Transcription

The Diary of Percy Puley, 1918

Percy Puley, The War Diary of Percy Puley, 1918. Handwritten ink and pencil on white paper, 122 pages. Leather-bound diary. ©Descendants of Percy Puley, Toronto.1 ©Transcription MLC Research Centre. gw/blt/ak/ig

keywords: action, alert, anti-gas and gas warfare, barrage, battalion, bombs (mills; phosphorus), Bosche, casualties, chlorine (gas), dugout, gas attack, gas shells, grenades, lecture, Lewis gun, mustard (gas), phosgene (gas), platoon, precaution, prisoner, raids, respirators, safety measures, sentries, Strombus horn, supply, training, trench

summary: Ontario-born Percy Puley (1892-1953) enlisted as a volunteer in August 1914 before officially joining the 9th Battalion in September. On 5 December, 1916, Puley joined the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. By February 1918, Puley transferred to Seaford in Sussex, England, where he was stationed for the remainder of the war, with short-term attachments to nearby training camps, including the Canadian Trench Warfare School in Bexhill-at-Sea. It was here, at the Canadian Trench Warfare School that he wrote his personal war diary, recording the lectures that were given to the soldiers in training there. It is not clear if Puley was a lecturer himself, or simply helped record the lectures.

Transcription:

[22 July 1918]

Anti-Gas Course,

Seaford Area – July 22/18.

Organization of Anti Gas.

Chemical Adviser Home Force

  • Chemical adviser of North & South Armies
  • Chemical adviser of Commands
    • officers commanding command schools
    • officers in charge of Area schools
      • Batt. Anti-Gas officer to each reserve
      • 6 Anti-Gas N.C.O’s2 to each reserve battalion
    • Supervising officers

Organization of Gas training in France

Director of Gas services & supplies.

  • Offensive
    • Ass. Director of Gas services
    • Special Brigade R. E.
    • Special [Coy] R. E.
    • Special section R. E.
  • Defensive
    • Ass. Director of supplies
    • Army Chem. adviser
      • Ass. Chem adviser
      • Corps chem. adv.
    • Divisional Gas officer
      • Brigade N.C.O.
        • Battery & Coy N.C.O.
      • Artillery [Bde] N.C.O.
        • Battery N.C.O.

General Causes of Casualties

  1. Some casualties occur [thru] defective appliances due to lack of frequent and [thoro] inspection

  2. The inability of all ranks to carry on duties while wearing appliances due to insufficient practice

  3. Adjustment too slow due to insufficient training.

  4. Removal of respirator too soon before area is cleared of gas due to want of caution.

  5. Insufficient warning of gas due to sentries not carrying out their duties correctly.

Duties of Coy. Gas N.C.O.

  1. Assist coy. commander at all inspections of Anti-Gas appliances and equipment.

  2. Assist during training of men and drill them.

  3. Take over anti-Gas stores on relief proceeding for this purpose with advance party.

  4. He will take charge of all Anti-Gas stores and be responsible for them.

Duties [Re] Stores

  1. See that Strombus horns3 are in good order and that sentries know how to use them.

  2. That blanket doorways of protected dugouts are kept damp and free from obstruction.

  3. That all recesses containing grenades, S. A. A.4 etc. are protected against gas.

  4. That fans, fuel sprayers and solution are kept in a depot provided for them.

  5. That Vermoral [sic] sprayers5 are in good working order.

  6. That sampling apparatus is in good order and ready for use.

  7. That all wind vanes are in good working order.

Duties during attack

  1. Reports to company commander and obtains all possible information.

  2. Obtain sample of gas.

Duties after Attack

  1. Prepare for a second wave.

Gas Course

  1. See that Strombus horns are connected up with new cylinders.

  2. Warn sentries to be on the alert.

  3. Commence clearing trenches and dugouts.

  4. Report to Coy. Comdr. when tranches are clear so that permission may be given to remove respirators.

  5. See to cleaning of arms and ammunition exposed to gas.

  6. Collect any samples of gas shells and if any [vacuum bulbs] be made take another sample of gas from deep dugout.

  7. Make out a report of attack to be forwarded to Divisional gas officer.

Parts of Box Respirator

  1. Safety Pin

  2. Elastic bands and retaining tape.

  3. Mask fabric

  4. Eye pieces

  5. Nose clip

  6. Mouth Piece

  7. Metal Elbow

  8. Outlet valve

  9. Flexible rubber tube

  10. Container

  11. Inlet valve.

Lessons learned from Gas attacks

  1. Seeing that the enemy intended using gas as a weapon of offense we had to have some means of protection

Bottle respirator

Local respirator

Black Veil “

It was clear that men must not remove helmets until they were certain that all the gas was cleared from trenches and dugouts.

Result

1st. Permission must be given by a responsible officer before removing.

2nd. Parts of trench where there was no natural draft must be cleared by artificial means.

Lessons

  1. The danger of succeeding waves

  2. The need for making observation of the wind.

  3. The need for taking precautions re the cleaning of arms & S. A. A.

  4. The need of having some alert position

  5. Training troops in quick adjustment of masks.

Gas Lectures

Lessons con’t

  1. The need of an appliance capable of dealing with high concentrations of gas.

  2. The need for very strict discipline in Anti-gas training.

  3. The delayed action of some of the gasses used.

  4. The need for working parties carrying appliances.

  5. Preparedness both in back and front areas.

  6. The necessity of having protected dugouts.

Nature of Attacks.

Gas attacks

three ways

1st. Cloud attacks

2nd. Shell attacks

3rd. Projector “

Clorine [sic] Gas

is 2½ times as heavy as air and can be liquified by atmospheric pressure of 100 to squared inch, smells like chlorate of lime. It affects metals turning them black.

Phosgene Gas

is three to four times as heavy as air. It is almost colourless and smells like raw potatoes or mouldy hay. It has a delayed action and affects all metals turning them black

Concentration.

Best wind for cloud gas attack from 2 to eight miles per hour.

Gases to be effective must possess following qualities-

  1. It must be heavier than air.

  2. It must have stability

  3. It must be easily liquified

  4. It must be poisonous in weak concentrations.

  5. It must be able to be manufactured in large quantities

  6. It must be easily stored.

Projectors

8” trench mortar6 weighing 60 lbs and contains 30 lbs of gas.

Range about 1500 yds. Both time and percussion fuses.

[Stokes] guns also use gas bombs using a 30 lb shell containing 7 lbs of gas. (phosgene) firing 25 to 30 per minute.

A projector attack is easily recognized-

  1. By long line of flashes

  2. Numerous [explosions] & roar like a mine.

  3. In daytime they can be plainly seen like a T. M.7

  4. At night by trail of sparks.

Gas shells

are filled with a liquid and a small bursting charge.

To recognize a gas shell listen for

  1. By the peculiar wobbling sound as they pass thro [sic] the air to being filled with liquid.

  2. By the small explosion and sound like a dud.

  3. When they burst they immediately form a white cloud which varies according to weather conditions.

Contents of Shells.

1. [Axphyxiauts] or Poison Green X

2. Lachrymatory or tear Black T

3. Sneezing [p?ells] Blue x.

4. Mustard, eye, lung & skin Yellow x.

Trench Mortar shells.

Phosgene 3 white stripes

[Palete] 2 “ “ & white C

Di-Phosgene 2 “ “ & Red C

Lachrymatory 1 “ “ & B. M.

Tactical Uses of Gas Shells.

  1. For counter battery work putting artillery out of action.

  2. Neutralizing mach. gun fire, emplacements, strong points & [flanking] works.

  3. Setting up a barrage to prevent supports from advancing.

  4. Bombarding trenches, dugouts, working parties, [transports &] x roads.

Wind Report

Trench

D4 July 26/18.

Time Direction Speed Remarks.

8A.M. South 8 M.P.H. Steady

11A.M. S. E. 12 M.P.H. Gusty

2 P.M. S.W. 6 M.P.H. Veering.

J.J. Jones, cpl.

Gas N.C.O.

No. 3 Coy.

Cardinal Points of compass to be always written [in] full.

A wind vane has a small flag 5” by ¾ by which you can tell strength of wind

[Beaufort Scale].

Speed observation of natural objects Behaviour of flag.

0 smoke straight up no movement

2 smoke slants “

5 felt on face slight “

10 paper etc moved ¾ up.

15 Bushes sway up & falling often

20. Tree tops sway up but falling less often

30. Trees sway & whistle up & flapping.

 

Standing Orders.

Alert zone is from front line to 2 miles in read. Helmet is carried in alert.

Ready zone is from 2 miles from front line to about 5 miles – [slung Pas.]

Precautionary Zone is from 5 miles to about 12 miles. Respirator is slung.

Gas Helmet8 will be inspected daily. Gas N.C.O’s will inspect daily all gas alarms and anti-Gas stores. See that gas proof dugouts are in good order and that blankets are kept moist.

Disinfectant

1% Creosote

99% Water

[There is a chart on this page, with an oval stamp that reads, “CANADIAN TRENCH WARFARE SCHOOL. 9 AUG. 1918” in blue ink]

C. T. W. S.

Gas Course July 27/18

Anti-Gas Organization

at

[G.H.Q.]9

Director of Gas services

Offensive

  • Ass. Director of gas services (a)
    • Special [Bde] R.E.10

Defensive

  • Ass. Director of Gas services (b)
    • At Army H.Q. The Chemical adviser.
      • Ass. Chemical Adviser
        • At Corps H.Q. Corps Chemical Adviser -Army school for senior officers 2 days course.
          • Anti-Gas instructor at Corps reinforcement camp to train reinforcements & [vest] appliances.
          • [Commander?] of corps school – course of instruction for officer & N.C.C.11

Central Laboratory12

You cannot insist too strongly that the measures adopted form absolute proof against all gasses used by the enemy. If these measures are carried out properly there is nothing to fear from enemy attacks. It is an important object in anti-gas training that officers inspire confidence in the men regarding protective measures to be adopted.

