The First World War
War Diary of The Royal Canadian Regiment

Transcription by Captain Michael O'Leary, The RCR.

JANUARY 1918

APPENDIX 4
SECRET
Copy No. __

THE ROYAL CANDIAN REGIMENT
DEFENCE SCHEME

Reference Map.
LENS 36 C.S.W.1.

1.     DESCRIPTION OF SECTOR.

The battalion Area is known as the Right Sub-Sector of the Brigade Area.

2.     BOUNDARIES.

SOUTHERN. LA SOUCHEZ RIVER at N.25.B.80.40.
NORTHERN. N.80.A.10.30.

3.     TRENCH SYSTEM.

Front Line System.

Support Line AGUE Trench designated as the BLUE LINE.

A central Communication trench ADROIT ans ABSOLOM leading to the RED LINE.

There is also a Trench named APPROACH running between the Front Line and AGUE (parallel to AGUE).

4.     METHODS OF HOLDING LINE.

2 Companies in the Front Line.

2 Companies in the Support Line.

The Front Line is held principally by Advanced Posts and Lewis Guns put out in Front of the Observation Line. The SJanuaryupport Line is held throughout by Lewis Guns and Posts, being the Second Line of Resistance.

5.     PRINCIPLES OF DEFENCE.

(a)     The Front Line is to be held to the last.

(b)     In the event of the enemy making an entry into our line, a locals Counter-Attack will be immediately launched by the nearest troops without waiting for orders. Two Platoons from the BLUE LINE being specially ear-marked for this purpose.

6.     DESCRIPTION OF TERRAIN, ETC.

In the vicinity of the Front Line the ground is flat, the remains of broken down buildings being the outstanding feature.

To the SOUTH it appears that the GREEN CRASSIER forms an obstacle to us and is of considerable importance to the enemy, believed to be strongly held, it is possible that a Local attack could be launched from here against us.

7.     ACTION IN CASE OF AN ATTACK.

Three situations to be considered;-

(a)     Raids.

(b)     Local Attack to secure possession of some important sector or locality.

(c)     General Attack involving Brigade Frontage or Flanks of Brigade.

(a)     Raids, it is thought that these can only be put on on a small scale with the object to obtaining information and seizing a Post.

(b)     To be dealt with in accordance with para 5 (b).

(c)     General Attack. All Companies will at once stand to and await orders.

Should the enemy succeed in breaking through Our Front Line System, the BLUE LINE will be considered the line of resistance and must be held at all costs.

7.     WORKING PARTIES.

In the event of an attack, working parties at once come under the disposal of the Company Commander where they are working and will stand to in the nearest Fighting Trench.

Issued at .... p.m.

7-1-18.

Major.
Commanding The Royal Canadian Regiment.

Copy No. 1. - 7TH Cdn. Inf. Bde.
No. 2. - "A" Co.
No. 3. - "B" Co.
No. 4. - "C" Co.
No. 5. - "D" Co.
No. 6. - L.O.
No. 7. - B.O.
No. 8. - S.O.
No. 9. - T.O.
No. 10. - Medical Officer.
No. 11.-13. - War Diary.
No. 14. - File.