War Diary: 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment

Month and year: June 1944

The 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment June 1944 war diary covers the units landing in Normandy and a detailed account of their advance inland to Lingevres. This diary was hand written and some elements of the text was hard to make out so is marked with ???.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1284

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Page 1 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Southampton	JUNE	-	The Bn under comd. Lt/Col. E.A.M. NORIE consisted of 41. officers and 848 O.R's
Anchorage??			2i/c Major A.E.C. BREDON o/c A.Coy Major A.A.E. JONES 7 Pln Lt. R.T. ELLIS 8 Pln Lt. H.J.WEBB 9 Pln Lt. H.G. DIBBEN 2i/c A.Coy Capt. R. ROYLE o/c B Coy. Major P. CHILTON M.C. 10 Pln 2/Lt. E.F. MAYES 11 Pln Lt L.T. MORRIS 12 Pln Lt. J. WHITEBROOK 2i/c B Coy. Capt A.L. HARRIS o/c C. Coy. Major R.M NICOLL 13 Pln. Lt C. WINDEBANK 14 Pln 2/Lt T.P. STRATON 15 Pln Lt J. HAMILTON 2i/c C. Coy Capt. R.W. TUCKER, M.C.

			o/c D. Coy Major W.N. HAYES. 16 Pln Lt. C. BRADBURY 17 Pln Lt P.J. ROBJOHN. 18. Lt. T.S. LANCASTER 2 i/c D-Coy Lt. J. THOMAS. o/c H.Q. Coy. Cspt. C.R. WHITTINGTON Signal Officer Lt. R.H.S. STADE Pioner Pln Comd Lt. W.F. SCOTT R.I.O. Lt. D. YOUNGS Q.M. Lt. R.W. HATCHARD M.T.O. : Capt. J.P. LUFF R.M.O.: Capt. L.P. LASSMAN R.A.M.C. att. Padre: Rev. R. Watt R.A.Ch.D. Adj. Capt. L.G. BROWNE, M.C. o/c. Sp Coy Capt.R.E. HARRIS o/c 3 Pln Lt L. SHAMBROOK o/c 4 Pln. Capt.E. HANNAH. 2i/c 4 Pln. Lt. B. WEEKS o/c 5 Pln. Capt.G.G.L. HEBDEN. 2 i/c 5 Pln 2/Lt. E.G. NEAL
			Lt R. E JONES (en residue)
			Other officer's with residue personal at LARKHILL were:- Capt. E.N. LUSHINGTON Lt. P. LUFFMAN 2/Lt. B.I. FORESTER

Page 2 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Southampton	JUNE
Anchorage??	1-5		Bn was on board LSI 962 "Empire Spearhead" with exception of C. Coy on LSI.964. "EMPIRE CROSSBOW" and Sp. Coy on LCT's, and LST's 2i/c was in L.C.H. 317,with D.S.O.A.G.
	4		Final briefing for landing due to take place first light 5 June. This however was postponed for 24 hours due to inclement weather.
	5	1900	Convoy weighed anchor and left the SOLENT and passed w. of ISLE of WIGHT. Sea rough as convoy came into the CHANNEL.
In the field	6	0545	First flight of assault Coys - A. and B.- were lowered in their L.C.A., Sea still moderately rough. (force of wind 4-5 - SICILY was 6-7). Sp. was given by Naval and R.A. guns, L.C.G., LCT(R),L.C.A(HR) and L.C.S. during run in according to programme. Heavy and medium bombers, of R.A.F. also gave support.	APPENDIX A includes detailed account of landing operations, Bn. O.O. for assault and map covering area of op, and air photos.
Les ROCQUETTES		0725	A and B Coys touched down on beach A Coy right, B. Coy left Both Coys landed approx. 600 yards E. of correct posn.
			A. Coy pushed fwd. to line of road running E. from LE HAMEL without difficulty
			Coy. Comd. Major A.A.E. JONES, Lt. ELLIS and C.S.M. HOWELL, were all wounded soon after landing by shell and mortar fire and Capt. ROYLE took over Comd. 1/Hamps were landed opposite A. Coy's objective - the strong point at 886866 - which they captured and mopped up without difficulty.
			B. Coy on left suffered considerable casualties from shell, mortar and M.G. fire on the

