294th Field Company Royal Engineers - War Diary - January 1943

1 January 1943 STOURBRIDGE.

DRILL and inspections.

2 January 1943

Route March. Officer Commanding and Lt Hudson recce Base Camps at GLENUSK.

4 January 1943

Lt Hudson and 3 Platoon move to GLENUSK PARK to build base camps for 147 Infantry Brigade.

1 Platoon Field works for the week. Improvised bridging and use of spars.

6 January 1943

Officer Commanding with Officer Commanding 289 Field Park Company on reconnaissance.

8 January 1943

Officer Commanding returns.

11 January 1943

1 Platoon started bridging with equipment of 107 Corps Bridge Company RASC.

64 foot S.B.S. at STEWPONEY Sheet 71 316056.

12 January 1943

1 Platoon 48 foot S.B.S. and Improvised Ramp at WOLVERLEY Sheet 71 283999.

13 January 1943

1 and 2 Platoons change leave and duty rosters. 3 Platoon still at GLENUSK.

14 January 1943

2 Platoon 64 foot S.B.S. at STEWPONEY Sheet 71 316056.

15 January 1943

2 Platoon 64 foot S.B.S. at STEWPONEY Sheet 71 316056. Lt Saunders went on leave.

18 January 1943

2 Platoon practised 80 foot double span Bailey Bridge on Fieldworks Ground.

19 January 1943

2 Platoon Bailey 40 foot raft BEWDLEY 246954.

20 January 1943

Pontoon Bridge, BEWDLEY.

21 January 1943

80 foot double span Bailey Bridge, Droitwich, 346846.

22 January 1943

G.O.C. 49 Division visited Divisional Engineers.

23 – 24 January 1943

All Divisional Royal Engineers prepare for, and gave demonstration to 10th Battalion Worcestershires (HOME GUARD). 294 demonstrated Pontoon Bridge, Recce and Assault Boats and Kapok Bridge. The approach road to Enville Park completely failed. Unit repaired and got vehicles away.

24 January 1943

2nd Lieutenant A D HATFIELD (258858) joined for duty. Appointed to command No. 2 Platoon, Lieutenant Langley becoming Recce Officer No. 1.

24 – 30 January 1943

11th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers Pioneer Platoon attached for course in demolition. Chief Instructor Lance Sergeant Smiles, RE.

31 January 1943

Load stores and prepare for Commandant Royal Engineers’ Exercise POMPOUS.

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