X550/3/WD/1509D

SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bedfordshire Regt. Once the bombardment begins, it is important that we do not expose our men to unnecessary damage from the return hostile artillery fire. Strict look-outs must be maintained in the front line, and sufficient supporting troops kept in hand, ready for emergency. But, day by day, the majority of the troops should be withdrawn under shelter, and placed in dug-outs. No accumulation of men in one place should be permitted. Parties going for water should be thinned out as much as possible. By night the front has to be thicker, in order to have sufficient fire power to keep the enemy from mending his wire. Machine Guns must assist in this. The energy and attention of officers is essential for keeping the look-outs alert, and in regulating their fire by night, and in the half-lights. Officer look-outs are to be posted in suitable places, and reports are to be sent so as to reach this officer at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. showing: - (a) The effect of the bombardment. (b) If important points are not getting sufficient attention from our artillery. (c) The progress of wire cutting. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major, Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade. 18th September 1915. SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bedfordshire Regt. Placing ladders and bridges over trenches Ladders will be placed in position on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th rows of trenches forthwith. The R.E. Companies will carry out this duty. 95th Company for 29th Brigade front. 54th Company for 22nd Brigade front. Ladders for the 1st line of trenches will not be placed in position until the 193rd Company R.E. have completed their preparatory work in the front trench. Meanwhile these ladders will be stored in convenient places either in the inspection trench to the first line where such trench exists, or in the second line of trenches. Bridges will be placed over the 1st, 2nd and 3rd rows of trenches, on the last night directly it is sufficiently dark, so as to be ready before the leading troops marching up that night come in to the trenches, (about 9 p.m.). The same R.E.Companies will place the bridges ready during the day previous to the attack, and the infantry battalions occupying these trenches will place the bridges in position as above. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade. 18th September 1915. SECRET 7th Division No.A.C.23. STORAGE OF GREAT COATS. Reference 7th Division Operation Order No.42. 1. Brigades will arrange to store their great coats by 8 p.m. on the last day of movement. 2. Packs will be worn, and will not be accepted for storage. 3. A third day's rations will not be carried, every man at the moment of assault will be in possession of: - (a) The complete ration for that day, (which will be a preserved meat and biscuit one). (b) His iron ration. 4. Previous to storage, great coats will be rolled into bundles of 20, and will be stored by battalions as in attached table. The great coats of the two battalions in the trenches will be collected by the Salvage Company as soon as conditions permit. 5. One man of the Salvage Company will be despatched to each store to receive and look after the great coats stored there. LISTS OF STORES FOR GREAT COATS 20th INFANTRY BRIGADE 8th Devons - VERMELLES - House at corner of side street G.8.c.5.7. 2nd Border Rgt. - NOYELLES - *Last house of NOYELLES on E.side of main road (two green doors) L.17.b.6.8. 1/6 Gordon Hrs. - LA BOURSE - West wing of School. 9th Devons - VERQUIGNEUL - Top room of Estaminet opposite Mairie 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE. Three Battalions - FOUQUEREUIL - Barn of Farm opposite road junction E.14.c.3.4. Two Battalions - VERQUIN - House S. of road E.29.b.8.3. 22nd INFANTRY BRIGADE 1st South Staffs. - NOYELLES - *Last house of NOYELLES on E. side of Main Road (two green doors) L.17.b.6.8. 1st R.Welsh Fus. - LA BOURSE - West wing of School 2nd "Queens" - VERQUIGNEUL - Top of estaminet opposite Mairie *Should not be stored till dusk SECRET. Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment The following instructions are issued in order to conform with similar instructions issued to the French Army in order to obviate the danger of firing upon friendly Airships. 2. No fire will be directed against an airship except by the order of an officer. 3. At night, French dirigibles will be supplied with a signal which they will "make" at their discretion. 4. This signal will be made by a rocket fired vertically downwards, and releasing in succession 3 spray showers of Green lights. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major, Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade 19th September 1915. SECRET O.C. 2nd Bedfordshire Regt. Herewith scheme to prevent enemy repairing wire when cut: - The enemy's front is divided into 4 sections, each of which is shown in colours and covered by machine guns as drawn. position of machine guns as follows: - (1) About the number 9.B. (2) About the number 12.B. (3) About the number 49 (4) About the number 51 Lines shown thus | represent fixed rifles laid to shoot as shown in places marked. These places have been found suitable for fire in the given direction, but need not be used should better ones be found. Please make necessary arrangements for carrying out this scheme as far as it concerns the section held by you. The matter is urgent. GEORGE CROSSMAn, Major, Brigade Major, 21st Inf.Bde. 19.9.15. URGENT To: O.Cs. "C" & "A" Companies. Day of Month 20. Ref. attached. Please make necessary arrangements AAA Rifle rests will have to be improvised as best you can. e.g. sandbags. When you have finished please pass to "B" and "D" Companies, who will return it here AAA J.W.HURRELL, Capt. Adjt., 2/Bedf.R. SECRET 7th Division A.C.23. The following are the Veterinary arrangements for the forthcoming operations: - The Officer Commanding No.12 Mobile Veterinary Section has posted an advanced Collecting Station at LE MARAIS, opposite the 37th F.A.Brigade Ammunition Column lines. All seriously wounded animals should be sent to this station and handed over to the veterinary personnel, conducting parties to return at once to their units. In case of an advance necessitating the forward movement of any considerable number of animals, another Collecting Station will be opened at NOYELLES and posts placed on the roads West of VERMELLES to intercept and direct men bringing in wounded animals. In case of a general advance, the Mobile Veterinary Section will move forward in rear of the Divisional Train. Wounded horses will not be evacuated until after dark unless large numbers are received and congestion is feared. T.S.RIDDELL-WEBSTER, Captain, D.A.A. & Q.M.G. 7th Division. 20th Septr. 1915 To: - O.Cs. A.B.C.D.Companies and 2nd Wilts. M.G.O. Sender's Number. Bd80. Day of Month. 21.9.15. Herewith S.155 which please pass quickly and return AAA O.C's "A" and "C" Coys. will arrange that two platoons of each Company are in front line ready to open rapid fire at 8 a.m. tomorrow AAA This rapid fire will be directed straight to the front, and will last for two minutes AAA O.C. "B" Company will detail an officer to watch general effect of (1) bombardment to our immediate front (2) Effect of bombardment on enemy's wire. (3) That enemy's strongholds are receiving attention AAA This Officer will observe from our own front line, a good position being where "A" and "C" Coys. join AAA Reports from this Officer will reach Bn.H.Q. at 10.15 a.m. and 4.15 a.m. tomorrow AAA From: O.C. 2nd Bedf.R. J.W.HURRELL, Capt, Adjt 2/Bedf.R. SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. 1. In connection with forthcoming operations and during the three days bombardment, the following "feint" attacks by fire of both infantry and artillery will take place: - 2. 2nd DAYS BOMBARDMENT. Feint attack on BRESLAU TRENCH and by 4th Corps on trench south of VERMELLES - HULLOCH [sic] road. ARTILLERY. Phase "A". At 7.55 a.m. The 7th Division will open fire with five batteries on the front line trench from HULLUCH road to POPE'S NOSE. Phase "B". At 8 a.m. Batteries will lift as follows: - 2 batteries - on to trench G.12.c.60-53. 2 batteries - on to trench along west face of QUARRY. 1 battery - on to trench along north face of QUARRY. Phase "C". At 8.5 a.m. - all batteries. Three minutes shrapnel fire on front line as in Phase "A". INFANTRY. At 8 a.m. 7th Division infantry holding sector Y.2.b. (f.4 to HULLUCH ALLEY) will open rifle and machine gun fire on QUARRY TRENCH as in para.1. 7th Division holding Y.2.a. will act as in last sub-para. of para.1. Divisional time will be checked between 6 and 7 a.m. 3. 3rd DAYS BOMBARDMENT FEINT No.1. FEINT attack on MADAGASCAR TRENCH. ARTILLERY. PHASE "A". At 3.55 p.m. 7th Division will open fire with three batteries on the front trench from MAD POINT (exclusive) to RAILWAY WORK (inclusive) (A.27.b.93). 9th Division will open fire with two batteries so as to enfilade the above front; and with two batteries on LITTLE WILLIE. 2nd Division will open fire with one battery on support trench east of MINE POINT. PHASE "B". At 4 p.m. Batteries will lift as follows (east of the support trench in each case). 7th Division - 1 battery to enfilade trench from MADAGASCAR to LONE FARM. 1 battery to enfilade AUCHY ALLEY 1 battery to enfilade TRAIN ALLEY 9th Division - 2 batteries to search back to line S.W. end of FOSSE COTTAGES - LONE FARM. batteries on to LES BRIQUES trench between AUCHY ALLEY and MINE ALLEY 2nd Division 1 battery to enfilade MINE ALLEY (east of support trench). PHASE "C". At 4.5 p.m. - All batteries. Three minutes shrapnel fire on same targets as in PHASE "A". INFANTRY. At 4 p.m. infantry of 9th Division fire on trench LITTLE WILLIE: infantry of 2nd Division fire on RAILWAY TRENCH for two minutes. Infantry holding trenches opposite MAD POINT to RAIWAY WORK to act as in last sub-para. of para.1. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major. Brigade major 21st Infantry Brigade. 21st September 1915. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER No.79. 21st September 1915. Reference 1:40,000 Map. 1/10,000 Trench Map. 1. On the night of September 24th/25th the 7th Division will be formed up on a front between the VERMELLES - HULLUCH road to a point "K" in G.4.d. 2. the 21st Infantry Brigade with the 2nd Highland Field Company R.E. will be in Divisional Reserve about NOYELLES and LA BOURSE. 3. The necessary moves for this concentration are shewn on attached March Table. 