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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8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry - June 1944

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Page 1 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References 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

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References 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 mortaring	Transcription note: Writing not clear on this line

Page 3 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
CAMP.17 Toothill	3	1400	By 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.
	4		During the day the Bn was allowed
			ashore for recreational training and feeding at
			SOUTHAMPTON REST CAMP.
	5		Routine as for previous day.
AT. SEA.		2030	Sailed 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.
	6	0800	Coast of FRANCE sighted.
		1000	The LCIs containing the Bn approached the beaches

Page 4 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
ATSEA.	6		but orders were recieved stand off for a
			short time.
		1130	Bn 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.
		1210	A' Coy beaches. and arrived in A.A. by 1305 hrs.
		1330	C & D Coys reported into A.A.
			C.O meets Brigade Cmdr at 911854
		1335	M.T.O reports to Bn HQ.
		1350	L.O. from Bn sent to Bde.
		1355	Brigadier arrives at Be HQ.
1/25000 Sheet 37/18 SE CREULLY		1400	B. 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

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
"	6	1530	R.H.O. wounded and evacuated
		1545	Bn prepare to move in rear of 6 & 9 / D.L.I.
		1604	Bn 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.
		1620	Outercept report that 6/DLI approaching CREPON.
"		1700	Bn passes through MEUVAINES
		1730	Outercept report 9/DLI progressing well.
"		1810	A Coy passes first report line 865825
		1835	B' Coy rejoining Bn and fell in behind Bn HQ as
			A' 'C' & B in HQ passes through.
		1840	40 Enemy AFVs. reported at 875773 approaching
			CRUELLY.
		1853	Bn passess second report line at 840817.
		1915	Bn halted in fwd A.A. area 836815.

Page 6 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
"	6	1945	Capt H.E.C.B. Catford OC A/Tk Pln reported to
			Bn HQ.
1/25000 Sheet 37/18SW.		2000	Coys in posn and digging in. A Coy 831834
RYES.			B Coy 835811 C Coy 840813 'D'. Coy 842804
"			Bn HQ 835816.
		2005	A Coy send 3 PW to Bn HQ.
			C.O & I.O Go to Bde HQ.
		2020	C.O. & I.O. return from Bde HQ called for 'O' Groups.
			and issues orders for defense of area held.
		2230	Col. 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.
		2245	7 P.W arrives from 'A' Coy.
	night 6/7		2 Lt J. Hannah M.M. made contact with 56 Bde.
1/25,000 SheetCRUELLY 37/18 SE			Lt W.H.W. Gallows patrolles area PIERRE SOLLAINE where
			it was reported there was still odd enemy. No enemy found

Page 7 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
1/25000 Sheet 37/18S.W. CREULY.	7	0430	Bn stands to.
		0550	Bn. stands down.
		0645.	C.O & I.O. visit fwd Coys and issue orders for
			move fwd.
"		0700	Coys move from area SOMERVIEU.
		0720	6/DLI mobile colm reports to be active Railway
			SOUTH of BAYEUX.
1/25,000 Sheet 37/16 NWBAYEUX		0805	Bn HQ was at 827766 A Coy 815768 B Coy 828774
			C Coy 820763 D Coy 822777.
		1100	Bn dig in.
"		1235	A Coy - captures 1 offr & 55 ORs area 815708.
		1500	Capt. PG Hampson & Lt Gibson OC. Carriers
			patroling area woods VAUX-SUR-SEULLES. - to clean
			up snipers.
		1615	Capt. Woodruff OC Carriers returnes from area CREPON.

Page 8 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
"	7		Where they had been hunting snipers. Some enemy
			engaged and rounded up.
		1630	Lt 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.
		1730	Be stands to as enemy TKs are reported moving
			N.W. towards posns.
		1835	Capt Hampson's patrol returned having nothing to report.
			Tk alert over.
		2120	Lt Col R.P. Lidwill visites Bn and give orders
			for defense and patrols for that night.
		2145	Patrol from B Coy patrol W. bank of R. SEULLE
"			from 839768 to 838763.

