70th Infantry Brigade War Diary December 1941. - Revision history

70bgadmin at 15:31, 13 May 2018

2018-05-13T15:31:06Z

70bgadmin at 14:03, 11 May 2018

2018-05-11T14:03:28Z

70bgadmin at 13:20, 11 May 2018

2018-05-11T13:20:49Z

70bgadmin at 09:22, 4 May 2018

2018-05-04T09:22:51Z

70bgadmin at 17:44, 30 April 2018

2018-04-30T17:44:47Z

70bgadmin at 15:22, 25 April 2018

2018-04-25T15:22:08Z

70bgadmin at 14:34, 20 April 2018

2018-04-20T14:34:25Z

70bgadmin at 16:24, 6 August 2012

2012-08-06T16:24:50Z

70bgadmin at 16:12, 6 August 2012

2012-08-06T16:12:01Z

70bgadmin at 15:49, 6 August 2012

2012-08-06T15:49:22Z

@@ Line 193: / Line 193: @@
 Appendix E to the War Diary was a detailed location statement setting out the units and offices in South Wales with addresses and telephone numbers.  While clearly an administrative document used for finding contact details such a comprehensive paper gives an interesting picture of the range and scale of units within one area of the country.
-The area was run from Western Command, based in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester CHESTER], with South Wales District headquartered at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abergavenny ABERGAVENNY], the Severn Sub-area at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llantrisant LLANTRISANT] and the Carmarthen Sub-area at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmarthen CAMARTHEN] itself.  70th Brigade was headquartered in “Taliaris”, [http://www.llandeilo.org/concise_hist1.php LLANDILO], with the three Battalions at LLANELLY, CAMARTHEN, and [[Pembroke Dock]], the artillery at CAREW and the Field Ambulance at VELINDRE.
+The area was run from Western Command, based in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester CHESTER], with South Wales District headquartered at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abergavenny ABERGAVENNY], the Severn Sub-area at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llantrisant LLANTRISANT] and the Carmarthen Sub-area at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmarthen CAMARTHEN] itself.  70th Brigade was headquartered in “[[Taliaris]]”, [http://www.llandeilo.org/concise_hist1.php LLANDILO], with the three Battalions at LLANELLY, CAMARTHEN, and [[Pembroke Dock]], the artillery at CAREW and the Field Ambulance at VELINDRE.
 '''29th December 1941'''
@@ Line 211: / Line 211: @@
 Approximately 80% of all men who had disembarked had been sent on 14 days disembarkation leave.
-The new location of Brigade HQ was to be at TALIARIS HOUSE, LLANDILO (HQ Offices), with Brigade Transport, Signals and the Light Aid Detachment in LLANDILO itself, some five miles away.  This division of the HQ was seen as most unsatisfactory and the Brigadier was anxious to move to CAMARTHEN, where a suitable house was available, where Brigade HQ would be centrally placed in relation to its units, and where the Brigade Commander would be in close touch with Commander, Carmarthen Sub-Area, the operational command of which he would assume in the event of hostilities in the U.K.
+The new location of Brigade HQ was to be at [[Taliaris]] HOUSE, LLANDILO (HQ Offices), with Brigade Transport, Signals and the Light Aid Detachment in LLANDILO itself, some five miles away.  This division of the HQ was seen as most unsatisfactory and the Brigadier was anxious to move to CAMARTHEN, where a suitable house was available, where Brigade HQ would be centrally placed in relation to its units, and where the Brigade Commander would be in close touch with Commander, Carmarthen Sub-Area, the operational command of which he would assume in the event of hostilities in the U.K.
 A summary of 1941 was attached to this, the final War Diary for the year.  This read as follows:-

