10th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, War Diary November 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 November 1942
There was a repeat performance by the Norton Follies in the NAAFI.
The Battalion prepared for the forthcoming moved to Auty Cross Camp DALTON, beyond ULVERSTON. The move would take the form of a Tactical Move by Road.
2nd November 1942
The Brigade Convoy left KINGTON to proceed to the new location at 07:10 hours, led by 10th Battalion, DLI. The route was; KINGTON – LEOMINSTER – BROMFIELD – CHURCH STRETTON – SHREWSBURY – WHITCHURCH – TARPORLEY – WARRINGTON – WIGAN – PRESTON – LANCASTER – CARNFORTH – LEVENS – LINDALE – NEWBY BRIDGE – GREENODD – ULVERSTON – DALTON.
The convoy halted overnight at Moor Park, PRESTON.
3rd November 1942
The convoy left PRESTON at 08:00 hours and arrived at Auty Cross Camp, DALTON at 13:30 hours.
5th November 1942
Lt Col Lang left on relinquishing command of the Battalion. Major T.G. Wilkinson assumed temporary command.
6th November 1942
Lieut, C.V. Thomas joined the Battalion from 168 O.C.T.U.
7th November 1942
An NCO and a party of men left the Camp for secret duties at LOWTHER CASTLE.
8th November 1942
An Armistice Day Remembrance Service was held in St Mary’s Church, DALTON.
11th November 1942
Lieutenant-General Schreiber, G.O.C. of Western Command, together with Major-General H.O. Curtis, Commander of 49th Division, inspected the Camp.
12th November 1942
The Battalion held a Cross-Country Run.
An All-Ranks’ Dance was held in the Drill Hall at DALTON.
14th November 1942
The Battalion Soccer Team beat an RAF side ten goals to NIL at BARROW.
18th November 1942
A further Cross-Country Run was held.
19th November 1942
A Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Dance was held in the DALTON Drill Hall.
21st November 1942
Lt Col P.J. Jeffreys M.B.E. took over command of the Battalion.
The Battalion Rugby Team lost in a match against 178 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.
22nd November 1942
A Brigade Church Service took place at St Mary’s Church, DALTON. Major Murray-Smith, Senior Padre to 49th Division, gave the address.
24th November 1942
An All-Ranks’ Dance was held in the DALTON Drill Hall.
25th November 1942
Exercise MONTE CARLO III – a Brigade Movement Exercise - took place. This included a day and night convoy circuit of 44 miles in length. Seven Groups took part on a competitive basis – with 10th DLI being Number 1 Group.
The Battalion Second-in-Command proceeded on a Course at the Senior Officers’ School at BARNARD CASTLE.
26th November 1942
A Sergeants’ Dance was held in the DALTON Drill Hall.
28th November 1942
Major-general Campbell, District Commander of the Lancashire and Border District, inspected the Camp.
Private Lynch of D Company took part in the Barrow Services Boxing Competition.
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