H.E. WITTY June 16

18^th SIEGE BATTERY R.G.A.

1. Section

1^st June 1916.  Thursday.  3.0 am Enemy plane passed over camp and dropped 9 bombs on POP.  OFF DUTY – nothing doing – visited POP tonight – little damage.  Letters Scott, Gilbert, R. Mrs. Smith.  Pcl from home.  To be answered tomorrow.  Another fine day.

2^nd June 1916. Friday.  Standing by all day to “man handle” the gun – fired 6 rounds on trenches.  Another fine day – Letters Doris and Kathie (chocolates).  ANS.  Much activity in the air.  Positions shelled with 4.2s – many “duds”.

3^rd June 1916. Saturday.  Turned out at 10.30 last night.  R.X. took gun up into YPRES.  We laid a line from Bty to 35 Siege at dawn.  Stayed in Vlam for a time & then sent back to billet at POP in car.  Had a sleep in the morning and was again sent out to SPINNEY HO with Thribe for observation work.  40 Rounds on trenches.  Unsatisfactory shoot.  Returned to CAMP 8.30 having a puncture en route.  No Mail today.  Very fine and glorious.  When in YPRES saw wounded from the German attack on Canadians who had to vacate trenches.  Serious Report Received Report of Naval Battle of May 31^st.

4^th June 1916. Sunday.  Another quiet day.  In morning out on the lines with Bott.  Nothing doing in afternoon.  LX relieved RX at YPRES.  ”Man from Glengarry” from Douglas.  Acknowledged.  Rain during afternoon.  Bott’s visit to POP.  Bty returns to Billets from YPRES.

5^th June 1916. Monday.  Turned out 2.45 went to C.A., with Mallins.  Quiet day, accompanied M. to YPRES 7 P.M.  Returned for his “tin hat”.  First experience of “weeping shell”. Variety of gun shelled – motor car put out of action.  Arrival of LX with gun again.  Letters R., Gladys, Douglas, J.B. (O.H.).

6^th June 1916. Tuesday.  5 pm watching German working parties.  Relieved 6.30 by CG4B – returned to camp for breakfast.  ANS yesterdays mail.  P.C. from Frank.  ANS.  Repairing HD-QR line across Rly in afternoon.  On battery 3 hours during the night.

7^th June 1916. Wednesday.  Turned out 6 A M and went to YPRES.  Stayed there all day.  Rather warm at times – Viewed the remains of the cathedral – Disastrous effects.  Splendid houses.  Amn columns wiped out.  Learned of Kitchener’s death.  Letters Mother, Hilda to be answered later.  Slept in cellar – beastly cold.

8^th June 1916. Thursday.  Still at YPRES.  Nothing doing.  Other gun in action at Vlam.  20 rounds on trenches.  Very quiet with us.  Returned to camp 10 P.M.  Letter Ma.  Much rain.

9^th June 1916. Friday.  Out on CX line in morning with Bott.  Shelling new emplacement.  Nothing doing in the afternoon – spent the time reading.  NO MAIL – Showery yesterday slightly cold.  Wrote Hilda, Ma and Mother.

10^th June 1916. Saturday.  Parade 6 A.M – nothing doing all the day.  Calley returned from O.P. with his face terribly swollen with mosquito bites.  Mail up before noon – draw our own from POP post office.  Letters R. Alice.  Papers Ma & Scott.  ANS.  Cold and showery.  Good news of Russian successes.  Had to write Ma and Hilda again as letters returned by Censor.

11^th June 1916. Whit Sunday.  Turned out 2 am – left 3.15 am.  At O.P. with Tribe – had a very quiet day.  Many heavy showers – Spent most of the day studying the countryside from Fusilier Farm to La Belle Alliance.  Saw large German working party near Essex Farm – Letters Scott, Gilbert Humberstone, Pcl Gamages.  ANS 12^th.

