The 5th Battalion in Palestine, 1918

1918 War diary Appendices

1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment ORDER No.14 Ref: 1/63360 Map 10th March 1918

1. The enemy is believed to be holding the Ridge running East from EL MEZEIRAH with about 50 rifles and 2 Machine Guns, to have a post at KH DIKERIN of about 30 rifles and 2 Machine Guns, and about 120 Infantry, possibly 30 cavalry and about 4 Machine Guns at MEJDEL YABA with some scattered groups in between, the whole amounting to one Battalion (19th Regt.), about 250 rifles possibly 30 German Cavalry and 7-8 Machine Guns. So far as is known the only guns which can reach the above area are about three 77m.m. guns near KEFR KASIM, 2 or 3 long range 4.1 guns near JILJULEIH, and 2 small mobile pack guns usually about the WADI RABAH. He has a few small posts further East, the chief one being at DEIR BALLUT where there are some 50 Cavalry and about one Battalion between KEFR KASIM and MEJDEL YABA.

2. On 12th. March part of the line now held by 21st.Corps is to be advanced to the line KH ES SINOBAR - KH EL EMIR - DEIR BALLUT - KH UMM EL TAWAKY - hill in U.3 - SH BARAZ ED DIN. The operations will be conducted in 5 Phases, of which the first and third affect the right of the 75th. Division only. the remainder will be carried out by the 162nd. Infantry Brigade in conjunction with 234 Inf.Bde. (123 Outram's Rifles) on our right, the boundary being a line from ET TIREH to UMM EL LEBED (both inclusive to 234 Inf.Bde.) there running due north. The line at the end of these phases will be: - 2nd Phase. ED DIURAH - UMM EL LEBED - Pt.489 - MEZEIRAH 4th Phase. DEIR BALLUT - KH UMM EL TAWAKY - Hill in U.8.c. 5th Phase. KH UMM EL TAWAKY - Hill in U.3 - SH BARAZ ED DIN

3. On our left 163rd Inf. Bde. during the night of 11/12 March are sending out one Coy 4th Norfolk Regt. and 1 Section M.G. Coy to RAS EL AIN, and one Coy 4th Bn. Norfolk Regt. and 1 Sectn. M.G. Coy to JISR EL ABABNEH. These detachments will push forward at dawn on March 12th to co-operate by fire with our attack.

4. 270th Bde and A/272nd Bde R.F.A., 2 Sections 486th Fld. Coy R.E. and 2 Sections 1/2nd E.A.Field Ambulance have been placed under orders of B.G.C. 162nd Inf. Bde. 21st Corps Heavy Artillery and the remainder of 54th Divnl. Artillery will also co-operate in the attack.

5. To cover preliminary movements 161st Inf.Bde. are taking up a line by 2100 March 11th from about R. in W.2.b. through U.39 central; and KULEH to NEBY TARI.

6. Under protection of the above screen R.A. Group Commander and O.C. 162nd M.G.Coy. will move their Batteries and M.G. Coy respectively into positions to cover the crossing of the WADI SAHURY and capture of the EL MEZEIRAH Ridge. To be in position by 0600 on March 12th.

7. For Phase 2. 1/5th. Bedford Regt and 1/11th London Regt. will take up positions close behind the line held by 161st Inf. Bde. whence to start the attack. 1/11th London Regt. will be on the right, 1/5th Bedford Regt will be on the left. 1/4th Northampton Regt. will be in support in Square W.1.b. 2 Sections 486th Fld. Coy. R.E. and 1/10th.London Regt. will be in reserve about Square R.6.d.

8. The Bn. will be formed up ready to leave camp by 0530, Coy Limbers and Reserve S.A.A. will move to a position at the bottom of the foot hills (pointed out to the T.O.) and after the capture of MEZEIRAH RIDGE will move to 200 yds. S. of MEZEIRAH

9. On arrival at the position from whence the attack is to start Coys will form up (in formation which will be told them) ready to deploy. "C" Coy on the right, "A" Coy on the left. "D" Coy behind "A" Coy. "B" coy behind "C" Coy.

10. At 0745 the Artillery will open fire, when 1/11th London Regt. and 1/5th Bedford Regt will advance against EL MEZEIRAH RIDGE. Coy frontage will be 200 yds "C" Coy will attack Hill about 200yds E. of Pt.489 (pointed out to O.C. "C" Coy) "A" Coy will attack Pt.489. "D" Coy will follow 250x behind "A" Coy. in Support, and on seeing "A" Coy. reach its objectives will sweep down the MEZEIRAH RIDGE and make good the village. "B" Coy. will be in Reserve and will follow Bn. H.Q. in a suitable formation. The pace will be regulated by the Right of "C" Coy., who will keep touch with the left of 1/11th London Regt. Aid Post will follow the Reserve Coy. 162nd M.G.Coy. will be giving overhead covering fire.

11. Not less than 15 minutes before the troops are ready to storm the enemy's sangars O.C. 1/11th London Regt. who throughout will have been in the very closest touch with O.C. 1/5th Bedford Regt. will notify the Artillery Liaison Officer with him, and also Bde. H.Q., the exact hour at which the assault will take place. For the three minutes preceding this hour the Artillery will maintain an intense bombardment. The lifting of this bombardment will be the signal for the assault.

