War Diary of AA Laporte Payne War October 1914

Jun16

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne

Extracted from

Brigade Diary, Personal Diary, Operation Orders, Note Books, Memoranda &

Correspondence

—————–

October1914

October 2, 1914

R.P.

Alton,

Links Road,

Epsom

“We have actually been paid, 15 shillings each, a ten shilling note and a five shilling postal order. What a lot of work, drill, and being messed about, for those few shillings. It is drill all day long with long route marches thrown in, and it gets rather boring, for we have no arms or uniform yet.

War Office, Whitehall, S.W.

3.10.14

Dear Payne,

I am sorry you could not find a vacancy in either Middlesex Battalion, but we did our best.

I am sure you were wise to accept a Gunner Commission. You will pick up the riding part of it very soon, and you will make a first class artilleryman. In a few months, in fact, you will despise all footsloggers!

If you find later you don’t care for the work, you can work a transfer to the Line through your Divisional General.

In haste,

Lancelot Storr.

War Office

6.10.14.

Dear Payne,

I think you may get to the front just as soon with R.F.A., and you were wise to accept the offer of a temporary commission. Our casualties in the artillery are very heavy.

The main thing is to get to work as soon as possible.

The rest a Greek quote.

Yours sincerely

Lancelot Storr.

112/ARTILLERY/1993. (A.G.6) War Office

LONDON S.W.

10^th October 1914

Sir,

I am directed to inform you, that, on appointment to a temporary Second Lieutenancy in the Royal Field Artillery you have been posted to the 18^th Divisional Artillery and should apply in writing at once, to the General Officer Commanding 18^th Division Colchester for instructions regarding the unit and the station you are to join.

You should at once communicate your address to your regimental agents, Messrs Cox & Co., 16, Charing Cross, S.W., and keep them informed of any change of address, so that orders may readily be communicated to you.

You are requested to acknowledge the receipt of this letter and to return the attached “NEXT OF KIN” form completed, to the War Office.

I am,

Sir.

Your obedient Servant.

Arthur Young,

Lieut. Colonel,

for Major General,

director of Personal Services.

2^nd Lieutenant A.A. Laporte Payne

Royal Field Artillery

Christchurch Vicarage,

North Finchley

War Office.

Whitehall

S.W.

12.10.14

Dear Payne,

I think for various reasons you should join the Infantry; that you’re your first posting, and the second posting was evidently made in error. Also, there is the question of finance; although for the period of the war I don’t think one Arm will be more expensive than another.

My own tailors are John Morgan, 5, Albemarle Street; they are good but expensive. I have also had things made by J and G Ross, 32, Old Bond Street, who are less extortionate and have done me well.

Yours

Lancelot Storr.

From, O.C. ROYAL ARTILLERY

18 DIVISION

COLCHESTER

October 13 1914

MEMORANDUM,

Ref. your letter dated 12^th October 1914.

Will you please join as soon as possible at Colchester.

The uniform necessary for you to have on joining is:-

Cap.

1 Suit Service Dress,

Khaki Shirt,

“ Tie,

Boots and spurs,

Sam Browne belt if possible.

H.F. Salt,

Captain, R.F.A.

A/Bde. Major, R.A. 18^th Division.

FIELD KITS OF MOUNTED SERVICES.

WORN BY THE OFFICER.

Boots, field pair 1.

Braces “ 1.

Cap, service dress, with badge 1.

Disc, identity, with cord.

Socks pair 1.

Suit, service dress (jacket and riding breeches)

Shirt, drab flannel, with collar 1.

Spurs pair 1.

Tie, drab 1.

Underclothing, suit.

OTHER PERSONAL EFFECTS.

Books Army Book 155 Field service pocket book.

Cap, comforter (in pocket of greatcoat)

Compass, magnetic, pocket (or prismatic in case)

Cutters, wire (in wallets.) pair

Dressing, field (in skirt of jacket)

Glasses (binoculars or telescope, or both in one case)

Slung from left shoulder or worn on belt

Grease (or Vaseline) in wallets tin 1.

Greatcoat 1. Rolled, 26 ins long behind saddle.

Handkerchief 1

Holdall (in wallets), containing knife, fork and spoon hairbrush and combe, toothbrush, shaving brush and razor.

Knife, clasp, with ring and swivel 1

Matches, box 1.

Soap (in wallets) piece 1.

Socks pair 1.

