April 1st 1917

REFERENCE- Attached Maps: -
(a) Objectives.
(b) Company dispositions by Platoons
(c) Barrages
(d) Minor objectives in detail

1.     INTENTION- THE LONDON IRISH will carry out a minor operation against the German Salient in I.34.b. and d.

2.     OBJECTS  (a)  To kill or capture as many Germans as possible.
                         (b)  To capture or destroy war material
                         (c)  To destroy Machine Gun and Trench Mortar emplacements and dugouts.

3.     OBJECTIVES As shown in Map (a)

4.     INFORMATION The objective contains a Front Line, an intermediate Line and a strong Support Line. The Front Line was reported on 20th February to consist of a breastwork with frequent traverses but a weak and very broken paradox. The Intermediate Line was little used at that time and nearly ruinous, but since then a good deal of work has been noticed in progress on it. The Support Line was strong and probably has been thoroughly restored.

No Mans Land is irregular in width varying from a possible 100 yards to a minimum of 35. It slopes uniformly upwards towards the German Lines. The soil is light and dries quickly. There is a double crater opposite the top of LOVERS LANE which touches both British and German Front Lines.

The enemy's wire is fairly thick on the Front Line (but very close to the parapet) weak on the Intermediate Line - and strong on the Support Lines.

The whole area of the Operation is under observation from HILL 60, THE CATERPILLAR and the CANAL BANKS.

Emplacements for Machine Guns and Trench Mortars also dugouts are believed to be sited as shown on the attached map.

Dummy raids will be carried out at ST. ELOI and on the HILL 60 Sub-sector.

A Mine will be exploded on the HILL 60 sector at ZERO - 5 minutes.

THE ROYAL FLYING CORPS will co-operate by low-flying, dropping lights etc.

5.    DETAIL OF         4 Companies - THE LONDON IRISH
      ASSAULTING      6 Lewis Guns - THE LONDON IRISH
      TROOPS             1 Officer and 10 other ranks - 517th Company ROYAL ENGINEERS

6.    TRENCH              Capt A TOTTON will be in general charge of the Front Line during the Operation, assisted by
    GARRISON            2/Lieut. J F BURKE, who will be in command from HEDGEROW to THE RAVINE (inclusive)
                                  8 Lewis Guns 8 Groups of 4 men each to be detailed later
                                  Garrison as per margin

7.    ASSEMBLY           A., B., and C., Companies in the Line as follows:-
                                  
                                  C. Company - HEDGEROW to RAVINE
                                  D. Company - RAT ALLEY to 30 yards North of THORNE STREET
                                  A. Company - 30 yards North of THORNE STREET to 60 yards left of POINT SALIENT.
                                  B. Company - will assemble behind the …. of D., and A., Companies

                                  LEWIS GUNS
                                  Nos 9 & 11 - With C. Company
                                  Nos 5 & 6 - With B, Company
                                  Nos 2 & 3 - With A. Company

                                  1 Extra Lewis Gunner will be detailed from the Teams left to garrison the line to carry extra magazines for each of the above.

                                  Detachment Royal Engineers
                                  2 Sappers will be attached to each Company, the remainder will act under the R E Officer attached.
                                  One specially trained rifleman will be attached to each Sapper and act under his orders.

8.    DATE, ZERO HOUR & PASS WORD     Will be notified later.

9.    THE ASSAULT (a) before ZERO
The assaulting troops will move in small bodies to the Front Line. This will commence at ZERO - 2 ½ hours and completed by ZERO - 30 minutes. The normal Front Line garrison will be doubled during the night previous to the operation.

A hot meal will be arranged for ZERO - 3 hours and a tot of rum and a biscuit will be served out to each man at ZERO - 2 hours.

Every effort will be made to preserve the normal appearance of the line, during the time of assembly.

                                 (b) after ZERO

The attack will be carried out in 4 waves :-

1st Wave - Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14, 1 & 2 Platoons.
2nd Wave - Nos. 15 & 16 Platoons.
3rd Wave - Nos. 9, 10, 5, 6, 4 & 3 Platoons
4th Wave - Nos. 7 & 8 Platoons

LEWIS GUNS will move as follows :-

Nos. 2 & 11 Guns follow 1st Wave. The remainder follow 3rd Wave.

