NOTE 1.

CORPS SQUADRON COMMANDERS ACTION.

All possible arrangements as detailed below must be worked out beforehand, so that as soon as orders are received by S.C. “Moving warfare action” he can take the following measures, (Orders for move of Squadron to rear aerodrome will be issued by the Wing). –

1. Turn 1 Artillery Flight into a Liaison Flight.

2. Issue to Flight Commanders for distribution (if not already done) squared maps of the rear areas. These must have been previously marked up with the zones e.g. QA, QB, QC, QD or KW, KX, KY, KZ, etc. If this is not done, Pilots may get careless once they get off their C.B. Map, and will send Zone calls with the wrong Zone with disastrous results. All Pilots and Observers must be cautioned to be careful in this respect.

3. Despatch 1 Light Tender to C.W.S. with 3 Artillery, and 3 Reconnaissance Observers for attachment to Divisional Artillery, and Divisional H.Qrs.
All personnel will have two days rations, tin helmets, gas masks, and a minimum of kit (not exceeding 30 lbs).
All ranks must know what their duties are, to which unit they are attached, and where it is situated. Any spares required to complete the C.W.S. to the standard A attached (establishment of M.R.C., or A.R.C.) will be taken on this tender.
At least 20 gallons M.T. petrol, and 2 gallon M.T. oil, will be carried. A rifle and 100 rounds S.A.A. will be taken. Any spare space will be filled with aero petrol and oil.

4. Despatch 1 Light Tender and 1 motor bicycle with S.C. to Corps H.Qrs., with B.I.O., and limited staff, (2 men), and 2 Liaison Observers. This is to form the M.R.C.
Other details as above.

5. Arrangements for all aeroplanes to operate from Main Report Centre as soon as established – Pilots travelling solo to load up with petrol and oil in cans, and ammunition in drums and belts. – a fitter and a rigger with a few tools and patching material to be sent over with the first planes of each flight daily, returning at night – tail weights to be provided for solo work.

6. The administration of the Squadron must be largely left in the hands of the R.O., and E.O. – the Squadron Commanders place by day is mostly at the M.R.C., in close touch with his Corps and his aeroplanes.
J.A. C****
Lieut Colonel,
Commanding 15th Wing,
Royal Air Force.
In the Field.
11/7/18
JAC/JWC
LIST A.
Main or Advanced Report Centre.

COMPLETE RECEIVING STATION FOR RECEIVING AEROPLANE
SIGNALS CONSISITS OF:-
—————————————————————————————————————-

Mast 30 Ft. complete.
Tuner, short wave Mk. III.
Canvas carrying bag.
8 Ground Strips.
125 ft. Aerial Wire.
2 Insulators.

Weight of above approx 120 lbs.

Could be packed in a space 4’ 6” x 16” x 16”
——————————————–

C.W. Transmitting and Receiving.

Mast 30 ft. complete.
150 ft. Aerial Wire.
2 Insulators.
Transmitter.
Receiver.
3 Sets of accumulators.
Wavemeter. Hetrodyne.
H.T. Unit or H.T. Batteries.
Weight of above with H.T. unit – 163 lbs.
Weight of above using H.T. Batteries instead of H.T. unit 197 lbs.

—————————————————-

One pair of Earth Nets would do for both stations.

1 Officer, and 4 Operators – a few spares – Time token to erect – ½ hour.
dismantle ½ hour.

1 B.I.O. and 2 Clerks for M.R.C.

——————————————

Transport.

