War Diary: 1st Battalion Buckinghamshire Regiment

Month and year: July 1944

The 1st Battalion Buckinghamshire Regiment July 1944 covers their time based in OUISTREHAM and Caen canal area.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1269

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Page 1 of 12

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
OUISTREHAM	1	2359	Trace X attd shows posn as at beginning of July En shelling on a small scale. PAD orders issued to conform with Sub Area Instrs. 2330 Patrol sent by B Coy to Pt du Siege no information.	See Trace X Attd See Appx 'A' attd 6BG/0/11.
	2	1030	Church Servic C of E at CINO REX, OUISTREHAM which is now the official C of E church (ST CHRISTOPHERS OUISTREHAM)
		1115	Recce made of LUC-S-MER and PETIT ENFER prior to the BN with the aid of 3 FSO and 10 FSP searching the whole area to discover i) Arms and Amn ii) Possible enemy who had remained hidden iii) Suspect civilians.
		1300	O' Gp at HQ 138 DID.
		1345	Bn HQ (Adv) set up at triangle 042823 in LUC-S-MER.
		1440	No Tpt, as ordered
		1530	Owing to lack of tpt and failure to obtained correct infm (by higher authority) operation was cancelled.
		2200-2359	Beaches were shelled. Enemy a/c over BMA. STAGE SHOWS have been arranged. Recce Patrol by 12 Pl D Coy.	See App 'B' 6BG/A/33.
	3	0600	Enemy a/c beleived to be pilotless plane or doodlebug observed flying in direction NW-SE towards SALLENELLES.
		0730	Reported by 'B' Coy that at 0150hrs anemy limber parked and probably unloaded stores: at 0250hrs a m/c parked at same posn. Voices heard.
		1315	Bn, HQ set up at Triangle 042823 in LUC-S-MER.
		1430	A' Coy with under Comd Pl 'C' Coy and 'D' Coy with under Comd 1 Pl 'C' Coy commenced to search every civilian and house. Many people brought back for questioning. Only a few detained by FSP and fevforbidden articles discovered,
		2145	Operation ended. Entertainment cancelled (see 6BG/A/24) considered too dangerous in view of shelling.	Ref App 'C' (6BG/A/36)

Page 2 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
4	0030	Shelling until 0400. 1 Casualty.
5		An operation order was made for the defence of Docks and Installations at the PORT OF OUISTREHAM (1178).	See 6BG/0/17 App (D( 6BG/0/18 App 'E'
		B' Coy remained Garrison Coy and def posns are as at Trace 'z' 2 OPs were put out by 'B' Coy as drawn on trace.	See Trace 'z'
6	0900	Entertainment Programme Cadre started for L/Cpls - newly appointed - run by RSM at Bn HQ to train them in duties of NCOs Usual air activity at night. No damage or Cas.	See 6BG/A/30 App 'F' (i)
7	2230	LT J DEFRIEZ (Assistant Sigs Offr) attached to 4 SS Bde as LO for defence of QUISTREHAM PORT.
		LT RD VASEY att 2 OXF BUCKS.
	1130 -1300	Mor Pl ranged on Def fire Tasks and in posns.
		Usual air activity and sholling bo night. 110 -damage or casualties.
	2200	Hy bomber raid observed in area CAEN a/c were LANCASTERS, Short Cadre started for Junior Offrs and Pl Sjts. Run by 2IC and Major Marshall D Coy - Programme attached herewith.	Appx 'F' (ii)
8		Entertainments see 6BG/A/63	Appx 'G' attached
		Entertainments see BKS/A/65	Appx 'H' (i) attached
	1900	Sniper shot German (believed to be offr or NCO) standing on
		pillbox at range 600 yds believed killed.
	2030	Another German shot - badly wounded - believed killed, Usual
		air activity and shelling by night. No damage or Casualties, This is the first opportunity the Bn has had of firing at the enemy.
		1 Pl 'C' Coy put under comd 'B' Coy for erecting wire E of Canal. 1 Pl 'D'Coy under Comd 'B' Coy to provide double sentries on lock gates OUISTREHAM PORT.	Trace 'z'

