1916 War Diary Appendices (1), January to July only

Appendices for September 1916 onwards are on a seperate page. Follow this link to see them.

NOTES: All remarks in squared brackets are my own additions, amendments or comments and are not part of the original document

I have adjusted all names to show in bold and capital letters, to make them easier to pick out. This is not how they appear in the original document.

February 1916

54th Brigade Operation Order No.13. Reference Map FRANCE Sheet 62.D 1/40,000 29 February 1916

1. 18th Division has been transferred to 13th Corps 53rd Brigade will take over present billets of 54th Brigade 2. 54th Brigade will move to CORBIE 3. a. 12th Middx now at CORBIE 3. b. 11th R.Fus. and 54th M/Gun Company will move to CORBIE tomorrow at 2 p.m. marching via BONNAY. 3. c. 1 Section 80th Field Coy. R.E., 7th Bedfords and 84th T.M.Battery will move to CORBIE tomorrow at 2 p.m. marching via LA NEUVILLE. 3. d. Orders for move of 6th Northants will be issued tomorrow 4. Billeting parties will report to Town Major at 10 a.m. tomorrow at CORBIE 5. Units will leave representatives to hand over billets to incoming units of 53rd Brigade. 6. Time of arrival of units at Corbie will be notified to Brigade Headquarters. 7. Additional transport will report to units as under: - 8 lorries Hd.Qrs. 11th R.Fus. 12 noon 8 lorries Hd.Qrs. 7th Bedfords 12 noon Brigade Headquarters at LA HOUSSOYE will close at 2 p.m. tomorrow and will reopen at CORBIE at the same hour.

March 1916

OPERATION ORDERS No.1 by Major G.P. Mills, Commanding 7th (s) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 4th March 1916.

1. INTENTION. The 7th Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. will relieve the Regiment in A.2. Sector Trenches on 6th March, 1916 The distribution of the Battalion on taking over will be as follows: - Right Sub.Sec. A Coy. Centre Sub.Sec. B Coy. Left Sub.Sec. D Coy. C Coy. in Bn. Reserve at CARNOY. The line will be held by 3 platoons of each company in the fire trench, and 1 platoon of each company in support. 2. RATIONS. Supporting platoon of each company will be responsible for the drawing and carrying up of rations for their respective companies, from CARNOY. All cooking is done at CARNOY. Hot meals can only be taken up at night time. Water is brought to CARNOY in watercarts and each company must send down 12 men every night after dark with 12 empty petrol tins to bring up 12 tins of water. It is essential that as many empty tins as possible be taken down as full tins will only be issued in exchange for empty ones. 3. BILLETS. Billeting accommodation is bad, so kits should be reduced to a minimum. 4. RELIEFS. The Battalion will probably be relieved by the 6th Battn. Northants Regts. every 5 or 6 days. rest billets are at BRONFAY Farm. 5. VICKERS M.G. Coy. 1 Section of the Vickers M.G. Coy. will be lent to the Battalion by the 54th Brigade Machine Gun Coy. 6. EXTENT OF LINE. The Battalion frontage consists of trenches 45 to 54 inclusive. Right Sub.Sec. 45-48 inclusive. Centre Sub.Sec. 49-50 inclusive, Left Sub.Sec. 51-54 inclusive. 7. FROSTBITE. The usual precautions are to be taken for the prevention of Frostbite and Trench Feet. As there is a shortage of Gum Boots rigid supervision is essential as regards the changing to socks, etc. 8. ROUTE OF RELIEF. The Battn. will relieve via CARNOY AVENUE, LA GUERRE WOOD, and BERWICK AVENUE. O.C.Companies, O.C.Snipers, M.G.Officer and Battn.Bombing Officer will proceed to the trenches by 9a.m. on morning of 6th inst., to take over their respective sectors, &c. Trench stores Lists to be forwarded to Battn. Headquarters by 12 noon Monday, or earlier if possible. (signed) P.R.Meautys, Capt. [Paul Reginald MEAUTYS] & Adjutant 7th Bn, Bedf. R. Issued at 12 noon 4.3.16 by Trench Runner Copy No.1 File 2 54th Brigade 3 War Diary 4 War Diary 5 O.C. "A" Coy. 6 O.C. "B" Coy. 7 O.C. "C" Coy. 8 O.C. "D" Coy. 9 Transport Officer & Qr.Mr. 10 Battn.Bombing Officer 11 Battn.Sniping Officer 12 6th Northants 13 Machine Gun Officer 14 Regtl.Sergt.Major 15 Spare.

OPERATION ORDERS No.2. by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 4th March 1916

1. Intention. The 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. will move from CORBIE to BRAY (L.9.C) on 5th march, 1916 via the CORBIE-BRAY Road. Billeting party, consisting of Billeting Officer, Interpreter, 4 Coy. M.Sgts. and 3 Regimental police will report to the Town Major BRAY at 2 p.m. on 5th Inst. 2. PARADE. The Battalion will parade in full marching order outside Battalion Headquarters, facing east, at 3.30p.m. tomorrow. Hd.Qr. Company, B Coy., C Coy., Drums, D Coy., A Coy., M.G.Detachment, Transport. An advance party - 1 platoon of A Company will parade at Battn. Headquarters at 1.30 p.m. tomorrow. On arrival of the Battalion at BRAY the Battalion will come under the command of G.O.C. 21st.Bde. and will remain under his command until the G.O.C. 54th Brigade assumes command of "A" Sector. All Trench Stores will be taken over from 21st Brigade. Qr.Mr.Stores and Transport will be in BRAY. Brigade Headquarters will move to BRAY on 7th March, 1916. Company Commanders are eminded that billets are to be left scrupulously clean. Kits to be kept as low as possible. (signed) P.R.Meautys [Paul Reginald MEAUTYS] Captain & Adjutant. 7th Bn.Bedf.Regt.

OPERATION ORDERS No.3 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt.10th March 1916

1. Intention. The 7th Bn. Bedfordshire. Regt. will be relieved by 6th Bn.Northants Regt. in Sector A.2. on Saturday, 11th inst. The relief will take place after dark. 2. Information. The leading company of the 6th Northants will leave BRONFAY at 6.30 pm Guides will be provided by companies as laid down in 3rd.Army Trench Standing Orders, and will be at Bronfay Farm by6.15 p.m. Northants Companies will leave BRONFAY FARM at ½ hours intervals. 3. Order of Relief. Companies of Bedfords will be relieved in the following order: - Centre Coy., R.Coy., Left Coy., Reserve Company & Hd.Qr.Coy. 4. Trench Stores. As much as possible, private and public, should be handed over, to avoid overloading the transport. Steel helmets, being battn. property will be taken out of the trenches by the men. Duplicate Trench Store Lists will be forwarded to Orderly Room by 3 p.m. 11th. 5. Billeting party. The Billeting Officer, Provost Sergeant, and 1 representative per platoonwill rendezvous at Bn.H.Qrs. at 11 a.m. tomorrow in order to proceed to BRAY to take over billets. These representatives must meet their respective platoons at the level Crossing L.15 b.5.9. when they come out of trenches, and must guide them straight to their billets. 6. Taking over party. Company Commanders, the Battn.Bombing Officer, battn.Sniping Officer and the Regimental Sergeant Major of 6th Northants will arrive in A.2. on morning of 11th inst. to take over trench stores. 7. Guards. The following guards will be supplied by "B" Company and will be taken over at 1 p.m. tomorrow. (1) 1 N.C.O. & 3 men, Guard level Crossing (This guard mounts at 5.30 p.m.) (2) 1 N.C.O. & 5 men Cappy Road Guard Town Guard (3) 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Rue CAPPY well & pump (4) 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Crucifix corner of BRAY-CORBIE and RAY-ETINEHEM RD. (5) 1 N.C.O. & 5 men Brigade Headquarters All the above guards, except No.1 mount at 9 a.m. daily. No.1 mounts at 5.30 p.m. daily.

OPERATION ORDERS No.4 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 14th March 1916

1. Intention. The 7th Bn.Bedf.Regt. will relieve the 6th Battalion Northants. Regt. in Sector A.2.Trenches, tomorrow, 15th instant. The relief will take place after dark. Time of departure from BRAY will be notified later. 2. Trench Stores. Company Commanders, the Bn. Bombing and Bn. Sniping Officer and the Regimental Sergeant major will proceed to the trenches on the morning of the 15th inst. To take over Trench Stores. Duplicate copies of Trench Store Lists will be submitted to the Adjutant as soon as possible handing over stores is completed. 3. Transport. The Bedford Transport will bring back the kit and stores of the Northants from A.2. Kit and stores should be kept down to a minimum. 4. Distribution of Companies. D Company will take over the Left Sector A Company will take over the Right Sector, B Company will take over the Centre Sector. C Company will be the Company in Reserve. 5. Personnel to be left in BRAY. The following men will be left in BRAY, under the supervision of the Quartermaster. 5 Drummers, and 1 N.C.O. in charge. 1/2 the pioneer Section. Shoemakers & Tailors. The Armourer Sergeant will proceed to the trenches with the Headquarter Company. 6. Steel Helmets. Until the Battalion is fully equipped with Steel Helmets the Company which is in reserve will hand over their steel helmets to the Centre Sector Company. 7. Spare Kit. All spare kit not being taken to the trenches will be handed over to the Quartermaster before 4 p.m. and must be stacked in the places selected for the respective companies. 8. Kit for Trenches. All stores and kits which are for the Trenches must be ready for loading on the limbers by 5 p.m. at latest. The Regimental Provost Sergeant will personally supervise the loading up of Headquarters Stores & Kit. He will also march Headquarter Company to the trenches (signed) P.R.MEAUTYS [Paul Reginald MEAUTYS] Capt. & Adjutant. 7th Bn.Bedf.Regt. Note. The usual precautions regarding the intervals between platoons and the strength of parties proceeding to the trenches must be observed.

