The Bedfordshire Regiment in The Great War

The 2nd Battalion in France 1915

 
 
 

2nd Battalion, The Bedfordshire Regiment

Operational Orders and Appendices, 1915

 

January 1915.

 

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS
Sender's Number Day of Month Bd. 61 28 Jan 15 Report re test parade of Battalion in Divisional reserve.
1. Exact hour message received 9.55 AM.
2. Orders issued 10.3 AM.
3. Battalion ready to move off 10.50 A.M.
Transport ready to move off with rations for 29th 11.50 A.M.
4. Rations carried Remainder of days ration & iron rations except men of last draft.
Ammunition carried 200 rounds
Report made to Lt.Colonel Daly personally.
C.C.ONSLOW, Major, Comdg. 2 Bedf.R. Officer Commanding, 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regt.

The Battalions in Divisional Reserve will fall in at once ready for action as a test parade. Report when ready to march off.
It should be stated also: -
(1) The exact hour at which this message is received.
(2) When orders were issued.
(3) When the Battalion was ready to move off.
(4) What rations and ammunition are carried.
The G.O.C. wants a careful record made of above.
A.C.DALY, Lt.Colonel
A.A.& Q.M.G., 7th Division.
28/1/1915.

January 31st 1915.
My dear.
I think it is possible or even probable that you hold the idea (which I fear is rather prevalent out of England) that the New Armies are a sort of ridiculous joke which cannot for a very long time be considered seriously. And as I think that it causes a lot of mischief that such an idea should be in existence I am proposing to give you my idea of what they are worth as far as my knowledge of them goes. And although I daresay you won't think that is worth much, it is just as well that every part of our forces should consider the views of other portions.

The Division was formed on about September 15th and was an off-shoot of the Division, so that we have now had about 4 months training. I have been with it since its birth, first as D.A.A. & Q.M.G.; then I was changed over to G.S.O.2.

I will sketch the history and progress of this Division as far as I can and I believe it is not very different to other divisions. I see frequently and know pretty well the General Officers Commanding and Staff of the other divisions at Aldershot which are four in number, and as far as I can make out they are in much the same state as we are.
The infantry of the Division consists of x x x. These have all reached the same stage of training, viz: - They completed some 10 weeks recruit training, 6 weeks company training, a recruits course of musketry, and are now in the middle of battalion training. All the training has been carried out under pretty peculiar conditions. For instance, we have had no rifles (except very old D.P. ones unfit to fire) till the end of December, no uniform except the convict blue, a scarcity of boots, no hats, no equipment, no transport; in fact devilish little anything. In spite of that the progress made has been remarkable. During the last few weeks things have begun to come in and we have now a proportion of service rifles, service dress and greatcoats and decent boots for all. Horses, wagons - so far no web equipment (and I cannot hear when it is coming); there is a certain amount of the old buff pattern. Of course battalions vary to a certain extent but every battalion in the division can do a route march of 16 to 18 miles and one hears the battalion commander discussing the reason for one man falling out. Not having equipment, they cannot go out in marching order but it shows that they are fairly fit and that their march discipline is good, that they can plug along for 16 or 18 miles without feet casualties.

The thing that strikes one more than anything is the extreme anxiety of all ranks to learn. If one goes up to a battalion doing, say, outposts and questions an individual man who is doing sentry or something he on his own he will probably finish up the conversation by saying "Thank you very much for telling me"!! This may sound peculiar to you, but I can assure you that the discipline, which is what we have gone for most of all during the whole time, is excellent. For instance, there are now quartered at Aldershot between 130,000 and 140,000 men, Up till Xmas there had been a total of 43 deserters, which is pretty good considering they are all newly enlisted men.

As regards artillery, we have been very badly hampered by lack of guns. Our divisional artillery has only had old S.African 15-prs. and old French guns to train with. I'm thankful to say that our first instalment of new guns came in today. Harness has been non-existent, but I daresay you know about that. It is all right now and I suppose you know where it has come from. However, in spite of all that the training has gone ahead well, and our C.R.A., who is a first rate man, is most sanguine. The officers have nearly all gone through a short course at Shoeburyness and also a course at Farnboro' in air service and artillery co-operation and we have taught most of the men to ride and drive decently and about 5% have been through a telephone and buzzer course. The R.E. are first class. I should say they are as good in practice as most of the old regulars. We have a very good C.R.E. and he has a good proportion of regular officers and some excellent civil engineers under him.

Then we have the Signal Company, which is excellent. Cyclist Company - not long formed - but coming along well. Divisional Train rather behindhand owing to lack of harness and vehicles, but under a really good regular officer. R.A.M.C. being separately trained. Cavalry - nil. I suppose they will make the Cyclist Cos. act as our Divisional cavalry; it is stronger than the old establishment, viz: -7 platoons. But we are told that we may possibly be given a squadron of yeomanry or Reserve Cavalry as well. It doesn't appear, though, as if cavalry was much good to one at present, tho' of course it will be if we ever get a move on.

The general question of officers is a difficult one, but taking them all round they are a first rate lot. Of course there are a few rather ancient warriors, but I am glad to say we have got rid of most of them.

Then all units have an excellent lot of O.T.C. boys who are really first class subalterns.

Our greatest difficulty at present is the training of specialists, especially machine gun sections. We have got no machine guns and all we can do is to get the officers and N.C.O's put through courses and get together the personnel of the sections and lecture them. I believe, however, that guns will be to hand shortly.

Transport sections, sanitary squads, stretcher bearers, are now being trained all right. Re signallers; we had an order early on in the proceedings to only train men in semaphore. We ignored this, however, and as far as our Division is concerned, have made them train a minimum of 16 and maximum of 32 per battalion in Morse, the idea being, not that they will use flag, lamp or helio much, but that they will be indispensable for supplementing the signal service in reading and sending on the buzzer. I should be glad of a tip from you as to whether you think this is sound or waste of time. It is entirely my own idea and a good many people oppose it.

The keenness of all is quite marvellous. It is unfashionable to grumble. I head [sic] of a case where one man got fed up and said he wouldn't do any more. He got 14 days field imprisonment and when he came out was very nearly killed by his platoon for having disgraced them!

I fear I have sat up late and rather let my pen run away with my favourite hobby. But I'm keener about this show than anything I've ever had to do with in my life so you must forgive me. There is nothing that can kill it except ridicule and if it is in your power to put in a word with anyone you hear throwing cold water on the New Army I wish you would use it.

Just one more thing. In musketry our whole Division averaged higher in the Territorial Standard Test (which was part of our recruits course) than my old Terriers in London, and they were the best shooting battalion of Territorials in the London District, and remember all their musketry had to be taught them with obsolete drill pattern rifles.

I think all the lessons and tips contained in the various little pamphlets, "Notes from the Front", etc. issued by the General Staff, have been valuable and that all have done their best to put to a good use the lessons contained therein. Of course we don't know at present how we are going to be used. I hope, however, that as far as possible they will keep our existing formation intact. As soon as we are complete in everything it would be good work if we came over and completed our training in France. What would be really of priceless value would be the taking over to Flanders for a few days at a time small parties of Staffs and Commanding Officers, who would then pick up a lot of useful tips. So far only one small party of about 6 have gone over from Aldershot

 

 

February 1915

Officer Commanding, 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regt.
(1) The attached Copy of orders for a practice attack on an entrenched line, are forwarded for perusal. Each Battalion when it next comes into Brigade Reserve will carry out this practice.
(2) On the afternoon of the day after it comes out of the trenches, each Company will practice the attack in conjunction with Bombthrowers. The Officer Commanding Grenade Company will place two Sections of Bombthrowers at the disposal of the Officer Commanding Battalion for this purpose.
(3) On the following day the Battalion attack will be carried out at a time which will be notified from Brigade Head Quarters.
(4) Officer Commanding Battalion will forward to Brigade Head Quarters on the evening of the day before the attack takes place a detail of the arrangements made with regard to the special parties referred to in para. 7(a) and (b) of The Instructions.

The Officers Commanding 2nd Highland Company R.E. Grenade Company, Signal Section and Brigade Machine Gun Officer will also forward a detail of the instructions issued by them with regard to R.E. Bombthrowers, Signal Parties and Machine Guns respectively.
W.DRYSDALE, Captain. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade.
FLEURBAIX. 14th Feb.1915.

21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER No. 100. FLEURBAIX. 14.9.1915.
SITUATION. (1) The Germans are holding a line of trenches marked on the map in red, and facing South East.
The 21st Infantry Brigade is holding a line facing them, along the line of the RUE DU BOIS with 2 Battalions in the trenches and 2 in reserve.
INTENTION. (2) It is intended to attack that portion of the enemy's line marked "A-B" tomorrow at
ARTILLERY. (3) The Artillery of the Division will bombard this part of the trenches, commencing at to prepare for the attack

(4) The following troops will carry out the attack: -
Commander. 2nd Bn.
2 Sections 2nd Highland Coy. R.E.
6 Sections Grenade Company.
2 Machine Guns.
This column will be deployed ready to attack at at which hour the Commander will join the Brigadier at CROIX BLANCHE.
ASSAULT. (5) The column will advance to attack at an hour which will be specified to the Commander by the Brigadier, on the spot. Special instructions for the Conduct of the attack are issued herewith.

