War Diary of 240 (South Midland) Brigade (T) R.F.A 1917-1919
Introduction
240th Brigade RFA (T), served throughout the First World War, first in France and Belgium and then in Italy.
This diary is from the Corsan family documents and WO95/2749 held at the National Archives. Orginally transcribed by Derek J. Driscoll and Jon Corsan.
There are two sets of volume numbers for these records. The first is the unit number and the second is the National Archive amended number.
November 1917 - Volume 32/33.
December 1917 - Volume 33/34.
January 1918 - Volume 34/35.
February 1918 - Volume 35/36.
March 1918 - Volume 36/37.
April 1918 - Volume 37/38.
May 1918 - Volume 38/39.
June 1918 - Volume 39/40.
July 1918 - Volume 40/41.
August 1918 - Volume 41/42.
September 1918 - Volume 42/43.
October 1918 - Volume 43/44.
November 1918 - Volume 44/45.
December 1918 - Volume 45/46.
January 1919 - Volume 46/47.
February 1919 - Volume 47/48.
March 1919 - Volume 48/49.
The War Diary
November 1917
1st - Thelus - Orders received that B & D Batteries of 240 Brigade with A & C Batteries of 232 Brigade will be under orders of 31st Divisional Artillery for an operation on the 8th November. BCs of A & C came up to reconnoiter positions for their Bty’s for an operation in cooperation with above, A & C 240 will be under orders of left group.
2nd - Thelus - Nothing to report.
3rd - Thelus - Night of 3rd/4th guns of A & C /232 Bde A. F. A. (Australian Field Arty) occupied position from which they could fire on 31st D.A. front.
4th - Thelus - A & C / 232 Bde, B & D / 240 fired a (Chineses) Dummy barrage, put up on 31st D.A. front to cover a raid carried out on 47th D.A. front. This raid was successful - 18 prisoners being taken and 80 Bosche killed – we also captured 6 M.G.’s + 2 T. M.’s (Trench mortars) - our casualty’s – 3 OR’s killed and 10 wounded.
5th - Thelus - Fired practice barrage at 4.15p.m. with A & C / 232 Bde A.F.A.
6th - Thelus - Recognisance of 2 x Bty positions carried out one for defense of recent line and one on Vimy Ridge for defense of Brown Line.
7th - Thelus - 4.20 A & C / 232 Bde fired a Hurricane Bombardment on Fresney Park.
8th - Thelus - 12 noon A & C 232 Bde, A.F.A. and B & D / 240 assisted 31st Div, in a raid on the enemy trenches firing as ordered for 1 hour & 15 mins. The raid was successful – 20 prisoners being taken, 3xTM’s & 2 x M.G.’s and 10 large dugouts full of Bosche blown up. On afternoon of 8th, A & C / 232 Bde withdrew to their W/L’s and came under their own Bde for orders, marching out of this area on night of 9/10th. C / 240 withdrew to their W. L.’s on night of 9th/10th handing over one gun to A / 240 to complete this Bty to six guns.
9th - Thelus - D / 240 handed over 4 guns to 323 Bde A.F.A. night of 9/10. D / 240 withdrew 1 section to their W. L.’s.
10th - Thelus - CO reconnoitred position for Bty’s in defense of the line Red, Brown and Green lines of defense.
11th - Thelus - New S.O.S. (Save Our Souls) lines bought in to force. (A flare sent up into the air would order the guns to fire).
12th - Thelus - On the night of 12/13 the enemy did a lot of gas shelling on the W. L.’s. On our right (31 Div) more loose shelling then a serious concentration.
13th - Thelus - D / 240 shelled rd, embankment and Sallumines Trench in conjunction with the A.A. D / 240 cooperated with D / 241 in gas shelling Rly embankment by Sallumines Trench during the night.
14th - Thelus - Nothing to report, 1 sect D / 240 moved to W.L.’s on night 14th/15th.
15th - Thelus - Order rec'd reads that we are shortly to be relived.
16th - Thelus - Our ----- considerably troubled, by T. M.’s. These were effectively silenced by our own 4.5 How’s.
17th - Thelus - Advance relief party from 4th Canadian Field Artillery came up to see position with a view to taking over.
18th - Cambligmeul - 4th Bde C.F.A. relived 240 Bde R.F.A. in action on the 18th, relief complete by 12 noon. Personnel of Bty's proceed to Cambligneul by lorry route.
19th - Cambligmeul - Busy refitting and completion of all stores, great difficulty with small stores (CES - complete equipment schedule)
20th - Cambligmeul - As for 19th.
21st to 26th - Aubigny - The Bde entrained for Italy, HQ, A / 240 and D / 240 on train at Aubigny, B / 240 at Tincques, and C / 240 at Savy. During this period the Bde were on the train and travelled via Longhead, Angers, Gary, Loahaus, Montalieue, Mobane, Pavia, Montava, Boulone and detraining at the later place on the 26th at 4 am and marched to Oppeano.
27th - Oppeano - HQ & ⅓ of A / 240 marched from Oppeano to Arcole via Albaredo.
28th - Arcole - C / 240, ⅔ of D / 240 and ⅓ of B / 240 joined us at Arcole.
29th - Arcole - Remainder of A/240 joined the Bde at Arcole.
30th - Arcole - Remainder of B / 240 joined the Bde at Arcole. The Bde awaited the arrival of 1 sect D / 240 to join up-their being the only portion of the Bde det’d on date.
December 1917
1st - Arcole - Remaining sect of D / 240 joined the Bde making the Bde complete. Orders rec’d that the Bde would march to Pressana in the morning.
2nd - Pressana - The Bde marched to Pressana via Veronella and Sabbion and stay there for the night. Good billets for the men, horses and officers.
3rd - Noventa - The Bde marched to Noventa area Via Montagnana and Pojana, very poor billets and great difficulty in obtaining billets.
4th - Chateau Lopolo - The bde marched at 2 hours notice from Noventa to Bastia area via Albettona,very good billets, H.Q. & D Bty stayed at Chateau Lopolo.
5th - Veggiano - The Bde marched to Veggiano via Bastia and Montegelda and stayed there the night, good billet for men and horses.
6th - Veggiano - The Bde remained at Veggiano for the day.
7th - Villa Franca - The Bde marched to Villa Franca via Lissard and Campodoro - very poor billeting area owing to congestion of traffic.
8th - Villa Franca - The Bde remained at Villa Franca under orders to move anytime at 2 hours notice.