Page 3 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LES ROCQUETTES	JUNE 6.	0725 (cont)	beach, pushed inland through several minefields and swung right to their objective, LES ROQUETTES, where they found C Coy part of whom had landed opposite LES ROQUETTES already established.
		0915	B. Coy established themselves a firm base at LES ROQUETTES according to plan.
		0745	The reserve Coys, C and D, landed. C right, D left. A proportion of C Coy landed opposite A. Coy's objective at 886866. They found this already liquidated by 1/Hamps. They therefore pushed inland to LES ROQUETTES without difficulty, but C.S.M. ROBBINS was wounded during this short advance. C Coy remained here until relieved by B Coy.
		0750	D Coy ashore 600 yds to east of correct posn. Having suffered cas. from mines and mortar fire. D. Coy then followed B. Coy to LES ROQUETTES.
		0750	BN. Tac H.Q. also ashore, having landed with D. Coy.
		0915	C. Coy. in co-operation with a Coy. of 1/Hamps - who were to capture the village of ASNELLES - continued the advance towards BUHOT. considerable oppositing was met during advance, chiefly from house at southern end of ASNELLES, where a party of 6 Germans were killed and 10 captured.
		0930	D Coy following up C Coy.
		1130	C and D Coys continue advance towards BUHOT.
		1330	BUHOT reached by both Coys.
		1400	C Coy in possession of pt.54, after meeting stronger opposition than anticipated 7
			Germans were killed, and 2 officer's and 15 O.R.'s, were taken prisoner.

Page 4 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BUHOT	JUNE 6.	1400	C Coy took up posn to support D Coy's attack on PUITS D'HERODE.
		1400	D Coy pushing south through BUHOT surprised and captured a coy. of German pioneers with their transport.
		1500	D Coy and C Sqn of Sherwood Rangers, put in attack on PUITS D'HERODE supported by C Coy from pt.54. Owing to cas incurred by D Coy already they were unable to capture this posn and the C.O. therefore ordered A Coy supported by C Sqn Sherwood Rangers to attack and capture the posn from the southwest.
		1700	A Coy attack succesful, a number of Germans being killed and 40 p.w. taken.
		1700	During A Coy's attack a small party of enemy put in an attack on C Coy's flank who were at about 853848. This was repulsed 5 Germans being killed, and 4 captured.
		1830	The attach on the Bn's final objective, the Bty. posn at 848852 was carried out by A and C Coy's with support of C Squadron Sherwood Rangers and arty support from 90 Fd. Regt., D Coy remaining in posn. at 852848 as fire??? Coy. The Bty. posn. was found to have been abandoned. 4x105mm. guns and a large quantity of equipment being left
		1700	B Coy ordered to move from LES ROQUETTES and take over RYES from 2/Devon.
		2000	B Coy arrives in RYES.
		2100	Bn HQ re-organises and is in posn as follows:- A. Coy 848843 C.Coy 852843
			B.Coy Ryes D.Coy 853842 Bn HQ 851841

Page 5 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
RYES	June 6/7		Parrolling during night to link up with 2/Devons to the west and along line of LA GRANDE RIVIERE, E. of RYES. Enemy a/c active over beach head during night. Casualties suffered by Bn. during the day were killed 4 officers and 17 O.R.'s wounded 10 officers and 88 O.R's missing - 9 O.R's Officer cas. killed Lts. LANCASTER T.G. BRADBURY. C. WHITEBROOK , J. YOUNGS. D.D. Wounded Major JONES AAE (rejoined A. Coy following). Capt. WHITTINGTON CR. Capt. A.L. HARRIS (carried on his duties) Lts. ELLIS R.J. HAMILTON J. JONES, R.E. RUBJOHN P.J. STRATTON J.P. THOMAS, J.A. WEBB, N.J.

