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[Page 39]
[3.3.18]
11.45 pm. "Z" Day, Zero hour. 9th A.I.Bde Raiding Party attacked the enemy trenches in the vicinity of WARNETON successfully. 50 of the enemy killed, 1 Officer and 10 O/R and a M.G. Captured. Our casualties were :-
Off O/R
K. 2
W. 1 15
M. 1
2 17
[?].3.18
Preparation completed for the 2nd Raid.
[?].3.18
12.50 am. Zero Hour "A" day. Bde special party again raided enemy trenches south west of WARNETON. Enemy opposition strong. 40 of the enemy killed and 2 M.G. captured. Our casualties were :-
Off O/R
K. 1 3
W. 1 21
2 24
[?].3.18
10 pm. 9th A.I.Bde relieved by 6th A.I.Bde. Bde moved back to KORTE[?] area.
Location of H.Q, at nightfall - TROIS ROIS CAMP
[?].3.18
12.40 pm. Bde less transport entrained at STEENWERCK for the HENNEVEUX Sub Area.
8 pm. Bde distributed as follows :-
Bde H.Q. FRESNOYE CHATEAU near [ALINCTHUN?] 33rd Bn BELLEBRUNE, 34th Bn LE WAAST, 35th Bn, HENNEVEUX, 36th Bn [ESCOETILLES?]
Location of H.Q, at nightfall - FRESNOYE CHATEAU
9th M.G.Coy BOURNONVILLE, 9th A.L.T.M. Bty NABRINGHAM 9th Field Co A.E. LONGUEVILLE, 9th Field Amb. BRUNENBERG, 24th Co. A.A.S.C. DESVRES. Transport arrived by road.
20.3.18
Bde resting and training, weather fine. Div. M.G. Companies brigaded as 3rd Australian M.G.Battalion. Demonstrations, platoon Competitions, sports etc. Bde schools for N.C.O's, P.T. & B.F., Signalling started. G.O.C. and B.M. on leave also S.C. Lt-Col. H.A. GODDARD, DSO, C.O. 35th Bn temporarily in command. Leave to Boulogne opened. Parties visited Base Workshops, CALAIS.
[21].3.18
5.20 pm. G.S.O.1 3rd Aust. Div. rang up and ordered the Bde to be prepared to move at 48 hours notice. Enemy offensive commenced early the same morning on a 60 mile front between CAMBRAI and ST. QUENTIN.
[German Spring Offensive]
[22].3.18
6 am. Billeting parties left for WATOU Sub area.
11 pm. Bde entrained at LOTTENGHEM Station and proceeded to ABEELE.
[23].3.18
8.12 am. Bde arrived at ABEELE and marched to WATOU and were billeted.
Location of H.Q, at nightfall - WATOU
6 am. Transport and personnel entrained at DESVRES with 9th Field Amb. and 1 Coy. 3rd Pioneer Bn.
5 pm. Orders received to move to SERQUES Area.
[24].3.18
9 am. Bde group embussed at WATOU and moved via ABEELE and HAZEBROUCK (which were being shelled by long range guns) to SERQUES Area, the Bde being billeted as under - Bde H.Q. Chateau bear WALLON CAPELL, 33rd Bn SERQUES, 34th Bn LE ROMARIN, 35th Bn LA BELLE HOSTESSE, 36th Bn WALLON CAPELL, 9th M.G.Co WALLON CAPELE, 9th A.L.T.M.B NOIR TROU, 9th Field Anb. WALLON CAPELLE, 24th A.A.S.C. supplied from ABEELE railhead.
Location of H.Q, at nightfall - WALLON CAPELLE
[25].3.18
10 am. Conference at Bde H.Q, G.S.O.1 explained the situation which was critical. Enemy broken through on 5th Army front, BAPAUME and PERONNE fallen.