10th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, War Diary December 1943

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.

This month has been devoted to mainly Company and individual training. Companies have carried out Field Firing exercises, shooting on the 30-yard and 100-yard ranges, and route marches. There has been a Brigade Tactical Course for Junior Officers in the Brigade Group. The Course started on December 10th and finished on the 18th. There have also been three day Mine Courses run by 757 Field Company, Royal Engineers. There has also been a Cadre, run by Captain R.O. Mason, assisted by RSM Osman and CSM Birch, for Junior NCOs and selected private soldiers. There has been one Brigade Exercise.

L/Sgt Elliott indicated that Field Training here included 10 mile forced marches with full kit and weapons in under 2 hours. Occasional Brigade and Divisional Exercises took place but most training was on a Battalion basis as the units were separated.

6th December 1943

The Brigade Exercise “DISCOVERY” started today. The object of the exercise was to practise the Battalion inter-communication between the Recce Regiment and the forward troops. The Brigade Group moved to a concentration area North of IPSWICH.

7th December 1943

The Brigade Group advanced as far as DARSTAN and laid up for the night.

8th December 1943

The Brigade continued its advance and reached as far as NAILSWORTH, and concentrated North of there.

31st December 1943

A Draft of one Sergeant, one Corporal and 19 Other Ranks, who are Category C, have been posted from Records for General Duties in the Battalion.

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