Page 6 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
RYES	June 7	0530	RYES taken over completely from 2/Devon, C Coy moving to area 845833.
		1030	D Coy burial party take a number of prisoners in area Northwest of Ryes.
		1215	B Coy, with 1 Det 3 " mortar, 2 secs carriers and 1 Tp Sherwood Rangers moved out from RYES to mop up enemy in area Bazeville 8782 and LA CROIX 8781.
		1400	1 p.w. who gave himself up to Sherwood Rangers state there is 1 Coy enemy area LA CROIX to west of road. Coy comd. attacked down right of the road, 2 secs of carriers and tp Sherwood Rangers giving support from right flank and carrriers finally assuming cut-off role.
		1630	Attack successful 40 German's being killed and 70 taken prisoner, identified as 915 and 916 G.R. Causes in their role of cut-off party, had a very successful shoot
		1730	Coy re-organises, but comes under shell fire directed at our tanks and sufferes cas LT. MAYES was killed in this action.
		1900	B Coy returns to RYES. It is later learned that Bde. Comd. 151 Bde, who had been captured was able to escape during the confusion caused by B. Coy's attack
			Cas. for this day 1 officer killed 1 O.R killed, 12 O.R.'s. wounded Officer Cas. Lt. MAYES, E. F. Killed

Page 7 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
RYES	JUNE 8.	0810	Bn moved in RASC tpt to RUCQUEVILLE 8777
RUCQUEVILLE		1200	Bn. comes u/c 8 Armd Bde in lieu of their morta Bn, not yet landed.
		1600	Bn. led by A Coy mounted on cycles, moves from assembly area on route St. LEGER - LOUCELLES - Rly crossing 869728 - AUDRIEU, with the intention of seizing the high ground north of VILLARS BOAGE 8258, in order to prevent enemy advance north from the PINCON ridge 8446. and control roads passing though VILLARS BOCAGE.
		1800	A Coy made good LOUCELLES and then in co-operation with 4/7 D.G. passed through LOUCELLES, encountering no opposition at first, but were held up at Rly. crossing 869728 by M.G. frie at the crossing and from station 300 yards west up the line M.G. at Rly. crossing was dealt with by 11 Pln, but fire from station and AUDRIEU itself, held up B. Coy's further advance.
		1900	Enemy inf gun at 873729 put out of action by our tanks, after causing cas. to B Coy.
		2215	A and B. Coys remain firm base in area LOUCELLES, while C and D. Coys, with whom moved the C.O., moved round to the right, with the object of attacking AUDRIEU from the west. 1 Tp tanks supported C and D. Coys.
AUDRIEU		2330	Northern half of the village cleaned, but at least one enemy post located near AUDRIEU cl???. A fighting patrol, led by Capt. R.W. TUCKER M.C. was sent out to deal with this, but were unsuccesful, Capt TUCKER being killed.

Page 8 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
AUDRIEU	JUNE 8	2330	p.w. taken by B. Coy identified as 352 Recce Regt Casualties for this day: Killed 1 officer and 4 O. R's Wounded 16 O.R.'s Officer cas. Capt R.W. TUCKER , M.C. killed
	9	0600	O' group conference
		0630	Further four p.w. taken in AUDRIEU, 3 from 13 Coy 915 G.R. and 1 from 26 P.G.R.
		0800	A Coy move up past C - D Coys, enter LE HAUT D'AUDRIEU from west, and the move north to AUDRIEU, so as to link up with D Coy, who, by this time, were occupying the southern portion of the village, the enemy post by the church having withdrawn.
		1430	B Coy move to area of chateau at PAVIE 8671.
		1755	Both flanks of the Bn being open, and suspected enemy infiltration taking place. 2 i/c ordered C - D. Coys up near A and B Coys in area of the chateau (the C.O. and Coy. comds. at this time were on a recce of Pt.103)
POINT 103 HAUT AUDRIEL.		2015	Bn moved to area pt.103 855704 and dug in. Bn H.Q. at 852702, with the the Coys disposed around it in a "box"; B Coy northeast, A Coy southwest, C Coy southeast, D Coy southwest. The Bn were to act as protection for whole of 8 Armoured Bde, 147 FD Regt (S.P.) and 61 Recce all of whom were in the area of the Bn "box".
		2354	Lt. FOSTER H.R. (Cdn Army) joined the Bn, posted to D Coy. Cas for this day Killed 1 O.R., wounded 1 officer and 3 O.R.'s . Orricer Cas Capt. R. ROYLE.