Basis of Protection.

The whole basis of Protecting troops rely on following points:

  1. Appliances are in perfect order

  2. Learning to adjust them properly under all conditions.

  3. The ability to wear for long periods and do ordinary duties.

  4. Insure that every man is given immediate warning.

These conditions can only be insured by-

  1. Frequent and thoro [sic] inspection of all gas and anti-gas appliances.

  2. Thoro [sic] instruction and training in their use.

  3. That every man understands and obeys all standing orders on the subject of defence against gas.

  4. Every man being able to recognize different kinds of gas attacks.

Casualties. Causes of.

  1. Thro [sic] defective respirators on account of lack of frequent and thoro [sic] inspection

  2. Adjustment too slow on account of insufficient training

  3. Inability of men to carry on ordinary duties during an attack owing to insufficient practice.

  4. The removal of respirators too soon due to want of caution.

  5. Insufficient warning owing to slackness of sentry on duty.

  6. By respirators being hit.

  7. Ignorance regarding physical properties of gas.

It may be summed up under three headings as follows:

Slackness

Carelessness

Accident.

The Reasons for passing thro [sic] gas are.

  1. To insure thoro [sic] inspection of gas masks & appliances

  2. To insure proper adjustment.

  3. To give confidence.

All officers in order to qualify must first be able to protect themselves against gas & also to supervise the training of men and advise them [re] anti-gas measures.

The training consists of

  1. Measures for own security

  2. Training of men

  3. Inspection and care of Anti-Gas appliances

  4. Knowledge of physical qualities of gases used in warfare

Organization of Anti Gas Duties

Officers are held responsible that anti-Gas appliances for protecting their men are maintained in proper condition and that all ranks under their command are thoroughly trained in use of these appliances & in all other measures which may affect safety against gas.

Reserve [Batt]. Personal

The C. O13 is responsible for training in Anti-Gas measures of all under his command. At least one officer and 6 N.C.O’s will undergo special training in Anti-gas measures with a view of their being employed as instructors. The Area will control of passing of men thro [sic] the gas chamber.

Duties Within Infantry [Batt].

The C.O. will be responsible directly to higher command for all measures against gas attacks and Coy will be held responsible to C.O. [Thro] the Coy commander. In each Coy. There is one N.C.O. who has been trained at an anti-Gas school and who has been recommended as suitable for duty as Gas N.C.O. He will be specially detailed to assist Coy commander in anti-Gas measures. At least one other similarly trained and recommended N.C.O. will be immediately available to take his place in case of need.

Box Respirator14

It has had altogether 9 different containers, the one in use now being N.C 5. It affords perfect protection against all gasses used by the enemy.

Inspection

  1. Safety Pin is Present.

  2. Elastic bands & Retaing [sic] tapes are sewn to mask fabric.

  3. Mask Fabric is not Perished or has any small holes particularly around eyepieces and nose clip/ These may be repaired by adhesive tape both inside and out but the mask should be exchanged as soon as possible.

  4. Eye pieces are securely sewn to mask and not bent or broken.

  5. Nose Clip is effective and firmly sewn to mask fabric ends of wire covered with rubber and cheese cloth or muslin.

  6. Mouth piece is not split or loose or on at a wrong angle and that metal liner is [1/16”] from edge of opening.

  7. Metal elbow tube makes gas tight fit with mask and is not damaged in any way

  8. Outlet Valve is not Perished or punctured and is firmly attached to metal elbow tube.

  9. Rubber Tube is sound and firmly attached at both ends and held in place by wire covered with adhesive tape at the ends. If the container is attached at wrong angle the rubber tube may become twisted or kinked.

  10. Container is without holes or signs of rust on inlet valve and if damaged by wet is suspected remove valve and examine interior. See that attachment of neck is secure.

  11. Inlet valve see that rubber disc is in position.

To Test Valves.

  1. Inlet Valve

Close outlet valve by Pinching and attempt to blow out thro [sic] the mouth piece. If air escapes it is a sign of a defective inlet valve or a hole in container, Rubber tubing or metal elbow or mouthpiece. Some defective Inlet valves may be made good by reversing rubber disc.

  1. Outlet Valve.

Place palm of hand over the inlet valve and attempt to breath in thro [sic] mouth piece. See that it is possible to breath out thro [sic] valve. Should it be stuck owing to saliva drying in it, it may be cleaned by rubbing gently between thumb and fore-finger of right hand. Examine and see there are no holes.

Examining Haversack.

See there are no holes in canvas and that it is complete with brass press buttons, leather tab, sling with metal tab, D’s, metal Platform for supporting the container, whipcord. See that record card and anti-dimming composition are in left hand compartment and that record card is entered up to date. Check name on outside of haversack to ensure each man has his own. After inspection the class should be ordered to put on their masks so that it may be seen all cannisters [sic] have been properly replaced.

Gas Attacks.

are made in three ways. Cloud Gas 2. Shell Gas and Projector Gas attacks.

The cloud Gas attack is entirely dependent on the direction of the wind and is used for causing casualties and lowering moral [sic] of enemy. The Gas must have the following qualities:-

  1. The gas must be heavier than air.

  2. It must be stable

  3. It must be easily liquified.

  4. It must be very [poisonous] in dilute quantities.

The cloud gives the appearance of a dense cloud rolling towards the trenches.

The gas is first liquified and placed in cylinders with a pressure of 2000 lbs. to the square inch and weighs 60 lbs. Its greatest disatvantage [sic] is that it depends on speed and direction of the wind and cannot be controlled. The advantage is a very high concentration of gas which extends over a wide area.

The best wind for cloud gas is from 3 to 10 M.P.H with a light fog or drizzle and preferably at night or early morning.

Unfavorable conditions are heavy rains or high winds.

Casaulties [sic] are cut down by:

  1. By knowledge of gas in enemy lines

  2. By alarm system to spread sideways and from front to rear.

The troops against which gas is used are those which we have asertained [sic] by raids etc. to be poorly trained and equipped.

Poisonous Intensity.

Gas M.E.C. M.B.C. Density Remarks

Chloring

CL 2

 1.10.01 1.200.000 2.45

yellowish orange color

attacks metals

Phosgene

Cocl 2

 1.5.000 1.200.000 3.4

yellowish white

attacks metals also

M.E.C. is maximum effective concentration.

M.B.C. is maximum Bearable concentration.

Projector Attacks.

These attacks provide a means by which a large number of drums can be discharged at same time at any point of the enemy’s front within a range of 2000 yards.

The great charm lies in the fact you can combine a very high concentration with an element of surprise [effect] under a wide range of weather conditions. We see, therefore, that use of these projectors will necessiate [sic] a very high standard of discipline in all units and the greatest amount of training in gas defense. Each man must be prepared to act immediately on an attack. He must know characteristic signs and indications of projector attacks.

They may be recognized by vivid flash of fire from hundreds of [mortars] along enemy lines, (2) By a roar like a mine explosion (3) By whistling rush of cylinders coming thro [sic] the air (4) At night by long line of sparks from fusses and in daytime by sight of Drums coming thro [sic] the air.

Action as soon as Roar is heard.

  1. Give alarm by all secondary alarms.

  2. Warn all men and drop gas curtains over dugouts at the same time waking sleeping men.

Speed in giving alarm and adjusting B.R. is essential for defence against projector attacks.

Action to be taken in case of Gas shell or T.M. Bombardment

  1. At first sign of gas shell of any kind or on hearing alarm hold breath and adjust B.R.15 immediately without waiting for defenite [sic] presence of [gas].

  2. The alarm will be spread at once to all troops in neighborhood by (a) gongs & rattles (b) by shouting Gas Shells after B.R. has been adjusted. (c) By runners where necessary.

Note. a. Strombus horns will not be used.

b. Men in dugouts, observation posts, mine shafts etc must be warned and sleeping men roused.

3 Gas - [crossed out?]

  1. Gas Proof dugouts will be closed immediately and any fires burning in [same] put out. Care must be taken that men do not enter if their clothing is contaminated

  2. Sentries will be posted at suitable points to warn men to put on B.R. before entering shelled area. These sentries will not be withdrawn before area is free from gas.

Standing Orders.

Gas Zones.

  1. Alert

  2. Ready

  3. Precautionary

The Alert Zone is from front line to 2 miles in rear and all areas exposed to gas shelling.

The Ready Zone is from 2 miles in rear to 5 miles in rear.

The precautionary is from 5 miles to 12 miles behind.

The limits of these zones will be indicated by notice boards.

Within the Alert Zone B.R. will be carried at alert position. It will be worn outside all clothing and nothing will be slung on the chest to interfere with chief adjustment.

Within Ready Zone B.R. will be carried at slung Position.

Within Precautionary Zone B.R. is carried in same way.

Military Police will be instructed to report all cases of the infringement of above order.

General Precautionary Measures.

Within Alert Zone the following rules will be observed.

  1. B.R.’s will be inspected daily.

  2. Gas N.C.O’s will inspect daily all gas alarms and anti-gas stores. See that dugouts are in good order and that blankets are kept damp.

