September
1916
1st
Bedfordshire Regt Operation Order No 19 2nd Sept 16 Reference
Trench Map 1/10000
(1)
(a) The attack will be carried out on Sept 3rd 1916 (b)
Zero hour will be notified later. It will probably be at
or about 12.55 pm (c) The 13th Infantry Brigade Operation
against FALFEMONT FARM and trenches to SOUTH will take place,
as already arranged, about 9.0 pm on Sept 3rd. In connection
with this attack Heavy Artillery will not fire SOUTH of
a point 60 yards N.W. of Point 48 (B2d4/8)
(2)
The following change will be made in the action of the Artillery:
- the bombardment, which will commence at 8.0 AM, on 2nd
Sept will be deliberate. At intervals throughout the bombardment
the ground will be searched by bursts of 18 pounder fire.
There will be no increase in the intensity of this bombardment
either by Heavy of Field Artillery up to Zero
(3)
(a) In order to obtain a good jumping off place for future
operations, the final objectives of the XIV Corps on sept
3rd have been extended to the Line: - SOUTH WESTERN edge
of LEUZE Wood - NORTH WESTWARDS through T.20 central. (b)
GINCHY TELEGRAPH (T.14 central) will be taken by the XV
Corps
(4)
The 5th Division will capture the SOUTH WESTERN edge of
LEUZE WOOD and will gain touch on the right with the French
about SAVERNAKE WOOD
(5)
(a) The dividing line between the 5th and 20th Divisions
will be: - T26a1/8 - S.W.Corner of LEUZE WOOD (T.26.b.80/85)
inclusive to 5th Division (b) The dividing line between
the 5th Div. and the 1st French Div will be the Light Railway
running through B3a and b.
(6)
(a) The Operations referred to in para 4 will be carried
out by the 13th Infy Bde. The advance on the wood will be
made up the spur from the neighbourhood of FALFEMONT FARM
- The valley on the left being avoided as far as possible.
The right Flank of this advance will be covered by patrols,
who will push forward at the same time as the assaulting
troops and establish posts across the SOUTHERN slopes of
the spur (approx. through T27C and b3a) so as to connect
with the French. These posts must be joined up as soon as
possible. 13th Infy Bde Boundaries On the Right Light Railway
running along NORTHERN edge of SAVERNAKE wood On the Left
NORTHERN Corner of WEDGE WOOD - Corner of LEUZE WOOD (T26b80/85)
(b) To enable this attack to be made the Artillery barrage
will again become intense at ZERO plus 165 minutes. The
creeping barrage will lift gradually at this hour at the
rate of 50 yards per minute until it has passed 200 yds
beyond the edge of LEUZE WOOD (c) The assaulting Infantry
will advance at ZERO plus 165 minutes keeping as close under
the barrage as possible
(7)
The 95th Infy. Bde is allotted the following additional
tasks (a) Clearing up the situation in the valley N.E. of
WEDGE WOOD with a view to covering the left flank of the
13th Infy Bde during their advance on LEUZE WOOD (b) Assisting
the 20th Division (should their advance to the WEDGE WOOD
- GINCHY road be checked) by movement NORTHWARD towards
Cross Roads T 20 c 2/4 (c) Forming a defensive flank from
corner of LEUZE WOOD (T 26 b 80/85) at quarry (T 20 d 3/1)
thence westwards in the event of the 20th Divisional attack
on GUILLEMONT or the WEDGE WOOD - GINCHY Road be held up
(8)
It is possible in the event of the Reserve Battalions of
the 13th Infy Bde having been previously engaged that the
task of carrying out the operations referred to in para
4 and 6 will be allotted to the 15th Infy Bde. This Brigade
will, therefore, be prepared to move forward, if required
to the FALFEMONT FARM Line and will consider plans beforehand
for carrying out the attack
(9)
The CRE will consider plans with B.G.C13th Infy Bde for
opening up communication with the FALFEMONT FARM Line and
LEUZE WOOD
(10)
Watches will be synchronized at hours to be stated later
(11)
16th Division will be in Corps reserve. One Infy Brigade
Group of this decision will be in a position S.W. of BILLON
FARM ready to move at one hours notice
(12)
In other respects the orders as laid down in 15th Infy Bde
Operations orders No55 and 55 (A) will hold good
NOTES
ON RECENT OPERATIONS Reference your No.G.1463
The
following points were noted during the operations of 3rd
to 6th September.
1.
Orders were not always issued in sufficient time; thus the
Order to attack FALFEMONT FARM at 6.30 p.m. on 3rd, was
only received at 6 p.m.
2.
Communication between Brigade Headquarters and Battalion
was bad. An Operation Order to make an immediate attack
on FALFEMONT FARM, issued at 12.30 a.m. on the 5th only
reached Battalion at 8.0 a.m., though the distance was under
a mile. It was taken by a relay runner who lost his way.
Where relay runners are used they should be stationed at
telephone test stations, so that the line can be followed.
This is especially the case by night. If the shelling is
very severe these test stations should be closer together
and cover provided. An advanced "exchange" should be made
where reports as to progress made, etc., can be duplicated
and sent out to neighbouring units. Patrols can very rarely
obtain this information.
3.
When an important success has been gained, fresh troops
should be available to take advantage of it before the enemy
has time to re-organise, but where this is not so even tired
troops can push on provided their flanks remain secure.
Some sort of signal, such as rockets or flares, visible
from an O.P. should be pre-arranged. Both field and heavy
guns should lift 800 yards or more according to the nature
of the signal, and thus enable the advance of our Infantry
to continue.