Page 9 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
POINT 103	June 9/10		8 DLI who had reached ST. PIERRE just before last light, were forced to withdraw a portion of their free??? to pt. 103.
	10	1000	1 Squadron of tanks placed in sp of each coy.
		1020	Enemy followed up withdrawal of part of 8 DLI and launched a counter-attack by fire??? against that part of 103 held by D.Coy. The attack was not pressed through???
		1142	A counter attack by some inf. and tanks from wooded area between Pt. 103 and CRISTOT. This was beaten off by B. Coy with assistance of their supporting Squadron of 4/7 D.G.
		2300	B. call for arty and 3" mortar D.F. task to break up suspected enemy counter attack from the east.
			Enemy dead found in farm 858706 identified as 3 PGR. Cas. for this day killed 3 O.R.'s, wounded 1 officer. and 14 O.R's officer Cas . Major W.N. HAYES.
			Captain R.E. HARRIS took over comd. D. Coy. Lt. K.R. HEAPS (Cdn Army) and Lt. M. MARKHAM joined the Bn. Lt. HEAPS took over I.O.
	11		Nothing to record during day until late afternoon
		1700	6 Green Howards pass through to attack CRISTOT. 8770.
		2030	A determined enemy counter-attack was launched by their armour against C Coy and Bn.HQ. area. The enemy inf which was to have worked with the armour appears to have been met by 6 Green Howands, and the inf. attack on our positions did not materialise.

Page 10 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
POINT 103	JUNE 11.	2100	C and D Coys and to a lesser extent, Bn. HQ. under heavy fire from TIGER tanks. Our own supporting armour assist Coys - to the best of their ability - to repel attacks. The two Coys. hold firm, chiefly due to C Coy Comd. Major NICOLL and the C.O. The Bn. O.R. Sjt KNIGHT was wounded and the I.Sjt. PARKER, killed from airbursts fired by 88 mm. flak??? guns.
		2140	A Coy is moved round behind C and D Coys to give depth to our posn there.
		2200	6 G.H. withdraw through our posns, having been unable to reach CRISTOT.
		2230	Enemy attack dies down, and situation in hand. Relief of Bn - scheduled to be carried out by 5 East Yorks - could not take place but 5 E.Y. took up positions covering our left flank, at about 857708.
			Casualties: 1 officer and 9 OR's killed, 26 O.R.S wounded and 3 missing. Officer cas: Lt. M. MARKHAM killed.
	12	0100	Enemy believed to be in vicuity of buildings 859706 and between them and B Coy but nothing materialised.	Appendix B. Congratulatory message from Brig HJB CRACROFT D.S.O Comd 8 Armd Bde
		1200	Bn. relieved by 5.E.Y. and moved to rejoin 231 Bde. by march route, A. Coy on bicycles acting as adv. guard; this took place under the 2 i/c, the C.O. having gone to Bde O gp. Route CONDE-SUR-SEULLES, JERUSALEM, FOLLIOT, JUAYE MONDAYE.
			1 Sec Carrier and 1 Sec A/Tk. guns was stationed at FOLLIOT 8171 until the Bn had passed.
		2230	After an uneventful march, Bn. arrived in area VECHY 7770, and took up posn in

Page 11 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
VECHY	June 12	2230 (cont)	wooded area as Bde. reserve, with 2/Devon in area LA BELLE EPINE 7669 and 1 Hamps southwest of BERNIERES BOCAGE 7970. - Cas. this day 1 OR wounded 2 missing.
	13	0001 - 0500	Patrolling carried out to prevent enemy infultration up the valley of the AURE.
			Enemy M.G.'s active across A and B Coy fronts from area of orchard 784703
		0630	Carrier Pln. patrol contact 1. HAMPS at BERNIERES BOCAGE
		1100	B. Coy patrol sent to investigate posn on 1. HAMPS front. Report that BERNIERES BOCAGE being faily heavily mortared and enemy snipers active. BN. remains in area VECHY.
		1600	2. DEVON encounter strong opposition in area LES OREILLES 7667, and BN advance to high ground at LES LANDES 7863 is postponed. Old positions re-occupied after Bn. had concentrated for the adv. No enemy activity during night.
	14	1000	Fighter bombers active over wooded area 7869
		1030	Bn. concentrates area 782708 prior to an attack through woods 7869 and 7868 to LA SENAUDIERE.
		1200	A and B Coys, A right, B left on start line area tr. junc. 784702
		1201	B. Coy and, to a lesser extent A Coy, caught on opening line of our own barrage, and suffer considerable casualties, Major CHILTON being wounded and CAPT. A.L. HARRIS taking over comd B. Coy.
		1215	A. and B. Coys resume advance.

