j^^HiijpnTjE Book ^j t^- 7 sl4 u. RECORDS OF THE WORLD WAR • • Field Orders • • 2d army corps -;L]'ULi^ WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1921 PREFACE. To make documents relating to the recent war available to his- torical investigators, it is necessary to print them. For this pro- cedure the precedent was set in the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion. Those records were arranged, before publication, according to military operations. It is found, however, that arrangement of the documents now in question according to this plan will involve great delay; in the case of the Rebellion Records, the first volume was not issued until 1880. A classification has therefore been adopted which will permit publication of each set of documents independently, as it becomes available, each new volume as published fitting into its proper place in the general scheme. This classification is given in tabular form on the following page. The text is as nearly as possible a reproduction of the original, including errors. The records are classified for publication as follows: Class A — ^Records of Military Operations Overseas. Class B — ^Records of Services of Supply Overseas. Class C — ^Records of Military Activities in the United States. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS SEP171921 DOCUM ION RECORDS OF THE WORLD WAR, Ci.ASS A — Records of Military Operations Overseas. Section I — General Headquarters, A. E. F., France. Vol. 1 — Commander-in-Chief's Office. Vol. 2— Chief of Staff's Office. Vol. 3 — 1st Section, General Staff. Vol. 4 — 2nd Section, General Staff. Vol. 5 — 3rd Section, General Staff. Vol. 6— 4th Section, General Staff. Vol. 7 — 5th Section, General Staff. Vol. 8 — ^Adjutant General's Office. Vol. 9 — Judge Advocate General's Office. Vol. 10 — Inspector General's Office. Vol. 11— Chief of Artillery's Office. Vol. 12— Chief of Infantry's Office. Vol. 13— Chief of Tank Corps' Office. Vol. 14 — Chief of Air Service. Section II — 1st Army. Vol. 1 — ^Field Orders and Annexes. Vol. 2— Orders. Vol. 3 — Intelligence Summaries. Vol. 4 — Operation Reports. Vol. 5 — War Diary. Vol. 6 — General Orders. Vol. 7 — Correspondence and Messages. Section III — 2nd Army. Vols. 1 to 7 as in Section II. Section IV — 3rd Army. Vols. 1 to 7 as in Section II. Section V — 1st Corps. Vol. 1 — Field Orders and Annexes. Vol. 2— Orders. Vol. 3 — Intelligence Summaries. Vol. 4 — 'Operation Reports. Vol. 5 — War Diary. Vol. 6 — General Orders. Vol. 7 — Correspondence and Messages. Section VI — 2nd Cor;gs. Vols. 1 to 7 as in Section V. Section VII — 3rd Corps. Vols. 1 to 7 as in Section V. Section VIII ^ IX X Etc. ^One for 'each Qorps. RECORDS OF THE WORLD WAR. Class A — ^Records of Military Operations Overseas— Continued. Section — 1st Division. Vol. 1 — Field Orders and Annexes. Vol. 2— Orders. Vol. 3 — Intelligence Summaries. Vol. 4 — Operation Reports. Vol. 5 — War Diary. Vol. 6 — General Orders. Vol. 7 — Correspondence and Messages, Sections s One tor each combat division. r Will include records of Brigades Regiments. the the and Section — Miscellaneous Units. Vol. 1—] Vol. 2 — 1 Will include records of units which were assigned Vol. 3 — I as Armv or Corps troops. Etc. J . . ■ Class B — Records of Services of Supply Overseas. Section I— Headquarters, Services of Supply. Vol. 1 — Commanding General's Office. 2— Chief of Staff's Ofhce. 3— 1st Section, General Staff, S. O. S. 4 —2nd Section, General Staff, S. O. S. 5— 4th Section, General StaH*, S. O. S. 6 — Adjutant General's Office. S. O. S. 7— Judge Advocate General's Office. S. O. S. 8 — Provost Marshal General. 9 — Director General of Transportation. 10 — Director, Motor Transport Corps. Vol. 11 — Chief Surgeon Vol. 12— Chief Engineer. 13 — Chief Chemical Warfare Service. 14 — Chief of Air Service. 15 — Chief Signal Officer. 16 — Chief Quartermaster Corps. 17 — Chief Ordnance Officer. IS — War Risk Sectioa. 19 — General Purchasing Agent. 20— Renting, Requisition, and Claims Ser^^ice. Section II— Base Section No. 1, S. O. S. Vol.'l— 1 Vol. 2— Vol. 3 — 1 Each section to correspond to the organization Vol. 4— ( of the Hdqrs. of the S. O. S. Section. Vol. 5- Etc. Section III —Base Section No. 2, S. O. S. wSection IV— Base Section No. 3, S. O. S. Section V— Base Section No. 4, S. O. S. Section VI — Base Section No. 5, vS. O. S. Section VII— Base Section No. 6, S. O. S. Section VIII— Base Section No. 7, S. O. S. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. Vol. RECORDS OF THE WORLD WAR. O Class B — Records of Services of Supply Overseas — Continued. Section IX — Base Section No. 8, S. O. S. Section X — Base Section No. 9, S. O. S. Section XI — -Intermediate Section^ S. O. S. Section XII — Advance Section, S, O. S. Class C — Records of Military Activities in the United States. To consist of the reports of the heads of departments and committees, together with the documents which v/ere made pubhc, e. g. • VoL 1 — Secretary of War. Vol 2— Chief of Staff. VoL 3 — -Directors of General Staff Divisions. Vol. 4 — ^Adjutant General. Vol. 5 — Inspector General. Vol. 6 — Judge Advocate General. Vol. 7 — Quartermaster General. VoL 8 — Director of Finance. VoL 9 — Surgeon General. Vol. 10 — Chief of Engineers. VoL 11 — The Construction Division. Vol. 12— Chief of Ordnance. VoL 13— Chief Signal Officer. VoL 14— Chief of Field Artillerv. Vol. 15— Chief of Coast Artillery. VoL 16 — Director of Military Aeronautics. Vol. 17 — Bureau of Aircraft Production. VoL 18 — Director of Air Service. VoL 19 — Chemical Warfare Service. VoL 20 — Chief, Motor Transport Corps. Vol. 21 — ^Militia Bureau. VoL 22 — Provost Marshal General. VoL 23— The Council of National Defense. Vol. 24— War Council. Vol. 25 — The Students' Army Training Corps. Vol. 26 — Commission on Training Camp Activities. VoL 27 — Committee on Education and Special Training. Vol. 28— War Credits Board. VoL 29 — Claims Board, War Department. VoL 30 — Real Estate Service. EDITOR'S NOTE. The maps referred to in the superscriptions of the Field Orders are those produced by the Ordnance Survey and issued by the Topo- graphical Section, General Staff, British Army. FIELD ORDERS, 2d ARMY CORPS. SECRET, Field Orders II Army Corps, France, No. 1. Junes, 1918. Map: 1:250,000 France. 1. Such parts of the 35th, 77th, 4th and 28th Divisions now under command of their respective divisional commanders will move by marching and rail as follows : 2. (a) 35th Division: From present stations by marching to the Zone of Neufchatel, in time to commence entraining at Neufchatel, Critot, Buchy and Morgny on the evening of June 8th. (b) 1. 77th Division (less Headquarters 154th Brigade, 307th and 308th Infantry) from present stations by marching to the Zone of Gourney — Gizors at which points it will be entrained. Time of departure: Immediately upon re-equipment, which will commence at once. The 77th Division will maintain liaison with the 154th Brigade during the march of that brigade to Gourney — Gizors from its present stations. 