JULY 13, 1918
Australians’ exploits at Merris
An interesting adventure in patrol tactics is proceeding near Merris, where, in full daylight and without artillery or trench-mortar assistance, small groups of Australians carried forward our line within 500 yards of Merris over a front of 2,200 yards. They captured more than 150 men, including officers. Mere handfuls of men were employed in this success. In the morning two patrols, busy in maintaining our hold on No Man’s Land, were working along the railway when four of their number, separated from the rest, came upon some 40 Germans near a farmhouse and captured the whole group. The event caused some rivalry and further expeditions were organized, and during the whole day groups of prisoners were continually coming back to the cages. One sergeant was told that he would be excused some task which he disliked if he would fetch six German prisoners. He suggested that the number was rather excessive, but the officer was adamant. So, in company with a soldier from his company, he set out, and reported an hour or two later with a queue of eight Germans behind him. The reserve troops from whom the prisoners were taken had just relieved the Bavarian Division in which some indiscipline was recently reported. It would not be true to suggest that the moral of the better German divisions is obviously reduced, but there is no doubt that in this sector the enemy are cowed by the dash and originality of the Australian patrols. In the Merris sector, which is very different from the positions on the Somme, no strong, or even regular, line has yet been dug, but before this advance the enemy had a chain of fortified posts forming an awkward salient into our lines, and this is now completely straightened out.
The whole Air Service is in great grief at the loss of Major McCudden. He was on his way from Scotland to take up a new command, and flew over from England in his favourite single-seater. He landed at an aerodrome in Northern France, where he had business, and, after a short stay, set off again to join his squadron. While only a few hundred feet from the ground his machine side-slipped and crashed among trees. He was killed instantly. The official record of his victories is 45 enemy aeroplanes brought down and 13 driven down.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/past-six-days/2018-07-12/register/awaiting-the-enemy-attack-727gld2dc
july 12, 1918
Awaiting the enemy attack
The long spell of fine weather seems finally to have broken. The last two days have been stormy, with gales and a severe thunderstorm over all parts of the front. The front is so quiet that it almost seems to have relapsed into stationary warfare again, though it is incredible that the Germans can afford to allow it to do so, and we are well aware of enemy preparedness for attack on various sectors. Meanwhile, the initiative in minor enterprises has been with us. At three different points we have again advanced our line without meeting formidable opposition — namely, south of the Somme, near Hebuterne, and in the Merris area.
The question how far influenza is responsible for the present enemy inactivity is an interesting speculation, so long as we do not allow ourselves to attach too great importance to it. That it is extraordinarily widespread, we know, and we get frequent evidence of the virulence of the disease in individual units in the front line. Thus, one company of the 61st Regiment is so prostrated that it had to be relieved. Two whole battalions of the 232nd Regiment were so reduced that they had to be withdrawn from the line; one company of the 68th Reserve Regiment shrank to a fighting strength of 42 men instead of the normal 120; one company of the 174th Regiment was similarly reduced to 17 men; the whole of the 187th Division had to be taken out of the line because it had ceased to be effective; and another division, the 119th, could not be relieved because the relieving troops were incapable of coming in. Whether the aggregate effects of the epidemic are really enough to interfere with the general plans of the enemy or not, the subject is at least interesting.
The question how far influenza is responsible for the present enemy inactivity is an interesting speculation, so long as we do not allow ourselves to attach too great importance to it. That it is extraordinarily widespread, we know, and we get frequent evidence of the virulence of the disease in individual units in the front line. Thus, one company of the 61st Regiment is so prostrated that it had to be relieved. Two whole battalions of the 232nd Regiment were so reduced that they had to be withdrawn from the line; one company of the 68th Reserve Regiment shrank to a fighting strength of 42 men instead of the normal 120; one company of the 174th Regiment was similarly reduced to 17 men; the whole of the 187th Division had to be taken out of the line because it had ceased to be effective; and another division, the 119th, could not be relieved because the relieving troops were incapable of coming in. Whether the aggregate effects of the epidemic are really enough to interfere with the general plans of the enemy or not, the subject is at least interesting.
As long ago as the Somme battle of 1916 I suggested that the time would come when German infantry would fight practically entirely as machine-gunners. In fact, we know that the sector of the front attacked by us on July 4 was defended by 200 machine-guns in forward positions, all of which were captured or destroyed by Tanks and infantry. The war is becoming more and more mechanical. Tanks and machine-guns, gas of all sorts, Flammenwerfer, the use of concrete, and everything else, being devices to enable a few men to do the work of many.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/past-six-days/2018-07-11/register/mastery-of-the-raf-0hlzzrq6n
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/past-six-days/2018-07-11/register/mastery-of-the-raf-0hlzzrq6n
july 11, 1918
Mastery of the RAF
The message of congratulation of the Commander-in-Chief to the Royal Air Force has told how well our flying men have been doing. Since the early spring we have had an uninterrupted superiority over the enemy in the air, which has grown more conspicuous week by week. Never has it been more indisputable than during this last spell of fine weather. One of our famous airmen has shot down 25 German machines in a single month, bringing his total victories up to 75, and we have others with over 50 victories to their credit.
