War Diary of the 13th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, March 1940.
1 March 1940 – Low Fell.
Strength of Battalion – 39 Officers and 978 Other Ranks.
7 March 1940
Company Commanders’ Conference 10:30 hours.
C.O. held Orderly Room C Company HQ.
8 March 1940
Command Land Agent and Colonel Laybourne lunched at HQ, afterwards proceeding with C.O. to meet LNER re billets for troops guarding Tunnels at SUNDERLAND (These guards were permanently withdrawn later in month so billet question does not mature).
11 March 1940
Area Commander visited Battalion HQ 16:00 hours.
12 March 1940
About 20 Officers and 20 NCOs. of Battalion attended a demonstration by a Platoon of Durham Light Infantry, Infantry Training Centre at Brancepeth Castle. The demonstration included some modern drill, guard mounting etc. And was most instructive. Afterwards, on invitation of Lt Colonel J.O.C. Hasted D.S.O. Commanding Depot, Officers were entertained to tea in the Mess, W.Os. and N.C.Os. in their Messes.
It was the first occasion anything like so many Officers of the Battalion gathered together. C.O. said a few words after tea.
13 March 1940
C.O. held Barrack Room inspection of C Company at RAF Station Usworth, V.P. Victoria Bridge and Birtley. He was able to congratulate Captain Mauchley on the turn-out.
14 March 1940
Company Commanders’ Conference.
15 March 1940
C.O. conferred with Commander Harvey R.N. and other Port Authorities at West Hartlepool re guards on Dock Gates. Decision taken to withdraw guards from Wm Grays Shipyard and mount on Dock Gates as highly vulnerable. 12 Other Ranks D Company mounted 24 hr guard on train at Ferryhill – Area Order.
18 March 1940
Man of D Company on sentry at Croxdale Viaduct knocked down by train but not seriously hurt.
19 March 1940
C.O. met Area Commander and Colonel Tallents, Northern Command, at Billingham – some minor reduction of guards considered possible.
Company 2nd in Command Conference at Battalion HQ.
20 March 1940
1 Officer and 29 Other Ranks permanently withdrawn from Ammunition Dump at Tees Norton to Billingham.
C.O. held Barrack Room inspection of D Company at Finchale, Shotton, Greatham. Very good turnout.
21 March 1940
Company Commanders’ Conference.
3 Officers, 66 Other Ranks permanently withdrawn from RAF Station, Usworth to Burt Terrace Drill Hall, Gateshead. Letter of appreciation of their Guard received from Wing Commander.
22 March 1940
26 Other Ranks permanently withdrawn from guard at Belmont Viaduct.
23 March 1940
8 Other Ranks mounted 12 hour guard on train at East Boldon – Area Order.
25 March 1940
Guards at Sunderland Tunnels permanently withdrawn to East Boldon and Palmers, with exception of six Other Ranks to guard Ventilating Shaft at Sunderland Tunnels.
A Company took over Hawthorn Leslies from B Company.
Finals of Battalion competitions in Darts, Draughts and Dominoes held at Burt Terrace Drill Hall.
26 March 1940
A Company vacated Quay Council Schools Hebburn and occupied Co-operative Hall (for Hawthorn Leslie Guard), Miners’ Institute for Palmers’ Guard. C.O. and Major visited Area HQ and thence to 8th Green Howards for discussion with Lt Colonel Pennyman.
27 March 1940
C.O. held Orderly Rooms C and D Companies.
28 March 1940
Company Commanders’ Conference.
29 March 1940
Colonel Richard, Northern Command Medical Board called re discharge of outstanding cases. 18 men A Company specially concerned.
31 March 1940
Battalion Strength - 40 Officers, 974 Other Ranks.
