Australian Artillery—moving up to the front, through the Hindenburg wire, October 2nd, 1918.
Advance during Battle—Third Division Infantry and Tanks advancing to the capture of Bony, October 1st, 1918.
The following were the complete orders issued by the Australian Army Corps for the Battle of August 8th, 1918. They form only a small part of the whole of the orders which were required for the operation. There were, in addition, detailed orders by the Corps Artillery Headquarters, the Heavy Artillery, the Chief Engineer, and each of the five Divisions and fifteen Brigades, and also by the Administrative Services of the Corps.
On the question of the form of the orders, the most expedient course was found to be the one here adopted—namely, that of issuing a numbered series of Battle Instructions, each dealing comprehensively with a separate subject matter:
Battle Instructions No. 1
1. The Australian Corps will attack the enemy from the Villers-Bretonneux—Chaulnes Railway exclusive to the River Somme, inclusive, at a date and hour to be notified.
The Canadian Corps will co-operate on the right, south of the railway (inclusive), and the Third Corps on the left, north of the Somme.
2. General Method of Attack.—The Australian Corps will attack on a two-division front. The attack will be carried out in three phases. Divisional boundaries and objectives are shown on the attached map.
(i) First Phase.—The 2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions will form up on a taped line prior to ZERO, and will attack with Tanks under a creeping artillery barrage. Their objective is shown by a GREEN line on the attached map.
On arrival at their objective they will consolidate.
(ii) Second Phase.—The 5th and 4th Australian Divisions, organized in brigade groups, will advance in open warfare formations, from the first objective passing through 2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions respectively. Their objective is shown in RED on the map.
(iii) Third Phase.—The 5th and 4th Australian Divisions will exploit their success and seize the old British line of Defences marked BLUE on the map, and establish themselves defensively on this line.
(iv) The 1st Australian Division will be in Corps Reserve.
(v) A detailed programme of the action will be issued.
3. Assembly.—In order to free as many troops from line duty as possible, 2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions will arrange to hold the front with one infantry brigade on each Divisional sector. This will be completed before daybreak on 5th August.
To prevent any troops arriving at their objectives in an exhausted condition through a long march, troops detailed to the farthest objectives must be quartered nearest the starting line prior to ZERO.
The brigades of 2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions not holding the line will be quartered in rear of all brigades of 5th and 4th Australian Divisions respectively prior to ZERO night. This will be completed before daybreak on 5th August.
The allotment of areas for quartering during this stage will be made by mutual arrangement between Divisional Commanders concerned. The allotment of routes and times of movement in accordance with the Corps programme will be arranged similarly.
On ZERO night the brigades of 2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions not in the line will make their approach march to their tape lines through the area occupied by 5th and 4th Australian Divisions respectively.
4. Artillery.
(i) The Artillery available consists of:
18 Field Artillery Brigades.
12 Heavy Artillery Brigades.
(ii) G.O.C., R.A., Aust. Corps, will command all artillery of the Corps during the first phase of the operation.
(iii) For the second phase G.O.C., R.A., Aust. Corps, will allot:
(a) Three Field Artillery Brigades to 5th and 4th Aust. Divisions for distribution to infantry brigade groups. These will include the 5th and 4th Aust. Divisional Artillery respectively.
(b) Three brigades of Field Artillery and one battery of 60-pdr. Heavy Artillery allotted to each of the 5th and 4th Aust. Divisions for employment as may be ordered by the Divisional Commanders.
(c) The remainder of the Field Artillery and the Heavy Artillery to Corps Reserve.
(iv) Heavy Artillery will be pushed forward by G.O.C., R.A., to protect the troops in the second objective.
5. Tanks.—Instructions for the distribution and employment of Tanks will be issued later.
6. Engineers.—Engineers and Pioneers will be distributed for work as follows from midnight on 6th-7th instant:
(i) Corps Pool under Chief Engineer—
1 Field Coy. from 4th Aust. Div.
1 Field Coy. from 5th Aust. Div.
2 Field Coys. from 2nd Aust. Div.
2 Field Coys. from 3rd Aust. Div.
3 Army Troops Coys. Engineers.
5th Aust. Pioneer Bn.
3rd Aust. Pioneer Bn.
