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    War Diary: 8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry

    Month and year: June 1944

    The June 1944, war diary for the 8th Durham Light Infantry covers their embarkation at Southampton, landing in Normandy and fighting inland to area Buceels

    National Archive Reference: WO 171/1289

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    Page 1 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    The first three days of the invasion the Bn met
    little opposition, what opposition was met was
    quickey pushed aside and the Bn continues
    pushing inland. On the 9th JUNE the Bn was
    under cmd 8 Armd Bde with the intention of
    capturing the TESSEN BRETTVILLE feature. Owing to
    strong enemy opposition with Tks and infantry we
    reached ST. PIERRE and remained there for three days.
    It was intended that this salient would be
    broadend by 7 Armd Div moving on our right
    towards TILLY-SUR-SEULLES, This did not
    materalise owing to the enemy's strong A/Tk defenses.
    The Bn relieved under cmd 151 Durham Inf Bde
    Page 2 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    From then onwards though continually facing the enemy
    we were not engages in any large scale
    operations. Offensive patrolling by day and night
    gave us considerable info about the enemy
    Counter Bty and counter mortar work reached a
    high standard.
    Supporting arms: the first few days the Bn
    was supported by 90 Fd Regt (S.P.) and
    later by 286 Bty. 74 Fd Regt. and 107 A/TK
    Bty.
    approx total of P.Ws taken and checks by this
    Bn ammounted to 96 all ranks. Some P.Ws.
    report hy cas. by our mortaringTranscription note: Writing not clear on this line
    Page 3 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    CAMP.17 Toothill31400By 1400 hrs the Bn had moved in T.C.Vs. by serials
    HANTS.from C.17. to SOUTHAMPTON Docks. as the troops
    were embarking the P.M., General Smuts and
    Mr Ernest Bevin M.P. walked along the ranks.
    4During the day the Bn was allowed
    ashore for recreational training and feeding at
    SOUTHAMPTON REST CAMP.
    5Routine as for previous day.
    AT. SEA.2030Sailed out of SOUTHAMPTON Docks. as the L.C.Is
    sailed past the lsle of WIGHT. maps of FRANCE
    showing the invasion beaches were issued. down to
    PLN SJTS. Hand books giving information of FRANCE
    were issues to troops.
    60800Coast of FRANCE sighted.
    1000The LCIs containing the Bn approached the beaches
    Page 4 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    ATSEA.6but orders were recieved stand off for a
    short time.
    1130Bn HQ ship beached on KING. beach
    Ref map FRANCE 1/12500 VER-SUR- MERE SheetNo 83.and moved along BLACK ROUTE (track 918868).
    to A.A at 910855.
    1210A' Coy beaches. and arrived in A.A. by 1305 hrs.
    1330C & D Coys reported into A.A.
    C.O meets Brigade Cmdr at 911854
    1335M.T.O reports to Bn HQ.
    1350L.O. from Bn sent to Bde.
    1355Brigadier arrives at Be HQ.
    1/25000 Sheet 37/18 SE CREULLY1400B. Coy left Bn to cross track MR.862823.
    Capt Woodruff O.C. Carrier Pln reported to Bn HQ
    with 6 carriers.
    Page 5 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    "61530R.H.O. wounded and evacuated
    1545Bn prepare to move in rear of 6 & 9 / D.L.I.
    1604Bn moves off in the following order 'A' Coy 'C' Coy.
    Bn HQ. as mobile Coln. consisting of A/TK Guns???
    Carriers and 'D' Coy on bicycles.
    1620Outercept report that 6/DLI approaching CREPON.
    "1700Bn passes through MEUVAINES
    1730Outercept report 9/DLI progressing well.
    "1810A Coy passes first report line 865825
    1835B' Coy rejoining Bn and fell in behind Bn HQ as
    A' 'C' & B in HQ passes through.
    184040 Enemy AFVs. reported at 875773 approaching
    CRUELLY.
    1853Bn passess second report line at 840817.
    1915Bn halted in fwd A.A. area 836815.
    Page 6 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    "61945Capt H.E.C.B. Catford OC A/Tk Pln reported to
    Bn HQ.
    1/25000 Sheet 37/18SW.2000Coys in posn and digging in. A Coy 831834
    RYES.B Coy 835811 C Coy 840813 'D'. Coy 842804
    "Bn HQ 835816.
    2005A Coy send 3 PW to Bn HQ.
    C.O & I.O Go to Bde HQ.
