SECRET.                                                                                            Copy No. —-

25^th Feby 1917

20^TH (LIGHT) DIVISION OPERATIONS.

INSTRUCTINS NO. 15.

The action of the Artillery on Zero Day will be as follows:-

1. (a) Vigorous counter-battery work by specially detailed Groups of Heavy and Siege Artillery.

(b) Bombardment of selected points.

(c) Barrages.

As regards (a) and (b), their action requires no explanation, but as regards   Barrages all ranks must be fully cognisant of the methods which will be   employed.

1. CREEPING BARRAGE.

This will operate according to the Barrage Map Attached.  Should our troops have pushed forward at such a distance beyond the STEENBEEK as to render it unsafe to open on first barrage line, then this will be omitted, and the barrage will open on the second line, remaining on this line until Zero plus 10 minutes.

Any line on which the barrage “piles up” so as to conform to its shape is called the “Piling up Line”.

The BROWN Line as shown on map, 200 yards from, and parallel to, each objective, are called the “Protective Barrage Lines”, as these are the lines on which the creeping barrage remains during the consolidation of the objective.

1. Before the lifting of a “Protective Barrage”, the rate of fire increases from half a round per gun per minute to three rounds per gun per minute for 5 minutes immediately prior to the lift.       This would be an indication to the Infantry that it is time to advance close to the barrage for the next forward bound.

1. STANDING BARRAGE.

The role of the Standing Barrage is to engage more definite objectives        than the Creeping Barrage, and to catch any of the enemy that may be retiring.       This barrage moves on in front of the Creeping Barrage from target to target,     and is never overtaken by it.  In this case it consists of five 18-pounder       batteries and probably two 4.5 How, batteries.  Certain 4.5 Hows. will be      employed to block the roads by advancing along them 200 yards in front of the      first wave.

The 18-pounder Standing Barrage will search 150yards in front and in rear of        the RED Line, whilst the Infantry occupy the GREEN Line.

1. BACK BARRAGE.

This consists of two 6” Howitzer batteries and probably two 4.5 How.        batteries.  These guns search the area from 300 yards to 1,200 yards in front of     the advancing Infantry to keep down enemy long-range machine gun fire.

1. SMOKE BARRAGE.

Should the wind be favourable, the Artillery has been ordered to form the following smoke screens:-

1. Along the GREEN Line at Zero plus 40 minutes to Zero plus 50 minutes. In this barrage no smoke will be fired South of LANGEMARK-WHITE HOUSE Road.
2. From Zero plus 1 hour and 30 minutes to Zero plus 1 hour and 50 minutes, on the RED Line from the Right Divisional Boundary to a point outside the Left Divl. Boundary.
3.       The smoke barrage on the GREEN Line is to cover the consolidation of the            BLUE Line, and on the RED Line to cover the consolidation of the GREEN      Line.

1. In the event of our Infantry being seriously held up in the advance, the creeping barrage will be stopped in order to recommence under orders of the Divisional Commander.

Every 18 Pdr. creeping barrage which is stopped and brought back will       invariably fire 4 rounds per gun per minute for the four minutes immediately       prior to the recommencement of the creep forward.  This will give the Infantry   the necessary warning that the advance is to be resumed.

When the barrage starts again after being brought back there will be no fire            within 100 yards of the flank of any Infantry who have got forward.

1. Troops detailed for any particular objective are not to be engaged in the capture of a previous objective without orders from Divisional Headquarters.

The B.G.C. concerned can, however, order up, on his own responsibility, one         Company (but not more) to reinforce any line held up, but this will only be done in case of urgent necessity.

ACKNOWLEDGE.

1. McD Haskard

Lieut. Colonel,

General Staff, 20^th Division.

11^th Aug 1917.

Issued to Signals at

Copies to –

No 1. 59^th Inf Bde.                           14. XIV Corps.