4.
One or two Field Guns pushed well forward may be of great
assistance in dealing with a counter attack.
5.
The "P" Bomb for dug-outs and the arrangement of carrying
2 grenades per man proved invaluable.
6.
A machine gun pushed into the front line safeguarded the
left flank Lewis guns were pushed up close behind the line
of bombers (the ground was convex) and did excellent work
at close range.
7.
Military police stationed on main avenues of approach and
close to the front line could send back into action cases
of pseudo "shell shock" and also men not carrying back their
full load. A report to Brigade being rendered later.
REPORT
ON OPERATIONS ON 3rd - 6th SEPTEMBER BY 1st BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE
REGIMENT
(Appendix
I).
Orders
were received to move to SLIT TRENCHES from SILESIAN TRENCH
at 1-55 p.m. on 3rd September. The leading platoon marched
off within 10 minutes and reached MALTZ HORN TRENCHES 2-25
p.m. At 3 p.m. the Battalion was ordered to move to NEW
TRENCHES South of ANGLE WOOD.
(Appendix
II).
The
16th Bn.Royal Warwickshire Regiment had been ordered to
move by communication trenches. We started after then and
going across the open got in the East End as they got in
at the West The two Battalions had to pass one another in
a narrow trench during a heavy shelling. Since there was
not room for two Battalions in the trench a second line
had to be dug behind the first. By food fortune there only
[sic] ten casualties.
(Appendix
III).
6
p.m. orders came from Brigade that Artillery would bombard
FALFEMONT FARM. That Bedfords would assault from FALFEMONT
FARM exclusive to WEDGE WOOD inclusive at this hour in conjunction
with the Cheshires on our right passing through the troops
holding the first line. Orders were issued to Companies
by 6-10 p.m. and the leading platoon of "D" Company moved
off by 6-15 p.m. As they had 1000 yards of open ground to
their objective the BARRAGE had lifted long before they
could get anywhere near. Moving steadily forward under Artillery
and Machine Gun Fire they bore a little too much to the
left and passing through the leading companies of the Warwicks
and the 95th Brigade they occupied the line from WEDGE WOOD
to sunken road at T.26.C.1/9 thus obtaining a portion of
the third objective of the 95th Bde.
(Appendix
IV). Some 30 Warwicks were found in WEDGE WOOD. They had
orders to retire at dusk. They were relieved and the line
was extended to join the 1st Cheshires due West of FALFEMONT
FARM about B.2.A.0/5. We now held a front of 12 hundred
yards with the Battalion Headquarters in a trench just South
of WEDGE WOOD. To enable the Battalion to continue its attack
on trenches East of WEDGE WOOD and to get my Companies out
of the 95th Brigade area I requested O.C. "A" Company to
move South of WEDGE WOOD, but so as to avoid any accident
I instructed him to report this intention first to the nearest
Battalion Commander. He was informed that the D.C.L.I. and
Gloucesters were unable to take over our front and that
the D.C.L.I. were expecting a counter attack on the left.
(Appendix
V-VI). In consequence the 2 1/2 companies were allowed to
remain in the 95th Brigade area holding the first line.
A company of the West Kents was called for to hold a portion
of our line while a bombing attack was made, but this was
cancelled on receipt of 15th Brigade Operation Order No.58
of 4th September directing a general attack on the 4th.
Strong patrols were pushed forward from Captain Barnett's
Company. They entrenched that night within about 30 yards
of the German first line in a very creditable manner. The
other Companies also pushed out patrols. Captain Norrish's
Company capturing 3 and Lieut.Howard's Company 1
prisoner without any loss - due to good patrol leading.
In accordance with 15th Brigade Operation Order of 4th September
orders were issued for an attack on Northern portion of
CIRCULAR TRENCH East of WEDGE WOOD.
(Appendix
VII). "D" Company was due to advance from the points they
had dug on the night 3/4th instant. "A", "C" and "B" Companies
from in front of the 95th Brigade were to "sideslip" and
in succession to occupy the pushing off place of "D" Company,
to reinforce rapidly. During the morning our guns persistently
shelled the line we were holding, and in spite of several
reports, matters remained the same. Finally two of the forward
trenches had to be evacuated as the men were all being buried.
In doing so the enemy opened with machine guns on them and
there were several casualties. Quite apart from its moral
effect some 30 men were killed or wounded by our own guns.
A bombing party, consisting of the Battalion and "D" Company's
Bombers, and provided with both "P" and the "Mills" Bombs
followed the first platoon; in addition every man in the
ranks carried two bombs. As the whole ground was a series
of craters these bombs proved invaluable. The rifle men
shot down the enemy as he ran back. Lewis guns also did
great execution. Reinforcements came up on both sides and
matters began to look serious. All the Battalion reserves
were used up, Headquarters were asked for reinforcements
from another Battalion, but the last push just succeeded,
and our supply of bombs outlasted their's The "P" bomb proved
the greatest value in bringing them out of dug-outs. In
one instance a bomb set fire to a German bomb store. A whole
Company was sheltering in a dug-out with 3 entrances, according
to the statements of two survivors: not many escaped. The
position was held by a German Battalion with M.G. detachment.
Three officers (1 wounded) 128 other ranks and 4 machine
guns in good condition were captured and sent back by the
Bedfords; others were taken back without passing through
Battalion Headquarters. In all I estimate the number of
prisoners taken by the Battalion during the three days as
160. Some were also taken by a party of about 30 Cheshires
who came up on our right. Another party of about 50 who
came later on out left also relieved the situation. Apart
from this nothing could be seen of any progress on our right;
on the left the 95th Bde was not to advance till 6.30 p.m.
