Document 12 - “Order No. 37”

Orders for a trench raid to be carried out by 33rd Battalion in February 1917

The commanding officer of the 9th Brigade sent this order to the 33rd Battalion on 22 February 1917. It instructed the battalion to raid the enemy trenches opposite them, near Houplines in France.

Source: 33rd Battalion AIF War Diary, February 1917, AWM4 23/50/4.

Ask Yourself

  1. What motives does Brigade headquarters have for ordering the raid?
  2. Which weapons are involved in the raid?
  3. How is each weapon used in the scheme?
  4. Are there any deficiencies in the planning that might cause the raid to fail?