1 Motor Cycle and Side car.
1 Light Tender.

War Diary
Copy No. 21
Secret.
RIGHT GROUP (Left Artillery) Instructions No. 2. 9th July 1917.
Communications.
1. Supervision. The whole of the communication system of the Right Group (Left Artillery) is under the supervision of Captain GREEN i/c Signals 29th Divisional Artillery.
2. System. A diagram of the communication system is attached hereto. This system provides for the following communications:-
(a) From RIGHT GROUP (29th D.A.H.Q.) to LEFT ARTILLERY (Guards D.A.H.Q).
One line in buried system for use as direct phone line with sounder set superimposed for message transmission. One alternative phone line over ground (lines completed).
(b) RIGHT GROUP to Brigades. Two lines to each of 15th R.H.A. and 17th R.F.A. Brigades in buried system. One of these will be for use as a direct phone line and the other for message transmission by Fullerphone. (Lines completed).
Two lines to 84th Army Brigade R.F.A. over-ground, one as direct phone line and one for messages by Fullerphone. (Lines still to be laid).
(c) RIGHT GROUP to Infantry Brigades and to RIGHT ATRILLERY. All connections will be established over direct phone line in buried system to “M” Group Exchange. (Line completed).
(d) Artillery Brigade to Batteries. From each Brigade there will be one direct line over ground to each Battery and two alternative routes each common to 2 batteries. Laterals will be run between the batteries within each brigade. The lines referred to above are shewn in red on the attached diagram. (Lines still to be laid).
(e) Batteries to O.P’s.
(i) Certain Corps O.P’s will be allotted to Brigades for laying and maintenance of a line from O.P. to O.P. “O”. Exchange at LUNEVILLE FARM via the nearest ‘test point’.
A sketch shewing the position of test points is attached. (Not attached)
The Artillery Brigade Signal Officer or Orderly Officer will be responsible that the batteries to whom these O.P’s are sub-allotted run the lines to the correct places, and will inform Signal Officer 29th D.A. of all his requirements before the work is carried out; he will also be responsible that these lines, once laid, are continuously maintained even when no observing officer from the Brigade is making use of the O.P’s.
Notification will be sent to this office as each of these O.P’s is joined up to the buried system. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
The O.P. Exchange (“O” in diagram) is now complete. All test boxes and exchanges on the buried system will be completed by midday 13th July.
The above mentioned lines will provide communication from O.P’s to Brigade Headquarters (vide para (f)) from where the lines may be plugged through to batteries as required.
(ii) In addition, batteries will lay and maintain a direct line from the battery to the O.P. in use at the time.
(f) Brigade to O.P. Exchange “O”. one line from each of the 15th R.H.A. and 17th R.F.A. Brigades to the O.P. Exchange “O” has been provided in the buried system. (Lines completed).
One line from the 84th Brigade R.F.A. will be laid to the O.P. Exchange “O”. Part of this line will be in the buried system. (Line still to be laid). The above lines will provide for communication with F.O.O’s, regarding which, further instructions will be issued later.
3. Work required. In order to complete the system of communications outlined above, the following steps will be taken:-
(a) By Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A. Sufficient personnel will be sent on night July 10th/11th to stay at MARIE JEAN FARM to –
(i) Complete the communication system from Right Group Headquarters (MARIE JEAN FARM) back to Left Artillery Headquarters and forward to Headquarters “A” (15 R.H.A.), “B” (84th Army F.A.) and “C” (17 R.F.A.) Brigades.
(ii) Lay the line from “B” Brigade H.Q. to O.P. Exchange. This line must be maintained by 84th Brigade from midnight 14th/15th July.
(b) By 15th Brigade R.H.A.
(i) The Brigade Orderly Officer with one experienced signaller (lineman) will be sent on night July 10th/11th to stay at EMILE FARM. Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A. will send a party of 1 N.C.O. and 3 linesmen to join him on the morning of July 11th.
This party will lay all lines from Brigade H.Q. to batteries and the laterals between batteries, and will maintain them during the whole of the operations. The Signal Service N.C.O. of this party has been shewn the ground by Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A.
As soon as the allotment of Corps O.P’s to Brigades has been made, the Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A. will issue instructions to the Orderly Officer as regards the laying of lines from these O.P’s to the O.P. Exchange.
(ii) Direct lines from O.P’s to batteries will be laid and maintained by battery signallers as required.
(c) By 17th Brigade R.F.A.
(I) The Brigade Orderly Officer with one experienced signaller will be sent on night July 10th/11th to stay at EMILE FARM. Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A. will send a party of 1 N.C.O. and 3 linesmen to join him on the morning of July 11th.
This party will lay all lines from Brigade H.Q. to batteries, and will maintain them during the whole of the operations.
As soon as the allotment of Corps O.P’s to Brigades has been made, the Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A. will issue instructions to the Orderly Officer as regards the laying of lines from these O.P’s to the O.P. Exchange.
(II) Direct lines from O.P’s to batteries will be laid and maintained by battery signallers as required.
(d) By 84th Army Brigade R.F.A.
(i) Two experienced signallers from Brigade H.Q. will report to Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A. at “J” Camp (Sheet 28 A.8.b.) at 6p.m. July 10th. They will stay at 29th D.A.H.Q. until proficient in Fullerphone operating, when they will be sent to “B” Brigade H.Q. (B.15.d.4.8.). They should bring with them rations for 11th July inclusive. No horses can be accommodated by 29th D.A.

