5th Battalion in Palestine 1917

1917 War diary Appendices

1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment Move Order No. 1 31-Dec-16

1. The under mentioned moves and reliefs will take place this week, the ultimate order of things being Headquarters, "A" & "B" Coys. & Divl. band at SHALLUFA, Major G.H. de L.Dayrell, "C" & "D" Coys at GENEFFE.

2. RAILHEAD Comdr. Capt.H.W.Cronin 1 Off.30 ORs "A" Coy. 1 Off.70 ORs "C" Coy. OLDHAM Comdr. Lt. Sperling 1 Off.70 ORs "B" Coy. 1 Off.30 ORs "D" Coy. KABRIT Comdr. Lt. New. 2 Offs.100 ORs "A" Coy. On Thursday Jan 4. The Battalion less garrisons (mentioned in margin) will march from GENEFFE RAILHEAD at 0900 to SHALLUFA, where it will bivouac for the night. All ranks not detailed for garrison at OLDHAM will concentrate at GENEFFE RAILHEAD by the evening of Wednesday Jan.3. The Q.M. will arrange for bivouac at SHALLUFA. Dress - Marching Order (2 blankets per man and Packs and Rifles of Drums on Transport.)

3. On Friday Jan 5. the Battalion will march at 0900 to HALFWAY HOUSE, where it will be employed on work in connection with the Defences.

4. SHALLUFA Comdr. Lt. Sperling 1 Off.30 ORs "A" Coy. 1 Off.70 ORs "B" Coy. GENEFFE Comdr. Capt. Cronin. 1 Off.70 ORs "C" Coy. 1 Off.30 ORs "D" Coy. On Saturday Jan 6 the 4th Northants Regt. will take over GENEFFE RAILHEAD and OLDHAM, and the garrisons of these Posts will take over SHALLUFA and GENEFFE (as per margin). These parties will be responsible for the transfer of the Base Kits of the Battalion to the new Posts.

5. On Saturday Jan 7. The 4th Northants Regt. will take over KABRIT. When relieved the garrison will proceed by water to SHALLUFA under arrangements which will be made by Subsection Headquarters. This party will dump their Base Kits at SHALLUFA and proceed next day by march route to join the Battalion at HALFWAY HOUSE.

6. All tents, reserve ammunition, trench stores, Unit equipment of grenades and reserve supplies will be left at Posts and receipts taken (except HALFWAY HOUSE).

7. This Battalion will take over the tents of the 10th London Regt at SHALLUFA and GENEFFE. The Q.M. will arrange for those required by the Battalion at HALFWAY HOUSE to be taken from SHALLUFA and/or GENEFFE. The move of the Battalion to HALFWAY HOUSE will be under Field Service conditions, and Base Kits will be dumped at SHALLUFA and GENEFFE.

8. The Q.M. has already requisitioned for carriage of baggage. Further instructions as to trains and lighters for baggage will be issued later.

9. Battalion Report Centre will close at GENEFFE RAILHEAD at 0845 on Jan 4 and move at Head of Battalion via GENEFFE to SHALLUFA, opening at SHALLUFA on arrival. On 5 Jan. Report Centre will close at SHALLUFA at 0845 and move at Head of Battalion via MANCHESTER and KUBRI RAILHEAD to HALFWAY HOUSE, opening at HALFWAY HOUSE on arrival. NOTE Distinguishing flags will be used by H.Q. and Coys. on this and on all future occasions without further orders being issued about it.

Appendix A. 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment Move Order No. 2 1-Jan-17

1. The moves and reliefs mentioned in Move Order No.1 are cancelled and instead the ultimate order of things is to be: - Headquarters, "C" Coy (with Detachments of 1 Officer and 25 O'Rs each at BALUCHISTAN and GURKHA) and Divl. Band at KUBRI, "B" Coy at KUBRI RAILHEAD, "A" Coy at SHALLUFA, "D" Coy at GENEFFE.

2. On Thursday 4th Jan. the Battalion (less garrisons mentioned in margin) will march from GENEFFE RAILHEAD at 0900 to SHALLUFA, where it will bivouac for the night. Half "D" Coy will be dropped at GENEFFE and half "A" Coy at SHALLUFA. The present garrison at OLDHAM (less 1 platoon "D" Coy) will concentrate at GENEFFE RAILHEAD by the evening of Wednesday 3rd.Jan. when 1 platoon "D" Coy will take over the Post. The Q.M. will arrange for bivouac at SHALLUFA. Dress: - Marching Order (Packs and Rifles of Drums on Transport). Margin: GENEFFE RAILHEAD: 1 Off. 40 O'Rs "D" Coy; OLDHAM 1 Off. 40 O'Rs "D" Coy; KABRIT Comdr. Lt. L.P.New 2 Offs, 100 O'Rs. "A" Coy.

3. On Friday 5th Jan. the Battalion (less garrisons already detailed) will march at 0900 to KUBRI. "B" Coy proceed to KUBRI RAILHEAD and "C" Coy drop the Detachments for BALUCHISTAN and GURKHA.

4. On Saturday 6th Jan. the 4th Northants Regt. will take over GENEFFE RAILHEAD and OLDHAM. On Sunday 7th Jan, they will take over KABRIT. On relief the outgoing garrisons will join their Coys "A" Coy to SHALLUFA and "D" Coy to GENEFFE.

5. All tents, Regimental reserve ammunition (viz, 100 rounds per rifle and 8000 per Lewis Gun) and Unit equipment of grenades will be taken with Coys.

6. Post reserve ammunition, trench stores and reserve supplies will be left at Posts and receipts taken.

7. Base Kits will accompany Coys but no tables, chairs, beds and other improvised furniture will be moved from Posts.

8. On 3rd Jan. special trains beginning baggage of the 4th Northants Regt. to GENEFFE RAILHEAD will be used on the return journey to convey baggage of this Unit to GENEFFE and SHALLUFA.

9. Baggage for KUBRI and KUBRI RAILHEAD will be transferred at GENEFFE to lighter which will proceed to KUBRI on 4th Jan., thence special train for the baggage of "B" Coy to KUBRI RAILHEAD. Baggage of Detachments at BALUCHISTAN and GURKHA will be conveyed under Regimental arrangements.

10. Transport Officer will make necessary arrangements for bringing in baggage of OLDHAM Detachment ready for loading on 3rd.Jan either by Decauville or road.

11. KABRIT Detachment will proceed to SHALLUFA with its baggage on 7th.Jan. by returning lighter which brings Detachment 4th Northants Regt. to relieve them.

12. 25 Camels are allotted to this Unit for use on march to KUBRI. Transport Officer will send a mounted guide to meet them at SHALLUFA on 2nd. Jan. The camels will have left KUBRI at 1230. These camels will come under the care of the T.O. without any C.T.C. Officer or N.C.O.

13. The Transport Officer will make all necessary arrangements in accordance with the above and communicate with all Comdrs. time and place for stacking baggage.

14. Battalion Report Centre will close GENEFFE RAILHEAD at 0845 4th Jan. and move at Head of Battalion via GENEFFE to SHALLUFA, opening at SHALLUFA on arrival. On 5th Jan. Report Centre will close at SHALLUFA at 0845 and move at Head of Battalion via GURKHA, opening at KUBRI on arrival

Appendix B. 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment Move Order No. 1 7. Jan. 17.

1. On Tuesday, 9th. jan. this Battalion will march to SUEZ CAMP.

2. The Battalion will fall in ready to move at 0745 on the open space facing the Transport Stables, and be clear of the Bridge over the Sweet Water Canal, East of KUBRI by 0845. Dress: - Marching Order.

3. All Baggage not accompanying the Battalion on the march will be ready for loading on train at KUBRI Siding by 1800 on Monday, 8th.Jan. Times of loading trains will be communicated later.

