X550/3/WD/1509B

21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER NO.77 2nd September 1915. 1. During September 3rd the 21st Infantry Brigade will be relieved by the 5th Infantry Brigade and will withdraw to BETHUNE. During the morning of September 4th the 21st Infantry Brigade will move to Billets in and around GONNEHEM. 2. The Glasgow Highlanders will relieve B.1. Subsection and will arrive at VAUXHALL BRIDGE at 3.30 p.m. The 2nd Worcester Regt. will relieve B.2. Subsection and will arrive at VAUXHALL BRIDGE at 5 p.m. The 1st Queens Regt. will relieve B.3. Subsection and will arrive at ESTAMINET CORNER at 3.15 p.m. where a battalion guide from the 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment will meet them. Platoon guides will not be required. the 2nd High.Light Infy. will take over billets in LE PREOL from the 1/4th Cameron Highlanders who will withdraw by the road F.13.a. and b. and F.8.c. The 2nd Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry will take over billets in LE QUESNOY from the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers who will withdraw by the road South of CANAL and RAILWAY. 3. Relief of Machine Guns will commence from the road junction A.8.c.5.0. at 11 a.m. 4. Mining fatigues will be taken over by the 7th Bn.Liverpool Regt. from 4 p.m. 3rd Sept., Guides from the Camerons will be at Brigade Headquarters at 10.45 a.m. to show N.C.O's in charge of 1st Shifts the way to their work. All Trench Stores and Bombs will be handed over. 6. On arrival in BETHUNE the Brigade will be in Divisional Reserve. Battalion "in readiness" 1/4th Cameron Highlanders. 7. Billeting areas in BETHUNE and for September 4th have been communicated separately to Billeting parties. 8. Completion of relief will be reported to Brigade Headquarters which will after 6.30 p.m. move to No.51 RUE LEON GAMBETTA, BETHUNE. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Captain, Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade. 2/Bedf.R. Operation Order No.27. Ref.Map BETHUNE 1/40,000. 1. During September 3rd the Battalion will be relieved by the 1st Bn. QUEENS Regt., in B.3. Sub-Section and will withdraw to BETHUNE. 2. "A" Company will provide one guide to be at ESTAMINET CORNER at 3.15 P.M. - PLATOON GUIDES will not be required. 3. Machine Guns. Relief will commence at 10.30 A.M. under separate arrangements. 4. All Trench Stores and Bombs will be handed over and receipts taken. 5. Water Carts and Cookers will leave WINDY CORNER at 1.30 P.M. & C.O's and Officers MESS CART will leave WINDY CORNER at 2.30 P.M. these will all proceed and join the Transport at LE-QUESNOY. 6. 4 S.A.A.Carts will be on the N.Bank of the CANAL near WESTMINSTER BRIDGE for carriage of 2 Bandoliers per man. These will follow in rear of Battalion. 7. The Battalion will form up on the N.side of CANAL with the head of the first Company relieved at WATERLOO BRIDGE. 8. On arrival in BETHUNE the 21st Infy.Bde. will be in Divisional Reserve. 9. Billeting area's in BETHUNE and for SEPT.4th have been separately communicated. 10. On being relieved O.C. Companies will report at Bn. H.Q. as they pass. W.Sharpe, Lieut. A/Adjt. 2/Bedf.R. SECRET 7th D.A. No. B.M./596. G.S. 7th Div.No. C/210/G. DEFENCE AND RETALIATION. Reference AUCHY-LENS Sheet 1/10,000. 1. The front of the 7th Division extends from Point K. (G.4.d.2.3.) on the left to the HULLOCH [sic] Road on the right. It is held in front line by two battalions, the dividing line being about halfway between F.3. and F.4. (G.10.b.7.1). 2. The right sector will be covered by the 14th Brigade R.H.A. and 104th Battery R.F.A. under Lieut-Colonel H.H.Tudor, R.H.A. The left sector will be covered by the 35th Brigade R.F.A. under Lieut-Colonel J.S.Ollivant, D.S.O., R.F.A. 3. Each group will have one F.O.O. at the Headquarters of the Battalion which it covers. 4. The general scheme in case of attack will be to bring the fire of two batteries to bear on the enemy's front line and one of the communication trenches in rear. O's.C. groups will arrange night lines accordingly and register as soon as possible. 5. The enemy's front will be divided into two zones. (a) Right zone - HULLUCH Cross Roads to the Pope's Nose G.11.a.9.6. both inclusive. (b) Left zone - from G.11.a.9.6. to G.5.a.3.5. both inclusive. 6. One battery 37th Brigade R.F.A. will cover the whole front of the two battalions. A F.O.O. from the Brigade to be at Headquarters of the Brigade which is finding the Battalions in the firing line. 7. O's.C. groups and 37th Brigade R.F.A. will inform the Infantry Commanders concerned of the measures taken for covering the defence of their front. 8. Retaliation will be carried out on the same principles as on the FESTUBERT Front. H.W. WYNTER, Major. R.A. a/Brigade Major 7th Divisional Artillery 3rd September, 1915. 2/Bedf.R. Operation Order 28. Ref.1/40,000 BETHUNE Map. 3.9.1915. 1. The Battalion will march to billets at BELLERIVE via OBLINGHEM 2. BRIGADE Starting Point Railway crossing E.4.a. 7.30 a.m. Battalion S.P. CANAL BRIDGE E.5.d.1.4. at 7 A.M. Order of March H.Q. B.C.A.D.Coys. M.G.Section. Transport will march in rear of Battalion. 