OPERATION ORDERS No.5 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 18th March 1916 SECRET

1. Intention. The 7th Battn,Bedfordshire Regt. Will be relieved by the 6th Bn.Northants Regt. In Sector A.2 Trenches tomorrow, 19th instant. The relief will take place after dark. The time of relief will be notified later. 2. Information.The leading Coy. Of the Nortants will leave BRAY at - p.m. Northants Coys. Will leave BRONFAY FARM at intervals of 1/4 hour. 3. Order of Relief. Companies of the Bedfords will be relieved in the following order: - Left Sub Sector, Centre Sub. Sector, Right Sub.Sector, Reserve Coy. & Bn.H.Q.Coy. 4. Trench Stores. In addition to the usual trench stores, the following Battalion property will be handed over, under the separate heading of "BATTALION TRENCH STORES" Trench Stretchers 8 1 1/2" Very Guns 4 (All Bedfords) Periscopes All Signalling lamps, visual 4 (All Bedfords) Stands for same 4 (all Bedfords) Telescopes 2 (all Bedfords) Stands for same 2 (all Bedfords) Discs 12 (all Bedfords) 12 way Commutator 1 (Northants) Magazines 324 (216 N'Hants & 108 Bedfords) Tripods - 4 (2 Bedfords, 2 N'Hants) Panniers 16 (All Northants) Boilers, complete 8 per company = total 32 Camp Kettles - 2 per company = total 8 Camp Kettles - 10 Bn.H.Qrs Fryers 4 per company = total 16 Special attention must be paid to the handing over of Battn. Property on this occasion in order to avoid any possibility of confusion or doubt arising later on. Steel Helmets will not be handed over, but taken out of the trenches by the men. The DUPLICATE Trench Store List (1 copy only is required) will be forwarded to Orderly Room by 3 p.m. 19th inst. TAKING OVER PARTY. Company Commanders, Bn.Bombing Officer, Battn.Sniping Officer and the Regimental Sergeant Major 6th N'Hants will arrive in A.2. on the morning of the 19th to take over Trench Stores. 5. Transport. Transport of the 6th Northants will take to BRONFAY FARM the kits etc. of the 7th Bedfords. The Regimental Provost Sergeant will personally supervise the loading of the kits, etc. and will march H.Q.Coy. to BRONFAY FARM. 6. Distribution of Companies. Battn.H.Qrs. and "C" Company will take over BRONFAY FARM; A, B & D Companies will take over BILLON WOOD. 1 Officer per Coy., Coy.Q.M.Sgts., and 1 N.C.O. per platoon, with 1 Pioneer from Bn.H.Q. will parade after dinner tomorrow to take over their respective company dugouts. 7. Details. Police & Stretcher Bearers at present with their companies will remain with their companies. Company Quartermaster Sergeants and Storemen at present in BRAY will rejoin their companies tomorrow night. The Drummers at present in trenches will proceed under an N.C.O. to BRONFAY FARM by 10am tomorrow, 19th inst., to unload Bn. transport on arrival of limbers, and take charge of baggage until Battalion Headquarters arrives. They will report to Bn.H.Qrs. at 9.30am for orders (signed) E.W.Benson, [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC] Lieut. A/Adjutant, 7th Bn.Bedford Regt.

SUPPLEMEMTARY OPERATION ORDERS No.5A. by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 19th March 1916 SECRET

1. Information. The leading company of 6th Northants will not leave BRAY Level Crossing until 7.30 p.m. tonight. 2. Order of Relief. Centre: Left: Right: Reserve Coy. & Bn.H.Q. 3. Machine Guns & Signallers will relieve independently 4. Taking over party. Will not arrive in trenches before 3.00 p.m. 5. Completion of Reliefs will be reported as usual to Orderly Room. 6. Route. Companies in the front line will relieve via BERWICK AVENUE and then by road. Parties must be not more than 25 men and at intervals of not less than 300 yards. (signed) E.W.BENSON [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC], Lieut. A/Adjutant, 7th Bn.Bedf.R.

OPERATION ORDERS No.6 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 22nd March 1916

1. Intention. The 7th Bn. Bedfordshire Regt. Will relieve the 6th Bn. Northants Regt in Sector A.2. Trenches tomorrow 23rd inst. On completion of relief, 6th Northants will take over BRONFAY FARM and BILLON WOOD. 2. Order of Relief. Centre: Left: Right: Reserve Co & Bn.H.Qrs. Distribution of Coys. - A Coy Right, D Coy. Left, C Coy. Reserve, B Coy. Centre sector. 3. Route to be Taken. Centre Coy. Via SHEFFIELD AVENUE. Right Coy. Via SHEFFIELD AVENUE. Left Coy. Via CARNOY AVENUE. Reserve Co. & Bn.H.Qrs. via CARNOY AVENUE. Relief will commence from BILLON WOOD at 6.30 p.m. in above order, at intervals of 1/4 hour. 4. Machine Gunners & Signallers will relieve independently. 5. Trench Stores. The Bn. Bombing and Bn. Sniping Officers, the Regtl. Sergeant Major and the Company Sergeant Majors will proceed to the trenches at 2 p.m. tomorrow for the purpose of taking over Trench Stores. The duplicate list, signed by both parties, will be submitted to the Adjutant as soon as possible after handing over is completed. 6. Transport.The Bedford Transport will bring back the kit and stores of the 6th Northants from A.2. Sector. 7. Kit, etc. All Kit Blankets and Stores (Brooms & brushes especially) to be returned to BRAY must be dumped by Companies in BRONFAY FARM yard by 9.30 a.m. tomorrow at latest. All kit for transport to trenches will be stacked ready for loading on transport at 5.00 p.m. in BRONFAY FARM and BILLON WOOD. Kit in BILLON WOOD is to be stacked at road end of wood. 8. Interval. Companies will proceed to the trenches in parties of not more than a platoon at a time, and at intervals of 300 yards. 9. Guards."C" Company will take over the following guards in A.2. Sector at 5.30 p.m. 23rd. inst. 1 N.C.O.& 4 men CARNOY KEEP Guard 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Guard over MANCHESTER Reserve water. 1 N.C.O. & 3 men BRICK AVENUE Guard. 10. Taking over. All items in trench store list under headings "GRENADES" and "WEST GUNS" will be taken over by the Btn. Bombing Officer. Those under heading "LEWIS GUN" by the Bn.M.G. Officer, those under heading of "COOKING UTENSILS" by the Master Cook, those under the heading of "SIGNAL EQUIPMENT" by the Signal Sergeant. 11. Details. Shoemakers and Tailors will return to BRAY tomorrow, at 10 a.m. Bicycles will be returned to Q.M. in BRAY by 3 p.m. SPECIAL ORDERS BILLON WOOD AND BRONFAY FARM HANDING OVER. Handing over will be carried out in the same manner as is done in the trenches. Triplicate copies Wilden be made, one copy being sent to Hd.Qrs., one handed to incoming unit, and 1 copy retained. All three lists will be signed by both parties. Sergeant TEW will hand over at both places. MAPS. Maps of BILLON WOOD and BRONFAY FARM Defences will be handed over on signature to incoming battalion. GUARDS. The three existing Guards will be taken over by the 6th Northants at 5.30 p.m. (signed) E.W.BENSON [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC], Lieut. A/Adjutant, 7th Bn.Bedf.R.

OPERATION ORDERS No.7 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 26th March 1916

1. Intention. The 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. Will be relieved by the 6th Northamptonshire Regiment in Sector A.2. trenches tomorrow, 27th inst. On completion of relief the 7th Bedfords will occupy the billets vacated by the 12th Middx. Regt. In BRAY. 2. Order of relief. Companies will be relieved in the following order: - Centre Company. Right Company. Left Company. Reserve Company. The first company of the 6th Northants will leave BRONFAY FARM at 6.00 p.m. 3. Machine Gunners & Signallers will relieve independently. 4. Trench Stores. The Bn. Bombing and Bn. Sniping Officers, the Regimental Sergeant Major and the 4 Coy.C.S.M.'s of the 6th Nortants will arrive in the trenches to take over Trench Stores, at 2 p.m. Three Trench Store Lists are issued herewith. One will be retained by the Officer or N.C.O. who hands over, one will be handed to the Officer or N.C.O. of the 6th Northants who takes over, and the third will be submitted to the Adjutant, not later than 5 p.m. tomorrow. 5. Transport. The Northants Transport will take back to BRAY the kit and stores of the 7th Bedfords from A.2. Sector. Kit etc. will be dumped at CARNOY end of BRICK ALLEY by 9 p.m. The Regimental Provost Sergeant will personally supervise the loading of kit, etc. and will march the Hd.Qr.Company to BRAY. 6. Billeting party. The Billeting Officer, Pioneer Sergt. And 1 representative per platoon will rendezvous at Bn.H.Qrs. at 11 a.m. tomorrow in order to proceed to BRAY to take over Billets. These representatives must meet their respective platoons at the level crossing L.15 B.5.0 when they come out of trenches, and must guide them straight to their billets. 7. Steel Helmets. Steel Helmets will be taken out of the trenches by the men. 8. Mining Fatigues. The 6.30 p.m. and 12.30 a.m. Mining Fatigues tomorrow night will be found by the 6th Northants. 9. Guards. The following Guards will be found by "B" Company and will be taken over at 1 p.m. tomorrow. 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Guard at level crossing (this Guard mounts at 5.30 p.m.) 1 N.C.O. & 5 men Cappy Road Guard. Town Guard. 2 N.C.O.'s and 6 men Rue Cappy well & pump, & Bde.Hd.Qrs. 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Crucifix corner of BRAY-CORBIE and BRAY-ETINEHEM Road. 2 N.C.O.'s and 6 men Divisional Reserve Rations at FROISY LOCK (signed) E.W.BENSON [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC], Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedf.R.

April 1916

SUPPLEMENTARY OPERATION ORDERS No.8 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 2nd April 1916

1. The 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. will relieve 6th Bn.Northants Regt. in A.2. Sector Trenches today, 2nd inst. The relieving and outcoming Battalions will use CARNOY Avenue or the open ground on either side of this trench. Companies will march at 5 minutes interval; the leading company of 7th Bedfords will not pass level crossingL.15 B.5.9. before 7.15 p.m. On completion of relief 6th Northants Regt. will move to BRAY. 2. Transport will pass Level crossing L.15 B.5.9. at the following times: - A.2.....................8.00 p.m. A.1.....................8.20 p.m. BRONFAY.........8.40 p.m. R.E. Transport...9.00 p.m. and return in reverse order. (signed) E.W.BENSON, Lieut. A/Adjutant [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC] 7th Bn.Bedf. Regt. A.2.