4. The greatest care must be taken during and after the concentration that the presence of troops in large numbers is not observed by the enemy. Troops must remain under cover and only move about by order of an officer. Fires will not be lit in the open in places not usually occupied by Troops. Lights will not be used at night. 5. The number of officers accompanying battalions into action is limited to twenty. The remainder will remain with the Transport ready to join their battalion when required. 6. Refilling points in the concentration area will be (a) Ammunition. HESDIGNEUL - BETHUNE Road E.20.d. (b) Supplies HESDIGNEUL - BETHUNE Road E.16.a. (c) Ordnance FOUQUEREUL STATION Road E.14.a. 7. The 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment will be relieved in Y.2.a. by 2nd Bn.Gordon Highlanders whose leading platoon will leave NOYELLES at 7 p.m. All details of the relief will be arranged direct between Commanding Officers concerned. The route Road Junction L.11.d.3.5. - L.121.d.6.4. - track across fields to VERMELLES road at G.15.b.7.9. - VERMELLES Cross Roads - VERMELLES CHURCH - CHAPEL ALLEY is allotted for this relief. 8. The 1/4th Cameron Highlanders will be relieved in Y.2.b. by the 2nd Bn.Royal Warwickshire Regiment whose leading platoon will start at 7 p.m. All cetails will be arranged direct between Commanding Officers. the route G.7.b.6.7. - CLARKES KEEP - GORDON ALLEY is allotted to this relief. 9. Completion of movement will be reported by all Battalions to 21st Infantry Brigade Headquarters. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE MARCH TABLE [Date - Unit - From - To - Time - Route] Sept.22nd - 2nd R.S.Fus - NOYELLES - FOUQUEREUIL - 5.45 pm. - Blue Sept.22nd - 2nd Yorks.Regt. - NOYELLES - GARDEN CITY - 7.15 pm. - Blue Sept.23rd - 2nd Bedf.Regt. - Y.2.a. - FOUQUEREUIL - 10.30pm (after relief) - Blue Sept 23rd - 1/4th Cam.Highrs. - Y.2.b. - VERQUIN - 10 pm (after relief) - Blue Sept.23rd - 2nd Wilts.Regt. - VERMELLES - VERQUIN - 7.30 pm - Blue NOTE: - "Blue" route is as follows: - Road Junction E.15.d.9.3. New road to E.22.a.7.8. - E.16.d.7.4. - E.17.d.5.3. - Cross Roads E.30a.0.5. - Cross roads E.24.d.4.1. - Road Junction F.25.c.6.6. - Road Junction F.25.b.9.3. - Road Junction L.2.a.9.6. - Cross roads L.2.b.7.7. - Road Junction L.3.c.0.7. - SAILLY Cross Roads - NOYELLES Cross Roads. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade 21st September 1915. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE. MARCH TABLE SEPTEMBER 25th. [unit - from - to - time - route] 1/4th Camerons - Cross Roads E.29.b. - Left half of NOYELLES LINES - 12.30 am - Red route to NOYELLES Cross Roads - L.11.b.6.1. to position of Assembly 2nd Wilts.Regt. - Cross Roads E.29.b. - Right half of NOYELLES LINES - 12.40 am - Red route to NOYELLES Cross Roads - L.11.b.6.1. to position of Assembly 2nd Bn. Bedf.Regt. - Bridge at E.15.d.9.2. - NOYELLES - 12.15 am (pass cross roads E.29.b. at 12.50 am) - Bridge E.21.- E.15.d.9.2. - Red route 2nd Yorks.Regt. - E.15.d.9.2. - Left half of LA BOURSE LINES - 12.25 am - Red route 2nd R.S.Fus. - E.15.d.9.2. - Right half of LA BOURSE LINES - 12.35 am - Red route 2/High.Co.R.E. - Road Junction L.2.d.8.5. - NOYELLES - am - Red route NOTE: - Red route is shown on attached map [not attached] GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major, Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade. 21st September 1915 SECRET. To: - H.Q. 2nd Bedfords. Sender's Number S.C.99. Day of Month: 21 The following is a list of stores etc. in Divl. Area AAA S.A.A. where the following cut No.1 Support Trench AAA (1) HULLOCH [sic] (2) BORDER (3) QUEENS (4) FOSSE (5) CHAPEL AAA Near junction of trenches on road G.10.b.6.7. also a Bomb Sotre AAA S.A.A. & Bomb at junction of QUEENS and OLD FRONT LINE AAA Near junction of OLD FRONT LINE with (1) FOSSE and (2) CHAPEL AAA BOMBS. In CURLY CRESCENT at (1) junction with FOSSE (2) Half-way between STAFFORD and CHAPEL and (3) two at junction with CHAPEL AAA Two in junction keep AAA WATER and RATIONS. JUNCTION of HULLACK [sic] and OLD FRONT LINE G.10.a.9.9. AAA Along FOSS [sic] and CHAPEL between these junctions together and CURLY CRESCENT AAA In VERMELLES. BOMB, S.A.A. on West of road 50 yards North of CHURCH H.F.CHADS, Capt. S.C. 21st Inf.Bde. SECRET The following device has been ordered to be used in the 1st Corps. Linen arrows, about 15 feet long and 3 feet wide, with arrow head at one end will be carried by battalion headquarters. They will be provided by Divisions. When infantry are held up by hostile fire from trenches, houses, or other features marked on the map, and ask for artillery support, those arrows are to be laid out on the ground pointing in the direction of the named object. This will enable aeroplanes to distinguish the particular target more accurately. Artillery will continue to fire on targets until arrow is removed. E.DILLON, Lieut.Colonel, for General Staff, 7th Division. 