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Friday, 18 June 2010
The August Offensive, Gallipoli, August 1915, Memorandum Topic: BatzG - Aug 1915
The August Offensive
Gallipoli, August 1915
Memorandum
From General Staff A.& N. Z. Army Corps, to Aust Div.
Memorandum
Please refer to Para 3 (d) of Instructions dated 4th August.
In the event of rapid success of your operations against Plateau 400 before the movement of other columns begins to be felt from the direction of the CHUNUK BAIR, you are to limit your operations to the clearing of Plateau 400 and subsidiary works and not to press forward across the valley separating Plateau 400 from GUN RIDGE. You will thus be in a position to cut off the retreat of the enemy from their trenches higher up the valley when driven down by the New Zealand and Aust. Div., and at the same time will be well placed to take immediate advantage of any opportunity of joining, hands with the columns from CHUNUK BAIR, when the advance down GUN RIDGE commences.
The August Offensive, Gallipoli, August 1915, Artillery Support Topic: BatzG - Aug 1915
The August Offensive
Gallipoli, August 1915
Artillery Support
Action of Artillery in Support of forthcoming Operations.
Reference - Trench Diagram No. 3
1. Preliminary Bombardment.
Under orders of O.'s Commanding Div. Art. of both Divisions.
(a) of
1. JOHNSTONE'S JOLLY
2. LONE PINE
3. GERMAN OFFICER'S TRENCH
4. The Slopes to S.E. of those.)
120 rounds (30 per battery) on 5th August - 1 day before attack 160 rounds (40 per battery) on 6th August - from 0400 till 1500. Those rounds will be fired in two lots, total rounds as above varying times of firing.
On 6th August from 1700 till 1750, a quick rate of fire will be opened on
1. JOHNSTONE'S JOLLY
2. GERMAN OFFICER'S TRENCH
3. Slopes to S.R.
Batteries to carry this out are:
"D" Battery 69th Brigade (How) - from the left flank on JOHNSTONE'S JOLLY.
“E” Battery 69th Brigade (How) - from, the left flank on LONE PINE.
4th Battery Lowland Brigade. (How:) - from the right flank on GERMAN OFFICER'S TRENCH & S.R. Slopes.
4.5" Battery N.Z. (How:) - from the left flank, on the front trenches of JOHNSTONE'S JOLLY & LONE PINE
(b) No. 1. N.Z. Battery will fire H.E. to cut wire in front of JOHNSTONE'S JOLLY, LONE PINE & GERMAN OFFICER'S TRENCH, on 5th and 6th August under orders of O.C. N.Z. Artillery.
(c) Under the order of the O's C Div. Artillery of Both Divns.
CADDY'S Battery will engage trenches C.1. to C.6.(b) "A" Battery 69th Brigade (How) will engage trenches A11. PHILLIP'S Battery will engage trenches A 3, A 7, A11., on 5th and 6th August, 20 rounds per Battery, choosing own time, but preferably at dawn and dusk.
FIRST PHASE - ATTACK ON PLATEAU 400.
(a)
From 1750 to 2100, on 6th August, the following batteries are placed under the orders of G.O.C. Australian Div. Artillery.
No. 1. N.Z. Field Battery.
No. 2. N.Z. Field Battery.
4.5" N.Z. (Howr) Battery
"A" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
"C" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
“6" (Howr) N.Z.
2 guns Ferguson Mountain Battery.
(b)
At 1730, every hostile gun that can fire in direction of LONE PINE, will be opened on, and the following trenches also. Hostile Gun Positions.
Batteries to engage them
SCRUBBY KNOLL
"C" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
"C" N.Z. Howitzer.
BATTLESHIP HILL
"C" Battery
Browne's Battery, Aust. Art.
Caddy's Battery, Aust. Art.
"A" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
MORTAR RIDGE
"C" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
69th Battery, Lowland (Howr) Bde.
4.5" N.Z. (Howr) Battery.
SAND PIT
"A" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade. 4th Battery, Lowland (Howr) Bde.
GUN RIDGE
(6" New enemy)
4th Battery Lowland (Howr) Bde.
6" Howitzer No. 2.
OLIVE GROVE & WINE GLASS
Burgess, Aust. Art.
4.7"
6" Howitzer No. 1.
Hughes's Aust. Art.
5th Lowland.
