of March 1918.
2. Our defences consisted of defended localities each of which was held by a complete unit of not less than a platoon; other platoons especially detailed for counter-attack were kept in support. The garrisons of the defended localities had received orders to hold on at all costs – orders which were carried out in every case – and the platoons in support had been instructed to counter-attack as soon as the occasion arose without waiting for further orders. Each defended locality was prepared and wired for all round defence. Many of the communication trenches were wired, and lines of wire running perpendicularly and obliquely to the front had been erected to check any lateral advance in the event of local penetration. These obstacles proved of great assistance in preventing the enemy from extending his flanks after he has forced his way into portions of our front defences.
3. The attack was launched in a heavy mist, which greatly assisted the enemy. The parties of Germans, however, which succeeded in penetrating our positions were held up by the garrisons of the defended localities. As soon as the enemy’s advance was thus checked, the platoons in support counter-attacked and worked round the flanks of the parties which had pressed forward into our line. The enemy was engaged, therefore, by fire and bayonet from all sides. Several hundred prisoners and a large number of machine guns were captured, and our line was maintained intact. There was very little bombing.
4. The failure of the enemy’s attack upon these defences was due to the stubbornness of the defence maintained by the garrisons of the defended localities, and to the promptitude and skill with which the supporting platoons made their counter-attacks. We employed the same tactics against the enemy as he was endeavouring to employ against us. No frontal counter-attack was delivered, but the enemy was defeated by a succession of immediate counter-attacks delivered from the flanks.Full advantage was taken of counter-attacking platoons of their knowledge of the ground, with the result that the enemy was outmanoeuvred as well as outfought.From a study of this engagement the fact emerges clearly that an enemy penetrating into gaps in our positions is very much at a disadvantage until he can widen the flanks of the gaps; if the defending troops strengthen the flanks of these gaps and hold on to their positions tenaciously, he is bound to be caught between two fires, and forced to surrender what he has gained.April 24^th 1918. Printed in France by Army Printing and Stationary Services.                                                                   PRESS A-4/18.-6188S-3,500.

PoW postcard to Red Cross Geneva 19 Apr 18

Please wire to my wife at 28, Coleherne Court, London S.W. 5 that I am a prisoner of was at KARLSRUHE and am well, and require clothing, and parcels. Would you also ask her to wire reply.

J.K. Dick-Cunyngham Br. Gen

Postcard headed Kriegegenlargenen Sendung Absender Br General J.K. Dick-Cunyngham 152 Inf Bde.  Offizier-Kriegsgefanlager Karlsruhe.

Addressed to Red Cross Society, Section Anglaise Geneva. Switzerland

Postmarked Karlsruhe (Baden) 1 19.4.18 8-9V

K.J. Bunting Capt.

Issued down to Divisions

(for distribution down to Battalions)

T.9

NOTES ON RECENT FIGHTING – No. 6.

MACHINE GUNS.

(Issued by the General Staff)

1. The following translation of a German document (I/a48580) indicates good dispositions and handling of our machine gun units, during the fighting in March. It emphasises again the value of the disposition of machine guns in depth – both in attack and defence. In the attack, security against counter-attack is thereby given to the flanks; in defence, provision is thereby made for resistance to the enemy’s attempt to widen any gap into which he may penetrate.
2. Fire effect is the essential. Therefore, an extensive field of fire (1,000 yards or more) is required for machine guns; direct fire must be a primary consideration; and the employment of guns singly should be avoided. Generally, forward guns should be employed in pairs, and guns in rear should be in pairs or groups of four, so as to facilitate control of a considerable volume of fire.
3. In defence, the disposition of machine guns in depth must be based on definite plans for restricting the area into which an attacker might penetrate. The enemy generally attempts to effect penetration at the weaker portions of the line and to take our more strongly prepared positions in flank and reverse. This should be anticipated and should not necessitate bringing our machine guns into action in unforeseen directions as has sometime occurred.
4. Single guns with hostile infantry may be dealt with in previously prepared defences by single 18-pdrs in advanced positions, and on all occasions by the fire of rifles and Lewis guns used boldly in front of the main position.

Ia/48580

TRANSLATION OF A GERMAN DOCUMENT.

C.G.S. of the Field Army

Ia/II Nr. 82373 op.                                                                                                         30-3-18.

