70th Infantry Brigade War Diary March 1942.
Brigade HQ staff showed some changes, following the posting of Major K.T. Roper to be 2i/c 10th DLI and Captain P.M. Bowen to Iceland Fortress Signals.
It was now as follows:-
Brigade Commander Brigadier P. Kirkup D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C.,T.D.
Brigade Major Major A.J.C. Prickett Norfolk Regiment
Staff Captain Captain J.M. Trail D.L.I.
Intelligence Officer Captain R.H. Jerrome K.O.S.B.
Transport Officer Captain D.C. MacNichol Black Watch
Signals Officers Captain D.P.K. Rennick Royal Signals Lieut. D.M. Bale Royal Signals
Supply Officer Captain F.J. May R.A.S.C.
O.M.E. Captain H.L. Troughton R.A.O.C.
Camp Commandant/ O.C. Defence Platoon 2/Lt A.C. Allan Black Watch
Units were commanded as follows:-
1st Tyneside Scottish
C.O. Lt Col C.W. Oxley
2 i/c Major R.H.C. Drummond-Wolff
Adj. Captain H.B. Boyne
10th DLI
C.O. Lt Col E.F. Davies M.C.
2 i/c Major K.T. Roper
Adj Captain G.B. Peartree
11th DLI
C.O. Lt Col F.W. Sandars
2 i/c Major D.G. Murray-Shireff
Adj Captain T.B. Walker
187th Field Ambulance
C.O. Lt Col J.P. MacNamara
2 i/c Major W.L. Brown
March was, if anything, an even busier month than February. There were various reasons for this. Firstly, the projected move of the Brigade group to Camp sites in North Wales that had never been used before necessitated various reconnaissances and conferences, and constantly “worrying” higher authority and in particular, the Services, to ensure that the Camps would be ready in time.
Secondly, as no leave would be possible in April, leave parties were doubled, to ensure that those who were due for leave in that month would be away by the end of March. This meant that there were always at least two Officers away from Brigade HQ at the same time, with the consequences that those remaining had additional work to do.
This situation was eased slightly by calling in from Battalions Officers who had been posted to Brigade HQ as Lieutenants (Liaison Officers).
Thirdly, various visits and inspections, including one by C. in C. Home Forces, meant that special programmes of training had to be arranged.
Fourthly, the amount of “paper” that descended from higher authorities involved working sometimes until the early hours of the morning, and made one wish that the need for economy in paper would be realised by the Army.
Liaison with Iceland was necessary in view of the approaching return of HQ 49 Division and 147th Infantry Brigade, and the Brigade Commander, who had borne the brunt of the preliminary work of getting mountain training started in the UK, reported to Major-General H.O. Curtis C.B., D.S.O., M.C. by cable and letter from time to time.
Weather continued fine for the first few days and did not interfere with Pack Training which was proceeding as follows:-
Brigade HQ at CRICKHOWELL with 25 Mule Company R.I.A.S.C.
1st Tyneside Scottish at GLANUSK PARK, CRICKHOWELL with 25 Mule Company R.I.A.S.C.
10th DLI at PONTYPOOL with 32 Mule Company R.I.A.S.C.
11th DLI remained at Pembroke Dock with one Company at LLANELLY, where full use was made of the Range, and one Company at TREGLOG Camp, near LLANSAWEL (15 miles North East of CARMARTHEN).
TREGLOG Camp was an excellent Camp, and the surrounding country was much more suitable for training than at Pembroke Dock, where the facilities for Mountain Training were non-existent. Both these Company detachments were changed from Company to Company in turn, so the Battalion as a whole could take advantage of the opportunities for range firing and Company training.
2nd March 1942
Major A.D. Braithwaite O.C. 454 Mountain Battery, Royal Artillery, arrived with one other Officer, to be attached to 70th Infantry Brigade to advise on the support that mountain guns could give to the Brigade in its new role. He gave useful advice also on the handling of Mule Transport during the course of his fortnight’s attachment.
3rd March 1942
The Brigade Commander conducted a two-day T.E.W.T. on Mountain Warfare for C.Os., 2 i/c’s, Adjutants and Quartermasters of the three Battalions and 187 Field Ambulance, with representatives of 454 Mountain Battery, Royal Artillery, and the Indian Contingent R.I.A.S.C. Use was made of a cloth model made in the Church Hall, CRICKHOWELL and on both days visits were made to the hilly area North East of CRICKHOWELL.