OPERATION ORDERS [comment; No.9] by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 7th April 1916 SECRET

1. Intention The 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. will be relieved by the 6th Bn.Northants Regt. in Sector A.2. tomorrow,8th inst., when the Bedfords will take over the billets vacated bythe 12th Middx. Regt. in BRONFAY FARM and BILLON WOOD. 2. Order of Relief Companies will relieve in the following order: - Centre - Right - Left - Reserve Coy, & Bn.Hd.Qrs. Coy. The first company of the 6th Northants will pass the level crossing L.15 b.5.9. at 6.30 p.m. Centre Coy. will go out by MONTAUBAN AVENUE, BOIS CAFTET, and back road to BRONFAY FARM. Right Coy. will go out via QUEEN STREET, BERWICK AVENUE, and SHEFFIELD AVENUE to BILLON WOOD. Left Coy. will go out by LOTHIAN STREET, MONTAUBAN AVENUE, BOIS CAFTET, PERONNE AVENUE, and SHEFFIELD AVENUE to BILLON WOOD. Reserve Coy. will go out via PERONNE AVENUE and SHEFFIELD AVENUE to BILLON WOOD. Hd.Qrs. Coy. will go out by transport Road. 3. Machine Gunners & Signallers will be relieved independently. 4. Trench Stores The Battalion Bombing Officer, Bn. Sniping Officer, the Regimental Sergeant Major and the 4 Company Sergeant Majors of 6th Northants will arrive in the trenches at 2 p.m. tomorrow to take over trench stores. Signed copy of trench store lists to be sent to Adjutant by 5.30 p.m. 5. Transport The 6th Northants Transport will take back to BRONFAY & BILLON WOOD the kit etc. of 7th Bedfords from A.2. Sector. All stores, kit, etc. will be dumped in the usual dumping ground by BRICK ALLEY. The Regimental Provost Sergeant will personally supervise the loading up of Hd.Qr. Stores, and will march Hd.Qr. Party to BRONFAY FARM. 6. Billeting Party 2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler [Francis Everard DEALLER] 1 Cook per company (including Hd.Qr.Coy.), 1 M.G. Noncommissioned Officer will rendezvous at Bn.Hd.Qrs. A.2. Sector for instructions at 2 p.m. 2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler [Francis Everard DEALLER] will take over Trench Stores at BILLON WOOD & BRONFAY FARM. 7. Guards The reserve Company will arrange to take over the following Guards in BILLON WOOD at 5.30 p.m. tomorrow night. 1 N.C.O. & 3 men SHEFFIELD AVENUE 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Water Guard 1 N.C.O. & 3 men Ammunition Guard 1 N.C.O. & 6 men Battn.Hd.Qrs. Guard. 2 N.C.Os & 6 men 2 Posts in CARNOY AVENUE (signed) E.W.BENSON [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC], Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedf.Regt.

SUPPLEMENTARY OPERATION ORDERS No.9 by Major G.P.Mills, Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 8th April 1916 SECRET

The 6th Northants Regt. Will relieve 7th Bedford Regt. In A.2 Sector today, 8th inst. The relieving and outcoming battalions will use CARNOY AVENUE or the open ground on either side of this trench. Companies will march at 5 minutes interval; the leading Company of 6th Northants Regt. Will not pass LEVEL CROSSING L.15.b.5.9. before 6.45 p.m. The last Company will be clear of this point by 7.15 p.m. 12th Middx. Regt. Will relieve 11th R.Fusiliers in A.1. Sector today, 8th inst. The relieving and outcoming Battalions will use SHEFFIELD AVENUE or the open ground on either side of this trench. (signed) E.W.Benson [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC], Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedf.R.

OPERATION ORDERS No.10 by Lieut. Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt 14th April 1916 SECRET

1. Intention The 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. will relieve 6th Bn.Northants Regt. in Sector A.2. today, 14th inst. On relief, the 6th Northants will take over billets vacated by 7th Bedfords in BILLON WOOD and BRONFAY FARM. 2. Order of relief Companies will relieve in the following order, the first Coy. starting at 9 p.m., and following at intervals of 5 minutes. Centre: via SHEFFIELD AVENUE, BERWICK AVENUE Right: via SHEFFIELD AVENUE, BERWICK AVENUE, QUEEN STREET Left: via SHEFFIELD AVENUE, BERWICK AVENUE, LEEDS AVENUE and LOTHIAN STREET Reserve: via CARNOY AVENUE, PERONNE AVENUE & BOIS CAFTET Hd.Qrs.: via CARNOY AVENUE, PERONNE AVENUE & LA GUERRE WOOD 3. Machine Gunners & Signallers Machine Gunners (2 per gun) and Signallers (1 Sergt. and 2 Signallers per station) will relieve independently, starting at 10 a.m. Sergt.G.LeBrun [14985 Gordon Le BRUN] will take over M.G. instead of Lt.G.Fleming Brown 4. Trench Stores The Battalion Bombing Officer, Bn.Sniping Officer, R.S.M. and 4 Coy.Sergt.Majors will proceed to the trenches at 9 a.m. today for the purpose of taking over Trench Stores. 6th Northants will provide the Trench Store Lists; signed copy of these lists will be submitted to the Adjutant as soon as possible after taking over is completed. The 6th Northants will send an Officer to take over Trench Stores in BILLON WOOD & BRONFAY FARM. He will arrive at BILLON WOOD about 12 noon. 5. Kits etc. for trenches All stores, kit, etc. for the trenches must be ready stacked in Coy. Dumps by 12 noon at latest, under a guard of 4 men per company. These men will personally supervise the loading of the transport and will accompany same to the trenches in the evening. 6. Kits for BRAY All blankets, kit, etc. not being taken to the trenches will be stacked in a separate dump, by companies, by 12 noon and left under guard of the Tailors and Bootmakers. The transport, after unloading the 6th Northants' baggage will load up this kit, and, accompanied by the Tailors and Bootmakers, will proceed to Qr.Mr. Stores, BRAY. 7. Water Tanks Water Tanks in BILLON WOOD and BRONFAY FARM will be left as full as possible. 8. Meals The Cooks of both regiments will leave boiling water ready for making tea for the incoming Battalion. One cook and 2 men per coy. and Hd.Qr. Coy. will proceed to the trenches at 1 p.m. carrying coy. and Hd.Qr. tea rations, to take over the usual cooking utensils. The Master Cook will sign the Bn. trench Store list for this department. 9. Unloading party Companies and Hd.Qrs. will leave 4 representatives with each Coy. and Hd.Qr. dump, who will be responsible that all their baggage is loaded on the transport, unloaded at CARNOY, and guarded until delivered to their respective companies and Hd.Qrs. in the trenches. 10. Transport The Bedfords transport will bring back to BILLON WOOD and BRONFAY FARM the kit and stores of the 6th Northants. 11. Guards "C" Company will take over the following guards in A.2. Sector at 1.30 p.m.today. 1 N.C.O. and 4 men CARNOY KEEP 1 N.C.O. and 3 men BRICK ALLEY 1 N.C.O. and 6 men PERONNE AVENUE Guards, with one sentry at night at BOIS CAFTET. Guards in BILLON WOOD and BRONFAY FARM will be taken over by 6th Northants at 1.30 p.m. today. 12. Mining Fatigue "C" Company will find the 12.30 midday mining fatigue of 9 men today. These men will proceed to the trenches fully equipped and will dump their packs in their billets in BOIS CAFTET with 2 men to remain in charge of them until the Coy. arrives. the 6.30 p.m. (night of 14/15th inst.) fatigue will be found by 6th Northants. 13. Billeting Billets will be left scrupulously clean and tidy, and will be inspected by an Officer prior to departure. (signed) E.W.BENSON [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC], Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedf. Regt.

OPERATION ORDERS No.11 by Lieut. Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 19th April 1916 SECRET

1. Intention The 6th Northants will relieve the 7th Bedfords in A.2. Sector tomorrow, 20th inst. On completion of relief the 7th Bedfords will take over the billets vacated by the 12th Middx. Regt. in BRAY. 2. Order of relief Centre : Left : Right : Reserve & Hd.Qrs. The leading company of the Northants will commence relief from BRONFAY FARM & BILLON WOOD at 4.30 p.m., the remaining companies following at intervals of 10 minutes. The 7th Bedfords will go out by CARNOY AVENUE only, and the leading company will not pass BRONFAY FARM before 7.15 p.m. 3. Machine Gunners & Signallers: will be relieved independently. 4. Trench Stores. The Bn.Bombing Officer, Bn.Sniping Officer, R.S.M. and the 4 Coy.S.Ms. of the Northants will arrive in trenches by 3 p.m. to take over Trench Stores. Signed lists must be handed to the Adjutant by 5.30 p.m. at latest. 5. Transport. the Northants' Transport will take back to BRAY the kit and stores of the 7th Bedfords from A.2. Sector. Kits etc. must be dumped at Coy. and Hd.Qrs. Dumps by 5 p.m. 6. Unloading and loading party Each company and Hd.Qr. Coy. will leave 2 representatives with each of their respective dumps, who will be responsible that all their baggage is loaded on the transport and unloaded at the various billets in BRAY. These men will accompany the transport to BRAY. 7. Billeting party. The Billeting Officer, Pioneer Sergt., and 1 Representative per platoon will rendezvous at Bn.Hd.Qrs. at 3 p.m. tomorrow to proceed to BRAY to take over billets. These representatives must meet their respective platoons at the level crossing L.15.b.5.9. when they come out of trenches and guide them straight to their billets. 8. Guards The following guards will be found by "B" Coy. tomorrow, 20th inst. 2 N.C.Os. and 6 men FROISSY Lock Guard 1 N.C.O. and 3 men Level Crossing Guard 1 N.C.O., 3 men & 1 Buglar Town Hall Guard 1 N.C.O. and 3 men Crucifix Guard 1 N.C.O., 9 men & 1 Bugler Rue Cappy Well & Pump, Bde.Hd.Qrs. and Road Guard. These N.C.Os and men must arrive in BRAY in time to take over the above guards at 1.30 p.m. 9. Meals The Cooks of each regiment will leave boiling water ready for making tea for the incoming Battalion. One cook per company and Hd.Qrs. Coy. will proceed after 5 p.m. to take over usual cooking utensils. (signed) E.W.BENSON [Ernest Wallace BENSON, MC], Lieut. A/Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedf. Regt.

