11th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry War Diary April 1942
1st April 1942 TAN-LAN.
The Battalion began to settle in to the new Camp.
2nd April 1942
Captain Johnstone returned from his Course at LLANBERIS.
5th April 1942
During the period 1st to 5th April much work was done to the Camp, with pathways, drainage, cookhouses etc. being completed.
7th April 1942
Exercise No 1 commenced with C and D Companies participating. The weather was still very wet. The exercise description was set out on Appendix A, a copy of which was attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
11th DLI Training Instruction No 2 was issued and a copy filed with the War Diary as Appendix B – for details see below.
8th April 1942
Exercise No 3 took place, involving A and B Companies – information on the exercise was included on Appendix C – a copy of which was filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
9th April 1942
Exercise No 2 took place, also involving A and B Companies and again included on Appendix C to the War Diary – for further details see below.
Lieut Rowell and 2/Lieuts Kirk and Alward returned from their Courses. 2/Lieut Sayce returned from his Course in ICELAND.
10th April 1942
Exercise No 4 took place with A and B Companies – described on Appendix D attached to the War Diary – for further details see below.
13th April 1942
Exercise No 4 was repeated but for C and D Companies – again, details can be found below in respect of Appendix D which described the exercise.
There was a great improvement in the weather – the Camp was now pleasant with no mud or rain.
The Inter-Platoon Field Firing Competition took place – B Company was placed first. Details were set out on Appendix F , which was attached to the War Diary – see below for further information.
14th April 1942
Platoon and Company Training commenced – the period at the Camp was extended to 15th May 1942.
18th April 1942
A Brigade Signals Exercise took place – described on Appendix F attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
Captains Grant and Johnstone visited R.T. Cooke’s Explosives Works – very interesting.
19th April 1942
A Russian film was seen by 30 Officers and Men at LLANBERIS.
20th April 1942
Company Schemes took place on the subject of Picqueting.
21st April 1942
Exercise SHEEP took place – set by the Brigade Commander and described on Appendix G, attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
22nd April 1942
Exercise No 4 took place, of 48 hours duration. The weather was good - fine and warm. The exercise was set out on Appendix H attached to the War Diary – for further details see below.
26th April 1942
11th DLI played 1st Tyneside Scottish at football – a good crowd and a result of 3 goals to 2.
Lieut Nicholson reported to the Assault School at LLANBERIS.
28th April 1942
A night exercise took place for the Battalion which was set out on Appendix I, a copy of which was attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
An 11th DLI Training Instruction was issued and a copy filed with the War Diary as Appendix J – for details see below.
29th April 1942
A Battalion Administrative Exercise was held as described on Appendix K attached to the War Diary – for further details see below.
30th April 1942
A Road Protection Exercise was held and was as described on Appendix L attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
Appendices attached to the 11th DLI War Diary – April 1942.
Appendix A – Battalion Exercise No 1 – issued 4th April 1942.
The objectives of this exercise were to practice Companies in:-
Night attack.
Digging defensive positions.
Patrolling by day and night.
Administration in the Field.
C Company, supported by; three detachments of the Mortar Platoon, the Anti-Aircraft Platoon (less two Sections), 3 Signallers and an NCO and two men from the Intelligence Section were “Own Troops”, wearing Steel Helmets.
They were opposed by D Company, who were supported by; three detachments of the Mortar Platoon, two Sections of the Anti-Aircraft Platoon, and 3 Signallers and an NCO and 2 men of the Intelligence Section, who were acting as “enemy”, wearing Field Service Caps.
Apart from the normal stock of sealed ammunition available in case of genuine emergency, no live rounds, or blank ammunition was to be taken on the exercise, although all weapons were to be taken. Bayonets were not to be fixed, nor would Verey lights be used. Fire would be represented by rattles and coloured flags.
Each Company was to indent for their transport requirements to No 32 Mule Company by 09:00 hours on the morning of the exercise, which began at 17:00 hours, and for which 36 hours of rations were to be carried.