Hostile trenches and batteries to engage them.
CHESS BOARD
Phillips Battery, Aust. Art.
Caddy's Battery, Aust. Art."
Opposite QUINN'S & COURTNEY'S
No. 2. N.Z. Battery
JOHNSTONE'S JOLLY
No. 1. N.Z. Battery will watch.
BABY 700
5th Battery Lowland (Howr) Bde.
"B" Battery, 69th (Howr) Bde.
(c)
Each Battery has its allotted zone, and is responsible that every endeavour is made to
1. Locate, and keep under hostile batteries.
2. Locate hostile movements.
3. Keep up a steady fire.
4. Keep themselves informed of the situation.
(d)
Careful watch must be kept on hostile movements and fire from the right flank, e.g. OLIVE GROVE & WINE GLASS HILL. For this the following are available:
4.7" gun.
Burgess Battery Aust. Art.
"D" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
No. 2. 6"(Howr) Aust.
Note: The Brigade will also be firing in this direction.
SECOND PHASE – ATTACK ON BABY 700 AND CHUNUK BAIR.
(a)
At 2100 on 6th August, the following batteries, in addition to all the N.Z. Artillery, will come under the orders of O.C. N.Z.
Artillery:-
Caddy's Australian Battery
Phillip's. Australian Battery
Browne's Australian Battery
"A "Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
½ "B" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
(b)
The following Batteries will remain under Army Corps Orders.
½ "B" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
"C" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
”D" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
(c)
From 2130 till 2200 the following Batteries, under orders of O.C. N.Z. Artillery, will fire on TABLE TOP:-
6” N.Z. (Howr)
4.5” N.Z. (Howr)
½ "B" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
(d)
At 2150 fire will be opened as follows:
Caddy's Australian Battery
Phillip's Australian Battery.
Browne's Australian Battery
on CHESS BOARD
No. 1. N.Z. Battery
No. 2. N.Z. Battery
at trenches in front of QUINS and POPES.
"A" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
”D" Battery, 69th (Howr) Brigade.
on BABY 700
Correction to Appendix "A"
(1) Second Phase.
Bottom of page - last two paragraphs will read:
7th August. These Batteries continue to fire until 0400, one round every five minutes, and then a quick rate from 0400 to 0430, then stop.
They will be ready at 0430 to open fire on BATTLESHIP HILL
(e)
Other objectives may be given by the Senior N.Z. Artillery Officer at ANZAC.
The August Offensive, Gallipoli, August 1915, Naval Support Topic: BatzG - Aug 1915
The August Offensive
Gallipoli, August 1915
Naval Support
NAVAL
Arrangements for support of Operations.
Right Plank.
Afternoon of August 5th.
Ref. Trench Diagrams, and Map of area occupied by Aust. & N.Z. Army Corp.
HMS “BACCHANTE”
Shell valleys South and South East of JOHNSTONE’S JOLLY, and LONE PINE, dug- outs No. 7 (East of JOHNSTONE’S JOLLY) GERMAN OFFICER'S TRENCH H.5 to South East. Reserve Camp to South of SCRUFFY KNOLL and gullies each side.
Slow fire at 1700 to 1730:
Quick rate at 1730 to 1900:
Fire again at 2125 till 2200.
Shells, east slopes of BABY 700: Gullies to South and East Battleship Hill.
Slow fire 1900 till 2000 unless ordered otherwise.
No fire at night after 2200 unless specially asked for.
H.M.S. "HUMBER".
Shells, all three Batteries at OLIVE GROVE, and any Batteries shelling BACCHANTE.
HMS “HAVELOCK"
(Monitor - with balloon ship) Shells, straights, and any ship there, and 600 contour.
M33 & another Monitor.
Shell shore Batteries South of GABA TEPE, and trenches as far South as KUM TEPE
H.M.S. "CHELMER".
Special Mission: Shells, BALKAN GUN PITS & TWIN TRENCHES: 2030 till 2115 on August 6th, and then take up station further north.
NOTE.
Every clock hour R.F.O, will send to BACCHANTE.
(1) Changes in our line; or
(2) No change in our line.
Left Flank
night of 6/7th August, and morning of 7th August.
HMS “ENDYNION” and Monitor.
Shell NEK and CHESSBOARD: 0400 to 0430, on 7th. August. Shell East side of CHESSBOARD and BATTLESHIP HILL: 0430 to 0530 on 7th August.
