11th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry War Diary May 1944
The War Diary for this month will be a short one. This is not to say that the Battalion has been idle. In fact, certain departments, especially transport, “A” and “Q” have rarely been busier. With the rapid approach of D-Day, problems of administration have naturally claimed the most attention. At the beginning of the month there were four main tasks which had to be tackled before the Battalion could go to War.
The first was a problem of personnel. After the Reinforcement Company had been posted away on 6th May under the command of Lt J.C. Browne, the Battalion had to be whittled down to its correct War Establishment.
Further, the composition of the Advance Party, Main Body, Increment and Residue had to be decided; also which portion of the Main Body was to accompany the vehicles and which portion was to be marching. By the end of the month this problem had been solved and nominal rolls and the necessary embarkation documents prepared in respect of each party. It is regrettable that these key documents do not appear to have survived - they are certainly not with the War Diary.
The second task was that of making up all deficiencies of arms and equipment. An inspection by the Brigade Commander on 9th May made a good beginning, but much equipment remained to be collected. The Mortar Platoon’s Carriers were exchanged, as were their mortars; the Anti-Tank Platoon was fitted out with new barrels; the Signals were given Mark II Star 38 Sets and brought up to G1098 Scale in 18 Sets, and the Rifle Companies were almost completely re-equipped with clothing and other necessaries. It would be impossible to give a complete list, but it should be recorded that the Battalion has been given almost everything it has requested.
The third task was the waterproofing of the Battalion transport. The foundation training for this had been completed already, first at various waterproofing schools and later in waterproofing trials on a Brigade and Divisional basis.
On 22nd May waterproofing for operations began, after the order to “concentrate” had been received, and work proceeded smoothly according to the Brigade time-table. In addition to the waterproofing, all vehicles were repainted with new olive-coloured camouflage paint.
Loading trials presented the biggest problem of all. The first big trial was held as early as 5th May but, with the introduction of weight restrictions, and as a result of the constant minor amendments, there was need for a great deal of modification. Loading conferences were held almost daily and consideration was also given to the load on the man. Finally the method of waterproofing the contents of the vehicle with sizalkraft sheeting had to be learnt.
Although the emphasis was on administration throughout the month, a certain amount of training was carried out, including one major exercise. General training was devoted mostly to a refresher “Gas Circus” run by Lt J.E. Johnson and to PIAT firing organised by the 2 i/c. In addition there were regular marches, road walks and runs, and shooting on the Range.
Exercise “SHISHAH” aimed at practising the Division in its operational role. The Advance Party under the 2 i/c left Camp on Friday 12th May and the Battalion left for a “marshalling area” on 13th May, where it concentrated non-tactically.
Early on the morning of 14th May the Battalion was called forward and was jumbled with other units of the Brigade Group during the “water crossing”. Personnel landed on Jig Beach and the majority of transport on King Beach.
The routes to the concentration area were very clearly marked – transport followed the roads and personnel went by a cross-country route to the concentration area. Here we were met by the 2 i/c who had laid out the Battalion area and within a few minutes the Battalion was reassembled and complete with all its vehicles.
The remainder of the exercise was devoted to a rapid reorganisation of the Brigade Group and the initial advance forward with 1st Tyneside Scottish as Advance Guard. The exercise perhaps made everything look too easy, but it was satisfactory that everything which had to be done was done, with so little trouble.
With the general stoppage of leave, every effort was made during the month to provide compensating recreational activities. Apart from regular “Housie” sessions and ENSA Concerts, and recreational transport at weekends to NORWICH and BURY ST EDMUNDS a number of special functions were held, including an Officers versus Sergeants cricket match and a Battalion Sports Meeting.
The latter was held on 30th May, a day of brilliant sunshine, and was most successful. Captain T.M. Lang was entirely responsible for the arrangements and his work was much appreciated by all who took part.
The main activities during the month were as follows:-
6th May 1944
The Reinforcement Company left under the command of Lt J.C. Browne.
9th May 1944
The Brigade Commander held an inspection of the Battalion.
12th – 16th May 1944
Brigade Exercise “SHISHAH”.
27th May 1944
Receipt of Code Word “CORNELIUS” – signifying that the Battalion was at 6 hours’ notice to move.
28th May 1944
An address was given to the Brigade Group by the Divisional Commander in KNETTISHALL Aerodrome.
30th May 1944
Battalion Sports Meeting.
Appendices attached to May 1944 11th DLI War Diary
Field Returns
The Other Ranks Return for the week ending 6th May shows that, the Reinforcement Company having been moved away, the War Establishment had been reduced to its normal level of 810 men, against which the Battalion had 823 men, including a shortfall of two specialists and a surplus of fifteen men.
The Officers Return for the week ending 6th May indicated that six junior Officers had been posted away to the Reinforcement Company – Lts Browne, Cusworth, Yorke, Sanderson, Thompson and Phillips. The form for 13th May showed the Battalion at its full complement of 36 Officers. In addition, Captain Lang was attached from the Reinforcement Company for Special Duties, while Lt Kingston was also held as a surplus Officer, earmarked for duties with the Home Details, while awaiting a medical board. There were now a total of five CANLOAN Officers serving with the Battalion.
In the Return for the week ending 27th May one of the CANLOAN Officers, Lt Bedford, is shown as having been admitted to hospital, as a result of which the Battalion made special application for the return, from the Reinforcement Unit, of Lt Yorke in his place.
Officers of the 11th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, May 1944
Back row: Lt R.H. Broughton; Capt J.H. Pearson; Lt L.K. Pallister; Lt A. Thompson; Capt J. Brewis; Lt G.B. Murray; Capt J.B. Nicholson; Lt P.T. Phillips
Third row: Lt L. Cusworth; Lt J.H. Cleminson; Lt L. Wynn; Lt W.N. Price; Lt J.R. Kellett; Lt J.E. Johnson; Lt I. A. Bansall; Capt T.M. Lang; Capt D. Grant; Capt W.F. McMichael
Second row:Capt R.E. Ellison; Capt G.J. Powell; Major J. Low; Major C.D. Hamilton; C/O Lt-Colonel J.M. Hanmer; Capt D.F. Stephenson; Major C.A. Smallwood; Capt P.A. Johnson; Capt I.G. Sopwith
Front row:Lt K. Hoggard; Lt W.R. Bell; Capt McFarlan-Mason (Medical Officer); Lt J.M. McNicol; Lt W.L. Carr; Lt A.D. Barlow; Lt J.F. Sanderson
Those Officers KILLED in ACTION or DIED of WOUNDS in Normandy are shown with their names emboldened.
To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - click here.