The exercise was directed by Majors Murray-Shireff and Hamilton, with Captain Brewis, Lieut Bruce and 2/Lt Murray as Umpires, together with eight NCOs from the Companies taking part (all wearing white armbands). Each of the three Senior Officers was accompanied by two Signallers with a No 18 Radio Set.
The RSM was to allocate a duty bugler to Major Murray-Shireff to sound “stand fast” for Companies to remain in position, and “no parade” for units to return to Camp.
The “General Idea” of this exercise was to train troops in Mountain Warfare supported by Mule transport – in this case with the associated lessons set out above – including living in the Field for 36 hours.
The “Special Idea” of the exercise scenario assumed a German Regiment having landed by air with attached troops near PORT OAKLEIGH ARMS 120630 with the apparent intention of seizing the “capital” of Mount Snowdon, which was defended by 70th Brigade. 11th DLI – encamped at square 0965 were to seize a defile at RHYDD reference 097640.
In the exercise scenario the Battalion had been driven off the defile and C Company were then digging-in on the ridge North East of 085643. The enemy – a Company of an SS Battalion (represented by D Company), were dug in on the high ground of 093640. An attack was ordered at 18:30 for these troops to secure the ridge on which C Company was dug-in.
Appendix B – Battalion Training Instruction No 2 – issued 7th April 1942.
This issue to the training series explained that the training period in North Wales would be divided up as follows:-
6th to 16th April – Company Training.
16th to 26th April – Battalion training.
26th to 30th April – Brigade Training.
Saturdays would be retained as “administrative days”.
The objective of the period was to bring the Brigade as a whole to a high standard of Mountain Warfare Training, using Pack Transport.
Particular attention was to be paid to:-
Infiltration techniques (Platoon Battle Drill) in the context of Mountain Warfare.
Rapid occupation and withdrawal of Picquets.
Rapid construction and occupation of defensive positions.
Night advances and attacks.
Day and night patrolling.
Making Camp under Mountain Warfare conditions.
The CO drew particular attention to the need for stress on:-
Aggressiveness – particularly the need to respond rapidly to enemy fire from close quarters by swift attacking, not just taking cover and returning fire. Infiltration tactics to be used immediately the threat presented itself, with junior leaders taking responsibility for action and not waiting for formal orders.
Bunching – a tendency which was heavily criticised. Guidance was set out on distances to be maintained between Sections, Platoons and Companies – so as to minimise the size of the target presented to the enemy.
Retiring without orders – reference being made to a tendency to retire too quickly or without orders from above. It was made very clear that the Battalion was expected to stand and defend itself until orders to withdraw were received. The impact of stubborn resistance on an enemy advance was likely to throw their plans awry. Opportunities should be taken to counter-attack flanking movements or enemy infiltration.
Working in pairs within the Section was marked as being particularly valuable, especially at night.
Umpires were to function as teachers as well as judges, with discussion of points, especially with NCOs, at convenient times, such as halts.
Proficiency with the Clock Code was demanded, in view of the close working being done with Artillery units. Attention was also drawn to Regimental and Battalion Standing and Permanent Orders, which formed the basis of all administration while in Camp. Saturdays were for catching up on repairs and “make and mend” activity – including improving the standard of darning and patching! The role of the Platoon Commander was stressed in ensuring their men were up to standard as regards these matters – significant differences between Platoons had been noticed. Smart saluting and standard of turnout required constant attention from junior leaders, and inspections were not to be skimped.
Appendix C – Exercise No 3 – issued 7th April 1942.
The administrative basis (weapons, dress, transport, rations, Umpires etc.) and general conduct of these exercises – set out in detail above in the description of Exercise 1 - formed a pattern which was repeated in this series of exercises, but adapted to different circumstances, depending upon the objectives and lessons being pursued.
In the case of Exercise 3 two opposing Companies, each supported by three Signallers, were practising advancing and withdrawing in hilly country, pursuing the lessons of Battle Drill and Formations, and the importance of Communications.
