War Diary: 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment

Month and year: July 1944

The 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment July 1944 covers the units time in area around La Marmonniere and their fighting inland to Lictot.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1278

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Page 1 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	1		A quiet morning. A Recce patrol entered La Marmonniere Wood and found it
			quiet and that the enemy at that time was not there .
			Remainder of the day quiet.
			Casualties for the day 1. O.R. Killed.
			Re-inforcements arrived 20 O.R.S.
	2		Two Platoons of "B" Company were taken out of the line to practise for a
			raid supported by Artillery, one night in the near future.
			Recce patrols kept constant watch on La Marmonniere Wood, where the raid was
			to take place.
			Casualties for the day 1. O.R. Killed 3. O.Rs. Wounded.
	3	0250	Bn experienced some difficulties with communications in the early morning.
			"A" and "C" Coy lines both broke and it was some time before repairs could
			be made.
		1020	The morning shooting began with 74th Field Regt crumping, 830667-832666.
			This continued intermittently until 1140 hrs.

Page 2 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
France	3	1315	1. Hampshires sent a patrol out and brought back two prisoners. This
			caused spasmodic return fire from the enemy on Battalion Area.
		2355	The remainder of the day was quiet; it was not until 2355 hours that all
			lines were reported correct.
			Casualties for the day 1 O.R. wounded.
			Re-inforcements arrived 3 O.Rs.
	4	0110	231 Infantry Brigade reported that two lots of enemy transport, 20 vehicles
			in each group, were moving from NOYERS in a N direction - towards the Battalion
			Area. This was some miles away and "B" Company had laid on a patrol with
			Artillery support from a Brigade to take a prisoner in La Marmonniere "B"	Fire plan and Op Order Attached.
			Company had been practising for 2 days for this patrol back in "A" Echelon,
			and everything had been teed-up to catch one German Prisoner.
		0250	The barrage commenced and 2 patrols from "B" Company under Lieut Duff and
			Lieut Baker moved towards the start line. Lieut Davey's Platoon was
			meanwhile established as a firm base just inside La Marmonniere Wood.

Page 3 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	4	0307	The two fighting patrols led by 66098 T/Major P.B.Clarke O.C., "B" Company
			were reported to have crossed the Start Line and progressing satisfactorily.
			Their progress was being eagerly listened to by the Commanding Officer and
			a number of other Officers who had taken possession of a number of slit trenches
			in "D" Company Area as a forward Bn.H.Q.,
		0335	The Patrol came under heavy mortar fire and casualties were suffered.
			But the patrols carried on and-rapid progress was made.
		0400	Patrols reached area of house La Marmonniere and beyond without having so far
			caught their prisoner. Major Clarke decided to return and on the way back
			his Signaller, Pte BROOKS 11428523 who was laying a line and had become
			detached from the rest of the Patrol was confronted by a party of five of the
			enemy. He challenged them and four of the enery walked passed him without
			replying in any way. As the fifth one came past the Signaller, the latter
			pushed his rifle into the enemy's stomack and effectively brought him to a
			halt. The enemy immediately threw down his firearms and surrendered, and

Page 4 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	4		the signaller thereupon continued to lay his cable with his prisoner carrying the
			roll and any other equipment the signaller could load him with.
		0430	Patrols returned to Company Lines and the prisoner was despatched with all
			speed to Brigade.
			The Casualties suffered on this Patrol were as follows.
			2. O.Rs. Killed. 1 Officer (311328 2/lieut D.S. Baker ) wounded
			and 6 O.Rs. wounded.
		0700	A Polish Soldier fighting with the Germans gave himself up. He stated that
			a number of his fellow countrymen would do the same if it weren't for the
			German N.C.Os and Officers.
			The rest of the morning passed in the usual way - our Artillery bringing
			harrassing fire down on the enemy's mortar and Artillery positions, with
			spasmodic replies from the enemy.
		1445	Brigade reports possibility of enemy effecting relief on Hampshires front
			It was now confirmed through our own prisoners of war that the enemy in

Page 5 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	4	1445	front of the Devons were now a company of 276 Infantry Division 30% of
			whom were Poles.
			The remainder of the day passed with shell and mortar fire in the usual
			quantities - 10 to 1 to our advantage. Casualties for the day
			2 O.Rs Killed. 9 O.Rs Wounded. 1. Officer Wounded.
			Re-inforcements arrived 21 O.Rs.
	5	1200	The morning was quiet - At noon the Hampshires on our right sent out
			a Patrol under Artillery support, into their particular hunting ground.
			The enemy retaliated by Mortaring and shelling Devons Area, in particular
			Bn.H.Q.,
		1300	"A" Company reported 1 casualty from blast, casualty evecuated.
		1900	Brigade sent a message out to the effect that "Large numbers of the enemy
			could be expected to give themselves up in small groups"
			Intermittent shelling during the evening.
			Casualties for the day NIL.
	6	103	A noisy night. Enemy vehicles heard moving on our left - engaged
			by Artillery.