(ii) With Divisions:
2nd Aust. Pioneer Bn. will serve 2nd and 3rd Aust. Divisions. 2 Coys. to each.
4th Aust. Pioneer Bn. will serve 4th and 5th Aust. Divisions. 2 Coys. to each.
Divisional Commanders will control:
2nd Aust. Division—1 Field Coy. and 2nd Aust. Pioneer Bn. (less 2 Coys.).
3rd Aust. Division—1 Field Coy. and 2 Coys. 2nd Aust. Pioneer Bn.
4th Aust. Division—2 Field Coys. and 4th Aust. Pioneer Bn. (less 2 Coys.).
5th Aust. Division—2 Field Coys. and 2 Coys. 4th Aust. Pioneer Bn.
Tunnellers will be detailed to each division for dug-out exploration.
Chief Engineer, Aust. Corps, will arrange for the distribution in accordance with this.
Chief Engineer will issue instructions for the withdrawal and storing of demolition charges of bridges for which the Corps is responsible, and for the return of engineer personnel employed on this work to their units.
7. Deputy Director of Medical Services will arrange for the distribution of medical units.
(a) It is of first importance that secrecy should be observed and the operation carried out as a surprise.
Commanders will take all possible steps to prevent the scope or date of the operation becoming known except to those taking part. Any officer, N.C.O., or man discussing the operation in public, or communicating details regarding it to any person, either soldier or civilian, not immediately concerned, will be severely dealt with.
(b) All movement of troops and transport will take place by night, whether in the forward or back areas of the Australian Corps, on and after 1st August, except where absolutely necessary to move by day.
(c) O.C., No. 3 Squadron, A.F.C., will arrange for aeroplanes to fly over the Australian Corps Army area during days when flying is possible, and to report to Corps H.Q. any abnormal movement of troops or transport within our lines.
(d) Work on back lines will be continued as at present, so that there may be no apparent change in our attitude.
(e) Commanders will ensure that the numbers of officers reconnoitring the enemy's positions is limited to those for whom such reconnaissance is essential.
Nothing attracts attention to an offensive more than a large number of officers with maps looking over the parapet and visiting Observation Posts.
Commanding Officers of units holding the front line should report at once to higher authority any disregard of these orders.
1. Communications will be carefully organized to ensure the maintenance of communication throughout the advance and after its conclusion.
2. (i) Headquarters of Divisions will be established as follows:
2nd Australian Division—Glisy.
5th Australian Division—Blangy-Tronville Château. Advanced Headquarters in dug-outs at Railway cutting.
3rd Australian Division—Bussy.
4th Australian Division—Corbie.
(ii) Headquarters of Brigades and battalions will be selected in advance, as far as this can be done, and all concerned will be notified of their proposed locations.
3. Report Centres in advance of the heads of buried cables will be selected in each Divisional Sector and details prepared for the organization of communications back to cable head.
4. The following mounted troops are detailed to Divisions:
To 2nd Australian Division—1 Troop 13th L.H.
3rd Australian Division—1 Troop 13th L.H.
4th Australian Division—2 Troops 13th L.H.
5th Australian Division—2 Troops 13th L.H.
Divisions will inform O.C., 13th Light Horse, as to the time and place at which the Light Horse will report.
The Cyclist Section now with Divisions will remain.
5. The employment of wireless will be exploited to the full.
6. Popham panels will be employed for communication between Infantry and Aeroplanes.
(a) Ammunition will be dumped at or near gun positions as follows:
| 18-pdr. | 600 rounds. |
| 4.5" Howitzer | 500 rounds. |
| 60-pdr. | 400 rounds. |
| 6" guns | 400 rounds. |
| 6" Howitzers | 400 rounds. |
| 8" Howitzers | 400 rounds. |
| 9.2" Howitzers | 400 rounds. |
| 12" Howitzers | 200 rounds. |
Arrangements should be made to commence dumping this ammunition as soon as feasible. Echelons will be kept full.
(b) Boundaries between Corps as regards bombardment and counter-battery work coincide with the boundaries between Corps shown on map issued with Australian Corps "Battle Instructions No. 1," dated 1st August, 1918.
1. Tanks are available as follows:
5th Tank Brigade.