Towel 1.

Watch (in wrist strap)

Whistle and lanyard.

ACCOUTREMENTS.

Belt “Sam Browne” (waist belt, 2 shoulder belts, ammunition pouch and pistol case and sword frog.)

Haversack

Mess-tin

Sword knot

Water-bottle (aluminium) and sling.

ARMS.

Pistol (no special pattern, but must carry Government ammunition.) On left side of S.B. belt.

Sword. On nearshoe case, edge to rear.

Scabbard, leather.

AMMUNITION.

Cartridges, S.A. ball, pistol, Webley, rounds 12.

CARRIED IN TRANSPORT TRAIN.

The total weights (excluding articles in camp kettles) of 50 lbs. for a commanding officer and 35 lbs. for other officers must not be exceeded.

Valise, Wolseley.

Boots, field.

Buckets, canvass

Housewife

Lantern, collapsible with talc sides.

Portfolio with writing materials

Shoes, canvas

Socks

Suit, service dress

Shirt, drab, flannel.

Towels.

Tie, drab.

Underclothing.

One Camp Kettle is allowed for every three officers who pack into it each, cup, enamelled plates, enamelled, pots, pepper, salt.

Note. Officers may leave at the base a bullock trunk packed with 100 lbs of personal baggage. This reserve baggage will be forwarded only when it may be deemed convenient to the service by the Commander In Chief.

(Scott and Son of 83 Regent Street write that they are making most of the R.A. kits! and offer to supply a drab whipcord service jacket, pair of collar badges and 1 pair stars for £3.15.6 and a Sam Browne Belt complete with holster and pouch for £2.5.6 and a sword, best proved blade with scabbard from five guineas. Field Kit complete for £7.10.0. Prices for cash, fit and regulation guaranteed.)

18^th DIVISION

COLCHESTER

C.R.A Colonel English

O.C. 83^rd Brigade R.F.A. Major Robertson

260^th Battery O.C. Gardner.

October 19 1914

R.P.

Royal Field Artillery

Colchester

“I have arrived here alright, and find my abode in a tent in front of the Gunner Mess. I have already met several men I know, and a friend of Reg’s named Dennis. The two Dexters are here also.

Nov 9^th. “still under canvass.”

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23 1914

R.P.

“In this Division at present there are about 50 Second Lieuts including several Oxford & Cambridge men.

I have been posted to the 260^th Battery, and I found it possessed only one officer, a second lieut of two months standing who was in command. He is usually is away, so I was told to carry on. I did what I could, which was precious little. I was horribly embarrassed.

The result is that here I am in command of 270 untrained men, trying to teach them marching drill, about which I know nothing at all. Route marching is easier. We rise at 6 a.m., and at 7 I go on to the parade ground having previously looked up a few words of command in the book called Field Artillery Training. Since I arrived two other subalterns have arrived, who know less than I do, if that is possible. Now I can divide the battery up into two sections, which I hand over to the two subalterns, while I look on and wisely criticise. Then when I have bucked up sufficient courage I join the two sections and drill the whole battery.

The first morning I was on parade was terrifying, but really most amusing. I was all alone, did not know any drill at all. I used to know a little infantry drill, but this is quite different.

So when I wanted to advance my knowledge I marched the men about and when their backs were turned towards me, I secretly looked at the drill book. Then I gave the next order. So I learn, if the men do not. Then one day to my horror General Maxse came past when I was in the midst of perpetrating my deceptions. I managed to give the battery the order to “eyes right” and then almost collapsed. Maxse hates subalterns, and gunner subalterns most of all. I wonder what he thought of it all. No doubt he made great fun of us over his port at night. However we mean well, and I would not mind betting he never commanded a battery of men knowing no drill on the first day he put on H.M.s uniform

Though there are several horses here, we in our battery have none yet. We are hoping for some soon. Then we shall have some fun.

As there is no accommodation for us in the Officers’ Mess, so another fellow and I have found a very decent family to provide us with three meals a day for one guinea a week each. The meals are quite good, including a four course dinner, three course lunch and breakfast. We are still in tents, but it is not very cold.

Week-end leave is impossible. Colonel English is dead against such relaxations, as the men cannot get away too. Today I paid the troops, and every day I have to inspect Kit, barrack rooms and tents. As I do not know in the slightest what to look for I do not suppose my inspections are of much use.