3. Kits will be collected at 6 A.M. 4. Sick Inspection at BN.H.Q. at 6.0 a.m. 5. Q.M.Sergts. will meet Q.Mr. at BELLERIVE at 8 A.M. W.Sharpe, 2/Lieut. A/Adjt. 2/Bedf.R. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER No.78 Reference 1:40,000 BETHUNE Map. 3rd September 1915 1. The Brigade will march to Billets around GONNEHEM tomorrow. Areas have been communicated to Billeting parties separately. Route via OBLINGHEM and thence direct to billets. 2. Battalions will pass the starting point, Railway crossing E.4.a. as follows: - 2 Yorks. Regt. 7 a.m. 2nd Bedf.Regt. 7.30 a.m. 2nd Wilts. Regt. 8.0 a.m. 1/4th Cameron Highrs. 8.30 a.m. 2nd R.S.Fus. 9.0 a.m. Grenade School 9.30 a.m. 3. Arrival in Billets will be reported to Brigade Headquarters which after 9 a.m. will be in GONNEHEM V.8.a.5.4. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Captain, Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade. Officer Commanding 8th Devonshire Regt. Forwarded for your information. This letter should be handed over to relieving units. C.C.FOSS, Captain, Brigade Major, 20th Infantry Brigade. Bde.H.Qrs. 4th September 1915. SECRET 35th Howitzer Battery Night Lines. Right Section. 2 Guns. HULLOCH CROSS Roads. G.11.d.9.3. Centre Section. 2 Guns. G.11.b.7.2. Junction of German Communication Trenches. Left Section. 1 Gun. G.11.b.3.4. Junction of German Communication Trenches. 1 Gun. G.11.b.2.8. Junction of German Communication Trenches. F.O.O. of this Battery is at Brigade Headquarters from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. If Battalions wants [sic] this Battery to fire at night the Section should be referred to. Thus "20th Infantry Brigade". "Howitzers required. AAA Right Section". Bde.H.Qrs. 4th September, 1915. C.C.FOSS, Captain, Brigade Major. 20th Infantry Brigade. Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedf.Regt. Officers and troops in billets within the ordinary shell area of the enemy's guns are to see that the arrangements for their troops taking cover in cellars or dug-outs on the occasion of hostile artillery fire on the billets they are in, are complete and well known to every one concerned. These precautions are especially to be observed in taking up new billets inside the zone of shell fire. There is no doubt that hostile aeroplanes early on the morning of 4th instant were able to locate gun positions and infantry billets and shelters in or about VERMELLES. There is to be no unnecessary movements about these places. Except when duty demands the contrary, troops are to be kept under shelter during the hours of light. Sentries over billets, shelters, artillery positions &c., are to be placed to see this order is carried out Aeroplane look-outs are to be posted on every occasion where troops are necessarily employed in the open, and arrangements made for such troops to take cover on the signal from the look-out that aeroplanes are about. The Officer or N.C.O. in command of the body of troops on the spot is responsible that this is done. Any aeroplane is to be regarded as suspicious, and precautions taken, until the distinguishing mark clearly shews it to be a friendly machine. Lately, hostile aeroplanes have been especially active very early in the morning and late in the afternoon. These are the times when men are outside billets, washing etc., and getting ready for work. Such preparations are to be made as much as possible under cover, and when this cannot be done, the aeroplane look-outs are to be especially alert. Nothing is to be gained by neglecting these precautions, and the plans of our commanders may easily be upset if the presence of troops, in certain places, is observed by the enemy. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Captain, Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade. 5th September, 1915. SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd R.Warwick Regt. 1. Information has been received from a fairly reliable source that the enemy have concentrated a Division in the neighbourhood of LENS with a view to a possible attack. The Divisional general does not desire to make too much of this, but at the same time wishes to ensure that all precautions are taken without delaying the forward work in hand. 2. All infantry stationed or working in our front line system from LABOURSE (inclusive) Eastwards are under the orders of the G.O.C. leading Brigade (at present the 20th Brigade). 3. Troops of the Brigade which has its headquarters at E.29.b. (at present the 22nd Brigade) will be prepared to get under arms rapidly on receipt of instructions from Brigade Headquarters. 4. The necessity of adhering rigidly to the orders laid down with regard to smoke helmets is emphasized. 5. Should the enemy attack and be driven back, an immediate counter-offensive on our part is likely to be highly successful in capturing the enemy's position. The initiative for this must come from the front lines which alone can act sufficiently rapidly. The Lines further back are to support, in their own initiative, the front lines as quickly as possible. 