2nd Battalion, Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment War Diary - August 1944
1 August 1944
A Company
Company HQ move 08:00 hours into orchard South of ESKEVILLE 1271 200 yards behind 146 Brigade front but only 1000 yards behind Parachute Battalion front on left.
B Company
6 Platoon – one gun damaged by shrapnel. Desultory mortaring and shelling continues. No casualties.
C Company
News received that present position will be occupied for some few days and orders given to considerably reinforce weapon pits, and make them splinterproof from enemy airburst shells.
D Company
Parts of each Platoon started preparing positions in new area. 12 and 14 Platoons 12256633 and 13 and 15 Platoons 14206870. Five men from the Company saw the first ENSA Show. All Platoons moved vehicles separately and the move into the new area was complete by 20:00 hours. Quiet night.
2 August 1944
A Company
Everybody digging and improving positions, concentrating on head cover and general solid protective building.
B Company
22:30 hours 6 Platoon harassing shoot in support 11th Royal Scots Fusiliers. Nothing further to report. Pte Standing admitted hospital with shellshock.
2 and 3 August 1944
C Company
No change save enemy artillery less active. 70 Brigade HQ area subject to enemy shelling during the day. Enemy aircraft active during the night. Anti-personnel bombs dropped on No 10 Platoon and Company HQ with no damage, save a new tent erected in Company HQ riddled with bullets. Emphasising necessity for all equipment being dug in below ground level.
D Company
Platoons had 30 rounds per mortar for harassing fire in addition to their usual allotment for CM (Counter-mortar) fire. All Platoons used this allotment on known targets, 13 and 15 Platoons taking part in a shoot with Divisional artillery. Captain Clayden and Captain King recced for new positions so that Platoons can move every 24 Hours. All positions in same area about 5 – 700 yards apart. Sgt Burwell has taken over Platoon Sergeant of 15 Platoon vice Sgt BURTON. Sgt Allen is Senior Section Commander. L/Sgt Scott promoted Sgt as Junior Section Commander. Cpl Stone 13 Platoon to L/Sgt and transferred to 15 Platoon. Sgt Curnock as Platoon Sergeant 12 Platoon vice Sgt Jacobs. Sgt Mortimer is Senior Section Commander, L/Sgt Evans promoted Sgt as Junior Section Commander. Cpl Minster as L/Sgt to 12 Platoon, L/Cpl Buckley, 12 Platoon, Biggs, 13 Platoon, Johnson 14 Platoon, and Harley 15 Platoon, promoted to Cpls and Nos 1. Ptes Watson and Dartnell to be L/Cpls. Fairly quiet day. Some shelling and mortaring but not in any of Company areas.
3 August 1944
A Company
Office tent erected. Quiet day and digging completed. During night 3 – 4 nine (uncertain what this means) shells landed in Company HQ area causing no casualties and no damage.
B Company
8 Platoon harassing fire in area 125622 05:30 hours. 6 shells fell in area Tactical HQ during night 3rd/4th – no damage or casualties. All shells exploded, no duds. One Section 6, one Section 7 and 8 Platoons (two Sections) engaged targets at 125633 and 128619 at 18:30 hours. 29 Other Ranks and one Officer moved to rest area Battalion HQ.
D Company
All Platoons sent working parties to dig in at new areas, only enough men being left in mortar positions to fire the mortars. Allotment of ammunition same as 2nd August. Used on known enemy targets. Platoons moved at dusk into following areas: 12 and 14 Platoons 120669, 13 and 15 Platoons 137687. >t Peachey and two Other Ranks arrived as reinforcements. Lieut Peachey going as 2 i/c 13 Platoon and Lieut Jennings moves to 14 Platoon as 2 i/c. POPPYCOCK still working. 13 and 15 Platoons engaged two POPPYCOCK tasks during the day. 13 and 15 Platoons were shelled in next field. 6857040 Pte Bennett wounded in hand. 146 Brigade HQ shelled during the night. One motorcycle received direct hit. No casualties.
4 August 1944
A Company
Reserve Section of 4 Platoon moved out of line to HQ Company 099729 for 4 days’ rest. Sgt Carter joined them at HQ Company for a short rest.
B Company
00:30 – 01:00 hours enemy aircraft active Tactical HQ area, High Explosive and Anti-personnel bombs dropped. No casualties. 6 Platoon one casualty – Pte Norris, killed by shrapnel. Heavy shelling and mortar stonk during night. Day quiet. Slight shelling 17:30 hours Tactical HQ. Shells fell in nearby field. No casualties.
C Company
9 Platoon. Green verey lights seen over enemy territory at 00:24 hours. Enemy aircraft appear over position. Activity ceases at 00:50 hours. Returning enemy aircraft greeted by white flares. Two salvos of sobbing sisters at 01:20 hours. Intermittent small-arms fire and rifle grenades heard at 01:50 – 02:00 hours. 02:30 hours sobbing sisters. Shelreps 02:12, 02:30, 02:48 hours. 10 Platoon Enemy put large stonk in area 1000 yards in rear of Platoon at 03:30 hours. One anti-personnel bomb dropped during night, exploded during day, no damage or casualties. Attack by fighter bombers at 00:35 – 00:50 hours. Intermittent shelling 01:30 – 02:30 hours. None in immediate vicinity. Slight shelling at 14:40 hours. Company HQ – nothing to report. Reinforcements from Reinforcement Holding Unit. No Medium Machine Gun knowledge – cadre commenced under Cpl Farndale.
D Company
Allotment of ammunition unchanged. 13 and 15 Platoons engaged areas 148665, 162664, and 172696, during day. 14 and 12 Platoons have arranged to take part in a night shoot with artillery. Quiet day.
5 August 1944
A Company
Quiet day. No change in locations.
