G.O.C.
SECRET.
Copy No. 1
20 DNG67
SECRET.
20TH (LIGHT) DIVISION OPERATIONS. INSTRUCTIONS NO 7.
3RD STAGE.

1. As soon as the 29th Div. has captured the MASNIERES – BEAUREVOIR line, East and North of MASNIERES, its right flank, held by the 88th Inf. Bde., will rest on the Canal about G.27.c.4.8.
The 59th Inf. Bde. will push forward its left flank to get into touch with the right of the 29th Div. on the Canal at the above mentioned place.

2. In order to carry out the 3rd Stage as early as possible, it is essential that every advantage be taken of any demoralization of the enemy which may occur during the 1st and 2nd Stages to push forward Advanced Guards boldly.
It is also important that the original breach be widened as soon as possible towards both flanks by turning and operating against the flanks of the hostile troops holding the line of defence.

3. The Lucknow Cav. Bde., under the orders of G.O.C. III Corps, will be raiding Southwards in the direction of WALINCOURT for the purpose of widening the original breach.

4. In pursuance of the above object future action will be as follows:-
(a) The 29th Div. will, when they have secured the ground mentioned in para. 1 and the detachment mentioned in para. 3 have passed through, push out and hold the edge of the spur in G.23.c. & d., sending Tanks, supported by infantry, into CREVECOEUR to clear the village and seize the crossings.
(b) The 59th Inf. Bde. will move forward 2 Bns simultaneously with the advance of the 29th Div., and establish a line on the BONAVIS – CREVECOEUR ridge overlooking the LES RUES DES VIGNES, and extend this line to about G.35.a.1.9., where the right of the 29th Div. will rest. The remaining 2 Bns will move up in close support.
This line is to be at once consolidated.
On relief of the 2 Troops 1/1 Northumberland Yeo by the infantry on this position, the Cavalry will withdraw and remain with the 59th Inf. Bde. H.Q. until further orders.
(c) The 61st Inf. Bde will move to the vicinity of LES RUES VETRES, G.26. in support of the advance of the 29th Div., keeping South of the Canal.
(d) The 60th Inf. Bde. will move to about L.35.b. & d. in support of the above dispositions.

5. The action outlined above is dependent upon the course of the battle, but it is intended if possible to carry out these moves on the afternoon of ‘Z’ day, and if that is not possible, to push on at dawn on Z+1 day.

6. In order not to interfere with the rapid exploitation of successes, artillery action against the following places will cease on the hours detailed below:-
LES RUES DES VIGNES – Z plus 360
CREVECOEUR – Z plus 320
MASNIERES – Z plus 250
MARCOING – Z plus 235
Any bombardment by heavy artillery of these places after the above hours will only be carried out at the request of the Divisions concerned.
7. The further action of our troops, which is intended to set free the Cavalry for active work in a North-easterly direction, and which will take place on Z+1 day, can be outlined as follows:-
(a) At 6.15 a.m., the 61st Bde. will advance and take over the front of the 29th Div. between the Canal and H.19.a.; the point of junction between 29th Div and 61st Inf. Bde. will be on the track in H.19.a.
(b) The 60th Inf. Bde. will move into Div. Reserve at LES RUES VERTES, G.26. and be prepared to support either Bde.

8. In order to render the flank more secure, it is proposed, on ‘Z’ night, to destroy the bridges at LES RUES DES VIGNES and BANTEUX. The destruction of the bridges at LES RUES DES VIGNES will be undertaken by the 20th Div and at BANTEUX by the 12th Div.
It is also intended to clear the enemy with Tanks from the Western bank of the Canal between BANTEUX and CREVECOEUR.
The 59th Inf. Bde. will co-operate with the 12th Div in carrying out these operations, which will form the subject of subsequent orders.

9. The boundary between the 12th Div. and the 59th Inf. Bde. on the BONAVIS – CREVECOEUR spur will run from M.3.c.0.6. to the Canal at M.10.a.5.3.

ACKNOWLEDGE.

T. McN. Haskard
Lieut. Col.
General Staff, 20th Division.
18th Nov, 1917.
Copies to:-
No. 1. G.O.C.
2. “G”
3.”A”
4. 59th Inf. Bde.
5. 60th Inf. Bde.
6. 61st Inf. Bde.
7. B.G., R.A.
8. C.R.E.
9. Div. Signals.
10. A.D.M.S.
11.) 12.) 3rd Bde. Tank Corps.
13.)
14. III Corps.
15. III Corps R.A,.
16. 6th Div.
17. 12th Div.
18. 29th Div.
19. 59th Sqdn R.F.C.
20. III Corps Cavalry.
21. Lieut. The Hon. C.F.N. RAMSAY 1/1 Northumberland Yeo.
22. D.M.G.O.
23. War Diary.
24. File.

ARMY BOOK 152
CORRESPONDENCE BOOK
(FIELD SERVICE)
Opened on Nov. 1st 1916.
Started Intelligence Nov 21st 1916.
Norman Richardson
2nd Lieut S.O.
SIGNAL SECTION.
9/11/16 IV
CODE for use of DECK only.
PHRASE or Word CODE NAME
Are you alright
Stand to
Stand down
May we stand down
(a) Yes
(b) No
Gas
Alert on
Alert off
Send one Section Support from Bn H.Q.
“ “ Platoon “ “ “
One Lewis Gun wanted
I want extra S.B.
Taken over completely
Handed over completely

Reports
(a) Marching in State
(b) Situation
(c) Intelligence
(d) Sap
(e) Patrol
(f) Casualties (wounded)
(g) Casualties (killed)
(h) Trench Stores List
(i) Work
Report not received PUB
CAVE
SLACK FINISH

NEXT
BONG
SYPHON
WINSTON
Washout WINSTON
1 GLASS of PORT
1 LARGER GLASS
BUNKUM
PILLS
TOC
HOC

CROWD
LIAR
MOKE
SPADE
WALK
LIMP
GONE
STOCK
UGH
DAMU

ARMY BOOK 152
CORRESPONDENCE BOOK
(FIELD SERVICE)
Opened on Nov. 1st 1916.
Started Intelligence Nov 21st 1916.
Norman Richardson 2nd Lieut S.O.
DECK
SIGNAL SECTION.