Air fighting, however, is only one manifestation of what is going on. The mastery obtained by our fighters enables the Air Force to carry on its great work of observation and photography, which enable our artillery to do immense damage to enemy troops and guns. Our bombing, also, is superior, and our low-flying machines, with bombs and machine-guns, harass the enemy farther and farther back beyond the zone of fighting.
Air fighting, however, is only one manifestation of what is going on. The mastery obtained by our fighters enables the Air Force to carry on its great work of observation and photography, which enable our artillery to do immense damage to enemy troops and guns. Our bombing, also, is superior, and our low-flying machines, with bombs and machine-guns, harass the enemy farther and farther back beyond the zone of fighting.
One of our airmen was recently attacked by three enemies, who were in such a hurry to eat him up that two of them came into collision. The wings of one broke off, and it went down like a stone, while the other started downwards in a slow spiral. Our man went after it and, when he fired into it, it broke into flames and crashed. On July 6 one of our patrols was out at a height of 10,000ft, and saw six enemy scouts, but itself had not been seen. We attacked, our patrol leader picking out the third enemy machine, which went down vertically, to crash helplessly below. Our man then attacked the second in the line and shot that down, and in falling the enemy hit the German leader, and both went to earth together in one jumbled mass. The other three enemies got away, but just then a German two-seater came along, and again our patrol leader attacked and sent it down.
By this time he was really feeling like fighting, and when he caught sight of three enemy machines together he went for them; but they would have none of it, and he chased them for three miles fruitlessly before giving up and coming back to collect his patrol and bring them home. And these things are only, as has been said, one detail, almost an incidental detail, of the real work of the Royal Air Force.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/past-six-days/2018-07-10/register/inside-view-of-the-german-army-6vjtmtmhd
By this time he was really feeling like fighting, and when he caught sight of three enemy machines together he went for them; but they would have none of it, and he chased them for three miles fruitlessly before giving up and coming back to collect his patrol and bring them home. And these things are only, as has been said, one detail, almost an incidental detail, of the real work of the Royal Air Force.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/past-six-days/2018-07-10/register/inside-view-of-the-german-army-6vjtmtmhd
july 10, 1918
Inside view of the German army
Except that the Australians have continued to push forward south of the Somme, without encountering serious resistance, the front generally has been devoid of movement in the last two days; even artillery activity being below the normal. Local thunderstorms have visited parts of the battle areas and today everywhere is cloudy and unsettled, making air work difficult.
According to prisoners’ statements, there is no decrease in the influenza epidemic in the German Army, or “Flanders fever”, as they call it. Whether it has really had the effect of impeding large operations or not, there is no doubt that individual batteries, and other small units, have been rendered temporarily completely useless by the sickness. It seems to be equally prevalent in the front line, in billets, at Headquarters behind the front, and in towns all over Germany.
According to prisoners’ statements, there is no decrease in the influenza epidemic in the German Army, or “Flanders fever”, as they call it. Whether it has really had the effect of impeding large operations or not, there is no doubt that individual batteries, and other small units, have been rendered temporarily completely useless by the sickness. It seems to be equally prevalent in the front line, in billets, at Headquarters behind the front, and in towns all over Germany.
Another curious disease worth noticing, is the epidemic of defiance of discipline which seems to have broken out. Two orders have fallen into our hands, issued by General von der Marwitz, of the 2nd German Army, one dated June 7, the other June 12. The former says: “Discipline, which is the keystone of our army, is seriously shaken. I cannot permit commanders to take upon themselves to shield, by excess of indulgence, officers, non-commissioned officers, or men guilty of breaches of discipline and military regulations. They must not inflict on them penalties of too mild a nature, or even not punish them at all.”
The second order says: “Cases of soldiers refusing to obey orders are increasing to an alarming extent.”
It is impossible to say whether conditions really are as serious as the orders appear to imply, or whether it is only that General Marwitz has got the “jumps” and ought to be deprived of his command, but these things read curiously.
The second order says: “Cases of soldiers refusing to obey orders are increasing to an alarming extent.”
It is impossible to say whether conditions really are as serious as the orders appear to imply, or whether it is only that General Marwitz has got the “jumps” and ought to be deprived of his command, but these things read curiously.
● In spite of low cloud in the morning of July 8 and thunderstorms later, our aeroplanes accomplished a good deal of photographic, observation, and reconnaissance work during the intervals of fine weather. Enemy activity in the air was slight. Seven German machines were destroyed and six driven down out of control. Four of our machines are missing. No flying was possible at night.
july 9, 1918
The murder of 14 nurses
The official story of the sinking of the hospital ship Llandovery Castle confirm two main points — the supreme devotion and valiant sacrifice of the medical personnel and the ship’s company, and the utter blackness and dastardly character of the enemy outrage on this defenceless institution of mercy.