NOTE.
LFO will send every clock hour to ENDYNION.
(1) Change in our line, or (2) No change in our line.
COLNE & CHELMER- Special mission.
HMS “CHELMER”
From 2030 till 2115 on August 6th, shells BALKAN GUN PITS and TWIN TRENCHES, and them come up north.
HMS “COLNE”
At 2100 put searchlight on OLD No. 3 POST, front trenches, shell till 2110: keeps light on, and from 2120 to 2130, shells, rear and front trenches, last five minutes, heavily: then switches light off.
At 2130, Howitzers open on TABLE TOP - quick rate - till 2200
At 2140,COLNE switches light on to TABLE TOP, shells till 2200, quick rate, then throws light up in air, and switches onto RHODODENDRON SPUR trenches, shelling these quick rate, till 2230.
HMS “CHELMER”
At 2200, has come up from the right flank, and fires on SNIPBR'S NEST communication trench lower, end, till 2230. - quick rate.
For the rest of the night till 0400, both destroyers fire slowly:
COLNE on SNIPER’S NEST communication trench upper portion, and on trenches from the NEK North Eastwards avoiding RHODODENDRON RIDGE.
CHELMER on NEK - with or without light.
BOTH
From 0400 to 0430, both shell NEK, quick rate, and stop at 0430.
The August Offensive, Gallipoli, August 1915, Artillery Support Memorandum Topic: BatzG - Aug 1915
The August Offensive
Gallipoli, August 1915
Artillery Support Memorandum
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ARMY CORPS
From General Staff, A. & N.Z. Army Corps, to N.Z. & A. Div.
MEMORANDUM.
Please refer to Appendix "A" Action of Artillery, in Support of forthcoming operations, Naval portion. For programme of "COLNE" first portions substitutes:
At 2100 puts searchlight on Old No. 3. Post front trenches, shells till 2100; keeps light on, and from 2120 to 2130, shells rear and front trenches, last five minutes heavily, then switches light off.
Not to be republished in orders which reach lower than Bde Staffs.
Instructions for Major-General Sir Alex. Godley, K.C.M.G, C.B. Commanding N.Z. and Aust. Div.
Ref. Map of Gallipoli 1/20,000: Map of area occupied by Aust. and New Zealand Army Corps; and Anzac Trench Diagram No. lll.
1. Under instruction from General Headquarters, an attack in as great strength as possible, is to be delivered by night against the CHUNUK BAIR RIDGE, which is to be followed by a covering attack from that ridge and from No. 4. Section against BABY 700.
2. This task is allotted to you. The force at your disposal is.
N.Z. & A. Div.
13th Division, less:
69th Brigade (Howr) R.F.A.
1 Coy, Divisional Engineers.
38th Brigade, less 1 battalion.
1 Field Ambulance.
29th (Indian) Infantry Brigade.
I.M.A. Brigade less 1 section.
Additional artillery support will be given as detailed in Appendix "A", which is being distributed to the Divisional Artillery Commanders, to all Battery Commanders, and to the Naval Commanders concerned.
The Army Corps Commander wishes you to detail the 1st L.H. Brigade with a portion of your Ambulance units, under Brig-General Chauvel, to hold No. 3. Section, and to add to the force at his disposal, 2 companies of the 40th Brigade, and a proportion of Ambulance requirements. With this force he is:
(a) To secure the front usually held in No. 3 Section, less COURTNEY'S POST, which is to be taken over by the Australian Division.
(b) to assist the assault to be delivered against the NEK and the trenches east of it.
This entails an attack on the "I" trenches in front of QUINN’S POST, to secure these as a means of preventing reinforcements reaching the enemy opposing the assault on BABY 700, and of assisting a later advance on MORTAR RIDGE.
The officer entrusted with this operation should be restricted to the "I" trenches, and such trenches North and South of them as are necessary to secure his position there. The timing of this assault will naturally depend on that from No. 4. Section viz, at 4.30 a.m. on August the 7th unless orders are received to the contrary. It is for the consideration of Brig-General Chauvel, whether in view of the assistance, the garrison of POPE'S HILL can give in covering fire for the assaults from No. 4. Section and QUINN'S POST, the action of that garrison should be confined to fire support or include offensive action, which, if undertaken, trust be vigorous. A copy of the instructions given to GOC Australian Division, is attached for the Information of Brig-General Chauvel as to the action being taken with regard to GERMAN OFFICER’S TRENCH, and a copy of Appendix "A" is also attached.