12^th June 1916. Monday.  Ans Correspondence – relieved 5 a.m. arrived camp 7 a.m. after having coffee in POP. – Very wet again.  Letter from Kathie.  ANS 13^th Very cold and stormy.  Gun moved to VLAM- fired 18 Rds.  Calley at Bty.  Bott at O.P. with Tribe.  Unsatisfactory communication with CX.  Did nothing all the day except read.  Arranged to take Frost’s duty as he is destined for Wireless at YPRES.

13^th June 1916. Tuesday.  On telephone duty 2.30 a.m…  New idea 4 hour shift at night 3 hour shift during the day 3 telephonists do duty for 1 week.  On telephone duty today.  Received orders to pack up for “somewhere” – Note from R.  ANS with Field P.C.  Heavy rain continues.  On duty – up to 2.

14^th June 1916. Wednesday.  Departure of LX 6 am for the South.  Still on telephone.  Change to Summer time at 11 P.M. advance watches to midnight.  Letter and papers from home.  P.C. Norman and Douglas.  ANS.  Weather still unsettled.  Introduction of Daylight saving at 11 P.M.  Box of chocs from Gladys.  ANS.

15^th June 1916. Thursday.  On CX in morning – came off duty 1 a.m.  Found break in insulation.  Many Guards in vicinity.  Nothing doing in afternoon – much dryer.  Letters R., Hilda.  Paper (Scott) ANS.  Saw photo of gun in Daily Mirror.  June 9^th.

16^th June 1916. Friday.  Much nicer day today – reeling and overhauling cable in the morning.  Nothing doing in the afternoon.  Letter Walter Coleman.  ANS.  Making preparations for the move.  6 a.m. parade (Summer time) becomes fashionable.  On telephone tonight.  Received Postcard of Sergt Clements and his bride.  Great Russian successes – Attack near Hooge – Gas reported 12.15 a.m.  Turned out 3 A.M.

17^th June 1916. Saturday. Battery went up to VLAM with 118 Rds. A.A. and I left our telephone.  No firing.  Through some mistake gun went up to VLAM when it should have “stood by”.  Boys returned 1.0 a.m.  On duty during the day.  Lovely June day.  No Mail. Smash up of Lt. Reid’s machine (the aviator who recently won the M.C. & whose photo appeared in Daily Mirror.)

18^th June 1916. Sunday.  Had a church service in the Barn – bishop of Winchester ***.  Chaplain Revd. Talbot M.C.  No early parade.  Getting in cable (D5) at old Billet.  While waiting for a lorry on the road opposite *** Prince of Wales passed us in search of his car.  Hospital Farm burnt down yesterday (shelled).  Letter R. and Frank M. (P.C.) ANS.  Cold last night – fine day today.

19^th June 1916. Monday.  On telephone 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Also on CX after brekker.  Had a bath before noon – Ron.  Nice day again, P.C. from Gilbert.  Ans.  Wrote Frank and Mr. Carter re Maths Books. The dinner “Menu” – a la Francais.  Landing of French plane – obtained ‘arrow souvenir’, sent souvenirs to R.  The dinner “Menu” – a la Francais.

20^th June 1916. Tuesday.  Overhauling cable all the day – glorious weather – No Mail.  On telephone 9-1 (a.m.).  Arrival of 86 – interview with Major Thorpe 11.15 p.m. when he came to HD. QRS. via us.  Expect we shall soon be moving.

21^st June 1916. Wednesday.  On telephone 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – very little doing.  Weather fine.  No mail – Expected arrival of Capt Hedgeland (Temp Maj) to take command vice Maj. Graham.

22^nd June 1916. Thursday.  Baths.  Arrival of Capt Hedgeland from 89 Bty. – Good first impressions.  Early parade – overhauling cable in the morning.  On battery and laying line to advanced position on North Loop in afternoon.  Shoot cancelled owing to a mistake of targets made by aeroplane observer.  Reeled in wire and returned to camp 6 p.m.  Splendid ideal June day – Bosches planes very active.  Mail in.  Letters Mother, Hilda, Kathie.  Paper (Scott).  ANS.

