APPENDIX “C”

 

APPROXIMATE allotment of ammunition for various tasks.

 

N.B. This table is worked out for one gun of a wire cutting battery.

——————————————————————————————————-

DAY            TASK                                              18-prs         4.5”             T.M.

Hows             2”   240 mm

——————————————————————————————————

 

“U” day     Wire cutting 18-prs at rate                200

Of 200 rounds per gun.

&

U/V Night   Approaches & Communications

at night, about 2 Batts: per

Group, to consist of about               100              50

12 salvoes per hour.

N.B. Night from 8 PM to 5 AM.

 

18-prs preventing repair of wire.        20

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL          320           50

——————————————————————————————————-

Wire cutting.                                    200                                  100

 

O.Ps, Machine Gun

emplacements,                                                  100

Communication trenches.

“V” Day

&          Concentration of fire,

V/W Night   Right Group                                    10                10

 

Approaches & communications

at night.                                            100               50

 

Gas barrage if required.                      50              30

 

Preventing repair of wire

and trenches.                                      20

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                380             190               100

——————————————————————————————————-

 

 

——————————————————————————————————-

DAY           TASK                                              18-prs         4.5”                T.M.

Hows             2”   240 mm

——————————————————————————————————

 

Wire cutting.                                   200                                  100

 

O.Ps, Machine Guns

Communication trenches.                                100                              30

“W” Day

&          Concentration of fire,

W/X Night   Left Group                                         10                10

 

Approaches & communications

at night.                                            100               50

 

Preventing repair of wire

and trenches.                                       30                10

 

Gas barrage if not fired on

Previous night.

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                340             170               100           30

——————————————————————————————————-

 

 

Wire cutting.                                     200                                  40

 

O.Ps, Machine guns,

Trenches, etc.                                                    100                 40           30

“X” Day

&          Concentration of fire,

X/Y Night   one battery per Group                        10                10

 

Approaches & communications

at night.                                             100               50

 

Preventing repair of wire

and trenches.                                       30                10

 

Gas barrage if not fired on

Previous night.

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                340             170               80           30

——————————————————————————————————-

 

——————————————————————————————————-

DAY           TASK                                              18-prs        4.5”                T.M.

Hows            2”   240 mm

——————————————————————————————————

Wire cutting.                                     200                                30

 

O.Ps, Machine Guns

trenches etc.                                                    100               30           30

“Y” Day

&          Concentration of fire,

Y/Z Night   Centre Group                                    10                10

 

Approaches & communications

at night.                                            100               50

 

Preventing repair of wire

and trenches.                                       40                20              30

 

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                350             180               90           30

——————————————————————————————————-

 

 

“Z” Day       65 minute bombardment

up to             (at about 3 rounds per

assault           gun per minute (18-pr))                  200             125               30          10

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                200             125                30           10

 

 

TOTALS per Gun previous to Assault.

 

 

18-prs         4.5”                T.M.

Hows                2”   240 mm

——————————————————————————————————

 

“U” Day &U /V Night                                          320                 50

“V” Day & V/W Night                                         380                190            100

”W” Day & W/X Night                                        340                170            100         30

”X” Day & X/Y Night                                          340                170              80         30

”Y” Day & Y/Z Night                                          350                180              90         30

”Z” up to assault                                                  200              125              30         10

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL               1930                 885           400       100

 

Rough estimate of expenditure from 0.00 to 2.30 and remainder of “Z” day and night.

 

During assault at rate of approximately

3 rounds per gun per minute 18-pr and                 500                  250

2 rounds per gun in minute for 4.5”

How:

 

For barrages, special undertakings etc.                 500                 250

——————————————————————————————————-

TOTAL                                                                 1000               500

Total up to 0.00 time.                                            2000             1000             430      100

——————————————————————————————————-

GRAND TOTAL                                                 3000              1500            430      100

=============================================================

 

(8) The above alterations will affect Appendix “C” slightly, Group Commanders should consequently consider these slight alterations:-

“V”. Concentration of Right Group should now be considered under “X” day expenditure, whereas the expenditure allowed for concentration on “X” day may now be cancelled.