B Company
Slight enemy shelling. Day very quiet.
C Company
Company HQ – nothing to report. 9 and 10 Platoons – nothing to report. 11 Platoon harassing fire enemy positions between 00:01 and 06:00 hours.
D Company
Ammunition allotment unchanged. 12 and 14 Platoons fire a programme laid down by 70 Brigade with Divisional artillery. Area engaged was East of CULVERVILLE 1465. 13 and 15 Platoons engaged area 161663. Locations 12 and 14 Platoons 13226650, 13 and 15 14206870. Company HQ location unchanged.
6 August 1944
Battalion HQ
2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No 2 issued.
A Company
4 and 5 Platoons. Section positions inspected by 2 i/c during morning. Padre held service at Company HQ for ourselves and 218 Anti-Tank Battery. In evening a number of shells landed in general area, causing no damage or casualties. No change in locations.
B Company
No change in locations. Pte Bestall injured by falling masonry. Fractured foot. Enemy shelling increased during day.
C Company
Company HQ - nothing to report. 9 Platoon mortrep at 00:18 hours and 03:45 hours. Shelrep at 00:23 hours. Spasmodic rifle and automatic fire at 01:40 – 01:50 hours. Shelrep 21:00 hours. Fires seen at 21:56 hours. 10 Platoon some shelling at 02:30 and 15:30 hours. 11 Platoon gave harassing shoot on three enemy targets at 02:50 hours, 04:05 hours and 06:00 hours.
D Company
Roman Catholic personnel attended Divine Service at 10:00 hours at RANVILLE 110376. Church of England personnel also attended Church Service in HQ Company lines at 11:15 hours. A fire plan was drawn up for a shoot with Divisional artillery for 7 August 1944.
7 August 1944
Battalion HQ
2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No 3 issued.
A Company
Commandoes took over from 4 and 5 Platoons who moved back to HQ Company during the day. On arrival there these two Platoons commenced re-organisation. 3 Platoon reverted to the command of A Company but did not move today in order to avoid digging through the night. Locations otherwise unchanged.
B Company
One Section 6, one Section 7, 8 and 3 Platoons (attached from A Company) engaged targets area orchards 125628 in support of raid by 11th Royal Scots Fusiliers. Heavy shelling and small-arms fire brought to bear on all gun areas. No casualties. 7 Platoon moves to 114624 22:30 hours 8 Platoon one Section 7 Platoon, move out of forward positions owing to bombing attack by RAF near forward areas. Positions re-occupied after attack. Whole Brigade front subjected to heavy shelling and air burst during air attack and immediately afterwards. No casualties.
C Company
Company HQ 9 Platoon and 11 Platoon – nothing to report. 10 Platoon intermittent shelling early hours of the morning.
D Company
Quiet day. 12 and 14 Platoons prepared a new position but did not occupy. 13 and 15 Platoons moved to their alternative positions. 30 rounds per mortar allocated but not all was used for harassing fire. 146 Brigade HQ shelled in the evening. Cpl Moody (Cpl Driver/Operator 13 Platoon) wounded in thigh and neck. Evacuated to UK. Locations 12 and 14 Platoons 11956695. 13 and 15 Platoons 13856880.
8 August 1944
Battalion HQ
2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No. 4 issued.
A Company
3 Platoon moved at first light back to HQ Company. In the evening 3, 4 and 5 Platoons moved out to assist in occupying 146 Brigade firm base positions area SOLVER 086643. 3 and 5 Platoons had penetration tasks on the Southern edge of FOUR 095626. Company HQ remains present location 088627.
B Company
3 Platoon A Company reverts to command A Company. Platoons positions now: 6 Platoon one Section under command 11th Royal Scots Fusiliers 112630. One Section under command 7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment 112643. 7 Platoon under command 11th Royal Scots Fusiliers, Sections at 119633 and 114623. 8 Platoon under command 1st Leicesters no change. 6 Platoon HQ no change. Sgt Gray, Pte Bushnell, injured by shrapnel, evacuated.
C Company
Nothing to report.
D Company
Quiet day. 12 and 14 Platoons were again preparing new positions, also 13 and 15 Platoons, but did not occupy them. 30 rounds per mortar were allotted but not all were used, for harassing fire.
9 August 1944
Battalion HQ
2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No 5 issued.
A Company
Company HQ moved to near CORMEILLES 069646 during morning, and dug in in a wheatfield in a pleasant locality. 4 Platoon supporting HALLAMS occupied first the positions in the North East corner of a large wood near LA HOGUE, 1260. Later moved into CHICHEVOVILLE, 116606 in the evening. They encountered mortar and Spandau fire, but no casualties were caused.
B Company
Very quiet day. Warned to stand by for move. Later move put off until 10:00 hours.
C Company
Company HQ 2215 Shelrep. No casualties. Slight damage. 9 Platoon 17:35 hours mortarrep 1815 – 1840, shelling of forward areas. 10 Platoon intermittent shelling during day. Mortrep 22:55 and 23:35. 11 Platoon 18:30 hours slight enemy shelling; also 22:15 hours.
D Company
Started a quiet day. Al mid-day all Platoons ordered to prepare positions forward. 12 Platoon at 11506274, 13 Platoon at 11266249, 14 Platoon at 11226260, 15 Platoon at 14666269. Positions occupied 23:30 hours. Fire plan to support 146 and 147 Brigades was prepared for next day. No shooting as enemy have pulled out. 146 and 147 Brigades moved forward without any trouble.
10 August 1944
Battalion HQ
Battalion HQ moved to area le Menuil Farmeutel 09656602.