Particulars are attached to the War Diary as Appendix A (see below for details).
4th March 1942
A letter was received from Western Command stating that 25, 29, and 32 Mule Companies R.I.A.S.C. would proceed with 70th Infantry Brigade to North Wales on 1st April.
After that, a further Brigade of 49 Mountain Division was due in South Wales and would train with 3, 7 and 42 Mule Companies R.I.A.S.C.
Divisional troops would train with 1 and 2 Pack Transport Companies, R.A.S.C.
Major-General R.C. Money G.O.C. South Wales District carried out an administrative inspection of 10th DLI at PONTYPOOL.
The Staff Captain visited the area North of PORTMADOC, Merionethshire with Major Braithwaite of 454 Mountain Battery, Royal Artillery, which would be in camp with units of the Brigade. Col Stephenson, Colonel i/c Admin. North Wales District, and representatives of Royal Engineers Quartering and Hygiene attended.
Sites of the new Camps were visited and locations agreed.
The Brigade Group was divided into three Camp areas :-
“A” Brigade HQ, one Battalion, Field Company Royal Engineers, Field Ambulance, one and a half Mule Companies R.I.A.S.C.
“B” One Battalion, half a Mule Company.
“C” One Battalion, one Mountain Battery, one Mule Company.
A further Camp – “D” – was to be used for all Motor Transport of the Brigade as this transport would not be required for training during April. Arrangements were put in hand for the supply of stores, tentage etc. and the erection of cookhouses and latrines. Royal Engineer work was to be done by 756 and 757 Field Companies and 289 Field Park Company, who were to form part of the new 49 Mountain Division. Pioneer Platoons of the three Battalions would also be sent to North Wales to assist in the erection of Camps.
5th March 1942
The Brigade Commander attended a demonstration of perimeter camp by 10th DLI, also attended by G.O.C. South Wales District.
6th March 1942
Lt Col W.M. Grylls (late 2/12 Frontier Force Rifles) of the Western Command pool of Umpires (and the grandfather of the Chief Scout and adventurer Bear Grylls) arrived at 70th Brigade HQ to assist in Mountain Warfare training. He had been attached to 31st Independent Brigade Group when similar training was done last year in the same area.
7th March 1942
During the next few days arrangements were made for the visit of the C. in C. Home Forces to the Brigade on March 11th.
The Brigade Commander made an administrative inspection of 10th DLI.
8th March 1942
In the morning, Officers and men of Brigade HQ could be seen poring over booklets containing numerous patterns of figures and signs in an effort to prove their ability in the MATRIX test, conducted by representatives of the Director of Personal Services, War Office. All units of the Brigade had undergone this test.
9th March 1942
The Brigade Commander directed a one-sided exercise with troops for 10th DLI in the area GWASTAD and COITY MOUNTAIN, North West of PONTYPOOL. A copy of the papers relating to the exercise was attached to the War Diary as Appendix B (see below for further details).
11th March 1942
The C. in C. Home Forces visited 70th Infantry Brigade during Pack Training. A programme of the visit was attached to the War Diary as Appendix C (see below for further details).
The Brigade Commander left CRICKHOWELL for a two-day visit to 178 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery CRESSELLY, and 11th DLI at Pembroke Dock.
178 Field Regiment Royal Artillery was the newly formed Regiment for 49th Division, composed of 366, 516 and 122 Field Batteries. The last-named Battery was still in Cornwall (the Regiment had been forming at LAUNCESTON), and was not likely to join the rest of the Regiment before the end of the month, owing to the delay in erecting huts at PICTON. 366 Field Battery, which had returned from Iceland with 70th Brigade, now returned to CRESSELLY from Cornwall.
178 Field Regiment was now under the command of 70th Infantry Brigade. On the Brigade Commander’s visit, various points dealing with equipment and training were raised and were referred by the Brigade Commander to South Wales District. There was a shortage of transport and guns, accentuated by an accident in Gloucestershire when the regimental convoy was on its way to CRESSELLY. There was neither a Signal Section, nor a Light Aid Detachment, as part of the Regiment.