We consolidated on a line from the Northern corner of FALFEMONT
FARM for 300 yards in a N.W. direction across the Plateau.
All opposition had ceased by 5.50 p.m., two Companies of
West Kents had joined, in response to my request for reinforcements
at 4 p.m. and were pushed forward towards LEUZE WOOD, but
were recalled to comply with 15th Brigade wire not to draw
on them unless absolutely necessary. A strong patrol was
sent out on the right through the Farm to try and gain touch
with the Norfolks. (They gained touch with the 16th Warwicks
East of FALFEMONT FARM). The Cheshires dug in about 300
yards S.W. of the W. corner of LEUZE WOOD where they gained
touch later on with the 95th Brigade. Eight other German
stragglers were taken by the Bedfords on the 5th, and seven
wounded Germans were left in a dug-out.
(Appendix
X). Throughout the 5th things remained quiet except for
some shelling by our guns and a very heavy bombardment by
German heavy guns. We buried all our dead and were relieved
on the morning of the 6th September The Battalion
went into action with 20 Officers and 610 other ranks, and
came out having lost 17 Officers and 289 other ranks.
They fully succeeded in gaining their objective and facilitated
the advance on either flank. The Battalion started with
full water bottles on the afternoon of the 3rd and were
only able to obtain water again on the morning of the 5th,
during this time they made an attack across the open and
the following afternoon made another successful attack.
This lack of water was to a certain extent eked out by soda
water, of which the German dug-outs were found to be well
supplied when captured. Sgt.Bush, the Battalion Signalling
Sergeant, kept up communication between Brigade and Battalion
Headquarters by telephone throughout the operations, except
for short intervals. There were two intermediate stations
for repair of line. Orderlies were able to follow the line
to carry important messages. This was not done by a Brigade
Orderly carrying 15th Brigade O.O. No.59 of 5th September,
ordering an attack at once by night on FALFEMONT FARM. It
was sent out at 12.30 a.m., and only received at 8.0 a.m,
too late to be acted upon
(Appendix
VIII). By night a telephone line or even string will enable
orderlies to find their way however intricate the country
may be I would also like to draw attention to the necessity
of giving Battalion Commanders more time to communicate
their orders to subordinates. Not many Battalions could
have moved off from a long line of trenches to assault a
strong position 1000 yards distant within a quarter of an
hour of receipt. Temp.Captain Barnett led the leading
Company and directed those following in a masterly manner,
after passing through the trenches of our front line, some
500 yards from where we started, they finished up, each
Company, a formed unit on their objective. A previous attack
that morning had failed and the temptation must have been
great for men to drop into the front line trench and start
firing. Temp.Captain Barnett's Company also led the
attack on the 4th against German position N.W. of FALFEMONT
FARM, under peculiarly difficult circumstances. His Company
had been under our own barrage fire from daylight till 3.10
p.m., the last portion of which was intense. Many men had
been killed and many buried. It was only by constant digging
in that any survived, yet the assault was carried out with
the utmost vigour. The capture gained the whole ridge and
by drawing off German troops from the quarry near T.26 a
6/2 enabled the 95th Brigade to reach LEUZE WOOD practically
unopposed that evening. It also indirectly facilitated the
advance of the French troops. Under the circumstances
I should like to recommend Temp.Capt.Barnett
for immediate reward, and also Temp.Capt.West,
who did equally good work. All Appendices are with the original
War Diary 15th Infy Bde. G 1451 The Brigadier General Commanding
feels he cannot too warmly express his admiration of the
fine soldierly qualities again displayed by all ranks during
the recent operations. The taking of FALFEMONT FARM, a most
important and strongly defended post, was a magnificent
performance and is one of the greatest successes accomplished
during the war. This was made possible entirely by the good
handling of their Battalions by Commanding Officers and
the devoted conduct of all ranks. Heavy working parties
were required when the Brigade was not in the Line and these
did excellent work. The Brigadier-General thanks all ranks
for their support and co- operation and trusts the Brigade
will shortly enjoy a well earned rest 8th September 1916
Undated
[Appears
to be the Colonels speech to the Battalion, but unconfirned]
I have come here this morning to read to you a message that
we have received from the Commander-in-Chief. he says, with
reference to the late operations, "The rapid advance on
LEUZE WOOD, following on the capturing of FALFEMONT FARM,
showed great judgement and determination, and has been of
considerable assistance to the French Army on our right.
I very warmly congratulate you and the Commanders and Staffs
and the Troops under you on the results you have already
achieved and on the energy and determination with which
they were followed up. Well, now, your'e the people who
took FALFEMONT FARM, and I am very glad to be able to tell
you that not only the Commander-in-Chief, but the Army Commander
and the Corps Commander all realise what a great and glorious
fight it was. It makes it all the better that you did it
after there had been a failure; that always makes it more
difficult. Nothing in the world could have been finer than
the show you fellows put up by that Farm and the line up
to WEDGE WOOD on the left of it. It was magnificent. I want
to thank you all for what you have done and tell you that
everybody thoroughly understands what a good show it was.
1st
Bedforshire Regt Operation Order No20 9th September 1916
Reference Map ALBERT combined sheet 1/40,000
I
The 15th Infantry Brigade will move to MORLANCOURT to-day.
II The Battalion will parade ready to move off at 1.30 pm.