12. The lift will be for 200x and will be followed by further lifts of 100x every two minutes until a total of 500x has been reached, when a standing barrage will be established.

13. After positions have been captured Coys. will consolidate sufficiently to withstand a counter-attack.

14. At 0900 the advance will be resumed, 1/4th Northampton Regt., on Right, 1/10th London Regt. on Left. After these troops have passed through the line Coys. Will reform behind Pt.489, where the Bn. will remain in Reserve.

15. A contact aeroplane wil lfly over the line at about 0900, 1300 and 1700. Flares will be lit by the most advanced Infantry when called for by the aeroplane. The signals for this will be: - (a) A series of "A"s on a Klaxon Horn, or (b) A White Very Light. Ground Sheets will be carried by Bn.H.Q. and will be displayed if called for.

16. An ammunition and R.E. Dump is being established at RANTIEH.

17. An Advanced Dressing Station is being established at RANTIEH by 0600 March 12th. After the capture of MEJDEL YABA an Advanced Dressing Station will be established in the vicinity of NEBY TARI.

18. Troops will be in Fighting Order and carry one day's full rations. Everything in Camp will be left ready to be brought forward

19. The Divnl. Train will issue rations direct to Units on night 12/13th March. Guides, to be detailed by the Q.M. will meet Divnl. Train at P.33.a. at 1800.

20. Until water in the captured area has been passed fit for drinking all drinking water will be obtained from WILHELMA. Animals will water at WILHELMA until MEJDEL YABA has been captured; after that at NEBY TARI. The water carts will be handed over to the Bde. Water Officer at WILHELMA by 0600 March 12th. The Divnl. Train will provide teams for these, and they will be brought up with the rations on night 12/13th March and form a Bde. reserve of Water.

21. All Prisoners of War will be sent to Bn. H.Q.

22. watches will be synchronised at 2015 on March 11th and 0515 on March12th by the Signal Officer, who will synchronise with Bde. Signal Officer at 2000 and 0500.

23. Brigade Battle H.Q. will open on a Hill about W.2.a.1.9. at 0600 on 12th March. During the pause between the 2nd and 4th Phases they will move forward to Pt.489, and between the 4th and 5th Phases to KH DIKERIN.

24. An Advanced Bn. H.Q. will follow in Right rear of "A" Coy. and will keep in touch with Bn. H.Q. by telephone, Helio, Relay Posts (or other means if necessary), and on arrival at Pt. 489 wil lestablish an O.P., the personnel of which will be detailed by the Scout Officer. Bn. H.Q. will be in the first instance on the Ridge E. of KULUH and on the Right of the Bn. and will move forward as opportunity occurs (on the Right) until after the assault, when it will move to Pt. 489

25. ACKNOWLEDGE

1/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT ORDER No. 16 Map Palestine 1:63360 27th March 1918

1. On the night 27/28th March the 234th Infantry Brigade (75th Division) is advancing its line to include KH. UMM EL IKBA, and is establishing a post in about U.4.a.

2. In conjunction with this move, the front line of the RIGHT SUBSECTION will advance to the watershed separating the Wadis DEIR BALLUT and RABAH. The LEFT SUBSECTION will not move.

3. "A" Coy. will advance to KURNET EL HARAMIYEH; "B" Coy. to position as pointed out to O.C. Coy. (about M.27.c.9.8.) so as to connect with Left Post of 2/4th Devons. "D" Coy. will take up their new positions by 1845, when "C" Coy will come into Reserve at Battn. Hqrs.

4. The M.G.O. will at once reconnoitre new positions which he will take up immediately Coys are in their new Positions.

5. Positions will be consolidated and wired as far as possible by dawn.

6. Coy. Comdrs. will arrange mutually their dividing lines with Coys. on their Right and Left.

7. Arrangements for the Defence of the new line will be the same as in Right Subsection Defence Scheme.

8. Signal Officer will arrange the usual communications.

9. Aid Post will be with Support Coy. at U.3.c.2.5.

10. Battn. Hqrs. will remain in its present position for the present.

11. ACKNOWLEDGE

1/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT Order No.21 8th.APRIL 18.

1. To cause the enemy loss and try to learn on what points he is likely to fire with Artillery if attacked, a feint attack will be carried out on the evening of 8th. inst.

2. At dusk "B" Coy, will push forward five strong patrols, in directions as pointed out to O.C., "B" Coy. (the front covered by patrols is the whole length of SNIPERS RIDGE) until contact is gained with the enemy of the bottom of WADI RABAH is reached. No patrol will go beyond the bottom of the WADI RABAH.

3. At 1850 these patrols will open fire whether contact has been gained or not. At first only a few shots will be fired, but the volume of fire will gradually increase, 2 or 3 Lewis Guns joining in and bombs being thrown in addition, to simulate the repelling of an attack. This fire attack should be fully developed by 1900, at which hour 6 Red Very Lights will be fired at half minute intervals by one of the most advanced patrols. At 1910 fire will die away and patrols return to our lines.

