70th Infantry Brigade War Diary June 1942.
1st June 1942
The Brigade Commander proceeded on leave. During his absence it was not possible to have a permanent officiating Brigade Commander, because of the necessity for all C.Os. to complete their leave soon. The three Battalion C.Os. therefore officiated for three days each.
2nd June 1942
A message was received from 49 Division that 8 Officers and 8 Senior NCOs from 70th Infantry Brigade would be attached to 52 Division to assist in Mountain Warfare training. In addition, 70th Brigade had to supply a full Company as the Demonstration Company at the Company Commanders’ School DONNINGTON for two weeks, while the formation of the Divisional Battle School would mean that 7 more Officers would be detached from the Brigade. This involved a total of 20 Officers.
3rd June 1942
70th Brigade Training Instruction No 7 was issued to cover the period of collective training in the HUNTINGTON, Herefordshire, area – a copy being attached to the War Diary as Appendix A.
After three months concentrating on training with Pack Transport, units were now getting used to Motor Transport moves again. There had been plenty of exercises in ICELAND involving movement by Motor Transport, but the conditions there were very different from those in ENGLAND, where the roads were usually hedge-lined, and sometimes sunk below the level of the neighbouring fields, while the road surfaces were infinitely better.
4th June 1942
The move to HEREFORDSHIRE was now found to be beginning early on 7th June and ending on the next day. Each unit was sending the main party in two parts, one of which travelled by train and the other by road.
6th June 1942
There was doubt until the last minute as to whether accommodation stores could be taken to the new Camps or not. Eventually, permission was given for this to be done, so units began hurriedly to load railway trucks, but this permission was soon after cancelled and the trucks had to be unloaded and the stores returned to billets.
It was strange that although the Advance Parties of 102 Royal Marine Brigade had appeared, no notification had been received at Brigade HQ as to the identity of the relieving units (if any) or when these units would arrive.
7th June 1942
Train and Road Parties left according to schedule and the Railway Transport Officer at KINGTON was reported to have said that two of the units of the Brigade took the shortest time to empty their trains of men and baggage that he had ever experienced.
8th June 1942
The last of the Train Parties arrived at KINGTON and all units were now practically complete. At 12:15 hours the move was reported to be completed. Tentage and accommodation stores were still non-existent in most cases, but late that evening a good supply of tents arrived for those units that were deficient.
9th June 1942
The delayed timing of departure from PEMBROKESHIRE had affected unit training programmes, but a further hold-up was caused by a delay in securing training rights for the new areas. HQ 49 Division had experienced one or two minor hitches and one or two small areas had to be placed “Out of Bounds” for training purposes. The notices under Defence Regulation 52 were not completely served yet, so units were confined to areas in which the local farmers had given their permission to train.
The situation regarding Officers in the Battalions was now acute, in spite of new arrivals, for the following reasons:-
(i)Attachment of 8 Officers to 156 Brigade for advice on Mountain and Pack Transport Training (9th June – 1st August).
(ii)Provision of a Demonstration Company by 1st Tyneside Scottish to complete War Establishment for Western Command Company Commanders’ School – 5 Officers.
(iii)Provision of 7 Officers for Divisional Battle School.
(iv)Officers on Courses, a spate of which was now being offered to the Brigade.
(v)Normal privilege leave.
Several Courses for Officers, which would otherwise have been accepted, had to be refused due to the impossibility of finding anyone to fill the vacancies.
10th June 1942
Signal Exercise “BEER” (for the Brigade HQ, including the Defence Platoon and the Signal Section) was held, involving tactical movement NEWCHURCH – KINGTON – PEMBRIDGE. HQ was fully established at NEWCHURCH and MOORCOT. The exercise was directed by Lt Col Grylls and concluded at approximately 15:35 hours. The Brigade Commander returned from leave and re-assumed command of the Brigade.
11th June 1942
The Brigade Commander visited Camps during the afternoon and in the evening, accompanied by the Brigade Major, attended a conference at Divisional HQ. The Staff Captain made a reconnaissance for a suitable Camp site for Anti-Tank and Light Anti-Aircraft Regiments in the HAMPTON COURT area. These units are shortly to be attached to the Brigade for training purposes.