Order of march Hdqrs. A, B. C. D. II [sic] Company commanders
are held responsible that their lines are left clean Issued
at 12.45 pm
SECRET
1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. Operation Order No.21 15th Sept.
1916 Map reference ALBERT (combined Sheet) 1/100,000
1.
the Battalion will move to CITADEL today. 2. Order of march:
- "A" Company 'B' Company 'C' Company D Company Lewis Guns
and Lewis Guns teams with the exception of 1 reserve team
per company will march rear of the Battalion. 3. Head of
Column will pass the church (opposite H.Q. Norfolk Regt)
at 4.20 a.m. 4. Coy. Commanders will report to the Adjt
that their billets and huts are left clean and free from
Bombs and S.A.A. 5. Officers kits will be put on baggage
wagon at once. 6. All regimental marks on doors and buildings
will be obliterated. 7. The following will be carried on
the man: - Packs and greats Unexpended portion of current
days rations Following day's ration 120 rounds of S.A.A.
8. No bombs will be carried on the man 9. Bn. will pass
Brigade Starting point K.3.d.4/9 at 4-35 a.m. Secret 1/Bedfordshire
Regt 16.9.16
Operation
Order No.22 Ref.ALBERT Combined Sheet 1/100000
1.
the Bde will move to WATERLOT Farm at once. 2. The Battalion
will relieve a Bn of Rifles 60th Bde. in WATERLOT Farm 3.
Parade ready to move off 6.40 pm Order of march. H.Q. A,
B, C, D. Coys, Lewis Gun teams & Handcarts 4. The following
transport will accompany the Battalion marching in rear
of Battalion: Cookers, watercarts, mess cart & Tool
limber issued at 6.20 p.m.
Fancy
Secret Operation Order No.4 Amendment to No.4 24.9.16 Map
Ref 57C., S.W.
1.
The attack will be on Sept 25th
2
FALLOW H.Q. will be at T.20.b.2.8. FANCY H.Q. will be at
T.9.d.2.2
3.
Medical Advanced collecting posts: 9a) E of GUILLEMONT near
where Rly. crosses GINCHY-MAUREPAS Rd T.4.a.1.1. (b) MALTZ
HORN Fm. A.6.central
5.
Advanced Dressing Station Dublin post A.4.d.4.5.
6.Infantry
will reach main road running N.N.W. from church in MORVAL
at ZERO plus 2 hours 14 minutes (3rd. objective) They will
reach Eastern outskirts of village at 2 hours and 16 mins.
i.e. 16 minutes after leaving the sunken road.
7.
The assaulting troops will leave their trenches at the following
hours precisely Norfolks for 1st objective Zero Bedfords
for 2nd objective Zero + 1 hour Cheshires for 3rd objective
Zero + 2 hrs.
8.
Barrage (Cancel Para 17 O.O. No.4 dated 22nd) In all cases
the creeping Barrage wil [sic] be at rate of 50 yards per
one minute
9
(1) At zero a creeping barrage will open in front of the
1st. objective & about 200 yds in advance of our departure
trenches simultaneously with a standing Barrage on the objective
itself. At Zero + 3 minutes the creeping Barrage will begin
moving forward at rate of 50 yds a minute when it reaches
the objective it will move on to a line 200 yds beyond it,
the standing Barrage same time lifting on to 2nd objective
where it will remain (2) At Zero + 1 hour the creeping Barrage
will again become intense, and at zero + 1 hour & 2
minutes will begin moving forward on to 2nd objective. On
reaching 2nd objective it together with standing Barrage,
will move on to a line 200 yds. beyond (3) At zero + 2 hrs
the creeping Barrage will again become intense 200 yds in
front of 2nd. objective, and at zero + 2 hrs & 2 minutes
will begin moving forward as follows: (a) At zero+ 2 hrs
stationary Barrage w[sic] open on new trench running appro
[sic] N & S through T.10.d.central (b) As soon as the
Creeping Barrage referred to in para 3 reaches the stationary
Barrage the latter wil [sic] lift on to the main road running
N.N.W. from MORVAL church and to former will continue creeping
on (c) As soon as the Creeping Barrage again comes up to
the Stationary Barrage on main road the letter will lift
to a line 200 yds E. of village where it will remain, until
a report [sic] has been received that the village has been
taken and that our troops are on the Eastern edge of it.
the Barrage will then lift so as to allow patrols to push
forward along the spur T.11.a.
10.
The general compas [sic] bearing for the advance of the
Battalion on to their objective (T.10.c.8/3. to T.10.c.8/9.
sunken road) is 105 degrees (magnetic) approx. All ranks
must be very careful not to lose direction when passing
over the Norfolks objective Further orders will be issued
when received the Battalion must be prepared to move at
short notice
SECRET
FANCY OPERATION ORDER No.4 b. 24th September, 1916 Map reference
57c S.W.
1.
The Battalion will move to assembly trenches N. of the Quarry
T.9.d.via CHIMPANZEE TRENCH tonight where the men will have
tea. Parade 4-30 p.m.
2.
Order of march: - H.Q. "C" Coy. "D" Coy. "A" Coy. "B" Coy.
The H.Q.bombers will march and be under the orders of O.C."C"
Coy. Distance between Companies 200 yards.
3.
Two days rations plus the emergency ration will be carried
on the man. Great-coats and Haversacks will be dumped here.
Men will carry 100 rounds extra S.A.A.and two bombs. Companies
and Lewis Gunners will draw tools, Flares, Rockets, V.P.A.and
Lewis Gun Magazines etc.which they dumped and handed over
to the 14th Warwicks, on their way up to Quarry.