SC 257 1/11/16
Custody of Stores.
6. The Divl Signal Company will leave behind the supernumerary officer attached to it. This officer will be in charge of any personnel remaining in the Divl area. He will collect all spare signal stores at a site selected by him, and will report to O.C. Divl Salvage Co., where this site is. All telegraphs & telephone instruments liable to injury by explosive will be collected at the nearest convenient Signal Office.
28th /10/16
————————————-

2/11/16
HEADQUARTERS RUNNERS
No Name Rank Co Date of Enlistment Age Employment Religion Remarks
1176 Pallister T.R.
Thomas Russel Lcpl B 6/1/15 25 Painter & Decorator C.E.
1152 Taylor W.
William Pte B
159 J.H. Southern
Joseph Harle “ A
1275 W.E. Laidler
William Edward “ D Number 95368
485 J.F. Davidson “ C
211 J.E. Yorke “ A
581 G.H. Robinson “ C
782 G.H. Jacob “ D
70 C.H. Goldsmith “ A
286 G.R. Harrison “ B Taken on Orderly Room

SPARE RUNNERS.
No Name Rank Co Date of Enlistment Age Employment Religion Remarks
9721

592 Johnson W.
Wilfred Allen
Purvis W.
William Pte

Pte A

A

PIGEON MEN.
No Name Rank Co Date of Enlistment Age Employment Religion Remarks Name sent in to Brigade
565 Norman R.C.
Robert Clarke Pte. H.Q. Trained X
577 Parlett G.
George Pte H.Q.

21155 Smith J.
James Pte A X
952 Moon J.W.
John William Pte A

20759 Newton J.B.
John Bould Pte B X
18265 Perry W.
William Pte B

18 Cox H.H.
Henry Henderson Pte C Prefix 20/
8341 Downey G. Pte C X

1308 Colwell M.
Mark Pte D X
602 Salkeld G
Gerald Pte D

Total 10
———————————-
30/10/16
LOCATION OF UNITS.
Unit Nearest Place Location
Bde. H.Q. HULL Thievres I.7.b.30.10
BOW Couin D.26.c.05.05.
STERN Thievres I.7.b.40.50
KEEL [less 2 Cos] Coigneux J.9.a.30.10
KEEL [2 Cos] Courcelles J.27.d.9.2.
DECK Rossignol Farm J.3.c.90.70.
RIB Coigneux J8.c.40.60.
RUDDER Sailly J.18.a.50.50.
SHIP (Advanced) Bay*** J.9.b.90.50.

——————————————————————–
9/11/16 IV
CODE for use of DECK only.
PHRASE or Word CODE NAME
Are you alright
Stand to
Stand down
May we stand down
(a) Yes
(b) No
Gas
Alert on
Alert off
Send one Section Support from Bn H.Q.
“ “ Platoon “ “ “
One Lewis Gun wanted
I want extra S.B.
Taken over completely
Handed over completely

Reports
(a) Marching in State
(b) Situation
(c) Intelligence
(d) Sap
(e) Patrol
(f) Casualties (wounded)
(g) Casualties (killed)
(h) Trench Stores List
(i) Work
Report not received PUB
CAVE
SLACK FINISH

NEXT
BONG
SYPHON
WINSTON
Washout WINSTON
1 GLASS of PORT
1 LARGER GLASS
BUNKUM
PILLS
TOC
HOC

CROWD
LIAR
MOKE
SPADE
WALK
LIMP
GONE
STOCK
UGH
DAMU

————————
DECK.
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 2 pm, 21st 11/16 till 6 am, 22nd/11/16
Operations.
1. Enemy Artillery. 4.45 pm – 6 pm: Hostile Artillery was active on our front line, chiefly on the centre and left, and on YOUNG ST and YUSSIF. “R” line also received some attention near YULE ST.
It was mostly 77 mm H.E. fired from PUISIEUX direction together with a few rounds of 5.9 and 4.2 Howitzer.
Fairly quiet during night.
2. Own Artillery. Active all night with occasional bursts. Most of the firing seemed to be on our right.
3. Enemy Trench Mortars. 5.35 pm – 6.0 pm: Somewhat active on our front line.
A Medium T.M. appeared to be firing in the direction of YUSSIF.
Aerial Torpedoes ? Reported falling near advanced post, K.3.d.30.25.
4. Machine Guns. One M.G. was active from about 11.0 pm till 1.30 am traversing ‘R’ line in the vicinity of YOUNG ST. K.3.d.50.20.
INTELLIGENCE.
Enemy movements: At 3.30 pm one of our posts saw a party of about 12 Germans leave their trench about K.4.b.40.20.
They came forward towards their wire. The post fired and they dropped down.
About 30 mins later, one man was seen to double back to the trench.
Observations: During the night a M.G. somewhere about K.11.a.central was sweeping the parapet of ’C’ line.
Our Lewis Guns replied with no apparent result.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
8.0 am.
——————————
22/11/16
DECK.
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6.0 am, to 6 pm.
Enemy Artillery: Occasional rounds were fired about midday into HEBUTERNE, mostly 77 mm.
Enemy fired about ten 77 m.m. shells on “R” line at the junction of YORKE. No damage was done.
Trench Mortars: Between 1.30 pm and 2.15 pm a few L.T.M. Bombs fell on the front line. These appeared to be fired from about K.4.c.80.65.
Machine Guns: Enemy machine guns slightly active during early morning.
INTELLIGENCE.
Enemy Aeroplanes: 11.35 am, an enemy plane over our lines.
2.15 pm, another attempted to cross our lines.
3.30 pm, aircraft active on both sides. Two enemy aeroplanes appeared to bring down one of our fighters just south of HEBUTERNE.
Sniping: After having made a careful reconnaissance of our sector, it was found that there were no sniping posts, but good positions have been chosen.
Posts are under construction at two points:-
1. K.10.a.80.60. Field of fire over K.4.c.& d; nearest point of enemy lines, 350 yds.
2. At junction of Calvarie, Thorpe & Yus Trenches. Field of fire & frontage for observation will be given later. [K.3.d.5.4.]
There has been no sniping today on either side.
The light has been very bad.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
——————————-
23rd 11/16
List of Maps
1. 49 Divn T.M. no 32 Copy 5 (1:5000)
2. Rough copy of above (NR1) (1:5000)
3. Enemy Disposition K.3 to K.24.
L.1 to L.20.
4. Sketch Map of N of Keep & NR 2 W of Thorpe 1:5000
5. 4 sketch maps of K.9. & K.10.} 1/5000
1 “ “ with dispositions.}
6. (No) 3 Sketch from 18th W Y Map (my own)

