GS Branch 23rd (Northumbrian) Division 1940. - Revision history

70bgadmin at 14:55, 18 June 2011

2011-06-18T14:55:25Z

70bgadmin at 22:47, 4 May 2011

2011-05-04T22:47:08Z

70bgadmin: Replaced content with " Copy of Operational summary – 11 pages. Copy of narrative and summary 1 Tyneside Scottish – 17 pages. Copy of detail diary – 7 pages"

2011-04-27T10:53:03Z

Replaced content with " Copy of Operational summary – 11 pages. Copy of narrative and summary 1 Tyneside Scottish – 17 pages. Copy of detail diary – 7 pages"

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70bgadmin at 10:51, 27 April 2011

2011-04-27T10:51:12Z

70bgadmin at 19:57, 26 April 2011

2011-04-26T19:57:58Z

70bgadmin at 19:09, 25 April 2011

2011-04-25T19:09:10Z

70bgadmin at 17:58, 25 April 2011

2011-04-25T17:58:57Z

70bgadmin at 14:35, 25 April 2011

2011-04-25T14:35:25Z

70bgadmin at 13:09, 25 April 2011

2011-04-25T13:09:35Z

70bgadmin at 12:50, 25 April 2011

2011-04-25T12:50:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 18 June 2011
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	It is possible that these two documents are the material on which historians have have based their accounts of what occurred - particularly to 70 Brigade - over that key period and, as such, they deserve close examination, but with an appreciation of the purpose for which they were written, and by whom.		It is possible that these two documents are the material on which historians have have based their accounts of what occurred - particularly to 70 Brigade - over that key period and, as such, they deserve close examination, but with an appreciation of the purpose for which they were written, and by whom.
		+
		+
		+	To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - [mailto:70brigade@newmp.org.uk click here].

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:51, 27 April 2011
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−	~~'''Darlington - January 1940'''~~

−	The Division noted that a cadre of 187th Field Ambulance, RAMC, reported to the 23rd Division and were stationed at Houghton-le-Skerne, near Darlington. [For more details see the 187th Field Ambulance War Diary.]
−
−	~~'''Darlington - 7th March 1940'''~~
−
−	~~The Divisional staff were warned verbally at 17:00hrs (presumably by either Northern Command or the War Office) about the impending move of the Division to France between 14th – 21st April 1940.~~
−
−	~~'''Darlington - 9th March 1940'''~~
−
−	Preparatory order received at 10:00 hours by the Division regarding the impending move overseas. The troops expected to be included were the Divisional HQ, both Infantry Brigades, the Divisional Engineer units, some Signals personnel and one Field Ambulance.
−
−	~~'''Darlington - 10th March 1940'''~~
−
−	~~Information received that the date of embarkation was estimated to be 15th April 1940.~~
−
−	~~'''Darlington 10th April 1940.'''~~
−
−	~~Divisional advance parties despatched to the port of embarkation.~~
−
−	~~'''Southampton - 11th April 1940'''~~
−
−	~~Divisional transport loaded on to the “SS City of Christchurch” for movement to France.~~
−
−	~~'''12th April 1940.'''~~
−
−	~~'''Darlington.'''~~
−
−	~~Lecture by Brig Aubrey on the German Army to officers and men of the units of the Division.~~
−
−	~~'''Southampton.'''~~
−
−	~~The Divisional Advance Party embarked at Southampton on the “SS Lady of Man” – and docked at Le Havre 13th April.~~
−
−	~~'''Darlington - 14th April 1940.'''~~
−
−	~~The main Divisional Road Parties set off for Southampton, and arrived at the docks on 21st April. The troops embarked on the “Ulster Prince” – docking at Le Havre on 22nd April.~~
−
−	~~Infantry Road Parties were then despatched to Southampton. On the journey there was some experience of seeing enemy aircraft overhead, and then being fired on in anger for the first time.~~
−
−	~~'''France - 23rd to 27th April 1940.'''~~
−
−	~~On arrival in France the Division were concentrated at BOLBEC then moved to MIRAUMONT.~~

