March
1944
March
1944
1st March
Inspected and dismissed the guard at reveille, company on boot exchange in the forenoon. Tried to get a new overcoat but CQMS wouldn't listen even if the one I have is miles too big. Company practising for the Inter-Company sports in the afternoon.
2nd March
BOS and CSM duties today as both of them are at the Battalion sports day in Otley. As part of their duties I had to mount the Battalion guard at 1700 and dismiss the staff parade at 2200.
3rd March
Put-in for weekend pass to Prestwick; keeping my fingers crossed that it will be accepted. Arms drill and pay parade were only duties I had today.
4th March
After a good deal of grumbling from the CSM received my week-end pass at dinner time. Caught the 1530 train out of Leeds arriving at Prestwick, two hours late, at 2330. Both Nancy and Jimmy looking and feeling well.
5th March
Went to mass at 1130, returned home for dinner then took a walk along the new road. Weather dry and quite warm (a real spring day). Enjoying the break to the full. Had another walk, along the beach, before going to the Odean to see the "Behind the Rising Sun". Caught the 2155 train out of Kilmarnock for the South after a happy week-end.
6th March
Arrived at Leeds at 0500 having had to stand all the way. Reached the camp at 0630 to find the CSM on a short pass. Too bad I couldn't managed another day at home.
7th March
RSM in a flat spin. Battalion has to supply 100 men as guard of honour for the King who is expected to be in the area in the near future. The Gordons have the honour of representing the 15th Scottish Division.
9th March
IC of 2 section at Brigade HQ on a mine course given by the West Riding Circuit. Methods of lifting German and Italian mines and were to look for anti-lifting devices explained.
10th March
Left camp at 0900 for an all day mine clearing exercise with the Polish mine detectors. Given details of different types of mines we will come across in the near future. Returned
to camp.
11th March
In charge of the Platoon on a clothing parade in the forenoon and managed to get my greatcoat replaced. On a mine detection course in the afternoon at Brigade HQ. Met two American Sergeants attached to Brigade for experience. They were not very keen on route marches with FSMO. Our food rations seem to be below their standards.
12th March
On saluting patrol in Leeds, felt a hand on my shoulder whilst taking the particulars of a Corporal of the Scots Guards for failing to salute an officer, turned round to find Micky Caldow (Nancy's cousin) a Spitfire pilot stationed in Harrogate. He had a good drink in him and caused quite a scene when he realised that I was putting the Corporal on a charge. Discussed the position with the officer who agreed that I should forget the patrol and take Micky to Otley. Managed to get him on a bus and arrived at Otley at the same time as a company of Argylls were marched past. An officer reprimanded a soldier for failing to stand to attention. Micky wanted to have a go at the officer, however, with help, I managed to drag him away to Farnley Park where I received permission to let him "sleep it off" in the Sergeant's quarters.
13th March
Put Micky on the first bus to Harrogate in the morning; he looked pretty rough. Issued with Mark IV rifles in the forenoon, another sign that the big show is coming nearer. Coaching cadre in the afternoon. Finished the day signing charge forms at the Orderly Office.
14th March
Went over the assault course and tower with "D" Company in the afternoon. Gave a lecture on mine clearing in the afternoon.
15th March
At Ilkley Moors in the forenoon with the latest type of rifles. Weather bitterly cold, however, shooting reasonably accurate considering the weather conditions. With Hazelden at the Orderly Room in the afternoon. He's on a charge of misconduct (10 days CB).
16th March
IC of working party erecting marquees for the Battalion sports. Weather ideal for the various events. "C" Company were the winners followed by "D" Company, Support Company were third.
17th March
Went to a lecture on the 38 wireless set then weapons training in the forenoon. Shipley firing range in the afternoon under ideal conditions. Spit and polish finished the day.
18th March
Detailed to return the tents used for the Battalion sports to RAOC at Balfor. Left camp at 0930. Owing to out of date and indifferent map reading the duty was not completed until 1530. Expected to be home this week-end, however, the 48 hour pass was refused.
19th March
Went to mass in the canteen at 1800 a record number turned-up. No duties today, had a shower, wrote letters and read till lights out at 2200.
20th March
Room inspection and arms drill in the forenoon. Orderly Sergeant in the afternoon to replace Fairfoul who is on Town Patrol. Boots, battle dress and gaiters checked.
21st March
IC of Company on the 30 yard range with .22 rifles. A number of OR's practising ceremonial drill under the command of the RSM for the guard duties in the near future. GOC of the 15th Scottish Division visited HQ today.
22nd March
Room inspection today, short route march with FSMO carrying about 6 stones of equipment in the forenoon, part of the training for endurance tests. Brigade sports in the afternoon. Gordons came out on top. IC of Division Picket as at 1700. Still in charge of "D" Company as we continue to wait for a replacement.
23rd March
Guard of honour from the Gordons inspected by the King. Toured the camp accompanied by the Queen and Princess Elizabeth (the only camp to be inspected). The Princess is a real beauty. The RSM was pleased as punch; not one error.
24th March
On Ilkley Moors firing range at 0700. In charge of "D" Company. Conditions were good and the standard of shooting was quite good. Stayed in butts to mark for "B" Company then returned to Farnley Park at 1900.
25th March
Kit inspection then swimming at Leeds in the forenoon. The afternoon was taken-up preparing for a three day exercise starting on Monday.
26th March
Went to mass at 0930 in the canteen. Weather nice and warm for this time of year. Went for a walk in Otley in the afternoon with Greenshields. Returned to the camp and checked to ensure the Platoon sections were fully kitted-up for tomorrow's exercise.
27th March
Left camp by TCVs at 0930 for the Duke of Portlands estate at Welbeck near Nottingham. Now under canvas in ideal weather conditions. The stables and estate are reckoned to be the most extensive in Britain.
28th March
Exercise consisted of Company attacks using Churchill tanks as support weapons, using their machine guns as covering fire. The Company did a couple of attacks and everything seemed to be very satisfactory.
29th March
Last day of the exercise, carried out a Battalion attack with the Churchills. Two Companies forward with one in reserve. "A" Company wandered into a supposed minefield otherwise we did quite well for our tank support exercise.
30th March
Left Welbeck at 0800 in open TCVs. The weather has turned bitterly cold; frozen stiff before reaching camp at 1300. Remainder of the day spent in cleaning and checking equipment and weapons after the "do". Heavy snow fell during the evening.
31st March
On the firing range at York as coach for HQ Company. Shooting was erratic due mainly to the weather conditions and the squad having been regraded were not interested owing to the cold weather. Returned to the camp by 1300. Churchill inspected the Brigade in the afternoon. The usual command of three cheers was given mingled about shouts about our pay. Churchill gave the "V" sign.