3.40 pm Y49
Retaliation called for
All ask for retaliation Y48 Y50
4.50 also
5-20 Y50 Retaliation
Situation 3.30 am 23/11/16
Enemy trench mortar activity.
Windmill B Co.
——————————-
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 pm, 22/11/16 till 6 am, 23/11/16
Operations.
Enemy’s Artillery: was inactive during this period. Two 77 mm H.E. fell near YORK ST.
Own Artillery: Fairly active during the night and at intervals in answer to calls for retaliation, from Y.48, Y.49, and Y.50.
Trench Mortars: Enemy trench mortars were extremely active at intervals of ½ hour to 1 hour all night.
Our A Co, (Right Front) received attention between 6 pm & 9 pm.
A large number of L.T.M.s were fired on ‘B’ line. Both Heavy & light were directed on ‘C’ and ‘R’ lines. There were no cases of direct hits except one on ‘C’ line, about 30 yards W of YIDDISH.
Our ‘B’ Co (centre) and our ‘C’ Co (left front) both received attention this morning. The former (Y49) got retaliation at 3.40 am from our artillery.
The enemy sent over here a very large number of H.T.M & L.T.M. bombs at first mostly on ‘C’ line to the right on YOUNG ST but later beginning at the YUSSIF advanced post, working along the wire to YOUNG ST post and then down YOUNG ST towards ‘R’ line and back along the wire in front of ‘R’ line. The top of YOUNG ST was very much damaged.
Machine Guns traversed the parapet during some of the bursts.
Our artillery put over about 60 H.E. as retaliation to a burst of T.M. fire at 4.40 am.
Our ‘C’ Co (Y50) asked for retaliation at 5.20 am.
At 5.15 am. the T.M.s all switched round and seemed to concentrate their fire on the FONQUEVILLERS sector..
INTELLIGENCE.
M.G. Hostile M.G.s were firing intermittently throughout the night.
Trench Mortars: Starlights were sent up with some of the M.T.M.s apparently to hide the track of the fuse as much as possible.
A horn was heard just previous to one of the bursts.
The T.Ms were firing apparently from about the points K.4.c.9.5. and K.3.c.9.5.
PATROL REPORTS (2)
I enclose reports. They are rather scrappy. I’ll try to get things improved. I’m sorry there are no sketches.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
8.0 pm.
2nd Lt. Bradford tells me that T.Ms seemed to be firing from Left corner looking from Mousetrap.
————————-
DECK.
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 AM, till 6 pm, 23/11/16.
OPERATIONS.
Enemy Artillery:
8 am – 10 am: Very quiet & trench mortars silent.
10 am – 12 noon: Enemy trench mortars were fairly active. Also the Artillery, with whizz bangs and a few heavy shells on HEBUTERNE.
12 – 2 pm: Occasional whizz bangs on front line and heavy shells on left of our sector & behind.
2 pm – 5 pm: Bombardment on right starting about 3.30. also a few shells in HEBUTERNE.
Enemy M.G.s: A little activity about 4.30 pm.
INTELLIGENCE.
Enemy Movement.
10.15 am Small party seen at K.4.d.4.8.
Small parties & single men seen frequently using road from Cemetery GOMMECOURT past NAMELESS FARM.
Enemy Work:
7.15 am: Working party seen in enemy front line trench at K.3.d.6.7. carrying planks of wood.
8.30 am – 9.15 am: Small working party digging & driving in stakes at K.4.c.9.4. – This was reported to R.F.A. who attended to the matter with H.Es & S. – Party ceased work.
11.0 am: Working party carrying sand bags from K.6.c.8.3. to K.6.c.6.5.
12.30 pm: Men seen walking on top of trench from K.5.a.7.2. apparently gathering wire or sticks.
Enemy Aircraft:
8.30 am } Two planes approached
9.45 am} our lines & then retired.
10.0 am Enemy aeroplane over our lines.
10.15 am “ “ “ “ “
10.45 am “ “ “ “ “
11.50 am “ “ “ “ “
2.0 pm “ “ “ “ “
Sniping:
We are working on our two posts. Sniping on both sides inactive.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
5.0 pm.
——————————
DECK.
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 pm, 23/11/16 till 6 am, 24/11/16.
Operations.
Enemy Artillery: HEBUTERNE was shelled during the night with about 30 rounds, 4.2” shells at 10 pm & 11 pm. About 20 of the same calibre came over near the Left Support Co. on the left of the village at 1.30 am and 5.0 am.
Own Artillery: carried out a prearranged programme at 9 pm, 9.45 pm & 10.30 pm; for the purpose of keeping gaps in the enemy wire open.
Enemy T.M’s: Fairly quiet. On the right of our sector a few L.T.Ms fell. Also about 20 L.T.Ms were sent over our left company frontage mostly on “B” line. No damage was done.
Enemy M.G’s: active between 4.30 pm and 7 pm traversing the parapets and striking the houses near Bn HQ.
INTELLIGENCE. (Movement)
A wiring party was heard at K.4.c.30.80. after the first burst of fire. Nothing else was heard of the enemy.
The T.Ms seemed to be firing from K.4.c.40.70.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
Note: This was not sent in till 7.40 am. It may be late.
—————————————
DECK.
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 am till 6 am, 24/11/16.
OPERATIONS.
Enemy Artillery: Enemy shelled HEBUTUERNE intermittently with 5.9” H.E., especially between 8.45 am and 9.15 am and 1.30 pm and 2 pm.
A few whizz-bangs were distributed about the trenches. Some were registered around the MOUSETRAP, also the DISUSED TRENCH, but no damage was done. One bay about 30x N of YUZ was blown in, in ‘R’ line.
Own Artillery: continuous all day.
Enemy T.M’s: silent today.
Enemy M.G’s: firing on our aircraft in the early morning..
INTELLIGENCE.
Enemy movement. Parties of men seen moving about near E.23.d.81.
Enemy Work: 7.0 am: Small party working in communication trench at K.4.c.9.4. digging – Reported to R.F.A. who shelled with H.E. – Work ceased.
7.0 am – 8.0 am: Small parties working in trench at E.30.a.90.70.to E.30.d.58.
8.30 am: Small working party at K.4.d.5.7.
Reported to Artillery who dispersed this party.
Work continued at E.30.a.90.70. as above.
11.25 am. Small working parties observed again at K.4.c.9.4. & again dispersed by our artillery.
3.45 pm: Working party started digging in cemetery GOMMECOURT
Reported to R.F.A. who opened fire on them and the party cleared off.