OPERATION ORDERS No.12 by Lieut. Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regt. 25th April 1916 SECRET

1. Intention The 7th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment will relieve the 6th Bn.Northants Regiment in Sector A2. trenches tomorrow, 26th inst., and will hold the line till 2nd May, 1916, inclusive. 2. Order of Relief Companies will relieve in the following order. Centre Coy....."B" Coy. Right Coy......."A" Coy. Left Coy........."D" Coy. Reserve Coy.."C" Coy. 3. Machine Gunners (2 men per gun) and Signallers (1 Sergt, and 2 Signallers per station) will relieve independently. 4. Trench Stores. The Battn. Bombing Officer, Bn. Sniping Officer, Regtl. Sergeant Major and 4 Coy.S.Ms. will proceed to the trenches at 8.30 a.m. tomorrow morning to take over Trench Stores. Signed copy of lists will be submitted to the Adjutant as soon as possible after handing over is completed. 6th Northants will provide the Trench Store Lists. 5. Kits, etc. All blankets, spare kit, etc. not being taken to the Trenches will be handed over to the Qr.Mr. before 6.30 a.m. and must be stacked in the places selected for the respective companies. All kits, stores, etc. for the trenches must be ready for loading on the limbers by 5 p.m. at latest. the Regimental Provost Sergeant will personally supervise the loading of Hd.Qrs. Stores and Kit. Each company will detail two men to remain behind to look after their company's dumps. They will load up the limbers in the evening and accompany same to the trenches; on arrival at the trenches they will unload the limbers. C Company will detail 6 men to look after Hd.Qrs. dump, load on the wagons, and accompany the Hd.Qr. limbers to the trenches. On arrival in trenches these 6 men will unload Hd.Qr. limbers. 6 Transport. The Bedford Transport will bring back to BRAY the kit and stores of the 6th Northants. 7 Cooks. The Master Cook, two cooks per company, and 1 cook from Bn.Hq.Qrs. will proceed to the trenches at 7 p.m. tonight, 25th inst. for the purpose of taking over cookhouses, and for preparing dinners and teas for the companies on arrival in the trenches. The Company & Hd.Qr. Cooks remaining behind for the night of 25/26th inst. will bring all cooking utensils that will be required in the trenches to the Qr.Mr. Stores by 7 a.m. 26th inst. 8. Breakfast will be served at 6.15 a.m. tomorrow, 26th inst. 9. Route. The Route which companies are to take will be notified later. 10. Time of departure. The first company will march away from their billets at 7 a.m. Other companies will follow at hour intervals, with ¼ hour intervals between each platoon 11. Specialists. Specialists will move off from BRAY at 6.30 a.m. tomorrow (signed) J.H.Bridcutt, [John Henry BRIDCUTT, DSO] Captain Adjutant 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt.

SECRET Copy No.4 54th Infantry Brigade Operation order No.15 30th April 1916 Reference Map AMIENS 1/100,000. Sheet 69d.N.E. (2nd Edition) 1/20,000 TRENCH MAPS 1/10,000

1. The 21st Infantry Brigade will relieve the 54th Infantry Brigade in "A" Sector on the nights 3/4th and 4/5th May. 2. reliefs and moves will take place in accordance with the attached March Table. 3. All details of reliefs will be arranged direct between O.'s C. concerned. 4. All trench stores, reserve ammunition, grenades and Box Respirators will be handed over to relieving units in accordance with instructions already issued. Receipts will be obtained for all stores handed over, a complete list being forwarded to this office the day after relief. 5. All plans, sketches and photographs will be handed over to relieving units. Trench Maps scale 1/10,000 will be retained by units. 6. Guides will be provided at BRONFAY FARM by battalions who are being relieved, on the following scale: - 1 for Battalion Hd.Qrs. 1 for each Company Hd.Qrs. 1 for each Platoon. 7. Completion of all reliefs and moves will be reported to 54th and 21st Brigade Hd.Qrs. 8. The G.O.C., 21st Infantry Brigade, will take over command of "A" Sector at 12 noon on May 4th. 54th Brigade Hd.Qrs. will close at BRAY at that hour and reopen at CORBIE at 2 p.m. 9. ACKNOWLEDGE. (sgd) E.G.Miles Captain, Bde. Major, 54th Inf. Bde.

SECRET Copy No.4 March Table issued with 54th Infantry Brigade Operation Order No.15

Date Unit - From - To - Route - Remarks May1st 6th Northants Regt. - Bray - La Houssoye - Morlancourt-Mericourt - March by Platoons at 5 min. intervals as far as Bois des TAILLES 18th Manchester Regt. - Corbie - Bray - Becomes 54th Brigade Reserve May 2nd 6th Northants Regt. - La Houssoye - Frechencourt & Querrieux - Takes over Railway Fatigue same morning 2nd Wilts Regt. - Corbie - Bray & Froissy - Main Road - Not to be E. of Bois des Tailles before 7 p.m. May 3rd 2nd Wilts Regt. - Bray & Froissy - A.1. Sub sector - Bray-Bronfay Road - Leading platoon not to pass Level Crossing L.15.b.5.9. before 7.30 p.m. 11th R.Fusiliers - A.1. Sub sector - Bois Celestine - Bray-Etinehem - to be arranged between O's C concerned X.30.T.M.Battery - Sailly Laurette - Trenches - to be arranged between O's C concerned Y.18.T.M.Battery - Trenches - Sailly Laurette - By lorry from Bray - to be arranged between O's C concerned 19th Manchester Regt. - Corbie - Grovetown Camp - Main Road - By Platoons across country E. of Bois des Tailles 18th K.Liverpool Regt. - Bonnay & Bray - Corbie-Bray Road - Not to be E. of Bois des tailles before 7 p.m. May 4th 2nd Yorkshire Regt. - Corbie - Bray - Main Road - Not to be E. of Bois des Tailles before 7 p.m. 19th Manchester Regt - Grovetown Camp - Bronfay - Bray-Bronfay Road - Leading Platoon not to pass Level Crossing L.15.b.5.9. before 8.30 p.m. 12th Middlesex Regt. - Bronfay - Etinehem Camp - Bray-Bronfay Road 18th K.Liverpool Regt. - Bray - A.2. Subsector - Bray-Bronfay Road - Leading Platoon not to pass Level Crossing L.15.b.5.9. before 7.30 p.m. & last Platoon to be clear of same point by 8.10 p.m. 7th Bedford Regt. - A.2. Subsector - Bray & Froissy - Bray-Bronfay Road 21 M.Gun Coy. - Sailly Laurette - Trenches 54th M.G. Coy - Tranches - Sailly Laurette - to be arranged between O's C concerned. Transport entering BRAY over the Hill to be at proper intervals. 21/1 T.M.Battery - Sailly Laurette - Trenches - to be arranged between O's C concerned. Transport entering BRAY over the Hill to be at proper intervals 54/ & 54/2 T.M.Battys - Bray - Sailly Laurette - By motor Lorry - to be arranged between O's C concerned. Transport entering BRAY over the Hill to be at proper intervals 21st Brigade H.Q. - Corbie - Bray - Takes over A Sector 12 Noon 54th Brigade H.Q. - Bray - Corbie Y.18.T.M.Battery - Sailly Laurette - New Area - Corbie-Daours-Amiens - moves into area of 18th Div.Artillery May 5th 54th Brigade H.Q. - Corbie - Oissy 54th M.Gun Coy. - Sailly Laurette - Corbie 54/1 & 54/2 T.M.Batterys - Sailly Laurette - Corbie May 6th 12th Middlesex Regt. (less 1 Company) - Etinehem Camp - Bray 54th M.Gun Coy. - Corbie - Oissy - Daours-Amiens 54/1 & 54/2 T.M.Battys - Corbie - Oissy - Daours-Amiens

May 1916

BATTALION AFTER ORDERS by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment 30th April, 1916 COMPLIMENTARY ORDER.

At the request of the General Officer Commanding 54th Infantry Brigade, the Commanding Officer has great pleasure in notifying to all ranks the Communique published in the "Times" of April 29th 1916 which referred to the recent raid. "Last night the Bedfordshire Regiment carried out a very successful raid near CARNOY. The raiding party rushed the trenches and after fierce hand to hand fighting drove the remaining Germans into their dugouts and bombed them there. Our casualties - eight wounded, all brought in. German loss considerable." The General officer Commanding 54th Infantry Brigade is of opinion that in publishing the name of the Regiment in the newspaper, which up to now has scarcely ever been done, a high honour has been conferred on the Battalion. The British Communique has also been published in all French papers. (signed) J.H.Bridcutt [John Henry BRIDCUTT, DSO], Captain Adjutant 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment

Operation Orders No.13 by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment 2nd. May 1916.