4. During and after the demonstration particular attention will be paid to the action of the enemy on SNIPERS RIDGE.

5. 2 or 3 minutes after the firing of the 6 Red Very Lights, Field and Heavy Artillery will open fire on the enemy.

6. Watches will be synchronised at 1700.

7. ACKNOWLEDGE

1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment Order No.23 Ref.Map. 1/49,999 16th.April, 1918

1. The operation of 21st. Corps are indefinitely postponed. 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment Order No.22, and the various instructions issued are therefore cancelled. They will be destroyed by fire and a certificate to that effect rendered to this office by 0900, 17th inst.

2. The 162nd Inf. Bde. (less 1/4th Northants Regt.) will be relieved by the 161st Inf. Bde on the night 16/17th. April in the Right Section E. of MEJDEL YABA - KH KEFR HATTA road. the 1/4th. Northants Regt. will come under the orders of B.G.C. 161st Inf. Bde.

3. The 1/5th Bedford Regt. will be relieved by 1/6th Essex Regt. and after relief will take over the 1/6th Essex Regt. bivouac area in P.33.c. "A" Coy. will relieve one Company 1/6th. Essex Regt. as escort to the H.A. at MEZEIRAH. "B" Coy. will relieve one Company 1/6th Essex Regt. at ORANGE POST. "C", "D" & H.Q. Coys will take over bivouac area in P.33.c.

4. Drinking Water and Horse water will be drawn at P.23.d.

5. L.G.S. Wagons as detailed in 162nd. Inf. Bde. Memo.R.M./A/111/8 will be returned to their units on 16th. inst. 24 hours rations will be taken in addition to the unexpended portion of the days rations.

6. Coys will, on completion of relief, move direct to their new position. Completion of relief will be wired "priority" to this H.Q.

7. Instructions concerning rations will be issued later.

8. Sick will be evacuated to the 1/2nd E.A.Field Ambulance, at WILHELMA.

9. Brigade H.Q. will close at KH.DIKERIN on completion of the relief and will open at the Hotel, WILHELMA (R.8.b.2.6.) at 2200. Battalion H.Q. will close at present position on completion of relief and open at P.33.c. at 2300.

10. ACKNOWLEDGE

APPENDIX A 1/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT Map. FEJJA (C.3) 40000. 2nd. Edition 1st May 1918

1. 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve 1/5th Norfolk Regiment in the Left Subsection, Left Section on the night 2/3 May. 1918 1/11th London Regiment will be on 1/5th. Bedford Regiment Right Flank, and a Battalion of 7th Indian Division on Left Flank.

2. Details of relief have been arranged between Company Commanders concerned.

3. No Company or Detachment will leave its present Bivouac area before 1830 on 2nd. approx.

4. Signal Lines will be taken over by Signal Officer 1/5th. Bedford Regt.

5. A copy of 162nd Infantry Brigade Administrative Instructions are issued to Transport Officer, Q.M. and Medical Officer.

6. Completion of relief will be wired priority to Battalion H.Q.

7. Battalion H.Q. will close at WILHELMA at 1830 and open at F.12.a.8.2. on arrival

8. ACKNOWLEDGE.

APPENDIX B LEFT SUBSECTION, LEFT SECTION ORDER No.26 Date: 5th May, 1918 Ref: Map FEJJA C.3) 1/40000

1. Dispositions for defence of this Subsection will be altered as under tomorrow, 6th May, and Companies will move into new positions immediately after morning "Stand To".

2. (a) "B" Coy. from Right of Subsection to Bend of River, D.31D.8.6., inclusive. (b) "D" Coy. thence to D.31.c.8.7. (c) "A" Coy. thence to the Left Boundary of the Sub Section; exclusive to the Post at BALLS BRIDGE. (d) "C" Coy. will be in Subsection Reserve, and will be in the Orange Grove in F.6.B.10.3. This Company will find the Post at BALLS BRIDGE (strength 1 Lewis Gun Section), also the Police Post at FERREKIYEH STONE BRIDGE (strength 1 N.C.O. and 3 men)

(3) No alteration of dispositions will be made by Companies in the front line until Posts to be handed over by them have been relieved for this purpose. "B" and "C" Companies will move first, and "D" and "A" Companies make the necessary readjustments afterwards.

(4) The line will be taken up in the manner already pointed out by the C.O. to Company Commanders on the ground, and he will visit the line, beginning at the Right, at 0700 tomorrow to check these dispositions.

(5) Headquarters and administrative arrangements will remain at CAT HOUSE.

(6) Plan showing the new distribution of the line will be circulated to all concerned when it has been finally approved by higher authority.

(7) ACKNOWLEDGE

APPENDIX C LEFT SUBSECTION, LEFT SECTION OPERATION ORDER No.27 7th May, 1918. Map - FEJJA (C.3) !/40000

(1). The intelligence system of the enemy has improved lately to a considerable degree, and there is no doubt that a number of his agents are passing backwards and forwards through our lines conveying information to the enemy as to our dispositions. This indicates the necessity of being much more strict as regards the movements of inhabitants in areas near the front line.

(2). The importance of this matter is to be impressed on all ranks, as it is known that under present arrangements the enemy are receiving detailed information as to our movements.

