Alf Smith’s Field Service Post Card 7 April 1917.
FIELD SERVICE
POST CARD
To T. Smith, 24, Palmerston Rd. Bowes Park London N 22 England. Postmarked Field Post Office 68. 9 MY 17.
I am quite well
I have received your letter dated
Letter follows at first opportunity
Signature only. A. Smith
Date April 7th 17
April 6th 17
Dear Father
I am still anxiously waiting to hear from you. I should think they are lost, stolen, or strayed; it is quite three weeks now since I had a letter from anybody.
In case you did not get my last note you would not know my present abode: – No 27521 Pte. A.A. Smith 10th Essex Regt ‘C’ Company No 10 Platoon B.E.F. France.
Have you had any hot X buns to-day but I don’t expect that troubles you very much; it makes no difference here one day is the same as another but I mean to have a jolly good time when I get home again. What do you say?
We have been having very rough weather here, but it is much better now; last Tuesday I woke up & found the blankets covered in about 2 in of snow how would you like that? Thought I was sleeping in white sheets. I am none the worse for it glad to say I a keeping A.1.
In my last letter I mentioned that I should be pleased to have a parcel now. Will tell you a few things I should like if you can get them. Bourbon creams or custard cream biscuits, a small pot of jelly & paste, a box of chocolates, & a cake; also some Harrisons pomade I think you can get it at Boots. The animals are beginning to bite one cannot help it in this country.
Well how is everything going at Wood Green I hope you are all in the best of health & still smiling.
The war news looks very good still don’t you think. I don’t think it will be very long before it is ‘finis’. I would like to have the Sunday Pictorial occasionally. We get Daily papers here sometimes price 2 ½ d they are always two or three days old.
How are Darvills & Miss Dimond & all other friends that I know I intend to write to them but have not had much time lately.
Cannot think of any more news to tell you so must finish now hoping to hear all the latest news from you soon.
With much love from
Your devoted
Son
Easton’s Group
Carscallens Group
Soccer Group
Hockey Group
REPORT ON HOSTILE SHELLING, April 3rd 1917
Sirs,
At 9.17 p.m. cluster flares (yellow) from enemy front line. Hostile artillery at once barraged front, support and communication lines.
At 9.27 p.m. retaliation by 3rd C.D.A. and 63rd Divisional Artillery.
At 9.28 p.m. 43rd Canadian Battalion report artillery and T.M. barrage heavy.
At 9.32 p.m. situation reported to 3rd Canadian Division.
At 9.35 p.m. orange and green flares from enemy front line.
At 9.37 p.m. one red flare bursting into yellow reported on left of Left Battalion.
At 9.44 p.m. hostile artillery slight. T.M.Bs still active.
At 9.46 p.m. situation reported normal by Battalions.
Artillery advised and report submitted by wire to Division.
Captain Cook
33rd Batt. C.F.A.
L.O. 9th Canadian Inf. Bde.
12.45 a.m.
April 4th 1917
APPENDIX C
April 4th 1917
Captain Cook
L.O. attached to 9th Can Infy. Bde.
Kindly convey to O.C. Groups who co-operated this morning the thanks of myself and all ranks for their splendid assistance. All reports from those taking part in the raid and observing, that the fire was well timed, splendidly placed and very effective.
(Sgd) W.B. Evens Lt. Colonel
52nd Battalion
Eastons Group
Carscallens Group
Soccer Group
Hockey Group
Forwarded for your information.
Reports indicate raid quite successful. Our casualties, slightly wounded O.Rs 4. Detailed report forwarded when available.
(sgd) Captain Cook
33rd Battery C.F.A.
L.O. 9th Can. Infy. Bde.
April 4th 1917
SECRET COPY NO.
REF:
VIMY 1/10,000
Edition 8.A.
9TH CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE
Operation Order No 60
By
Lieut. Col. H.G. Carscallen Comdg
4.4.17
INFORMATION 1. The 43rd Canadian Battalion will carry out three simultaneous raids on the afternoon of the 5th instant
“B” Party: 1 officer and 21 O.Rs will enter enemy front line at S.28.a.45.55. and remain 15 minutes.
“C” Party: 1 Officer and 16 O.Rs will enter enemy front line at PATRICIA CRATER, S.28.a.36.90. and remain 15 minutes.
“D” Party: 1 officer and 30 O.Rs will enter enemy front line at S.22.c.20.25 and remain 15 minutes.
ARTILLERY 2. CARSCALLEN’S GROUP will co-operate in accordance with barrage table attached.
CLEARANCE OF FRONT LINE.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
ZERO 5. ZERO hour will be 2.00 p.m. 5th instant.
SYNCHRONIZATION
H.G. Carscallen
Lieut. Col
Comdg 9th Brigade, C.F.A.