1. Intention The Battalion will be relieved by the 18th Bn.Kings Liverpool Regt. In A.2.Sector Trenches on the evening of the 4th May, 1916. On completion of relief 7th Bn.Bedfordshire Regt. Will occupy billets as follows: - A & B Companies:- - - -FROISSY C & D Companies: - - - BRAY Battalion Headquarters and Transport will be at BRAY. 2. Order of Relief.: - Centre : Left : Right : Reserve & BN Hd.Qrs. The leading company of the relieving Battalion will commence the relief by passing (first platoon) the level crossing L.15.b.5.9. at 7.30 p.m.. the last platoon to be clear of this point by 8.10 p.m. After being relieved companies will proceed to their billets via BRAY - BRONFAY Road. 3. Lewis Gunners & Signallers. Will be relieved independently, but relief must not commence before 2 p.m. 4. Trench Stores. The following representatives of the relieving Battalion will arrive in the trenches to take over Trench Stores at 10 a.m. Officers Commanding Coys. With Coy.Sgt.Majors. Battalion Bombing Officer. Battalion Lewis Gun Officer. Battalion Sniping Officer. Regimental Sergeant Major. Three Trench Store Lists are issued herewith. All three lists will be signed by the Officer handing over and by the Officer taking over. One list will be submitted to the Adjutant by 2 p.m. on 4th inst. Or as soon as possible after handing over is completed. One list will be handed to the Officer taking over and the third will be retained by the officer handing over. 5. Transport. The 18th Kings Liverpool Transport will take back to BRAY and FROISSY the kits and stores of the 7th Bedfords from Bn.Hd.Qrs. A.2.Sector on the night of the 4th inst. All kits and stores will be stacked at the Dump, Bn.Hd.Qrs. A.2. by 6 p.m. on night of relief. 6. Loading & Unloading Parties. Each company will detail two representatives to take charge of their company baggage and kits when stacked. These representatives will be responsible that their company's kits etc. are loaded on the Transport of the 18th Kings Liverpools, and off loaded at each Company's billets. They will travel with the vehicles carrying their company's kits and see nothing is lost. 7. Meals. All meals, including tea on the day of relief, will be served in A.2. Company Qr.Mr.Sgts. and one cook per company will proceed to billets on the day of relief in time to prepare hot tea etc. for their companies on arrival in billets. 8. Billeting The Battalion Billeting Officer, (Captain L.H.Keep [Leslie Howard KEEP]) the Pioneer Sergeant and one representative per platoon will rendezvous at Battalion Headquarters at 2.2. at 8.30 a.m. on the morning of 4th inst. To proceed to BRAY for the purpose of taking over billets. These representatives will meet their respective platoons on their return to billets at night after being relieved as follows: - A & B Coys at a point 600 yards South of LA NEUVILLE, viz. About half way between LA NEUVILLE & FROISSY. C & D Coys at the level crossing L.15.b.5.9. Each guide must know the exact Billets his platoon is to occupy. 9. Guides for relieving unit. 1 guide per platoon from the Centre, Left and Right Companies will report to the Adjutant at Battn.Hd.Qrs. by 8.30 p.m. and will be able to conduct each platoon to its place in the front line. (signed) J.H.Bridcutt [John Henry BRIDCUTT, DSO], Captain, Adjutant 7th (S) Battn. Bedfordshire Regt.

SECRET CORRIGENDA to 54th INFANTRY BRIGADE OPERATION ORDER 30 Apr 1916 NO.15 Copy No.4 54th Bde. BM. 885 2:5:1916

The following amendments will be made: - para.8, substitute: - The G.O.C. 21st Infantry Brigade, will take over command of "A" Sector at 12 noon on May 4th. 54th Infantry Brigade Headquarters will close at BRAY at 12 noon on May 4th and re-open at that hour at OISSY (11 miles W of AMIENS). MARCH TABLE. May 3rd delete Y.18.T.M.Battery from trenches to SAILLY LAURETTE. May 3rd 19th Manchester Regt. from CORBIE to BRAY and FROISSY. May 4th 19th Manchester Regt. from BRAY & FROISSY to BRONFAY. May 4th 54th Bde. H.Q. from BRAY to OISSY. May 4th delete Y.18.T.M.Battery from SAILLY LAURETTE to NEW AREA. May 5th delete 54th Bde. H.Q. from CORBIE to OISSY NOTE: - Y.18.T.M.Battery will remain in the trenches for work under C.R.A., 18th Division. ACKNOWLEDGE (sgd) E.G.Miles, Captain, Brigade Major, 54th Inf. Bde.

SECRET Corrigenda No.2 to 54th Infantry Brigade Operation Order No.15 - 30th April 1916

The following amendment will be made to the March Table: - Date - Unit - From - To - Route - Remarks May 4th - 19th Manchester - Bray & Froissy - Bronfay - Billon Valley to Billon Wood & Bronfay Farm - To relieve 12th Middlesex Regt.by Platoons at 10 minute intervals commencing at 7 a.m. (separate instructions are being issued to the units concerned) 12th Middlesex - Bronfay - Grovetown Camp - Will be relieved by 19th Manchester Regt. in morning 3 Companies will report on road at junction of squares F.27 & L.3. at 8 a.m. for work on Dernancourt Railway. Remainder of Battalion moves to Grovetown camp on completion of relief.

SECRET 54th Bde. 7th Bedford Regt. B.M. 911 12th Middlesex 3:5:1916 18th K.Liverpool Regt. 19th Manchester Regt. 2nd Wiltshire Regt.

For information 21st Inf. Bde. ) Reference 21st Brigade Operation Order No.124 dated 25.4.16 and 54th Brigade Operation order No.15 dated 30.4.16 (1) 19th Manchester Regt. on arrival in Bray on the evening of May 2nd will become Battalion in Brigade Reserve to 54th Infantry Brigade. (2) In case of attack the Battalion in Brigade reserve moves as follows: - Hd. Qrs. & 1 Coy.....to BRONFAY FARM 3 Companies...........to BILLON WOOD Defences (3) 19th Manchester Regt. (BRAY and FROISSY) will relieve 12th Middlesex Regt. in the BRONFAY-BILLON area on the morning of 3rd May. Route: - BRAY - LEVEL CROSSING L.16.a.11 - cross roads L.6.c.37 - thence across country to BILLON WOOD, via L.6.c.37 and valley South of BILLON WOOD. (The Coy. for BRONFAY FARM will proceed along the open ground 200 yards E. of the BRAY-BRONFAY ROAD). (4) COMPANIES WILL MARCH BY PLATOONS AT 10 MINUTES INTERVALS. (5) The leading platoon 19th Manchester Regt. will pass the LEVEL CROSSING at L.16.a.11 at 7 a.m. An Officer should reconnoitre the route in advance of the leading platoon. (6) 3 Companies 12th Middlesex Regt. will report at 8 a.m. on BRAY-CITADEL ROAD at junction of squares F.27.d and L.3.b (sheet 62.d) for work on the DERNANCOURT Railway. On completion of the day's work these 3 Coys. will move to billets in GROVETOWN CAMP. Hd.Qrs. and 1 Coy. 12th Middlesex will move by platoons at 10 minutes intervals to GROVETOWN CAMP as soon as the relief is completed. (This Company will be employed on pitching tents, which are being transferred from ETINEHEM CAMP by 7th Queens Regt. to-morrow 4th instant. Route; - see para. (3). (7) 18th K. Liverpool Regt. (BRAY) will relieve 7th Bedford Regiment in A.2 Subsector on the night 4/5th May under arrangements to be direct between O's C. concerned. (8) The leading platoon of 18th K. Liverpool Regt. will not pass LEVEL CROSSING at L.15.b.5.9 before 7.30 p.m. Route: - BRAY-BRONFAY and CARNOY or SHEFFIELD AVENUE or open ground. (9) Lewis Gun detachments may be relieved by day. (10) On completion of relief 7th Bedford Regt. will move to BRAY & FROISSY. (11) Completion of all reliefs and moves will be reported to 21st & 54th Brigade Hd. Qrs. by wire. (12) Transport will pass LEVEL CROSSING at L.15.b.5.9 at the following times:- Transport for A.2 Subsector...........8.15 p.m. Transport for A.1 Subsector...........8.35 p.m. Transport for BRONFAY................8.55 p.m. R.E.Transport................................9.15 p.m. Royal Sussex Pioneer Transport....9.35 p.m. 91st Brigade Transport..................9.55 p.m. (sgd) E.G.Miles Captain, Brigade Major 54th Inf. Bde. A/2/BRAY

June 1916

3-6-16. OPERATION ORDERS No.14 By Major G.P.Mills Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment 3rd. June, 1916

1. Intention B & D Companies are to proceed to CORBIE tomorrow and take over fatigues from 1 company of 6th Northants and 1 platoon of 12th Middx. Regiment. 2.Order of March The detachment will march by platoons at 300 yards interval to the BOIS DES TAILLES. The first platoon of B Company will march off at 7.30 a.m. and the last platoon of D Company will march off at 7.55 a.m. The column will close up there and march as a whole to CORBIE. 3. Billets. 2nd Lieut.J.H.R.Rawes [Jocelyn Hugh Russell RAWES] , R.Q.M.S. Kerrison [17047 Edward Phillip KERRISON, DCM, MSM] and the two Company Quartermaster-Sergeants will proceed by horse and cycle, starting at 6 a.m. 2nd Lieut.Rawes will be responsible for taking over billets. 4. Rations. The rations for consumption on the 4th instant will be carried on the travelling kitchens. 5. Transport. Transport will move independently of the troops. A guide must be sent to meet it on arrival in CORBIE. The following vehicles and animals will remain there: -2 cookers, 1 water cart, and 2 Officers horses. 6. Pioneers. 1 N.C.O. and 3 men of the pioneers will march with the Transport. 7. Surplus kit. Surplus kit will be stored at the Qr.Mr.'s Stores pending transport becoming available. Each man should place the spare shirt and pants inside the cape waterproof. These will be done up in bundles of 20 and labelled. 8. Detachment. The Detachment Staff will be as follows: - Commanding officer - Capt.W.H.Bull [Wilfred Herbert BULL] Acting Quartermaster - R.Q.M.S.Kerrison [17047 Edward Phillip KERRISON, DCM, MSM]. Sergeant Major - C.S.M. E.E.Amos [8645 Edward or Ernest AMOS, DCM] (signed) F.E.DEALLER [Francis Everard DEALLER] 2/Lieut. A/Adjut. 7th (S) Bn.Bedfordshire Regiment.

Subject - Fatigues etc. 18th Div. No. 76/71 'A' 7th Bedford Regt.

