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

This month, the Battalion moved to Southwold, EAST ANGLIA. Before the battalion left HAMILTON two Companies (A and B) proceeded on leave. When the move to Southwold was completed, and both A and B Companies had returned from leave, C and D Companies went on leave. All leave had to be finished by December 1st 1943.

L/Sgt Elliott was included in the Advance Party for the move from Hamilton to Southwold, where he was billeted in the Girls’ School. Some of the men were housed in the Beach Huts as billets, and were well-behaved in the town. Locals advised them where they could pick chestnuts to roast and consume.

Rothesay 2nd November 1943

All Rifle Companies today carried out L.C.I. drill.

The Advance Party left for the new destination at Southwold, EAST ANGLIA, under the command of the Quartermaster.

3rd November 1943

Brigade Exercise “TRIDENT” started today. The Battalion embarked into Landing Ships, Infantry at 14:00 hours and then embarked into Landing Craft, Assault at 22:00 hours. The Battalion landed in KINCHATTON BAY at 01:45 hours and then moved to an assembly area near KINGARTH. The Battalion then moved on North at 07:00 hours. The object of the exercise was to practise the role of a Reserve Brigade in an assault landing.

Hamilton 6th November 1943

A and B Companies returned to HAMILTON.

7th November 1943

C and D Companies returned to HAMILTON.

8th November 1943

The day was spent in preparing for the move to EAST ANGLIA.

10th November 1943

The Baggage Party under the command of Lieut. Walsh and the Road Party under the command of Captain Seymour left for Southwold.

11th November 1943

The Rail Party, under the command of Major Hanmer, the Battalion 2 i/c, left for Southwold.

12th November 1943

Major Hanmer, the 2 i/c, left the Battalion to take command of the 11th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry.

Southwold - The Baggage Party, under the command of Lieut. Mackie (it is not clear when Lt Mackie took over this duty from Lt Walsh, or whether there may be a misprint in the War Diary), arrived from HAMILTON at 21:30 hours.

Southwold 13th November 1943

The Battalion settled in to the allotted billets. The billets are private houses that have been evacuated by the local population.

For the rest of the month the Battalion devoted itself to settling in, and getting everyone away on leave.

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