70th Infantry Brigade War Diary February 1943.

1st – 3rd February 1943

The Anti-Tank Circus from 88 Anti-Tank Regiment commenced a comprehensive tour of all three Infantry Battalions.

4th February 1943

The Brigade Commander gave a lecture to all Officers and Anti-Tank NCOs in the Brigade on British and German Anti-Tank principles at 17:00 hours at YSTRAD CAMP.

5th February 1943

The Brigade and Battalion Intelligence Sections carried out a Weapon Training rehearsal in preparation for the 49 Division Exercise “FILLDYKE” and attended a lecture – an Introduction to the German Army.

7th February 1943

Exercise “FILLDYKE” was postponed.

8th February 1943

Parties commenced returning tentage to the Ordnance Dump from the Winter Base Camp at LLANDOVERY. The Staff Captain attended a conference at Divisional HQ regarding the preliminaries for G.H.Q. Home Forces Exercise “SPARTAN”.

9th – 11th February 1943

49 Division Signals Exercise “FANTOME” took place, involving the complete Brigade and Battalion HQs. The exercise commenced in the ABERGAVENNY area and concluded in the area of HEREFORD.

12th February 1943

A conference took place on Exercise “FANTOME” attended by the Brigade Commander and C.Os. at THE BARN, WHITNEY.

Unit Anti-Tank Platoons shot both full charge and sub-calibre rounds on the Royal Artillery Range at SENNYBRIDGE.

14th – 18th February

The delayed 49 Division Exercise “FILLDYKE” took place – principally to practise Royal Engineers in bridging operations. Brigade and Battalion Intelligence Sections were used as “enemy” with the objective of keeping all Royal Engineer movements under continuous observations.

The Brigade Commander and C.Os. proceeded on a reconnaissance of the area for Exercise “SPARTAN”.

19th – 26th February 1943

Concentrated efforts were made to complete all preparations for Exercise “SPARTAN”. 20 – 30 mile route marches were performed by all units. New equipment – especially Signals and Motor Transport – arrived. All Officers and NCOs became acquainted with the MARCO Code system.

27th February 1943

The Brigade Group left the CARMARTHEN area at 05:30 hours and stayed the night at LEDBURY.

28th February 1943

The Brigade Group was moving into the concentration area “SPARTAN” awaiting the notification of zero hour. at HAZLEMERE CAMP, HIGH WYCOMBE

To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - click here.