Owing to 30th Division taking over some of the fatigues now found by troops of 18th Division, the following moves and changes will take place on 4th and 5th instant. (1) A battalion of 90th Infantry Brigade will take over the work of burying H.A. Group cables from 7th Bedfords on 4th inst. On same day 2 companies 7th Bedfords will take over the work of burying telephone lines under orders of O.C. 18th Divisional Signals from 1 Company 6th Northants, and will remain billeted in BRAY. Headquarters, 7th Bedfords will also remain at BRAY. 2 Companies 7th Bedfords will march to CORBIE on 4th instant rationed for consumption on 5th inst., and will take over the fatigues at present found by 1 company 6th Northants and 1 platoon 12th Middlesex on the 5th instant. Billets to be obtained from O.C., XIIIth Corps. Rations to be drawn for consumption 6th et seq from 21st Division refilling point. The fatigues consist of: - Quarrying at point 102 BRAY-CORBIE Rd (Middx) - 1 Off. 50 O.R. Corps Fatigues under C.C. - 50 O.R. Guard at CORBIE Stn. Under R.T.O.- 13 O.R. Unloading barges at CORBIE - 50 O.R. Fatigue at Ammn. Railhead - 17 O.R. A party to be prepared to make up the ammn. Railhead fatigue to strength of 1 Officer 4 N.C.Os. and 90 men at very short notice. (2) 1 Company 6th Northants at BRAY will march on 4th instant rationed for 5th instant, to join the company 6th Northants at CORBIE. On 5th instant these 2 companies 6th Northants will proceed to SAISSEVAL as follows: - (a) personnel not exceeding 9 Officers 420 O.Rs. by rail from CORBIE to PICQUIGNY and thence by march route. (b) 1st. line Transport, baggage and Supply Wagons by road. (c) Excess baggage and party in charge by barge from CORBIE to PICQUIGNY whence arrangements must be made by unit to transport baggage to SAISSEVAL. Parties (a and b) will carry rations for 5th instant on the man and vehicles respectively, and rations for 6th inst. Will be drawn on 5th inst at 54th Brigade Refilling point under arrangements made by 54th Infantry Brigade direct with S.S.O. Etc. etc. (remainder of memo. of no interest to this battn).

9-6-16. OPERATION ORDERS No.15. By Major G.P.Mills. Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment. 9th June 1916.

1. Intention The Battalion will move into billets at PICQUIGNY as follows: - B & D Companies - by rail on 10th instant, train leaving CORBIE at 6.53 a.m. arriving PICQUIGNY at 9.12 a.m. A & C Companies and Bn.Hd.Qrs. - from BRAY on 11th inst. And proceed by road to MERICOURT and thence by train leaving MERICOURT at 7.32 a.m. and arriving at PICQUIGNY 9.12 a.m. All 1st line transport and baggage wagons by road on 11th inst. 2. Meals Haversack rations of bread and cheese will be carried; waterbottles will be filled with tea. Dinner meal will be on arrival of cookers at PICQUIGNY. Party proceeding by road will make their own arrangements about dinner. The regimental transport will move by road to PICQUIGNY moving off at 4 a.m. 2 Cooks per company will accompany the cookers and prepare dinner which will be cooked en route and served to the Battalion at PICQIGNY. 3. Baggage All baggage other than the authorised kits will be taken to PICQUIGNY by barge. This baggage must be packed and properly marked with the Coy. To which it belongs and handed in at Qr.Mr. Stores by 7 a.m. on the 10th instant. (Saturday). The Transport Officer will arrange to remove this baggage to the Barge Head at MERICOURT so as to [be] loaded on the boat by 12 noon on the 11th inst. Baggage Guard. 2nd. Lieut. O. Kingdon [Oliver KINGDON] will command the Baggage Guard and will be responsible for the removal of all Stores, kits, etc. to go by barge. He will arrange his loading and off loading parties at each end and see that the kits and stores are delivered at PICQUIGNY to the companies etc. to which they belong, report to the Adjutant on completion of this duty. Barges must not be delayed more than necessary. Rations for tomorrow will be carried in Haversacks and ration for 11th and 12th inst. Will be drawn from the Quartermaster for the party in bulk. The following will compose the baggage guard and will be under the orders of 2/Lieut.O.Kingdon [Oliver KINGDON] from 9/6/16 until handed over by him to their companies at PICQUIGNY after all baggage has been delivered. A Company Baggage Guard: Cpl.Kitchener, H.J. Pte.Bird, L. Pte.Brace, A. Pte.Bennett, W.F. Pte.Burton, F.C. Pte.Clarke, G. Pte.Collins, J. Pte.Cosgrove, A. Pte.Denny, G. Pte.Manning, W. Pte.O'Neil, A. Pte.Purser, N.F. Pte. Tearle, E. Pte.Trayner, J. Pte.Turvey, A.E. Pte.White, W.S. C Company's Baggage Guard: Sgt.Cooper, W.F. Pte.Chapoman, W.F. Pte.Wells, W. L/Cpl.Etty, T. Pte.Cother, J. Pte.Lawrence, G. Pte.Millison, J.T. Pte.Uren, E. Pte.Arnold, S. Pte.Underwood, W. Pte.Cook, A.G. Pte.Worby, W. Pte.Plume, F. Pte.Turner, G.J. Pte.Mason, A. Pte.Tribe, W. Pte.Lewin, A. 4. Transport No lorries will be available. Transport will be utilised as follows: - 4 limbers and 8 pack animals for Ammunition. 2 limbers for tools. 2 limbers for Machine Guns & Equipment, and Transport Cooking Utensils. 1 limber for Signal Equipment and H.Q. Cooking Utensils. 2 G.S. Wagons will carry officers kits, small shops for Tailors, pioneers, shoemaker, armourer, Orderly Room sufficient for te,porary office, Transport kit as laid down in Field Service Manual and part of Qr.Mr. Stores, also Coy. and Headquarters brooms. Travelling Kitchens will carry the unconsumed rations for the 11th inst., spare camp kettles, company officers mess kit, food necessary for short periods. Headquarters Cart will carry Headquarters Officers Mess Kit and any extra Orderly Room kit required. Maltese Cart will carry Medical Equipment and M.O.'s kit. The only spare kit of me which will be sent by barge is 1 shirt and 1 pair drawers per man. These will be done up in bundles of 50 and tied at both ends. They will not be packed in sacks. The Regulation kit of men must be carried in the packs. Brushes must be tied up in Bundles, scrubbing brushes, men's shorts, gloves hedging, periscopes, Very pistols, oil lamps, company officers necessaries, Practice Tube Helmets and other essential company stores must be packed in sandbags or small boxes. A few bass and soft brooms per company will be kept for cleaning up; these can be put on the 2 G.S. wagons. Labels Every package must be labelled with Company or Headquarter letter. Wooden labels are best. O.C. Companies should by every means reduce spare kits and all unnecessary stores. Furniture. Tables, forms, chairs, braziers, bath tubs, wire beds, etc. will not be taken, but will be left in the billets in which they are at present, and will be handed over. 5. Billets All billets are to be left scrupulously clean - properly swept up, and all refuse and dirt placed outside ready for removal. Cookhouses and latrines must be cleaned, swept up and disinfected, and not a particle of refuse left. 6. Meals of Headquarter Company. On the 11th inst. Headquarter N.C.Os. and men will have dinner at PICQUIGNY with companies as under, for that day only A & B Companies - B Coy. C & D Companies - C Company. 7. Barge Party. The party under 2/Lieut.Kingdon [Oliver KINGDON] (3 N.C.Os. and 30 men) will proceed via Barge to PICQUIGNY in charge of Stores, proceeding to the bargehead tomorrow with the Transport conveying stores. (Signed) J.H.Bridcutt [John Henry BRIDCUTT, DSO], Captain Adjutant, 7th (S) Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment.

19-6-16. OPERATION ORDERS No.18 by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment 18th June 1916

1. Intention The Battalion will move from PICQUIGNY to GROVETOWN CAMP, BRAY, on the morning of 19th instant. 2. Routine Reveille on19th inst. will be sounded at 5 a.m. Breakfast will be served at 5.30 a.m. The Battalion will be formed up on the main road outside the billets ready to march off at 7.30 a.m., and will proceed by train leaving AILLY sur SOMME at 8.38 a.m. to HEILLY where the regimental transport will meet it and accompany it to GROVETOWN CAMP. 3. Meals. Haversack rations of bread and cheese will be carried, and waterbottles will be filled with tea. Dinners will be served on arrival of cookers at GROVETOWN CAMP. two cooks per company will accompany the company cookers from HEILLY and will cook dinner en route. The party proceeding by road will make its own arrangements. Headquarters company will have dinner with their respective companies on the 19th inst. 4. Transport. Transport and Officers Horses will leave PICQUIGNY about 7 p.m. today, 18th inst., and proceed by road to CORBIE, halting for the night of 18/19th at CORBIE, thence to HEILLY where it will await the arrival of the battalion at about 10 a.m. Billets in CORBIE will be obtained on application to the CAMP COMMANDANT, 13th Corps. Vehicles will be loaded as follows: - 3 limbers for ammunition. 1½ limbers for tools. 1 limber for grenades. ½ limber for Signal equipment. 2 limbers for Machine Gun Equipment and Transport Cooking gear. 1 limber for A Coy. & Hd.Qr.Cooking gear. 2 G.S. Wagons will carry Officers kits, shops of Tailors, Pioneers, Armourers, Shoemakers, small Orderly Room, Transport kit as laid down, and Q.M. Stores. Travelling Kitchens will move light and will pick up cooking utensils, officers messes, etc. at HEILLY. Mess Cart will carry Headquarters Officers Mess Kit, and any extra Orderly Room Kit required. Maltese Cart will carry Medical Equipment and M.O.'s kit. 5. Billets All billets are to be scrupulously cleaned, properly swept up and all refuse placed outside for removal. Cookhouses and latrines must be cleaned up and disinfected, not a particle of dirt being left. All billets will be settled for by the Billeting Officer (2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler [Francis Everard DEALLER]) up to and for the night of 18/19th inst. 6. Baggage by rail. All Company and Headquarter Cooking utensils, unconsumed rations for 19th inst., Company Officers Messes that should go to cookers, and officers kits will go by rail to HEILLY from AILLY sur SOMME with the Battalion and then by Regimental Transport. 7. Attachment. The section 54th M.Gun Company (strength 2 Officers 32 O.Rs. and 10 horses) will be attached to the battalion for all purposes from 19th inst. inclusive. On arrival of Battn. and section of 54th M.G.Coy. at GROVETOWN 7th Bedfords will come under orders of G.O.C. 53rd. Inf. Bde. and will take over 54th Battle Front from 53rd. Inf. Bde. on night of 20/21st under orders to be issued by G.O.C. 53rd. Brigade. 8. Forward Party 2/Lieut.F.E.Dealler [Francis Everard DEALLER] and 1 man per company will be ready to proceed in advance of the battalion to take over dugouts at GROVETOWN CAMP. Instructions will be issued to 2/Lieut.Dealler [Francis Everard DEALLER] direct. 9. Drums, Instructions as to the disposal of drums will be issued direct to the Sergeant Drummer. (signed) J.H.Bridcutt [John Henry BRIDCUTT, DSO], Captain, Adjutant, 7th (S) Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment.