Further to the scenario regarding the loss of position and the securing of the high ground at 093640, described in Exercise No 1 above, 11th DLI had now been ordered to move around the enemy right flank and cut communications at the track and road junction at 108636, starting at 10:30 hours from track junction 096653, which was understood to be clear of enemy.
Appendix C - Exercise 2 – issued 7th April 1942.
Exercise 2 was, again, to practice Companies in advancing in hilly country, with particular attention to:-
Battle Drill and Formations.
Communications.
and again, involved two opposing Companies, each supported by three Signallers.
The exercise scenario assumed that guerrillas had been operating in the area between MOELWYN BACH 1165 and MOELWYN MAWR 1166. 11th DLI, from its base in PORT MADOC had been ordered to clear the area. This was to be achieved by an advance along a valley and the destruction of the village at 094655 which was the guerilla base – withdrawing afterwards to the crossroads at 073638.
Appendix D – Lake Scheme 1 – “B” Area – issued 9th April 1942.
The objective of this exercise was to practice a Company as Advance Guard and Rear Guard to a Battalion moving over hilly country with Pack Transport.
The lessons to be drawn out were:-
Clearing of ground and securing minor features.
Ground reconnaissance in difficult country.
Recognition of map and ground.
Method of withdrawal.
The exercise scenario postulated that 70th Brigade was operating in enemy country, having formed perimeter Camps, and, while main forces had not yet been encountered, local people were hostile and guerilla bands were harassing communications. There was a local arms factory at TYDDYN MAWR 0166 linked to a water supply, and the Battalion had been ordered to destroy the factory and the sluice gates at the South West corner of the lake providing the water power with the assistance of personnel from an Engineer Field Company (simulated by unit Pioneers on this occasion).
The attack was to be carried out with A Company as Advance Guard, supported by two mortar detachments, taking up position covering TYDDYN MAWR, C and D Companies providing flank protection on higher ground North and South, while the engineers carried out the demolition of the factory. The route of the attack and withdrawal were set out. A Company would act as Rear Guard during the withdrawal. B Company were to act as enemy and defend the factory area.
The exercise was repeated the following day, but with C and D Companies as the opposing forces.
Appendix E – Inter-Platoon Field Firing Competition – issued 9th April 1942.
This Competition was directed by Captain W.B. Kirkup.
The four Rifle Companies were to take part, plus the Reconnaissance and Anti-Aircraft Platoons.
The objectives were to test:-
Shooting accuracy.
Speed in bringing effective fire to bear on a given target.
Fire discipline and control.
Platoon Battle Drill and Infiltration Tactics, combined with covering fire and smoke.
Use of ground.
The scale of ammunition per Platoon to be issued was set out as:-
Fifteen rounds per man.
Two 25-round magazines per Bren Gun.
3 2” Smoke Bombs.
6 No 69 Grenades (or thunderflashes if grenades not available).
The normal scale of ammunition would be in sealed boxes on the Mule transport in case of genuine emergency.
Enemy fire would be represented by Umpires indicating targets – being regarded as neutralised once all targets had been hit.
The Scheme was in phases – in the first phase, the Platoon would arrive at the firing point and deploy in line, whereupon each rifleman would have an individual target at which he would fire no more than five rounds. Points were awarded for; the least ammunition used, the least time taken and the highest number of targets hit.
The second phase involved the Platoon advancing with one Section forward and two back. The leading scouts would encounter opposition which the Platoon would then attempt to neutralise. Surprise targets, indicated by the Umpires, would appear and be engaged. Up to ten round per rifleman and 50 rounds per Bren Gun were permitted at this phase. Judging would be on the same basis as phase 1.
It is clear that the higher scores would result from speedy, accurate shooting with the minimum expenditure of rounds – which would be verified by counting the remaining rounds when emptying magazines at the close of each phase.
Each Platoon was allowed a total of 45 minutes for the Competition run. The Rifle Companies had their Platoons numbered as follows:-
A Company – Platoons 7, 8 and 9.