  3. Sentries will always be posted over Strombus horns to give warning of a cloud gas attack. All other sentries will act as gas sentries and will be provided with an alarm to give warning in case of gas shelling or a projector attack.

  4. Each sentry group will have a definite area to alarm.

  5. Sentries must be posted to give warning to men in dugouts.

  6. All working parties of 10 men or over not working near a sentry will post a special gas sentry.

  7. Precautions will be taken to protect S.A.A. from corrosive effects of gas.

  8. Stores of fuel kept for clearing dugouts

  9. Units in [line] will make wind observations and sentries will be warned if wind is favorable for an enemy gas attack.

  10. All [cellars], dugouts etc. occupied by sleeping troops will be made gas proof and men will always wear B.R.’s at alert when sleeping.

When in Ready and the Precautionary zone the following [rules] will be observed.

  1. Anti-Gas appliances will be inspected at least once a week and immediately before men leave to proceed to Alert Zone

  2. All sentries, traffic control, and military police when on duty will be provided with alarms where necessary

  3. Men may be allowed to take off B.R. while sleeping but they must have it [handy].

  4. Arrangements to be made by C.O’s of units and area commandants to communicate gas alarms rapidly to all ranks.

Action After T.M. or Shell Attack

  1. B.R. will be worn until permission has been given by an officer.

  2. Gas may remain on the ground in liquid form for several hours after bombardment. When it is impossible to withdraw men from an affected area B.R. will be worn until gas is cleared. Gas shell holes will be covered with fresh earth where possible.

  3. Closed spaces such as cellars and dugouts may retain gas for hours and they must be cleared by means of fires. Men will not enter such places without B.R. until permission has been given by an officer.

  4. When a man is close to a bursting gas shell his clothes may become contaminated with liquid. When possible the clothes should be exchanged or exposed to air. Care must be taken that men are not gassed by gas on clothes.

Lessons Learned.

  1. Provision for each man to have individual protective device.

  2. Arrangements for inspection of these appliances and training on their use and instruction in all other gas defence

  3. Provision of gas proof acid protected shelters.

  4. Weather observations to determine conditions favorable for a hostile attack

  5. Arrangements for messages and signals for immediate warning of a gas attack.

  6. Provision for appliances for clearing of trenches and dugouts.

Care of Construction of Protected Dugouts

They may be used as a shelter during a gas shell bombardment, for Batt. H.Q., for dressing or signal station, where men can carry on without using masks. Also to permit men to sleep during a prolonged attack.

Any dugout can be made gas proof by means of doorway and curtains.

Protected Dugouts.

  1. A frame 4” X 1” covered with a blanket material, fixed flush with the wall sloping outwards at an angle of 20 % from vertical.

Anti-Gas material is cut to the required size so that when fastened to the top of the frame it will close the entrance completely with about 9” resting on the ground. Three pairs of laths16 are nailed horizontally to the blanket to keep it stretched. The lathes on the inside are a foot shorter than those on the outside. The lowest lath should be about 4” from bottom of doorway.

The inner frame should slope inwards at an angle of 20 %. In dugouts where this is impossible the inner curtain may slope outwards. In deep dugouts this is not recommended.

All pipes and wires passing [thro] framework which may be widened on one side to allow for this, must be made gas-proof at the joint and must not in any way interfere with adjustment of curtain.

The curtain may be held in position by a string & nail when rolled up but a slot is more suitable above door. Gas lock must be at least 6’ long.

Care of Protected Dugouts.

When not in use the blankets must be rolled to protect chemicals from the action of the air and rain. Also to prevent the curtains from being torn. The blanket curtains must always be kept moist with Vermorel solution. If this is not available water will greatly add to safety. The entrance must be kept free from mud dirt etc. Stones are very bad.

How to enter dugout.

A right handed man stands 18” from entrance and grasps curtain with right hand in line with waist. He pulls from centre, bends slightly, enters, turns about and lets curtain fall back into position.

The cloth is known as Union Cloth Anti Gas 54”

[On p. 19 there is a drawing of the gas curtain and 2 circular stamps in blue ink that say “CANADIAN TRENCH WARFARE SCHOOL 9 AUG. 1918”]

3’6” [top]

4”x1” [top]

4”x1” [sideways]

6’ 6” [sideways]

Gas of Air Lock [written inside image]

Showing Curtains Rolled Up.

Note Niches Cut in over Door.

4’ [across top]

3’/8”

Lath

Curtain of

Lath

Gas [Proff] Material

Lath

6’6” [sideways]

Showing Curtain down. [end of image page] [reverse side of page is blank]

Action to be taken if Gas cloud attack.

  1. Alarm will at once be given by all means available first by Strombus horns, then by rattles, gongs etc.

  2. Sentries on Strombus horns will sound (a) when they detect a cloud gas attack (b) when they hear other Strombus horns.

  3. In order to restrict the spread of false alarms Strombus horns in precautionary zones will not be sounded until attack is confirmed by telephone.

  4. Should the Cloud attack not be followed by an infantry attack no S.O.S. will be sent up but letters G.A.S. will be sent by telegraph or telephone followed by name of Trench opposite to which gas is being discharged. This message will not be sent in case of a gas shell bombardment only.

  5. Arrangements will be made for an immediate report of a hostile gas attack to be sent to all formations within a radius of 20 miles, giving map reference of attack.

  6. Arrangements will be made for the warning to be repeated where necessary to an officer in each village or camp within radius of 20 miles and troops warned.

  7. Armies and Corps will arrange to warn civilian authorities within their radius.

Action on Alarm being Given.

  1. There should be as little movement as possible and all ranks will adjust B.R.’s and men in dugouts will do so before leaving.

  2. Blanket curtains of all protected dugouts and cellars will be adjusted and fires put out at once.

  3. Troops in front line and wherever tactical situation demands will stand to arms.

  4. In rear lines there is no objection to troops where tactical situation permits, remaining in dugouts except officers, N.C.O. on duty and sentries.

  5. All bodies of troops or transport will halt and working parties will cease work until Gas cloud has passed.

  6. If a relief is in progress units should stand steady as far as possible until could has passed.

  7. Supports and parties bringing up Amm. & Grenades will only be moved up if the tactical situation demands

Action During Gas Cloud Attack.

  1. Troops in front line will open slow fire and M.G.’s open short bursts to keep weapons in good working order

  2. Corps will arrange a suitable artillery programme in event of gas cloud attack

Action After a Gas Cloud Attack

  1. Trench will be cleared of gas by anti-gas fans & sand bags.

  2. Respirators will be worn until permission has been given to remove them by an officer.

  3. Sharp lookout will be kept by sentries for a succeeding wave as long as wind continues in a dangerous quarter.

  4. Previous instructions given re entering dugouts will be observed.

  5. Men affected by gas will be spared all exertion and will be taken to nearest dressing station on stretchers if possible.

  6. After a gas attack troops in front line will be relieved of all carrying parties, fatigues etc for 24 hours, troops from rear being supplied for this purpose.

  7. Horses which have been in a gas attack will not be worked for 24 hours if possible

  8. Rifles, S.A.A. and M.G.’s must be cleaned after gas attack. Oil cleaning will [preserve] for 12 hours but at first opportunity boiling water with soda will be used to clean all parts.

  9. S.A.A. must be carefully examined and all defective rounds replaced at once and defective ones sent out to be cleaned.

  10. Expended air cylinders will be replaced by new ones and connected up with Strombus horns.

Action After Gas Shell Bomb’[?]

  1. Respirators will be worn until permission has been given by an officer to remove.

  2. Gas may remain in liquid form for a few hours after bombardment. When it is impossible to withdraw troops from affected area it is necessary for them to wear B.R. until ground is clear. Shell holes will be covered with fresh earth where possible.

  3. Closed spaces such as dugouts, cellars etc. may retain gas for several hours and must be cleared by means of fires, men will not enter such places until permission has been given by an officer.

  4. When a man is close to a bursting gas shell his clothes may become contaminated with the liquid. When possible clothes will be exchanged for fresh or exposed to the air. Care must be taken men sleeping in closed spaces do not become gassed by small quantities of gas brought in on clothes.

  5. Men affected by gas will be spared all exertion and will be carried if possible to nearest Aid post.

  6. Transport will move from shelled area when it is possible.

Type of Wind Report.

The Cardinal Points North, South, East and West will be written in full. Intermediate points may be denoted by usual letters.

To tell how long it takes a gas cloud to reach you use following:

Double distance in yards from enemy trench to where you are and divide by speed of wind in miles per hour. The result will be in seconds.

Trench Wind Report July 31/18

Time Direction Speed Remarks

9.A.M

12pm

1P.M.

N.N.E.

North.

N.W.

10 M.P.H.

[Do]

[Do]

Safe

Veering dangerous.

Dangerous

Signed

Wind Observations.

These will be made by Gas N.C.O’s of units in line in order that sentries may be warned to expect a gas attack. Observations will be made every three hours or more frequently if wind is in or nearing a dangerous quarter. A dangerous wind will be reported to Coy. Commander at once. In order to make a report you must have a sensitive wind [vane] and also a knowledge of magnetic compass.

Beaufort Scale

Beauforts No. Speed observation of natural objects Behavior of flag

0

1

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

0.

2.

5.

10.

15.

20.

25.

Smoke straight up

“ slanting

Felt on face

Papers move

Bushes sway

Tree Tops sway

Large trees sway & whistle

no movement

“ “

slight “

¾ up.

Flag up but falls.