Sniping:
9.30 am: Four men were seen working on broken part of Trench at point K.3.d.6.5. One was observed to be using a mall. He was immediately fired on and fell face downwards into the trench. The other three at once rushed for cover. Only one of the party was observed to be wearing a steel helmet, the others round caps.
10.30 am: Two men were seen to be carrying New Wood deals into front line trench at point K.3.d.8.7. These were fired on but no hits observed.

Enemy Snipers: inactive.
Note 1. Light was bad in the morning especially between 6 am & 7 am and 8 am and 12 noon.
Note 2. Work continued on Sniping post L2 (YIDDISH)
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
————————————–
Patrol Reports (Summaries)
DECK
No Compn Time of Place of Object RESULTS
Exit Entry Exit Entry
1 1 N.C.O + 4 O.R. 6.30 pm 1 German seen walking from Bosch Sap at K.3.d.72.63. to sap at K.3.d.55.67.
2. Wiring party of 10 seen outside their wire a little right of K.3.d.69.66.

2 1 N.C.O + 4 O.R 6.30 pm 8.45 pm K.3.d.2.9. K.10.a.7.7. 1. Our Wire is about 100x from our parapet. On left of point of exit, wire is poor. On right it is much broken, but a good obstacle.
2. Ground: fair condition. Many new shell holes, with no water in them.
3. Patrol had to return, being fired on by a covering party of Bosche wiring party at a point about 300 yards half right from point of exit.
3 1 Offr + 5 O.R. 10.15 pm 11.55 pm K.10.a.25.90. Do Listening to working parties 1. Heard Bosche wiring party about K.4.c.6.6.
2. Noises from our side of line clearly audible e.g. “Fire” (batteries), Coughing & talking. Also transport.

4 1 Offr + 5 O.R. 9.35 pm 12.5 am K.3.d.3.6. 40 yds to left of point of exit. 1 Bosche Wire is a considerable distance from his trench.
2 Heard German transport distinctly.
Note: Very bad visibility

N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
——————————-
DECK.
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 pm, 24th /11/16 till 6 am, 25th /11/16
OPERATIONS.
Enemy Artillery: Exceptionally quiet during the night.
Own Artillery: fired on various targets, some shells fell short close to the MOUSETRAP. No damage was done.
Enemy T.Ms: silent.
Enemy M.Gs: fired bursts at 2.30 am and 6.50 am over HEBUTERNE.

INTELLIGENCE.
Owing to being so misty, observation rendered very difficult.
PATROL REPORTS.
Sent in by Adjutant.
I enclose summaries which I made.
[Our patrol directed 18 pdr shrapnel on to Bosche Wiring party & a covering party near K.4.c.9.4.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
—————————————
DECK.
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 am till 6 pm, 25th /11/16
OPERATIONS.
Enemy Artillery: At 11.30 am the enemy sent ten rounds of 77 mm shells into N.E. portions of HEBUTERNE.
At 12.30 pm this performance was repeated, but no damage was done.
On the whole the artillery of both sides has been very quiet today, owing to rainy & dull weather.
Enemy M.Gs: At 6.50 am, bursts of fire were directed on the left half of HEBUTERNE. This lasted till 7.0 am.
Enemy T.Ms: quiet.

INTELLIGENCE.
A very quiet day, owing to the wet & mist, observation has been very bad.
Snipers inactive on both sides.
Note: Work is still being done on Sniping Post L2 (YIDDISH)
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
—————————————
Patrol Report (Summaries)
25/26/11/16.
DECK
No Compn Time of Place of Object RESULTS
Exit Entry Exit Entry
1 1 Sgt + 4 men 9.0 pm Junction of Young St. & C line To listen for Bosche working parties U& patrols 1 Heard Bosche working party sounds coming from the N. The patrol was then at a point about K.4.c.5.3.
Note: Going was bad, owing to darkness and wet state of ground.

2 1 Offr + 1 N.C.O + 3 men 930 pm 12.0 mn K.10.a.20.90. Do To examine German wire near K.4.c.1.50. 1 When patrol reached K.4.c.4.2. they heard Bosche working party (filling sandbags) to the N.
There was a covering party.
2 Many new shell holes.
3 1 Sgt + 4 men 7.0 pm K.3.d.25.60. Do To examine wire & saps from Western corner of GOMMCT Wood. 1. Bosche Sap directly opposite point of exit was being wired. Sap is very muddy, although sounds were heard as of a man stamping his feet on bricks or cement.
2. Two flares sent up from front along hedge, slightly N of the sap.
3. This hedge seems to be on a ridge.
4. Two M.Gs opened fire from corner of hedge near sap.
Note: Night very dark for good observation. Too much wind.