13th March 1942
The Brigade Commander directed a one-sided exercise with troops for 1st TS in the same area as his T.E.W.T. of 3rd – 4th March, namely PARTRISHOW HILL 728432 and the area of high ground North of it.
Particulars of the exercise were attached to the War Diary as Appendix D (see below for further details).
16th March 1942
70th Infantry Brigade Training Instruction No 2 of 1942 was issued and a copy was attached to the War Diary as Appendix E (see below for further details).
The Brigade Commander attended a four-day gas course at the Army Gas School, WINTERBOURNE GUNNER.
17th March 1942
An inspection of the Headquarters of 70th Infantry Brigade, CRICKHOWELL, and 1st TS GLANUSK PARK, CRICKHOWELL, was carried out by Col. R.G. Ash-Moody O.B.E. Colonel i/c Administration, South Wales District. He reported that 70th Infantry Brigade made the most of their unsatisfactory accommodation but recommended that the offices and billets were not used in future by a Brigade HQ. His report on 1st TS was very favourable.
The new Brigadier General Staff, Western Command, Brigadier C.G.C. Balfour-Davey M.C. visited Brigade HQ at CRICKHOWELL.
20th March 1942
The Brigade Commander and Brigade Major visited CARMARTHEN to watch an inter-Platoon field firing competition (one Platoon per Battalion) held at PRESCELLY, PEMBROKESHIRE. The District Commander was also present.
The conditions of the competition included an inspection of the Platoon before and after a ten mile march, followed by a single attack exercise involving fire and movement. All Platoon weapons (except the Anti-Tank Rifle) were in action. Platoons finished in the following order:-
1st – 1st Tyneside Scottish
2nd – 11th DLI
3rd – 10th DLI
An inspection by the Colonel i/c Administration, South Wales District, took place of LLANION BARRACKS, Pembroke Dock.
22nd March 1942
An exercise for the Brigade HQ took place between 09:30 and 12:45 hours, attended by the G.O.C. South Wales District. Brigade HQ was practised in moving and setting up a new HQ on a Pack Transport basis. Various points were brought up for improvement on those lines. Particulars were attached to the War Diary as Appendix F (see below for further details).
In the afternoon, the Brigade Commander and Staff Captain left for North Wales to visit the new Camp sites. The Brigade Commander spent a day there and then went on leave, while the Staff Captain remained at PENRHYNDEUDRAETH (near PORTMADOC) to receive unit Advance Parties and arrange for the arrival of the Main Parties.
23rd March 1942
For the next few days the weather was very fine and sunny but training with Pack Transport now virtually ceased owing to the absence on leave of a large part of the men, and the provision of an Advance Party for the move.
25th March 1942
Advance Parties left Brigade HQ and the units (including the Mule Companies) for North Wales.
27th March 1942
The Brigade Major attended a conference at CHESTER of the War Office, Western Command, District and Railway representatives to arrange the move of the Brigade, Mule Companies and 454 Mountain Battery to North Wales.
The conference was a large one considering that only one Brigade and attached troops were involved, but it was the first time that troops had been moved to North West Wales by rail. An added complication was the moving of the mules.
The moves were worked out as in 70th Infantry Brigade Administrative Instruction No 8 – a copy of which was attached to the War Diary as Appendix G (see below for further details).
29th March 1942
The following teleprint from G.H.Q. Home Forces was contained in a letter from Western Command:
“Warning instruction re. training in Mountain Warfare. Definite orders not yet received from War Office but almost certain that training of 49 Division in its normal role will be given priority over mountain training. Result of this will probably be as follows;
70 Infantry Brigade Group to complete Mountain Training as arranged in North Wales and then start training with Motor Transport in normal role.
Remainder of 49 Division to train first with Motor Transport in normal role and then by Brigade Groups in mountain role. 148 Independent Brigade Group to train in mountain role after 70 Infantry Brigade".
148 Infantry Brigade was in the original 49th (West Riding) Division but became separated when the latter went to ICELAND (C ), and the Brigade then formed an Independent Brigade Group in NORTHERN IRELAND.
30th March 1942
70th Infantry Brigade Administrative Instruction No 9 issued, relating to the move of Brigade HQ and a copy was attached to the War Diary as Appendix H (see below for further details).
