2nd Battalion, Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment War Diary - January 1944
1 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
The Orderly Room Sergeant, Sergeant Greenfield left for GHQ, 2nd Echelon, London.
“B” Group – Rothesay.
One Officer (Lt A E Ross) and 23 Other Ranks from MMG Company, two Officers (Captain R E Green , Lt D J Wright) and 35 Other Ranks from Mortar Company on CTC Training. Normal training for remainder of Group.
2 January 1944
“B” Group – Johnstone.
Group day off.
Captain E J Frary goes to ? to join Recce Party of third Battalion Group (7DWR) for CTC Training.
3 January 1944 – Bn HQ
Inoculation against Typhus ordered for all troops in 21 Army Group.
A wet day. “B” Group – Johnstone.
A week’s refresher cadre (two periods each morning) for all available Driver/Operators started.
4 January 1944
“B” Group – Kilbride , Ayrshire.
Tour of defences and beaches by Captain Frary with 7DWR Recce Party.
5 January 1944
“B” Group – Johnstone, Kilbride.
AA Company firing on Ardrossan Range.
Exercise Millhouse. One Platoon Heavy Mortars (Captain Green, Lt Wright) and one Platoon MMGs (Lt A E Ross) take part. Major Jacobson (O.C. Group), Major J S Wilmot (2 i/c) and Lt Mowbray (Transport Officer) attended.
Lessons of exercise were:-
Close support for Infantry was not derived from MMGs because Infantry Fire Plan did not allow them to fire long enough.
Captain Frary relieved Captain G Fulcher (O.C. Mortar Company) as O.C. Kilbride detachment.
6 January 1944
“B” Group – Johnstone.
AA Company firing on Ardrossan Range.
MG Company night exercise: track repair drill.
Mortar Company field firing on Gourock Range.
R.C. Church Parade for Epiphany holiday of obligation.
Advance Party for Exercise Astonia move to Dodds Camp, Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk.
7 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
The Unit Quarterly Audit Board has been appointed with Captain H T Beech as President and Lts E. Joseph and R N Thornhill as members.
“B” Group – Rothesay.
Group hardening day.
Briefing for Exercise Kilbride Bay III.
8 January 1944
“B” Group – Kilbride Bay.
Exercise “Kilbride Bay III”. One Mortar Platoon (Captain Green, Lt Wright) and one MMG Platoon take part. Exercise finished early owing to bad weather and Support Platoons did not land.
9 January 1944.
“B” Group – Johnstone.
Briefing for Exercise “Millhouse III”.
All ranks Social in Camp.
10 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
Sgt Elliot W 7619665 REME attached to “A” Group is awarded the Commander in Chief’s Certificate 21 Army Group for meritorious service.
“B” Group – Johnstone.
Mortar Company night exercise: occupation of fire position.
Exercise “Millhouse III” MMGs allowed to give close support in phases two and three.
11 January 1944
“B” Group – Johnstone.
Conference on Exercise “Millhouse III”. Lessons:-
(1)MMGs positions given away by smoke and blast.
(2)Mortars late in getting into action.
AA Company firing on Ardrossan Range.
12 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
The Commanding Officer, Major S R Pinks and Major I A Strawson left for London.
“B” Group – Johnstone.
Lt Ross returns from Rothesay.
13 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
The Commanding Officer visited 2nd Echelon GHQ to discuss procedure affecting Support Battalions and left with a clear picture of the large number of matters which yet remain to be settled.
“B” Group – Johnstone.
Main Body for Exercise “Astonia” move from here to Carlisle. (Details were included as Appendix B attached to the War Diary, but this document has not survived).
“B” Support Group provides Brigade rear party at Staging Camps as part of Exercise “Astonia”.
Wemyss Bay. Rothesay party lands to join first Carrier rail party for Exercise “Astonia”. Captain E J Frary (2 i/c MMG Company) i/c.
Inveraray. Lt Asker (Mortar Company) arrives from Johnstone with 10 Despatch Riders (drivers) for waterproofing course with CTC.