 

An additional expenditure of 15 rounds of 18-pr and 10 rounds of 4.5” per gun should be added to “W”, “X” and “Y” days for intense bombardment in support of discharge of gas.

APPENDIX “B”

 

BOMBARDMENT TO SUPPORT ASSAULT.

 

(1) PHASES.

 

The bombardment to support the assault will be divided into distinctive phases, as under.

 

Phase I.          From 65 minutes previous to zero time up to zero time.  Intense final bombardment preparatory to assault.

 

Phase II.          From 0.00 to 0.04 minutes.  Bombardment of line “B” for 4 minutes.

 

Phase III.        From 0.04 to 0.09 minutes.  Bombardment of line “C” for 5 minutes.

 

Phase IV.        From 0.09 to 0.19 minutes.  Bombardment of line “D” for 10 minutes.

 

Phase V.          From 0.19 to 0.58 minutes.  Bombardment of line “E” by Left Group and one battery of Centre Group.

LOOP TRENCH, BLIND ALLEY by Centre Group.

Concentration on MONTAUBAN, THE TWINS, THE MILL and communication trenches by Right Group.

 

Phase VI.        From 0.58 to 2.00 minutes.  Two minute test barrage on line “H”.  Concentration of Right Group batteries and forward batteries on MONTAUBAN.

Shelling of BEETLE ALLEY, MONTAUBAN ALLEY, THE TWINS, BLIND ALLEY, THE LOOP etc.

 

Phase VII.       2.00 to 2.30 minutes.  Shrapnel barrage starting from ”F” line and moving in front of infantry by increments of range, until final barrage is established on line ”H”.

 

Phase VIII.     2.30 onwards protection of infantry during consolidation of position gained.

 

• TIME TABLE.

 

Time Table of bombardment with actual tasks allotted to each battery in the various phases is attached.

 

• CHART.

 

The attached chart indicates trenches to be engaged by each of the 5 wire cutting batteries per group during the advance.

The lines have been lettered in accordance with preliminary instructions already issued.

 

 

• 5” Howitzer BATTERIES.

 

When not engaged in Counter Battery work with gas shell these batteries will engage trenches somewhat in rear of front barrage in accordance with time table, and on special points to be selected by Group Commanders.

 

• FORWARD BATTERIES.

 

These will be employed for dealing with any unforeseen contingencies, and will be allotted certain tasks for which they are well suited owing to their close range.

 

• SHRAPNEL & H.E.

 

During the bombardment 18-pr batteries will fire shrapnel with a mixture of 20% H.E.

As an indication to the infantry that a lift is about to occur, all 18-pr batteries will fire exclusively H.E. ammunition for 30 seconds at an increased pace previous to each lift, namely about 5 rounds per gun.

All concentrations on MONTAUBAN should consist mostly of H.E. ammunition, a proportion of this class of ammunition should be consequently reserved for these tasks.

 

• FLANK BARRAGES

 

Throughout the advance Group Commanders will hold themselves in readiness for the possibility of having to establish a flank barrage to protect a salient that may be formed found owing to some portion of the advance being temporarily checked.

 

 

 

PHASE I.

 

65 minutes previous to zero time up to zero time.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 wire cutting     Line “A”                                 Intense fire.

batteries

 

D/82, D/83,D/84   Communication trenches      Under instructions to be

& trench junctions on            issued by Group Commanders

respective fronts, up to          Counter battery work under

5 minutes before zero.            XIII Corps H.A. for 5

Minutes previous to zero time

 

Forward

Batteries:-            Remain silent.

A/51                       Wire in front of

B/51                      POMMIERS REDOUBT.     During last 15 minutes.

 

 

A.15.d.7.9.   Enfilade BAY TRENCH.       During last 15 minutes

C/51 F.17.b.2.2.   Enfilade BLACK ALLEY.    During last 15 minutes

F.12.c.7.3.    Enfilade MONTAUBAN.       During last 15 minutes

D/51                     BUND TRENCH from BAY  During last 15 minutes

LANE to TRIANGLE

 

2” T.M.                 Front & Support trench

 

Heavy T.M.s         Trench junction in rear

of CRATERS.

