11th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry War Diary July 1942
1st July 1942 KINGTON.
The Battalion returned from Battalion Exercise No 4.
2nd July 1942
Training films were shown at the KINGTON Cinema. This was a repetition of an earlier programme including one film on Combined Operations.
3rd July 1942
An Inter-Brigade Exercise “EQUATOR” was held – details of which were set out on Appendix A attached to the War Diary – see below for more information.
5th July 1942
The Battalion Sports took place – prizes were presented by Brigadier Kirkup.
The Battalion Band played at an A.T.C. Church Parade and inspection at KINGTON.
A second short Course for unit Pioneers was arranged by 756 Field Company, Royal Engineers.
6th July 1942
Lt. Col. F.W. Sandars left command of the Battalion to take up an appointment as G.S.O.1. (Operations) at Northern Command.
Major C.D. Hamilton assumed command of the Battalion pending the appointment of a new Commanding Officer.
7th July 1942
A lecture was given to all Officers and NCO’s on “Artillery Co-operation” by Major Hackett of 366 Field Battery, Royal Artillery.
Captain P.A. Johnson was appointed Adjutant, in place of Captain T.A. Walker, with effect from 1st June 1942.
Lieut H. Waggott was appointed Paid Acting Captain with effect from 1st June 1942.
7th – 9th July 1942
A Brigade Defence Exercise “EDWARD” took place and is described on Appendix B – a copy of which was filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
10th July 1942
A lecture was given at LAMBTON Camp to all Officers in the Brigade by an Officer of 45th Reconnaissance Regiment.
13th July 1942
The third Course for unit Pioneers was given by 756 Field Regiment, Royal Engineers.
The 3” Mortar and Carrier Platoons occupied the Field Firing Range.
A lecture was given to Brigade Officers by the Royal Navy Liaison Officer, Western Command on Combined Operations at ZETLAND Camp.
A Commanding Officer’s Exercise took place on a two-sided basis on the Occupation of Defensive Positions. The exercise description was set out on Appendix C – a copy of which was filed with the War Diary. For more information, see below.
15th – 17th July 1942
Brigade Exercise “FREDDIE” on river crossing took place – Appendix D included an exercise description and was filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
18th July 1942
Six Officers attended a demonstration of box-girder bridging and the use of folding-boat equipment at MORETON-ON-LUGG.
20th – 22nd July 1942
49 Division Exercise “FRISK” was held. This was based around an attack in hilly country without the assistance of Armoured Fighting Vehicles. During the Exercise the Battalion was commanded by Lt Col K.T. Roper (former Brigade Major of 70th Brigade), Commandant of the 49 Division Battle School.
22nd July 1942
Lt Col J.H.N. Poett arrived, having been appointed to command the Battalion.
23rd July 1942
Major R.B. Humphreys proceeded on the 6th Course at the GHQ Battle School, Barnard Castle.
There was a farewell visit, and an address, by Brigadier P Kirkup D.S.O., O.B.E. M.C. T.D. on his giving up command of 70th Infantry Brigade after three years in the post.
An inspection of the Camp took place by the G.o.C. Western Command.
24th July 1942
A fatal accident occurred to a recreational transport truck returning from HEREFORD. There were six killed and twelve injured.
The men who were killed were as follows:-
Sgt John Dawson PARKER 4452626
Cpl Walter Laurence COULTHARD 4454701
No information is available on the identities of those injured.
25th – 27th July 1942
49 Division Exercise “GEORGE” took place involving River Crossing against the 101st Royal Marine Brigade. Information on the exercise was given in Appendix F attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
28th July 1942
This marked the start of a three-week period of individual training.
29th July 1942
Captain W.H. Waistell, Lieuts T.B. Walsh and J.B. Nicholson acted as Umpires for GHQ Exercise “DRYSHOD”.
30th July 1942
The weather during the month was only fair and usually wet on exercises. Throughout the month Officers and NCO’s have been attached to the Battalion from the Home Guard for periods of seven days, and have taken part in the training of the Battalion, both on exercise and in Camp.