2. Mark V. Tanks are allotted as follows:
13th Battalion (Lieut.-Col. Lyon), less one company, to 3rd Australian Division.
2nd Battalion (Lieut.-Col. Bryce), plus one company 13th Battalion attached, to be employed with the two right Divisions—two companies to be allotted to each Division.
8th Battalion (Lieut.-Col. The Hon. J. D. Y. Bingham) to 4th Australian Division.
One company of the 8th Battalion will be employed in support. It will be specially charged with the function of maintaining the attack at the junction of Divisions throughout the advance as far as the second objective.
Command will be effected through Battalion Commanders in each case except that Lieut.-Col. Bryce will be responsible for command of all Mark V. Tanks allotted to both 2nd and 5th Australian Divisions.
3. After the capture of the first objective, Tanks detailed to 2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions will rally and will be employed to support the advance of the 5th and 4th Australian Divisions respectively.
4. After the capture of the second objective, Tanks will rally. One company will remain in close support in each divisional sector; the remainder will be withdrawn to positions to be arranged between Divisional and Tank Commanders.
5. Mark V. (Star) Tanks are allotted as follows:
1½ companies (18 tanks) to the 5th Australian Division.
1½ companies (18 tanks) to the 4th Australian Division.
These tanks are allotted for the capture of the blue line.
6. Carrying Tanks are allotted as follows:
2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions—3 tanks each.
4th and 5th Australian Divisions—9 tanks each.
7. Orders for forming up and movement to the Start Line will be issued by G.O.C., 5th Tank Brigade.
Battalion Commanders detailed to Divisions will be responsible for all liaison duty in connection with the Tanks.
8. For tactical purposes Tanks will be placed under the command of Infantry Commanders to whose commands they are allotted.
1. Preliminary Movement.
Tanks will be assembled in concealed positions in the forward area under the orders of the 5th Tank Brigade prior to night Y/Z.
2. Advance to Start Line.
On night Y/Z the Tanks allotted to troops attacking the first objective will commence to move forward at 9.30 p.m. to the Tank Start Line. They will move with full engines to a line not nearer to the Tank Start Line than 3,000 yards. From there they will continue the movement forward to the Tank Start Line, moving at a slow rate and as quietly as possible. The Tank Start Line will be approximately 1,000 yards in rear of the Infantry taped line.
Tanks will leave the Tank Start Line at such times as will allow them to catch up to the Infantry as the barrage lifts at zero plus three minutes.
3. Concealment of Engine Noise.
To conceal the noise of the engines during the advance of the Tanks, the 5th Brigade R.A.F. will arrange to have planes flying continuously over the Corps area from 9.30 p.m. until midnight on Y/Z night, and from zero minus one hour onward to zero.
4. Tanks allotted to Second Objective.
The Tanks allotted to the second objective will form up independently under the orders of the 5th Tank Brigade in consultation with G.O.'s C., 4th and 5th Australian Divisions. These Tanks will be formed up when the aeroplanes are in the air during the hours laid down in para. 3.
5. Liaison Company.
The company of the 8th Tank Battalion detailed to act in support, and to ensure liaison in the battle line at the junction of Divisions, will detail a half-company to each wave of Tanks, vide paras. 2 and 4 above.
Divisions will detail special liaison parties of Infantry to work in co-operation with this company.
6. Re-assembly.
As soon as the blue line has been reached, G.O.C. 5th Australian Division will arrange to release the 2nd Tank Battalion, less the attached company. This battalion will then be withdrawn. The remainder of the Tanks, less one company allotted to remain in support of each of the 4th and 5th Australian Divisions, will be withdrawn when ordered by Divisional Commanders, vide Battle Instructions No. 5, para. 4.
7. Smoke Grenades.
Divisions will ensure that a proportion of smoke rifle grenades accompanies each Infantry detachment detailed to the blue line and which accompanies each of the Mark V. (Star) Tanks.
1. Preparation.
Active counter-battery work and harassing fire will be maintained.
Such registration as is necessary will be carried out under cover of this fire. A detailed programme for this will be arranged in each divisional sector.
The necessity for concealing the increase in the number of guns on the front must be borne in mind, and on no account should a large number of guns be employed at any one time. Counter preparation and S.O.S. plans during the period of preparation for the attack will be drawn up accordingly.