2. The 154th Brigade (less the 306th Machine-gun battalion) will proceed by marching from its present stations to the Zone of Gour- ney — Gizors at which points it will be entrained. (c) 4ih and 28th Divisions: From present stations by marching to Aumale from whence they will be ordered to entrain, either in the Zone of Neufchatel or Gour- ney^ — Gizors. Time of departure: Imm.ediately upon re-equipment, which will be commenced at once. 3. (a) Ultimate destinations for all divisions will be communicated after entraining. (b) British cadres will not be transported with American Divisions. (c) Detailed administrative arrangements will be made with the British and necessary orders issued later from these Headquarters. (d) No restrictions as to roads available unless notified by British Authorities. (e) Daily reports by wire will be made direct to operations section, II Corps Headquarters as follows: 1. Progress of march before entraining. 2. Arrival at entraining points. 3. Departure from entraining points, 4. Progress thereafter. By command of General Pershing: GEO. S. SIMONDS, Chief of Staff. wrk Copies to : G. H. Q., A. E. F. C. of S. , II Corps 4th Division G-1 u u 28th Division G-2 a ii 35th G-3 a a 77th G-4 u u 154th Inf. Brigade file G. H. Q., B. E. F. 8 SECOND CORPS. June 5, 1918. SECRET. Field Orders II Army Corps, France, No. 2. June 5, 1918. 11:30 p. m. Map: 1:250,000 France. 1. So much of Par. 2, Field Orders No. 1, II Army Corps as relates to the 77th Division is revoked. 2. (a) The 77th Division (less Headquarters 154th Brigade, 307th Infantry and 308th Infantry) will move by marching from present stations to neighborhood of HESDIN where it will entrain on June 9th. Date of Departure: June 6th. (b) 15Jf.th Brigade (less 306th Machine-gun battaHon) will proceed by marching from its present stations to the neighborhood of LONG PRE where it will entrain on June 9th. Date of Departure: June 6th. By conraiand of General Pershing: wrk COPIES TO: G-3, Adv. G. H. Q., A. E. F. G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. G. H. Q., B. E. F. 77 th Division 154 th Brigade C. of. S. II Corps SECRET FIELD ORDERS II Army Corps, France, No. 3. June 8, 1918. 9:00 A. M. Map 1 : 250,000 France. 1. So much of paragraph 2, Field Orders No. 1, II Arlny Corps as relates to the 4th and 28th Divisions is revoked. 2. The 4th Division will move by marching as follows: (a) From present stations to Southern portion of its own area and the LONGVILLERS Area on June 9th. To BEAURAINVJLLE, MARESQUEL and HESDIN Area on June 10th. (b) This division will entrain at BEAURAINVILLE, MARES- QUEL and HESDIN on the 11th instant. The 28th Division will move by marching as follows: (a) From present stations to THIEMBRONNE and VERCHOCQ Areas on June 10th. (b) To BOMY— CREQUY Areas on June 11th. GEO. S. SIMONDS, Chief of Staff. G-1, II Corps G-2, a c( G-3, a i c G-4, a it File. June 12, 1918. FIELD ORDERS. (c) To HESDIN— ANVIN and WAVRONS on June 12th where it will commence entraining that afternoon. By command of General Pershing: GEO. S. SJMONDS, Chief of StajBf. wrk Copies to: G-3, Adv. G. H. Q., a: E. F. G-3. G. H. Q., A. E. F. G-2, II Corps G. H. Q., A. E. F. G-3, II Corps 4th Division G-4, II Corps 28th Division File ' AGO. C. of S., II Corps G-1, II Corps SECRET FIELD ORDERS HEADQUARTERS II CORPS, No. 4. June 12, 1918. Map: 1 : 250,000 France and 1 : 100,000 Abbeville Sheet. 1. The 82nd Division will leave the II Corps Area. 2. Organizations will be marched to entraining points at EU, WOINCOURT and FEUQUIERES— FRESSENVi LLE where en- trainment will commence after midday on June 15th. ' 3. (a) Ultimate destination of the Division will be communicated after entraining. (b) British cadres will not be transported with American Divisions. (c) Detailed administrative arrangements will be made with the British and necessary orders issued later from these headquarters. (d) No restrictions as to roads available. (e) A report by wire will be made direct to Operations Section, General Staff, IX Corps Headquarters, upon the departure of the last element of the Division from this area. By command of General Pershing : GEO. S. SIMONDS, Chief of Staff, wwj Copies to: G-3, GHQ, AEF 82nd Division GHQ, BEF C. of S. II Corps G-1, II Corps G-2, II Corps G-3, II Corps G-4, II Corps Inspector Adjutant II Corps FILE 10 SECOND CORPS. June 18, 1918. SECRET. FIELD ORDERS HEADQUARTERS II ARMY CORPS, NO. 5. FRANCE. June 18, 1918. Map: 1 : 250,000 France 1 : 100,000 (Abbeville & Lens Sheet) . / 1 . The 27th Division will march from its present stations to an area in the vicinity of DOULLENS for training. 2. This move will take effect June 21, 1918. 3. (a) Detailed administrative arrangements will be made with the British and the necessary orders will be issued later from these Headquarters. (b) No restrictions as to roads available unless notified otherwise by British Authorities. (c) Staging Area will be given by the proper British Authorities. (d) Report by wire will be made direct to Operations Section, General Staff, II Corps Headquarters, on departure of the last elements from the area now occupied by them. By command Major General Read: GEO. S. SJMONDS, Chief of Staff. wrk Copies to: , G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. G. H. Q., B. E. F. 27th Division C. of S. II Corps G-1, II Corps G-2, II Corps G-3, II Corps G-4, II Corps A. G. II Corps File SECRET FIELD ORDERS NO. 6. Map: 1: 250,000 FRANCE 1: 100,000 DIEPPE, ABBEVILLE HEADQUARTERS II CORPS June 18, 1918. LENS, AMIENS Sheets. 1. The 33rd Division will move by marching from its present sta- tions to area northwest of AMIENS for training. 2. This move will commence at the earliest practicable time. 3. (a) The 65th Infantry Brigade will be billeted in LONG and vicinity. (b) The 66th Infantry Brigade will be biUetted in VILLERS SOCAGE and vicinity. (c) Further orders as to the location of Division Headquarters and other units of this Division will be announced upon the receipt of the necessary information from British authorities. (d) Detailed administrative arrangements will be made with the British and the necessary orders issued later from these Headquarters. (e) No restrictions as to roads available unless otherwise notified by British authorities. (f) Staging areas for the various units will be furnished by the British. August 18, 1918. FIELD ORDERS. , 1 1 (g) Necessary liaison will be maintained between Division Head- quarters and the brigades during the march. (h) A report by wire will be made direct to Operations Section, II Corps Headquarters, upon the departure of the 65th and 66th Infantry Brigades and the last element of the Division from its present ^rea. By command of Major General Read: GEO. S. SIMONDS, Chief of Staff. WW] Copies to: C. G., II Corps G-2, II Corps. G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. G-3, II Corps. G. H. Q., B. E. F. G-4, II Corps. 33rd Division. Adjutant, II Corpa. C. of S., II Corps. Inspector II Corps. G-1, II Corps. FILE. SECRET FIELD ORDERS SECOND ARMY CORPS No. 7. France, 18 August, '18. 5.00 P. M. Map : 1 : 250,000 FRANCE 1: 100,000 LENS 1. The 78th Division will leave the II Corps Area. 2. The Division will march to entraining points at PETIT HOUV- LIN, LIGNY, ST. FLOCHEL, TINQUES, and SAVY. Entrainment will commence at 4.00 P. M., on 19th August, or as soon thereafter as practicable. 