1st Tyneside Scottish March 1942
1st March 1942 GLANUSK.
The Battalion continued its special training as laid down in Training Instruction No 2 of 1942. The information is set out on Appendix 1 attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
3rd March 1942
At 19:00 hours a State of Emergency was declared in the Battalion area for the purposes of Brigade Security Week.
At 23:25 hours a Sergeant of the raiding party was captured while making a reconnaissance of the Battalion Camp. He was questioned by the Adjutant and the CO and detained.
5th March 1942
At 01:30 hours a raiding party managed to gain access to the castle and “blew up” the Signal Office.
At 07:00 the State of Emergency ended.
Major-General Money, commanding South Wales District, watched the Battalion demonstration of a perimeter Camp.
6th March 1942
Colonel J.R. Hall, Honorary Colonel of the Battalion, arrived on a visit. He watched the whole Battalion with Pack Transport move out of Camp on a night advance.
8th March 1942
A Matrix Test was held, starting at 10:00 hours. All Officers and Other Ranks sat this test. The Battalion provided a guard on a Spitfire which had crashed near ABERGAVENNY.
The following information was found on a Website dedicated to the history of Number 113 Squadron, Royal Air Force.
Sgt Thomas Alfred Reginald Crowe
Sgt Thomas Alfred Reginald Crowe, Sergeant (Pilot) 527339, Died 08/03/1942, Age 24 Son of Arthur and Martha A. Crowe, of Wallasey. Sec. 20.C. Grave 532 WALLASEY (RAKE LANE) CEMETERY.
The CWGC lists Sgt Crowe as being with the 113 Squadron at the time of his death but this is now confirmed to be an error through information received from Howell Davies. It is unknown whether Sgt Crowe was ever with the squadron.
Howell Davies of the N. Gwent Aviation Research Group kindly forwarded the following information Regarding Sgt Crowe on 30/06/07:
"At the time of his death he was a pupil at No. 53 O.T.U. based at Llandow, Glamorgan S. Wales. That Sunday morning (08/03/1942), he took off from Llandow in a Mk 1 Spitfire, serial number L1014 to carry out a training exercise. At 1035 hrs he crashed into the Holy Mountain approximately 2-miles NNE of Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. I heard the sound of the impact 3 miles away at Gilwern, as I left my house to go to morning service at the local parish church. I visited the crash site on the following Tuesday. There had not been a fire but I saw nothing that resembled a Spitfire. Years later a local witness told me that the aircraft had broken cloud in a high speed dive and attempted to pull-out but was too low to carry out the manoeuvre.
Post-war I tried to find out more about Sgt. Crowe. The War Graves Commission gave me details of his burial location and also advised that 113 Squadron was referred to on his gravestone. I realised that 113 were overseas at the time of his death and assumed that he must have previously served on the squadron. Finally, I tried to locate next of kin via the local Wallasey newspaper but received no response.
I have often thought of Sgt. Crowe down the years. My own belief is that he joined the RAF pre-war, trained as ground crew and while on 113 squadron re-mustered to aircrew. He probably trained in Canada and having gained his wings was completing his final operational training back in the UK when he so tragically met his death. (It also may have been that he trained as a Blenheim pilot, served his overseas tour and was retraining as a fighter Pilot.)
9th March 1942
At 20:30 hours a party consisting of the Intelligence Officer Lieut T.D. Ross, the Intelligence Section and the Reconnaissance Platoon, in the role of parachutists, carried out a raid on Brigade HQ Camp. The Umpire, Major K.T. Roper, declared that the party had achieved its objective of immobilising Brigade transport in preventing the proper functioning of Brigade HQ.
10th March 1942
At 13:00 hours a rehearsal was held of the Mountain Warfare exercise to be carried out on 11th March.
11th March 1942
A Mountain Warfare Exercise was held – details of which were described on Appendix 2 attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
The Commander-in-Chief Home Forces, accompanied by the Military Secretary, The Adjutant General, Major-General Money, Colonel A.L. Moody and Brigadier Kirkup and others watched part of the exercise.
13th March 1942
At 11:00 hours the Battalion did a Mountain Warfare Exercise set by the Officer Commanding 70th Infantry Brigade, and summarised on Appendix 3 attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
14th March 1942
Training Instruction No 3 was issued and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix 4 – for further details see below.
15th March 1942
A guard was provided for a crashed training aircraft.
16th March 1942
Lieut C.D. Elrick and No 5 Platoon (Pioneers) went to carry out work on the new Camp site.
17th March 1942
At 09:30 hours Colonel A.L. Moody carried out an administrative inspection of the Battalion. The CO and Intelligence Officer went to make a reconnaissance of the new Camp site.
20th March 1942
At 14:30 hours 70th Brigade Training Instruction No 2 of 1942 was issued to all Companies from Brigade HQ, and a copy was filed with the War Diary as Appendix 5 – for details see below.