Normal fire should, so far as possible, be carried out from positions other than those in which batteries will be emplaced during the battle.
2. Heavy Artillery.
(a) In view of the nature of the enemy's defences, the fire of the majority of the heavy howitzers, employed for purposes other than counter-battery work, will be used during the barrage to engage special strong points or localities.
(b) Throughout the advance beyond the green line enemy centres of resistance will be kept under fire until such time as the progress of the Infantry renders this inadvisable. A map will be issued to show the times at which heavy artillery fire will cease on zones and special localities.
(c) At least two-thirds of the available Heavy Artillery will be employed for counter-battery purposes.
Heavy concentrations of fire will be directed on the different groups of enemy artillery.
3. G.O.C., R.A., will prepare plans for dealing with a heavy development of hostile fire on zero night. He will also prepare a plan to deal with any attempt at a deliberate gas bombardment of the Villers-Bretonneux area on zero night.
1. Capture of First Objective.
(a) Forming-up troops detailed to the capture of the first objective will be deployed on the Forming-up Line one hour before zero hour.
(b) Artillery Programme.
(i) The field artillery 18-pdr. barrage will open at zero 200 yards in advance of the forming-up line. At zero plus three minutes the barrage will commence to advance; lifts will be 100 yards at 2-minute intervals. There will be two lifts at this rate.
The rate will then decrease to lifts of 100 yards every 3 minutes. There will be eight lifts at this rate.
From the eleventh lift inclusive until the green line is reached lifts will be of 100 yards each at 4-minute intervals.
(ii) The 4.5" Howitzer barrage will move 200 yards in advance of the 18-pdr. barrage.
(iii) A protective barrage will be maintained in front of the green line until zero plus four hours. During this period approximately fifty per cent. (50%) of the guns remaining in the barrage will be employed in a protective line barrage; the remainder will be employed to search and sweep deeply into the enemy's position. At zero plus four hours all barrage fire will cease.
Barrage Maps will be issued later.
2. Capture of Second and Third Objectives.
(a) Assembly.—5th and 4th Australian Divisions will select and mark positions for the assembly of their troops.
These areas will be selected in liaison with Tank Commanders and with the 2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions respectively, to prevent movement to them clashing with the approach march of these divisions and that of the Tanks.
This requires careful co-ordination between each pair of Divisions and Tank Commanders.
(b) Command.—At zero plus four hours, responsibility for the battle front will pass to G.O.C., 5th Australian Division, in the right sector, and to G.O.C., 4th Australian Division, in the left sector.
(c) The Advance.—5th and 4th Australian Divisions will time their advance so that the leading troops cross the first objective (green line) at zero plus four hours.
(d) From zero plus four hours the advance will be continued under the conditions of open warfare.
1. A map is forwarded herewith showing the organization of the road system in the captured territory.
2. The Chief Engineer will issue the necessary instructions for the preparation of these roads for traffic.
3. All light traffic which is capable of moving across country will do so and will avoid main roads.
4. Mule tracks will be a divisional responsibility.
5. Artillery advancing with the 5th and 4th Australian Divisions will carry forward a proportion of bridges. Arrangements should be made as soon as possible for the development of tracks, making use of the routes taken by the artillery over these bridges.
6. The Amiens—Longueau—Villers-Bretonneux main road, as far east as the cross roads in N.26.c., will be reserved for the exclusive use of the Cavalry Corps from 9.30 p.m. on Y/Z night until 8 a.m. on Z day. After 8 a.m. on Z day it will be available for the Australian and Cavalry Corps.
Assistant Provost Marshal, Australian Corps, will arrange for the control of the traffic on this road throughout.
Chief Engineer, Australian Corps, will prepare short avoiding roads at the cross roads at N.26.c. to cross the north-east or south-west corner to avoid congestion at this spot.
1. Light Signals.
(a) Australian Corps.
The following Light Signals will be employed in the Australian Corps:
S.O.S. Signal, No. 32 grenade—showing green over green over green. Allotment 500 per Division.
Success Signal, No. 32 grenade—showing white over white over white. Allotment 600 per Division.
A small reserve of each of these grenades is held at Corps Headquarters.
No other Light Signals will be laid down by Corps. There is no objection to the use within Divisions of a Very Light for the local indication of targets between Infantry and Tanks.