3. (a) Ultimate destination of the Division will be communicated after entraining. (b) British Cadres will not accompany the Division. (c) Detailed administrative arrangements will be made with the British and necessary orders will be issued later. (d) All roads are available unless otherwise notified by British Authorities. (e) Report will be made by wire direct to Operations Section (G-3) General Staff, II Corps Headquarters upon the departure of the last element of the Division from its present area. By command of Major General Read: GEO. S. SIMONDS, Chief of Staff. Copies to: G. H. Q., A. E. F. G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. 78th Division C. of S. II Corps. G-1, II Corps G-2, II Corps G-3, II Corps G-4, II Corps A. G. II Corps FILE 12 , SECOND COEPS. August 20, 1918. SECRET G-3 FIELD ORDERS Headquarters II Army Corps NO. 8. France, 19 August, 1918. MAP: 1 : 100,000 LENS. 10:00 A. M. 1. The 80th Division will be transferred from the II Corps Area. 2. En trainmen t will take place on 21st August, 1918 at such points as ma}^ be designated by the British. 3. (a) Ultimate destination of the Division will be communicated after entraining. (b) British Cadres will not accompany the Division. (c) Detailed administrative arrangements will be made with the British and necessary orders will be issued later. (d) Roads available for movement of troops to entraining stations as notified by the British. (e) Report will be made by wire direct to Operations Section (G-3) General Staff, II Corps upon the departure of the last element ol the Division from its present Area. By command of Major Geiieral Read: GEO. S. SIMONDS, AWC/wrk ^^^^^ ^^ ^*^^^'- COPIES TO: G. H. Q., A. E. F. G-1, 2, 3. 4, II Corps G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. A. G. II Corps. 80th Div. File. C. of S., II Corps SECRET FIELD ORDERS HEADQUARTERS II ARMY CORPS NO. 9. France, 20th August, 1918. MAPS: 1 : 100,000, LENS 11:00 A. M. 1 : 100,000 AMIENS 1. The 33rd Division will be transferred from the II Corps Area.. 2. Entrainment will take place on 23rd August, 1918 at such points- as may be designated by the British. 3. (a) Ultimate destination of the Division will be communicated after entraining. (b) British Cadres will not accompany the Division. (c) Detailed administrative arrangements will be made with the British and necessary orders will be issued later. (d) Roads available for movement of troops to entraining stations — as notified by the British. (e) Report will be made by wire direct to Operations Section (G-3) General Staff, II Corps upon the departure of the last element of the Division from its present Area. By command of Maior General Read: GEO. S. SIMONDS, AWC/werk Chief of Staff. COPIES TO: G. H. Q., B. E. F. C. of S., II Corps G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. G-1, 2, 3, 4, II Corps 33rd Div. A. G., II Corps C.G., II Corps . I. G., II Corps FILE. August 28, 1918. FIELD ORDEKS. 13 SECRET Copy No. — FIELD ORDER) SECOND ARMY CORPS ) AMERICAN E. F., NO: 10 ) France, 28th August 1918, 5:30 p. m. Maps: 1 : 100,000 Hazebrouck 1 : 40,000, pages 27 and 28 1. This Corps will take over command of the Canal and Dickebusch Sectors in the Second British Army Area from the II and XIX British Corps respectively at 6:00 p. m. August 30, 1918. 2. Under Army Order No. 34, Headquarters II Second British Army, 27th August, 1918, the following organizations will be trans- ferred to this Corps at the time of taking command indicated in paragraph 1. (a) From II British Corps: 30th American Division No. 17 Balloon Coy, R. A. F. 66th Divisional Artillery 43rd (9.2^^ how.) Brigade, R. G. A. 72nd Army Brigade, R. G. A. 198th Siege Battery ^ 45th Siege Battery 381st Siege Battery 2 fixed pigeon lofts, ESQUELBECQ No. 26 Area Signal Detachment (b) From XIX British Corps. 27th American Division 6th Divisional Artillery, H. Q. 169th Army Brigade, R. F. A. 175th Army Brigade, R. F. A. 99th (8'' how.) Brigade, R. G. A. 25th Army Brigade, R. G. A. 528th Siege Battery 4th R. M. A., Battery 11th R. M. A., Battery 12th R. M. A., Battery 4 Fixed pigeon lofts, WATOU No. 27 Area Signal Detachment (c) From VII British Corps. VII Corps Artillery H. Q. and Corps Heavy Artillery H. Q. 39 th Divisional Signal Coy (d) From Second Army Wing, R. A. F. 82nd Squadron, R. A. F.—DROGLANDT Aerodrome (e) Transfers of administrative units wiU be indicated separately. 3. In addition to the above, the following artillery will be tactically attached to II American Corps: — (a) From II British Corps. One 60-pdr. Battery and one 6'' how. batterv of 3rd (mixed) Brigade, R. G. A. 14 SECOND CORPS. August 28, 1918, (b) From XIX British. Corps. Two 18-pdr. batteries, 11th Army Brigade, R. F. A. 131st Heavy Battery ) 301st SiegeBattery 4th (Mixed) Brigade, R. G. A. 261st Siege Battery J 4. II Corps and XIX British Corps will transfer to II America] Corps on the 30th August the Divisional Areas occupied by troop f- holding the CANAL and DICKEBUSCH Sectors respectively. Lists of reservations of accommodation in these areas for specified British units will be sent separately by II and XIX British Corps. 5. The Headquarters of this Corps will be established on August 30th at Houtkerque, which will be vacated by the II British Corps on that date. 6. Artillery Boundaries east of the front line, for counter battery and bombardment work, between II British Corps, II American Corps and XIX British Corps will be notified separately. 7. Engineer work, including provision of engineer material, in back area of II American Corps, will remain under II and XIX British Corps as at present. 8. Details of move of Corps Headquarters, Corps Troops, and billeting arrangements at Houtkerque will be given in Administrative Orders. 9. Corps Headquarters wiU close at Fruges at 6 :00 p. m. August 30, 1918 and open at Houtkerque at same date and hour. G. W. READ, Copies hy messengers to No. To 17 1 G-3, G. H. Q., Ameri- can E. F. .18 2 Second British Army 19 3 II British Corps 20 4 XIX British Corps 21 5-6 27th American Divi- 22 sion 23 7-8 30th American Divi- 24 sion 25 9-10-11 Chief of Corps Artil- 26 lery 27 11 Commanding Officer 28 82nd Sqdrn R. A. F. 29 12 No. 17 Baloon Co. R. 30 A. F. 31-35 13-14 Chief Engineer Officer sh/ 15-16 Chief Signal Officer Major General, Commanding. Chief Chemical Warfare Service I. G. J. A. C. Q. M. Chief Ordnance Officer Chief Surgeon Provost Marshal G-1. G-2. G-3 G-4. Chief of Staff Commanding General Adjutant General Spare copies to G-3 September 2, 1918. FIELD OEDEKS. 15> SECRET Copy No. — HEADQUARTERS II CORPS AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES France, Aug. 29, 1918. MEMORANDUM: Reference Field Order No. 10, these Headquarters, dated August: 28, 1918.— Cancel ^'2 Fixed Pigeon Lofts, ESQUELBECQ" and substitute ''Nos. 134 and 135 Mobile Pigeon Lofts at HERZEELE." G. W. READ, Major General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS II CORPS. AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES. 31st August, 1918. MEMORAND UM: l.