12th – 13th June 1942
The Brigade Signal Exercise “CHARLIE” involving Brigade HQ, the Defence Platoon and the HQs of the Battalions, and the supporting arms, was held and is described on Appendix C attached to the War Diary.
The exercise continued through the night commenced when C.Os. were summoned to Brigade HQ, given brief initial orders and told to rendezvous at 18:00 hours at LLANDILO. After issuing further orders, the Brigade Commander became a casualty and assumed the role of Director throughout the Scheme.
Lt Col Sandars, 11th DLI, took over command of the Brigade. The main operations took place in the area of KIDWELLY approximately halfway between CARMARTHEN and LLANELLI. The “Cease Fire” was sounded at 08:00 hours 13th June 1942 and the majority of units were back in Camp by 12:30 hours.
14th June 1942
A conference was held at Brigade HQ at 10:00 hours attended by all Officers taking part in Exercise “Charlie”. Stress was laid on numerous points including the oft-neglected necessity, even on short exercises, of definite rest periods for all. Owing to the acute shortage of Officers and rather than deplete units still further, it was decided that Warrant Officers and probable future O.C.T.U. candidates should act in the capacity of Liaison Officer on succeeding schemes.
15th June 1942
Owing to the large number of troops in the immediate area and still further portions of the training area being put out of bounds, the greater part of both morning and afternoon was taken up in reconnaissance by the Directors of Brigade Exercise “DON” in an endeavour to obtain the utmost rhythm of movement.
Lt Col Mason and Lt Col Heard, 49 Division, accompanied by Lt Comdr Webster, Naval Liaison Officer, Western Command, visited the Brigade during the afternoon. Captain Phillips, the newly attached Public Relations Officer, 49 Division, made his first acquaintance with this Brigade.
16th June 1942
36-hour Battalion exercises were either in their initial or concluding stages. Brigadier Marley, late C.O. 10th DLI, renewed previous friendships by a brief stay at this HQ.
70th Infantry Brigade Standing Orders – Battle Procedure – Deployment were issued to all units in the Brigade Group as information of a very instructive and concise nature, and a copy was attached to the War Diary as Appendix B.
55 Troop Carrying Company, Royal Army Service Corps, was affiliated to the Brigade.
17th June 1942
70th Infantry Brigade Training Instruction No 8 was issued and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix D.
18th – 19th June 1942
Exercise “DON” – described on Appendix E attached to the War Diary – was the first of its kind to be practised by this formation. It involved the complete movement on wheels of the whole Brigade Group. Coaches of the 55 Troop Carrying Company were used to carry personnel. During the morning each Battalion had one coach at its disposal in order to ascertain if modifications were necessary in embussing or debussing drill, and during the scheme had two opportunities of putting their ideas into practice. As the majority of Officers and Other Ranks had not previously experienced complete mechanisation, it was obvious that one had to expect that everything would not go to programme. Battalions and supporting arms were moved into assembly areas during the evening in preparation for the Two Battalion Front dawn attack – this was ordered to take place at 05:15 hours.
Resistance on the left flank necessitated the bringing up of the reserve Battalion in order to overcome the enemy.
20th June 1942
In the Cinema at KINGTON – one of only two available halls in the district suitable for lantern lectures – all Officers and Warrant Officers of the Brigade Group assembled to hear a talk on Combined Operations. The introduction and military aspect was given by Lt Col Heard G.S.O.1, 49 Division, followed by a brief resume of the difficulties and problems the Navy have to face, given by Lt Cmdr Webster, Royal Naval Liaison Officer, Western Command. The lecture was secret and during the course mention was made of this Division being fully practised in Combined Operations, and that future training would be arranged accordingly.
The G.O.C. Major-general Curtis was present and, in the closing minutes, gave a short address and emphasised what to his mind were major problems.