21st September 1915. SECRET 7th Division This office memo: No.494 (G) 61 of the 20th instant is cancelled and the following substituted: - White linen arrows about 15 feet long and 3 feet wide, with arrow head at one end, also five other strips 6 feet by 1 foot 6 inches, will be carried by battalion headquarters. When infantry are held up by hostile fire from trenches or houses, or other features at close range, and require support from heavy howitzers, an arrow will be laid out on the ground as near the obstacle as it can be brought, pointing towards it, with one 6 feet strip laid across wise for over [sic] two hundred yards that the obstacle is estimated to be distant from the arrow. The result will be that as soon as the aeroplane notices the signal, it will, if it can distinguish the target, call up a heavy howitzer and range it on the target, keeping the fire up until the signal is removed. Example: A signal points at a house estimated to be 400 yards from the signal: - White linen arrow 15' x 3' The aeroplane on calling up a battery for this work will use a pre-arranged prefix, and the battery will only fire when "G" is sent by aeroplane. Immediately the signal is removed, the aeroplane ceases sending "G" and the firing ceases. Arrows must be picked up as soon as fire is required to cease. J.K.DICK CUNYNGHAM, Major for Brigadier-General, General Staff, 1st Corps. 22nd September 1915 Operation Order No.31 2nd Bn. BEDFORDSHIRE REGT. Ref.Map.BETHUNE. 1/40000 (Combined sheet) 22nd September 1915 1. The Battalion will be relieved in Y.2.a. by the 2nd Bn.Gordon Highlanders on the night of the 23rd inst., and will march to billets in FOUQUEREUIL E.14.c. 2. The leading platoon of the relieving unit will be at VERMELLES CHURCH at 7.30 p.m. O.C.Companies will arrange that a guide for each platoon is there at this hour. O.C. D Company will detail six men to act as guides to taking over party. These six men will report at Bn.H.Q. at 3.30 p.m. 3. The relieving unit will come in by CHAPEL ALLEY. 4. After each platoon has been relieved they will march independently via STANSFELD ROAD to points of assembly to be arranged by O.C. Companies. These points will not be South of the cross-roads L.11.d.1.2. 5. Companies will march from their point of assembly to billets independently, by the following route: - NOYELLES Cross Roads L.11.d.1.2. - cross roads SAILLY LABOURSE L.3.b.5.4. - road junction L.3.c.1.7. - cross-roads L.2.b.7.7. - road junction L.2.a.9.6. - road junction F.25.b.10.3. - road junction F.25.c.6.6. - Cross roads E.24.d.4.1. - cross roads E.30.a.0.5. - E.17.d.5.3. - E.16.d.7.4. - E.22.a.7.8. - New road to E.15.d.9.3. - thence to billets in E.14.c. This route must be strictly adhered to. 6. Separate orders have been issued to Transport Officer. The machine gun limbers will collect bandoliers at L.4.c.7. Trench kits will be at VERMELLES CHURCH ready for loading at 7 p.m. 7. All trench stores will be handed over and receipts sent to the Adjutant. 8. O.C.Companies will report by telephone to Bn.H.Q. when relief has been completed. 9. Separate orders will be issued to the M.G.O. of the 2nd Wiltshire Regiment. 10. The 21st Infantry Brigade will move into Divisional Reserve trenches on the night 24/25 September. 11. Great coats (rolled in bundles of 20) and spare Kits will be stored in FOUQUEREUIL by 8 p.m. on the 24th inst. Details will be issued later. J.W.HURRELL, Capt., Adjt., 2 Bedf.R. General Staff, 7th Division personnel of Nos.186 and 188 Special Companies, R.E. which are being employed on our front will wear red, white and green brassards. E.DILLON, Maj. for Lieut.Colonel 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER No.80 (Part 1). References: - Trench Maps Sheets 36c N.W.1 and 3. 1/10,000. BETHUNE Combined Sheet 1/40,000. N.W.EUROPE, VALENCIENNES 1/10,000 NO ORDERS OR SKETCHES, WHICH MAY BE OF USE TO THE ENEMY, WILL BE TAKEN INTO THE FIELD. 23rd September 15. 1. INFORMATION. (a) The enemy. The enemy's defences on our front consist of two well defined systems of trenches. The front system runs West of FOSSE No. 8 and follows the ridge Southwards towards LOOS. 1,500 yards to the East is the second system of trenches running through HAISNES - CITE ST.ELIE and HULLUCH. Both these systems are protected by wire. The 117th Reconstituted Division is holding the trenches immediately in our front, with its regiments in the following order from the North: - 11th Reserve Regiment, 157th Regiment, 22nd Reserve Regiment. The VIIth Corps is to the North and the IVth Corps to the South of this Division. (b) Our own troops. The 1st Division (4th Corps) is on our right. The 9th Division (1st Corps) is on our left. 2. INTENTION. (a) On conjunction with the French, the 1st Army will assume the offensive on September 25th and advance between LENS and the LA BASSEE Canal towards the line HENIN-LIETARD-CARVIN, 1st Corps moving generally on to the line PONT-a-VENDIN - BAUVIN, 4th Corps advancing simultaneously South-eastwards, with its left on PONT-a-VENDIN. the Western end of HULLUCH is included in the 4th Corps area of advance. (b) The task of the 7th Division is to clear the trenches in front of them; occupy the remainder of HULLUCH, BENIFONTAINE (H.8.d) PUITS No.13, and CITE St.ELIE; and from these places continue the advance on PONT-a-VENDIN and MEURCHIN, seizing the Canal crossings about these places. (c) Immediately on the right of the 7th Division, the left Brigade of the 1st Division (4th Corps) will advance simultaneously and attack the West end of HULLUCH. the boundary between our right and the 1st Division left runs just South of the VERMELLES - HULLUCH Road, and follows generally the line G.12.c.6.0. - G.12.d.6.0. to HULLUCH just excluding the hostile "communication" trench H.13.b.17.28.66. (d) Immediately on our left the 9th Division attack the HOHENZOLLERN Redoubt, and thence FOSSE 8, continuing their advance in HAINES and DOUVRIN. the boundary between our left and the 9th Division right, runs from the point K in our trenches, through G.5.c.8.7. to the cross roads in G.6.b.5.2. The latter two points being in the 7th Division zone. 3. 