    2020C.O. & I.O. return from Bde HQ called for 'O' Groups.
    and issues orders for defense of area held.
    2230Col. R.P. Lidwill Dso takes over comd of Bde during
    the absence of Brig RH. Senior Dso. reported missing
    Major A.H Dunn assumes Comd of Bn.
    22457 P.W arrives from 'A' Coy.
    night 6/72 Lt J. Hannah M.M. made contact with 56 Bde.
    1/25,000 SheetCRUELLY 37/18 SELt W.H.W. Gallows patrolles area PIERRE SOLLAINE where
    it was reported there was still odd enemy. No enemy found
    Page 7 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    1/25000 Sheet 37/18S.W. CREULY.70430Bn stands to.
    0550Bn. stands down.
    0645.C.O & I.O. visit fwd Coys and issue orders for
    move fwd.
    "0700Coys move from area SOMERVIEU.
    07206/DLI mobile colm reports to be active Railway
    SOUTH of BAYEUX.
    1/25,000 Sheet 37/16 NWBAYEUX0805Bn HQ was at 827766 A Coy 815768 B Coy 828774
    C Coy 820763 D Coy 822777.
    1100Bn dig in.
    "1235A Coy - captures 1 offr & 55 ORs area 815708.
    1500Capt. PG Hampson & Lt Gibson OC. Carriers
    patroling area woods VAUX-SUR-SEULLES. - to clean
    up snipers.
    1615Capt. Woodruff OC Carriers returnes from area CREPON.
    Page 8 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    "7Where they had been hunting snipers. Some enemy
    engaged and rounded up.
    1630Lt Col. R.P. Lidwill DSO. and Brig RH Senior SDO go
    to A.D.S in A Coy area where Brig. had a wound
    dessed which he recieved on D Day. when
    captured by enemy area CREPON. Brig escapes
    during diversion caused by Carriers.
    1730Be stands to as enemy TKs are reported moving
    N.W. towards posns.
    1835Capt Hampson's patrol returned having nothing to report.
    Tk alert over.
    2120Lt Col R.P. Lidwill visites Bn and give orders
    for defense and patrols for that night.
    2145Patrol from B Coy patrol W. bank of R. SEULLE
    "from 839768 to 838763.
    Page 9 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    "723051 Off & 1 SJT arrive at Bn HQ from D Coy.
    80605Joint post with 69 Bde establish at LA RIVIERE
    1/25000 sheet 37/16 NE THAON8474 Capt J. Karlliffer??? 2 I/C. 'D' Coy O.C. joint post.
    0650A/Brig??? visits Bn HQ.
    -1130Bde report unidentified TKs area ELLON 8073.
    1400Bty Cmdr 52/Medium Bty reports to Bn HQ to give
    support if needed.
    "1445Lt Gibson contacts 69 Bde area St LEGER. 8675.
    brings back locations to 151 Bde and returns to
    Bn.
    2027I.O. Lt. P.M. Laws goes to Bde to find our patrol
    activities for night 8/9.
    2245CO. 24 LANCERS visits Bn HQ. and conferences
    with major AH Dunn on next days operations with
    8 ARMD Bde.
    Page 10 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    82315Coy Cmdrs conference at Bn HQ in next days
    operations.
    90600Bn breakfasted
    0650Bn moved out of posns to join 8 Armd Bde
    area St. LEGER order of march B D & A Coys.
    Bn HQ. S Coy. and C Coy.
    0845Bn now at 879751 where major A.H. Dunn recieves order
    from Cmdr 8 Armd Bde.
    Bn with 24 L. in spt would seize and hold
    "TESSEL BRETTEVILLE feature 8666.
    0930Coln moved off 'C' Coy Carried by 'C' Squadron
    A' Coy by 'B' Sqdn. 'B' Coy on 'A' Sqdn. D Coy
    followed up in rear on bicycles Bn HQ moves with 24 L
    Regt HQ behind 'C' Sqdn.
    1/50000 7F/1 CAEN1030Coln held up at rlwy crossing 857727 as there was
    Page 11 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    "9no guides from Recce Regt to guide the 24 L.
    to pt 103 MR 8570
    1050Brig 8/Armd Bde orders colm to push on to 103.
    as enemy still held. AUDRIEU.
    1115Coln by passes AUDRIEU and halted at 854706.
    Infantry dismount from Tks and form up in A.A.
    1230C.O goes to pt103 on recce.