6. All working parties will have arms handy and are to know their duties in case an attack develops. Officers Commanding working parties from troops not in the leading Brigade will be ordered to report at the leading Brigade Headquarters in advance of their men to receive instructions on this point. E.G.L. THURLOW, Major, Brigade Major, 22nd Infantry Brigade September 6th 1915. Secret 7th Division. 1st Corps No.493 (G) 6th September 1915. In continuation of 1st Corps No.493 (G) dated 22nd August: - In order to minimise the danger of "buzzer" sounds and conversations by telephone being overheard in German trenches, the Corps Commander directs that the following precautions are to be at once carried out: - All officers, and the N.C.Os. and men who are employed on signals and telephone work, are to be made fully aware of the importance of rigid adherence to the procedure ordered. Te means of avoiding the danger are two-fold: - (a) To bring the earth of the telephone back to a safe distance i.e. not less then [sic] 250 yards from the nearest German trench, and (b) Where (a) is impossible, not to pass information along the telephone which may be of value to the enemy. It is of primary importance that all ranks, officers and N.C.Os. working with telephones should exercise the strictest guard over all information they send over the telephone, unless they have been informed by a signal officer that the telephone system on which they are working is safe. Signal officers will be instructed to visit the advance telephones in the trenches and to inform the formations concerned and the operators whether the telephone is safe from German hearing or not. A.S.COBBE, Brig.Genl. General Staff, 1st Corps. DEFENCE SCHEME OF "Y" 2. SECTION Reference Map 1/10,000 and BETHUNE Combined Sheet 1/40,000 Sub-Division. 1. "Y"2. Section is divided into 2 Sub-sectors as under. "Y" 2.A. Sub-Sector from HULLUCH-VERMELLES Road inclusive to F.3. Communication trench (inclusive). "Y" 2.B. Sub-Sector from thence to the track running from CHAPELLE de CONSOLATION to figure 8 in FOSSE No.8. inclusive. Dispositions. 2. The normal dispositions are - (a) In "Y" 2.A. Sub-Sector. Front system. Two Companies. Support. One Company. One Company in CURLEY CRESCENT. Machine Guns are placed as follows: - New Front Line. Three Support One, which is to fire down main VERMELLES - HULLUCH Road. (b) In "Y" 2.B. Sub-Sector. Front Line. 3 Platoons. Support 10 Platoons Reserve 3 Platoons in CURLEY CRESCENT Machine Guns are placed as follows. (c) The supporting Battalion is in VERMELLES and is responsible for garrisoning the following Keeps: - Junction Keep. 2 Platoons. Chapel Keep. 2 Platoons. Inglis Keep. 1 Platoon. Clarkes Keep. 1 Company. Ingus Keep. 1 Platoon. of which the two former will be permanently garrisoned, half of which garrison at a time is available for work. Also the line running South through JUNCTION KEEP to CHAPEL KEEP. It will also be responsible for the defence of STAMSFELD Road and GORDON ALLEY. (d) Brigade Reserve. 2 Battalions in NOYELLES lines. 1 Battalion in LABOURSE. LINES OF DEFENCE. 3. (a) First Line. Present fire trench with supporting lines. (b) Second Line. CURLEY CRESCENT. (c) Third Line. JUNCTION KEEP - CHAPEL KEEP (d) Fourth Line. VERMELLES, including INGUS KEEP - INGLIS KEEP - CLARKES KEEP. MACHINE GUNS 4. One Machine Gun of the Battalion holding Sub-Sector "Y" 2.A. will be placed in such a position as to fire down the main VERMELLES - HULLUCH Road. Emplacements in the new front line will be immediately made and occupied, so as to bring a cross fire to bear along the whole front. WORKING PARTIES. 5. Working and Carrying Parties will always carry rifles and one bandolier of ammunition unless otherwise ordered and must show their duties in case an attack developes [sic]. ACTION IF ATTACKED. 6. (a) The Sub-Sector Commanders will immediately inform Artillery and Brigade Headquarters. (b) All troops in "Y" 2 Section will stand to arms. (c) The first line will be held at all costs. The new 2nd and 3rd lines as they become available will be used for supports. Should any portion be occupied by the enemy the remainder of the line will be held, and a local counter-attack made to expel him from that part of the line of which he has gained possession. Local supports and reserves will act under the orders of their Sub-Section Commanders to this effect, and these commanders will consider any such counter-attacks and make plans to meet every contingency (d) Troops on right and left of the broken line will assist the local counter-attacks by pushing bombing parties down the trenches on the flanks of the attackers. (e) If something more than a local counter-attack is required to dislodge the enemy it will be organised and prepared by the Brigadier. (f) If the front system of trenches is broken through, JUNCTION KEEP and CHAPEL KEEP must be held so as to form pivots for attack to assist the larger counter-attack. (g) The Brigade Reserve will fall in at once, and the Battalion occupying trenches the North side of NOYELLES will move immediately and half under cover of the Railway in G.8.b. between HULLUCH and CHAPEL ALLEYS. The Battalion holding the trenches on the South Side of NOYELLES will stand by for further orders. (h) Commanding Officers of both these Battalions