7th DIVISION PLAN. (a) The 7th Division will be distributed as follows, according to preliminary orders already issued. In front. On the right, 20th Brigade Column (20th Infantry Brigade, 95th Field Company, R.E., No.1 Mortar Battery). On the left 22nd Brigade Column (22nd Infantry Brigade, 54th Field Company R.E., No.10 Mortar Battery, D Trench Mortar Battery). In reserve. 21st Infantry Brigade. Highland Field Company R.E. Divisional Mounted Troops (Divisional squadron and Cyclists. Commander. Major Hall, the King's (Liverpool Regt.). The Divisional Artillery is under the immediate orders of the G.O.C. 1st Corps until the advance begins. After the advance begins, the 14th R.H.A.Brigade will operate in immediate conjunction with the 20th Brigade Column; and the 35th Field Artillery Brigade in immediate conjunction with 22nd Brigade Column, and the remainder of the Divisional Artillery, including attached Batteries, will be under the orders of the Brigadier general R.A.7th Division. (b) The 20th Brigade Column will attack the enemy's trenches from the VERMELLES - HULLUCH Road inclusive to the SLIT WORK (G.11.b.7.3.) exclusive; and thence move on HULLUCH. The 22nd Brigade Column will attack from the SLIT WORK inclusive to approximately G.5.c.8.7. and thence the QUARRIES, CITE ST.ELIE, and PUITS No.13. From the above places, the 20th Brigade Column will continue its march on VENDIN-LE-VIEIL, and PONT-a-VENDIN, and the 22nd Brigade Column on WINGLES and MEURCHIN. (c) The artillery will bombard the enemy's trenches and positions previous to the assault, under orders of the Corps Commander. A separate daily programme has already been issued. The action of the Divisional Artillery to cover the actual infantry assault, is shown in the Time Table attached. After the preliminary bombardment is over, Artillery will be lifted on to objectives further in rear according to the prepared programme. It may so happen that some points will have to be rebombarded. On such occasions the general arrangement will be as follows (unless special orders are issued at the time for counter procedure). On the obstruction being detected either by sight or by information being sent back, the Artillery bombardment will be ordered on the place from where resistance comes. This will continue for half an hour, the last five minutes will be intensive. The Infantry attacking such pints will thus know when the Artillery bombardment is going to cease; even if they fail to note when it actually begins, they will recognise its approaching end by the 5 minutes intensive fire. The infantry may thus be able to gain graound [sic] during the bombardment and will be prepared to rush in directly the intensive 5 minutes fire is over. This applies to important places. Small localities must be dealt with by the F.O.O. accompanying the troops. The Divisional Artillery will push on to closely support the infantry, as soon as possible. GEORGE GROSSMAN, Major, Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER No. 80 (PART II). 23rd September, 1915. Reference 1:40,000 BETHUNE Map. 1:10,000 Trench Map NO ORDERS OR SKETCHES WHICH MIGHT BE OF USE TO THE ENEMY ARE TO BE TAKEN INTO THE FIELD. IT IS TO BE IMPRESSED ON ALL RANKS THAT NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO BRING WOUNDED TO THE REAR, OR REMAIN WITH WOUNDED, EXCEPT S.B. AND THE M.O'S AND THEIR MEN. THE USE OF THE WORD "RETIRE" IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN. 1. Information, Intention and 7th Division plan have been communicated in Operation Order No.80 (Part 1). 2. At 0.10 o'clock the 2nd Bn.Yorkshire Regiment will commence moving from their trenches and advance by GORDON ALLEY as far as the front system of Trenches where they will occupy Area X. the 2nd Bn.Wiltshire Regiment will similarly move by CHAPEL ALLEY and occupy Area Z. The 1/4th Cameron Highlanders and 2nd Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment will at 0.15 o'clock quit their lines and advance so as to follow the 2nd Bn.Yorkshire and Wiltshire Regiments respectively up GORDON and CHAPEL ALLEYS. The 1/4th Cameron Highlanders will occupy Area W. and the 2nd Bedfordshire Regt. Area Y. The 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers will, when the Cameron Highlanders and Bedfordshire Regiment are clear of NOYELLES LINES, move forward and occupy LANCASTER TRENCH, leaving room on the right for the 2nd Highland Field Company R.E. who will follow the Royal Scots Fusiliers from NOYELLES. Machine Guns Sections of Yorkshire Regiment, Bedfordshire Regiment and Royal Scots Fusiliers will join their Battalions when they reach these areas. 