(b) Other Formations.
Light Signals of other formations are as follows:
Formation. Signal. Meaning. (i) Cavalry Corps. White star turning "Advanced troops to red on a parachute of Cavalry are fired from here." 1½" Very pistol. (ii) Third Corps. No. 32 grenade, "S.O.S." green over green over green. No. 32 grenade, "Success signal, white over white i.e., we have over white. reached objective." One white Very "Barrage is about light. to lift." (iii) Canadian Corps No. 32 grenade, "S.O.S." will also red over red mean (a) "We are over red. held up and cannot advance without help." (b) "Enemy is counter-attacking." No. 32 grenade, "(a) Lift your fire. green over green We are going to over green. advance. (b) Stop firing." Three white Very "We have reached lights in quick this point." succession. Remark.—In the case of (a) a smoke rocket (No. 27 grenade) will also be fired in the direction of the obstruction to indicate its position.
(c) Special care must be taken by the Artillery on the right flank of the Corps that all officers and N.C.O.'s are acquainted with these signals, so that no mistake may arise as regards the difference in the S.O.S. Signals of the Australian and Canadian Corps.
2. Message-carrying Rockets.
Allotment of Message-carrying Rockets is 80 per Division.
3. Smoke.
(a) Artillery smoke will be as follows:
(i) 3 rounds per gun will be fired during the first three minutes of the artillery barrage.
(ii) 3 rounds per gun will be fired in quick succession on the arrival of the field artillery barrage at the artillery halt line covering the first objective.
(iii) In the event of wet weather a small proportion of smoke will be used in the barrage to replace the smoke and dust caused by the burst of the shells in dry weather. This will not be sufficient to confuse the effect with that of the smoke shells prescribed in paragraph 3 (a) (i) and (ii).
(b) Screening beyond the First Objective.
15th Wing, Royal Air Force, will arrange to screen the advance of the Tanks and Infantry from special localities in advance of their first objective by dropping phosphorus bombs.
Divisions and G.O.C., 5th Tank Brigade, will inform Australian Corps Headquarters as early as possible of the localities which they desire screened.
A map will be issued showing times at which it is anticipated that the Infantry will make good certain zones. Phosphorus bombs will not be dropped within these zones at any time after it is anticipated that the Infantry will have occupied them.
1. Battalion Intelligence Police.
One German speaker and two searchers will be allotted to each battalion for use as follows:
(a) German Speaker.
(i) To secure immediate identifications quickly, so that identifications will reach Corps Headquarters as speedily as possible of enemy units on the battle front.
(ii) To secure immediate information required by the Battalion Commander as regards enemy dispositions, assembly positions, orders for counter-attack, etc.
(iii) To be in charge of the two searchers and separate important documents, orders, maps, etc., translate and convey information of moment to the immediate Commander.
(b) Two Searchers.
The two searchers under the German speaker systematically search the battlefield, enemy positions, suspected headquarters, dead, etc., for papers, documents, maps, etc., have them packed in sandbags, and sent through the usual channels to the Corps Cage as quickly as possible.
This personnel should carry torches and, besides rifles or revolvers, bombs are recommended as being useful for dealing with any of the enemy who may be found in dug-outs.
2. Divisional Intelligence Officers.
Divisional Intelligence Officers will go forward to an Advanced Divisional Collecting Cage, with a view to obtaining, as soon as possible, information of immediate tactical importance.
The Cage will be connected by telephone to Divisional H.Q., and important information obtained should be transmitted as quickly as possible to Divisional and Brigade H.Q.
The main points on which immediate information is required from prisoners are: The Order of Battle, Units seen, Distribution of the Enemy's Forces, Method of holding the Line, Assembly Positions, Counter-attack Orders and Intentions.
This information will be wired to their respective Divisional Headquarters and repeated to Corps Headquarters and Corps Cage by Divisional Intelligence Officers.
Divisional Intelligence Officers will not detain prisoners longer than is necessary to obtain this tactical information of immediate importance.
In case a large number of prisoners are captured, they will detain only one or two from each regiment, and will not delay the passage of the remainder to the Corps Cage.
Any further information required from prisoners by Divisions or lower formations can always be obtained by telephone from the Corps Cage.
