ON THE SOMME

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1916, Page 10

ON THE SOMME

TERRIFIC FIGHTING. HOW THE NEW ZEALANDERS FARED. A TWENTY-THREE DAYS' ADVANCE PUSHING BACK THE lIC/NS. A VIVID WORD-PICTURE. Lieutenant W. B. Fitehett, of the Auckland Battalion, sends his father, Dr. Fitehett, the following detailed and very interesting account (dated 7th October, France) of the recent fighting on the Somme, in which the New Zealanders were so deeply engaged, did. so brilliantly, and suffered so heavily. - "ANZAC A MERE PICNIC." "We came out of the Somme yesterday, and are now living in a peaceful area. My word, it is a relief to be out of that place. I can't describe to you what it's like. How I came through it all untouched I don't know, for we had heavy casualties right through the infantry. I've come to the conclusion that the Huns can't kill me, although it's not for want of trying on their part. "Things had been at a standstill for some time before the New Zealand division arrived, but on our taking over, the ball was started rolling again. We were in the Somme area for a month, and out of that time we were fighing and advancing for twenty-three days. During that period we pushed the Huns back three miles. It seems like twentythree months since we first went into the fight, and I could write a book on mv experiences. All the old hands say that Anzac was a mere picnic to the Somme offensive. The artillery fire was terrific; it never ceased day or night, and before an attack it redoubled in intensity. I suppose you want to know something about our doings, so I'll give von an outline, with a few descriptions thrown in. "The New Zealanders' advance wag preceded by a three-days' bombardment, during which time we dug trenches, gunpits, and toiled at numerous jobs like niggers. It was some bombardment. I can tell you. There are thousands of guns at the Somme, and at a distance the firing is like a continuous peal of thunder. When one gets in front of the batteries the noise changes. The sharp bark of the IS-pounder is quite distinct from the. roar of the Cin and 9.2 in. while the 12in or lain makes a deep heavy boom that is indistinctly heard in the front line. The explosion of the shells makes another row altogether, a sort of crashing and rending, but we don't mind that as long as they explode in the Hun's trenches. Unfortunately, Fritz drops a lot of stuff into our lines which 'causetli the earth to tremble,' etc. "Our whole advance was divided into sections or stages. On the 15th September the 2nd Brigade kicked off by taking •Switch Trench (we had names for all the German trenches), and the 3rd brigade followed up bv taking Flers. They were assisted by two caterpillars, who did really good work, especially in the village. The Ist brigade were in reserve for the day, as a whole division is never made to advance altogether. While the stunt was on we had to dig trenches, make new roads, carry up ammunition, and do other jobs under fire.

AX INTENSE BARRAGE. "The following morning we moved from thi> previous front line up to Flers, and had to pass through a very intense barrage to get there. There was no communication trench, so we just followed an old road that was in full view of several German balloons. The air was thick with bursting shrapnel and high explosives that lobbed all around, and occasionally in amongst us. One B.2in landed in the middle of a platoon and laid out 17 men. All along the road dead and wounded men were scattered; it's a wonder how we got through with so few casualties considering the fire. It was one of the most trying experiences I've ever been through, and I didn't tliink a quarter of the company would reach Flers alive. I can assure you v, 0; were all miglily relieved when we finally halted in a sunken road by the village. "Jlv this time the Ist Wellington Battalion had taken Grove Alley, and their dead and wounded were all over the place. The Ist Auckland and Ist Canterburv Battalions had orders to advance from Grove Alley at 1 p.m. and take a ridge about half a mile ahead. To get to the "assembly trench" (Grove. Alley) from Flers, we had to double down a road some 400 yds while the Huns sniped and played'machine guns on ua from the ridge in front. We went along in single file, and it was a case of run 50yds, drop for a spell, and then on again. Never did such fast sprints in my life before, and my word, didn't the bullets whistle close. Of courso we lost a number of men. Unfortunately, my platoon sergeant stopped a nasty one in the leg. A really good man he was too. "Just before one o'clock, an urgent order came round to stop the advance, as the 41st Division on our right had been held up. As it was we were being enfiladed badly, and if we had advanced there was a danger of being cut off. The whole of the British advance is like a big wedge, with the New Zealand Division (when we were there) at the thin end. That's how the Huns got at us from the flanks.

