Kaiser’s note 25 September 1914

(Published with Routine Orders of September 24th 1914)

The following is a copy of Orders issued by the German Emperor on the 19th of August:-

It is my Royal and Imperial command that you concentrate your energies, for the immediate present, upon one single purpose, and that is that you address all your skill and all the valour of my soldiers to exterminate first, the treacherous English, walk over General French’s contemptible little army….

Headquarters
Aix-la-Chapelle, August, 19th.

The results of the order were the operations commencing with Mons and the advance of the seemingly overwhelming masses against us.

The answer of the British Army on the subject of extermination has already been given.

Printing Co., R.E. 69.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS, No 736
By Major-General W. DOUGLAS SMITH C.B.
Commanding 20th (Light) Division
Monday 24th September, 1917.

1. HONOURS AND REWARDS.

Under authority granted by His Majesty the King, the Corps Commander has awarded the MILITARY MEDAL to —
61070 Driver H. BAKER, R.E.
(XIV Corps No 2739, dated 22/9/17)
14840 Sergeant D. GREY King’s (Liverpool Regt.)
25947 Private F. FELTHAM, Somerset L.I.
26005 Private A.W. STEBBINGS, Somerset L.I.
(XIV Corps No 2743/44, dated 23/9/17)
The Corps and Divisional Commanders congratulate the recipients.

2. CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES.

The following telegrams with reference to the operations against EAGLE Trench on Sunday, September 23rd, are published for information —
(i). “20th Div. G.
G.750. 23 —
Well done everybody, a very fine performance of 59th and 60th Bdes and 61st T.M.s and M.G.s; sincere thanks and congratulations for a grand light infantry division. Stick to it. CAVAN
4-56 p.m.”

“14th Corps.
G.B. 657. 23 G.750.
All ranks deeply appreciate kind message from Corps Commander under whom they have had the good fortune to serve so long.
20th Div.”

(ii). “General SMITH, 20th Div.
M.A.5. 23. —
The tenacity gallantry and skill which your Division showed over the operations round EAGLE Trench are very fine. Please accept my congratulations and expressions of admiration to you and all ranks of your gallant Division.
General GOUGH.”

“Fifth Army.
G.B.658. 23 M. A.5.
All ranks deeply appreciate inspiring message from their Army Commander and offer best thanks.
20th Div.”

(iii). “Gen DOUGLAS SMITH, 20th Div.
G.504. 23. —
Many Congratulations to you and your Division on to-days success.
Genl. PLUMER, Second Army.
10-5 p.m.”.

“Second Army
G.B. 666. 24. G.504
All ranks send warm thanks to their former Army Commander for his kind message which they much appreciate.
20th Div.”

3. AUDIT BOARD.
A Board will assemble at “Q” Office, Div H.Q., at 10 a.m., Tuesday, 25th instant, to audit the accounts of the Divisional Institutes:— President.
Major H.P. LLOYD Durham L.I.
One Captain to be detailed by 59th Inf. Bde.
One Captain to be detailed by 60th Inf. Bde.

4. CAMPS AND BILLETS.
C.R.O. No. 446, dated 25th June, is re-published below:-
“1. No huts, tents, camp shelters or billet furniture and fixings are to be removed from the camps or areas to which they have been allotted, unless instructions to the contrary are issued from Corps H.Q. Severe disciplinary action will be taken against all infringements of this order.
2. The tents of Labour Units belong to such Units, and will accompany them when they move.
3. This order is to be repeated in the Routine Orders of all lower Formations and Uuits.”

H. MILLER
Lieut-Colonel,
A.A. & Q.M.G.

NOTICES.

1 No Administrative Orders were published on Sunday, 23/9/17.

2 LOST.
(a). Bay Gelding with black points. Strayed from near DAWSON’S CORNER at 11 a.m. on 22nd September 1917. Markings;– Near fore hoof “7”, off fore hoof “A 92” , near hind hoof “T-RHA”.
(b). Also one set of universal Saddlery. Saddle marked “F.X.” in white paint on webbing under seat. Head bridle marked “F”.
Information to O.C. A/92nd Brigade R.F.A.