The advance will be made as follows :-

AT ZERO + 2 minutes 20 seconds the troops of the 1st wave occupying the re-entrants of the Front Line will leave the parapet and get into line.

AT ZERO + 3 minutes. The first wave will advance. The 2nd wave will follow the first as closely as possible. The remaining waves will conform and follow at distances of 75 yards.

The R E detachment will act under the orders of the Officers Commanding Companies to which they are attached.

BOMBING GROUPS - composition as per margin will block all trenches to the flanks and front of the area of the operation.
1 NCO
2 Bayonet men who will also act as Covering Party
1 Thrower
1 Carrier
1 Rifle Grenadier
2 Reserve Men
Total 8

10.    "MOPPERS UP" 1 N.C.0. and 10 men will be detailed in each platoon to act as "Moppers Up". It must be clearly understood that these parties are responsible for the clearing of dugouts and the collection and destruction of material while the remainder of the platoon acts as garrison of the captured trenches. They must also fully realize that the enemy must be allowed to surrender as the success of the operation will be judged by the number of prisoners taken.

11.    DISTINGUISHING MARKS - Will be worn by all Ranks as follows both on back and chest :-
1st Wave - White Circle
2nd Wave - White Triangle
3rd Wave - White Cross
4th Wave - White Square.

12.    CASUALTIES  It must be clearly understood by all ranks that no man must check his advance to give assistance to wounded men. The Stretcher Bearers only will collect and attend to these until the withdrawal is commenced when every effort will be made by all ranks to bring wounded and dead back, using scaling ladders and traversor mats for this purpose.

13.    WITHDRAWAL  The advanced troops will commence to return at ZERO + 40 minutes and the German Support Line will be cleared by ZERO + 45 minutes. The intermediate Line will then be evacuated and at ZERO + 60 minutes the withdrawal will be complete.

The word "RETIRE" must on no account be used. All Ranks must be warned that the use of this word is a frequent German ruse and any man using it will be treated as an enemy.
Rockets (colours to be notified later) will be sent up from STRONG POINT 8 at intervals of 1 minute from ZERO + 40 minutes.
All movements will be by time - but French Horns will be carried by all Officers of B. Company which will be used as an additional signal.
On withdrawal Companies will resume their morning dispositions, a roll call by platoons will at once be carried out, and reports furnished to Battalion Headquarters as soon as possible.

14.    WIRE   2/Lieut T.I.JONES will be responsible that sufficient gaps are cut in our own wire. These will be made diagonally and so arranged that the enemy do not detect them.
The same Officer will also be responsible for marking and preparing sortie points in our own parapet.
In case the enemy's wire is not sufficiently cut by bombardment 3 traversor mats per platoon will be carried.

15.    CONTROL POSTS One man will be posted at each of the following points :-
Top and Bottom - PETTICOAT LANE
Top and Bottom - DEANS GATE
Top and Bottom - LOVERS LANE
Top of - RAT ALLEY
Junction of - RAT ALLEY & RESERVE
These will be under the orders of the Provost Sergeant.

16.    DETAIL OF OFFICERS

Battalion Headquarters COMMANDING OFFICER, ADJUTANT
Trench Garrison CAPT. A. TOTTON, 2/LIEUT. J.F. BURKE.
In charge of Operations CAPT. C.P. WATSON assisted by 2/Lieut. T.I. JONES

Supervision of Advance Communications, 2/Lt. R.A. MALLET
Prisoners collecting Post - 2/Lt. P.F. KEANE

CAPT. C.P. WATSON will establish his Headquarters by the POWER BUZZER STATION (See Schedule B. Communications).

17.    MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS The 4th LONDON FIELD AMBULANCE will be responsible for all arrangements behind the Front Line system and will establish an advanced Dressing Station in the present Regimental Aid Post SUNKEN ROAD.