Page 6 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France	6	0150	Artillery opened up again in support of a Patrol on 56 Brigade front on our
			right, and the enemy replied by dropping shells in "C" Company's Area.
		0950	The morning passed in the usual way, with noises on and off.
		2000	A broadcast was made from Brigade front to encourage Poles to come over
			to our lines. - Results not immediate.
			Casualties for the day NIL.

Page 7 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France,	7	0600/ 0700	The Battalion spent an unusually quiet night. At 0600 hrs and at 0700 hrs
			two more broadcasts were made to the Poles on the otherside to come over to
			us. So far none have done so.
		1205	There was some spasmodic mortar fire later in the morning but during the
			time of the broadcasts, the enemy simply did nothing.
			There was a lull too during the afternoon - broken only by the explosions
			caused by our own sappers who were blowing gaps in hedges for tanks to pass through.
		1800	Fighter bombers seen to attack beyond HOTTOT - later in the afternoon the
			enemy started to blazeaway with his mortars and spandaus. No explanation
			for his behaviour.
		2215	A large force of 4 engined bombers flow over us going in the direction of
			CAEN where they dropped 2,000 tons of bombs on German troops and defence
			positions just to the North of the town. A fine sight as they passed over
			us, when they returned we could see fires burning in their target area.
			Casualties for the day NIL.

Page 8 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France	8	0430	A comparatively quiet night was passed until 0430 hrs when tanks were reported
			to be moving in the area of La Marmonniere. They were soon engaged by
			Artillery.
			Casualties for the day NIL. Re-inforcements arrived 25 O.Rs.
	8	1029	Aircraft seen to attack Orbois Les Landes, was some intermittent shelling
			but on the whole a quiet day and a quiet night.
	9	0800	Commanding Officers Conference in preparation for attack by 231 Inf Bde
			on HOTTOT. The conference was interrupted for a short time to watch a Squadron
			of fighter bombers attack enemy positions in front of 56 Bde on our right.
			The Enemy in front of us was very quiet during the day and an organised
			Small Arms and Mortar shoot by "A" and "C" Companies did not provoke any
			reply. Recce patrols were sent out, one under Lieut Rogers "B" Company
			which reported enemy spandau in bottom part of La Marmonniere Wood.
			A farly quiet day and during the night another Patrol was sent out under
			Liout Duff went to the Marmonniere area and found no opposition.
			Casualties for the day NIL.

Page 9 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	10	0315	Flares were seen to be dropped by aircraft on our left.
			Another quiet day was spent with a final teeing up conference at Bn.H.Q.,
			for the attack the next day on HOTTOT.
			The Battalion spent another quiet night.
			Casualties for the day 1 Officer wounded Lieut COFSKY, 1 O.R., Wounded.
	11	0430	The Battalion rose at 0430 hrs for an early breakfast, and then prepard
		0645	themselves for the battle. By 0645 hrs "C" Coy on the right and "D" Coy
			on the left moved on their start line. The Hampshires were to move first
		0700	and secure Hammer Orchard 819665, and "B" Coy were to provide a firm base
		0803	and "A" Coy were in reserve. At 0700 hrs the first barrage came down,
			by 0803 hrs the Hempshires controlled the Hammer Orchard, and had taken
			prisoners.
		0835	At 0835 the next barrage came down and "C" and "D" Companies moved towards
		0930	their first objective. At 0930 "CH Company were reported to be well inside
			Hammer Orchard at approximately 823661 - in fact past their objective.

Page 10 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	11		Meanwhile on the left "D" Company had reached the Lone House 825666,
			and had taken some prisoners.
		1030	Just about 1030 "C" Company were forced to withdraw owing to premence of
			Enemy tanks, and a small party of infantry in support. A whole Platoon was
			lost in this action; the enemy meanwhile was replying with what artillery
			he had and shells and mortar bombs were dropping over most of the area we had
			covered so far, causing a few casualties, Major Faulkner "C" Company Commander
		1112	was wounded at this time. There was a pause now for some time and "A" Company
			were called up by the Commanding Officer to move up to the area of the Lone
			House to move in behind "D" Company Enemy tanks infront of "C" Company
			were being engaged by a Squadron of The Sherwood Rangers.
		1315	By 1315 four tanks were reported to have been knocked out in the Hammer
			Orchard area, this would seem to have been the limit of the enemy's counter
			attack and we had held him and were ready to move on.
		1630	At 1630 hrs the third barrage come down "D" Company moved up towards the House