23^rd June 1916. Friday.  On telephone 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. – very hot – Thunderstorm – on line to R.E.  Good Mail.  Letters (R), (Ma), (Frank A.) Housham, Douglas.  Pcl from home.  Ans.  ”Kelly” under arrest for various crimes at CX.  Candlin returns today.

24^th June 1916. Saturday. On CX line in the morning – repairing broken air line near old No 2 position.  Had coffee at farm house – Excellent “driving band” souvenir.  Mademoiselle and the Scotch fiancée.  Out again after tea on CX.  Shortage in air line.  Back about 8 P.M.  Mail.  Letters Scott and Bott.  Papers O.H.  ANS.  Very fine yesterday.  86 opens fire.  Arrival of 116 with new guns.

25^th June 1916. Sunday.  Gun prepares for VLAM.  Came on duty 2 a.m.  Gun went up to VLAM 3 a.m.  unloaded Amm put gun in position.  Detachment returned 8.0 a.m. “Badgy” first went up ti VLAM.  Then Calley, Shippen, Cardlin.  Gill O.P.  Bombardment 2 p.m.  Pcl from N.B.  Letter from R to be answered tomorrow.  50 fired Rds on Salient.  Good shooting – Mallins O.O.

26^th June 1916. Monday.  On CX line in morning with A.A.  found line badly broken across line near No 2 Gun.  Repaired it in a heavy thunderstorm – Wet through – Partly dried ere return to camp.  Letters R. and Gilbert.  ANS.  Occasional heavy showers of rain.  On duty 9 P.M. to 1 a.m.

27^th June 1916. Tuesday.  On telephone 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – wet and miserable – nothing doing.  86 in action – shelled in the morning.  Arrival of 118 – 9.2 howitzers.  No Mail. Reading in afternoon & evening.

28^th June 1916. Wednesday.  No early parade.  Still much rain.  On line in South Loop.  Nothing doing in afternoon.  Change in weather – On CX line at night.  Mail. Mother, N.T., (Pc) R.  Papers Mother & Scott.  ANS.

29^th June 1916. Thursday.  On telephone 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. – also on Gun telephone part of morning.  Gun standing by on Nr 3 Posⁿ from 8 a.m. to sun down – nothing doing.  Very fine but rather cold and windy.  Letters R. and Mr. Carter.  Books etc from Mrs. C.  ANS.

30^th June 1916. Friday.  Warned for Kelly’s court martial at H.Q. 10. a.m.  in the room of trial as K’s escort from 10 a.m. to 12 NOON.  Major’s able defence of K.  Maj Orton (22) President.  Weak points on both sides.  Returned 1 a.m.  Out at 4 p.m. laying line to Frascati O.P.  Returned 11 P.M.  Mail. P.C. (Pant) and pcl from Mrs. Coleman.  To be ans tomorrow.

WAR DIARY OF 2/Lt. Alfred Benjamin STREET

48 SIEGE BATTERY RGA

Last entry 30 June 1916

1^st June Thursday.  Fine day f’ly sunny.  The Hun put 6 shells into the Dump at the end of the village between 7.0 a.m. and 8.30. and 4 in the afternoon near the Inf Camp E of the village.  The Battery moved out of the village to the Dug outs and a Billet in Albert.  The suspected Measles cases were left.

2^nd June Friday.  Fine sunny day.  The Hun 13 or 15 cm. gun was again active about the same time on the dump at Meaulte.

3^rd June Sat.  Fine sunny day with heavy shower of rain about midday.  Hun again did some shelling about 7.0a.m. and off and on throughout the day round about.  Went a walk with Young after tea to collect “souvenirs” and obtained some useful information.

4^th June Sunday.  Fine sunny morning, dull afternoon, windy evening.  The Hun was using his 13 cm. gun again.  We retaliated with 2 to 1 – 6” Mk VII on Bazentin le Petit dump.  Went with Capt. Miller (Signals) after dinner to see one of his digging parties at Trois Meules.