(ii) The Brigade Orderly Officer 1 N.C.O, and 4 linesmen (1 N.C.O.
and 4 men) will be sent on night July 10th/11th to stay at “B” Brigade H.Q. (B.15.d.4.8.). They will lay and maintain all lines from Brigade H.Q. to batteries and the laterals between batteries. Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A. will meet this party at “B” Brigade H.Q. at 10.30 a.m. on July 11th.
As soon as the Corps allotment of O.P’s to Brigades has been made, the Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A. will issue instructions to the Orderly Officer as regards the laying of lines from these O.P’s to the O.P. Exchange.
Direct lines from O.P’s to batteries will be laid and maintained by battery signallers as required.

4. Cables & Stores. Cable, stores, etc will be issued as available from Right Group Headquarters, all demands being made to Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A. Brigades will report to this office by 12 noon 11th July the quantity of mobile cable now held by Brigade H.Q. and Batteries.
5. General Instructions.
(a) Attention is again directed to “Instructions regarding communication by buzzer or telephone in the dangerous zone”.
(b) All lines must be truly metallic.
(c) All lines above the ground will be labelled every 50 yards. In the case of Groups, Brigades and Batteries their Station Calls will be inscribed on the labels, and in the case of O.P’s the Corps O.P. Numbers, which will be shewn in the O.P. distribution list which will be issued later.
(d) Lines once joined up must be tested at least twice daily.
(e) A list of Station Calls and Code Names will be issued shortly.
(f) All wires running into the buried system will be joined up at the test boxes etc. by the Signal Service and not by Batteries. Great care must be taken that the correct O.P. Number is given when the end of an O.P cable is handed over to the Signal Service for joining up. (This applies to connections from O.P’s to O.P. Exchange).
6. Officer i/c Signals. Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A. is at present located at “J” Camp (A.8.b.). He will visit each Brigade H.Q. (forward) once every day from July 11th to July 15th from which latter date inclusive he will be located at RIGHT GROUP HEADQUARTERS (MARIE JEAN FARM).
7. ACKNOWLEDGE.
Signature unreadable.
Captain R.A.
Brigade Major 29th Divisional Artillery
Copy No. 1 – 5 15th Brigade R.H.A.
6 – 10 17th Brigade R.F.A.
11 – 15 84th Army Bde. R.F.A
16 – 17 Officer i/c Signals 29th D.A.
18 – 22 File
(23 – 29th Division G
(24 Offr i/c Signals 29th Division.
For information (25 – 26 Guards Divl Artillery.
(27 Capt Hon R.E. Eden.

GRAND QUATIER GENERAL
—————————————– 10 Juillet 1918.
Aéronautique & D.C.A.
——————————-
No 12.927.
L’AIDE-MAJOR GENERAL
Chef du Service Aéronautique
au Commandant de l’Aéronautique du G.A.C.
au Commandant du C.I.A.C.B., FERME de PERTHE.

Le Commandant de l’Aéronautique du G.A.C. assurera l’organisation d’un réseau de signalisation dans la zone du G.A.C.

Cette organisation, destiné à faciliter et à intensifier le travail de nos avions de bombardement et de reconnaissance de nuit comprendra :
– 1o) le repérage des Itinéris,
– 2o) la signalisation des terrains d’atterrissage de nuit,
– 3o) le balisage des chenaux de sécurité.
–
Elle sera établio :
– 1o) Suivant les besoins des Commandants d’Escadres de Bombardement de nuit et
des Commandants d’Aéronautique d’Armée ayant des Unités faisant vol de nuit, qui fourniront toutes les indications utiles.

