GS Branch 23rd Division 1940 - June

1st June 1940

23rd Division was, like many Divisions of the B.E.F., scattered almost at random in Camps across the UK.

2nd June 1940

Orders were received from South Western Area that the Division would concentrate at "M" Training Area. The detraining station would be LAUNCESTON while the tented camps at WILLSWORTHY and BRIDESTOWE would remain in the charge of the small rear parties of the General Construction Company, Royal Engineers, until taken over by the Division.

Lt COL Hare, the G.S.1, telegraphed joining instructions to the Commander Royal Artillery, 23 Division, for all Divisional and Brigade Staff Officers, Unit Commanders and Adjutants to report to LAUNCESTON forthwith, where the HQ would be established at 30, Church Street.

3rd June 1940

PENNYGILLAN CAMP was selected as the reception centre for all units of the Division. A message was received from South West Area to the effect that ...."no leave to personnel returned from the B.E.F. may be given while in the reception area but they may proceed on 48 hours pass at the discretion of Area or Reception Unit Commanders provided they do so all at their own expense and use public or private transport services".

4th June 1940

South West Area advised that a conference would be held at Area HQ at 12:00 hours on Tuesday 4th June and that a representative of the Division would attend. Col Gulland - A.A.Q.M.G. attended on behalf of the Division.

5th June 1940

Lt Col J Hare was appointed Brigadier - General Staff of II Corps and proceeded on 48 hours leave prior to taking up his new duties. Captain A E Hedley was appointed Town Major of LAUNCESTON.

In view of the shortage of tents and the number of men occupying PENNYGILLAN CAMP it was decided to move:-

HQ 70 Infantry Brigade

Royal Engineers

8 RNF

9 RNF

Divisional details

to SCARNE CROSS CAMP, leaving 69 Infantry Brigade, 186 Field Ambulance and 33 Field Hygiene Section occupying PENNYGILLAN CAMP.

6th June 1940

An order was sent to the two Brigades, together with the two motorcycle Battalions and Commander Royal Engineers that each unit would detail an "inlying picket" daily for duty every 24 hours - according to the size of the unit. Those detailed would not leave camp and would remain ready for action at short notice. Formations and units reforming in the area were ordered to organise Companies for Home Defence as available - progress to be reported to HQ. The role would also include local protection.

7th June 1940

Officers were reminded to carry their Identity Cards at all times, and Other Ranks were instructed to ensure they carried their Army Paybook - AB 64 - on their person as a substitute for an ID Card. Any loss of an AB 64 was to be reported immediately and units were expected to organise replacements. (The author has seen several examples of replacement AB 64s - including that of his late father, the original having been destroyed in a fire.)

8th June 1940

23rd Division Royal Engineers moved by buses from SCARNE CAMP to FORT SCREASDON near TREGANTLE. 23rd Division HQ moved to WERRINGTON PARK, LAUNCESTON.

9th June 1940

9 RNF were ordered to move to WERRINGTON PARK from SCARNE CAMP. 70 Infantry Brigade - less 1 Tyneside Scottish - moved to PLYMOUTH and located at the BALLARD INSTITUTE and MILLBAY SCHOOLS.

12th June 1940

70 Infantry Brigade including 10th and 11th Durham Light Infantry, moved from PLYMOUTH to the Showground at OKEHAMPTON.

13th June 1940

23rd Divisional HQ moved from WERRINGTON PARK to LYDFORD.

15th June 1940