GS Branch 1940 - January to April

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.