will report to Brigade Headquarters on first alarm. Officers Commanding Sub-Sectors must remain in closest touch with the Artillery, and use it to assist in the beating off of the attack in such a way as may be seen best to them at the time. (i) If the enemy be driven back it is the duty of Officers Commanding Sub-Sectors to follow him up, as this probably offers the best chance of penetrating into his trenches. The initiative for this must come from the front line, with the greatest possible rapidity and energy. The lines in rear will immediately support any action of this nature. (j) The Battalion in LABOURSE will assemble at Brigade Headquarters in NOYELLES. (k) All troops, other than the Battalion already told off for the defence of keeps, etc., who occupy billets in VERMELLES will assemble at the BREWERY under the orders of the TOWN COMMANDANT. BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS. 7. Brigade Headquarters are at present situated in the CHATEAU at NOYELLES. C.C. FOSS, Captain, Brigade Major, 20th Infantry Brigade 7th September 1915. [7.9.15] NOT TO BE TAKEN INTO THE TRENCHES PAPER"B" GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ATTACK 1. The enemy is to be beaten on a certain length of front and driven out of it and must not be allowed time to reform in rear of the captured trenches. For this a violent and continuous action is required. The keynote of all the work, both as regards details and the general idea, is offensive action. When once the enemy's front system of trenches is broken, delay is usually the chief cause of failure and heavy casualties. Commanders must, however, bear in mind that, once the enemy's line is broken, it is the intention to follow up by such action as will cause a general retirement of a great part of the enemy's line. Thus the operations will be continued during a considerable period. Supports and reserves. 2. Bearing the above in mind, it is of the highest importance that all commanders should consider carefully the handling of their reserves to maintain the forward movement. Under the existing conditions, only one definite offensive blow can be expected from one body of infantry, and, therefore, fresh troops must be pushed through those making the first attack to develop the success won. Troops heavily engaged during the day should not ordinarily be expected to continue the offensive on the following day, but should be either actually relieved or arrangements made for fresh troops to pass through them. the Organization of reserves in depth should be made with this object. Supporting and reserve troops must be close up from the commencement of the operations, so that they can follow close on the heels of the troops in front. Commanders of such troops must clearly understand the objective and their role, and use their initiative. Ample cover must be provided for the reserve troops well forward, with good and sufficient communication trenches. Direction boards must be put up to prevent mistakes in the existing labyrinth of trenches. The Infantry Attack. 3. Infantry Commanders must know the time table of artillery fire, and regulate their progress and time their assaults in accordance with it. The attack on the front trenches will probably not be equally successfully all along the line. Support must be given at once to the units which have been successful to enable them to press on. Where unsuccessful a new attack must be organised from a flank where the line has been broken. If a certain body of infantry fails to gain its own particular local objective, there is no reason why the troops on either flank should be held up. Every body of infantry must push on and thereby facilitate the task of the troops on the right and left. The whole operation can be regulated with the greatest precision. Parties of infantry should be detailed beforehand for the capture of the several localities at definitely stated times in accordance with the artillery time table. The accuracy of the photographic maps permits of this being done. We must not wait to be counter-attacked, but must follow up our attack at once. Infantry must push on, and field guns, trench mortars, machine guns, etc., must be pushed forward in close support of the attacking infantry to batter down houses, etc. The responsibility for supporting the attacking infantry in this way rests with Infantry Commanders, and special guns will be allotted to them for this purpose. Localities must be seized promptly to act as supporting points to further advance, but only the necessary number of men will be left to entrench each of these points. All ground gained will be secured (F.S.R.Part I, Sec.105 (5)). Artillery. 