9th - Villa Franca - During this period the Bde remained at Villa Franca under orders to move at very short notice. Bty’s and Bty Staff work and generally got things squared up, very little news of the war in general.
13/14th - Villa Franca - Nothing to report.
15th - Villa Franca - The C.O. went up to see the line and got back at about six p.m. B.C.’s conference at 8.30p.m.
16th - Villa Franca - Nothing to report.
17th - Villa Franca - First snowfall we had in this country, orders rec’d that we come under 104 Bde group for movement orders etcetera.
18th - Villa Franca - C.O. went up the line again to do a reconnaissance.
19th - Villa Franca - Nothing to report, Bty’s did their shopping for xmas dinner.
20th/21st - Villa Franca - Nothing to report.
22nd - Villa Franca - C.R.A. came round and visited B & C Bty’s in Villa Franca.
23rd - Isola di Cartoro - Orders received at 3 a.m. that the Bde would march to Pressina area which we were only able to billet. 3 Bty’s in Presseno. A, B, & D. C+ H.Q. billeting close by in Isola di Cartoro.
24th - Isola di Cartoro - Bty’s busy settling in and accommodation is very poor.
25th - Isola di Cartoro - The C.R.A. & the B.M. (Brigade Major) came around to see us.
26th - Isola di Cartoro - Majors Price and Anderson did a reconnaissance of the defences, running along the Vicenza Citadela.
27th - Isola di Cartoro - C.O., Adjt and Signal officer B.C.’ went up to see the line. R.A. H.Q. provided the lorry, We motored up to Rubbio reconnoitring the line up there and also walked back to Crosara over the mountains.
28 to 30th - Isola di Cartoro - Nothing to report.
31st - Isola di Cartoro - C.O. and B.C.’s + 2 officers of A. B, C Bty’s went to reconnoiter Bty Positions for defense of the Lione Marinale.
January 1918
1st - Isola di Cartoro - General Buckle M.G.R.A. visited 240 H.Q. and went around C / 240 horse lines. (Master Gunner R.A.)
2nd - Isola di Cartoro - C.O. and B.C.s went up to the mountains to reconnoiter positions for the defense of the "Ligne Marginale." Reconnaissance of line of retreat 'Down Mule Tracks' also carried out.
3rd - Isola di Cartoro - Nothing to report.
4th - Isola di Cartoro - C.R.A. & S.C.R.A. came round to see us in the afternoon. The C.R.A. then gave us some definite positions to occupy should we be called upon to defend the "Ligne Marginale." No work to be begun until the camp at Valle di Floriand is ready.
5th - Isola di Cartoro - Nothing to report.
6th - Isola di Cartoro - C.O. and B.C.s again went up to the mountains to carry out further reconnaissance on Bty positions – also decide O.P.‘s to be used. M Malcrobo as Bde O.P. selected. Two good panorama sketches made from here.
7th - Isola di Cartoro - B.C.s again went up to meet the C.R.E. on the mountains – meeting did not take place as the owing to the very bad roads on the hills – lorry skidded badly on one of the hairpin bends on the hill and every body had to jump. All landed clear, save Major S.C. Wilson C / 240 who unfortunately was ran into by another lorry immediately in rear, he sustained a fracture collarbone and was baldly bruised he was subsequently returned to hospital. The Bde paraded in marching order for an inspection by the C. in C. who was unfortunately unable to attend.
8th - Isola di Cartoro - Rained heavily all day.
9th - Isola di Cartoro - A / 240 was ordered to proceed to Sangrigo to take part with 144 Infy Bde tactical exercise. At 9pm they were stuck at Grantorto - 3 miles from their billets after being on the road for six hours. They were ordered to return by the C.O.
10th 1.a.m. - Isola di Cartoro - Orders rec’d that A / Bty or one Bty must proceed to Sangrigo at once as A Bty did and did not get in until 5 a. m. B 240 Bde ordered to turn out – get there which they did 1x leaving at 11.30 a.m. the other two 2.30p.m. and 4.30 respectively. Charts of dead ground submitted to R.A.H.Q., C.O. went to Sangria.
11th - Isola di Cartoro - O.C.s of A, B, and C again went up the mountains to meet an R.E. officer, this time to show him what work was required to be done on bty position – met him successfully.
12th - Isola di Cartoro - C.O. returned from tactical fight at Sangrigo. – also B / 240 are in their billets at Presina.
13th/14th - Isola di Cartoro - Nothing to report.
15th - Isola di Cartoro - S.C. R.A. visited the Bde. Major - R.W. Anderson D / 240 proceed to 175 Bde, to reconnoiter position he would occupy under their tactical control for the defense of the Blue Line.
16th - Isola di Cartoro - Nothing to report.
17th - Isola di Cartoro - A Bty went to assist 144th bde in tactical fight. They billeted at Pioanella.
18th - Isola di Cartoro - O.C. Div Signals visited the Bde Signal School, and were pleased with it.
19th - Isola di Cartoro - S.C. R.A. & DADOS visited all units to see if there were any complaints about ordnance supplies. NO Complaints. A Bty returned from tactical exercise.
20th - Isola di Cartoro - Nothing to report.
21st - Isola di Cartoro - Orders rec’d that the Div is moving to take over 5th Div area. C.R.A. and the B.M. come round to see the C.O.
22nd - Isola di Cartoro - All courses cancelled. Batteries busy cleaning up and preparing to move.
23rd/24th - Isola di Cartoro - Nothing to report.
25th - Isola di Cartoro - Orders rec’d at 12 midnight 25th / 26th. The Bde will move to S. Giorgiou Bosco, on the 25th. The Bde marched at 9.30 a.m. via Grantoro Ospidale de - Brenta - Fontannvia - Citadella. A Bty billeting at S. Donato, B Bty at Facca, C, D, and H.Q. at Bolizonella. Fairly poor billets.
26th - Bolizonella - Orders rec’d at 9p.m. that the Bde will march to Campigo area on the 27th.
27th - Bolizonella - Bde moved off at 9.30a.m. marching via Citadella and Cattle Franco, D Bty and H.Q. billeting at S. Marco. A, B, and C Bty’s billeting at Campigo.
28th - S. Marco - The Bde rested at S. Marco and Campigo.
29th - S. Marco - Nothing to report, No move, C.O. attended G.O.C. conference.
30th - S. Marco - The Bde marched to Castagnole area via Albaredo and Istrana. H.Q. and B Bty billeting in Castagnole and A, C and D Bty’s at Porcellengo. C.O. went on a reconnaissance of the forward area with the C.R.A. (Commander R.A.).