TO ALL BATTERIES
SECRET COPY NO.
REF: VIMY1/10,000
ROCLINCOURT do
9TH CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE
Operation Order No 59
By
Lieut. Col. H.G. Carscallen Commanding
4.4.17
INFORMATION 1. On Z day the Canadian Corps will capture the VIMY Ridge.
The 3rd Canadian Division will attack with two Brigades, the 8th Brigade on the right and the 7th Brigade on the left, the 9th Brigade being in Divisional Reserve. Each Brigade will attack with three Battalions, one Battalion being in Brigade Reserve. The 2nd Canadian Division will attack on the right and the 4th Canadian Division on the Left of the 3rd Canadian Division.
OBJECTIVES
Junction of SWISCHEN STELLUNG and PRINZ ARNOLF GRABEN (S.29.c.2.5.) thence along SWISCHEN STELLUNG to its junction with ARTILLERIE WEG to S.28.b.9.9. thence to Trench Junction S.22.d.9.2. thence to junction SWISCHEN STELLUNG and STAUBWASSER WEG (S.22.d.4.5 ½) thence along SWISCHEN STELLUNG to Hill 145, S.16.c.3.1. to Northern Boundary.
The 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade only in conjunction with 2nd Canadian Division.
BOIS DE BONVAL (inclusive) to S.30. central, touch to be maintained by 3rd Canadian Division with 2nd Canadian Division and post established in the vicinity of S.30. central.
ARTILLERY 2. The 3rd C.D.A. and 63rd (RN) D.A. will support the attack of the 3rd Canadian Division, the 3rd C.D.A. covering the advance of the 8th C.I.B. and the 63rd D.A. the advance of the 7th C.I.B. in accordance with Barrage Table “A” and “B” and Maps “A” and “B” attached.
One 18-pdr battery from each Group will be detailed for standing barrages in advance of the rolling barrage up to Zero plus 75. These batteries will be considered as the superimposed batteries for their respective Groups in the rolling barrage.
At zero plus 75 all 18-pdrs will join the rolling barrage. 4.5 howitzer batteries will fire on selected points in rear of 18-pdr barrages in accordance with Barrage Table “B” and Map “B” attached.
The 43 Howitzer battery C.F.A. will be at the disposal of the Counter-Battery Group from Zero onwards and will not take part in the barrage.
Trench Mortars. 3. Trench Mortars will not take part in the barrages. The M.T.M. tunnel emplacements in GRANGE and GOODMAN Subways will be handed over by Zero minus four hours to No 4 Special Coy. R.E. who will place a smoke barrage at Zero on the black Line.
LIAISON 4. The O.Cs 33rd Battery and 36th Battery will detail the following Liaison Officers:-
Lieut. A.B. Manning to Hqrs Centre Battalion (2nd C.M.R.) S.28.c. ½. 3 ½
Lieut. H. Webster to Hqrs Left Battalion (4th C.M.R.) S.27.d.9 ½ .6.
All Liaison Officers will be at their posts at least two hours before Zero. They will remain with the Headquarters to which they are detailed and accompany them when they go forward.
F.O.Os 5. Lieut. J.R. Jamieson, 33rd Battery, is detailed as Group F.O.O. and will go forward to obtain observation on the far side of VIMY RIDGE as early as possible.
COMMUNICATION
A central forward Divisional Visual Station will be established in Quarries S.27.a.8.5. which will be in telephonic communication with FORT GEORGE where a rear Visual Station will be established. There will also be visual and telephonic communication from ALBANY and PATRICIA Craters (8th and 7th C.I.B. O.Ps respectively) in the Quarries. Capt. H.R. Hendy, 3rd C.D.A.C. will be the Artillery Officers at the Quarries Visual Station.
HEADQUARTERS
ZERO 8. Zero hour, the date of Z day and arrangements for synchronization will be communicated later.
NOTE: Barrage tables will be issued later.
H.G. Carscallen
Lieut. Col
Comdg CARSCALLEN’S GROUP
Issued at 2.10 p.m.
TO: All Batteries
A.A. Laporte Payne letter 3 April 1917.
B.E.F.
France.
April 3rd 1917
My dearest,
Thank you so very much for your two letters and the box of cigarettes all of which are delightful. I thought of your kisses with each one I smoked. Perhaps if the gods are kind I may have them in reality in a short while – provided of course if you will let me. I may be able to get away sometime next week – about the middle – if I don’t get away then I shan’t be able to get away at all. Don’t let anyone know – not even my people as of course, it may not come off. But I have to tell you as with everything else.
At any rate April 16th to the end is quite impossible I am so sorry your temper has not been good lately; you must not get like that. Think of what I shall feel like if you are unkind on my leave.