Page 12 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LA SENAUDIERE	June 14	1300	A. Coy meeting with no opposition on right, B Coy advancing slowly through heavily wooded country, mopping up M.G. posts and snipers in conjunction with 1/HAMPS on left.
		1600	Line of main east-west road threough LA SENAUDIERE reched by B Coy. C and D Coys pass through B to clear ls??? Xrds. A Coy were on the right to 774685
		1700	C and D Coys encounter stiff opposition - which includes 3 PANTHER tanks - around LA SENAUDIERE cross roads A Coy reach pt.110 at 774685 without opposition.
		1800	Enemy opposition dictates withdrawal north of the main road, but one PANTHER is captured and its crew killed, and one PANTHER K.O.'d by one of our A.Tk guns which was manhandled fwd under direction of Capt HEBDEN. D Coy lose C.S.M. O'CONNELL, who was killed whilst rallying a part of the Coy. R. Coy is withdrawn north of the road. The area of the important Xrds at LA SENAUDIERE was in our possession.
		1930	Bn. re-organised north of the road, with Bn. HQ and A Coy area 778691 and
			B, C and D Coys area north west of LA SENAUDIERE cross roads. Contact is made with 1/HAMPS on the left. Enemy snipers still active.
			Casualties this day: 5 O.R.'s killed (incl C.S.M. O'CONNELL),1 officer and 39 O.R.'s wounded and 5 O.R.'s missing.
			Officer cas. Maj P. CHILTON wounded.

Page 13 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LA SENAUDIERE	June 15	0230	Attempted enemy infiltration and M.G. fire effectively dealt with by 1 Sec MMG of 2/CHESHIRES sited in A Coy area.
		1030	1 pw taken area Rd junc 776690 identified as 30 Pioneer Bn.
		1400- 1700	Resultant on slight enemy withdrawal during night the Bn. occupies more formidable positions. S. of the main road with Bn. HQ. at 777689, A Coy in buildings 775686, B 777688, C 780679 D. pt.110. and as a protective op consisting of two of the I Section with a sec of carriers is established at 784674. Enemy are known to be still in occupation of LONGRAYE.
		2330	Patrols to LONGRAYE and LES OREILLES found enemy in both places. 2/Lt.DIBBEN led the patrol to LES OREILLES,was wounded, but returned bringing information with him. The two patrols were from A and D Coys. Casualties for this day were 1 officer and 1 O.R. wounded and 2 O.R.s missing Officer Casualties: 2/Lt DIBBEN wounded. The following officers joined the Bn Lts. H.R.A. DARTNELL S.I. INGRAM F. PORTILANCE. (CDN Army)
	16		Bn. remained in position as above. 69 Bde. passed through 2 DEVON on our right on their way to attack LE LION VERT 7964, but are held up west of LONGRAYE. Lt. MORRIS of B Coy took over duties of I.O. vice Lt. HEAPS posted to C Coy.

Page 14 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LA SENAUDIERE	JUNE 17.		Patrol from C and B Coys during night found builings 787667 and 778672 clear of enemy.
		1200	A U.S. officer from the "Tank Destroyers" passed on infrm regarding U.S. Army development. Due to the increase in enemy shelling and mortaring, shell and mortar reports were started this day. Lieut PORTILANCE posted to 231 Bde as Camp. Comd.
		1430	Three shells landed in Bn. H.Q. area, wounding the Adjutant and Signal Officer.
		1500	First enemy a/c seen since D. Day, were observed flying low from east to west over Bn. H.Q. Identified as 3 M.E.109's Casualties for this day 2 officer's 1 O.R. wounded Officer casualties: Capt. L.G. BROWN M.C. (Adjutant) Lieut: R.H.S. STADE (signal officer) both wounded Capt HANNAH took over Adjutant in addition to his other duties: Major R.E. HARRIS sick with malaria. The following officer's joined the Bn (nearly all from 9th Dorsets): Major K.E. MEREDITH took over D. Coy. vice Major R.E.HARRIS Major R.W. MARTIN took over B Coy from Capt. A.L. HARRIS Capt. A. BABBINGTON Later posted to D. Coy. Lt. D.W. MACROW, who took over Signal office. L.P. MORTLEY R. BULLOCK R.B. CAFFYN G.L.F. CASE
			2/Lt. R.G. SMITH