Parades are 7 to 8,a.m. 9 to 12.15,p.m.; 2 to 4.15 p.m with a lectures for officers at 5.30 p.m. Then we are supposed to work at night, but by then we are pretty tired. The only regular officers here are Colonels commanding Brigades, and then they are dug-outs. All the rest are new subalterns.

The 18^th Divisional Artillery is commanded by Colonel English. There are four Brigades. Mine is the 83^rd under Major Richardson. Each Brigade is composed of three Batteries. I am in 260^th under Lieut Gardner, a Cambridge man.

The batteries are divided “into sections” of two guns each commanded by a subaltern, or four sub sections, each in charge of a sergeant.

Tomorrow we hope to start driving drill on our flat feet. It will probably turn into a fearful Harry Tate mess.

I can see we shall be here for ages. We require a tremendous amount of training, especially as we are gunners.

There is some talk of going into huts at Ipswich, and I shall have to go to Woolwich and Shoeburyness for training.

We are being inoculated by batches. My turn is to come. Well it is all very interesting but bewildering.

The life is so strange. I feel like a silly little boy at a vast public school for the first time. I suppose I shall get used to it some day.

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne Sept 1914

Jun16

War Diary of AA Laporte Payne

Extracted from

Brigade Diary, Personal Diary, Operation Orders, Note Books, Memoranda &

Correspondence

—————–

September 1914

UNIVERSITIES & PUBLIC SCHOOLS FORCES

ROYAL FUSILIERS

EPSOM September, 1914

1^st Battalion, No 1 Company, Section 4.

J.P.D. Clarke. Sergt. “Long John” C.C.C. Camb X

Williams “Bimph” X

Osborne “Ossy”

Harry Richards “Loose Lizzy”

Roland Richards “Rolly” X

E.C. Collins “Lottie” C.C.C. Camb

P.D. Gilmour Ellis “Gil”

A.A. Laporte Payne “Algy” C.C.C. Camb

———————–

September 20 1914

R.P.

Sunday

Alton

Links Road

Epsom

“I was first of all billeted in a public house with three other men. When in the town later I met a friend who said he was in a palace, so I got leave from a Special Constable to move there. On the next day, most unfortunately, we were re-billeted by companies, and we have landed up in a much smaller house and the food is not nearly as good. But eight of us all friends are billeted together in two adjacent houses. It is great fun. I have met several men I know. There are 3500 of us here now. I dined out this evening with Richards at the house of friends of his, named Mountain.

SEPTEMBER 24^th1914

Having obtained leave of absence I called on Major C. Lancelot Storr, Rom 206, War Office, who took details of such qualifications as I had, and said he would do what he could. He informed me that the application from Cambridge University had been mislaid, but that he would put a fresh application for a commission through for me.

I obtained leave to go to town by saying that the War Office wanted to interview me. So a full blown private marched boldly into the “Holy of Holies, armed with a sheet of foolscap on which I had set out my name, age, school, University, degree honours, cadet corps service, and the fact that I had been for four weeks or so a private in H.M. Army.

I received the advice from an old soldier that “ the thing to do is to make the most of yourself, and not belittle your achievements. Humility does not pay in the army.”

September 24^th 1914

PUBLIC SCHOOL BRIGADE

ROYAL FUSILIERS

Private A.A.L. Payne has leave of absence until 10 p.m. September, 24^th 1914

H.E. Bowes Lyon

O.C. No 1 Company,

No 1 Battalion.

W.L.P.

“Colonel Griffin ….. is wondering what the War Office have done for you today, and says if you would like a commission in his battalion, the 11^th Middlesex Regiment, write to the Officer Commanding this regiment, Hydrabad Barracks, Colchester, and ask for a commission as a 2/Lieut. State all qualifications. There is at present one vacancy for a 2^nd Lieut. And one or two vacancies in the 12^th and 13^th Battalions.

Our love to you, my son. May the right decision be clear. I esteem your prompt response to the call of duty. The strongest fortress of prayer is yours.

Your affectionate Father.

Form M.T. 397 WAR OFFICE

LONDON, S.W.

25^th September 1914

Sir,

With reference to your application for appointment to the Special Reserve of Officers, I am directed to inform you that the applications for such appointments already received are far in excess of the vacancies available. It has therefore not been practicable to grant you a commission in the Special Reserve.

I am to say, however, that your name has been placed on a waiting list of candidates for appointment to a temporary regular commission for the period of the war, and you will be duly informed if, and when, there is a vacancy to which you can be appointed.

