70th Infantry Brigade War Diary May 1942.
1st May 1942
The weather continued as fine as previously. The ground had become so dry that fires were started by the sun on bracken-covered hillsides, and it became almost a nightly occurrence to turn out a Battalion to put out these fires. The lack of water and the inaccessibility of the places where the fires occurred prolonged the fire-fighting and it was sometimes after midnight before the last traces of flame were beaten out. Picquets were left on the hillside all night to watch for any further outbreaks.
A Platoon Field Firing Exercise arranged for 1st Tyneside Scottish on this day was cancelled by the Brigade Commander, and the whole Battalion was sent over the field firing area to look for any trace of smouldering. One or two areas of bracken-covered mountainsides had to receive energetic attention.
By the 3rd May all Battalions had completed 36-hour and 48-hour exercises with Pack Transport.
4th May 1942
G.O.C.-in.C., Western Command, General Sir James Marshall-Cornwell, K.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. inspected units and their Camps during the morning and lunched at Brigade HQ. In the afternoon he watched in PENRHYNDEUDRAETH a unit marching with Pack Transport to their concentration area for Exercise “DRUM”.
The area chosen for the exercise was a new one for the Brigade – namely the area East of HARLECH and LLANBEDR. This had been previously reconnoitred by the Directing Staff and Chief Umpire, and steps had been taken to secure training rights under Section 52 of the Defence Regulations. The objective, general instructions and ideas of the exercise are shown in the exercise brief attached to the War Diary as Appendix A.
As Brigadier Kirkup was directing the exercise, 70th Infantry Brigade (less 10th DLI) was commanded by Lt Col C.W. Oxley, 1st Tyneside Scottish. His force, known as OXCOL, concentrated for the night in an area about 3 miles East of LLANBEDR. Here, communication was established with 131 Squadron, RAF, whose Spitfires were in support of OXCOL. One Lysander aircraft was also made available.
At 22:00 hours G.O.C.-in-C. Western Command visited Brigade HQ accompanied by A.O.C. 9 Fighter Group, RAF.
5th May 1942
At 07:00 hours OXCOL began the advance towards their three objectives and by 08:00 hours had made contact with the enemy. The enemy, known as DAVCOL, consisted of 10th DLI, 451 Mountain Battery, detachments of Field Ambulance and a Field Company, Royal Engineers. It was a great disappointment to find that the weather was too poor to allow any use of reconnaissance by aircraft. A programme had been arranged to begin at first light, but the mist and drizzling rain made visibility nil from the air.
The Squadron Leader made one flight under hazardous conditions, but could see nothing.
One of the chief features of this exercise was the co-operation with the RAF who were most willing to help in any way possible. Exercise “DRUM” was probably the first exercise on a Pack Transport basis on such a large scale in which the Army and RAF had co-operated.
The mist continued throughout the day and got worse, so that by 15:00 hours visibility was in places less than 15 yards. The situation became so obscure that the opposing forces were concentrated to await better weather. Early in the evening the weather improved and the sun came out. The RAF were now able to show the Army how they used cannon-firing Spitfires to attack troops on the ground, and full use was made by the Commander of OXCOL of the Squadron before dusk.
6th May 1942
For the next day, 131 Squadron transferred their allegiance to DAVCOL, to give all troops an equal chance of experiencing the effect of aircraft diving to attack them. With the continuance of fine weather, the pilots did some very effective work. However, DAVCOL was not able to cope effectively with the advance of two columns and was forced to withdraw. When the exercise terminated at 10:00 hours, arrangements were made for units to march back to Camps individually. The exercise had been a valuable one and well worth all the time and trouble spent on it.
7th May 1942
Brigadier E.S.B. Williams, B.G.S. Scottish Command arrived at Brigade HQ to find out details about Pack Training. 52 Division was due to train in Scotland in Mountain Warfare with the Mule Companies and 1 Mountain Regiment, Royal Artillery.
8th May 1942
Major-General H.H. Cox, G.O.C. North Wales District and Colonel Stephenson, his Colonel i/c Administration inspected the Camps of the Brigade Group. Although the Brigade was not under his command, his HQ had dealt with the preparation of the Camps, and he was anxious to see that we were comfortable.
At 17:30 hours a conference was held at the YMCA tent, TYNEDALE Camp on the Brigade Exercise “DRUM” at which all Officers who took part in the exercise were present.