Page 9 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
"	7	2305	1 Off & 1 SJT arrive at Bn HQ from D Coy.
	8	0605	Joint post with 69 Bde establish at LA RIVIERE
1/25000 sheet 37/16 NE THAON			8474 Capt J. Karlliffer??? 2 I/C. 'D' Coy O.C. joint post.
		0650	A/Brig??? visits Bn HQ.
-		1130	Bde report unidentified TKs area ELLON 8073.
		1400	Bty Cmdr 52/Medium Bty reports to Bn HQ to give
			support if needed.
"		1445	Lt Gibson contacts 69 Bde area St LEGER. 8675.
			brings back locations to 151 Bde and returns to
			Bn.
		2027	I.O. Lt. P.M. Laws goes to Bde to find our patrol
			activities for night 8/9.
		2245	CO. 24 LANCERS visits Bn HQ. and conferences
			with major AH Dunn on next days operations with
			8 ARMD Bde.

Page 10 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	8	2315	Coy Cmdrs conference at Bn HQ in next days
			operations.
	9	0600	Bn breakfasted
		0650	Bn 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.
		0845	Bn 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.
		0930	Coln 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 CAEN		1030	Coln held up at rlwy crossing 857727 as there was

Page 11 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
"	9		no guides from Recce Regt to guide the 24 L.
			to pt 103 MR 8570
		1050	Brig 8/Armd Bde orders colm to push on to 103.
			as enemy still held. AUDRIEU.
		1115	Coln by passes AUDRIEU and halted at 854706.
			Infantry dismount from Tks and form up in A.A.
		1230	C.O goes to pt103 on recce.
		1430	C.O. returns from recce and calls for 'O' Gp
		1600	Plan 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

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
"	9		A & B Coys to be used should C & D Coys not
			reach objective, otherwise to be used as a counter
			attack force.
do		1620	Shelling of SAINT PIERRE commences.
		1745	C & D Coys moved fwd
		1815	C & D Coys having forced the enemy out of SAINT
do			PIERRE C.O. ordered A & B Coys fwd to reorganise
			defensive posns so as to be able to defend the
			village.
do		1900	C.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

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do	9	2000	Troop of Tks from 24 L went to SAINT PIERRE to
			help clean up a number of M.G posts.
		2015	Major 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.
do		2100	Coys 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.
	10	0445	Stand to
		0615	B' 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

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	10	0640	Confused fighting around church in the village.
			C' Coy freed to give ground.
		0710	A Coy report enemy infantry approaching their posns.
		0715	Bde HQ asked to send TKs to support the infantry.
		0724	TKs reported to be on way. A Coy forced to withdraw
			from posns in village at 0745 as enemy was behind them
		0800	D' Coy report enemy TKs moving along FONTENAE LE
do			PESNEL road towards ST. PIERRE.
			Enemy now only 100x from B. Coy.
		0830	TKs from 24th LANCERS move out to protect our left
			flank
		0845	all 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

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
			By the enemy & destroyed.
		1100	Enemy attack repelled - ST PIERRE now shared by our
			own & enemy forces.
		1115	Positions in houses looking down the village occupped by
			our TPs.
		1130	as 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 .
		1400	Reorganisation complete
		1500	Recce Patrol to Bridge 843605 report it intact but
			enemy in that area.
		1600	Navy shell FONTENAY LE PESNIL

Page 16 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
"	10	1930	Major A.H DUNNE with Pln of A Coy & Tp of TKs in
			support patrol the village of shoot up a number
			of enemy.
		2030	Lient Col. R.P. Lidwill DSO. returns from 151 Bde
			& resumes Cmnd of Battalion
		2037	Major A H Dunne & patrol returns to Bn H.Q. and fills
			C.O. in the Picture
ST. PIERRE1/50,000 Caen 7F/1	11	0445	Stand to
		0500	Tks from the SHERWOOD RANGERS YEOMANRY now
			in support.
		0900	Patrol sent out to sit on Rd and track Junc 845685
		1236	C.O attends conference at Bde HQ,
		1335	Enemy shelling BN area with 150 mm guns.
		1520	Brig B.B. Walton 151 Bde visits BN HQ.
do.		1620	Elements of 7 Armd Div attacked??? in TILLY-SUR- SUELLES.	Transcription note: not clear attacked or reported?