@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 Cloisters, Gardar Road, Gardar, Amotherby, Slingsby.  The inspection of the remainder of the Battalion, which had been intended to take place the next day, was cancelled.
-Lt H.L. Troughton R.A.O.C. arrived back at Brigade HQ from the North East Sector and took over the duties of the Officer Mechanical Engineering vice Captain G.A. Lester, who had returned to the U.K. a few days earlier.
+Lt H.L. Troughton R.A.O.C. arrived back at Brigade HQ from the North East Sector and took over the duties of the Officer Mechanical Engineering, vice Captain G.A. Lester, who had returned to the U.K. a few days earlier.
 '''6th December 1941'''
@@ Line 69: / Line 69: @@
 The baggage handling was expected to continue on 13th and 14th December with “accompanied Baggage” being loaded and transferred to the troopship.
-Appendix C dealt with the relief of the Brigade by U.S. Forces.  The relieving unit was the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10th_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States) 10th Regiment U.S. Infantry] (less one Battalion).  Two Batteries of the 46th Field Artillery Battalion were to relieve 366 Field Battery, and 187 Field Ambulance would also be relieved (the instruction did not specify what unit would take their place).
+Appendix C dealt with the relief of the Brigade by U.S. Forces.  The relieving unit was the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10th_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States) 10th Regiment U.S. Infantry] (less one Battalion).  Two Batteries of the 46th Field Artillery Battalion were to relieve 366 Field Battery, and 187 Field Ambulance would also be relieved (the instruction did not specify what units would take their place).
 The overall aim was for the relief to be fully tactical – 50% manning of all posts would continue until relieved by US troops on an operational basis.
@@ Line 166: / Line 166: @@
 At 18:00 hours the 11th DLI First Party arrived at [[Pembroke Dock]].
 '''
-th December 1941'''
+'''25th December 1941'''
 By 08:00 hours all troops had reached their destinations.  (1st TS to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llanelli LLANELLY] area, 366 Field Battery to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carew,_Pembrokeshire CRESSELLY HOUSE, CAREW], 187 Field Ambulance to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velindre VELINDRE]).

@@ Line 165: / Line 165: @@
 At 15:15 hours the Brigade HQ First Party arrived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llandeilo LLANDILO].
-At 18:00 hours the 11th DLI First Party arrived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembroke_Dock PEMBROKE DOCKS].
+At 18:00 hours the 11th DLI First Party arrived at [[Pembroke Dock]].
 '''
 th December 1941'''
@@ Line 177: / Line 177: @@
 As regards Operational Roles, 1st TS was primarily responsible for the defence of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembrey PEMBREY BEACH], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembrey_Airport Aerodrome] ( or possibly the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Pembrey_Sands RAF Station]) and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROF_Pembrey Royal Ordnance Factory at PEMBREY].  The static defence of PEMBREY BEACH would be provided by the Company stationed at PEMBREY BEACH CAMP.  In normal times only patrols would be required.  A Mobile Reserve would be provided by reinforcements from the Company at ASHBURNAM.
-th DLI would be responsible for the defence of PEMBROKE DOCK under the Officer Commanding troops, PEMBROKE DOCKS.  A Mobile Column would also be made available as reinforcement to ANGLE Aerodrome and EAST BLOCKHOUSE, in co-operation with a Mobile Column from the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Range at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlemartin_Training_Area CASTLEMARTIN].
+th DLI would be responsible for the defence of [[Pembroke Dock]] under the Officer Commanding troops, PEMBROKE DOCKS.  A Mobile Column would also be made available as reinforcement to ANGLE Aerodrome and EAST BLOCKHOUSE, in co-operation with a Mobile Column from the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Range at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlemartin_Training_Area CASTLEMARTIN].
 th DLI were expected to go into Reserve when they arrived from Iceland.
@@ Line 193: / Line 193: @@
 Appendix E to the War Diary was a detailed location statement setting out the units and offices in South Wales with addresses and telephone numbers.  While clearly an administrative document used for finding contact details such a comprehensive paper gives an interesting picture of the range and scale of units within one area of the country.
-The area was run from Western Command, based in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester CHESTER], with South Wales District headquartered at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abergavenny ABERGAVENNY], the Severn Sub-area at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llantrisant LLANTRISANT] and the Carmarthen Sub-area at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmarthen CAMARTHEN] itself.  70th Brigade was headquartered in “Taliaris”, [http://www.llandeilo.org/concise_hist1.php LLANDILO], with the three Battalions at LLANELLY, CAMARTHEN, and PEMBROKE DOCK, the artillery at CAREW and the Field Ambulance at VELINDRE.
+The area was run from Western Command, based in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chester CHESTER], with South Wales District headquartered at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abergavenny ABERGAVENNY], the Severn Sub-area at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llantrisant LLANTRISANT] and the Carmarthen Sub-area at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmarthen CAMARTHEN] itself.  70th Brigade was headquartered in “Taliaris”, [http://www.llandeilo.org/concise_hist1.php LLANDILO], with the three Battalions at LLANELLY, CAMARTHEN, and [[Pembroke Dock]], the artillery at CAREW and the Field Ambulance at VELINDRE.
 '''29th December 1941'''

