2nd Battalion, Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment War Diary - July 1944
1 July 1944
A Company
In spite of furious counter-attacks all day on the left forward Battalion front our Platoons were not involved. A Section of 5 Platoon supported a local attack on a Platoon level carried out by the KOYLI on an orchard known to contain a Tiger and a number of men, The Section gave flanking support successfully but owing to the loss of the Patrol Leader just before the final assault the rest of the party failed its objective. 4 Platoon carried out a map shoot at 21:00 hours harassing area of Chateau Vendes. The guns fired well and got rid of 12 belts per gun. Immediately after the shoot a mortar stonk came down on the adjoining field. At 24:00 hours 4 Platoon relieved 5 Platoon taking over their positions and 5 Platoon returned to the reserve Platoon area.
B Company
Same locations. During the morning German counter-attack was brought to bear on 1 Tyneside Scottish. 7 Platoon fired during this phase. Counter attack was beaten off. 6 Platoon night shoot harassing fire.
8 Platoon changed positions with 6 Platoon. Sgt Bass admitted to hospital with food poisoning.
C Company
9 Platoon in action. One gun number killed. His Gun Cpl, the other gun number and Driver – Mechanic evacuated suffering from exhaustion.
10 Platoon. One Driver-Mechanic wounded in foot by shell splinter whilst Platoon harbouring with Company HQ. Company HQ - heavy shelling early hours of the morning. One casualty. C/Sgt Breckill shell splinters in thigh – evacuated. A number of narrow escapes from shell Splinters. New draft – five Privates (1 Driver Mechanic) allotted to platoons.
9 Platoon in action, area point 110, 891655. Attacked throughout day.
D Company
A day of many counter-attacks by enemy from direction of QUEUDEVILLE – Bretteville and ETTE areas. Numbers of tanks reported knocked out. Enemy mortar positions mortared continuously and harrassing fire put down from 05:30 – 23:00 hours by 12 and 13 Platoons. 14 and 15 returned during evening from rest and 12 and 13 Platoons went back to rear Company HQ for their rest. Company suffered first War Casualty, Pte Heasman who was slightly wounded in the forehead by shrapnel from early morning shelling of 146 Brigade area. Sent to Base Hospital. The day ended very quickly with all counter-attacks repulsed and lost ground practically all regained.
2 July 1944
Extract from Sunday Times of 2nd July published, in regard to actions fought by 49 Infantry Division since landing - and a copy attached to the War Diary – for details see below.
A Company
Locations unchanged. O.C. 3 Platoon reported he was unable to move down from Observation Post with the forward Section because a Tiger tank was in the middle of Tessel WOOD. Later found that two tanks appeared and were shot at by HALLAMS Anti-Tank guns which scored a hit on one turret. Both got away. Otherwise quiet day.
B Company
7 Platoon 888682, 6 Platoon fire at every half hour – harassing fire.
C Company
11 Platoon relieve 9 Platoon.
D Company
Day opened with practically no enemy activity at all. Enemy mortar targets were fired on at 06:35 by 12 and 13 Platoons in the BRETTEVILLETTE area in reply to one volley on his part. Morning spent in recces for more forward positions. No 12 Platoon moved to an area around LA GDE FERME. Exact location not yet available. Later 87506627.
3 July 1944
A Company
Locations unchanged. 5 Platoon assisted HALLAMS in a raid on BARBEE FERME during the night 3rd/4th. A small party with strong fire power was to attack the farm after an artillery stonk and a concentration by 3” mortars whilst a Section of Machine Guns carried out a neutralisation task on known enemy positions. The shoot by 5 Platoon went well and two calls for neutralising fire in addition to the arranged programme were made during the Operation. O.C. 3 Platoon (in support of HALLAMS) sat himself at Battalion HQ with his 22 Set and acted as the link between OC Patrol and the Machine Guns of 5 Platoon who were better placed to give the necessary support. The raid did not get far, being held up by superior firepower on their start line.
B Company
Same locations. Monday was a very quiet day in the Platoon areas and apart from spasmodic mortaring activity was nil. A few shells, believed to be fired by Tiger tanks, fell in Company HQ area causing no damage or casualties. At 18:00 hours 6 and 8 Platoons were engaged in a harassing shoot during the stonking of JUVIGNY wood by Royal Artillery, 4.2” mortars and Medium Machine Guns.