4. The artillery objective is not only the wire entanglements and front trenches, but the whole position, with a view to destroying the hostile infantry, actually and morally; (i.e. second line, communication trenches, shelters, etc., must be systematically dealt with). The task of the artillery is: - (a) The support of the infantry during its attack. (b)To gain superiority of fire over the hostile artillery. The artillery fire must be time-tabled and registered as far behind the enemy's front line trenches as possible, with due regard to range and accuracy. The guns must be registered beforehand on all the objectives and tactical localities as far forward as possible. Similarly, the barrages of shrapnel must be arranged beforehand. These will be gradually expanded as infantry advances. The nature of the artillery support required by the infantry depends on the local conditions of the fight. Some field or horse artillery guns must be ready to push forward rapidly in support of the infantry as the latter get beyond the support of the remaining guns. (Field Artillery Training, Sec.156(4)). Special Parties. 5. Special parties must be detailed for work subsidiary to the attack, such as bomb parties, sandbag parties, bayonet parties, entrenching tool parties. These parties must all be conversant with their various duties. The idea of the offensive must be inculcated in the grenadier parties, so that their efforts are directed to bombing so as to assist the movement to front and flank, rather than to mere defensive work and blocking approaches. Special attention must be given to repairing roads, and detachments of R.E., with infantry working parties attached, must be organized and in position to follow up the attack for clearing away obstacles and mending roads, to allow free passage for troops. Special parties for extending and maintaining the telephone wires must also be organized beforehand (see para.7). R.E.Stores and Materials. 6. Advanced depots of R.E.stores must be established close up behind our own lines at short intervals along the front of the attack. The depots should contain material for entanglements, sandbags, trench-bridging materials, tools, etc. Parties of R.E. with infantry must be specially detailed to move forward with these stores to secure positions gained. The experience of NEUVE CHAPELLE gives a good indication of the nature and quantities of stores required for any given length of line, and estimates should be framed accordingly wit regard to the length of the probable successive lines likely to be required to be placed in a state of defence. Communications. 7. In order that the offensive may be continued without interruption and be suited to the changing conditions of the fight, the several commanders must be kept in close touch with the situation; hence communications must be carefully organised beforehand and adequate means of getting information back from the front provided. Wherever possible communications should be triplicated and arrangements made to carry on communications by flags, lamps, etc. when wires are broken. This is of the first importance, and all commanders will give this matter their close attention. The ground over which the attack is to pass and the localities to be attacked can in most cases be seen and studied, so far as is possible, therefore, arrangements should be made beforehand between what points communication by flag or otherwise is to be established as the attack progresses. the position of commanders must be carefully thought out and suitably protected points organized for commanders near their troops. Telegraph and telephone wires must be buried up to our front trenches, and arrangements made to push wires on as soon as possible after the attack has passed beyond them. Staff officers must be pushed well forward with the object of collecting information and keeping commanders regularly informed of the situation. With this object in view, positions of observation and dugouts should be made, and special communications established beforehand with these places. Special attention must be given to instructing signal companies in their duties and action during an advance, and all preparations must be made with a view to the forward movement being sustained. Divisional Cavalry and Cyclists. 8. Divisional Cavalry and Cyclists must be kept handy to push on rapidly as opportunity offers, to anticipate the enemy in occupying houses and other tactical points, and so facilitating the advance after the enemy's main lines of defence have been broken. SECRET General Staff 7th Division 22nd Infantry Brigade. The G.O.C. wishes all Officers to study the ground in their front so that they may be able at all times, to identify features and villages and other permanent marks. It is only by such a study that they can assist the Artillery in directing their fire. The relative positions of such places as HAISNES, DOUVRIN, HULLUCH, WINGLES and VENDIN-le-VIEIL are of importance. In addition, particular attention should be paid to the enemy's front defensive line, so that they may be able to easily identify and report on strong places, junctions of communication trenches, etc. The panoramic sketches which have been issued will be of great assistance in these reconnaissances. F. GATHORNE HARDY, Lieut-Col. General Staff 7th Division. September 8th 1915. 