10th Battalion – May 1918

MAY 1-3 – STRAZEELE [a region of northern France]
Battalion is in reserve with 3rd A.I Brigade. Rear battalion headquarters and transport lines at LE PUPLAER.
4.
Rear Battalion headquarters moved to HAZEBROUCK. Battalion moves into support with 3rd A.I Brigade tonight, relieving the 5th Australian Infantry Battalion.
5.
Relief was carried out successfully and completed at 12.45am. Much trouble caused at camps and transport lines by heavy rains.
6-7.
Battalion in support.
[see Appendix 3 – “The quartermaster is arranging for a supply of cocoa and milk to be sent forward nightly.”]
8.
Battalion relieves the 12th Australian Infantry. Battalion in front line position on right of brigade sector.
9.
Relief was carried out successfully and completed at 1.10am. The following casualties occurred. Killed – O.Rs 3. Wounded – Officers 2 (Captain W.H. Perry evacuated and Lieutenant Chittleborough remained at duty), O.Rs 16.
10.
Battalion in front line. Casualties – wounded 2 O.Rs.
11.
Battalion in front line. Casualties – wounded 2 O.Rs.
12.
Battalion in front line. Lieutenant-Colonel R.B. Jacob and Captain W.G. Cornish MC evacuated sick. Casualties – wounded 3 O.Rs. 1 officer (Lieutenant C.J. Paisley) evacuated. Enemy bombing planes raided HAZEBROUCK continuously for three hours during the night 12th/13th. No casualties inflicted on personnel or transport of this battalion.
13.
Battalion to be relieved tonight by 6th Australian Infantry Battalion. Casualties nil.
14.
Relief carried out and successfully completed at 12.30am. Battalion moved to billets where rear Battalion headquarters re-joined them. Transport lines remaining [in place]. Another enemy bombing raid over HAZEBROUCK from 10.30pm [on the] 14th to 12.30am [on the] 15th.
15 – LA KREULE [northern France]
All members of Battalion bathed and received complete change of underclothing today. Companies were engaged on fatigues digging rear defence trenches.
[see Appendix 8 – “All ranks must be warned not to use their iron rations until permission is given by an officer.”]
16-17.
Cleaning and inspecting rifles and equipment and company fatigues digging rear defence trenches.
18 – SERCUS [northern France]
Battalion relieved by 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion and moved by route march to reserve area, arriving at 4.20pm. When en route Battalion marched past Brigadier-General G.H. Bennett CB, CMG, near WALLON CAPPEL.
19.
Battalion attended Brigade church parade during morning. Afternoon devoted to recreation.
[see Appendix 11 – “Programme of events. Order to be arranged. 100 yards, 440 yards, 880 yards, 120 yards hurdles, high jump, long jump, 220 yards relay, tug-o’-war, 100 yards 3-legged race, 400 yards obstacle race, wheelbarrow race 36 yards each way, sack race, kicking football, throwing cricket ball, wrestling on horseback or mules, best dressed individual (fancy dress), best turn out and rifle exercises. This list is subject to reduction on account of time.”]
20-21.
Parade from 8.20am to 11.45am. Training as per syllabus. Battalion parade from 11.45am to 12pm. Afternoon devoted to recreation.
22.
Parade from 7am to 10.30am. Training as per syllabus. Battalion engaged on fatigues from 6pm to 8.30pm digging and filling in cable trench.
23.
Parade from 6.45am to 10.30am. Training as per syllabus. Afternoon devoted to Battalion sports held on Battalion parade ground.
24-25.
Parades from 6.45am to 10.30am. Training as per syllabus. Afternoon recreational training.
26 – LA KREULE
Battalion relieved 6th Australian Infantry Battalion…moving to this point per route march, marching past Major-General Sir H.B. Walker CB, DSO, and Brigadier-General G.H. Bennett CB, CMG, en route.
[see Appendix 15 – “…steps will be taken to prevent trench feet occurring – i.e. feet will be rubbed with sandbags and powdered socks used. Quartermaster to arrange socks and powder…The regulation supply of hot food depends on the expeditious return of hot food containers. Company commanders will give this matter their close attention.”]
27 – MERRIS SECTOR
Battalion relieved 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion in front line centre sector. Relief was completed without casualties at 12.20am [on the] 28th. Rear headquarters moved.
28.
A change between ‘C’ Company (reserve Company) and ‘D’ Company (support Company) as per Battalion Order No. 91. The line of Right Company was advanced, as per Battalion Order No. 92.
29.
Relief was carried out between ‘C’ Company (now Support Company) and ‘D’ Company (now Reserve Company). Completed at 1am. Casualties killed- 1 O.R.
30.
A MINOR OPERATION was carried out during the night. Three counter-attacks were repulsed. Casualties killed – O.Rs 10. Officers 2. Wounded – O.Rs 52.Officers 4.
[see Appendix 19 – “At 11.30pm our artillery opened ‘hurricane bombardment’, many shells falling short, and I regret to state 2 officers and 20 other ranks casualties are attributed to this…Lieutenant W.H. Blake at this stage did excellent work, wounded in both hands by our own artillery…”]
31.
No fresh development.