C Company
New draft – five Privates. Brigade relieved for a few days of rest. Placed in reserve. Company relieved by 8 Manchesters 53 Division. Company HQ, 9 Platoon and 10 Platoon move to rest at midday to Carcagny 891655. 11 Platoon remained in occupation of positions area point 110. Relieved in the evening by Platoon of 8 Manchester Regiment, 53 Division. Whole Company together in HQ Company area.
D Company
No 12 and 13 Platoons fired on BORDEL area Mortar position at 05:30 hours. At 07:00 hours the two square orchards West of BORDEL. At 08:15 hours 14 and 15 Platoons fired on woods West of BRETTEVILLETTE. Major P. Pardoe, 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment, together with C.O. Lt Col Townsend, arrived to take over as 70 Brigade were to be relieved by 71 Brigade of 53 Division. Company Commander took Major Pardoe on recce of new position of 12 Platoon at 878664 and then on to Observation Post at Rauray. On return from recce C.O. 2nd Kensingtons informed Company Commander that as from 18:00 hours the Company, less Company rear HQ was to come under command of 146 Brigade, 147 Brigade was to have a call on the Company for fire. At 11:30 hours No 14 and 15 Platoons fired on wood 879649. In the evening the Company fired all 4 Platoons on area of JUVIGNY wood. No 12 was moved back to original position at 11:30 hours. Task was (i) H – 12 to H – circle of roads and road junction 848663. (ii) Square wood 852663 from H + 5 to H + 15. (iii) No 14 Platoon on 848659 and remaining three Platoons on area of Ride and wood 848655 from H + 20 to H + 30. Immediately afterwards the Boche put down heavy concentrations of air bursts on the 4 mortar positions. On the 3rd dose Sgt Hale, L/Sgt Bulleid, L/Sgt Burwood, Cpl Hornett, Pte Grisbrock, were all wounded and immediately taken to Regimental Aid Post of Field Ambulance (187th) attached to 70 Brigade. L/Sgt Bulleid died during the night 3rd/4th July.
4 July 1944
Battalion HQ
Messsage received from Commander 49 Division congratulating Battalion on their excellent work throughout their period in France . A Special Order of the Day was issued and attached as an Appendix to the War Diary. (For details see below).
A Company
Quiet day. Company HQ moved with Brigade HQ to 870692 immediately North of PARC DE BOISLANDE. Other locations unchanged.
B Company
Same locations. 7 ME 109s flew over Company HQ area at midday. A few shells fell in the Company HQ area with no effect. At 20:30 hours and again at 01:30 hours 5 July 8 Platoon fired approximately 10 belts per gun in a harassing shoot.
C Company
Company resting and cleaning. All Company bathed and majority visited either cinema or theatre in BAYEUX. Padre holds Church Service.
D Company
Several mortar positions were stonked during the day. 14 Platoon keeping up a harassing fire throughout the day on area BORDEL. Front very quiet. Captain Fulcher returned from Royal Scots Fusiliers to Tactical HQ and Captain Clayden took over from him. Captain King was mortar representative with 4 LINCOLNS whilst Captain Nichol was with HALLAMS. Captain Archer with KOYLI. Tactical HQ move to area 871692.
5 July 1944
A Company
Quiet day. Locations unchanged. Slight mortaring of Tessel WOOD. Platoons but sporadic. No casualties.
B Company
Same locations. Again day quiet. Enemy activity very slight, confined to a few mortar shells being fired. 6 Platoon did a harassing shoot in the evening.
C Company
As for 4 July.
D Company
Tactical HQ was reorganised on proper basis with Captain Fulcher acting as 2 i/c. Promotions to fill vacancies were as follows:-
Sgt Gough to be Platoon Sergeant 14 Platoon.
L/Sgt Adams – Junior Section Commander 14 Platoon to be Sergeant.
L/Sgt Mortimer to be Sergeant and Junior Section Commander 12 Platoon.
Corporals Evans, Rees-Watkins, Bond and Allen to be L/Sgts.
L/Cpls Smith and Madden to be Corporals.
Pte Dawkins to be Cpl.