31st - Castagnole - Nothing to report.
February 1918
1st - Castagnole - C.O. visited Bty’s in the morning and held a conference.
2nd - Castagnole - C.R.A. and B. M. came round – C.R.A. went round all the Bty’s, G.O.C Napoleon Campaign in Northern Italy at Paese most of the officers of the Bde attended.
3rd - Castagnole - Nothing to report.
4th - Castagnole - C.O. and B.C.’s went up to the mountain to reconnoiter the Pouegliao - Villorba - Catena line of defense. The C.O. went to Div Arty to act as C.R.A. in the Generals absence on leave. Major Price came to H.Q. as C.O.
5th - Castagnole - G.O.C. 2nd lecture on the Napoleon Campaign in Northern Italy all available officers attended.
6th - Castagnole - Major Price attended a conference at XI corps H.Q.
7th - Castagnole - C.O. and Adjt went forward to reconnoiter positions for the defense of the Pouegliao - Villorba - Catena line. B.C.’s Conference in the evening.
8th - Castagnole - C.O. went forward on another reconnaissance. B. M. came round to see us.
9th/10th - Castagnole - Nothing to report.
11th - Castagnole - Orders rec’d the Bde will move on the 13th inst. Also 3 officers and 100 OR’s will be attached to 144 Bde (infantry) on there visit to training area.
12th - Castagnole - The C.O. went to make another reconnaissance, of the bty positions for the defense of the Pouegliao - Villorba - Catena line.
13th - Castagnole - The Bde marched to S. Marco via Paese - Quinto de Treviso - La Sega - Settimo - Badoere - Lavada and got in by 2a.m.. HQ and Bty at S. Marco, C and D Bty’s at Campigo, and A Bty at S. Brigida.
14th - S. Marco - Nothing to report. Orders rec’d in the evening that 240 Bde will take over billets from 241 Bde in Torreselle area then later moving to Rio-san-Martino.
15th - S. Marco - The Bde marched to Torreselle area A, C, and D Bty’s being billeted in Torreselle, B Bty in Brussa Musa, and H.Q. at Siluelle.
16th - S. Marco - Nothing to report.
17th - S. Marco - All guns of A, B, C, Bty’s went up to calibrate in 5 D.A. position.
18th - Selvelle - Nothing to report.
19th - Selvelle - A and B Bty’s returned from calibration.
20th - Selvelle - 2 Officers and 100 men attd to 5 D.A. for work on Bty position in preparation for forthcoming operation. All available officers attend. Colonel Pilkington lectures at Baddere on the use of Div Arty.
21st - Selvelle - Bde baths established at Torreselle in A / 240‘s billet.
22nd - Selvelle - D Bty had a horse show! C.R.A. and B. M. inspected the harness, wonderful, good turn out.
23rd - Selvelle - B.C.’s went up in a lorry to reconnoiter their Bty positions.
24th - Selvelle - Nothing to report.
25th - Selvelle - Orders rec’d re-bty’s moving up to 5 Div, who for the forthcoming operation. (nothing further).
26th - Selvelle - Bty’s busy preparing for march up, B.C.’s conference at H.Q. 11.30.
27th - Selvelle - Bty’s moved up at 6a.m. H.Q. A and B bty’s marching via Levada - Badoere - Settimoe - Lesega - Quinto de Treviso - Paese - Castagnole - Postioma - Ces Cuccagnana - Sandra, all Bty’s arriving at their respective W.L.’s at 12 noon.
28th - Arcada - Bty’s went in to action on the night of 27/28th. 2 Bty’s busy in prepared platforms and in reg During the month the Brigade has special attention has been paid to drilling of recruit gunners and drivers, re-drilling of N.C.O’s and several very instructive lectures have been given by officers to the men of their Bty’s.
March 1918
1st - Arcada Montello - C.O. and Bty B.C.’s went over to reconnoiter bty positions in 7th Div Arty area on the Montello.
2nd/3rd - Arcada Montello - Nothing to report.
4th - Arcada Montello - Heavy rain fell during the day. Orders rec’d that the operations are cancelled.
5th - Arcada Montello - Orders rec’d in the morning that 240 Bde will take over from 22 Bde. (7th D.A.) C.O. and B.C.’s went to take over, but at 4p.m. orders were rec’d canceling the move. W.L.’s to 7.AL 2 E. Major R. G. Pridmore took command of C/240. (vice Major Wilson).
6th - Arcada Montello - Bty’s busy boxing ammunition and withdrawing some to 5th Div Arty Dump.
7th/8th/9th - Arcada Montello - Nothing to report.
10th - Arcada - Half-yearly recommendations for Kings Birthday Honours submitted.
11th/12th - Arcada - Nothing to report.
13th - Arcada - Bty did a little firing in the morning. C Bty heavily shelled in the afternoon, with 5.9’s and 4.5’s and the occasional 11 inch. Major R. G. Pridmore killed. M.O.R. 2nd Lt. S. Chapman was badly wounded. All Bty’s of 240 Bde withdrew from action to 5th D. A. W.L.
14th - Arcada - H.Q. 240 Bde went out of action and went to W.L.’s at 7A l ZE
15th - Arcada - C.O. went round the horses in the morning. C.R.A. came round the Bty’s in the afternoon.
16th - Arcada - C.O. went on leave to England for 21 days, Major H. P. Lane A/240 came to H.Q. to command the Brigade in his absence.
17th - Arcada - Orders rec’d that 240 Bde will go into action on the night of 19/20 and 21/22 for 2 or 3 days to take over from 15 Bde R.F.A. and hand over to the Italians.
18th - Arcada - All B.C.’s and C.O. went up to reconnoiter Bty positions with a view to take over. D/Bty ordered not to go into action.
19th - Arcada - The Bde marched to W.L.’s in the Cusignana area. H.Q. went straight up into old H.Q. just N of Arcada Cemetary.
20th - Arcada - 1 sec of A / 240, B / 240, C / 240 went into action at 19/20th reliving A / 15 and O Bty respectively. B / 240 occupying previous position - which was vacant.
21st - Arcada - Italian officers came up with a view to take over. 1 sect of A / 240, B / 240, C / 240 relieved by 1 section of 3 batteries of the 24 "Italian Gruppe" during night of 21st and 22nd.