5^th June Monday.  Fair day sunny at times and showery. Col. Kaye of 34 H.A.G. arrived and dined with us as did also Major Nott.  Spent an interesting time piecing together air photos.

6^th June Tuesday.  Very wet all the morning, cleared in the afternoon and was a fine evening.  Busy day in the office.

7^th June Wed.  Fairly fine but showery, steady rain in the evening.  Went with Miller to Amiens at 4.0 p.m. had tea and dinner there and did some shopping.

8^th June Thursday.  Fine morning but turned wet in afternoon and evening.  First day of dumping, train due at 10.30 a.m. and arrived at 4.0 p.m.  The Hun was again shooting with his H.V. gun this time at the Balloon in the valley near us.

9^th June Friday.  Fine sunny day but a heavy shower about 5.0 p.m.  The Hun again fired at the Balloon between 7.30 and 8.0 a.m. but without success.  Member of the reassembled Court Martial at 10.0 a.m.  Very busy in the office.

10^th June Saturday.  Fine morning but several Thunder showers during the day.  Another busy day.  The Hun did not give us our m’ning hate.

11^th June Sunday.  Fine day fairly sunny.  Easier day.

12^th June Monday.  Dull day turned to rain in the afternoon.  Went out with the General for the latter part of the morning.  Late sitting at the office.

13^th June Tuesday.  A very wet muddy day.  Fairly late sitting at the office.

14^th June Wed.  Drizzled during the morning but turned fine and sunny after midday.  After tea went out with the General and Col. Hamilton to 57, 109 & 40 at Martinsart & Aveluy also to Major Collingwood 10 S. in Albert on the way back.  Put the clocks forward one hour from midnight.

15^th June Thursday.  A dullish day but fine.  A fairly busy day.

16^th June Friday.  The first fine sunny day for some time.  After dinner went to Albert and watched Major Collingwood’s Btty put 9.2 in position.  Walked back at 1.30 a.m.  A lovely night with full moon.

17^th June Saturday.  Fine day sunny.  Very busy in the office, typing out copies of Secret documents for the groups.

18^th June Sunday.  Fine sunny day.  Not quite so strenuous at the office.  Three 75 cm. Batteries came into the village last night.

19^th June Monday.  Fine but dull and heavy.  Fairly busy day.  The Intelligence Officer Grey and a spare Signalling Officer turned up for duty.

20^th June Tuesday.  Fine sunny day.  The Hun had a long but unsuccessful shoot at the Balloon during the morning.  Went to La Houssoye (Lahoussoye) after tea with Major Nott.  Dined there saw Hill, Hutchings & White and brought back a motor bike.  Late sitting at the office.

21^st June Wednesday A fine sunny day.  Not over busy in the office but a late sitting.  Young, Holden and I motored over to Baizieux and Henencourt after tea.  General Rawlinson commanding 4^th Army came to see the General in the afternoon.

22^nd June Thursday.  Fine hot day.  Very fairly busy, late sitting.  Drove over to the Canteen at Henencourt after tea.  The Hun shelled No. 14 Kite Balloon persistently during  the evening.

23^rd June Friday Hot sultry day which broke into a thunderstorm with heavy rain in the afternoon.  Our kite Balloon No. 14 broke away in the storm but luckily there was nobody in it.

24^th June Sat.  Fine day with a shower in the m’ning.  This was “U” day on which our bombardment started.  It was quite a normal day on the part of the Hun.  Late sitting at the office, mostly due to the cancelling and re-cancelling of orders.

25^th June Sunday.  Fine sunny and warm.  V day.  All the guns were turned on Poziers at 10.0 a.m., on Contalmaison at 10.30 and Bazentin le Petit at 11.0  I watched the first two from the top of the hill, appeared very effective and later was reported so by the R.F.C.  A fairly active day all along the front.  There was a practice lift at 4.0 p.m. and about this time our aeroplanes dropped some special French bombs on 2 Hun Balloons which immediately set them on fire very effectively.  14 allied Balloons could be seen in the air at one time during the day.  The Huns retaliated pretty fiercely all day and gave Albert a full share.  Fairly busy day in the office but not a very late sitting.