– 2o) D’accord avec les Commandants de la D.A.C. des Armees intéressées, en ce qui concerne la décence contre les avions ennemis.

Pour réaliser cette organisation, le Commandant de l’Aéronautique du G.A.C. disposera, comme moyens matériels :

– 1o) de la Section de Phares No 1, attache a l’Escadre 11, et qui pourra être
éventuellement renforcée.
– 2o) de projecteurs qui seront demandes au G.Q.G. si la nécessite de leur
emploi est reconnue.
– 3o) de moyens de signalisation spéciaux employés a titre exceptionnel
(Voitures Photographiques), mis provisoirement a sa disposition par les
Unites de Bombardement ou par le G.Q.G. dans la mesure des
disponibilités.

D’autre part, le Lieutenant de Vaisseau BABIN, du C.I.A.C.B. est mis a la disposition du Commandant de l’Aéronautique du G.A.C., pour la réalisation du réseau de signalisation demande.

P.O. Signe : PUJO.
GROUPE D’ARMEES DU CENTRE.
————————————————
Etat-Major Q.G., le 18 Juillet 1918.
——
Aéronautique.
————–
LE CHEF DE BATTAILLON ORTHIEB
charge de l’Aéronautique au G.A.C.

aux Commandantes de l’Aéronautique des 4o – 5o – 6o –
9o Armees, aux Commandants des Escadres, Groupes et
Escadrilles de Bombardement du nuit.

En exécution des prescriptions de la Lettre No 12.927 de l’Aide-Major General Chef du Service Aéronautique au G.Q.G., en date du 10 Juillet 1918 :

Le Lieutenant de vaisseau BABIN, mis a la disposition du Commandant de l’Aéronautique du G.A.C. par le G.Q.G. sera charge, a dater d’aujourd’hui, de tout qui concerne la signalisation lumineuse de nuit dans la zone du G.A.C.
La S.P.G.P.1. (Section de Phares a grand puissance No 1), personnel et matériel, actuellement stationnée au Parc Aéronautique de NUISEMENT sera placée sous ses ordres, ainsi que la S.P.G.P. No 2 des que celle-ci sera constitue.
Les Commandants d’Escadres ou de Groupes de Bombardement de Nuit lui adresseront directement leurs desiderata en ce qui concerne les améliorations à apporter au Réseau de Signalisation de Nuit. Il aura seul qualité pour faire allumer, éteindre ou changer de place les feux.
De son cote, le Lieutenant de Vaisseau BABIN tiendra les Groupes de Bombardement de Nuit et les D.C.A. d’Armée au courant de toutes modifications survenues dans la signalisation de nuit.

Signe : ORTHLIEB

Vo Armée Au Q.G.A. le 20 Juillet 1918.
———-
Commandement
de
L’Aéronautique
———–
No 5386

Copie confirme notifiée a :
Aéronautique de C.A.
Toutes Escadrilles et
Compagnies d’Aérostiers.
G.C. 11, G.C. 12
Le Chef de Bataillon Commandant l’Aéronautique.
GUILLEMENEY

To 28407
L/C Lister P.C. Proceeding to England
Conducting……….
Officers……. Certified that details as per margin have been rationed up to mid-night tomorrow Tuesday the 4th July 1916.
A.S. Seaward Lieut: & Qr. Mr.
Base
1/7/1916
——————————————-
RATION RECEIPT CERTIFICATE.
I certify that I have for each man,
Three days’ Rations.
No of days Kind
3 Preserved I hereby acknowledge that I am personally
Rations responsible that all unexpended Rations, including the Iron Ration, belonging to each and every draft
Total 9 under my charge are taken off the train boat at the point where each draft leaves the train boat, for the purpose of
…… Iron being taken to the ultimate destination of the draft in the
Rations. manner determined by the detraining Disembarkation Officer.
Total –
Base
P. Lister L/Cpl R.E.
Date July 7 – 1916

SECRET. Copy No 8
15th WING OPERATION ORDERS No 101.
In the Field
2/7/18.

