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

1st June 1942

A Draft of men joined the Battalion from the Brancepeth Infantry Training Centre, while at the same time several men assessed as being less fit were transferred to the 30th Battalion of The Durham Light Infantry.

4th June 1942

Lt. Col Davies attended a Driving and Maintenance Course at the Craven Arms. During his absence, Major R.W. Wilkinson assumed command of the Battalion.

5th June 1942

Captain P. Dickinson assumed command of A Company.

Captain P.D.H. Stock, Lieut. M.R.H. Watkins, Sgt Street, Lance Sgt Carney and Lance Sgt Welford were attached to 156th Infantry Brigade as Instructors in Mountain Warfare.

6th June 1942

A Field General Court Martial was held, involving CSM Metheringham of D Company. (At the end of the month he was transferred to the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers but returned to the Durham Light Infantry a year later).

7th June 1942

Reveille was sounded at 03:30 hours and the Battalion left at 06:00 for the Summer Camp location at KINGTON, which was reached at 16:15 hours – where the Battalion bivouacked at night.

8th June 1942

A Draft of 1 NCO and 19 men left the Battalion and LLANION BARRACKS for an overseas posting.

10th June 1942

The Battalion carried out a scheme involving Motor Transport movement at night.

12th June 1942

A Brigade Signal Exercise took place in the LLANELLY area, with a final halt at CARMARTHEN.

15th – 16th June 1942

The Battalion held an exercise including digging defensive positions and a withdrawal over open country.

18th – 19th June 1942

A Brigade scheme took place to practise embussing and debussing.

20th June 1942

Major R.W. Wilkinson took over command of HQ Company, Captain R. Gill assumed command of B Company and Captain P. Dickinson assumed command of A Company.

23rd June 1942

A Divisional Skeleton Exercise took place in the area around CARMARTHEN.

25th June 1942

Certificates of good service were awarded to Major T.G. Wilkinson and Sgt J. Beckwith.

25th – 26th June 1942

A Battalion scheme was organised in the WHITNEY area with embussing being practised, routing through BUILTH WELLS, PRESTEIGN and KINGTON.

27th June 1942

A visit was made to the Battalion by the DLI Band, who played at the Sports Meeting and a Dance at LYONSHALL.

28th June 1942

It was announced on Battalion Orders that Lt. Col. E.F. Davies would be leaving the Battalion to take up an appointment as Commanding Officer of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Ulster Rifles. Lt. Col. E.V. Lang, A.A. & Q.M.G. of 47th Division would take command of 10th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry.

29th June 1942

A Battalion Inter-Company scheme took place in the area of GLADESTRY.

30th June 1942

Lt. Col. Davies left to take up his new appointment.

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