4. 50 Camels will report to the Transport Officer, KUBRI E. by 0715 on Tuesday [sic], 9th.Jan.

5. Breakfast tomorrow, 8th.Jan, will be at 0630. All tents will be struck at 0700 and will be stacked by the side of the road on "D" Coy camping ground by 0800, and be transported to the Battalion Dump at KUBRI W. Siding before 1800.

6. The Transport Officer will make all necessary arrangements in accordance with the above and communicate with all Commanders and Orderly Room the time and place for stacking Blankets, Stores, and Officers Kits.

7. The Battalion Report Centre will close at KUBRI E. at 0745 on 9th. Jan., and move at head of Battalion opening at SUEZ CAMP on arrival. Acknowledge.

1/5 Bedfordshire Regiment ALARM ORDERS No.1 March 17 Ref. Map Survey of Egypt, 3rd Feb., 17: 1/40,000

1. In certain contingencies the 162nd Inf. Brigade may be ordered to occupy a Sub-section of the defences of EL ARISH on CARP CREST and CAUSEWAY RIDGE.

2. 1/5 Bedford R. and one Section, 162 M.G.Coy. will occupy Posts 6 and 7 on CARP CREST (1/10th London R. will be on its R. occupying Post 5 and Work H. at BUTTON HILL.)

3. "A" Company (a) No.1 Coy. will occupy the line of unfinished trenches fro ma point due S. of Notice Board No.9 to the entrance of the incomplete communication trench due S. of Notice Board No.6. "B" Company (b) No.2 Coy. will occupy the trenches thence to the E., including the small isolated trench between Posts 6 and 7, and the large trench on the R. of Post 7 (inclusive). "C" Company (c) No.3 Coy. will occupy the trenches thence to the E. yo the entrance of the incomplete communication trench due S. of Notice Board No.7. "D" Company (d) No.4 Coy. will occupy the remainder of the trenches of Post 7, including the small isolated trench in the WADI, N.E. of Notice Board No.7. Section M.G.Coy. (e) Two guns will occupy emplacements W. and E. in Post 6, to cover the dead ground S. of the trenches on Post

6. Two guns will occupy the two most Easterly emplacements of Post 7, to cover the re-entrant S. of CARP CREST in both directions. Batt.Scouts, Signallers (not on Signal duty), Q.M. Storemen & Regtl. Police (f) Local Reserve in hollow immediately N. of the small trench between Posts 6 and 7.

Transport 4. Transport will saddle up and remain in present lines.

Aid Post. 5. In hollow close to Wire Road immediately N. of Notice Board No.6.

Dress 6. Troops will parade in Marching Order (Great Coat and 1 Blanket) with unexpended portion of day's ration.

Supplies 7. Quartermaster and Transport Officer will reconnoitre and make arrangements for the bringing up of all necessary ammunition, bombs, water and rations at night. Report Centre 8. Battalion Battle Headqrs will be with the Local Reserves

1/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT OUTPOST ORDER No.1 19 March 17

1. Our Main Force arrived at EL BURJ this morning. There are no British troops E or S of EL BURJ. The Railway, Pipe Line and Wire Road does not exist. Our force is in contact with large hostile forces.

2. The 162nd Brigade has been ordered to find Outposts to the Main Force on the arc of a circle about 3 miles from the camp, its right resting on a point approximately S.W. of the camp, and its left at the sea to the N.E. of the camp.

3. 1/5th Bedford Rgt and 1 Section 162nd M.G.Coy will occupy No.2 Section of the Outpost line, its right resting on a CLUMP TREES on a bearing of 136 degrees (true) from the camp, and its left in the Telegraph line running to RAFA. No.1 Section on the right is held by 4th Northants Rgt, No.3 Section on the left is held by 10th London Rgt. A COY.

4. No.1 Outpost Coy. will be from the CLUMP TREES on a bearing of 136 degrees (true) from camp to a point bearing 120 degrees (true) from the camp B COY AND 1 SUB SECT. M.G. Coy. No.2 Outpost Coy from a point bearing 120 degrees (true) from the camp, to a point bearing 104 degrees (true) from the camp. C.COY & 1 M.G. No.3 Outpost Coy. from a point bearing 104 degrees (true) from the camp to a point bearing 87 degrees (true) from the camp. D COY & 1 M.G. No.4. Outpost Coy. from a point bearing 87 degrees (true) from the camp to the Telegraph line running to RAFA. BATT. SCOUTS & H.Q. DETAILS Local Reserve near THREE FIG TREES about 2 miles from the camp on a bearing of 104 degrees (true)

STRETCHER BEARER SECTION 5. Aid Post will be established about 200 yds N.W. of the THREE FIG TREES.

TRANSPORT 6. Horses and Mules about 400 yds N.W. of the THREE FIG TREES. Caamels about 1000 yds N.W. of the THREE FIG TREES Q.M.

STORES 7. Q.M's Dump will be established at the camel lines.

8. The line of resistance is the Picquet Line which will be held at all costs.

9. Fires may be lit and smoking allowed in all hollows screened from the enemy, up to 2100.

10. Batt. Report Centre near the THREE FIG TREES.

Appendix A 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment TRENCH ORDERS No.4

INTERPRETATION 1. These orders cancel and are in substitution for all previous numbers which will be returned to Batt. H.Q. for destruction at once.

DISTRIBUTION 2. The Batt will hold the Left Sector of 162nd Infy. Bde. Subsection with 1/11th London Rgt and change places every 6 days. The Left Sector is from GAZA-MENDUR track exclusive to point R.17.c.10.5

3. The front line will be held by one Batt, 2 Sections M.G.Coy and 4 Stokes Guns, the whole for tactical purposes under the orders of the O.C.Batt. holding the front line. The support line will be held by 1 Battalion (less 1 Coy which will hold Redoubts 1, 2 & 4). The Stokes Gun Battery (less 4 guns) will be distributed in the Redoubt line.

4. 270th Brigade R.F.A. with C265 Battery R.F.A. is allotted to this Subsection and will occupy places whence the whole of the Subsection front can be covered by day or night.

DEFENCE 5. All positions will be held to the last. Should any portion of the line be forced, the nearest Officer (or failing him a N.C.O. or man) on each side will at once organise a counter-attack. On no account because one portion of the line goes back is another portion to do so. This is to be clearly understood by all ranks.

MANNING 6. By night. Front line trenches will be fully manned, and everyone in the place he will occupy in case of attack. A double sentry will be posted, with relief close at hand, at every second occupied fire bay. Machine, Lewis and Stokes Guns will be in position with one sentry beside each of them close alongside. Rifles will be loaded, magazines charged and bayonets fixed. Troops will have their equipment on. Whilst working parties are busy in, or in front of, front line trenches, O.C. Coys will make such temporary modifications of the arrangements for security as the occasion requires. Elsewhere than in front line trenches troops may undress and rifles will not be loaded but arrangements must be made for waking everyone and turning out at the shortest possible notice. By day, In the front line trenches a garrison of 10% of the full garrison (excluding Machine and Stokes Gunners) plus 3 men per Machine or Stokes gun and 2 men per Lewis Gun will be maintained, and one double sentry be posted per company. These except the sentries and reliefs mat take off their equipment, but not their boots and must not move far from their posts. Machine and Lewis Guns will be in dug-outs. All will have magazines charged, but rifles not loaded, bayonets unfixed. The remainder of the front line garrison may withdraw to Support Dug-outs, but must not go more than 500yds from their bivouac. Their rifles will not be loaded they may take off their equipment and 50% of them at a time may take off their clothes and boots. For the remainder of the troops (viz. the Batt. holding the Support Line) the orders will apply as at night.

