War Diary: 1st Battalion Buckinghamshire Regiment

Month and year: September 1944

The 1st Battalion Buckinghamshire Regiment September 1944 War Diary. Receiving new drafts, entertainment (local cinema, NAAFI),escort duties and many officers and ORs attached away.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1269

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Page 1 of 11

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
PLANET	1	0900	New draft paraded and inspected by Commanding Officer. 48 different regiments represented. Most of draft were wearing funny hats of every size and description and at the queerest angles. Commanding Officer talkred to draft and includes a few pointed words about the wearing of Caps GS in this Battalion.
		am	Draft under Capt Eyles, is equipped as far as possible from unit resources.
		pm	Notified that further draft is due to be collected from 36 RHU today. Transport laid on to collect baggage. 36 RHU contacted and arrangements made for draft to march over (4 miles)
			First draft split up into coys and nominal roll issued to all coy comds.
		1700	Second draft arrived - 123 strong. Capt Bruce put in charge. Draft arrived in somewhat better shape than the first lot.	Appx "A"
	2	0900	Commanding Officer inspected second draft as before and spoke to them afterwards.
			Draft fitted out as far as possible from unit resources.
		1000	Commanding Officer, Adjutant and QM visit 101 BSA at PORT-EN-BESSIN re final take-over and allocation of accommodation. Arranged for our cooks
			etc to take over the messes from midday.
		1200	Advance party sent to PORT-EN-BESSIN under Capt Eyles.
		pm	Second draft consisting of 40 different regiments split up to coys - nominal roll issued to coy comds.	Appx "B"
		1400	Coy Comds conference ref nove to Shuttle service essential with limited transport available,
			Decided to move Bn HQ first the following day, Sun Sep 3rd, then coys in order "A" "B" "C "D" "HQ". Men to march, OC "HQ" Coy to provide transport
			equally to coys who were to shuttle their own stores across. QM stores to be taken over today and cleared by tonight.
		1600	Various callers from 4 L of C and 36 Beach Brick all anxious to hand over files to Adjutant. Total files so far handed over from 101 BSA amount to 43!

Page 2 of 11

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
			A quick glance through them to see that all are entirely superfluous,
			except one - the entertainment file, once again, which covers a distribution far greater than the peak days of Beach Grouping. The whole organization
			seems 'bumph bound' Après tant d'ànnees!
	3	0830	Bn HQ moves to PORT-EN-BESSIN followed by coya etc
		0900	Commanding officer and Adjutant visit 'Q' at HQ L of C to try and hasten delivery or obtain release rather, of caps GS to fit out the new drafts.
			After some time necessary authority was obtained and after seeing various people at 17 AOD they managed to fill commanding officer's car with 500
			assorted GS Caps! A promise is also obtained for badges and buttons and urgent teleprints sent off, so within seven days we may get some in.
			Caps GS handed over to QM with considerable satisfaction, it being considered a major triumph to be able to out do the king of outdoers! even though it
			meant the using the commanding officer's car in a somewhat unusual role -
			that of load carrier!
PORT-EN-BESSIN		pm	Bn settles in in its new home,
	4	am	New standing orders issued and re-allotment of seats for local cinema. Tents produced by 'Q' for sleeping accommodation for all men.	Appx "C" and "D"
		pm	Normal routine.
	5	am	Further draft of 1 offr (Lieut Rees) and 8 ORs, arrives. Allotted to Coys. Informed that RAF GANG SHOW is to entertain us in local NAAFI this evening. Programme issued for all units in area.	Appx "E"
		pm	Adjutant visits REFORSEC 21 Army Group with 3008 and 3009 and puts the exact man position to them, showing who are attached away and what A.1 men are still with the Bn. Informed that all our carrier drivers attached at present to 6 Airborne Div are to be posted to 101 Rft Gp, also informed that further draft of 150 men are due into RHUs from England today.
		2000	RAG GANG SHOW performed after much rapid improvisation as regards lighter sets- tilly lamps used as footlights - GREAT SUCCESS. Goog time had by one and all!