22nd - Arcada - Major and Adjt of 26th group came up to take over, remaining sections of 240 bde relieved by 24th Italian Group after midnight of the night of 22/23rd H.Q. 240 Bde handed over command of the group to the incoming Italians.
23rd - Cusignana - The Bde marched to S. Marco via Camalo - Postigma - Porcellengo - Istrana - Ospedaletto - Albaredo - a long march and a hot day. Poor billets at S. Marco and Campigo. Captain Corsan MC from 23rd DA reported to take command of C / 240. (vice Major Pridmore).
24th - S. Marco - The Bde marched to Villa Franca via Resana - Lorregia - Camposampiero - S. Guistina in Colle, Arsego, Cortarola, with a halt between Arsego - Ill'mulin for water and feed.
25th - Villa Franca - Bty’s busy settling in - accommodation rather cramped.
26th - Villa Franca - C.R.A. visited all bty’s and also interviewed the officers and N.C.O.’ s who attended the last Arty course at G.H.Q. school
27th/28th/29th - Villa Franca - Batteries carried out Bty staff exercises, driving drill, reconnaissance rides, and general training during these 3 days excellent training fields being obtained for this purpose.
30th - Villa Franca - Orders rec’d that 240 Bde will go up to reinforce 7th D.A. for an offensive operation to take place at an early date.
31st - Villa Franca - C.O. and O.C.’s C and D Bty left H.Q. 240 Bde at 7.15 a.m. by car to go forward to reconnoiter the bty’s position in 7th D.A. area. 6 other officers from 240 Bde went up in a lorry - leaving Villa Franca church at 6.30 a.m. to carry out reconnaissance – Orders rec’d that 1 officer and 25 O. R.’s from Bty would go up on April 1st as a working party on positions they will, really for the operation.
April 1918
1st - Villa Franca - Major Lane and all bty C.O.’s went out on a reconnaissance of the "Intermediate Line" and the "Line of the Hills" owing to the bad weather – reconnaissance was of no use.
2nd - Villa Franca - Orders rec’d at 1a.m. that the Bde will march at 9. a.m. C.O. and BC’s went up for another Recognisance – this time for offensive positions to support an attack by 7th Div Arty the fore the night. The Bde marched at10a.m. to Campisano via Torre Rossa.
3rd - Campisano - The Bde marched to Montecchio Maggiore via Torre di Quatro, Solo - Vicenza and Tavernelle. Got in at 2.30 p.m. very bad march due to congestion of traffic. C.O. and R.G. ? returned at midnight.
4th - Montecchio Maggiore - O.C.’s B and C 240 went out on further reconnaissance of the hills.
5th - Montecchio Maggiore - O. C.’s B and D 240 went up to carry out a further recognisance of the hills. Officers of the Bde attended a smoke demonstration at Padua in G.H.Q. School.
6th - Montecchio Maggiore - Nothing to report.
7th - Montecchio Maggiore - Parade Service of the entire Div Arty, at the Monumento – G.O.C. distributed 1914 stars after the ceremony.
8th - Montecchio Maggiore - C.O. B.C.’s and Adjt went up to see position to be occupied by 7th D.A. after finishing they went round all positions on the "Intermediate Line" and the "Line of the Hills", mounted boards on the Bty positions.
9th - Montecchio Maggiore - Nothing to report.
10th - Montecchio Maggiore - C.R.A. visited Bty’s of 240 Bde.
11th - Montecchio Maggiore - O.C B and D / 240 went up to the line with there working parties for 2 nights. G.O.C., came round and visited. all bty’s. Act/C.O. and Lt Leslie rode over to Castlegomberto to see G.O.C. 143 (Infantry) Bde regarding a tactical exercise to come off tomorrow.
12th - Montecchio Maggiore - Tactical exercise, Bde Staff and all bty staff’s did turnout.
13th - Montecchio Maggiore - Tactical Bde and Bty staff turned out. C.O. returned from leave.
14th - Montecchio Maggiore - Mule racing competition in the afternoon was won by D / 240.
15th - Montecchio Maggiore - By Divisional Drilled Dog, finished early and the Bde got back by 1.30 p.m. Bde boxing competition in the evening for light and feather wts – Crabtree won the former and Mills the latter weight.
16th - Montecchio Maggiore - C.O. went up the mountains to stay with 7 D.A. for 2 days, B.C.’s also went up to see the "Intermediate Line" and the "Line of the Hills".
17th - Montecchio Maggiore - Nothing to report.
18th - Montecchio Maggiore - B.C.’s went up to reconnoiter positions to be taken over from 23rd as they are coming out to rest.
19th - Montecchio Maggiore - Nothing to report.
20th - Montecchio Maggiore - The Bde "Stood To" for 24hrs proposed to occupy the "Intermediate Line" and the "Line of the Hills" C.O. retd from D. A.
21st - Montecchio Maggiore - Busy getting ready for the move to the hills to take over from 23rd D.A.
22nd - Montecchio Maggiore - ½ Bde marched to S. Rocco via Vicenza.
23rd - S. Rocco - 2nd half of Bde marched to S. Rocco via Vicenza and 1st half of Bde marched on to the W.L.’s of 23rd D.A.
24th - Fara - 1st half Bde and B.C.’s went up to the positions to take over from 23rd D.A. 2nd half of Bde marched from S. Rocco to 23rd D.A. W.L.’s. C.O. went to see 103rd Bde H.Q.
25th - In Action - Bde 240 took over from Bde H.Q. 103. relief completed by Bty’s and H.Q. at 3p.m.
26th - In Action - Bty’s busy making weather proof places. 48th D.A. took over at noon.
27th/28th - In Action - Nothing to report.
29th - In Action - C.R.A. visited all Bty positions.
30th - In Action - Nothing to report.
May 1918
1st/2nd - Asiago - Nothing to report.
3rd - Asiago - C.O. attended a conference at 7 D.A. Hqrs
4th - Asiago - Bty’s started wire cutting enemy front line between Morar and Vaister.
5th - Asiago - Bty’s wire cutting and D Bty bombarded strong point.
6th - Asiago - Wire cutting and bombardment continued.
7th - Asiago - Heavy rain all day, owing to very bad visibility, practically no wire cutting or bombardments were carried out. Lt. White from B / 240 was posted C / 240. Lt Robinson C / 241 posted B / 240.
8th 3.a.m. - Asiago - G.O.C. 144 Bde attempted to raid Morar, but owing to the heavy rain of 7th and 8th the Ghelpac was impassable. The C.O. went up to see his offensive H.Q. Italian mortars near H.Q. Bde, fired all afternoon - enemy retaliation came very near us, one 18" shell sending a splinter thro the building. 1 OR slightly wounded.