	'''Darlington - 1st May 1940.'''		'''Darlington - 1st May 1940.'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:57, 26 April 2011
Line 339:		Line 339:

	The details were that 7 GH, the DLI and a detachment of Field Ambulance (not clear whether 186 or 187) would move from GONDECOURT to an area between BEAUCAMPS crossroads and excluding RADINGHAM, the moves to start at 01:00 and 01:30 respectively. 8 RNF and 5 EY to move from WATTINGLEY to an area between excluding BEAUCAMPS crossroads to including LIGNY. Divisional HQ and Divisional Troops were to move to ERGUINGHEM.		The details were that 7 GH, the DLI and a detachment of Field Ambulance (not clear whether 186 or 187) would move from GONDECOURT to an area between BEAUCAMPS crossroads and excluding RADINGHAM, the moves to start at 01:00 and 01:30 respectively. 8 RNF and 5 EY to move from WATTINGLEY to an area between excluding BEAUCAMPS crossroads to including LIGNY. Divisional HQ and Divisional Troops were to move to ERGUINGHEM.
		+
		+	'''SECLIN - 26th May 1940'''
		+
		+	At 01:00 The Divisional HQ, less the Rear Party, left SECLIN and arrived at ERQUINGHEM H53 at 04:30 and the Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster were seeking a suitable building for HQ. The village was full of French troops. By 07:30 they were established in a school at BEAUCAMPS H5934 and had been rejoined by the Rear Party.
		+
		+	At 10:15 orders were sent to the DLI to relieve the guards on the bridges over the Canal South West of LILLE. The guards had previously been provided by 508 Field Park Company and 5 EY - the relief took place between 14:00 and 18:00 hours.
		+
		+	During the morning the Divisional Commander was made aware that RUSTYFORCE had been disbanded and that the Division now came under 3 Corps. General Herbert, with Majors Trenam and Goldingham left to visit 3 Corps HQ, the two Majors going on to POPERINGHE to search for rations and transport.
		+
		+	General Herbert returned to BEAUCAMPS at about 14:00 hours.
		+
		+	At 14:15 hours orders were issued for the move to the LE PETIT MORTIER area H4944 in two groups - 7 GH, DLI and detachment of the Field Ambulance leaving at 17:15 via Crossroads South of RADINGHAM H5835 - FROMELLES H5435 - SAILLY H4941 thence North West across the canal, the second group - 5 EY and 8 RNF leaving from 17:45 via FOURNES H5632 - FROMELLES - SAILLY then North West across the canal. Divisional HQ were to provide guides.
		+
		+	At 17:15 Divisional HQ left BEAUCAMPS, leaving Major Allen and Captain Browne manning a Report Centre there.
		+
		+	Two hours later, at 19:15 hours, a Despatch Rider and Liaison Officers from 3 Corps arrived at the Report Centre with a message ordering the Division to withdraw as soon as possible to POPERINGHE. These messengers were sent on to Divisional HQ where they delivered their message. The Report Centre was closed down at 19:35 hours.
		+
		+	'''STEENWERCK - 26th May 1940'''
		+
		+	Divisional HQ was established here at 20:30 hours.
		+
		+	'''STEENWERKE 27th May 1940'''
		+
		+	At 05:00 Major Trenam, who had been away searching for transport for almost 24 hours arrived at Divisional HQ, having obtained 20 trucks, 3 Motorcycles, 8 Bren Guns and 4 Boys Anti-Tank Rifles - which he had left in a wood at KEMMEL H55. He collected drivers from units and organised the distribution of the vehicles.
		+
		+	At 06:00 an order was issued for the move North and ordering C.O.'s to a conference at 09:00. Rations were issued at 08:00.
		+
		+	At the conference orders were issued for the move to POPERINGHE using two routes and a midway halt - further orders were expected to be sent to those halt positions. The War Diary mentions that 8 RNF were particularly weary having been marching with little rest since their evacuation of ARRAS.
		+
		+	By 11:15 all but one lorry had arrived at Divisional HQ. Air raids and bombing were evident in the area of STEENWERCK.
		+
		+	At 13:00 HQ left STEENWERCK and proceeded to WESTOUTRE. General Herbert and Lt Col Hare contacted units and gave
		+