Pte Drury and Pte Buckley to be L/Cpls.
In the afternoon following task taken on for 146 Brigade: 15:30 and 16:00 area South of JUVIGNY wood. Several enemy mortar positions were given to Company but owing to closeness of our own lines and or patrols it was not possible to fire. A few rounds of harassing fire were laid down by each Platoon.
6 July 1944
Battalion HQ
2nd Kensingtons Operation Instruction No 1 issued to Companies and attached to the War Diary as Appendix C. (Copy of document has not survived).
A Company
5 Platoon carried out a map shoot in the early evening harassing what is known to be a Company HQ and a certain amount of concentration of bodies in the area of LA PTE FERME. 1943 ammunition used resulting in a number of breakages and a large number of No 4 stoppages.
B Company
Same locations. Day again quiet. 8 Platoon harassing shoot on area BORDEL 874639 during evening.
C Company
10 Platoon moved during night into defensive position 833678 taking over Platoon area at 062359 from A Company 2nd Cheshires, 151 Infantry Brigade, 50th Division.
D Company
No ammunition allotted except for known active mortar targets, in which event 30 rounds per mortar were to be expended. A few active mortar positions engaged during the day.
7 July 1944
A Company
5 Platoon relieved 3 Platoon taking over identical positions, whilst 3 Platoon returned to reserve Platoon position. Otherwise no change in locations and no noteworthy events.
B Company
Same locations. Nothing to report.
C Company
Company HQ, 9 and 11 Platoons move off during afternoon. Company HQ 822708, 9 Platoon 825698, 11 Platoon 833636. Both 9 and 11 Platoons in depth but able to fire at call from forward infantry. RAF raid on CAEN and Area seen.
D Company
Ammunition allotment 20 rounds per mortar for active known targets only. A few were engaged during the day. No 15 Platoon took over from 13 Platoon Cheshire Regiment under command 151 Brigade at 12:00 hours 835682. Captain Archer reported to 70 Brigade as Mortar Representative. No 14 Platoon moved up to Tilly-Sur-Seulles area and took up position at 848680 and came under command 70 Brigade as from 0720.
No 12 and 13 Platoons moved to area 871673. No firing took place from 12 or 13 Platoons during the night. No 15 Platoon fired on targets in the area of VAAST SUR SEULLES during the night under command 151 Brigade.
8 July 1944
A Company
3 Platoon relieved a Platoon of B Company who are returning to rest area, at 11:00 hours in support of 7 DWR in an orchard, immediately South of St NICHOLAS Farm. Locations otherwise unchanged.
B Company
Company moves to Battalion HQ area during morning for rest and maintenance.
C Company
Company HQ moved during morning to 831705.
9 July 1944
Battalion HQ
Letter written to Companies on the subject of Medium Machine-Gun ammunition.
A Company
Quiet day – locations unchanged.
B Company
Battalion HQ area. Nothing to report. One casualty in the evening, Driver/Operator owing to accident with loaded rifle.
C Company
9 and 11 Platoons harassed at 05:30 hours, 10:00 hours and 11:00 hours. Targets South of Tilly-Sur-Seulles. 20:00 hours slight shelling in valley East of Company HQ.
D Company
Quiet day on both Brigade fronts. Ammunition dumped with 14 and 15 Platoons for possible shoot on 10th July 1944.
10 July 1944
A Company
3 Platoon carried out harassing shoot on VENDES crossroads in the evening. Shoot followed by some airburst shells on the same alignment as the gun positions. Presumed some effect was felt.
B Company
Area Battalion HQ – Company in rest area.
C Company
Company in support 231 Infantry Brigade. 9 and 11 Platoons harassing fire 11:00 hours for 30 minutes.
D Company
No 12 and 13 Platoons took part in supporting raid by D Company HALLAMS in area VENDES. H hour 15:00 hours. Targets engaged by 12 and 13 Platoons – mortar locality and suspected Battalion HQ in buildings 858648 and a mortar position at 866644. After raid area around mortar position was continually shelled. One landed in field next to position and Pte Fishman D was wounded in the shoulder. 14 and 15 Platoons quiet day – came under command 50 Division 20:00 hours.