AMMUNITION. (6) 300 rounds S.A.A. will be carried on the man, and arrangements have been made for the establishment of a Reserve of 100 rounds a man, 1,000 Hand Grenades at CROIX BLANCHE.
PACKS. (7) Packs and great-coats will not be carried. They will be collected in one place in billets, and arrangements made for them to be brought up when required.
TOOLS & SANDBAGS. (8) each man will carry 4 sandbags rolled up and attached to his belt. Every third man will carry a shovel.
RATIONS. (9) An extra day's ration will be carried by each man.
FIELD AMBULANCE. (10) The 21st Field Ambulance will send forward one Bearer Sub Division to CROIX BLANCHE.
COMMUNICATION (11) The Officer Commanding Brigade Signal Section will arrange for telephone communication to be established with Brigade Headquarters from the trench "A-B" as soon as it is captured, and also for visual signalling and orderlies in case telephones are cut.
TRANSPORT. (12) All transport will remain in its present position.
BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS. (13) Brigade Headquarters will be at CROIX BLANCHE after.
Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE ATTACK.
ARTILLERY COOPERATION. (1). Artillery of the Division have instructions to prepare for the attack by keeping down hostile Artillery fire bombarding the enemy's trenches and machine gun emplacement and cutting gaps in his wire. These gaps are to be at about 25 yards interval.
INFANTRY SUPPORT. (2). The Companies occupying our trench on the flanks of the attack will support it by bringing a heavy rifle and machine gun fire to bear on the enemy's trench and machine gun emplacements opposite them.
RECONNAISSANCE. (3). Reconnaissance has ascertained that the ground between us and the enemy's trench is flat and heavy going. There is one Stream to be crossed which is shown on the map. It is from 6-8 feet wide and will require bridging. There is a wire obstacle about 30 yards from the enemy's trench 3 yards wide.
PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENTS. (4). No.2 Battalion holding this section of our trenches opposite A-B will to-night make the following arrangements: -
(a) Cut gaps in our wire at 25 yards interval all along, each gap to be 5 yards wide.
(b) Cut notches for steps in their parapets in this section all along at 2 yards apart and drive a picket into the top of the parapet above each step to assist a man to get out quickly.
(c) To establish a reserve of 100,000 rounds of S.A.A. and 1000 hand Grenades at CROIX BLANCHE.
(d). To detail two platoons to be stationed at CROIX BLANCHE for the purpose of carrying up ammunition and R.E.stores to the trenches as soon as it is captured and secured.
METHOD OF ATTACK. (5). The Attack.
(a) The attack will be carried out in lines of sections at 25 yards interval and 50 yards distance with 3 Companies in the front line and one in support as shown in the attached diagram X. The 2 Sections R.E. will accompany the support. 3 Sections of Bombthrowers will be with the leading Section of the front line, one section to each Company and 3 Sections will be with the support.
(b) Deployment. The Column will deploy with the 2 leading platoons of each Company in the front line in the fire trench. The 2 remaining platoons in the communication trenches and the Support Company and R.E. in the Support trench. As soon as the front trench is vacated by the 2 leading lines the section forming the next 2 lines will move up into it and get into position opposite the gaps ready to advance when the line in front has moved forward 50 yards.
the deployment will be completed by and care will be taken that the leading files of each section in the front line are in position opposite the gaps in our wire entanglements at that hour.
(c) Advance.
The Sections when they advance will move through the gaps in their own wire and straight on the gap in the enemy's wire opposite them.
the leading files in each section in the front line will carry 2 planks for use in bridging the Stream. These planks will be found in our trench opposite each gap in the wire. The two leading men in each leading section will carry wire cutters. The planks when placed in position across the stream will be left there for the use of the Sections in rear. As soon as each line has advanced 50 yards the next line will vacate the trench and follow.
On reaching the enemy's wire, if the gap is not complete the Bombthrowers will keep down the enemy's fire by throwing bombs into the trenches while the wire cutters clear a passage.
SUPPORTS. (6) The Company in support will follow in the same formation with 2 platoons in rear of each flank company in the front line. The leading platoon on each flank in the Support Company will be responsible for the protection of the flanks of the attack and will each have one section of Bombthrowers attached to it.
The R.E., Machine Guns and reserve Section Bombthrowers will follow in the rear of the Centre Company.
DEFENCE OF THE TRENCH WHEN CAPTURED. (7). (a) Covering Parties.
As soon as the trench is captured, men will be sent forward for 40 yards along Communication trenches to the front and to the flanks to form a covering party. As soon as the Support comes up, the leading flank platoon will move along the trenches with their Bombthrowers to clear it and so protect the flanks.
(b) Preparation for defence. Every effort will at once be made to prepare the captured trench for defence from the enemy's side and to block communication trenches and place traverses in trenches to guard the flanks. Special parties should be detailed beforehand for each of these purposes.
The R.E. will detail parties to assist the infantry in each task and will also commence at once to dig two Communicating trenches from each flank of the captured trench back to our trench line.
(c) Machine Guns.
Machine Guns should be placed in position as soon as possible so that they can afford protection by fire to cover the infantry and R.E. working on the defences.
(d) Wire obstacles should be put up as soon as possible. The R.E. will take wire for this purpose.
Captain, Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. FLEURBAIX. 14th February 1915.


Officer Commanding 21st I.Bde. Bedf.Regt. 132/G
1. The following points noted by the Brigadier at his inspection of the attack this morning are passed for information.
(a) The wire cutters were very slow at cutting the wire. Some of them did not appear to know how to do it. They should practice this as it is most important that the wire should be cut quickly.
(b) A good many of the bombs were thrown short of the trench. There is room for much improvement in this. Very few of the bombs went into the trench.
(c) Several different ways of carrying the shovel were adopted. The best way appears to be to fix the shovel vertically behind the centre of the back underneath the equipment straps with the blade up.
(d) The quickest way to get the planks laid across the ditch is to put them up on end on the near side and let them drop into position across the ditch
(e) Infantry parties should be detailed to help the R.E. dig Communication trenches back from the captured trench
(f) The wiring party did their work well and quickly. It is a great advantage to a Battalion to have a party trained in this rapid wiring and arrangements will be made to have parties from each battalion trained when it comes into Brigade Reserve.
(g) Some of the infantry working parties, especially the flank parties to block the trenches were slow in getting to work. The procedure should be as follows.
As soon as the trench is captured a few men with bayonets and some bomb throwers should be sent along to the flank to clear it for a distance of 40 yards. The trench should then be double blocked, a parapet being made across it at the left point of attack and another at 40 yards out so that any enemy coming along the trench to throw bombs into the captured trench must expose himself getting over the parapet.
The same procedure should be adopted with regard to the enemy's communicating trenches which should be double blocked in the same way.
W.DRYSDALE, Captain, Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 18th February 1915.

Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment.
The following points observed by the Brigadier at the last two attack practices are brought to your notice.
COVERING PARTY. It appears to be a mistake to put out a covering party in front when the trench has been captured, unless there is a suitable ditch or trench in which it can take cover. Covering fire when the work of transferring the parapet is going on can best be given by Machine Guns which should be emplaced as soon as possible.
COMMUNICATION. It is impossible for the telephone operators to drag the wire along over wet ground without assistance. The Officer Commanding Battalion should detail 6 men to report to the Officer Commanding Signal Section at the place of deployment to assist them in laying the wire.
WIRE. The wire obstacle is not at present a great enough one and is too easily crossed at any point. Arrangements are being made to get it increased so that it will be difficult to cross except where gaps are cut. In order to facilitate repairing the wire, places will be marked where the gaps are to be cut and the wire should not be cut except where marked.
W.DRYSDALE, Captain, Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade. 24.2.1915.

O.C.Coys. For information. C.C.ONSLOW, for Capt. Adjt. 2/Bedf/R. 25.2.15

SECRET 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt.
Forwarded. Defence Scheme should be amended accordingly.
W.DRYSDALE, Capt. B.M. 2nd Inf.Bde. Fleurbaix. 25.2.15.
Alterations to nomenclature of Redoubts and Support Points occupied by 7th Division.
(1) FIRST LINE. Old designation New designation A. 1.A.
Works on RUE DU BOIS in No.2 1.X.
B. 1.B.
C. 1.C.
D. 2.D.
E. 2.E.
F. 3.F.
CONVENT REDOUBT 3.G.
H. 4.H.
I. 4.I.
J. 5.J.
"Y" Farm. 5.Y.
K.. 5.K.
L. 6.L.
M. 6.M.
CULVERT FARM 6.Z.
(2) SECOND LINE. (i.e. Works behind G.H.Q.Line)
Former designation New designation Position
No.1 17 M.12.b. No.2 18 M.6.d. No.3 19 N.1.a. No.4 20 N.1.b. No.5 21 H.31.b. No.6 22 H.32.a.b. No.7 23 H.26.d. No.8 24 H.27.a. No.9 25 H.27.b. CROIX BLANCHE 26 CROIX BLANCHE CROIX MARECHAL 27 CROIX MARECHAL ELBOW 28 ELBOW.H.28.d. LE CRON BALLOT 29 LE CRON BALLOT

Attack Practice FLEURBAIX February 1915
O.C.Coys. notify Adjt. time & place of Coy.practice.
Notify O.C.Bombs. Transport Officer for Transport of 21 coats. Plank men & wire cutters, & men to block flank and comntg. trenches. Wire cutters. A..... B..... C.....
D.....