(3). A line has now been fixed through this Subsection North and east of which no Natives or Jews except those employed by the E.E.F. are to be allowed. This line runs as follows: - From Junction of Road and WADI LEJJA (F.12.d.Central) along the WADI LEJJA to junction of WADI AUJA and WADI LEJJA (C.35.d.0.2)

(4). This line will be patrolled as follows: - (a). H.Q. Coy. Will establish a Standing Post at CAT HOUSE CROSSING (F.12.a.2.2.) which will patrol from F.12.s.central to F.6.c.8.3. (b). Company in Subsection Reserve will establish a Standing Post at FERREKIYEH Stone Bridge, which will patrol from F.6.c.8.3. to C.35.d.o.2.

(5). Each Standing Post will consist of 1 N.C.O. and 6 men acting as Armed Policemen.

(6). The orders for the Posts are: - (1). To turn all Natives, Jews, Orange Sellers, etc. South and West of this line. (2). To send any such found with passes on them to Subsection H.Q. under escort. (3). In case if attack by the enemy to defend the crossings of the WADI LEJJA at their Posts as detailed in para.4.

(7). In addition to above Posts, watch will be kept from all front line works, S.P.'s, Company and Battalion H.Q. to see that the above orders are carried out in the vicinity of Posts and Bivouacs

(8). ACKNOWLEDGE

APPENDIX D LEFT SUB SECTION Order No.28 9th. May. 1918 Map: - FEJJA (C.3) 1:40,000

1. 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment will be redisposed in this Subsection today, 9th. May, as per attached sketch, having 1/11th London regiment on its Right and a Battn. of 7th. Indian Division on its Left.

2. On relief by 1/11th London Regiment, "B" Coy will move into Subsection reserve at CAT HOUSE sending one platoon each to: - (a) PENNEY POST. (b) LEJJA POST. (c) BALLS BRIDGE. to relieve the present garrisons of these Posts. This Coy will also take over the Police Posts on the WADI LEJJA Crossings at: - (a) CAT HOUSE. (b) FERREKHIYEH STONE BRIDGE.

3. Details of relief will be arranged mutually between Coy Commanders concerned. Moves may take place by day provided it is done in small parties and under cover.

4. "B" Coy will hand over all correspondence, plans etc. of its present Coy area to 1/11th London Regiment and will take over similar documents in respect of: - PENNEY POST. LEJJA POST. BALLS BRIDGE. from the present garrisons. Scout Officer will hand over Battalion O.P. at Northampton castle complete with all documents etc. to 1/11th. London Regiment.

5. Lists of Area Stores, Documents etc to be handed or taken over, will be signed in duplicate and forwarded to Subsection H.Q. immediately on completion of relief.

6. Completion of relief will be wired priority to Subsection H.Q. by code word "WILKS".

7. Subsection H.Q. will remain at CAT HOUSE.

8. ACKNOWLEDGE.

APPENDIX E Reference LEFT SUBSECTION LEFT SECTION Order No. 27.

1. That part of the line to be patrolled by 1/5th. Bedfordshire Regiment from F.12.D.central to CAT HOUSE will be taken over from tomorrow morning 12th. May by 1/4th. Northamptonshire Regiment.

2. When 1/4th. Northamptonshire Regiment have taken over, Standing Posts: - (a) will be dismounted and Regimental Police will assume responsibility for the CAT HOUSE Crossing.

3. Standing Posts: - (b) will become responsible for Patrolling the whole line from CAT HOUSE exclusive to C.35.D.0.2.

4. ACKNOWLEDGE

APPENDIX F

1. In order to ensure uniformity, a new system of numbering posts is being taken into use.

2. All posts will be numbered from Right to Left throughout the Brigade Front. each Brigade Front will have a separate letter. the letter allotted to Right Section, 54th Divisional Front is C, and to Left Section D.

3. Posts in the left Sub-Section will be numbered thus: - (a) FRONT LINE Transfluvia East D11. Avenue Post D12. Transfluvia West D13. Mayers Post D14. Support Post MILL RACE D15. (b) S.P.LINE Penny POST D.S.5 LEJJA POST D.S.6 BLLS BRIDGE POST D.S.7

4. The above numbers will always be referred to in future instead of names previously used.

APPENDIX G Reference Subsection Order No.29

1. Continuation of Boundaries North East are as follows: - Between Right and Centre Subsections Bridge in D.34.d.1.1 (inclusive to Centre Subsection) - KEFR HATTA Between Centre and Left Subsections D.27 central along WADI DHAHEB (both banks inclusive to Left Subsection) as far as JILJULIEH Road thence along this road to JILJULIEH (and inclusive to Centre Subsection)

2. All persons including Officers or other ranks found between the central and front lines who are not known or are not in possession of a pass are to be detained and enquiries immediately made to establish their bona-fides

3. ACKNOWLEDGE

The boundary between this Sub-Section and 7th Division has been altered and now runs as follows: - BIR ADAS - BALLS BRIDGE ROAD (incl. to this Sub Section) thence along Right bank of River AUJA to Bridge in Z17. the whole of ISOLATED WOOD is inclusive to this Sub Section.