3. The attached time table will be closely adhered to. 4. The nearest troops will at once restore any damage done to the trenches by hostile fire. All parties in rear will be responsible for keeping open the communication to the parties next in front of them. 5. TRAFFIC. CHAPEL ALLEY and FOSSEWAY on the right and GORDON ALLEY and HULLUCH ALLEY (East of its junction with GORDON ALLEY) are for forward traffic only. STANSFELD and HULLUCH ALLEY as far as its junction with STANFELD ROAD is for backward traffic only. 6. Prisoners will be sent to a collecting station West of the MAZINGARBE - VERMELLES Road G.7.d. 7. Great coats will not be carried. A waterproof sheet and cardigan jacket will be carried in the pack. 8. Every man will carry 220 rounds of ammunition except 4 men per section of bombers per battalion who need only carry two Bandoliers full. 9. Every man will carry one complete day's ration in addition to their iron ration. 10. Advanced dressing stations will be at 1. Eastern end of STANSFELD ROAD. 2. Just W. of railway and s. of HULLUCH ALLEY in G.8.b. 11. Distinguishing Flags. 7th Division. Red and Blue diagonal. 1st Division. A red flag with white diagonal stripe. 9th Division. Red and Yellow diagonal. Battalions will carry 24 flags. 12. Battalions will each carry 25 Smoke candles for use as signals. They will be used to mark the position of leading infantry. When used up Infantry will show their position by raising caps on bayonets. 13. R.E.Stores. Advanced Depots. (a) Behind a fallen tree, North of the VERMELLES - HULLUCH road in G.11.c.4.1. (b) South of the HAISNES road in G.4.d.8.0. Main Depot. The Brewery, VERMELLES. A reserve bomb store is in VERMELLES in G.8.c.9.8. 14. VISUAL SIGNALLING. the following visual stations will be established: - 7th Division. G.9.a.2.7. 1st Division. Lower slope of FOSSE 3. 1st Corps. Lower slope of FOSSE 9. These stations will receive only and will not acknowledge calls or messages. Visual stations in front when sending back messages will observe the following procedure: - Call up with a succession of dots for two minutes and then send the message repeating each word three times at a slow rate. Messages should not be sent to 1st Division or 1st Corps stations unless the 7th Division Station is not visible. the latter station is marked by a circular railway disc. 15. The 35th Brigade Ammunition Column which supplies the Brigade us [sic] at W.30.b.3.7. 16. Men carrying wire cutters wear a white badge on the right shoulder strap. 17. Brigade Headquarters will be at G.8.d.0.3. in VERMELLES. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major, Brigade Major, 21st Infantry Brigade. APPENDIX A. TIME TABLE. 0. Accessory attack commences. Machine Guns open fire. 0 - 0.10. 18 pdr. barrage on front of attack. 0.10 - 0.20. Barrage moves on to line H.3.b.1.7. in HULLUCH Trench northwards along HULLUCH Trench - to G.6.b.4.2. in front of CITE Trench and PUITS Trench. 0.20 - 0.30 Barrage moves back on to front of attack. 0.35. No.10 Trench Mortar Battery and Stokes Mortar open fire. 0.38. Accessory attack ceases. 0.40. Infantry assaults. Machine Guns cease fire. Barrage lifts on to New Trench G.12.c.6.0. - G.12.a.5.4. - trench on West face of QUARRY TRENCH - Trench on North face of QUARRY - G.6.c.3.10 - N.W. along FOSSE ALLEy 0.50. Barrage lifts on to following lines: - till 1.20 H.13.b.1.7. (exclusive) in HULLUCH Trench - Northwards along HULLUCH trench to H.7.a.1.3. in PUITS Trench. till 1.10. Northwards from H.7.a.1.3. in PUITS Trench - G.6.b.4.2. in front of CITE Trench. till 1.20 along new trench joining CITE and PEKIN Trench. The hour 0 will be communicated later. 2/Bn.Bedf.R. OPERATION ORDER No.32 Ref.Map BETHUNE 1/40,000 TRENCH Map 1/10,000 24th Sept.1915 No orders or sketches, which may be of use to the enemy, will be taken into the field. The use of the word "Retire" is absolutely forbidden. OPERATION. 1. On the night of Sept. [blank] the battalion will move into its position of Assembly the right half of LABOURSE LINES. STARTING POINT. 2. E.15.d.9.2. TIME. 3. 12.45 a.m. ORDER OF MARCH. 4. Hd.Qrs. D, B, C, A Coys. ROUTE. 5. Road junction E.28.b.3.9. - road junction E.29.c.4.5. - cross roads E.30.a.1.5 - road junction E.30.a.2.2. - road junction K.6.b.5.8. - road junction L.1.a.3.10 - road junction L.2.a.2.3. - road junction L.2.a.7.5. - road junction L.2.d.7.6. - road junction L.2.d.9.6. - 5 cross-roads L.9.2.6.4. - cross roads L.9.b. - cross roads L.10.a. to main SAILLY - NOYELLES road. TRANSPORT. 6. Separate orders have been issued. MACHINE GUNS. 7. Separate orders have been issued. TRENCH MORTAR SECT. 8. The Trench Mortar Sect. will march with Ammunition wagons in rear of Bn. OFFICERS KITS. 9. Officers Kits will be ready by 8 p.m. RATIONS 10. Each man will have in his possession 1 days ration ieon ration haversack ration. Hot soup will be issued at 10 p.m. WIRE CUTTERS. 11. Men carrying Wire Cutters will wear a white Badge on the Right Shoulder Strap. Reference to para.1 date of move will be notified later, all orders will be carried as if the Battalion were moving to-night. GREAT COATS. 12. Great coats (rolled in bundles of 20) will be stored at "C" Coys. billets by 10 p.m. J.W.HURRELL, Capt. Adjt. 2/Bedf.R. To: - Bedfords. Sender's Number: B.M.75 day of Month. 25th 1. The 21st Bde. will push through the 20th & 22nd Bdes. and attack the northern end of HULLUCH. 2. The Wilts. & Bedfords in front on a frontage of about 250 yards for each Bn. the centre of the Wilts. will be directed on the Cross Roads H.8.d.2.8. at the Northern end of HULLUCH. The Bedfords will move on the right of the Wilts. 