X550/3/WD/1511C

Defence Scheme Northern Brigade 7th Division 20th Infantry Brigade "A" Sub Division. The NORTHERN SECTOR is divided into two SUB-SECTIONS. "B" 2. WILLOW ROAD to SHRINE. "B" 3. SHRINE - GRENADIER ROAD exclusive. The tour of the Brigade in the Sector will be 8 days and 4 days in rest billets. Battalions will be in the trenches for 48 hours of which not more than 24 hours will be spent on Fire trenches when weather conditions render such a measure desirable. The 8th and 9th Battalions Devonshire Regt. will relieve each other in "B" 3 and "B" 2 to BERKELEY STREET exclusive. The 2nd battn. Border Regt and 2nd Bn. Gordon Highlanders will relieve each other in "B" 2 from BERKELEY STREET to WILLOW ROAD A.9.d.4.4. 1/6 GORDON Highlanders WILLOW ROAD A.9.d.4.4. - WILLOW ROAD A.15.b.4.9. This Battalion will find its own relief in fire and SUPPORT Trenches from the Garrisons of Keeps allotted to it and from men in Battalion reserve. 2. DISPOSITIONS. The normal dispositions in the Sector are: - BRIGADE Headquarters CANAL BANK. RIGHT BATTALION. FRONT LINE. 1 Coy. and 2 Machine Guns. SUPPORT. 1 Platoon in STRATHCONA WALK and 1 Machine Gun in COVENTRY STREET found by centre Bn. RESERVE. At WINDY CORNER. KEEPS. 1 Platoon 1 M.G. ORCHARD REDOUBT. 1/2 Platoon 1 M.G. WINDY CORNER. (to be increased to 1 Coy. and 2 M.G's. in case of front line being broken). CENTRE BATTALION. FRONT LINE 2 Coys. 2 M.G's. SUPPORT. 2 1/2 Platoons in PICCADILLY. RESERVE. 1 Coy. GUNNER SIDING. KEEPS. 1 Platoon 1 M.G. in MARIE REDOUBT 1/2 Platoon 1 M.G. in HILDERS Redoubt (M.G's to be found under arrangements made by Bde. M.G.O.) LEFT BATTALION. FRONT LINE 2 Coys. 2 M.G's. SUPPORT. 3 Platoons om [sic] SCOTTISH TRENCH and PARK LANE and 1 M.G. in SCOTTISH TRENCH. RESERVE. 1 Coy. in NEW CUT. KEEPS. 1/2 Platoon 1 M.G. MOAT HOUSE. 1/2 Platoon 1 M.G. POPPY REDOUBT. N.B. Extra M.G's to be found under arrangements made by Bde. M.G.O. The Battalion in RESERVE from centre portion of LINE will find the Garrison of GIVENCHY KEEP - 1 1/2 Platoons and 2 M.G's. The Battalions in reserve from left portion of LINE will find the Garrison of HERTS REDOUBT. 3. Action to be taken in case of ATTACK. (a) All Troops in the Sectors will at once stand to Arms in fighting order. (b) Battalion Commanders will i. immediately inform the Artillery ii. Inform Bde. H.Q. by wire and messenger. (c) The front line will be held at all costs. Should any portion of the front line be occupied by the enemy the remainder will be held, and a local counter-attack at once made to expel the enemy from that part of the line which he has gained possession. The Support Coy's may be used to reinforce the front line in case of necessity. A supporting platoon of centre and Left Battalions of both Sectors will always stand to Arms in the Support trench in the vicinity of the CRATERS, carrying picks and shovels ready to move forward at once should the enemy explode a mine. The Reserve Coy. will be moved up to the vicinity of the Support line and kept in hand for Offensive Action. (d) Should the enemy obtain a lodgement in our line troops to the 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 by the troops actually in the front lines is required to dislodge the enemy, it will be organised and prepared by the Brigadier General Commanding. The success of the local counter-attack is dependent on the Attack being launched at once before the enemy has had time to settle himself in any way in the captured portions of the trench. (f) All the garrisons of KEEPS will, in case of an attack stand to their post's and will in any event hold on to their posts tenaciously at all costs so as to form pivots to assist further counter-attacks. (g) Bde. H.Q. will be established at WINDY CORNER. Div. H.Q. at LE-QUESNOY. (h) Action of Reserves The Battalions in LE-QUESNOY and ESSARS move up at once along North bank of CANAL. Commanding Officers coming to the permanent Bde. H.Q. on CANAL Bank. (i) Artillery Battalion Commanders are in close touch with the O.C. Artillery, and Artillery Bde. Commanders with Bde. H.Q. O.C. Sub-Sections will send the following message to Artillery "S.O.S. "B" 2 "B" 3.