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[Page 16]
SECTION 3.
LESSONS and COMMENTS.
1. SECRECY OF PREPARATION.
The concealment of all preparation from the enemy, particularly the assembly of additional troops and guns, was the greatest difficulty to be overcome. The majority of the ground in the forward sector of the Divisional area was flat and low-lying, the enemy having direct observation on to the whole of the forward Divisional area in the vicinity of HAMEL, HAMELET, VAIRE and also in rear of our positions behind ARQUAIRE WOOD.
The roads running forward through the area were few, and their condition such that even the slowest moving traffic caused endless dust.
On the day of the 5th. August, the augmented transport of the two Divisions on the roads was so great that it is hard to now understand why the enemy did not notice it. Strict Orders were issued and carried out; so that on succeeding days only normal traffic appeared on the roads. This was only made possible by issuing passes and working the road on the "Block" System, any unauthorised traffic being side-tracked and made to remain till dusk.
The allotment of at least one metalled road to each Division in such cases seems essential.
In order to accommodate the assault troops of the Fourth Australian Division and obviate the necessity of a long approach march on the battle day, the assaulting troops of the Third Australian Division were withdrawn to CORBIE, and the 4th. and 12th. Inf. Bdes. of the Fourth Australian Division were stationed in the Reserve System of trenches (most of which were under direct view of the enemy). That this congestion of troops for three days was not noticed by the enemy speaks well for the discipline and "Secrecy" arrangements of the Brigades concerned.
2. ARTILLERY.
The country in the Northern portion of the Divisional area was not favourable for the secret emplacement of the extra artillery employed, as, besides being under enemy observation, it was almost devoid of natural features to aid concealment.
The forming up place of the Infantry was on the crest of a "Hog-backed" ridge, and the difficulty of placing the guns in such a position that they could clear the crest and place a barrage on the valley in the front of the infantry, whilst still retailing the ability to employ fire on extreme range, was a difficult problem. Advantage was taken of Sunken Roads, growing crops and portions of the trench system to conceal the forward guns and ammunition dumps during the three days prior to the attack. No digging, except to lower the wheels and trail, was allowed; nor was anyone allowed to approach these gun positions during daylight.
The movement of guns to their battle positions took place in three stages, viz:- on the nights 5th/6th and 6th/7th and on the night 7th/8th when the remaining guns (which had been carrying on the normal harassing fire during the day and evening of the 7th) moved into their selected positions.
3. TRENCH MORTARS.
Medium Trench Mortars.
The proximity of ACCROCHE WOOD to the front line system on the Right Flank prevented any preliminary bombardment to knock out the many machine guns and trench mortars which were known to be in position there. Therefore the 6" Trench Mortars of the Division were emplaced near ARUQAIRE WOOD to strengthen the barrarge on this area, and there is no doubt that these considerably assisted in destroying the defences and demoralising the garrison. After ZERO these T.Ms. were not moved forward but the Crews were formed into Guns Crews which moved forward behind the Infantry and turned the captured enemy guns, firing many rounds in front of our advancing line.
P.T.O.