    1430C.O. returns from recce and calls for 'O' Gp
    1600Plan for attack on Saint PIERRE discussed
    after a preliminary barrage by 147 Fd Regt
    C' & 'D' Coys would attack SAINT PIERRE. 'C' Coy
    right. D. Coy. Left. Limit of advance main
    rd SAINT PIERRE - FONTENAE LE PESNEL.
    24 L. in support would protect left thank.
    Page 12 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    "9A & B Coys to be used should C & D Coys not
    reach objective, otherwise to be used as a counter
    attack force.
    do1620Shelling of SAINT PIERRE commences.
    1745C & D Coys moved fwd
    1815C & D Coys having forced the enemy out of SAINT
    doPIERRE C.O. ordered A & B Coys fwd to reorganise
    defensive posns so as to be able to defend the
    village.
    do1900C.O. goes into SAINT PIERRE to make personal
    contact with the Coys. On way into village he meets
    Lt J. Hannah MM. who had been wounded who
    reports that Major J. Leybourne MC was in the
    do.area of the church 845686 and had been
    wounded. Some fighting still going on in this area
    Page 13 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    do92000Troop of Tks from 24 L went to SAINT PIERRE to
    help clean up a number of M.G posts.
    2015Major J. Leybourne M.C reports to C.O. that all
    offrs in his Coy less his 2 I/C Capt J.N. Wheatley
    were wounded or missing. He himself was
    wounded in the arm.
    do2100Coys in posn. A. Coy. 849686 B Coy. 852688
    C' Coy 845685 'D' 849687. Bn HQ 853689.
    Coys subjected to fairly severe mortaring while
    digging in.
    100445Stand to
    0615B' Coy posn attacked by enemy on high ground
    SOUTH of village Coys subjected to much
    shelling and heavy mortaring as enemy determined
    their posn.
    Page 14 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    100640Confused fighting around church in the village.
    C' Coy freed to give ground.
    0710A Coy report enemy infantry approaching their posns.
    0715Bde HQ asked to send TKs to support the infantry.
    0724TKs reported to be on way. A Coy forced to withdraw
    from posns in village at 0745 as enemy was behind them
    0800D' Coy report enemy TKs moving along FONTENAE LE
    doPESNEL road towards ST. PIERRE.
    Enemy now only 100x from B. Coy.
    0830TKs from 24th LANCERS move out to protect our left
    flank
    0845all Coys less D Coy now formed around Bn HQ at
    do.851691
    for the next 2 hours the Bn fought of the enemy in
    this area - TKs which went into ST Pierre were shot at
    Page 15 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    By the enemy & destroyed.
    1100Enemy attack repelled - ST PIERRE now shared by our
    own & enemy forces.
    1115Positions in houses looking down the village occupped by
    our TPs.
    1130as situation now more settled Major A.H Dunne reorganised
    A. B & what was left of C around Bn H.Q. A Coy 849692
    B Coy 853690 D Coy who had one Pln astride the
    Rd FONTENAY LE PESNIL - ST PIERRE withdrew this
    Pln & joined up with B who was left rear Coy .
    1400Reorganisation complete
    1500Recce Patrol to Bridge 843605 report it intact but
    enemy in that area.
    1600Navy shell FONTENAY LE PESNIL
    Page 16 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    "101930Major A.H DUNNE with Pln of A Coy & Tp of TKs in
    support patrol the village of shoot up a number
    of enemy.
    2030Lient Col. R.P. Lidwill DSO. returns from 151 Bde
    & resumes Cmnd of Battalion
    2037Major A H Dunne & patrol returns to Bn H.Q. and fills
    C.O. in the Picture
    ST. PIERRE1/50,000 Caen 7F/1110445Stand to
    0500Tks from the SHERWOOD RANGERS YEOMANRY now
    in support.
    0900Patrol sent out to sit on Rd and track Junc 845685
    1236C.O attends conference at Bde HQ,
    1335Enemy shelling BN area with 150 mm guns.
    1520Brig B.B. Walton 151 Bde visits BN HQ.
    do.1620Elements of 7 Armd Div attacked??? in TILLY-SUR- SUELLES.Transcription note: not clear attacked or reported?
    Page 17 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    do11Bn to contact if possible
    do1915Enemy shell TILLY SUR SUELLES.
    do19553 Tigers Tks reported area Bde H.Q. 854703
    2005Enemy TKs fire at R.A.P.
    do20152 enemy tks 600x away at 865685
    2030Enemy Tks & Inf attack B Coy - Enemy TKs fire down
    into the trenches occupied by our Safr??? & overrun B Coy
    doMore enemy inf observed 865685
    2045Adj. calls for arty to dispurse enemy infantry
    2105D Coy reports some of our guns firing mines
    2115CO returns from Bde HQ. where he had been on Conference
    and send back all information to the Brig.