4 1 N.C.O. + 4 men 9.30 pm 12.15 am K.3.d.24.60. Do As No * 1 A circular trench about 20x beyond our wire seemed to lead to head of Bosch sap at 4 bare trees.
2 Bosch working in sap head. Saw cigarette being smoked. Heard voices further back in sap.
3 Saw flashes (like electric torches) in GOMMECOURT PARK.
4 Party of 11 Bosche (3 covering party came out of their wire to the N & ****.

N. Richardson
2/Lt.
I.O.
DECK
———————————-
DECK
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 pm, 25/11/16 till 6 am, 26/11/16
OPERATIONS.
Intermittent shelling of HEBUTERNE with 5.9” & 4.2”, commencing at 5.50 pm and at intervals of five to ten minutes, till 7.0 pm. Occasional rounds were sent over during the night but on the whole, the enemy’s artillery was very quiet.
Own Artillery: very quiet.
Enemy T.Ms: 6.30 pm: Enemy noticed our wiring party at top of YUZ and put 3 minenwerfer (small) close to them. No damage was done.
Enemy M.Gs: quiet.

INTELLIGENCE.
See Patrol Summaries (enclosed)
Note: Received Quadrant Periscope from BOW.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
—————————————
DECK
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 am till 6 pm, 26/11/16
OPERATIONS.
Enemy Artillery: The morning was very quiet, owing to the rain and mist. In the afternoon it became much clearer and consequently there was greater artillery activity on both sides. A few 5.9” shells fell near the R. Support Co. H.Q. And between 3 & 4 pm shells of the same calibre (shrapnel) were directed on the batteries on the left of HEBUTERNE.
INTELLIGENCE.
Enemy Movement: sentry frequently seen at K.4.d.1.5.
10.30 am men seen going along commun trenches K.5.a.20 to K.5.a.5.2.
10.45 am Movements seen along trench K.4.d.7.9. to K.4.d.8.8. Our Artillery shelled this trench.
12.30 pm Men frequently during next hour were seen moving about trenches in the cemetery K.4.d.7.8. Our observers were unable to perceive their occupation.
1 pm – 2 pm Observation kept on point K.4.b.4.4. which we suspect to be an O.P. owing to its position & appearance.
1.15 pm man was seen to leave this position.
Men seen at intervals with full pack on.

Enemy Work
8.30 am. Working party seen in trench K.5.c.6.1. to K.c.10.95. draining trench. Reported to artillery who shelled the trench.
9.15 am. Working party in trench K.4.d.4.7. to K.4.d.7.5. This party was also draining trench & were reported to artillery.
12.45 pm. Two men in great-coats & steel helmets, with full pack were seen leaving trenches at point E.28.b.5.2.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
—————————————
27/11/16.
Maps Handed over to BOW.
1. Large Paper map. GOMMECOURT 2 B.
2. Large oilskin 1/2500.
3. 56 & 43 Aeroplane Photos
8.L.1258 “ “
4. Left Sub-sector Trench Map 1/5,000 (Paper)
5. Do 1/5,000 2 (Paper)
6. Do 1/5,000 (Linen)
7. Artillery Map
8. 1 Kite Balloon Map 11 M 186.
WJ Warner 2/Lt
KEEL.
———————————-
Patrol Report (Summaries)
26/27/11/16.
No Compn Time of Place of Object RESULTS
Exit Entry Exit Entry
1 1 Off + 4 men 6.10 pm 8.20 pm At advance front top of YOUNG ST. Do To examine enemy wire near K.3.d.4.6. 1 Found gap about point K.3.d.40.50. This gap was three yards wide, and completely through the wire. The wire was thin on each side of it.2 A German heard (& later seen) get out of a sap 30x N of this gap & march S.W.
3 Not much wire in front of S.W. corner of wood.

2 1 Sgt + 4 men
? ? At disused trench N of advanced Sap MOUSETRAP
K.3.d.30.60. Do To examine wire along N.W. side of GOMMECOURT PARK for 100 yards. 1 Observed Bosche covering party (10) at about K.3.d.50.70.
Note: mist became very heavy & party withdrew.
N. Richardson
2/Lt.
I.O.
DECK
———————————-

DECK
TACTICAL PROGRESS REPORT.
From 6 pm, 26/11/16 till 6 am, 27/11/16
OPERATIONS.
Enemy Artillery: Intermittent shelling of HEBUTERNE during the night.
At 8.10 pm, 8.30 pm and from 9.0 to 9.10 pm shells (5.9s & 4.2s) were put over near to the pond and the Aid Post at the entrance to the village.
At 10 pm about 12 rounds 77 mm were fired on ‘R’ line. No damage was done.
Own Artillery: A slow steady rate of firing was kept up with salvoes at intervals.
Enemy T.Ms: Active again.
At 4 pm yesterday the enemy opened out on to our lines with about 50 L.T.Ms.
About 9 pm he commenced again on the left & on the right.
All sizes were used, but no damage was done & the majority fell short.
At 4.0 pm yesterday, he appeared to be firing from K.4.b.10.15.
At 9.0 pm the Bosche seemed to take advantage of the mist for firing his T.Ms.
Enemy M.Gs: One M.G. kept traversing out parapets on the left at intervals. On the whole very quiet. There were bursts over the village at 6.5 and 6.10 am.
Our M.Gs: fairly active.