4. The Army Corps Commander wishes you to detail the 3rd L.H. Brigade under Brig-General Hughes, to No.4.section and to add the following to his command:
2 guns, 26th Mountain Battery.
Details of the N.Z. Field Troop ensuring that Brig-General Hughes has with him, sufficient men acquainted with the mining situation, to make full tactical use of the mines, and galleries on RUSSELL'S TOP.
One Field Coy., 13th Division.
Two Battalions 40th Brigade, less 2 companies.
A proportion of Ambulance requirements from the units at your disposal.
A copy of Appendix "A" is attached for his information. With this force he is to:
(a) Occupy and hold No. 4. Section down to the sea.
(b) Assault and secure the trenches on the NEK (Group “A” on Trench Diagram); and those of the BABY 700 and CHESSBOARD positions - as far South as is necessary to secure his right flank and as far to the East as the trenches of D group, which are all to be taken.
(c) If, and when the situation admits, advance to meet your forces approaching from the direction of the CHUNUK BAIR and assist in their operations outlined in Para Ill, below. The attack will be delivered at 4.30 a.m. on August 7th, unless orders are given to the contrary. Troops will be resting during the night as much as possible. If the assault is postponed, the troops should remain in readiness to attack at half-an-hour's notice. A copy of the instructions given to G.O.C. Australian Division is attached for the information of Brig-General Hughes as to the action being taken in regard to GERMAN OFFICER'S TRENCH.
5. With the remainder of your force you will:
(a) Clear the line Destroyer HILL (exclusive) - TABLE TOP - to BAUCHOP’S, commencing at 9.p.m.on August 6th, with the destroyer action detailed in Appendix "A".
(b) Move strong columns across the AGHYL DERE to:
(1) Clear off enemy from the DEMANGELIK DERE thus assisting directly the operations of out troops further north, who will be using the beach as close to us, as the mouth of the ASMAK DERE. (sq.91)
(2) Attack the line, HILL 305 - CHUNUK BAIR RIDGE moving in the area bounded approximately by the line KAIAJIK AGHALA - DAGH CHESHME and by the Northern limit you set on the movement of (c).These operations are to be timed so as to reach the lower slopes of the DEMANGELIK DERE at 10.30 p.m. on August 6th.
(c) Move a force up all available approaches to the CHUNUK BAIR RIDGE - objective CHUNUK BAIR RIDGE about 161 - SU YATAGAH - main ridge North of CHUNUK BAIR.
These moves are to follow on each other without delay, and you should impress on the Commanders entrusted with each, that the objective to be reached, is to be aimed, at whatever the progress of columns in other parts, as the success of one move will go far to ensure the success of the whole. A system of flares is to be arranged to show the Navy the position reached by your advanced troops at dawn on August 7th.This is to consist of a Naval green light burned at 3.25 a.m., and again at 3.32 a.m. by each battalion in the front line along the position occupied by its most advanced troops. Care is to be taken to place the flare where it will be shaded from the direction of the enemy. If the CHUNUK BAIR RIDGE has been reached the flares will be burned a little down our side of the slope. The greatest care is t o be taken to conceal unusual movement, by day, and lights noise and smoking at night during the operation are to be rigorously forbidden. Absolute silence to be observed, while troops are moving into positions.
6. You will be guided in your action after the success of the above operations, by, the following considerations:-
(1) The continued occupation of Hill 305, and the CHUNUK BAIR RIDGE, is essential to the success of the main operation. The ground taken is therefore to be consolidated without delay, and made impregnable against counter-attack.
(2) Preparations are to be made immediately for an advance from the direction of CHUNUK BAIR, to cooperate with the attack on BABY 700, which is to be delivered by No. 4 Section. As soon as it is known that the force detailed for this will be ready to advance intimation of the approximate hour will be sent to Army Corps H.Q.
(3) The operation in (2) involves an advance down the spurs to the east of BATTLESHIP HILL, and the consequent and necessary clearing of the ground, East of our present position, and this advance, if your strength admits, is to be pressed down to the line QUINN’S POST - Cross roads near SCRUBBY KNOLL. (sq.80.Z.4.).