Page 3 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
9		LT SG GILLAM attached 101 Beach Sub Area as LO
	1955	2 Mor Bombs fell in RAP Biv area - no casualties.
	2045	Mor Bomb fell in area CANAL LOCK 0 no damage or casualties.
10		The Beach Gp as such dissolves finally and the Staff Capt (Capt JD Bicknell) was withdrawn to 101 Beach Sub Area on whose strength he has always been borne since he ceased to be Adjutant of this Bn and became Staff Capt to the Beach Group last February. 2/Lt RCBM Viney taken on strength from Reinforcements Gp and posted to 'S' Coy as understudy to the Mortar offr.
		Lt RD Moore transferred to 'C' Coy as 2IC following posting of Lt SG Gillam to 101 Beach Sub Area.
		Lt Morley assumes comd of Carrier Pl. Bn now back on Bn basis but the future is very obscure. Pressing on with trg as much as possible but strictly limited by ground to small scale Section Trg and occasional Pl Trg.
		U.S. Gangshow 'SKYBLAZERS' comes to LION whole of this week . Bn
		is allotted seats.	Appx 'I'
		Op Instr No 3 (2nd edition) issued. 15 shells dropped during day.	Appx 'J'
11		Inter Coy change overs effected during day. A Coy take over
		defence of Docks from 'B' Coy. Change over effected without
		Enemy interference of any sort incl shelling.	Appx 'K'
	1400	Representative from Airborne Division came to ask for volunteers for Parachutists or Airborne tps Went round Coys seeing men direct. Quite a number volunteered.
	1500	Received a visit from Adjt 52nd.
	0245	2 enemy MGs fire into Wood 134784 (Point du Siege) in attempt to shoot our relieving Snipers - No casualties.
	1835	Enemy shelled Dock Area, destroying only bridge across the lock with two direct hits which set off the demolition charges. Bridge was useless except for pedestrians. Approx 65 shells fired into Bn Area

Page 4 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
12	0055	Completion of take over by 'A' Coy from 'B' Coy. Consistent enemy shelling and a/c action until dawn over general area. No damage or casualties.
	0550	Docks area shelled. No damage or casualties.
	0845	Possible enemy relief occurred at FRANCEVILLE PLAGE as 4 men were observed leaving positions with full kit.
	2359	Bailey Bridges erected across the Canal during the night.
		CSM Bateman returns to the Bn after convalescing following an accident several months ago on an Exercise in Scotland and is
		posted to 'A' Coy as CSM in place of CSM Stevenson who goes to 52nd on trial pending posting.
13		Normal shelling continued throughout the day approx 60 shells falling Bn Area.
		In addition to normal shelling ennecessary movement by the RE near an Artillery OP brought down fierce fire from the enemy 50 shells in all which put the Radio Eqpt of local AA Guns out of action.
		The slightest attempt to work on the high ground invariably
		brings its response from the other side of the canal.
	1430	OC A Coy visited SS Bde over the River and made mutual arrangements
		regarding supporting fire and signals orders Appx 'L'	Appx 'L'
	2350	A' Coy carréd out Patrol to test suspected enemy minefield and
		wired in 'A' Coy area.
14		Le Quatorze Juillet' Local arrangements made with Mayor for Guard of Honour to be provided outside church at OUISTREHAM. 'D' Coy supplied Guard of 1 Offr and 40 men. There was voluntary service at OUISTREHAM Church (RC) for the tps. Comd Offr had arranged to attend service and lay wreath at War Memorial afterwards but was called to conference at 101 Sub-Area just before the commencement.