["] as the case may be, and will then keep the batteries informed of the progress of events. 4. Maintenance The O.C's Battalions finding the garrison of the KEEPS will be responsible that they are kept in a good state of repair and in a thoroughly defensive condition. They will see that a reserve of 300 rds. per Rifle - two days rations and Water and a supply of bombs are maintained - The posts will be visited by an Inspecting Officer daily and all will stand to their Battle posts twice daily. 5. Maintenance. Separate Orders have been issued as to the system of work in, and maintenance of Trenches. 6. Battalions Scheme of Defence. Battalion Commanders will select their Bn. H.Qrs. and will draw up their schemes of Defence on lines indicated in this scheme and will submit the same to Bde. H.Qrs. for record. Similarly O.C. Coys. will draw up Schemes for those under their command so that it is ensured that all know the action to be taken in the event of an attack. 7. Housemaiding Parties O.C. 1/6 Bn. GORDON Highlanders will find housemaiding parties of 1 N.C.O. and 3 men for following works. MARAIS E. MARAIS S.W. 8. Other Defensive Schemes The defensive system consists of I. The VILLAGE LINE. II. The LE-TOURET LINE. The dividing line between NORTHERN and SOUTHERN Bdes. in the VILLAGE LINE is the junction of WOLFE Road with the PONT FIXE - WINDY CORNER ROAD. LEFT flank at LE PLANTIN. The Bde. is responsible for all defences in this line within this srea. 9. Rest Area. When in rest area, on receipt of news of an "ALARM" all Battalions will be prepared to move at very short notice. 10. Lines of Approach. All Units must be thoroughly acquainted with all lines of approach to the front 11. Strength. For Garrison of KEEPS a platoon must consist of at least 30 Rifles. The Garrison of GIVENCHY Keep, 1 1/2 platoons must be at least 50 Rifles. (Sd.) C.C. Foss, Captain, Brigade Major. 20th Infy. Bde. 13.11.15. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE ROUTINE ORDER No.98 14th November, 1915 Reference 1:40,000 BETHUNE Map. 1. The following moves will take place tomorrow: - 2. The 2nd Bn. Yorkshire Regiment will move to LE QUESNOY and relieve the 2nd Gordons. 3. The 2nd Bn. Wiltshire Regiment will move to ESSARS and relieve the 8th Devons. 4. The 1/4th Cameron Highrs. will move half battalion to FERME du ROI. 5. No. 9 T.M. Battery will move and be billeted with the Camerons. 6. Units will arrive at their destinations at 1 p.m. 7. On completion of move the above battalions will pass temporarily under the command of the 20th Brigade. 8. Completion of all moves will be reported to Brigade Headquarters. George Crossman, Major. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Bde. 21st Brigade Operation Order No.99. Nov. 15th 1915. Reference 1:40,000 Map BETHUNE. 1:10000 Trench Map 1. The Brigade will relieve the 20th Brigade in B.2. and B.3. Sub-sections of the Trench line tomorrow. 2. The 1/4th Cameron Highlanders. will relieve the 1/6th Gordon Highlanders between the two points where WILLOW ROAD cuts the front Trench. They will also garrison ORCHARD REDOUBT (1 Platoon) and WINDY CORNER (1/2 Platoon). the necessary guides will be at VAUXHALL BRIDGE at 10.30 a.m. "Housemaiding" parties of 1 N.C.O. and 3 men each for MARAIS E. and MARAIS S.W. will be at 20th Bde. H.Q. Canal Bank F.10.a. at 10.30 a.m. 3. The 2nd Bn. Yorkshire Regiment will relieve the 9th Bn. Devons from GRENADIER ROAD exclusive to BERKELEY ST. exclusive and garrison POPPY REDOUBT (1/2 Platoon) and MOATED FARM ((1/2 Platoon). The necessary guides will be at WINDY CORNER at 10.30 a.m. This Bn. will also take over the Brigade Store at WINDY CORNER at 11 a.m. 4. The 2nd Bn. Wiltshire Regt. will relieve the Border Regt. from BERKELEY ST. inclusive to WILLOW ROAD and garrison MAIRIE REDOUBT (1 Platoon) and HILDER REDOUBT (1/2 Platoon). The Necessary guides will be at VAUXHALL BRIDGE at 11.30 a.m. 5. The R.S.F. will relieve the 2nd Bn. Gordon Highlanders in GIVENCHY KEEP (1 1/2 Platoons or at least 50 men) and the 8th Bn. Devons in HERTS Redoubt (1 Platoon). The necessary guides will be at WIND [sic] CORNER at 11 a.m. for HERTS and at VAUXHALL BRIDGE at noon for GIVENCHY KEEP. 6. Machine Guns of the Bedfords, Yorks, Wilts and Camerons and 1 Gun of the R.S.F. will be at VAUXHALL BR at 10 a.m. The relief will be carried out under the orders of Lieut. SAMUT. 