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[Page 17]
Light Trench Mortars.
The Light Trench Mortars of the Right (9th) Inf. Brigade and 10th (Reserve) Inf. Brigades were also employed in the preliminary bombardment on ACCROCHE WOOD. Those of the 9th. Inf. Brigade were afterwards picked up and carried forward by the store tank. Similar transport arrangements had also been made for the L.T.Ms. of the Left (11th) Inf. Brigade but, unfortunately, the Store Tank detailed broke down on the night of the 6th. August. The Trench Mortars had therefore, to be taken forward later in the day by Infantry transport.
The L.T.Ms. throughout the succeeding day proved extremely useful in the cleaning up of the numerous machine gun nests and strong points.
The question of providing transport for L.T.Ms. during the operations is very important as they are of the greatest use to the Infantry but, with the present normal loads of infantry transport and the unavoidable casualties to transport animals, it is always extremely doubtful if Mortars could be brought up and a supply of ammunition maintained.
4. MACHINE GUNS.
The Machine Gun Battalion organisation undoubtedly proved its value during the operation.
The co-ordination of barrage arrangements with the artillery, the detailing of Coys. or detachments for subsequent work with Infantry Brigades, the ability to employ Reserve Coys., when most required, as rapidly as possible (i.e. in cases of reported enemy assembly or threatened counter-attack) was only practicable because of these units being controlled by one individual officer in close touch with the changes of the whole situation and able to control the whole of the machine gun arrangements both offensive and defensive. The attachment of one coy. of Machine guns to Brigades, irrespective of the nature of the operation is not considered sound.
5. ENGINEERS & PIONEERS.
Prior to the Operation, Engineers and Pioneers were employed :-
(a) On improving accommodation in the line for Brigade and Battalion Headquarters, and constructing Aid Posts, Dressing Stations, etc.
(b) Constructing and marking of overland tracks for the Approach March of Infantry and guns, and the later movement of Reserves and pack animals.
All wiring and improvement of trenches was stopped from about the 3rd instant, and all available personnel employed on such works as would facilitate the attack.
The broken bridge at BOUZENCOURT was placed in such a condition that on "Y" night a bridge to carry Infantry in file was easily constructed.
During the Operation.
The provision of pontoon equipment near BOUZENCOURT, to be brought up along the SOMME as the Advance progressed, was not made use of on the first day owing to the advance of the III Corps being held up at MALARD WOOD, but later on they were of great value in providing lateral communication in vicinity of SAILLY LAURETTE.
Following the Advance of the Infantry, engineers were employed on -
Construction of Headquarters accommodation.
Erection, on selected sites, of notice boards with the locality name, which had been previously selected. (All Units report on the great value of these).
Arrows marking routes to Headquarters, Batteries, and overland tracks, were also erected. The searching of dugouts for mines, and arrangements for Water Supply was also entrusted to parties of Engineers and Pioneers, and well carried out.