14 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
The Commanding Officer, Major Pinks and Major Strawson met the Secretary of the Old Comrades Association for luncheon and discussed the custody of Battalion Funds and storage of Battalion property during service abroad.
At HQ 21 Army Group the Commanding Officer was told that Support Battalions are now a thing of the past and the Battalion is to be re-organised as a Machine Gun Battalion with one Company of 4.2” Mortars.
An Order of the Day from General B Paget, Commander in Chief, 21 Army Group bidding the Army farewell was published in Orders today.
“B” Group – Doncaster.
Exercise “Astonia”. Main Body arrives.
Captain Braybrook (OC AA Company) injured in car (two seater) accident and is taken to Catterick Military Hospital.
Rail Baggage Party (Sgt Ayres MG Company) leaves. Joined on the way by Captain Frary’s party from Weymss Bay.
15 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
On his return from London today the Commanding Officer was summoned to HQ 49 Division where orders were given to re-organise the Battalion on the basis of three MG Companies and one Mortar Company (each of four Platoons) at the same time a prepared War Establishment for the new Battalion is to be prepared as a working basis and submitted to Division.
“B” Group – Johnstone.
Two rail Carrier Parties leaves (Lt Ross i/c) (2/Lt J P F E Warner i/c).
Lutterworth. Exercise “Astonia” Main Body arrives.
Caister on Sea. Rail Baggage Party arrives.
16 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
A Conference is held of Group Commanders to consider the new War Establishment. A draft of the War Establishment was drawn up and Group Commanders were warned that orders may be issued, within the next few days based on the prepared War Establishment.
“B” Group – in transit.
Exercise “Astonia” - Rail Carrier and Main Bodies arrive:-
10:45 hours. First Rail Carrier Party (Lt Ross and 25 Other Ranks) 30 Carriers.
16:00 hours. All Carriers on this train unloaded.
19:00 hours. Second Rail Carrier Party (2/Lt Warner and 7 Other Ranks) 6 Carriers.
21:00 hours. Main Body by road.
The Group is now in Dodds Camp, a peace-time holiday Camp of small huts and larger Chalets, in which the men live in twos and threes. Chief defect is dampness which cannot be put right because of lack of stoves. Valor stoves have been indented for.
17 January 1944
“B” Group – Caister on Sea
Remainder of Carriers unloaded. The week is set aside for settling in.
2/Lt Jennings (Mortar Company) appointed PAD Officer.
2/Lt Coffey (MMG Company) appointed Salvage Officer.
2/Lt Green (AA Company) appointed Assistant Fire Officer.
18 January 1944
“B” Group – Caister on Sea
Sgt Bund (MMG Company) goes to Netheravon on 15 days MG Refresher Course.
16:45 hours. Security lecture for all ranks.
Group Commander sees demonstration of “Collaboration between Infantry and Tanks” given by:-
One Company of 10th DLI.
One Squadron East Riding Yeomanry.
One Battery Scottish Horse Medium Regiment.
19 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
S.C.F. (Senior Chaplain to the Forces) 49 Division visited Battalion HQ to make arrangements for the pastoral care of the Battalion after the forthcoming re-organisation has taken place.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
Captain J T Stanyer (O.C. MMG Company), Lt A E Ross (MMG Company) and 2/Lt R A Jennings (Mortar Company) all go to HQ 49 Division Signals on a one-day R/T Procedure Course.
Major J E Wilmot sees same demonstration as Group Commander yesterday.
20 January 1944
“B” Group – Caister on Sea
RAMC Corporal (Cpl Taylor) starts Stretcher Bearer Course for Unit Stretcher Bearers.
Rear Party (Exercise “Astonia”) arrive from Johnstone, Captain Green i/c.
21 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
A Conference was held to discuss amendments to Light Scales in consequence of the new War Establishment.
A Driver/Operators Cadre was started at Corton.
The weather is exceptionally warm and bright for this time of year.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
MMG Company re-organised into HQ and 2 Platoons to facilitate training. No. 9 Platoon left as skeleton Platoon.
Whole Group has first Typhus inoculation.