The list of the 24 survivors includes only one officer and five other ranks of the hospital personnel. Nothing stands out more brilliantly than the coolness and courage of the 14 Canadian nursing sisters, every one of whom was lost. These nurses were engaged on hospital ship duty. The majority volunteered for service at the outbreak of war in 1914. For many months, and in some cases two years, they had endured the hazards of the shelled areas in France. The magnificent manner in which they faced the final ordeal on the evening of June 27 is related by Sergeant A Knight, CAMC, who took charge of lifeboat No 5.
The list of the 24 survivors includes only one officer and five other ranks of the hospital personnel. Nothing stands out more brilliantly than the coolness and courage of the 14 Canadian nursing sisters, every one of whom was lost. These nurses were engaged on hospital ship duty. The majority volunteered for service at the outbreak of war in 1914. For many months, and in some cases two years, they had endured the hazards of the shelled areas in France. The magnificent manner in which they faced the final ordeal on the evening of June 27 is related by Sergeant A Knight, CAMC, who took charge of lifeboat No 5.
“Our boat,” said Sergeant Knight, “was quickly loaded and lowered. Then the crew and myself faced the difficulty of getting free from the ropes holding us to the ship’s side. Finally they became loose and we commenced to drift away. We were carried towards the stern of the ship, when suddenly the poop-deck broke away and sank. The suction drew us into the vacuum, the boat tipped over, and every occupant went under. I did not hear a complaint or a murmur from the sisters. I overheard only one remark, when the matron, Nursing Sister M M Fraser, turned to me as we drifted and asked, ‘Sergeant, do you think there is any hope for us?’ I replied, ‘No,’ seeing our helplessness without oars and the sinking condition of the stern of the ship. A few seconds later we were drawn into the whirlpool of the submerged after-deck, and the last I saw of the nursing sisters was as they were thrown over the side of the boat. It was doubtful if any of them came to the surface again.”
The other four survivors are agreed that the Llandovery Castle was torpedoed without warning. “There was no doubt of their intention to ram us,” says Major Lyon. “The submarine made no attempt to rescue anyone, but, on the contrary, did everything in its power to destroy every trace of the ship and its personnel and crew.”
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/past-six-days/2018-07-07/register/crushing-advance-at-hamel-2vl3ldnnb
The other four survivors are agreed that the Llandovery Castle was torpedoed without warning. “There was no doubt of their intention to ram us,” says Major Lyon. “The submarine made no attempt to rescue anyone, but, on the contrary, did everything in its power to destroy every trace of the ship and its personnel and crew.”
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/past-six-days/2018-07-07/register/crushing-advance-at-hamel-2vl3ldnnb
july 7, 1918
‘Crushing’ advance at Hamel
The lightness of our casualties, among Australians and Americans, in the recent attack at Hamel was due largely to the use of Tanks, which, thrusting out in front of infantry, routed out and destroyed machine-gun nests. In the present German tactics, whether of offence or defence, the infantry, with rifles, bomb, or bayonet, play a subordinate role to artillery and machine-guns. The German machine-gunners are very highly trained, and generally stout fighters. By skirmishing ahead and using transverse fire, they prepare the way for the advance of the infantry masses. In defence, the line is held by machine-gunners, either nested in fortified positions or camouflaged in shell holes out in advance of the front lines. It is only these which give trouble. Once through them, our men have no difficulty with the infantry in the trenches or positions beyond, and it was in stamping out these nests that the Tanks did so admirably.
As soon as a machine-gun nest or individual gunner was discovered the Tanks, moving in front of the infantry, attacked, and either destroyed it with gunfire or merely ran over it, squashing the men and machine-guns together. In one case a Tank was 200 yards ahead of the infantry, and found a nest of six machine-guns. The men refused to surrender so the Tank simply rolled over them, crushing all the guns and some of the crews, others of whom it shot down as they tried to escape. A single machine-gunner, hidden behind a bush, was holding up part of our advance. He paid no attention to the advance of his gigantic enemy, but went on firing on the infantry until the Tank rolled over him as he lay. Wherever machine-guns were unmasked, the Tanks went out and settled with them, and when a Tank has done with a machine-gun post, neither the crews nor the guns give any trouble afterwards.
After we reached the objective the Tanks patrolled the front and kept down enemy machine-guns or rifle snipers while consolidation went on. At one place our men were annoyed by sniping from the direction of a cornfield, where nothing could be seen, so a Tank cruised up to the cornfield and began raking the crop with its guns. From all parts of the field Germans began bobbing up and starting to run, only to be shot down as they went.
After we reached the objective the Tanks patrolled the front and kept down enemy machine-guns or rifle snipers while consolidation went on. At one place our men were annoyed by sniping from the direction of a cornfield, where nothing could be seen, so a Tank cruised up to the cornfield and began raking the crop with its guns. From all parts of the field Germans began bobbing up and starting to run, only to be shot down as they went.
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