7. Where occupying the trenches in the evening, or withdrawing from them in the morning, the greatest care must be exercised not to let the enemy see the strength of the garrison. This point requires particular attention in the case of troops who have to cross the open.

DUTIES 8. One officer (so long as there are 3 Officers per Coy) and one N.C.O. not below the rank of Sergeant will be on duty in each Coy, in the front line always, constantly moving up and down the trench held by their Coy. In addition by day, one officer not below the rank of Captain (so long as there are 3 Captains in the Batt) will always be in the front line trenches. This must be arranged between Coys. The Trench Sergeant will relieve and post all sentries, but this does not relieve the N.C.O. in command of the Trench Section of any other responsibilities.

STAND TO 9. When occupying front line trenches the whole Batt will "Stand to" at 0400 for one hour. "Stand to" will not be dismissed until: - (a) Daylight (b) morning patrols have reported "All clear" (c) Day Observation Posts mounted (d) There is no fog or any other atmospheric conditions to obscure the view. The Batt. will also "Stand to" at 1830, for half an hour until all Night Posts are mounted and it is properly dark. Detachments of M.G. Coy. who occupy trenches the whole of the time, will not be required to "Stand to" as a whole in the morning, but, man capable of firing the gun must "Stand to" every morning, and the remainder of the team be handy if required. During the evening "Stand to" every man will be seen by his Platoon Commander in his fire position, care being taken to see that it is of suitable height. Actual time of stand to will be varied according to time of year, the alteration will be notified periodically from Batt. H.Q.

BOMBS 10. One bombing squad will be formed in each Coy and be located in some central position 50yds or so behind the trenches. Their duty will be to counter attack immediately with bombs should the enemy penetrate our trenches. They will do this on the initiative of their Commander without waiting for any order.

11. Bombs are not to be used for repelling an attack. The rifle is the weapon.

12. PATROLS. Special patrols to push well out will be organised under Battn. arrangements, not less than 3 times during its tour of duty. In addition to the above, each Coy. will have patrols out before dawn to ascertain that the enemy has not massed at any possible point of assault wit ha view to an attack at dawn. It is to be impressed on all patrols that if an enemy is encountered, unless in markedly superior force, he is to be attacked with the Bayonet at once. Nowhere is offensive action combined with surprise of greater value than in night fighting. Also by keeping "No Man's land" free of the enemy, which if attacked on every occasion, will quickly learn to keep clear or run away, the whole force gets much more rest than it otherwise would. Every effort should be made by constantly changing the men employed on patrol to train a considerable number to this work.

INTELLIGENCE 13. Every effort must be made to locate the following points and special attention is to be paid to these points when rendering reports. These points are systematically dealt with afterwards and are very valuable for drawing up the Artillery programme. All ranks are to be instructed what to look for and the importance impressed upon them: - (a) weak spots in enemy line, (b) Gun positions (c) M.G. Emplacements (d) O.P's (e) Areas of assembly (f) Ammunition and Supply dumps (g) Communication Trenches (h) Passage of enemy convoys (i) Working parties (j) Routine movements, etc.

STORES IN TRENCHES 14. The following will be maintained in trenches: - Ammunition. One ton will be kept in the back of the trench behind the traverse between each two fire bays in use. 10,000 rounds will be kept beside each Lewis Gun. 15,000 rounds will be kept beside each Maxim Machine Gun. Remainder of ammunition on Battalion charge will be deposited in dumps at central spots behind the trenches, position of nearest dump to his right and left being known to everyone. Bombs. Will be kept with the Bombing Section of each Company. Very Pistols and Lights. 1 pistol will be kept at each Coy. H.Q. and 2 in the front trenches held by each Coy. Also 2 at Batt. H.Q. 24 illuminating and 12 each red and green signal cartridges at each Coy. H.Q. also 12 each red and green at Batt. H.Q. The different colours are to be kept in separate boxes so that they may be readily available and no mistake made in the dark.

AMMUNITION 15. All loading will be from the pouch. Ammunition must never be allowed to lie about. All empties will be put in the proper place provided on each fire bay

RANGE CARDS 16. Range cards will be kept in each fire bay and M.G. and L.G. emplacement. Where necessary, range markers must be put out.

LATRINES 17. As buckets become available the pail system of latrines will be installed, excreta being collected from trench latrines a [sic] least 4 times daily and buried behind Support dug-outs. Gonophones [?] may be used being improvised out of biscuit tins. The necessity for the most rigid cleanliness in every way in their own interests and as a means of keeping down flies is to be impressed on all ranks and very strictly enforced. Trench latrines are only to be used in cases of real urgency or when a man cannot be spared for the necessary period from the trench

REFUSE 18. All refuse, tins etc. will be buried behind Support Dug outs in properly constructed refuse pits

GAS 19. In the trenches a shell case will be hung up in each sentry post together with a beater, for use only in case of an alarm of gas. Shells will also be hung up near each group of dug-outs and outside each signal office and men told off to beat them in case of gas alarm. In each Coy. and all details a regular system of waking men, should the gas alarm occur at night, will be worked out. Should gas be used word will at once be sent by the senior officer or N.C.O. on the spot where the alarm is raised to the nearest signal office and the fact be immediately telephoned through to every office with which that office is in communication. Gas Helmets will be inspected daily and always be carried except between 0900 & 1600. This order is to be read with Orders for Hostile Gas Alarm issued on 1. May.17

DIGGING ETC. 20 Men not on duty will work for 4 hours by night and 2 hours per day in the trenches. Should the work provoke hostile shelling it will be temporarily suspended unless ordered otherwise

MACHINE GUNS 21. Maxim Machine Guns will not be used for any purpose except repelling an attack. Exceot when in use they will be mounted by night only. On no account will they fire on Aircraft or be used for Sniping. Emplacements will be closely concealed. Lewis Guns in general will be bound by same rules as M.G's but they may be used to snipe by the order of an officer, if a proper target presents itself. The target will be reported to batt. H.Q. either prior to opening fire or immediately afterwards and the officer giving to [sic] order to fire is held responsible that the target is a proper one.

AEROPLANES 22. Fire will only be opened on aeroplanes by order of an officer.

REST 23. All ranks not on duty must rest between 1300 and 1500 daily, and take off their boots (so far as allowed by para. 6 of these orders) During this period there is to be absolute quiet. This order is to be most rigidly enforced and any offender severely dealt with. Every effort is to be made to construct shady, airy and comfortable dug-outs so that the men may be able to take full advantage of this rest period.

CLEANLINESS 24. Immediately after "Stand to" all trenches and support lines will be thoroughly cleaned and swept out, the sweeping being removed to the proper refuse pit. Coy. Comdrs. will personally hold a daily inspection of the whole of their trenches and lines to ensure that this has been properly done. In addition to this daily clean, all places in trenches occupied by day, and where meals are taken in Support, will be swept up after every meal. Proper Recepticles for rubbish will be placed in the trenches and Support dug-outs, to be cleared at regular times by Coy. Sanitary Squads. All food will be covered as far as possible. All tins are to be collected and properly disposed of. The breach of any of these rules, or the throwing about of tins or refuse is to be a C.O's offence. Equipment is to be hung up and trenches and dug-outs made as a barrack room.

PRISONERS OF WAR 25. A report is to accompany all Prisoners of War, showing where taken, under what circumstances and whether deserters or otherwise

COMMUNICATIONS 26. All officers are expected to know their way all over the Subsection area and to the chief Headquarters and places of importance in adjoining Subsections.

UNDERCUTTING TRENCHES AND UNPLANNED WORK 27. It is an offence to under-cut any part of a trench, or to perform any work other than cleaning up or repairs, that has not been laid out by an officer, himself working on a proper plan.