MESSAGES AND SIGNALS.
To: - 21 Infy. Bde. Sender's Number Day of Month
B.2.d. 26th. Will you please inform me what time the Brigadier wishes the attack practice to be carried out tomorrow.
Bedford. 2.30 p.m. please.
7.25 pm. W.DRYSDALE, Capt. B.M.

From O.C. 2/Bedf.R. Time 6.40 P.M. C.C.FOSS, Capt. Adjt.2/Bedf.R.
O.C.Companies. For information. The formation might be practised while in present billets. Please pass O.C. D.Co. to return.
C.C.FOSS, Captain.
C.B. O.C.D.Coy.
S.D.M. O.C.B.Coy.
O.C.C.Coy.

 

March 1915

 

SECRET. Not to be taken into the Trenches. DRAFT.
The Infantry attack will be carried out thus: -
On the right - The 21st Brigade Column. On the left - The 22nd Brigade Column. Dividing line - General direction marked out by the ditch (blue) between (318) and H of "British", (Map 1/5,000 GSGS No. 2769). The above Brigade Columns will be previously assembled in the shelters immediately behind our front line parapet, and in shelters behind these. The 20th Brigade will occupy such portions of the 7th Division trenches, as are not required by the assaulting columns. Remaining Battalions of the 20th Brigade will form the Divisional Reserve, and will be assembled in previously prepared shelters behind the RUE TILLESLOY, one battalion in square M.12.b West of PICANTIN. The shelters behind the RUE TILLELOY will be connected with the shelters behind the front line parapet by means of communicating trenches. NOTE. (B) Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. (A) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. (C) Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers. Right (21st Brigade) Column. 21st Inf. Bde. Co. R.E. Mortars. This Column will attack with one battalion (B) against the objective (308), on the general front (309) (318) (frontage about 200 yards). Its task will be to occupy the enemy's trenches each side of (308). Simultaneously, another battalion (a), will attack, left on (310) (309), the points (311) to (315). This battalion (A), will also send parties along the enemy's trenches as far as they can force their way, in the direction of (270) (273) (280). A third battalion, (C), will, wit has little delay as possible, attack and occupy (270) (273) (280), if these points have not been already captured by parties from (A) battalion; and they will occupy and hold these points if they have been already captured. This attack will be made from the direction of (312) and (314). the Indian Corps, attacking MIN DU PIETRE from the cross roads in Square M.23.d. may be expected to move a party in the direction of (270). The fourth battalion, (D), forms the Brigade Reserve. The 20th Infantry Brigade will be prepared to support this column with one battalion, if required. The battalion of the 20th Infantry Brigade, occupying "E" lines, will assist the advance of this column as well as the advance of the left of the Indian Corps, by fire. The artillery support for this column is as follows: - Up to 0-30 Artillery will bombard all the enemy's trenches and points in front of the column. A right barrage of fire will also be placed between points (311) (315), and between point (278) to midway between (274) (275). At 0-30. The bombardment in front of this column will cease on the forward trenches but will continue on the line (314) (308). At 0-40. the bombardment will lift to the points (280) (243) and places about RUE D'ENFER, and the right barrage will move to the right to cover the points (275) (277), (270) (246), or as far in that direction as the operations of the Indian Corps will permit. The Brigadier-General in command of this column has also 2 Mountain Guns and 3 Trench Mortars at his disposal for closely supporting his attacks. One 4.5" Howitzer battery will be specially detailed to assist this column, if required, and an Officer of this battery will be present at the Headquarters of the 21st Infantry Brigade until the column has accomplished the tasks allotted it.
At 0-50. the Artillery bombardment will move in the direction of AUBERS, and the right barrage will cease. Left (22nd Nrigade) Column. 22nd Inf.Bde. Co R.E. Trench Mortars. The 22nd Brigade Column will attack thus: - The right battalion, (E), will attack on the front between the dividing line between the 2 Brigades and point (328) approximately, frontage to begin with about 200 yards and widening to the left as the objective is reached &c, &c.

General Instructions.
1. The Infantry will commence issuing from their trenches at 0-27.
2. The R.H.A. front barrage will search the ground South of the line of attack.
3. All lines or positions captured, are to be at once prepared for defence. Not necessarily throughout their length, in the first instance, but at certain points, so as to ensure their being capable of being held in case of necessity. Special working parties must be previously detailed for this. These must know their business and exactly what they have to so beforehand.
4. Infantry, after reaching their objective, must get out patrols, or outposts, into covered places in all directions, so as to make good their front and flanks. Bombing and sandbagging parties must be sent some way up all trenches leading to direction of enemy. Most careful arrangements must be made for the protection of flanks, and guarding against enfilade fire. Touch must be established with our own troops on right and left. Troops on outer flanks must take special precautions to make such outer flanks good.
5. Infantry must remember that success and safety both lie in pushing on to their ultimate objective. Hesitation gives the enemy the chance of recovering from the artillery bombardment, and time to get up machine guns, man his fortified localities, and even organize counter-attacks. A bold and well sustained advance on the other hand, confuses him and upsets his plans. Everything is to be gained, therefore, by pushing on to the ultimate objective; care being taken that special parties make good every important line or point captured. There is not much harm done, if the allotted task is exceeded, while failure may result if it is not fully carried out.
6. It is very difficult for orders to reach the front line, if fire is severe. The greatest reliance is therefore placed on the bold and intelligent leading of junior officers and of N.C.O's in the front line. If orders cannot reach, and any one is in doubt what to do, he cannot go very wrong if he does his utmost to close upon and defeat the enemy he finds in front of him.
7. Brigadier-Generals Commanding Brigades and Officers Commanding Battalions will remember that the value of artillery ammunition is great, and they will therefore be careful not to make unnecessary demands on the artillery. It must also be impressed on all ranks that every round fired by the artillery, is fired with the intention of getting the infantry on. If the infantry find, therefore, that they cannot get on, and the artillery come to their assistance by bombarding the enemy's position, the infantry must endeavour to get as close as possible up to the enemy during the bombardment. As soon as the artillery fire ceases, the infantry must dash in and capture the enemy's position.
8. In order to assist the co-operation between artillery and infantry, it will be arranged that all bombardments not specifically provided for in a time schedule previously issued will last for 10 minutes; the last 3 minutes of which will be intensive. the Infantry will know that the artillery is going to shoot for 10 minutes, and they will know, from the intensive bombardment, that the end of the artillery preparation is approaching. The close of the intensive bombardment is the signal for the infantry to dash in; but to be able to do this, before the enemy has recovered from the artillery bombardment, the infantry must have worked as close as possible up to the objective during the bombardment, taking care of course not to get within the area of our own fire.

Officer Commanding. Bedf. Regt.
Reference the enclosed Orders and Instructions, will you please prepare detailed instructions for your Battalion and submit them to Brigade Headquarters by 8 p.m. tomorrow night 28th instant. Your orders should be so framed that every individual taking part in the operations will know the exact task assigned to him.
E.R.WYATT. Captain. Brigade major 21st Infantry Brigade. 27th March 1915.