2. ACKNOWLEDGE

1/5th. BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT ORDER No. 32 Ref. Map FEJJA C.3 1/40,000 19 June 1918

1. The 162nd. Inf. Bde. will relieve the 163rd. Inf. Bde. in the Right Section, 54th. Divisional Sector, on the night 20/21st. June.

2. 1/5th. Bedford Regt. will relieve 1/5th. Norfolk Regt. in the Left Subsection. 1/4th. Northampton Regt. will relieve 1/8th. Hants Regt. in the Centre Subsection.

3. "A" Coy. will relieve the Right Coy. in the line. "D" Coy. will relieve the Left Coy. in the line. "C" Coy. will relieve the Right Reserve Coy. "B" Coy. will relieve the Left Reserve Coy. Details of relief will be arranged between Coy. Comdrs.

4. Coys. will not leave present bivouac area before 1930 on 20th. inst.

5. Signal lines will be taken over by the Signal Office

6. Copies of receipts for all Area stores handed over and taken over, will be sent to this office. Reserve rations will be taken over and receipts forwarded to this office.

7. Trench Log Books will be taken over for each O.P. and work in 1st. Line System.

8. On and after 21st. inst. the 162nd. Inf. Bde will draw rations and forage daily from Brigade Refilling Point at P.17.c.6.2 at 1600 Supply personnel moving to new refilling point relieving the supply personnel 163rd. Bde. at 1700 on 20th. the Field Post Office moves with the supply personnel. 9. The new Watering Area will be at P.17.d.3.8. Time tables will be issued later.

10. Sick will be evacuated to 1/3rd E.A. Field Amb. P.22.b.

11. Completion of relief will be wired "Priority" to Bn. H.Q.

12. Bde. H.Q. will close at WILHELMA at 1630 and reopen at the same hour in U.7.d.2.2. Bn. H.Q. will close at present Bivouac Area at 1930 and reopen at the same hour at the LIME KILN.

13. ACKNOWLEDGE.

1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment Order No.34 Ref. Map FEJJA C.3. 1/40,000 29th. July. 1918

1. On the night 29/30th. July. 162nd. Inf. Bde. will move to MEZEIRAH.

2. On night 29/30th. July. Companies will move independently to MEZEIRAH. They will cross the North and South line through O.30.CEntral and O.36.central at the following times: - B & H.Q.Coy 2030 A Coy 2035 D Coy 2040 C Coy & 1st Line Transport 2045

3. On the 30th. this unit will find working parties in the MEZEIRAH Area, instructions for which have been issued verbally to Coy. Comdrs.

4. Administrative instructions will be issued separately.

5. 162nd.Inf.Bde. will close at RED HOUSE WOOD at 1830 on 29th. and open at P.30.a.5.5. at the same hour.

6. Bn. H.Q. will close at present bivouac area [sic] at 2030 and open at P.29.b.3.3. at the same hour.

7. ACKNOWLEDGE

1/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT ORDER No.35 Ref.Map. FEJJA C.3. 1,40,000 31 July. 1918

1. The 162nd Inf. Bde. less 162nd L.T.M.B. will relieve the 8th. Ind. Inf. Bde. in the Right Section, Centre Sector, on night 31/1st. 2. 1/5th. Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve 1st. Manchester Regiment in the Left Sub-Section.

2 Coys less 2 Platoons 1/10th. London Regt. are relieving 1 Coy. 91st Punjabis in works D.1, 2, 3 & 4 and will come under orders of O.C. Left Sub-Section. 1 Section 162.M.G.Coy and 1 Section 162. L.T.M.B. are relieving corresponding Sections of the 8th. Ind. Inf. Bde. in the Left Sub-Section on the night 1/2nd. Aug.

3. Details of relief will be arranged mutually between Coy. Commdrs. concerned, who will make their own arrangements for sending on advance parties.

4. Starting Point will be on road level with North end of Transport Lines. Coys will pass this point as follows: - A Coy 2015 D Coy 2018 C Coy 2021 B Coy 2024 H.Q. Coy 2027 The orders for Transport will be issued separately

5. Attention is called to Battn. Order N.1143. Bivouacs will not be struck and Transport will not harness up before dark.

6. Area and Trench Stores will be taken over by Coys. Receipts will be given and copies in duplicate sent to O. Room by 0800, 1st.

7. All refuse will be burnt, if necessary being carried back under cover for this purpose.

8. Completion of reliefs will be wired priority to Bn. H.Q. using the Code Word "WADI".

9. Battn. H.Q. will close at present location at 2000 and open at P.6.d.6.5. at the same hour.

10. ACKNOWLEDGE

1.5th BEDFORDSHIRE REIMENT ORDER No.36 Ref.Maps. FEJJA C3.1/40,000 BIDIEH C4.1/40000 17 August 1918

1. From latest Intelligence reports it appears that the enemy's S.O.S. signal is Red lights fired in pairs.

2. In order to simulate an attack on the enemy's trench system South of KEFR KASIM with the object of bringing down and registering his night lines the following operations will be carried out on Z night.

