10th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, War Diary April 1942

For a more complete picture of activity this War Diary should be read in conjunction with the 70th Infantry Brigade War Diary for the same month.

2nd April 1942

The Battalion moved from CARMARTHEN to a tented Camp at PENRHYNDEUDRAETH.

4th April 1942

The Officers and Platoon Sergeants reconnoitred various training areas.

5th April 1942

Platoon training began. A Lecture was given to Officers and NCOs on the new method of attack.

7th April 1942

Inter-Company training commenced – C and D Companies.

11th April 1942

The C.O. inspected boots, P.T. kit and socks – and then lectured the Battalion on the subject of training and the role of our Division.

A demonstration was given by Captain Mason on the 68 (Anti-Tank Rifle Grenade), 69 (Bakelite bodied blast grenade) and S.T. (Anti-Tank “Sticky Bomb) grenades.

12th April 1942

A Battalion Concert was held in the NAAFI, while the Officers and NCOs attended the showing of a training film in LLANBERIS.

13th April 1942

Troops off duty were allowed to wear low shoes and dispense with Web Anklets.

14th April 1942

The “Beetle Set” was operated in the Signal Office.

18th April 1942

A Brigade Signal Exercise took place.

An E.N.S.A. Concert Party performed in the NAAFI.

22nd April 1942

A Battalion exercise took place, as a rehearsal for the Field Firing Exercise due to take place on May 6th.

23rd April 1942

A Battalion 36-hour exercise was organised – the Battalion in the Attack. This was the second Anniversary of the Battalion sailing for France to join the B.E.F.

A fierce gale blew down many of the tents and marquees.

27th April 1942

The Battalion did a 3 ½ mile cross-country run – 66% of the men completing the distance in the standard time of under 35 minutes.

28th April 1942

A Battalion scheme took place, consisting of occupying defensive positions and practising withdrawal by both day and night.

29th April 1942

On Battalion orders, leave is due to start on May 7th.

30th April 1942

A Battalion Field Firing Exercise took place and the Battalion was visited by the G.O.C. 49th Division.

Men were needed to act as fire-fighters to extinguish the fires caused by the Field Firing.

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