A Company
4 Platoon returned to their position in big wood when HALLAMS concentrated in the same area. In the afternoon Company HQ moved again into FRENOUVILLE setting up HQ in large farmhouse next door to Brigade HQ, 113624. Vegetable garden and fruit trees were intact.
B Company
Tactical HQ moved to 113632. Platoons take up positions as follows: 7 Platoon 136627; 6 Platoon 137616; 8 Platoon recce positions in 1st Leicesters area, held up by mines in STAR WOOD and stayed night. Company HQ moved to area 108634 in evening. Cpl Hollingsworth injured.
C Company
Company HQ – nothing to report. 9 Platoon shelreps 23:15 hours. 10 Platoon fired harassing shoot 23:00 hours. 11 Platoon fired a harassing shoot on enemy in wood at 150647 at 23:00 hours. Enemy replied with mortar bombs which fell short, Spandaus open fire in short bursts. Verey lights from enemy, red over green over red, twice
MMG Cadre for reinforcements finished. Results very satisfactory. All 4 reinforcements posted to 9 Platoon.
D Company
Divisional HQ move forward Company HQ to area 09206552 and spent rest of day digging. Platoons not active. Information about enemy not very clear. No shooting and Platoons remained in same positions. Captain Archer returned from 70 Brigade to his Platoons. Captain King – representative with 146 Brigade, Captain Clayden still with 147 Brigade.
11 August 1944
A Company
Quiet day. Locations unchanged.
B Company
8 Platoon Commander cleared mines on track and 8 Platoon take up position 128628.
C Company
Company HQ – nothing to report. 9 Platoon intermittent shelling during day by long range gun. Enemy aircraft over positions 22:40 – 22:50, flying North West . Green flares 23:12 hours. 10 and 11 Platoons nothing to report.
D Company
Captain Archer recced positions forward so that Platoons could support an attack by KOYLI. This did not take place.
12 August 1944
Operation TEMPEST planned.
A Company
Sporadic shelling of rounds in neighbourhood, otherwise little activity, locations unchanged.
B Company
Occasional shell bursts in Cagny 1164. No damage or casualties. Pte Taylor admitted Advanced Dressing Station with exhaustion.
C Company
Company HQ – nothing to report. 9 Platoon shelreps 09:55 hours. Small fires on ground at 133644, ground flare.
D Company
Platoons moved and occupied prepared positions by 08:00 hours. Company under command 147 Brigade. Operation postponed and Tactical HQ returned to Company HQ 20:00 hours. 12 and 13 Platoons moved back to area 114627 to support LEFT of Divisional front. No news when TEMPEST will take place. Meanwhile Company in support of 146 and 147 Brigades. Representatives still with each Brigade. 12 and 15 Platoons had six air bursts over them between 23:30 and 01:00 hours. Not known yet whether aerial or shells.
13 August 1944
Battalion HQ
Operation TEMPEST now in abeyance. News received in afternoon of relief of 152 Brigade (51 Division) by 146 Brigade, to take place 13th/14th August area POUSSY – CONTEVILLE. Spasmodic shelling Divisional and Battalion HQ areas during day. No damage or casualties.
A Company
4 Platoon moved into CHICHEBOUVILLE 139599 in support of KOYLI. Section positions built in two houses. News received of extension of Brigade front. HALLAMS were to move into POUSSY and LINCOLNS to CONTEVILLE. No move by 3 or 5 Platoons today. Company HQ area shelled 21:30 – 21:40 hours and 21:50 – 21:55 hours. Map references POUSSY 1258, CONTEVILLE 1357.
B Company
Nothing to report except for occasional shelling.
C Company
Company HQ - nothing to report. 9 Platoon 00:57 hours chandelier flares seen at 197 degrees grid. 10 and 11 Platoons fired harassing shoot on enemy target at 04:45 hours and again at 22:45 hours. 11 Platoon shelling near area at 03:20 and 04:00 hours. 12 shells each time.
D Company
Quiet day. No news Operation TEMPEST. Platoons stay in same locations, nothing more to report.
14 August 1944
Battalion HQ
Adjutant went round Reinforcement Holding Units. Divisional and Battalion HQ area bombed 23:00 hours. No damage or casualties.
A Company
3 and 5 Platoons moved during night to CONTEVILLE and POUSSY respectively, taking up positions at 04:00 hours. 3 Platoons firing East and North East took over positions from Middlesex in POUSSY. One Section of 5 Platoon firing South East dug a new position in POUSSY. Other Section and Platoon HQ remaining in CONTEVILLE firing East and North East. Widespread air raids during night.
B Company
Pte Taylor evacuated shellshock. 6 Platoon move into reserve area Cagny 1164. 7 and 8 Platoons move gun positions as per trace attached (not included in the file at The National Archives), 6 Platoon dig reserve positions to be manned on receipt of orders from 147 Brigade.
C Company
Company HQ – nothing to report. 9 Platoon shelreps 09:55 hours. Small fires on ground at 133644, ground flare. 10 Platoon fired harassing shoot at orchard 144637, at 05:00 hours and again at 22:30 hours. 11 Platoon fired harassing shoot on orchard 144637 at 05:00 hours and again at 22:30 hours. Enemy returned fire with mortars at 05:00 hours. Bombs fell short. Slight enemy shelling during afternoon. Spasmodic shelling during day; shells falling in square 1667.
D Company
147 Brigade HQ shelled on Sunday night and Captain Clayden was wounded. Injury to right thumb. The trench next to his received a direct hit. Today was a fairly quiet day with no firing and no moves. Divisional area had air raid during the night. No casualties.
15 August 1944
Battalion HQ
Battalion HQ area bombed 06:00 hours. No damage or casualties. Enemy seems to be withdrawing on our front now and have already vacated VIMONT.
