War Diary of the 13th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, January 1940.
1 January 1940 – Low Fell.
Strength of Battalion – 27 Officers, 943 Other Ranks.
2 January 1940
C.O. held Orderly Room at Hebburn 11:30 hours.
4 January 1940
Company Commanders’ Conference at Battalion HQ 10:30 hours. C.O. and 2nd in Command visited Area Commander at Darlington – in conference with him 2pm to 5pm. Discussed provision of more Officers and getting rid of Battalion unfit men. ADMS promised to do all he could on receiving nominal rolls.
8 January 1940
C.O. held enquiry into alleged theft of poultry at Mr Old’s property at Victoria. No truth in allegations. Mr Old a very disagreeable man.
11 January 1940
Inspection of E Company.
13 January 1940
Area Commander visited HQ 3pm and stayed until 4:30 pm. Nothing special.
15 January 1940
NCOs course arranged 15/20 January at Infantry Training Centre, Brancepeth. Two NCOs from each Company attended.
18 January 1940
Company Commanders’ conference.
19 January 1940
7 Other Ranks’ “comb-out” from 10th DLI reported for duty.
22 January 1940
17 recruits sent to D Company which enabled guard at Old Shotton to be increased to 35 Other Ranks, Lt Sewell in command.
24 January 1940
Colonel Robinson C.B., D.S.O. acting on special mission with regard to defence of RAF called to discuss Usworth with C.O.
25 January 1940
Company Commanders’ conference.
29 January 1940
Lt Warwick, Passive Air Defence Officer, started 3-day course for an Officer of each Company.
30 January 1940
Area Commander and Major Booth called about 19:00 hours and saw C.O.
31 January 1940
Strength of Battalion – 38 Officers, 967 Other Ranks. During the month new Officers joined on the dates shown and were posted as indicated:-
4.1.40. Lieut W E Jacques – B Company (Attached HQ).
5.1.40. Lieut A J Yeo – A Company.
15.1.40. Lieut S W Warwick – B Company (Attached HQ).
16.1.40 2/Lieut A J Giles – B Company.
16.1.40. Lieut W G Perkins – C Company.
16.1.40. Lieut A Kitchingman – D Company.
17.1.40. Lieut E W Archer – A Company.
17.1.40. 2/Lieut G E Moore – E Company.
25.1.40. 2/Lieut J C Hodgson – B Company.
29.1.40. Lieut G K Shougnell – C Company.
31.1.40. 2/Lieut W F Palmer – D Company.
During the month 44 Recruits were received, 27 Discharges were effected.