KILLED BY OWN SHELLS. "Instead of going forward, we dug ourselves well in and stopped there for two more days, being shelled all the time. Unfortunately, a lot of our own biff stuff dropped short, and laid out a number of men. I remember one bin dropped into our trench a few yards from where I ivaa and smacked seven of our company. It's hard when a man gets killed by one of his own shells. We call thorn 'neutrals' now when they drop short. . "The weather turned dog on us at tins stage, and it rained solidly. Of course, there were no duck-boards laid down, so it wasn't long before the mud was up to one's knees. We were all in 'fighting kit,' which does not include overcoat or change of clothes. Only arms, ammunition, and necessary equipment are carried, besides a small oilsheet to throw over one's shoulders in ease of rain. After a few hours' downpour the oil-sheet doesn't make much difference as regards keeping dry. For a time we couldn't get rations or dunking water up 011 account of the shelling, and we were reduced to eating our iron rations, which are reserved as a last extremity.

'Til skip over the next day and niglit, which were most unpleasant, owing to the rain and shortage of tucker, and come to tlie time when Ave were relieved by the 2nd Brigade. Our company straggled—l can't say marched—back to Caxlton Trench (the third lino) like » lot of half-drowned rata. Although it wasn't very far in a straight line, yet the journey took us about four hours, as we got lost several times in the dark; besides, the mud and shellholes made the going very difficult. On our arrival at Carlton Trench, we found hot stew waiting for us, and my word it did go well. We were all dog-tired, very empty, and fagged out through loss of sleep, besides being in clothes that liad been wet for a couple of days. That stew, though, made up for a lot of things; I iorft think I enjoyed a meal so much before. It rained all that night, but cleared up the next day, and after standing in the sun for a few" hours our clothes began to dry. There were no dug-outs here, but we set to work and made little "bivvies. At this stage some of the boys went sick with colds and rheumatic troubles, while others went away with 'trench feet.' The Huns paid us great attention with B.2in and llin shells, as well as a bit of shrapnel, which iurther increased our casualty list. They made it so hot for the transport at 'Green Dump that it hail to shift to a new spot. From Carlton Trench we went up at night and dug trenches near Flers; but on the whole we had a muth easier time of it than the previous week. IX SUCCESSIVE WAVES. ''The Ist Brigade took over the first line again 011 September 23, relieving the 3rd Brigade. Somehow the Huns got wind of the change, for they 'strafed' the front lino and supports unmercifully with high explosives. It was 'no bon,' as the boys say here. Wo received orders that night that Ave would be attacking Yellow Line next day, with Canterbury on -our right and Otago on our left. Wellington was to be the reserve battalion. Our attacking formation was to be four waves, each one thirty yards behind the one in front. Our advance was preceded by an intense two hours' bombardment, and it was a sight to watch. The 12in shells sent up earth into the air like Waimangu geysers, while the smaller gnus simply chewed the ground up all along our front. There is an ordinary bombardment proceeding all the time at the Somme, but this intense artillery fire is something altogether different.

"At 12.37 p.m. the first wave hopped over the top, and when they had gone thirty yards I jumped over the parapet with my platoon, which composed the '-i ,r A>ij(! wave 0 f our company. The third and fourth wave followed at the same interval. Our artillery formed a barniL'i' of shrapnel in front of us, which gradually lifted as we went forward. The Huns crave us a good dose of rifle and machine-gun fire until we got up close, and then the v ran 'ike rabbits. « e charged over the ridge, but the few remaining Huns threw up their hands, shouting 'Kamerad.' A few of us got some good shooting at those who were clearing out; it's far better than pighunting in- the open. The Canterbury Battalion did well, capturing quite a number of prisoners. Wc also eantured a lot of gun emplacements, as well as r large quantity of ammunition; unfortunately. the guns had been removed before we got there. According to instructions, we dug ourselves in on top of the l'idge, all the time being exposed to a heavy fire. Its wonderful how shells and bullets sjiur a man on when he is diff■rin" for his life.