Page 5 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
14		2IC (Major Boehm) and the Adjt attended the service. The Mayor
		inspected the Guard of Honour and then went into the Church. The service opened with a short address in English by the Vicar
		followed by the normal mass. At the end 'La Marseillaise' and 'God Save the King' were played by the brass band got together by
		the civilians. After the service the various wreaths vere laid on the memorial and the 2IC laid one on behalf of the British
		Army. Enemy shelling did not interfere with the service or the celebrations.
	1515	The Regimental Band which had just arrived in Normandy was sent
		to us to give a concert at OUISTREHAM. The large Theatre there was chosen as there is a good stage and the place itself is not
		greatly damaged. The place was crowded with military and civilians and the Band gave an excellent performance which was greatly
		appreciated by all. During the show there was a lot of artillery firing during the performance which. brought some retaliation but
		although explosions outside could be heard no damage was done to the Thteatre on the audience.
	1930	Enemy shells fell in 'D' Coy area - no damage or casualties. One pilotless in the morning, obviously somewhat off its course as it was heading straight for the German Lines. The enemy AA got wildly excited but despite intense Flak the
		Doodle Bug' sailed serenely through and disappeared from view still going stong.
15	0900	Further course for L/Cpls starts at Bn HQ under RSM.
	0930	Visit from Comd 7 Bn East Yorks who has recently moved into this area and has instructions from above to take over the defence of OUISTREHAM.

Page 6 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
15	1000	Visit from SS Gp (Commandos) who interview candidates for Commandos. They choose eight out of about 24.
	1200	Thunderbolt a/c crashes and pilot parachutes into R Orne. Patrol from 'A' Coy goes out to fetch him in but SS Bde are already there. Pilot is brought to our lines and sent to 101 Sub Area.
		Were warned that one Coy would have to do duties in CAEN. Warning order issued but decision of 101 Sub Area changed at last moment.	Appx (P)
		150 shells in Bn area during day.
16	0945	Lighthouse shelled again - no casualties. Authority given for 5 offrs and 7 ORS to be attached to front line tps for Battle Experience.	Appx 'Q'
	1015	16 men attached to 241 Pro Coy for CMP duties.
	1640	Visit by Lt Col Alexander - Civil Affairs - (the Bn IO from Sept 40 - March 42).
	2330	Enemy shelling bridge at OUISTREHAM - 20% of shells did not explode. 195 shells in area altogether.
17		A lot of German Amn ordered to be collected in this avea. Most of it is in a strong room in one of the Ex German defences and each time movement is seen by the enemy over the River he lets loose with shells. Collection of amn consequently abandoned temporarily!
	1150	Heavy shelling of Dock Area until 1400, (2 Cas-wounded)
	1320	Martor Pl range on Mustang which crashed over the River in enemy lines to attempt to set on fire, but range is too great. The
		Casino LION opened as a permanent Theatre. Bn allotted seats daily. Rumoured Residual parties have arrived.	Appx 'R'
18	0200 - 0250	Heavy shelling of Canal Area followed by further shelling of OUISTREHAM generally incl D Coy and Bn HQ. Bn suffered 6 casualties (wounded) 18 all incl Lt DO Eden Lt Defriez appointed L between Bn 4 SS Bde across the river.

Page 7 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
18	0600	Fleet of bombers flew over and dropped 7000 Bombs on enemy FDLs
		just East of CAEN. - Very impressive. First indication received of future of Bn which is threatened
		with heavy Drafts or disbandment. Other Beach Gp Bns being disbanded or finding drafts but no definite authority for us to
		do so as yet.
	1430	SSI Rider appointed NCO IC Enemy Weapons.
		Information Room established and demonstration given to all offr WOs and Pl Sjts. Amn is in plentiful supply from the Pill-
		boxes evacuated on D Day by the Germans so it is hoped to allow one NCO per Plto become proficient in the handling of the enemy weapon.
	1630	Arrival at Bn HQ of Capt EA Low Bn TO who has come over with the Residual Party. Residuals were meant to arrive on D + 17 approx but finally turned up on D + 42. All personnel and tpt join up with Bn here at 2300hrs. Bn once more complete.
	1700	Enemy MG Post 137789 hit by our arty and left burning.
	2100	Considerable traffic on the roads tonight as fresh tps move up into the line for the coming attack. German 88mm at 137789 opens
		up at column of vehs as it moves down Canal Bank. Noticed that the Ambulances were not fired at.
19	0615	Polish deserter picked up by AA Site and brought to Bn HQ. Passed to interrogation camp.
		During day enemy shelling of Canal Area including, onee more, vehs moving down Canal Bank.
	1500	Bn Sports. Major Kaye arranged the meeting which was held on a very nonvenient field nereby and included all the usual Running Heats, 100x 220x 440x 1/2 mile and 1 mile, Relay Races, Long Jump, High Jump, Tug-of-War and as always the comic obstacle race at the end, it was a perfert day and during the afternoon there was no shelling.

