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

1 May 1943 Kilmarnock.

C.O.’s inspection. Nothing of importance.

2 May 1943

Regiment moved at 12:30 hours to Carlisle on change of location to Pontypridd.

190 Battery Driver Oxland had accident and injured child. 110 miles at 15 mph.

3 May 1943 Carlisle

Next stage of march; to Preston Staging Camp for night. 130 miles at 15 mph.

4 May 1943 Preston.

Wellington Staging Camp tonight: an easy march of 90 miles. 2 Sergeants and 20 Other Ranks reinforcements arrived.

5 May 1943

Back to Pontypridd by 17:00 hours: better march today: two drivers had accidents through going to sleep but no injuries: a warm welcome from the inhabitants on our third visit. C.O. on Exercise Kruschen.

6 May 1943

Nothing of importance. C.O. returns from Exercise.

7 May 1943

Nothing of importance.

8 May 1943

Regiment put “F” Troop with guns and “A” Troop marching in “Wings for Victory” campaign.

Lieutenant Dobbs and 2nd Lieutenant Robertson joined today. Excellent news from Tunisia.

9 May 1943

C.O. on Course at Rhyl. Nothing of importance. Divisional Commanders’ Conference at Whitney – very good talk.

10 May 1943

Major Weston commanding whilst C.O. attending course at Rhyl – Major Hamilton returns from leave.

11 May 1943

Major Hamilton assumes command.

12 May 1943

Nothing of importance.

13 May 1943

Nothing of importance.

14 May 1943

Nothing of importance.

15 May 1943

4 new Officers joined – 2nd Lieutenants Stanley, Sellars, Eaton and Trapper. Captain O’Callaghan rejoined today as A1 after being away since July 1940. A great welcome was given to him. C.O. returned from Course.

16 May 1943

Nothing of importance. Very hot weather.

17 May 1943

Nothing of importance. Very hot weather.

18 May 1943

Light Aid Detachment depart on Recovery Course. C.O. informed of new appointment as S.O.R.A. (?Staff Officer Royal Artillery).

19 May 1943

Nothing of importance. C.R.A. visited Regiment to see all Officers – Security Warning.

20 May 1943

Nothing of importance.

21 May 1943

Nothing of importance.

22 May 1943

Anti-tank shooting at Sennybridge.

23 May 1943

C.O. leaves Regiment – a great loss – at this state of training everyone sorry to see him go.

24 May 1943

Major Hamilton given command of Regiment – great jubilation, everyone delighted.

25 May 1943

Church Parade today.

26 May 1943

Nothing of importance.

27 May 1943

Adjutant to mobilisation conference with Director of Mobilisation. Age admissible now 18 years 9 months.

28 May 1943

Nothing of importance.

29 May 1943

Nothing of importance. Very hot day.

30 May 1943

Nothing of importance. McCoy on a charge. Field General Court Martial.

31 May 1943

Ceremonial Parade this morning – half day.

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