"I found out that the other two company officers had been hit, one killed and the other wounded in the leg, so I was in charge of the new company position. Our O.C. had remained behind 1 at headouarters. To cut a long story short, we dug in, but at daybreak next morning we moved to a new position on the leftsand lmd to dig in again. Later in the day the Huns got the range of our new trenches, and "strafed" accordingly. As n result, more casualties and deeper digging. until everyone was played out. The next twenty-four hours were much the same, the main drawback being the shortage of water. In this respect, I think, we were worse off here than at Anzac.

LINES THINNED BY SHRAPNEL.

''On the 26th, the Ist Brigade were 'iwiin ordered to advance, this time to take two lines of trenches called Gird and- Gird support, about half a mile away. We had in exactly the same manner as before, although two platoons of our company were to remain behind as reserve. My own platoon (No. 2) and No. 3 Platoon were to go in the charge, and I had to lead them. The Huns shelled us for several hours before the advance with h.e. shrapnel, which thinned our lines out still more. At 2.18 p.m. we jumped over the parapet. This time our artillear preparations and barrage were not nearly so good, and the Huns put up a : desperate fight in Gird trench. Their machine guns were very deadly, and mowed our fellows down like corn. Tlie wire in front of their trench was only out in a few places, and this held n's up for a minute or two. The lflth Waikato Company and some of the Otagos suffered heavily here. At this stage our hombersi did reallv good work, throwing scores of Mills grenades amongst the Huns, after which our final charge finished things off. The first three waves then went straight on to Gird support, leaving the mopping up and dugoutclearing to the fourth wave. 'The. second trench, which was only a shallow one, was reached without many casualties, for the Huns didn't like the look of our bayonets, and ran like rabbits again. Here our Lewis guns did sreat work, bowling them over in dozens us thev went over a rise. We took a number of prisoners, most of them being wounded. Again we dug in. to the usual accompaniment of shells and bullets. All I lie companies wore very mixed up after the charge, but we managed to get straightened out before dark. No. 4 Plait noii came over to reinforce the company, land lost heavily en route. Nos. '2 and :! Platoons were greatly reduced, tlie total number who survived the charge being thirteen. We kept digging all night, while different parties went out to bring in the, wounded, of which there were a good number. How I came through untouched T don't know! A number of battalion offcers were not in the advance, and, as far as I know, there were only two of 11s who went through both charges without being hit. I think some of us must have charmed lives.

"Although we were heavily shelled, the linns didn't counter-attack, but on our right, and left the Tommies had to repel several. Since the first few days of the battle, I think they have karat that it doesn't pay to counter-attack the New Zcalanders. The 2nd Canterbury Battalion taught them a lesson in this respect.

TRENCH FULL OF GERMAN DEAD. "Gird trench was full right up with iTinan dead; one had to walk on them

to get along the sap. The big dugouts were like shambles, you can't imagine such a mess. Our own dead were lying pretty thick out in the open, especially near the barb wire. I managed to bury several during the night, and also put crosses with their names on the head of each grave.

