ARMY BOOK 152
CORRESPONDENCE BOOK
(FIELD SERVICE)
Opened on Nov. 1st 1916.
Started Intelligence Nov 21st 1916.
Norman Richardson
2nd Lieut S.O.
DECK
SIGNAL SECTION.
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 pm, 22/11/16 till 6 am, 23/11/16
Operations.
Enemy’s Artillery: was inactive during this period. Two 77 mm H.E. fell near YORK ST.
Own Artillery: Fairly active during the night and at intervals in answer to calls for retaliation, from Y.48, Y.49, and Y.50.
Trench Mortars: Enemy trench mortars were extremely active at intervals of ½ hour to 1 hour all night.
Our A Co, (Right Front) received attention between 6 pm & 9 pm.
A large number of L.T.M.s were fired on ‘B’ line. Both Heavy & light were directed on ‘C’ and ‘R’ lines. There were no cases of direct hits except one on ‘C’ line, about 30 yards W of YIDDISH.
Our ‘B’ Co (centre) and our ‘C’ Co (left front) both received attention this morning. The former (Y49) got retaliation at 3.40 am from our artillery.
The enemy sent over here a very large number of H.T.M & L.T.M. bombs at first mostly on ‘C’ line to the right on YOUNG ST but later beginning at the YUSSIF advanced post, working along the wire to YOUNG ST post and then down YOUNG ST towards ‘R’ line and back along the wire in front of ‘R’ line. The top of YOUNG ST was very much damaged.
Machine Guns traversed the parapet during some of the bursts.
Our artillery put over about 60 H.E. as retaliation to a burst of T.M. fire at 4.40 am.
Our ‘C’ Co (Y50) asked for retaliation at 5.20 am.
At 5.15 am. the T.M.s all switched round and seemed to concentrate their fire on the FONQUEVILLERS sector..
INTELLIGENCE.
M.G. Hostile M.G.s were firing intermittently throughout the night.
Trench Mortars: Starlights were sent up with some of the M.T.M.s apparently to hide the track of the fuse as much as possible.
A horn was heard just previous to one of the bursts.
The T.Ms were firing apparently from about the points K.4.c.9.5. and K.3.c.9.5.
PATROL REPORTS (2)
I enclose reports. They are rather scrappy. I’ll try to get things improved. I’m sorry there are no sketches.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
8.0 pm.
2nd Lt. Bradford tells me that T.Ms seemed to be firing from Left corner looking from Mousetrap.
————————-
DECK.
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 AM, till 6 pm, 23/11/16.
OPERATIONS.
Enemy Artillery:
8 am – 10 am: Very quiet & trench mortars silent.
10 am – 12 noon: Enemy trench mortars were fairly active. Also the Artillery, with whizz bangs and a few heavy shells on HEBUTERNE.
12 – 2 pm: Occasional whizz bangs on front line and heavy shells on left of our sector & behind.
2 pm – 5 pm: Bombardment on right starting about 3.30. also a few shells in HEBUTERNE.
Enemy M.G.s: A little activity about 4.30 pm.
INTELLIGENCE.
Enemy Movement.
10.15 am Small party seen at K.4.d.4.8.
Small parties & single men seen frequently using road from Cemetery GOMMECOURT past NAMELESS FARM.
Enemy Work:
7.15 am: Working party seen in enemy front line trench at K.3.d.6.7. carrying planks of wood.
8.30 am – 9.15 am: Small working party digging & driving in stakes at K.4.c.9.4. – This was reported to R.F.A. who attended to the matter with H.Es & S. – Party ceased work.
11.0 am: Working party carrying sand bags from K.6.c.8.3. to K.6.c.6.5.
12.30 pm: Men seen walking on top of trench from K.5.a.7.2. apparently gathering wire or sticks.
Enemy Aircraft:
8.30 am } Two planes approached
9.45 am} our lines & then retired.
10.0 am Enemy aeroplane over our lines.
10.15 am “ “ “ “ “
10.45 am “ “ “ “ “
11.50 am “ “ “ “ “
2.0 pm “ “ “ “ “
Sniping:
We are working on our two posts. Sniping on both sides inactive.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
5.0 pm.