9th - Asiago - Visibility fair. Bty’s continued wire cutting and bombardment.
10th - Asiago - Wire cutting continued.
11th - Asiago - Wire cutting and bombardment continued. C.R.A. and B.M. came round.
12th - Asiago - Wire cutting and bombardment carried out in the morning. Rain made visibility bad in the afternoon.
13th - Asiago - Nothing to report.
14th - Asiago - B.C.’s conference at Bde H.Q. at 10 a.m. General Strong visited all Bty Dumps.
15th - Asiago - Hurricane Bombardment on RUTZER at 10.45 a. m. Wire cutting and bombardment continued[?] We are told that 3 Bde shall take over from 22 Bde R.F.A. 7th D.A. on the 22nd inst. General Wardrop visited the H.Q. and said he would be coming round again on the 18th.
16th - Asiago - 144th Infy Bde to raid Morar again but met large hostile patrols before getting to the objective. Wire cutting and bombardment continued.
17th - Asiago - Brig General Stanley Clark came to see the C.O. in the morning, General Strong visited offensive positions of A, B, C, D and H.Q. during the afternoon. Orders rec’d that we shall not take over from 22nd Bde but go out to rest.
18th - Asiago - General Wardrop C.B. C.M.G. visited all Bty’s and bty dumps of 240 Bde, he seemed quite satisfied on the whole.
19th - Asiago - C.O. attended a conference at 7 D.A. H.Q.
20th - Asiago - Wire cutting and bombardment reduced.
21st - Asiago - ½ bty’s of 240 Bde relived in action by ½ Bty’s of 103 Bde.
22nd - Asiago - Remaining ½ Bty’s of 240 Bde and Bde H.Q. relived in action by opposite No’s of 103 Bde, relief complete by 1.30 p.m. Advance ½ 240 Bde marched to Preara area. 2nd ½ of 240 Bde remained at W.L.’s at Fara.
23rd - Fara - Advance ½ Bde marched to Castlegomberto area via Isola - Vicentna - Malo - Prianbona and went into rest billets in that area. 2nd ½ of Bde moved to Preara.
24th - Preara - 2nd ½ Bde marched same route as advance ½ Bde arriving in billets before noon - owing to early start.
25th - Ghisa - Nothing to report. A / 240 marched to G.H.Q. Arty School to act as "Depot Bty."
26th - Ghisa - Church parade at C Bty Lines for B, C and D Btys.
27th/28th - Ghisa - Nothing to report.
29th - Ghisa - Orders rec’d that the Bde moves up to the line to take over from 22 Bde R.F.A. & D.A. relief to be carried out daylight on June 2nd and 3rd.
30th - Ghisa - Bty’s busy preparing for the move. Owing to an out break of Pyrexia (fever) in C Bty which temporarily laid out 40 men the Bty was ordered to remain at present billets-until further orders.
31st - Ghisa - ½ Bty’s of Band D / 240 marched from Researea to staging area at Preara leaving at 4 a.m. A / 240 marched from Palazzo Forti (GHQ Arty School) to Vicenza area billeting there for the night.
June 1918
1st - Ghisa - HQ Bde and 2nd ½ Btys of 240 Bde less C / 240 marched to billets in Preara area via Montecchio Maggiore, Tevernelle, Vicenza, Laghetto, Passo di Riva, watering and feeding outside Vicenza arriving in billets about Noon. G.O.C. R.A. inspected the Bde marching past at Tavernelle.
2nd - Preara - Left billets at 5.00 am in Preara and marched to 7th D A W.L'S in neighbourhood of Carteria Nodari arriving there at 8 am.
3rd - Carteria Nodari - Moved up into action on the Asiago Plateau relieving 22nd Bde RFA 7th Division. Relief complete by 2.30 am. LT Col Rudkin assumed command of Rt Group 48Div arty with A, B, & D / 240, B / 241, and 25 Btys in the group. HQ Group being at Mt Lemerle.
4th - Asiago Plateau - Btys busy getting settled in.
5th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
6th - Asiago Plateau - Rt Group Btys commenced wire cutting on enemy front line.
7th - Asiago Plateau - Btys continued wirecutting.
8th - Asiago Plateau - Wirecutting continued.
9th - Asiago Plateau - 1.15 am A, B, D Btys co-operated in a raid on Vaister houses. Vaister found unoccupied, but a prisoner was captured in the counter-attack delivered by the Austrians.
10th - Asiago Plateau - Wirecutting & harassing fire by Btys continued.
11th - Asiago Plateau - Orders recd for the offensive, an operation to be called "THE RAID." C / 240 marched from Il Palazetto to W.L’s at SERA.
12th - Asiago Plateau - C / 240 moved up into action in the evening, bringing up their own guns and occupying their offensive position N.E. of CESUNA - in action by 9.30 pm. Heavy rain fell all day.
13th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
14th - Asiago Plateau - 31st Bty moved guns into a position in the neighbourhood of VAlle and their personnel went to relieve personnel of D/240. Personnel of D/240 taking over guns of 31st Bty. Orders rec’d that the Austrian would attack on the morning of the 15th.
15th - Asiago Plateau - 3 am The Austrians started a very heavy bombardment with HE of all calibers from 13’ downwards, shrapnel, and gas shell. This was directed on all btys positions and approaches, valleys and roads as well as on our front trenches.
3.30 am - All bty's ordered to "Stand to."
3.35 am - Orders rec’d from D.A. to start "Counter Preparations" beyond the outpost line.
3.50 am - C/240 told.
3.57 am - D/240 told. The above two bty's only being in communication with Group HQ but all communication failed at 5 am.
5.30 am - B/241 report that they rec’d orders for "Counter Preparation" from O.C. Left Group also 31st Bty.
6.10 am - D.R. from Div Arty brought message to say that the Austrians will attack at 6 am, Btys to be warned that they may expect hostile bty's in action about Roanna, and to keep a sharp look out generally.
6.45 am - Communication obtained with D/240 & C/240 & they were advised of the situation. Lt. Graham being in charge of D/240 at that time as Major W.R.W Anderson was wounded.
6.50 am - O.C. Rt Group informed C.R.A. of the situation.
7.45 am - 145 Infantry Bde inform us that the enemy is pushing up the valley opposite. 1/5 Glos front about H 31.38.
8.42 am - Enemy reported in our line at Perghele.