You seem to be having a good time in town. It will be delicious to have some civilization again, and some time with you after all these months.
Thank you – so you think that my arrival on April 1st would have made you an April fool!
The weather is still awful. Thick snow yesterday. It must clear up if I get away on leave.
I hope you & all are keeping well. I am quite fit only a bit anxious in case I don’t get my leave. We have to get our leave from Corps and the Colonel signed it last night.
I am just off to the line to observe for a bombardment and I am keeping two officers waiting for me, and I have only half an hour left to get down there, but I had to write & let you know that I am still thinking & longing for you & hoping for leave.
We had a gas alarm last night but it was a false one. There was quite a fuss for a time.
Au revoir, darling,
Ever yours with love & kisses.
Archie.
SECRET COPY NO.
REF:
VIMY 36c S.W.
1/10,000
9TH CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE
Operation Order No 58
By
Lieut. Col. H.G. Carscallen Commanding
3.4.17
INFORMATION 1. The 52nd Battalion will carry out two simultaneous raids on the morning of the 4th instant.
The first (one officer and 22 Other Ranks) will enter enemy front line between B.4 and B.5. Craters (A.4.a.66.85) and remain ten minutes.
Second party (one officer and 22 Other Ranks) will enter enemy front line at S.28.a.60.25 and remain ten minutes.
ARTILLERY 2. CARSCALLEN’S GROUP will assist the raid in accordance with Barrage Table attached.
ZERO 3. Zero hour will be 4.00 a.m. the 4th instant.
SYNCHRONIZATION 4. Watches will be synchronised with L.O. (Captain Cook) at one hour before Zero.
POSTPONEMENT CODE 5. Should it be necessary to postpone raids, telephone code will be “NO SUNLIGHT TODAY” and Zero hour will be 4 a.m. 5th instant.
H.G. Carscallen
Lieut. Col
Comdg CARSCALLEN’S GROUP
Issued at 10.50 p.m.
TO: All Batteries
A.A. Laporte Payne letter 1 April 1917.
B.E.F.
France.
April 1st 1917
My own darling,
Just a line to let you know I am still in the land of the living and to send my love.
The Colonel is out with the Corps Commander and I am alone in the office. The letters are just going so I just had to send one to you – even if it is a short one.
The weather is just as bad – cold and wet – and there is nothing very exciting going here – so the usual routine goes on. I spent the morning visiting O.Ps and this afternoon in the office.
The mail cart has just arrived so I must hurry if I am to get this letter off. I am very glad I am not a gunner or a driver and have my letters censored by someone I know.
How are you keeping? Alright I hope. Have you had any more riding or are the visitors in the way too much. Tell them to amuse themselves as best they can.
I hope there is no famine in the land or leave won’t be worth having! Do you think so? I will let you guess what I really think.
This paper is perfectly awful to write on. It is the sort of silly stuff the French would use. The decorations of this house too are quite getting on my nerves. I have never seen a really nice house in France. Perhaps there are some somewhere. Have you been to any more theatres lately? I have heard of nothing very exciting on in town now, but perhaps the papers are misleading.
We have got a lot of new records. Some of them are quite exciting. The Colonel spends a lot of time playing them.
I must try and get a day off this week. I want to go into a town behind and get some things. It is about time I did.
Excuse short note & scribble.
With all my love & kisses.
Ever yours
Archie.
CONFIDENTIAL
WAR DIARY Of 9th CANADIAN ARTILLERY BRIGADE
For the month of MARCH 1917
AMETTES B.4.c.7.5. Sh.36.b. FRANCE 1:40,000
1.3.17 Brigade in rest.
2.3.17 Brigade in rest.
3.3.17 Brigade in rest.
4.3.17 Brigade in rest.
Operation Order No 53 issued today which calls for the relief of the Reserve Divisional Artillery by 3rd C.D.A. on nights of 7/8th and 8/9th March. The organization will be three Groups, – Right, Centre and Left. The 32nd Battery is detailed to the Left Group – The 33rd Battery to Centre Group and the 45th Battery to the Right Group. The Right section 36th Battery is detailed to Right Group and the Left section to Centre Group.
5.3.17 Brigade in rest.
6.3.17 Brigade in rest.
7.3.17 Brigade in rest. Section from each of our batteries went up to relieve sections of the Reserve Artillery.
8.3.17 The remaining sections completed their relief tonight and Headquarters (which is still in rest) and the wagon lines of the batteries have been established at GOUY-SERVINS.
GOUY-SERVINS Q.35.d. FRANCE Sh 36b
9.3.17 Batteries spent the day in registration and checking lines.
10.3.17 Considerable aeroplane activity. One of our planes brought down by enemy machines fell near NEUVILLE ST. VAAST at 11.30 a.m. otherwise day has been exceptionally quiet.