3. The Yorks will move in support of the Bedfords and the Cameron Highlanders in support of the Wilts. the R.S.F. will move up to their present front. Trenches. Highland Fd.Coy. will move to the front trenches in rear of the R.S.F. Bde.H.Q. CHAPEL KEEP. GEORGE CROSSMAN, Major, B.M. The following extracts seem to be from a personal diary [R.O.Wynne?] and were found loose in the Battalion War Diary Sept 25 - started from Noyelles at 6.52 a.m. Platoons at 200 yds interval. Marched to VERMELLES and marched along the HULLUCH ROAD by Chapel Alley. A Coy leading then C, B, D. Occupied some of British Trench arriving at 9.30 a.m. Left front British line at 11.15, D Coy. leading. Advanced in column of platoons at 50 yards distance D-B-C-A-, with right on HULLUCH Rd & left on Wilts. At German trench coys lay down. At about 12.30 pm left German trench thus W W B D C A and advanced with the right on the Hulluch Rd. Almost at once Bn came under heavy rifle fire from the left of Cit St Elie. Captain Hutchinson was killed almost at once. the Battalion advanced in support of the 20th Bde with it right still on the Hulluch Rd. The advance was continued by rushes of small parties under very heavy rifle fire up to & in some cases beyond Gun Trench losing about 300 men on the way. Lt.Col.Onslow, Capt.Hurrell & 2 Lt Hopkins & Mudford were wounded & 2 Lt Forward was killed during the advance. Two platoons had reached a point about 100 yards in front of Gun Trench. These were recalled & came back in ones & twos at about 3 p.m. Capt.Millings & 2 Lt Shaw were wounded there. At about 2 p.m. the machine guns arrived at Gun trench. One gun opened at a German field gun at 500 yards. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- & came back in support to German Trench. Spent most of night fixing things up. 27th In German Trench. Attack by us on our left at Fosse 8 partially successful. Huns making fierce efforts to get back. Breslau Avenue district a difficult one. Borders are there. Day best described by messages received. Made up casualty report 4 officers 40 men killed. 8 officers and 198 men wounded & 76 men missing approximately. Men very done up but willing. 300 on working parties 20 digging support trench for R.S.F. 100 carrying wire. Raining & very dark. Up most of the night going round bucking the men up. Earlier in day we had received orders that we were to be relieved. Order cancelled. 28th An hour or two of sleep in my dug out 16 feet under the ground. The Huns know how to make themselves safe! Fine morning. G.O.C. Col.Berners R.W.F. came round, says that we shall probably relieve the Wilts; tell him there will not be Room for us all. Says he will send orders later. Went & saw Wilts, found A/Adjt very nervy & terribly anxious to get out of it. Position a rotten one. They about [sic] 160 linking up between Worcesters & Camerons. Meet Thorpe room and that Wilts are in the way, went along German trench, found O.C. K.R.R. & he sent me to O.C. 2/Worcesters. Hear all they can tell me, they are a little hazy as to [unreadable] I think. He also at this point interrupted by panicky G.S.Officer - Robinson 1st Army who thinks my arrangements for defence insufficient! He did not realise that I had a line in front! and further that it is the 4th or 5th line of defence! I forget what "he also" said or did now! Oh yes, he thinks Wilts are rather in the way! Came back nothing doing. Finally orders came in for work 29th Had a sleep from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. up & out to look round, some stick bombs wanted at the front ; form a line & get them passed along. K.R.R. & Worcesters rather nervy, passing down a lot of silly messages. One come "S.M. wants small ammunition" Stop them passing these messages & after a bit order men to stand down. A lot of shelling going on, went round trenches & found that A Coy had done nothing to improve their fire position, could not find Burriatte. Poor little Dyer asleep, woke him & told him what to do. Came back & found Robinson of 1st Army in a very panicky state rather inclined to hang me but on learning that I had a line in front & that my proposal was to fire with second line behind parapet he became easier. Saw him out to the front. Fixed up M.G. emplacements with Sharpe & then saw two men haring back from the front, I waited for them & found one was Dillon! He had been told it was unhealthy! Took him back & gave him a drink. He is satisfied with our arrangements. On his leaving got anticipatory orders that we are relieving the Camerons. Go along & see their position, got back sent O's.C.Coys & M.G.O. out. I had taken Sgt.Stringer with me & he knows all about saps & bomb positions. Had something to eat, news has come in that French have broken through & are fighting the Huns in the open! Also heard inadvertantly that Brigade are very pleased with my work. Pip! Pip! When writing this was told that Brigadier wanted to speak to me on the phone. he tells me I am not to take over as much of the Cameron line as I expected, but to put 2 coys In support trenches in rear. I have got on to the Camerons & have just finished re arranging when G.O.C. rings up to say that his last order is off & I am to hold the original Cameron line! Fortunately Camerons had been listening to the conversation so a fresh conversation is unnecessary. Wrote this up & packed up.