INTELLIGENCE.
See Patrol Reports (enclosed)
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
I.O.
DECK
———————————-
DECK. 26/11/16
REPORTS on WIRE.
A. In front of ‘C’ line.
1. The only wire is round the posts at the head of YUSSIF and the head of YOUNG ST.
2. Between these two posts there has originally been a little wire but now a clear gap, which stretches almost from post to post, has been blown, and absolutely affords no obstacles at all.
3. The wire in front of the posts is not too strong and in places at the YUSSIF post the enemy could bomb the post from the wire.
Note: A complete new system of wire is required in front of ‘C’ line. It requires putting out beyond the present wire so as to place the posts out of bombing distance.
B. Wire between ‘C’ & ‘R’ Lines.
1. The main wire is about 30 yards in front of ‘R’ trench & attached to stout wooden pickets. The wire is in fairly good condition but in places has been blown up by shell fire. The ground between the latter wire and ‘R’ line is full of shell holes and seems to have been laid with cross “trip” wire on short pickets but owing to shell fire this has been badly mangled, the broken places having been filled in with barbed concertinas. This wiring comes to within 4 yards of ‘R’ line.
2. From YUSSIF Tr to MG2 the wire is very thin.
Illustration
From MG2 the wire stretches to within 20 yards of YOUNG ST, and is old, straggling, fairly good and wide. The remainder is very poor. There are no definite gaps apparent. No concertinas or gooseberries were noticed.
N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
————————-

DECK. 27/11/16
REPORTS on Wire.
{ A. Forward of ‘C’ Line.

{B. Between ‘C’ and ‘R’ Line.

A. Forward of ‘C’ Line. In front of Left Front Co. the wire is very good; that of the Right Front Co. is not so good, but here there are stretches of entanglements and wire, old but forming effective obstacles over 100 yds into No Man’s Land.
(a) Right Front Co.
1. Patrol Report of 25/11/16. Place of exit was Left Advanced Post from YOUNG ST. “On our return journey we entered our wire about 50 yards West of the wire fence. The wire was chiefly French wire and little barbed wire was encountered. We struck the wire fence about 30 yards from its junction with ‘Z’ Hedge.”
2. Patrol Report 24/11/16. Place of exit was junction of YOUNG ST & ‘C’ LINE K.3.d.2.9. “The outer edge of our wire is about 100 yards from our parapet”—-“ We left our lines at K.3.d.2.9. and proceeded along the wooden fence which runs out in a N.E. direction. We went about 100 yards along this, the going was fairly easy and we walked all the way. The wire on the fence is still standing. On the left hand side of the fence, very little of our wire is left. On the right the wire is much broken but would form a difficult obstacle.
3. There is fairly good wire round the posts at the head of YUSSIF and also of YOUNG ST.
4. Between these two posts there has originally been a little wire but much of it has been blown away & does not afford much of an obstacle at all.
5. The wire at the YUSSIF post is within bombing range.

(b) Left Front Co. [from YUSSIF to SAP]
1. From YUSSIF to YUZ. – Good; 20 ft wide.
2. From YUZ to SAP – On the whole good; about 20 ft wide.
3. Opposite the end of YUZ: – V. Good indeed. Posts wired all round.

Page 3 of report is missing. Recommences at page 4.

B. (b) Contd
to stout wooden pickets. The wire is in fairly good condition, but in places has been blown up by shell fire.
2 The ground between the latter wire and ‘R’ LINE is full of shell holes and seems to have been laid with cross trip wire on short pickets.
But owing to shell fire this has been badly mangled, the broken places having been filled in with barbed concertinas.
This wire comes to within 4 yards of ‘R’ LINE.

N. Richardson
2nd Lt.
DECK.
——————————–
Notes on Maps in Possession.
1. About 30 57C NW Edition 4A. Achiet Le Grand.
2. About 30 57C SW “ “ Martinpuich
3. About 10 1/20,000 Puisieux
4. 1 Achiet.

——————————-
On separate leaf.

Dugouts. Left Coys Front.
1. Signallers 15 men lying supported by strong beams. 12’ cover.
2. Coy H.Q. 3 beds, supported by 6” props. 4’ cover.
3. Runners. 6 men. 8’ cover.
4. Holds 20 men. 2 entrances. 4’ top.
5. 12 men. good condition. 6’ cover.
6. Elephant dugout, holds 8. cover 3’.
7. Holds 6. Off servants. 4’ cover.

Shelters.
1. Weatherproof hold 3 men.
Others 4 each hold 4. 3’ cover.
2. 2 each hold 5 men. Corrugated iron cover
3. Patrol post. hold 4 men. Corrugated Iron cover
4. 5 others in SUPPORT LINE hold 3 men. Corrugated Iron cover.
F.C. Bootimore Lt.
D Coy
24.11.16.

Illustration of locations.

Field Message Book Major F.S. Parah
75th Can. Inf. Bn.

To C.S.M. Hall
D. Coy

Detailed party 5 men & 1 N.C.O. to proceed to Hallabast corner when there the N.C.O. will enquire of the Military Police for some baggage left there by one of our limbered wagons.
This baggage consists of Orderly Room boxes & the party will bring them up to Batt Head Quarters.
The N.C.O. will obtain a receipt from Bn H.Q.

O.C. D Coy.

To Sergt O Hanley
Detail 17 men 1 Corp.
Carrying party for Tunnelers (to report to me at once.
These men must carry rifles & must be from 13 & 14 Platoons. They will be on duty till 2.30 a.m.
F.S.P.
O.C. D Coy
Urgent.
—————————————————–
To Lieut Porter
G.H.Q.
Kindly report with Lieut Wallace as soon as possible this morning.
F.S.P.
O.C. D Coy
Time 9.50 a.m.
25th 8 16.
———————————————————————

To Lieut Stanly
D Coy
98 Rue D Aevloy

Detail at once 2 Sergts 35 O.R. to proceed to Bn ord room – reporting at 3.45 pm –AAA
A,B,M will detail like parties.
A & B will supply 1 Officer each AAA
See that men carry gas bags & 10 rounds S.A.A. AAA
F.S. Parah
Major D Coy
Time 2.15 p.m.
3/11/16
——————————————–

D.G. Breakfast 7 am
Parade to Q.M. Stores 8 am
Kitchen ready 8.30
Co Parade 9.45

Working Party.
Lieut Parkinson & 25 O.R. at 6.45 returning to Chalk Pits when finished.
Nom Roll of men *** into ***.
—————————————-

To O.C. 75th Bn

Reply to L 48 – 5
L/Cpl East J.C. 138191
Pte Holmes A.A. 164606.
F.S. Parah
Major D Coy
Timed 10.50 am
5/11/16
—————————————–

To O.C. 75th Can Inf Bn.

