143rd Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. War Diary April 1943

1 April 1943 PONTYPRIDD.

Nothing of importance.

2 April 1943

Nothing of importance.

3 April 1943

C.O.’s inspection – billets and equipment.

4 April 1943

No Church Parade. Voluntary Service.

5 April 1943

Nothing of importance.

6 April 1943

Adjutant returned from leave.

7 April 1943

Inspection by Army Commander Lieutenant General Schreiber – filthy day and all dust blown about on the parade ground made the Regiment look the biggest toughs imaginable.

8 April 1943

0 – 7 report sent in. 2 wireless trucks with us.

9 April 1943

Exercise Swallow at 147 Brigade area.

10 April 1943

Nothing of importance. Cocktail Party at Park Hotel.

11 April 1943

Nothing of importance. Church Parade.

12 April 1943

Preparation for move North and firing Camp.

13 April 1943

Regiment packed up and ready to go. Pontypridd entertained Officers at Vic Hotel.

14 April 1943

Regiment moved to Wellington for night, less Rear Party.

15 April 1943

Regiment moved to Doncaster and stayed there.

16 April 1943 DONCASTER.

Complete day spent on maintenance of motor transport. Preparation for Exercise BOMBARD.

17 April 1943 FYLINGSDALE.

Regiment moved to Fylingsdale and bivouaced there: practice was carried out.

18 April 1943 BEYSDALE.

Regiment moved to Beysdale during afternoon and occupied position and fired.

19 April 1943

Regiment advanced to Otterburn: complete shambles as far as control concerned. Bitterly cold at Otterburn.

20 April 1943

BOMBARD ended. Regiment moved into Camp at Otterburn for practice.

21 April 1943

Nothing of importance.

22 April 1943

Nothing of importance.

23 April 1943

Nothing of importance.

24 April 1943

Gale warning – tents had to be removed through danger of destruction.

25 April 1943

Wind abated slightly but still a bit of a gale. Advance Party arrived at Kilmarnock.

26 April 1943

Adjutant to Kilmarnock.

27 April 1943 KILMARNOCK.

Regiment moved to Kilmarnock – a very good location. 388 Battery 3 miles away at Coodham Camp.

28 April 1943

Nothing of importance. Orders to move back to Pontypridd received!!

29 - 30 April 1943

Nothing of importance. Advance Party returned to Pontypridd.

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