@@ Line 119: / Line 119: @@
 '''16th December 1941'''
-The convoy arrived in REYKJAVIK at 19:00 hours.
+The convoy arrived in [[Reykjavik]] at 19:00 hours.
 '''17th December 1941'''

@@ Line 33: / Line 33: @@
 Prisoners were to travel with their units, while those in hospital would travel to the U.K. from the Transit Camp once discharged - kit would be held there awaiting their return from hospital.
-The Brigade Commander carried out an administrative inspection of the 1st Tyneside Scottish Camps at HAFNAFJORDUR as follows:-
+The Brigade Commander carried out an administrative inspection of the 1st Tyneside Scottish Camps at [[Hafnafjordur]] as follows:-
 Cloisters, Gardar Road, Gardar, Amotherby, Slingsby.  The inspection of the remainder of the Battalion, which had been intended to take place the next day, was cancelled.
@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 '''8th December 1941'''
-Stores loaded from 08:00 hours by 11th DLI and 1st TS on S.S. BOLSTA at HAFNAFJORDUR.
+Stores loaded from 08:00 hours by 11th DLI and 1st TS on S.S. BOLSTA at [[Hafnafjordur]].
 '''9th December 1941'''
@@ Line 107: / Line 107: @@
 Some modest delay in embarking the Brigade had to be accepted, as it was considered essential that the relieving U.S. troops were given an opportunity to take over the posts in daylight – which did not arrive until after 09:00 hours.
-On 9th December stores were loaded by Brigade HQ – including the Signal Section and the Light Aid Detachment – on to the S.S. BOLSTA at HAFNAFJORDUR.
+On 9th December stores were loaded by Brigade HQ – including the Signal Section and the Light Aid Detachment – on to the S.S. BOLSTA at [[Hafnafjordur]].
 '''13th December 1941'''

@@ Line 237: / Line 237: @@
 To this end a Winter Warfare School was established in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akureyri AKUREYRI] and 22 Officers from this Brigade attended.  Skis and Snow Shoes were issued, and the services of special instructors obtained.  Then, just as intensive Snow and Mountain training was due to begin for this Brigade, it was sent home to continue its training in South Wales, but with the added difference that the Division is now expected to carry out the roles of both Mountain and Infantry Division.
-''The authorship of this brief summary is not known – possibly it reflects the pen of the Brigade Intelligence Officer.  What is slightly surprising is that he makes no reference to those members of the Brigade left behind in Iceland – in [http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2026415/Blonduos%20Cemetery Blonduos] and [http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2026413/Reykjavik%20(Fossvogur)%20Cemetery Fossvogur Cemeteries] – victims of accident, illness, or –in one case – direct enemy action, although the scale of casualties over that period is miniscule compared to the losses while the Brigade was with the B.E.F. in France and Flanders, or later in Normandy.  Nevertheless, their sacrifice is as much a part of this Memorial as is that of their comrades at [[FICHEUX]] or Rauray.''
+''The authorship of this brief summary is not known – possibly it reflects the pen of the Brigade Intelligence Officer.  What is slightly surprising is that he makes no reference to those members of the Brigade left behind in Iceland – in [http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2026415/Blonduos%20Cemetery Blonduos] and [http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/2026413/Reykjavik%20(Fossvogur)%20Cemetery Fossvogur Cemeteries] – victims of accident, illness, or –in one case – direct enemy action, although the scale of casualties over that period is miniscule compared to the losses while the Brigade was with the B.E.F. in France and Flanders, or later in Normandy.  Nevertheless, their sacrifice is as much a part of this Memorial as is that of their comrades at [[FICHEUX]] or [[Rauray]].''
 To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - [mailto:70brigade@newmp.org.uk click here].