Reply to L 62 – 5
Herewith 2 LENS NO 11 MAPS.
Mr. Wallace has 1 but as he is in ALBERT I cannot obtain it until tomorrow.
F.S. Parah
Major
D Coy
———————————–

To O.C. 75th Bn
Reply to L 89 – 1
Pte Dalloway G. 164263 he will Parade at B.H.Q. noon – full equipment and having 24 hours rations.
F.S. Parah
Major
D Coy
—————————————

To O.C. 75th Can. Inf. Bn.
Reply to L 105 – 11
The mens feet have been inspected & treated with whale oil.
F.S. Parah
Major
D Coy
Time 10.45 am
11/11/16
——————————-

To O.C. 75 Can Inf Bn
Re 106
Man for Y.M.C.A. Pt Ineson J. 138456.
F.S. Parah
Major
D Coy
Time 12-45
11/11/16
———————————-

Orders
D Coy by Major F.S. Parah Commanding.

Reveille 5 am
Breakfast 6 am.
Parade formed up outside No 13 Platoon ***** by 7 am. full fighting kit
Blankets: to be collected & placed inside 13 Platoon billets also Packs before 7 am.
Officers baggage to be at Bn H.Q. by 6.30 am.
F.S. Parah
Major
—————————————–

D. Coy Trench State.
Officers 2 Sgts 4 Cpls 1 Pts 35
————————————————————-
Trench State
D Coy

Officers 2
Sergts 4
Cpls 1
Ptes 35
Total all ranks 42
F. Stewart Parah
Major
D Coy
———————————————
To O.C. 75th Can. Inf. Bn.
Reply to L 846 – 23.

Herewith Maps
1 Lens No 11
1 Le Sars
1 Operation Trench Map
1 Pys Edition 3
1 Diagram 75 Position
1Operation Maps
1 Map – K 11 – Nos 23.
F. Stewart Parah
Major
D Coy
Runner
Time 10 am
23-11-16
————————————————————-

To O.C. 75th Can. Inf. Bn.
Reply to A 208 – 23.

N.C.O. for 1 month course 219319 L/Sgt Burtt H.R.
F. S. Parah
Major
D Coy
Runner
8.25 pm
23rd Nov 16
———————————————————

To O.C. 75th Can. Inf. Bn.
Reply to L 857 – 23.

List of men & shortages herewith.
F. Stewart Parah
Major
D Coy
Runner
11.30 am
24-11-16
————————————————

To O.C. 75th Can. Inf. Bn.
Reply to L 869 – 24.

All N.C.Os & men of this company have been issued with Sheepskin Jerkins.

F. Stewart Parah
Major
D Coy
Runner
2.15 pm
24-11-16
—————————————-

To O.C. 75th Canadian B.H.Q.
Reply to A 215 – 24.

Officers 2
N.C.O. 4
O.R. 19
Total available 25
F. Stewart Parah
Major
D Coy
Messenger
2-15 pm
24-11-16
——————————————–
Parade State
1. No of men available for Parade
2. Sick in lines with their names
3. Div Supply what doing
4. Bde “””
5. At Transport
6. Coy employ
7. Bn “
8. In Hospital (seen)
9. Other Duties.
Tot to agree with nom roll
*****s) must be with Co.
Tump men)
Coy employ cooks, C.Q.M.S Battalion Stretchers, San Police.
Bn supply
Reg Police ***** *****
To be in Bn H.Q. 8 a.m.
—————————————————-

To O.C. 75th Can. Inf. Bn.
Reply to L 901 – 25.

Pte Laws & Moulden are both with the company.
F. S. Parah
Major
D Coy
Runner
4 pm
25-11-16
—————————————–
D Coy Draft.
805715 Pt Swann S.R.
“ 476 “ Taylor W.J.
“ 255 “ Todd J.
“ 219 “ Venning C.G.
“ 755 “ Virtue A.
“ 650 “ Wake H.O.
“ 217 “ Wakely W.H.
“ 161 “ Watt E.W.
“ 204 “ Werry P.H.
“ 450 “ Wheeler F.J.
“ 320 “ Wheeler R.B.
“ 390 “ White M.E.
“ 466 “ White S.E.
“ 191 “ Whitfield J.C.
“ 615 “ Willan W.R.
“ 247 “ Whithead J.
“ 610 “ Wootten C.W.
“ 199 “ Wootten J.
“ 436 “ Wright C.
“ 294 “ Wright L.E.
“ 190 “ Wright W.L.
210042 “ Ashley J.
210081 “ Bamfield H.B.
211072 “ Barber E.C.
211081 “ Barrington J.
174022 “ Beere A.
210076 “ Blake W.G.
210072 “ Brown F.
189822 “ Campbell L.A.
210205 “ Clarke J.
“ 178 “ Cooper R.H.
850674 “ Cole W.
123487 “ Crawford P.
———————————————-

To O.C. 75th Can. Inf. Bn.
Reply to L 917 – 29.

This is to certify that no officer or man of my company has a camera in his possession.

F. S. Parah
Major
D Coy
Runner
29-11-16
——————————-

To Sergt O Hanley
Company parade 8 am.
Inspection of billets 8 am.
See that men have sheepskins ready rolled & fixed.
Damage to billets will be paid for by the men occupying billets.
Haversack lunch carries.
Instruct Pt Gallifant to have my horse at my billet by 7.45 am.
F. S. Parah
———————————

To Sergt O Hanley
D Coy
Company Parade 9-15 am.
Inspection of billets 9-15
Order of march D, A, B, C etc.
Haversack luncheon.
Blankets & officers baggage at Transport by 9 am.
C.Q.M.S. responsible for blankets.
Billets departs ** by 9 am.
Move off 9-45 am.
Starting Pt check.
F. S. Parah
Major

George Ryan’s letter home dated 5 Nov 1915

Dum-dum.
India.
5 Nov 1915

Dear M & F,

Many thanks for your letter of Oct 14. I’ve also heard from Bert & May this week. Before I opened their letters I guessed they both blamed each other for not writing before & when I did open them I found that was the case. Bert said he had left it too late the last two weeks & if I wanted to blame anybody I must blame my sister & May says its Bert’s fault she doesn’t write as he keeps her out till it’s too late.

