Topic: BatzG - Aug 1915
The August Offensive
Gallipoli, August 1915
Instructions for G.O.C. Australian Division
INSTRUCTI0NS FOR G.O.C. AUSTRALIAN DIVISION.
Paras 1. and the dates to be kept SECRET and not to be divulged except to your staff, and to Brigade Commanders and to their staffs.
Ref. Map Gallipoli 1/20,000, and map of area occupied by A. & N.Z. Army Corps.
1. Under instructions from G.H.Q. the operations of the Army Corps, are to begin a strong and sustained attack on Hill 125 (Plateau 406).
2. This task is allotted to you. In carrying it out you will bear in mind that every effort is to be made to deceive the enemy as to the locality against which our main effort is to be made, and to induce him V to believe that it will be directed against his lines opposite to the Southern portion of our position. The Army Corps Commander considers that it will be best attained by directing your principal effort against the LONE PINE group of works. The assistance which an occupation of JOHNSTONE'S JOLLY will give this operation and your further advance should be kept in mind.
3. The force at your disposal is the 1st Australian Division as constituted in Table "A" Order of Battle, issued with Army Corps order No. 15 of 2nd August with one section, Kohat Mountain Battery added. Additional Artillery support as detailed in App. A will be given, and you will re required to give assistance to other operations with some of your guns as detailed in the same Appendix.
With this force you will:
(a) occupy and hold the defensive line from and including COURTNEY'S POST, to the sea near CHATHAM'S POST
(b) attack the Turkish position on Plateau 400 as outlined above. The attack is to commence at 5.30 p.m. on 6th August.
(c) assault GERMAN OFFICER'S TRENCH during the right of the 6/7th, preferably about midnight. In consolidation his position in GERMAN OFFICER'S TRENCH officers entrusted with the operation should keep in view the need for assisting tit offensive from, No. 3 and No. 4. Sections, against the CHESS BOARD and BABY 700 groups of trenches, which is to take place during daylight of August 7th.
(d) If, and when, the situation admits, take advantage of the pressure which the success of our other operations produces on the enemy to advance your line to GUN RIDGE, from SCRUBBY KNOLL to the sea.
4. The artillery supports, which will be given you, and the hours for which it will be available, is detailed in appendix "A", which has been distributed to the Divisional C.R.A's, to all Battery Commanders, and to the Naval Commanders concerned.
5. Casualty Clearing Station for all operations youth of MACLAGAN'S RIDGE - HILL 180, will be the Australian Casualty Clearing Station on Anzac Beach. A Dressing Station will be established it it's vicinity to deal with cases which have come down to the beach without passing through the hands of the Divisional Ambulances near the front.
6. Arrangements for replenishment of ammunition and water, are detailed in attached Appendix Z.
7. The Army Corps Report Centre, will be at it's present site till further orders.
Further Reading:
The August Offensive, Gallipoli, August 1915
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: The August Offensive, Gallipoli, August 1915, Instructions for G.O.C. Australian Division