Page 15 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LA SENAUDIERE	JUNE 18.		Bn. remained in LA SENAUDIERE posn. Lt. S.I. INGRAM to hospital.
	19	0400	B. Coy moved from present posn. to pt.113 7967, taking over here from 6 Green Howards, prior to attack by Bn on wooded area round chateau DE CORDILLON 8066. B Coy at Pt.113 are to act as firm base while remander of Bn. attacks with A Coy right, D Coy left, C Coy following A to protect right flank. This Bn. move is designed to protect whole right flank of the remainder of the Bde. who are to attack HOTTOT 8265.
		1100	Bn. I.O. recces Coy posns. round pt.113 which they are to take up prior to arty barrage which is to precede attack.
		1130	Bn move up to posns. as recced. Enemy mortars are already active, dropping bombs in area 803678.
		1300	Barrage opens.
LINGEURES		1315	A,C,D Coys attack in pouring rain, as outlined above. Bn H.Q established at 799678. Enemy mortar fire increases over whole area.
POINT 113		1430	The C.O., Lt-Col. NORIE, the A/Tk Pln. Comd, Capt HEBDEN and the mortar Plan Comd. Lt. SHAMBROOK all wounded by mortar bomb, the C.O. seriously. The 2 i/c Major
			BREDON assumes comd. of Bn. A and C Coys are now under heavy M.G. fire from the direction of LA TRILLE 796664 and A Coy especially suffer severe casualties.

Page 16 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
POINT 113	JUNE 19.	1430 (cont)	Communications break down, several sets being damaged and line parteis are sent out to try and lay lines to Coys. C Coy are ordered to remain in posn. north of buildings 799666 and to contact remains of A. Coy on their left.
		1530	D. Coy meet with less resistance, and reach outskirts of orchard north of Chateau DE CORDILLON. There they encounter two or three PANTHER tanks. One was hit by a P.I.A.T. and the crew were shot whist climbing out.
			D. Coy are ordered to remain in position, whilst B Coy continue advance towards the Chateau.
		1600	A Coy reach line of building 799666 after severe fighting.
		1630	D and B Coys are counter- attached by about 6 or 7 ,PANTHER tanks and infantry part of both Coys are overrun and Major MARTIN B Coy is wounded Capt.A.L. HARRIS again takes over comd. of the Coy.
		1645	B and D Coys call for A/Tk. guns, and an attempt is made to set these up, but is unsuccesful, due to the state of the ground, and the fact that part of the only passable track is in enemy hands.
		1800	Remaining platoons of B and D Coys were withdrawn into the Bn's re-organised lay-out, with the F.D.L.'s running from the 6 Green Howards at 797672 - to 798668 - buildings 799666 along track to buildings 803673. Bn. H.Q. still at 799678.

Page 17 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
POINT 113	JUNE 19.		Casualties this day. 9 O.R's killed, 6 officers and 42 O.R.'s wounded, 31 O.R.'s missing Office Casualter Lt.-Col. E.A.M. NORIE, Capt G.G.L. HEBDEN Lieuts L. SHAMBROOK. R. BULLOCK R.B. CAFFYN. Major R.W. MARTIN all wounded (Lt.-Col. NORIE has since died from his wounds). The Bde Comd sent the A/C.O. a complimentary message on the behavior of the Bn.
	20		Rum issue authorised overnight and still raining hard. Patrol pushed fwd during night and D Coy patrol, under Sgt. JUCKER captures 3 P.W. at buildings 805667.
		0830	Lt. FOSTER rejoined D Coy, with some of his section, having been cut off from his Coy during the fighting the previous afternoon he brings back valuable information regarding the enemy lay-out in the Chateau area. Re-organisation of Bn continues. Small recce patrols sent out and enemy F.D.L.'s discovered to run a long line of 665 Easting. Shelling and mortaring of Bn. area was more or less continuous through the day and caused consularable casualties.
			Casualties this day 13 O.R's killed, 17 O.R.'s wounded