Appendices attached to the July 1942 11th DLI War Diary.
Appendix A – Exercise “EQUATOR” – General instructions – issued 2nd July 1942.
The objective of this exercise was to practice Commanders in the handling of troops in the Field against a live enemy – with special reference to the encounter battle.
The general idea was that a German invasion had taken place and battle had been joined in East Anglia, though neither side had yet achieved air superiority. The Home Guard had not yet been mustered and the deployment of troops in Western Command was as at present.
The enemy were landing an Infantry Group at ABERYSTWYTH, with the probable intention of capturing the ELAN VALLEY Water Works and 70th Infantry Brigade had been ordered to anticipate and destroy the enemy.
The troops available were the whole of 70th Infantry Brigade, with a Company of 31st South Staffordshire Regiment mounting static guard at various posts around the Water Works. Six Hurricane fighters were at the disposal of 70th Brigade from 07:30 on 3rd July.
The Brigade was due to move in Motor Transport using two routes – detailed code names and map references were given. 1st Tyneside Scottish were acting as Brigade Advance Guard and were to be followed by 11th DLI, with 366 Field Battery, one troop of 88 Anti-Tank Regiment and a Sub-section of 756 Field Company. The Battalion was due to be carried in improvised transport – set out on Appendix A to this document, and in accordance with the issued March Table set out on Appendix B.
The RSM was detailed as Liaison Officer between Battalion and Brigade Headquarters and CSM Boddy was to remain in Camp and act as Duty Officer until the return of 2/Lieut Sayce. In addition, as the new draft of men was NOT to participate in the exercise he was to supervise their shooting practice on the Camp 30 yard range.
Traffic Control was in the hands of the Divisional Provost Company and Control Posts were identified by map reference on the routes. Rations were provided for 48 hours and cooks were travelling with the units.
The allocation of transport on Appendix A demonstrated that, as indicated above, a “scratch” collection of vehicles had been brought together from various units to provide a troop carrying resource – including from the 187 Field Ambulance, 178 Field Regiment and 10th DLI so as to provide some three three-tonners for each Rifle Company, on the understanding that any man unable to be accommodated would have to be left in Camp.
The March Table on Appendix B turned out to be a poor copy and could not be read clearly.
Appendix C to the document listed the stores to be carried in Company vehicles – two 15cwt trucks each. The Company Commander’s 15cwt carried; 3,000 rounds of Small Arms Ammunition, two Anti-Tank Rifles, 160 rounds of .55 ammunition and valises as required.
The Company 15cwt carried;
5,520 rounds of Small Arms Ammunition.
6 Grenades (number 69 or 36).
1,000 rounds for the Thompson Sub-Machine Gun.
54 2” Mortar bombs.
32 Picks.
41 Shovels.
10 sets of Utility Pouches.
1 Camouflage net for each Section.
2 2-gallon water tins.
Sandbags.
One coil of Dannert wire.
Appendix B – Brigade Exercise “EDWARD” – issued 7th July 1942.
The objective of this exercise was to practice the Brigade Group (less one Battalion and a proportion of the supporting arms) in; firstly, the immediate occupation of a defensive position following a successful attack by an armoured formation, and, secondly, in the conduct of a defence against a combined infantry and tank attack. The exercise was directed by Brigadier Kirkup.
The “own” troops taking part were to be commanded by Lt Col Rushworth-Ward, Royal Artillery and consisted of:-
70th Brigade HQ Signals Section.
1st Tyneside Scottish and 11th DLI (both less their Carrier Platoons).
178 Field Regiment, less 122 Battery.
One Battery of 88 Anti-Tank Regiment.
756 Field Company – in skeleton form.
F Company of 2nd Kensingtons.
55 Troop Carrying Company.
One Section of the Divisional Provost Company.
The “enemy” troops were commanded by Major T.G. Wilkinson of 10th DLI and consisted of:-
10th DLI.
122 Field Battery.
The Carrier Platoons of 1st Tyneside Scottish and 11th DLI.
An RAF Squadron.
The Carriers were representing tanks for the purposes of the exercise.