A Company
Brigade HQ prepared to move to SECQUEVILLE 0859 and Company HQ sent a digging party there to prepare a new HQ. Enemy reported to have withdrawn. KOYLI move forward with 4 Platoon under command to AIRAN 1859. 5 Platoon under command LINCOLNS moving also to area of the ring contour East of Tilly-Sur-Seulles 1557. 3 Platoon remains in reserve West of CHICHEBOUVILLE. Company HQ moves to CHICHEBOUVILLE 137599 late in the afternoon and not to SECQUEVILLE.
B Company
Two Other Ranks from 6 and one from 7 Platoon to rest camp.
C Company
Preparations for move to new locations. 9 Platoon – nothing to report. 10 and 11 Platoons harassing shoot at 04:00 hours on target 147642. Preparations for move to new area. 11 Platoon – enemy aircraft over position at 00:15 hours. Bombs dropped, and again at 06:00 hours. No casualties, no damage.
D Company
Major Bare made recce in area CHICHEBOUVILLE 1359 and found a good position for 13 and 14 Platoons. Ordered to be ready to move early Wednesday. Pte Durrant broke a leg whilst helping to put a trailer into a pit.
16 August 1944
Battalion HQ
Operational Instruction No 6 issued. Divisional and Battalion HQ move in afternoon to area BENEAUVILLE 147596.
A Company
3 Platoon came under command HALLAMS and all three Battalions moved forward during the day. All Platoons occupied a series of positions to support these advances without ever being required to fire. Company HQ moves to VALMERAY 208613 into an ex-German HQ. Very successful day for the Brigade.
B Company
General signs of enemy withdrawal. Platoons move forward with Battalions. Mobile during day. Company warned to be prepared to move at short notice.
C Company
Company HQ, 10 and 11 Platoons move from area DEMOUVILLE to Big wood. Concentration area 1159 at about 08:30 hours, arriving about 11:00 hours. Moved again about 13:00 hours and arrived at COUPIGNY 1756. 9 Platoon moves from under command 10th DLI, location 128647 and arrived concentration area at 21:00 hours.
D Company
Platoons again out of range. 12 and 15 Platoons ordered to rendezvous on wheels area 192558. Major Bare and Lieut Jennings recced area Mezidon-Canon and Platoons move into areas: 12 Platoon 24055565; 13 Platoon 2375585; 14 Platoon 23905580; 15 Platoon 24055565. Representatives with 146 Brigade withdrawn. Lt Stoltenhoff remained with 70 Brigade; Lt Thornhill went with Tyneside Scottish and Captain King with 10th DLI. Captain Archer and L/Sgt Heuston both evacuated to 146 Regimental Aid Post with slight attack of dysentery. Quite a few men in Company suffering from this complaint, its effect becoming more violent with a few than with the majority. Platoons remain same locations but did not fire.
17 August 1944
Battalion HQ
Advance continues. 146 and 70 Brigades establish bridgehead over River DIVES.
A Company
Further advances hampered through bridges over DIVES being blown. Platoons remain under command Battalions. 5 Platoon occupied an indirect fire position 157573 from which it could assist LINCOLNS into CROISSANVILLE. Insufficient Huns to warrant a shoot. 3 Platoon located in LION DOR 114603 slightly in rear of LINCOLNS positions, waiting for possible tasks. 4 Platoon occupied positions 162597 on high ground overlooking DIVES North East of LION DOR from which it could assist KOYLI forward.
B Company
Company HQ moved to area BELLENGREVILLE 139615. Tactical HQ established 147617. Brigade moves into reserve and whole Company concentrated at MOULT 172602.
C Company
9 Platoon moved into harbour at 212528. 10 Platoon set up position at 233568. 11 Platoon moved into harbour 228558.
D Company
Major Bare recced and found positions for 12 and 15 Platoons area VALMERAY 1758. 13 and 14 Platoons moved to 14955965 early morning and 12 Platoon moved to 17785810; and 15 Platoon to 17655820 about midday. Whole Company in support of 146 Brigade. Company HQ moved to CHICHEBOUVILLE 13855970 arrived new area 11:30 hours. By afternoon enemy had again pulled out and 13 and 14 Platoons were out of range. They did a quick move to QUATREPUITS 1955. 13 Platoon 19535525 and 14 Platoon 19575521. Lt Thornhill as representative with KOYLI. Whole Company under command 70 Brigade. Representative from 147 Brigade was withdrawn and returned to his Platoon. No further moves. No shooting as information regarding forward troops was limited. Lt Stoltenhoff went as representative with 70 Brigade.
18 August 1944
Battalion HQ
C.O. and Major Bare shot up by enemy sniper when recceing mortar positions in forward areas. Major Bare wounded in left arm. Captain Fulcher assumed command D Company. Battalion HQ moves to new location CANON 229562.
A Company
Platoons remain under command Battalion, 3 Platoon moving forward to area 2860 remaining in reserve ready to assist HALLAMS if necessary. 5 Platoon move with LINCOLNS 2756 and remained in reserve. 4 Platoon location unchanged. A Typhoon attack KOYLI left hand rear Company during morning with rockets. No casualties, no damage. Complete absence of artillery on front. Brigade and Company HQs moved forward early evening to CHATEAU DE QUETIEVILLE 276580. Diversion becoming necessary en route when enemy shelled one of our temporary bridges. Enemy mortar activity heavy in LINCOLNS area. First signs of undestroyed and inhabited houses. Germans left QUETIEVILLE 2758 24 hours ago. LINCOLNS carried out night attack 18th/19th making bridgehead over River VIE 2959 later having to withdraw owing to failure of DLI on right. 5 Platoon did not participate. Widespread air raids after dark apparently with our bridges as main targets.
B Company
Day spent in general maintenance, baths etc. Company warned in afternoon to standby to move. Move postponed to 19th. Two Other Ranks to rest camp.