20th Infantry Brigade G.S. 7th Div.No. 811(G) From receipt of this order, CHAPEL ALLEY will be used for forward traffic only for the right battalion, and GORDON ALLEY and HULLUCH ALLEY - East of its junction with GORDON ALLEY - for forward traffic only for the left battalion. STANSFELD Road and HULLUCH ALLEY - West of its junction with STANSFELD Road - for the backward traffic of both battalions. All ranks must be informed and steps taken by the G.O.C. leading Brigade to see this order is strictly adhered to. DIV H.Qrs. 8th September, 1915. F.GATHORNE HARDY, Lieut-Colonel General Staff 7th Division. Officer Commanding Warwicks The following telegram received from 7th Division begins: - G.40 8.9.15. "All troops must use the greatest precautions against observation when moving about the area now occupied by the Division AAA They must move in small parties and must avoid moving over high ground as much as possible" Ends. "7th Division" Forwarded for information and necessary action. C.C.FOSS, Captain, Brigade Major, 20th Infantry Brigade 8th September 1915 SECRET 7th Division 1st Corps 494 (G) Calibration of Four 8" Howitzers (possibly 6) and Four 9.2" Howitzers will be taking place at 2.0 p.m. on 9th instant. Target: - No.8 FOSSE - Rounds 20. (possibly 26), fired slowly. As retaliation on FOSSE No.9 is possible, will you warn all concerned. A.S.COBBE, Brigadier-General, General Staff, 1st Corps. 8th September 1915 Sender's Name: B.M.775 Day of Month: 8 Sept. 1. You will move from LABOURSE to the billets on the south end of NOYELLES, at present occupied by 1st S.Staffordshire Regt., to-morrow 9 September. 2. All details as to the taking over of the billets to be arranged between you and O.C. South Staffords. 3. Special precautions to be taken to prevent detection of the move by the enemy. 4. Please acknowledge. 6. [sic] A Battn. of the 21st Inf.Bde. will arrive in LABOURSE about 5 p.m. tomorrow, kindly arrange to have an officer to hand over Defence Scheme & show them the billets in LABOURSE if necessary. From 20 Inf.Bde. C.C.FOSS, Captain B.M. 20 Inf.Bde. Officer Commanding 2 Bedf.R. At 1 p.m. to-morrow 9th instant the general Officer Commanding 22nd Infantry Brigade will assume Command of all Battalions from LABOURSE Eastwards. C.C.FOSS, Captain, Brigade Major, 20th Infantry Brigade. 8th September 1915 20th Infantry Brigade G.S.7th Div.No.811(G) From receipt of this order, CHAPEL ALLEY will be used for forward traffic only for the right Battalion, and GORDON ALLEY and HULLOCH [sic] ALLEY - East of its junction with GORDON ALLEY - for forward traffic only for the left battalion. STANSFELD ROAD and HULLOCH ALLEY - West of its junction with STANSFELD Road - for the backward traffic of both Battalions. All ranks must be informed and steps taken by the G.O.C. leading Brigade to see this order is strictly adhered to. F.GATHORNE HARDY, Lieut-Colonel, General Staff, 7th Divn. 8th September 1915 2/Bedf.R. Operation Order No.29 Ref.Map BETHUNE 1/40,000 9th Sept. 1915 OPERATION 1. The Battalion will take over billets on the S. end of NOYELLES L.11.d. from the 1st S.Staffordshire Regt. today. ORDER OF MARCH 2. C.B.D.A.Coys.M.G.Sec.companies will march by Platoons at 200 Yards intervals. There will be 10 minutes interval between Companies. The first platoon of "C" Coy. will march at 2 P.M. Signallers will march with first Platoon of C.Coy. and STRETCHER Bearers in rear of "A" Coy. ROUTE. 3. SAILLY-LABOURSE L.3.b. along main road to NOYELLES. Special precautions to be taken to prevent detection of the move by the Enemy. TRANSPORT. 4. Transport will remain as at present. Orders will be issued separately as regards Officer Kits. BILLETING PARTIES. 5.(a) Bilelting Parties will meet the Q.Mr. at NOYELLES CHURCH at 11.30 a.m. (b) Major J.C.Monteith will hand over the Bn. Billets in LABOURSE to the incoming battalion of the 21st Bde. about 5 p.m. today. RECONNAISSANCE. 6. O.C.Companies will make arrangements that Officers acquire a good knowledge of the Trenches and ground in this area. COMMAND. 7. At 1 p.m. today the General Officer Commanding 22nd Infantry Brigade will assume Command of all Battalions from LABOURSE Eastwards. TRAFFIC. 8. In Y.2.Section CHAPEL ALLEY will be used for forward traffic only for the Right battalion and GORDON ALLEY and HULLUCH ALLEY, East of its Junction with GORDON ALLEY for forward traffic only for the left Battalion. STANSFELD ROAD and HULLUCH ALLEY - West of its Junction with STANSFELD ROAD - for the Backward traffic of both battalions. The Map with reference to above can be seen at Bn.H.Q. All ranks must be informed and steps taken to see this order is strictly adhered to. J.W.HURRELL, Capt. Adjt.2/Bedf.R. SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bedf.Regt. The Brigadier wishes Commanding Officers to impress upon all ranks the importance of showing the utmost zeal and energy in any work they may be doing. battalions have always done well when detached from the Brigade and the Brigadier relies on their keeping up the reputation of the Brigade for good work. The following points require the close attention of Commanding Officers: - 1. MESSAGES AND REPORTS. (a) Too much care cannot be taken over clear wording and accuracy. Many very inaccurate reports have been sent in lately. This must be avoided in future and steps taken to check the accuracy or reliability of messages sent from the front line, and it should be impressed on all Officers that they should not make reports until they are sure of their facts. All names of persons or places should always be in block letters. (b) The continual rendering of routine returns and reports late and incorrect must be looked to. A certain number of these are a necessary evil which cannot be avoided, and punctuality in rendering saves a great deal of inconvenience. At present the rendering of routine returns by Battalions is far from satisfactory. 