31st March 1942
A letter was received from Western Command that the following Officers would be attached to 70th Infantry Brigade for three weeks from 3rd April in North Wales;
Major Jordan 2nd Monmouthshires
Major Wedderburn 4th Scots Guards
Major Milburne 1st Scots Guards
Major Davie 1st Duke of Wellington’s Regiment
2/Lt Jacobsen 1st Duke of Wellington’s Regiment
Lt Donovan 4th Royal Sussex Regiment
2/Lt Wilson 11th York and Lancaster Regiment
These Officers are specialists in Mountain Warfare (not necessarily in the North West Frontier of India) and their attachment followed the Brigade Commander’s request to D.M.T. Branch, War Office, for experienced Officers in this type of warfare.
The move of the main parties to North Wales began with the HQ of 70th Infantry Brigade which left by rail from ABERGAVENNY at 21:55 hours. The actual change of HQ would not take place until 10:00 hours next day. The weather had at last turned to rain and if it was to continue, the prospect of moving under canvas in a rather waterlogged part of the country was not inviting.
Appendix A – Mountain Warfare T.E.W.T 3rd March 1942
The Brigade and its supporting units were playing the role of an invading force attacking a German enemy in mountainous country, having landed at a seaport. Air support was made available to the Brigade Commander and second-line transport support was deemed to be by Motor Transport, as additional Pack Transport was not available.
Particular attention was paid to the supply and delivery of rations for the troops and forage for the animals.
The Battalion Commander of 10th DLI was given details of the progress made by the forces included in the scenario, the threat presented by the enemy forces, and instructed to plan subsequent movements to achieve the desired objectives.
Syndicate discussion of administrative problem areas around mountain operations included matters such as:-
The most suitable order of dress and equipment for this type of warfare.
How respirators should be carried, and the types available.
Alternatives to the Brigade Special Rations.
How to deliver supplies and ammunition at a particularly difficult point in the exercise.
What type of meal might be able to be produced for various units while the attack was in progress.
The issue of water supply for both men and animals.
Evacuating casualties during the fighting in a difficult area of terrain.
A map was produced of a suggested perimeter Camp layout, given the steep terrain in which the exercise was based.
Appendix B – Exercise No 2 – Mountain Warfare exercise for 10th DLI – 9th March 1942
This was a one-sided exercise umpired by Lt Col Grylls - Chief Umpire, the Brigade Signals Officer, and Officers from 1st TS and directed by the Brigadier. (The Object, Lessons and Opening Narrative were set out on Appendix A to this note, which unfortunately was not included in the War Diary File.)
1st TS provided the “enemy” in the form of one Company. The scenario envisaged sufficient casualties being caused in the contested areas to result in the Battalion Commander deploying reserve troops.
The Umpires were required to pay particular attention as to:-
Whether Mule transport had been used to its fullest extent without undue exposure of the animals to enemy fire?
Whether congestion of men and animals had been experienced, making them vulnerable to air attack?
Whether visual communications had been used and whether the No 18 sets worked satisfactorily?
Was the ROFT system used – reconnaissances and preliminary movements of troops happening simultaneously?
Was fire support properly co-ordinated in all attacks?
Was fullest use made of mortars?
Were reserves held sufficiently far back to avoid commitment prematurely?
Appendix C – visit by C. in C. Home Forces – Timetable
The Brigade Commander was due to meet the C. in C. at PONTYPOOL RD Station at 08:30 hours and take him to see 10th DLI on a Pack Training Exercise, including an opportunity to watch an attack, then visit the reserve Companies and examine the mule loads. The visiting party was allocated horses and Bren Carriers for the duration of the visit.
B Echelon transport would then be visited and the RAF attacks built into the exercise would then be observed. PONTYPOOL would then be left and the Brigade would be visited on the line of march, using pack animals, near PONTY-BRYN-HURT 642415.
The party would then move on and visit 1st Tyneside Scottish during their Pack Training exercise.
(The page covering the second half of the day was, unfortunately, missing from the file).
Appendix D – Mountain Warfare Exercise No 3 - 1st Tyneside Scottish – 13th March 1942
The Brigadier directed a one-sided exercise for 1st TS which was a copy of that carried out with 10th DLI. In this instance, the “enemy” were provided by the Brigade HQ Defence Platoon.