1. During the course of our offensive, the principal resistance was offered by the machine gun nests distributed in depth. Their total destruction by the artillery bombardment prior to the assault, even when this was of considerable duration, was not achieved and cannot be expected. We must be satisfied with the neutralization of as large a number as possible of these nests by means of heavy artillery fire and bombardment with blue cross gas shell.
2. The method outlined above has apparently not been employed universally, but where it has, it has been successful and casualties have been light. I request that steps be taken to ensure that this method is brought to the knowledge of all units as early as possible. The idea of compelling success by the employment of masses of troops must be absolutely eradicated. This merely leads to unnecessary losses. It is fire effect which is decisive, and not numbers.
3. The heavy machine guns should generally be employed to keep down the occupants of the objective of the attack during the infantry attack, and to follow the latter up by large bounds. They also afford security against the enemy’s counter-thrusts.
4. The engagement of those machine gun nests which remain in action will then be carried out by single guns (of light Minenwerfer), which are under the orders of the most advanced infantry, follow this infantry as close as possible and fire over open sights at close range (1,1000 yards). It is advisable that batteries allotted to individual battalions should always be the same. Under the protection of the fire of these guns (or Minenwerfer), the infantry will advance by bounds with quite weak groups, the light machine guns forming part of these groups.
5. The extraordinary moral and explosive effect of the medium and heavy Minenwerfer has been once more proved during the attack on the 21^st March. The selection of the position of the Minenwerfer companies during the advance must be based on the consideration that they must be able to bring their medium Minenwerfer into action as soon as the attack comes to a standstill, especially against defended villages, farm buildings etc. There is no question of employing heavy Minenwerfer and Flugelminenwerfer in open warfare; there is therefore all the more reason to make use of them in trench warfare. Apart from the preparatory bombardment prior to the actual attack, their principal task will always be to annihilate the enemy’s infantry. Villages which lie within range form, on account of their strong garrisons, particularly suitable targets.(Signed) LUDENDORFF.GENERSAL HEADQUARTERS,
6. Printed in France by Army Printing and Stationary Services.                                                                                 PRESS A-4/18.
7. 19^th April, 1918.
8. GENERAL STAFF,

SPECIAL ORDER

By

Major-General G.T.C. Carter-Campbell, D.S.O.

Commanding 51^st (Highland) Division

*******

Friday 19^th April 1918.

The following congratulatory message has been received by the G.O.C., from Lieut-General Sir R.C.B. HAKING, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., Commanding XI^th Corps –

“I wish to place on record the fine performances of the 51^st Division during the recent fighting and to thank all the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and men under your command for the splendid fighting qualities they have displayed when being attacked by greatly superior forces.

I am anxious that all ranks should appreciate the fact that though the Division has lost heavily during the last few days, it has saved the situation on our front, and by its stubborn resistance has gained time for reinforcements to arrive and restore the battle. I had the great pleasure this afternoon of describing what you have all done to the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, and he has directed me to thank you in his name, for the successful manner in which you stopped the enemy’s advance and to congratulate you on your splendid fighting powers.”

The above will be communicated to all ranks.

J.L. Waston

Lieut. Colonel,

A.A. & Q.M.G.

51^st (Highland) Division.

100 Arcadian Gardens,

Bowes Park N22

April 19 1918

Dear Alf,

In reply to letter which I received on Monday April 8 and was pleased two know you are well I am pleased to say we are getting settled down at the above address I have enclosed a ten shilling note which I no doubt will be useful. I have sent a letter to Southend on Thursday and sent on the letter I had from you and hope it will find them all well.  Pleased to say Ciss and all are well, Ethel has started at the Southgate Council last Monday, I shall be please to have a letter from you when convenient to you with best wishes from all.

From your

Loving Father

Registered Letter returned to Post Office by Military Authorities (Expeditionary Force) as undeliverable.

Telegram to Mrs Dick-Cunyngham dated 17 Apr 1918.

POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS

Postmarked EARLS COURT P.O. N^r R^ly S^tn 17 AP 18.

O.H.M.S. War Office.

TO Mrs Dick Cunyngham 28 Coleherne Ct. S.W.

Regret Brig General J.K. Dick Cunyngham C.M.G., D.S.O., Staff missing April twelfth. No details.   *** Secy War Office.

Copy letter to Mrs Ficklin undated probably mid April1918

14630 Pte. H. Billings

H.Q. 152 Bde

France.