REPORTS 28. Reports will be submitted to Batt. H.Q. by following hours: - 0445 "All clear" or otherwise, By this hour the Signal Officer will test all communications and report if correct or not. 0600 Reports from Night Patrols and anything important during previous night. 1800. 24 hours report, including work completed during previous 24 hours. At any time. Anything of particular importance

1/5 Bedfordshire Regiment MOVE ORDER No. 4 29 June '17

1. This unit will be relieved by the 1/11th London Regt on the night of July 4/5th

2. Each coy on relief will move independently to the area now occupied by 1/4th Northants Regt. Coys moving into the lines of the same lettered Coys of the 1/4th Northants Rgt.

3. "A" Coy 1/4th Northants Regt will rejoin its own Battn. moving to WART HILL

4. "B" Coy 1/5th Bedf. Rgt. on return from Divl. Training Camp will join the Battn. at the area now occupied by 1/4th Northants Regt.

5. All etails for moves will be arranged direct and mutually between the parties concerned. Usual handing over certificates will be prepared and sent to Battn. H.Q. on completion of the move

6. Relief will be reported to Battn. H.Q. and authority to move obtained before any party actually moves. Arrival at the new station will be reported to new Battn. H.Q.

APPENDIX A

June 17 MERIONETH Work completed: - 10 Fire Bays 1 Bomb dug-out 2 Lewis Gun dug-outs 1 Traverse shortened 1 Traverse re-constructed 30 yds Comm. trench Work in hand: - Construction of Fire Bays Traverses & dugouts Raining Walls of Comm Trenches Welch Redoubt Work completed: - 121 yards Comm trench 40 yds parapet 25 yards Parados Five Bays reconstructed Five trenches deepened & improved Work in hand: - Reserve Ration [unreadable] dug-out Improving existing parados & parapet Communication Trench Flintshire Redoubt Work completed: - Fire Trench 295 yds Communication Trench 112 yds Dug-outs 3 Lartrines 1 Work in hand: - Fire Trench 40 yds Communication Trench 90 yds Dug-outs 2

APPENDIX A JULY WAR DIARY RAIDING PARTY Order No.1 16 July 17 Ref maps: - (i) GAZA-SHELLAL 1/40,000 (ii)

Also tracing of Turkish position on UMBRELLA HILL. Issued to all concerned INFORMATION 1. The enemy holds UMBRELLA HILL, his trenches there form an Advanced Work dome 500 yards in front of his main line of defences and 550 yards from our lines On the North and South the trenches are protected by a line of barbed wire entanglement 2 to 4 yds. broad and 4ft High, and on the West by Knife Rests. The hills on which the work is situated are entirely of sand , their maximum height being about 30ft above the general level of the ground in front. The work appears to consist of a fire trench following the crests of the hills with a trench at the foot of the rear slopes off which short passages lead to dugouts, burrowed into the rear slopes and with numerous communication trenches into the fire trench. Three communication trenches lead back to the main position and a sunken road on the S.E. appears to be used also. Nothing is known of the strength of the garrison nor of the position of machine guns. It is unlikely that there are any deep dugouts or fire trenches other than those on the crests of the hills. All trenches are wide, probably only partially revetted with sandbags and not very deep.

INTENTION 2. UMBRELLA HILL (viz. the area enclosed within the lines Z, Y, X, W, V. on the tracing issued) will be raided on the night of 20/21 July, by a Raiding party as detailed in these orders. the garrison will be killed or captured, all enemy arms ammunition, equipment or other material collected or destroyed and the position itself wrecked. Some prisoners for identification will be obtained, also all papers from telephone office or Post H.Q. if located.

CONCENTRATION 3. The Raiding Party as per margin [1 Off. 12 O.R. 484th Fd Coy.R.E., 16 Off. 511 O.R. 5th Bedford Regt. Bearer Sub-div. 2/1st E.A.Fd.Amb. R.A.M.C.] (less R.E. and R.A.M.C.Details) organized in parties in accordance with these orders will parade in bivouac area of 1/5th Bedford Regt, ready to move at Zero minus 2 hours and march to the place of assembly (viz. entrance to K.39 via KM2, K35 and K.39, which will be reserved for the use of the Raid from Zero minus 2 hours to Zero plus 2 hours in following order: - Reserve (including parties detailed in paras 8, 10 and 17) in advance. Battn.H.Q. Raiders Support (including party detailed in para 23) Aid Post R.E. and R.A.M.C. Details will join at the place of assembly by Zero minus 1 Hour.

RAIDERS 4. The Raiders (strength as per margin) [Cmdr. Capt.H.S.ARMSTRONG 1/5th Bedford Regt. R.E. 1 Off. 12 O.R. 1/5th Bedford Regt. Lieut.H.WILKIN, Lieut.B.W.SMYTHE, Lieut.W.A.SHAW, 2/Lt.R.H.SMITH, 25 O.R. "A" Coy. 115 O.R. "B" Coy, 35 O.R. "C" Coy., 29 O.R. "D" Coy., 6 O.R. Sig. Sect., 12 O.R. Scouts, 9 O.R. S.Bs.] will leave the "point of departure" (viz.Bay 23) at zero minus 5 minutes. The party will march to a point (to be reconnoitred beforehand) from which it can reach the enemy's FRONT TRENCH in 5 minutes. This will be called the "position of deployment". Under cover of the Artillery bombardment lifts the party will leave the "position of deployment" at zero and move on FRONT TRENCH and at zero plus 5 minutes when the artillery bombardment lifts they will enter the enemy's position between points A-B, and rush it in accordance with orders issued by their commander and carefully rehearsed beforehand. 4 Trench Bridges will be placed across our front line trench at fire bay No.23 and our wire rolled back in front so as to form a gap 25yds wide, by 484th Field Coy.R.E.

5. The Support (strength as per margin) SUPPORT(Cmdr.Capt.E.T.MAIER 1/5th Bedford Regt.), Capt.H.W.CRONIN, 2/Lieut.C.F.BUCK, 48 O.R. "A" Coy., 60 O.R., "C" Coy., 9 O.R. "D" Coy., 6 O.R. Sig.Sect., 9 O.R. S.Bs)] will leave the "point of departure" immediately after the Raiders, which it will follow closely to a suitable point (previously reconnoitred) close to the enemy's wire at FRONT TRENCH. At this place the support will take up a position of readiness to form a rallying point for the Raiders (if necessary) - the Commander at once will send out small flanking parties each with a L.G. to the flanks - that on the right to prevent any enemy from working through the wooded country in between SNIPERS SPUR and UMBRELLA HILL and taking either the Raiders or the Support in the flank - that on the left to perform a similar task among the sandhills on that side. Both these flank parties must have careful instructions as to the position of our artillery and machine gun barrage so that they may not go too far. The Support will carry out with it Reserve Stores as per para 7 The Support is intended to form an intermediate station of personnel and material between our own trenches and the enemy position and it will be the duty of the Commander to issue such orders as will ensure that all casualties, prisoners or booty sent back by the Raiders are received at once by him, for evacuation to the rear and their escort or carrying party returned at once to FRONT TRENCH, also that all casualties suffered or stores used by the raiders are replaced at once by sending up the equivalent to FRONT TRENCH. When the Raiders withdraw they will pass through the line of the Support which will then act as rear guard to cover the withdrawal to our own line of the whole of the expedition. RESERVE 6. The Reserve (strength as per margin) [Cmdr. Capt.C.H.MISKIN 1/5th Bedford Regt.), Capt.F.B.HOBBS, 2/Lt.F.J.W.GURNEY, 10 O.Rs A Coy, 2 ORs B Coy, 6 ORs C Coy, 73 ORs D Coy] will be concentrated at the "place of assembly". It will have with it Reserve Stores as per para 7. It will be the duty of the Commander to issue such orders as will ensure that all casualties suffered or stores or reinforcements sent up by the support to the front are replaced by sending forward the equivalent to the Support. The Reserve will also be responsible for the defence (in case of counter attack by the enemy) of Bays 21 to 28 inclusive of our front line trenches, which will be handed over by their proper garrison for use as "point of departure" . It will take over this part of the line from 1/5th Devon Regt at Zero minus 1 1/2 hours and remain responsible until all members of both raiders and Support have been withdrawn within our line, and this proper garrison have taken over again at Zero plus 1 1/2 hours, when it will form a working party to reset the wire in front of our trenches, to take down all trench bridges, and remove all other things which have been used for the purposes of this raid.