 

 

PHASE II 0.00 to 0.04

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 wire cutting         Line “B”                                 Intense fire.

Batteries

 

D/82, D/83, D.84.    Counter battery work             Under orders of XIII Corps                         H.A. with gas shell.

 

Forward

Batteries:-

A/51                       Enfilade MINE ALLEY & BRESLAU ALLEY

B/51                       Same as Phase I.

 

 

A.15.d.       Enfilade BUND TRENCH.

C/51 F.17.b.        Enfilade BLACK ALLEY.

F.12.c.        Same as Phase I.

D/51                     POMMIERS TRENCH           100 yards either side of   junction with POMMIERS LANE.

 

 

PHASE III 0.04 to 0.09.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 wire cutting         Line “C”

Batteries

 

D/82, D/83, D.84.   Same as Phase II.

 

Forward

Batteries:-

A/51                       Same as Phase II.

B/51                       Same as Phase II.

 

 

A.15.d.         Enfilade BUND SUPPORT.

C/51 F.17.b.         Enfilade BLACK ALLEY.      Only North of Line “C”

F.12.c.          Same as Phase I.

D/51                     Same as Phase II.

 

 

PHASE IV 0.09 to 0.19.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 wire cutting         Line “D”

Batteries

 

D/82, D/83, D.84.   BEETLE ALLEY &              On their respective Group MONTAUBAN ALLEY.       fronts, as soon as Counter

Battery Work is finished.

 

 

 

Forward

Batteries:-

A/51                       Same as Phase II.

B/51                       Enfilade LOOP Trench.

 

 

A.15.d.         Enfilade POMMIERS LANE

C/51 F.17.b.         Enfilade BLACK ALLEY .       Only North of Line “D”

F.12.c.         Remain silent.

D/51                     POMMIERS Redoubt.

 

 

PHASE V 0.19 to 0.58.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

Left Group Wire

Cutting Batteries       Line “E”             Normal rate of fire intense fire at last and B/83                                                10 minutes.

 

Centre Group       LOOP TRENCH,.    Normal rate of fire intense fire at last

Wire Cutting         BLIND ALLEY,      10 minutes.

Batteries               ETC

 

Right Group Wire   Concentration on Western.       Normal rate of fire, bursts Cutting Batteries     extremity of MONTAUBAN    of intense fire, mostly H.E.

 

D/82                     POMMIERS REDOUBT  Steady rate of fire.

D/83                     THE TWINS.                  Steady rate of fire.

D/84                     MONTAUBAN MILL.     Steady rate of fire.

 

Forward

Batteries:-

A/51                       Same as Phase II.           Only North of Line “D”

B/51                       Western extremity of

MONTAUBAN.

 

A.15.d.         Bursts of fire at S.20.c.2.8.    On tracks at junction of

C/51 F.17.b.         Bursts of fire at S.20.c.2.8. .  valleys

 

F.12.c.          Same as Phase I.

D/51                     POMMIERS REDOUBT.

 

 

 

PHASE VI 0.58 to 2.00

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 Wire Cutting 2 minutes test barrage”     From 1.00 to 1.02. Intense fire.  .

Batteries.           on Line “H                      Barrage will be observed by aeroplane and corrections dropped by message at Divnl. Arty. H.Q. and passed to Groups.

 

Left Group wire   BEETLE TRENCH       Steady rate of fire.

Cutting batteries

 

Centre Group         MONTAUBAN ALLEY,

wire cutting           BLIND ALLEY &         Steady rate of fire.

Batteries.               LOOP TRENCH

 

Right Group           Concentration on

Wire cutting           Western portion of         Bursts of fire.

Batteries.               MONTAUBAN.

 

D/82                      MONTAUBAN.            Bursts of fire

D/83                       MONTAUBAN.            Bursts of fire

D/84                       THE TWINS.                 Bursts of fire

 

Forward Batteries:-

A/51                       Same as Phase II.           Steady rate of fire.