4.
Company Commanders will leave one duty sergeant and one
duty corporal behind with Transport.
5.
BARRAGE Programme for 95th Infantry Brigade. (a). At zero,plus
two hours,a stationary Barrage will open intensely on an
approximate line T.16.d.68/00 - T.10.d.60/25. (b). As soon
as the creeping Barrage reaches this stationary Barrage
it will remain there for 30 minutes to allow time for the
troops to establish themselves on the line gained. After
30 minutes this Barrage will move on to a line T.17.a.15/00
- T.11.d.0/4,where it will again wait 30 minutes before
creeping on to the main road running S.S.E. from the church.
It will remain another 30 minutes on this road and will
then move on to a line 200 yards EAST of the village. (c).
A stationary Barrage will also be maintained on each of
the three lines mentioned above which will lift in each
case after the creeping barrage reaches it. From the above
it will be seen that the 15th Infantry Brigade will reach
their final objective (Eastern Edge of Village) in one bound
whereas the 95th Infantry Brigade will reach the same line
in four bounds.
Secret
FANCY O.O. No.5 25.9.16 In continuation of O.O.No.4 Map
Ref.57c SW
1.
Zero hour 12.35 pm
2.
When the Norfolks leave their assembly trenches at Zero
C Coy will at once file into the front assembly trench vacated
by the Norfolks. D Coy will follow by same route into same
trench as C Coy. 'A' Coy will at once file into second assembly
trench (vacated by Norfolks) closely followed by B Coy Thus:
- The jumping off positions will be: - L D Coy 'C' Coy R
L 'B' Coy, 'A' Coy R
3.
The attack will be made on a 4 platoon front i.e. 2 platoons
from Right Coys & 2 platoons from left coys.
4.
The intervals between waves will be 150 yds. Thus there
will be 4 waves of 4 platoons in line
5
A & B coys will jump off from Norfolk second line assembly
trench. They will not file into the front assembly trench.
6.
Reference para 1. A & B Coy will file into their new
assembly trenches precisely at Zero before C & D Coy
move because These trenches will be vacated by Norfolks
when their second line takes place of their first line.
7.
No documents are to be taken off prisoners. Unwounded prisoners
are to be sent to QUARRY to carry stretchers.
8.
C & D Coys are the assaulting Coys. the first wave need
not take tools.
1st
BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT REPORT ON OPERATIONS FROM
THE 24th to 25th SEPTEMBER 1916
The
Battalion moved to Quarry in T.9.d.2/2 and were in assembly
trenches by 9.30 p.m. The back trench required deepening.
A communication trench from this to the forward trench and
thence to the back Norfolk trench was dug during the night.
This enabled the men to file under cover into the Norfolk
trenches at zero hour. This was done. 1.35 p.m. the Battalion
advanced in four waves at 150 yards distance one from another,
passing over the trench taken by the 1st Norfolks. The first
line reached their objective, the sunken road, by 1.40 p.m.
Lewis guns were immediately placed in position on the top
of the bank and several drums fired at the retiring enemy.
A trench opposite the 95th Bde.was enfiladed. The Battalion
dug in along the line of the road and also on the top of
the bank. Touch was gained with the 16th Bde. at 1.50 p.m.
and with the 95th Bde. about 2.0 p.m. Battalion Headquarters
were established in the sunken road at 1.45 p.m. Considerable
casualties were sustained from our own field guns, both
during the advance and while holding the sunken road. It
is suggested that a simple system of signals either by smoke
or coloured Very lights direct from the Battalion to the
Field Batteries forming the Barrage immediately in front
should be instituted and that the heavy artillery barrage
should lift a considerable distance back at zero. The artillery
liaison officer reported his wire cut very early in the
operations and there appears to be no other means of getting
direct touch with the guns. It would also be better if the
creeping barrage were to advance 100 yards a minute instead
of 50, that pace can be easily maintained by the Infantry
and less time is given for hostile Machine Guns to be placed
in position and also the troops are exposed for a shorter
time to hostile artillery.
Secret
FANCY O O No 6 26.9.16 Map Ref 57c SW
1.
At 7 pm.A & B Coys & HQ Lewis Guns will move to
OXFORD Copse 2. C & D Coys & HQs will wait until
relieved by the Sherwood Foresters when they will proceed
to OXFORD Copse independently. 3. C & D Coys will each
keep two Lewis Guns & teams with them Secret 1/Bedfordshire
Regt. O.O. N.7 27.9.16 1. The Bde will move to the CITADEL
this evening as follows 1/Norfolk.R. will leave bivouacs
5.30 pm 1/Bedf.R. will leave bivouacs 5.35 pm 1/Cheshire
R will leave bivouacs 5.40 pm 16th R.Warw R. will leave
bivouacs 5.45 pm 2. Bn will parade at 5.30 pm. Order of
march Drummers H.Qs A.B.C.D. Lewis Guns & Transport
in rear of Bn. 3. Head of Column will cross MARICOURT -
CARNOY road at 5.35 pm 4. Coy Commanders will report to
Adjutant that Bivouacs are left clean & free of S.A.A.
& Bombs
October
1916
OPERATION
ORDER No.25 1st Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment 9th October,
1916
1.