18-25 Sep 1915

From: 1915 To: 1915

item

Crossman, George Lytton,
Hurrell, J.W.,
Riddell-Webster Thomas Sheridan,
Chads, H.F.,
Dillon, Eric Fitzgerald,
Dick Cunyngham, James Keith,
Hall,
Gough, Hubert de la Poer,
Hutchinson, James Walter,
Hopkins, R.,
Mudford, H.E.,
Onslow, Cranley Charlton,
Forward, Charles Arthur,
Stonier, William John,
Wynne, Richard Owen,
Berners, William Kingsmill,
Thorpe,
Robinson,
de Buriatte, H.,
Dyer, E.F.S.,
Sharpe, W.,
Dillon, Eric Fitzgerald,
Stringer,
Watts, Herbert Edward

2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, 21st Infantry Brigade, 54th Field Company Royal Engineers, 95th Field Company Royal Engineers, 193rd Field Company Royal Engineers, 29th Infantry Brigade, 22nd Infantry Brigade, 7th Division, 20th Infantry Brigade, 8th Battalion Devonshire Regiment, 9th Battalion Devonshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion Border Regiment, 1st/6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, schools, town & local roads, specific buildings & land use, public buildings, 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, 1st Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment, French, military airships, maps, No.12 Mobile Veterinary Section, veterinary medicine, 37th Field Ambulance, 37th RFA Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, horses, 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment, land weaponry, IV Corps, general quarries, 2nd Division, 9th (Scottish) Division, 2nd Highland Field Company Royal Engineers, Fouquereuil Station, 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, water provision, I Corps, aerial action overseas, clothing, 188th Special Company Royal Engineers, 186th Special Company Royal Engineers, 117th Reconstituted Division, 11th Reserve Regiment, 157th Regiment, 22nd Reserve Regiment, VII German Corps, IV German Corps, 1st Division, IV Corps, I Corps, 9th (Scottish) Division, French, canals, 95th Field Company Royal Engineers, 54th Field Company Royal Engineers, 1st/1st Northumberland Hussars, 7th Cyclist Company, King's (Liverpool) Regiment, 14th Brigade RHA, 35th Brigade RFA, deaths, 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, King's Royal Rifle Corps, Vermelles, Noyelles-les-Vermelles, Sailly-Labourse, Verquigneul, Verquigneul Mairie, Fouquereuil, Verquin, Marais [Festubert], Breslau Trench [Hulluch], Pope's Nose [Hulluch], Hulluch Alley [Hulluch], Quarry Trench [Hulluch], Madagascar Trench [Hulluch], Mad Point [Hulluch], Railway Work [Hulluch], Little Willie Trench [Hulluch], Mine Point [Hulluch], Auchy Alley [Hulluch], Train Alley [Hulluch], Fosse Cottages [Hulluch], Lone Farm [Hulluch], Mine Point [Hulluch], Railway Trench [Hulluch], Hesdigneul-les-Bethune, Bethune, Clarkes Keep [Loos], Chapel Alley [Givenchy], Gordon Alley [Givenchy], Garden City [Noyelles], Labourse, Border Trench [Hulluch], Queens Trench [Hulluch], Curley Crescent [Givenchy], Stansfeld Road [Givenchy], Loos-en-Gohelle, Cite-St-Elie, Haisnes, Hulluch, Lens, la Bassee, Henin, Lietard, Carvin, Pont-a-Vendin, Bauvin, Benifontaine, Puits No.13 [Loos], Meurchin, Hohenzollern Redoubt [Loos], Slit Work [Hulluch], Vendin-le-Vieil, Wingles, Lancaster Trench [Loos], Fosse Way [Givenchy], Cite Trench [Hulluch], Puits Trench [Hulluch], Quarry Trench [Hulluch], Fosse Alley Hulluch], Pekin Trench [Hulluch], Chapel Keep [Givenchy], Breslau Avenue [Hulluch]