The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1919-04-24
MAJOR GENERAL LEWIS STORY
(Continued from page ). column y

at the time the 3th Australian dlVl-
sion passed through this division, the
Nth infantry on the right was ap
proximately on their objective facing
southeast and in touch with the 46th
division on their right: the l2Oth was
in Naurcy. elements having gone be-
vond there and reached their obJec-
tive. but having been forced to re-
turn on account of being out or touch
with units on their tlanks; the regl-
ment, in general, occupied the lie
Catelet-Naurcy line. The | ll9th IN
fantrv had it's right in the lie Cate
let-Naurcy line. but had been forced
to bend its line back to the tunnel
on account of fire from the sector on
the left.
When the 9Th Australian division
passed through the line held by TINS
division, they we're Joined and as
sisted by various groups from the dit
ferent regiments. These groups re-
NAMED with the Australian division
and we're Withdrawn during the night
of September 29-30. After occupancy
of the Green line by the 5th Austria
liam division, the troops Of this dl-
vision were withdrawn slightly to the
rear, where they remained in support
until withdrawn on the night of Oc-
tober 1-2.
Action of Artillery.
For this operation there was as
signed to the division twelve field ar
tillery brigades, five heavy artillery
brigades and three siege batteries.
The mission allotted to the artil-
lery prior to the zero hour was as
follows:
(a) Special gas bombardment-
from 10 p. m. on "W'' day to 6 a. M.
on 'X" day.
(b) Vigorous counter battery and
harrassing fire.
(c) Cutting lanes in hostile wire
defenses.
(d) Bombardment of selected
strong points and locality.
At a. m. on ''X' day the artillery
began mission (b), (c) and CD and
continued until ''Z" minus one hour
on zed day.
The amount of artillery assigned
for this operation enabled very full
and effective barrage to be laid down
at zero hour. AS this barrage con-
sisted of 1S-pounder, AZ and the
heavy artillery barrages, it was most
effective in keeping down the enemy's
fire, thus facilitating the progress OF
the infantry. In addition to the bar
rage a smoke screen was laid down
on the right flank by special held
artillery brigade detailed for that
purpose.
The broad belts of heavy German
wire we're not cut to any consider
able degree in the right sub-sector;
in the left sub-sector the lanes were
cut more effectively and the passage
of the 18th infantry through the
wire was greatly facilitated through
the preliminary work of the artillery.
Commendable enterprise was also dis
played in the prompt use of enemy
guns which had been captured by the
infantry.
In general, the support rendered by
the artillery was most effective and
contributed in large measure to the
success of the operation. Supporting
batteries we're moved forward with
great daring and skill. Close and
effective liaison between artillery and
infantry was maintained at all times.
Tanks.
Thirty-four tanks from the Fourth
British tank brigade were assigned to
the division for this operation. They
were allotted to regiments as follows:
Twelve to the 117th infantry, IL to
the 119th, and 10 to the 120th. All
were of the mark 'V" type. These
tanks were further sub-divided
among battalions in order that a suf-
ficient number might be available for
the battalions detailed for mopping
up the. tunnel and the Hindenburg
line
In order that close liaison might be
maintained between infantry and
tanks. each battalion detailed one en-
listed man per tank whose sole duty
it was to ride in the tank and watch
for signals from the infantry. One
officer was detailed from each bat
talon also to assist in conducting the
tanks to the starting points.
The tanks detailed to the 117th
and 120th infantry arrived at their