The First World War
War Diary of The Royal Canadian Regiment

Transcription by Captain Michael O'Leary, The RCR.

MARCH 1918

APPENDIX 5
SECRET
Copy No. 17

R.C.R. TEMPORARY DEFENCE SCHEME AVION SECTION

11th March 1918

Reference Maps:-
VIMY 36C. S.W. 1/10,000
LENS 36C. S.W. 1/10,000

GENERAL.

1.     The AVION Section is sub-divided into Right and Left Sub-Sections each held by one Battalion in the Line.

BOUNDARIES.

2.    The Boundary between the Right and Left Sub-Section is as follows:-

N.33.a.14.1 then South along Railway (inclusive to Right Sub-Section) as far as N.32.d.9.2 thence to N.32.d.58.42, thence along North west side of BEAVER to ADEPT at T.2.a.4.3.

The Right and Brigade Boundary is as follows:-

T.4.c.20.85 - T.3.d.70.58. - T.3.c.70.22. - T.3.b.10.84.

TRENCH SYSTEM.

3.    Observation Line. MEAGRE TRENCH North of its Junction with AVION TRENCH - SULLIVAN TRENCH.

Front Line. BILLY-BURKE TRENCH from Southern Brigade Boundary to MEAGRE TRENCH to T.3.b.1.5 (Junc. With AVION TRENCH - AVION TRENCH to SASKATOON TRENCH.

Intermediate Support Line. ACTRESS.

DISPOSITION OF BATTALION

4.     Headquarters. T.2.b.20.80
Right F.L. Co. T.3.a.65.45
Centre F.L.Co. T.3.a.22.60
Left F.L. Co. N.32.d.70.35
Support Co. T.3.c.60.90
2 Platoons. In the Observation Trenches furnishing their own local Supports and counter-attack parties.
8 Platoons. In the Front Line as a permanent garrison.
6 Platoons. In the Intermediate Support Line, whose duty it will be to immediately counter-attack and recapture Front Line in the event of it being temporarily lost. (%)

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF DEFENCE

5.     (1)     The Garrison of every Trench System, locality or Post will hold its ground to the last.

(2)     Should any portion of the Front Line System be penetrated by the enemy an immediate counter-attack will be delivered to recover the lost Section of ground.

(3)     All Officers must consider the action to be taken by the men under their command in the event of penetration of their trench by the enemy, and will think out a plan of action and take necessary precautions to see that overland routes are familiar to all.

Company Commanders must always be prepared to refuse their flank and be in mutual agreement with Units on their Right and left.

WORKING PARTIES.

6.     In the event of an attack all working parties in the vicinity will man the nearest rench and come under the orders of the Company Commander concerned.

Lieut.-Col.
Commanding The Royal Canadian Regiment.

% 2 Platoons not yet placed in intermediate supports owing to no accommodation.

Copy No. 1 - 7th C.I.B.
No. 2. - P.P.C.L.I.
No. 3. - 42nd Cdn. Battalion.
No. 4. - 5th C.M.R's
No. 5. - "A" Coy.
No. 6. - "B" Coy.
No. 7. - "C" Coy.
No. 8. - "D" Coy.
No. 9. - C.O.
No. 10. - Second i/c.
No. 11. - Scout Officer.
No. 12. - B.O.
No. 13. - B.G.O.
No. 14. - File.
No. 15 - 17. - War Diary.