Topic: BatzG - Aug 1915
The August Offensive
Gallipoli, August 1915
General Reports, 6 August 1915
Anzac
0520 & White Valley
Enemy reports attacking LEANE'S TRENCH by means of bomb attack. They entered the extreme right but by 0658 report was received that whole of trench retaken. Three prisoners captured, and result of examination gave indication of troops (TURKISH) confronting the position. General Birdwood sent message 3rd Inf. Brigade, "Well done LEANE'S TRENCH". 900 reinforcements arrived for 2nd Brigade. An aeroplane reconnaissance was arranged of LONE PINE and means of identifying provided.
1630 - 1730Our Artillery preparations for attack on LONE PINE was commenced, continuing until 1730, when 1st Inf. Brigade advanced and occupied the objective apportioned with very little variation. Over 100 prisoners, and 2 machine guns were captured. Prisoners removed to Anzac.
Summary from 6 a.m. 5th August to 6 a.m. 6th August.
South.Very quiet day. We drew heavy fire by a ruse, and it was repeated et intervals during the right-Excellent shooting was done by the Navy on HARRIS RIDGE and TWIN TRENCHES. The damage done must be considerable. Early this morning heavy artillery and rifle fire were opened on RYRIE'S POST, which at the time of the report was cc-operating busily with the 3rd Inf. Brigade in holding LEANE'S TRENCH.
North.Very quiet during the day, a good deal of enemy fire during the night. At 0440 enemy attacked LEANE'S TRENCH At the time of writing morning report a counter attack was being launched (Army Corps since informed that counter attack retook the trench temporarily captured by a Turkish bombing party).
No. 2 Section, South.Quiet day and quiet night. Nothing of particular importance to report. The whole of the wire in front of LONE PINE has not been moved by Artillery fire, a considerable portion of the South still remaining. The trenches of this section were taken over by the 2nd Infantry Brigade before 1500 yesterday.
North.Relief of Southern No .2 Section completed by 1500. COURTNEY'S POST occupied. Nothing of importance occurred during the day. The enemy in this section as in No. 2 southern, exhibited placards saying that WARSAW had fallen. The front trenches in JOHNSTONE'S JOLLY were full of troops during the day.
Artillery.At 1400 HUGHE'S Battery fired 7 rounds into communication trench along which troops seemed to be moving between GUN RIDGE and PINE RIDGE BASTION; all were effective. At 1045 GERMAN OFFICER'S TRENCH, pay shelled with 3 effective rounds from the 4th Battery, LOWLAND Brigade. A conference was held at 1200 for the discussion and elucidation of any points arising from the orders regarding the preliminary bombardment mentioned in Operation Order No. 9 issued by G.O.C. 1st Aust. Div.
Casualties. A.D.M.S. has been asked to supply these direct. Ammunition expended. 18 pdr. H.E., 11 rounds, 18 pdr. shrapnel, 224 rounds, 4.7", 2 rounds, 6" how. 8 rounds, 5" how. 104 rounds.
Daily Operations 7 I.M.A. Brigade.
21 K.M.B.
Section in sq 68 B.4. (Capt. C. D. Rawson).
170014 P.S. and 3 T.S. at enemy gun in washaway behind Turkish trenches. Range 2000 x 178o 30” Mag. Several rounds appeared effective as did those of 18 pdr, also firing on it. Gun ceased firing.
1800
2 T.B. at aeroplane 2500x and 3500x. Line very good but bursts low.
Section in square 68 B.1. (2nd Lieut. L.B. Tyler) Nothing to report.
Section in square 80 V 5/8.(Capt. G.B.B. Trenchard). Day spent in conflicting a mine emplacement. Ammunition expenditure, 14 P.S. 5 T. 8. Total 19 rounds.
Casualties nil.
Summary of events from 6 a.m. 5th August to 6 a.m. 6th August 1915
No. 3 Section.
Nothing unusual during the day. A ruse carried out at 9.30 p.m. from QUINN'S and POPE'S drew a certain amount of fire, bat it was not as heavy as the previous day. A defensive mine was exploded near the left of QUINN'S. During the night there were a few bursts of enemy fire. At 4 a.m. today, a second ruse was made, but this did not draw a very heavy fire, cheering was heard in the Turkish trenches in front of QUINN'S POST.
No. 4. Section.
Nothing unusual to report during the day. A considerable amount of the enemy's fire was drawn by a ruse at 9.30 P-7
Artillery.
The preliminary bombardment and registrations were continued yesterday. The 1st Battery fired 101 rounds at the entanglements in front of LONESOME PINE This is was done in two series, the 1st being at 7.30 a.m., and the second later in the morning. The O.C. 1st Brigade reports that all entanglements that could be seen from the North, are demolished. Those over the crest to the South will be engaged at 8.30 a.m. today. One of the 1st Battery guns was put out of action yesterday, by shrapnel bullets on the spring case in the rear of the shield. The damage was repaired yesterday, and the gun has been in action. The 2nd Battery fired 5 rounds in further registering at the head of MONASH GULLY. At 12.30 p.m. the 4th (Howitzer) Battery was timed for a series at LONESOME PINE and JOHNSTONE'S JOLLY if trenches, but was unable to bring one gun into action owing to the broken buffer spring reported yesterday. This arrived later on, however, from the CAPE HELLES, and the series began about 2.30 p.m., 80 rounds were fired on the front trenches of JOHNSTONE'S JOLLY, and LONESOME PINE, and a large amount of damage was done. A further 5 rounds were expanded in registering trenches beyond the NEK with the gun at PLUGGE'S PLATEAU. An aeroplane flew over the position shortly before 6 a.m. this morning.
Japanese Mortar, number of bombs fired, nil.
Casualties 12 other ranks wounded, 2 officers and 140 other ranks, sick (evacuated).
Further Reading:
The August Offensive, Gallipoli, August 1915
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: The August Offensive, Gallipoli, August 1915, General Reports, 6 August 1915
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EADT
Updated: Sunday, 18 July 2010 10:17 AM EADT