22nd June 1942
The local commander – “C” Company, 1st Battalion, Herefordshire Home Guard, visited this HQ and arrangements were made whereby units of this Brigade would give the utmost assistance to the Home Guard in their training. Three Home Guard Platoons of approximate strength 50, were affiliated to each Battalion and the mounted Platoon to “F” Company, 2nd Kensingtons.
23rd June 1942
Division Skeleton Exercise “CRASSUS” directed by Major-General H.O. Curtis took place, in which it was imagined enemy landings had taken place in ST. BRIDES BAY area. 147th Brigade was moved to the CARMARTHEN area and 70th Brigade, Advanced Divisional HQ and Divisional units were situated in and around LLANDILO.
Parachutists were dropped, and numerous bridges were temporarily put out of action by enemy activity. In order to practice Divisional protection measures, during the morning the Brigade Defence Platoon raided Advanced Divisional HQ, infiltration was made at a few points but over whelming numbers necessitated their withdrawal. 70th Infantry Brigade Group were later moved to an area North of CARMARTHEN, and after Divisional orders were held in readiness to do a right flank attack on the enemy at first light. 24th June 1942
The conference on Divisional Exercise “CRASSUS” was held at Divisional HQ at which the Brigade Commander, Brigade Major and Staff Captain attended.
25th June 1942
The presence of Assault Boats at Brigade HQ were not now viewed with inquisitive interest as already certain members had exhibited their prowess in a nearby pond. It was decided to issue the equipment to Battalions for a week in order that they might become accustomed to the elementary factors essential to safe crossing.
26th June 1942
G.III (I) Captain P.E. Hirst and G.III (C.W.) Captain Gay visited the Brigade.
27th June 1942
A Combined Operations T.E.W.T. lasting for almost 7 hours was held at Division in which all Brigade Commanders, Brigade Majors, C.Os. and Divisional Staff were divided into syndicates.
28th June 1942
In preparation for Divisional Exercise “EQUATOR” the Brigade Commander and Lt Col Grylls made a reconnaissance of the central part of Wales, the RHAYADER area and BUILTH WELLS area.
29th June 1942
Battalions are now at the stage where two 36-hour exercises become a weekly occurrence and depth of water ceases to almost become an obstacle as all are now becoming accustomed to the ways of collapsible, reconnaissance and assault boats.
A farewell party was given to Lt Col E.F. Davies by the 10th DLI who, though sad to leave, was pleased that he was once more returning to command a Battalion of his old Regiment – the Royal Ulster Rifles.
30th June 1942
Due to limited seating capacity it was necessary to arrange four separate performances of a series of training films. The show lasted 2 ¼ hours, was instructive, and included a film on Combined Operations.
The evening was marked by the occasion of a guest night at Brigade HQ. During dinner selections of classical music were played by the Durham Light Infantry, Infantry Training Centre Band, who later showed their capabilities as a dance orchestra.
Appendix A – 70th Brigade training Instruction No 7
Copies of Training Directives issued by the C-in-C Home Forces and the G.O.C-in-C Western Command , together with 49 Division Training Instruction No 3 had already been issued and would form the basis for all training of units in the Brigade. A further Directive by 49 Division on collective training was expected to be issued shortly.
The following directions were issued to facilitate Battalion C.Os planning of programmes for 8th June to 4th July.
The dates of forthcoming exercises were noted as follows:-
12.13 June – Brigade Skeleton exercise.
18/19 June – Brigade Exercise with troops.
23 June – Divisional Skeleton Exercise.
29/30 June – Divisional Exercise (inter-Brigade-with troops).
Division of Training
Individual training
All ranks training out of Camp when a two-day exercise is involved, or returning to Camp late in the afternoon, will carry out 15 minutes individual training each day at a definite period to be fixed by the Battalion commanders.
All ranks when in Camp – including those on administrative duties – will carry out 15 minutes individual training immediately before dinner on five days in the week. Attention was drawn to Army Training Memorandum 42, paragraph 42 in respect of Daily Weapon Training.