The Battalion will relieve the Ist R.W.Kents in FESTUBERT
left sector tomorrow. 2. "A" Coy. will relieve the right
firing line Coy. and will march off from their present billets
at I p.m. "B" Coy. will relieve the left firing line Coy.
and will march off from their billets at 1-30 p.m. "C" Coy.
will relieve Support Coy. in RICHMOND TRENCH, and will march
off from their present billets at 2 p.m. "D" Coy. will relieve
the Reserve Coy. in the O.B.L. (Old British Line) and will
march off from their present billets 2-30 p.m. Platoons
will march at 200 yards interval. This interval will be
rigidly adhered to. 3 (A). Signallers will parade under
the signalling officer and will march off from their present
billets 9 a.m. They will take over all stations immediately
on arrival in the trenches. (b) Lewis Guns will be allotted
as follows "A" Coy. 3, "B" Coy. 2, "C" Coy. 3. L.G.O. will
arrange to allot these guns to these companies tomorrow
morning. Guns and Teams will march off to the Coys. to which
they are attached (c) The remainder of H.Q. will march off
under the R.S.M. leaving their present billets at 3 p.m.
4. Guides 4 Guides per Coy., 2 Guides per H.Q. will be at
the corner of the Rue d' BOIS and the Rue L,EPPINETTE in
S.13.d.1/5 at 2 p.m. These guides will take Coys. in by
the following routes, "A" Coy. PIONEER St. "B" Coy. ROPE
St., "C" Coy. SHETLAND St., "D" Coy.& H.Q., O.B.L. 5.
The following advance party will leave their present billets
12 noon, and proceed and take over all trench stores etc.
1 Officer & 2 O.R. per Coy. Intelligence Officer &
2 O.R., H.Q. (to be detailed by the R.S.M.) 6. Posts. The
posts at present garrisoned by "D" Coy. will be handed over
as follows, S.VAAST, LORETTO & CROIX BARBEE to a Battalion
of the 183rd Brigade, the remainder to a Coy. of the 16th
R.W.R. O.C. "D" Coy. will arrange to leave 2 caretakers
in each post and to withdraw the remainder of the company
tomorrow morning. The caretakers left should be responsible
men who can
hand
over the ammunition and stores in the posts. An N.C.O. will
be left to bring this party on after the post has been handed
over. In the case of posts such as GROTTO & ANGLE which
are very close together only one post will be handed over,
i.e. the post which is the better condition of the two.
7. O.C. "D" Coy. will forward to H.Q. at 12 noon tomorrow
a list of his stores to be handed over. O.C.Coys will forward
a list of stores they have taken over as soon as possible
after arrival in the trenches. 8. (a) Handcarts are allotted
as follows, 1 per Coy. 1 to H.Q. & 1 to Orderly Room.
These can proceed in daylight as far as KING'S CROSS at
X.18.o.5/2 (R.E.Dump), whence the contents can be conveyed
by light railway after dark, the handcarts can be left at
KING'S CROSS. (b) Transport Officer will get into communication
with his opposite number and will make arrangements about
sending up rations. Limbers to carry cook utensils and Orderly
Room boxes, and the Officer's Mess cart will be at H.Q.
12 noon, these vehicles will leave H.Q. at 2 p.m. for KING'S
CROSS where they will be unloaded. Coy. Cooks & Officers
Mess Employ will march with these wagons and remain at KING'S
CROSS till dark. 9. Officer's valises will be packed ready
for loading by 12 noon, Officer's Trench Kits will be ready
for loading at I p.m. 10. Completion of the relief will
be reported to Battalion H.Q. by Orderly SECRET 1. It will
not be possible to re-organise the Line in accordance with
the new Defence Scheme to-day therefore "C" Coy. will relieve
"A" Coy. in the firing line; "D" Coy. will relieve "B" Coy.
2. "A" Coy. will withdraw to Richmond Terrace, "B" Coy.
will withdraw to O.B.L. 3. These reliefs will commence at
once and will be completed in daylight, with the exception
of the few men in the Posts, who will be relieved as soon
as it is dark. 4. Companies will hand over exact list of
Stores to each other. 5. The completion of relief will be
reported by Orderly. 13-10-16
OPERATION
ORDER No. 26 1ST BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT 15-10-16
1.
- Battalion will be relieved by the 16/Royal Warwickshire
Regiment to-morrow
2.
- - "C" Coy. will be relieved in the right of the firing
line and will have 5 guides at KING'S Cross 10 a.m., who
will conduct relieving Coy. via the O.B.L. SHETLAND ROAD
and RICHMOND TERRACE. "D" Coy. will be relieved in the left
of the firing line and will have 5 guides at KING'S CROSS
10.30 a.m., who will conduct relieving Coy. via ROPE STREET.
"A" Coy. will be relieved in RICHMOND TERRACE and will have
5 guides at KING'S CROSS 11 a.m., who will guide relieving
Coy. in via O.B.L. and SHETLAND ROAD. "B" Coy. will be relieved
in the O.B.L. and will have 5 guides at KING'S CROSS 11.30
a.m. who will conduct relieving Coy. via O.B.L.
3
guides for Headquarters will be at KING'S CROSS at 9.30
a.m. 3. - - O.C. "B" Coy. will detail an Officer to be at
KING'S CROSS to supervise all the guides.
4.
- - On relief, Coys. will withdraw independently to the
same billets as occupied last time, marching by platoons
at 200 yds. interval. Those posts which cannot be relieved
by daylight will be relieved as soon as it is dark. O.C.
"D" Coy. will leave an Officer behind to bring this party
on.
5.
POSTS. - - "C" Coy. will take over the Posts at present
held by the 16/Royal Warwickshire Regt. Each Post will be
garrisoned by 2 caretakers only.
6.