@@ Line 157: / Line 157: @@
 The Major then waved my very fortunate father, and the hundreds of men behind him, off the ship, leaving the Customs Officer to concentrate on his initial victim who, by then, was emptying his pockets and the rest of his kit.)''
-Any of the men who had not had leave during their time in Iceland were sent straight on leave from GOUROCK.
+Any of the men who had not had leave during their time in Iceland were sent straight on leave from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gourock GOUROCK].
 '''24th December 1941'''
@@ Line 163: / Line 163: @@
 :00 – 08:00 the second party – the rest of Brigade on SOBIESKI - entrained.
-At 15:15 hours the Brigade HQ First Party arrived at LLANDILO.
+At 15:15 hours the Brigade HQ First Party arrived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llandeilo LLANDILO].
-At 18:00 hours the 11th DLI First Party arrived at PEMBROKE DOCKS.
+At 18:00 hours the 11th DLI First Party arrived at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembroke_Dock PEMBROKE DOCKS].
 '''
 th December 1941'''
-By 08:00 hours all troops had reached their destinations.  (1st TS to the LLANELLY area, 366 Field Battery to CRESSELLY HOUSE, CAREW, 187 Field Ambulance to VELINDRE).
+By 08:00 hours all troops had reached their destinations.  (1st TS to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llanelli LLANELLY] area, 366 Field Battery to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carew,_Pembrokeshire CRESSELLY HOUSE, CAREW], 187 Field Ambulance to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velindre VELINDRE]).
 '''28th December 1941'''
@@ Line 175: / Line 175: @@
 At 11:00 hours the Brigade Commander held a conference to discuss operational roles and administrative problems.  The notes of the conference were attached to the War Diary as Appendix D.  This set out that:-
-As regards Operational Roles, 1st TS was primarily responsible for the defence of PEMBREY BEACH, the Aerodrome and the Royal Ordnance Factory at PEMBREY.  The static defence of PEMBREY BEACH would be provided by the Company stationed at PEMBREY BEACH CAMP.  In normal times only patrols would be required.  A Mobile Reserve would be provided by reinforcements from the Company at ASHBURNAM.
+As regards Operational Roles, 1st TS was primarily responsible for the defence of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembrey PEMBREY BEACH], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembrey_Airport Aerodrome] ( or possibly the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Pembrey_Sands RAF Station]) and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROF_Pembrey Royal Ordnance Factory at PEMBREY].  The static defence of PEMBREY BEACH would be provided by the Company stationed at PEMBREY BEACH CAMP.  In normal times only patrols would be required.  A Mobile Reserve would be provided by reinforcements from the Company at ASHBURNAM.
-th DLI would be responsible for the defence of PEMBROKE DOCK under the Officer Commanding troops, PEMBROKE DOCKS.  A Mobile Column would also be made available as reinforcement to ANGLE Aerodrome and EAST BLOCKHOUSE, in co-operation with a Mobile Column from the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Range at CASTLEMARTIN.
+th DLI would be responsible for the defence of PEMBROKE DOCK under the Officer Commanding troops, PEMBROKE DOCKS.  A Mobile Column would also be made available as reinforcement to ANGLE Aerodrome and EAST BLOCKHOUSE, in co-operation with a Mobile Column from the Armoured Fighting Vehicles Range at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castlemartin_Training_Area CASTLEMARTIN].
 th DLI were expected to go into Reserve when they arrived from Iceland.