1. Intentions. The 4th Australian Division is to attack HAMEL, and the ridge to E. and S.E. on Z day. Zero hour will be promulgated at noon on Y day.
O.C. 3 Sqd., A.F.C. will send an Officer to Anzac Corps Headquarters at 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. on Y day, to synchronize his watch.
Other Squadrons will work to signal time.

2. Army Squadrons. The 3rd Brigade R.A.F. is extending their Army Patrol area for the purpose of this operation to the River SOMME – and the 9th Brigade, and 22nd Wing will have strong Patrols at varying heights from MORLANCOURT to MOREUIL throughout operations.

3. Contact Patrols. No. 3 Sqd. A.F.C. O.C. No. 3 Sqd A.F.C., will arrange Contact Patrols from zero till dusk – flares will be called for at zero + 90 minutes at which time 2 machines should be on the line to avoid failures.

4. Counter Attack Patrols No. 3 Sqd A.F.C. O.C. No 3 Sqd A.F.C. will arrange Counter Attack Patrols from zero + 90, til dark. Counter Attacks are less likely on the Northern side as the Valley of the SOMME is marshy, and open to our observation.
The WARFUSEE – CERISY valley should be specially observed as a likely assembly position.
The responsibility for observation of Counter Attacks up to the line MARCELCAVE – BAYONVILLERS – CHIPILLY – MORLANCOURT rests with O.C. 3 Sqd A.F.C. This will be partly the duty of Artillery Patrols & Counter Attack Patrols. Beyond the line stated the Army Squadrons will take up the work of observation.

5. Artillery Patrols. No. 3 Sqd A.F.C. O.C. 3 Sqd .A.F.C., will arrange to keep Artillery Patrols on the Corps front throughout the day from zero till dark.
Certain Batteries have been detailed for M.Q.N.F. work, but until after zero + 2 hours, smoke is likely to interfere with serious shooting, and Pilots will be best employed on NF, GF, and LL calls.
Normal conditions will be resumed under instruction from C.B.S.O. Australian Corps.
O.C. 35 Squadron R.A.F. will arrange to extend his Artillery Patrol area on Z day, as far S. as MORLANCOURT.

6. Ammunition Dropping No 9 Sqd R.A.F. O.C. No 9 Squadron will detail 12 machines for ammunition dropping work to start dropping at zero plus 3 hours, in accordance with orders already issued.

7. Bombing etc No 3 Sqd A.F.C. All machines crossing the line except ammunition carrying machines will carry 25 lb bombs, and will drop them on favourable living targets – and will engage such targets with M.G. fire from a low height.
In default of favourable living targets, bombs will be dropped on any of the targets shown in Bombing Map attached.
No. 6 Sqd D.F. No. 6 Sqd D.F.)
No. 9 Sqd. No. 9 Remaining Flight) will work as one formation by arrangements to
be mutually fixed, and will cross the line at approximately 5-30 a.m., and 2 p.m. to bomb.
They will descend at intervals to 3,000 feet to look for living targets – if found they will bomb and machine gun them from a low height. If no favourable targets seen, bombs will be dropped on one of the bombing targets shown on map North of the SOMME.
No. 82 Sqdn R.A.F. Working as 2 formations will cross the line to bomb at approximately 8-30 am, 10-30 am, 5 pm and 8 pm.
Their orders are as for No. 6 Detached Flight above, except that bombing targets (other than living targets) will be selected from those South of the SOMME.
NOTE
I. All bombs will be 25 lbs.
II. Formations must be kept.
III. Great care must be taken if targets are seen nearer that 500 yards East of the final objective owing to the danger of attacking our own troops.

8. Orders for the day or days succeding Z day, will be issued later, O.C. 3rd Squadron, A.F.C. will in any case ensure that Michelon Flare reconnaissances and patrols keep the line without further instructions.