26^th June Monday.  Fine till afternoon when there was a heavy shower and then it rained hard in the late evening.  W day.  XV Corps liberated Gas in the morning and we did ditto at 6.0 p.m. but the wind had dropped considerably and it seemed to hang rather, it was accompanied by smoke.  We continued bombardment and again had a practice “lift”.  Went out with the General after tea, saw 61^st S. 8” firing, passed 48 and had a word with Sgt. Robinson.  Fairly busy and fairly late sitting.  The Hun put a few shells into Dernacourt 2 at about 1.30 p.m. and 6 at about midnight.

27^th June Tuesday.  Not a very fine day, some rain.  X Day.  The 12” gun on the Ry fired at 5.0 a.m. and shook so much dust off the ceiling of my billet and also blew out a hole in the wall that I decided to vacate it and go into a tent near the Signal Dug Out.  A fairly busy day.  We continued our bombardment together with a practice lift in the early morning and a raid at night.

28^th June Wed.  Y day.  A heavy thick damp m’ning.  Orders came in about 10.0 a.m. to cancel Y day programme and to ease up.  48 hrs. extension to programme was given.  Cleared up in the afternoon and was fine and sunny.  An ordinarily busy day.

29^th June Thursday.  Rather dull m’ning but later was light and fairly sunny.  Not over busy during the day but a late sitting.  Discovered that some of my kit left in my Billet had been taken away presumably by the French who had the next room, also the wall of my room where my bed stood had completely collapsed burying my kit bag.  Went to Heilly and Cerreuil with Miller after tea.

30^th June Friday.  Dull and rather windy morning but a fine afternoon and evening with the wind dying away.  A fairly busy day (Y+2).  The 12” gun opened fire on Achet le Grand and Bapaume in the evening and continued on the latter at intervals during the night.  Went with Young and Miller to the Group H.Q.s after tea.  Fairly busy after dinner.

There are no further entries in the diary.

General Perkins: Brigadier General A.E.J. Perkins G.O.C. Heavy Artillery   III Corps.

Gunner Johnston was George Johnson 24591 48^th Siege Battery R.G.A. CWGC record.

Meade King was Richard Evelyn Beauchamp.  Temp 2/Lt A.S.C. son of William Oliver Evelyn M K of Walford House West Monkton TAUNTON.   Somerset Record Office Taunton. See also National Archives officer’s records.

A.G. Richardson’s Diary June 1916

Pernois.

Thursday 1^st June 1916           Went to Havernas for rations.  At Berteaucourt at night with Tommy & Cecil.

Friday 2^nd June 1916               Went to Havernas for rations.  At BERTEAUCOURT at night.

Saturday 3^rd June 1916           Learnt news of the Greatest Naval Battle in history which took place last Wed. off Coast of Jutland.  “Queen Mary” etc lost.  British losses stated to be 14 ships & German losses 8.  Went to Havernas for rations.

Sunday 4^th June 1916              Latest news of Naval Battle British losses – 14.  German losses – 34 [20 torpedo boats].  Went to Havernas for rations.

Monday 5^th June 1916                        Went to HAVERNAS for rations on bicycle at 10 am – 2 pm.  Further news of Naval Battle British losses not so bad after all. – Germans 34 boats.  On picquet.

Tuesday 6^th June 1916                        Went to HAVERNAS for rations.  Nothing doing much.  Saw Cecil & Tommy.

Wednesday 7^th June 1916       Briggs back from leave.  I return to the lines: cannot get on with my No 1.

Thursday 8^th June 1916:          Reveille 5.30 am.  Simply can’t stand Sergt Redgrave.  Saw Tommy Butler at night.

Pernois – Mirvaux.