SECRET 21st BRIGADE OPERATION ORDERS No. Reference Map FAUQUISSART 1/5,000 27.3.15.
INFORMATION. 1. An attack is to be made on the enemy's position as follows: -
(a) An attack from the direction of the MOULIN de PIETRE.
(b) An attack from the front FAUQUISSART road to the point of the salient at the E in LIN-E square 13.b. This attack has for its objective the line of trenches 308-329 and thence to include point 280 and the line points 301-344. When this line has been gained a second attack by fresh troops will pass through against AUBERS.
The 20th Brigade is holding the line from FAUQUISSART westwards and the 22nd Brigade (Queens Regt.) on the right will attack simultaneously on our left.
INTENTION 2. The 21st Brigade will attack from a front FAUQUISSART road exclusive to a line of poplars along a dyke near the H in BRITISH, frontage 355 yards. The object to be gained is the line of German trench marked 308; TRIVELET FARM points 311, 312, 313 and 314; the trench westwards in front of the 20th Brigade (as far as possible or until the Indian Brigade on our right is met) and the Brickfields at point 280.
ARTILLERY SUPPORT 3. The Artillery support for the Brigade is as follows: -
Up to 0-30 the artillery will bombard all the enemy's trenches and points in front of the Brigade. A right barrage of fire will also be placed between points 311, 315 and point 278 to midway between 274, 275. At 0-30 the bombardment in front of the Brigade will cease on the forward trenches but will continue on the line 314, 308.
At 0-40 the bombardment will lift to points 280, 243 and places about the RUE D'ENFER and the right barrage will move to the right to cover points 275, 277, 270, 246 or as far in that direction as the operations of the Indian Corps will permit.
At 0-50 the bombardment will move in the direction of AUBERS and the right barrage will cease.
ORGANISATION 4. LEFT COLUMN. Commander Lieut. Colonel Alexander
Troops. 2nd Bn. Yorkshire Regt. 4 Machine Guns. 3 Sections Bombers. 2 Mortars, will attack on a front of 240 yards. The left is on the dyke lined with large willows near the H in BRITISH and will connect with the Queens (22nd Brigade); the right will be marked with a board inside the parapet. Objective trench 308 and trench each side.
RIGHT COLUMN. Commander Major Onslow. Troops 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. 4 Machine Guns, 3 Sections Bombers. 1 Mortar, will attack on a front from the right of Yorks to the FAUQUISSART road. Objective, on the left passing through points 310, 309, trench 308; on right points 311, 312, 313, 314 and thence work down the German trenches towards points 270, 273, 278, 280.
3rd COLUMN. Commander Major Pollard. Troops 2nd Bn. Royal Scots Fusiliers, 4 Machine Guns, 3 Sections Bombers, will follow the right column when it has captured the TRIVELET Wood and from the direction of points 312, 314 attack and occupy points 270, 273, 280 if not already captured by parties of the right column; and will occupy and hold these points if already captured. NOTE. Parties from the Indian Corps attacking from the direction of MOULIN du PIETRE may be expected to move in the direction of 270.
RESERVE. 2nd Bn. Wiltshire Regiment. 4 Machine Guns, 3 Sections Bombers, 2nd Highland Coy. R.E. will move up into the main line of trenches when vacated by the Royal Scots Fusiliers.
TIME. 5. The date and time of attack will be communicated later.
the attack will commence at 0-27 i.e. 3 minutes before the bombardment is timed to cease.
AMMUNITION. 6. All Ammunition Carts and animals will be brigaded under the Command of Lieut CHAUNCY 2nd Bn. Yorks. Regt. and be parked in the field just N. of the present H.Q. of the 20th Brigade.
TRANSPORT. 7. All Transport will remain in its present positions. transport Officers will report to Lieut CHAUNCY at the above mentioned place.
MEDICAL. 8. The position of the forward dressing station and any Special Medical arrangements will be communicated later.
REPORTS. 9. Brigade Headquarters will be established in the cellar of the house in the bend of the road Square 18.c. A forward observation post will be established in a dug out close to the parapet of the British breastwork about 50 yards on the E of the FAUQUISSART road.
E.R.WYATT. Captain. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade.


SECRET SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.
CAPTURED POSITIONS. 1. All lines or positions captured are to be at once prepared for defence. Not necessarily throughout their length in the first instance, but at certain points so as to ensure their being capable of being held in case of necessity.
Special working parties must be previously detailed for this. These must know their business and exactly what they have to do beforehand.
PATROLS, ETC. 2. After reaching their objective, Battalions must get out patrols or outposts into places in all directions so as to make good their front and flanks.
Bombing and sandbagging parties must be sent some way up all trenches leading in the direction of the enemy. Most careful arrangements must be made for the protection of the flanks and guarding against enfilade fire. Touch must be established with our own troops on the right and left. Troops on the outer flank must take special precautions to make such outer flanks good.
VIGOROUS OFFENSIVE. 3. Infantry must remember that success and safety both lie in pushing on to their ultimate objective. Hesitation gives the enemy the chance of recovering from the Artillery bombardment, time to get up Machine Guns, man his fortified localities and even organise counter attacks. A bold and well sustained advance, on the other hand, confuses him and upsets his plans. Everything is to be gained, therefore, by pushing on to the ultimate objective, care being taken that special parties make good every important line or position captured. There is not much harm done if the allotted task is esceeded while failure may result if it is not fully carried out.
ORDERS. 4.It is very difficult for orders to reach the front line if fire is severe. The greatest reliance is, therefore, placed on the bold and intelligent leading of junior Officers and N.C.O's in the front line. If orders cannot reach and any one is in doubt what to do, he cannot go far wrong if he does his utmost to close upon and defeat the enemy he finds in front of him.
ARTILLERY SUPPORT. 5. It must also be impressed on all ranks that every round fired by the artillery, is fired with the intention of getting the infantry on. If the infantry find, therefore, that they cannot get on, and the artillery come to their assistance by bombarding the enemy's position, the infantry must endeavour to get as close as possible up to the enemy during the bombardment. As soon as the artillery fire ceases, the infantry must dash in and capture the enemy's position. In order to assist the cooperation between Artillery and Infantry it will be arranged that all bombardments not specifically provided for in a time schedule previously issued, will last for 10 minutes; the last 3 minutes of which will be intensive. the Infantry will know that the artillery is going to shoot for 10 minutes, and they will know, from the intensive bombardment, that the end of the artillery preparation is approaching. The close of the intensive bombardment is the signal for the infantry to dash in; but to be able to do this, before the enemy has recovered from the artillery bombardment, the infantry must have worked as close as possible up to the objective during the bombardment, taking care of course not to get within the area of our own fire.
DRESS. 6. No packs or greatcoats will be carried. These will all be stored under special arrangements, which will be notified later, and sent up, as circumstances permit. Every man will carry: - 220 rounds S.A.A., the unexpended portion of the days ration and the Iron Ration.
SHOVELS ENTRENCHING TOOLS, SANDBAGS WIRE CUTTERS. 7. (a) Every 3rd man will carry a shovel. these men will not carry either entrenching tools or sand bags. (b) Every man not carrying a shovel will carry his entrenching tool and 3 sandbags. (c) All wire cutters will be distributed among the front companies of the attack with the exception of 2 per platoon. All men are to be warned that sandbags and shovels are on no account to be thrown away or abandoned.
RESERVES OF AMMUNITION ETC. 8. (a) AMMUNITION AND BOMBS.
A forward reserve store has been established in the fort about 100 yards behind the British line just W of the FAUQUISSART road. Whenever ammunition or bombs are required by Battalions a demand will be made for a definite number of boxes of ammunition or bags of bombs.
(b) WATER. A reserve supply of water has been stored in tins, buckets, etc, behind the wall of the outhouse at the main Brigade Headquarters. Whenever men are sent to the rear for any purpose, the opportunity should be seized of sending back all the empty water bottles they can carry. These will be filled and returned whenever opportunity occurs. Bottles can be placed in sandbags for easy handling.
(c) RATIONS. A reserve has been formed in a farm at the cross roads Square M.17.
GUIDES. 9. Whenever a message is sent for ammunition, rations, packs etc., to be sent up to a unit in the front line, 2 guides should be sent who know the exact position of the unit and the best way there to lead the carrying party. Whenever a unit is relieved by another, 8 guides (2 per Company) under an officer must be sent to show the position of each company.
ORDERLIES. 10. before the commencement of operations each unit will detail 3 intelligent orderlies to remain at Brigade Headquarters. Whenever a commander moves his unit headquarters he will detail another 3 men to go back to Brigade Headquarters from the new position. This will ensure men being at Brigade Headquarters who know where each unit Headquarters is at all times.
FATIGUES. 11. Each until [sic] will detail a party of 10 men, selected from those least fit for duty, to remain at the farm South of the Cross roads M.17. These men will be available to assist in carrying water, rations and filling the water bottles brought back from the front line.
CLEARING THE BATTLEFIELD. 12. Officers Commanding Units are reminded that arrangements should be made, whenever possible. to collect the equipment of our own casualties and all captured arms, etc into heaps in any convenient position from whence they can be conveyed when opportunity occurs. The positions of these heaps should be indicated to Brigade Headquarters.
POSITION OF ASSEMBLY. 13. Prior to the commencement of the attack, Battalions will be drawn up behind the trenches as shown on the attached diagram [not attached].
E.R.WYATT Captain. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade.


Officer Commanding Bedfords
The Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve the Wiltshire Regt. and Royal Scots Fus. in the trenches tomorrow night. The relief will take place at 7 p.m. Officers Commanding Units will arrange the necessary details as regards guides etc, amongst themselves. Company Officers of the Bedfordshire Regiment will go down to the trenches tomorrow morning to make themselves acquainted with the parts they have to take over. Quartermasters will meet the Staff Captain after the "Q" meeting tomorrow morning and will be shown the billets their units will take over. For the night of 29th the localities F.3 and F.4 will each be garrisoned by 1 N.C.O. and 12 men of the Wiltshire Regt. These will be relieved by similar numbers of the R.S. Fus. at 7 p.m. on the 30th.
E.R.WYATT Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 28th March 1915.