22 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
Groups revert from Brigade to Battalion command.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
Lt Col D V G Brock (C.O. 2nd Kensingtons) tells the Group that the Battalion is going to be re-organised on lines ordered by General Sir Bernard Montgomery (G.O.C. 21 Army Group). This is being carried out in all Support Battalions. Support Battalion is to consist of Battalion HQ, HQ Company, A, B and C (MMG) and D (Mortar) Companies. A,B, C and D Companies to consist of four Platoons each. AA Company abolished. Many Officers and NCOs will have to come down in rank. War Office has asked for numbers of Other Ranks belonging to Rifle Brigade and KRRC.
Whole Group attended enemy mines demonstration by RE at Hippodrome, Yarmouth. 23 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
Sergeant Greenfield paid a 24-hour visit when he came to answer queries from the various Group offices.
Rain and light wind.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
Inveraray. Waterproofing Course ends. Departure for Caister.
All Companies lectured on MT discipline lessons of Exercise “Astonia”. Convoy driving cadre for drivers of the whole Group to take place each Sunday.
R C Church Parade.
Lt Ross starts Range-taking Cadre for MMG Range-Takers. 24 January 1944
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
Fortnight’s Signals Cadre for all Driver/Operators started under 2/Lt Warner (Signals Officer)
Mortar Company hardening day.
AA night exercise – digging.
10:00 hours. Group photographs taken.
25 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
The G.O.C. inspected “B” Group and was met by the Commanding Officer whom he warned of an impending move of the Battalion from Warlingham Hall and told him to recce billets at Rollesby Hall and area around Rollesby.
The re-organisation was set out in a three-page document which was filed with the War Diary – see details below.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
AA Company selected per visit Dome at Lowestoft.
Messing meeting.
12:00 – 12:45 hours. Camp inspected by Major-General E H Barker CB, CBE, DSO, MC. (G.O.C. 49 Division), Brigadier Mahoney (Commanding 147 Infantry Brigade) and Lt Col D V G Brock (C.O. 2nd Kensingtons). Points raised:-
Straw must be moved from wooden building.
18:00 – 19:00 hours. Officers’ study periods to take place each Tuesday and Friday at these times.
26 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
The Commanding Officer, 2nd in command and Quartermaster recced Rollesby Hall and area, reporting suitable billets to Division. Order from Division to vacate Warlingham Hall and Benacre by February 1st leaving Rear Parties. “C” Group is to be split between Caister and Coston Camps. Battalion HQ, HQ Company and Holding Company to move to Rollesby.
It has been decided to combine these moves with the inter-Company transfer of personnel consequent on the re-organisation. All moves to take place on the same day – 30th January.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
Inveraray Party (Lt Asker i/c) arrive.
All ranks Dance in Camp. 27 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
Captain T Sheppard arrives at Battalion HQ to assume the duties of Battalion Motor Transport Officer.
Captain P Douet has been selected as First reserve for Eastern Command Rugby Football XV.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
AA Company – hardening day and assault course.
28 January 1943 – Bn HQ.
Quartermaster leaves for Rollesby with Advance Party.
Major I A Strawson assumes duties of Battalion Adjutant and Captain E Dudley assumes the duties of O.C. HQ Company.
A warm, bright day.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
Unit OCTU Selection Board:-
Sgt Baxter (AA Company) passed.
L/Sgt Taylor (AA Company) deferred.
Cpl Willmore (MMG Company) deferred.
Cpl Wacey (Mortar Company) failed.
Pte Fossey (MMG Company) failed.
Whole Group – 2nd Typhus inoculation.
29 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
The Officers Field Return was completed and filed with the War Diary – for details see below.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
Battalion re-organisation carried out:-
“B” Group becomes “B” Company.
Personnel chosen for “D” Company transfer to it.
“D” Company located with “B” Company in Dodds Camp.
AA Company and surplus personnel go to Holding Company.
AA, MG and Mortar Company offices close down.
For 2nd Echelon purposes, all personnel are still on the strength of “B” Group.
Officers re-appointed as follows:-
Major S Jacobson (O.C. B Group) to be O.C. B Company.
Major J E Wilmot (2 i/c B Group) to be 2 i/c B Company.