147 Infantry Brigade were assumed to be in the vicinity and the Battalion being exercised were also assumed to be acting in conjunction with the other Battalions of the Brigade. The ground over which the movements took place was exactly the same as the previous exercise.
The Umpires were guided to look for the same issues with the addition of:
All-round protection at all times?
Initiative being used by Junior Officers and NCOs?
The use of A1 and A2 Echelons?
Mule mastership – were good principles and practises followed?
Was a baggage guard employed for B Echelon?
Appendix E – Training Instruction No 2 of 1942 – 16th March 1942
This Appendix was concerned with the use of the PORTMADOC area for collective training.
The training programme was expected to move from Company Training between 3rd and 11th April (including one or more 36 hour exercises) to Battalion training from 13th to 18th April (including one 36 hour exercise) and then Brigade training from 20th to 30th April (including a Signals Exercise, two Brigade two-sided exercises and a Brigade 3 - 4 day exercise).
The Advance Parties (usually unit 2 i/cs and an assistant) were due to arrive on 27th March and report to Lt Col Grylls.
454 Mountain Battery was expected to participate, while the rest of 178 Field Regiment continued training under the direction of the Brigadier, Royal Artillery, Western Command.
Mule Companies would be allocated to the Brigade’s units for training purposes.
The Royal Engineer Field Company would be carrying out its own individual and Company training while Infantry Company and Battalion training was underway.
187 Field Ambulance, having completed its own training during the Infantry Company training period would then be available to participate in the Brigade exercises.
Drill Parades were to be carried out frequently during the exercises to ensure a high standard of turn-out and discipline.
Motor transport and Carrier personnel would provide most of the manpower for Camp fatigue duties which would be reduced to a minimum in order to release men to participate in the activities.
In the evenings there would be a programme of lectures by Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Royal Indian Army Service Corps, and Royal Army Medical Corps Officers.
A site was actively being sought for a field firing range so that supporting arms could be involved in the exercises.
Provision was made for rest days and religious services.
Appendix F – Brigade HQ Training Exercise – 22 March 1942
This exercise for the Headquarters staff (other than Motor Transport and B Echelon personnel) was conducted by the Brigade Major, and was focussed on moving, and setting up, a Brigade HQ on a Pack Transport basis - moving from CRICKHOWELL to CWM-GU-FAWR 6442.
An assessment would be made of:
The speed of setting up the HQ.
The adequacy of defence from both ground and air attack.
The quality of concealment of the various parts of HQ from ground and air observation.
The G.O.C. South Wales was expected to visit during the exercise.
Appendix G – Administrative Instruction No 8 – 28th March 1942
This Instruction was concerned with the physical move to North Wales (CRICKHOWELL to DOLFRIOG) and was basically setting out what was known about the road and rail travel arrangements.
There were only enough Warflats to take the Carriers of two of the Battalions, so those of 1st TS were to travel by road – limited to 12 mph and 9 vehicles in the mile.
Appendix A to the document set out the scale of each unit’s strength (men and animals), transport requirements by way of rail waggons and the timing of each group’s travel.
Road routes were set out on Appendix B to the note.
Appendix H – Brigade Administrative Instruction No 9 – 30th March 1942
This was the detailed instruction sheet for the move of Brigade HQ itself from CRICKHOWELL to DOLFRIOG. The rail party, under Captain Jerrome, was expected to leave from ABERGAVENNY at 21:55 hours on 31st March. The road party was expected to be ready to move at 09:45 hours on 1st April.
The attached appendix showed the make-up of the road party, listing not only each vehicle (with its make and service number), but the surname of the driver and each of the passengers, and the load being carried.
(From a personal point of view I noted that, as the Brigadier was not present for the move, my late father, rather than driving the Brigadier’s Staff Car, was riding a Motorcycle).
The information provided in this appendix will be checked against the list of those working in Brigade HQ on 1st January 1941, in Iceland, and also against the databases of names in each of the Battalions. Because initials and Regimental Numbers are not included, it will not be possible to identify all the HQ staff specifically, but it is unusual to have such a list of “Other Rank” personnel.
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