Officer Commanding 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regt.
Your guards on ammunition and ration stores in M.17.d. and the patrols along RUE TILLELOY will be relieved by similar guards from the Wiltshire Regt. tonight at 7 p.m.
E.R. WYATT Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 29th March 1915.

OPERATION ORDER NO. by MAJOR C. C. ONSLOW. COMMANDING 2nd Bn. BEDFORDSHIRE REGT. 29th March 1915. Reference Map FAUQUISSART 1/5,000.
INFORMATION. 1. An attack is to be made on the enemy's position as follows: -
(a) An attack from the direction of the MOULIN de PIETRE from S.W. of CHAPIGNY.
(b) An attack from the front FAUQUISSART road to the point of the salient at the E in LIN-E square 13.b. This attack has for its objective the line of trenches 308-329 and thence to include point 280 and the line points 301-344. When this line has been gained a second attack by fresh troops will pass through against AUBERS. The 20th Brigade is holding the line from FAUQUISSART westwards. The 22nd Infantry Brigade will attack simultaneously on the left of the 21st Infantry Brigade..
INTENTION 2. The 21st Brigade will attack from a front FAUQUISSART road exclusive to a line of poplars along a dyke near the H in BRITISH, frontage 355 yards. The object to be gained is the line of German trench marked 308; TRIVELET FARM points 311, 312, 313 and 314; the trench westwards in front of the 20th Brigade (as far as possible or until the Indian Brigade on our right is met) and the Brickfields at point 280.
ARTILLERY SUPPORT 3. The Artillery support for the Brigade is as follows: -
Up to 0-30 the artillery will bombard all the enemy's trenches and points in front of the Brigade. A right barrage of fire will also be placed between points 311, 315 and point 278 to midway between 274, 275. At 0-30 the bombardment in front of the Brigade will cease on the forward trenches but will continue on the line 314, 308.
At 0-40 the bombardment will lift to points 280, 243 and places about the RUE D'ENFER.
ORGANISATION 4. The Brigade will attack in two columns, a third column to support the right column and a Reserve. the left column will be composed of the 2nd Bn. Yorkshire Regiment; the right column will be composed as follows: -
Commander Major Onslow. Troops 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. 4 Machine Guns, 4 Sections Bombers. 1 Mortar. It will attack on a front from the right of Yorks to the FAUQUISSART road about 115 yards. Objective, on the left passing through points 310, 309, trench 308. On right points 311, 312, 313, 314 and thence work down the German trenches towards points 270, 273, 278, 280.
TIME. 5. The date and time of attack will be communicated later.
the attack will commence at 0-27 i.e. 3 minutes before the bombardment is timed to cease.
TASKS AND ORGANIZATION. 6. ORGANIZATION. "C" Company, and one section Grenade Throwers. Task; advancing with left on ditch from British trench to 310, through 309 to trench 308, which it will make good, assisting in the attack on 314. ORGANIZATION. "D" Company, one section Grenade Throwers and No. 1 and 2 machine Guns. Task. Points 311, 312, 313 all of which will be placed in state of defence. Officer Commanding Company will tell off definite parties for each part of the task. 1 Platoon will also be detailed: - 2 Sections one for 270 and one for 274.
1 Section for new communication trench midway between 313 and 275. 1 Section in support if these are required. Each section will have some Grenade Throwers. ORGANIZATION. "B" Company, 2 Sections Grenade Throwers and No. 3 and 4 Machine Guns. Task. to take 314 and 315. One Platoon to be detailed: -
1 Section to 276. 1 Section up new trench to 277 and then to 273. 1 Section up new trench to 277. 1 Section in Reserve or through 315 to 278 if there is a trench there.
Alternative Task. To help "C" Company if necessary. ORGANIZATION. "A" Company. Reserve. Company in trench 309 ready to move in any direction
Company in trench 310 ready to move in any direction It will be organized and detailed in exactly the same way as "B" Company so that if "B" Company has to assist "C" Company to fulfil its task it can take on "B" Company's task without confusion. Instructions for Mortar later.
AMMUNITION. 7. All Ammunition Carts and animals will be brigaded under the Command of Lieut CHAUNCY 2nd Bn. Yorks. Regt. and be parked in the field just N. of the present H.Q. of the 20th Brigade.
TRANSPORT. 8. All Transport will remain in its present positions. transport Officers will report to Lieut CHAUNCY at the above mentioned place.
MEDICAL. 9. The position of the forward dressing station and any Special Medical arrangements will be communicated later.
REPORTS. 10. The Commanding Officer will be with "A" Company in trench 310 there about 312.


SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment.
CAPTURED POSITIONS. 1. All lines or positions captured are to be at once prepared for defence. Not necessarily throughout their length in the first instance, but at certain points so as to ensure their being capable of being held in case of necessity. Special working parties must be previously detailed for this. These must know their business and exactly what they have to do beforehand.
PATROLS, ETC. 2. After reaching their objective, Battalions must get out patrols or outposts into places in all directions so as to make good their front and flanks.
Bombing and sandbagging parties must be sent some way up all trenches leading in the direction of the enemy. Most careful arrangements must be made for the protection of the flanks and guarding against enfilade fire. Touch must be established with our own troops on the right and left. Troops on the outer flank must take special precautions to make such outer flanks good.
VIGOROUS OFFENSIVE. 3. Infantry must remember that success and safety both lie in pushing on to their ultimate objective. Hesitation gives the enemy the chance of recovering from the Artillery bombardment, time to get up Machine Guns, man his fortified localities and even organise counter attacks. A bold and well sustained advance, on the other hand, confuses him and upsets his plans. Everything is to be gained, therefore, by pushing on to the ultimate objective, care being taken that special parties make good every important line or position captured. There is not much harm done if the allotted task is esceeded while failure may result if it is not fully carried out.
ORDERS. 4.It is very difficult for orders to reach the front line if fire is severe. The greatest reliance is, therefore, placed on the bold and intelligent leading of junior Officers and N.C.O's in the front line. If orders cannot reach and any one is in doubt what to do, he cannot go far wrong if he does his utmost to close upon and defeat the enemy he finds in front of him.
ARTILLERY SUPPORT. 5. It must also be impressed on all ranks that every round fired by the artillery, is fired with the intention of getting the infantry on. If we find, therefore, that we cannot get on, and the artillery come to our assistance by bombarding the enemy's position, we must endeavour to get as close as possible up to the enemy during the bombardment. As soon as the artillery fire ceases, the infantry must dash in and capture the enemy's position. In order to assist the cooperation between Artillery and Infantry it will be arranged that all bombardments not specifically provided for in a time schedule previously issued, will last for 10 minutes; the last 3 minutes of which will be intensive. the Infantry will know that the artillery is going to shoot for 10 minutes, and they will know, from the intensive bombardment, that the end of the artillery preparation is approaching. The close of the intensive bombardment is the signal for us to dash in; and to be able to do this, we must have worked as close as possible up to the objective during the bombardment, taking care of course not to get within the area of our own fire.
DRESS. 6. No packs or greatcoats will be carried. These will all be stored under special arrangements, which will be notified later, and sent up, as circumstances permit. Every man will carry: - 220 rounds S.A.A., the unexpended portion of the days ration and the Iron Ration.
SHOVELS ENTRENCHING TOOLS, SANDBAGS, WIRE CUTTERS.
7. (a) Every 3rd man will carry a shovel. These men will not carry sandbags or entrenching tool. (b) Every man not carrying a shovel will carry his entrenching tool and 3 sandbags. (c) All wire cutters will be distributed among "C" and "D" Companies except 2 per platoon to "A" and "B" Companies. All men are to be warned that sandbags and shovels are on no account to be thrown away or abandoned.
RESERVES OF AMMUNITION ETC. 8. (a) AMMUNITION AND BOMBS.
A forward reserve store has been established in the fort about 100 yards behind the British line just W of the FAUQUISSART-TRIVELET Road.
If ammunition or bombs are required, a demand for a definite number of boxes of ammunition or bags of bombs, must be made.
(b) WATER. A reserve supply of water has been stored in tins, buckets, etc, behind the wall of the outhouse at the main Brigade Headquarters.
Whenever men are sent to the rear for any purpose, the opportunity should be seized of sending back all the empty waterbottles they can carry. These will be filled and returned whenever opportunity occurs. Bottles can be placed in sandbags for easy handling.
(c) RATIONS. A reserve has been formed in a farm at the cross roads Square M.17.
GUIDES. 9. When a message is sent for ammunition, rations, packs etc., to be sent up to a unit in the front line, 2 guides should be sent who know the exact position of the unit and the best way there to lead the carrying party.
FATIGUES. 10. 10 men, selected from those least fit for duty, to remain at the farm South of the Cross roads M.17. These men will be available to assist in carrying water, rations and filling the water bottles brought back from the front line.
CLEARING THE BATTLEFIELD. 11. Officers Commanding Companies are reminded that ammunition should be collected from our casualties. Rifle and Equipment of our own casualties and all captured arms should be collected into heaps.
The position of these heaps should be notified to Battalion Headquarters.
POSITION OF ASSEMBLY. 12. Prior to the commencement of the attack, Battalion will be formed up as practised on night of 28th March 1915.
METHOD OF ADVANCE. 13. At 0-27 (i.e. 3 minutes before the bombardment is timed to cease) the "C" and "D" Companies will advance as follows Company of "C" Company extended 1 Platoon "D" Company extended distance 25 yards. 1 platoon "D" Company extended distance 25 yards. Company "C" Company extended distance 50 yards. Thus: - Company "C". 25 yds. 1 platoon "D" Coy. 50 yds. Company "C"
25 yds. 1 platoon "D" Coy. 25 yds. 1 platoon "D" Coy.
ORDERS CORRESPONDENCE. 14. All operation orders to be destroyed and correspondence to be destroyed or left behind.
15. Prisoners captured to be disarmed and sent to the rear with smallest possible escort; which will be detailed. Men to be reminded that if they fall into enemy's hands they must only give Regimental Number and Their Name. On no account are they to give enemy any information about troops, casualties, guns or proposed operations.
16. All sections detailed for clearing trenches should be clearly detailed and every man will have his mission clearly explained by Officer Commanding Company, so that no confusion arises in case the commander becomes a casualty. These sections will carry flags to mark their position.