Captain G Fulcher (O.C. Mortar Company) to be 2 i/c D Company.
Captain J T Stanyer (O.C. MMG Company) to be 2 i/c A Company.
Captain E Braybrook (O.C. AA Company) to be Battalion Signals Officer.
Captain E J Frary (2 i/c MMG Company) to be 1st line reinforcement B Company.
Lt F Mowbray (Transport Officer) to be Transport Officer B Company.
Lt A E Ross (MMG Company) to B Company.
2/Lt L Jones (MMG Company) to B Company.
Lt J Griffiths (AA Company) to C Company.
Lt J Asker (Mortar Company) to D Company.
Lt D J Wright (Mortar Company) to 1st line reinforcement D Company.
2/Lt R N Thornhill (Mortar Company) to D Company.
2/Lt R Jennings (Mortar Company) to D Company.
Captain R F Green (2 i/c Mortar Company) to Holding Company.
Lt T W Tyer (2 i/c AA Company) to Holding Company.
2/Lt B I Green (AA Company) to Holding Company.
Lt D B Wilson (AA Company) to Holding Company.
2/Lt D Coffey (MMG Company) to Holding Company.
Captain C J Reay (Admin Officer) and 2/Lt J P F E Warner (Signals Officer) remain temporarily with B Company to clear up B Group and start off B Company.
30 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
Battalion HQ Main Body move to Rollesby Hall. As a result of the re-organisation, Battalion HQ has been enlarged, by transfers from Groups to Battalion HQ and HQ Company, the three MG Companies are to be built up on the existing MG Companies of A, B and C Groups. The Mortar Company (D Company) is to be formed from selected Mortar-trained personnel of all Groups.
The new locations are as follows:-
Battalion HQ and HQ Company – Rollesby Hall
Battalion Officers’ Mess is at Broadlands (a mile from the Hall).
A Company and C Company are at Corton.
B and D Companies are at Caister.
The Holding Company, under the command of Captain Palmer occupy billets in the rectory and Old Court House at Rollesby and is prepared to absorb personnel rendered surplus by the re-organisation.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
RC Church Parade at Catholic Church, Regent Road, Yarmouth.
31 January 1944 – Bn HQ.
Commanding Officer’s Conference with all Company Commanders to discuss administration problems arising out of Groups reverting to Battalion command. Company Commanders were told to complete selection of NCOs and men for the new Companies and where NCOs or tradesmen are prepared to revert consequent on re-organisation of numbers to obtain signed certificates from them ready for publication on Orders.
“B” Group – Caister on Sea.
Lt Ross’s Range Taking Cadre starts again after interruption owing to re-organisation.
Group Commander relinquishes powers of detachment command.
Monthly Summary – Bn HQ.
This has been a month of stock-taking and straightening up after the arrival of the whole Battalion from Scotland. Much attention has been paid to completing inoculations and vaccinations and all ranks have had a new experience in being jabbed three times for Typhus inoculation which was found to be completely painless.
The outstanding element of the month, or of the War for that matter, is receipt of the news that the Battalion is once more to resume operations as a fighting unit, and that the appalling Brigade Support Group nightmare is at an end.
Appendices attached to the January 1944 War Diary of 2nd Battalion Kensington Regiment.
Field Return – Officers – 29 January 1944.
The first page – the overall summary – attached to the file was for “C” Support Group only and showed an establishment of 22 Officers – one Major, 7 Captains or Majors and 14 Lieutenants. Overall there was a surplus of one Major and a deficiency of one Captain and one Lieutenant (Anti-Aircraft)
The second page of the Return listed the individual Officers, their roles, and the dates they had been taken on strength and when they had been appointed to their present positions. The details will be extracted from this return and added to the individual pages in the manpower list.
Re-organisation of 2nd Battalion Princess Louise’s Kensington Regiment.
The first page described, in detail, the process of moving from one organisational structure to another, as summarised in the notes above. The second stage listed the detailed movements to be carried out in terms of transfers of men and appointment of Officers. The third sheet showed a listing of each sub-unit and the Officers who would be in each of those sub-units.
The information included in these pages will, in due time, be added to the individual pages of the manpower list.
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