May
1944
May
1944
1st May
CQM`s inspection. Nobody seems to have lost any kit. Were fitted-out with our new AV battle dress in the afternoon. Blancoed and polished my kit for my trip to Aldershot tomorrow. Pictures in Worthing with Brookes at night.
2nd May
The trip to Aldershot put off until tomorrow. Short route march in the forenoon with FSMO. Returned to camp at 1130. Remainder of the day spent by the Company preparing for tomorrow's exercise. I had a peaceful day doing nothing.
3rd May
Went by PU truck to Aldershot in the forenoon on a fact finding tank exercise. Riding on Sherman tanks of the 23rd Hussars. Lecture and orders for an infantry and tank exercise tomorrow. Had a meal, washed and shaved, issued with two blankets with which to sleep in the open as the camp seemingly had no spare sleeping accommodation.
4th May
Infantry and tank Company strength attack in the forenoon using tank machine guns as covering fire. Finished my visit to Aldershot. Joined "D" Company about 40 miles from Aldershot on a night exercise at 2300 practising night patrols. Returned to our own camp at 0400.
5th May
Allowed 1.5 hours sleep, has turned bitterly cold under canvas. Left camp at 0700 on a 22 mile route march carrying FSMO. Did the distance in six hours with only two ten minute breaks. Heavy going, but managed to keep going. Quite a number fell by the way side. Remainder of the day on foot and arm inspection.
6th May
Waiting for replacement officer. In charge of 18 Platoon on a Battalion field exercise. Left camp at 0800 returning at 1400. IC of Company guard; paraded and inspected guard at 1800.
7th May
Finished guard duties at 1000 after a cold and miserable night. Group photographes of Battalion NCOs in the afternoon. Had something to eat and bedded down for the remainder of the day.
8th May
Attended MC lecture on the various diseases soldiers can pick up and also the importance of looking after our feet. Practising on various parts of the body completed our day's programme. Weather now turned nice and warm again.
9th May
Spit and polish for the Brigadier's inspection tomorrow. Afternoon at the Argylls. Lecture by the Intelligence Officer who explained his various duties and what information to give if taken prisoner
10th May
Panic stations in the forenoon preparing for the Brigadier's visit. "A" and "D" Companies tied for general cleanliness and neatness of Company areas.
11th May
Company field exercise from 0800 until 1330. In charge of 18 Platoon on bath parade to Worthing in the afternoon. Night firing on the range with rifles and Bren guns. Returning to camp by midnight.
12th May
Weapons cleaning and inspection in the forenoon. Route march in the afternoon with FSMO. Covered about 10 miles in very warm conditions.
13th May
Kit inspection in the forenoon by the Company Commander. 18 Platoon clean with no shortages. Went to Worthing in the afternoon and bought Nancy a handbag. The shop promised to post it. Went to the pictures at the Rivola to see Catherine the Great. Walked back to camp in time for lights out.
14th May
Went to mass, in the camp, at 0930, the rest of the forenoon spent sewing buttons and darning socks. Made out a Platoon role for replacement officer completed the day's duties. A number of American soldiers arrived, in the afternoon, attached to "D" Company for training.
15th May
Kitted with spare boots. Sewing-on Divisional signs on our new battle dress in the forenoon. Padre hour in the afternoon completed the day.
16th May
Three hours forced march with FSMO in the forenoon. Packed Platoon stores in cases in the afternoon, in preparation for our next move. On the range firing American weapons. Five Gordons I understand, knifed by French Canadians over woman problems.
17th May
Short march in the forenoon to break-in our new boots. All officers at Divisional HQ for lecture, given by General McMillan, our Divisional Commander. Another mine clearing course in the afternoon. Weather turned cold with heavy rain. Muddy conditions make it difficult to keep lines in resonable order. As expected Gordons went on the rampage in Worthing. A number of Canadians now in hospital. Its time the second front started as the strain is beginning to show.
18th May
In charge of a three day assualt course with the pioneers. Most are graded men. I ment to take it nice and easy. Company preparing for another exercise. Went to the pictures tonight with Franks and Brookes. Returned to camp by 2300.
19th May
Company left for field exercise at Tharkeham after breakfast. Remained behind to complete the assault course with the pioneers. Private Robertson was found seriously ill in his tent and was rushed to local hospital.
20th May
Caught up with the Company at a farm house outside Tharkeham in the forenoon. Finished the exercise late afternoon and returned to camp by tea time. With Platoon on night patrol exercise, leaving camp at 2200. Robertson died in the afternoon, seemingly he had meningitis.
21st May
Finished the night exercise at 0200. Slept out in the open and had breakfast in the fields. Commenced another field exercise, had dinner from the field kitchen before marching back to camp. The Battalion is on holiday tomorrow except for "D" Company; we are duty Company.
22nd May
BOS today. RSM and all officers are out on the town. Company out on night patrol exercise. Remainder in camp to mount both Company and Battalion guards. Paraded all duties and defaulters for inspection by duty officer at lights-out.
23rd May
Company returned from night patrol at 0200. Took over as Orderly Sergeant's duties at reveille. Company busy loading and weighing transport for overseas. Mounted guard at 1800, put five on a charge for being improperly dressed and equipment not up to standard.
24th May
Camp empty except duty squads. All ranks at Divisional sports held at Brighton. Gordons put-up a poor show, even failed at piping and dancing. Unable to attend as I was in charge of camp duties.
25th May
Brigade out in strength at Washington to be inspected by General Eisenhower. Formed up in ceremonial order. We were allowed to break rank and surround his jeep to here the usual "pep talk". Corp and Division Commanders were both at the ceremony. On another night exercise when we returned to camp.
26th May
Minefield breaching exercise by the Battalion finished at 0430. CO not too happy with the Company's efforts as most of them got lost in the darkness. Reveille at 0800, weapons cleaning and pay parade finished the days duties.
27th May
Duty Sergeant today. Company left on kit check and inoculations in the forenoon. Rest period in the afternoon to recover from the injections.
28th May
Unable to attend mass at 0930 owing to camp duties. Coach to "D" Company in the afternoon at the local range. Weather very warm; too warm for the type of battle dress we've been issued with.
29th May
A flying bomb came down in Worthing last night. So far no report of damage or casualties. "D" Company have forty men in hospital for observation something seems to have gone wrong with the recent inoculations. Having a peaceful time of it today.
30th May
Pep talk from the Divisional CO in the forenoon, followed by a talk from the Battalion CO on our duties as part of the 122nd Brigade. Just heard that the Doodlebug came down on the ATS camp killing two girls and injuring six.
31st May
Baths at Worthing with 18 Platoon. Marched them back to camp then returned to Worthing to spend the rest of the day at the YMCA writing letters. Went to the pictures at night with Brookes, missed the last bus home; had to walk the 4.5 miles back to camp.