@@ Line 282: / Line 282: @@
 '''SAILLY 23rd May 1940'''
-At 01:00 as General Herbert had been unable to contact GHQ he despatched Maj Allen back to the road junction South East of ESTAIRES for the embussed move of the Division to continue, as he was anxious that it should be concluded before daylight.  Maj Allen met the motor contact officer from GHQ - Captain Winter - at the junction and advised him of General Herbert's decision.  As Capt Winter was also unable to contact GHQ he left for their location to report the situation.
+At 01:00 as General Herbert had been unable to contact GHQ he despatched Maj Allen back to the road junction South East of ESTAIRES with instructions for the embussed move of the Division to continue, as he was anxious that it should be concluded before daylight.  Maj Allen met the motor contact officer from GHQ - Captain Winter - at the junction and advised him of General Herbert's decision.  As Capt Winter was also unable to contact GHQ he left for their location to report the situation.
 Shortly afterwards General Herbert is able to talk to Brg Lees at GHQ and, after explaining the situation, is told that the columns must be stopped and returned to SECLIN as the area has become particularly important.
@@ Line 298: / Line 298: @@
 At 12:00 hours Col Gulland ordered Divisional HQ to return to SECLIN via SUEX - South of BERGUES-PROVEN - WESTOUTRE-LOCRE-NEUVE EGLISE - LIGNY - GONDECOURT.  While en route Col Gulland called at the HQ of USHERFORCE (formerly "X" Line of Communications) and briefed Brg Usher.  Further en route the HQ Party came upon Capt Burr of 1 TS with his 61 men, and he was instructed to report to SECLIN.  (More detail of Capt Burr's journeys can be found under the War Diary of 1 TS).
-At SECLIN General Herbert received orders from GHQ via a liaison officer confirming that the Division was to occupy the line of the River AA and CANAL DE L'AA in accordance with original instructions.  In the light of this a message was sent to POLFORCE requesting the release of Brg Kirkup's party.  General Herbert took the opportunity of returning to GHQ with the liaison officer to explain that no troop carrying resources were now available and, as no other Troop Carrying Companies were able to be found, GHQ amended the instructions and sent other forces to the River and Canal line, leaving the 23rd Division at SECLIN.  The request for the release of Brg Kirkup's Party was not agreed and they remeained with POLFORCE.
+At SECLIN General Herbert received orders from GHQ via a liaison officer confirming that the Division was to occupy the line of the River AA and CANAL DE L'AA in accordance with original instructions.  In the light of this a message was sent to POLFORCE requesting the release of Brg Kirkup's party.  General Herbert took the opportunity of returning to GHQ with the liaison officer to explain that no troop carrying resources were now available and, as no other Troop Carrying Companies were able to be found, GHQ amended the instructions and sent other forces to the River and Canal line, leaving the 23rd Division at SECLIN.  The request for the release of Brg Kirkup's Party was not agreed and they remained with POLFORCE.
 At 15:30 hours Staff Officers from Division (Lt Col Kennedy, Majors Allen and Slade-Powell) made contact with Brg Viscount Downe in BERGUES and learnt that 6 GH had been placed under the orders of USHERFORCE and were engaged in holding the River AA line in the GRAVELINES area.  Lt Cols Keating and Richmond Brown were still in the areas allotted to their Battalions for the original move to the line of the River AA and the 69 Brigade staff had been directed to remain in BERGUES under the orders of Brg Usher, and that therefore they could not return to SECLIN as instructed by the Division.