7. No.9 Trench Mortar Battery will relieve No.1 T.M. Battery under arrangements to be made between Battery Commanders. It will be attached to and rationed by the Yorkshire Regt. 8. Defence Scheme and Maintenance Sceme of the 20th Bde. will be taken over by Bns. and also all Trench Stores. "Snyperscopes" will be placed in position by Bns first in the line and will be handed over as Trench Stores while the Brigade is in the Trenches. they will be withdrawn by the last Bns. when the Brigade is relieved. 9. The defence of the line will be in accordance with the defence scheme mentioned in para. 8. 10. The Bedford Regt. will on the 17th Inst., move to Billets in ESSARS and the R.S.F. to LE QUESNOY. This move will be completed by 1 p.m. Blanket Transport will report at 10 a.m. 11. Completion of all moves will be reported to Brigade H.Q. which at noon on the 16th inst. will move to Canal Bank F.10.a. George Crossman, Maj. Brigade Major 21st Inf. Brigade The following addition will be made to 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER No.99: - 12. Transport of battalions will be billeted as follows on November 16th and 17th. [unit - Nov.16 - Map Ref. - Nov 17 - Map Ref] 2nd Bedfords - BELLERIVE - - - B.lines - X.25.a.4.5. 2nd Yorks. - C lines - F.8.b.6.2. - C.lines - F.8.b.6.2. 2nd R.S.F. - BETHUNE - - - D.lines - F.8.b.6.1. 2nd Wilts. - E lines - F.3.c.5.5. - E.lines - F.3.c.5.5. Camerons - A lines - E.5.b.9.8. - A lines - E.5.b.9.8. R.V.G.Horn, Captain, Staff Captain 21st Infantry Bde. for Bde. Major SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment Artillery complain that troops using the LANE, walk up the LA BASSE [sic] ROAD as far as the barricade at BRADDEL POINT, and thus render the observation posts there liable to shell fire. Troops should enter at CAMERON SUPPORTING POINT, move via the BRICKSTACKS, and so into the LANE. George Crossman, Major. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Bde. 16th November, 1915. SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment The War Office is very anxious to secure a small supply of the latest pattern of German Armour piercing rifle Ammunition for experiments in England against armour plate. If any of this German ammunition is available or becomes available in the future, will you please forward it to this office as early as possible. George Crossman, Major. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Bde. 16th November, 1915. SECRET Officer Commanding 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment. The 7th Division, towards the end of this month, will be withdrawn from the 1st Corps, and join the 3rd Army. Its place in the line will, in all probability, be taken by a new and inexperienced Division, who will have little idea of the difficulties of trench warfare in winter time. The G.O.C. hopes that no effort will be spared to hand over our present lines in such condition that our successors on arrival may start their campaign under favourable conditions. George Crossman, Major, Brigade Major 21st Infantry Bde. 16th November, 1915. 2/Bed./R. Operation Order No.43 Reference 1/40,000 Map BETHUNE 1. The Battalion will move to Billets in ESSARS tomorrow 17th. 2. the Battalion will form up in Column of Route at 9.30 a.m. tomorrow in following Order - H.Q. A. B. C. D. Companies. The head of "A" Company will be at "W".7.c.4.8. 3. Blankets will be stacked at FARM of "B" Co. by 9 a.m. 4. Kits to be ready for loading at 8.30 a.m. 5. Billeting parties will meet the Qr.Mr. at 9.30 a.m. at ESSARS X.25.a. 6. Transport will move with Battalion. L.F.Beal, Capt. A/Adjutant 2/Bed.R 2/BEDFORDSHIRE REGT. OPERATION ORDER No.44 17th Nov. 1915. Ref. 1/40,000 Map BETHUNE. 1. The Battalion will relieve the 2 YORKSHIRE REGT. in the Trenches tomorrow 18th. 2. The Battalion will parade on the main road. Head of battalion at Road Junction X.25.a.5.5. facing S.W. at 8.45 a.m. in the following order H.Q. D. A. B. C. Companies. 