I notice you have sent me some Tobacco & sweets. Thanks very much, I hope I shall receive them alright when the Parcel Post comes in. It should be in to-day but I’m at Cossipore this week so if your parcel has arrived I shan’t get it till to-morrow.

We are going to Jafferpore on the 14th but only one Platoon is going at a time so we shall not be there more than about 10 days.

If you have not already sent those things I mentioned a few weeks ago you might also send my dancing shoes & a pen-knife which you will find I think in one of my top drawers. If you’ve already sent the other things don’t make a special parcel of these two things; there’s no hurry. Some of the fellows are learning to dance & later on they hope to arrange one or two dances.

Cannot tell you the name of the boat we are coming home by as we are spending Christmas out here this year. We might spend the next one at home but we can’t say yet though.

Hope you are all well.
Love from yr loving son
George

P.S. Received Selfridges warrant safely, thanks.

File not needed.
4th Can. Div.
G-1-8
11th Canadian Inf. Bde.

Please submit the name of a Field Officer who will do liaison work with the 18th Division during the future operations.

He will be temporarily attached to Divisional Headquarters from the “Z” day, but will be available for his battalion should casualties demand it.
K.D. Murray
Major
General Staff

Nov. 4th 1916.

To: – O.C. 54th 75th 87th & 102nd Battns.

Please forward to these Headquarters by 3 p.m. tomorrow, 5th inst. the name of a Field Officer who could undertake this duty.

Signature unreadable
Major
Brigade Major
11th Canadian Inf. Brigade
4-11-16

F.S. Parah
Major
Maj Parah
You are detailed for this work.
Kindly note & return
Signature unreadable.

George Ryan’s letter home dated 2 Nov 1914
S.S. “Dilwara”
Nearing Gibraltar
2 Nov 1914
Dear Mother & Father,
Hope you got my P.C. safely from S’ton. I’d given up hopes of sending one as we were not allowed outside the docks. Then a few minutes before the boat left a sailor called out “any more letters or P.C.s” so I just scribbled that P.C. in about ½ a minute & gave it to him to post. Well, we are just getting used to our house on the sea. A lot of fellows were ill the first day but I was alright until Sun morning. We were half way across the Bay & our boat was just like a tub on the water. I was sick a little but I kept my dinner down. There are very few fellows that have not felt a bit queer. I’m quite A 1 now again. Our steering gear went wrong on Friday.
So I think we are going to call at Gib; I’m writing this in case: In the ordinary course we were not going to call anywhere until we got to Aden.
We shall stop for repairs at Gib. But I don’t think we shall be allowed off the boat as I shan’t be able to get any stamps but the way I’m going to mark the envelope I don’t think you’ll have to pay any more that 1d. We are having a very lazy time on board; it’s getting rather monotonous we’ve only sighted land once & that was the southern coast of England. There are 9 other boats & one escort; a cruiser brought us part of the way, now we’ve got a battleship. There are 1200 of us on this boat & I suppose there’s as many on each of the others so there’s 12000 altogether but they are not all going to India. 1000 are staying at Aden, 1000 are going to Rangoon (Burmah) etc.
Of course we’re rather crowded & the food isn’t very plentiful but we can’t expect anything better on board. I wish I could still receive your weekly parcel of cake. We generally have a spoonful of porridge & bread & butter & stuff they call tea for breakfast; tinned meat & potatoes & sometimes pickles for dinner & a biscuit or two & tea for tea. There’s a canteen but its only open for a few hours so you can imagine there’s a fine rush when it is open; it means waiting something over half an hour.
We sleep in hammocks which we have to put up every night over our mess tables. I didn’t like it at first but now I get quite a comfortable rest.
I’m not sure where we are going to land; I thought Bombay but I heard Kurachi mentioned, it will be one of the two. They say we’ve got 5 day’s train journey then across India. Dinapore is about 150 to 200 miles north of Calcutta. I think we shall all be about sick of travelling by the time we get there; I’m tired of it already.
You can answer this directly to Pte. GWR 1945 “D” Company, 9th Battn, Middx Regt, Dinapore, India. It won’t matter if it gets there first, I expect I shall get it alright. Write as much as you like & tell me all that’s going on; get May to help you; write it in weekly parts if you like. Have you sold or given my clothes away yet? Did you receive £1 from the office on 1 Nov? Has dad still got something to do?
I don’t suppose I shall have time to write to Bert this time; you must tell Mrs Taylor to tell him I’m getting on alright. Besides I don’t like writing to anyone when they’ve got to pay anything to receive it.
Well I hope you are all getting on alright & are all quite well. Love to all,
Yr affectionate son
George
I’ve learnt since that the captain himself was sick so you can tell it was pretty rough on Sunday.

ARMY BOOK 152
CORRESPONDENCE BOOK
(FIELD SERVICE)
Opened on Nov. 1st 1916.
Started Intelligence Nov 21st 1916.
Norman Richardson 2nd Lieut S.O.
DECK
SIGNAL SECTION.

SC 257 1/11/16
Custody of Stores.
6. The Divl Signal Company will leave behind the supernumerary officer attached to it. This officer will be in charge of any personnel remaining in the Divl area. He will collect all spare signal stores at a site selected by him, and will report to O.C. Divl Salvage Co., where this site is. All telegraphs & telephone instruments liable to injury by explosive will be collected at the nearest convenient Signal Office.
28th /10/16
————————————-