SECRET. Officer Commanding 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regt.
Officers Commanding Units and Company Commanders of the leading companies in the coming operations will carefully reconnoitre the methods of clearing our own parapets and our own trenches in front of it and will report by the evening of 1st proximo that they are adequate and will not be a source of delay to the advance.
They will state if anything more is required.
E.R. WYATT Captain, Brigade Major 21st Infantry Bde. 31st March 1915.

Circular memorandum No. 15. T.C.131. Secret.
1. It is most important for our General Plans, and for the Security of our Artillery Observing Stations and forward batteries, that the ground behind our lines at RUE TILLELOY, as far back as the RUE BACQUEROT should resume the quiet atmosphere which prevailed there before the action at NEUVE CHAPELLE.
2. To stop Promiscuous and unnecessary traffic, the following regulations have been made. (a) No motors or Horses, or Horse drawn vehicles are to proceed by daylight beyond (i.e. in the direction of the enemy) the line of control posts established at or near the RUE DU BACQUEROT. (b) Transport wagons, and wagons containing Material, are not to proceed South of the Railway between the hours of 6 A.M. - 6 P.M. (c) Working parties, or bodies of troops sent to the Trenches are to go both in and out under cover of night. (e) parties of Officers visiting the Trenches must have passes, emanating from Divisional or Brigade H.Q. Brigadier General Comd'g R.A., 7 Division, officers Comd'g Brigades of Artillery, or the C.R.E. Similarly, parties of men who have, of necessity to move between RUE DE BACQUEROT and the Trench line by day, must have Passes from one of the above Authorities also.
In the case of Officers or others who have to go continually into the above mentioned area, the Pass can be a [blank] (f) parties, whether of Officers or otherwise, proceeding South of the RUE DU BACQUEROT must keep as much as possible under cover from view, and must avoid using the road leading towards the RUE TILLELOY, South of the Stream running from M.18.c. to N.7.b.; or the roads leading from the RUE TILLELOY into the trenches.
3. Naturally, these regulations are not intended to apply to Actual tactical emergency.
4. The Divisional general desires that Officers of all Arms will assist him in securing a greater atmosphere of quiet in the portion of our area designated above: and is sure that all Officers will see the importance of obtaining this object, and will help to produce it.
(Sd.) F. GATHORNE HARDY Lt.Col. General Staff 7 Division. Div.H.Q. 31.3.15.

 

April 1915

 

Officer Commanding. 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regt.
The Brigadier wishes experiments carried out on these lines and the men practised in the use of wire netting for this purpose. He wishes a report, with any remarks you may have to offer, as soon as possible. Wire netting for practise will be issued to Units tomorrow. Practise may be carried out on any of the entanglements in front of defended localities or trenches in the neighbourhood. Damage if any, should be repaired at once if possible or reported to Brigade Headquarters for repair by the R.E. Copies of any instructions which may be issued to the troops regarding this method of crossing wire entanglements are not to be taken into the trenches.
(Sgd.) E.R.Wyatt Captain, Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 7th April 1915.
Not to be taken into the trenches

USE OF RABBIT WIRE IN CROSSING WIRE ENTANGLEMENTS SYSTEM
The system of crossing wire entanglements by means of rabbit wire is as follows:-
Rolls of wire netting are thrown across the obstacle and form a species of bridge over which the men following can cross. Experiments go to show that it is quite easy for men to cross in this way. The wire netting forms a convenient bridge over the space between the strands, on which the men can place their feet. To obtain the best result it is advisable that the wire should not be cut at all. It does not matter whether the wire is taut or slack.
SIZE OF ROLLS. The length of netting will vary according to the width of the obstacle to be crossed, and is limited by the amount one man can conveniently carry. 30' has been found by experiment to be the maximum an average man can carry and throw into position. This length would enable a depth of 8 yards to 9 yards to be bridged. Each length or roll has a wooden post or stay at each end to which the wire is fastened. The wire is then rolled tight thus placing one stay in the centre and one at the outside. The most suitable netting is the standard size of 2'6" or 3' wide, with a 1" mesh and made of No.16 or 18 wire.
METHOD OF USE. On reaching the obstacle, the man carrying the roll holds it with both hands - with one hand he holds the outer stay and with the other, with a motion somewhat similar to "putting the shot" or "bowling" leaves [heaves?] the toll over the obstacle. By holding the outer stay the roll is thus caused to unwind as it flies through the air. The actual throwing requires a certain amount of practice in order to ensure its unfolding completely and reaching the other side. The wire must be thrown between the posts. Once it has fallen on to the entanglement it will not be possible in the heat of action to alter its position owing to the barbs on the entanglement. men must, therefore, be well practised in order that they can ensure throwing it accurately at the first attempt.
TYPES OF ENTENGLEMENT TO BE CROSSED. This method of crossing wire has been found most successful with the apron fence double and single, and with the chevaux de frise (the most common form used by the Germans) double and single.
With the aeroplane type of wire entanglement it has not proved successful owing to the projecting posts causing the wire to hang perpendicularly and their failing to provide a slope up which the troops can run. From what I saw to-day with the Canadian Division, I consider this form of crossing wire entanglement, with the exception mentioned above, a most satisfactory method. Its chief use appears to me to be crossing of secondary lines of entanglements behind the first line of trenches which may be encountered by the further advance, and against which an accurate artillery fire cannot be brought to bear. It would also be most useful in crossing the first line, should the artillery fail to cut this.

Officer Commanding Bedf. Regt.
The C in C has postponed his inspection until 4 p.m. on Monday. Fresh orders as regards time and place will be issued shortly.
(Sgd.) E.R.Wyatt. Captain. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 9th April 1915.

Officer Commanding. Bedf.R.
The Brigade will parade on the open space near the A in LA GORGUE square L.33 on Saturday the 19th instant at 2-30 p.m. for inspection by the C in C. The brigade will be formed up as follows: To MERVILLE. Bedfords. R.S.Fus. Yorkshire Wiltshires Grenade Signal Section Section DRESS. Full Marching Order. FORMATION. Battalions will form up in close column of Companies, by the centre, with 6 yards distance between Companies. Officers will take post in review order. MACHINE GUNS. No machine guns will be taken on parade. All machine gunners will parade in the ranks of their respective Battalions. ADJUTANTS AND MARKERS. Adjutants and 2 Markers per unit will meet the Brigade Major on the ground at 1-15 p.m. FRONTAGE. Units will send in to Brigade Headquarters by 10 a.m. tomorrow the approximate frontage the unit will require. Units will pass the Bridge over the LAWE [?] in LA GORGUE at the following times: - Signal Section 1-10 p.m. Grenade Section 1-15 p.m. Wiltshire Regt. 1-20 p.m. Yorkshire Regt. 1-25 p.m. R.Scots Fus. 1-35 p.m. Bedfordshire Regt. 1-40 p.m.
(Sgd.) E.R. Wyatt. Captain, Brigade Major 21st Infnatry Bde. 8th March 1915.

Officer Commanding. Bedf.R.
My No.365/G of 8/4/1915 reference orders for parade on Saturday for inspection by C in C. The diagram showing the formation of the Brigade should be reversed and should be: R.Scots Fus. Bedfords Wiltshires Yorkshires Signal Grenade Section Section
(Sgd.) E.R.Wyatt Captain, Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade 9/4/1915.