3. The extra bandoliers of ammunition will be issued at a point between GORRE BRIDGE and WATERLOO BRIDGE. From this point Companies will march by platoons at 200x interval 4. Blankets will be stacked at Qr.Mr. Stores by 8 a.m. 5. Kits etc. will be collected at 7.30 a.m. 6. Guides for the Bn. will be at WINDY CORNER at 11 a.m. L.F. Beal, Captain. A/Adjutant. 2/Bed./R. 21st Brigade Operation Order No.100 Nov.17th 1915. Reference 1:40,000 Map BETHUNE. 1:10,000 Trench Map. 1. The following reliefs will take place tomorrow. 2. The R.S.F. will relieve the Wiltshire Regt. from WILLOW ROAD to BERKELEY ST. (inclu.) and the garrisons of MAIRIE and HILDER redoubts. The necessary guides from the Wiltshire Regiment will be at VAUXHALL Bridge at 10.30 a.m. The Wiltshire Regt will during this relief take over GIVENCHY KEEP and HERTS Redoubt from the R.S.F. On relief the Wiltshire Regiment. will move to Billets in LE QUESNOY. 3. The Bedfordshire Regt will relieve the Yorkshire Regt. from BERKELEY ST. (exclu.) to GRENADIER Road (exclu.) and the Garrisons of POPPY Redoubt and MOATED FARM. The necessary guides from the Yorkshire Regt. will be at WINDY CORNER at 11 a.m. The Yorkshire Regt. will on relief move to Billets in ESSARS. 4. No.9 T.M.Battery will be attached to and rationed by the Bedfordshire Regiment. 5. Transport tomorrow night: - *Yorkshire Regt. B. Lines. Wiltshire Regt. E.Lines. R.S.F. D. Lines. *Bedford Regt. C. Lines * Remain 6. Completion of relief will be reported to Brigade H.Q. George Crossman, Maj. Brigade Major 21st Inf. Brigade. ADDITION TO OPERATION ORDER No.100 dated 17th November Machine Gun relief to take place tomorrow November 18th: - 1. The guns of the R.S.F. will relieve the guns of the Wiltshire Regt. Guides to be at VAUXHALL BRIDGE at 10 a.m. One gun of the Wilts will take over HILDER REDOUBT from the R.S.F. 2. The Yorkshire guns will relieve those of the Bedfords and vice versa. Two Yorkshire guides will be at GIVENCHY KEEP, one at MOAT HOUSE, one at HERTS REDOUBT at 9.30 a.m. 3. The Cameron guns in the keeps will relieve those in the front line and vice versa. Relief to be completed by 10.30 a.m. George Crossman, Major. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. TO: - 2/Bedfords. Sender's Number. S.C.111. Day of Month 17th. Reference 21st Bde. Operation Order No.100 para 5. the transport of YORKS and BEDFORDS will remain in their present positions and will; not move as therein ordered aaa FROM 21st Bde. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER No.101. November 19th 1915 1. On the 21st inst. the Cameron Highrs. will be relieved by the 7th Bn. King's (Liverpool Regt.) of the 22nd Brigade. 2. 1 guide per platoon and one for ORCHARD KEEP will be met at VAUXHALL BRIDGE at 2 p.m. Also 1 guide from the Machine Gun in ORCHARD REDOUBT. 3. All trench stores and statement of work in progress will be handed over, but Sniperscopes will be withdrawn. 4. On relief the Camerons will withdraw to Billets which will be notified later. 5. Completion of relief will be reported to Brigade Headquarters. George Crossman, Major. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. Officer Commanding 2nd Bedfordshire Regt. 1. The 19th Bn. Royal Fusiliers arriving at BETHUNE on the 20th inst., will be attached to the Brigade for training as follows: - 2. About 10.30 a.m. on the 20th inst., certain officers and N.C.Os. will be attached to the Yorkshire and Wiltshire Regiments, and will remain with them till the evening when they will return to Bethune. They should be attached to similar units as their own and go into the sector in to which it is proposed to take their Platoons referred to in paras. 3 and 4. 3. About 10 a.m. on the morning of the 21st inst., 4 platoons will be attached to the Yorkshire Regt., and 4 platoons to the Wiltshire Regt. Each platoon will be affiliated to a regular platoon and will be under the command of the regular platoon commander. They will be employed as if they were in occupation of the trenches. Each platoon, whose strength will presumably be about 40, will remain in the trenches 24 hours. 