Up but dropping less frequently

up & flapping vigorously

Alarms.

1. Strombus Horn

These can be heard for several hundred yards and are intended wholly for a cloud gas warning to people on flank and rear. They should be placed at intervals not exceeding 400 yards in front line system of trenches and should be echeloned to the rear.

Their positions will be fixed by consultation with divisional Gas officer. They are issued at 28 per mile of front.

In selecting a position for a horn care should be taken to protect it from shell fire. The horn should be set up in all cases pointing to the rear of our front.

Other Alarms

are known as secondary alarms and consists of any device to give warning of a gas attack, such as shell cases, bars of iron, rattles17 (of which there are 200 per mile of front.) triangles etc.

Secondary alarm devices will be supplied to all sentries in Alert zone and also to military police and traffic control.

The method of giving the alarm arises with the nature of the attack and in case of cloud gas all devices should be used.

Gas Shells.

are those shells filled with liquid which when shell bursts, the liquid forms a spray which drifts with the wind. They have a very small [explosive –] just enough to burst shell.

The gasses used in shells are of 2 kinds [Viz]:

  1. Those of great persistence.

  2. Other gasses less persistent.

Development of Gas shells.

The Allies have the upper hand in gas shelling and find they are a great factor in modern battles.

Purposes

Gas shells are used for two distinct purposes

  1. To inflict casualties

  2. To cause enemy to wear his mask for a prolonged period and thus decrease his working & fighting power and impede his movements especially at night.

How to cause Casualties

  1. It is necessary to take him by surprise by a short concerted burst of fire before he has adjusted his mask.

  2. To use a gas which will penetrate his mask after it has been adjusted.

Surprise is most likely to produce considerable results against troops that have not been subjected to gas shelling for some time.

Mode of Employment

  1. To obtain permanent [disability]

  1. by surprise effect

  2. by prolonged bombardment.

For surprise effect lethal shells must be used but for prolonged [bombardment] either Lethal or Lachrymatory will force enemy to wear masks for a long period and Tear [gass] will [be] mostly used. It is only needed in very low concentrations and can be used in higher winds.

Exhaustion and loss of sleep are important factors to be gained. Men who have been shelled all night by tear gas will attempt to sleep during the day, that is the time to employ Lethal gas shells.

Effects of Prolonged Shelling

  1. Exposure to gas due to exhaustion

  2. Neutralizing M.G. & artillery fire.

Advantages over Cloud Gas.

  1. No additional transport

  2. No extra fatigue parties

  3. They can be used up to 20000 yards and are not dependent on wind

  4. No stationary trench positions are required.

  5. Greater element of surprise.

  6. Greater variety of gasses.

  7. Each shell forms a cloud of its own which is effective within a certain area, which is divided into two zones known as

  1. Lethal zone (50 yds.)

  2. Toxic “ (200 “)

Favorable Conditions

  1. Total absence of wind or a slight wind about 5 M.P.H. flowing towards the enemy.

  2. Fog, mist or a light rain

  3. If your target is sheltered from wind such as,

  1. woods

  2. villages

  3. valley [s.]

  1. Best time is at night.

Unfavorable Conditions

  1. High wind

  2. Heavy rain

  3. Sunshine during warm weather

  4. When temperature is low.

Tactical Uses of the Gas Shells.

  1. Counter battery work.

  2. Neutralizing M.G. fire [re] shelling strong points etc.

  3. Setting up barrage to prevent supports from coming up.

  4. Bombarding trenches and dugouts.

  5. Against working parties transport, troops on move and cross roads.

Targets of Gas shells.

  1. Battery positions, [H.Q’s,] Signal stations, billets, Villages, Valleys, Woods and cross roads etc.

Individual Action

The increased use of gas shells by the enemy is a very serious menace unless each man knows what to expect and exactly what action to take.

In order that men know when to act they must know chief characteristics of gas shells.

Characteristics of Shells.

  1. Wobbling sound coming

  2. Small detonation

  3. Nearly always form a white cloud when they burst.

  4. Smell of the gas.

Action to be taken.

As soon as gas shells are recognized each man if in vicinity must hold his breath, adjust B.R. and shout “Gas shells” or give local alarm.

Contents

may be divided into:

  1. Asphyxiants or Poison

  2. Sternulators or sneezing

  3. Eye lung & skin irritants.

  4. [Dye stoffs] with strong odor.

[Signs] of shells.

Light field guns 7.7 CM to 10.5

“ & Heavy “ Howitzers 10-15 & 25 C.M.

French mortars-

From 7.5 C.M. to 25 C.M.

Lachrymatory Gas

produces irritation of the eyes when it very low concentrations but when in high causes defects to lungs, respiratory organs causing intense coughing, vomiting and even un-consciousness.

The Germans use two sorts of tear gas.

  1. [Ben 34L] Bromide

  2. Zy [141] “

Known as T Stoff.

  1. Composition of both Lethal & Lach. called B Stoff.

Asphyxiants

  1. Phosgene

  2. K-Stoff or Palite

  3. K2. Stoff is a mixed very deadly gas and is a Super palite.

  4. Chloro Picrin or P.S. is very deadly and will pass through the German Respirator

Chief sneezing Gas is called Diphenyl Chlorarsine and is placed in centre of a H.D shell in an inverted bottle.

Markings of Shells.

“Green Cross” contains Diphosgene

“Green Cross 1” “ Diphosgene and and [sic] P.S. making the shell both Lethal & Lachrymatory.

“Green Cross 2” contains three gasses, Diphosgene, Phosgene and sneezing gas.

“Blue Cross” contains ¾ H.E and remainder sneezing gas.

“Yellow Cross” contains the mustard or Dichlorethyl Sulphide

“Yellow Cross 1” contains Ethyldichlorarsine and Dichlormethylethor.

Bombardments usually consist of those in which H.E., shrapnel and “yellow cross” gas are used.

[?h?n] in which “Blue cross,” “yellow Cross,” H.E and shrapnel are used.

Tactical uses of shells.

The “yellow cross” is a gas of high persistence and is used on flanks of attack only and not where infantry intended to attack soon after.

The “Blue Cross” is used to screen use of gas shells and to cause greater results from detonation and fragmentation. Also to prevent adjustment of B.R. and is followed by green cross shelling.

Causes of Casualties.

  1. By men not acting on their own initiative or account of not knowing characteristic signs of gas shells, and therefore not knowing what to expect.

  2. No alarm being sounded, especially if men are asleep.

  3. Removing B.R. too soon

  4. Inability to wear B.R. for long periods especially by night.

  5. Failure to adjust B.R. at once.

  6. Precautions not taken in small quantities of gas.

  7. The indifference shown by officers in anti-gas training.

Defense and Training.

Box Respirators are perfect [proof] against any German gas when put on in time, properly and kept on long enough.

  1. Every man must know characteristic signs of gas and therefore what to expect.

  2. Men must be trained in use of anti-dimming composition.

  3. Men must be practiced in sounding alarms and shouting “Gas shells”

  4. Men must never remove masks unless permitted by an officer.

  5. Practice of long wearing is necessary.

  6. Emphasize taking every precaution in presence of small quantities of gas.

  7. Great care must be taken in construction & care of protected dugouts.

Markings of T.M.

T.M. or “Minnie” containing phosgene is marked Three white bands around shell.

Palite – 2 white bands C in white

K2 Stoff – 2 white bands C in red.

B Stoff – 1 white band B.M. on side in black

History of Gas Attacks18

1st. Gas Attack Apr. 22nd. 4.30 P.M.

Ypres Salient at the junction of French and British forces Chlorine was used and we had no protection

2nd Gas Attack Apr 26/15

Counter attack made by French met with cloud gas.

3rd Gas Attack Apr. 27/15 against 11th. British Brigate [sic] at Hill 60

Lesson learned – We must have protection. The first protection used was bottles filled with [^earth,] wet handkerchiefs. Flannel respirator soaked in solution of washing soda. Cotton wool and gauze for which Lord [Kitchener] appealed to the people of England and obtained one million such[.] Black Veil respirator soaked in solution of [Hypo], carbonate of soda, [Glycuise] & water.

4th. Gas Attack – May 10/15 at Hill 60. Respirator found to be good but casualties many

owing to lack of training.

5th Gas Attack. – May 24th 1915.

Hypo helmet was used, being a bag of flannel soaked in some solution, and fitted with [mica] eyepieces.

Casualties – many

Lesson – Training and thoro [sic] inspection necessary as it was found most of the casualties were caused by faulty and broken eye-pieces.

P. Helmet19 now introduced made of flannelette.

6th Gas Attack – Dec. 19/15 – 3 ½ miles front in Ypres Salient.

Both phosgene & Chlorine were used.

P.H. Helmet now introduced being same sort of bag but chemical used in solution were

Phenol

Hexamine

Glycerine

Alcohol

Water.

After 6th Attack rubber goggles were added to mask.

7th Gas Attack – Feb. 2/16 against French south of Somme.

Respirators adjusted too slowly. Large casualties.

At this time specialists were issued with new masks known as – Large B. Respirator

8th Gas Attack – Aug. 8/16 Ypres.

Gas discharged as troops were relieving front line and casualties were heavy owing to carelessness.

Small Box Respirator was issued about Sept. 1916.

9th Gas Attack – Jan 31/17

Against the Trench at Champagne. Many casualties owing to lack of training and

carelessness of inspection.

10th Gas Attack – Feb. 1917 in same position as above but very few casualties.