Officer Commanding. Bedf.Regt.
reference orders regarding Saturday's inspection by C in C, as the time of the inspection has been advanced, the times given for each Battalion to cross the LA GORGUE bridge will be 15 minutes earlier, i.e. Signal Section 12-55 p.m.
Grenade Section 1 p.m. Wiltshire Regt. 1-5 p.m. Yorkshire Regt. 1-10 p.m.
R. Scots Fus. 1-20 p.m. Bedfordshire Regt. 1-25 p.m. 2. All officers will wear Web Equipment and parade dismounted.
(Sgd.) E.R. Wyatt. Captain. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 9th April 1915.

Officer Commanding Bedf.R.
The Brigade will parade on the open space S. of the road in Square G.26.b., facing the road, for inspection by the C in C at 4 p.m. on Monday 12th instant.
Yorks Bedfords Wilts R.S.F. Grenade Camerons Coy -Signal -Section -
FORMATION. Battalions will form up in close column of Companies, by the centre, with 6 yards distance between Companies and 20 yards between Battalions
OFFICERS. Officers will take post in review order 5 paces in front of the leading Company of their Battalion, the Commanding Officer 5 paces in front of the line of Officers. They will salute when the Brigade is ordered to present arms.
DRESS Full Marching Order. All Officers will parade dismounted and wear Web Equipment.
MACHINE GUNS. No machine guns will be taken on parade. All machine gunners will parade in the ranks of their respective Battalions.
ADJUTANTS AND MARKERS. Adjutants and 2 Markers per unit will meet the Brigade Major on the ground at 2-15 p.m.
TIME. Units will move to the parade ground by the PONT de la MEUSE and through ESTAIRES and will pass the PONT de la MEUSE at the following times: -
Signal Section 2 p.m. Grenade Company 2-5 p.m. Camerons will follow the Grenade Company. R.Scots Fus. 2-15 p.m. Wiltshire Regt. 2-25 p.m. Yorkshire Regt. 2-35 p.m. Bedfordshire Regt. 2-45 p.m.
10th April 1915. (Sgd.) E.R. Wyatt. Captain, Brigade Major 21st Infnatry Bde. 8th March 1915.

Parade. Inspection by C in C.
The Battalion will parade, as part of the Brigade, on the open space S. of the road in Square G.26.b, Sheet 36, facing the road, for inspection by the C in C at 4 p.m. tomorrow Monday 12 instant. Formation The Battalion will form up in close column of companies by the left at 6 yards distance between companies. Officers; Officers will take part in review order 5 paces in front of the leading company. The C.O. will be 5 paces in front of line of officers. they will salute when the Brigade is ordered to present arms & remain at the salute till the Brigade is ordered to slope arms. Dress Full Marching Order. All officers will parade dismounted & wear Web equipment. Machine Guns. No machine guns will be taken on parade. All Machine gunners will parade in the ranks of their Companies. Stretcher Bearers Signallers Will parade in supernumerary rank of their companies. Assembly. The Battalion will march to the ground in the order A, B, C D Companies. Head of A Company will pass PONT DE LA MEUSE at 2.45 p.m. But will not debouch into the Main road until the Yorkshire Regt has passed the Cross roads. Square L.39.b. Sheet 36.A.
(Sgd.) C.C. Foss. Captain. Adjutant. 2 Bedf.R.

Officer Commanding R.S.Fus.
With reference to orders for the parade tomorrow for the C in C's inspection.
It is now expected that the C in C will arrive on the ground at 3-30 p.m. In consequence all the times for units to cross the PONT de la MEUSE will be half an hour earlier i.e. Signal Section 1-30 p.m. instead of 2 p.m. etc etc etc Bedfordshire Regt. 2-15 p.m. instead of 2-45 p.m.
11th April 1915. (Sgd.) E.R. Wyatt. captain, Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade.

Officer Commanding Bedf. Regt.
Reference parade this afternoon 1. Officers will not wear packs; and will not carry sticks or wear gloves. 2. Men will not carry bandoliers of extra ammunition.
3. Stretchers will be taken on parade.
12th April 1915 (Sgd.) E.R.Wyatt. Captain, Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade.

Operation Order No.6 21st BRIGADE ORDER No.31. 13th April 1915.
1. The Brigade will relieve the 22nd Brigade in the Trenches (E and F lines) on Wednesday the 14th instant at 7.45 p.m.
2. The relief will be carried out as follows: - 4th Camerons will take over E lines to a point 100 yards E of FAUQUISSART road (marked by a small dyke) and will relieve the Royal Warwicks. Royal Scots Fusiliers thence to the point of the Salient exclusive. They will occupy the two redoubts on the line and Forts F.2 and F.3. They will relieve the South Staffords. Wiltshire Regiment. from the Salient inclusive to connect with the 8th Division and also occupy Fort F.S. (near Battalion* H.Q.)
They will relieve the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Bedfordshire Regiment will be billeted about Fort D'ESQUIN. orkshire Regiment will be billeted about Road junction M.6.d.
Grenade Company will be billeted in LAVENTIE. Orders as to time of taking over billets will be issued separately.
3. The following is the distribution of Machine [Guns] Right Section. 5 guns i.e. 2 of 4th Camerons and 3 of Bedfordshire Regiment. Centre Section. 7 guns i.e. 4 of R.S.Fus. and 3 of Yorkshire Regt. Left Section. 5 guns i.e. 4 of Wiltshire Regiment and 1 of Yorkshire Regt. Special guides are detailed to show where three guns should be placed see para 4. 21 Emplacements for M.G. have been made. Officers Commanding Sections will be responsible that these are not made use of for any other purpose.
4. Guides will meet Battalions at 7-30 p.m. as follows: - 4th Camerons. 21 guides i.e. 1 per platoon and 5 for machine guns at Cross Roads M.17. R.S.Fusiliers. 13 guides i.e. 6 for the Battalion and 7 for machine guns at cross roads M.12.c. Wiltshire Regt. 21 guides i.e. 1 per platoon and 5 for machine guns at Road junction M.6.d.
5. Wiltshire Regiment Starting Point Brigade Headquarters 6-10 p.m. Route Ple CROIX - dotted road in Sq.G.32 a & b. - LAVENTIE M.5.a. Royal Scots Fusiliers Starting Point 6.15 p.m. Route Follow Wilts to LAVENTIE & thence via Fort D'ESQUIN 4th Camerons Starting Point Battalion Headquarters 6.15 p.m. Route Pt BAIS-LE DRUMEZ LA FLINQUE. Yorkshire Regiment Starting Point 6.25 p.m. Route To follow Wilts. Bedfordshire Regiment. To move independently.
6. Officers Commanding Units and Company Commanders will go down to the trenches before taking over to make themselves acquainted with the ground and any changes that have occurred since the Brigade was last in them.
7. All stores left in the trenches by the 22nd Brigade will be taken over by Officers Commanding Sections. A guard of 1 N.C.O. and 3 men Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve a similar guard on the stores in the farm close to the cross roads M.17 at 6 p.m.
8. An Officer per Company and 1 N.C.O. per platoon will be left by the 22nd Brigade for 24 hours after the relief to show the detail of arrangements in the trenches to the 4th Camerons.
9. Brigade Headquarters will move to LAVENTIE on the morning of Thursday 15th instant. Reports up to 7 a.m. on 15th instant will be sent to 22nd Brigade Headquarters.
(Sgd.) E.R. WYATT Captain Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade

by Major C.C.Onslow Ref.Map 1/40000 Sheet 36. Comdg 2 Bedf.R. 14 April 1915.
1. Move. The Battalion (less 3 M.Guns) will move into billets about Fort D'ESQUIN to-day. and will be in Brigade Reserve to remainder of Brigade holding the trenches in E & F lines.
2. Route. The Battalion will march in order A.B.& C.D. Coys Stretcher Bearers 1 M.Gun via Ple CROIX through LAVENTIE to billets. S,P. Head of A Co. will pass Level Crossing S. of P in Ple CROIX at 4.45 p.m. to-day.
3. Transport Transport personnel and material will remain in present billets. Special instructions have been issued already with regard to transport for move.
4. Machine Guns. Special orders have been issued to M.G.O.
5. Guard. O.C. B.Co. will detail a guard of 1 N.C.O. & 8 men to relieve a similar guard on stores in the farm close to cross roads M 17 at 6 p.m. This is in addition to usual billets guards.
6. Billeting parties. Will meet Quarter Master at F in Fort d'ESQUIN at 4 p.m. to-day.
(Sgd.) C.C.Foss. Capt Adjt. 2 Bedf.R.

To.O.C.Companies. Sender's Number Bd 92. Day of Month 14 April 15.
Move. 1/C.Q.M.S. and representative from Battn H.Q. will meet Quarter Master at 4 p.m. today at T roads Square M.10. b Sheet 36 to arrange allottment [sic] of billets.
2/ Wagons are available as follows 1 Blanket wagon A & B Co. 1 Blanket wagon C & D Co. 1 Wagon for officers Kits will start collecting kits at 2.30 p.m. in order D.C.B.A.Cos. 1 Cooks cart for A & B Co. groceries etc. 1 Cooks cart for C & D Co. groceries etc. M.O.Cart for Stretcher bearers blankets. Officers Mess Cart for Battn H.Q.
From Adjutant Time 10.15 A.M. (Sgd.) C.C.Foss Capt Adjt. 2 Bedf.R.