    2200Bn H.Q. moved into Orchard
    2230D Coy moved from its fwd positions & take over
    A Coy Positions "A" Coy having been used to
    Page 18 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    doassist what was left of "B" Coy who had been overrun
    to hold our left flank.
    2350BN reorganised A Coy with elements is B Coy 853690 D Coy
    do850692 & elements of C. Coy around Bn HQ 851691
    Major AH Dunne who had been wounded evacuated
    Major T. Clapton D.C. B Coy reported missing.
    120445Stand to Major T. Clapton who was found bably wounded evacuated.
    0600Bn sorted out By Coys as follows A. B. D Coys.
    do0800Lieut E Cousins patrolls fwd with a sec. to 850686
    10303 stragglers report back to BN HQ
    do1200Lient W.M. JALLAND relieves Lieut Cousins at 850686
    13306 PWs captured identified as 901 GR130LEHR Div.
    1540Several enemy seen running 600x from our lines engaged by
    small arms fire
    1700Brig 8th armd Bde arrives at BN H.Q. with COs,
    Page 19 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    do12"SRY and 24th LANCERS. and discusses more back from
    ST PIERRE
    1145Conference for Coy Cmnds re move too 151 Durham
    Inf. Bde.
    18002 ORs who had been cut off by the Boche on the
    10 Jun reported back to Bn HQ
    2315BN moved out of ST. PIERRE covered by TKs of 8th armd
    Bde to PT 1038570 where T.C.V waited to carry the
    doBn to CACHY. 8075.
    130500BN arrived area CACHY where a hot meal had
    been prepared for all.
    0700C.O attends conference at 151 Bde H.Q.
    09001 officer and 50 ORs reinforcements join Bn.
    141000C.O. goes to Bde HQ.
    1230Coy Cmndrs conference
    Page 20 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    do."1430Bn receives 10 Officers & 140 OR reinforcements.
    1500Capt A. ST. George 2i/c "A" Coy takes over comd of
    "C" Coy which was reformed.
    2000C.O. visits Bde.
    TILLY SUR SEULLES0920O' Group go fwd to LINGEVRES to ground occupied
    37/16 sw.by the GLOSTER REGT.
    1030Bn marched form CACHY 8075. and arrived at A.A.
    8171
    1150A & D Coys move fwd to take over fwd posns from
    2 Glosters.
    1335BN H.Q. at 805688 A Coy 804683 B Coy 807688
    do.C Coy 803690 D Coy 805693.
    do.1715C. Coy contact Coy Hampshire Regt at 795687
    1730CO & IO return from visit to Coys
    Page 21 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    151930Brig B.B. Walton visits Bn.
    22202 P. W of 902 G.R. Pz LEHR Dis
    2330Patrols from B & C go to PT113 7969 &
    dowood 8067
    160245Patrol from C by report no enemy seen or
    heard
    0430B Coy patrol reports enemy in area wood 8067
    0845D Coy Cmnds brings identification from dead GERMAN
    who had been shot during the night by his sentry
    0855A Coy send in 1 PW
    0850Our mortars fine in support off 6 DLI who were
    advancing on our left.
    10566 DLI in position on our left & digging in
    112520 enemy in area A Coy dispersed by our arty.
    1420CO. goes to Bde as Brig B.B. Walton had been wounded
    Page 22 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    do162140Lieut J. Hanson with a sec contacts HAMPSHIRE Regt
    on our right
    140515Lient J. Hanson reports Back to BN HQ having made
    contact during the night
    05201 officer & 4 ORs from the CLY. 7 Armd Div bought
    to BN HQ having been shot up by the Boche in their
    Tk North as VILLIERS BOCAGE.
    0725A Coy sent out Patrol in front off this Coy
    0925B. e 296 Bty. Fld Regt reports to Bn HQ. - 296 Bty
    Now in support.
    1120O group to report to Bde 1300 hrs.
    1240Major G.P. Chambers goes to Bde as CO.
    1330"O" group report to Bn HQ. and are informed about
    future plan of the Bn. i.e. the captining of the
    Page 23 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    doarea of the PARC de la MERE.
    afternoon passed uneventfully
    Night 17/15.Patrol from A. Coy made contact with 6 GREEN HOWARDS
    on pt 113 7967.