Page 11 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	11	1630	La Marmonniere, but "A" Company now on their right were pinned down, and
		1700	tanks moved up to support them.
		1743	It was now decided that the Brigade should re-organise and prepare to dig
			in. It was not thought worth while to advance further, as both we and the
			Hampshires had suffered fairly heavily.
			"D" Company were to dig in in the area forward of the Lone House at 828669
			"A" Company in the area 823661 on "D" Company's right flank.
			Casualties for the day :- I Officer Killed, Capt Rev D.D. Thomas
			4 Officers wounded Major Faulkner, Lieut Lawton, Lieut Pym, Lieut Primeau,
			Capt Lloyd (R.A.M.C.) wounded but stayed at duty
			(9) Nine Other Ranks killed, & 52 Wounded.

Page 12 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	11	1850	"C" Company consolidated in the area 820665, and arrangements were made to
			draw up "B" Company to fill the gap between "C" and "A" Companies.
			So ended the second battle for HOTTOT. The Hampshires had suffered very
			heavy casualties and had consequently not got so far forward as The Devons
			and were in no state to make a further advance. Brigade therefore decided
			we should dig in where we were, about 200 yds SOUTH of HOTTOT. We had in
			fact advanced a matter of 500 yds, knocked out 6 enemy tanks, and captured
			75 prisoners besides killing and wounding many more. The Sherwood Rangers
			whose tanks were in support of us did trojan work and in our re-organisation
			stayed with us in our forward positions. The fact that they were able to
			move about at all in this very close country was due to the R.E's and Pioneers
			who spent a field day blowing gaps in hedges for the tanks to pass through.
		2135	The enemy were now licking their wounds and presumably re-organising as we
			were. The expected counter-attack did not materialise however, and the
			Enemy contented himself with lobbing mortar bombs arround us.

Page 13 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	11	2135	We made full use of our Artillery and replied as near as possible at the
			rate of 10 to 1. This however did not prevent a patrol of the enemy
			creeping up round "D" Company. They were quickly dealt with by tanks and they
			dispersed
			The night passed off without serious incident. During the following
	12	0815	morning prisoners in ones and twos gave themselves up to "D" Company
			and another pair were captured in a spandau position.
			During the rest of the day we were mortared and shelled regulerly and
		1615	at about 1615 hrs the Commanding Officer (Lieutenant Colonel C.A.R.Nevill, A O.B.E., P/No 38525)
			was wounded in his slit trench by a shell that hit the tree above it.
			He was immediately evacuated to R.A.P. and thence C.C.S.
		1616	635978 T/Major BRONNE, G.B. immediately took over Commanding Officer of the
			Battalion.
			The enemy quietened down a bit and on advice from Brigade, Bn.H.Q. moved
			back to its original position at 821663.

Page 14 of 26

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
France.	12	There was still some mortar and shell fire from the enemy, but the enemy
		still did no more than send out a few men with spandaus.
		The night passed quietly Casualties for the day:- 1, Officer Wounded.
		1 Other Rank Killed and 7 Wounded.
	13.	The morning was fairly quiet - the Battalion had by now properly settled
		into its new position and the enemy did not seem disposed to worry us a
		great deal.
		Two more prisoners, both Poles came into "A" Companies hands.
		Casualites for the day:- 13 Other Ranks wounded.
	14.	Battalion cheered by the news that we might be having a rest for 3 days as from
		Saturday 15th. Preparations for handing over and plans for the three days
		rest being made.
		The day passed quietly enough.
		Casualties for the day :- 1 Other Rank Killed and 5 Wounded.

Page 15 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	15		We were visited by representatives from 1. Dorsets to tie-up the relief
			which was to take place after dark, and we sent our representative back to
			the Dorsets area.

	16	0300	0300 hrs the change over had been effected - not without casualties
			unfortunately. "A" Company lost 4 men killed and three wounded as they were
			preparing to leave. A mortar opened up on their position.
		0700	The Battalion slept until a reasonable hour - we were now over a mile from
			the front line, at Les-le-Gallois, and stand-to and stand - down were things
			of the past. We ate and slept and cleaned our selves up. We received
			our N.A.F.F.I packs, which included beer, whisky and gin.
			News came through from Brigade of awards to Officers and men of this Battalion
			for, their work since 'D' Day- list attached.
			Major Howard and Major Anstey come to visit us - they arrived
			at 3 p.m. and left at mid-night,

Page 16 of 26

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
France	16	Our new Commanding Officer , 23796 Lt-Col Sir. J.G. CAREW POLE Bart.
		arrived to-day.
		This rest area is not as restful as it might be. since we are now just
		in front of our own Artillery, who have been supporting 59 Division for
		the past two nights.
		Casualties for the day:- 5 Other Ranks Killed, and 9 Wounded.