3. LOST. (a) Chestnut Gelding, near BRIELEN, on night of 19th September 1917. Description:– Dark Chestnut. Star on forehead. 16 hands. Tattooed on gums. “X2 56” branded near hind quarters. Saddled and bridled, and carrying empty ammunition carriers, horse respirator, and feed.
(b) Chestnut Mare, near BRIELEN, on night 19th September, 1917. Description:– Dark Chestnut. 15 hands. Tattooed on gums. “X2 7” branded on near hind quarters. Saddled and bridled, and carrying horse respirator and feed.
Both belong to 126th Battery R.F.A.

3rd Bde Tanks.

G.A. 217. 21st.

G.O.C. 20th Div. wishes to convey to you and all ranks your command his appreciation and thanks for the very gallant and whole-hearted services rendered to his Div. in late attack which were the main factors in obtaining a great success.

20th Div.
——————-
20th Div.

F.A.50. 21st

The Third Bde Tank Corps appreciate very much your message and hope to have the honour of participating again in the successes of your gallant Division.

3rd Bde. Tank Corps.

———————

3rd Army.

G.B. 540. 25th.

All ranks of this Division wish to express their pleasure at the promotion of the Army Commander to the rank of General.

20th Division.

———————–

G.O.C. 20th Div.

B.12. 25th.

Please express my sincere appreciation of kind message. I remember with pride the gallant part played by the 20th Division in the recent victory.

Gen. Byng.

George Ryan’s letter home dated 24 Sept 1915

On headed notepaper with regimental crest 9th Middlesex Regt.
Dum-dum.
India.
24 Sept 1915

Dear M & F,

Many thanks for your letter of Sep 2 with the piece of heather enclosed. Also for the Sunday Pictorials, which I generally receive sooner or later. The P.O. does have a fine game with newspapers. I had none last week, so I’ve got 2 this week. Another fellow that hasn’t had any for 3 weeks has just got them all together this week.

I suppose I shall get that letter of May’s next week as it will be the 3rd week from when you first mentioned it. What happens all day on Sundays now; out chin-wagging (to use her own expression) I suppose? Many years ago, about Dec 1914 I believe it was, she said she would write every other week, so I was going to write to you one week & to her the next but I reckon you get 4 or 5 to her one. But it’s such a long time ago she said it, perhaps she has forgotten.

I hope you told Mrs Jones I don’t look so smart as I ought in that photograph as my clothes were not done up properly.
Sorry to hear your marmalade is going begging. It wouldn’t if I was at home. I should enjoy some now, after the stuff we get here. (C & B’s in 1 lb tins – 7d).

Its very late now but I’ll wish Dad many happy returns of Oct 1. I meant to have done so a fortnight ago, but it slipped my memory when I was writing.
I was going to try & get your silk this week but I am at Cossipore, so will see if I can get it next week. I shall get it up at Calcutta as I don’t think it’s up to much what they sell at our Bazaar.

I’m practically clear of Prickly Heat at present but there’s something here at Cossipore that makes you itch, I don’t know what it is. It’s a good thing we get extra grub here as there’s nowhere where we can get anything & we get so jolly hungry. The only thing we like coming here for is the grub. Although we pay 1r/6a (1s/10d) for the week we are really in pocket as we spend more than that in barracks on grub.

We have had some rain down this last week. It’s rather upset our Platoon sports as the ground is half under water. But we’ve had it quite light here compared with other parts of the country. Up in the Lucknow district they are flooded out. Thousands of natives homeless.

Well we’ve heard no more about moving so continue to write to Dum-dum.
Have not heard from Bert again this week. I suppose he’s alright.
Hoping you are all well,
Love to all from,
Yr loving son
George

Gerald Benham’s notes from diaries

23 September 1915 Lent to 3 Army H.Q. Dunmow for special legal work closing
To 29 footpaths etc.

“A” Form
MESSAGES AND SIGNALS

To ADC

Senders Number Day of Month In reply to Number AAA
G.B. 647 23

Following telegram from Corps Commander begins AAA Well done everybody a very fine performance of 59th and 60th Bdes. and 61st Trench Mortars and Machine Guns AAA Sincere thanks and congratulations for a grand Light Infantry Division AAA Stick to it AAA CAVAN AAA Ends AAA Addsd 59 60 and 61 Inf. Bdes. repeated all Divisional troops and units.

From: 20 Div.
Place:
Time:
(sd) F.S.G. PIGGOTT ? Major G.S.
Signature of Addressee.