11.3.17 Quiet day on front. Nothing special to report.
12.3.17 Our 45th Battery located and destroyed considerable new work in enemy support lines.
13.3.17 Quiet day. Batteries checking up registrations.
14.3.17 Visibility poor. Very little action on either side.
15.3.17 Visibility good and numerous enemy balloons were up throughout the day. At 3.08 p.m. enemy put up a three minute barrage on our front line. An observer of the 33rd Battery saw heliograph being worked in the outskirts of LENS.
16.3.17 Enemy T.Ms and rifle grenades quite active. There was also considerable hostile shelling.
17.3.17 Our 45th Battery engaged and dispersed an enemy working party. The enemy appears to be doing considerable new work, but as soon as it is located by us it is taken on and destroyed.
18.3.17 Visibility good. Considerable aerial activity on both sides throughout day. Hostile shelling below normal.
19.3.17 Enemy artillery very active registering on many points on our front line. Our batteries spent the day principally in registering. An enemy M.G. emplacement was fired upon and destroyed by our 18-pounders.
20.3.17 Enemy artillery more active than usual today also Trench Mortars. Our retaliation was **** sections came into *** Text here corrupted as overtyped.
21.3.17 Enemy artillery active throughout the day especially in the later part of the afternoon when our front line and supports were heavily bombarded. Our retaliation was vigorous and effective.
22.3.17 Visibility fair. Large number of enemy observation balloons up throughout the day. Between noon and three p.m. enemy shelled CARENCY and vicinity, apparently for counter battery purposed.
23.3.17 The enemy exploded a mine in NO MANS LAND today, but otherwise he was inactive.
An order was issued today reorganizing the 3rd Canadian Division from a four Brigade four gun battery, into a Three Group, six gun Battery basis. In order to accomplish this the 11th Brigade C.F.A. has been broken up and their batteries distributed among the 8th, 9th and 10th Brigades. The Group organization is to be Provisional but the six gun organization will be permanent.
Our Group is designated ”CASCALLEN’S GROUP” and is composed as follows:
32nd Bty plus ½ of 44th Battery
33rd Bty plus ½ of 46th Battery
45th Bty plus ½ of 46th Battery
36th Bty plus ½ of 29th Battery
Operation Order No 54 was also issued today giving orders for the relief of the 2nd C.D.A. by this Group. The reorganization of six gun batteries to take place during the relief, which will take place on the nights of 24/25th and 25/26th inst. We will therefore be again covering our own Divisional Infantry.
24.3.17 In accordance with Operation Order one section of the 32nd Battery, one section 33rd Battery and 46th , one section of 45th Battery and one section of the 36th and 29th batteries went into their new battle positions.
25.3.17 the sections already in spent the day in registration and calibration. The remaining sections came into the positions tonight, thus completing the relief.
Ref: FRANCE 36b 51c N.E. VIMY 36 c S.W. F.4.b.5.5. (Hdqrs moved into line.)
27.3.17 Enemy movement nil. Hostile artillery fairly active throughout day and was met in every case with adequate retaliation.
28.3.17 Enemy aeroplanes unusually active, as many as five being observed at one time in the morning. Our A.A. shooting was good and forced them back in their own lines. In the afternoon two enemy planes attacked and forced one of our planes to descend near LA TARGETTE. Enemy artillery unusually active registering on many batteries in the area and causing some casualties in the Heavy Batteries.
29.3.17 Visibility poor. No movement or new work was observed in the enemy lines. Our artillery ** throughout the day doing much *** Bottom of page missing.
Operation Order 56 issued today calls for trial barrage to be carried out on 30th 31st March and 2nd April.
30.3.17 Fair visibility throughout the day. Hostile artillery fire below normal. No enemy movement or new work observed.
At 8.00 a.m. today the first of our trial barrages was put on the enemy’s lines, lasting for twelve minutes. The barrage was reported by all observers to be well placed and a large percentage of good bursts.
Lieut. E.G. Brown, 45th Battery was very seriously wounded this morning by a premature.
31.3.17 At 3.00 a.m. this morning, the second of our trial barrages took place. It was again very favourably reported upon by both Infantry and Artillery observers.
Hostile retaliation for this barrage was very slight.
NOTE: Attached hereto are O.Os 53, 54, 55 and 56 Reorganization Order.
Lieut. Col.
Comdg. 9th Brigade C.F.A.
NOTE: On the 1st March 1917 letters were received from Brigadier-General Mitchell, Brigadier-General Thacker and Major-General Currie commending the work of the brigade while attached to the 1st Division. These letters are attached hereto.
Lieut. Col.
Comdg. 9th Brigade C.F.A.
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