8.45 am - 2 S.O.S rockets sent up from Night O.P.
8.58 am - Enemy seen advancing down slopes towards our lines from Ambrosini.
9.10 am - Orders rec’d from Div Arty to shell Perghele.
9.15 am - S.O.S. signal rept’d from Night O.P.
10 am - 145 Infy Bde report that we do not hold front line from S. Roncalto to N. of Traveso, but a line 100 x in rear of it.
10.05 am - Orderly from C/240 reported that C/240 had evacuated their position, taking breech blocks & dial sights, and that the enemy had captured their guns.
10.15 am - Report from O.P. states that the enemy have reached Perghele and are still advancing down slopes from Ambrosini.
10.40 am - A/240 engaged and dispersed 3 Corps of enemy infy seen advancing towards our lines from Ambrosini.
11 am - O.C. D/240 reports "enemy holding wood about H 33 Central some 800 x from Bty. I am assisting to hold Cesuna Switch, firing first charge.". After evacuating his position, Major Corsan armed his men with rifles and assisted to hold the Cesuna Switch. During the afternoon, A/240 & B/240 engaged several enemy concentrations & broke them up - the former bty also taking 3 hostile btys in the open and neutralizing their fire. D/240 continued to man their guns until the position became untenable owing to enemy M.G. fire, personnel then retreating with breech blocks & dial sights and assisting personnel of 12 Bty to man two of their guns which were in rear off D/240. About 6 pm a counter-attack was organised, but did not succeed on the left. C/240 guns remaining in the enemy’s hands during the night. D/240 withdrew their guns after dark to a rear position near CARRIOLA. Lt. E. Carter C/240 killed by shellfire.
16th - Asiago Plateau - 1 a.m. - During the night S.O.S. lines were adjusted to the existing line of defences. 7.30 am - Another counter-attack took place and the enemy were completely driven out. Our original line being held at 9 am. C/240’s guns were withdrawn to a position near Carriola. C.R.A. visited the Brigade during the afternoon. All communications restored.
17th/18th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
19th - Asiago Plateau - C.R.A. visited Bde HQs.
20th/21st - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
22nd - Asiago Plateau - All Btys Right Group registered S.O.S. lines during the day. Col. Russell D.S.O. R.A. arrived to command the Bde in Col Rudkin’s absence on leave.
23rd - Asiago Plateau - Col Russell made a reconnaissance of the enemy wire on the Group front.
24th - Asiago Plateau - Information rec’d that the postponed attack would take place. Col Rudkin's & Col Russel attended a conference at R.A.H.Q at 6 pm.
25th - Asiago Plateau - C & D/240 moved forward to occupy positions for offensive operations in the neighbourhood of Magnaboschi x roads in the morning. HQ48 Div Arty relieved by HQ7 D.A. at 10 am. Capt. R. K. Cotter joined to command D/240.
26th - Asiago Plateau - Orders rec’d that the attack is cancelled. Col Rudkin went on leave. Orders rec’d that the 91st Infy Bde would raid Canove on night.
26th/27th - Asiago Plateau - Rt Group assisted by C & D/241 to co-operate in barraging the enemy trenches in that neighbourhood. 11.30 pm The Raid on Canove started well.
27th 12.30 am - Asiago Plateau - Information rec’d the Raiding Party had achieved their object i.e. secured identifications, having captured 5 prisoners and killed over 30. The RAIDERS were very pleased with the barrage. Heavy rain fell during the morning.
28th - Asiago Plateau - During the evening instructions were rec’d that "all Btys were to be in a state of readiness" in anticipation of hostile attack.
29th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
30th - Asiago Plateau - Rt Group 48 D.A. assisted by C & D/241 fired a destructive shoot on enemy trenches in the vicinity of Canove.
July 1918
1st - Asiago Plateau - Orders recd in the morning that 240 Bde will move to 23rd D.A. area to take over positions occupied by 22nd Bde R.7 A on 2nd, 3rd & 4th bat (?).
2nd - Asiago Plateau - Enemy shelled Bde HQ with 15" – destroying the hut occupied by the HQ personnel & killed one man. All Btys of 240 Bde sent one section to relieve one section of each Bty of 22nd Bde R. 7 A during the day relief complete by 2 p.m.
3rd 2 am - Asiago Plateau - All Btys Right Group fired in conjunction with raid on Canove. Raid quite successful – 7 prisoners taken and several enemy killed – our casualties one man missing. 2nd section per Bty 240 relieved 2nd section per Bty 22nd Bde R. 7A. 22 Bde R. 7 A. HQ 240 Bde moved to vacated HQ 22 Bde at TORLE – having no command there – A & B/240 being attd to Rt Group 23rd D.A. and C & D/240 to Left Group 23rd D.A.
4th 2.50 am - Asiago Plateau - All Btys Right Group assisted Left Group in a raid on Stella – which was not very successful – our casualties being one killed and 18 wounded and only 2 prisoners captured. Remaining sections of 240 Bde were relieved during the day relief was complete by 4.30 pm and command of Rt Group 48 D.A. passed to Major ABel O.C.
5th/6th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
7th - Asiago Plateau - Col Russell took over command of Rt Group 23rd D.A. from Lt-Col Badham-Thornhill (103 Bde) in the morning – but working with the HQ staff of the 103 Bde.
8th - Asiago Plateau - All Btys on British front in Italy ordered not to fire from midnight 7th/8th until 4 am, on the morning of the 10th.
9th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
10th - Asiago Plateau - HQ of 240 Bde (less Col Russel) relieved 103 Bde HQ in action in command of Rt Group 23rd D.A.
11th - Asiago Plateau - B/240 moved one section to a new position on Busa del Ghiaceto. G.O.C. 48th DIV inspected rear wagon lines.
12th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
13th - Asiago Plateau - B/240 moved one section to new position on Busa del Ghiaceto.
14th 11 pm - Asiago Plateau - Two batteries of Right Group assisted French in raid on enemy system south of Sismol.
15th 11 pm - Asiago Plateau - Right Group batteries assisted in a successful raid by 10th N.F. on enemy trenches in vicinity of SEC. Prisoners captured 24; our casualties light. Considerable number of enemy killed by our barrage & by the raiders.
16th/17th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
18th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report. Work begun on anti-tank gun positions on forward slope of Kaberlaba.
19th 12.00 midnight - Asiago Plateau - Three batteries of Right Group assisted in raid by 9th Yorks on enemy trench system on Coda spur. Prisoners taken 17.