ARMY BOOK 152
CORRESPONDENCE BOOK
(FIELD SERVICE)
Opened on Nov. 1st 1916.
Started Intelligence Nov 21st 1916.
Norman Richardson
2nd Lieut S.O.
DECK
SIGNAL SECTION.
2/11/16
HEADQUARTERS RUNNERS
No Name Rank Co Date of Enlistment Age Employment Religion Remarks
1176 Pallister T.R.
Thomas Russel Lcpl B 6/1/15 25 Painter & Decorator C.E.
1152 Taylor W.
William Pte B
159 J.H. Southern
Joseph Harle “ A
1275 W.E. Laidler
William Edward “ D Number 95368
485 J.F. Davidson “ C
211 J.E. Yorke “ A
581 G.H. Robinson “ C
782 G.H. Jacob “ D
70 C.H. Goldsmith “ A
286 G.R. Harrison “ B Taken on Orderly Room

SPARE RUNNERS.
No Name Rank Co Date of Enlistment Age Employment Religion Remarks
9721

592 Johnson W.
Wilfred Allen
Purvis W.
William Pte

Pte A

A

PIGEON MEN.
No Name Rank Co Date of Enlistment Age Employment Religion Remarks Name sent in to Brigade
565 Norman R.C.
Robert Clarke Pte. H.Q. Trained X
577 Parlett G.
George Pte H.Q.

21155 Smith J.
James Pte A X
952 Moon J.W.
John William Pte A

20759 Newton J.B.
John Bould Pte B X
18265 Perry W.
William Pte B

18 Cox H.H.
Henry Henderson Pte C Prefix 20/
8341 Downey G. Pte C X

1308 Colwell M.
Mark Pte D X
602 Salkeld G
Gerald Pte D

Total 10

ARMY BOOK 152
CORRESPONDENCE BOOK
(FIELD SERVICE)
Opened on Nov. 1st 1916.
Started Intelligence Nov 21st 1916.
Norman Richardson
2nd Lieut S.O.
DECK
SIGNAL SECTION.
Nov 1st 1916
HEADQUARTERS
SIGNALLERS
No Co Name Rank Date of enlistment Age Employment Religion Remarks
812 D Mowbray W.
William Sgt. 10/9/14 33 Joiner & Builder C.E. Assistant Instr Cert. 1905. (Acting CQMS & Instructor in Sigs. 13 yrs in R.G.A. School of Gunnery 1910
828 D Picken R.
Richard Nelson Sgt 21/8/14 25 Engineer C.E. 1 Relation (General) Tynemouth Signals
2 ****(aeroplane) 3 Ripon (Telephone)
4. 5 yr in Territorials
167 A Stokes A.E. Lcpl Assistant Inst Cert
444 C Beadham J.
James Lcpl 12/10/14 41 Miner C.E. 1 13yrs 2nd D.R.G.A. (Semaphore)
2 General (Fovant)
3 Merrieres (3 weeks) Visual
50 A Ellison R. Lcpl 26/9/14 22 Clothier P.M. Assistant Inst Cert 1 Aeroplane Course
A Hutton Lcpl Booking Clerk C.E.
490 C Forster
Robert Lcpl 17/9/14 29 Bank Clerk Presb 1 Responsible
1 Aeroplane C.
99 A Kitching G. Pte 3/9/14 28 N.E. Clerk Wes Final Cert Telegraphy. N.E.R. Oct 1912. The Funny Man.
C Keen G.
George Pte 17/9/14 23 Jewellers Assistant C.E. Started Feb 8 1915
D Linten Pte 26/9/14 28 Gardiner C.E. Started 1915
D Skilbeck
George Pte 5/10/14 27 Sawyer C.E. “ 8 Feb 15
333 B Newcombe
Fred Pte 18/9/14 27 Schoolmaster C.E. “ June 1915
B Gibson
B Brown In hospital
C Carter
B Rutherford
C Garbett On Bde.

1/11/16
A. COMPANY SIGNALLERS
NO NAME Rank Date of Enlistment Age Employment Religion Remarks
207 Watson J.S.
John Stacey Lcpl 21/9/14 21 Dentist C.E. Started June 1915
109 Moses R.
Robert Lcpl 23/9/14 24 Traveller C.E. Started Aug 1915
94 Harrison Pte 28/9/14 21 Male Learner C.E. “ June 1915 Visual (3 weeks) General course Merrieres
202 Wise
Sydney “ 8/10/14 25 Window Dresser C.E. “ Sept 1915
172 Swailes
William James “ 14/10/14 33 Miner C.E. “ June 1916
1655 Thorpe
Frederick Bertram “ 6/7/15 21 Clerk C.E. “ 6/9/15 G[1st Class Sig Cert at Richmond
1925 Wragg
George Alfred “ 5/8/15 23 Attendant C.E. “ 6/9/15 Do
1733 Bullamore
JohnAlfred “ 3/8/15 24 Window Dresser C.E. “ 6/9/15 Do
1766 Robson “ 14/8/15 21 Rivet Maker R.C. “ 27/12/15