9. Acknowledge.

J.A.C***
Lieut. Colonel,
Commanding 15th Wing,
Royal Air Force.
Copies 1 to 3 5th Brigade, R.A.F. Time issued…..
No 4 3rd Squadron, A.F.C.)
No 5 No 6 Sqdn Det Flt )
No 6 No 9 Squadron ) Time issued…………
No 7 No 35 Squadron )
No 8 No 82 Squadron )
No 9 & 10 Filed
Time issued

Zero day 4/7/18
“ Hour 3.10 AM

No. 28407 L/Cpl Lister P.C. – Royal Engineers –
Your orders are to report to the A.M.L.O. on duty at the S.S. “CAESAREA”, lying on the right bank of the River above the transporter Bridge at 5-30 pm. to-day.
You will embark at 5-30 pm. and proceed to England, where you will report to the O.C. R./E. Depot Chatham for disposal under W.O. Letter No 19/Releases/440(A.G.5.) dated 1-5-16.
You will hand your “Release” Form to O.C. R.E. Depot Chatham.
(Authority – D.A.G.C.R. 25300/149a 18-6-16.
G. unreadable
Captain Major
Staff Officer, Cavalry Reinforcements
Rouen
/7/16

SOME OF THE MANY QUESTIONS A PLATOON
COMMANDER SHOULD ASK HIMSELF ON
TAKING OVER A TRENCH, AND AT FREQUENT
INTERVALS AFTERWARDS.
—————————-
1. I AM HERE FOR TWO PURPOSES: TO HOLD THIS LINE UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO DO AS MUCH DAMAGE AS POSSIBLE TO THE ENEMY. AM I DOING ALL I CAN TO MAKE THIS LINE AS STRONG AS POSSIBLE? AM I AS OFFENSIVE AS I MIGHT BE WITH ORGANIZED SNIPERS, SNIPERSCOPES, RIFLE GRENADES, CATAPAULTS, ETC., AND PATROLS.
2. Do I connect up all right with the platoons on my right and left? Do I know the position of my nearest support?
3. Does every man know his firing position and can he fire from it, over the parapet, at the foot of the wire?
4. Where are my S.A.A. and bomb stores? Are they under cover from the weather?
5. Do all my men know their duties in case of attack – bombers especially?
6. Are all my rifles and ammunition clean and in good order? Have all the men got rifle covers? Are the magazines kept charged?
7. Is my wire strong enough?
8. Are my parapets and traverses bullet proof everywhere?
9. Where are my sally ports?
10. Where are my listening posts? Are my listening patrols properly detailed?
11. What points in front particularly require patrolling at night?
12. Are my sentries in their right places? Are they properly posted by N.C.Os.? Have they received proper instructions?
13. Have I got the S.O.S. message in my pocket, and do I know the orders regarding its use?
14. Are the trenches as clean and as sanitary as they might be? Are live rounds and cases properly collected? Are my bags for refuse and empties in position?
15. Are my trenches as dry as I might make them?
16. Am I doing all I can to prevent my men getting “Trench Feet”?
17. How can I prevent my parapets and dug-outs from falling in?
18. Have I got at least one loophole, from which men can snipe, for every section? Have I pointed out to Section Commanders the portion of the enemy’s trench they are responsible for keeping under fire, and where his loopholes are?
19. Have my men always got their smoker helmets on them, and are in good order?
20. Are there arrangements, in case of gas attack, complete and known to all ranks?
21. Are the orders as to wearing equipment carried out?
22. Are my men using wood from the defences as firewood?
23. Are my men drinking water from any but authorised sources?
24. I AM HERE FOR TWO PURPOSES: TO HOLD THIS LINE UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND TO DO AS MUCH DAMAGE AS POSSIBLE TO THE ENEMY. AM I DOING ALL I CAN TO MAKE THIS LINE AS STRONG AS POSSIBLE? AM I AS OFFENSIVE AS I MIGHT BE WITH ORGANIZED SNIPERS, SNIPERSCOPES, RIFLE GRENADES, CATAPAULTS, ETC., AND PATROLS.

(n 6611) Wt. w 1650-6792 40M H & S P. 15/811