11 July 1944
A Company
3 Platoon occupied position at 06:30 hours from which they were to assist in a diversionary attack by fire on JUVIGNY WOOD whilst attack put in by 50 Division on the right was being carried out. Owing to a hold-up in reaching 2nd objective this diversion was not staged till 16:30 hours. Guns fired approximately 30 minutes. In evening B Company took over the position at St NICHOLAS FARM and 3 Platoon returned to original position at LES HAUTS VENTS.
B Company
Same location. 8 Platoon move off 06:00 hours for shoot in support of attack on Hottot-Les-Bagues. During the day’s firing 130 belts per gun were expended. No Casualties. Company HQ and Platoons take up positions in forward areas. Advance Company HQ move 16:00 hours, remainder OF Company move 18:00 hours. Locations – Company HQ 873702, 6 Platoon 884765, 7 Platoon 883671, 8 Platoon move into reserve area with Company HQ after firing.
C Company
9 and 11 Platoons with 8 Platoon put down supporting fire in 231 Brigade’s attack on Hottot-Les-Bagues. O.C. with Tactical HQ set up at 834682, 2 i/c and CSM with Admin. HQ 858685. Three Platoons fired 465000 rounds, firing from 07:00 to 21:30 with few breaks. Map refs 9 Platoon 862685, 11 Platoon 855685, 8 Platoon 861682. Company HQ heavy shelling early hours of the morning. More shelling at 07:00 hours. Airbursts in Company HQ and Brigade area.
D Company
Captain Archer moved to HQ C Company at 834682 at 05:30 hours in order to be in position for controlling fire of 14 and 15 Platoons whilst in support of 50 Division attack on Hottot-Les-Bagues. Captain Archer left his rear link set with 70 Brigade HQ. Pte Smith – Driver/Operator was killed at 07:30 hours by airburst shell. Buried by Padre. 8 targets in area Hottot-Les-Bagues, VAAST SUR SEULLES, and PONT SURE PIQUETS, engaged in three phases.
On 3rd phase code word Lettuce, 12 and 13 Platoons were to support a deceptive diversionary attack by ¼ KOYLI on area LA PTE FERME to assist 1 Tyneside Scots to reach line of Hottot-Les-Bagues – JUVIGNY road. Targets engaged were: orchard 854659 (b) buildings LA PTE FERME and then lifts in three periods (i) H – 10 to H – 3, H + 4 – H +20, H + 21 – H + 35. Fifty rounds per mortar allowed for this. A further 25 rounds were allotted for destructive fire.
12 July 1944
A Company
A good deal of mortaring occurred in Tessel WOOD throughout the day. 2 in mortar knocked out, one of the guns of forward Section of 5 Platoon South West corner of the wood by direct hit during morning. Cpl Clark crouching in slit trench immediately behind gun was unhurt. The gun tripod and equipment were immediately replaced. A mortar “crump” later in the day on HQ 5 Platoon holed the radiator of a carrier and damaged three rifles beyond repair. Cooks allotted to Platoons in the afternoon and by the evening had already started work on building ovens in Platoon HQs. They were very happy to be taking a more active part with the Platoons. During night 12/13 July right forward Company of HALLAMS withdrawn owing to heavy mortaring which had caused casualties and the forward Section of 5 Platoon was at first thought to have been left unprotected out in the blue. It was later found that 7 Brens and two Anti-Tank guns remained grouped around the Section and that therefore they had been adequately looked after.
B Company
Same locations. Nothing to report.
C Company
9 and 11 Platoons and 8 Platoon of B Company remained in position. Prepared to put down Defensive Fire in the event of further advance to Hottot-Les-Bagues.
D Company
Battalion allotment of 25 rounds per mortar for CM fire was made. Only 8 rounds expended on RED targets given us by CMO and 70 Brigade. Became known that Sgt Bridges had been evacuated to UK with a burnt hand. 20:00 hours 14 and 15 Platoons came under command of 70 Brigade. Captain Archer returned to 70 Brigade HQ.
13 July 1944
Battalion HQ
Amendments and CM instructions issued today. These were attached to the War Diary as Appendix E (Document has not survived in the file).
A Company
Locations – no change. 25 men visited cinema and saw “Song of Russia”.