    180530Lt. Col R.P. Lidwill D.S.O. arrives at Bn HQ. and
    informs Major G.P. Chambers that the Bn is to take
    the PARC de la MERE area.
    0540Coy Cmnds report to Bn HQ and were given their
    orders for the attack. B. Coy to take track june 815677
    C'. Coy to pass through and occupy area???
    tracks 815674. 'B'. Coy were then to move up on C. Coys
    right while A & D Coys remains in reserve.
    0730B Coy leave Bn area for PARC de la MERE
    0830B Coy having met no opposition pushes on to
    dosunken track at 813671 and surprises some every
    Page 24 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    doat 812668. and engages them.
    0915Every withdrew into area CHATEAU de CORDILLON
    while B. Coy was subjected to heavy mortar fire
    B'. Coy also reported enemy firing on their right
    flank so 'C' Coy moved along stream to stream
    doand track junc 808673 and occupies position
    around the bldgs of the PARC de la MERE facing
    WEST.
    1015Enemy. A.F.Vs reported moving in front of 'B'. Coy.
    1020B. Coy informed about C. Coys movements.
    1203C. Coy in position.
    1305A.F.Vs in front of B. Coy now identified as half tracks.
    our mortars engages enemy.
    1330Enemy again heavily mortaring 'B'. Coy area causing
    a number of casualties.
    Page 25 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    do181200A & D Coys. move up left side of wood and occupies
    posns A.Coy 815670 D. Coy 816675. Bn HQ. moves
    to area 816677.
    Meanwhile 6/DLI who were operating an our left
    doreaches area 832676.
    Coys having reached objective dug in all the time
    under extremely heavy and accurate mortar fine
    2100Adj Capt JG. Walker killed Lt L. Barton Sig off.
    and Lt Gibbson wounded when mortar
    bomb bust in tree???
    19morning passed with only occasional shelling which
    was returned by our arty and mortars.
    1300231 Bde attack though our posn. Devons on right
    and HAMPS on left
    Our posns were again subjected to heavy mortaring a shelling
    Page 26 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    do19and OC. 'C' Coy. Capt. A. St George and his 2 i/c
    Lt. H. Welch were both killed
    Owing to the very wet weather and poor visibility
    and the very strong enemy fire 231 Bde were unable
    to make HOTTOT and remained in front of the Bn.
    200605Cmndr 231 Bde visits Bn HQ as Bn was now
    under command 231 Bde.
    Quite day except for occasional shelling
    210614B. Coy report enemt Tk movement to the SOUTH.
    10504 offs arrive at Bn HQ as reinforcements.
    1100Brigdr 231 Bde visits Bn Hq and talks with C.O.
    1142Brigdr Dw. Gnder??? D.S.O visits Bn HQTranscription note: Initials and name unclear
    1150Div Cmnd visits Bn HQ.
    1700C.O and I.O. return fan Bde Hq
    Page 27 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    do.23Quite day. Bn recieve reinforcemants of 87 ORs.
    241200Co orders that 4 men per Coy be allowed
    24 hrs visit at B. Ech. Bath to be provided
    1800Bdr 231 Bde visits Bn.
    2115Major W. Woodruff arrives at Bn HQ as 2 i/c
    of Bn
    25Quite day
    2618201 Off & 2 ORs of 53 Div spent night at Bn
    271515Warning order Bn would move back to under
    comd 151 Bde. All Coys warned
    Capt R.I. English??? M.C. to be A/Major
    LT.J. Collingwood to be A/Capt.
    280315A & B Coys relieved by 1 HAMPS move to
    area behind Bn HQ area LES LAN DES.
    0715Bdr vists Bn
    Page 28 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    do280740C.O. & I.O recce new posns area VERRIERS.
    0920Bn moves from 815674 to 828695.
    move completed by 1010 hrs
    A Coy 821685 B Coy 830697. C Coy 825686
    doD Coy 829684 Bn HQ 828695.
    2030Cmdr 151 Bde visits Bn and gives the CO. verbal
    order for counter attack role should 6/DLI
    or 1 HAMPS be counter attacked.
    28Day spent resting & cleaning up.
    Capt J.I.H Mein joins Bn and take over Comd
    B. Coy.
    17402 offrs arrive as reinforcements and are posted to
    C &b HQ Coys respectively.
    1920Bdr visits Bn.
    do300400Bn supplies patrol pln strong to lie up area 842667
    Page 29 of 29
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    do.301430Lt W.H. Gallows and 8 ORs go to B Ech. The 8 ORs
    to be instructed by H Gallows on Sniping

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