Map Request

[Mark Foxe]

Greetings,

Would anyone be so kind as to provide a snapshot of the following two map references from Sheet 28 SW:

Crucifix Corner - S.18.c.40.95

and

Petit Pont - T.27.d.30.10

Thanks in anticipation.

Mark

[towisuk]

Crucifix corner turns out to be map reference S.18A.5.2.....from "Linesman"

Tom

[towisuk]

The co-ordinates for Petit Pont falls between two maps, neither map indicates a place marked Petit Pont....

[towisuk]

But looking on Google Earth using the map co-ordinates, finds something which could be a small bridge next to the road..... petit pont, (small bridge)

regards

Tom

[Mark Foxe]

Tom,

Many thanks for the maps. Very helpful, particularly to see the location of camps in close proximity.

The original reference I gave for Crucifix Corner was from a war diary and the Battalion HQ listed its location as such. The map reference near Petit Pont was a reference again from a war diary for the location of a relief model for Messines Ridge, one of a number constructed for preparing troops for the June 1917 battle.

Best wishes,

Mark

[towisuk]

Just come accross this photograph from the AWM...

description given as ............

"Petit Pont, Belgium. Australians in a motor lorry watching German shells bursting on Hill 63 during the battle of Messines."

(The soldiers in the photo would be looking in a N.E. direction....Tom)

Link to the AWM site the photograph is from....

http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/E00596

regards

Tom

[towisuk]

"Petit Pont, Belgium. 25 June 1917. The four Vickers machine guns of No. 1 Section, 4th Australian Machine Gun Company engaged in gun practice in old trenches at Petit Pont. The Company was resting and training here after the Battle of Messines. They will return to the front line at Gapaard Farm, east of Messines on 28 June 1917 for a fifteen day holding operation. (Donor H. Kennare)"

[towisuk]

"Australians of the 13th Brigade studying the large contour map near Petit Pont, Belgium, which was specially made to give the troops a knowledge of the Messines battlefield. The operation, which opened the next morning, was completely successful. It was considered as much a triumph of methodical planning and organisation as it was a great feat of arms. (The men in slouch hats are of D Company, 14th Battalion)"

[towisuk]

"Petit Pont, Belgium. 25 July 1917. Informal group portrait of officers of the 4th Australian Machine Gun Company during a period of rest and training after a fifteen day holding operation at the front line at Gapaard Farm, east of the recently captured Messines. The Company suffered a significant number of casualties from intense German bombardment with high explosive and shrapnel, gas and machine gun fire. Identified, back row, left to right: Lieutenant (Lt) Hunt, Lt Hopkins, Lt Clouston, Lt Wright, Lt Pettit, Lt Hicks and Lt John H. Kennare. Front row: Lt Headland, Captain (Capt) Langbourne, Capt Mitchell MC and Lt Garner MM. (Donor H. Kennare)"

All photo's from the AWM and in the public domain.....

[Mark Foxe]

Thanks for the photos Tom. The photo in Post #8 is where your Google Maps image is likely to be, based on the coordinates obtained from 14th Battalion War Diary.

Regards,

Mark