2nd Battalion, Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment War Diary - September 1943

1 September 1943

The Commanding Officer was pleased to receive the following letter from the Camp Commandant, Transit Camp, Ballahouston Park –

“It gives me great pleasure to report that the Section of your Regiment vacating quarters in this Camp yesterday gave one of the best “Marching Out” that has been experienced over a period of 2 ¾ years”

“C” group won the Battalion Drill Competition with “A” group and “B” Group coming second and third respectively. “C” Group will now find the Divisional HQ Guard for the period 12th – 19th September.

The Commanding Officer regretfully announces that Lt Colonel H W N Stewart, the senior C.O. of the Middlesex Regiment has died of Enteric Fever in a Japanese Prison Camp.

Captain Bare is posted to the Battalion from the 70th Battalion Middlesex Regiment.

1 Officer and 24 Other Ranks of the A/A Company of “B” Group return from the Gunnery School, Govan, Glasgow.

2 September 1943

A Pistol Cadre for the Officers is run at “A” Group HQ by Warrant Officers and senior NCO’s of the S.A.S. Netheravon and Hythe Travelling Circus.

Captain Beech of “A” Group travels South to attend Np.4 Civil Affairs Staff Course, which is a Course intended to instruct senior Officers in the scope and duties of AMGOT (Allied Military Government for Occupied Territories).

3 September 1943

In accordance with H.M.King's wish that today should be a National Day of Prayer, being the beginning of the 5th year of War, the whole Battalion attends Divine Service at St Bride’s Church, Callender. After the Service the Battalion marched past and the C.O. took the salute. The sermon was given by the Vicar of St Bride’s and was really appreciated by everyone.

4 September 1943

For the time being the rainy weather has given way to a spell of fine weather.

5 September 1943

An Army Dental Centre is opened in Callender and Captain Hughes of the Army Dental Corps is attached to Battalion HQ. There are now two Dental Centres, one in Doune and the other in Callender, attending to the Dental health of the Battalion.

6 September 1943

Major Palmer and 2/Lt Brook attend an S.A.S. Netheravon 20mm A/A Course.

8 September 1943

1 Platoon of the M G Company of “C” Group partake in an exercise with 1st Battalion of the Tyneside Scottish.

Short pre-Netheravon courses for MMG and Mortar Officers held at “A” Group, “B” Group and HQ respectively and Lt M L King “A” Group was in charge of the 4.2” Mortar Course and Lt Kennedy the MMG Course.

All Officers and men of the Battalion are undergoing the Physical Efficiency Tests on the Group and Battalion hardening days.

11 September 1943

Major Cannon (the late Adjutant) assumes command of “A”Group.vice Major Lovibond who assumes command of the MMG Company of B Group.

14 September 1943

Major Lovibond of “B” Group and Lt Kennedy of “A” Group attend the S.A.S. Netheravon for an MMG (Carrier Borne) Course.

18 September 1943

Major Palmer and 2/Lt Brooks obtain a Q1 qualification in a 20mm A/A Course held at Netheravon.

20 September 1943

The Commanding Officer congratulates the Divisional Guard which was chosen from “C” Group, on the mounting and dismounting of the Guard at Divisional HQ on the 12th to 19th September. The good behaviour and soldierly bearing of the Guard has been favourably commented on at Divisional HQ.

21 September 1943

CSM Siegler of the MMG Company “C” Group comes before the Unit OCTU Board under the Presidency of the Second in Command, Major R E N D’Abo and is recommended for a Commission.

27 September 1943

2/Lt H J Rogers of MMG Company, “B” Group is posted to the 24 MGTC.

28 September 1943

Captain Bare, “A” Group, Lt Dudley “C” Group, 2/Lts Thornhill and Clayden of “C” Group and 2/Lt Thornhill of “B” Group attend Course No.10 4.2” Mortar at the S.A.S. Netheravon.

30 September 1943

Major A Lovibond and Lt Kennedy return from the Netheravon Company Commanders’ MMG (Carrier) Refresher Course.

During the whole month the Battalion has continued training in all the Brigade Support Weapons and the weekly training programmes show many field exercises, including day and night shoots.

The Battalion, the only Unit in 49th Division not yet mobilised, is still awaiting the official Order to mobilise. Until this is received, among other things the Battalion must patch and make do with its old transport which has had far more than its fair share of service.

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