2nd Battalion, Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment War Diary - January 1943

2 January 1943 Llantwit Major, S Wales

No. 6204414 Private Best J. awarded the British Empire Medal for gallant conduct whilst serving with this Unit in Iceland.

The Citation reads as follows:-

“Private Best and another soldier were in a two-man tent when it collapsed upon them during a blizzard. It soon became clear to Pte Best that his companion was being overcome; he therefore tore open the side of the tent and forced his hand and arm through the opening and through the snow and held it there for several hours in order to get air to his companion. He was subsequently found unconscious with his arm badly frostbitten and later lost four fingers of his right hand”.

Captain Ballard posted to No 1 Reserve Support Battalion.

5 January 1943

Five “Jeeps” arrived from the 25th VRD (Vehicle Replacement Depot).

9 January 1943

A Field General Court Martial was held at St Donats Castle for the purpose of trying Sergeant Wood G. and Pte Chapman C.

10 January 1943

A Battalion dance was held at The Miners’ Rest Camp, St Athans. An enjoyable evening was had by all.

13 January 1943

The Divisional Commander, Major-General H O Curtis C.B., D.S.O., M.C. visited Companies and watched the men training.

26 January 1943

Major Worton was posted to MGTC Chester.

A FGCM was held at St Donats Castle for the purpose of trying Private Watson L. A.

27 January 1943

Major Alastair Wray was accidentally killed by a mortar bomb at the Divisional Battle School, Presteign.

Lieut L C Hulbert was posted to this Unit from 2nd Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment, DCO.

A FGCM was held at St Donats Castle for the purpose of trying Pte Foster J.

29 January 1943

Three very interesting training films were shown at The Miners’ Rest Camp; 1 Vaagso Raid, 2 That’s the Spirit, 3 Infantry Reconnoitring Patrol by Night.

30 January 1943

The Battalion Team came second in the 147 Infantry Brigade Group Cross-Country Championships.

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