3. Z night and Zero hour will be notified later.

4. Programme as under: - Zero - 150 min. A Strong Patrol as under will move out from this Subsection by moonlight. They will act as though covering a concentration of troops preparatory to attack and will endeavour to show themselves to the enemy picquets. CAPT. H.H. SPERLING. 2/Lt. H.E. ROSE 10 O.Rs. from C. Coy. 10 O.Rs. from D. Coy. A similar patrol is being found by each Subsection. Zer0 - 90 min. 3 pairs of M.Gs. (called X, Y and Z batteries) each with 1 Platoon plus 1 L.G. Section as escort will leave the Section line and take up previously reconnoitred positions as under. The escort for Z Battery will be found by D. Coy. X. Battery. M.29.c.15.15. Y.Battery. M.27.b.0.2. Z. Battery. M.26.a.7.2. Zero - 60 min. The Strong Patrol will withdraw under cover of darkness by a prearranged route to our lines, taking care that the withdrawal is not observed by the enemy. the Strong Patrol will leave behind it a small patrol of 6 O.Rs under 2/Lieut. H.E.Rose, which will subsequently fore the S.O.S. Signal. Position of this Officers patrol will be M.7.d.0.0. There will be similar patrols as follows: - In Right Subsection 100 yards South of KH.ED DUWEIR in M.16.d. In Centre Subsection about M.21.a.9.0. Zero. Artillery group opens on selected targets in accordance with orders to be issued by No.1. R.A. Group Commander. Zero + 5 min. Artillery Group lifts to further barrages. X, Y and Z M.G. Batteries open on targets as under: - X Battery - KH.KESFA, lifting on to WADI AYUN in M.23.b. and SANGAR 627 in M.17.d. Y Battery - KH.UMM EL BUREID lifting on to WADI RABAH in M.15 and Sangars in M.15.a. and M.8.d. Z Battery - Sangars in M.14.a. M.7.d. and M.8.d. Zero + 10 min. Officers' patrols mentioned above will fire red Very Lights in pairs. If enemy Artillery does not reply they will change to green lights in pairs; Lights to be fired towards our own lines to simulate the enemy's S.O.S. Signal. Artillery group ceases barrage fire and opens on back areas. Zero + 20 min. Artillery group and M.G. Batteries cease fire. Officers' Patrols and M.G. batteries withdraw to our own lines. When all are in code word "KING" will be wired by the Right Front Line Coy to Subsection H.Q.

5. The Intelligence Officer will post Observers to observe the number, calibre and fall of all enemy shells within this Subsection. These will be reported together with any other information to Subsection H.Q. by 0900 on the following day.

6. Watches will be synchronised at 1730 on Z night at Subsection H.Q.

7. ACKNOWLEDGE

VERY SECRET

1. Reference 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment Order No.36 of 17th August. para. 3. Z night will be 18/19. Zero Hour will be 0150.

2. ACKNOWLEDGE

1/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT ORDER No. 37 Ref.Map. FEJJA C.3.1/40,000 19th August 1918.

1. On the night 21/22, Units of the 162nd Inf.Bde. will be relieved by Units of 161st Inf.Bde in the Right Centre Sector.

2. 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment will be relieved by 1/7th Essex Regiment. Details of reliefs will be arranged by Coy. Comdrs. concerned.

3. On relief 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment will move via BALLUT ROAD to BEIT NABALA WOODS and take over the area vacated by 1/5th Essex Rgt.

4. This Bn. will take over all work and duties now being performed by 1/5th Essex Regt.

5. Transport will not move during daylight.

6. All Defence Schemes, Log Books, Aeroplane Photos and Area Stores will be handed over and duplicate receipts rendered to Orderly Room by 0800 22nd inst.

7. Administrative instructions will be issued separately.

8. Completion of relief will be wired priority to this H.Q. using code word "JOHN".

9. Bn. H.Q. will close at present site and reopen at BEIT NABALA WOODS on completion of relief.

10.ACKNOWLEDGE

DEFENCE SCHEME LEFT SUBSECTION RIGHT CENTRE SECTOR Ref.Maps.FEJJA.C3.& BDIIEH [sic] C4.1/40,000 20th August 1918 I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

1. No trench or portion of a trench at present occupied is to be given up on any account.

2. Should the enemy penetrate or occupy any post or trench immediate counter attack is to be made and the enemy ejected before he has time to consolidate or bring up Machine Guns and Reinforcements. In case the local counter attack does not succeed in doing this, a deliberate counter attack with Artillery support is to be carried out.

3. Reserves will be kept normally for counter attack, and will not be used to reinforce posts unless absolutely necessary.

4. All Coys will carry out day and night practices in counter attack. each Coy.Comdr. will have written schemes laying down a method to be employed to retake any trench lost. II. BOUNDARIES. The Boundaries of the Subsection are: - Right Boundary. M.8.central. - U.2.central - U.7.central Left Boundary. JILJULIEH - RAS-EL-AIN Road (exclusive) to Right Centre Sector) - G.17.a.00 - G.22.central - South along Railway (exclusive to Right Centre Sector) III. DISPOSITIONS. the Front Line is held by 4 Coys. and 2 Platoons as under: - Right Coy C.12, C.13, C.S.5. Right Centre Coy (plus 1 Platoon) C.14, C.15, C.S.6, C.S.7. Left Centre Coy (less 1 Platoon) C.16, C.S.8. Left Coy. C.17, C.18, C.12 2 Platoons C.Z.1, C.Z.2. Found by Mobile Support Battn.