The exercise was timed to start at 18:00 hours on 7th July, but no move was to take place before 19:15 hours. It was expected to conclude by early afternoon on 9th July.
Lt Col Grylls was Chief Umpire for the exercise.
Arrangements were made for rations – including for those troops not taking part, who would be under the command of Lt J.H.P. Hadden in Camp.
The General Idea of the exercise was based on an invasion of enemy territory haven taken place – with SWANSEA simulating the town of BREMEN – and 49th Division were in the role of a follow-up Division to an armoured thrust which was successful.
The Division were taking over the positions seized during the advance of 7th Armoured Division, which had been withdrawn to refit, in a night occupation. The position to be occupied by 70th Brigade was in the process of being cleared of mines.
The March Table set out the composition and details of the various groups of the Brigade.
The Brigade was then expected to defend this locality against armoured and infantry assault both overnight and into the following days.
Appendix C – Commanding Officer’s Two-sided Exercise – to take place 13th July 1942.
The objectives of this smaller exercise were to:-
Train an Infantry Company in the rapid occupation of a defensive position, and its routine – by night and day.
Train an Infantry Company in Company Battle Drill.
Train an Infantry Company in march and battle discipline.
Train an Infantry Company in observation.
The opposing sides were both to leave Camp at 08:00 after receiving their separate instructions. Haversack rations were to be taken but, in addition, one-gallon containers were to be delivered together with insulators to test the procedure for feeding isolated posts.
Major C.D. Hamilton was to direct the exercise. Umpires were identified. As usual – no live ammunition was to be taken, other than the sealed emergency supply in the transport. A hundred rounds of blank ammunition was provided for each side.
The idea of the exercise was that British troops had landed in France and were aiming to take the important rail junction of LILLE – represented by KINGTON - where the enemy had few troops available to man the outposts.
The Special Instructions for the “enemy” force was that they had been sent rapidly from BERLIN to defend LILLE and had been briefed late at night that glider-borne troops had made a landing and were approaching LILLE. The orders were to take up a defensive position in a defile West of the town, guard the right flank and nearby road, and maintain contact with other troops arriving to join the defence.
Appendix D – Brigade Exercise “FREDDIE” – issued 13th July 1942.
The objectives of this exercise were to practice the Brigade Group in:-
The advance across country against minor opposition.
The attack against a hastily prepared position.
Exploitation.
Forcing a river crossing at night.
Of the 11th DLI, HQ Company and the A, C and D Rifle Companies were to take part in the exercise. Captain H. Waggott and 2/Lts Jones, A.J. Sayce and Lt I.G. Sopwith were to act as Umpires.
Arrangements were made for rations.
The idea of the exercise simulated an advance through Germany. 12 Corps, of which 49 Division is part, had been ordered to move round the enemy’s West , or left, flank to cross the River SEVERN below GLOUCESTER.
The Divisional Commander had ordered 70th Brigade on the right, and 147th Brigade on the left, to drive the enemy at first light from the high ground he held between CEFN WYLFNE – MAWN POOLS – MENCHURCH HILL – DISGWYLFA HILL with a view to forcing a river crossing of the WYE between GLASBURY and WINFORTON. All but the HAY bridge over the river had been blown.
The dividing lines between the Brigades was set out and flank protection on the right was being provided by 49 Reconnaissance Regiment.
The Administrative Instructions included; the March Table giving the orders for leaving LAMBTON CAMP, CSM Young to act as Liaison Officer with Brigade HQ, Lt Bruce to act as Intelligence Officer, the usual arrangements for an emergency supply of Small Arms Ammunition, blank ammunition to only be used by the “enemy”, night distinguishing marks and tapes to be used, water containers to be taken, dress to include steel helmet with waterbottle carried inside the haversack, transport maintenance to be supervised during the exercise by the Transport Officer. Finally, no man classed as A1 (fit) was to remain in Camp without the personal approval of the Commanding Officer.
Appendix E – 49 Division Exercise “FRISK” – General instructions – issued 19th July 1942.
This Divisional exercise was aimed at practising the Division in the attack, against the enemy in hilly country, without the assistance of Armoured Fighting Vehicles.