Duties of Gas officers of N.C.O’s

Duties of D.G.O.20

  1. To advise on all questions re protecting troops against gas.

  2. Organize and Supervise all Anti-Gas training in units.

  3. Reports on Anti Gas appliances in his area.

  4. Organize an alarm system to warn troops in rear of front line.

  5. Inspects protected dugouts and advises accordingly.

  6. Responsible for investigation of all gas attacks.

[Div] & [Bdge] N.C.O’s Duties.

  1. Visit trenches at least once a week, inspect all dugouts, anti gas stores etc.

  2. Collects reports from Batt. & Coy Gas N.C.O’s in case of gas attack or gas shell bombardment. When out of line supervises inspection of B.R. and reserve stores and generally assists Bgde. gas officer.

Duties of [Batt] or Coy. N.C.O.21

  1. Assist Coy. Commanders at all inspections of B.R. and anti-gas appliances

  2. Assist in anti-gas training of men.

  3. On a relief the coy. gas N.C.O. will accompany the advance party and take over anti gas stores if possible by daylight.

  4. Under Coy. commander he will take charge and be responsible for all anti gas stores and see they are inspected daily.

Trench Anti-Gas Stores

  1. Strombus horns and other alarms. Inspect daily and see that sentries know how to use.

  2. Gas proofing of Billets & dugouts and inspect daily; see that all curtains are kept moist.

  3. Anti-Gas fans

  4. Stores of full for clearing dugouts.

  5. Vermoral sprayers (always filled bottles)

  6. Gas sampling apparatus.

  7. See that sentries are posted and know their duties.

  8. Wind observation every three hours [&] every hours if dangerous.

Duties During Attack.

  1. Report to Coy H.W. at once and get inspections.

  2. Obtain samples of gas.

Duties after Attack.

  1. Prepare for second wave.

  2. Superintend clearing of dugouts, trenches etc.

  3. See that Strombus horns are connected up to fresh cylinders

  4. See to cleaning of arms and S.A.A. exposed to gas.

  5. Collect any fragments of gas shell fragments.

  6. Take samples of water from shell holes in shelled area

  7. Hand over gas shell bases to coy. commander for delivery to D.G.O.

Points to note After Attack (Investigation)

  1. State method of attack

  2. State strength & direction of wind.

  3. Time at which it started and finished.

  4. The exact position and nature of gas or gas shell attack.

  5. Colour & density of gas cloud.

  6. Smell of gas

  7. The effects of gas on men, vegetation etc.

  8. To what extent protected were effected.

  9. Approx no of gas shells used

  10. Position of [blind] shells.

Mustard or Yellow cross Gas.

Dichlorethylsulphide

Characteristics

  1. It has a faint smell resembling garlic

  2. Absence of immediate effects

  3. Serious after-effects if B.R. not worn.

  4. Great Persistency of gas on account of high boiling point.

  5. Effects on skin especially where perspiration occurs. Mild cases show effects on skin and eyes but mare serious cause phneumonia [sic].

Investigation of Recent Casualties.

  1. Gas shells are easily recognized by whistling sound & low detonation.

  2. Bulk of Gas cases occur in the open.

  3. Many cases of large groups of men being gassed in protected dugouts occur thro [sic] carelessness.

Causes of Casualties

  1. Failure to appreciate danger of gas which does not cause immediate irritation.

  2. By high concentration & effects of gas outlasting staying power of men.

  3. By men’s clothing absorbing gas. Corps has in stock 6000 suits and 300 great coats to be issued in such cases.

  4. Entrance of gas into protected dugouts due to damaged curtains and outer curtain being in middle of stairs.

  5. By means of ventilators being left open & by means of [fires].

  6. Unprotected dugouts & shelters give false security.

  7. Insufficient alarms

Nature of Casualties

  1. Were less severe than in 1917.

  2. Few cases of skin blistering on account of frequent clothing change.

  3. Eye cases were not bad.

  4. Mortality very low; only 1%.

Casualties are avoided by a knowledge of properties and dangers of yellow cross and measures which should be taken to minimize its effects.

Dangers of Mustard Gas shells.

Dangers How to avoid.
1. The only gas which has a faint and not unpleasant odor. Always put on mask when there is the faintest odor for which you cannot account.
2. Does not at once cause discomfort & thus differs from any other gas. Always clear mask after adjustment.
3. Remains in shelled ground for days Sprinkle chloride of Lime on shell hole and cover with earth.
4. Mustard Gas remains in shelled ground & causes the air to be poisoned after sun rises in mourning Always keep on mask after bombardment if there is any smell at all.
5. Causes earth to be poisoned. Never wash in water from shelled ground. Never drink of use for cooking.
6. Remains for days on clothing. Remove clothing before entering dugout.

 

Use of Chloride of Lime.

It may used [sic] to advantage in following cases:

  1. For treatment of isolated shell holes in important localities.

  2. For use in immediate neighborhood of dugouts, H.Q.’s dressing stations etc.

  3. For freeing men’s boots from contamination by making them walk through it before entering dugout.

  4. For prevention of blisters on exposed parts of bodies by rubbing on the milky solution or even dry solution of Baking soda is also good.

[Fitting] of B.R.

Inspect safety pin. See that [junction] of [retaining] tape and elastic bands are well below top of skull and should not be shortened more than one inch. The elastics should be almost horizontal and sloping slightly upwards.

Mask

  1. Brow band well up on forehead but clear of hair

  2. cheek bands well back over cheeks & fitting snugly but not too close to ears. Insert fingers between cheek and face piece to ensure it is not too tight. Test bottom band by short sharp jerks to see if it comes off easily.

Eye Pieces

See they are vertical with eyes so that on looking thro [sic] you do so above centre of eyepieces.

Nose Clip

Should fit comfortably on fleshy part of nostrils.

Mouth Piece

should be at right angles and not showing tendency to drag nose clip off nose.

Test for tightness

Look for deep impressions on forehead near temples.

Insert fingers between cheek and face piece.

Look for undue pressure on cheek where mask passes over cheek bone. (Jaw)

Should not be able to pull mask off face by short sharp jerks.

Lecture No. 2.

Food Supply

  1. The A. S. C.22 and its work.

  2. The Army Ration.

  3. System of delivering.

  4. Organization of [Div.] Train

  5. System of [Indenting]

  6. Platoon Commanders’ responsibilities

1. The A. S. C. and its work.

The British Army moves and fights on its stomach. It is the best fed army in the world. The average infantryman has a certain amount of contempt for the A. S. C. He sings ribald songs about him and generally calls him a “Jam stealing blank of a blank.” Get that idea out of your minds. The A. S. C. has played a great part in this war and has played it well. During the year ending Apr. 9th 1917, the first division failed to receive fresh rations on only two days and that was because of the sinking of a ship in Boulogne Harbour.23

The A. S. C. was designed for open warfare but has accomodated [sic] itself to trench warfare with no loss of efficiency. Indeed its functions have become greatly extended, for it is no uncommon thing to use both supply [column] and Divisional train [for] road work, hauling engineers stores and evacuating wounded.

It is a fallacy to suppose that the A. S. C. has a safety first job. The writer has seen divisional train wagons at Zillebeke Village24 in June 1916 and Supply Column Lorries at the Red Cross Flag at Pozieres [sic]25 in Sept. 1916, both under shell fire.

Get to know the officers of the company of the train which supplies your battalion. Visit their mess and have them visit yours. It will help your Battalion and will show them that you appreciate the work they are doing.

In passing it might be well to mention the [advisability] of the platoon commander keeping on good terms with the battalion Quartermaster. Make accurate [indents] and get them in early. If you can help him he will help you.

2. The Army Ration

Every Platoon commander should have in his note book the exact scale of rations to which his men are entitled. It will save him an awkward five minutes some day when a groucher asks him a question. It is his duty. He should note the table of equivalents, the fuel rations, the extra ration for men in the trenches and above all, the iron ration.

The Army Ration is the same as on page 168 F. S. P. B.26 with the exception of the following alterations and others which may be made from time to time.

There is a 4% reduction lately introduced for economy.

To illustrate the value of having these things at ones [sic] finger tips, the writer asked a platoon commander for complaints. One of his men said that they had had no jam issued the night before. This was corroborated by the platoon. They were asked if they had anything in the place of the jam. “No they hadn’t.” Then the dixie man volunteered the information that they were to have stewed fruit for tea. The writer then read them the table of equivalents, showing that 3 oz. of dried fruit took the place of 3 oz. of jam.

As to the fuel it is well to note that although there is a definite scale laid down, it is rarely possible to supply the full amount to everyone. There are many messes in a battalion and generally many billets, and it is very difficult to keep them all supplied for cooking and heating. However, it is the duty of the platoon commander to see that his men get their share and that it is properly applied.

3. System of Supply.

Every day a pack train consisting of the normal number of rations for a division leaves the base. The number of rations is always in round numbers, say 21,000. This pack train is conveyed by railroad to the railhead of the Division.

At the railhead it is taken over by the railhead supply officer who hauls it over to Divisional Supply Column consisting of motor transport. The D. S. C. divides the rations into four parts according to indent strength of the divisional troops, and the three brigades, and delivers them at the refilling points.

At the refilling points they are taken over by the various companies of the Divisional Train. These companies divide them again according to the ration strengths of the units they supply and deliver them to the battalion Quartermaster stores.

The staff in the Q. M. stores divide them according to strengths of headquarters and the four companies and hand them over to the company Q. M. Sgts., who divide them again by platoons and load them on to the battalion transports for conveyance to the rendezvous of the ration party. The battalion T. officer is responsible for the safe delivery of the rations to the N. C. O. in charge of the ration party.