The 32 Battalion Stretcher Bearers now under training will collect wounded from No Mans Land and the German Trenches. 32 Bearers detailed from other units who clear our own Front Line system. Capt. A.S. HEBBLETHWAITE R.A.M.C. will be in general charge and will establish his Headquarters in the British Front Line.

For details of other arrangements see schedule A.

18.    DRESS
(a) OFFICERS
Service dress with trousers and puttees, web equipment.
Rifle and Bayonet and 20 rounds S.A.A.
2 Bombs in breast pocket of tunic
Box respirator

(b) OTHER RANKS
Skeleton Drill Order.
Rifle and bayonet.
Box Respirator at the alert position.
S.A.A. - 110 rounds in pouches and 10 in magazine.
2 Mills Bombs in breast pockets.

(c) BOMBERS AND RESERVE MEN
No equipment.
Box Respirator in alert position.
50 rounds S.A.A. in bandolier.
Rifle and bayonet, No sandbag
16 Mills hand Grenades in bomb buckets
Entrenching Tool.

(d) RIFLE GRENADIERS
As in (b) except blank ammunition in pockets
50 rounds S.A.A. in canvas bandolier
No Sandbag
16 Rifle Grenades in buckets.
Entrenching tool.

(e) LEWIS GUN TEAMS
As in (b) with the exception of the Sandbag.
All will be armed with revolvers and will not carry rifles, but will carry entrenching tools.

(f) RUNNERS
Rifle, bayonet and 50 rounds S.A.A. in canvas Bandolier.
Box respirator in the alert position.

Assaulting troops will move to THE RAVINE sub-sector without Caps, Greatcoats or packs. All will wear leather jerkins and carry waterproof sheets strapped to the waist belt.

19.    LETTERS PAPERS, MAPS, IDENTITY DISCS ETC.  Will not be carried but left in haversacks in the Trenches. Each man will write his name and number on a piece of paper and carry it in his right breast pocket otherwise no printed or written matter will be carried. No regimental buttons or badges of any sort will be worn.

20.    EXTRA EQUIPMENT  Will be carried as follows :-
Wire Cutters, Turnover - - - 90 per Company
Wire Cutters, Hand - - - 12 per Company
Rope 15' lengths - - - 8 per Company
Torches, electric - - - 16 per Company
Traversor Mats - - - 12 per Company
Axes, Small Hand - - - 3 to each "Mopping Up" Party
Scaling Ladders - - - 16 B. Company
Scaling Ladders - - - 8 A. Company
Scaling Ladders - - - 8 D. Company
Scaling Ladders - - - 5 C. Company
Tear Bombs M.S.K. - - - 25 per Company
P. Bombs - - - 32 per Company
(Carried by "mopping Up" parties)

Explosives will be carried by R.E. Detachment

The Traversor Mats and ladders will be placed in the Front Line the night preceding the operation and great care must be taken that the enemy do not detect them.

21.    PRISONERS.  A collecting post for prisoners will be arranged in the CORD LANE Dugouts.

2/Lieut. P.E. KEANE will be responsible for sending prisoners on under escort to STRONG POINT 8 and will arrange to have each one searched and all arms and ammunition taken from them. Personal belongings, money, clothing or equipment will on no account be touched. All slightly wounded men will be used as escort for prisoners both from the area of operation to this point and from it to STRONG POINT 8.

2/Lieut. P.F. KEANE will report to Battn. Headquarters by Runner as to numbers. The Battalion Sergeant-Major will assist 2/Lieut P.F.KEANE in these duties and will also supervise the Captured Material Dump.

22.    CAPTURED MATERIAL.   Will be brought back from the German Lines during the withdrawal. All Maps, documents and letters found in dugouts must be placed in sandbags and sent as soon as possible to 2/Lieut. P.F. KEANE at CORD LANE dugouts. Other Material will be handed over to Battalion Sergeant-Major at the same place.

23.    COMMUNICATIONS. See Schedule B. 1 Battalion Observer will be attached to each Company Commander and 2 to Capt. C.P. WATSON to act as Runners.