- - A list of the Stores handed over will be forwarded to
Bn. Headquarters by 8 a.m. to-morrow without fail.
7.
- - Handcarts are allotted as follows; - - 1 per Coy.; 1
to H.Q.; 1 to Orderly Room. Transport Officer will arrange
for limbers to come as far as KING'S CROSS as soon as it
is dark. A fatigue party will accompany these limbers and
will go up to H.Qrs. and push Office kits, etc., down the
railway and load them on to the limbers. Kits, etc., that
cannot be carried will be left at H.Qrs. till it is dark
enough for trucks to come up the railway. R.S.M. will arrange
to leave 1 man with these kits.
8.
- - Completion of relief will be reported to Bn.H.Qrs. by
Orderly
OPERATION
ORDER No.27 1st BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT 19-10-16
1.
The Battalion will relieve 16/R.Warwickshire Regiment in
the trenches to-morrow.
2.
Reliefs. "A" Coy. will relieve right firing line Coy. The
leading platoon will pass KING'S CROSS at 10.30 a.m. Coys.
will march by platoons at 200 yds. interval. "B" Coy. will
follow "A" and will relieve left firing line Coy. "C" Coy.
will follow "B" and will relieve the Coy. in support at
RICHMOND TERRACE. "D" Coy. will follow "C" and will proceed
to the OLD BRITISH LINE. H.Qrs. will follow "D" Coy.
3.
Posts which cannot be relieved in daylight will be relieved
as soon as it is dark.
4.
Feet O.C.Coys will see that all the men's feet are rubbed
with oil before proceeding to the trenches, and a certificate
to this effect will be rendered to the Orderly Room.
5.
Stores. A list of Stores that have been taken over will
be sent to Bn.H.Qrs. as soon as possible after relief.
6.
The men of "C" Coy. will rejoin their Coy. as soon as relieved
on detached post.
7.
Transport Officer will make arrangements for fetching Officer's
mess stores and kit from billets. he will also arrange for
Officer's trench Stores to be taken to KING'S CROSS.
OPERATION
ORDER No.28 1st BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT 21-10-16
1.
Reliefs To-morrow, 22nd inst., "D" Coy. will relieve "B"
Coy. in the left firing line, and "B" Coy. will withdraw
to OLD BRITISH LINE. "C" Coy. will relieve "A" Coy. in the
right firing line and "A" Coy. will withdraw to RICHMOND
TERRACE. The times of these reliefs will be arranged by
the Company Commanders concerned, but it should take place
as soon as possible after breakfast, and by small parties
of men at a time.
OPERATION
ORDER No.29 1st BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT 23-10-16
1.
The Bn. will be relieved by the 16/R.Warwickshire Rgt. to-morrow,
commencing about 11 a.m.
2.
Coys. will proceed to their usual billets.
3.
Posts which cannot be relieved by daylight will be relieved
as soon as it is dark.
4.
O.C. "C" Coy. will leave an Officer to conduct these reliefs
back.
5.
Gum boots will be left at Stores, S.19.b.1/6. All gum boots
will be left there and receipts obtained by Coys. for same.
6.
ROUTE Coys. will use PIONEER ROAD to RUE L'EPPINETTE. the
junction of these two roads is close to gum boot store.
Care must be taken that only sections move at a time.
7.
Stores. A list of Stores to be handed over will reach Bn.H.Qrs.
by 8.0 a.m. at latest.
8.
Transport; Transport Officer will make all necessary arrangements
OPERATION
ORDER No. 29a 1st BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT 27-10-16
1.
The Battalion will relieve 16/R.Warwickshire Regiment in
the trenches to-morrow.
2.
Reliefs "A" Coy. will relieve the right firing line Coy.
The leading platoon will pass KING'S CROSS at 10.30 a.m.
Coys. will march by sections at 200 yds. interval. "C" Coy.
will follow "A" and will relieve Coy. in support at RICHMOND
TERRACE. The left of the firing line will be relieved by
a composite Coy. under Lt.Beale. This Coy. will consist
of those men from "B" and "D" Coy. who are not going to
take part in the forthcoming operations. The Coy. in the
O.B.L. will be relieved by a composite Coy. under Capt.Morris,
consisting of men who are going to take part in the forthcoming
operations. Lt.Beale's Coy. will follow "C" Coy Capt.Morris'
Coy. will follow Lt.Beale. H.Qrs. will follow Capt.Morris'
Coy. All the necessary arrangements with reference to the
two composite Coys. will be made by Capt.Morris and
Lt.Beale.
3.
Posts which cannot be relieved in daylight will be relieved
as soon as it is dark.
4.
Feet. O.C. Coys. will be see that all the men's feet are
rubbed with oil before proceeding to the trenches, and a
certificate to this effect will be rendered to the Orderly
Room.
5.
Stores. A list of Stores that have been taken over will
be sent to Bn.Hqrs. as soon as possible after relief.
6.
The men of "C" Coy. will rejoin their Coy. as soon as relieved
on detached post. [this is all struck through in the original]
7.
Transport Officer will make arrangements for fetching Officers'
mess stores and kit from billets. He will also arrange for
Officer' trench stores to be taken to KING'S CROSS
OPERATION
ORDER No.30 1st BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT 27th Oct.,
1916
1.
GENERAL IDEA. To enter enemy's trenches, bomb his dug-outs,
kill as many Germans and do as much damage as possible.
2.
SPECIAL IDEA. To enter at points S.22.c.6/6 and S.22.c.8.4
as silently as possible with 4 parties. The leading party
will endeavour to out wire and enter trench following line
of ditch. A Bangalore torpedo [sic] detachment will accompany
each party, in the event of the wire proving too thick.
