10th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, War Diary May 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.
1st May 1943
The C.O. carried out an inspection of the Camp.
2nd May 1943
The Carriers and Mortars left Camp for the new location.
3rd May 1943
At 07:00 hours Exercise “SHYLOCK” commenced. This was the move back to the locations previously occupied in Wales.
The Road Party left in the Brigade convoy headed for CARMARTHEN. The route was; HAMILTON – ABINGTON – LOCKERBIE – CARLISLE – PENRITH – ORTON – TEBAY – KIRKBY LONSDALE – HORNBY – LANCASTER – PRESTON – WIGAN – WARRINGTON – TARPORLEY – WHITCHURCH – WELLINGTON – BRIDGNORTH – BRONFIELD – LUDLOW – LEOMINSTER – BRECON – LLANDOVERY – LLANDILO – CARMARTHEN.
The Battalion stayed overnight at Hadrian’s Camp, CARLISLE, Staging Camp PRESTON and WELLINGTON.
Major R.H. Blackett assumed command of the Battalion in the absence of Lt Col P.J. Jeffreys and Major J.M. Hanmer on the Road Party.
6th May 1943
At 11:30 hours the Baggage Party left by rail for CARMARTHEN.
7th May 1943
The Main Party left for CARMARTHEN by rail.
Carmarthen 8th May 1943
The Battalion arrived and Lt Col Jeffreys re-assumed command.
9th May 1943
The Battalion spent the day settling in again to YSTRAD CAMP.
10th May 1943
The General Duties Cadre Number 6 began. Company training took place under local arrangements.
11th May 1943
The Rear Party arrived from HAMILTON. Company and Specialist Platoon training continued under local arrangements.
12th May 1943
Tactical Cadre Number 2 commenced for full-rank NCOs.
13th – 14th May 1943
Platoon training continued under local arrangements.
15th May 1943
The RSM held a Drill Parade, followed by an inspection of the Camp by the C.O. The C.O. then lectured to all Officers and Sergeants on; future training, which was followed by an outdoor sand model exercise “KRUSCHEN”.
16th May 1943
S Company began a week’s individual training which included; weapon training, range firing, grenade throwing and the assault course.
Major J.M. Hanmer assumed command of the Battalion in the absence of the Colonel on leave.
17th May 1943
2/Lt C.V. Thomas was promoted Lieutenant (under the Authority of Part 1 Order 17, May 1943).
A Company marched to AMROTH CASTLE for one week’s camp, during which Section, Platoon and Company training was carried out. Swimming and Assault Boat training was also undertaken. B and D Companies carried out Platoon training under their own arrangements.
18th May 1943
D Company were employed in night training, whereas B Company carried out Platoon training in Camp.
19th May 1843
A Brigade Intelligence Exercise took place – this was for all Intelligence Sections in the Brigade and was organised on a competitive basis.
20th – 21st May 1943
B and D Companies carried out Platoon training under their own arrangements. Specialist Platoons carried on with their normal training.
Penally 22nd May 1943
S Company held a Rifle Meeting.
Carmarthen – The RSM held a further Drill Parade. A Company returned from camping and training at AMROTH CASTLE. An Advance Guard Exercise was carried out on the return journey.
23rd May 1943
D Company and the Battalion Intelligence Section carried out one week’s individual training.
Sergeant Hegarty, one Corporal and 12 Private Soldiers were chosen to mount guard for a week at 49 Division HQ.
24th May 1943
B Company marched to AMROTH CASTLE for a week’s Section, Platoon and Company training. Lt Col P.J. Jeffreys re-assumed command of the Battalion on his return from leave.
25th May 1943
HQ Company bivouacked overnight 24th/25th on the PENALLY RANGES and then fired their Rifle and Bren Classification shoots.
S Company had to find a solution to a problem set by the C.O. on Exercise “KRUSCHEN”. All Officers and Sergeants attended. The C.O. made a surprise inspection of D Company.
26th May 1943
D Company fired on the Home Guard Range near CARMARTHEN. HQ Company presented their solution to the problem set by the C.O. on Exercise “KRUSCHEN”. The C.O. made a surprise inspection of S Company.
27th May 1943
Major J.M. Hanmer assumed command of the Battalion in the absence of the Colonel.
D Company fired on the Home Guard Range. The C.O. made a surprise inspection of HQ Company.
29th May 1943
D Company held a Rifle Meeting on PENALLY RANGES. S Company returned from AMROTH CASTLE, carrying out an Advance Guard Exercise on the way back. Lt Col Jeffreys re-assumed command of the Battalion.
31st May 1943
B Company moved to AMROTH CASTLE for their week’s camp and training. D and S Companies presented their solutions to the problem set by the C.O. on Exercise “KRUSCHEN”.
A Company began a week of individual training.
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