24.    SYNCHRONISATION OF WATCHES Orders will be issued later.

25.    BOMB DUMPS..     Will be established during the night previous to the operation in our Front Line as follows :-
Top of - PETTICOAT LANE
Top of - DEANS GATE
50 Yards - RIGHT OF LOVERS LANE

12 men from each Company will each carry a bucket containing 12 No. 5 Mills Bombs and 4 No. 23 Mills. - and with these will establish dumps in the German Front Line at points marked X in Map (d)

26.    HAVERSACKS, MESS TINS, WATERBOTTLES & ENTRENCHING TOOLS.  Will be left by the Front Line Garrison in Shelters, by the remainder of the assaulting party in their normal positions. They will be packed into sacks by platoons and labelled.

Company Commanders will arrange to have 4 full water tins available for their Companies on returning from the operation.

27.    ARTILLERY ETC. Arrangements will be communicated separately.

28.    INTERPRETERS. 6753 Rfn. J. M. GOLDBERG attached to 2/Lieut. P.F. KEANE.

29.    BATTALION HEADQUARTERS.  Will be in the present Commanding Officer's dug out by the bottom of PETTICOAT LANE.

Capt. A. TOTTON will establish an advanced Headquarters at the advanced Report Centre and will be generally responsible for the communications and reports between the area of operations and Battalion Headquarters

Sgd W.R. STRACHAN
Lieut. & Adjt.
1/18th Battn. London Regt.
1st LONDON IRISH RIFLES

Issued as under :-

Copy No.
1. Commanding Officer
2. Second-in-Command
3. O/C. A. Company
4. O/C. B. Company
5. O/C. C. Company
6. O/C. D. Company
7. Lewis Gun Officer
8. Bombing Officer
9. Signalling Officer
10. O/C. Detachment R.E.
11. Brigade Headquarters
12. Brigade Headquarters
13. O/C. Right Flank Battalion
14. O/C. Left Flank Battalion
15. O/C. Strong Points 7 & 8
16. Senior Artillery Liaison Officer
17. O/C. Right Artillery Group
18. War Diary
19. Retained
20. Retained

SCHEDULE A

DETAIL OF MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS

1.    PERSONNEL Medical officer, 1/18th Battn., London Regt., 1 Corporal, 1 runner, 32 Stretcher Bearers of 1/18th Battn. London Regt.
32 Extra Stretcher Bearers to be detailed later from other units.
THE 4th LONDON FIELD AMBULANCE will establish an advanced Dressing Station at the Battalion AID post in the SUNKEN ROAD.

2.    OBJECTIVES (a) To evacuate wounded from our Front Line and Communication trenches to AID POST in SUNKEN ROAD.

(b) To evacuate wounded from area between our Front Line and German front Line - and from German Trench System.

For objective (a) the 32 extra Stretcher Bearers will be detailed For objective (b) the Medical Officer 1/18th Battn., London Regt., 1 Corporal, 1 Runner and 32 Stretcher Bearers of the 1/18th Battn., London Regt., will be detailed.

3.    DISPOSITION FOR OBJECTIVE (a)
There will be two relays of Stretcher Bearers arranged as follows :-
A. 1 Party of 4 stretcher bearers in front line at head of PETTICOAT LANE
B. 1 party of 4 Stretcher Bearers in Front Line at head of THORNE STREET.
C. 1 Party of Stretcher Bearers in Front Line at head of DEANS GATE.
D. 1 Party of 4 Stretcher Bearers in Front Line at head of LOVERS LANE.

Each Party will have 2 Stretchers. This is 1st relay of 16 men.
A. 1 Party of Stretcher Bearers at junction PETTICOAT LANE - RESERVE TRENCH
B. 1 Party of 4 Stretcher Bearers at junction THORNE STREET - CORD LANE.
C. 1 Party of 4 Stretcher Bearers at junction DEANS GATE - CORD LANE.
D. 1 Party of 4 Stretcher Bearers at junction LOVERS LANE - CORD LANE.

Each Party will have 2 Stretchers. This is 2nd relay of 16 men.

ACTION 1st Relay will exchange an empty stretcher for a loaded stretcher at Front Line and carry it to 2nd relay.