9th May 1942
Training for the next few days was confined to a Company and Platoon basis, with particular attention to Battle Drill. Pack Transport was dispensed with and units began to hand back to the Mule Companies the various load-carrying equipments that had been used.
Certain preliminary preparations were made for the move to PEMBROKESHIRE, shortly to take place. In this connection Administration Instruction No 1 was issued, and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix B.
11th May 1942
Brigade Training Instruction No 5 was issued to cover the points raised by Exercise “DRUM” and a copy was attached to the War Diary as Appendix C.
Advance Parties of Brigade HQ, the three Battalions and 187 Field Ambulance left by road for South Wales.
An accident with a grenade during practice resulted in the wounding of Major T.G. Wilkinson, 10th DLI.
13th May 1942
The main parties travelling by road to new quarters in South Wales were divided into two echelons – the first of which left on 13th May.
During the last two days Captain Bell, Technical Officer (Chemical Warfare) from Western Command gave demonstrations of gas drill to all units. The demonstration party was supplied by Brigade HQ Defence Platoon. Captain Bell also lectured to all available Officers in the Brigade Group on German methods of chemical warfare, and gave a showing of the film “Gas” in Recreation Tents.
The Brigade Commander left DOLFRIOG for CATTERICK to attend a demonstration on co-operation of Infantry and Tanks in the attack. One Senior Officer from each Battalion attended in addition.
70th Infantry Brigade Operation Instruction No 3 was issued to cover the period during which the Brigade was training in PEMBROKESHIRE – a copy was attached to the War Diary as Appendix D.
The Brigade now returned to normal Divisional training, it having been decided that the primary role of 49 Division was as a normal Division, with a secondary role of mountain warfare.
14th May 1942
Brigade Administrative Instruction No 2 was issued, a copy of which is attached to the War Diary as Appendix E.
Brigade Training Instruction No 6 was issued, a copy of which is attached to the War Diary as Appendix F.
15th May 1942
A message was received from 49 Division, before this move was completed, implying that the stay in PEMBROKESHIRE would only be a short one. Units would have to send reconnaissance parties early the following week to a new site for tented Camps for 70th Infantry Brigade and attached troops. In view of this, an attempt was made to stop the move to PEMBROKESHIRE and recall the Advance Parties, but it was too late.
18th May 1942
The Brigade Commander visited units in their new Camps and was visited later in the day at SODSTON MANOR, Narberth by Col. F.A. Macartney, O.B.E., M.C. Commanding the Carmarthen Sub-Area. 70th Infantry Brigade came under the command of 49 Division for the first time, although there was a possibility that the Brigade might have to operate independently if necessary.
19th May 1942
The Brigade Commander, Brigade Major and C.Os. attended a lecture at CARDIFF by Major-General Arthur Smith on Operations in the Middle East. The Brigade Commander and C.Os. then went to HEREFORD.
A report on the Brigade’s training in Mountain Warfare with particular reference to Pack Transport was submitted to HQ, 49 Division, for onward transmission to G.H.Q., Home Forces. This had taken several days to produce as the report was for the guidance of formations doing similar training in the future.
On the cessation of the appointment of Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quarter Master General, Major J.H. Trail would have reverted to the appointment of Staff Captain and the rank of Captain. This was done “on paper”, but in actual fact he left Brigade HQ for HQ 49 Division to take over temporarily the duties of Deputy Assistant Quarter Master General while Major D.P. Bryce was on disembarkation leave.
20th May 1942
The Brigade Commander and C.Os. made reconnaissances with Commander, Royal Engineers, 49 Division of new tented Camp areas in HEREFORDSHIRE. It was decided to send Advance Parties to this area on 29th May, but Pioneer Platoons would move at once to assist 757 Field Company, Royal Engineers (now returned from North Wales) in erecting Camp structures.
21st May 1942
In view of a Divisional Commander’s conference being held on 22nd May in the same area, the Brigade Commander remained there during 21st May.
22nd May 1942
Major A.J.C. Prickett proceeded on leave after attending the Divisional Commander’s conference at WHITNEY-ON-WYE. The Brigade Commander returned to Narberth and C.Os. to their units.