Friday 9^th June 1916:              Rose at 5 am & with 2^nd/Lt. Fitton, Kingswell, Turner & 2 others, went to R.A. dump at MIRVAUX.  “Snap” job – nothing to do.  Went with Fitton to PIERRGOT to find his billets.

Saturday 10^th June 1916:        Rose at 10.30 am.  Simply nothing to do but no money to spend.  1^st Dorsets leave.

Sunday 11^th June 1916:           Rose at 11 am!!  Had a nice stroll with Turner.

Monday 12^th June 1916:         Rose at 10.30 am.  Lovely holiday.  Simply nothing at all to do.

Tuesday 13^th June 1916:         Rose at 10.50 am.  Simply “living to eat!!!”

Wednesday 14^th June 1916:    Rose at 9.30 am.  Another nice stroll via Pierregot, Rubempre.

Thursday 15^th June 1916:        Reading & writing all day.

Friday 16^th June 1916:                        49^th Div arrived in village.  D.A.C., R.A. H.Q., T.Ms, & A.S.C.  Still nothing doing.

Saturday 17^th June 1916:        49^th Div resting a little before going into action.  Units of R.F.A. dump some few articles in R.A. dump.

Sunday 18^th June 1916:           Rose at 9 am.  Lovely day.  Applied for commission but Laycock sends me a nasty chit.

Monday 19^th June 1916:         Head of the formation of a new section to be made on Wed.  Lt Scott as O.C., S.M. Sherman & myself as Q.M.S.

Tuesday 20^th June 1916:         Last day at dump.  NAPOO.

Wednesday 21^st June 1916:    Left R.A. dump and went to new Section “T” as Q.M.S. & clerk.  Lt. J.C. Scott as O.C., S.M. Sherman, Sergt Wheeler, Clarkson, Saddler ****.  Fine section indeed: – “Tactical”.

Thursday 22^nd June 1916:       Busy with new section as clerk.  Taking in all details.  Went to dump to see Copley.

Friday 23^rd June 1916:            Busy clerking all day.  Fine day.  Went to RUBEMPRE.

Saturday 24^th June 1916:        Busy clerking.  Went for rations to Rubempre.  Went to “TYKES” with Routh.

Sunday 25^th June 1916:           Fine day.  Went to dump on bike.  Busy clerking rest of day.

Monday 26th June 1916:        Received news that we are going into action “shortly”.  Orders arrive at 10 pm.  Cancelled at 10.10 pm.  New orders for the move issued 11 pm.  Working until 12.30 am.

HEDAUVILLE.

Tuesday 27^th June 1916:         Reveille 2.30 am.  Left MIRVAUX at 6 am & went on bicycle VIA Beaucourt, Contay, Warloy-Baillon to      HEDAUVILLE.  Arr 8.30 am.  Sect arrive 12 noon.           Office: – Bell Tent.  Fine Place.

Wednesday 28^th June 1916: Rose at 8 am.  Returns 9, 12 & 3.  Went to wood near Thiepval.  Saw German trenches & batteries.  Bombardment.  “Great” sight.

Thursday 29^th June 1916:        Rose at 8 am.  Sent all returns in.  Went to ACHEUX for rations.  Dinner 8 pm.

Friday 30^th June 1916:                        Rose at 8 am.  Good deal of work as clerk.  Went to ACHEUX for rations.

Y.M.C.A

POSTCARD

To T. Smith Esq.,

C/O Mrs. Mason,

The Alma Inn,

Heath End,

Farnham.

Nr Aldershot.

Postmarked 10.45 AM Harwich

June 30^th 16

Dear Father

Just a few lines to tell you we have not left Dovercourt yet. We are all ready to go the latest report is Sunday night but I don’t know whether it is right.  Have not time to write more now; but will let you know as soon as we go.  Will you please thank Jess for her welcome letter I will write to her soon.  With best wishes to all.  Hope you will enjoy the green peas you see I know what you are going to have.  Alf

Stamped

To,                                                                                                       A.B. No 240/50

Officers Commanding

as under.

