11th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry War Diary December 1943
1st December 1943 Southwold.
The CO carried out an administrative inspection of B and D Companies.
2nd December 1943
Officers and Signallers practised shooting with 86 Field Regiment on Dunwich MARSHES.
The arrival of new Officers posted from 14th DLI was completed. (Unfortunately the writer of the War Diary did not identify the Officers concerned, and the Field Return was not filed with the Diary for this month).
3rd December 1943
Medical Boards were held in respect of the Officers.
4th December 1943
An Officers’ TEWT was held on the subject of the Battalion Encounter Battle with Tanks.
5th December 1943
A and D Companies were engaged on Troop-Platoon Tank Co-operation Schemes.
6th December 1943
C Company were engaged on Troop-Platoon Tank Co-operation.
Seventeen Officers acted as Umpires on the 70th Brigade Exercise “DISCOVER” from 6th – 8th December.
7th – 8th December 1943
B Company were carrying out Field Firing rehearsals.
9th December 1943
B Company were Field Firing with C Squadron of the East Yorkshire Yeomanry and a Battery of 86 Field Regiment at Dunwich.
10th – 24th December 1943
70th Brigade held a Young Officers’ Tactical Course. This was attended by ten Officers from the Battalion. Major C.D. Hamilton was Commandant and Major R.B. Humphreys an Instructor.
11th December 1943
The Battalion carried out an Encounter Battle with 86 Field Regiment at Dunwich.
13th December 1943
A 70th Brigade Mines Course was held from 13th to 16th December, run by 757 Field Company, Royal Engineers, attended by 6 Officers and 2 NCO’s from the Battalion.
A Company were holding a Platoon Field Firing Exercise on Dunwich Range.
The Battalion S.P. Tests began under the organisation of Captain R.T. Cooper, Administration Officer.
14th December 1943
D Company, together with two Sections of Carriers and one Squadron of Tanks were Field Firing on Dunwich Ranges from 10:00 to 15:00 hours.
B Company were on the Sizewell Range.
15th December 1943
C Company were on the Sizewell Range.
16th December 1943
D Company were on the PAKEFIELD Range.
17th December 1943
S Company were on the Sizewell Range.
20th – 23rd December 1943
The Second 70th Brigade Mines Course was held, attended by 6 Officers and 2 NCO’s from the Battalion.
21st – 22nd December 1943
Film shows were given of Carrier and Infantry training.
24th December 1943
The ENSA Show “Stars in Battledress” was put on for the Battalion.
25th December 1943
The Battalion held a Ceremonial Church Parade, followed by the final of the inter-Company football competition.
This was won, after an exciting struggle, by HQ Company, who beat C Company by three goals to one.
The afternoon was spent eating.
At night, the Officers had a Dinner Party at which almost everyone had to make a speech.
26th December 1943
The Unit Guard at Divisional HQ dismounted. The Adjutant was present at the Guard Mounting Ceremony.
At night, the Battalion Concert Party gave a show “Doors Down”. This was produced by Captain Ellison and was a great success.
27th December 1943
The day was devoted to organised games at a Company level. The Battalion football match against 10th DLI was lost 3 – 2.
28th December 1943
The CO held a Conference with the Company Commanders.
29th December 1943
A Battalion Route March took place of almost 16 miles with Scale A dress and equipment.
30th – 31st December 1943
Company, individual and Platoon training commenced.
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