Page 17 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	17	0730	We breakfasted half an hour early so that as many as possible from the
			Battalion could go to Bayeux for a bath.
			Pictures and concerts were also arranged.
	17	2230	Late in the evening the enemy came over as dusk fell with bombers and
			plastered not very effectively the route by which our armour was moving up
			to CAEN. One route was the road just behind Bn.H.Q., but fortunately the
			enemy dropped his bombs round TILLY-sur-SEULLES, about two miles to our left.
			Casualties for the day NIL.
	18		More baths and more entertainments for the troops - and shopping in
			Bayeux for men who had been with us since "D" Day.
			The enemy sent same mortar bambs and shells over at us from beyond HOTTOT,
			and it was discovered later that this was his last action before withdrawing
			from the HOTTOT area.
			Casualties for the day NIL.

Page 18 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France	19	0900	The Battalion hold Drill parades and did some section training.
			News this morning that the enemy had moved out of HOTTOT; and during the
			course of the day that the Hampshires had moved onto and beyond the HOTTOT road
			and dug in about 300 yards South of it. We and the Dorsets remained in our
			positions so that now one Battalion was forward, and the other two back.
			We still had some shells dropping round us - not very many though.
			Casualties for the day 1 O.R. Killed.
	20		More Drill - with same cinema allotments in the afternoon. Major Howard
			re-joined us and tool Command of "C" Company. Major General R.E.Urquhart.
			also visited us.
			The Commanding Officer visited HOTTOT in the afternoon. It was in a very bad
			condition and none of the houses were habitable. The enemy had left mines
			along the road which were being taken up by Sappers. The only living thing to
			be seen were chickens.
		2230	Ap 2230 IS a shell landed in "B" Company area and unfortunately wounded our

Page 19 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
France.	20	2230	temporary Medical Officer who had been with us only a few days while relieving
			our regular Medical Officer Capt Lloyd.
	21		Rain fell from 0630hrs until 1600 hrs bringing training within the Battalion to
			a standstill. An uncomfortable day altogether.
	22		The Battalion moved into Divisional Reserve from the area Les le Gallois to	Operational Instructions No. 19. Attached.
			Les Fiettees next to "B" Echelon. The move Began
			at 1400 hrs and was completed by 1800 hrs. Fortunately the weather was kind
			to us and we reached our new area in good spirits and dry clothes.
	23		The routine for the Battalion now was to be hard training in the morning
			and organised games and recreation and entertaiment in the evening. All the
			Officers in the Battalion were invited to drinks at at 1830 - principally
			so that we could be introduced to one another and so that the latest arrivals
			should meet the Commanding Officer. We were honoured too by the presence of
			the Brigadier. Quite a good quantity of alcohol disappeared during the course
			of the evening so it can be assumed that all enjoyed the party.

Page 20 of 26

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
France.	24	Training and entertainment continued and Companies organised their own concert
		parties and football games. The weather had greatly improved and the Battalion
		was all the better for it.

Page 21 of 26

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
France.	24	Training and recreation continues for the Battalion for the next few days
	25	Luckily the weather held and we made the most of it.
		A party of 6 from E.N.S.A., came to dinner on the evening of the 25th-
		three of each sex. Those who dined at Bn. H.Q., Mess that evening thoroughly
		themselves. The Mess in fact had been a barn, a woodstore, and quite recently
		a bedroom for French Refugees, in any case, whatever its previous functions
		it made a good mess and the party did not break up until after mid-night.
		Those present signed their names as attached.
	26	Our new movement order came through we were to move up on the following day
		to relaeve the 7th Green Howards in their positions round Le Lion Vert at
		796648. The Companies made their final trip to Baths and Cinemas and prepared
		for the walk.
	27	The Battalion started to move out at 1600 hrs and hardly a hitch occured.
		By 2300 hrs the Battalion was in position and the Green Howards had moved out.
		This time there were no casualties. We had taken good care not to move

