10th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, War Diary March 1944

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 there have been several Company schemes. There has also been another Inter-Platoon competition and two Brigade schemes. The rest of the time has been devoted to Company training.

Thetford 1st March 1944

Divisional Exercise “REMEDY II” started today. The object of the exercise was to practise the Medical Staff in dealing with battle casualties.

3rd March 1944

Battalion Skeleton Exercise “SPRIG” was held in the area of BUNGAY. The object of the exercise was to test the working and setting-up of a Battalion Headquarters in the field.

4th March 1944

D and B Companies started a week’s intensive training.

The Field Returns were completed and submitted. The Other Ranks return showed an availability of 870 men against a requirement of 966 - leaving a shortfall of 97, taking the one man surplus into account. The attached ranks remained the same. The return of a list of men was specifically requested - who on the face of it had been moved to the Class Z Reserve.

With regard to Officers the availability was now 39 as against a need for 43. The return of Lts. Taylor and Roberts was particularly requested - they appeared to be on sick leave. Lt Harrison appeared to have returned to duty.

8th March 1944

Brigade Exercise “STAR” started today. The exercise consisted of a battle between 10th and 11th DLI. The object of the exercise was to practise the taking up of defensive positions and carrying out a night attack. The exercise was carried out in the THETFORD area and the Battalion was first established at NEW BRETTENHAM and later in the exercise at BRETTENHAM HEATH.

9th March 1944

The enemy advanced and pushed through the area of THETFORD, forcing the 10th Battalion to eventually withdraw slightly.

10th March 1944

Brigade Exercise STAR ended. (Instructions on this Exercise can be found in the Brigade HQ War Diary).

14th March 1944

The Inter-Platoon competition started in the area of THETFORD – A and C Companies carrying out the competition.

15th March 1944

The Inter-Platoon competition continued – this time with B and D Companies being involved. The result was that the top Platoon in the competition was No 9 Platoon of A Company.

22nd March 1944

Brigade Exercise “STAG” was carried out in the area of BRETTENHAM. The exercise was carried out by 10th DLI and 1sr Tyneside Scottish. The object of the exercise was to practise a Battalion in taking up a rapid defensive position and then relieve another Battalion by night. 1st Tyneside Scottish took up the defensive position and then 10th DLI carried out the relief.

25th March 1944

Brigade Exercise STAG ended. (Instructions on this Exercise can be found in the Brigade HQ War Diary). The Battalion was back in billets by 11:30 hours.

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