Dear Mrs. Ficklin,

I don’t really know how to start this letter as we have had an absolutely cruel time, and I believe that all the Staff are prisoners including the General and the Major.  I have hoped and prayed to God that they would turn up but I’m afraid of the worst.  I wished to God I had never been ordered away.  What happened was this, we went to sleep at 11 o’clock at night, and in the morning just as it was light we heard the cracking of rifles not far off, and I don’t think anyone realised what was wrong but the bullets were coming through the house and I scrambled into my equipment and then went to the Major and rolled his blankets up and put them on the limber, and the Major said to me: “you can pack my revolver in too”, then changed his mind and decided to keep it, well by this time the bullets were flying fast and no one seemed to know what to do till the staff captain rushed out to the driver of the limber and told him to clear out as hard as he could go.  I stood just by him when a bullet went through his leg but he still kept walking about, and I just saw the limber tearing off with the back undone and I shouted out to the driver that he’d lose all the stuff off and the captain noticed it too and shouted to me to go on after it and two more of the servants.  I little realised that things were so bad, but by God I wouldn’t have gone after it because it was ever so far before I could catch it, and I told him to stop which he did but even then the bullets were about us and a horse dropped dead just by my side and a driver of another wagon was hit, poor fellow, we done the best we could for him and I think the ambulance picked him up as it was just behind, and then moved a bit further away till we came upon a sergeant of our signals and he told us to go on to another village and join the division, we had been there about two minutes and than told to go on to the transport where I am just now.  Bush got away too but the old horse was just grazed by a bullet, nothing much, but all there’s left of the Bde. is four servants and the groom and two clerks that is of those who were up there at the time, but there is hopes though very small that some more will turn up later.

I have all the Major’s things including the new primus which I am of course looking after and up to present I cannot do anything till we get our instructions, so could you write me a line about anything – in one sense it’s a good thing I am here really to look after things, but dear Mrs, Ficklin I would rather have been with him a thousand times but I pray for the best and trust that they are all alive, and if you hear anything at all would you kindly let me know that is please God I’m spared. I cannot say of course what will happen to me yet, but I will let you know.  The Major was speaking to me about the Captain soon being out here again.  I was thinking and wondering if he could claim me, that is if he would want me.  I’m feeling pretty miserable just at present but of course we must look on the bright side but certainly it takes some doing.  Well dear Mrs. Ficklin I think its all I can say at present so with all hopes and trusting God for the best with the Major I will close.

Yours truly,

(signed) H. Billings

Somewhere in France

April 9^th 1918

Dear Miss Ayers,

Thanks so much for your welcome letter & cigarettes I received a few days ago.

I was so pleased to hear from you, it does seem nice to hear from an old school teacher.

It’s very kind of you to enquire after me, my sister Gladys has very often told me in her letters that you have asked after me, also Miss Gregory.

Yes we had it rather rough, but are now out for a little rest in a small French village.

It’s awfully nice to get away from the line for a little rest and of course we make the best of our time. This is a village very like Horsmonden and just close to our billet there’s a little girl’s school.  It puts me in the mind of old times.  I often think about the good times I had at school and often wish I were back again, especially when there’s a War on.

Still we keep smiling and grumbling that’s nearly all the British Tommy does.  Ha Ha.

I hope you will be able to understand this writing.  I’ll lay the blame on the parcel I think.  (One inch long)

I heard from Geoff Lambert the other day, he is quite well and back at Chatham again.

I saw Arthur Watts whilst on my draft leave at Christmas and we had a few hours together.

It will be fine to get back home again with all the old boys of course we all hope to.

I suppose H’den is awful quiet now, it was quiet enough twelve months ago when I left.

Well Miss Ayres I thank you and Miss Gregory very much for the cigarettes they are very acceptable out here, especially when they are shelling.  Ha Ha.

Yes, certainly I will write whenever I get a chance a letter from you will always be very welcome.

I don’t think I have anything else to say this time so I shall have to close this letter, wishing you & Miss Gregory the very best of health.

I might add that I am in the best of health.

Best Wishes to you both

Yours Sincerely

Frank W. Springett

Write soon

With cover to Miss A. Ayers, Post Office, Horsmonden Kent England.

Postmarked Field Post Office 5X A 21 AP 18. Passed by Censor 3257.