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[Page 37]
December
1.12.17 to 15.12.17
Usual reciprocal Artillery bombardments and usual trench warfare. Vigorous patrolling was carried [out] and harassing work was done by Artillery and Trench Mortars. Working parties on Trenches, wire, dugouts and artillery emplacements. Enemy shelled HAZEBROUCK for 2 days with 15" shells.
[Date uncertain]
Bde was relieved by the 5th A.I. Bde and moved into billets in STEENWERCK area.
Location of H.Q at nightfall :- STEENWERCK
[Date uncertain]
Bde took over the line in HOUPLINES L'EPINETTE Sector, B.H.Q. at ERQUINGHEM, 2 Battalions in the front line, 1 Battalion in supports and 1 Battalion in reserve in billets.
Location of H.Q at nightfall :- ERQUINGHEM
to 31.12.17
Vigorous offensive trench warfare policy; reciprocal bombardments by Artillery. Our mortars very active. 9th T.M. Bty fired 1100 rds in offensive shoots during the period.
Much good work was done in repairing trenches and building dugouts. Amusing incident occurred on New Years Eve. Enemy bombarded from 11 pm to 11.30 pm with Artillery, T.M's and M.G's. fired all coloured lights, bombed his own wire, etc. "Happy New Year Australia" called out from Bosch lines.
Casualties for the month were :-
Killed 14 Wounded 57 S.I.W. 9 Missing 2 Total 82
[S.I.W. = Self inflicted wound]
January [1918]
1.1.18
Bde relieved by 171 Inf. Bde and movbed back to STEENWERCK area.
Location of H.Q at nightfall :- STEENWERCK
2.1.18
9 am. Billeting parties left for the METEREN area.
Location of H.Q at nightfall :- METEREN
2 pm. Bde embussed at NIEPPE Station. Gotha incident while embussing. Moved to METEREN area. Billets very comfortable and found people very hospitable.
to 30.1.18
Bde resting. Intensive training by all Units, much sport carried out; Bde Aspirant Officers school started under the command of Major R.J.A. Massie. Bde while in this Area was known as the METEREN Brigade of the Australian Corps Defence Scheme. All Officers reconnoitred the country over which the Bde would operate in case of heavy enemy attack. Brig-Gen. C. ROSENTHAL, C.B., G.M.G. temporarily commanded the 1st Aust. Div. in the absence of the G.O.C. of that Division. Lt-Col. H.A.GODDARD D.S.O. temporarily commanded the Bde. Weather generally fine with a little snow. One practice Bde route march was carried out.
31.1.18
The Bde moved by road to the KORTE area, and were reviewed en route at BAILLEUL by Gen. Sir William BIRDWOOD, G.O.C., A.I.F. The Bde now became the reserve bde (or NEUVE EGLISE BDE) to the right Division of the Corps defence scheme. Units disposed as follows :-
Bde H.Q. TROIS ROIS CAMP, 33rd Bn & 35th Bn KORTEPYP CAMP, 36th BN CANTEEN CORNER, 34th Bn ALDERSHOT CAMP, 9th M.G. NEUVE EGLISE, 9th T.M.Bty BULFORD CAMP, 9th Field Amb. WESTHOFF FARM, Bde Demonstration Platoon, BULFORD CAMP.
Location of H.Q at nightfall :- TROIS ROIS CAMP.