STORES 7. The following stores will be collected in separate dumps by the R.S.M. 1/5th Bedford Regt. and under his charge at the "place of assembly" by the night of 19/20 July. S.A.A. in bandoliers - Support 1500 - Reserve 3000 S.A.A. full drums for Lewis Gun (3 drums in a canvas carrier) - Support 30 - Reserve 60 Lewis Guns (each with 12 Drums in canvas carriers) - Raiders 3 - Support - 3 - Reserve 3 Bombs, Mills - Raiders 736 - Support 120 (in nosebage containing 15 each) - Reserve 184 (120 in nosebage containing 15 each) Grenades, Rifle - Raiders 8 Wirecutters - Raiders 27 Axes, felling - Raiders 16 Picks - Raiders 4 Bill-hooks - Raiders 22 Torches, electric - Raiders 24 - Reserve 6 Telephones - Raiders 3 - Support 4 - Reserve 4 Wire, telephone - Raiders 800 yds, 400 yds - Support 800 yds Wire (for lead wire with a white tag every 10 yds) - Support 800 yds Pistols, Very 1" - Raiders 11 - Support 4 - Reserve 4 Lights, Very, White 1" - Raiders 66 - Support 24 - Reserve 24 Lights, Very, Red 1" - Raiders 110 - Support 20 - Reserve 50 (includes 30 for Lt.Hucklesby's party) Stretchers - Raiders 4 - Support 8 - Reserve 16 Field Panniers - Reserve 2

DRESS & EQUIPMENT 8. All ranks will wear jackets, shorts and puttees. helmets (with chin straps down). equipment without pack, haversack, water bottle or entrenching tool and handle, 120 rds S.A.A. each L.G. Team will have 12 full drums in canvas carriers. bayonets will be fixed by all at the place of assembly (except men who are ordered to have rifles slung) Two sandbags will be carried on the belt. All possible marks of identification will be removed (including both identity discs). No papers, letters, envelopes or notes of any sort are to be carried on the person. All ranks will wear a white armlet 3" wide securely fastened on each arm. These armlets will be numbered consecutively in indelible pencil and registered with the regimental number rank and name of the wearer, in a special roll to be prepared beforehand and kept at the "place of assembly" by party as per margin [C.S.M. LEWZEY, O.R. "A" Coy. 4 1/5th Bedford Regt.] This party will come under the orders of the O.C. reserve All wire cutters carried will be securely fastened to the person with a lanyard long enough to allow them to be used without detachment. The same rule will apply to VERY Pistols, revolvers, whistles and the like.

IDENTIFICATION OF ENEMY POSITION 9. The Raiders will carry with them white name boards with clear black lettering in accordance with the tracing of Turkish position issued. the boards will be placed under careful supervision as the position is captured to assist all ranks in finding their way about the enemy position. Similar boards will also be used in the replica of the position during rehearsals. it is to be carefully explained to all ranks that while every care has to be taken to construct correctly the replica of the position used during rehearsals - there may be certain points in which it is not quite accurate, also the contour of the ground on which it is situated is known to be different.

PRISONERS & BOOTY 10. A receiving station (as per margin) R.S.M. Provost-Sergeant O.R. "A" Coy. 10 1/5th Bedford Regt.] for prisoners and booty will be established at the place of assembly to come under teh orders of the O.C.Reserve. Prisoners and booty taken will be sent back immediately to the Support. They will be handed over and their escort returned at once to FRONT TRENCH. A party from the Support will take them and hand them over to the R.S.M. after which this escort will return at once to the Support.

MEDICAL 11. Aid Post (strength as per margin) [R.M.O. 2 O.R. R.A.M.C. attached 1/5th Bedford Regt. Bearer Subdiv. 2/1st E.A. Fd.Amb.RAMC] will be established at the place of assembly. There will be a Reserve of 16 stretchers here. Immediately a full stretcher comes in, it will be replaced by an empty one and the stretcher party returned with it at once to their position with the Support. Casualties will be evacuated as soon as possible under arrangements to be made by O.C. Bearer Sub-div. He will not in the first instance, have his transport further forward than the entrance to KM1 Regimental Stretcher Bearers will carry no rifle or equipment, but will each carry 200 rounds S.A.A. in bandoliers to be handed over (if necessary) whenever they are at their most forward point. All stretchers will be carried open so that they may be ready for use in the dark without delay.

ARTILLERY SUPPORT 12. (i) The Artillery will cut three gaps in the enemy's wire in front of FRONT TRENCH, between points A and B by 1800 on 20th July (ii) At zero minus 5 minutes the 8" Howitzers will shell DUGOUT ALLEY (iii) At zero the Artillery will open an intense bombardment of the enemy's position, including the bushes between SNIPERS SPUR and UMBRELLA HILL, creeping back clear of the Area to be raided and form a box barrage around it, remaining until withdrawal is complete. (iv) The Artillery will also shell points in the enemy's main position from which it is thought he may bring M.G. fire to bear on UMBRELLA HILL or its approaches. Detailed programme of Artillery support can be seen by all concerned at H.Q., 1/5th Bedford Regt. M.G.

SUPPORT 13. M.G.Positions will be selected and prepared from which a box barrage can be formed round the area to be raided as follows: - Right Flank. Extending to the enemy's main line trenches near the CAIRO-GAZA Road. Left Flank. Extending to the enemy's main line trenches near P.33.a.6.9. No bullet from the right or left flank barrage will fall within 250 yards of a straight line drawn from P.32.c.9.6. to P.32.b.7.2. Overhead. On the enemy's position from P.33.b.2.2. to P.33.a.9.9. and on communication trench running back from P.33.a.5.9. Plan showing M.G.Barrage in detail can be seen by all concerned at H.Q. 1/5th Bedford Regt. M.G.Fire forming the above box barrage will begin at zero plus 5 minutes and continue until zero plus 50 minutes.

DIVERSIONS 14. (i) Artillery fire will be opened from the SHEIKH ABBAS SECTOR. (ii) Musketry fire will be opened from our front line against the enemy's front from OUTPOST HILL to the PLANTATION at R.3.B central from zero plus 5 minutes to zero plus 50 minutes. (iii) Musketry fire will be opened from our front against the enemy front from P.27.central to EL ARISH REDOUBT and also on ZOWAID TRENCH from zero plus 5 minutes to zero plus 50 minutes. (iv) Two Red Very Lights and one white Very Parachute Light will be fired simultaneously from JONES' POST at Zero plus 5 minutes.

CO-OPERATION WITH ARTILLERY AND ACTION OF RAIDERS GENERALLY 15. All ranks of the Raiders are to be carefully taught that they must keep right up to the Artillery barrage - that it is quite safe to keep within 100 yds of our H.E. and to get to such a point that our shrapnel bursts immediately overhead. the success of the whole operation depends on the Raiders dashing into the enemy trenches as the barrage lifts, and before the enemy has time to recover from it. There also will be a considerable amount of overhead M.G. fire from our own lines. This will sound very close but tall ranks are perfectly safe from this within the limits rehearsed, either in the trenches or on top in the enemy's position. While the majority of the Raiders will be prepared to act as bombers if necessary, it is to be taught that the bayonet is to be used primarily and bombing only resorted to if progress cannot be made otherwise. Bombing is too slow - a determined rush with the bayonet stands a much better chance of success and with less risk of casualties to ourselves. Rifles will have magazines charged with cut offs closed and nothing in the chamber, men will not fire except as a last resort, all situations will be met by a determined rush with the bayonet.

