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[Page 3]
(3).
11th. Inf. Brigade went out of action on the night of the 6th. August. This necessitated G.3. wagon being employed, and was the only alteration of the original plan throughout the operation.
The Supply Tanks were to be loaded with stores and ammunition the night of the 5th/6th. August, and lie up (concealed) in VILLERS BRETONNEUX till the morning of the 8th. August, when they were to pick up and bring forward the Stokes Mortars near ASQUARE WOOD.
11. All Artillery of the Corps was placed under the orders of the G.O.C. R.A. Australian Corps. The following was allotted to the Third Australian Division to cover its advance to the GREEN Line :-
"A" SUB-GROUP. Commanding Officer. Lt.-Col. L.T.RAIKES. D.S.O.
23rd. Army Brigade. R.F.A.
189th. -do- R.F.A.
12th. -do- R.F.A.
"B" SUB-GROUP. Commanding Officer. Lt.-Col. G.H.M.KING C.M.G., D.S.O. 7th. A.F.A. Bde.
8th. A.F.A. Bde.
3rd. Army Brigade. A.F.A.
"C" SUB-GROUP. Commanding Officer. Lt.-Col. T.M.ARCHDALE. D.S.O.
16th. Brigade. R.H.A.
10th. A.F.A. Brigade.
11th. A.F.A. Brigade.
"A" SUB-GROUP was move forward at ZERO plus 4 hours as mobile artillery with the Fourth Australian Division.
"B" SUB-GROUP was to move forward and take up positions to cover the BLUE Line (shown on Map "A").
"C" SUB-GROUP was to become Corps Reserve after ZERO plus 4 hours.
III. APPROACH MARCH and ASSEMBLY.
1. For the Approach March four routes were marked out, lettered "A", "B", "C" and "D", from South to North and reconnoitred: the 9th. Inf. Brigade used "A" and "B" tracks and the 11th. Inf. Brigade used "C" and "D". These routes, as far as possible, were cross-country and avoided roads and localities where either congestion of shelling was likely to be met with.
2. The night of the 7th/8th. was dark and misty: but, despite the large number of infantry, tanks and guns in movement, the approach march was completed without a hitch. During the march, one halt of fifteen minutes was made, and the troops arrived on the assembly tapes quite fresh.
3. The Infantry was unmolested throughout the assembly, save for normal harassing fire; and, in accordance with instructions, were on their tapes by 3.20 a.m. thus having an hour's rest prior to ZERO.
4. The movement of the Artillery into action was carried out on nights 6th/7th., 7th/8th. and 8th/9th. August, as follows:-
P.T.O.