C Company
Company HQ move to CANON 226557 arriving at 08:00 hours. Moved again at about 17:00 hours to 258558. 9, 10, 11 Platoons same area as Company HQ at CANON 2255, and moved again to respective positions; 9 Platoon 261557, 10 Platoon 264557, 11 Platoon 261557, at about 17:00 hours.
D Company
Major Bare went out very early with Captain King but owing to lack of information it was difficult to do very much. About 11:00 hours he went on further recce with C.O. and found one at 284586. Went on a little further and near a bridge 293596 Major Bare was wounded by a sniper in left arm and side. Both Major Bare and C.O. had to crawl back some way, the Major doing this on his own. C.O. then got him back to Regimental Aid Post HALLAMS where wounds were dressed and Major Bare was evacuated to 160 Field Ambulance. At 15:30 hours Captain Fulcher sent for by C.O. to take over with orders to move all Platoons into area 284586. Orchards south of positions shelled as first Platoon arrived and shelled several times during the night. During one of these 6207265 Pte Minns C T was wounded in the back and died during the night. At 20:30 hours 70 Brigade attacked ring contour with 10th DLI. A fire plan to last an hour was produced and Platoons fired on three areas round ring contour.
19 August 1944
Battalion HQ Divisional advance was halted today owing to enemy counter attack on 10th DLI positions. This Battalion had to withdraw to West side of LA VIE.
A Company
LINCOLNS withdrew forward Companies to more tenable positions. All Platoons same locations. Slight shelling during the night, no damage, no casualties. Rain fell for first time for many weeks.
B Company
Company move in morning to area 265597. Tactical HQ 253564. Two Other Ranks returned from rest camp. 6 and 8 Platoons supported attack by 11th Royal Scots Fusiliers on ST CRESPIN 403830 at 22:15 hours. Fired first at 21:30 hours. Attack did not go in. Fired same targets 22:15 hours, attack went in.
C Company
70 Brigade relieved by 147 Brigade. 70 Brigade disbanded. C Company reverts to command 2nd Kensingtons and moved to OUEZY 2156. Reconditioning stores.
D Company
70 Brigade withdrew from ring contour and were relieved by 147 Brigade. All Platoons engaged following targets: 11:52 hours RED area 306613 scale 5: 12:10 hours HEAVILY 291615, scale 5: 12:14 hours RED 291617 scale 5; 14:40 hours RED 301609 scale 5; CMO reported at 19:45 hours that all engagements were 100% successful.
20 August 1944
Battalion HQ
11th Royal Scots Fusiliers supported by Mortar Company attacked and captured LEVAL. Royal Engineers established bridgeheads across River VIE. 2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No 7 issued.
A Company
Location Company HQ remains the same. 3 Platoon 290607 supported attack from high ground 2000 yards West of SNIG feature by HALLAMS in the evening. Successful direct shoot on known enemy Spandau positions. A few bullets went through the roof of house being used as Observation Post by C.O. HALLAMS, necessitating a temporary switch arranged by use of 18 Set. 14 belts per gun fired with only two minor breakages and one steam tube attachment cracked. Attack successful and HALLAMS consolidated SNIG during the night. 3 Platoon remain in action same position for protection of the left flank during night. Considerable mortar activity in LINCOLNS area. Platoons remained with Battalions.
B Company
Attack reported complete success. 50 Prisoners of War taken, one Other Rank from 11th Royal Scots Fusiliers wounded – the only casualty. Company move to 308562. 6 and 7 Platoons recce positions. 6 Platoon 308564, 7 Platoon 308561. 8 Platoon under command LEICESTERS. Positions occupied ready to support attack on MT LA VIGNE feature 3158 14:00 hours.
C Company
Location unchanged. Reconditioning stores. Church Parade in morning, armourers inspection of rifles.
D Company
General advance continues. Major Fulcher, after early morning recce, decides to harbour 13 and 14 Platoons in area 324563, while further information as to infantry dispositions was ascertained. In the evening further recces were made to keep in touch with the trend of the advance. Major Fulcher visited Major Bare at 32 Casualty Clearing Station and found his condition very much worse than had been expected. He is suffering from severe internal injuries.
21 August 1944
Battalion HQ
56 Infantry Brigade joined the Division today, taking the place of 70 Infantry Brigade. The Brigade’s three Battalions are 2nd South Wales Borderers, 2nd Gloucesters and 2nd Essex.
Advance continues. Divisional and Battalion HQ move to new area QUETIEVILLE 287588.
A Company
Very wet day. 4 Platoon support KOYLI advance through HALLAMS to BONNEBOSQ 4395 where slight opposition was met and dealt with without Medium Machine Gun assistance. Company HQ moved in two bounds to BONNEBOSQ arriving 422948 after dark. Platoons remain with Battalions. Complete absence of mosquitos for first time is a great relief.
B Company
Company HQ and Platoons move to 328590. Tactical HQ 415635. 11 reinforcements received.
C Company
Company move from OUEZY 2156 at about 17:00 hours and arrived 289563. D Company
Major Fulcher and Platoon Commanders spent a day in recce endeavouring to keep up with the advance of the infantry. Platoons finally harboured for the night near 4291. Company HQ moving to 292571.
22 August 1944
Battalion HQ
Another day of quick advance, Division reaching line of River TOUQUES. Mortar Platoons concentrate on Left of Divisional front and fired on enemy positions on high ground above River TOUQUES. Divisional and Battalion HQ move to area LIEUGOFFRAY 457935.