PASSWORD 16. A password will be used and this will be communicated to all ranks before marching away from the bivouac area.

WITHDRAWAL 17. The Raiders will withdraw at zero plus 35 minutes unless the work having been completed quicker than is expected, O.C. raiders decides to withdraw earlier. In ether case a signal will be given by firing a succession of Red Very Lights in the enemy work as quickly as possible. This signal will be given only by that Officer who is, or has become the senior officer in the enemy's work. On this signal the withdrawal will be conducted in accordance with orders to be issued by O.C.Raiders and rehearsed beforehand. The signal will be repeated from the South end of the Spur on which FLINTSHIRE REDOUBT is situated by a party (as per margin) [2/Lt.HUCKLESBY, 2 O.R.Sig.Sect. 1/5th Bedford Regt.] This party will come under the orders of O.C.Reserve.

ROLL CALL 18. All ranks of Raiders, Support and Reserve, will answer their names after withdrawal at the "place of assembly" and be ticked off the roll by the party detailed in para.8. care must be taken that any casualties evacuated during operations are reported at once by the M.O. to W.O. i/c roll - also that any man sent back from the place of assembly for any purpose whatever report to this W.O. both on their departure and return. O.C.Reserve will post policemen in communication trenches to ensure that this is done.

WARNING TO ALL RANKS 19. It is to be made perfectly clear to all ranks that the enemy's line lies to the east and that our line lies to the west and men are to be tested to see that they know how to find their direction by the stars. They are also to be instructed to note the direction of the signal fired from FLINTSHIRE REDOUBT. Every man is to be warned if inadvertantly he should be taken prisoner by the enemy he is obliged to give his Regimental No., Rank, Name and Regiment. All ranks are also to be cautioned not to take any notice of any order shouted out or whistle blown unless they are absolutely sure that it is given by one of our own side, who, from his position, is entitled to give it, and that it is meant for them

RATIONS 20. The Q.M. 1/5th Bedford Regt will arrange that all ranks are given a hot meal before parade on the evening of 20 July and for the issue of soup to all after the operation.

SANITARY 21. The R.M.O. 1/5th Bedford Regt. will arrange for additional latrine accommodation at the place of assembly from zero minus two hours to zero plus 2 hours. he will order up the necessary equipment and personnel from 1/5th Bedford Regt.

TIME 22. Divisional Time will be sent to all Signal Office at 1200 and again at 1800 on 20th July, and all watches will be synchronized. In addition the Adjutant 1/5th Bedford Regt will report at 162nd Bde.H.Q. at 1800 to synchronize watches personally with the Brigade Major, after which he will check the synchronization of all watched of the Raiding Party. The greatest care is to be taken about this. All ranks are warned than an error of only 15 seconds may jeopardise the whole operation.

COMMUNICATIONS 23. In addition to ordinary telephone communication a lead wire (with white tags every 10yds) will be run out from the point of departure through the Support to FRONT TRENCH by the party as per margin [Sergt MANNING. 6 O.R. "C" Coy. 1/5th Bedford Regt.] having laid this wire the party will then be posted at intervals along it to see it is not broken and to direct any man who may be in doubt as to his way. On withdrawal this party will roll up or otherwise dispose of this wire. They will come under the orders of the O.C. Support.

REPORTS 24. Battn. Report Centre (strength as per margin) [C.O.Adjut. Sig.Sergt. Bn. Bombing Ofr. (BN. Observation Ofr.) Bde Intell Ofr. Artillery Liaison Officer, Interpreter, Det. 162 Bde.Sig.Sect. 4 O.R. "A" Coy. 1 O.R. "B" Coy. 1 O.R. C Coy. 9 O.R. D Coy. 6 O.R. Sig.Sect.] will be established at the place of assembly at zero minus 1 hour on 20th July. All reports will be sent there.

25. OC Support will detail an officer to bring back a full description of the enemy's wire in all possible detail. This is to include samples of wire and stakes and suggestions as to best method of rapid Passage through - whether by cutting with wire cutters or axes or by carrying ladders, blankets, matting, mattresses or what not in order to pass through it without cutting.