Page 3 of 11

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
6	am	Dental inspection for all new drafts.
		Visit by Comd Offr to 2 Army Rest Camp who are moving shortly, and arrangements made to borrow 20 tents to accommadate our new drafts who are expected
		shortly.
	pm	Arrangements made with 2 Base Hospital Laundly who now run showers to bathe the Bn so that each man gets one shower a week from now on.
7	am	Visit by Adjt to 21 Army Gp to enquire re further drafts. Managed to
		obtain an 'Order' for 84 bodies from 36 RHU. Also picked up posting order in respect of a major (Major KERSHAW) who has been posted to this Bn -
		not likely to arrive for quite a while as he is with the GORDONS at present and will come down the line no doubt in easy stages as and when the posting order reaches the front line!
	pm	Visit to 36 RHU, gave them copy of posting order for draft and arranged to collect draft at 0930 hrs 8 Sep. 1 officer included in draft who is Lieut Hare (our original rear party officer) when we left England.
8	1000	New draft arrives plus Lieut Hare. Allotted immediately to coys (40 different regiments this time). Kit checks etc carried out by coys.	Appx "F"
	pm	Commanding Officer visits 21 Army Gp and HQ L of C to clarify position once again re new. It appears L of C are preparing WE but unable to
		contact correct department unfortunately. Officers promised shortly. Authority given for striking off strength to 101 Rft Gp all carrier drivers attached to 6 Airborne Div - 40 in all plus 2 REME fitters. Conference of coy comds, QM, RMO to discuss adm details. In view of lack
		of tpt decided to cut down even more on stores - such as jerricans, camouflage nets and the like. Also decided on permanent mess ordenlies,
		in view of change of personnel from A.1 to categories.
	1500	RAF GANG SHOW repeat performance at 1500 hrs and 2000 hrs. Full houses on both occasions.

Page 4 of 11

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1800	Informed by DAQMG 36 Beach Brick that Bn must assume responsibility for
		discipline of odd body of men in charge of Police Dogs who patrol pipe line at night. At present under 9 BPSC who have not facilities to instil
		necessary discipline. Decided to send one Sjt to be in Charge - Sjt Knott- assisted by one - CoI Rogars.
9	am	Normal Routine. Comd Offr and RMO to to ST DULIAN to try and locate graves of Capt Hope and men of 'A' Coy who fell there. Unable to locate graves.
	pm	Discovered that Regimental Band are billeted close by with 2 Army Rest Camp at COMMES.
		Adjt contacted Adjt of Rest Camp to try and borrow band for concert here for Monday and Tuesday next. Band promised.
		35mm projector at last installed in 'BARN' Cinema - great improvement in Entertainment value. Slightly offset by cancellation of all Sunday	Appx 'G'
		Cinemas operated by AKS. Bad thing, smacles of Trade Unionisms. Diarised forward for points to note after the War!
		Units come and go with startling rapidity. Very difficult to keep pace.
		Distribution Lists tend to be out of date even before the DR has completed
		his run. Units who have failed to comply with orders for the past five years are continueing the good work and dashing in and out of the area without
		telling a soul, until they want something, like an allotment to the cinema. "Forward" is the big cry just at present and units are complying with a
		surprising alacrity with never a backward glance nor yet a note for the baker saying "gone away." Very trying.
10	am	Advised by 36 Brick that we were to produce two parties each of 1 NCO and 11 men as prisoner escort to UK to report to ARROMANCHES by 1100hrs today. HQ Coy told to detail original D day men still with the Bn. Sjt Fowler sent on party with instruction if possible to collect bugles and dance band instruments from Aylesbury!