B Company
Same locations. Nothing of importance. In the evening, 147 Brigade relieve 158 Brigade. Locations – Company HQ same area, 6 Platoon 890856, 7 Platoon 887659, 8 Platoon in reserve Company HQ Area. 7 and 6 Platoons relieve Platoons of B Company 1st Manchester Regiment.
C Company
Poppycock system introduced.
D Company
Allotment 25 rounds per mortar.
Following promotions: Sgt Read to be Senior Section Commander 14 Platoon. L/Sgt Allen to be Sergeant and Junior Section Commander 15 Platoon. Cpl Scott to be L/Sgt, L/Cpl Drury to be Cpl and to 15 Platoon vice Sgt Allen. Pte Johnson (14 Platoon) to L/Cpl. Captain King proceede to 147 Brigade as representative having call on 12 and 13 Platoons. 1/3 of ammunition being allotted to him daily.
14 July 1944
A Company
Poppycock system started. Mortaring and shelling Tessel WOOD positions very heavy during day. No casualties. Large bodies of troops of 59 Division invaded Brigade HQ area and the congestion of vehicles and men drew the attention of a number of low-flying recces. Long columns of supplies vehicles with this new Division appeared to be trying to make as much dust as possible on forward slopes and to be driving in a circle around Brigade HQ over and over again. 20 men visited the cinema and saw “Song of Russia”.
B Company
Same locations. Enemy air activity over Company HQ area during afternoon. One plane observed destroyed; this crashed a few fields away from Company HQ harbour area. 6 Platoon reported that mortaring of their positions was taking place in the afternoon. 8 Platoon engaged targets at BORDEL and near Bretteville in support of 11th RSF.
C Company
11 Platoon take over 10 Platoon’s position map reference 833678. Company HQ slight increase in enemy air activity. 10 Platoon move into area vacated by 11 Platoon map reference 855685.
D Company
Allotment for day 25 rounds per mortar. Major Bare attended Brigadier’s Conference at 146 Brigade HQ. 59 Division came into area North of us during the night. A system of notifying CMO HQ Royal Artillery of enemy mortaring was introduced. This system is that, on a position being mortared, the code word “Poppycock” is passed to all wireless stations in the Battalion. Captain Clayden and 12 Platoon were the first to bring into operation the new system.
15 July 1944
A Company
Very little movement on front. Low fighter cover through day. Locations unchanged. In spite of heavy spasmodic mortaring of Tessel WOOD no further casualties sustained. 15 men visited cinema in BAYEUX.
B Company
Same locations. 6 Platoon positions shelled during afternoon. Damage to one Medium Machine-Gun. No casualties to personnel. 7 Platoon fired 1800 rounds to cover 1st LEICESTERS patrol.
C Company
Recce and preliminary digging carried out by all Platoons in the area 829679 in preparation for supporting 70 Brigade attack on HAMMER WOOD and JUVIGNY WOOD.
D Company
A Company Commander and two Platoon Commanders arrived from Mortar Company 7th Royal Welch Fusiliers and were shown round the area by Major Bare and found likely mortar positions. The daily allotment was 25 rounds per mortar and a few counter mortar tasks were undertaken. Captain King was moved to Rear Company HQ with boils on his neck. Captain Nicol re[laced him as representative to 147 Brigade. Plan for attack by HALLAMS on VENDES and BARBEE FARM included support of the whole Company. 130 rounds per mortar were allocated for this task.
16 July 1944
A Company
3 and 5 Platoons heavily mortared throughout the day whilst 59 Division attacked Southwards towards MOYERS and LANDELLES. 4 Platoon assisted HALLAMS in their attack on BARBEE FARM and later throughout the day fire was called for. Finally covering the HALLAMS withdrawal to their original positions. At 09:30 Cpl George and Pte Grimes, sitting in the same slit trench, were both hit in the leg by the same mortar fragment, which fell through the small gap in their headcover. Pte Purdy evacuated suffering from shock. Direct hit on Cpl Clark’s gun in the forward Section of 5 Platoon completely wrote off gun and equipment, which fell into the trench on top of Cpl Clark. He was not injured. Prior to this Pte Wallace was hit in the thigh as a result of a mortar burst in the top of the trees and Cpl Clark was dressing his wound when the gun was hit. Sgt Morgan’s trench received a direct hit while he was in it, but owing to good head cover he escaped injury. At 24:00 hours 4 Platoon relieved 5 Platoon, and 5 Platoon returned to LES HAUTS VENTS.