Orders for M.G. Section 2 Bedf.R.
1. The 21 Inf.Bde. is relieving 22 Bde in the trenches tonight. at 7.45 p.m.
2. Line The right section of the line will be held by 4 Camerons & 5 M.Guns (2 4 Camerons & 3 2 Bedf.R.) Right Section includes E Lines to a point 100x East of FAUQUISSART Road (Marked by small dyke).
3. Guides 3 guides will be at Cross Roads M 17 at 7.30 p.m. tonight for your 3 M.Guns.
4. remaining gun & team will billet with Battn near FT d'ESQUIN. A representative for guides will meet Quarter Master at 4 p.m. today a [sic] Road junction near F in Ft d'ESQUIN to take over billets.
5. You will be under orders of O.C. 4 Camerons while they are in the trenches. You will arrange with him where he wishes you to place your guns.
6. You will remain in trenches with 4 Camerons & make your own arrangements with our Quarter Master with regard to rations etc of your men.
(Sgd.) C.C.Foss Captain Adjutant. 2 Bedf.R. By orderly 10.25 a.m. 14/4/15.

Operation Order No.7. by Major C.C.Onslow Comdg 2 Bedf.R. 18 April 1915. Ref Map Sheet 36
Operation 1. the Battalion will relieve their portion of the E & F line of Trenches at present held by 4 Camerons [sic] Highlanders & A & B Coys 2 R.S.Fus at 8 p.m. tonight. b. Companies will hold the line from Right to left A - B - C. D Cos. c. D Co will relieve A & B Cos 2 R.S. Fus. C, B, & A Cos will relieve 4 Cameron Highlanders.
Move 2. Companies will pass the cross roads at LA FLINQUE as under. A Co. 7.20 p.m. B Co. 7.30 p.m. C Co 7.40 p.m. D Co. 7.50 p.m.
Stores 3. All VERY Pistols, Periscopes, Rifle rests & other Trench Stores will be taken over & receipts given. A duplicate should be kept for reference.
Machine guns. 4. Machine guns are at present in the trenches & will remain there. The Machine gun emplacements are not to be interfered with.
b/ The Machine gun & team will proceed to dugouts rear Battn. H.Q.
Reports 5. O.C. Coys will report to the Co. by phone or orderly when relief is completed & touch has been obtained on both flanks.
(Sgd.) C.C. Foss. Captain. Adjutant. 2 Bedf.R.

O.C. C.Co.
There are some boxes of ammunition in a small fort near FAUQUISSART Church. You will send patrols out each night to ascertain that a/ The ammunition has not been tampered with. b/ Fort is intact & in a sanitary condition. To nights [sic] patrols should report how many boxes there are.
(Sgd.) C.C. Foss. Captain. Adjutant. 2 Bedf.R. 2.50 p.m. 18/4/15.

21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER No.51 18th April 1915.
OPERATION. 1. The Battalions in the Trenches will be relieved at 8 p.m. tonight as follows: - (a) The Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve the Cameron Highlanders and "A" and "B" Companies Royal Scots Fus. (b) The Yorkshire Regiment will relieve the Wiltshire Regt. and "C" and "D" Companies Royal Scots Fusiliers. Officers Commanding relieving Battalions will arrange for their Company Commanders to acquaint themselves with the frontage of their Companies, during daylight. The Royal Scots Fusiliers will continue to hold redoubts F.2. and F.3. The Wiltshire Regiment will hold redoubt F.5.
GUIDES. 2. One Guide per platoon from the Wiltshire Regiment and "C" and "D" Companies Royal Scots Fusiliers will report to the Yorkshire Regiment Headquarters, Road junction M.6.d. at 7-30 p.m. tonight. No guide will be sent to the Bedfordshire Regiment. One N.C.O. per Company will be left for 24 hours by the Battalions relieved by the Yorkshire Regiment.
STORES. 3. All VERY Pistols, Periscopes, Rifle Rests and Trench Stores will be handed over to relieving Battalions and receipts obtained.
GUARDS 4. The Cameron Highlanders will furnish the following guards: - One N.C.O. and 6 men on the store just South of Cross Roads M.17.
One N.C.O. and 3 men over 22nd Brigade Store M.12.c. near the Southern end of the unfinished road. Relief to take place at 6 p.m.
MACHINE GUNS 5. Machine Guns will remain as at present 21 Emplacements have been made. These are not to be used for other purposes.
BILLETS. 6. Billet orders are being issued separately.
(Sgd.) George Crossman. Captain. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade

7th Div. 528/G. 21st Brigade..
The 1st West Riding Brigade - consisting of the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th battalions, West Yorkshire Regiment is to be attached to the 7th Division for instruction in trench warfare. For this purpose selected parties of officers and Non-Commissioned Officers will be attached to the 21st Brigade on the 19th and 20th, each party for 24 hours.
Each battalion will send a party consisting of 8 officers, 9 platoon sergeants, 4 Company sergeant majors and 1 battalion sergeant major, with possibly one or two additions. The parties from the 4th [sic] and 6th battalions will be attached to the Yorkshire Regiment and those from the 7th and 8th battalions to the Bedford Regiment. These battalions may have to hold this portion of the trenches at an early date and should be carefully instructed in all details of trench life. Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers should, if possible, be placed for instruction with individuals responsible for carrying out similar duties to themselves. Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers, during their attachment, will be instructed generally in all the principles of trench warfare such as the construction and maintenance of trenches, siting of loopholes, employment of machine guns and snipers, erections of obstacles, drainage, and sanitation. They will be further instructed particularly in the exact topography of the portion of the trenches their units will occupy. The details of the siting of the enemy's trenches opposite, so far as they are known, should be pointed to them, especially places from which snipers' or machine gun fire may be expected, places from which saps have been, or seem likely to be commenced, etc. The method of carrying out reliefs, and the routes followed, must be carefully explained to Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers, and it must be ensured by actual experiment that they can find their way in and out of the trenches in the dark. They must also be shown the best methods of bringing up rations, water, ammunition, R.E. Stores, and all other trench requirements. These parties will arrive at 21st Brigade Headquarters at 5.30 p.m. on the 19th and 20th provided with one blanket, 1 waterproof sheet and rations for 24 hours. Conducting parties and transport for their kit should meet them there, and conduct them to their respective battalions.
Div.Hd.Qrs. Sd F.Gathorne Hardy Lieut.Colonel. 18th April 1915. General Staff, 7th Division.

Officer Commanding Bedfords.
For your information and necessary action. Which Bns. come today will be notified later. Transport will be arranged by me.
(Sgd.) George Crossman. Captain, Brigade Major 21st Infantry Bde. 19th April 1915.

21st INFANTRY BRIGADE. Action of Reserve Battalions of 21st Infantry Brigade in case of attack Reference LILLE Sheet 36 1/40000.
In the case of an attack on the trenches occupied by the 21st Brigade, the Battalions billeted in the vicinity of M.g.d. will support the Battalion occupying the left of the line held by 21st Brigade. The Battalion billeted between FORT D'ESQUIN and LA FLINQUE will support the Battalion occupying the right of the line held by the 21st Brigade. The Battalion billeted in the main LAVENTIE - AUBERS road (S of CHURCH) will form the Brigade Reserve (in the hands of B.G.C.). The Battalions in local reserve will be prepared to turn out at the shortest notice, with waterbottles filled. ACTION. In the event of sudden emergency or communication with Brigade Headquarters failing, Officers Commanding Battalions will act at once as circumstances demand, reporting their action by cyclist orderly immediately to Brigade Headquarters. It is essential that Officers Commanding Battalions should study the ground in the vicinity of their billets, with a view to moving their Battalions by day or night, to the support of the garrison in the trenches.
(Sgd.) George Crossman. captain, B.M. 21st Infantry Brigade. 19th April 1915.

CONFIDENTIAL.
Reference Confidential Circular memorandum No.14 of 24th March, 1915, paragraph (b), the responsibility of the 7th Division will only include defended localities 10.11.12.13.14 and 17. Localities 18 and 19 are outside the area. Please amend accordingly.

(Sgd.) Ian Stewart, Maj. for Lt.Colonel, General Staff, 7th Division.
Div.H.Q. 30th March, 1915

2 Bedfordshire Regt Operation Order No.8. 21 April 1915.
Operation 1. The Battalion will be relieved by part of 20th Inf.Bde. at 9 p.m. tonight.
Relief 2. A. B. C. and 1 platoon of D Company will be relieved by Grenadier Guards
The three left platoons of D Company will be relieved by 6th Gordon Highlanders.
Guides. 3. One guide per platoon and one guide per machine gun will meet their relief at 8.30 p.m. Grenadier Guards at Cross Roads M.17.d. 6 Gordons at Cross Roads M.12.c.