26. ACKNOWLEDGE

Appendix B War Diary 1/5th BEDFORDS July 1917

Ref. plan attached to RAIDING PARTY ORDER No 1. In accordance with orders received the party detailed for the Raid assembled at the entrance to K39 trench at about 2015. Stores were issued, 4 bridges thrown across our trenches, our own wire gapped & all preliminaries completed by 2050 at P.32.C.9.5 (Ref SHEET AJLIN 1/10,000) The night was then dark & everywhere along the line things were quite quiet. Zero was fixed for 2100. At 2055 two flashes in the distance were seen & after what seemed a long time two dull roars & a heavy droning noise growing louder & louder were heard, then two vivid flashes on UMBRELLA HILL followed almost at once the tremendous crash of 2, 8" shells exploding shook the night. Two minutes of silence then two more 8" shells: Two more minutes & yet another pair hurtled over. A minute more & at Zero started a veritable inferno. Flashes all over the sky from the guns behind & from the shells bursting in front lit up UMBRELLA HILL & showed that it was wreathed in a bank of smoke which grew denser each moment. The noise was deafening so that when the Machine Gun barrage from 24 guns started at 2105, at first there appeared to be little more added to the din than the noise of a stick being run over a split-oak fence & later, one was quite oblivious of any M.G fire at all. At 2100 the Raiders closely followed by the supports moved quickly over the trench bridges & disappeared through the gap in our wire. So rapid was the advance across "no-man's land" that it was found necessary to halt for 1 minute at the BEANFIELD. At 2106, a minute ahead of time, the screen under Lieut B.W.SMYTHE dashed up to the wire with the shrapnel of our barrage bursting right over their head & soon found the gaps in the wire. They shouted through the smoke to the Raiders, who though close on their heels were quite invisible & so guided , the [sic] later dashed into FRONT TRENCH at about 2107, bayoneted the few TURKS who offered any resistence & captured a Machine Gun which was found in position. Having arrived & established touch with the enemy, Capt H.S.ARMSTRONG fixed his HQ & the various parties as detailed in orders, began to move to their allotted objectives, though at first some confusion occurred owing to the dense smoke & the large number of men crowded together. LT B.W.SMYTHE after his first task of guiding the Raiders through the gap had been accomplished, collected a small party & dashed across the open to CROSS CUT which he cleared & made good thus affording a measure of local protection while the deployment mentioned above took place. To follow briefly the fortunes of various parties. The LEFT SECTOR party under LIEUT W.A.SHAW moved along SIDE TRENCH, SILK ALLEY & finally obtained touch with RIGHT SECTOR at TASSEL CORNER. Bombing sections were quickly pushed up COVER ALLEY & SIDE TRENCH. So thoroughly demoralised were the Turks in most cases that they had to be bombed in their dugouts, each of which contained from 3 to 6 & refused to come out or indeed to do anything except cower down on the ground. A few TURKS offered resistance in COVER ALLEY but they were speedily overcome. Soon after the evacuation signal went & in consequence the time was found insufficient for reaching STICK ALLEY & POINT TRENCH. The RIGHT SECTOR party under 2nd LIEUT R.H.SMITH entered the enemy trenches at STAY ALLEY, passed through ECHELON & made for TASSEL CORNER, where there was some congestion of troops. DUG-OUT ALLEY was then visited & a large number of TURKS killed. As before little resistance was encountered. When the evacuation signal went this party had just reached the bottom of DUGOUT ALLEY. Meanwhile a section of bombers had been working successfully along ECHELON TRENCH. They killed some 10 TURKS & took several prisoners. A large MINENWERFER was met with & being far too bulky for removal, was put out of action very ingeniously by the Section who exploded bombs in its working parts. While these parties had been at work killing or capturing the garrison, a party of R.E.s under LT.MENDHAM 484th Field Coy RE had been systematically destroying the enemy works & wrecking the trenches. They left several heavy charges of gun cotton in the principal dug-outs which were exploded subsequent to the evacuation by time fuses. Soon after the RAID started, the enemy began to shell the Hollow about 50 yds in rear of our front line at K39 very heavily with 5.9" H.E shelled & some shrapnel from much smaller guns. It was afterwards calculated that about 500 shells fell during the night here. By sheer bad luck the shelling was limited to an area of little more than 150 yds radius & in that was situated the signal office, HQ dugout & aid post. The area was fairly full of people, Orderlies, stretcher bearers, a dump party & HQ details found themselves in the open under this heavy fire. For about two hours an intense bombardment was maintained, the heavy shells falling in salvoes at first & later in quick succession. Later the bombardment died down to intermittent shelling with a single gun & this finally died down altogether. During the bombardment candles were continually blown out by the concussion, wounded were killed in some cases at the aid post & the dense smoke rendered the evacuation of wounded a matter of great difficulty. Though it was successfully carried out & by 0230 all the wounded had been evacuated. When it was perceived that the returning Raiders & Supports would suffer heavily if allowed to enter the shelled area, which practically did not touch our front line, parties were organised by the Reserve Commander Capt C.H.MISKIN who was wounded while so engaged, to direct then. Partly owing to this organisation & partly owing to the control still exercised by the officers over the raiders & supports most of these were held up at our front line & after a short interval worked away to the left flank & evacuated by the communication trenches leading back from the neighbourhood of SAMSON RIDGE. Many casualties were undoubtedly avoided in this manner. About 0100 it was found possible to hand over the defence of bays 21-28 to the 5th DEVONS & our reserves were withdrawn except for a small party repairing our wire & those attending to the wounded. An officers patrol of 6 worked in no man's land for an hour in search of wounded & dead but none were found. By this time a thick mist had added to the difficulty to seeing anything so no good could be done. At dawn & just before the mist lifted a patrol of two went out again for a short time. A revolver & some equipment was found, but none of our casualties. General a) Casualties were killed wounded missing (excluding other units) [no figures given] b) Artillery Support. This was perfect & completely demoralised the TURKS. Not one of our men were hit by our own guns. c) Machine Gun barrage also worked without a hitch d) COMMUNICATIONS. The elaborate system of telephones was found of little value at any rate forward of Battalion Battle HQ. Nothing could be heard & the wires were soon cut. e) BOOTY was brought in as under 25 Rifles 6 Bayonets 1 Revolver 1 M.G on sledge mounting complete 7 belt boxes 6 full belts 1 37m/m gun 79 shells for do. 1 bag of spare parts 1 set of equipment 2 Gas masks f) Enemy Casualties. No count was possible in COVER ALLEY & STAY ALLEY & those killed by our guns are not included. the counted casualties are: ECHELON TRENCH 24, FRONT TRENCH & CROSS CUT 15. Side TRENCH 1 officer, 30 O.Rs. DUGOUT ALLEY 35 Total 105. Trench Map of Umbrella Hill position showing: Front Trench; Stay Alley; Rib Alley; Side Trench; Point Trench; Handle Alley; Stick Alley; Button Alley; Birch Alley; Dug-out Alley; Cover Alley; Cross-Cut; Echelon Trench; Ferrule Alley; Tassel Corner

Appendix C July

WAR DIARY RAIDING PARTY Order No.2 Ref Maps: - (i) GAZA-SHELLAL, 1/40,000. (ii) Also tracing of Turkish position on UMBRELLA HILL issued to all concerned 25th July 1917

INFORMATION 1.The enemy still holds UMBRELLA HILL, and his trenches there are being repaired on much the same plan as before the first raid, except that a trench is being made outside SIDE TRENCH at the foot the razor-back hill. Prisoners report that there are still 3 Machine Guns and 3 Mortars in the works, also one light 37 m.m. quick-firing gun>

INTENTION 2. The Raid on UMBRELLA HILL as already carried out will be repeated on Zero night, with such slight alterations as appear in these orders. owing to shortness of time and the fact that the same troops will be engaged it is not thought necessary to repeat all orders in full.

CONCENTRATION 3. The Raiding Party (as per margin) [1 Off. 2 O.R. 484 Fd.Coy.R.E. 12 Off. 268 O.R. 1/5th Bedford R. Bearer Subdiv. 2/1st E.A.Fd.Amb.R.A.M.C.] will concentrate near K.39 which will be the place of deployment, ready to move out from our front line trenches at zero. Communication trenches KM1, K33, K35 and K39 will be reserved for the use of the Raid from zero minus 1 1/2 hours to zero plus 2 hours.

RAIDERS 4. The raiders (strength as per margin) [Cmdr.Capt.H.S.ARMSTRONG. 1/5th Bedford Regt. R.E. 1 Off. 7 O.R. 1/5th Bedford Regt. Lieut.W.A.SHAW, 2/Lt.R.H.SMITH, 2/Lt.M.A.STRUGNELL, 2/LT.T.A.J.COATE, 29 O.R. A Coy., 20 O.R. B Coy., 22 O.R. C Coy., 20 O.R. D Coy. 12 O.R. Scouts. 9 O.R. S.Bs] will leave the point of deployment at zero and march straight to FRONT TRENCH under cover of the Artillery bombardment. At zero plus 7 minutes when the artillery bombardment lifts they will enter the enemy's work as before and in accordance with orders issued by their commander and carefully rehearsed beforehand. Trench Bridge will be placed across our front line trenches and wire rolled back as before by 484th Field Coy.R.E.

SUPPORT 5. The Support (strength as per margin) [Cmdr.Capt.E.T.MAIER 1/5th Bedford Regt. Capt.F.B.HOBBS. 2/Lt.H.W.E.SMITH 3 O.R. A Coy., 66 O.R. C Coy, 3 O.R. D Coy.] will follow the Raiders closely to the enemy's wire at FRONT TRENCH. The Support will act as a rallying point and rear guard when the Raiders withdraw, as before. An Officer will be detailed to report on and bring back a full description of the enemy's wire.

TRENCH PARTY 6. A Party (as per margin) [2/Lt.J.J.W.GURNEY 5th Bedford Regt) R.S.M. 30 O.R. A Coy., 15 O.R. B Coy., 15 O.R. D Coy.] will be distributed at intervals in our own trenches from SNIPERS SPUR to SAMSONS RIDGE (both inclusive) to assist the raiders and support after withdrawal, and to direct them the best way through our own lines in case of hostile barrage behind our lines

STORES 7. The following stores will be collected by the R.S.M. 1/5th Bedford Regt. between MERIONETH REDOUBT and K35 ready to issue on Zero night. Bombs, Mills - Raiders 505 - Support 135 Grenades, Rifle - Raiders 32 Rifles, Grenadier - Raiders 4 Torches - Raiders 30 - Support 3 Whistles - Raiders 21 Billhooks - Raiders 8 Axes - Raiders 12 - Support 1 Wirecutters - Raiders 50 - Support 3 Very Pistols 1" - Raiders 6 - Support 2 Lights, Very, 1" (white) Raiders 36 - Support 12 Lewis Guns (with 12 drums in canvas carriers) - Support 1 Stretchers - Raiders 4 - Support 6 Trench Stretchers - Trench Party 16 Field Panniers - Trench Party 2 Acetylene lamp - Trench Party 1

DRESS & EQUIPMENT 8. As before. the checking party (as per margin) [C.S.M.LEWZEY, 4 O.R. 1/5th Bedford Regt.] will be stationed at the junction of the wire road just south of WELSH REDOUBT - in order that the communication trenches through FLINT REDOUBT may be used for withdrawal if necessary.