B. COMPANY SIGNALLERS
NO NAME Rank Date of Enlistment Age Employment Religion Remarks
237 Coltman T.J. Lcpl 19/9/14 23 Colliery Pay Clerk C.E Started Nov 1914
297 Johnson H.V.
Hervey Vincent Pte 21/9/14 26 Clerk C.E “ June 1915
283 Hall W.
Walter Pte 18/9/14 23 Reporter C.E “ June 1915
1617 Cooper F.
Henry Frederick Pte 15/6/15 27 Clerk C.E “ 6/9/16 1st Class Sig Cert Richmond
287 Hope R.P. Pte 26/9/14 25 Teacher C.E “ 12/7/16
1775 Jackson J.
John Pte 16/8/15 21 Clerk C.E “ 13/7/16 Shorthand & Bookkeeping
404 Walker H
Clarence Harcourt Pte 22/9/14 22 Clerk P.M. “ 15/7/16 Semaphore (Arty 1910)
419 Wilkinson W
William Pte 21/9/14 22 Clerk Wes “ 21/10/16 Typing
Pennington Pte

C. COMPANY SIGNALLERS
NO ENTRIES IN THIS AREA

D. COMPANY SIGNALLERS
1200 Knaggs T.A.
Thomas Lcpl 8/1/15 23 Clerk Wes Started June 1915
690 Cornforth W.
Walter Pte
1281 Ramsay D
1279 Martin R.
Rickham Correct No 1277
270 Lamb R.
1767 Scott J.
John
1437 Illingworth
L
Arthur Leslie.
1582 Shipley B.F.
Bertram Frederick Pte 30/5/15 23 Clerk
1495 Cooper
Frank Toogood Pte 5/5/15 20 Architects Assistant

Sig N.C.O.
Lcpl Stokes: Nov 1st paid Lcpl
March recommended for Cpl.
G.O. No Inst. but preferred to remain in sigs, Telegraphist, Assistant Instructor 19th June .

Lcpl Ellison: Sept 16th 1915 got his stripe – paid – 10 days after refused promotion to get into Sigs G.I. Head.

Lcpl Hutton. Unpaid Lcpl 22nd Nov 1915 M
Lcpl Foster. Unpaid Lcpl 22nd Nov

Lcpl Beddam. 14th paid Lcpl.

Cheshires had 2 Sgt in Ft.

G.O.C.
APPENDIX “A”
NARRATIVE OF OPERATIONS

20TH (LIGHT) DIVISION – 20TH NOVEMBER 1917

1. ORDER OF BATTLE.
Divisional Commander Major General W. Douglas Smith C.B.
B.G.C. 59th Inf Bde. Br. Genl H.H.G. Hyslop, D.S.O.
B.G.C. 60th Inf. Bde. Br. Genl F.J. Duncan, C.M.G., D.S.O.
B.G.C. 61st Inf. Bde. Br Genl. W.E. Banbury, C.M.G.

59th Inf. (10th K.R.R.C. A/Lt. Col. A.C. Sheepshanks, D.S.O.
Bde. (11th K.R.R.C. Lt. Col. G.K. Priaulx, D.S.O.
(10th R.B. Lt. Col. L.H.W. Troughton, M.C.
(11th R.B. Lt. Col. A.E. Cotton, D.S.O.

60th Inf. (6th Oxf & Bucks L.I. Lt. Col. C.R.C. Boyle.
Bde. (6th K.S.L.I. A/Lt. Col H.E. Welch.
(12th K.R.R.C. A/Lt. Col G. Moore, D.S.O.
(12th R.B. Lt. Col H.L. Riley, D.S.O.

61st Inf. (12th King’s (L’pool) Lt. Col. A.N. Vince, D.S.O.
Bde. (7th Som. L.I. Lt. Col C.J. Troyte Bullock, D.S.O.
( 7th D.C.L.I. Lt. Col H.G.R. Burges-Short.
(7th K.O.Y.L.I. Major L.P. Storr.