20th - Asiago Plateau - B/240 moved one gun into new position on Busa del Ghiaceto. 48th Divisional Sports & Horse Show at rear wagon lines.
21st/22nd - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
23rd - Asiago Plateau - G.O.C. R.A. 48th DIV took over command of the Right Divisional Artillery at 11 am. One section from each of C/240 & D/240 relieved one section of B/102 & D/102, thereby joining the Right Group RFA.
24th - Asiago Plateau - Another section from each of C/240 & D/240 joined Right Group RFA relieving sections of B/102 & D/102 respectively. Command of batteries passed 12 noon.
25th - Asiago Plateau - Third section of each battery relieved the remaining sections of B/102 & D/102.
26th/27th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
28th - Asiago Plateau - Group batteries tested S.O.S. lines. The two anti-tank guns were put into position on the northern slopes of Kaberlaba North tonight.
29th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report. Wire cutting by Hows.
30th - Asiago Plateau - Wire cutting & usual harassing fire.
31st - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
August 1918
1st/2nd - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
3rd - Asiago Plateau - 5.30 am . All Right Group batteries less A/240 assisted in raid by a party from Left Infantry Brigade. Seven prisoners were captured & about 30 reported killed. Enemy system raided, cutting south of Gaiga south. Our casualties two officers missing, otherwise light. The French carried out a raid at the same hour on Zocchi & captured 120 prisoners including a colonel. Information gained from this colonel was to the effect that an enemy raid was going to take place on Val Dal Brun on the night of 3rd/4th. Acting on this information all batteries in the Group were warned to open up another "Outpost Barrage" on receiving the S.O.S. call. The piquet (?) line was strongly held in anticipation of the raid. 11.30 pm - The enemy put down a barrage on the piquet (?) front line of the night battalion of our sector. 11.35 pm. - S.O.S. call was received from Night O.P. officer & the Battalion Liaison Officer which was passed on to the batteries by phone & S.O.S. rocket.
4th 12.10 am. - Asiago Plateau - Enemy fire gradually subsided until about 12.10 am, it ceased. 12.50 am. - The French & 24th RGA Groups who had opened fire in response to our call, were requested to cease firing. Five minutes later all group batteries ceased firing.
5th - Asiago Plateau - 4.5 Hows & 6" T.M.’s cut wire at points from & including AVE and SEC.
6th - Asiago Plateau - Wire cutting continued.
7th - Asiago Plateau - Wire cutting & harassing fire.
8th - Asiago Plateau - Wire cutting continued, assisted 6 in. Hows. 12.00 midnight to 2.30 am . 9th - Right Group batteries including Capitano Richini of 419th Italian Battery of this group, supported an intensive raid on AVE & SEC & outskirts of ASIAGO by the 7th Battalion Royal Warwicks & two companies of the 5th Royal Warwicks, both of the 143 Infantry Brigade, the Right Brigade in the line. The raid was carried out in conjunction with similar raids along the front held by the British. Total number of prisoners taken by 143 Infantry Brigade 111 including 1 officer. Our casualties light. On the whole British front we took about 350 prisoners including 7 officers, 6 machine guns, 4 trench mortars, 1 searchlight & 5 pack ponies. Enemy casualties very heavy.
9th - Asiago Plateau - Situation normal during day. 11.15 pm . Three batteries of the Group assisted the French on our right in a successful raid on M. SISEMOL area. The remaining batteries of the Group including the 419th Italian battery, one from the Left Group & 2 6" How. Batteries, bombarded the area raided last night. A creeping barrage was put down at 3 am (?) plus 1 hr 20 mins & raiding parties from 6th & 8th Warwicks went over. No prisoners were taken.
10th/11th/12th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
13th - Asiago Plateau - 4.20 am. Enemy opened light barrage on Left Brigade and left of Right Brigade. The barrage was put down on his own wire and on the piquet and outpost lines. The barrage was opened in response to a chain of red rockets. At the request of Left Group RFA A/240 was put on to search no mans land from north of POSLEN to enemy front line. Order to stop firing was given at 5.10 am . Enemy fire stopped at 5.25 am . Nothing to report for remainder of the day.
14th/15th/16th/17th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
18th - Asiago Plateau - Orders rec’d that forward positions are to be filled up with ammun. – in view of a probable Austrian retirement.
19th - Asiago Plateau - G.O.C. R.A. visited Group HQ, and some of the Group Btys.
20th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report. 11.45 pm . All Group Btys fired a "Crash" on road between VE & AVE.S. in conjunction with an infantry patrol enterprise. No prisoners captured.
21st/22nd - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
23rd - Asiago Plateau - During the night 2nd/24th Rt Group fired special night firing tasks on all roads & tracks in Group Zone.
24th - Asiago Plateau - Special night firing on all roads & tracks carried out on night 24/25. 10.15. Rt Group Btys fired for 6 mins on enemy trenches in front of AVE & SEC. Immediately on cessation of this burst, a strong infantry patrol pushed forward, re-entered trenches in neighbourhood of AVE capturing 3 prisoners – a similar patrol entered trenches around SEC, also capturing 3 prisoners. Our total casualties for both attacks being 3 men wounded.
25th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report. Special night firing continued on night 25/26.
26th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
27th - Asiago Plateau - 10.40 am. All bty's Right Group – assisted by French arty, Left Group, & HA tried in conjunction with large Infy raid on trench area from AVE to TRANCHEE DES, Barbares. All fire ceased at 12.10 am. The raid was successful 210 prisoners & 1 officer being captured, and a large amount of dead were observed. Our casualties were 100 men & 15 officers wounded.
28th - Asiago Plateau - 11.45 pm. Under an arty barrage put up by Right Group 4th Gloucesters raided SEC. The enemy put up a stout fight, but our party inflicted severe casualties on the garrison & destroyed a M.G. also bringing 3 prisoners back with them. The infantry report the barrage was excellent.
29th - Asiago Plateau - 9.30 am . G.O.C. R.A., G.H.Q. came round to Group HQ, C.O. accompanied him around all Group Btys and to some of the O.P.’s.
30th/31st - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
September 1918
1st - Asiago Plateau - 10.00pm . All bty's fired for 3 minutes on AVE. SPUR in the hope of catching hostile patrols. 10.30pm. above procedure repeated.
2nd - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report. Visibility very bad owing to heavy mist.
3rd/4th/5th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
6th - Asiago Plateau - 4.51 am. 3 18 Pdr Btys and 1.4’5 How fired in conjunction with French raid on Stellar.