"■lust before daylight on 30th September we were relieved by the 2nd Brigade. I brought the, remains of the company back overland to Flers, having to pass Uirough a nasty artillery barrage en route. It's a wonder we didn't all get smacked out. From Flers we went down the sap to Check Lino, and arrived absolutely done up. Here we found the other three companies, and I think it would be impossible to find a more play, ed-out or rougher-looking crowd than the Ist Auckland Battalion that morning. The cooks had tea as well as a hot stew waiting for us, arid' —well, yon can guess how we enjoyed it. Afterwards we fell in. for roll-call. We were addressed by the Brigadier, who only spoke a few words. He appeared to be very much cut up over the losses of the ist Brigade. Afterwards we marched to Mametz Wood and had thirty-six hours' spell, most of which was spent in sleep. An English officer took photos of the. survivors of the four companies, and also one of the battalion, all the men wearing, their trophies. I forgot to mention that I brought back a number of souvenirs, including a German helmet, rifle, bayonet and belt. A machine gun which we captured I handed over to headquarters. '"The rain came on again, and: it wasn't long before the mud was over one's boottops. We received a few reinforcements ' iul moved up that evening to Seaforth Trench, a three hours' tramp through slush and water. At night one can't see the shell-holes properly, and it's a mudbath every time one falls in, wln'ich is pretty often. The ground round here is all shell-holes. Between Green Dump and Yellow Line (about three iniles) there isn't a square yard that a shell hasn't exploded on. Not a blade of grass is to, be seen, although this, was all splendid grazing country once. There are only trees left standing hero and there in High \Ycod and Delville Wood; it looks for all the world iike a bad bush-falling job. ''As usual, we arrived l at Seaforth trench sopping wet and covered with mud, as well as—fyl up. It's a great feeling, the 'fed-up' feeling. T had a, nasty cold (only to be expected, oi course), and I had to fall out at the dressing-station for some medicine. However. a good stiff rum did me more good than the doctor's pills. We stopped in Seaforth trench until 4 p.m. on 2nd October, finally being relieved by an English battalion. After a four-hours' march through the mud, we reached Pommier's Redoubt, where we joined up with the rest of the Ist Brigade. After making another advance, the 2nd Brigade also came here for a few days. The 3rd] Brigade came out of the front line next night, and went down to Fricourt. A a usual, it rained.

WELL-UAKNED TSISST. "The following day three other officers from the battalion and myself explored, the country round Delville Wood and to the right 0 f Flers, looking for tracks to bring troops up to Gueudecourt. Thn Ist Brigade was in reserve to an English Division, and at any time we might bo called up to reinforce. We had a long, tiring tramp, and plenty of diversion in the way of big shells. The next day I felt pretty rotten and had to stop in h. "bivvy." The cold that I had caught seemed to have taken all the strength out of me. Fortunately the battalion wasn't called out for any stunt. "The 2nd and 3rd Brigades went out of the Somme on (ith October and the Ist Brigade followed the next day. We marched to , about seven miles, but had to wait there five hours before we could entrain. During that time tha Huns paid us much attention with B.2in —a sort of farewell, T expect. One shell landed in a cafe where a number of Scotch and Canadian officers were having a meal —and got the lot. Fortunately I was in the eafe next door.

''The train finally got away about 7 p.m., and arrived at next morning at 10 o'clock. Pretty swift going for only miles! We were all in horsetrueks, packed like sardines, so it was impossible* to get a decent sleep. As visual, it was raining when we got to , and after detraining we marched to , six miles away. I got here just about done up—don't .think I've been so played-out before, irt fact everyone was the same. Last night I slept in a real bed, and it did seem luxurious after the mud and slush of the Somme. For the first time for throe weeks I had my clothes off. It sounds pretty awful, doesn't it. hut it was altogether out of the question to undress during the advance. "Everybody is enjoying themselves today which is another name for sleeping, eating, and lying at ease smoking. It seems quite strange not to hear any guns. You don't know what a relief it is to be away from H.E., tear and gas-shells, in fact to bo away from the Somme altogether. We are all very much run down, and could do with a spell. Leave is starting again, and I hope my turn will soon come.. We move on to-morrow night and go north to some quieter part of the line.

• "J think I've given yon a fair idea of what the New Zealand Division did, more especially the Ist Brigade. I could talk for a month about little episodes and experiences that happened to me, but I'll leave that till I come home."