Page 22 of 26

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
France	27	carriers into Company positions as their noise on our last move was the cause
		of mortar and shell fire being brought down on our positions.
	28	The morning was spent very quietly and it wasn't till late in the morning
		that the Enemy showed any signs of life, and then he only sent a few mortar
		bombs. So the Battalion had plenty of time and opportunity to settle itself
		in and view the countryside. The forward Companies 'B' and were facing
		ORBOIS WOOD which was supposed to have been quite extensively booby-trapped.
		Later in the day 'C' Company and 'A' Company shifted their positions - 'C'
		Company to the Chateau Mauperthuis 790645 and 'A' behind Le Lion Vert X Roads.
		Casualties for the day: 1 O.R. Killed and 1 Wounded,
	29	On account of American and British successes in the Caumont and Coastal
		areas we were ordered to advance on the following day with our objective
		the high ground (point 174) to the N.W. of Villers Bocage	Op order attached.
		Dorset and Hampshires were to advance across country via point 147 and
		we were to advance on the axis of the road Le Lion Vert, Orbois, Fengerolles-sur-Seulles
		and then swing right handed to assault point 174.

Page 23 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	29		During the night patrols were sent out to find whether the enemy
			was still in occupation of ORBOIS and ORBOIS WOOD and it was found that he
			was.
	30	0545	At 0545 hrs the Artillery, Mortars and M.Gs opened fire and the Dorsets
			and Hampshires began to advance. It was, however , a slow job and at 1615 hrs
			the Commanding Officer was called to Brigade and the original plan was changed.
			The Devons were now to pass through the Dorsets and take point 147,-
			This operation was due to start at 1815 - this gave a bare two hours for the
			Commanding Officer to make his plans and the Companies to get moving.
			However it was done and by 1900 hrs both 'C' and 'A' Companies had
			crossed the stream at the bottom of Point 147 and were moving up to the
			summit. Orders, however, were received that we were to holt where we were
			and re-organise owing to the fact that 56 Brigade had not came up with us on our
			right.
		2315	Company Commanders were called in for an 'O'Group 'C' and 'A' Company

Page 24 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France	30	2315	Commanders found this abit tricky because small elements of the enemy had
			managed to creep back in between the forward and rear companies, and were
			sniping at any sound or movement.
			The Commanding Officer reported to the Brigade at midnight, and received orders
			to advance towards Lictot790619.
			Casualties for the day :-
			3 Officers Wounded.
			3 Other Ranks Killed.
			13 Other Ranks Wounded.

Page 25 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
France.	31	0715	After an early breakfast, we prepared to advance again with artillery
			support at 0715 hrs. We found that the enemy had been surprised while
			he was shaving and had already left his positions, and we moved into LICTOT
			with very few casualties. The Enemy had left behind him 2, 75 mm guns
			intact, and one 88mm with its breech blown, and several bazooks.
			We moved to allround defence of LICTOT.
			Casualties for the day:- 1 Officer wounded. 14 Other Ranks wounded.

Page 26 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
			Consilidated list of "Battle Casualties for JULY, 1944.
			Officers 'Killed' 1. Died of Wounds. 305657 Capt Rev D.D. Thomas, (R.A.Ch.D.,) 1 -7-44
			Officers 'Wounded'
			13. 38525 Lt-Col C.A.R.Nevill, O.B.E., Commanding Officer. 12-7-44.
			311328 Lieut Baker, 4-7-44
			CDN/335 Lieut Cofsky, 10-7-44.
			311566 Capt LLOYD, (R.A.M.C.) 11-7-44 (Stayed at Duty).
			63695 Major Falkner. 11-7-44
			268147 Lieut Lawton. 11-7-44
			164388 Lieut Pym. 11-7-44.
			CDN/427 Lieut Primeau. 11-7-44
			95595 WS/Liout Ormsby 26-7-44
			44999 Capt Stopford. 30-7-44
			302415 Lieut Bass, G. 30-7-44
			296201 Lieut Holdsworth, D. 30-7-44
			CDN/269 Lieut Good, V.J. 31-7-44.

			Other Ranks. :- 'Killed' 31. 'Wounded':- 121.
			Missing :- 13.
			Re-inforcements:- 'Officers' :- 23796 Lt-Col Sir John G. Carew-Pole Bt. (as Commanding Officer) 15-7-44
			180290 Capt Boatswain, K. 27-7-44
			65193 Major Howard, M.W. MC., 18-7-44
			308477 2nd Lieut Thornes. 27-7-44
			95595 Lieut Ormsby, M. I., 14-7-44
			44993 Capt Stopford, T. W., 24-7-44
			297611 Capt Rev E.W. Hargraves. (R.A. Ch. D.) 13-7-44
			117942 Capt Shaw, P. 20-7-44
			Other Ranks:- 123.

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War Diary: 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment

Month and year: July 1944

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