7th/8th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
9th - Asiago Plateau - 2 Lt H. J. A. Seeley joined the Bde from R.A. Reinforcement Camp & was posted to C/240.
10th - Asiago Plateau - 4 am. All Btys Right Group assisted by French arty, H.A. and Left Group fired in support of raid by ¼ Ox & Bucks L.1. on trenches and dugouts in the neighbourhood of SEC.
11th/12th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
14th - Asiago Plateau - 2 Lieut Howarth joined the Bde from BASE & was attd to A/240 for duty.
15th – 18th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
19th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report. Orders rec’d that all forward offensive positions are to be cleared of ammunition
20th - 25th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
26th - Asiago Plateau - All ammun. From forward positions cleared to Div Arty dump.
27th/28th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
29th - Asiago Plateau - A composite bty from the Bde took part in a review before the king of Italy.
30th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
October 1918
1st/2nd/3rd - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report
4th - Asiago Plateau - 4.a.m. Our Bty’s fired in support of a raid on the AVE sector.
5th/6th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
7th - Asiago Plateau - Col H.O.B. Russell D.S.O. went on leave the Bde was commanded by Major C. W. Bayne–Jardine, D.S.O. M.C. During his absence.
8th/9th/10th - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
11th - Asiago Plateau - 3. a.m. Our Bty’s fired in support of an infantry raid.
12th to 23rd - Asiago Plateau - Nothing to report.
24th 12.15 a.m.- Asiago Plateau - Our Bty’s fired in support of an infantry raid.
29th 2.45a.m.- Asiago Plateau - Fired in support of Infy Raid. Infantry found enemy trenches unoccupied. During the day A/240 and C/240 moved 1 sec each to forward positions.
30th - Asiago Plateau - A/240 moved second section to position in &qiot;No Mans Land" C/240 moved second section into it’s forward position. B/240 moved a section just short of our front line. 1 section of How’s of D/240 moved forward to position in rear of S. Sito Ridge.
31st - Asiago Plateau - A/240 and C/240 withdrew remaining sections in there rear positions to adv W.L.’s at Granezza. D/240 moved another section to forward position.
November 1918
1st - Asiago Plateau - 240 Bde R.F.A. moved forward in support of 144 Infy Bde in pursuit of the retreating Austrians. D/240 sent 1 section with advance guard of 143 Infy Bde. Bde camped at for the night in Vle Portile.
2nd - Vle Portile - The Bde Moved forward, and camped for the night at Caldonazzo.
3rd - Caldonazzo - The Bde Moved forward and encamped for the night at Nogare.
4th/5th/6th - Nogare - Nothing to report.
7th - Nogare - The Bde marched back and camped for the night at Caldonazzo.
8th - Caldonazzo - The Bde marched back and camped for the night at Bertoli.
9th - Bertoli - The Bde continued to march back and spent the night at Ghertele.
10th - Ghertele - The Bde continued the march back and spent the night at Granezze.
11th - Granezze - The Bde marched to old W.L.’s at Preara.
11th to 23rd - Preara - Nothing to report.
24th - Preara - 240 Bde marched to billets in St. Vito de Legozanno via Malo.
25th to 30th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Nothing to report.
December 1918
1st/2nd - St. Vito de Legozanno - Nothing to report.
3rd - St. Vito de Legozanno - C.R.A. inspected A/240 the on drill parade.
4th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Nothing to report.
5th - St. Vito de Legozanno - C.R.A. inspected C/240 the on drill parade. G.O.C. Division also attended.
6th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Nothing to report.
7th - St. Vito de Legozanno - C.R.A. inspected D/240 on drill order parade.
8th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Colonel Russell sent to hospital.
9th to 31st - St. Vito de Legozanno - Nothing to report.
January 1919
1st to 4th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Nothing to report.
5th - St. Vito de Legozanno - G.O.C. Division inspected C/240 and D/240.
6th to 12th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Nothing to report.
13th - St. Vito de Legozanno - G.O.C. Division inspected A/240 and B/240.
14th - St. Vito de Legozanno - D/240 inspected. (G.H.Q. competition.)
15th to 21st - St. Vito de Legozanno - Nothing to report.
22nd - St. Vito de Legozanno - C.R.A. inspected all Horses of the Brigade.
23rd to 31st - St. Vito de Legozanno - Nothing to report.
February 1919
1st - St. Vito de Legozanno - Brigade Training. -------? further to refit.
2nd - St. Vito de Legozanno - Inspection of all horses by the G.O.C. for ------ ----------- -- ------ ? to A. of O.
3rd to 10th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Nothing to report.
11th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Inspection of A of O. horses by --- --- -----? Bde.
13th to 18th - St. Vito de Legozanno - ------? the A of O. Rly – General Bde training.
19th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Visit of G.O.C. R.A. att all personnel of A. of O.
20th - St. Vito de Legozanno - A. of O. Bty moved off to new area at Arcole. Final parade of remainder Bde horses.
21st - St. Vito de Legozanno - Major R. A. Corsan D.S.O. relinquishes command of Bde to A. of O.
22nd - St. Vito de Legozanno - 50 mules sent to - - - - - - construction camp.
23rd-26th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Gun and wagons were turned moved to new area at Tezze. Assistance being given by 241 Bde.
28th - St. Vito de Legozanno - Bde moved from St. Vito de Legozanno to Tezze.
March 1919
1st - Tezze - A L D ? horses +(LD) unit sent to collecting camp Montebello.
2nd to 9th - Tezze - Nothing to report.
10th - Tezze - Sent F.S. Gedye M.C. A/240 Bde R.F.A., proceeded to U.K. for dispersal.
11th/12th - Tezze - Nothing to report.
13th - Tezze - All guns and vehicles returned to wagon park from to being entrained – horses from A of O used for this duty.
14th - Tezze - All Bde stores and equipment handed over to O.C. Tavernelle.
15th to 17th - Tezze - Nothing to report.
18th - Tezze - Town of Arzignana placed out of bounds to all troops.
18th to 20th - Tezze - Nothing to report.
21st - Tezze - Orders for entraining rec’d.
22nd - Tezze - Nothing to report.
Signed
? F. Jimmy Bond Lieut.
Adjt 240 Bde R.F.A.
Sources and Resources
Derek Driscoll's original pages
War Diary of 240th (S.M.) Brigade R.F.A.
War Diary of 240th (S.M.) Brigade R.F.A.