« Confirming telephone message to those immediately concernedj. Field Order No. 10, C. S., these headquarters is cancelled. By command of Major- General Read. GEO. S. SIMONDS, Chief of Staff". Copies to: I. G. G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. J. A. Second British Army C. Q. M. II British Corps Chief Ord. Officer XIX British Corps Chief Surgeon 27th. Amer. Div. Provost Marshal 30th. Amer. Div. G-1 Chief of Corps Artillery G-2 C. O. 82nd Squadn. R. A. F. G-3 No. 17 Balloon Co., R. A. F. G-4 Chief Engr. Ofcr. Chief of Staff Chief Signal Orf cr. Commanding General Chief Chemical Warfare Service Adjutant General SECRET COPY NO FIELD ORDER) II CORPS, AMERICAN E. F. ) FRANCE, 2 Sept., 1918. NO 11. ) Maps: 1: 100,000 HAZEBROUCK (5A) and LENS 1: 40,000 SHEETS 27, 28, 57D and 57E. 1. The Headquarters of this Corps and '^D" Company, 412fch Telegraphic Battalion will be transferred from the Second British Army to the Third British Army. 2. H. Q. Corps Artillery and H. Q. Corps Heavy Artillery of the VII British Corps will not accompany this Corps and will rejoin the VII British Corps under arrangements to be made by them. 16 SECOND CORPS. September 15, 1918. 3. Instructions will be issued later regarding details of the move. 4. Corps Headquarters will close at HOUTKERQUE at 6:00 p. m. 3rd September, 1918 and open at BEAUVAL at the same hour and date. READ, Major General Commanding COPIES BY MESSENGER TO: No. To. 1 G-3,G.H.Q.,A.E.F. 18 G-4 2 2nd British Army 19 A. G. 3 3rd British Army 20-21 C. E. 0. 4 II British Corps 22-23 C. S. 0. 5 XIX British Corps 24 C. C. W. S. 6-7 27th Amer. Div. 25 I. G. 8-9 30th Amer. Div. 26 J. A. 10-11-12 VII Corps Arty. 27 C. Q. M. 13 C. G. II Amer 28 C. 0. 0. Cps Cof S. 29 C. S. 14 30 p. M. 15 G-1 31-35 Spare copies to 16 G-2 G-3. 17 G-3 - SECRET FIELD ORDERS 2nd Corps, NO. 12. FRANCE, 15 Sept., 1918, 10:00 p. m. MAPS: 1: 100,000 LENS. 1. The 30th American Division will be transferred from the First Army to the Third Army to rejoin the Second American Corps. 2. The move will be by rail and road as follows: (a) Tactical trains (personnel only) on 17th and 18th September. Entrainment at WAVRANS, PETIT HOUVIN and BRYAS under First Army Orders. Detrainment at BELLE EGLISE and ROSEL under Third Army Orders. (b) Transport by road under Third Army Orders. Move to be complete by Afternoon 18th September. 3. On completion of the move the 30th American Division will be held in G. H. Q. Reserve in the PUCHEVILLERS— TOUTEN- COURT Area. 4. Detailed instructions relative to supply, change of railhead, evacuation etc., will be issued later. 5. Division headquarters will be at PUCHEVILLERS. 6. Acknowledge. READ, Maj. Gen Copies to: 7 C. of S. Corps No. To 8 G-1 1 G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. 9 G-2 2 Third British Army 10 G-3 3 First British Army 11 G-4 4 First Corps 12 A. G. 5 30th American Division 13 War Diary. 6 C. G., II Corps. 15eptember 17, 1918. FIELD ORDERS. 1 7 SECRET G-3 FIELD ORDERS 2nd Corps, NO. 13. FRANCE, 16 Sept., 1918, 11:00 a. m. MAP: 1:100,000 LENS. THE FOLLOWING IS SUBSTITUTED FOR FIELD ORDER NO. 12. 1. 30th American Division fless Artillery) will be transferred from First Army Area to Third Army Area by tactical trains (personnel only) and will come under the orders of the II American Corps. 2. The move will be carried out as follows: (a) Entrainment at WAVRANS, PETIT HOUYIN and BRYAS on September 17th and 18th, under orders of the First Army. Detrainment will be carried out at ROSEL and BELLE EGLISE, under orders of the II American Corps. (b) Transport will move by road staging if necessary in HAUTE VISEE. The move to be completed by afternoon of 18th September. 3. On arrival, 30th American Division will be accommodated under orders of II American Corps as follows: — Division Headquarters PUCHEVILLERS. ' A ' Brigade Hqrs. LOUYENCOURT. ' B ' Brigade Hqrs. TOUTENCOURT. ^A' Regt. Hqrs. LOUYENCOURT. ' E ' Regt. Hqrs. ARQUEYES. ' C ' Regt. Hqrs. LEALYILLERS. 'D' Regt. Hqrs. ACHEUX. 4. 30th American Division will be in G. H. Q. Reserve, adminis- tered by the II American Corps. 5. Detailed instructions relative to supply, change of railhead, evacuation, etc., will be issued later. 6. Acknowledge. READ, Maj. Gen. FEB/wrk COPIES TO: No. To 7 C. of S. Corps 1 G-3., G. H. Q., A. E. F. 8 G-1 2 Third British Army 9 G-2 3 First British Army 10 G-3 4 First Corps 11 G-4 5 30th American Division 12 A. G. 6 C. G., II Corps. 13 War Diary. Field Orders ~" 2nd Corps, No. 13. France, 17 Sept., 1918. Amendment Number 1. 1. Paragraph 3, Field Orders No. 13, is amended as follows :- Headquarters 30th American Division will be at HERISSART, and not as therein stated. By command of Major General Read: GEO. S. SIMONDS, Distribution to recipients ^^^-^ ^' ^'' ^' ^^ ^' of Field Orders No. 13. 179823°— 20^ 2 18 SECOND COKPS. September 21, 1918. SECRET Field Orders 2nd American Corps. No. 14. FRANCE, 21 Sept., 18. Maps: 1:100,000 (AMIENS & ST. QUENTIN) 1:40,000 62 C 1. The Second American Corps is released from G. H. Q. Reserve and will be transferred to the Fourth Army. 2. The 27th American Division will move by tactical train (person- nel only), on the 23rd and 24th September, one Brigade each day, entraining in the vicinity of DOULLENS under Third Army orders, and detraining in the neighborhood of TINCOURT under arrrnge- ments with the Fourth Army. All horse transport will assemble at ACHEUK on the 22nd Sep- tember and will move by road leaving ACHEUX in rear of bus column, 30th Division, on evening of September 22nd 23rd. Route — ACHEUX— ALBERT— MEAULTE— BRAY SUR SOMME, staging there. Transport will leave BRAY at 7:00 P. M. 23rd September. Route— CAPPY—HERBECOURT— crossroads 500 yards east of HEM— southern outskirts of CLERY— FEUILLAUCOURT MT. ST. QUENTIN— ST. DENIS— BUSSU— TINCOURT. 3. The 30th American Division will move by bus on the nights of 22nd-23rd and 23rd/24th September, under arrangements to be made by Fourth Army in consultation with the Third Army and the Bus Park. All horse transport of this division will assemble at TOUTEN- COURT on September 21st and will leave there not earlier than 6:00 P. M. on that date. Route— TOUTENCOURT— CONTAY— FRANVILLERS— HEILLY— MERICOURT L' ABBE— crossroads 1 km. orth of SAILLY LE SEC— BRAY SUR SOMME, staging there. Transport will leave BRAY at 7:00 P. M. September 22nd. Route- CAPPY—HERBECOURT— cross roads 500 yards east of HEM— southern outskirts of CLERY— FEUILLAUCOURT— MT. ST. QUENTIN— ST. DENIS— AIZECOURT. 4. Four Officers and 196 other ranks, 105th Engineers, will assembh at TALMAS, leaving there at 11:00 A. M., September 21st, by bus. They will proceed to Headquarters, Australian Corps (N 16 c central). 5. Detailed instructions relative to administrative arrangements will be issued later. 6. Headquarters 2nd American Corps will move to MERICOURT- SUR-SOMME September 22nd. 7. Acknowledge. READ, Maj. Gen. September 23, 1918. FIELD ORDERS. 19 COPY NO. . SECRET Field Orders 2nd American Corps, No. 15. FRANCE, 23 Sept., 18. Maps: 1:40,000 62 B and 62 C. MAP showing boundaries enclosed.