Indifferent shots and snipers were to receive extra practice, but not in a way that would interfere with collective training. Early evenings, Saturday and Sunday mornings were to be used for this purpose. Range details were to be made available.
Gas training – all ranks were to wear respirators between 09:00 and 09:45 hours each Saturday in addition to any normal gas training.
Intelligence Sections – Battalion Intelligence Officers will train their Sections in their duties, with particular reference to the rapid establishment of Observation Posts and collecting and collating reports. Map-reading and the ability to connect map to ground rapidly and compass work are all important.
Special training – each Battalion was to set aside a day for special training.
Collective training – up to the end of 14th June the period would be principally devoted to Company training with particular reference to Battle Drill training as advised by Brigade HQ on 22nd May.
Training Areas
The note allotted space in the various training areas.
Rest Days
Saturdays and Sundays will be regarded as alternative rest days for 50% of all ranks from one hour after reveille to midnight, when personnel will be allowed out on pass.
Training for personnel not resting on Saturday and Sunday mornings will be devoted to conferences on training, individual training, demonstrations, administration etc. Battalion commanders were expected to give this matter their personal attention.
A period would be set aside for Divine Services on Sunday mornings.
Saturday and Sunday afternoons would be devoted to recreational training.
Training Programmes
Battalions were to submit copies of their programmes by 09:00 hours on Fridays.
Operations
Battalions were to continue to find Mobile Columns of one Rifle Company, a detachment of mortars and a Section of Carriers as at present and, in addition, personnel detailed for those Columns will be confined to Camp during Saturdays and Sundays.
Appendix B – 70th Brigade Standing Orders – Battle Procedure – Deployment
The objective of these notes was to ensure that simultaneous, continuous and orderly forward movement of units was in progress while reconnaissances were being carried out and orders issued – in order to save time.
The drill was designed to cater for the 70th Infantry Brigade Group, incorporating a Field Regiment, Anti-Tank Battery, Light Anti-Aircraft Battery, Engineer Field Company, Machine-Gun Company, Field Ambulance and Troop Carrying Company RASC under command, and moving by Motor Transport.
The detail was expected to vary, depending whether the move was:-
(a) A short one – a Brigade carrying out its local operational role.
(b) A long one – for example, a Brigade moving to a distant area of operations.
(c) An advance without troops in front when the enemy may be encountered at any time during the move. This requires considerable modification from the arrangements covering a and b.
Deployment Groups
The normal method of division with “R”, “O”, “F” and “T” Groups will be adhered to. Details of the composition of the various groups are set out in an Appendix to the Orders, and illustrated in a further Appendix, while a third Appendix gives the make-up of each of the Groups for each of the units forming the Brigade Group.
Guide Parties
“R” Groups will be followed by a guide party for each unit, consisting of I Officer, 2 Despatch Riders and one man per Company or Battery. These will work under an Officer from Brigade HQ, normally the Staff Captain, and will be required to rendezvous in the vicinity of the Brigade “O” Group R.V. A note on the duties of Guide Parties and debussing was included in an Appendix C attached to this document.
Traffic Control
It is assumed that one Section of the Divisional Provost Company has been allotted to the Brigade Group. In addition, units will be prepared to find an Officer, 3 NCOs and Privates on a scale of 2 per Platoon. These personnel will control the deployment of the Brigade Group.
Command of “F” Groups
“F” Groups will normally move under the command of the second-in-command. In a long move, the command of “F” Groups might be vested in the Reserve Battalion commander, in which case he will be detailed by name in the Brigade Movement Order, the second-in-command of the Battalion will take his place in the Brigade “O” Group.
Procedure
Before the Brigade Commander can make his tactical plan he will be notified of a forward R.V. where he will either contact the commander of the forward troops or receive orders from the Divisional commander. The deployment procedure will then be put into effect. The steps to be followed – further detailed in an attached Appendix (which was unfortunately not included in the file) – are as follows:- (i) Prior to the move forward of the Brigade “R” Group. It may be possible for the Brigade Commander to make a map plan if he has sufficient information so that unit “R” Groups can simultaneously move forward to reconnoitre their probable roles, receiving confirmatory orders when the Brigade “O” Group is called. More often the Brigade “O” Group is required at a place near the forward R.V. to which the Brigade Commander is going. This plan will be selected from the map and should afford space for vehicles and cover from the air.