3. Searching of Prisoners.
(a) Officers and N.C.O.'s.
Officers and N.C.O.'s will be searched as soon as possible after capture by a responsible officer or N.C.O., and all documents taken from them sent back with them (in sacks, labelled by regiments, if a number are captured) to the Divisional Intelligence Officer, at such place as this officer has prearranged.
It is left to the discretion of Divisional Intelligence Officers as to what documents, maps, etc., taken from prisoners they hold back for the information of Brigade and Divisional Commanders. When this is done, Corps "I" will be informed by wire, priority if necessary, of the nature of the documents, etc., held back, and of any points of immediate tactical importance they may contain.
As soon as possible after information has been extracted from them, the documents will be forwarded on to the Corps Cage. Arrangements can be made by Corps, if notified that documents are ready to be sent on, to fetch them by motorcyclist or cycle.
(b) Other Ranks.
Prisoners other than officers and N.C.O.'s will be searched on their arrival at the Corps Cage. Their papers, etc., will be taken from them and put into sacks labelled according to regiments.
(c) All ranks should understand that a prisoner's pay-book, identity disc, and personal belongings should not be taken from him. Escorts and guards will be warned to take special precautions to prevent prisoners from destroying papers.
4. Separation of Officers, N.C.O.'s and Men.
Care will be taken that officers, N.C.O.'s and privates are all separated from one another at once, and are not allowed to communicate with one another. Prisoners who have been interrogated should not be allowed to mix with those who have not yet been interrogated.
5. Notification of Locality of Capture.
It is essential that, when prisoners are sent back, information be sent with them which will show where they were captured. Information as to the battalion which made the capture is a useful indication.
6. Authorized Persons only to converse with Prisoners.
It is most important that no officer or N.C.O., except those duly authorized, be allowed to interrogate or converse with prisoners.
7. Prisoners of War Cage.
The Advanced Corps Cage will be situated at Vecquemont, N.11.b.8.7. and the Rear Corps Cage at N.2.c.3.7.
Intelligence Officers and personnel will be stationed here, and will carry out a more detailed interrogation and sort out captured documents.
The Advanced Corps Cage will be connected by telephone to Corps H.Q.
8. Prisoners.
The following procedure will be adopted for the disposal of prisoners:
After capture they will be escorted to the Advanced Divisional Collecting Cage, for examination by the Divisional Intelligence Officer, who, after he has finished with them, will send them back to the Advanced Corps Cage.
The sending back of prisoners should be carried out as quickly as possible, and several escorts should be arranged for them to be passed back without any unusual delay. Instructions should be issued to ensure that too many men are not employed on escort duty.
In the forward area directing notices should be placed to show the route to be taken to the Advanced Divisional Collecting Cage.
Traffic control personnel should be conversant with the method of disposing of prisoners.
9. Identifications.
The importance of passing on all identifications as speedily as possible to Corps "I" cannot be too strongly impressed on all concerned. It is essential that special efforts be made to wire at once, as soon as identifications are made and the locality in which obtained.
10. Maps and Photographs.
The following maps are being issued:
(i) A large issue of 1/20,000 No. 62.D. South-East regular series for distribution to all officers.
(ii) 1/20,000 Map Message Form, for distribution down to N.C.O.'s.
(iii) A small issue of 1/10,000 Maps of forward area only.
(iv) 1/20,000 Barrage Map, for distribution down to Company Commanders.
(v) 1/40,000 Organization Map, together with notes on the enemy.
The following special photographs are being issued:
(a) A Mosaic of each Divisional front, squared and contoured and freely annotated, for distribution down to N.C.O.'s.
(b) Oblique Photographs of each Divisional front, for distribution to all officers.
1. Contact Aeroplanes.
(i) Indication of position by flares.
(a) Red ground flares will be used to indicate the infantry positions to contact aeroplanes. They will be lit by infantry in the most advanced line only.
(b) A contact aeroplane will fly along the line of the first objective at zero plus 2 hours 30 minutes. Flares will be called for by the aeroplane sounding a succession of "A's" on the Klaxon horn and by firing a white Very Light. If the aeroplane fails to mark the line accurately, it will repeat its call ten minutes later.
Should the infantry not have reached the line of the objective at the time laid down above, the contact aeroplane will return at half-hour intervals until flares are shown.