A Company
LINCOLNS moved early with 5 Platoon under command and made good progress to River TOCQUES where enemy was found to be established in BREUIL 5397 with excellent Observation Posts on high ground in vicinity. 5 Platoon could not support crossing of two Companies of LINCOLNS owing to infiltration tactics of infantry. C.O. LINCOLNS admits afterwards that Medium Machine Gun support would have been useful on a flank. Platoon Commander tried to persuade him to this effect before attack. Two Companies LINCOLNS withdrawn from BREUIL afternoon. 5 Platoon remains in action without firing. HALLAMS and KOYLI moved up during afternoon with 3 and 4 Platoons under command respectively. Company HQ moved to TORQUESNE 499963 early afternoon. Germans left early this morning. LINCOLNS pushed two Companies across river again at midnight successfully.
B Company
Company HQ moved to 474922. Platoons area MANERBE 500929. Pte Udall injured by shelling.
C Company
Company moved from 289563 to concentration area BONNEBOSQ 459964 in 56 Brigade area.
D Company
Dysentery, which reduced our strength by 14, has ceased to be even a nuisance and those indisposed are returning. Again the four Platoons followed up by bounds, reaching the hilly country past Mezidon-Canon. Company HQ moved to 4695. Representatives with 146 and 147 Brigades.
23 August 1944
Battalion HQ
2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No 8 issued.
A Company
HALLAMS crossed river morning through 147 Brigade bridgehead at COCQUAINVILLE 5494 leaving 3 Platoon under command on West bank to support advance up the East bank. O.C. Support Company HALLAMS split Sections keeping one at CONQUAINVILLE and sending one to area 529972. 5 Platoon 529972 harassed visible targets in BREUIL obtaining satisfactory strike on German cookhouse and crossroads. Attempt in afternoon to concentrate 3 Platoon in 5 Platoon area to engage excellent targets offered and also on account of lack of 22 and 18 sets in 3 Platoon making communications with C.O. HALLAMS impossible. This could have been rectified by using LINCOLNS communications with HALLAMS from 5 Platoon area. O.C. Support Company HALLAMS however used the Section of 3 Platoon with guns across the river late afternoon without informing anyone. This made concentration of 3 Platoon impossible. 3 Platoon HQ moved early afternoon into harbour area COCQUAINVILLE near infantry mortar Platoons which had just been firing. Area shelled almost immediately. All Platoon HQ vehicles less motorcycles fully loaded, were destroyed. Pte Petch wounded in neck and evacuated. No other casualties. Task of supplying 3 Platoon Section across river with supplies completed at 14:00 hours owing to pitch black night and bad route.
B Company
Tactical HQ in recce group reached MANERBE 500929. Return to Brigade HQ area LA COSETTERIE 475924.
C Company
9 Platoon moved from concentration area BONNEBOSQ 10:30 hours to area 537934. 10 Platoon moved from concentration area 4596 about 14:00 hours to 977448 in harbour with 2nd ESSEX. Company HQ and 11 Platoon moved from concentration area about 21:00 hours to 515966. 9 Platoon in battle group of GLOUCESTERS.
D Company
Tactical HQ joined Platoons in their harbour area 518963 and for first time found country free from mosquitos which had been such a nuisance during the campaign.
24 August 1944
Battalion HQ
2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No 9 issued.
A Company
Germans withdrew last night. 56 Brigade passed through 146 Brigade over bridge at BREUIL built last night. 146 Brigade in reserve. Company HQ moved evening to pleasant farm outside BREUIL 543993. Everyone comfortable in barns for sleeping. Platoons remained with Battalions tonight.
B Company
Move as Company to area LE PIN. Company concentrated 642940. Tactical HQ 625940. Three reinforcements received.
C Company
9 Platoon moved from 537934 to 546974 about 11:00 hours. 10 Platoon moved to 632978 at about 18:00 hours. Company HQ and 11 Platoon moved from 515966 to 602975. 9 Platoon under command GLOUCESTERS protecting left flank. 10 Platoon under command ESSEX to bring down defensive fire in front of their positions if required.
D Company
Captain Archer returns to take over Platoon from Lieut Thornhill. In the morning C.O. warned Major Fulcher to prepare to move and the Company, less rear HQ, crossed River TOCQUES in afternoon. Company harbouring complete less rear HQ at ST PHILBERT CHAMPS 579947. C.O. instructed Major Fulcher to send a Platoon Commander to 56 and 147 Brigades this being first time we had taken part in the new Brigade’s advance.
25 August 1944
Battalion HQ
Advance continues. Divisional and Battalion HQ moved today to LE PIN 62539425.
A Company
Platoons concentrate at Company HQ in brilliant weather. Baths for everyone and general re-organisation.
B Company
Move as Company to area LIEURY 755959. Two reinforcements received.
C Company
9 Platoon at location 679000 at 13:45 hours, in action. 10 Platoon at 633978 at 14:05 hours. 11 Platoon at 675005 at 18:00 hours. Company HQ 634978 Tactical HQ 635978. 11 Platoon under command South Wales Borderers. Two enemy mortar positions reported 722042 and at 716042. Reports received 23:15 hours. 9 Platoon engaged targets round and track junction 714026 from 23:30 hours to 23:36 hours. Indirect fire harassing. At 23:25 hours 6 bombs dropped within 200 – 300 yards. Weight of bombs 500lbs.
D Company
At first light Captain Archer under command GLOUCESTERS and Lieut Stoltenhoff under command Royal Scots Fusiliers moved up their Platoons. Again Platoons did not fire, no fire being called for.
26 August 1944
Battalion HQ
2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No 10 issued.
Further advance, Divisional and Battalion HQ move to NOEPOULAIN 758993.
A Company
Brigade moved early afternoon 14 miles to area LE PLESSIS 724020 with intention of concentrating there and then moving through 56 Brigade bridgehead over River RISLE. Whole Company situated in pleasant orchard and farmhouse. First signs of Maquis activity in CORMEILLES 6598 and EPAIGNES 7001.
