Peaceful Penetration - Example of "Peaceful Penetration"

Example of "Peaceful Penetration"

An example of peaceful penetration is a series of patrols carried out on 11 July 1918 that were led by Lieutenant CR Morley and Lieutenant GE Gaskell (each patrol totalling just 4 men). The patrol led by Lieutenant Gaskell captured 32 Germans and 3 machine guns. The patrol led by Lieutenant Morley captured 36 Germans and 4 machine guns. As a result of leading these patrols, both Lieutenant Gaskell and Lieutenant Morley won Military Crosses, and others on the patrols won Distinguished Conduct Medals. As noted in the 1st Battalion Diary:

The patrols continued to operate during the morning and succeeded in capturing practically the whole outpost garrison of the enemy.

At 2 pm the Commanding Officer decided to exploit the success of the enterprise with the result that our line was advanced… an average depth of 200 yards.

Our total captives amounted to 2 Officers, 98 o/ranks and 8 machine guns.