2. ORDERS. Many of the young Officers serving with battalions at present do not sufficiently realize the importance of attention to detail in carrying out orders and instructions. In these days of necessarily most careful arrangements it is essential that all officers should carry out instructions with absolute accuracy and should they be in doubt, and time permits, they should not fail to ask for further information. But at the same time officers should realise that to ensure secrecy it may be necessary sometimes to give orders for work without explanation and in all cases the work should be carried out intelligently without asking the why and wherefore. 3. All Officers are to take every opportunity to study the country and the ground in front so that they may be able at any time to lead their platoons or Companies to any spot and to identify villages and other permanent marks. A clear idea of the enemy's trench system is of the greatest importance, in order to be easily able to report on strong places, locate their own positions, etc. 4. Aeroplane lookouts are to be on duty at all times. The strictest orders are to be issued to ensure that men do not unnecessarily expose themselves where hostile aeroplanes are about. 5. The usual orders as to carrying shovels (200 shovels and 30 picks), carrying sandbags, great coats etc. will be issued. These points should be considered. Battalions should also ensure that they are complete with wirecutters, periscopes, smoke helmets, iron rations, VERY pistols, position marking flags, etc. Should any difficulty be found in completing in any article immediate report is to be made to the Brigade Major. 6. The Brigadier has observed that very many men do not know whether their platoon or section etc. is in support or reserve or what the local names of trenches are. In many cases men do not know the names of their Company Commanders. This is largely due to the young officers not having been instructed in the small details of soldiering learnt at "Company Training". Commanding Officers are to give their personal attention to this and ensure that every man knows at least the name of the trench he is in, whether his platoon in in support or reserve, etc. and his way about the Company section of the trenches. It should also not be possible to find men who do not know the name of their own Company Commander. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major. Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade 10th September 1915. SECRET AND URGENT 1st Corps No.3973. Headquarters 7th Division There have been a certain number of cases during the last few months of Officers who have failed to do their duty in the face of the enemy. In reporting these cases, Officers Commanding Units have almost invariably asked or recommended that the officers may be sent home on medical grounds as suffering from nervous breakdown. It must be clearly understood that failure to carry out their duty by wither Officers or men can only be excused on medical grounds when there is a physical incapacity. It has been noticed, however, that many Officers have been excused who apparently could walk, run and eat well. Under such conditions any failure to control their nerves amounts to cowardice, pure and simple. This fact must be recognised by all Commanding Officers and Medical Officers. The General Officer Commanding directs that, in future, any Officers who fail in their duty from incapacity to control their nerves, unless accompanied by physical disability, are invariably to be brought to trial for cowardice. In some cases Officers have been sent home on medical grounds who. If they had been Privates, would most probably have suffered the death penalty. Such a state of things cannot be allowed to continue, and is most detrimental to discipline and to the standard of leadership and hour among Officers. The contents of this memorandum are to be communicated as "SECRET" to all Brigadiers and Commanding Officers. Your A.D.M.S. should also be informed, for the information of such medical officers as he may consider it desirable to inform. H.N. SARGENT, Brig.Genl. D.A. & Q.M.G., 1st Corps. 10th Sept., 1915 Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. From receipt of this order, CHAPEL ALLEY will be used for forward traffic only for the right battalion, and GORDON ALLEY and HULLUCH ALLEY - East of its junction with GORDON ALLEY - for forward traffic only for the left battalion. STANSFELD Road and HULLUCH ALLEY - West of its junction with STANSFELD Road - for the backward traffic of both battalions. All ranks must be informed and steps taken by Commanding Officers to see this order is strictly adhered to. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade. 10th September 1915 APPOINTMENTS, COMMISSIONS &c. APPROVED BY THE FIELD MARSHAL COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF, THE BRITISH ARMY IN FRANCE. General Headquarters 11th September, 1915. APPOINTMENTS. Major C.I.Stockwell, D.S.O., 1st Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, to be Brigade Major, 59th Infantry Brigade, vice Captain G.I.Fraser, Cameron Highlanders (to regimental duty). Dated 23rd August 1915. The undernamed officers to be seconded for duty with Tunnelling Companies, Royal Engineers, with effect from the dates stated: - Lieutenant W.E.Cattenach, 1/4th Battalion, Cameron Highlanders (Territorial Force), 181st Company. Dated 2nd September 1915 Second Lieutenant H.H.Morris, 3rd (attached 2nd) Bn. Wiltshire Regiment, 181st Company. Dated 4th September 1915. The undernamed officers to be ADJUTANTS, with effect from the dates stated: - Lieut.J.W.Hurrell, 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, dated 15th August 1915. A 39 Boxes rations. B 353 Tins Water. C 60 Boxes Amm. D 73 Boxes rations. E 342 Tins water. F 44 Boxes Amm. G 75 Boxes Amm. H 75 Boxes Amm. J 36 Boxes rations. Rations now in No.3 Bay to be moved to X when finished by R.E. X = sentries to stop anyone going down. Sentries are to be found for all ration depots These stores belong to the 20th Inf.Bde. and are on no account to be used AAA Water tine are to be kept full and sentries placed over all store depots AAA Sentries are required at the following Junctions of communication trenches to stop anyone going down same AAA CHAPEL ALLEY & CURLEY CRESCENT. FOSSE WAY & CURLEY CRESCENT. CHAPEL ALLEY & CHAPEL KEEP. also 1 N.C.O. & 3 men over the Well in CHAPEL KEEP. SECRET 1. The following moves will take place tomorrow September 13th. A. 2nd R.Warwicks to LES HARISOIRS. (To be clear of FOUQUEREUIL by 9 a.m.). B. 2nd Border Regt. to Left Subsection (Y.2.b.) Platoon Guides of 1st S.Staffords to be at VERMELLES Cross Roads G.8.c. at 12.30 p.m. Leading Platoon of 2nd Border Regt. to reach above cross roads at 12.30 p.m. C. 1st S.Staffords from Left Subsection to VERQUIGNEUL. D. 2nd Gordons from VERQUIN area to NOYELLES. E. 2nd Bedfords from NOYELLES to FOUQUEREUIL. (After work). F. 1st R.W.Fusrs. from VERQUIGNEUL to LABOURSE. 2. All movements to be by Companies between LABOURSE and NOYELLES and by Platoons East of NOYELLES. Troops moving between NOTELLES and VERMELLES will proceed by the Cross Roads L.18.a. Every precaution is to be taken to avoid hostile observation. 3. All units in the leading Brigade area will hand over defence schemes and any other instructions in their possession relating to working parties. 4. Completion of reliefs to be reported to 22nd Infantry Brigade Headquarters. E.G.L. THURLOW, Major, Brigade Major, 22nd Infantry Brigade Sept.12th 1915.

2-12 Sep 1915

From: 1915 To: 1915

item

Crossman, George Lytton,
Sharpe, W.,
Tudor, H.Hugh,
Ollivant, John Spencer,
Wynter, Henry Walter,
Foss, Charles Calverley,
Thurlow, Edward Guy Lethbridge,
Cobbe, Alexander Stanhope,
Gathorne-Hardy, John Francis,
Monteith, John Cassels,
Hurrell, J.W.,
Sargent, Harry Neptune,
Stockwell, Clifton Inglis,
Fraser, George Ireland,
Cattenach, W.E.,
Morris, H.H.

21st Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, 5th Infantry Brigade, 1st/9th Battalion Highland Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment, 20th Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, 1st Battalion Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment, 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry, 1st/4th Battalion Cameron Highlanders, 2nd Battalion Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, canals, out county railways, mining, 1st/7th Battalion King's (Liverpool) Regiment, 7th Division, maps, water provision, town & local roads, 14th Brigade RHA, Royal Horse Artillery, 104th Battery Royal Field Artillery, 35th Brigade RFA, Royal Field Artillery, RFA 37th (Howitzer) Brigade, 8th Battalion Devonshire Regiment, Germans, land weaponry, aerial action overseas, military aircraft, 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment, telephone, I Corps, chapels of ease, Vermelles Brewery, Royal Engineers, 1st/1st Northumberland Hussars, 7th Cyclist Company, 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, 59th Infantry Brigade, Cameron Highlanders, 181st Tunnelling Company Royal Engineers, 3rd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion Border Regiment, le Preol, Bethune, Gonnehem, Vauxhall Bridge [Cuinchy], Estaminet Corner [Festubert], le Quesnoy, Bethune Rue Leon Gambetta, Windy Corner [Cuinchy], Westminster Bridge [Cuinchy], Waterloo Bridge [Cuinchy], Pope's Nose [Hulluch], Festubert, Bellerive, Oblinghem, Vermelles, Lens, Labourse, Hulluch Chapelle de Notre Dame de Consolation, Curley Crescent [Givenchy], Junction Keep [Loos], Chapel Keep [Givenchy], Inglis Keep [Loos], Clarkes Keep [Loos], Ingus Keep [Loos], Stansfeld Road [Givenchy], Gordon Alley [Givenchy], Noyelles-les-Vermelles, Hulluch Alley [Hulluch], Noyelles Chateau, Neuve-Chapelle, Haisnes, Douvrin, Hulluch, Wingles, Vendin-le-Vieil, Sailly-Labourse, Fosse Way [Givenchy], les Harisoirs, Verquin, Verquigneul