@@ Line 51: / Line 51: @@
 th Infantry brigade Administrative Instruction No 2 and Operation Instruction No 16 were issued and copies were attached to the War Diary as Appendix B and Appendix C respectively.
-Appendix B set out the details of the troops due to be embarked on the S.S. SOBIESKI at 12:00 hours on 13th December.  In addition to Brigade HQ and the two Battalions the passengers encompassed:
+Appendix B set out the details of the troops due to be embarked on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Sobieski  S.S. SOBIESKI] at 12:00 hours on 13th December.  In addition to Brigade HQ and the two Battalions the passengers encompassed:
 Construction Section Royal Signals (1 Officer and 60 men)
@@ Line 63: / Line 63: @@
 Lt Col Oxley of the 1st TS was appointed O.C. troops on board, and 1st TS were also to provide the Ship’s Adjutant, Sergeant Major, and some of the Troop Deck Sergeants – the remainder coming from 11th DLI.
-Spare kit – such as spare rations, kitbags and Tropal Coats were to be loaded on to the S.S. ALOUETTE on Friday 12th December – times for loading were allocated.  The procedure would be under the command of an Officer from 11th DLI with a Loading Party from both Battalions, who would then guard the ship overnight on 12th/13th December, go out with the ship once S.S. SOBIESKI arrived, transfer the baggage and then remain on the SOBIESKI, while the ALOUETTE returned to MID QUAY to take on board the next phase of baggage.
+Spare kit – such as spare rations, kitbags and Tropal Coats were to be loaded on to the [http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/GSN/Alouette_1894-01.jpg S.S. ALOUETTE] on Friday 12th December – times for loading were allocated.  The procedure would be under the command of an Officer from 11th DLI with a Loading Party from both Battalions, who would then guard the ship overnight on 12th/13th December, go out with the ship once [http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ5rAWFYJI26xomd49UR2dfJPIN-Tu2GC5b-Fpt0b4opulUcO2S S.S. SOBIESKI] arrived, transfer the baggage and then remain on the SOBIESKI, while the ALOUETTE returned to MID QUAY to take on board the next phase of baggage.
 Arrangements were made for these men to be fed by 11th DLI.
@@ Line 69: / Line 69: @@
 The baggage handling was expected to continue on 13th and 14th December with “accompanied Baggage” being loaded and transferred to the troopship.
-Appendix C dealt with the relief of the Brigade by U.S. Forces.  The relieving unit was the 10th Regiment U.S. Infantry (less one Battalion).  Two Batteries of the 46th Field Artillery Battalion were to relieve 366 Field Battery, and 187 Field Ambulance would also be relieved (the instruction did not specify what unit would take their place).
+Appendix C dealt with the relief of the Brigade by U.S. Forces.  The relieving unit was the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10th_Infantry_Regiment_(United_States) 10th Regiment U.S. Infantry] (less one Battalion).  Two Batteries of the 46th Field Artillery Battalion were to relieve 366 Field Battery, and 187 Field Ambulance would also be relieved (the instruction did not specify what unit would take their place).
 The overall aim was for the relief to be fully tactical – 50% manning of all posts would continue until relieved by US troops on an operational basis.
@@ Line 133: / Line 133: @@
 '''19th December 1941'''
-Baggage loading continued on the SOBIESKI throughout the day and at 22:00 hours the convoy – including the “leave ship” S.S. ORBITA, with 366 Field Battery and 187 Field Ambulance aboard – sailed.
+Baggage loading continued on the SOBIESKI throughout the day and at 22:00 hours the convoy – including the “leave ship” [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Orbita S.S. ORBITA], with 366 Field Battery and 187 Field Ambulance aboard – sailed.
 '''20th – 21st December 1941'''
@@ Line 139: / Line 139: @@
 At sea.  Weather was at first poor, with much seasickness for all ranks.
-''(Not everyone, however, was seasick.  Down in one of the holds a continuous card game was in progress – strictly, of course, against Army Regulations – but at the close my father arose £38 richer after a very successful four days of playing “Brag”.  A rough modern equivalent of his scale of winnings would be £1,200).''
+''(Not everyone, however, was seasick.  Down in one of the holds a continuous card game was in progress – strictly, of course, against Army Regulations – but at the close my father arose £38 richer after a very successful four days of playing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_card_brag “Three Card Brag”].  A rough modern equivalent of his scale of winnings would be £1,200).''
 '''22nd December 1941'''
-The convoy arrived in the River Clyde off GOUROCK at 22:00 hours.
+The convoy arrived in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Clyde River Clyde] off GOUROCK at 22:00 hours.
 '''23rd December 1941'''