1. 60^th Inf. Bde.                          15. 11^th Division.
2. 61^st Inf. Bde.                           16. 29^th Division.
3. B.G. R.A.                                17. 38^th Division.
4. C.R.E.                                     18. XIV Corps R.A.
5. Div. Signals.                            19. XIV Corps H.A.
6. Div. Pioneers.                          20. No. 8 Heavy Arty. Group.
7. Div. M.G. Coy.                       21. No 9 Sqdn. R.F.C.
8. A.D.M.S.                                22. G.O.C.
9. A.P.M.                                                23. G.S.O.1.
10. A.A. & Q.M.G..                      24. G.S.O. 2.
11. D.M.G.O., 20^th Div.                25. War Diary
12. D.M.G.O., 38^th Div.                26. File.

SECRET.                                                                                            Copy No. 18

25^th Feby 1917

20^TH DIVISION OPERATION ORDER NO. 137.

Reference Maps: – 1/100,000 Sheets 11, 12, 17, 18.

1. The Fifth Army last night gained considerable ground, and are reported to have already occupied MIRAUMONT, PYS and many German trenches between GUEUDECOURT and SERRE.

From the information of prisoners, they have heard   that the Germans         contemplate a general and gradual retirement in this area to the         HINDENBURG Line, which runs from the neighbourhood of LENS, in front       of CAMBRAI and DOUAI to ST. QUENTIN, which line they were to have         reached by March 25^th.

The prisoners further report that all water supply is being destroyed, and     dugouts, where possible, mined.

1. Strong Officer’s patrols will be sent out during the night to ascertain whether any of the German trenches in front of the MORVAL and LESBOEUFS Sector have been vacated and will gain all ground which may have been vacated by the enemy.

1. The B.G.C. LESBEUFS Sector will get into touch with the B.G.C. 14^th Australian Brigade (H.Qrs at T.13.c.1.1.) on his Left flank.

It is particularly important that touch be maintained with the 5^th Australian             Division, and that any ground gained by them shall be linked up with our         Divisional front.

1. The B.Gs.C. MORVAL and LESBOEUFS Sectors will inform Divisional Headquarters by wire at what hour these patrols are going out, and the route they are taking.

Artillery barrages can be arranged to cover their movements if necessary.

ACKNOWLEDGE.

1. McD Haskard

Lieut. Colonel,

General Staff, 20^th Division.

Issued to Signals at 4.10 p.m.

Copies to –

No 1.  XIV Corps.                  8. 59^th Inf. Bde.          16. A. A. & Q.M.G.

2.    29^th Division.               9. 60^th Inf. Bde.          17. Divl. Train.
   3. 5^th Australian Divn 61^st Inf. Bde.         18. Camp Commdt.
   4. XIV Corps R.A. 11^th Durham L.I.   19/23. Retained.
   5. XIV Corps H.A. Signals
   6. R.A. 13. A.D.M.S.
   7. R.E. 14.  A.D.V.S.

George Ryan’s letter home dated 25 Feb 1915

9^th Middlesex

Barrackpore

Bengal.

India.

25 Feb 1915

Dear M & F,

Thanks for your letter dated Jan 28^th.  I received the Text Book from Mr Ayerst by the same mail.

I note that you’ve sold a pair of my shoes.

I think we are going to Jaffapore in a day or two’s time to do our firing. It’s 2 or 3 miles from here.  I expect we shall be there 2 or 3 weeks.  We shall live under canvas.  I’m not looking forward to it; it will be very hot out on the range, & the light is so strong, very trying to the eyes.

I went to Calcutta yesterday afternoon with C.A.S.  We had a nice time except that it was rather short.  You want a week there really to see the place properly, only of course, you want the “brass” & that’s the stuff we don’t see much of out here.  What little we do get, nearly all goes on grub – suppers, jam etc.  By the way jam is 8^d a 1^lb tin, marmalade 7½ ^d.

Calcutta seemed a little bit like home, electric trams, motor cars etc but the majority of the population is black.  We went to a music hall in the evening, but we only saw pictures.  I suppose they only have variety turns now & again.  The house was practically empty.  We got a rupee seat half price – 8^d.  we got back to Barracks just after 11.0.