25th May 1942
The Brigade Commander, assisted by Lt. Col. W.M. Grylls, directed an exercise for Battalion Mobile Columns (one Rifle Company and one Section of Carriers). A message was handed in at each Battalion HQ Signals Office at 09:15 hours by an Officer from Brigade HQ who watched the progress of rousing the men and getting the Columns moving. Each Battalion Column had to proceed to a different assembly point, while the O.C. of the Column met the Brigade Commander to receive orders.
26th May 1942
Conditions were still far from ideal for range firing, owing to strong winds and frequent spells of rain, but by beginning at 07:15 hours and continuing until late in the evening, units managed to complete their classification courses. Training during this week included the practice of Battle Drill on a Platoon and Company basis.
Administrative Instruction No 14 was issued, detailing the move to HEREFORDSHIRE and a copy was attached to the War Diary as Appendix H.
28th May 1942
Major-General H.O. Curtis C.B., D.S.O., M.C., G.O.C. 49 Division visited Brigade HQ at SODSTON MANOR, Narberth at 15:00 hours and later visited all units of the Brigade and 178 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.
29th May 1842
G.O.C. 49 Division visited 187 Field Ambulance at St CLEARS on his way back to Divisional HQ at WHITNEY-ON-WYE.
Advance Parties from the Battalions and 187 Field Ambulance moved by road to their new HQs in the HUNTINGTON PARK, HEREFORDSHIRE area. Commander, Royal Engineers, 49 Division, had advised that, owing to a shortage of materials he would be unable to complete to the normal scale of Summer Camps until the end of June.
30th May 1942
The Advance Party from Brigade HQ left for HUNTINGTON PARK at 09:00 hours. Shortly afterwards, a message arrived from HQ 49 Division stating that units of the Brigade would not now move until further orders, the dates of 5 – 6 June being cancelled. The delay appeared to be caused by an alteration in the dates of arrival of the relieving Brigade – 102 Royal Marine Brigade.
31st May 1942
The Brigade Commander left to visit Divisional HQ and the new training areas. He met Lt Col W.M. Grylls and the Brigade Major at HUNTINGTON PARK.
Appendix A – Instructions for Brigade Exercise “DRUM”
The objectives of the exercise were to:-
Practise the co-ordinated action of an Infantry Brigade and attached troops – Pack Transport – with the RAF working in co-operation in the advance in mountainous country occupied by the enemy.
Exercise the Battalion with attached troops – Pack Transport – as a Mobile Column in the conduct of the defence battle in mountainous country.
These were based on C-in-C Home Forces Training Directive No 4 para 5.
The exercise was due to take place between 4th and 6th May. Warnings were included about damage to civilian property and repairing any digging or bridging done during the exercise. Equipment to be worn was specified as well as the scale of transport to be used, Code Names to be adopted and Signals procedures.
Provision was to be made for the evacuation of casualties and the rationing of any prisoners taken. Blank ammunition only was to be used although a sealed supply of ball ammunition was, as always, to be kept in the transport should any genuine emergency arise during the exercise.
For the first time there was mention of the role of the Mobile Veterinary Detachment. The exercise seemed also to be used to test and report on the scale of rations and consider alternatives for mountain operations.
Rear Parties were charged with the security of unit Camp areas at their normal Headquarters. Carrier and Motor Transport personnel – who were not taking part in the exercise – were to be used as loaders supporting the use of Pack Transport.
The “general idea” of the exercise saw the West Coast of Wales represent the West Coast of Norway with a British Force landing and forming a bridgehead, supported by a diversionary landing and opposed by experienced mountain troops. Air superiority would play a major part in the exercise. A detailed plan for the timing of the movement of the various units was included.
Appendix B – Administrative Instruction No 1.
This document detailed the arrangements for the Brigade move to South Wales on 15/16th May. The three-page document described the mixture of rail and road transport to be used, the disposal and collection of stores, the clearing and cleaning of billets and the troops to remain in North Wales (particularly the Mule Companies, the Royal Engineer Field Companies and the Mountain Artillery).
Appendix C – Training Instruction No 5
This document amplified the remarks made by the Brigadier at the conclusion of Mountain Warfare Exercise “DRUM” but were applicable to all forms of fighting.
The points emphasised were:-
March discipline – reinforcing the importance of this factor and clarifying the difference between “halts” and “checks” as regards action to be taken.