B/51                       Western extremity of      Bursts of fire.

MONTAUBAN.

A.15.d.         Same as Phase V.

C/51 F.17.b.         MONTAUBAN.             Steady rate of fire.

F.12.c.          MONTAUBAN.              Steady rate of fire.

D/51                   MONTAUBAN.              Steady rate of fire.

 

 

 

 

PHASE VII 200 to 2.30.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 wire cutting   Barrage to be on line                The distance from line “F” to batteries.             “F” for 5 minutes previous       line “H” is approximately

                          to 2.00.  At 2.00 the                  1000 yards for all batteries. 

                           barrage will lift by                    Batteries will consequently   

                           increments of range                  open the barrage at a range

                           of 50 yards until line                of 1000 yards short of the

                          “H” is reached at 2.30               the range required for

                                                                             barrage “H” & will increase

                                                                            their range at the rate of

                                                                             50 yards every 1 ½ minutes

        

D/82,

D/83,

D/84. CATERPILLAR WOOD   On their respective Group fronts       

 

Forward batteries:-              

A/51                 CATERPILLAR WOOD   On Centre Group front, sweeping.

B/51                 CATERPILLAR WOOD   Moderate rate of fire.           

C/51                 CATERPILLAR WOOD   On Right Group front, Moderate rate of

fire.

D/51                CATERPILLAR WOOD   On Left group front, all four guns.  moderate rate of fire.

 

 

PHASE VIII 2.30 onwards.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                         REMARKS

 

 

Wire cutting         Barrage “H”                 Steady rate of fire, periodic bursts

Batteries.                                                               and ready to turn on intense bombardment if required.

 

Remainder.         Same as Phase VII.

 

 

AMENDMENTS TO 18^TH DIVNL. ARTY. OPERATION ORDER NO 1

 

Appendix ”B”, Phase VII & VIII should be amended as under.

 

 

PHASE VII 2.00 to 2.30.

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

15 Wire Cutting Barrage to be on             The distance from line “F” to line

Batteries.             line “F” for 5                  “H” is approximately 1000 yards for

minutes previous             all batteries.  Batteries will cones-

to 2.00.                           quently open the barrage at a range

At 2.00 the barrage         1000 yards short of range required

will lift by increments     for barrage “H” and will increase

of range of 50 yards        their range by increments of 80 yds.

until line “H” is reached  The four right batteries of Right

at 2.30.                              Group (C/85, A/50, C/84, A/84) will increase their range at a slower rate, 50 yds every 2 ½ minutes until line “H” is reached.

 

D/82,D/83,               Western houses of                 Bursts of fire up to 2.15, intense

D/84.                         MONTAUBAN.                    from 2.15 onwards.  Lift off MONTAUBAN at2.25.

 

A/51                         MARLBRO WOOD

 

B/51                         Western corner of           Orchards & houses just east of Right

MONTAUBAN.            Group boundary.

 

C/51                         CATTERPILLAR WOOD     MARICOURT Section to enfilade western portion of wood

D/51                         CATERPILLAR WOOD.      On Centre Group front.

 

PHASE VIII 2.30. onwards

 

 

BATTERY           OBJECTIVE                          REMARKS

 

 

Wire Cutting     Barrage “H”                         Steady rate of fire, periodic bursts of fire,

Batteries                                                          and ready to turn on intense fire if necessary.

 

 

D/82, D/83,   CATERPILLAR WOOD on   During this phase forward observation

D/84.               respective Group fronts.         must be obtained as soon as possible, and barrage regulated by actual observation and reports from Liaison Officers.

 

A/51                               -do-

B/51                               -do-

C/51                              -do-

D/51             MARLBRO WOOD

 

 

 

A.F. Brooke

Captain R.A.,

Brigade Major R.A. 18^th Division

 

H.Q. R.A. 18/Div

27 June 1916

 

Copies to all concerned.

APPENDIX “A”

 

PROGRAMME OF PRELIMINARY BOMBARDMENT.