Page 18 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
POINT 113	JUNE 21.		During night 20 /21 June, active patrolling by all Coys. took place, fwd. of their Coy. posns. which were A Coy. 799666 B Coy. 801672 C Coy 797668 D Coy. 803673. Mortaring of Bn area continued througout the day.
		0900	B Coy patrol penetrated to 807667 and reported fire from front edge of wood 810666 and enemy mines at 809671-809669 and a number of enemy dead at 808666.
		0930	D Coy contact 8 D.L.I. on our left at 815675
		1800	The Bn experiences rocket projectiles for the first time in France : 6 "Nebelwefer" rochets fell in Bn. H.Q. area damaging 2 motor cycles and the ammunition truck, the lafter being repaired. They caused no casualties although falling within three yards estiblish of men in slit trenches.
		1900	D Coy established standing patrol of 1 sec at buildings 866672, to cover the re-entrant running into our position and prevent enemy infiltration between us and the D.L.I. During the course of the afternoon Lt.C.WINDEBANK C Coy and Major A.A.E. JONES A Coy were killed by mortar bombs Capt. BABBINGTON took over command of A Coy

Page 19 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
POINT 113	June 21		Casualties for this day: 2 officers killed officer casualties Major A.A.E. JONES Lieut C. WINDEBANK both killed
			Lieut. D. BIRD joined the unit.
	June 22.		Shelling and watering of Bn. area continued throughout the day.
			Patrols during the morning come under M.G. fire from 795665. A further patrol down track 799666 reports 1 German A.F.V. burnt-out and 5 German dead, identified as 130 Pz.LEHR. Div. A Coy pushed a standing patrol to houses at 800666.
		2200	Evening patrolling by A Coy discovered trip wire running at right angles from the hedge at 795666 and 798666. Patrol was fired on from LA TAILLE, which appears to be constantly well defended.
			Casualtes this day 6 O.R.'s wounded. The following officers joined the Bn.:- Major L.R. THOMAS posted to B Coy. Capt. DJ. GRIMSDALE to A.Tk.Pln. Lt. JD. FORBES to mortar Pln. (CDN Army) Lt. P. BALDWIN Lts. T.C. BRADLEY J. FESTON G GILLHOOLY (CDN Army) B.A. MITCHELL L.G PATRICK. (CDN Army). Lt G.A. QUIGLEY 2/Lt. V.C. ROBINSON

Page 20 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
POINT 113	June 23		PLASSEY day was celebated by extra cigarette issue, and the Bde. Comd. visited the Bn. Normal patrolling was carried on through the day, B Coy patrol being fired on from tr. june 804666. The enemy appear to be holding the CHAU. DE CORDILLON and LA TAILLE area in some strength, with numerous outpost positions irreguarly manned, but always including a M.G.
		2200	Patrol fired on by M.G. area house 803666 ("O.P." house) This house appears to be used by the enemy as an o.p. for a mortar posn in the CHATEAU, and is the source of much trouble D Coy patrols visit it most frequently. Patrol penetrated to X rds. 803661 without incident.
		2230	Standing patrol ahat houses 800666 forced to abandon their posn due to intense and accurate mortar fire, but re-occupy it late. Mortaring of Bn fwd areas contained all day. Cas. this day 4 O.R.'s killed 1 officer and 11 O.R.'s wounded officer cas. Lt. L. MORTLEY.
	26	0600	Night patrols report much M.G. fire along front and movement in house 803666. A Coy patrol killed M.G. crew at 798665 identified later as belonging to a P.G.R.

Page 21 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
POINT 113	June 24		Mortaring continues though day. D Coy establish a strong pt. posn (40 men) at houses 806672, thus linking up with D.L.I. on our left and blocking re-entrant running into our positions from the south. Mines had already been laid by the pioneers across the head of this re-entrant, and booby - traps errected. The section post which had previously occupied the houses is pushed further south to "TWIN HOUSES" 806670. Cas this day 1 officer killed and 6 O.R.s wounded Officer cas. CDN 433 Lt. BALDWIN.
June 25	June 25		Patrols during night 24/25 to house 803666 found the place empty for the first time. All patrols at this time we co-ordinated with an arty fire plan. Designed to assist patrols during their withdrawal or to inflict casualties on the enemy should the patrol locate them. G ??? stores are made available, and following the succesful use of the 77 grenade by a 1/HAMPS patrol these are also carried (The use of these was later forbidden). Mortaring of Bn area continues and becomes more dangerous with the more exact knowledge in possession of

Page 22 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
POINT 113	June 25		the enemy of our positions.
		1230	20 rounds in 2 salvoes from a NEBELWERFER fell over a wide area around Bn. HQ. Casualties this day 24 O.R's. wounded. Lt. G. ROBERTS went to hospital. Capt MACNAMARA re-joined unit Lts.W.J.COLL H.W.HACK joined unit.
	26		Active patrolling continued during the night by all Coys. and was continued during the day to the well-known places "o.p." house 803666 "bombed" house 800666 and towards, orchard 806665.
			Mortar fire from enemy continued during the morning.
			Lt-Col J.E.F. WILLOUGHBY arrived to assume comd of the Bn. The R.A.P. sustained a direct hit on its house at 799674, which damaged an ambulance, and moved to houses 803680 (later to become Bn. HQ.)