Page 17 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do	11		Bn to contact if possible
do		1915	Enemy shell TILLY SUR SUELLES.
do		1955	3 Tigers Tks reported area Bde H.Q. 854703
		2005	Enemy TKs fire at R.A.P.
do		2015	2 enemy tks 600x away at 865685
		2030	Enemy Tks & Inf attack B Coy - Enemy TKs fire down
			into the trenches occupied by our Safr??? & overrun B Coy
do			More enemy inf observed 865685
		2045	Adj. calls for arty to dispurse enemy infantry
		2105	D Coy reports some of our guns firing mines
		2115	CO returns from Bde HQ. where he had been on Conference
			and send back all information to the Brig.
		2200	Bn H.Q. moved into Orchard
		2230	D Coy moved from its fwd positions & take over
			A Coy Positions "A" Coy having been used to

Page 18 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do			assist what was left of "B" Coy who had been overrun
			to hold our left flank.
		2350	BN reorganised A Coy with elements is B Coy 853690 D Coy
do			850692 & 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.
	12	0445	Stand to Major T. Clapton who was found bably wounded evacuated.
		0600	Bn sorted out By Coys as follows A. B. D Coys.
do		0800	Lieut E Cousins patrolls fwd with a sec. to 850686
		1030	3 stragglers report back to BN HQ
do		1200	Lient W.M. JALLAND relieves Lieut Cousins at 850686
		1330	6 PWs captured identified as 901 GR130LEHR Div.
		1540	Several enemy seen running 600x from our lines engaged by
			small arms fire
		1700	Brig 8th armd Bde arrives at BN H.Q. with COs,

Page 19 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do	12	"	SRY and 24th LANCERS. and discusses more back from
			ST PIERRE
		1145	Conference for Coy Cmnds re move too 151 Durham
			Inf. Bde.
		1800	2 ORs who had been cut off by the Boche on the
			10 Jun reported back to Bn HQ
		2315	BN moved out of ST. PIERRE covered by TKs of 8th armd
			Bde to PT 1038570 where T.C.V waited to carry the
do			Bn to CACHY. 8075.
	13	0500	BN arrived area CACHY where a hot meal had
			been prepared for all.
		0700	C.O attends conference at 151 Bde H.Q.
		0900	1 officer and 50 ORs reinforcements join Bn.
	14	1000	C.O. goes to Bde HQ.
		1230	Coy Cmndrs conference

Page 20 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do.	"	1430	Bn receives 10 Officers & 140 OR reinforcements.

		1500	Capt A. ST. George 2i/c "A" Coy takes over comd of
			"C" Coy which was reformed.
		2000	C.O. visits Bde.
TILLY SUR SEULLES		0920	O' Group go fwd to LINGEVRES to ground occupied
37/16 sw.			by the GLOSTER REGT.
		1030	Bn marched form CACHY 8075. and arrived at A.A.
			8171
		1150	A & D Coys move fwd to take over fwd posns from
			2 Glosters.
		1335	BN H.Q. at 805688 A Coy 804683 B Coy 807688
do.			C Coy 803690 D Coy 805693.
do.		1715	C. Coy contact Coy Hampshire Regt at 795687
		1730	CO & IO return from visit to Coys

Page 21 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	15	1930	Brig B.B. Walton visits Bn.
		2220	2 P. W of 902 G.R. Pz LEHR Dis
		2330	Patrols from B & C go to PT113 7969 &
do			wood 8067
	16	0245	Patrol from C by report no enemy seen or
			heard
		0430	B Coy patrol reports enemy in area wood 8067
		0845	D Coy Cmnds brings identification from dead GERMAN
			who had been shot during the night by his sentry
		0855	A Coy send in 1 PW
		0850	Our mortars fine in support off 6 DLI who were
			advancing on our left.
		1056	6 DLI in position on our left & digging in
		1125	20 enemy in area A Coy dispersed by our arty.
		1420	CO. goes to Bde as Brig B.B. Walton had been wounded