Herewith copy of map of alternative route across our trenches prepared for use in the event of an advance.

Please pass quickly and the last named to return to this office.

A.F. Brooke

Captain R.A.

Brigade Major R.A., 18/Div.

H.Q. R.A. 18/Div.

28^th June 1916

To, O.C. Right Group

Initialled 28/6/16     84/84

O.C. Left Group.

Initialled A.T. 29/6/16   D1/111

O.C. Centre Group.

Signed G. ***** R.F.A. F 682

29/6/16

Return to,

H.Q. R.A. 18/Div

“A” Form

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

SECRET

G.O.C. H.A. XIII Corps

C.R.A 18^th and 30^th Divns

CA46                   28^th June

Following is extract of instructions from 4^th Army:-

1. “Zero” will be postponed 48 hours 29^th will become “Y1” day 30^th will become “Y2” day 1^st July will become Z day
2. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
3. Special attention must be paid to the following:-       As regards Artillery

1. To prevent all hostile movements and work both day and night. The night bombardment must be fully maintained.
2. To complete wire cutting
3. To take advantage of all favourable weather to destroy hostile batteries.

1. To d*** the enemy by *** to carry out concentrated bombardments and night raids. These concentrated bombardments will take place:- “Y1” day – 4.0 – 5.20 pm. “Y2” Day – 8.0 – 9.20 AM. Subject to the above heavy howitzers and heavy gun ammunition must be economised.
2. Programme for “Z” day will be as originally arranged.ACKNOWLEDGE by wire.                        131 Corps ArtyW. R. R***** ** R.A.
3. 5.40 pm

A.B. 253

Right )

Centre) Group

Left   )

1. “Zero” will be postponed by 48 hours 29^th will thus become “Y1”day 30^th will thus become “Y2” day 1^st July will thus become “Z” day.
2. Special attention must be paid to the following:-

1. To prevent all hostile movements and work both day and night. The night bombardment must be fully maintained.
2. To complete wire cutting.
3. To deceive the enemy by continuing to carry out concentrated bombardments and night raids, the latter to be arranged between Inf Brigade and Group Commanders and to be assisted by Artillery fire. The concentrated bombardments will take place:- Y1 day 4.0 to 5.20 p.m. Y2 day 8.0 to 9.20 a.m. and will be carried out by XIII Corps H.A. Should Smoke be discharged at the conclusion of the Concentrated Bombardments the instructions laid down in Operation Order No 1 Appendix A para 14 will be carried out.

1. Programme for ”Z” day will be as originally arranged.

Metcalfe

Brig Gen

28^th June 16                                                                                        C.R.A. 18^th Div

SECRET                                                                                             A.B. No 240/49

Right Group

Centre Group

Left Group

• The attached copy of “Action of Artillery during the first and second phases” as laid down by XIII Corps is forwarded for your information.

• In the attached letter the First Phase refers to Operations leading up to 18^th Division “Final Objective” as at present laid down, and the green line referred to runs along the line of our present “Final Objective”. The Second Phase will consist of a movement of the XV Corps from West to East across the front of 18^th Division “Final Objective” up to the Brown Line (N.B. The latter line runs roughly from Eastern corner of MONTAUBAN to Eastern corner of BAZENTIN le GRAND).

• Reference para 1, this does not preclude the batteries referred to from registering previously to 15 minutes before Zero time, provided this can be done without disclosing the positions of these batteries.

• Reference para 2. In carrying out the forward movement of batteries indicated, the primary consideration must be to ensure the defence of the new line gained at all costs by an effective shrapnel barrage available at any moment.  The second consideration will consist in placing batteries in such positions that whilst able to support the front at closer range they will be so sited as to be available to assist the forward move of XV Corps by bringing fire to bear on the German second line and on the ground between it and the CATERPILLAR WOOD Stream.

• In order not to weaken the forward barrage unnecessarily the forward move will in all probability be carried out by one battery per group at a time, the remaining batteries of the group distributing their fire to cover the fronts left bare by batteries moving forward.