23 Sept 1917.

SECRET. Copy No 1
22nd September, 1917.
20TH (LIGHT) DIVISION ORDER NO. 211.

Reference Maps: BROEMBEEK 1/10,000 (Edition 2), and
LANGEMARCK 1/10,000 (Edition 2).
1. The minor operation ordered yesterday in Order No. 209 in conjunction with Tanks did not take place owing to the non-arrival of the Tanks.

2. The situation as regards our most advanced troops has not altered, and a detachment of the enemy are still in EAGLE Trench between U.23.b.70.10. and U.23.b.47.43.

3. The Tanks detailed for the attack are now in LANGEMARCK at U.23.c.15.25., and, unless these are disabled during the day by enemy shell fire, the attack will take place, under orders of B.G.C. 59th Inf. Bde. as ordered in Order No. 209 of yesterday except where otherwise stated.
ZERO hour will be 5.30 a.m., and at this hour the Tanks will arrive at the point where EAGLE Trench crosses the SCHREIBOOM – GOED TER VESTEN Road and SCHREIBOOM – RED HOUSE Road.

4. Should the Tanks not be able to operate tomorrow, a bombing attack will be made against EAGLE Trench from the South from about U.23.b.85.00. at 7.0 a.m., and an endeavour made to capture the enemy’s portion of EAGLE Trench in this manner.
The attack will be preceded at 6.57 a.m. by a hurricane bombardment by Stokes Mortars from the direction of a trench about U.23.d.17.98. Arrangements for this have already been made.

5. The B.G.C. 60th Inf. Bde. will place a detachment of not less than 50 at the disposal of B.G.C. 59th Inf. Bde.

6. The Artillery Programme will be similar for either of the above operations, and will be as follows:- Bursts of fire will be directed at intervals on KANGAROO Trench between U.24. central and U.17.d.85.00.
This bombardment will commence this evening at an hour to be notified later, and will continue till 7.30 a.m. tomorrow unless EAGLE Trench has been captured by the action of the Tanks prior to this hour. A smoke barrage will also be placed on a line just South of KANGAROO Trench between U.24.a.77.25. and U.23.b.83.90. at 7 a.m. in the event of failure by theTanks.

7. The B.G.C. 59th Inf. Bde. will detail an officer and 2 other ranks to be at the Road junc. U.23.c.65.69. from 4 a.m. onwards, in order to be in a position to notify the attacking troops prior to 5.30 a.m. whether the Tanks detailed for the attack are likely to arrive.

8. Watches will be synchronized by a Staff Officer of Div. H.Q. at STRAY FARM at 6.30 p.m. to-night.

The Officer Comdg. Tanks, now in LANGEMARCK, will synchronize his watch with that of O.C. 10th R.B. at Bn. H.Q. at U.23.c.70.75.

ACKNOWLEDGE.

J.McN Haskard,
Lieut. Colonel,
General Staff, 20th Division.
Issued to Signals at 4.50 p.m.

Distribution overleaf.

Copies to :-
No. 1. A.D.C. for G.O.C. 13. A.P.M.
2. G.S. 14. D.M.G.O.
3. A.A. & Q.M.G. 15. XIV Corps.
4. Div. R.A. 16. XIV Corps R.A.
5. Div. R.E. 17. XIV Corps H.A.
6. Div. Signals. 18. Guards Div.
7. 59th Inf. Bde. 19. 4th Div.
8. 60th Inf. Bde. 20. 29th Div.
9. 61st Inf. Bde. 21. 51st Div.
10. Div. Pioneers. 22. Right Bombardment Group.
11. Div. M.G. Coy. 23. No. 9 Sqdn. R.F.C.
12. A.D.M.S. 24. 1st Bde. Tanks.
25. War Diary.
26. File.

SECRET Copy No. 1

20TH (LIGHT) DIVISION ORDER No. 210.

22nd September 1917

Reference Maps:- BELGIUM, Sheets 20 S.W., and 28 N.W., 1/20,000.

1. (a). 61st Inf. Bde. will take over the Divisional Front
(i) in the right sub-sector from 60th Inf. Bde., and
(ii) in left sub-sector from 59th Inf. Bde., on night of 23rd/24th September.

(b). Details of relief will be settled direct between Brigadiers concerned.