 

(1).       The attached programme is worked out with a view to conforming with the instructions issued as regards sequence of the bombardment, and to minimise the difficulties of observation caused by smoke and dust of one battery interfering with another.

 

(2).      SPECIAL HOURS ALLOTTED TO BATTERIES.

 

Special hours have been allotted to the various batteries concerned for engaging the front system of trenches, this does not preclude other batteries from engaging trenches further to the rear at these times provided the targets engaged are not obscured by the guns firing on trenches in advance.

 

(3).       WIRE CUTTING.

 

Wire cutting will be carried out in accordance with previous instructions issued.  Group Commanders will issue necessary instructions within their Group to prevent the wire cutting batteries interfering with each other.

 

(4). PREVENTING REPAIR OF WIRE & TRENCHES.

 

Each 18-pr battery will be responsible for the front allotted to it for wire cutting, as regards prevention of repairs at night.  Table ‘C’ indicates approximate allowance of ammunition for this task, this ammunition should be expended in irregular bursts of fire throughout the night under instructions to be issued by Group Commanders.

 

(5). SHELLING OF APPROACHES & COMMUNICATIONS.

 

The shelling of approaches and communications will be allotted to Groups as under:-

{18- prs. Western exits of MONTAUBAN. Tracks from CATERPILLAR WOOD to MONTAUBAN.

Right Group   {4.5” How. Communication trenches & Trench junctions in A.3.a.

 

 

{18-prs. CATERPILLAR WOOD Valley, and MONTAUBAN-MAMETZ Road.

Centre Group

{4.5” How. LOOP TRENCH, MINE ALLEY & POPOFF LANE.

 

 

{18-prs. Junction of valleys and trenches in S.20.c.

Left Group

{4.5” How: BLACK ALLEY and MONTAUBAN ALLEY.

Group Commanders will detail at least two 18-pr batteries and one 4.5” howitzer per night for the shelling of approaches. These batteries will have to carry out this task in addition to preventing repair of wire on the portion of front allotted to them.

The shelling of approaches by 18-prs will consist of approximately 12 salvoes per hour fired at irregular intervals and changed localities throughout the night.

The night should be considered as lasting from 8 P.M. to 5 A.M.

4.5” Hows will fire approximately 6 rounds per hour at the communication trenches.

The shelling of Communications and Approaches in rear will be carried out at irregular intervals throughout the day.

 

(6). TEST CONCENTRATION OF FIRE.

 

Tests of concentration of fire will be carried out by Groups in accordance with attached Programme.  These concentrations will consist of a test carried out by Groups on various portions of the front.

Batteries will fire consecutively at 10 minutes interval, and effect of fire will be observed.

Forward batteries will remain silent during these concentrations.

 

(7). SHRAPNEL BARRAGE IN SUPPORT OF DISCHARGE OF GAS.

 

Should the wind be favourable it is intended on one of the nights previous to assault to discharge a gas cloud with a view to inflicting loss on the enemy by taking them by surprise.

Notification of such a discharge will be forwarded to Groups previously. –the five wire cutting batteries per Group will support the discharge of gas by establishing a heavy shrapnel barrage, at the rate of 3 rounds per 18-pr per minute for two periods of 8 minutes.

This barrage will be carried out with the following lifts:-

Gas discharge begins:-            0.00 time

Barrage front trench:-                         0.30 to 0.32 and 1.15 to 1.20.

Lift to second line:-                0.32 to 0.37 and 1.20 to 1.23.

Return to front line:-               0.37 to 0.40 and 1.23 to 1.25.

 

(8). TIMES RESERVED FOR CORPS ARTILLERY.

 

Certain periods daily have been reserved for Corps Artillery for bombardment of front trenches, this is to ensure the Divisional Artillery and Corps Artillery not interfering with each others’ tasks.

Copies of diagram indication wire to be engaged daily by 18-prs have been forwarded to XIII Corps H.A. who will refrain from firing on these trenches at the hours detailed for 18-pr wire cutting.

 

(9). TRENCH MORTARS.