• Every possible preparation should be made to ensure batteries sent forward being able to resume their duties in defence of the line with the least possible delay. With this object in view the positions, lines of fire, zones to be covered, and means of communication between Group and batteries in forward position, should be sufficiently prepared beforehand to admit of these batteries being available for the defence of the line with the least possible delay.

• The Left Group H.Q., owing to situation of forward exchange in CARNOY, can be moved forward when required with sanction from Div. Art, H.Q. The remaining two groups’ H.Q. should not move forward until all their batteries are in forward positions, and communications established to new sites selected.  In every case of a move notification should be sent previously to this office.

• It might possibly be necessary to move forward a third battery from each group to positions slightly in advance of the forward positions selected in CARNOY Valley, at a later stage in the operations. Group Commanders should consequently consider the possibilities of sending batteries forward up, to, or over the front German line should the necessity arise.

• The movement forward of these batteries as stated in para 2 will probably begin after green line has been captured, and at least during the following night.

• The role of the 50^th Brigade R.F.A. will consist in the first place in maintaining the necessary forward barrage during the movement of other batteries. In the later stages the 50^th Brigade R.F.A. will hold itself in readiness to move forward either to reinforce batteries of 18^th Art. In their forward positions or for any other special task that may be assigned to it.

• The zones allotted to Groups in advance of the forward barrage (line H) will correspond roughly to the respective fronts of Groups on this line.

• Reference para 3. the gun sited at F.12.c.7.3. will be the first gun to be moved forward, and all possible preliminary preparation should be made for this move.

It is hoped that a party of R.E. or Pioneers will be detailed to assist in bridging trenches.

A position would probably be available in the vicinity of POMMIERS trench.

A party should be sent on in advance as early as circumstances will admit to reconnoitre route and position, the gun being subsequently moved forward as soon as possible after capture of the final objective.

• The forward move of the second gun at F.17.b.2.2. will be regulated by circumstances. This gun being moved up to reinforce the first gun should circumstances prove favourable.

• The role of these guns should be made clear to the officers in command, it should be clearly be understood by them that these guns are not to open fire except in case of actual attack or at an exceptionally favourable target. The gun being so sited as to enfilade the N.W. face of MONTAUBAN.

• The primary advantage aimed at in the forward move of these guns is to shorten the communications between the Observation Post and gun. These forward guns should be provided with sufficient telephone equipment to allow of such communication being established.

• The personnel of V/18 and W/18 Trench Mortar Batteries will be reserved for providing fatigue parties or reinforcements as occasions may arise.

One section of V/18 is being detailed to hold itself in readiness to assist the forward movement of the single guns.

Fatigue parties from W/18 will be provided to Groups to assist batteries in occupying forward positions in CARNOY Valley.

• In order to facilitate control, the two single guns at F.17.b.2.2. and F.12.c.7.3. will come under tactical control of Left Group from 0 hour on Z day.

Capt., R.A.

Brigade Major, 18^th Div. Artillery.

28/6/16

Copies to 50^th & 51^st Bdes. For information.

C.R.A. 18 Division

Returned herewith – please see G.O.C.s remarks.

unreadable signature

18 Division

27^th June 1916

“A” Form

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

H.Q. 18^th Div

TB 206 26-6-16

The attached diagrams are forwarded for your information.

They indicate the results of the two Tests of forwarding barrage on line “H” carried out with aeroplane observation.

The 15 barrage batteries fired salvoes of 4 rounds each in succession from the right at 4 minutes intervals.

The attached diagrams were in possession of the aeroplane observer, who marked four dots for the four rounds of each battery and enclosed them in a circle.

On completion of the observation the Pilot flew over Div H.Q. & dropped message containing diagram. The latter was received within 10 minutes of last round being fired, and a tracing forwarded to each Group. – The barrage appears satisfactory.

Could you please return attached diagrams.

18 Div Art.

A.F. Brooke

for B.G. R.A. 18 Div