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

R.E. Units 83rd Field Coy. Major I.W. Massie, M.C.
84th Field Coy. Major P.G. Norman, M.C.
96th Field Coy. Major P.F. Story, D.S.O.

2. DISPOSITIONS OF TROOPS AT ZERO.
Map “A” is attached shewing dispositions of troops at Zero, which were as follows:-
(a) 60th Inf. Bde.
Front Line. 12th K.R.R.C. – from Rly. In R.8.c. to R.14.b.7.7.
Front Line. 6th Oxf. & Bucks L.I. – from R.14.b.7.7. to R.14.d.9.7.
Support. 12th R.B. – about R.14.a.8.7.
Support. 6th 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.

(b) 61st Inf. Bde.
Front Line. 7th D.C.L.I. – from R.14.d.9.7. to R.20.b.65.35.
Front Line. 7th Som. L.I. – from R.20.b.65.35. to R.21.c.4.6.
Support. 12th R.B. – about R.20.a.
Support. 12th King’s (L’pool). – about R.20.d.3.5.
This Brigade attacked in 3 waves as follows:-
(i) 2 Coys of 7th 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 7th D.C.L.I. and 2 Coys. of the 12th 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 7th K.O.Y.L.I. and the remaining 2 Coys of the 12th King’s (L’pool) were to take the BROWN Line from L.34.b.2.5. to R.5.d.2.9.

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

3. OBJECTIVES.
Map “A” attached shows the objectives:-
BLUE Line. 1st Objective.
BROWN Line. 2nd Objective.
RED Line The Defensive Flank to be taken up by 59th Inf. Bde. in touch with 12th Div. on right flank to the South, and in touch with 29th Div. on the left flank to the North.
The final position actually reached by 9 p.m. is as shewn on attached map “B”.

4. PLAN OF ATTACK.
(a) (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 20th Div. was allotted 60 Tanks, and these were distributed to Brigades as follows:-
Right assaulting Bde. (61st Inf. Bde.) 1 Bn. – 36 Tanks.
Left assaulting Bde. (60th Inf. Bde.) 2 Coys – 24 Tanks.
(iii) The 59th 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 29th 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 29th 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 29th Div. the 59th Inf. Bde. was allotted 10 Tanks for this operation to be taken from the original 36 allotted to the 61st Inf. Bde., which were to be at the disposal of the B.G.C. 59th Inf. Bde. as soon as the BROWN Line (2nd 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.

5. 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 59th 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, 1st Objective, about 9.30 a.m., then the BROWN Line about 12 noon. The 59th Inf. Bde. took up their position forming a defensive flank while the 29th Div. moved on MASNIERES and MARCOING, the bridges across the Canal at and W. of MASNIERES having been seized by the 59th Inf. Bde.

At 4.15 p.m. the situation was reported to be as follows:-
20th Div. in the BROWN Line with a defensive flank thrown out in M.2., the 12th Div. on the right held the BROWN Line including LATEAU WOOD, and were continuing the defensive flank to M.8.a., the 6th Div. held BROWN Line and PREMY CHAPEL Ridge, and were in touch on left with 51st Div. in BROWN Line near Corps Boundary. The 29th Div. held NINE WOOD with troops across Canal at L.33.a.0.8., while the 88th Inf. Bde. (29th Div.) were working through MASNIERES in co-operation with 59th 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 20th was as shewn on the attached map marked “B”.

At 10.20 p.m. on the night of the 20th, 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 29th Div in CREVECOEUR. 12 Tanks from 3rd Bde. Tank Corps were placed at the disposal of 20th Div. for this purpose.

The 59th Inf. Bde. were detailed for this operation, and Zero hour was fixed in conjunction with the 29th Div for 11 a.m. The 12 Tanks were to assemble in G.33.c. The attack by the 29th Div. was, however, cancelled, and the 59th 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 21st the situation was as follows:-

11th K.R.R.C. consolidating about REVELON CHATEAU and guarding the bridges from the W bank of the Canal; 11th 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 10th 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.

6. (a). GENERAL RESULT.
The general result of the operations of the 20th and 21st 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 9th Res. Div. and 54th Div.

(c). CASUALTIES.
Our casualties during the attack itself were slight; the total casualties up to 12 mn. The 20th/21st 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”.