Concentration areas – and the importance of speeding up the occupation of such areas – effectively becoming a Battle Drill – with priority given to local defence, then organisation of HQ areas, animal lines, latrines, feeding and watering of animals, then serving of meals. Guides were seen as crucial to settling units into their areas, with the aim of avoiding congestion. The use of cover in the area was stressed. (For a good description of this process in action readers might like to look at John Masters’ biography “Bugles and a Tiger” when he sets out this procedure in the context of Chindit operations).
Protection at rest – stressing the importance of co-ordinating the fireplan, especially with units so dispersed. This was very clearly the responsibility of the Force Commander in conjunction with Artillery and Machine-Gun advisers. The exercise had demonstrated the value of offensive patrolling and guerrilla tactics – leading to the importance of all-round protection. Sentries were to be scrupulous in checking documents systematically.
Operations in darkness or fog – units to remain in physical contact when Platoons did not have wireless facilities and prepared to shake out into battle formation immediately once fog lifted. Use of compasses in poor visibility was emphasised. The danger of both firing on own troops, and also wasting ammunition – limited in quantity because of using Pack Transport – was recognised.
Troops were criticised for reacting too slowly to air attack – the benefit of immediate dispersal (confirmed by the RAF as causing targets to “disappear” from the view of the attacking pilot) was seen as important. Vigorous anti-aircraft fire as a counter-measure was to be adopted where ranges were suitable.
Comment was also made about the desirable siting of Regimental Aid Posts and Walking Wounded Collection Points.
Appendix D – Operation Instruction No 3
This note covered the arrangements to be made for the transitional period during which the Brigade was moving into South Wales until full operational commitments were known.
The Brigade’s role in operating against potential enemy threats was reinforced and the priorities and relevant responsibilities identified. Particular instructions for the readiness of Battalion Mobile Columns were set out, together with arrangements for the local protection of barracks and Camps.
Appendix E – 70th Infantry Brigade move from DOLFRIOG to Narberth on 15th May.
This short appendix set out the details of road and rail transport for the Officers and Men of Brigade HQ, taking account of the vehicle echelons which had already moved under the arrangements specified in Admin. Instruction No 1. Provision for rations and the handing over of accommodation were included.
The more interesting aspect – from a personal point of view – was that the second page of the Appendix detailed each of the vehicles in the convoy, the driver responsible, his passenger(s) and his vehicle’s load. (In this context my late father was driving, as the sixth vehicle in the convoy, one of the 15 cwt trucks – number Z4434112 – with Pte Cuthbertson as his passenger and his load consisted of either Motor Transport and Defence Platoon personnel or equipment. Each of the names on this Appendix will be checked against the names database and added where appropriate).
Appendix F – Move to South Wales – Rail movements.
This appendix detailed the arrangements for loading goods wagons and Warflats for the stores and Carriers of the units of the Brigade, together with timings for leaving Camps and arriving at PORTMADOC Station for entraining.
Appendix G – Brigade Training Instruction No 6
The note emphasised the importance of retaining the lessons learnt in North Wales for application in the future.
The paragraph on Weapon Training reinforced the advice given in Training Directive No 4 by the War Office regarding the tendency to use LMG fire when rifle fire would be more appropriate. Arrangements were in hand to access existing ranges and to requisition further land for this purpose – including for 2” and 3 “ mortars. The use of Defence Regulation 52 notices for this purpose was reinforced.
The Brigadier commented on the high level of physical fitness which had been attained in North Wales and wished to see that standard retained.
Company and Platoon exercises were to be continued, using such transport as was appropriate, with an increased emphasis on march discipline and the regular practising of Battle Drills.
In terms of specialist training, the signallers were to practice their intercommunication roles in all aspects of War, the Carrier Platoons were to develop their battle tactics in the light of experience on Command Assault Courses and the Anti-Aircraft personnel were to be brought up to maximum efficiency by Officers and NCOs who had attended the Western Command Weapon Training School.
Unfortunately the second page of Appendix G was either missing from the file, or was inadvertently missed from the photographing process.
Appendix H – The Brigade move to HEREFORDSHIRE
Unfortunately the first page of Appendix H was either missing from the file, or was inadvertently missed from the photographing process. The Appendix deals with the details of the administrative and transport aspects of the move, including timings of convoys and the handing over of accommodation and stores in good condition. (As mentioned above, the timing of the move was altered after the issue of the relevant Instruction, and after certain personnel in the Advance Parties had already left for the new destination).
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