In many cases trench railways and other means are used to take rations up to the line in which more than one of the Coy. Q. M. S.’s should be put in charge and held responsible.

In case the pack train is insufficient for the needs of the division, the supply column draws on the Corps Reserve Depot for the additional rations required. If the Pack train has too many rations, the surplus is delivered to Corps Reserve Depot.

The Pack Train, S. C., Divisional Train and Q. M. stores have each one days rations in hand or in process of delivery except when returning to refill.

4. The organization of Div. Train.

The train consists of four companies; viz.

H. [Q.] Company

No. 2. “

No. 3. “

No. 4. “

Each company consists of a baggage and supply section. The baggage section consists of two [G. S.] wagons detached from each unit and attached to the A. S. C. During a march these wagons remain with the battalion. Supply section has two wagons per unit supplied. [H. Q.]’s Company supplies [Div.] Headquarters and all divisional troops, such as artillery, Engineers, Pioneers, Signallers etc., unless these are attached to infantry Brigades.

5. System of Indenting.

The [Q. M.] receives daily from each company a ration state which he checks with the battalion ration state which he has received from headquarters and compiles an indent which goes to the Divisional Train. Thence it is forwarded to the Divisional supply column. Owing to the supply [&] rations being three days behind the battalion, the indent hauled in on Tuesday to D. T. will deal with the Supply Column Wednesday rations which reach the Train on Thursday, the battalion on Friday for consumption on Saturday.

6. Platoon Commanders Responsibilities

  1. Quantity

  2. Preparation

  3. Proceeding on command

  4. The iron ration

  5. Complaints

Lecture No. 13.

Lewis Gun.

Points before, during and after firing.

Points Before.

  1. Make sure gun is in working order.

  2. Remove oil from parts in Barrel group.

  3. [Oil] all frictional parts in body group.

  4. Weigh return spring & fix weight of gun.

  5. Examine all Amm. [&] magazines.

  6. Examine all spare parts.

  7. Be sure your barrel mouth-piece and clamping screw are tightly screwed up.

Points During

  1. See that empty magazines are being filled.

  2. During “Cessation of fire” oil all frictional parts.

  3. Turn, then replace gas regulator to prevent threads seizing.

  4. Weight return spring and tighten up clamp ring screw.

Points After

  1. Unload “clear” gun before [leaving] cocking handle [forward].

  2. Oil the barrel.

On Returning to Billets

  1. Strip gun and thoroughly clean.

  2. Leave all parts well oiled.

  3. Examine parts for wear + breakings, replacing necessary parts.

  4. Clean and test magazines.

Gun should be cleaned every day.

Most stoppages are due to want of [care] of gun.

Immediate action must become instinctive and automatic.

Lewis Gun: Lecture 13.

The first thing to remember is that the Lewis Gun is is [sic] not a machine gun but a supplement and not a substitute.

The weight of the gun is 26 lbs. The magazine weighs 1½ lbs. when empty and 4 1/3 lbs when full. The gun is divided into two portions, moving and stationary. The stationary portions consist of barrel group. The moving portions of barrel gr body group.

The barrel is 303 calibre with four grooves; the twist of the rifling is right handed and is threaded at muzzle to take barrel mouth-piece which has a left hand thread to prevent it from working loose or being detached from barrel. A gas vent is bored in it [4”] from muzzle to allow the gas to pass into gas cylinder. A thread is cut at rear end of barrel for attachment to the body. At the rear end is a projection which coincides with cut-away portion of the [bolt] face when the [bolt] is closed. The rim of the cartridge bears against it in order to give room to the extractors to clip over the rim. The upper part of the chamber is grooved to direct nose of the bullet downwards.

The radiator is made of aluminum and is sprung on barrel. A [recess] for gas chamber is provided at forward end a flat which corresponds with one on radiator casing is at the rear end to assist in aligning it when assembling. The radiator casing consists of two portions, front and rear which are connected by a clamp ring. The rear portion has a hole cut in it to allow the entrance of the gas regulator. The front portion is tapered and extends beyond the barrel mouth piece. On both portions are slots which take the studs on clamp ring. The clamp ring is turned up at both ends to form fore-sight protection and the inner portion on right side forms the fore-sight block and is dovetailed to take the foresight. It is held in position by clamp ring screw. A gas chamber screws into barrel [ba??d] which fits around barrel and fits into a recess in the barrel and is cut around the gas vent. The gas regulator has a large and a small hole marked L & S, either of which can be placed opposite hole in rear face of gas chamber. It is held in position by means of a gas regulator key. The gas cylinder is shaped at rear end to admit the rack on piston rod. [Its] forward end screws into the gas chamber.

The Body Group.

The body is screwed onto the barrel and is drilled to take the body locking Pin. Underneath the body is a pin on which the [pinion] hooks. Grooves are also cut in it to take the pistol grip. On either side of the gun is an opening in which [shock] of [cocking] handle can travel. Over each one of these openings is a sliding plate with a thumb piece as a safety catch. On the right side is ejector opening. On top of body is magazine post. The ejector [seating lies] on left side of the slot and is closed by a spring cover. [the following two pages are blank, and he stops numbering his journal pages]

Lewis Gun Stoppages

Position of Cocking Handle Immediate Action [If] Probable cause Remedies
1st Position forward.

1. Rotate magazine

Pull back C. H & Carry on.

2. If gun does not fire pull back C. H and examine.

(a) cartridge ejected

(b) Feed arm [p??l] spring

(c) Rim of magazine.

1. Mag. Rotates.

(b) “ “

(c) “ does not “

2. (a) cartridge cap not stuck.

(b) [n??] feed.

(c) “ “

(a) Empty magazine

(b) Space in “

(c) Defective “

2. (a) Defective striker

(b) “ feed [pawl] [or] spring.

(c) Rim of mag. dented

(a) change magazine

(b) by immed. action

(c) [Ditto.]

2. (a) change Piston Rod

(b) “ defective part.

(c) change magazine.
2nd Position Above trigger

1. Pull back C. H and carry on

2. If repeatedly stopping unload, turn large hole of gas [Reg]. to rear. Oil parts & carry on. It may be necessary to clean gas vent.

1. Live round ejected.

2. (a) [Breech] empty.

(b) Gun clean & [breech] empty.

(c) Live round ejected for second time.

1. Damaged or [bulged rd].

2. (a) Excessive friction caused by dirt in mechanism or corrosion in Gas Cylinder.

(b) Too much tension on return spring.

(c) Seperated case in chamber.

1. By immediate action.

2. (a) clean gun at first opportunity

(b) Lower tension on return spring

(c) Clear case with clearing [plug]. If repeatedly occurring change barrel.
3rd. Position behind trigger

1. If no obstruction in breech pull back C. H. and carry on.

2. If obstruction draw back C. H, raise safety catch, remove magazine and examine for-

(a) faulty feed.

(b) extraction (c) Ejection

2. Breech empty and cartridge in [f?????]

(b) Empty case in chamber

(c) empty case in [bolt] way.

(d) C. H. free

1. Faulty Feed.

2. (a) Weak or broken.

(b) Faulty [??tr??tors]

(c) “ ejectors

(d) Broken return spring.

1. By immediate action

2. (a) change cartridge [guide] spring

(b) change bolt.

(c) “ ejector

(d) “ [pinion] casing. 27

Operation Orders.

A formal Operation Order should never be departed from either in letter or in spirit.

  1. So long as the officer who issued it is present.

  2. So long as the officer who issued it is not present provided there is time to report to him and receive an answer without losing an opportunity or endangering a command. F. S. R. 31.28

There should be no marginally noted subjects.

Operation Orders consist of Branch G – fighting operations

Q – Distributions of supplies & material.

No single precaution should be avoided to aid a subordinate to grasp his instructions without delay or trouble. They should be as short as possible especially in open warfare.

Preliminary Orders are a general outline of a plan to be enforced sometime in the future issued in advance so that subordinate commanders can make their plans. Verbal orders are not good.

Minor Operations

  1. Intention

  2. Artillery stokes, Vickers29

  3. Instructions, assembly, depth equipment etc. details

  4. Aid post

  5. Prisoners

  6. Communication

  7. Time

Copy No. and method of delivery.

[Scene T.]

A Coy. Operation Orders. No 1. Copy No. 1

Lens 1/20.000.

June 17/18

[drawing of the battlefield with measurements and trench(?) names: Bosche, Stevens, Best, Heine, Fritz, Hun]

  1. “A” Coy. will raid the enemy lines to a depth of 75 yds on a front of 75 yds., boundaries to be, on right, HEINE trench, on left HUN trench, the depth to extend to BOSCHE trench and include all trenches named. The object is to gain information, prisoners, identification, to destroy all dugouts and strong points and generally demoralize the enemy. Zero hour to be notified later.

  2. (a) The artillery will place a barrage on FRITZ trench at zero hour to last until zero hour plus 6 minutes. It will then lift to BOSCHE trench for five minutes and then play 100 yds. in Front until zero plus 16 min. It will return to BOSCH until zero plus 18 minutes where it will rest until zero plus 20 minutes when it will switch back to FRITZ. A box barrage will enclose whole area to be raided from zero hour until zero plus twenty-five minutes.

(b) The Vickers guns will co-operate with artillery to thicken barrage and sweep all approaches.

(c) [Stokes] guns will continue to drop a shell outside each block every half minute.

  1. (a) The assembly point will be directly opposite objective and twenty yards in front of our wire. They will be in position at zero minus 15 M.