2nd Relay will exchange an empty stretcher for a loaded stretcher and carry it to the AID POST at SUNKEN ROAD - returning to posts with an empty stretcher. There will be a store of 4 stretchers in the Front Line with each of the relay squads.

FOR OBJECTIVE (b)
32 Stretcher Bearers divided into 8 groups of 4 men per stretcher.

AT ZERO. Stationed in SUPPORT TRENCH.

ACTION. The Medical Officer 1/18th Battn., London Regt., 1 Corporal, and 1 Runner x above 8 groups will follow the last wave of the attacjk into No Mans Land collect wounded and carry them to our Front Line - exchanging them with 1st Relay for an empty Stretcher. When this area is cleared they will proceed to clear German Front Line and Trench system of wounded.

These Bearers will be the last to leave the German Trenches at end of Raid to ensure no wounded being left behind. No treatment except shell dressing will be attempted. No splints applied - a bandage will be used for a tourniquet. Each bearer will carry 5 shell dressings.

(Sgd) A. STUART HEBBLETHWAITE
Capt R.A.M.C., T
Medical Officer
1/18th Battn., London Regt.

SHEDULE B

COMMUNICATIONS

1. Communications will be maintained between the German Front Line and Battalion Headquarters via an Advanced Report Centre by two D.III telephone sets and direct from German Front line to Battalion Headquarters by Power Buzzer.

2. The Report Centre will be situated in the left Company Headquarters in PETTICOAT LANE. An alternative Report Centre will be prepared in the Company Headquarters lower down PETTICOAT LANE.

3.  On the morning before the raid metallic circuits of D.V. cable will be laid as follows and stapled down to the side of the trench 6 inches from the ground.

   1. REPORT CENTRE to Front Line at I.34.b.60.34 via PETTICOAT LANE.
   2. REPORT CENTRE to Front Line at I.34.d.21.92 via PETTICOAT LANE, RESERVE TRENCH, RAT ALLEY and FRONT LINE.
   3. Armoured "quad" from REPORT CENTRE to BATTALION HEADQUARTERS.
   4. D.V. pair from E.S.43 office to Battalion Headquarters. This line will run direct from Commanding Officer to General Officer Commanding.
   5. D.V. pair from E.S.43 (exchange) to Battalion Headquarters. This line will be the working line to BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS and will have a No. 2 telephone and D.III in Battalion Headquarters.

4.  Two parties consisting of 1 N.C.O. and 4 men will leave the BRITISH FRONT LINE at I.34.b.60.34 and I.34.d.21.92 in rear of the last wave of assaulting troops each carrying a D.III instrument and laying a double line of D.II cable. They will establish stations outside the German Front Line at I.34.b.60.20 and I.34.d.38.72. Each Party will carry sufficient cable for 4 spare lines and on their lines being cut will at once run a new pair across NO MANS LAND.

5.  A Party consisting of 1 N.C.O. and 3 men will leave the BRITISH FRONT LINE at I.34.b.28.10 and establish a POWER BUZZER Station just outside the German Front Line at I.34.b.43.07. An Amplifier will be placed in the dugout at I.34.b.10.90 (approximately)

6.  The REPORT CENTRE in PETTICOAT LANE will be manned by 1 Sergeant, 3 Operators, 1 Lance Corporal and 4 Linesmen and 4 reserves to act as runners if necessary.

7.  All communications by telephone will be SPOKEN to avoid jamming the Power Buzzer Signals. All signals will be in attached code except where no code exists for the desired message.

8.  Communications will be maintained between Signal Headquarters by 4 reserve Signallers and two Battalion Runners - the party acting under the direction of L/Cpl. E. J. Oldfield. Two Battalion Runners will also work between the Power Buzzer dugout and Battalion Headquarters.

9.  Communication in advance of the German Front Line will be by runner solely. One Battalion Observer will be allotted to each Company Commanded and two to the Officer directing operations.

10.  Company Commanders will carry flags as follows :-
A. Company - GREEN
B. Company - RED
C. Company - YELLOW
D. Company - BLUE

These will be put up and kept flying as soon as Companies have gained their objectives.
All signals will report instantly these are shown.