(c) A contact aeroplane will fly along the line of the second objective at zero plus 6 hours 30 minutes. It will call for flares, and the same procedure will be followed on this objective as on the first objective until the flares are seen.
(d) A contact aeroplane will fly over third objective at zero plus 7 hours, when the procedure laid down for the first objective will be observed until the flares are shown.
(e) Divisions will organize message-dropping stations in the vicinity of their Headquarters.
(ii) Other means of identifying the position of the Infantry.
(a) Rifles.—Three or four rifles laid parallel across the top of the trench.
(b) Metal Discs.—Metal discs will be used as reflectors by flashing in the sun. This method has been successful even on days which have not been particularly bright.
The disc is most easily carried sewn to the Small Box Respirator, and can be used in this way without inconvenience.
2. Counter-attack Planes.
(a) From zero hour counter-attack planes will be constantly in the air, with the object of observing hostile concentrations or abnormal movement.
(b) In the event of an enemy concentration indicating a counter-attack, the counter-attack aeroplane will signal this information to the Artillery by wireless. In the case of a counter-attack actually developing a white parachute flare will be fired by the aeroplane in the direction of the troops moving for the impending counter-attack, for the information of the Infantry.
3. Ammunition-carrying Aeroplanes.
(a) Aeroplanes will be detailed to transport ammunition from zero plus 2 hours 30 minutes.
(b) Vickers guns will display a white "V" at the point where ammunition is to be dropped. The arms of the "V" to be 6 feet in length and 1 foot in width. The apex of the "V" to point towards the enemy.
(c) Ammunition aeroplanes will have the under-side of the lower planes painted black for a distance of 2½ feet from the tips.
1. Divisions allotted to First Objective.
(a) Consolidation.—As soon as the first objective has been captured troops will dig in.
(b) Troops holding present front line.—The brigades of 2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions holding the line on the night prior to zero will remain in their battle positions until all troops detailed to the attack have passed through. They will then be organized and prepared to move to meet any emergency.
2nd Australian Division will be prepared to detach its brigade to act in support of 5th Australian Division, and 3rd Australian Division to detach its brigade in support of 4th Australian Division.
(c) Reorganization of Troops on First Objective.—As soon as the whole of the troops detailed to the capture of second (red line) and third (blue line) objectives have passed through the line of the first objective, 2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions will organize the defence of their sectors on the first objective in depth in each brigade sub-sector. Units will be reorganized, and those not detailed to the defence of the line will be withdrawn into support and held in readiness for eventualities. At least one battalion in each brigade sub-sector should be withdrawn in this way.
2. Second Objective.
Consolidation.—As soon as the second objective (the red line) has been captured, the position will be thoroughly consolidated. Arrangements will be made to ensure a supply of engineering material for this.
3. Main Line of Resistance.
(a) When the third objective (the blue line) is attained, it will be organized and consolidated as the main line of resistance.
(b) If the enemy is able to develop an immediate counter-attack, or if he has a definite plan, and the troops available in close reserve for the defence of the blue line, it may not be possible to reach the third objective. In this case the second objective (red line) will become the main line of resistance, and will be consolidated and organized in depth accordingly.
(c) Definite plans will be prepared to deal with either case. The Corps must be prepared, as early as possible, to fight a stiff defensive battle on the main line of resistance.
1. The 5th Australian Division will move into its assembly area by Brigade Groups as follows:
"A" Brigade Group on the night 4th-5th August from Montières to Camon and Rivery area. Quarters have been arranged for one brigade, less one battalion. Shelters will be drawn from Area Commandant, Camon, for this battalion.
"B" Brigade Group from Allonville area to forward area.
"C" Brigade Group from Vaux area to Allonville area.
2. For the purposes of staging, Poulainville will be included as one of the battalion areas of the Allonville brigade area.
The camp in Bois de Mai has been allotted for the use of the 5th Division nucleus.
It is left to the discretion of the G.O.C., 5th Australian Division, as to whether the Battalion at Poulainville moves on the night of 4th August.
3. On the night 5th-6th August the 5th Australian Division will continue its move into its allotted assembly grounds in the forward area.
4. Rear parties are to be left in charge of all camps until handed over to the Area Commandant.