^ 1. The 2nd American Corps, (Corps Headquarters and 27th and 30th Divisions, less Artillery) will be employed in conjunction with the Australian Corps for the next series of operations. •2. (a) (1) The 27th American Division (less Artillery) on arrival in the Australian Corps area by train on nights of 23/24 th and 24/ 25th instant, passes temporarily to command of III Corps. (2) The 27th American Division will relieve the 74th and 18th Divisions (III Corps) under orders of III Corps. The 27th American Division will take over the front of the 74th and 18th divisions, with 1 Regiment in line and 1 in support. One Brigade will be in Divi- sional Reserve. (3) 74th and 18th Machine Gun Battalions are remaining in line in III Corps Sector and will be relieved on the night 25/26th Sep- tember under orders issued by III Corps. (4) Representatives of all units in line of 74th and 18th Divisions are remaining in line until the morning of 26th September. (5) Advanced Headquarters of 27th American Division will be established at J.ll.c.4.9. Rear Headquarters are being allotted by III Corps. (6) Subject to the above, details of relief will be arranged betw^een G. O. C, III Corps and G. O. C, 27th American Division and upon completion of the relief Command of the Sector will pass to G. O. C, 27th American Division. (b) (1) The 30th American Division (less Artillery) on arrival in Australian Corps Area by bus nights of 22nd/23rd and 23/24 th Sep- tember will relieve the 1st Australian Division (less Artillery) on the 23rd and night 23rd/24th instant. (2) The relief will be effected under orders of G. O. C, 1st Aus- tralian Division. (3) The 30th American Division will take over the 1st Australian Divisional front with one Brigade. One Regiment will be in line and one Regiment in Support. One Brigade will be in Divisional Reserve. (4) Representatives of aU units of 1st Australian Division in the line will remain with corresponding Units of 30th American Division until the morning of the 25th September. (5) The relief of the 1st Australian Machine Gun Battalion will be carried out on the night 24/25th instant. (6) The relief will be complete by 10:00 A. M. on 24th September. Command of the sector wiU pass to G. O. C, 30th American Division at the hour. (7) Brigade Groups of 1st Australian Division will stage thru the TINCOURT Area on relief prior to moving to the YZEUX Area. » Editor's Note.— As these boundaries are shown on the map attached to the amendment of Sept. 25^ 1918, to F. O. No. 16, the map referred to is omitted in this publication. 20 SECOND CORPS. September 24, 1918. (8) The 30tli American Division rear Headquarters will be estab- lished at HALLE. 30th American Division advanced Headquarters will be established with the 1st Australian Divisional Headquarters at J.16.a.8.2. (9) Subject to the above, details of relief will be arranged between O. O. C, 1st Australian Division and G. O. C, 30th American Division. 3. Corps and Divisional boundaries are shown on map enclosed. 4. Administrative instructions will be issued later. 5. The 2nd American Corps Headquarters is at MERICOURT SUR SOMME. An advanced Headquarters will be established at N.lS.d. central (near Australian Corps Headquarters) on a date to be notified later. 6. Acknowledge READ. Maj. Gen. AWC/wrk Copies to: :no. 1. 4th ARMY. 12. G-1, II American Corps 2. Australian Corps. 13. G-2 3. HI Corps. 14. G-3 4. IX Corps. 15. G-4 X 5-6. 27th American Division 16. A. G. X 7-8. 30th American Division 17. War Diary '' '' 9. G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. 18. Operations Report. 10. C. G., II American Corps. 19-22. Spare. 11. C. ofS., X One map attached to one copy only for each Division. COPY NO. — SECRET Field Orders, 2nd Corps, No. 16. FRANCE, 24 Sept. 18. MAPS: 1 : 20,000 62 C N. E., 62B N. W., 57C S. E., 57B S. W., DIA- GRAMATICAL SKETCH. 1. SITUATION. The enemy opposite the front to be occupied bv the 2nd American Corps September 24th and 25th holds the HINDENBURG LINE in force. The saHent feature of this line is the CAMBRAI— ST. QUENTIN Canal which runs thru a tunnel from a point 1500 yds. S. E. of VENDHUILE to a point 1000 vds. South of BELLICOURT. The Fourth Army will attack the HINDENBURG DEFENCES between VENDHILE and ST. QUENTIN at an hour and on a date to be notified later: The IX Corps will attack on the right and simultaneously with the 2nd American Corps. September 24, 1918. FIELD ORDERS. 21 The III Corps will be on our left and will not attack but will hold a defensive front between the 2nd American Corps and the V Corps until the 2nd American Corps has reached the green line. When the troops of the II American Corps commence their exploition towards the dotted Green Line, the III Corps will mop up the ground West of the canal. 2. GENERAL PLAN. The 2nd American Corps affiliated with the Austrahan Corps will attack the enemy's positions in the HINDENBURG line in the sector NAUROY — GOUY (both inclusive) on a date and hour to be notified later. There will be a preliminary bombardment by all available artillery lasting for a considerable period. The object of this preliminary bombardment will be — (a) To complete the demoralization of the enemy; (b) The destruction of the enemy's defences, including wire^ dugouts, etc. The attack will be carried out on a frontage of two (2) divisions. The boundaries and objectives of divisions are shown on the at- tached map. 3. (a) PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS. The present situation on the battle front is as follows: The front line is in the advanced HINDEN*BURG Line as far north as the Inter-Divisional boundary for the operation. North of this the front line is now along the old BRITISH OUTPOST Line. The III Corps has undertaken to make every endeavour to seize the front line of the HINDENBURG system before its relief by the 27th American Division. If it succeeds in doing this the forming up line as shown in dotted BROWN on the attached map will b^ available. If the III Corps does not succeed in doing this it will be necessary^ for the 27th American Division to undertake a definite operation in. order to seize the advanced line of the HINDENBURG system. During the period that this operation takes place the 30th American Division will advance posts to such a position as will enable it to* ensure that the forming up line on its sector will be sufficiently protected. (b) MAIN OPERATION. The main operation will be divided into two phases as follows: (I) Eirst Phase. The 30th American Division on the right and the 27th American Division on the left will form up on a taped line prior to the given zero hour and will attack with Tanks under a creeping artillery barrage. This barrage will include a considerable proportion of smoke shell. The start line is shown in BROWN on the attached map and the objectives are shown in a continuous GREEN line. The flanks of the attack will be protected by a smoke screen which will be provided by one Field Artillery Brigade on each flank. As soon as the artillery barrage programme is completed and the in- fantry have seized the objective, the green line, the smoke barrage