If you are desirous of taking up such an appointment it will not be necessary for you (or any other person on your behalf) to address any further communication to this Office on the subject. Owing to pressure of work it will not be practicable to reply to such communication if sent.

If, however, you do not wish to be appointed to a temporary regular commission you should at once notify the fact to this Office.

I am,

Sir,

Your Obedient Servant,

Grant, Captain

for Director of Military Training.

Secretary of State for War. War Office,

Whitehall,

S.W.

25 Sept 1914

Dear Mr. Payne,

I have handed your application personally to the Assistant Military Secretary, so I hope you will be fixed up before long. You may have to wait a week or two.

In the meantime, get Major Griffin to apply officially for you to go to him directly you are gazetted and ask him to address the envelope to me by name to save time. Let me hear if you are not fixed up, say, in 3 weeks time.

Very truly yours

Storr.

Colchester

28.9.14

Sir,

As I have no vacancies for officers in my battalion I have forwarded your letter to Colonel Glover, commanding 12^th Middlesex Regiment.

Yours faithfully

W.D. Ingle

Lieut. Colonel

Comdg. 11^th Middlesex Regt.

Form M.T. 426 (M.T. 3) WAR OFFICE

LONDON S.W.

30^th September, 1914.

Sir,

I am directed to inform you that your application for an appointment to a Temporary Commission in the Regular Army has been received. The Cavalry List is full at present. Will you kindly state by return if possible, whether you desire to be considered for appointment to a Temporary Commission in the Royal Field Artillery.

Please state exactly what previous military experience you have had and also what standard of riding you have attained. If you have hunted state for how many seasons and with what pack etc.

I am,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant

E.B. CLIVE Capt.

for Director of Military Training.

18th Division Z. 101/1 15 June 1916

Jun15

18^th Division Z. 101/1

SECRET

7^th Division

30^th Division

Royal Artillery

53^rd Brigade

54^th Brigade

55^th Brigade

The following amendments to 18^th Division No Z.101 dated 14^th instant are published:-

Page 1, cancel para 1 and substitute.

To secure and consolidate the line running from the Railway at A.3.c.8.6. to the junction of DUGOUT trench and BRESLAU ALLEY, thence North East up BRESLAU ALLEY to the junction of trenches at A.3.c.15.72., thence along the trench joining BRESLAU ALLEY with MINE ALLEY, thence by points 2258, 6159, POMMIERS LANE, POMMIERS REDOUBT to junction of trenches F.6.a.70.10. and to hold them at any cost for a prolonged period against counter attack. (2) To consolidate the trench from MONTAUBAN through S.26.d. and c. (MONTAUBAN ALLEY) and BEETLE TRENCH. (3) To secure and consolidate the line running from the Western corner of MONTAUBAN as far E. as Divisional Boundary, thence westwards to trench junction as S.27.c.1.7. and along to junction of trenches at S.26.d.7.6., thence Northwards along trench to about S.26.b.5.4. thence Westwards along the spur through S.26.a.8.3. and S.25.a.2.2., trench to join up with right of 7^th Division near S.25.b.3.0. A t latter point a strong point is to be constructed immediately it is gained; the 7^th Division will construct 4 strong points to the west of this and to the south of the crest of the ridge, roughly along the line S.25.b.3.0 to about X.29.d.9.10. (between S.25.b. and d. and between X.30.a. and c.).

Page 2 para 5, L ines 13 and 14 should read:- “Each Brigade has 2 sections R.E. Field Company and 2 Platoons Pioneers definitely allotted to it for its interior requirements.”

Major,

for Lieut. Colonel.

Senior General Staff Officer, 18^th Division.

June 15^th 1916

8th DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY 8th DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY 15 June 1916

Jun15

APPENDIX OO/10

SECRET. Copy No 15

8^th DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY

OPERATION ORDER No 10.

———————————————

15^th June 1916.

The moves as in attached March Table will take place between June 17^th and June 23^rd.

Wagon lines of the 86^th Brigade R.F.A. and A/89 Battery R.F.A. will be at E.2. a & b.

Batteries of 86^th Brigade R.F.A. and A/89 battery will send a guide to meet their batteries at road junction V.29.d.7.3.

A guide will meet the 89^th Brigade, R.F.A. at the CHATEAU HENENCOURT.