(ii) If the Brigade “R” Group is not to accompany the Commander to his full R.V. it will be given a location to which to report near the Commander’s forward R.V.
(iii) The Brigade Commander’s time table is prepared and will include:- Time to issue orders to the Brigade Major and to give a map plan to “R” Groups.
Time to obtain local information and make a full plan.
Time to arrange for deployment and dispersal of troops.
The sum total of these will fix the time the forward troops are to reach the deployment area.
(iv) The Brigade dispersal point will be selected. If the tactical situation is obscure it will be necessary to fix an R.V. to which the “F” Group will move and from which it can be directed to the dispersal point.
(v) An area in which troop carrying transport is to return after debussing will be chosen from the map in order that the dispersal point can be completed.
In the forward area.
(i) The Brigade Commander, having received all the information at the forward R.V. makes the reconnaissance with the Brigade “R” Group and forms his outline plan which is given to the Brigade “R” Group.
(ii) As soon as the Brigade Commander has decided on his deployment plan, the Staff Captain is informed who will then proceed to the guide party R.V. His tasks are detailed on the Appendix which was missing from the file.
(iii) By now Battalion “R” Groups will be assembled at the R.V. with unit guide parties and “O” Groups in the vicinity. These personnel will be marshalled in separate areas by the Brigade Signals Officer.
(iv) The Brigade Commander sends a message by Despatch Rider ordering the “O” Group forward to a viewpoint for orders. If possible this message should indicate probable tasks and areas so that C.Os. can order their “O” Groups to a forward R.V. The same Despatch Rider can be used to convey messages from the Commanders of the Support Arms in the Brigade Group giving the forward R.V. for their own subordinates with the Brigade “O” Group.
(v) The Brigade Intelligence Officer is despatched to the viewpoint selected for orders where he will; make a detailed reconnaissance for the most suitable viewpoint, mark maps of the Brigade “O” Group, put unit commanders in the picture as much as possible and when the Commander is ready he will guide the “O” Group forward to meet him.
(vi) The Brigade Commander issues orders to his Brigade “O” Group including the deployment plan. Commanders of Support Arms do not attend but, having been on the Brigade Commander’s reconnaissances, and knowing the plan, give orders simultaneously to their subordinates. This should be done in the vicinity of the Brigade Commander’s orders so that C.Os. can contact Support Arms.
The composition of each of the types of Group, and Brigade, Battalion, Company and Platoon level are set out on an Appendix to the Orders. An illustration is then provided in diagrammatic form of the relationship with and between the Groups. The Brigade had also designed a proforma document which could be completed for any given scenario – setting out the units to be included, routes and timings. A guidance note on preparation for carrying out a reconnaissance in the forward area was also included. The guidance included the recommendation that Intelligence Officers should automatically report to the formation next above of the best viewpoints in their sector and the area of ground that can be seen from each point – the data being eventually collected by the G.S.O. 3 (I) at Divisional HQ.
Appendix C to Instructions on Deployment – Notes on Debussing and Duties of Guide Parties
The order of march for a Battalion should be ordered so that the A Echelon vehicles of each Company follow the troop carrying vehicles in which the personnel of the Company travelled. The principle to be aimed at in debussing is that, as seen from the air, there should be no noticeable change in the movement of the column.
In debussing; the “platform” system would be used, vehicles were not to close up when debussing is taking place, troop carrying transport would only halt for such time as was necessary for debussing and would then proceed to pre-selected areas. A Echelon vehicles would be directed to assembly areas.
Duties of the Guide Party
The notes on the constitution of this party were omitted from the file but it was suggested that the C.S.M. of the H.Q. Company might usefully perform this duty, supported by additional Other Ranks.