4. About 10 a.m. on the 22nd inst., 4 platoons will similarly be attached to the Bedfords and 4 platoons to the R.S.F. 5. About 10 a.m. on the 23rd inst., 1 Coy. will be attached to the Bedfords and 1 Coy to the R.S.F. Each Coy. will be affiliated to a Coy in the trenches and be under the command of the regular company commander, platoons and sections likewise being under the command of the regular platoon and section commanders. These Companies will remain in the trenches 48 hours, and will consequently be in the trenches when the Yorkshire and Wiltshire Regiments relieve the Bedfords and R.S.F. 6. At 10 a.m. on the 25th inst., they will be relieved by two more Companies who will be similarly attached for 48 hours. 7. In order to make room for the extra numbers referred to in paras. 3 and 4, Battalion Commanders will withdraw (say) half the platoons in the front line. These will be temporarily billeted in LE QUESNOY. Arrangements for this will be communicated later. 8. Bombers and machine gun detachments will be affiliated to similar units and should also receive instructions when not in the trenches. This instruction should include the use of live bombs. 9. The training should include instructions in: - (a) methods of forming up and assaulting from trenches. (b) Use of grenades, rifle grenades, trench mortars. (c) Method of holding the line and use of machine guns. (d) Sanitary precautions in the trenches. (e) Precautions against frostbite. (f) Necessity for continuous and organised work in the trenches. (g) Method of supply, and cooking in the trenches. 10. The Brigadier wishes Battalion Commanders to give their personal attention to the training of these new formations and to insist on the thoroughness of the instruction. Units of the new formations must be regarded as an integral portion of the units to which they are attached and equal solicitude be shown for their comfort and instruction. 11. Further instructions as to how the Companies referred to in paras 5 and 6 should be employed will be issued later. George Crossman, Major. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Brigade. 19th November, 1915. Defence Scheme B.3. In the event of attack the Company will stand to arms and hold the line at all costs. Should the enemy obtain a footing in our trench a counter attack will be delivered by bombers who will work from both flanks simultaneously. This will be carried out by "C" Company with probable assistance from my own, as circumstances require, and in conjunction with the orders issued by Battalion Bombing Officer. H.de Buriatte, Capt. O.C. A. Coy. 19.11.15. "D" Coy. 2nd Bedfordshire Regt. Defence whilst holding B.3. Area Distribution of Company 2 Platoons - front line. 1 Platoon - Crater. 1 Platoon - Support line. The front line must be held at all costs. The support platoon to reinforce whenever and wherever the occasion demands. Bombers. One Section per platoon. Bombers to carry 60 rounds of ammunition in pouches. Leading bombers to be supported by riflemen. Every man, other than the Company bombers, to carry at least two bombs, with orders not to throw them unless the occasion demands it. Should the enemy succeed in gaining a footing in any portion of the line, he will be expelled by means of local counter attack. To assist this, bombing parties will be detailed to work up the trench on either flank of where the enemy has penetrated the line. P.C.CAVAN Capt. O.C. D. Co. 19.11.15. "C" Company Defence SCheme. B.3. In the event of attack Company will "Stand to" at once and will be ready to support companies in front line if necessary. In event of a portion of the line being penetrated by the enemy a counter attack will be organised to expel them. This will be carried out by the 3 platoons in SCOTTISH TRENCH. If the line is penetrated on right portion of Battn. frontage the company will move up to right of SCOTTISH TRENCH and work along the front line with bombing parties. In event of enemy getting into our line near the CRATERS bombers will be sent down SUNKEN ROAD & work into the WARREN. In event of enemy penetrating left portion of Battn. frontage, bombing parties will work down SUNKEN ROAD and WARE ROAD. The garrisons in POPPY REDOUBT and MOAT HOUSE FARM will stand to and hold on at all costs if front line is penetrated. They will not leave their posts to help to reinforce front line at any time. R.O. Wynne, Capt. O.C. "C" Coy. 19.XI.15. Officer Commanding 2nd Bn. Bedford R. Under instructions from A.D.M.S. 7th Division, I have been ordered to convene a Medical Board for the purpose of reporting on the medical fitness or otherwise of 2/Lieutenant A.H.O.Riddell, attached to your battalion. Would you please arrange, if possible, for this Officer to attend No.21 Field Ambulance on 21 November, 15 at 11 a.m. W.G.Wright, Captain, R.A.M.C. Cdg. 21 Fld. Amb. 19.11.15. 