IV. QUARTERS By day. All troops except Observation Posts, will be in bivouacs. By night. The garrisons will hold their works. The remainder in bivouac.

V. WITHDRAWAL to 2nd.LINE SYSTEM. A withdrawal will only take place (a) By order from 21st. Corps as a result of occurrence on another part of the line. (b) Owing to a successful enemy attack in such superior force that counter attacks have been unable to recover the lost ground. For details of withdrawal as in (b) see Appendix 1.

VI. RESERVE RATIONS. No reserve rations are to be kept in C. Works. 1 days water and rations for 40 men are stored in each C.S. work as Area Stores.

VII. RESERVE AMMUNITION AND BOMBS.

1. in each C.S.Work and in C.Z. 1 and 2 Reserve Ammn. 300 rds per rifle for 40 men 3,000 rds per L.G. 6,000 rds per M.G. in addition to ammunition with the guns Mills Grenades. 4 Boxes. Rifle Grenades (Mills or Hales) 2 Boxes.

2. In each C.Work S.A.A. 120 rds man carried on the man 100 rds man in boxes. L.G's. 2000 rds L.G. M.G's 5000 rds M.G., T.M's 100 rds T.M. Actually sited in or near Front Line Works. This does not include guns in Coy. or Subsection Reserve. The bulk of this is dumped in Front Line Works. the remainder being kept at Coy H.Q. in Front Line. Mills Grenades. 8 Boxes. Rifle Grenades (Mills or Hales). 2 Boxes.

3. The whole of the above, with the exception of 120 rds S.A.A. carried on the man, is in addition to existing establishments, and will be treated as Area Stores and will be handed over on relief. VIII. S.O.S.CALL 1. S.O.S. Red and Green lights fired alternately, these to be repeated until the Artillery Barrage opens. 2. Cease Fire. Green lights fired in threes, then a pause of half a minute, then three more, repeated until the Artillery ceases fire. No other light signals will be used. 3. The normal method of calling for Artillery fire by night is by telephone to F.O.O. at Subsection H.Q. The S.O.S. Signal will only be fired in the event of telephone communication breaking down or in cases of extreme urgency, and then only by the order of the Coy. Comdr. 4. If it is required to change from "night lines" to "barrage" a further telephone message must be sent to F.O.O. IX. LEWIS GUNS. Area Lewis Guns are maintained as under, and will be handed over on relief: - C.12 1 Gun. C.13 1 Gun. C.14 1 Gun. C.15 1 Gun. C.17 1 Gun. C.18 1 Gun. C.19 1 Gun. X. DETAILS 1. One Section M.G.Coy is allotted to this Subsection and comes under the orders of the Subsection Comdr. 2. One Section L.T.M.Battery is allotted to this Subsection. 3. One 18pder. Battery supports this Subsection.

4. For further details of the following see sketches attached. Dispositions in 1st.Line System. Artillery positions and barrages, 1st.Line System M.G. positions and Night Lines, 1st.Line System L.T.M. positions and Night Lines, 1st.Line System Signal Communications. XI. OBSERVATION. The Battn.Scouts furnish an Observation Post at M.25.C.2.9. XII. REGIMENTAL AID POST. The Regimental Aid Post is situated near Subsection H.Q. XIII. SUBSECTION HEADQUARTERS. Subsection H.Q. is situated at U.1.c.8.3. XIV. ACKNOWLEDGE

APPENDIX 1. Arrangements for withdrawal to 2nd.Line System.

1. In order to avoid confusion, it is thought inadvisable to draw up more than one definite scheme for withdrawal to 2nd. Line System. It is considered that the following is the most probable course of events which would precede the withdrawal. (a) The Units in the four Subsections have put up a strong resistance to a hostile attack. (b) In spite of the use of local and Subsection Reserves, and the assistance of the mobile Support Battalion, the enemy has made some progress. (c) Some ro all of the C.S.Works are still holding out. (d) Coys. holding the Front Line System have suffered such casualties or become otherwise disorganised to the extent that they would for the moment be incapable of occupying the 2nd. Line System. (e) Owing to additional enemy Reserves coming up, it is thought desirable, before attempting a deliberate counter attack, to give our troops the opportunity to reorganise. 2. The code word "BLUE" will be sent out from Sector H.Q. as an order to commence withdrawal. In no case will a withdrawal take place until this is received. 3. On receipt of the code word the following will be brought into operation; - (a) The Battalion in Section Reserve with 1 Section M.G.C. and 1 Section L.T.M.Bty. will man the C.R.Line. (b) Garrisons of original 1st.Line System with their local and Subsection Reserves, continue to hold out as long as possible, under cover of which the Batteries in WADI BALLUT withdraw to2nd.Line Positions. (c) When batteries have withdrawn garrisons of 1st.Line System with local Subsection reserves withdraw by bounds. garrisons which were holding C. Works withdraw first, their withdrawal being covered by C.S.Works, the former will then support the withdrawal of the garrison of the C.S. Works, repeated until the C.R.Line has been passed, when Coys will assemble and reorganise in WADI in P.24.b. (d) M.G. and L.T.M.Bty. Sections attached to this Subsection will remain under orders of Subsection Commander. (e) Coy Comdrs. will report progress of reorganization at frequent intervals. 4. It must be distinctly understood by all concerned that a situation may arise in which it may be considered advisable to occupy the C.R.Line as a precautionary measure, but no withdrawal whatever is to be contemplated until the code word as laid down in para.2. is issued from Sector H.Q.