10th 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

SECRET. Copy No. 1

20TH (LIGHT) DIVISION ORDER NO. 218
—————————————————————–
18th November 1917.
Ref. Map: 1/20,000, Sheets 57.c. S.E. & N.E.,
57 B. S.W. & N.W.
1. The 20th Div., in conjunction with other Divisions, as already notified in Instructions No. 1, will, on a date and at an hour to be communicated later, attack the enemy on our front.
Subsidiary attacks and feints are being carried out along the remainder of the Army Front.

2. The 12th Div. will be on the right, and the 6th Div. on the left of the 20th Div.
The 29th Div. will be in Corps Reserve, and will pass through the 20th and 6th Divns. In order to capture the heights S.W. of RUMILLY, NINE WOOD, PREMY CHAPEL.
The objectives and boundaries of the Div. are shown on the map issued with Instructions No. 1.

3. The attack will be carried out under the protection of waves of Tanks, as already detailed in Instructions No. 1 and amendments thereto.
The attack will also be supported by
(a) Standing Artillery and Smoke barrages which will open on the enemy’s front line and lift from trench to trench as the advance progresses (see Artillery barrage map issued on the 15th instant).
(b) Back and flank barrages of smoke and heavy artillery.
(c) Machine-gun barrages.
The first wave of Tanks will advance from their assembly positions 1,000 yards distance from the enemy’s front line at Zero minus 10 minutes, followed by infantry; succeeding waves are timed to advance so that they may reach their objectives without checking on intermediate objectives.
The Artillery and Machine-gun barrages will open at ZERO.
The final protective barrage beyond the second objective (BROWN line), will lift at times varying from Zero plus 210 minutes, to ZERO plus 240 minutes, to enable the Tanks to push on ands exploit the success.

4. After the capture of the BROWN Line, the Tanks will immediately exploit any success obtained as follows:-
(a) The Tanks from a Coy of ‘A’ Bn. allotted to the 60th Inf. Bde. will advance immediately to the Canal and seize the Lock and bridges at L.24.c.8.5., L.24.c.5.3., L.23.d.9.3., and L.23.d.25.05., and clear the area adjacent to the Canal Bank from G.25.b. (exclusive) to the RIBECOURT – MARCOING Railway line (exclusive).
(b) The Tanks from a Coy. allotted to the 12th Div. will proceed immediately from BONAVIS to MASNIERES, seize the bridges at G.27.a.2.0., G.26.b.4.4. and G.26.a.8.7., and form bridgeheads there.
(c) The above Tanks will maintain their positions on their objectives until relieved by the 29th Div., or in the case of (a), until the 29th Div. has passed through.
(d) Simultaneously with the action to be taken in (a), the 59th Inf. Bde. will advance and form a defensive flank from about M.2.d.9.7. to the road junction at G.26.b.3.0., obtaining touch at the first named point with the 12th Div.: and supporting, until relieved by the 29th Div., at the latter point, certain Tanks which are being pushed forward from BONAVIS to form a bridgehead about MASNIERES.
To assist the 59th Inf. Bde. in forming this defensive flank, the Tanks of one Coy. of ‘I’ Bn., hitherto covering the advance of the 61st Inf. Bde., will be attached to the 59th Inf. Bde. These Tanks will advance and clear the BONAVIS – CREVECOEUR ridge, supported on the right by the 12th Div. and in the centre and on the left by 2 Troops of the III Corps Cavalry, 1/1 Northumberland Yeomanry.
(e) The 2 Troops of Corps Cavalry above mentioned will rendezvous at Zero hour on the open ground immediately E. of FOX HILL (R.19.d.), at which hour they will come under the orders of the B.G.C. 59th Inf. Bde.
The role of the 2 Troops Corps Cavalry will be to establish posts along the BONAVIS – CREVECOEUR spur so as to deny it to the enemy, and to prevent his observation from this spur of the passage of the 29th Div. and Cavalry across the Canal at MASNIERES.
The Cavalry will be closely supported with strong detachments of infantry by the B.G.C. 59th Inf. Bde. It is intended eventually, when the Cavalry has pushed through, to establish a front facing E. along the line BONAVIS – CREVECOEUR – LA BELLE ETOILE.
(f) The 59th Inf. Bde. will support the Tanks mentioned in (a) with strong patrols followed by a company. These patrols will obtain touch with the 6th Div. at L.22.d.3.5.

5. Instructions for consolidation and for liaison posts on the flanks with neighbouring Divisions have been already issued.