on the flanks will lift outwards in order to enable the infantry to» exploit their success toward the flanks under the concealment of the flanking smoke barrages: to the North with a view to assisting the 22 SECOND CORPS. September 24, 1918. advance of the V Corps over the canal, and to protecting the Austra- lian Corps left in their advance to the Red Line; to the South with a view to assisting the IX Corps in their advance across the canal, and to protecting the Australian Corps right in their advance to the Red Line. (2) Second Phase. The 5th Australian Division on the right and the 3rd Australian Division on the left, each with its own Divisional Artillery and a proportion of Tanks, and organized in Brigade Groups, will pass through the 30th and 27th American Divisions respectively in open warfare formations at a time to be decided later. Their objective is shown in RED on the attached map. In order to secure the flanks of this operation and to extend the base of the salient created by the advance, the reserve troops of the 30th and 27th American Divisions will extend their operations to the south and north respectively with the object of seizing the objectives shown in RED on the attached Map. A proportion of artillery which will be allotted from the barrage guns and will be withdrawn as soon as the barrage programme is completed, will be placed at the disposal of each Divisional Com- mander for this. A proportion of Tanks will be similarly allotted. A detailed programme and Time Table will be issued. The troops which captured the first objectives will be reassembled after the whole of the brigades detailed to the second objective have passed through them. The time for this re-assembly will be notified. They will be prepared to advance Eastwards on a one-Division front, in touch with the Australian Corps on their right and with the V Corps of the Third Army on their left. (c) ASSEMBLY. The line will be ehld prior to the operation by the 30th and 27th American Divisions, each with one regiment in the line supported by one regiment and each with one brigade in reserve. The capture of the first objective will be carried out by the reserve brigade in each case. The capture of the second objective allotted to the American Divi- sions will be carried out by the supporting regiment of the line brigade, the line regiment of the line brigade passing into reserve at a stage which is indicated later. The programme will be so arranged that the two attacking Brigade Groups of the 5th and 3rd Australian Divisions respectively w411 pass through the American troops as soon as possible after the latter have attained the first objective. These two brigades will follow the regiments of the 30th and 27th American Divisions respectively allotted to the capture of the RED line. The reserve brigades of the 5th and 3rd Australian Divisions will then be passed through the gap. The last infantry to pass through the gap from the west to the east side of the canal will be the regiments of the 30th and 27th American Divi- sions who were originally holding the line and now pass into reserve. The order of movement across the tunnel will be therefore : — ''A" and ''B" Regiments of the 30th and 27th American Divisions (that is the attacking brigade in each case.) ''C" Regiment of the 30th and 27th American Divisions (that is the supporting regiment of the brigade originally in the line) . September 24, 1918. FIELD ORDERS. 23 "A" and '^B'' Brigades of the 5th and 3rd Australian Divisions. "C" Brigade of the 5th and 3rd AustraHan Divisions moving in Divisional Reserve. '*D" Regiment of the 30th and 27th American Divisions (that is the regiment which was holding the line when the attack began). This regiment will be concentrated immediately the last Australian brigade has passed through and will then move according to the orders of the respective Divisional Commanders. (See diagramatic sketch enclosed.) Assembly areas will be selected and allotted for each American Regiment and each Australian Brigade in such positions as will best permit of this order of movement being carried out. (d) ROAD MOVEMENT. The country over which the attack will pass in its early stages is very much shell-pitted and all roads have been very badly damaged. To enable guns and ammunition wagons and the Armoured Cars to pass across this area the Chief Engineer of the Corps has arranged to develop four roads as rapidly as possible. The Chief Engineer of the Australian Corps will have at his dis- posal the ^Ye Australian Pioneer Battalions plus such proportion of the American Engineering personnel as may be necessary. Every body of troops will be allotted its own definite road and will on no account use any other. Maps will be issued later showing the roads allotted in each case. Careful traffic control will be organized and all ranks must be warned beforehand and must be prepared to adhere to the traffic rules strictly. The bivouac areas will be selected in positions which will be con- venient to the roads to which each body of troops is allotted. (e) TROOPS AVAILABLE. Divisions. 3rd Australian Division, 5 th Australian Division 27th American Division, 30th American Division. Artillery. (i) Field Artillery— 23 Field Artillery Brigades. (ii) Heavy Artillery — 10 Heavy Artillery Brigades. Tanlcs. 4th Tank Brigade consisting of 84 Tanks a proportion of which are Mark V and a proportion Mark V (Star) Tanks. 5th Tank Brigade between 70 and 80 Tanks, portion of which are Mark V and portion of which are Mark V (Star) Tanks. A portion of 3rd Tank Brigade giving a total of 25 Whippet Tanks and 1 Armoured Car Battalion. Mounted Troops. -13th. Australian Light Horse Regiment, Cavalry. 5th Cavalry Brigade. Special Companies, R. E. Several will be available for smoke-screening work. Air Forces.-Srd Squadron, A. F. C, and Auxiliary assistance from 5th Brigade, R. A. F. 24 SECOND CORPS. September 24, 1918, 4. PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS, LIAISON, ETC. (a) LigJit Signals. The only Light Signals to be employed will be — (i) The S. O. S. Signal which will be a No. 32 Rifle grenade bursting into three RED lights. (ii) Success Signal which will be a No. 32 Rifle grenade burst- ing into three WHITE lights. (iii) Message Carrying Rockets will be made available and will be issued early. (b) All ranks will be provided with a metal disc sown on to the reverse side of the Box Respirator, which will be used for signalling to our aeroplanes when they sound the Klaxon horn, to indicate the position of the troops. Red flares will be issued and will be lit for the same purpose when the aeroplane calls. All ranks must be made to understand that when the aeroplane calls the flares must be lit and the discs shown. (c) The organization of the troops for the first phase of the opera- tion will ensure that definite bodies are allotted for duty at each entrance to the tunnel with the object of dealing with any of the enemy who may have taken refuge in the tunnel during the bom- bardment and barrage. These troops must on no account be with- drawn from their tasks until the tunnel is completely