Major R.H.P. Drummond-Wolff assumed command of the Battalion during the absence of the Commanding Officer on leave.
21st March 1942
No 15 Platoon of C Company, under Lieut T.D. Ross, took part in a Brigade Firing Scheme and Competition. The Platoon was top with 232 marks out of a possible 415.
Lieut M.R. Tatham rejoined the Battalion from ICELAND.
22nd March 1942
Major-General Money, G.o.C. South Wales District, inspected Battalion HQ.
25th March 1942
An Advance Party of 45 Other Ranks under the command of Major McGregor went to the new Camp to erect tents. Information on this was included on Appendix 6 attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
27th March 1942
At 10:00 hours Major R.H.P. Drummond-Wolff and Captain A.M. Keith went to the new Camp to prepare schemes for Battalion training. Major K.K. Walmsley assumed command of the Battalion.
30th March 1942
The Commanding Officer resumed command of the Battalion on his return from leave.
During the week ending 29th March 1942, training was carried out by Companies in accordance with the training forecast dated 31st March 1942 – details being set out on Appendix 7 attached to the War Diary – see below for further information.
Appendices attached to the March 1942 War Diary for 1st Tyneside Scottish.
Appendix 1 – Battalion Training Instruction No 2 of 1942 – issued 16th March 1942.
As usual the Battalion Training Instruction covered a number of topic areas. The lessons learned from the first week of Pack transport training generated some queries as follows:-
Given the number of Mules to support a Battalion is fixed at 140 what is the response to be to the increasing volume of firepower, and the fact that the Reconnaissance Platoon is in addition to the normal establishment?
No provision is made for carrying 3” Mortars, Anti-Tank Rifles or 2” Mortars – in the case of the latter two it was the ammunition that presented the most difficult dilemma.
What could be dropped from the load tables laid down in Training Instruction No 1 in order to make more room? Could each man carry more Small Arms Ammunition? Were all the tools necessary?
Was the reconnaissance Platoon itself required as such? Could the snipers not be allocated to Companies?
Was the 70th Brigade special ration suitable? Winter Warfare School taught that Meat and Vegetable stew, and tinned Bully Beef were low in calorific value compared to their weight. What could be substituted?
Some amendments were made, on an experimental basis, to the Battalion organisation for movement with Pack Transport in the light of initial experience. These and the other points would be subjected to further study.
Arrangements were in hand for the construction of a Field Firing Range.
The Training Programme for the week-ending 8th March was attached to the document.
Appendix 2 – Mountain Warfare Exercise 12th March 1942 – issued 9th March 1942.
This exercise had the objective of practising the Battalion in carrying out a deliberate attack on a strong enemy position on high ground.
The lessons were expected to cover:-
Battle procedure.
The fire plan.
Leapfrogging Companies on to a second objective.
The scenario assumed that a Brigade-sized enemy force and attached troops had established a Perimeter Camp in the SANOWM Valley reference 6147 and was strongly holding MYNYDD TROED 6249, MYNYDD LLANGORSE 6048 and PEN-Y-CAEAU 6147. A Brigade attack was being mounted – two Battalions up with 1st Tyneside Scottish on the right – a route being set out.
In a separate document, classified SECRET, it was indicated that the C-in-C Home Forces would be visiting the Brigade and would be observing the attack on MYNYDD TROED. This resulted in instructions being issued that the men would not wear denims, with Field Service Marching Order, but instead would wear best battledress with a view to creating a “smart turnout”, including blancoed webbing and polished brasses.
A further document was issued with an extension to the original exercise, taking into account mules and horse transport, aimed at:-
Applying the ROFT procedure.
Determining the correct method of advance.
Establishment of, and communications with, a rear HQ.
The intention was to secure the SORGWM Valley 6148 and the commanding heights, to enable the remainder of the Brigade to pass through.
Appendix 3 – 70th Infantry Brigade Mountain Warfare Exercise No 3 – issued 10th March 1942.
Unusually, the Instructions for this exercise were in manuscript form – apparently written by Major K.T. Roper, the Brigade Major of 70th Infantry Brigade.
The instructions indicated that the exercise would be directed by Brigadier Kirkup, assisted by Major Roper and that the Appendix A to the document set out the objectives.
These were:-
To exercise the Battalion – using Pack Transport – in the attack and advance over high ground in mountainous country.
The lessons aimed for were:-
The application of the ROFT principles to Mountain Warfare.
Inter-communication in Mountain Warfare.
The use of supporting fire.
The Umpires for the exercise were to be led by Lt Col R.H. Grylls and would include; the Brigade Signals Officer, Major R.W. Braithwaite and three Majors or Captains and three Subalterns (including a Carrier Subaltern) from 10th DLI.
10th DLI were also providing No 18 Wireless Sets and Operators to assist the Umpires.