2/Bed. R. Operation Order No.45 19.11.1915. Ref.Map 1/40,000 BETHUNE. 1. The Battalion will be relieved tomorrow by the 2 YORKSHIRE REGT. 2. One GUIDE from each Platoon will be at WINDY CORNER at 10.45 a.m. 3. The Yorkshire Regt. will continue to ration the 9th Trench Mortar Battery. 4. Transport for Packs will be at WINDY CORNER at 12 noon. 5. The M.Guns will be relieved by the YORKSHIRE GUNS, one gun will remain and will take over MOAT HOUSE. Relief to be completed by 10.15 a.m. 6. On relief the Bn. will withdraw to Billets in ESSARS moving independently by Platoons. the N. bank of the CANAL will be used only. 7. Transport will remain in its present position. 8. All trench Stores will be handed over & receipts taken. 9. O.C. Coys. will hand over a detail of work in progress to relieving Coy. Commanders. 10. Kits. etc. to be ready for loading at Bn. H.Q. by 10 a.m. 11. Completion of relief to be reported by Phone to Bn. H.Q. 12. All work will be continued up to time of relief. 13. M.G.LIMBERS will be at WINDY CORNER at 10 a.m. L.F.Beal, Capt. Adjutant 2/Bed. R. Machine Gun Officer 2/Bed. R. 19.11.15. Your Guns will be relieved by those of the YORKSHIRES tomorrow. One Gun will remain and take over MOAT HOUSE. Guides for each Gun to be at WINDY CORNER at 9 a.m. Relief to be completed by 10.15 a.m. On relief you will march to Billets in ESSARS. LIMBERS will be at WINDY CORNER at 10.0 a.m. L.F.Beal, Capt. Adjutant 2/Bed. R. 21st INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER. 19th November, 1915. Reference 1:10,000 Trench Map 1. The Wiltshire Regt. will relieve the R.S.F. and the Yorkshire Regt. the Bedfords in the trenches tomorrow. Relief will commence from VAUXHALL BRIDGE and WINDY CORNER at 10.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. respectively. The usual guides will be furnished. 2. Machine Guns will be relieved in accordance with paper attached. 3. The Yorkshire Regt. will continue to ration No.9 T.M.Battery. 4. The R.S.F. will withdraw to billets in LE QUESNOY and the Bedfords to ESSARS. Transport will not move. 5. The 21st Field Ambulance will arrange for an ambulance to follow the rear Companies of the R.S.F. and Bedfords. 6. Transport for packs will be at VAUXHALL BRIDGE and WINDY CORNER at 12 noon. 7. On the 20th inst certain Officers and N.C.Os. and on the 21st and following days certain troops, will be attached to battalions in the trenches in accordance with instructions issued separately. 8. Completion of relief will be reported to Brigade Headquarters. George Crossman, Major. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Bde. SECRET. Defence Scheme B.3. BERKELEY STREET - GRENADIER ROAD (both exclusive). whilst held by the 2nd Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. 1. Disposition of the Battalion. Frontline - 2 Companies and 2 Machine Guns. Support - 3 Platoons in SCOTTISH TRENCH and PARK LANE 1 Machine Gun SCOTTISH Trench. Reserve - 1 Company NEW CUT. Keeps - 1/2 Platoon and 1 Machine Gun MOAT HOUSE. 1/2 Platoon and 1 Machine Gun POPPY REDOUBT. 2. Action to be taken in case of Attack. (a) All Companies will at once "Stand to Arms" in fighting order. (b) Company Commanders will at once inform Battalion Head Quarters by telephone and the Artillery if in communication with them and will send the following message to Artillery "S.O.S., B.3." (c) The Front Line will be held at all costs. Should any portion of the Front Line be occupied by enemy the remainder will be held and a local counter attack be made to expel enemy from that part of the line which he has gained possession of. This will be done by the Company finding 3 Platoons in SCOTTISH TRENCH and PARK LANE without any reference to Battalion Head