Progress of moves to be reported to Divisional Artillery Headquarters.

Acknowledge.

C.R. Gover Major R.A.

Brigade Major 8^th Divnl. Arty.

Issued at 1.0 p.m.

Copies to:-

1 86^th Bde R.F.A.

2 88^th “

3 89^th “

4 33^rd “

5 45^th “

6 5^th “ R.H.A.

7 8^th Divn.

8 A.D.V.S.

9 Signal Coy.

10 A.D.M.S.

11 S.S.O.

12 Divnl Train

13 19^th Div Arty.

14 3^rd Corps R.A.

8 Div. Arty. Movement Order 15 June 1916

Jun15

TABLE “A”

DATE. UNIT. FROM . TO. ROUTE. REMARKS.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Night 33^rd Bty (1 Sect) X.25.c.8.5. W.24.c.6.4. No move before 10 p.m.

17/18^th 36^th “ “ X.25.c.8.5. W.24.c.3.7. ditto

D/86 “ R.F.A. (Hows) BAIZIEUX W.18.b.7.0. HENENCOURT – MILLENCOURT Not to pass the road

– EMERGENCY Road No 1. junction V.29.d.7.3. before 10.30 pm.

A/86 Bty R.F.A. BAIZIEUX W.12.d.2.6 ditto ditto

Night B/86Bty R.F.A. BAIZIEUX W.12.d.3.1. ditto To leave BAIZIEUX at

18/19^th 9.0 p.m.

A89 “ “ ditto W.18.b.6.2. ditto To leave BAIZIEUX at

9.30 p.m.

Night C/86 Bty R.F.A. ditto W.18.d.2.8. ditto To leave BAIZIEUX at

19/20^th 9.45 p.m.

45^th Bde. R.F.A. HENENCOURT BRICKWORKS MILLENCOURT – To leave HENENCOURT

(Wagon lines) WOOD (W.22) EMERGENCY Road No 1 WOOD at 9.0 p.m.

33^rd Bde. R.F.A. ditto QUARRY ditto To leave HENENCOURT

(Wagon lines) W.27.b WOOD at 9.15 p.m.

5^th Bde R.H.A. ditto E.2.a & b. ditto To leave HENNENCOURT

(Wagon lines) WOOD at 9.30 p.m.

Night 89^th Bde R.F.A. HENENCOURT LONG VALLEY BAIZIEUX – HENENCOURT Not to pass road junction

23/24^th (less 1 Battery and D/88 Battery W.19d/20.c. – Road Junction V.29.c.6.4. V.29.c.6.4. before 10.30 R.F.A. (Hows) – Cross roads V.24.c. p.m.

EMENGENCY Road No 3.

APPENDIX “A” 14 June 1916

Jun14

APPENDIX “A”

WIRE CUTTING

Wire cutting will be carried out by five 18-pounder batteries from each Group, assisted by the Medium Trench Mortars.

Since it is inadvisable to disclose the positions of the trench mortars too early in the bombardment, they will not open fire till the second day. The 2^nd and 3^rd days will consequently be allotted to them for wire cutting, and they will endeavour to cut the wire on the front and second lines opposite Left and Centre Groups, and on the first line opposite the Right Group.

On the fourth day the 18 pounders will engage any wire on these trenches left uncut by the trench mortars.

Each 18-pounder battery will have a narrow strip of front allotted to it. These strips vary from 100 to 200 yards in breadth.

Each battery will be responsible for cutting the wire within the strip allotted to it.
To obviate batteries interfering with each other during the wire cutting, special hours will be allotted to batteries thus:-Example

6 a.m. to 9a.m. Batteries 1 and 2 for each Group

9 a.m. to 12 noon Batteries 2 and 4 for each Group

13 noon to 3 p.m. Batteries 5 for each Group.

Each Battery at night will be responsible for prevention of repair of wire on its own portion of front, and will fire bursts of fire at irregular intervals in accordance with instructions to be issued by Group Commanders.
During the bombardment to support the assault each battery will be responsible for the same strip of front, and will carry out the necessary lifts within the strip allotted to it. Consequently, all registrations obtained during wire cutting should be carefully noted by Battery Commanders, and will act as part of the registrations necessary for the bombardment to support the assault.
It will be left to Group Commanders to make any necessary small adjustments in the distribution of wire to be cut within their groups. They will also be responsible that portions of the wire are not overlooked and that they communicate with the Infantry patrols which go out to examine Artillery results.
In engaging any portion of wire each battery will, in the first place endeavour to cut a lane right through the wire, and will subsequently widen the gap made.
The object of allotting strips of front to each battery may be taken as threefold:-

(a) To assist in the distribution of wire cutting tasks to batteries.