Page 8 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
19	1500	Results were C Coy 21 points
		B Coy 19 "
		S Coy 18 "
		HQ Coy 13 " D Coy 11 "
	2200	Aerial bombardment over area on small scale. One bomb dropped on B Coy Canteen. Fortunately no one was there at the time, the only
		casualties being from blast - CSM Rous, L/S Haggerty who suffered from shock but was treated by the RAP and remained with Coys.
20		Letter received from General Montgomery regarding the future of the Bn. In view of the shortage of man-power it has been found
		necessary to turn all Beach Gp Bns into Drafting Bns and we are
		to expect heavy Drafts in the future. It is not clear whether the
		Bn is to be disbanded or not but it seems unlikely now. Undoubtedly
		we shall have to find drafts and the chance of fighting as
		a Bn seems very remote unfortunately. At the moment, while we
		are performing our present operational Role of defending OUISTREHAM
		we are frozen as regards drafts, but how long this will last is
		uncertain. This was the only thing of importance that occurred
		during the whole day apart from the fact that the Comd offr after attending a conference at 11 L of C was told that the Bn would be
		"broken Up". What exactly "broken up" means no one quite knows
		but we all hope that it only means 'bled' and not disbanded.
	2000	Comd offr called conference of all Coy Comds and broke the sad news as far as he knew it and asked each Coy to submit names for
		a Minimum Cadre based on our own proposed cadre which was sent at once to all concerned. We await developements.	Appx 'V'

Page 9 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
21		Very little of interest happened today. The biggest administ-
		rative headache at HQ is the Entertainment which is assuming a rather complicated proportion. This seems to be the most
		important item for everyone these days so an up-to-date 'guide' is produced for all Coys. Everyone is able to see some film	See App 'T'
		or show every 3 weeks at present which is considered very good by all except the odd few who are never satisfied.
	1400	Lt DUNKLEY is attached to 241 Pro Coy CMP for a period of 3 weeks pending posting to CMP.
	1500	Operational Relief of A Coy by D Coy & vice versa. This will now complete the circle as all Rifle Coys after D Coy have completed thier
		tour of duty will have done the actual immediate operational Role of the Bn.
	1700	Comd Offr spoke to all Offrs on subject of future of the Bn and asked them all to write a personal letter to him today stating
		in view of the circumstances whether they wished to try and go elsewhere at once, or if they had any special choice of posting
		was eventually inevitable.
		Morale not quite so high as usual on hearing the news but luckily
		the NAAFI supplies had just arrived so we were all able to drown
		our sorrows, Capt JA Hope appointed Sniper officer and Sniper Section detailed. Attached to Bn HQ and work with Intelligence Section. Volunteers for Commandos and Airlanding Bde are attached to respective Units (58nd in the case of Airlanding Bde) on
		probation.
		Rev Dix posted from 2nd Army to L of C but remains with Bn for
		the present until we should move. A day from shelling point of view - only 17 in all.