6. After the capture of the heights above MASNIERES and MARCOING by the 29th Div., the 5th and 2nd Cavalry Divisions cross the Canal at the above two villages, and operate in a North-easterly direction.
7. A contact aeroplane will fly over the Corps front at
Zero plus 45 minutes,
Zero plus 2 hrs. 15 mins.,
Zero plus 3 hrs.,
Zero plus 3 hrs 30 mins.,
and subsequently as ordered.

8. Watches will be synchronised by a Staff Officer from Div. H.Q. at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Y day at the H.Q of the 61st Inf. Bde. Representatives of the 60th and 59th Inf. Bdes. will be present. Tank Bn. Commanders will synchronize their watches at the Bde. H.Q. to which they are being attached.

9. Divl. H.Q. will be at W.9.d.7.3. If operations are successful, the first move of the Divl. H.Q. will be to VILLERS PLOUICH, R.13.d.8.6., taking over the 60th Inf. Bde. H.Q.

10. All other details connected with the operations have already been issued in Instructions 1 to 6. (Instructions No. 7 is being issued to Inf. Brigadiers and B.G., R.A. only)

ACKNOWLEDGE

J.McJ Haskard
Lieut. Colonel,
General Staff, 20th Division.
Issued to Signals at 7 a.m.

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. Signal Coy.
10. Div. Pioneers.
11. A.D.M.S.
12.)
13.) 3rd Bde. Tank Corps.
14.)
15. III Corps.
16. G.O.C., R.A. III Corps.
17. 6th Div.
18. 12th Div.
19. 29th Div.
20. 59th Sqdn. R.F.C.
21. A.P.M.
22. D.M.G.O.
23. Div. M.G. Coy.
24. III Corps Cavalry.
25. Lieut. The Hon. C.F.N. Ramsay, 1/1 Northumberland Fus.
26. War Diary.
27. File,
.

On headed notepaper of
Government Controlled Establishment.
The Parsons Motor Co., Ltd.
Oil & Petrol Engine Builders
13th Nov 1918
PES/R
Mr. P. Lister,
12, Brittania Road,
Northam,
Southampton. (By hand.)
Dear Sir,
ABSENCE FROM EMPLOYMENT.
We are rather surprised to note your continued absence from the important work in progress here, and have to say that the Armistice signed by Germany does not decrease the importance of the work upon which you are engaged.
It is essential that you take up your duties without further delay.
Yours faithfully
THE PARSONS MOTOR CO: LTD: Initialled PES

SECRET.
Copy No. 1
20th Div. No. G.32.

20TH (LIGHT) DIVISION OPERATIONS
INSTRUCTIONS NO. 4.
(MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS).

LOCATION OF MEDICAL UNITS. 1. A Prior to Zero.
(1) Battle Aid Posts. Left R.20.a.2.9. (XVI RAVINE) Right R.25.d.4.9.
(2) Relay Posts. (1) R.25.a.8.4. (HOTEL CECIL)
(2) R.19.d.3.7. (near XV RAVINE).
(3) A.D.S. GOUZEAUCOURT, Q.36.d.6.9.
(4) Div. Walking Wounded Collecting Station GOUZEAUCOURT BATHS, Q.36.b.1.4.
(5) H.Q. 60th F.A. (O.C. Bearers) & Bearer Camp, FINS V.12.c.8.8.
(6) Corps Main Dressing Station V.18.c.0.7. FINS – NURLU Road.
(7) Corps Walking Wounded Collecting Station V.18.c.0.7. – FINS – NURLU Road.
(8) Corps Sick Collecting Station. V.18.c.0.7. FINS – NURLU Road.
(9) C.C.S’s. (1) YTRES Group.
(2) TINCOURT Group.

B. At Zero.
(a). An Advanced Battle Aid Post (Right) at R.20.d.7.4. will be taken into use by the right (61st) Bde. The QUARRY (R.25.d.4.9.) will continue to be used for the Reserve Battalion of the 59th Bde. until this is ordered up by B.G.C. 59th Inf. Bde.

(b). A Forward A.D.S. (left) will be established at original left battle aid post R.20.a.2.9. (XVI RAVINE).

(c). An Advanced Battle Aid Post (left) will be established at R.14.a.8.9. (SURREY RAVINE) – destined eventually to become one of the chain of F.A. Relay Posts.

(d). A Forward A.D.S. (right) will similarly be established later at the Advanced Battle Aid Post, R.20.d.7.4.

POSITION OF MEDICAL OFFICERS. 2.