Page 22 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do	16	2140	Lieut J. Hanson with a sec contacts HAMPSHIRE Regt
			on our right

	14	0515	Lient J. Hanson reports Back to BN HQ having made
			contact during the night
		0520	1 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.
		0725	A Coy sent out Patrol in front off this Coy
		0925	B. e 296 Bty. Fld Regt reports to Bn HQ. - 296 Bty
			Now in support.
		1120	O group to report to Bde 1300 hrs.
		1240	Major 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

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do			area 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.
	18	0530	Lt. 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.
		0540	Coy 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.
		0730	B Coy leave Bn area for PARC de la MERE
		0830	B Coy having met no opposition pushes on to
do			sunken track at 813671 and surprises some every

Page 24 of 29

Place	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do		at 812668. and engages them.
	0915	Every 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
do		and track junc 808673 and occupies position
		around the bldgs of the PARC de la MERE facing
		WEST.
	1015	Enemy. A.F.Vs reported moving in front of 'B'. Coy.
	1020	B. Coy informed about C. Coys movements.
	1203	C. Coy in position.
	1305	A.F.Vs in front of B. Coy now identified as half tracks.
		our mortars engages enemy.
	1330	Enemy again heavily mortaring 'B'. Coy area causing
		a number of casualties.

Page 25 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do	18	1200	A & 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
do			reaches area 832676.
			Coys having reached objective dug in all the time
			under extremely heavy and accurate mortar fine
		2100	Adj Capt JG. Walker killed Lt L. Barton Sig off.
			and Lt Gibbson wounded when mortar
			bomb bust in tree???
	19		morning passed with only occasional shelling which
			was returned by our arty and mortars.
		1300	231 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

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
do	19		and 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.
	20	0605	Cmndr 231 Bde visits Bn HQ as Bn was now
			under command 231 Bde.
			Quite day except for occasional shelling
	21	0614	B. Coy report enemt Tk movement to the SOUTH.
		1050	4 offs arrive at Bn HQ as reinforcements.
		1100	Brigdr 231 Bde visits Bn Hq and talks with C.O.
		1142	Brigdr Dw. Gnder??? D.S.O visits Bn HQ	Transcription note: Initials and name unclear
		1150	Div Cmnd visits Bn HQ.
		1700	C.O and I.O. return fan Bde Hq

Page 27 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do.	23		Quite day. Bn recieve reinforcemants of 87 ORs.
	24	1200	Co orders that 4 men per Coy be allowed
			24 hrs visit at B. Ech. Bath to be provided
		1800	Bdr 231 Bde visits Bn.
		2115	Major W. Woodruff arrives at Bn HQ as 2 i/c
			of Bn
	25		Quite day
	26	1820	1 Off & 2 ORs of 53 Div spent night at Bn
	27	1515	Warning 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.
	28	0315	A & B Coys relieved by 1 HAMPS move to
			area behind Bn HQ area LES LAN DES.
		0715	Bdr vists Bn

Page 28 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
do	28	0740	C.O. & I.O recce new posns area VERRIERS.
		0920	Bn moves from 815674 to 828695.
			move completed by 1010 hrs
			A Coy 821685 B Coy 830697. C Coy 825686
do			D Coy 829684 Bn HQ 828695.
		2030	Cmdr 151 Bde visits Bn and gives the CO. verbal
			order for counter attack role should 6/DLI
			or 1 HAMPS be counter attacked.
	28		Day spent resting & cleaning up.
			Capt J.I.H Mein joins Bn and take over Comd
			B. Coy.
		1740	2 offrs arrive as reinforcements and are posted to
			C &b HQ Coys respectively.
		1920	Bdr visits Bn.
do	30	0400	Bn supplies patrol pln strong to lie up area 842667

Page 29 of 29

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
do.	30	1430	Lt 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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War Diary: 8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry

Month and year: June 1944

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