The enemy was represented by the Brigade Defence Platoon, armed with blank ammunition (if available). The Tyneside Scottish were to wear Battle Order while the enemy wore the same, but with Field Service Caps.
The Tyneside Scottish were also to provide horses for the Director and Deputy Director, together with two mounted orderlies each. The exercise was expected to conclude at 16:00 hours with everyone back to Camp by 19:00 hours. Anti-Tank Rifles were not to be taken but the Carrier Platoon would participate as far as was feasible. A bugler was to be attached to Battalion HQ for the duration of the exercise.
The exercise assumed that the Black Mountain area, North of CRICKHOWELL, was a peninsula, the Southern coastline of which ran along the line of the River USK. The area was deemed to have been invaded by 49th Division on a Pack Transport basis. 70th Infantry Brigade was assumed to have landed at ABERGAVENNY and to be advancing to the valley running North from PONT-YSPIG 7342, with the Reconnaissance Unit set to watch the flanking road from ABERGAVENNY to LLANTHONY 7349.
The Orders to the Tyneside Scottish were to continue the advance beyond the valley, using the high ground to the West, while 11th DLI took the high ground to the East.
Appendix 4 – Battalion Training Instruction No 3 of 1942 – issued 14th March 1942.
This notice specified that, following the initial week’s Pack Training, there would be at least one Battalion Scheme, and probably two, day and night, over the next two weeks, alongside Company schemes set out by Battalion HQ.
Other days would be at the disposal of Company Commanders who were expected to take on board the following during the intensive training spell:-
The Company as an Advance Guard – to be practised on all marches and schemes, and paying attention to distances between sub-units.
The alertness of scouts and leading Sections.
Passing written or verbal messages from the front, and back to Battalion.
The securing of a high feature, opposed and unopposed – with mutual support by Platoons and Mortars in reaching the top.
Hill-craft, including walking and climbing techniques, reconnaissance and the conservation of energy.
Picquetting of a feature and disposing Platoons and Sections.
Inter-communication by semaphore and runner.
Inter-communication between Company HQ and rear HQ in the valley.
Occupying a feature for some time – digging posts or sangars, cooking and feeding the men, watering and feeding of animals, latrine construction, supplying ammunition, rations and greatcoats.
Withdrawal from an occupied position – including attached arms – thinning out and mutual support.
The necessity for keeping men fit.
In addition, time was expected to be spent on; loading and unloading practice and learning the use of harness and transport equipment.
Signals work would include the continuance of semaphore classes and the practising of the use of No 18 sets in hilly country – including position selection to assist transmission quality.
The setting-up of a perimeter Camp was to be studied, including all the administrative matters necessary to support an overnight stay.
Practising compass and map reading to the level at which all Section Leaders are competent navigators.
Ensuring that all men contributed to the overall welfare of the unit – at halts there would always be something to do.
The Appendix to the document described the basic features of a Mountain Regiment, Royal Artillery, which consisted of four four-howitzer Batteries of 3.7” calibre pieces. Each Battery was made up of two two-howitzer Sections which could act independently as necessary, being self-sufficient in manpower and transport.
Appendix 5 – Brigade Training Instruction No 2 of 1942 – issued 16thy March 1942.
Training was to be carried out on a progressive basis from Company up to Brigade level to ensure that the Brigade was fit for mountain operations in a temperate climate by 1st May 1942.
Company training was scheduled from 3rd to 11th April. Each Rifle Company was to carry out a 36-hour scheme, including bivouacking at night.
Battalion training was to take place from 13th to 18th April, which would include one 36-hour Battalion exercise.
Brigade training would follow between 20th and 30 April and would include; a Signals Exercise – down to Company HQ level, two two-sided exercises and a Brigade 3 – 4 day exercise.
Training Advance Parties were to move to the training area on 27th March to prepare the way for the exercises. 454 Mountain Battery, Royal Artillery was to join the Brigade and would be available to support exercises. 178 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, would continue its training in the present location under the direction of the Commander, Royal Artillery of Western Command.
The three RIASC Mule Companies – 25th, 29th and 32nd - were allocated to support units of the Brigade Group.
The Royal Engineer Field Company attached to the Brigade would complete its unit training. 187th Field Ambulance would participate in the training exercises. Drill periods were to continue to be included in the training programme to ensure the maintenance of smartness and good turnout.
Appendix 6 – The move to North Wales – issued 21st March 1942.
This was the Administrative Instruction describing the arrangements for the Brigade’s move of location. The Battalion was to be at 24 hours’ notice to move by rail as from 22nd March.
The second short document included the rail timings and station locations for the move and the arrangements for the baggage to move by road.
Appendix 7 – Training forecast for the week ending 29th March 1942 – issued 21st March 1942.
Companies were instructed to provide copies of their Training Programme. The key features had already been mentioned in Appendix 4 above and they formed a framework for the training to be done this week.
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