Page 5 of 11

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	pm	Bandmaster Feltham arrived to fix up arrangements for the concert. Decided on indoor performance in the NAAFI.
11	am	Further party for prissoner escort ordered from HQ Coy.
		Entertainment programme for bandconcert issued. Advised that Stars in Battle Drass will visit this area, Thursday, Friday.	Appx 'H'
		and Saturday this week. Programme issued to all units giving vacancies.	Appx 'I'
	pm	Regimental Band gives two performances 1500 and 1930hrs. Both houses
		packed. In small hall the dance band with so much brass threatened to do serious injury to ones eardrums and it was feared that a lot of the new draft
		might have to be even further downgradad after the performance! However apart from a few jangled nerves all was well and everyone enjoyed it very
		much. A short history of the Regiment was given by the Bandmaster while introducing the Regimental Marches for the benefit of the newcommers.
		Warned by 36 Brick that a further ten parties would be required for escort duties tomorrow.
12	am	10 parties not now required on the 14 Sep 44. Warned by 36 Brick that one Company complete is to proceed to AMIENS and report to 21 Army Group MAIN on arrival - to proceed fully equipped as soon as possible. Adjt ordered 7 3 tonners which were promised at once.
	pm	Transport finally arrived at 1700hrs and orders now received for Coy at full WE to proceed to BRUSSELS and NOT AMIENS to do guard duties. 'D' Coy selected
		and strenuous efforts made to complete the Coy with clothing and equipment and cap. badges., flashes etc.
		Obtained from 17 AOD direct cap badges, previously ordered, by sending special DR whole fitted out by 1800hrs. Decided to stay here overnight and leave at 0830hrs next day Wednesday 13 Sep 44. Comd Offr visited 36 Brick re duties for UK and met Deputy Comd L of C.
		mentioned to him that Coy sent to BRUSSELS was not at WE as we had not got the bodies. DC agreed that was quite in order it was arranged to send
		off balance when new drafts arrived.

Page 6 of 11

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	1500	Regimental Band gave last performance - nearly all civilians in the
		audience - chiefly small children. Everyone delighted. Some French Councillor made a speach in French afterwards indicating - so it was
		believed - that all had enjoyed the show:
13	0830	D' Coy move to BRUSSELS.
	1200	36 Brick phoned to say that Coy must move complete to WE. Indicated to them that (a) Coy had already gone 26 men light and (b) it had been arranged
		for the balance to go later when drafts came in.
	1600	12 L of C rang up very aggitated, to know why we had not sent 'D' Coy off
		at full WE. Explaned carefully full reasons and said that everything was quite alright were sending them later. 12 L of C not very happy
		about it and doubted whether everything was alright. Comd: offer visited 21 Army Group REAR and HQ L of C. asked everyone about
		Officer position and proposed new WE. Found a Major Campbell at HQ L of C
		who was just starting on it. Arranged for him to come over on Saturday 16th to go through it in detail. Suggested that OC 5 Kings should be consulted too. This was agreed to and it was promised that a copy of
		proposed WE should be sent to us in advance to study.
	pm	Major H.C. Le Neve Foster assumes duties of 2IC to Battalion.
		Captain G.L.E. Eyles " " Coy Comd 'B' Coy.
14	1000	4 parties required for rescort duties - selected from 'A' Coy. 'Invoice' received for further draft from 43 RHU for 26 bodies also 20 men from 36 RHU and 54 from 37 RHU making Grand Total of 100 bodies.
	pm	Adjt visits all RHUs concerned and O2E ar REVIERS and tries to find out if
		any officers are available, Everyone at O2E promises officers as soon as possible.
	1500	Stars in Battle Dress' perform - very mediocre. Attendance at evening show not so good.