 

Special hours have been allotted to Medium Trench Mortar batteries for wire cutting.  These batteries will refrain from firing at the front trench during the other hours of the day.

(10). DESTRUCTION OF OBSERVATION STATIONS, MACHINE GUNS, COMMUNICATION TRENCHES, ETC., BY 4.5” HOWS.

 

Special hours have not been allotted for 4.5” How: firing on front trenches – Group Commanders will allot tasks to their 4.5” How batteries within their own fronts, and regulate their fire so as not to interfere with wire cutting operations.

 

(11). GAS SHELLS.

 

The use of the Divisional 4.5” How: batteries will be required by XIII Corps H.A. for 65 minutes previous to zero hour for counter battering work with gas shells – It is not certain yet how long these guns will be required for this task.

 

(12). FORWARD BATTERIES.

 

The forward batteries (51^st Brigade R.F.A.) in the CARNOY valley will not take part in the preliminary bombardment, and will be kept as silent as possible.

Group Commanders should however endeavour to carry out any possible registration of these batteries which they consider could be done without disclosing their positions.

The objectives requiring special registration may be obtained from the tasks allotted to these batteries in Appendix ”B”.

 

(13). TESTS OF FORWARD BARRAGE NEAR CATERPILLAR WOOD.

 

It is hoped to carry out two tests during the preliminary bombardment of the final barrage required after the assault.

This test will be carried out by all 15 wire cutting batteries firing salvoes at 4 minutes interval commencing with the most easterly barrage battery of the Right Group. full particulars of the test will be forwarded to Group Commanders and to O.C. 9^th Squadron R.F.C.

 

(14). DISCHARGE OF SMOKE.

 

In order to lead the enemy to believe that an assault is about to be made, and induce him to man his front trenches, smoke will be discharged for the last 5 to 10 minutes of the times laid down for concentrated bombardments on “W”, “X” and “Y” days.

The discharge of smoke will be accompanied by a heavy shrapnel barrage on front line and support trenches by all wire cutting batteries and searching of communication trenches by 4.5” howitzers for 5minutes as under:-

Front trench,                           2minutes.

Lift to support line,                 2minutes.

Return to support line,                        1minute.

 

 

“U” DAY

 

 

TIME.                         NATURE                    TASK.

OF GUN.

 

All day             18-prs.            Wire cutting in Second Line in accordance with Wire Cutting Programme.  Registration if required.

 

All day             4.5” Hows      Complete Registration.

All day            2” T.M.           Remain silent

All day             240 mm T.M. Remain silent.

U/V Night       18-prs             Communications, approaches and preventing repair of   wire.

U/V Night       4.5” Hows       Communication trenches.

 

 

“V” DAY

 

 

6 AM to 9AM     18-prs                     Wire cutting on Third line in accordance with wire cutting instructions.  Batteries may continue

12.30 to 3 PM                         firing up to 11 AM provided observation is not obscured by 2” T.Ms.

 

4 P.M.                 18-prs         Test forward barrage near CATERPILLAR WOOD with aeroplane observation.

All day                 4.5” Hows  O.Ps, Machine gun emplacements and communication trenches.

 

9 AM to 11 AM} 2” T.Ms     Wire cutting front and support trenches.

5 PM to 8 PM}

 

11 AM to 12.30 PM} XIII Corps H.A. Reserved for Corps H.A. on front trenches.

3 PM to 5 PM}

 

4 PM to 4.20 PM 18-prs         Concentration of Right Group wire cutting batteries on MONTAUBAN.

 

V/W Night 18-prs &               Same as U/V Night.

4.5” Hows           18-prs ready to support gas barrage if necessary.

 

(4) “V” DAY

XIII Corps H.A. will not require any time reserved for front trenches, the times allotted for this purpose are consequently re-alloted as under:-

11 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. for 18-prs wire cutting.

3 P.M. to 5.00 P.M. for 2” T.M.s wire cutting.

in addition to times already allotted.

The concentration of Right Group on MONTAUBAN between 4 P.M. and 4.20 P.M. is cancelled.