(b) No’s 1 & 2 platoons will file in to front line thro [sic] BEST trench while 3 & 4 use STEVENS.

(c) No 1 platoon under [Lieut] Rose will move with barrage to FRITZ trench then

up HUN to BOSCHE, 1 section going up overland. A block will be established

twenty yds. up FRITZ past HUN and BOSCHE. Sapper (2) attached will carry out

work of destruction.

(d) No’s 2 & 3 platoons will move to FRITZ trench, 1 section to mop up FRITZ.

The remainder will work in from both flanks and capture S. P. and destroy

dugouts in subsidiary line; four sappers will be attached to each of these platoons.

[Lieuts] X & Y will be in charge. They will then move overland to BOSCHE

trench mop up and repel any counter attacks.

(e) No. 4 Platoon under Lieut Knapp will move with barrage to FRITZ trench, then up HEINE to BOSCHE. It will use 1 section to [mop] up HEINE, 1 section to post [block] at [????] of FRITZ & HEINE, one at HEINE & BOSCHE on BOSCHE and another on HEINE.

(f) The whole party must be clear of enemy lines by zero plus 20 minutes

(g) [Lewis gases] to be used by platoon commander to best advantage. Also to protect.

(g) The Coy. Commander will establish C. H. Q. at S. P. at 6 min plus Zero. All reports as to progress must be sent there.

  1. [?] Reg. Aid post will be in deep dugout used by B.H.Q.

  1. All ranks will report to B.H.Q.30 to bombing officer, hand over all identification, prisoners etc. He must call roll and report casualties.

  1. Equipment – Rifle - 1 Band – of S. A. A., each man 10 No 5 grenades and three smoke bombs.

[signature in ink]

[P.M.] Puley. LT.

O.C. A. Coy. 1st Batt.

Issued by runner at 7.15 P.M.

Coy officer – 1

1 Platoon – 1

2 “ - 1

3 “ – 1

4 “ – 1

B.H.Q. – 2

Bombing officer – 1

I. officer - 1

Acknowledge.

Narrative of Raid 17/[6]/18.

To O.C. 1st. BN.

  1. All platoons were in position at time specified.

  2. At zero hour plus 6 minutes the raiding party entered the enemy trench and found the enemy completely surprised. No. 1 Platoon advanced up to BOSCHE trench, blowing up T.M. emplacement at [ ] an[d] destroying deep-dugout with all occupants estimated at 20 men. No’s 2 and 3 platoon found no opposition at S.P. but advanced rapidly over to dugouts in rear where they found twenty prisoners of 83rd. Prussian Guards Reg. They sent these out and blew up dugouts advancing to BOSCHE trench overland. No. 4 Platoon met with slight resistance from a M.G. at [ ] but this was quickly overcome by Lieut. Knapp’s quick action. He rushed the gun and either killed or captured all the crew. Cpl. B. also deserves special mention.

  3. A slight counter attack developed from WILLIE trench but was beaten off by rifle and M.G.31 fire.

  4. The enemy defences were badly shattered by our [Heavies].

  5. Total prisoners captured unwounded – 21 wounded 5 Total – 26 including 1 officer. Also 1 T.M., 1 M. G. and valuable documents found in deep dugouts.

  6. Our casualties were 1 killed and seven slightly wounded.

  7. Line now normal.

1 A.M.

18 – 6 – 18.

[signature in ink]

P.M.Puley LT.

O.C. A Coy

Military Law.

It is that part of the statute Law of England relating to and administered by military courts which governs the soldier at all times and in all places and regulates the conduct of officers & soldiers. Under its jurisdiction come all those civilians who for the time being are subject to the same law as soldiers by nature of circumstances. The object of military Law is to maintain discipline and such other people as may form part of or follow an army. To obtain this object many acts which are not a civil offense are an offense under military law.

The proclamation of martial Law is an announcement to exercise such power and is not necessary as the right to exercise this power depends on the circumstances and not on proclamation, nor does proclamation suspend ordinary law or substitute any other in its place. This proclamation is an exceptional power assumed by crown usually acting thro [sic] its military forces for the maintenance of good order in British territory in case of invasion or expectation thereof.

Altho [sic] thro [sic] the extinction of the office of High Constable in 1521 the court of Chivalry was affected nevertheless, Military law was still administered but now by commissions thro [sic] the crown or by clauses inserted by the C-in-Chief which gave him authority to issue ordinances for the government of their armies, to sit in judgement themselves or to appoint deputies for that purpose. The deputies who are officers finally formed a council of war [sitting] at stated times under an officer of certain rank who was called the president. Previous to this time (1660) troops were only raised when war broke out and were governed by ordinances or [articles] of war which were either issued by the crown thro [sic] the C-in Chief. This system of Gov’t. on active service continued with few variations until 1803, the power being transferred to various responsible people by the crown.

In [1672] we find foundation of the [articles] of war of [1818] issued by [Chas]. II. The first army [act] was passed in 1884.

Lecture No. 14.

Lecture on the working of Light Railways.

History

Previous to the war of today and up to June 1915, all railway construction was done entirely by the engineers, with some help from the pioneers and Labour Battalions. Owing to the enormous scale on which the Allied Armies in France had to work, and the extensive front, it was necessary to organize battalions of men specially trained in Ry. construction, and trades - men of all [kinds] to do only railway construction.

Chain of Responsibility. The Bn. Commander is responsible to the H.Q. Asst Director of Light Ry’s and in turn, he is responsible to the Director General of Ry’s, who in turn is responsible to the Director General of Transportation.

Battalion

The Working Unit

The Battalion is the largest unit into which the Ry. troops are formed, there being no brigades or divisions. The Batt. has a strength of 1122 all ranks including 36 officers, and is divided in H.Q., four companies, mechanical and Horse transport. Each company has an approx. strength of 250 N.C.O.’s and men and 6 officers. The Bn. is commanded by a Lt. Col. with a [2 1/c.], a major, known as Engineer Major and is responsible for all surveys, plans, blue prints and running of new lines. The Junior Major supervises all construction. The [terminal stores] officer is responsible that the [Battn] is kept supplied with all necessary tools & machinery necessary to carry on work. There are 180 [miles] to the establishment in Horse transport section with 40 G.S. Wagons, 5 [Field] Kitchens, 5 water carts. A subaltern32 is in charge of the horse [trans]. The mech. transport consists of 10 motor Lorries, 8 Ford cars, 2 [s??n] passenger cars, and 12 motor cycles. The Bn. although the largest working unit is seldom found together, as they are allotted a very large territory, and the mileage is so great that it is necessary to let each company practically work as an independent unit. Each coy. is therefore allotted a certain amount of mileage to maintain and keep in condition for traffic. Sometimes a Coy. has to allot a certain area to platoons and even sections.

The Company.

It is divided into 4 Platoons. No. 1 Platoon of each company is known as the Technical Platoon and is compromised of men with qualifications as engineers, trades, firemen, surveyors, etc. No 2 Platoon are all track layers and [spikers]. No. 3 Platoon, [spikers] and [graders]. No. 4 Platoon drivers and brakemen for horse transport, and when work does not necessitate slips being used for grading No. 4 acts as track layers and graders.

The Work:

The steel used in building these light lines is known as 20 lb. steel – that is each 3 ft. of track weighs 20 lbs. and practically all steel is in 16 & 8 ft lengths. The gauge is only 24”. Previous to 1916 all narrow gauge steel was much lighter being 12 and 9 lbs.

When an offensive is being launched by the Infantry & when [and] advance is being made, the battalion is this particular area is notified of [same], and all proposed lines and plans with maps are submitted to the O.C.33 and then again if the advance happens to be in any particular territory. The coy. commander is [detailed] to construct the line submitted to him. The system adopted for the building of new lines [in] the forward area is left entirely with the officers in charge of [works]. The graders start to work and it is wise to spread the men along a considerable amount of line to prevent casualties. Then the track layers and spikers follow up, and the remainder supply the material used. Of course practically all work is done (new construction) during the Summer and Autumn months but in Winter there is very little new construction, owing to the ground being frozen. It is always harder to do grading when ground is in a frozen condition, so work in winter consists chiefly of maintenance work and keeping the lines in condition for traffic, to take up ammunition to the artillery batteries and supplies to the trenches and also to take Infantry troops up to the forward area.

Note.

Approx. strength of Ry. troops now on active service in France.

16 Battalions, total strength 18.000.

When lines are being built in the forward area all troops wear steel helmets and gas masks, and are also armed with rifle and bayonet. The order came in just after the [Cambrai] affair owing to the fact that over 200 Ry. Construction troops were captured by the enemy, tho [sic] later recaptured.

Lecture No. 19.

Raids.

Classified into classes –

Stealth

With Barrage.

Stealth Raid.

  1. Might be called patrol enterprise

  2. Where small group [on] men steal under cover into enemy lines to do a certain job.

  3. No barrage, rely on stealth.

  4. Never a large number of men.

  5. Probably sent to seize Post.

  6. Specially picked men each one detailed for special job.

  7. Men picked to make prisoners – Some to do away with other personnel of Post – Some to carry away wounded – Wise to have a couple of R.G.34 to cover withdrawal if necessary.

  8. Every contingency thought out and prearranged. Bombing section arranged to bomb both ways.

  9. Route very carefully reconnoitred35 by day for [c???r] gaps in wire etc.

  10. Men lightly equipped – armed with weapons they desire.

Raid with Barrage.

May consist of anything from 30 to 1000 men.