B Company
Move as Company to area CAMPIGNY 739019 Tactical HQ 787041. One reinforcement received.
C Company
9 Platoon under command GLOUCESTERS Battalion Group regrouping present area. 10 Platoon under command ESSEX Battalion Group, moving from EPAIGNES to PONT AUDEMER. 11 Platoon under command South Wales Borderers Battalion Group crossing line road from 679021 to EPAIGNES direct to PONT AUDEMER. 9 Platoon moved to location 683003 at 00:05 hours in action. 10 Platoon in action 758078 at 14:00 hours. 9 Platoon in reserve location 714055 at 14:20 hours. Company HQ location 704045 at 14:55 hours. Company HQ location 733062 at about 18:00 hours. 11 Platoon and 10 Platoon fired on targets in their arc between 14:00 and 18:00 hours. 10 and 11 Platoons fired on spur from 766099 to 770099 between 21:30 and 22:30 hours, normal rates. Enemy Light Machine Gun fire at 10 Platoon position which fell short. 10 and 11 Platoons fired on area 726101 slow rate from 22:30 – 22:50 hours.
D Company
Major Fulcher made an early morning recce and 12 and 13 Platoons under command 56 Brigade were prepared to deal with any enemy counter-attack across bridgehead on River RISLE. Captain King went forward to our Observation Post command far bank of river. Lt Stoltenhoff came under command 7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment at 10:30 hours and moved 14 Platoon into action on first objective of 7 DWR which caused C.O. 7 DWR to make some complimentary remarks about supporting arms. Lt Stoltenhoff later reported that the infantry advanced from his positions with fixed bayonets . Lt Stoltenhoff, who has commanded 14 Platoon since Captain Nicol was injured was made Acting Captain vice Captain Clayden. C.O. instructed Platoons not to cross River RISLE unless absolutely necessary. 12 Platoon in action 749078. 13 Platoon 744007. Company HQ 749982.
27 August 1944
Battalion HQ
2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No 11 issued.
Mopping up of area South of LIEURY continues. Recce advance with great speed. News received today that Divisional front is now extended and the Division has task of mopping up enemy in area of FORET DE BROTONNE.
A Company
Brigade moved across River RISLE less supporting arms. Company remains concentrated and moved at 19:50 hours arriving CORNEVILLE 8707 at 21:30 hours. Good move with no mishaps. Company concentrated for night here.
B Company
No change. Awaiting orders to continue advance.
C Company
9 Platoon moved to location 757066 at 10:25 hours. 11 Platoon same location. Shelreps at 10:45 hours. Likely enemy targets engaged during day. No enemy movement seen. Slight mortaring of PONT AUDEMER. 10 and 11 Platoons gave harassing fire on WOOD 771014 to 774017 at 00:10 – 00:14 hours and 04:10 – 04:14 hours. Normal rates. 11 Platoon harassing fire on road from 771014 to 771015 from 00:10 – 00:14 hours and 02:10 – 02:14 hours. 9 Platoon still under command 2nd GLOUCESTERS in reserve.
D Company
Captain King went forward with 56 Brigade R Group and in afternoon 12 and 15 Platoons fired on far side of River RISLE in support of troops extending bridgehead. This is the first time bombs have been put on the ground for 7 days and bring to an end what is regarded as the first phase of the campaign. 12:00 hours Platoons returned to harbour at Company HQ 749982 where it is expected there will be a chance to repair some of the wear and tear of the past few weeks.
28 August 1944
Battalion HQ 2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No 12 issued.
Divisional and Battalion HQ move to area LEFORT 843104.
A Company
3 Platoon moved off early under command HALLAMS to assist in occupation of BOURNEVILLE 8412. Occupied previous night by armour. Remainder of Company moved 13:00 hours PONT AUDEMER 7200 to ST THIEURY 803147. 4 Platoon reported KOYLI. 5 Platoon remaining in reserve with Company HQ. Brigade HQ on point of moving to AIZIER area 8516 but did not do so when HALLAMS became held up by strong Spandau fire in this area. At direction of Divisional Commander Medium Machine Gun Platoons were warned for peculiar tasks i.e. firing into tops of trees in FORET DE BROTONNE.
28 – 31 July 1944
B Company
Whole Company in rest.
C Company
All Platoons concentrated in Company HQ area early in morning. Company moved to new location 775104 concentrated 12:00 hours. 9 Platoon to 915117 under command 2nd GLOUCESTERS 18:45 hours. 10 Platoon to 893112 under command South Wales Borderers 18:45 hours. Company HQ to 868114 19:30 hours. 10 Platoon 934114 under command 2nd ESSEX. 9 Platoon local defensive positions in GLOUCESTERS area. 10 Platoon local defence positions ESSEX area. 11 Platoon concentrated.
D Company
Company started day early with lots of time for maintenance, baths and ENSA, and those amenities which were last experienced at Carcagny when we were all together. Hopes were dashed at 11:00 hours when we were warned to prepare to move across River RISLE to new harbour area. Pte LAUGHARNE while parking his truck saw two Germans in a ditch. Picking up a nearby enemy rifle, without a bolt, he jumped through the hedge and got Company HQ’s first prisoners. In the evening Padre gathered Company together with a short service. Cpl Burke and Ptes Bower and Walker took a further two prisners in the evening.
29 August 1944
Battalion HQ
2nd Kensingtons Operational Instruction No 14 issued (No Operational Instruction 13 issued).