clear of the enemy. (d) All troops must be warned of the absolute necessity of keeping as close up to the barrage as safety permits in order to deal with the enemy before he can recover after the barrage has passed. (e) A very liberal supply of — (i) Operation map; (ii) Message Maps: (iii) Oblique and trench photos, will be issued. All Commanders must ensure that these are distrib- uted right down to Non-Commissioned Ofiicers in order that the acheivement of their tasks may be facilitated for all ranks. Special instructions as to Intelligence functions dealing with pris- oners of war, &c. will be issued. (f) A complete system of liaison between flanks and from front to rear between Companies, Battalions, Regiments and Brigades, and Divisions will be worked out. The responsibility for liaison and for communications will be from right to left. (g) A series of Code Calls for employment between infantry using the Popham Panel and Contact Aeroplanes will be made and issued by Australian Corps. Those now in use by the Australian Divisions will be retained, except in the case of the 1st and 4th Australian Corps. 5. LOCATION OF HEADQUARTERS AND P. C. (a) Headquarters. No. change (b) P. C. to be notified later. 6. ACKNOWLEDGE. AWC/wrk READ, Maj. Gen. September 25, 1918. FIELD ORDERS. 25 COPIES TO: No. 1. 4th Army. 12. 2. Australian Corps. 13. 3. Ill Corps. 14. 4. IX Corps. 15. 5-6. 27th American Division. 16. 7-8. 20th American Division. 17-18 9. G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. 19. 10. C. G., II American Corps. 20-23 11. C. ofS., G-1, II American Corps. G-2, II G-3, II G-4, II A. G., II Operations Report. War Diary. Spare. SECRET 2nd Corps, FRANCE, 25 Sept. '18. Supplement to F. O. No. 16, 24 Sept. '18, par. 4 (g) CODE CALLS CONTACT AEROPLANES. 1. The following Brigade, Regimental, and Battalion code calls will come into operation in the Australian and II American Corps from 12 noon 26th September, for communicating between infantry and aeroplanes. AUSTRALIAN CORPS. n. AMERICAN CORPS. Snd Aust. Division. mh American Division. 5th A. I. Bde H. Q. D. SSrd Inf. Bde. H. Q. A. 17th BattaUon. D. W. 105th Inf. Regt. A. A. 18th D. X. 1st Battalion. A. T. 19th D.Y. 2nd A. V. 20th " D.Z. 3rd A. W. 6th A. I. Bde H. Q. E. 106th Inf. Regt. A. B. 21st BattaUon E.W. 1st Battalion. A. X. 22nd E.X. 2nd " A. Y. 23rd " E.Y. 3rd A.Z. 24th E.Z. 54th Inf. Bde. H. Q. B. 7th A. I. Bde. H. Q. F. 107th Inf. Regt. B. B. 25th Battalion F.W. 1st Battalion. B.T. 26th F. X. 2nd B. V. 27th " F.Y. 3rd " B. W. 28th F. Z. 108th Inf. Regt. B.C. Srd Aust. Division. 1st Battalion. B. X. 9th A. I. Bde. H. Q. G. 2nd B. Y. 33rd Battalion. G.W. 3rd B.Z. 34th G. X. 30fh American Division. 35th G. Y. 59th Inf. Bde. H. Q. K. 10th A. I. Bde. H. Q. H. 117th Inf. Regt. K. A. 37th Battalion H.W. 1st Battalion. K. T. 38th H. X. 2nd K. V. 39th H. Y. 3rd K. W. 40th H.Z. 118th Inf. Regt. K. B. nth A. I. Bde. H. Q. I. 1st Battalion. K. X. 41st Battalion. I.W. 2nd Battalion K. Y. 42nd I. X. 3rd " K.Z. 43rd " I.Y. 60th Inf. Bde. H. Q. L. 44th I.Z. 119th Inf. Regt. L. A. 6th Aust. Division. 1st BattaUon. L. T. 8th A. I. Bde. H. Q. N. 2nd L. V. 29th Battalion. N. W. 3rd L. W. 30th " N. X. 120th Inf. Regt. L. B. 31st N.Y. 1st BattaUon. L. X. 32nd N. Z. 2nd L. Y. 14th A. I. Bde. H. Q. 0. 3rd L. Z. 53rd Battalion. G.W. 54th " 0. X. 55th O.Y. 56th O.Z. 15th A. I. Bde. H. Q. P. 57th Battalion. P. W. 58th P. X. 59th P. Y. 60th " P. Z. 26 SKCOND CORPS. September 25. 1918. 2. Brigade, Regimental, and Battalion Headquarters indicate their position by means of ground signal sheets laid on groinid near the Headquarters concerned, whilst their identity is disclosed by the above code letters made by ground signal strips laid alongside. READ Maj. Gen. DISTRIBUTION: No. 1. 4th Army. 12. G-1, II American 2. Australian Corps. Corps. 3. Ill Corps. 13. G-2, II American 4. IX Corps. Corps. 5-6. 27th American Di- vision. 14. G-3, II Corps. American 7-8. 30th American Di- vision. 15. G-4, II Corps. American 9. G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. 16. A. G., II Corps. American 10. C. G., II American 17- -18. Operations Report. Corps. 19. War Diary. 11. C. of S., II American Corps. 20 -23. Spare. SECRET — — 2nd American Corps, FRANCE, 25 Sept., 1918. AMENDMENT TO 2ND AMERICAN CORPS FIELD ORDERS NO. 16, dated 24 Sept. 18. 1 . Herewith map * showing boundaries east of Red lines. The map issued with 2nd American Corps Field Order No. 16, 24th Sept. 18, will be amended accordingly. 2. ACKNOWLEDGE. AWC/wrk READ, Maj. Gen. * Editor's Note.— Map in pocket of back cover. B4e, -DiAGRMMMA TIC - Pre/iminciry D Isp osif/on-s S5^ Bde 'c" D T^egt 'Re(^t "A" ^y tnotninff of 2S^ 60^'bBc^e. B Recj. 'A 30t^-D/V, -J9//?^ TJC- £)af-//e V/s^osi //o/? s S4^''Bc/e BRegt. /=^-^egt 53 Bde. ffD\ III "c'Re^f D Pec^t ev'-'Liy 6c^Bc^6 "BRegf. YT^e^f. "C'/?P^^ D ^e^t III Bde. 3ot^Div. Divisional boundarie .Hery . ' ' Infantry forming up lin PlrBt objective Tlank exploitation of ^ Second objective ■_ __- S^tJnitatlon of second obJectlve| September 25, 1918. FIELD ORDERS. 27 SECRET COPY NO.— Field Orders 2nd Corps No. 17. FRANCE, 25 Sept. 18. MAPS: 1 : 100,000 RIQUEVAL, or: 1 : 100,000 62 B. N. W. and 62 C. N. E. THIS ORDER SUPPLEMENTS F. O. NO. 16, 24 SEPT., 18, PAR. 3(a). 1. INFORMATION. (•-a) The Australian Corps is taking over portion of the III Corps fronjt as far north as the grid line running east and west through F.S.b.O.O. at 10 a. m. on 25th September. (b) The Corps front will be held by the 30th American Division on the right and the 27th American Division on the left. 2. THE GENERAL PLANT (a) Missions of Units. (1) On 27th September, at a zero hour to be notified later, a preliminary operation will be carried out by the left (27th American) division with the object of gaining the Infantry Forming Up Line for the main operation, as laid down in F. O. t? 16, 24 Sept., 18, par. 3(a) (2) The 30th American Division on the right will co-operate with the object of gaining such portions of the Infantry Forming Up line on their front as they do not yet occupy. (b) Boundaries and Objectives. Attached map* shows the Corps and Inter-Divisional boundarios, Infantry and Artillery Start Lines and the objectives for the advance 3. DETAILED PLANS. (a) (1) The attack will be carried out by the brigade now holding the line of the 27th American Division, assisted by tanks, and under creeping barrage which will fall on the artillery start line as shown on attached map, at Zero. (2) The infantry will form up on a taped line (shown as the In- fantry Forming Up line on attached map) prior to Zero. (3) The barrage will lift at zero plus 3 minutes and thereafter at a uniform rate of 100 yards in 3 minutes until the final protective bar- rage line is reached. Barrage maps showing the successive '4ifts" of the barrage and lift timings will be issued later. (b) ARTILLERY 9 Brigades of artillery will be available for the operation. (c) TANKS. G. O. C, 4th Tank Brigade, will detail one company (12 tanks) to assist the infantry in the operation. Details will be arranged direct between the Tank Battalion Commander detailed and the 27th American Division. * Editor'g Note.