-Divisional staff reached SECLIN at 18:00 hours where they were joined by Capt Burr's 1 TS Party at 20:00 hours that evening.  Given the possibility of the Division having to return to the lince of the River AA the 186 Field Ambulance remained at OOST-CAPPEL H37 where it contacted 12 Casualty Clearing Station.
+Divisional staff reached SECLIN at 18:00 hours where they were joined by Capt Burr's 1 TS Party at 20:00 hours that evening.  Given the possibility of the Division having to return to the line of the River AA the 186 Field Ambulance remained at OOST-CAPPEL H37 where it contacted 12 Casualty Clearing Station.
 Copy of Operational summary – 11 pages.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:58, 25 April 2011
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	While the HQ was still at BELLEZEELE, an order was received from "X" Line of Communications ordering the destruction of all bridges from GRAVELINES to ST OMER. This could not be done as all the explosives were with the Engineer units, currently returning to SECLIN. There was also the complication that the Divisional front excluded ST OMER.		While the HQ was still at BELLEZEELE, an order was received from "X" Line of Communications ordering the destruction of all bridges from GRAVELINES to ST OMER. This could not be done as all the explosives were with the Engineer units, currently returning to SECLIN. There was also the complication that the Divisional front excluded ST OMER.
		+
		+	At 12:00 hours Col Gulland ordered Divisional HQ to return to SECLIN via SUEX - South of BERGUES-PROVEN - WESTOUTRE-LOCRE-NEUVE EGLISE - LIGNY - GONDECOURT. While en route Col Gulland called at the HQ of USHERFORCE (formerly "X" Line of Communications) and briefed Brg Usher. Further en route the HQ Party came upon Capt Burr of 1 TS with his 61 men, and he was instructed to report to SECLIN. (More detail of Capt Burr's journeys can be found under the War Diary of 1 TS).
		+
		+	At SECLIN General Herbert received orders from GHQ via a liaison officer confirming that the Division was to occupy the line of the River AA and CANAL DE L'AA in accordance with original instructions. In the light of this a message was sent to POLFORCE requesting the release of Brg Kirkup's party. General Herbert took the opportunity of returning to GHQ with the liaison officer to explain that no troop carrying resources were now available and, as no other Troop Carrying Companies were able to be found, GHQ amended the instructions and sent other forces to the River and Canal line, leaving the 23rd Division at SECLIN. The request for the release of Brg Kirkup's Party was not agreed and they remeained with POLFORCE.
		+
		+	At 15:30 hours Staff Officers from Division (Lt Col Kennedy, Majors Allen and Slade-Powell) made contact with Brg Viscount Downe in BERGUES and learnt that 6 GH had been placed under the orders of USHERFORCE and were engaged in holding the River AA line in the GRAVELINES area. Lt Cols Keating and Richmond Brown were still in the areas allotted to their Battalions for the original move to the line of the River AA and the 69 Brigade staff had been directed to remain in BERGUES under the orders of Brg Usher, and that therefore they could not return to SECLIN as instructed by the Division.
		+
		+	Divisional staff reached SECLIN at 18:00 hours where they were joined by Capt Burr's 1 TS Party at 20:00 hours that evening. Given the possibility of the Division having to return to the lince of the River AA the 186 Field Ambulance remained at OOST-CAPPEL H37 where it contacted 12 Casualty Clearing Station.

