February
1944
February
1944
1st February
Field firing exercise in the forenoon on the Ilkley Moors, conditions not too good with the mist and heavy rain showers. Was put on a charge for failing to bring the Platoon into action during the exercise when the officer was not available. Reprimanded by the CO when he returned to camp.
2nd February
In charge of the Platoon on swimming lessons at Leeds baths in the forenoon. Weapons training in the afternoon using German and Italian rifles and light machine guns. QM kit check before tea time a sure sign we will be on the move in the near future.
3rd February
Fire fighting demonstration given by fire brigade at Bradford. Various types of equipment for different types of fire explained. returned to camp, I had a feeling that I should be at home with Nancy's time was about due. Explained to Major Aitken how I felt. He wrote out a 48 hour pass immediately.
Went to Leeds and caught the first available train for the North arriving at Prestwick at 2215. Son born at 1240. Nancy O.K. but couldn't understand how I arrived so quickly as the telegram could only be arriving at Farnley Park.
4th February
Decided to call our son James. No sleep for Nancy or myself as he howled most of the night. Returned to camp leaving Kilmarnock by train at 2215 feeling very sorry for myself.
5th February
Arrived at Farnley Park from Prestwick at 0600. Attended the Company Office at 0900 for an interview with Major Aitken. Explained the position at Prestwick whereby he made out a seven day pass and told me to catch the first available train for the North. Arrived at Prestwick at 1730.
6th February
Both of us had very little sleep. Junior must be starving as he cried almost non-stop all night. Went to mass in the morning, the rest of the day was saying hello to Nancy's friends.
7th February
Contacted Farnley Park requesting further leave. Telegram arrived granting an extension to the 18th. Passed the time out walking and going to the pictures. Jimmy was baptised on the 13th by Father Breen.
18th February
Last day of compassionate leave. Spent the day in Ayr shopping and getting Jimmy's ration books. Left for the South on the 2130 train out of Kilmarnock after a relaxed and happy holiday.
19th February
Reached Farnley Park at 0530 to find the camp empty; Battalion out on an exercise. No one missed me as I had been promoted to Lance Sergeant and transferred to "D" Company.
20th February
Very peaceful, wrote some letters, had a meal in the Sergeants mess for the first time. Sleeping and reading passed the time. Decided to join the Battalion on exercise "Eagle" tomorrow morning.
21st February
Arrived at Doncaster to report for duty in the forenoon. Treated as an exercise casualty. Decided to pass the time in Doncaster; went to pictures, then returned to local racecourse to sleep under canvas. Only one blanket available, very cold and wet.
22nd February
Left Doncaster at 0830 to catch up on the Battalion somewhere to the North. After a 50 mile truck journey reach dispersal point at noon and had something to eat. Reached "B" Echelon at 1630, remained there, slept in the open on a ground sheet and one blanket (wish I had stayed at Otley).
23rd February
Arrived at "D" Company lines near Driffield after dark. Slept under a hedge with one of "D" Company men. Two ground sheets made a makeshift tent. Bitterly cold with non-stop rain.
24th February
Still in the same position awaiting orders to move. Convoys on the move day and night, both armoured and infantry divisions on the move. Seemingly over a million troops are on this exercise. Co-operation between the various units and commanders are the main objectives. IC of HQ guard tonight.
25th February
Exercise "Eagle" finished last night. Packed-up and ready to move at 1130. Marched out in FSMO for three miles to pick-up transport arrived back at Farnley at 1945. Quite a number of casualties during "Eagle", a number killed by tanks and drowned crossing the river.
26th February
Reported to "D" Company's CSM first thing in the morning. As expected was made orderly Sergeant. Checked Company's lines for cleanliness. Next orderly room with defaulters. Finished the day all duties present and lights out at 2200.Received three letters from Nancy, Jimmy seems to be full of beans.
27th February
Kept busy handling passes issued from Company office and ensuring defaulters were doing their duties. Answering for the Company, at lights out, completed my day. Wrote some letters before bedtime.
28th February
Company duties during the day, Town Picket at night. Otley is quite as most men have a pass for Leeds. Returned to Farnley Park reporting no problems to the duty officer.
29th February
A number of men brought to the Company office charged with losing equipment on exercise "Eagle". CC decided that the value will be deducted from the men's wages. IC of 17 Platoon during the absence of the officer who is on leave. In charge of guard as of 1700.