(c). B.G.C. 61st Inf. Bde will assume Command of the whole Divisional Front at 10.0 a.m. 24th September.

2. (a). 61st Inf. Bde. will hold the front with two Battalions in line; right Battalion H.Q. U.23.d.7.0., left Battalion H.Q. U.23.c.7.7.
One Battalion in Support, H.Q. AU BON GITE.
One Battalion in Reserve (on IRON CROSS line) H.Q. ADELPHI.

(b) Brigade H.Q. will be at STRAY FARM.

3. On completion of relief –
(a). 60th Inf. Bde. will be in Support;
”A” Battalion CANAL BANK.
“B” Battalion HULL’S FARM.
“C” Battalion SARAGOSSA CAMP.
“D” Battalion WOLFE CAMP.

(b) 59th Inf. Bde. will be in Reserve;
”A” Battalion SOULT CAMP.
“B” Battalion LEIPSIG CAMP.
“C” Battalion REDAN CAMP.
“D” Battalion ROUSSEL FARM.

4. Field Coys R.E., and Pioneers, will remain in their present positions, and continue to work under orders of C.R.E.

5. Machine Gun moves and reliefs will take place on night 23rd/24th September as follows, under arrangements to be made direct between Brigadiers and Unit Commanders concerned.

Detailed instructions as regards these reliefs, showing approximate front line Machine Gun positions, have been issued direct to Machine Gun Coys., through Brigades.

(a). 59th M.G. Coy.
(i) Two sections from line (left sub-sector) to Reserve at Coy. H.Q. (VULCAN CROSSING, U.27.c.45.55.)
(ii) Two sections from close Support, and Reserve at Coy H.Q., to Barrage positions E. of STEENBEEK, N.W. of the LANGEMARK – AU BON GITE Road.

(b). 60th M.G. Coy.
(i). Two sections from line (right sub-sector) to Reserve at Coy. H.Q. (GEORGE HOUSE, U.27.d.00.45.).
(ii) Two sections from Reserve at Coy H.Q. to Barrage positions E. of the STEENBEEK, S.E. of the LANGEMARK – AU BON GITE Road. (during afternoon, 23rd September).

(c). 61st M.G. Coy.
From Barrage positions, to “H” Camp, A.9.b.9.1.

(d). 217th M.G. Coy.
(i). One section from Barrage positions, to Reserve at Coy. H.Q. (C.4.a.75.75).
(ii). Three sections from Barrage positions, to the front line, relieving sections of 59th and 60th M.G. Coys.
(iii). On completion of reliefs the Coy will come under orders of B.G.C. 61st Inf. Bde.

ACKNOWLEDGE

Signature unreadable
Major G.S.
for Lieut. Colonel,
Issued to Signals at 4.30 p.m. General Staff, 20th Division.

Copies to:-

No. 1. A.D.C. for G.O.C. 14. D.A.D.V.S.
2. G.S. 15. D.M.G.O.
3. “Q” 16. A.P.M.
4. Divl. R.A. 17. XIVth Corps.
5. Divl. R.E. 18. XIVth Corps R.A.
6. Divl. Signal Coy. 19. XIVth Corps H.A.
7. 59th Inf. Bde. 20. 4th Div.
8. 60th Inf. Bde. 21. Guards Div.
9. 61st Inf. Bde. 22. 29th Div.
10. Divl Pioneers. 23. 51st Div.
11. Divl. M.G. Coy. 24. 9th Sqdn. R.F.C.
12. Divl. Train. 25. War Diary.
13. A.D.M.S. 26. File.

Amendments and Addenda to 29th Divisional Artillery
Instructions No. 18.
——————————–
21st September 1917.

1. In para 3 (b) against 15th Brigade R.H.A. for “B.5.c.31.32” read “ GOUVY FARM”.

2. In para 3 b. – In detail of 15th Brigade R.H.A. positions, line 1 for “A/74” read “B/74”.

3. In para 3 b. In detail of 17th Brigade R.F.A. positions for “C.1.c.55.75. (92nd Bty R.F.A.)” read “C.7.c.92.98.” (92nd Bty R.F.A.)

4. The completion of all reliefs will be notified by wire to this office.

Signature unreadable
Captain R.A.
Brigade Major 29th Divisional Arty.