— Map in pocket of back cover. 28 SECOND COKPS. September 25, 1918. (d) ACTION OF FLANK CORPS. The III Corps will co-operate in the advance by forming a defensive flank to the 27th American Division, approximately as shown on the attached map. (e) ACTION OF 30TH DIVISION. (a) The 30th American Division will advance their line simul- taneously with the 27th American Division attack, in order to gain such portion of the Infantry Forming Up Line for the main opera- tion as they do not now occupy. (b) Artillery action will be arranged by G. O. C, R. A., in con- sultation with the G. O. C, 30th American Division. 4. LIAISON (i) A contact aeroplane will fly over the objective line at zero plus 90 minutes. The position of the most advanced infantry will be indicated by the following means :- (a) RED ground flares; (b) Bright tin discs; (c) Groups of 3 or 4 rifles laid parallel across the trench and about a foot apart. (ii) Divisions will arrange for dropping stations to be manned in the vicinity of their Divisional Headquarters. Locations of dropping stations will be notified to Corps Headquar- ters by 26th September. 5. SYNCHRONISATION OF WATCHES. Watches will be synchronised through the Signal Service at 2 p. m. and 7 p. m. on the 26th September. Watches will not be synchronised by telephone in advance of Brigade Headquarters. 6. ACKNOWLEDGE. AWC/wrk Copies to: No. 1. 4 th Army. 2. Australian Corps. 3. Ill Corps. 4. IX Corps. 5-6. 27th American Division. 7-8. 30th American Division. 9. G-3,G. H.Q.,A.E.F. 10. C. G., II American Corps. 11. C. ofS. READ, Maj. Gen. 12. G-1 II American Corps. 13. G-2 14. G-3 15. G-4 16. A.G. 17. War Diary. 18-19. Operations Report. 20-23. Spare. SHEET 62^ 1:40,000 OPFRATION MAP TO ACCOMPANY FIELD ORDER NO. 17 (OR 2D ?ORPS BATTLE INSTRUCTIONS, SERIES •'e,- NO. 7. SEPT. 24. ,9,8.) October 1, 1918. FIELD ORDERS. 29 SECRET, Field Orders: No. 18. MAPS: 1:40,000 62B and 62C COPY NO.- 2nd American Corps FRANCE, 1 Oct., '18. 1. The 27tli Ainerican Division and 30th American Division (less 118th ; nfantry) will be withdrawn from the forward areas. The 118th . nfantry of the 30th American Division will not be with- drawn until further orders. J t will remain in reserve in rear of the 5 th Australian Division. 2. Detailed arrangements for the withdrawal will be made between the Division Commanders of the 3rd Australian and the 2 7th American Divisions and between the 5 th Australian and the 30th American Divisions. 3. The PERONNE area is alloted to the 27th American Division, with stagins; area as follows: HAUT ALLA}NES area west of line L ERAMONT— A ZECOURT— TEMPLEUX— all exclusive. The MESN^ L area is alloted to the 30th American Division with staging area as follows: T. NCOURT area west and south of the line TEMPLEUX- le - FOSSE — T] NCOURT — BOUCLY— HAMEL - all exclusive. 2nd Australian Division will remain in occupation of all quarters as at present. 4. The above withdrawal is to be proceeded with at once and progress reported frequently to these Headquarters. 5. ACKNOWLEDGE. READ. Maj. Gen. DISTRIBUTION: NO. TO. 1. 4th Army 12. G-1 II American Corps 2. Australian Corps 13. G-2 3. Ill Corps 14. G-3 4. IX Corps 15. G-4 5-6. 27th American Division 16. A. G. 7-8. 30th American Division 17-18. . Operations Report. War Diary. 9. G-3 G. H. Q., Am. E. F. 19. 10. C.G., II Corps AmericanE.F. 20-23. Spare. 11. C . of S . , II American Corps SECRET. Copy No. — Field Orders: • 2] ad American Corps, FRANCE, 1 Oct., 18. No. 18. AMENDMENT NO. 1. MAPS: 1:40,000 62B and 62C. 1. So much of Field Order No. 18, para. 1, as refers to the 118th Infantry being held in reserve in rear of the 5 th Australian Division 30 SECOND CORPS. October 2, 1918. is revoked. This regiment is placed at the disposal of the C. G., 30th American Division and will be withdrawn to the MESN^L area. By command of Major General Read: GEO. S. SJMONDS, Colonel, G. S. Chief of Staif . DISTRIBUTION: No. To. 1. 4th Army 12. G-1 II American 2. Australian Corps. 13. G-2 '' 3. Ill Corps 14. G-3 '' 4. IX Corps 15. G-4 '' 5-6. 27th American Division 16. A. G. ;' 7-8. 30th American Division. 17 -18. Operations Report 9. G-3, G. H. Q., Amer. E. F. 19. War Diary. 10. C. G., II Corps, American E. F. 20 -23. Spare. 11. C. of S., II American Corps SECRET. FIELD ORDERS: No. 18 AMENDMENT No. 2. 2nd American Corps. FRANCE, 2 Oct., 18 1. In continuance of Field Orders No. 18, these headquarters,. 1 Oct., 18, 27th American Division will move from PERONNE area to SUZANNE area on 4 Oct., 18, via CLERY clear— PERONNE area by 1100 o'clock 4 Oct., 18. 2. Headquarters 27th American Division will clear present quar- ters at J. 11. c. 4. 9. by 1200 o'clock 4 Oct., and will move to SU- ZANNE CHATEAU direct and not to DOINGT. GEO. S. SIMONDS, Colonel, G. S., Chief of Staff. DISTRIBUTION: No. To. 12. G-1 1. 4th Army. 13. G-2 2. Australian Corps. 14. G-2 3. Ill Corps. 15. G-4. 4. IX Corps. 16. A. G. 5-6. 27th American Division. 17 -18. Operations Report. 708. 30th American Division. 19. War Diary. 9. G-3, G. H. Q., A. E. F. 20-23. Spare. 10. C. G.,IICorps, A. E. F. 11. C. of S. II Corps, October 4, 1918. FIELD ORDERS. 31 SECRET. No. 491, G-3. Copy No. — 2nd American Corps, FRANCE, 4 rps, Oct. 18. 2ND AMERICAN CORPS, OPERATIONS INSTRUCTIONS, SERIES "A;' no. 2. Field Orders: No. 19. MAPS: 1:40,000 62B and 62C. 1. The 2nd American Corps will relieve the Australian Corps com- mencing 5 Oct., 18. 2. The 30th American Division will relieve the 2nd Australian Division; beginning 5 Oct., 18. Details of relief will be arranged between Commanding Generals of the Divisions concerned; the command passing to the C. G., 30th American Division 6 Oct., 18. 3. Moves as over leaf. 4. The command of the 105th Engineers will revert to the C. G., 30th Division on completion of their work today, 4 Oct. 5. Detailed instructions relative to railhead, supply and evacua- tion will be issued later. 6. Corps Headquarters will move to BUIRE WOOD— 6 * Oct., 18. 7. ACKNOWLEDGE. DISTRIBUTION: No. To. 1. G-3, G. H. Q. 2. IV Army. 3. Aust. Corps. 4-5. VII Corps, R. A. 6. IX Corps. 7. XIII Corps. 8. Gen. Maxwell Scott. 9-10. 30th Division. 11-12. 27th Division. 13. C. of S., 2nd Amer. Corps. 14. G-1. 15. G-2, GEO. S. SIMONDS CofS for READ Maj . Gen. 16. G-3. 2nd Amer. Corps. 17. G-4. 18. A. G. 19. C. E. 20. C. S. O. " 21. C. S. 22. C.C.W.S. '' 23. War Diary 24. Operations Report. 25. File. 26-30. Spare. ♦Editof's Note. — Typed original reads: "6 Oct," and mimeographed copies read: "5 Oct." Cop7 No. 18, found in files, has been corrected in ink to read "6 Oct.", no evidence as to date of correction. 32 SECOND CORPS. October 4, 1918. 1 Q-ri fl>H ^^SS^c^'^ 5 EPh Is «2Eh^- ^PP2a, o road. March. HES-FGB. d AGNE thence INCOURT a: ARLEUX-BI GB. de BRE' 20. central to both column AGNE by 1400 £ -^•so © Q o >,^fi >.^Pi ^ t>,oEHEHpqfNh-;BEH !zi W fP « PP ^ ^ ■a ■1-5 1 d < ^ ? fH g g p S >> >> "o o S £ o 1 o 1 08 3 1 s fl ^ S o w<^ •sS 2 iz; ^ m p: § 03 (.1 o ^ £* ® § H. £ Eh o o 3 O < »-H o rj HH rj Eh (i( rt Pm m e M (S 03 < < ■^ < &H i^ &H p£5 « tf « <^ 1^ t:) P g c9 t3 EH P? O O o ® o Pi o o «1