The First World War
War Diary of The Royal Canadian Regiment

Transcription by Captain Michael O'Leary, The RCR.

APRIL 1917

APPENDIX 4.

C.J.W.

TEMPORARY DEFENCE SCHEME
4th and 5th Line

7TH Canadian Infantry Brigade Frontage.

Map Reference 3c c.S.W. 1/10,000.

LINES OF DEFENCE.

1.     The 4th Line of Defence runs from S.22.b.3.3. to S.30.c.8.5. i.e., Old Observation Line of consolidation Scheme on VIMY RIDGE as consolidated on the 9th April 1917.

The 5th Line of Defence runs from S.22.d.2.9. to S.29.c.3.1 1/2. i.e., Old Resistance Line of consolidation scheme as consolidated on 9th April 1917.

These Lines must be held to the last.

GARRISON.

2.     The Battalion in Brigade Reserve is responsible for the Garrison of these two Lines, which in the event of attack will be manned by two Companies, one in the fourth line and one in the fifth line, the remaining two Companies are placed at the disposal of the Brigadier and will be used as directed by him.

LOCATION OF BTN AND CO H.Q.

3.     Battalion H.Q. is at SPANDAU HAUS S.20.a.2.0.
Junior Btn H.Q. at S.23.c.1.0.
1 Company Headquarters at S.28.b.8.6.
1 Company Headquarters at S.29.c.2.8.
1 Company Headquarters at S.23.c.4.6.
1 Company Headquarters at S.23.c.4.6.

LOCATION OF COMPANIES.

4.     1 Company in and close to ECOLE COMMUNE, SCHLOSS WEG and STRAUSWESSERWEG.

3 Companies in PRINZ ARNOLF TUNNEL.

DISTRIBUTION IN CASE OF ATTACK.

5.     The Company in and about ECOLE COMMUNE will at once occupy the Old Observation Line in LA FOLIE WOOD.

The Company at the EAST end of the Tunnel will at once occupy the old Line of Resistance.

The remaining two Companies remain in the Tunnel until ordered to move under instructions received from the Brigadier.

The Old Line of Resistance is approximately the line is the SCHWISCHEN STELLUNG, which is in a very bad condition and could only be actually held in Parts. There area, however, many Shellholes which give good cover and Lewis Guns and Snipers judiciously placed could offer considerable resistance. It is suggested that the best Line to hold would be BEG, FAMINE, FEATHER and FICKLE. It would appear that this Line in the present condition could offer better resistance than an ordinary 3 x 3 Trench.

COMPANIES AT DISPOSAL OF G.B.C.

6.     These two Cos. Would be ready to move off from the Tunnel in about 20 or 25 minutes.

DUMPS.

7.     It is suggested that Small Dumps be established in rear of the 4th and 5th Lines. Four in rear of the one and four in rear of the other, at the following locations;-

4th Line Dumps.

5th Line Dumps.

Each Dump to contain at least

REGIMENTAL AID POST.

8.     Established at S.29.a.2.0.

28-4-17.

(sgd) C.H. Hill
Lieut. Colonel.
Commanding The Royal Canadian Regiment.

Copy No. 1 - 7TH Canadian Infantry Brigade.
2 - "A" Company.
3 - "B" Company.
4 - "C" Company.
5 - "D" Company.
6 - Scouts.
7 - Signallers.
8 - Lewis Gun Officer.
9 - M.O.
10 to 12 - War Diary.