IDENTIFICATION OF ENEMY POSITION 9. The replica will be used for rehearsals and the same names as before, but no attempt will be made to carry name boards.

PRISONERS & BOOTY 10. Prisoners will be evacuated to the Brigade Compound under the parties who bring them in. Booty will be handed over to the R.S.M. 1/5th Bedford Regt. and his party and collected at a convenient point in our line for removal later.

MEDICAL 11. The R.M.O., 1/5th Bedford Regt. and party as per margin [R.M.O. 6 O.R. 2 O.R. R.A.M.C. attached, Bearer Subdiv. 2/1st E.A.Fd.Amb.R.A.M.C.] will work in the front line trenches, having a call station near head of K33 and a reserve of 16 trench stretchers there. Should he leave this point he will leave runners who know where he is. He will also have with him runners so that he may call up additional assistance from the Bearer Subdiv. should it be necessary. Bearer Subdiv. will be stationed in MERIONETH REDOUBT (KM8) in the first instance. Casualties will be evacuated as before under arrangements to be made by O.C.Bearer Subdiv.

ARTILLERY SUPPORT 12. The Artillery programme will be repeated as before except that the bombardment will last for 7 minutes from zero, and there will be no firing before zero.

M.G.SUPPORT 13. A M.G. Barrage as before will be formed but the flank barrage will be shut off at zero plus 37 minutes to give the Raiders greater freedom in withdrawing

DIVERSIONS 14. As before, except that the Artillery Bombardment of OUTPOST HILL will begin at zero. At zero plus 7 minutes, three Red Lights in succession will be fired from JONES' POST and answered at once from the vicinity of LEES HILL.

WITHDRAWAL 15. The Raiders will withdraw at zero plus 37 minutes on a whistle signal to be given in the work by the Commander and repeated by all Officers. This signal will be carefully taught to all ranks. O.C.raiders may withdraw before this time if he thinks necessary, but under no circumstances may he remain longer. At zero plus 37 minutes a white light will be displayed from the south end of the spur on which FLINTSHIRE REDOUBT is situated by the party (as per margin) [2/Lt.A.G.HUCKLESBY 2 O.R. Sig.Sect. 1/5th Bedford Regt] to assist any men who may have become and lost their way. This will remain visible for 1/2 hour.

TIME 16. Divisional Time will be sent out through Signal Offices as before at 1200 and 1800 on zero day. The same arrangement as to synchronization of watches will be made and the greatest care is to be taken over it.

COMMUNICATIONS 17. Telephone communication with the Raiders and Support will not be attempted but a lead wire will be run out as before by the party as per margin [Sergt.J.LOVELL, 6 O.R. C Coy. 1/5th Bedford R.] but all ranks are warned that although this will be the most directway to our trenches, it may be advisable to avoid it if the enemy brings down a barrage fire.

REPORTS 18. Battn. Battle H.Q. (strength as per margin) [C.O. Adjutant Arty.Liaison Ofr. M.G.Liaison Ofr. Det.162 Bde.Sig.Sect. 1 O.R. A Coy. 1 O.R. B Coy. 2 O.R. D Coy.] will be established in the first instance in K33, at zero minus 1/2 hour. If circumstances render it necessary it may be moved to some point in our front trenches between SNIPERS SPUR and SAMSON RIDGE (both inclusive). Touch will be maintained through the party referred to in para 6. O.C.Raiders and Support will report in person on their return

19. ACKNOWLEDGE

Appendix A 1/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT ORDER No 4 28 Sep 17 Ref Map GAZA 1/20000

1. RELIEF. 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve 1/4th Norfolk R. in No.4 Section of the Coastal Sector on the night of Sept 29/30th. 1/10th London Regt will be in No.5 Section on Right and 1/4th Northampton Regt will be in No.3 Section on Left

2. DISPOSITIONS C Coy 1/5th Bedf R. will relieve A Coy 1/4th Norfolk R. in RIGHT of SECTION with 1 Stokes Gun attached. D Coy 1/5th Bedf R will relieve 'C' Coy 1/4th Norfolk R in LEFT of SECTION with 1 MG and 1 Stokes Gun attached. A Coy 1/5th Bedf R will relieve B Coy 1/4th Norfolk R in MERIONETH REDOUBT with 3 MG's attached HQ and B Coy 1/5th Redf R will relieve HQ & D Coys 1/4th Norfolk R in reserve at P.31.d.2.6. Transport will take over Transport Lines of 1/4th Norfolk Regt at C.34 WADI GHUZZE. Aid Post at P.31.d.2.6

3. ADVANCED PARTIES Each Coy also S.O., I.O., T.O., Q.M. & M.O. will send usual advance parties. these will arrive in No.4 Section not later than 1600 on 28th Sept.

4. MOVE. Coys will march (in order as per margin) [D Coy, C, A, B] under their own Commanders via SLAG HEAP and track SW of AWAKE HILL, leading Coy entering KURD VALLEY at 1900. HQ Coy will move by Sections as convenient

5. ALARM. In the event of an Alarm on the march the leading Coy will halt under the nearest cover and the remainder of the Battn will close up in its vicinity

6. TAKING OVER Each Coy will take over Trench Maps, Defence Schemes, trench and Area Stores &c. and will give receipts in triplicate. These will reach Bn HQ by 0600 on 30th Sept. No unit will relieve 1/5th Bedf R in present area, all documents relating to this sub sector will be handed to the Adjutant (and receipts taken) by 0700 29th Sept. The Q.M. will have all area stores ready to be handed over in situ by the CO to the Staff Captain by 1700 on 29th Sept

7 SUPPLIES &C. On completion of relief water for men and animals will be drawn from C35 WADI GHUZZE. Refitting Point will be at AJJUL FARM 8 COMPLETION OF RELIEF. Coys will report completion of relief by code word KUBRI 9 REPORT Battn HQ will close at KURD HILL at 1900 29th Sept and open at present 1/4th Norfolk R. HQ (P.31.d.2.6) at 2100 ACKNOWLEDGE

APPENDIX A 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment Order No.7 Ref Map D2

1. 1/5th Bedford Regt will move into new area about O.34.B Central on night Oct 30/31st

2. Coys will detail a forward party of 1 N.C.O. and 3 men to report to Q.M. at 1400 on the 30th Oct

3. Batt will parade on the Bn. Parade Ground ready to move at 1830. Dress Full Marching Order.

4. The second blanket will be rolled in bundles of ten and dumped together with officer's mess stores, officers' kits and Orderly Room boxes outside the Q.M. Stores in Company dumps at 1430

5. Rations for consumption on 31st Oct will be drawn from the new Refilling Point (O.36.a) on the evening of the 3oth by the QM

6. On and after 30th Oct drinking water will be drawn from SHEIKH AJLIN. On and after 30th Oct Animals (except camels) will be watered at MARINE VIEW

7. 5 Seater Latrine Seats will be kept in its present position. the Large Latrine Buckets and Genophones which were drawn with the 5 Seater Latrine Seat will be taken to the new dump at O.34.d. Tents will be taken to 54th Div.Details under arrangements to be made by Q.M.

8. Batt H.Q. will close at present position at 1830 and open at new area on arrival

9. ACKNOWLEDGE

Go to:

1915 War Diary

1916 War Diary

1917 War Diary

1918 War Diary

1919 War Diary