	See copy of detail diary – 26 pages		See copy of detail diary – 26 pages

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+It is possible that these two documents are the material on which historians have have based their accounts of what occurred - particularly to 70 Brigade - over that key period and, as such, they deserve close examination, but with an appreciation of the purpose for which they were written, and by whom.
-−
-−
-Copy of Operational summary – 11 pages.
-−
-Copy of narrative and summary 1 Tyneside Scottish – 17 pages.
-−
-−
-Copy of detail diary – 7 pages

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:35, 25 April 2011
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	At 23:00 General Herbert was telephoned by GHQ and told that all the 23rd Division embussed columns were to be intercepted and stopped. A motor contact officer had been sent from GHQ to deal with this. Maj Allen of the G staff was sent out to stop the columns as their heads reached the road junction just South East of ESTAIRES H43. When he arrived at that point there was no sign of the columns, despite his reconnaissance of the area. Maj Allen returned to ESTAIRES and at the South East of the town met Brg Norman and the sentry, posted by the motor contact officer, to intercept the columns. Maj Allen then returned to SAILLY and reported the situation to General Herbert.		At 23:00 General Herbert was telephoned by GHQ and told that all the 23rd Division embussed columns were to be intercepted and stopped. A motor contact officer had been sent from GHQ to deal with this. Maj Allen of the G staff was sent out to stop the columns as their heads reached the road junction just South East of ESTAIRES H43. When he arrived at that point there was no sign of the columns, despite his reconnaissance of the area. Maj Allen returned to ESTAIRES and at the South East of the town met Brg Norman and the sentry, posted by the motor contact officer, to intercept the columns. Maj Allen then returned to SAILLY and reported the situation to General Herbert.
		+
		+	'''SAILLY 23rd May 1940'''
		+
		+	At 01:00 as General Herbert had been unable to contact GHQ he despatched Maj Allen back to the road junction South East of ESTAIRES for the embussed move of the Division to continue, as he was anxious that it should be concluded before daylight. Maj Allen met the motor contact officer from GHQ - Captain Winter - at the junction and advised him of General Herbert's decision. As Capt Winter was also unable to contact GHQ he left for their location to report the situation.
		+
		+	Shortly afterwards General Herbert is able to talk to Brg Lees at GHQ and, after explaining the situation, is told that the columns must be stopped and returned to SECLIN as the area has become particularly important.
		+
		+	At 03:00 the columns - excluding that containing 6 GH, were finally contacted at ESTAIRES and turned back to SECLIN via ARMENTIERES.
		+
		+	Captains Hedley and Izod, accompanied by Brg Kirkup, whom they had contacted at METEREN, reported to Divisional HQ at BELLEZEELE at 05:00. Brg Kirkup then returned to his men at METEREN.
		+
		+	Majors Allen and Slade-Powell were despatched from ESTAIRES at 05:00 to advise Divisional HQ at BELLEZEELE to return to SECLIN and arrange for similar orders to be sent to Brg Viscount Downe and the Parties in the 69 Brigade area. General Herbert and Lt Col Hare returned to SECLIN from ESTAIRES.
		+
		+	The two Majors arrived at BELLEZEELE Divisional HQ, giving Col Gulland the G.O.C.'s order to return. 2/Lt Bell was sent out to contact the 69 Brigade Parties, but returned at 11:00 having been unable to find them.
		+
		+	While the HQ was still at BELLEZEELE, an order was received from "X" Line of Communications ordering the destruction of all bridges from GRAVELINES to ST OMER. This could not be done as all the explosives were with the Engineer units, currently returning to SECLIN. There was also the complication that the Divisional front excluded ST OMER.

	See copy of detail diary – 26 pages		See copy of detail diary – 26 pages

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:09, 25 April 2011
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	In the light of this, General Herbert, with his G staff officers visited GHQ to obtain another Troop Carrying Company and to report a route change from the original orders, due to the exposed position of the road ST OMER - WATTEN.		In the light of this, General Herbert, with his G staff officers visited GHQ to obtain another Troop Carrying Company and to report a route change from the original orders, due to the exposed position of the road ST OMER - WATTEN.
		+
		+	At 18:10 hours Divisional HQ closed down at SECLIN and moved to BELLEZEELE.
		+
		+	General Herbert and his staff left GHQ at 19:30 and proceeded to LILLE, collected No 12 Troop Carrying Company and made arrangements for them to lift the parts of the Division not being carried by No 4 Company.
		+
		+	Captains Hedley and Izod were despatched on motorcycles at 21:00 to LESTREM to pass the movement details to 9 RNF and Brg Kirkup's Party.
		+
		+	General Herbert accompanied by Lt Col Hare and Maj Allen visited the 46 Divisional HQ at SAILLY at 21:45 to see Major-General Curtis who commanded POLFORCE and were given details of a report of enemy tanks having crossed the canal in the vicinity of ST OMER.
		+
		+	'''BELLEZEELE 22nd May 1940'''
		+
		+	Col Gulland established Divisional HQ at 22:00 hours.
		+
		+	While still at SAILLY General Herbert was advised at 22:30 that command of the "A" Field Regiment was now reverting to 23rd Division from 46th Division.
		+
		+	At 23:00 General Herbert was telephoned by GHQ and told that all the 23rd Division embussed columns were to be intercepted and stopped. A motor contact officer had been sent from GHQ to deal with this. Maj Allen of the G staff was sent out to stop the columns as their heads reached the road junction just South East of ESTAIRES H43. When he arrived at that point there was no sign of the columns, despite his reconnaissance of the area. Maj Allen returned to ESTAIRES and at the South East of the town met Brg Norman and the sentry, posted by the motor contact officer, to intercept the columns. Maj Allen then returned to SAILLY and reported the situation to General Herbert.