1/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT ORDER No.38 Ref.Maps BIDIEH & FEJJA Sheets 1/40,000 7th. September 1918

1. On night 8/9th. Sept. the Bn. will relieve 1/5th. Essex Regt. in the old Left Centre Subsection of the Right Centre Sector. The Subsection will then be renamed the Right Subsection of the Left Section.

2. An Advance Party as under will leave the present Bivouac, mounted with the C.O. at 0730. Adjutant, I.O. & L.G.O., Q.M., T.O., 4 Officers Comdg. Coys. and Signal Sergt. These Officers may arrange for such additional personnel as they require in advance, to march up during the day, provided it is done in small parties not exceeding 6 in number.

3. The Bn. will parade and march off under the 2nd. in Command, as under Starting Point - Eastern End, 162nd L.T.M.Bty. 1905 H.Q. Coy. A. Coy. C. Coy. B. Coy. D. Coy. Stretcher Bearer Section. Transport. Coys. will not parade for marching off, nor will transport begin harnessing up before 1830.

4. Coys. will relieve Coys. of the 1/5th. Essex Regt. to be pointed out by the C.O. to Coy. Commanders on the ground, after which all arrangements will be made mutually between Coy. Commanders concerned.

5. All Signallers of "B" and "C" Classes will be attached to 1/11th. London Regt. from the night 8/9 Sept. They will march separately in rear of the Battalion under the Senior N.C.O. "A" Class will be discontinued from the 8th. Sept. inclusive.

6. Administrative and Transport arrangements will be issued by the Q.M. and T.O. respectively.

7. Completion of all reliefs will be wired priority to new Bn. H.Q. by the Code word "RIFLE".

8. Bn. H.Q. will close at present sight [sic] at 1900 and reopen at U.3.c.3.3 on arrival.

9. ACKNOWLEDGE.

1/5th BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT ORDER No. 1 Ref. Map. FEJJA C3 BIDIEH C4. 1/40,000 17 September 1918

1. Certain operations will take place on Z day at Zero hour to be notified later.

2. At Zero + 90 this Unit will leave its present position and concentrate at M.9.c.

3. Coys will move independently in rough Artillery Formation by the shortest and most convenient route keeping touch with Bn. H.Q. during the move.

4. It is expected that when this move takes place the enemy line from Three Bushes, Scurry Hill, Kefr Kasim, and Jevis Tepe will be in our hands.

1st LINE TRANSPORT 5. (a) Company Echelon will be sent to Coys to arrive at Zero + 60 and will move with Coys. (b) Battalion Echelon will move under the Transport Officer as the tactical situation permits. Escort; - Cpl. Buckle, 8 Drummers also Coy Cooks. These will be available as runners and Ammunition Carriers. (c) Camel Echelon will move under the Q.M. Escort; - Sgt. W.C.Allen, Pioneers and Q.M.s party.

2nd LINE TRANSPORT 6. Baggage Wagons will be loaded on the evening of Z - 1 day and move under the orders of O.C. Divnl. Train. Escort; - Cpl. Pooley and 3 O'Ranks.

MEDICAL 7. Stretcher Bearer Section will follows the Bn. Advanced Dressing Station in the first instance is at the LIME KILN, MEJDEL YABA, moving as the situation develops [sic] to M.13.c.

WATCHES 8. The Signal Officer will attend at Bde. H.Q. at 1700 on Z - 1 day to synchronise watches. he will be responsible for synchronising all watches in the Bn. afterwards.

REPORTS. 9. Reports to present Bn. H.Q. up to Zero + 90 after which H.Q. Coy will move via Post C.11, M.27.a.central, WADI IKBA, and shortest route to M.9.c.

10. ACKNOWLEDGE.

1/5th. BEDFORDSHIRE REGIMENT Order No 2 3rd. october 1918

1. The Bn. will move tomorrow to ACRE, complete with 1st. Line Transport, Baggage Wagons, and Camels, and will take over all duties from the 7th. Indian Division and will be responsible for the defence of ACRE.

2. The Bn. will be ready to move at 1055. Coys will move in the following order: - "A" Coy. H.Q.Coy. "B" Coy. Drums. "C" Coy. "D" Coy. Stretcher Bearer Section. 1st. Line Transport under T.O. 2nd. Line Transport under T.O. Camel Transport under Q.M. 3. The Bn. will halt at about 1300 for dinners. 2nd. Line Supply Wagons will be drawn loaded from Supply Depot by the Q.M. and join Bn. in passing.

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