(b) To facilitate the destruction of trenches to be engaged by batteries during the assault.

(c) To allot fronts to batteries, such that at any time during or after the assault, an effective barrage may be established on any line of trenches.

APPENDIX 5 14 June 1916

Jun14

APPENDIX 5

LIST OF HOSTILE MACHINE GUN AND TRENCH MORTAR

EMPLACEMENTS AS TARGETS FOR 3” STOKES MORTARS

MACHINE GUNS

A.9.b.90.35.

A.7.b.2.4.

A.7.b.87.26.

F.6.c.81.05.

A.3.c.5.1.

A.9.b.2.8.

A.3.c.2.0.

A.9.a.1.9.

A.8.b.58.87.

TRENCH MORTARS

F.12.a.50.35.

The above list is subject to addition or alteration according to intelligence received.

APPENDIX 4 14 June 1916

Jun14

APPENDIX 4

LIST OF STRONG POINTS.

RIGHT BRIGADE.

S.26.d.63.66 Junction MONTAUBAN ALLEY and trench leading North to Battery emplacement 4640.

S.27.c.03.78. Junction MONTAUBAN ALLEY and trench leading to western side of MONTAUBAN.

A.2.b.65.75.} THE TWINS.

A.2.b.80.85.}

A.3.a.55.86. Junction of MINE ALLEY and trench North of MILL Trench.

A.2.d.76.80. Junction of MINE ALLEY and POMMIERS trench.

A.3.c.15.75. Junction of BRESLAU ALLEY and trench leading west to MINE ALLEY.

A.3.c.73.55. Junction of TRAIN ALLEY and MONTAUBAN-TALUS BOISE Road.

A.3.c.47.50. Trench in rear of DUGOUT Trench.

A.3.c.15.15. Junction of BACK LANE & BACK TRENCH.

A.9.a.30.95. Junction of VALLEY and BRESLAU Support.

CENTRE BRIGADE.

A.1.b.82.45. Junction of MONTAUBAN ALLEY and MAPLE Trench.

A.2.d.45.25. Junction of MINE ALLEY and BACK Trench.

A.1.b.86.13. Centre POMMIERS Lane.

A.1.d.95.78. Junction of POMMIERS Trench and POPOFF Lane.

A.1.d.80.30. Junction of POPOFF LANE and BUND Support.

A.2.c.30.03. Centre of BUND SUPPORT.

A.2.c.70.70. The LOOP.

A.8.a.75.93. Junction of MINE ALLEY and BUND SUPPORT.

A.2.d.20.60. Junction of MINE ALLEY and POMMIERS Trench.

A.2.a.10.85. MONTAUBAN ALLEY.

S.26.c.35.33. MONTAUBAN ALLEY.

S.26.c.77.43. Junction of LOOP Trench and MONTAUBAN ALLEY.

LEFT BRIGADE.

F.6.c.85.45. Junction of BLACK ALLEY and POMMIERS TRENCH.

F.6.a.76.15. Junction of BEETLE ALLEY and MAPLE Trench.

F.6.c.86.75. Junction of BUCKET Trench and BLACK ALLEY.

F.6.c.68.07. Junction of BUND Trench and BLACK ALLEY.

A.1.b.50.20. POMMIERS REDOUBT.

The above includes 5 strong points selected by IIIXth Corps.

Appendix 3 14 June 1916

Jun14

Appendix 3

SCHEME FOR ARTILLERY SUPPORT.

(1). ARTILLERY AVAILABLE.

The Artillery available will probably consist of the following:-

(a). 12, 18-pounder batteries of the 18^th Division.

6 18-pounder batteries of the 9^th Division.

3 4.5” Howitzer Batteries of the 18^th Division

1 4.5” Howitzer Battery of the 9^th Division.

All batteries consist of 4 guns unless otherwise stated.

A total of 72 18-pounder guns and 16 4.5” Howitzers.

(2). OBJECTS TO BE ATTAINED BY DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY.

(a) WIRE CUTTING. 15 4 gun 18-pounder batteries – 60 guns, are allotted for this task.