On account of the more open nature of the operations, it has not been feasible to make arrangements for any but the initial positions of Regimental Medical Officers. It has been tentatively arranged that these will be as follows at Zero.
(a). Advanced Left Battle Aid Post. R.14.a.8.9. (SURREY RAVINE). One or more M.O’s of 60th Bde.

(b). Original Left Battle Aid Post. R.20.a.2.9. (XVI RAVINE) One M.O. of 60th Bde. in Reserve until ordered up.

(c). Advanced Right Battle Aid Post. R.20.d.7.4.
(i). One or more M.O’s of 61st Bde.
(ii) One M.O. 61st Bde. remaining here in Reserve until ordered up.

(d). Original Right Battle Aid Post. (QUARRY) R.25.d.4.9.
One M.O. of 59th Bde remaining in Reserve until ordered up.

With the exception of the M.O. of each Bde. whom the B.G’s C. desire to keep in Reserve at first, all R.M.O’s will be prepared to establish R.A.P’s as situation demands.

The Line R.10. central – R.5. central is suggested as possibly suitable as a route of evacuation of wounded, while it may be found convenient to establish posts at the two points mentioned.

Should a considerable advance take place the chain of Field Ambulance posts will be pushed up by the establishment of Relay and Bearer Reserve Posts as may be necessary. The successful accomplishment of this will be largely dependant on the regularity and promptness with which the O.C. Bearers at A.D.S. GOUZEAUCOURT, is kept informed of all changes of position. The paramount importance of the above, as also of maintaining touch with posts left behind, cannot be too strongly emphasised.

EVACUATION. 3.

Cases will be conveyed as usual by Regimental Stretcher Bearers as far back as R.A.P’s, where they will be taken over by the Field Ambulance bearers who have been placed under the orders of the R.M.O. at these posts. (8 bearers to each R.A.P. of 60th and 61st Bdes., 16 in the case of 59th. These bearers will be rationed by the Battalions).

Cases will be conveyed by Relays to the Forward A.D.S’s and back to A.D.S. GOUZEAUCOURT. Wheeled stretchers will be used as much as possible for conveyance of cases back to Ambulance Car Loading Posts, which will be pushed up as far forward as possible as soon as the situation permits.

A Trolley line is being repared, and will be used as soon as the Advanced Battle Aid Post at R.20.d.7.4.4. is taken into use. By means of 4 trolley cars (capable of holding 4 lying cases each) cases will be conveyed to a Relay Post which is being constructed in the Railway Cutting at R.19.d.3.7., whence they will follow the ordinary route of evacuation to GOUZEAUCOURT.

From the A.D.S. GOUZEAUCOURT evacuation will be as follows:-

A. Lying & Sitting cases.

(i). by DECAUVILLE. A service has been arranged for lying and sitting cases by special ambulance trains conveying –
(a) Direct admissions straight through to C.C.S. at YTRES. (As many as possible).
(b) All other cases to FINS detraining point, whence a ferry service of horse ambulances will convey them to the Corps M.D.S.
(ii). Failing the Decauville by Motor Ambulance Cars direct from A.D.S. GOUZEAUCOURT, to C.C.S. at YTRES.

B. Walking Wounded.
Walking wounded will be directed to Div. W.W.C. Station established in the GOUZEAUCOURT BATHS. From here they will be conveyed by charabancs and possibly by Decauville (empty ammunition trains) to FINS, and thence to the Corps W.W. Station which has been established next to the Corps M.D.S.

From the Corps W.W. Station evacuation will be by Decauville to C.C.S’s at TINCOURT. Failing the latter a ferry service of busses will be used.

DIVISIONAL STRETCHER COY. 4.

The Divisional Stretcher Coy. has been re-organised and instructed, and will be utilised, if required, to assist in the work of clearing the battlefield. They will be controlled by O.C. Collecting F.A. (60th ) at A.D.S. (GOUZEAUCOURT) – with the exception of the section drawn from and attached to 59th Bde., which will come under orders of B.G.C. 59th Bde. at Zero, and will be rationed by the 59th Bde.

Calls for the services of the Divl Stretcher Coy. (with the exception of the 59th Bde. Section above mentioned), will be addressed to O.C. Collecting F.A., GOUZEAUCOURT A.D.S., direct.

CORPS SICK COLLECTING STATION. 5.

A Corps Sick Collecting Station has been established next to the C.M.D.S. and C.W.W.C.S. on the FINS – NURLU Road, and will deal with ALL sick, both from the forward and surrounding areas. Cases will be conveyed by charabancs or busses to the C.R.S. at MOISLAINS.