B Company – Platoons 10, 11 and 12.
C Company – Platoons 13, 14 and 15.
D Company – Platoons 16, 17 and 18.
Safety arrangements were set out, including weapon inspection at the close of each shoot.
Appendix F – 70th Brigade Signal Exercise “LAMB” – issued 16th April 1942.
The objectives of this exercise were to:-
Practice Battalion HQ in Battle Procedure in the Field.
Practice Signals, including a breakdown of Wireless Telegraphy and Radio Telegraphy procedure.
Practice Intelligence Sections in the rapid collection and distribution of information and the running maintenance of situation reports and maps.
Practice the Anti-Aircraft Platoon in the immediate and continual ground and all-round defence of Battalion HQ.
The troops taking part were the Headquarters of 11th DLI and 451 Mountain Battery, the Signals Platoon, the Anti-Aircraft Platoon and the Intelligence Section.
Copies of all messages originated during the exercise were to be passed to the Umpires. The formations were to be completely equipped as for operations and would rendezvous with their Mule transport at 08:00 hours at the Wood reference 024620, with the Mules all to be loaded by 08:30 hours. The Pack Transport Liaison Officer would make arrangements for the Mule Company to bivouac overnight the previous night in the TREMADOC area reference 0262. The Battalion Adjutant would indent for the necessary number of animals from the Mule Company by 12:00 hours on 17th April (misprinted in the War Diary as February).
All other personnel would be transported from LAMBTON Camp to the rendezvous from 07:00 hours on 18th April.
Appendix G – Brigade Exercise “SHEEP” – issued 20th April 1942.
The objective of this exercise was to practice the Battalion in the Attack in mountainous country. The lessons to be drawn from the exercise were:-
The formation to be adopted during the approach march from the assembly point to the start line.
The use of cover during the advance.
The Attack in two phases.
Consolidation of the objective.
The “General Idea“ was that a force of German parachutists had landed by air and were holding a covering position in the area of CERIG COCHION and slopes to the South West to cover the destruction of the dump (stores? ammunition?) at DOLWYDDELAN 1974. An (imaginary) immediate counter-attack from 70th Brigade had been despatched to make contact and maintain observation on the enemy – the Brigade's Column were holding a line from the South corner of the WOOD at 103718 to HAFOD-YDD-BRYTHON 103714.
The “Special Idea” was that 11th DLI had been ordered at 06:00 hours to rendezvous with 454 Mountain Battery in the area of the stream and track junction reference 079714 by 11:30 hours with a route and an intermediate rendezvous for the Battalion R Group on the South West slope of ring contour 089717 by 11:00 hours.
The Battalion Column was made up of eleven separate serials from the Advance Guard to the Rear Guard and each element had a specific time allocated to pass the start point.
Appendix H – Exercise No 4 – issued 20th April 1942.
The objective of this 48 hour exercise was to practice the Battalion in Mountain tactics with Pack transport.
The lessons to be drawn from this exercise were:-
Co-operation with other arms.
Protection of the Battalion at rest by night.
Action before and during a dawn attack.
Administration in the Field.
The “General Idea” was that a German Mountain Regiment with attached troops had landed in the region of CAERNARVON at dawn on 22nd April, seized all local vehicles and was advancing down the road from BEDDGELERT to PORT MADOC, with the aim of isolating the peninsula. 70th Brigade was in its present positions.
The “Special Idea” was that 10th DLI had made contact with the enemy just south of BEDDGELERT and had definitely held them up after significant fighting.
11th DLI were given orders to take a Mountain Battery, a Section of a Field Engineering Company and a Field Ambulance detachment and move to the area of the SCHOOL at reference 988676 immediately, and prevent the enemy from advancing down the valley of the AFON DWYFAWR.
The troops taking part were; 11th DLI (less D Company and the Reconnaissance Platoon who were simulating being the enemy), a Section of 454 Mountain Battery, a Section of 757 Field Company Royal Engineers and a detachment of 187 Field Ambulance.
