10th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, War Diary January 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.

Dalton 1st January 1943

At 06:00 hours the Battalion left DALTON for their new location at CARMARTHEN. This was treated as a Tactical Move in an Exercise “FLIP”. The Battalion staged overnight at Apley Castle, WELLINGTON, Salop.

Carmarthen 2nd January 1943

The Battalion arrived at YSTRAD CAMP at 17:00 hours.

4th January 1943

Lieut. J.L.S. Morant and 2/Lt. I.H. Stock were transferred from C Company to D Company.

5th January 1943

Brigadier P.P. King inspected the Camp.

8th January 1943

Major-General H.O. Curtis C.B., D.S.O., M.C. Commander – 49th Division – inspected the Camp.

9th January 1943

In a Rugby match against the Tyneside Scottish the Battalion won – 14 points to 3.

12th January 1943

Company and Platoon training took place in the Battalion Training Area. Captain R.H. Blackett – the Officer Commanding D Company - was promoted Major, under Western Command Orders of 5th January 1943

13th January 1943

2/Lieut. C.A. Hall was posted to the Battalion from 161 O.C.T.U.

15th January 1943

In the first round of the Brigade Boxing Competition 10th DLI lost to 1st Tyneside Scottish by 3 points – the event taking place in the Ritz Ballroom, LLANELLY.

Major T.G. Wilkinson took over command of HQ Company.

16th January 1943

An All Ranks’ Dance took place in the Drill Hall, CARMARTHEN.

17th January 1943

In the second round of the Rugby Competition, the Battalion lost to 11th DLI by six points to three.

In a Soccer match the Sergeants were beaten by the Corporals 5 goals to 2.

A Cinema Show took place in the Dining Hall.

Penally 18th January 1943

The Battalion commenced classification shoots on the PENALLY RANGES.

Major J.M. Hanmer, formerly of 70th Battalion DLI, assumed the appointment of Second-in-Command of the Battalion.

Carmarthen 21st January 1943

Company and Platoon training took place on the Company Training Area.

Captain C.B. Peartree – the Adjutant – transferred to D Company. Lieut. R.H. Jerrome transferred from B Company to Battalion HQ as Acting Adjutant.

24th January 1943

A Battalion Church Parade took place at Christ Church.

A Cinema Show was given in the HQ Company Dining Hall.

25th January 1943

A Battalion Skeleton Exercise took place with the Intelligence Section acting as enemy.

Llandovery 27th January 1943

The Battalion – less HQ Company – carried out Company training in the area of LLANDOVERY.

Carmarthen 28th January 1943

An All Ranks’ Dance took place in the Catholic Hall.

29th January 1943

Training films were shown in the HQ Company Dining Hall.

30th January 1943

In a Soccer match against 11th DLI the Battalion lost, four goals to two.

31st January 1943

The C.O. lectured to the Battalion.

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