DUMPS. 6.

Dumps of Stretchers, Blankets, extra Dressings etc will be formed at Relay Posts as early as possible.

ACKNOWLEDGE.

J. McD Haskard
Lieut. Colonel,
General Staff, 20th Division.
15th Nov., 1917.

Distribution overleaf.

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. Divl. Signals.
10. Divl. Pioneers.
11. Divl. M.G. Coy.
12. }
13. }
14. }
15. } A.D.M.S.
16. }
17. }
18. }
19. D.M.G.O.
20. A.P.M.
21. III Corps.
22. War Diary.
23. File.

Field Service Post Card to Dick-Cunyngham’s wife dated 14 Nov 1916

I am quite well

I have been admitted to hospital sick wounded and am going on well.

I am being sent down to the base.

I have received your letter dated telegram parcel

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you lately for a long time.

Signature only: J.K. Dick Cunyngham

Date Nov 14.

Addressed to Mrs J. Dick Cunyngham, 28 Coleherne Court, South Kensington. London S.W. Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE D? dated 15 NV 16

George Ryan’s letter home dated 14 Nov 1914
S.S. “Dilwara”
Nearing Port Said
14 Nov 1913[4]

Dear Mother & F,

We left Gibraltar last Sunday at mid-day. We seemed to have been there quite a long while. It’s a nice place, I would not have minded staying there; but I was glad to leave it as we had got a long way farther to go & the sooner we get off this boat the better I shall like it. Of course we all get jolly hungry but each mess-table is only allowed a certain amount. The food is practically the same as we should get on land; bread & butter for breakfast & tea, &fresh meat & potatoes for dinner. We could generally eat double what we get. But of course we can’t get anything extra. The canteen’s jolly short of stuff; no mixed biscuits & what biscuits they have got they charge 1d for it. Oranges they bought at 3 or 4 a penny in Gib they charge 1d each. 2/- for a 2 lb tin of marmalade etc, etc. but we will soon be there now I hope, then we shall be able to make up for lost time. By all accounts we shall live alright in barracks.

We’ve had quite a smooth journey since we left Gib. The first day the sea was like a lake, but it’s not been more than choppy since. There was a thunderstorm all Thurs night; we couldn’t hear much thunder but there were flashes of lightning every half minute. It’s the rainy season along here, so the weather has not been so very grand. It doesn’t give you much warning when it does start; it’s more like a cloud burst. When we were in the harbour at Gib. we could hardly see the rock when it was raining, it was all misty.

We reckon to reach Port Said early to-morrow morning, I don’t know if we shall catch the other boats up there, they didn’t wait for us at Gib, we’ve come all the way from there by ourselves, no escort at all & we are not fitted with wireless. But we’ve met no Germans or Turks so far so I don’t suppose we shall now.

We shall not stop more than a few hours I think at Port Said, that is if the canal is clear. Then it’s 4 or 5 days journey through the Red Sea to Aden. We shall stop there 3 or 4 days as the other battalion on board is staying there. I don’t know whether we shall pick up some more in their place; I hope we don’t; we shall have a little more breathing room then. Then it’s about another 5 days journey to Bombay (or Karachi).

I’ve had the first dose of inoculation & got over it alright. There’s nothing much in it as long as you keep quiet for 24 hrs after you’ve been done.

Hope you are all quite well.
Write as much as you like
Love to all,
Yr affectn son
George

Excuse the scribble as the pencil is so small.

Dick-Cunyngham letter to wife dated 12 Nov 1916.

Letter written on Government embossed notepaper.

Saturday
My own darling one,

I’m just off to write to catch mail as I know I shan’t have time tonight. Isn’t it splendid getting back to a ‘Jock’ Divn & in H.G’s Army. I expect I shall find some old friends there.

My nose is perfectly all right, after a drive in an open car last evening – it was fairly cold motoring up.

They are all very kind & sorry I am going. I hate parting with old friends but am lucky in getting such a good Div.

All my love darling & god bless & keep you well

Ever your devoted Hubby
Jimmie

With envelope addressed to Mrs J. Dick Cunyngham, 28 Coleherne Court, South Kensington. London S.W. Endorsed On Active Service. Signed Dick Cunyngham. Passed by Censor No 21 cachet. Postmarked FIELD POST OFFICE unreadable dated 12 NV 16