(b) DESTRUCTION OF TRENCHES &c.

This will be undertaken by the Heavy Howitzers assisted by fire from the 4.5” Howitzers, and considerable damage will be caused to the hostile parapets etc by the fire of the 18-pounders during the process of wire cutting. The 4.5” Howitzers assisted by the 2” Trench Mortars on the hostile front trenches will deal with any known Machine Gun emplacements and snipers posts etc.

This will be undertaken by the 4.5” howitzers assisted by enfilade fire from the 18-pounders.

(d) PREVENTING REPAIR OF THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE HOSTILE TRENCHES AND WIRE ENTANGLEMENTS.

This will be carried out by the 18-pounders, assisted by Machine Gun fire.

(e) THE SHELLING OF ROADS AND APPROACHES IN REAR OF THE ENEMY’S POSITION.

Those within Range of Field Artillery will be undertaken by the 18-pounders, those beyond by fire from the Counter Battery Group.

(f) DESTRUCTION OF OBSERVATION POSTS.

This will be undertaken towards the end of the bombardment..

(g) Protection of the present line in case of a surprise attack.

(h) To support the assault.

(i) To form an effective barrage of fire across the whole of the new front.

(j) To be able to place an effective barrage of fire on both flanks of the attack should the occasion arise.

(k) To deal with any special obstacles met during the attack, special guns being kept in hand for this purpose.

(3) GROUPING OF ARTILLERY.

The Artillery of the 18^th Division, reinforced by six 18-pounder batteries and one 4.5” howitzer battery of the 9^th Division will be grouped as follows:-

Group. Position of Commander Composition.

Head Qrs

Right BILLON VALLEY Lt. Col. D.G. 3 18-pounder batteries 84^th Bde R.F.A.

Blois D.S.O. 1 4.5” Battery 84^th Bde R.F.A.

1 18-pounder Battery 85^th Bde R.F.A.

2 18-pounder batteries 9^th Division

Total 7 Batteries

Centre BILLON WOOD Lt. Col Seagram 3 18-pounder batteries 83^rd Bde R.F.A.

1 4.5” Battery 83^rd Bde R.F.A.

1 18-pounder Battery 85^th Bde R.F.A.

2 18-pounder batteries 9^th Division

Total 7 Batteries.

Left BILLON FARM Lieut Col A. Thorpe 3 18-pounder batteries 82^nd Bde R.F.A.

1 4.5” Battery 82^nd Bde R.F.A.

2 18-pounder batteries 9^th Division

1 18-pounder battery 85^th Bde R.F.A.

1 4.5” Battery 9^th Division

Total 8 Batteries

This grouping of Divisional Artillery and the positions selected for the Headquarters of each Group have been arranged with a view to simplifying the communications between the Artillery and the Infantry and thus ensuring that, as far as may be possible, close touch is maintained between the two arms throughout the operation. The Artillery Group Commander thus becomes the LIAISON Officer at each Infantry Brigade Headquarters, as long as the latter remains in its present position. Should the Infantry Brigadier move his Headquarters forward he will take with him an Artillery Officer who will act as Liaison Officer between the Brigadier and his Artillery Group Commander who will remain at his original Headquarters.

The Right Group will be affiliated to the 55^th Infantry Brigade

The Centre Group will be affiliated to the 53^rd Infantry Brigade.

The Left Group will be affiliated to the 54^th Infantry Brigade.

The zones allotted to the three Artillery Groups are practically the same as the fronts told off to the Infantry Brigade to which they are affiliated.

(4). FORWARD GUNS.

One 18-pounder battery of each Group and one 4.5” battery attached to Centre Group will be sited within 1,600 yards of the hostile front trenches. These guns and howitzers will be available to open fire shortly before the attack, and will form the framework of the barrage of fire in front of the furthest objective, the range to this front being about 3,500 yards. In addition, the remaining guns of the Division will be capable of supporting from their present positions the new front at a range of about 5,000 yards. It should not be necessary, therefore, to have to move batteries forward during, or shortly after, the attack.

(5) LIAISON OFFICERS.

An Artillery officer will be told off for this duty to each Battalion taking part in the attack. Similarly, an Officer from each Group will be detailed to act as Liaison Officer at Infantry Brigade Headquarters in the event of this Headquarters moving forward beyond present sites selected.

(6) FIVE DAYS PRELIMINARY BOMBARDMENT.