The standard administrative arrangements were made as for other exercises during this period. The usual Order of March as specified in the Mountain Warfare Instructions was to be adopted.
Appendix I – 11th DLI Night Exercise – issued 27th April 1942.
While administrative arrangements and timings were described there was no objective or lessons laid down for this particular exercise. It was directed by Major Humphreys.
Appendix J – 11th DLI – Training – issued 27th April 1942.
Much of this particular Training publication was drawn from the regular monthly GHQ Training Letter, and ranged over a variety of topics.
The Advanced and Section Handling of Small Arms was seen to be at an inadequate level and attention was to be given to strengthening performance in this area, beginning with ensuring that all ranks could pass the Tests of Elementary Training easily, before moving on to Advanced Handling. Combining speed, stealth and competent weapons handling was seen as the key to bringing surprise fire on the enemy by such manoeuvres as outflanking with Bren teams. Lessons were to be realistic and related strongly to the battlefield.
2” Mortars were, in future, to be fired from cover and not left exposed if this could be avoided.
Snipers were to be divorced from the Intelligence Section and trained (in Fieldcraft and shooting) by the Weapon Training Officer. They were also to be increased in number to 44 per Battalion, including those within Infantry Sections, and issued with the P14 rifle.
Junior NCOs were to be helped by undergoing frequent small tests to develop leadership skills and competencies.
Three men per Company were to be selected for a three-month Signals Course starting at 09:00 hours on 29th April, under the Signals Officer.
Two men per Company were to be trained as reserve Motor Transport drivers.
Six men from A, C and D Companies who had not previously fired the Anti-Tank Rifle on the Range were to report for training to the Weapon Training Officer on 30th April.
The performance of Platoon Scouts was seen to need improvement.
Map reading was to be given more attention with each Section Commander carrying a map and being questioned on the subject at halts.
All opportunities were to be taken to practice Section Commanders in judging distance and giving Fire Control Orders.
One day a week was to be set aside for practising Battle Drill so that all NCOs and experienced private soldiers could give orders and lead an attack.
Platoon Commanders were to make use of the educational A.B.C.A. pamphlets and start discussions during suitable breaks on a wide range of topics.
Appendix K – 11th DLI Administration Exercise – issued 29th April 1942.
The objective of this exercise was to test Battalion supply, administration and routine in the field.
The lessons to be learned were:-
Occupation, improvement and routine of a defensive position after an attack.
Replenishment of ammunition from a Brigade meeting point to the Infantry Section.
Chain of ration supply, and cooking in the field.
Evacuation of wounded from Platoon positions to an Advanced Dressing Station.
The exercise scenario was based on a German force of a Mountain Battalion with attached troops having landed in PENRHYNDEUDRAETH and with orders to seize the defile East of RHYDD 101640, thus forming a bridgehead for further operations.
The CO of the Battalion gave orders to push ahead and seize the defile, with a two Company attack up the hill, the remaining Companies being passed through once success had been achieved, and taking up positions overlooking TAN-Y-BWLCH STATION 110638 and the lake 105634. Battalion HQ and the Regimental Aid Post would be located in RHYDD with the A2 transport and B Echelon West of the village at 095639.
The Battalion was to move in the Mountain Warfare formation and had a detachment of 187 Field Ambulance under command. The Advanced Dressing Station was to be set up at the CHURCH 082698 by 12:30 hours on the day of the exercise.
The system of loading and moving rations from the road head to forward positions would be tested under the supervision of the Quartermaster. The Pioneer Platoon were to prepare to deal with the water supply system.
Appendix L – 11th DLI Road Protection Exercise – issued 29th April 1942.
The exercise was directed by the CO – Lt Col F.W. Sandars, and was to take place from 10:00 hours to 17:00 hours on 30th April. The objective of the exercise was to practice the Battalion in protecting itself when advancing along a road in mountainous country, including the use of supporting fire.
One Section of the 454 Mountain Battery was to take part. The normal Order of March table for use in Mountain Warfare was applied.
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