A Company
Both Platoons in action engaged in small skirmishes during day. 4 Platoon at very short notice acted as fire Platoon engaging a number of Spandaus at 400 yards range from ground positions whilst Company of KOYLI carried out a right flanking attack. Spandaus effectively silenced whenever our guns were firing and infantry gained objective without loss. Later in the day Platoon moved through wood with KOYLI, one Section with rear Platoon of forward Company and remaining Section with reserve Company. Finally debouched at ANGLE 9124. Interest shown in inspection of enemy equipment and certain amount of transport earmarked for possible future use. 3 Platoon carried out harassing shoot across River SEINE from VIEUXPORT 8316 area and also fired into village of VIEUXPORT at request of O.C. HALLAMS, silencing Spandaus there. Owing to rain a steep track en route to their positions became almost impassable and in trying to negotiate it four carriers threw their tracks. Most of the rest of the day and night spent in getting this right. One Section taken forward late in afternoon through woods and at one stage Ptes Day, No 1, and Cox, Driver, found themselves ahead of the leading infantry and before long attracted Spandau fire. A long burst from a Vickers soon put this right. In morning 5 Platoon sent out one Section with Platoon Commander to round up some prisoners located by Macquis. Prisoners of War were disposed of to Brigade and in the course of this party a building which had been used as a QM store was found almost intact and a good deal of useful equipment was taken on charge. Company HQ also came into the picture when Transport Sergeant brought in four Prisoners of War.
C Company
9 Platoon moved to location 909128 at 13:20 hours and take up harassing fire positions. 9 Platoon location at 20:00 hours 911169. Fighting Group of Platoon advance with GLOUCESTERS. 10 Platoon location at 20:00 hours 933123. Shelling reported in vicinity – approximately 10 shells. Harassing fire given at odd intervals five minutes duration during the afternoon. 11 Platoon location not known at 22:00 hours. They were still mobile advancing on left road with South Wales Borderers through 146 Brigade area.
D Company
12 Platoon placed under command 146 Brigade in morning. Lt Thornhill, who has just taken over command going as representative to HALLAMS and keeping Platoon in harbour all day. 13 Platoon placed under command 56 Brigade gave support to 2nd GLOUCESTERS in clearing Southern edge of FORET DE BROTONNE. Brigade switched to Western edge in evening. 13 Platoon moving through forest in support of South Wales Borderers. 14 and 15 Platoons remain in Company area doing as much maintenance as weather permitted.
30 August 1944
A Company
3 and 4 Platoons concentrated in Company HQ in large farm in St THIEURY 801144. 5 Platoon remaining in orchard they have occupied for two days.
C Company
Company HQ and 9 Platoon no change. 10 Platoon location not known 08:00 hours, under command South Wales Borderers. Whole Company concentrated area 944206 at 20:00 hours.
D Company
After assisting in clearing FORET DE BROTONNE 13 Platoon returned to harbour at Company area and immediately set to getting vehicles in good condition. 12 Platoon also returned to area 146 Brigade having required no support in the final stages. Cpl Cresswell brought back a 30cwt captured Renault which it is hoped to be added to Company strength as an additional stores truck.
31 August 1944
A Company
Day of re-organisation. Enemy equipment pooled and either taken on charge or returned for recovery. 8-stroke utility car captured by 4 Platoon taken on charge by Company HQ and handed to Pte Williams.
C Company
Company still concentrated. Maintenance of equipment, reconditioning stores. Church Service 09:00 hours.
D Company
All Company spent day in preparing vehicles and equipment for next move. C.O. summoned Major Fulcher to conference 11:00 hours and at 14:30 hours Company conference held attended by all Officers.
Monthly Summary
The Battalion has had its first experience of mobile warfare since landing. Thanks to generally good road discipline and transport maintenance there have been few difficulties.
The advance from the CAEN bridgehead has been most welcome to all ranks, for whom the narrow existence within the bridgehead had begun to be very trying. The sight of undamaged villages has been most refreshing. The enemy has put up a most stubborn rearguard resistance on all natural obstacles, usually with a very few men. Apart from this it has been a matter of looking for the Boche and trying to catch up with him.
The loss of Major Bare, wounded by a sniper, is a sad blow to the Battalion and D Company, which he has commanded from its formation. He had been largely responsible for the development of the tactical handling of the Heavy Mortar in the Battalion and all units have spoken highly of the support which D Company has given them.
With the completion of the Operations in the FORET DE BROTONNE we are brought up short by a bridgeless River SEINE. The question everyone is asking now is “How do we get across?” Our next task is to be the capture of LE HAVRE. 49 Recce Regiment and the Sappers had tried rafting and ferrying but there have been more craft capsized than got over. The attempt has now fortunately been abandoned.
Appendices attached to the August 1944 War Diary of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Louise’s Kensington Regiment.
Operational Instructions.
Up to 14 issues of Battalion Operational Instructions are mentioned in the War Diary but, sadly, none seem to have survived to be included within the file at The National Archives.
List of those killed in the Battalion
There is some duplication in the entries with those included in the July 1944 War Diary but the details that are included have been documented within the individual Memorial pages for the men concerned.
Those listed as killed were:-
3/8/1944 14617787 Pte T Norris
18/8/1944 6207265 Pte C Minns
Those listed as injured or wounded within the Battalion.
Again, details of the injuries and disposal of the men wounded have been included within their personal Memorial pages. Those listed were:-
1/8/1944 6215385 Pte R Purdy
2/8/1944 14404867 Pte S Standing
3/8/1944 6857040 Pte M Bennett
6/8/1944 14202505 Pte F Bestall
8/8/1944 6207195 Cpl R Moody
8/8/1944 6203498 A/Sgt T Gray
8/8/1944 14411338 Pte C Bushnell
10/8/1944 6210361 Pte B Hollingsworth
23/8/1944 6293126 Pte A Udall
24/8/1944 6213727 Pte J Petch
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