Raids

Organization

Platoon S. S 143 [lends] itself to raiding – bombing [section] to be able to bomb both ways.

Carefully worked out.

Each section given a definite task – [blocks] – mopping up – passing prisoners – each section told what to expect in Bosche defenses – a mark on each man to identify him as one of ours – all papers or anything that may identify him [something crossed out] to be left behind - give the Bosche no identification. Warn that if they are taken it is only necessary to give name, rank, number and the tremendous injury they might do to [their] by giving any information. Carefully made plans for assembly and for issuing equipment prior to assembly. Place to receive prisoners and wounded and rendezvous for checking up after raid.

At least two substitute commanders in each section, each with a nominal roll of his section to facilitate checking up after raid.

Signal for withdrawal.

Raids.

Reconnaisance. [sic]

Probably most important.

Every officer, by means of a periscope [????] aeroplane photo, [know] no mans land he crosses, Bosche defenses he enters, state of those defences.

Have a mental picture of whole [show] and just how he is going about it.

Know whether there are any M.G’s, mine [saps] or dugouts in sector he raids.

Take his section commanders to O.P. and go over the whole scheme with them – they must have full particulars. And section commanders, if they have time go over the whole operation with his section from O.P.

Scouts reconnoitre the approaches and be able to guide his platoon to objective.

Two points on which success depends are barrage and reconnaissance. Particular attention to gaps in wire, people detailed to [lay tapes] to guide prisoners and wounded back.

Training

The raiders should there be taken out of the line and

Raids.

The raid should be rehearsed on ground which has been taped out to represent the German defences, same scale as the trenches, M.G.’s should be indicated, mine [saps], water, thick wire, any obstacle also dugouts where known.

Then each platoon commander should take his platoon over [same], show distances – have his map and aeroplane photos and thoroughly explain whole operation so that each man knows exactly where the obstacles are, how he will deal with them, how he fits in with other sections, in fact he should be made so familiar with the while scheme that he could do it blindfolded.

Then the whole of the raiding party go over the tapes and rehearse the raid with mock barrage in actual time and formation planned.

The best formation for raiding is the group.

In the evening a lecture might well be given to the platoon or rather have a general discussion on how they are going to do their jobs. You will gain something

Raids

from [Tommy’s] ideas. Talk about the equipment they will carry; How many bombs and grenades, what “p” bombs, ammonal tubes, the [work] of any sappers attached to the [parties], wire cutters and where they may be necessary, flags for [blocks] and their use, extra shell dressings.

[Point] of honor to get out all wounded and dead there are many things to be discussed; Interchange of ideas.

Barrage.

Usually plays on front line sufficiently long for the infantry to get under it, then form a [practice] barrage to M.G. that might be troublesome, in fact keep under its fire everything that might worry the infantry and isolate the raided section so that no Bosche might enter it between time barrage plays on front line and time taken to cross “no man’s land”, Wise also to have [stokes] play just outside all blocks to cover them.

Raid itself

Barrage closely followed. No time lost in entering Bosche defences so as not to lose advantage of Barrage.

Raids Continued

Then each section [>]c36 to his job. Proceed to mop up with [mills] bombs – two bombs down a dugout or a stokes shell. [Follow] down quickly – Keep on him all the time – Guard all entrances to dugouts – Take no officers prisoner as they are treacherous. If no prisoners are [required] a 10 lb ammonal tube will put out for duration. Phosphorus bombs burn woodwork and blind occupants. Bosche sometimes gets out of trenches into shell holes. [Pulls] a knife rest down behind a bay. In both cases go after him overland. Officers and section commanders also special detailed section keep sharp lookout for identification.

Prisoners carry wounded and in charge of slightly wounded.

Identification.

All identification to reach H.Q. as soon as possible and none to be destroyed.

Shoulder straps where no prisoners are taken.

Officers specially detailed to search prisoners.

Let men have valueless things as souvenirs.

Raids

Casualties

Each commander send report to his supervisor of narrative of raid – missing – killed and wounded, prisoners, war material captured as soon after raid as possible.

Check nominal rolls very carefully as a missing man will cause considerable worry and correspondence.

“Ranging.”

Lecture No. 20.

  1. Ranging means the method adopted for ascertaining the sighting elevation to hit an object.

  2. Range & Sighting Elevation.

These are not always the same owing to wind blowing from the front or rear; Firing up or down hill, or abnormal atmospheric conditions.

  1. Principle Methods of Ranging.

  1. Judging distance by eye.

  2. Observation of strike of bullets or their effect on the enemy.

  3. Range taking with instruments.

  1. Judging Distance.

This is the most important method because it is oftenest used.

To teach men to be good judges of distance is the work of months. For quick war training the standard to aim at is

To make every soldier recognize with certainty the 600x limit

Ranging

Once men can decide for themselves when enemy is within 600 yds. sights will not be set for longer ranges and a flat trajectory is assured.

  1. Observation of fire.

  1. Make reliable because it takes into account error of day which other methods do not.

  2. Favourable conditions of ground necessary, such as sand, dry earth, water or walls of buildings.

  3. Objects in vicinity of target may be used to [ran?e] on.

  4. Short bursts of rapid fire assist in observation.

  5. Best position to observe from, above & behind firers.

  6. Beware of few short or over shots.

  7. Make bold alteration – Order up or down 200 etc.

  1. Range Taking with instruments

Special courses are held to ensure [efficncy]. This must not lead to Range taking being considered apart from fire action to which it is an important aid.

“Ranging”

Value of fully and practically trained range takers cannot be over-rated for battle purposes.

Two main principles for Fire action are:-

  1. To hit hard by converging fire, the most destructive fire used in battle due to enveloping tactics.

  2. To disturb the enemy’s aim by distributed fire. [In] neither case can full effect be obtained unless the range can be accurately known.

  1. Range Cards.

Every officer and N.C.O. must know how to prepare and use a Range Card.

Other methods of Ranging are – Use of maps suitable for long distances and for checking accuracy of Range finders.

Sounds & Flash

Count at the rate of eleven beats in three seconds. Begin when flash is seen and stop when sound discharge is heard. Each beat equals one hundred yards.

Ranging

Forward or Back Reckoning

If during an advance range can be obtained from artillery or mach. guns in action, by calculating the distance traversed, the intervening distance can be estimated.

  1. The diary of Percy Puley has been on permanent loan to the Modern Literature and Culture Research Centre since 2017. Percy Puley’s descendants, Toronto, wish to remain anonymous.↩︎

  2. N. C. O.: Non-commissioned officers.↩︎

  3. Strombus horns: Gas alarm horn used most frequently after 1916.↩︎

  4. S. A. A.: Small Arms Ammunition.↩︎

  5. Vermorel Sprayers: A Vermorel sprayer was a device used to spray a mix of chemicals to neutralize trenches that had been contaminated with poisonous gases including chlorine.↩︎

  6. Trench mortar: Weapon used for firing large numbers of bombs at high angles.↩︎

  7. T. M.: Trench Mortar.↩︎

  8. Gas Helmet: Form of gas mask worn to protect against chlorine, phosgene, and tear gases.↩︎

  9. G. H. Q.: General Headquarters.↩︎

  10. R. E.: Royal Engineer(s).↩︎

  11. N. C. C.: Non-Combatant Corps.↩︎

  12. Here, signalling a new lecture, Percy Puley’s page numbering recommences at page 1.↩︎

  13. C. O.: Commanding Officer.↩︎

  14. Box Respirator: Compact respirator introduced in late 1916 for protection against phosgene and chlorine gas.↩︎

  15. B. R.: Box Respirator.↩︎

  16. Lath: A lath is a thin flat strip of wood often used in the making of fences or as the foundation for plaster walls.↩︎

  17. Rattles: Gas alarm rattles produced a loud, distinctive clicking which warned of approaching gas.↩︎

  18. Beginning here, all underlinings, transcribed here in italics, are in red until “Lecture 2” begins.↩︎

  19. P. Helmet: Phenate Helmet, used for protection against chlorine, phosgene and tear gases.↩︎

  20. N. C. O.: Divisional Gas Officer.↩︎

  21. All underlines are now in red ink for the remainder of this section. Black underlines begin again in Lecture No. 2.↩︎

  22. A. S. C.: Army Service Corps (delivered food, ammunition, and equipment to the Front Line).↩︎

  23. Boulogne Harbour: Boulogne-sur-mer is a coastal city in Northern France.↩︎

  24. Zillebeke Village: Village in West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.↩︎

  25. Pozieres: Pozières is a commune in Hauts-de-France, northern France, in the Somme area, between Albert and Bapaume, where fighting was heavy in 1916.↩︎

  26. F. S. P. B.: Field Service Pocket Book.↩︎

  27. Percy Puley presented this table as a two-page spread.↩︎

  28. F. S. R. 31: Field Service Regulation 31.↩︎

  29. Artillery stokes, Vickers: Canadian Vickers Limited was a Canadian aircraft and shipbuilding company, and a subsidiary of its UK parent company.↩︎

  30. B. H. Q.: Brigade Headquarters.↩︎

  31. M. G.: Machine Gun.↩︎

  32. A subaltern: British term which translates as “subordinate,” referencing a junior officer, such as a lower grade lieutenant.↩︎

  33. O. C.: Officer Commanding.↩︎

  34. R. G.: Royal Garrison, a branch responsible for technical gunnery.↩︎

  35. Reconnoitred: Made military observation of the region.↩︎

  36. c: Puley inserted this lower-case “c.”↩︎

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