Page 10 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
22		Normal Routine everywhere. Leaflets dropped in area 'B' Coy.	Appx 'V'
		Much traffic across the bridge and down the Canal Road which as usual draws a lot of attention and fire from the enemy.
		Approx 120 shells fell in this area during the 24 hours.
23		Normal Routine. Rev. Dix took Church Service at the special
		church converted out of the Local Cinema called 'St Christophers Church'. In the middle of the service the enemy shelled the
		Town and shells fell all around the Church, the nearest one being on the other side of the road. The church itself was not
		damaged and the service was not interupted.
		During the shelling four Casualties were caused in the Bn incl
		Lt Chatham. None was serious and all remain with Bn,
24		More leaflets dropped during the night throughout the area.
	1540	Visit of Gen Naylor Comd L of C to this HQ. Nows was received from KSLI that Lt EMMENS who had been attached
		to KSLI temporarily to gain battle experience with certain other offre and NCOs from this Bn had been killed on the 18 Jul 44 by
		a shell which exploded close to him. Lt MOFFATT was also
		injured and removed to hospital. Remainder returned to the Bn
		having all been in charge of Pls and been engaged in the assault.
		But of thirteen sent we were unfortunate to have about 25%
		casualties L/Sjt Killigrew also being wounded.
25		Enemy weapon circus started. In view of the shelling which hampers work on the Docks and the surrounding area, it has been decided to put up a Camouflage Screen round Canal Bridge. This is put in hand by Camouflage
		offr 101 Sub Area,
		All Umits of 6 Beach Gp finally passed out of Comd. The Bn is now
		responsible for the local dministration of elements of AA only. Large parcel received from Bucks Welfare Fund.

Page 11 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
26		Small exercise laid on by this HQ for Carrier and A/tk Pls to practice their role. Much benefit derived from it for all concerned.
		The Fd Punishment Cage which is being run by this Bn for 101 Sub Area closed down and became merely our own FP Gage for our own delinquents and a Close Arrest Cage for those awaiting disposal etc,
27	1500	Regimental Band gave a further concert in the Theatre at OUISTREHAM. The civilians were informed throug Civl Affairs and the Mayor and 300 seats were allotted to them as before. 70 seats were also allotted to 52nd who are on the other side or the river. Unfortunately during the morning there had been some shelling and the Church next to the Theatre had been hit by a shell. This incident coupled with the fact that it was mid- week and therefore everyone was at work resulted in only a mere handful of civilians turning up. Despite this the conoert was a great success, the Band with its usual versatibility giving us everything from Military Marches to Dance Music - the latter was a tremendous success not only with the soldiers but also with the few civilians who were there.
	AM	Normal Routine.
	1500	Heavy shelling on the Town and especially round Bn HQ area, shells landing in the square in front of the HQ and in the empty shed next door to the Cookhouse. 20 men slightly wounded otherwise no damage.
	1600	The Comd Offrs Car (4 str) badly holed by splinters and rendered hors de combat. Great lamentations at the thought of the Majestic 'Bread Van' (Bucks for 'Battle Box') being replaced by the uncomfortable though undoubtly Utilitarian Jeep. There is indeed
		Total War!

Page 12 of 12

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
27	1600	Camouflage Screen over R Orne at Canal Bridge knocked down and damaged by Shellfire.
28		2 sjts of 1 NORFOLKS attached to our Mortar Pl and A/TK Pl for training to discover their technical capabilities. Snipers claim 1 German wounded from Point du Seige.
		Heavy shelling of area. 173 shells fell in Bn area. No casualties.
29	1030	Mortar Pl carried out practice shoot of operational role. Shoot satisfactory and brought no reprisals. Normal Routine.
30	0550	Received letter from 1 Canadian Army stating that the Bn ceases to be L of C but comes under 1 Canadian Army wef 1200hrs today.
		immediately under 1 Corps.
	0960	Comd Offer visits 1 Corps and arrangemnts are made for Bn to
		become Corps Troops, directly under 1 Corps for Admin but under 6 Airborne Division for operations.
	1200	6 Airborne Division contacted.
31		B Coy complete moves over the River Orne to take up position at 128748 under command 52nd. A Coy assumes responsibility for guarding 4 bridges over River Orne at 111765 and 115761 under command 4 SS Bde. Weekly AFW 3008s and 3009s and copies of Bn news sheet attached. 6 Beach Gp Admin Order No 1 Operation OVERLORD attached with Amdt No 1.	Appx 'W' & Appx 'X' Appx 'Y'
		Extracts of original operation order (6 Beach GP) attached. No complete copy was brought overseas.	Appx 'Z'

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War Diary: 1st Battalion Buckinghamshire Regiment

Month and year: July 1944

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