They are still sticking to the rumour that we are leaving India next month.  In fact they say now that Kitchener stated in Parliament that all T. were to be withdrawn from India.  But of course you’ll know more about that than we do; you get more reliable news.  If we are going to move we ought to have been told officially by now.

Hoping you are all well,

Love to all,

George

I suppose you see Cousin Ellen now & again & tell her all the news. I have not written to her since we landed.

SECRET                                                                                             Copy No….21

22^nd February 1917

20^TH DIVISION OPERATION ORDER NO. 136.

Reference Operation Order No. 135, para. 2 (d), of 3^rd instant.

The relief of the B.G.C. 59^th Infantry Brigade, in command of LESBOEUFS Sector, by the B.G.C. 60^th Infantry Brigade on the 24^th instant, is postponed till further orders.

Similarly, the relief of the 59^th M.G. Company and T.M. Battery by the 60^th M.G. Company and T.M. Battery is also postponed.

R.A. Thornton Capt

for Lieut. Colonel

General Staff, 20^th Division.

Issued to Signals at 3.45 pm

Copies to recipients of O.O. 135.

Letter to F.W. Lanchester 20 February 1919

On embossed Secretary of State for the Royal Air Force notepaper

Air Ministry
Strand W.C. 2.

20th February 1919

Sir,

In the absence of Lord Weir I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th inst., and to state that it is regretted that owing to Lord Weir’s departure we are unable to trace copy No 4 of Mr. Titcomb’s Report. I am, therefore, forwarding to you copy No 5 for your retention.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
H.S. Neville
Captain.
Private Secretary to Secretary of State.

F.W. Lanchester Esq.,
41, Bedford Square
W.C. 2.

George Ryan’s letter home dated 18 Feb 1915

1945 “D” Co

9^th Middlesex

Barrackpore

Bengal.

India.

18 Feb 1915

Dear May,

Thanks very much for your letter of 21 Jan with the photo enclosed.

Yes. I got the parcel safely as I’ve already written.  The things were in as good condition as when they left you, thanks to the tin box.  It’s the only safe way of sending things out here.  A fellow received a parcel; or rather the remains of one, this week in a cardboard box.  The contents, what was left of them, mince-pies, cake etc, were all smashed & some cigarettes were damaged.

Guard here is about the same as at Dinapore, in fact they say the Magazine post is worse. I have not been on that post myself yet.  There’s a native village just behind it.  There’s generally a row going on there from 8 – 10 p.m.  After that of course the jackals & hyenas insist on giving their “concert” gratis, & there are dozens of fire-flies about, they look like small stars floating about.

My watch dropped off my bed the other day; it’s refused to go since. I’ve been wearing it on my wrist as I can’t wear it on a chain except in my trousers pocket & it takes about a minute to get it out from there, with my tunic & equipment on.  I shall take it to Calcutta when I go but if it’s going to cost much to put right I shall buy a proper wrist watch if I can get one at a reasonable price.

We’ve been digging trenches this week, a very suitable occupation in this climate. It doesn’t suit me, I’ve got a blister on each hand already.  One thing about it if I can’t get a job as clerk when I come back I might stand a chance as “Sanitary Inspector” or a Road digger or something of that sort.

Has the “egg hand” seen you home yet. I wish I was able to come & meet you; you would be able to say then that your brother was waiting for you.

Yr loving brother

George

George Ryan’s letter home dated 18 Feb 1915

Barrackpore

Bengal.

India.

18 Feb 1915

Dear Edie,

Thanks for your letter dated 14 Jan which I received last Friday, 12^th Feb, a day after the mail had gone out.

We are beginning to settle down here now. It seems to get hotter every day, but we are still working hard.

We’ve seen a few snakes since we came here, only small ones though. Another fellow & I killed one a few days ago, it was 20” long& as thick as your finger.