Quarters if O.C. Company considers it necessary. One Platoon of this Company near the CRATERS will always have picks and shovels ready to move forward at once should enemy explode a mine. The reserve Company in NEW CUT will be moved up in the vicinity of the Support Line and kept in hand as a reserve under O.C. Battalion. This Company will send 2 Sections of bombers to POPPY REDOUBT to act as a Battalion Reserve under the O.C. Battn. (d) Should the enemy obtain a lodgement in our line, Companies to the right and left of the broken line will assist the local counter-attack by pushing bombing parties down the trenches on the flank of the attackers. (e) Garrison of the two Keeps will stand to their posts and will in any event hold on to their posts, at all costs so as to form pivots to assist further counter-attacks. On no account will these garrisons be used for reinforcing the front line. (f) Battn. Hd. Qrs. will be established at POPPY REDOUBT 4. The O.C. Company finding the garrisons of the Keeps is responsible that hye are kept in a good state of repair and in a thoroughly defensive condition. He will see that a reserve of 300 rounds per rifle - two days rations and water - and a supply of bombs are kept up. 5. Company Commanders will draw up their "Scheme of Defence" on the line indicated in this Scheme. So that it is ensured that all ranks will know their place and the action to be taken in case of Attack. These Company Schemes will be sent to Battalion Hd. Qrs. by 2 P.M. tomorrow. 6. All Officers and Platoon Commanders in the Support and Reserve Companies will make themselves acquainted with the front line and the approaches to it. Major. Comdg. 2nd Battn. Bedfordshire R. 20.11.15. MACHINE GUN RELIEF - 20th November, 1915. The guns of the Wiltshire Regt. will relieve those of the R.S.F. No guides will be needed. The guns of the R.S.F. will take over HERTS REDOUBT, HILDER REDOUBT and GIVENCHY KEEP (2 guns). The guns of the Yorkshire Regt. will relieve those of the Bedfords. One Bedford gun will take over MOAT HOUSE. The Cameron guns in the keeps will relieve those in the FRONT LINE and vice versa. Reliefs to be completed by 10.15 a.m. George Crossman, Major. Brigade Major 21st Infantry Bde. 19th November, 1915.

13-20 Nov 1915

From: 1915 To: 1915

item

Crossman, George Lytton,
Foss, Charles Calverley,
Samut,
Horn, R.V.G.,
Beal, Leonard Frank,
de Buriatte, H.,
Cavan, P.C.,
Wynne, Richard Owen,
Wright, William Gordon,
Poyntz, Hugh Stainton,
Riddell, A.H.O.

2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, 7th Division, 21st Infantry Brigade, town & local roads, canals, maps, 8th Battalion Devonshire Regiment, 9th Battalion Devonshire Regiment, land weaponry, 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 2nd Battalion Border Regiment, 1st/6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, water provision, 2nd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment, 1st/4th Battalion Cameron Highlanders, 9th Trench Mortar Battery, 20th Infantry Brigade, specific bridges, 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, 3rd Army, I Corps, 1st/7th Battalion King's (Liverpool) Regiment, 19th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, 21st Field Ambulance, telephone, Willow Road [Givenchy], Shrine [Givenchy], Grenadier Road [Givenchy], Berkeley Street [Givenchy], Strathcona Walk [Cuinchy], Coventry Street [Givenchy], Windy Corner [Cuinchy], Piccadilly [Givenchy], Mairie Redoubt [Givenchy], Hilders Redoubt [Givenchy], Gunner Siding [Givenchy], Park Lane [Givenchy], New Cut [Givenchy], Moat House [Givenchy], Poppy Redoubt [Givenchy], Givenchy Keep [Givenchy], Herts Redoubt [Givenchy], le Quesnoy, Essars, Marais [Festubert], Village Line [Cuinchy], le Touret, Wolfe Road [Givenchy], Pont-Fixe, le Plantin, Ferme du Roi [Bethune], Orchard Redoubt [Givenchy], Vauxhall Bridge [Cuinchy], Berkeley Street [Givenchy], Moated Farm [Givenchy], Mairie Redoubt [Givenchy], Bellerive, Bethune, Braddel Point [Hulluch], Cameron Supporting Point [Givenchy], Brickstacks [Cuinchy], Gorre, Scottish Trench [Givenchy], Sunken Road Trench [Givenchy], Warren [Givenchy], Moat House Farm Redoubt [Givenchy], Ware Road [Givenchy]