AMENDMENT No 2 TO 29th D.A. ORDER No. 18. –
dated 21st September 1917.
——————————————-

In para. 7 a., delete first two lines “By night 11th Brigade R.F.A. will keep a liaison officer with Headquarters Left Battalion in the line at U.22.c.07.14.” and substitute:-
“By night 11th Brigade R.F.A. will keep a liaison officer with Headquarters Right Battalion in the line at U.22.c.07.14. and 15th Brigade R.H.A. will keep a liaison officer with Headquarters Left Battalion in the line at WIJDENDRIFT.

Signature unreadable.
Captain R.A.
Brigade Major, 29th Divnl Artillery.
21st Sept. 1917.

Copies to all recipients of 29th D.A. Order No. 18.

SECRET. Copy No. 1

20TH (LIGHT) DIVISION ORDER NO. 209.

21st September 1917.
Reference Maps: BROEMBEEK 1/10,000 (Edition 2)
LANGEMARCK 1/10,000 (Edition 2).

1. The 60th Inf. Bde. last night advanced its line to U.24.d.30.50.-U.24.c.75.75. – U.24.a.55.05. – 35.15. – 25.25. EAGLE Trench, as far North as U.23.b.65.15., is also held by the 60th Inf. Bde. The situation in EAGLE Trench between U.23.b.60.30. and U.23.b.30.60. is still uncertain and aeroplane reports that a detachment of 40 of the enemy are still in EAGLE Trench between U.23.b.47.43. and U.23.b.30.60.
Northwards from the latter point advanced troops of the 59th Inf. Bde. are in the same position as yesterday.

2. Two Tanks will, tomorrow, advance against the enemy still in EAGLE Trench. The line of approach will be through LANGEMARCK Village, U.23. central.
At the road junction U.23.b.42.30. the Tanks will separate, and one will take the road towards GOED TER VESTEN FM. and the other the road towards RED HO.
The Tanks will endeavour to enfilade the trenches entered by the enemy and make them surrender.

3. Zero hour will be 5.30 a.m., and at this hour the Tanks will arrive at the points where EAGLE Trench crosses the SCHREIBOOM – GOED TER VESTEN Road and SCHREIBOOM – RED HOUSE Road.
If the Tanks do not arrive at Zero hour, the operation will be considered cancelled for the day.
The B.G.C. 59th Inf. Bde. will arrange for an infantry detachment consisting of not less than 50 to be formed up in such a position opposite EAGLE TRENCH, between U.23.b.60.25. and U.23.b.30.60. that they may be able to rush the trench and capture the garrison as soon as the Tank dealing with the above trench exhibits a blue and white signalling flag.
This signal will indicate that the enemy wish to surrender of are retiring.
The B.G.C. 60th Inf. Bde. will arrange for a similar detachment to be placed under the orders of B.G.C. 59th Inf. Bde., who will conduct the operations, to deal with any of the enemy who may be in that portion of EAGLE TRENCH between U.23.b.65.15. and U.23.b.50.40.

4. There will be no special Artillery programme.

5. The B.G.C. 59th Inf. Bde. will arrange for three guides, one of whom must be an Officer, to meet the Tanks at AU BON GITE Bridge, U.28.c.84.80. at 4.0 a.m. tomorrow to guide the Tanks through LANGEMARCK Village via U.28.b.85.60. – U.23.c.10.15. – U.23.c.80.77.
Should the Tanks not arrive at the above Bridge by 5.0 a.m., the guides will dismiss.
ACKNOWLEDGE

J. McD Haskard
Lieut. Colonel,
General Staff, 20th Division.
Issued to Signals at 5.20 p.m.
Distribution overleaf.
Copies to –
No 1. A.D.C. for G.O.C.
2. G.S.
3. A. A. & Q.M.G.
4. Div. R.A.
5. Div. R.E..
6. Div. Signals.
7. 59th Inf. Bde.
8. 60th Inf. Bde.
9. 61st Inf. Bde.
10. Div. Pioneers.
11. Div. M.G. Coy.
12. A.D.M.S.
13. A.P.M.
14. D.M.G.O.
15. XIV Corps
16. XIV Corps R.A.
17. XIV Corps. H.A.
18. Guards Div.
19. 4th Div.
20. 51st Div.
21. Right Bombardment Group.
22. No 9 Squadron R.F.C.
23. 1st Brigade “Tanks”.
24. War Diary
25/28. Retained.