Hope you are getting on with the piano I wish I had the chance of keeping on with it. I expect I shall have forgot nearly all I ever knew by the time I’m able to start again.

I have not written to you before as I don’t suppose it matters who I write to, I suppose each letter goes round the house just the same.

Remember me to Mr. Clark,

Yr loving brother

George

George Ryan’s letter home dated 18 Feb 1915
Barrackpore
Bengal.
India.
18 Feb 1915

Dear M & F,

Thanks for your letter of 14 Jan. I’ve acknowledged each one of your letters so perhaps you can tell whether I’ve received them all or not. I know I didn’t receive any for 3 weeks after Christmas but since then I’ve had one each mail either from you or May.

Yes that tale about the bullocks, or rather Buffaloes is quite right. C.S. & I were walking across from one barrack to another. It was a funny thing but just as we got near this heard of buffaloes I said to C.S. “Ump! I don’t like the look of these things.” However we kept on & just as we were passing them one of them ducked down his head & charged at us knocking C.S. over & sending me sprawling. I kept on my legs but neither of us were hurt. They are quite quiet as a rule but both of us have given them a wide berth since.

We’ve been issued out with a hair brush, 2 boot brushes, 1 button brush, clothes brush, a pair of socks, a flannel shirt, a fine sweater & another kit bag. They seem very good things too. The shirt is thinner than what you made but nice & soft & the jersey is a very good one, quite heavy. Perhaps you think it’s not much use out here, but it’s fine to put on after coming back from a route march when you’ve changed your shirt.

There’s a fine church here, much better than the one at Dinapore, better clergyman too, it’s almost like being at home the Sunday Evening service. The vicar has opened an old school-room as a reading room. There’s a good piano there so we have musical evenings. 3 or 4 young ladies sang songs the other night.

I should have thought Mr. C could have taken M. & Edie for 25/-. I asked you in one of my letters what he did about the 10/-, balance of my lessons. I suppose it was in the letter from Aden. I said I expect he kept that as I gave him no notice. I told you not to say anything about it unless he mentioned it.

Glad you are getting a few eggs now. They are cheap here. We get a couple hard-boiled now & again instead of porridge for breakfast & we can buy a couple fried at the supper bar for 6 pice (1 ½ d)

Well I think I’ve done very well this week writing to each of you & saying something different in each.

Hoping you are all well & jogging along alright.
Yr loving son
George

Letter to Miss Dillon 17 February 1919

WAR OFFICE

LONDON S.W. 1

17^th February 1919

All further communications on this

subject should be addressed to – the Secretary

War Office

London S.W. 1

and the following number quoted.

            I desire to place on record my appreciation of the splendid services rendered by all officials and members of the Women’s Legion Motor Drivers during the War.

It is now nearly four years since your President, the Marchioness of Londonderry, first proposed that the services of women should be utilised in connection with the transport services.  The numbers have steadily increased, and to-day you form an important and for the present an indispensable part of the Military organization at Home.  There have been times when it would have been almost impossible to carry on without your valued and ungrudging service.  Knowing, as I do, what this has meant to the Army particularly and to the nation generally, it is a great pleasure to me to be the one to express your country’s appreciation.

I would take this opportunity of saying that in the state of transition from War to Peace conditions your help is still urgently needed, and I appeal confidently for a continuance of your loyal service, trusting that only very urgent grounds will induce you to ask for your release at present.

J.S. Cowans

General

Quartermaster-General to the Forces

To all Officials and Members

of the Women’s Legion Motor Drivers

GD1929    5000    2/19  HWV(P)  H3024

Report of Drifters off Mudros 14 February 1919

C.O.

D “Northesk” II No 2022

Mudros.

Feb 14^th 1919

A.P.Office.

H.M.S. “Europa”

The following changes in the personnel of crew of H.M.D. “Northesk II” No. 2022.

1. Williams Tel discharged to “Europa”
2. Smith O.S.             “ “ “Europa”

Both discharged A.M. Feb 14 1919.

R.H. Palmer.

Lieut. R.N.V.R.