	See copy of detail diary – 26 pages		See copy of detail diary – 26 pages

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:50, 25 April 2011
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	Later in the day General Herbert visits GHQ at FREMESQUES H6239, as the Division was now under the direct command of GHQ and was given orders for the Division to take up a position on the general line of the River AA and CANAL DE L'AA from PTTE FORT PHILIPPE to exclude ST OMER. All bridges were to be prepared for demolition. The troops were to be moved by Troop Carrying Companies with detachments of the 1st Armoured Reconnaissance Brigade for protection.		Later in the day General Herbert visits GHQ at FREMESQUES H6239, as the Division was now under the direct command of GHQ and was given orders for the Division to take up a position on the general line of the River AA and CANAL DE L'AA from PTTE FORT PHILIPPE to exclude ST OMER. All bridges were to be prepared for demolition. The troops were to be moved by Troop Carrying Companies with detachments of the 1st Armoured Reconnaissance Brigade for protection.
		+
		+	At 14:00 hours a Conference took place at Divisional HQ where the orders for the occupation of the River AA positions were issued. 69 Brigade were positioned on the right, from the sea to inclusive WATTEN H16, 70 Brigade, with 9 RNF under command, on the left from exclusive WATTEN to ST OMER. Reconnaissance parties were to select dispersal points. Commanding Officers and the Infantry and Engineer reconnaissance parties then left for the positions.
		+
		+	After a short break a further Conference, including Brg Viscount Downe and Lt Col Marley, discussed the organisation of the various transport columns and these were decided as follows :-
		+
		+	Column 1 - to include 6 GH, 7 GH, 233 Field Company (approximately 100 men), and two sections of the Troop Carrying Company to follow route B, embussing at GONDECOURT at 21:30 hours.
		+
		+	Column 2 - to include 10 DLI, 11 DLI (600 men in total), 507 Field Company, 508 Field Park Company and one section from the Troop Carrying Company to follow route A, embussing at WATTINGIES at 22:00 hours.
		+
		+	Column 3 - to include Brg Kirkup and 200 men of 70 Brigade, 9 RNF and one section of the Troop Carrying Company, also to follow route A, but embussing at a road junction H4438 North of LESTREM.
		+
		+	Column 4 - to include 5 EY, one section of 233 Field Company (30 men) and one section of the Troop Carrying Company, following route B and embussing at WATTINGIES at 22:30 hours.
		+
		+	Route A was designated as LA BASSEE - ESTAIRES - STRAZEELE - HAZEBROUCK - CASSEL - PT DU JOUR H1761.
		+	Route B was designated to be the same as far as CASSEL and then via DUNKERQUE.
		+	Divisional HQ was be set up at BELLEZEELE H1966.
		+
		+	At 17:30 hours Brg Norman, the commander of 1st Armoured Reconnaissance Brigade, arrived at Divisional HQ, accompanied by the C.O. of the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, to collect orders regarding their role in protecting the columns. However, of the Troop Carrying Companies, only No 4 could be found.
		+
		+	In the light of this, General Herbert, with his G staff officers visited GHQ to obtain another Troop Carrying Company and to report a route change from the original orders, due to the exposed position of the road ST OMER - WATTEN.

	See copy of detail diary – 26 pages		See copy of detail diary – 26 pages