Page 23 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
POINT 113	JUNE 26 (cont)	1400	R.S.M. DOREY wounded by mortar bomb and ammunition truck hit for second time - destroyed by fire. Casualties this Day 1 O.R. killed 1 wounded.
	June 27		Fighting patrols during the night 26/27. Two of these encountered no enemy, the third was ambushed by extructed??? from??? Germans, who threw grenades, wounding one member of the patrol, which returned after also throwing grenades, bringing the casualty with them. This took place at 798664
		0900	A Coy changed its posn. to conform to new posns. of GREEN HOWARDS on our right who had pushed fwd. slightly.
		1015	Bn. H.Q. moves to houses 803680 under orders from Bde. Comd.
		1200	A. Coy in new posn. with two ptns. south of the east-west track around houses 800666.
		1600	Enemy mortar fire becomes heavy in fwd areas, due to an unsuccesful attempt by the GREEN HOWARDS to push in to LA TAILLE.
		2100	P.W. sent back from GREEN HOWARDS identified as 902 G.R., re-inforcements just arrived from CHARTREUSE.

Page 24 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LINGEVRES	June 27
			Casualties this day: 1 officer and 7 O.R.'s killed 1 officer and 18 O.R.'s wounded. Officer casualties 2/LT. U. C. ROBINSON killed. CAPT A. BABBINGTON wounded. Following officers joined unit : Major P.H.W.BRIND (to A Coy. vice Capt BABBINGTON) Capt E.N. LUSHINGTON (re-joined). Lieuts P. H. LUFFMAN. ( " " ) G.H.D. WALSH (to 4 pln.). W.J. PALLISTER.
	28	-	Patrolling by all Coys during night 27/28 continues.
		-	Enemy mortaring continues.
		-	Bde. initiate plan "IBEX" for strafing suspected enemy relief during night 28/29 June. Patrolling during this night to be limited to standing patrols to ascertain whether relief is talking place.
		2300	Patrols report movement of enemy vehicles and "IBEX" put into operation with arty. 4.2" mortars and M.M.G.'s. Casualties for this day 5.O.R's. wounded.

Page 25 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LINGEVRES	June 29	0600	Enemy mortaring lessens this morning, due to possible relief of enemy mortar crews ? Enemy patrolling actively 200 yds south of our position at houses 800666.
		1200	Enemy mortaring increases, but several concentration out put down by our arty, which prove very effective,
		1500	2 enemy S.P. guns shell Bn. area and are engaged by our arty. Suspected location in HOTTOT village. Casualties this day 3 O.R.'s killed, 6 O.R.'s. wounded.
	30	0900	3 SHERMAN tanks, knocked out during GREEN HOWARD attack, are recovered.
		-	Enemy mortaring lessons during day.
		-	Patrolling during night 29/30 and early morning of 30 June to usual locations. Enemy at 805667 ("twin houses") engaged by own 3" mortars and later by a D Coy patrol. C Coy suffered two casualties on the way to house 799665 through mortar fire. Patrol continued and occupied positions round house all night. No enemy were seen.
		1730	First appearance of own a/c in great strength - LANCASTERS and HALIFAX'S on way to VILLERS BOCAGE - aroused great enthusiasm. Enemy re-action shown by continuous unaimed.

Page 26 of 26

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LINGEVRES.	JUNE 30 (cont)		M.G. fire during the time the planes were going over. Casualties this day: 1 O.R. killed 1 officer and 7 O.R's wounded. Officer casualty: Lieut H.R.A. DARTNELL. Lt. J. FESTON went to hospital. 2/Lt. E.J. WILLIS joined unit.	Appendix C shows various congratulatory messages. Appendix D - map covering area in which Bn. operated during latter part of the month.

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War Diary: 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment

Month and year: June 1944

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