Page 7 of 11

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
15	1000	4 more parties called for escort duties - 'A' Coy. Some of original party returned not having been able to get any shore leave except three hours! Keeness for job waines throughout Battalion
		Draft from 43 RHU arrives - sorted to Coys - 15 Regiments.
	pm	Adjt visits O2E and queries all these B7s arriving - 101 so far. SP Branch say they should not be here, something must have gone wrong somewhere, They will probably be changed later. Adjt pointed out how much easier lifer would be for all concerned if mistakes like that were ruled out at the start. Joke much appreciated. HQ L of C phoned re proposed new Garrison Establishment Major Campbell bringing it over WE arrived. Copies made and distributed to Coys for study.	Appx 'J'
16	1000	Draft from 37 and 36 RHUs arrive and distributed to Coys. 40 different Regiments.	Appx 'K'
		Sjt Fowler returned from UK with bugles and instruments! Cpl Dowie-Hood our Bugle Cpl instructed to work away training our new buglers
	1100h	Comd Offr calls conference to discuss new WE
	1200	2 more parties called for escort duty to UK.
	1500	Conference with CO, CO 5 Kings and Major Campbell from HQ L of C on proposed Garrison WE.
	pm	New entertainments programme issued.	Appx 'L' and 'M'
17	1100	Adjt attended welfare Conference at Brick HQ everyone appeared satisfied, Kit (Sports) would be distributed when available. No startling developements escept that we were to have no ENSA in future just 'RAF Gang-Shows' and 'Stars in Battle Dress'
	pm	Normal Routine. Advised three new officers are to join us from 37 RHU. We are to collect tomorrow.
18	am	36 Brick phoned to say full WE for 'D' Coy must go including full complement of officers. General Naylor Comd L of C visited us and saw CO. Point of officers for 'D' Coy raised and General Naylor said 'don't worry about WE what you've got! 36 Brick informed accordingly. Everyone at last contented!

Page 8 of 11

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
18	pm	Two Officers arrived Capt Cabeldu and Lieut Merryfield. The 3rd officer's posting has been cancelled as he is to be Camp Comdt at O2E.
19	0845	Remainder of 'D' Coy leave for BRUSSELS
		Posting Order for Lieut Merryfield cancelled. Officer to be returned to 37 RHU. for other appointment. 2 more parties detailed for escort duty -
		making a total of 144 away now.
		Adjt visits O2E and gives exact deficiency strength. WE now require 132
		Ptes to complete to new WE (proposed).
	pm	Naval Concert party give two shows in NAAFI. Excellent.
20	0730	Comd Offr leaves in 'Bread Van¹ for BRUSSELS. Visits "D" Coy. Likely to be away until Sunday. 24 Sep. Major Foster assumes command of the Bn in
		his absence,
	1100	Letter from HQ L of C stating Bucks will not find drafts for escort duty
		any more except in emergency.
	1200	HQ L of C phoned to say they have authorised two more parties for Escort Duty and no more. This is now likely to end. One party from "C" Coy returned - not being required.
	1400	All parties back from UK now except last party of 12 from "C" Coy.
	1600	Two drafts arrived from 37 and 56 RHUs - 18 in all. Posted to coys. All Ptes, as requested.
	2000	RAF GANG SHOW No 1 - excellent entertainment. Welfare Offr 36 Brick phoned to say we can keep GANG SHOW for tomorrow as well. Allotment issued accordingly.	to Appx "N"
21	am	Normal routine. 'Invoice' for 12 more bodies received - to be collected tomorrow.
	pm	Adjt visits 5 Kings to check up on names of those who have previously served with Oxf and Bucks now with the Kings and mutual transfers arranged. At present we have 5 men of the Kings but they have not any Oxp & Bucks. Visit to O2E REFORSEC at Riviers. Posting order obtained for the 5 men
		to the Kings also further draft of 1 offr and 98 ORs who are to be collected 23 Sep 44.