11.  Three Battalion Observers will man two Observation Posts
(a) At the EIFFEL TOWER
(b) At the junction of 32 SUPPORT and THE RAVINE
and will report progress by runner at intervals of 5 minutes direct to Battalion Headquarters.

12.  Company Commanders will establish Headquarters at convenient spots in the centre of the main objective of their Companies where all reports will reach them. Should they find it necessary to leave these Headquarters a responsible Officer must replace them.

13.  It must be impressed upon all leaders that reports must reach Battalion headquarters continuously throughout the operation and that the maintenance of communication is vital.

SCHEDULE C

DISPOSITIONS PRIOR TO THE ASSEMBLY

On taking over THE RAVINE Sub-Sector the Battalion will be disposed as follows :-

A. Company
1 Platoon left of THE SNOUT.
1 Platoon WINDY CORNER to top of THORNE STREET
1 Platoon WOOLEY WALK
1 Platoon RESERVE TRENCH

B. Company
(Reserve) CORD LANE DUGOUTS

D. Company
2 Platoons Front Line THORNE STREET to RAVINE
1 Platoon SUPPORT

C. Company
2 Platoons FRONT LINE
1 Platoon SUPPORT
1 Platoon RESERVE

Lewis Guns
2 Guns - C. Company - Front Line
2 Guns - D. Company - Front Line
2 Guns - A. Company - Front Line
2 Guns - Support Line - (WOOLEY WALK)

The 6 Guns detailed for the Operation - RESERVE TRENCH

Headquarters - Normal dispositions

R.E. Detachment - With attached riflemen - RAVINE TUNNELS

SECRET

(1) Zero is 8 P.M.
(2) Please inform Tunnelers
(3) Clear Trenches at 7.30 PM
(4) Keep Lewis Gun posts in front line
(5) Reoccupy line as soon as possible after completion of operations - which should be 9PM
(6) Inform this office when normal positions have been resumed.
Acknowledge.
6th April 1917

SECRET
Copy No. 4

140th INFANTRY BRIGADE ORDER No. 152.

Reference:- ZILLEBEKE, 1/10,000.

1. 18th Bn. London Regt. Will carry out a Raid in Left Section CANAL Sub-Sector on night of 7/8th. April.

2. (a) 8th. Battalion will be relieved in Left Section by 18th Battalion on night of 6/7th April
(b) Details will be arranged between Officers Commanding concerned.
(c) On relief, 8th Battalion will move to HALIFAX CAMP.

3. On night of 7/8th April
(a) 15th Battalion will relieve 18th Battalion in Left Section. No guides will be provided by 18th Battalion. Officer commanding 15th Battalion will have the line reconnoitred by Platoon Commanders during 7th April so that Troops can move direct to their position in the Line.
(b) 8th Battalion will move into Support at SWAN CHATEAU as soon as 15th Battalion move forward.
(c) Above moves will take place on receipt of message "O.K." from Brigade, Battalion being in a state of constant readiness from 9.0 p.m. onwards.

4. (a) On night of 6/7th April G.O.C., 141st Brigade will take over command of Left Section on completion of relief by 18th Battn.
(b) On night 7/8th April. G.O.C., 140th Brigade will re-assume command of Left Section on completion of relief by 15th. Battn.

ACKNOWLEDGE

R. N. Foster
Major
Brigade Major
140th Infantry Brigade

Issued to Sigs. At :-

Secret

Administrative Instruction No. 1 in connection with 140th Infantry Brigade Operation Order No. 153

1. SCOTTISH and OTTAWA CAMPS will be vacated by all details of 140th Infantry Brigade by 11 am 8th instant
2. The above details including machine Gun Coy. Depot will be accommodated in East End of DOMINION CAMP under arrangements to be made between the Units concerned and the Central Area Commandant

(sgd)
Major
Staff Captain
140th Infantry Brigade

SECRET
MESSAGE
to EU 20
From EST 644
Dated 4/4
On the night of 7th/8th April no traffic for WOODCOTE or LANKHOF is to arrive before 1am. Acknowledge. Please arrange as regards rations area.
EO15