 

 

“W” DAY

 

 

TIME.                         NATURE                    TASK.

OF GUN.

 

10 AM to 1 PM 18-prs            Wire cutting on POMMIERS TRENCH line in accordance with Programme.

4 PM to 8 PM                         Batteries may continue from 1  to 3 PM provided observation is not obscured by 2” T.M.

 

3 PM                 18-prs           Test forward barrage near CATERPILLAR WOOD with aeroplane observation.

 

Irregular 18-prs & 4.5”Hows  Approaches and communications.

intervals

 

All day             4.5” Hows      Same as “V” day.

5 AM to 7 AM} 2” T.M.        Wire cutting front and support trenches.

1 PM to 4 PM }

 

9 AM to10 AM 18-prs            Concentration of Left Group wire cutting batteries on

& 4.5” Hows  POMMIERS Redoubt.

 

7 AM to 10 AM. XIII Corps H.A.     Reserved for Corps Artillery on front trenches.

 

W/X Night   18-prs & 4.5” Hows      Same as V/W Night.

 

 

(5) “W” DAY.

18-pr wire cutting batteries from 10.30 A.M. to 1 P.M. and 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. instead of 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. etc.

 

Add:-

10.15 A.M. to 10.20 A.M., 18-prs intense bombardment of front and support trenches, and 4.5” howitzer batteries on communications in support of smoke discharge.

 

 

“X” DAY

 

 

10 AM to 4 PM   18-prs          Wire cutting on front and supporttrenches in accordance with wire cutting instructions.

Irregular               18-prs: & } Approaches and communications.

intervals               4.5” Hows}

All day             4.5” Hows:     Same as “W” day.

 

6 AM to 10 AM} 2” T.Ms      Destruction of trenches and wire cutting.

6 PM to 8 PM}

 

6 PM to7 PM     18-prs &      Concentration of centre Right Group wire cutting battery

4.5”Hows     from each group on MONTAUBAN commencing with Right Group battery, 10 minutes interval between batteries.

9 AM to 10 AM   XIII           Reserved for Corps H.A. on front trenches.

4 PM to 6 PM                         Corps H.A.

 

X/Y Night 18-prs &                Same as W/X night.

4.5” Hows

 

(6) “X”DAY

Cancel concentration detailed for 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. and substitute :-

4.30 A.M. to 5.30 A.M., 18-prs and 4.5” howitzers concentration of Right Group wire cutting batteries on MONTAUBAN.

 

5.45 A.M. to 5.50 A.M., 18-prs & 4.5” howitzers intense fire in support of smoke discharge, similar to “W” day.

 

Y DAY

 

 

TIME.                         NATURE                    TASK.

OF GUN.

 

 

11 AM to 1 PM 18-prs            Wire cutting on any portion of wire left uncut.  Batteries may continue from 1 PM to 3 PM provided 2” T.M. do not interfere.

 

4.30 PM to 8 PM                    Approaches and communications at irregular intervals.

 

All day             4.5” Hows      Same as X day.

 

6 AM to 9 AM}   2” T.M.     Destruction of trenches and wire.

1 PM to 3 PM.}

 

9 AM to 11 AM XIII Corps H.A. Reserved for Corps Artillery on front trenches.

3 PM to 4.20 PM

 

6 AM to 7.20 AM 18-prs Concentration of Centre Group batteries on the LOOP

& 4.5” Hows.

 

Y/Z Night 18-prs & 4.5” Hows Same as X/Y Night.

 

“Y” DAY.

Times for concentration of Centre Group are altered to read from 6 A.M. to 7 A.M. instead of 6.0 to 7.20 A.M.

 

Add:-

7.15 A.M. to 7.20 A.M., 18-prs & 4.5” howitzers, intense fire in support of smoke discharge similar to ”W” day.

 

 

“Z” DAY

 

In accordance with Bombardment to Support Assault Appendix ”B”.

 

 

 

FURLOUGH & LEAVE.