Page 9 of 11

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
21	pm	This will now leave us deficient of 43 ORs and 10 Offrs. Also arranged to get struck off strength the six officers attached away to 1 Corps etc. Welfare offr 36 Brick states that our Local cinema is to be taken away from us and to 14 (Br) Convalescent Depot at COMMES. This deprives the
		odd 2500 men of celluloid entertainnent, complaint lodged.
		Padre of 14 (Br) Conv Depot arrives and arranges for allotment to be given to troops in area. This will relieve the strain a little.
22	1000	2 Ptes arrive from 47 RHU as Draft - no draft order received from O2E. Taken on strength.
	1200	Draft of 7 arrive - posted to coys. 'Invoice' for 98 ORs received.
	pm	Adjt visits 46 RHU and obtains nominal roll of 98 ptes on draft - only 97 available.
	1600	Comd Off returns from BRUSSELS. Whilst there he saw 21 Army Gp and discovered that 'D' Coy were in fact acting as defence coy to 21 Army Gp Main. Brought back list of 38 ORs who could not perform duties adequately
		through various causes - all categories included among 'Crocks' Orders to send replacement of fit men.
23	1000	Comd off visits HQ L of C who appreciate position and call for lists of men unable to do guards and look reasonably smart etc; HQ L of C promise to clarify the policy and to try and get a decision as to whether we are to receive men fit for guards or alternatively that we are only given jobs to do which merely call for ability to lie down and eat as at present the two just don't
		mix.
	1130	Conference for coy comds and RMO. Lists to be prepared by coy comds in	Appy 'O'
		conjunction with RMO and suitäble names for 'D' Coy to be submitted. New draft of 97 arrive, RMO says at least 50 % are US and will obviously
		have to go. Life proving rathor a burden just at present!
	1400	New draft seen by Comd Offr. Seem quite bright mentally though RMO's
		opinion definitely confirmed physically.

Page 10 of 11

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	15	New cinema instructions issued.	Appx "P"
24	am	Normal routine. Voluntary church services. Adjt takes copy off 'unfit' men to HQ L of C who promise to get a ruling on future policy.
	pm	Brigadier Strange Camd 12 L of C, visits Comd Offr. Wonders when we
		can get on with Platoon training. Not quite au fait on the whole. A Garrison Battalion is obvlously still a bundle of mystery.
25	am	Instructions issued to coys for the move of certain men as replacements for 'D' Coy.	Appx "Q"
		CSM Birch returns with transport from BRUSSELS. Satisfactory journey. Very pleased at being detailed to go again with the next batch on
		Wednesday morning. Though surplus to establishment and awaiting posting is anxious to wear Bn flashes etc and keen to stay with us. A definite
		asset.
	pm	Adjt visits REFORSEC at REVIERS. Gets posting order for 9 men - already reported on adversely by our RMO - to go back to 37 RHU to be S.P.d. Explains that Bn is now. 16 subalterns and 51 ORs short of proposed Garrison WE. Promised they will be forthcoming as soon as possible.
	1600	Lt BORTON ex 5th Bn Oxf Bucks arrived on posting - posted to "B" Coy. Theatre instructions issued for coming week.	Appx "R"
26	am	Normal routine.
	pm	An additional ENSA show is billed for Sat next. Instructions issued. REFORSEC phoned to say that officers are likely to be posted to us	Appx "S"
		shortly now.
27	am	One hours drill parade under the RSM laid on for all coys - one coy per day.
	pm	New draft of 29 ORs arrive. Posted to rifle coys.	Appx "T"
	1700	Capt Tait arrived from 37 RHU posted to "A" Coy.

Page 11 of 11

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1940	Jeep stolen from vehicle park. Seen by CMP locally being driven in the manner of Jehu's chariot, ie furiously, without lights. 4 Americans presumed drunk seen in the Jeep. Presumption of insobriety based on the vehicle being driven on an extremely zig zag course. Said vehicle later knocked a DR off his Motor Cycle - luckily without harm. CMP hot on	-
		the tail. It appears from previous similar experiences that Kleptomania is inclined to be prevalent among the local U.S. forces stationed hereabouts - especially after a party.
28	am	Authorities notified of loss of jeep and extra guards put on the MT park.
	pm	Normal routine. 'Stars in Battledress' gave two shows as arranged.
29	0830	Comd Offr addressed whole Bn on saluting in view of special drive now being
		made throughout the theatre.
	pm	Normal routine.
30	am	Normal routine.
	pm	ENSA party at NAAFT Institute - very mediocre except the three girls
		who were judged by all to be 'A.1'. Revised Standing Orders for the Bn issued.	Appx "U"
		Total Bn strength excluding permanently attached at end of Sept is Officers 21
		ORs 778 WE for Garrison Battalion still unconfirmed.
		3008 and 3009 enclosed as Appendices.	Appx "V"

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War Diary: 1st Battalion Buckinghamshire Regiment

Month and year: September 1944

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