SECRET OPERATION ORDERS No.19 by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battn. Bedfordshire Regiment 21st.June, 1916

1. Intention The Battalion will move from PICQUIGNY to GROVETOWN CAMP, BRAY, on the morning of 23rd. instant. 2. Routine Reveille on23rd. inst. will be sounded at [blank] a.m. Breakfast will be served at [blank] a.m. The Battalion will be formed up on the main road outside the billets ready to march off at [blank] a.m., and will proceed by train leaving AILLY sur SOMME at [blank] a.m. to HEILLY where the regimental transport will meet it and accompany it to GROVETOWN CAMP. 3. Meals. Haversack rations of bread and cheese will be carried, and waterbottles will be filled with tea. Dinners will be served on arrival of cookers at GROVETOWN CAMP. two cooks per company will accompany the company cookers from HEILLY and will cook dinner en route. The party proceeding by road will make its own arrangements. Headquarters company will have dinner with their respective companies on the 23rd. inst. 4. Transport Transport and Officers Horses will leave PICQUIGNY about 10 a.m. tomorrow, 22nd. inst., and proceed by road to CORBIE, halting for the night of 22/23 at CORBIE, thence to HEILLY where it will await the arrival of the battalion at about [blank] a.m. Billets in CORBIE will be obtained on application to the CAMP COMMANDANT, 13th Corps. Vehicles will be loaded as follows: - 3 limbers for ammunition. 1½ limbers for tools. 1 limber for grenades. ½ limber for Signal equipment. 2 limbers for Machine Gun Equipment and Transport Cooking gear. 1 limber for Hd.Qr.Cooking gear etc. 2 G.S. Wagons will carry Officers kits, shops of Tailors, Pioneers, Armourers, Shoemakers, small Orderly Room, Transport kit as laid down, and Q.M. Stores. travelling Kitchens will move light and will pick up cooking utensils, officers messes, etc. at HEILLY. Mess Cart will carry Headquarters Officers Mess Kit, and any extra Orderly Room Kit required. Maltese Cart will carry Medical Equipment and M.O.'s kit. 5. Billets All billets are to be scrupulously cleaned, properly swept up and all refuse placed outside for removal. Cookhouses and latrines must be cleaned up and disinfected. All billets will be settled for by the Billeting Officer (Lieut.G.Fleming-Brown) up to and for the night of 22/23rd. inst. 6. Spare Kit. All kit to be left behind in dump at PICQUIGNY which has not already been stored will be stored there tomorrow morning by 10 a.m. 7. Train Baggage All Company and Headquarter Cooking utensils, unconsumed rations for 23rd. inst., Company Officers Messes that should go to cookers, and officers kits will go by rail to HEILLY from AILLY sur SOMME with the Battalion and then by Regimental Transport. All Train Baggage (viz. Cooking utensils, Officers Mess articles, Officers kits) will be placed opposite A Coy. Headquarters ready for conveyance to AILLY sur SOMME by [blank] a.m. on morning of 23rd. inst. The Pioneers will load this up and put it in the train, and will be under the supervision of the Quartermaster. 8. Forward Party 2/Lieut.R.L.V.Doake [Richard Lionel Vere DOAKE, DSO, MC] and 1 man per company will be ready to proceed in advance of the battalion to take over dugouts at GROVETOWN CAMP. Instructions will be issued to Lieut.Doake [Richard Lionel Vere DOAKE, DSO, MC] direct. 9. Drums. Instructions as to the disposal of drums will be issued direct to the Sergeant Drummer. 10. Officers Valises. Any officers who do not need their valises for tomorrow night will send them to the Quartermaster Stores by 8 a.m. tomorrow to be loaded on the wagons (signed) J.H.Bridcutt [John Henry BRIDCUTT, DSO], Captain, Adjutant, 7th (S) Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment

30-6-16. SECRET OPERATION ORDERS No.20 by Lieut.Colonel G.D.Price Commanding 7th (S) Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment

1. INTENTION The 7th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment will form part of the assaulting line of the 54th Inf.Brigade in an attack on the German position in which the 18th Division will take a prominent part. 2. UNITS ON OUR FLANKS The Berkshire Regiment of the 53rd. Brigade will be on our immediate right; the 11th R.Fusiliers (54th Brigade) will be on our immediate left. 3. ARTILLERY PREPARATION The attack is being preceeded by a five days bombardment which will last up to the moment of the infantry assault on the 6th day. Guns of all calibres will take part in the bombardment and will fire both day and night. 4. FRONT, AND FORMATION During the whole of the artillery bombardment the 7th Bn. Bedfordshire Regiment will hold the battle front of the 54th Infantry Brigade. The allotted frontage of the 7th Bedfordshire Regt. and the area of assault are as follows: - B & C Companies will occupy the forming up trenches 1 & 2, with two platoons in each trench, respectively. A Company will occupy No.4 Trench and will be held in battalion Reserve. D Company will occupy No.3 Trench and cover the entire Battalion Front, and will act as support to B & C Companies. 5. METHOD OF ADVANCE The Method of advance will be as practised in previous training. 6. OBJECTIVES. The 7th Bedfordshire Regiment will attack on the following objective. FIRST Objective The German front line and support trenches. EMDEN TRENCH, BUND TRENCH, POMMIERS TRENCH. SECOND Objective point A.1.b.8.1 POMMIERS LANE - Junction of POMMIERS Lane and MAPLE Trench - POMMIERS Redoubt - MAPLE Trench to its junction with Western point of POMMIERS REDOUBT. THIRD Objective. A line from point S.26.a.2.3. to point S.25.b.70.15. In capturing these objectives the following factors are of vital importance: - (a) To secure BLACK ALLEY as a defensive flank to the 18th Division, and, should occasion arise, to hold it at all costs. (b) To consolidate and hold the second objective at all costs even if MONTAUBAN and MAMETZ should not be captured. (c) To consolidate that portion of BEETLE ALLEY between S.25.d.98.17 - A.1.b.28.60. (d) On reaching the third objective to construct a series of strong points on that line and push detachments of Infantry with Lewis Guns rapidly forward to over-look CATERPILLAR Valley and prevent the enemy from removing any guns. The compass bearing for the first objective will be notified later. 7. BARRAGES. The advance of the Battalion will be covered by a barrage of Field and Heavy Artillery, and Machine Guns. the object of these barrages is to prepare every step of the infantry advance and to allow of the infantry to get within assaulting distance of the enemy's trenches before he can man his parapets. the leading waves must work forward to within 60/100 yards of each barrage so that immediately it lifts they are within charging distance. the closer the barrage is followed the greater the possibility of success. This is particularly essential in the advance from the line MAPLE Trench - POMMIERS REDOUBT to the final objective as direct observation is not possible after the line is crossed. the 18th Divisional Field Artillery will fire 5 rounds H.E. shell per gun immediately before each lift. 8. TIMES OF BARRAGES First objective - EMDEN TRENCH 0.5 BUND TRENCH 0.10 POMMIERS TRENCH 0.20 Second objective point A.1.b.8.1 - POMMIERS LANE - Junction of POMMIERS Lane & MAPLE TRENCH - POMMIERS REDOUBT - MAPLE TRENCH to its junction with BEETLE ALLEY 1.0 9. MACHINE GUNS 2 Vickers Guns have been allotted to the Battalion. the Lewis Guns will be at the disposal of Company Officers. They should not, unless urgently required, be with the first two leading waves. The 54th Machine Gun Company will cover the advance of the Battalion from a position in CAFTET WOOD with overhead fire. 10. STOKES BATTERIES. The 54th Stokes Battery and attached Stokes Battery will be distributed as follows: - (a) 12 guns in position in front line. to be employed for final barrage. As soon as strong points II, II, IV, V, VI and VII are consolidated one gun will move forward to each. the remaining 6 guns will be retained in Brigade reserve in our own trenches. (b) Two guns at the disposal of each assaulting battalion. these guns will not proceed beyond MAPLE TRENCH until the final objective is consolidated. 11. BATTN. HD.QRS. Battalion Headquarters will move into its initial position at the junction of NEW CUT and LIVERPOOL STREET. All reports will be sent to TRIANGLE after the first objective has been gained. It will move to POMMIERS REDOUBT when the Battalion moves forward to its final objective. 12. DUMPS. The supply of all ammunition, grenades, R.E. material etc. will be worked from a series of Dumps. There will be dumps at Junction of COOPER STREET and Front Line Trench, KING STREET and Front Line Trench, Advanced Brigade Reserve Dump - PICCADILLY. Brigade Dump - CARNOY. the guiding principle will be that Advanced Dumps move forward by stages as objectives are gained; that the Brigade will be responsible for keeping Dumps full; and that Battalions will be responsible for drawing stores from these dumps. A dump will open at the TRIANGLE as early as possible after the first objective is gained. A special party will be detailed for carrying all ammunition and bombs for use of the assaulting battalions, irrespective of the dumps. This party will move with D Coy. 13. RATIONS AND WATER Rations and water will be carried forward after night fall. Special instructions for their carriage will be issued as occasion demands. 14. TOOLS. (a) 50% of the 3rd. platoon of the two leading companies will carry large tools. (b) 50% of the 3rd. and 4th Companies (assaulting battalions) will carry large tools. (c) 50% of all garrisons detailed for strong points will carry tools. Tools will be carried in the proportion of 2 shovels to 1 pick, and will be carried in a vertical position on the man's back. A reserve of picks and shovels will be kept at C Dump from which the Battalion may draw to meet their requirements. 15. AMMUNITION CARRIERS Each Lewis Gun am will be strengthened by 4 Lewis Reserve Gunners to carry S.A.A. 16. WATER The provision of water during and after the assault will be extremely difficult. Steps must therefore be taken to ensure that all water bottles are full at zero hour and that all ranks practice the greatest restraint in drinking water. The normal supply will be from the well in CARNOY and from the stand pipes in CARNOY ALLEY. Reserve storage tanks have been placed in the Russian saps at A & B Dumps. 250 petrol tine swill also be placed at each of these dumps. 17. MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS The 55th Field Ambulance will be responsible for the collection of all wounded in the Division. It will establish an advanced dressing station at the following points: - (a) In dugouts at west end of BRICK ALLEY, CARNOY for wounded of the 53rd. and 54th Inf. Bdes. Accommodation for 200 stretcher cases). (b) In dugouts at BRONFAY FARM for local and walking cases (accommodation 50). All walking cases will be directed to the Advanced Dressing Station at CARNOY and from there will proceed via CARNOY to BRONFAY FARM Dressing Station. Regimental aid posts will be established as shown on the special map. Wounded will be conveyed from these posts to the nearest advanced Dressing Station by regimental stretcher bearers. Wounded cases occurring in the enemy's trenches will be collected into suitable dugouts by regimental medical officers. Such dugouts must be marked and their position notified to the 55th Field Ambulance who will arrange for the removal of these cases to the Advanced Dressing Station in CARNOY VALLEY by the R.A.M.C. Stretcher bearers. In addition to the 8 battalion stretchers with units 16 additional R.A.M.C. stretchers will be stored near each regimental aid post and used by both R.A.M.C. and regimental stretcher bearers for bring in cases. 18. PRISONERS. Prisoners will be sent back in batches to the Bde. Dump and thence to the Advanced Divisional Collecting Station at BILLON FARM. They will be marched across the open and not down communication trenches. Escorts to BILLON FARM will be found by the Battns. Which take the prisoners, the men rejoining their units under proper control as soon as possible. Batches of 100, with about 10 per cent escort have on previous occasions been proved suitable for despatch as one party. Slightly wounded men can be used as escorts. Prisoners must be disarmed and searched for concealed weapons and documents, immediately after capture before being marched off. Officers must be separated from the rank and file immediately. Prisoners will be searched for documents and examined under Divisional arrangements, at the Divisional Collecting Station. It is most important that immediate information should be sent back concerning the identification of regiments opposed to us. 19. CAPTURED GUNS. When hostile guns are captured the following procedure will be adopted: - (a) Report to Battn. Hd. Qrs. The number and nature of guns captured. (b) Detail parties to man handle them to the nearest position where our gun teams can be hooked in. (c) Report exact position where teams are required, and number of teams necessary.. 20. COLLECTION OF INTELLIGENCE. Two men will be attached to each assaulting Battn. (under Brigade Arrangements) for the purpose of collecting documents, etc. in the enemy's trenches. They will go forward with the dug-out clearing parties and will carry a distinguishing mark which will be a Red White and Blue bull's-eye painted on either side of the sack which each man will carry. 21. STRAGGLERS. Regimental police will be employed under Brigade arrangements to control traffic in the trenches and to check stragglers moving to the rear. Posts will be established as under: - 1 N.C.O. and 4 men in CARNOY ) To de detailed 1 N.C.O. and 4 men in CAFTET WOOD ) by Brigade. They will be required to take the number, names, and units of all stragglers and march them back in parties to their units. 22. UP AND DOWN COMMUNICATIONS TRENCHES. The Main Up Trench will be PIONEER AVENUE, commencing at BRONFAY FARM. The Main Down (evacuation) trench will be MAIDSTONE - CARNOY AVENUES. Steps out of these trenches have been cut on alternate sides at 50 yards interval. Under no circumstances will individuals be allowed to use either of these trenches in the wrong direction. 23. COMMUNICATION. All companies will go over the top accompanied by their respective Signallers and runners. B & C Coy. Hd.Qrs. are due to arrive in BUND TRENCH at 20 minutes after zero. C Coy. Will have with the 2nd. Wave 2 Signallers who will immediately open up communication, if possible, with the PERONNE ROAD. Their station will be the top left hand corner of the TRIANGLE. All telephone lines will endeavour to reach this point, which will be marked by a triangular piece of tin, white with a black stripe on one side and black with a white stripe on the other side. By the time C Coy. advances from the TRIANGLE i.e. 30 minutes., D Coy. H.Q. will have arrived and D.Coy. Sigs will have taken over the station and so freed C Sigs., thus enabling them to move on with their company. D Coy. will run this Signal station (TRIANGLE) with 2 men detailed from A Coy. to accompany them with that object in view. When D Coy. advances from the TRIANGLE "A" Coy. Sigs. Will remain to run the station. A Coy. H.Q. are due in the TRIANGLE at 1.00 after zero hour and will continue to staff the station until arrival of Bn.Hd.Qrs. who will then take over this station. By the time Bn.H.Qrs, are ready to move on the Northants Bn.H.Qrs. will have arrived in the TRIANGLE and will take over the station from the Bedfords entirely. PICCADILLY CIRCUS will be kept open permanently. The "New Cut" Office will be closed when Bn. Reaches the REDOUBT. B & C Coy. Hd.Qrs. are due in POMMIERS Trench at 30 minutes after zero, when the Signallers will open Signal Stations. If casualties have been heavy "D" Coy. will reinforce these 2 stations. B & C Companies will remain in the POMMIERS TRENCH forty minutes. POMMIERS TRENCH is the last point for Visual Signalling to the PERONNE ROAD. B & C Companies Hd.Qrs. arrive in the REDOUBT at 1.00 after zero. As no visual Signalling is possible from the Redoubt to PERONNE ROAD all Maryate Street. Will have to go by runner to the station at S.p.VI or other station in POMMIERS Trench. B & C Coys. Remain for 1 hour in the REDOUBT. B & C Hd.Qrs. advance to BEETLE ALLEY at 2.15 after zero and remain there, taking all their Signallers with them less 8 left in the REDOUBT to carry on a RELAY Station. D.Coy sweep on right through to the intermediate line, taking their Signallers with them. A Coy. sweep round the right flank of the redoubt and take up position on the front line ridge taking their signallers with them. By the above method, economy is affected in the use of runners, who instead of running say from REDOUBT (B Coy.) to TRIANGLE (Bn.Hd.Qrs.) would only run to the POMMIERS TRENCH STATION, hand in the message there and return at once to their companies. POMMIERS Trench Station would then endeavour to visual the M/s and if impossible, would send on by runners to the TRIANGLE. Messages would, in other words, be dealt with in "RELAYS". No runner would be long away from his Coy. and so be available for a further message. White and Black Triangles are being made at the proportion of 3 per coy. Immediately a Signaller opens a station, one of these triangles will be placed in the ground near him as a mark to guide runners from other directions. Signalling will be done by "discs" until REDOUBT is taken, when flags may possibly be used with safety, from POMMIERS TRENCH to PERONNE AVENUE. TELEPHONES. Each Coy. will have two telephones allotted to them, these being taken across after A Coy. One of these will be accompanied by a man carrying a coil of cable which he will reel out as he goes along. These lines will all converge on the TRIANGLE and be connected up. As Coys. Advance endeavours will be made to continue laying telephone lines, and to keep them in repair. Each Coy. As it goes over takes with it 2 miles of black enamel wire for use whenever practicable. 2 Signallers will be detached from Bn.Hq.Qrs. to take over Station in POMMIERS TRENCH. All messages to be as short as possible; indelible pencils should not be used for writing messages. CONTACT AEROPLANE PATROLS. Each Battalion will have a supply of red flares. One flare must be carried by each man. One special signalling lamp, one panel and one ground signal will be taken with each Battn.Hd.Qrs. The ground signal must be put out as soon as Battn.Hd.Qrs. reaches its new position, but should only be unfolded when one of our own aeroplanes is over the line. XIII Corps and XV Corps aeroplanes will be of type B.E.2.c. and have a broad black band under each lower plane. The method of working these contact aeroplanes will be that already practiced. General. Officers should always, when possible, speak on the telephone themselves, or else write down their messages and sign them. Signallers are ordered not to accept messages unless signed by an officer or N.C.O. or man in command of a unit. It is essential that all messages should have time and place on them and that they should be as short and concise as possible 24. ARTILLERY DISTINGUISHING FLAGS Every platoon will carry two red and yellow artillery flags. These flags will be waved for a short period by the leading line to show our artillery how far the attack has progressed. On no account will any flags be stuck into the ground. These flags will not be waved at any position in advance of the POMMIERS REDOUBT. 25. EQUIPMENT TO BE CARRIED ON THE MEN Every man will carry: - Rifle and equipment less pack. 1 Bandolier in addition to his equipment amn. (170 rounds in all). 1 days ration and 1 iron ration. 1 waterproof sheet. 2 sandbags. 1 yellow patch on haversack on his back. 2 Smoke Helmets. Grenadiers will only carry 50 rounds S.A.A. 26. MAPS, DOCUMENTS No maps showing our own trenches or important papers will be carried by officers and men taking part in the attack. 27. STRONG POINTS. Apart from the strong points constructed on the final objective, the strong points marked I.VI & VII on the special map will be commenced immediately the objectives in which they are situated are reached. 7th Bedfords will construct strong points at THE TRIANGLE and POMMIERS REDOUBT. All strong points must be prepared for all round defence, and wired. They must hold out even if the troops on either side of them are driven back. Strong points No.1 and No.7 will be garrisoned by the 3rd. Battalion. 28. BOSCH COUNTERATTACKS. Recent experience has shown that the Bosch delivers small counter attacks with platoons or companies immediately hostile troops gain their objective. These small counter attacks have had far reaching results and must be specially guarded against. To meet these counter attacks the reserves in the hands of platoon and coy. commanders will be of the greatest value. 29 RELIEFS. All troops must clearly understand that no reliefs can be expected until their final objectives have been efficiently consolidated. Units who first complete the consolidation of their objectives will be considered first for relief. 30. Dugout clearing parties The 6th Northamptonshire Regt. will furnish Dugout clearing parties as follows: - 4 sections will be in No.2 Trench. Two of these Will stop at AUSTRIAN TRENCH and two in AUSTRIAN SUPPORT TRENCH. 4 sections in No.3 Trench. Two of these will stop at EMDEN TRENCH and two at BUND TRENCH. The four sections in No.2 Trench will move out with 3rd. wave, the four secs in No.3 between 3rd. and fourth waves.