During the five days previous to the assault, the Divisional Artillery will be engaged on the following tasks:-

(a) Wire Cutting. It is proposed in the first place to engage the wire on the front trench (and support trench where the latter is close) with Medium Trench Mortars and to complete the work of any position portion of uncut wire with 18-pounders.

For details of wire cutting by 18-pounders see Appendix “A”.

(b) Destruction of Trenches. Heavy and Medium Trench Mortars will be employed for this task on the front system of trenches, assisted by the 4.5” Howitzer batteries, who will also engage points further in the rear.

(c) Preventing repair of wire and Trenches at Night. 18-pounders and 4.5” Howitzers will be responsible for definite fronts, and subject the portions of the enemy’s trenches which have been previously destroyed to irregular bursts of fire throughout the night. The Divisional Artillery will be assisted by Machine Guns in this task.

(d) Shelling of Approaches. All approaches within range of Divisional Artillery will be subjected to barrages at irregular periods.

(e) Defensive Barrage. Definite defensive barrages will be allotted to 18-pounder batteries, in such a manner as to be able to establish a heavy barrage in the event of any German attack or minor enterprise.

(7) SUPPORT OF INFANTRY ASSAULT.

The five wire-cutting batteries from each Group will have a strip of German defences allotted to each Battery, and will be responsible for engaging all German trenches within this strip in accordance with the time table of lifts.

These strips will be exactly similar to those allotted to batteries during wire cutting, consequently, all registrations arrived at during wire cutting will form part of the general registration for support of the assault.

The Divisional Artillery lifts will be so timed as to be clear of the assaulted trenches one minute previous to stipulated time for the Infantry to reach the trench in question. During the last minute previous to each lift H.E. ammunition (5 rounds H.E. per gun) will be used exclusively by 18-pounders. It is hoped this may act as an indication to the assaulting troops that a lift is impending.

The fire of the forward batteries situated in the CARNOY valley will, in the initial stages, be kept as a reserve to deal with unforeseen contingencies, and to deal with any special portions of the line.

(8) BARRAGES TO ENSURE CONSOLIDATION OF POSITIONS GAINED.

It will at any moment during the assault be possible to establish an effective barrage, to check counter attacks and to assist in consolidation of ground.

The five batteries per group with strips of front allotted to them will be responsible for establishing a barrage at any point along their respective strips as required. In addition, the forward batteries in the CARNOY valley will be in a position to form the backbone of any barrage required at longer ranges, such as for instance in the vicinity of CATERPILLAR Wood should the final objective be attained.

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(14) PREPARATION FOR FORWARD MOVE.

Two batteries from each group will be detailed to hold themselves in readiness to move forward to reinforce batteries in CARNOY Valley should occasion arise. The possible positions for these batteries are being selected, roads to them reconnoitered and necessary bridges erected.

As far as is possible, positions further in advance, on the POMMIERS RIDGE, will be selected and roads of advance to them reconnoitered with a view to their possible occupation at a later stage in the operations.

APPENDIX 2 14 June 1916

Jun14

APPENDIX 2

FIGHTING POSITIONS JUST BEFORE THE ASSAULT.

Divisional Headquarters Battle Headquarters in Dug-Outs, L.16.b. ”A” & ”Q” Branches – ETINGHEM.

Right Brigade Headquarters. A.25.d.6.5.

4 Battalions Trench Mortars & M.G. Coy In forming up trenches and dug-outs North of PERONNE ROAD.

Centre Brigade Headquarters. A.25.b.4.8.

4 Battalions Trench Mortars & M.G. Coys In forming up trenches and dug-outs North of PERONNE Road.

Left Brigade Headquarters. F.24.c.Central and BRONFAY FARM.

4 Battalions Trench Mortars & M.G. Co. In forming up trenches and dug-outs North of PERONNE Road.

8^th Royal Sussex Pioneers (3 Platoons with Infantry Brigades. Remainder BRAY and CARNOY Valley)

1 Troop Northumberland Hussars BRAY.

Cyclist Company BILLON FARM and BRAY.

Field Companies R.E. BRAY and CARNOY Valley (less 3 sections with Infantry Brigades).

Wagon Lines BOIS DES TAILLES.

Divisional Ammunition Column. (“A” Echelon BOIS DES TAILLES (”B” Echelon SAILLY LAURETTE.

First Line Transport GROVETOWN

Divisional Train CHIPILLY.