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

The Commanding Officer held a Bugle Competition, judged by himself, at 32 Mule Company. It was won by Private Doyle.

(One of the 10th Battalion Veterans – himself a Bugler – described the process of learning to load and pack the mules with this Mule Company. He recalled clearly that at some time during the training, someone would always drop something metal – such as a Dixie – which would spook the animals, and they would take off – showering loose bits of kit everywhere. As far as I know, he took part in the Bugle competition on this occasion).

2nd March 1942

The C.O., Captain Stock, Captain Wilkinson and Lieut/QM Thrift attended a Brigade T.E.W.T. at CRICKHOWELL. Lieut Salmon, from 474 Mountain Battery, also joined the syndicate. The purpose of the T.E.W.T. was to discuss the tactics and administration of Mountain Warfare.

3rd March 1942

The G.O.C. South Wales District and M.G.A. Western Command carried out an administrative inspection of the billets and Motor transport at both GRIFFITHSTOWN and PONTYPOOL. In the absence of the C.O. (attending the Brigade T.E.W.T.) Captain R.W. Wilkinson showed them round.

Major K.T. Roper joined the Battalion as Second-in-Command from his previous post as Brigade Major of 70th Infantry Brigade.

Lieut Peartree assumed the duties of Adjutant, vice Captain Swannell, who had been moved to the post of Company Commander of D Company.

5th March 1942

The G.O.C. South Wales District and Brigadier Kirkup attended a night scheme at ABERBEEG. The scheme consisted of a march over the hills to ABERBEEG and the establishment of a perimeter camp. The Battalion had “apparently picked the coldest spot in Wales” in order to carry out the exercise and most agreed that they not been as cold in Iceland. Further difficulties were encountered in bringing the pack animals back over the slippery roads, when their packs caused them to slip badly on the surface.

6th March 1942

2/Lt Robson joined the Battalion from the Brancepeth Infantry Training Centre and was posted to B Company.

7th March 1942

Brigadier Kirkup carried out an administrative inspection of the Battalion and “gave them a good chit” at the end of the inspection.

8th March 1942

The Battalion participated with pack animals in a scheme directed by the Brigadier.

11th March 1942

The Commander in Chief visited the Battalion. It had been intended that he should see an approach march with Pack Transport over MYNYDD GLAS with a fighter attack taking place on the column. The previous day had been very fine but a thick mist had since enveloped everything, giving a visibility of only about 40 yards. Consequently the C.in.C. walked among the troops and inspected the animals, later proceeding to visit B Echelon under Lt Morant, the Battalion Transport Officer. The fighter attack could not take place because of the very reduced visibility.

12th March 1942

Today was again “packing–up” day for the Battalion in preparation for the move to CARMARTHEN. This was the third move of location experienced by the Battalion since arriving back in England on 4th January.

13th March 1942

The Battalion moved today back to its former accommodation at YSTRAD CAMP, CARMARTHEN. Apart from one new tarmac road the Camp was as muddy as ever. D Company moved to LLANELLY to use the range there.

14th March 1942

The Pioneer Platoon moved to PORTMADOC.

15th March 1942

2/Lt C.W. Hill joined the Battalion and was posted to B Company.

16th March 1942

The Battalion’s stay in the area was intended to be used to allow the Companies to fire on the various ranges in the vicinity. All Companies had made a start today and would continue with range practice all week.

17th – 21st March 1942

All Companies were employed at the range. Those men who had not had leave were got away, leaving a considerably reduced Battalion to continue training.

22nd March 1942

The G.O.C. South Wales District inspected Battalion HQ , B Company and H.Q. Company.

23rd March 1942

B Company exchanged with D Company at LLANELLY and will carry on with range firing. The Company at LLANELLY is very comfortably housed in the Drill Hall. The town compares favourably with PONTYPOOL in terms of entertainment for the troops.

The C.O. held a conference for certain specialist Officers today.

C Company was on Church Parade.

Today was a good day in terms of the weather and all Companies have taken advantage of this – getting men outside for P.T. and training.

The C.O. returned from leave today and Major Roper left to take his leave.

Brigade Field Firing took place in which one Platoon each from 10th DLI, 11th DLI and 1st Tyneside Scottish took part. The competition consisted of, firstly, an inspection of the Platoon, and their equipment, physical condition and the organisation and tidiness of the Platoon truck. There was then a march of ten miles to the Field Firing Area.

En route the Platoons were “gassed”. Once at the range, the Platoons were issued with ammunition and grenades and did a short scheme, firing at pop-up targets with balloons. The result was that 1st Tyneside Scottish came first, 11th DLI came second and 10th DLI was third.

10th DLI had lost a great many points by being seven minutes over the allotted time for the march – otherwise they would have been second.

Major-General Money – the G.O.C. South Wales District - and Brigadier Kirkup, attended the final firing.

23rd – 28th March 1942

All men had completed the necessary range firing and the good weather all week had helped in this. Compulsory P.T. was also carried out throughout the week.

29th March 1942

A Battalion Church Parade, with the Bugle Band, took place.

30th March 1942

The Intelligence Officer proceeded on a Gas Course.

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