On entering the trench a stop will be formed and the remainder
of the party will attack inwards, using the bayonet and
bombing their way, if strongly opposed. The rear parties
following on the same line and close on the heels of the
leading party will continue along the line of the ditch
until reaching support trench S.22.c.99/50 and S.22.c.7/6
respectively. On reaching these points they will form a
block and attack inwards.
3.
COMPOSITION OF PARTIES. Each party will consist of a Officer
and four groups of 1 N.C.O. and 4 men each. No.1 group will
consist of Bombers and Wire Cutters; No.2 group will be
a Lewis Gun Detachment. Nos.3 and 4 groups will be Bayonet
men and Bombers. The Lewis Gun Detachment of the leading
parties will get in position about S.22.c.7/3 and S.22.c.5/4
and remain there until the entry has been effected, with
a view to covering a retirement, should this prove necessary.
On the entry being effected they will advance with the second
parties to the point of entry into the German trench where
they will take up a position to cover the flanks. The second
parties will leave their Lewis Gun detachments in the position
vacated by the other guns and remain there until the operations
are concluded. The remainder, accompanied by two men bearing
STOKES Mortars will proceed to German support line and act
as above ordered.
4.
DEMONSTRATION. A party of I Officer and 6 other ranks will
make a demonstration towards Mound in S.23.a.3/2 cutting
wire. A Lewis Gun Detachment will take post near the lone
tree at S.22.a.7/8 and sweep enemy trench.
5.
COVERING FIRE. 2 M.G. from our front line trench about S.22.c.5/3
will sweep enemy's parapet from left point of entry and
enfilade his line towards MOULIN D'EAU. two other M.G. about
S.23.a.5/9 will sweep enemy's parapet from point of entry
to S.22.c.9/0.
6.
ARTILLERY CO-OPERATION. Mortars will fire on MOULIN D'EAU,
and the Field Artillery will open on ADELBERT ALLEY, EITEL
ALLEY SOUTH AND DOVE TRENCH between S.27.b.5/3 and S.26.b.1/9.
This will be done to deceive the enemy as to point of attack
and to prevent reinforcements coming up. The Howitzer Battery
will be prepared to open on the Minenwerfer emplacement.
Fire will be controlled by the F.O.O. who will be with the
Officer directing operations in the front trench. Fire will
not be opened until the attack is in full swing.
7.
DRESS. The leader of each group will carry a torch. Faces
will be blacked. Bayonets will be dulled with soot and oil.
Each man will carry 2 bombs in each pocket and there will
be a wire-cutter to every 2 men. To avoid rattling, oil
bottles will not be carried in the rifles. equipment will
not be worn. 1 bandolier of ammunition will be carried.
Magazines will be charged, but men must understand that
this is only in case of emergency. Men are reminded that
they should not give any information if captured, beyond
that of their number, name and Regiment. No letters or Diaries
will be carried by anyone.
8.
RETIREMENT ARRANGEMENTS. When the mission has been completed
the groups in the German support trench will move back,
first reporting to the Officer in charge at the point they
entered the trench, who will return last, picking up L.G.
on flanks. The word "retire" will not
be
used.
9.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS. Each group of 1 N.C.O. and 4 men will
act as a distinct unit and keep a short distance from units
in front or rear. Floorboards will be carried by each of
the rear groups. Cords with 100, and 150 and 200 yards markings
will be taken by the leading group of each party. In the
event of little opposition being encountered on the left
3 flares will be lit as a signal to the M.G. on that flank
to cease firing. The enemy trenches will be held for two
hours and as much damage done as possible.
10.
WOUNDED. Stretcher cases over QUINQUE RUE. Walking cases
by SHETLAND Road. Aid Post will be in O.B.L.
OPERATION
ORDER No.30/1 1st BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT 29th Oct.,
'16
1.
Ref. O.O. 30, the date will be Tuesday, 31st October, 1916
2.
Zero hour will be 7.0 p.m.
3.
Explanatory Sketch Map is attached.
4.
The Bangalore Torpedoe [sic] men and the 4 men of 15 T.M.B.
will report to O.C. 1st Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment on 30th
October
OPERATION
ORDER No.30/2 1st BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT 29th Oct.,
1916
The
following in continuation of O.O.30 and O.O.30/1
1.
An Officer of 15/1 Trench Mortar Battery will be with F.O.O.
and will arrange with Trench Mortars to open and cease fire
the same time as the Artillery.
2.
On requiring Artillery support, whether rapid or slow fire,
Capt.Morris will send the word "rapid" or "slow"
as the case may be, through the telephone which he is taking
forward with him, back to the telephone which is being erected
in the new dug-out near Pt.32, where the F.O.O. and Trench
Mortar Officer will be.
3.
Officers in charge of parties will ensure that the pins
of bombs used are well greased, and that all ranks know
how to pull the pins out rapidly when required.
4.
If it should happen that any man in the course of the raid
goes down an enemy dug-out, 1 or more men must remain at
the top of the dug-out in such a case.
5.
Watches will be synchronised at the H.Qrs. of O.C. "D" Coy.
at 6.0 p.m.
6.
In the event of failure the men taking part in the raid
will on no account open fire. Covering fire will be left
to the supporting Lewis Guns which are being arranged for
by Lieut.Kingdon.
OPERATION
ORDER No.31 1st BATTALION BEDFORDSHIRE BATTALION 31-10-16