Apart from 1st Tyneside Scottish and 2nd Kensingtons – who were to act as the enemy – the whole Division was due to participate in the exercise. One RAF Squadron was tasked to co-operate with the enemy.
The normal scale of ammunition was to be taken, but subject to the same security restrictions as observed in other exercises of this type.
Caution was, as usual, to be exercised in relation to crop and building damage – no fireworks were to be used because of the danger of fire resulting. The Pioneer Platoon were to act as a neutral repair party to deal with any immediate concerns from farmers or landowners.
The Battalion’s A Company was to remain in Camp (probably as the immediate Mobile Column) and would carry out all Camp Duties during the exercise. 2/Lt Hebbert was i/c the Camp for the three days of the exercise.
Reveille was to be at 03:15 on the Moday with the Battalion ready to move at 05:00 hours.
The General Idea of the exercise was predicated on the enemy withdrawing from contact with the invasion forces and retreating to positions on the line of the River SEVERN, which required to be completed. Air reconnaissance had reported evidence of enemy digging on the evening of 19th July along a line LLANBADARN FAWR – BEACON HILL – BLACK MOUNTAIN – CORNDOWN HILL.
The Special Idea was that the enemy was preparing a forward defence between RADNOR and CLUN FOREST covering the bottlenecks at KNIGHTON, CLUN, BISHOPS CASTLE and the associated roads.
70th Infantry Brigade was due to advance on the right of the Division, with its full supporting arms, with the intention of capturing CLUN. 147th Brigade was advancing similarly on the left. Details were set out of the inter-Brigade boundaries.
The 11th DLI role, together with its full supporting units, was as Advance Guard to 70th Brigade. The route of advance was set out from MACYNLLETH – CARNO – NEWTON – KNIGHTON and a full March Table was provided showing the sequence of units and their vehicles taking part in the advance.
Appendix F – 49 Division Exercise “GEORGE” – 25th – 28th July 1942.
The purpose of this exercise was to practice 49th Division in crossing a river obstacle.
The exercise assumed an invasion of Europe with the South East of England deemed to be seeing the heaviest of the fighting, but that, given the concentration of British forces in that area, a large convoy had left Brest and had been spotted heading for the St GEORGE’S CHANNEL. 49th Division had been detached from GHQ and sent to Western Command.
Intelligence had been received that Brigade Groups had been landed by the enemy – including one at FISHGUARD – and that an advance had been made towards the apparent objective of Pembroke Dock and that, as a result, contact had been made with the enemy and defending forces were in action. St CLEARS and CAMARTHEN had been seized by the enemy who were identified as German Marines, similar to Royal Marines in nature (the designated enemy force was 101 Royal Marine Brigade Group).
This Group, consisting of four Infantry Battalions, were supported by; 3.7” Howitzers, a dozen 2pdr Anti-Tank guns, an Anti-Aircraft Battery of Bofors and Oerlikon guns, a mobile Reconnaissance Company, an Engineer Company and a small tactical reconnaissance element. This unit was understood to be generously supplied with 3” Mortars and also heavily influenced by Japanese Brigade tactics of combined operations.
The Special Idea was based on the assumption that the invading force would have been aware of the presence of 49th Division in the SWANSEA area and would have set up a defensive position guarding against a counter-attack, making use of the River TOWY.
The river was to be regarded as unfordable. A no-mans land was identified between the opposing units to allow an area to be used for assembly and as a base for moving forward.
The administrative instructions covered the similar topics to those for earlier exercises – in this instance Lt Rowell was to remain in Camp as Duty Officer for the Battalion and in command of any details remaining in Camp. The March Table gave the detailed references for the routes and start points involving the Battalion. As Liaison Officer for the Battalion at Brigade HQ, CSM Young was also to act as Battalion guide and was required to report to the Staff Captain at Brigade HQ at the beginning of the exercise. His role was to see the Battalion moved successfully from the Brigade Dispersal Point to the Battalion Concentration Area. Again, each group of vehicles was identified and given timings for the move.
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