7. Casualty clearing stations are being established:
(a) In ANZAC COVE, to deal with evacuations down MONASH GULLY and South thereof.
(b) At the barrier on the beach just North of MULE GULLY.
(c) Near No. 2. Post.
Cases brought down to these will be dealt with before removal to the Casualty Clearing Stations at dressing stations arranged by you in:
(a) MONASH GULLY.
(b) N.Z. Field Ambulance Dressing Station (MULE GULLY).
(c) A station to be opened by you near No.2. Post early on the 7th.
8. Arrangements for replenishment of ammunition and water, are detailed in attached Appendix "Z”, of which copies are also attached for the information of O.C.’s, Nos.3 and 4 Sections.
9. From 8 p.m. on August 6th till 4 a.m, on August 7th the Beach Road from RESERVE GULLY Northwards, is to be reserved for forward movement of troops and animals. The covered way to No. 2 Post, is to be reserved for all rearward movement, after the hour by which you cease to require it for forward movement of troops. This hour should be intimated by you to all concerned. The provisions of this paragraph are to be made widely known in your command, and your arrangements for traffic control on the night of August 6th/7th, and on the 7th, should include steps to ensure their not being infringed.
10. The Army Corps Centre will be at it's present site till further orders.
Aerial Reconnaissance Report, 17 August 1915 Topic: BatzG - Aug 1915
The August Offensive
Gallipoli, August 1915
Aerial Reconnaissance Report, 17 August 1915
Aerial Reconnaissance Report, 17 August 1915
The use of aircraft for scouting and reconnaissance purposes was very much in its infancy. So too was aerial photography.
The above page from an intelligence file is an illustration of an aerial reconnaissance report tendered after a mission.
17th August
Reconnaissance
Pilot - Commander Samson, RN.
Started - 0630
Returned - 0810
Reconnoitred Suvla - Anzac and Krithia Fronts, also in direction of Tursche Keui - Boghali - Maidos - Kilid Bahr.
No movement observed.
Dropped morning reports at Cape Helles.
At Ak Bashi Liman - 5 steamers 300' and 15 small craft.
The note: "Dropped morning reports at Cape Helles" is quite interesting as it is a literal statement. Apart from scouting duties, Commander Samson was also the mailman for the army on that day. To undertake this last duty, Samson would have flown low over a specific point at Cape Helles and dropped his report to the waiting signallers below in a protective canister before departing to fly elsewhere. This seemingly simple task was fraught with danger as it required the aircraft to slow down to almost stalling speed while no more than 200m from the ground. It became an easy target for Turkish guns or an aircraft, should one become available. As it turned out, the Turks did not molest him and it turned out to be an uninterrupted flight.
The Pilot
Charles Rumney Samson (8 July 1883 - 5 Febrary 1931)
Awards
DSO - 21 October 1914 and Bar - 19 January 1917;
MiD - 17 February 1915;
LoH, C - 12 January 1916;
MiD - 14 March 1916;
AFC - 1 January 1919;
CMG - 3 June 1919; and,
2nd Prize, 'Gordon-Shephard ' Competition, 1922.
Promotions
Midshipman, 1898
Sub Lieutenant, 15 May 1902
Lieutenant, 30 September 1904
Acting Commander, January 1912
Flying Chronology to the taking of the Reconnaissance Flight
1911: U/T Pilot, Eastchurch
October 1911: Officer Commanding, NAS Eastchurch
1 April 1912: Officer Commanding, Naval Flying School - NAS Eastchurch
May 1912: Commandant, Naval Wing, RFC.
1 July 1914: Officer Commanding, Eastchurch (Mobile) Squadron RNAS (renamed No 3 Sqn RNAS)
1 September 1914: Officer Commanding, No 3 Sqn RNAS (renamed No 3 Wing)
October 1914: Officer Commanding, No 3 Sqn RNAS (renamed No 3 Wing)
March 1915: Officer Commanding, No 3 Wing RNAS. (Gallipoli)
1915: Officer Commanding, HMS Ben My Chree. (Palestine/Red Sea)
Source: Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation
Note: The ship, HMS Ben My Chree, played a pivotal role in providing air cover for the Egyptian Expeditionary Force during 1916. Also included were Anne, Raven, and Empress, all of which were dedicated aircraft carriers.
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