Advice was included on the selection of debussing points and the necessary reconnaissance of the area to provide information on where groups of troops might collect after debussing. Essentially the aim was to give the impression, from the air, that a group of vehicles were making their way along a route, concealing the fact that they had disgorged their loads of troops via a swift and well-organised debussing process. Speedy means of dropping tailboards to assist demounting, and controlling the concealment of the disembarked troops, were suggested. The target time for a troop-carrying 3-ton lorry to halt, debus its load of troops and move off, was 15 seconds. (Similar drills and targets were to be worked up for the troop-carrying coaches – this was presumably the purpose of allocating a coach to each Company so that appropriate drills could be developed or improved).
A lying-up area for troop-carrying vehicles, once emptied, was to be selected as part of the deployment plan and put into practice by the Guide Party.
Appendix C – Brigade Signal Exercise “CHARLIE”
The timing of the exercise was 15:00 hours 12th June to 12:00 hours 13th June 1942. The object of the exercise was to practise Brigade HQ and the HQs of units of the Brigade Group in battle procedure in the field, with particular reference to the Brigade’s primary operational role.
Personnel in Battalion, Battery and MG Company HQs participated, less the stretcher bearers, together with the HQ, Advanced Dressing Station and Main Dressing Station of 187 Field Ambulance, although all HQs were to continue to be manned by a skeleton staff while the exercise was in progress.
The exercise postulated an enemy invasion which had penetrated the beach defences south of Carmarthen. Units were assumed to be at an hours’ notice to move.
Appendix D – Brigade Training Instruction No 8
This note summarised the Training Programme for the period June-July 1942 in order to assist C.Os. to arrange their local training in advance. It was liable to alteration but gives a useful snapshot of the range of work underway within the Brigade Group, and those expected to be involved.
The list of exercises and planned training was as follows:-
16th June. 187 Field Ambulance exercise under ADMS.
16 – 17 June. Brigade Signal Section on Divisional Signals Exercise.
16 – 19 June. Brigade Exercise “DON”.
20 June. Lecture on Combined Operations by Naval Liaison Officer.
23 June. 49 Division Skeleton Exercise “CAESAR”.
27 June. Model Exercise 49 Division on Combined Operations – Senior Officers of Brigade.
2 July. Demonstration on Combined Operations by 147th Brigade – Senior Officers of Brigade to attend.
3 - 4 July, Inter-Brigade Exercise set by Division.
6 July. Application by Battalions of Combined Operations Demonstration of 2 July.
7 – 10 July. 187 Field Ambulance at the disposal of ADMS for exercise.
8 – 9 July. Brigade Exercise “EDWARD”.
10 – 12 July. !78 Field Regiment Exercise under HQ Royal Artillery, 49 Division.
13 July. Evening lecture by Naval Liaison Officer to Brigade Officers.
15 – 17 July. Brigade Exercise “FREDDIE”. Intention to have RAF involvement.
19 – 25 July. Combined Operations Week. Company and Battalion training, including training for the assault
26 – 31 July. Divisional Exercise in Combined Operations set by Western Command.
Appendix E – 70th Brigade Exercise “DON”.
The object of this exercise was to practise the Brigade in Motor Transport movement, including embussing and debussing, and the functions of the “R”, “O”, “F”, and “T” Groups.
The whole Brigade Group was participating on 18th – 19th June. No “enemy” would take part and scenarios would be created by the Umpires on the ground so that the whole Brigade could take an active part. The exercise was to be directed by the Brigadier, with Lt Col Grylls as Chief Umpire.
The exercise was based on the scenario of a surprise enemy glider-borne landing with 2,000 troops supported by Infantry Guns, Machine-Guns and Mortars, with the intention of capturing the M.T. Depot at NEWCHURCH and the Supply Dumps at DISGWLFA HILL and LITTLE MOUNTAIN.
The Brigade was assumed to be in Camp between CHELTENHAM and HEREFORD and was expected to head for the roads leading West from HEREFORD in order to meet and destroy the enemy. The first meeting of all Brigade unit “R” Groups was to be at Brigade HQ at 14:00 hours on 18th June.
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