No. 4748 Medical

Headquarters, 6^th Divisional Area,

Poona 19^th June 1916

 

From The Assistant Director Medical Services

6^th (Poona) Divisional Area.

 

To Flight Sub Lieut. L.E.R. Murray

                                    R.N.A.S. ‘Throu’ Stn Hosp Poona

 

MEMORANDUM

 

Please note that at a Medical Board which assembled at Poona on the 19^th June 1916, the Board recommended that you be granted leave to proceed to Poona for 2 months & 21 days months, and that you be allowed to proceed in anticipation of sanction.  Leave to date from 29-4-16.

 

1. Please submit your application for leave to the General Officer Commanding 6^th (Poona) Divisional Area.

 

1. Grant

Colonel. I.M.S.

A.D.M.S. 6^th (Poona) Divisional Area.

 

Copy to:-

The General Officer Commanding

6^th Poona Divisional Area.

 

For information

Copy of Proceedings of Medical Board on this officer is attached.

 

Colonel, I.M.S.

A.D.M.S. 6^th (Poona) Divisional Area.

Y.M.C.A headed notepaper

Pte. A.A. Smith

No 27521

Reply to “C” Company 12^th Bat. Essex Regt

Stationed at Dovercourt

June 19^th 1916

 

Dear Father,

I expect you received my letter I sent to Southend did not have time to write more then.

I have settled down to camp again now, but it took a little time after the enjoyable holiday I had.  When we got back on Monday we had no blankets only our mattresses; so I used my overcoat as a cover & was soon asleep; have had a bad cold since but am alright again now.  It is much better now we are having fine weather the ground is dry again.

I had a nice job on Sunday 24 hours guard.  It was jolly fine had nothing to do but lie on the sands all day watching the girls bathing; we only had to keep guard for two hours each after dark; it was like having a days holiday by the sea but very different to last Sunday.

Would you mind sending a card before you post another parcel please, & I will answer it.  There is a rumour we are moving to Romford next week; I do not believe anything until we really start there are so many tales about but this one seems to be very general.  I hope it is true I shall not be so far from home then.

I believe you said you were going to Farnham next Saturday, I hope you will have a good time remember me to all of them. I wrote to Ciss this week.

Cannot think of any more news to tell you.

 

Hope you are all well

With much love

Your devoted

Son

Alf

Letter to Rev. R.M. Laporte Payne 13 June 1915

 

9 Arandale Road

1. Cheam

Sutton

Surrey

13/6/15

 

To Rev W. La Porte Payne

 

My dear Vicar,

 

I am taking the liberty of writing you these few lines. Thank you very much for your last kind letter with all the news it contained.

 

We hope you are each keeping well and that the work goes forward in the Parish. I hear a little about it from Mr Taylor.  I am pleased to inform you that we are all three keeping well at present, Terrence has been under the Doctor here for a Fortnight but is now better and started school again.

 

Mrs Smith and myself are keeping very well. We went to the 8 o/c Celebration this morning together and of course our thoughts flew to Finchley.  My brother has been over to see us on several occasions & has stayed two week ends with us.

 

My brother in the Army has gone back into the firing line, though the splinters of shell are still in his arm. It is quite two weeks sine I heard from him.  My Nephew was well last I heard from him.  S.L. Smith has been promoted to Lance Corporal.

 

I am still making progress in Business and in health, and would be quite happy if it were not for the dark cloud of the past, and the pain & suffering I caused others. I am pleased to say Mrs Smith seems better on the whole, her sister is coming to stay with her on Tuesday next.

 

I hope Mrs. Payne and your family are each keeping well.

 

I have often wondered how Archie was getting on, especially when I see the large lists of Officers that are falling day by day. Please to kindly remember me to Mr. Mannering.  You must have your hands full just now with your staff reduced.  We were wondering if you were having the Garden Fete soon & know what an extra burden that is upon you.

 

I am still bearing you and the Parish up in my poor prayers, that Our Father may reward you for all your goodness & kindness & give you His blessing in all things.

 

With our united kind regards & good wishes

 

Believe me

Dear Sir

Yours v. sincerely

Wm. Smith.