B Company
Same locations.
Heavy mortaring of 6 Platoon positions during morning. Wireless temporarily out of action; remedied during morning. Heavy artillery barrage during early hours precedes attack by 59 Division in the direction of MOYERS. Attack proceeding satisfactorily. L/Sgt Cadle and Pte Boyle slightly wounded by mortar fragments.
C Company
9 and 10 Platoons support 146 Brigade attack on VENDES, 8565 and LA POINTE FERME by harassing fire, under command O.C. A Company. 4 shells in 9 Platoon gun area. Destroyed one D.V.
D Company
Company, supporting attack of HALLAMS fired on area South of CHATEAU de VENDES with 12 and 13 Platoons, 14 and 15 Platoons shooting in area PONTAUX PIQUETS. Task laster for one hour. Pte Shene D injured at about 07:30. Captain Clayden went forward with O.C. HALLAMS as representative to forward HALLAMS HQ. H Hour for this phase 06:50.
17 July 1944
A Company
Owing to right hand Brigade of 59 Division being held up, and continued resistance at VENDES, 2nd phase of attack in which KOYLI were to mop up LE LTE FE and 70 Brigade were to clear JUVIGNY WOOD did not take place as expected today. A very quiet day giving rise to impression that Hun may be withdrawing from JUVIGNY area. News received of armoured breakthrough South East of CAEN.
B Company
Locations – Company HQ 873702, 6 Platoon 890856, 7 Platoon 887659, 8 Platoon Reserve Company HQ area.
Nothing to report. Spasmodic mortaring of positions continued. No casualties.
C Company
9 and 10 Platoons to new locations – 9 Platoon 831682, 10 Platoon 829679.
Gun positions dug. Prepare to support attack.
D Company
NIL Harassing allotment. As little as possible to be used for CM and DF tasks. One target engaged. All Platoons now under command Company Commander. Plan was laid on to support 70 Brigade and 146 Brigade in an attack on 18th July. This to include smoke task. As ranging was impossible Company had the help of Air Observation Post – first time used – very satisfactory. Major Bare and Tactical HQ moved to 70 Brigade HQ, leaving remainder with 2 i/c at 146 Brigade.
13 Platoon moved to area 872663 to do smoke task. 146 Brigade HQ bombed and Captain Nicol was injured. Taken to regimental Aid Post with back injury caused by blast. Cpl Dawkins was injured in 13 Platoon when a bomb burst near him – leg injury – evacuated to Regimental Aid Post. 12 Platoon had a direct hit on to a heap of about 80 bombs. Two men were in dugout 5 yards away but were unhurt. All secondaries (charges) caught on fire. Cpl Felstead and a CSM from Corps Anti-Tank gunners put out the fire. No bombs exploded, all were damaged, some splitting into two or more pieces.
18 July 1944
A Company
O0:15 hours. Flares were dropped close to PARC DE BOISLANDE and there was a colossal fireworks display to the East. The flares had hardly fallen before bombs were dropped on Company HQ area scoring a direct hit on three Brigade HQ vehicles in a very short time. All three vehicles were blazing and two were within five and 20 yards of our own vehicles. Our own vehicles were therefore dispersed into the middle of the field in very great haste and everyone went to ground again thinking that the triangle of fires around us would bring the Hun back again. Cpl Raworth was hit in the arm and evacuated immediately, together with Pte Day who became bombhappy. It was estimated in the morning that one or two large HE bombs had been dropped and that a shower of HEAP 50 kilo bombs had saturated the area and that Machine Guns had been used as well. Rest of the day spent in re-organisation of Company HQ and additional digging. KOYLI, LINCOLNS and 70 Brigade pushed forward during the day without opposition, the Hun having withdrawn a mile or two South.
C Company
Platoons remain in same locations.
D Company
Allotment for dat (?) for CM 25 rounds per mortar. None of it used. Very quiet day. Major Bare returned with Tactical HQ to former area. Captain Archer returned as representative with 70 Brigade. Captain Clayden returned to 12 Platoon from 1 Tyneside Scottish.
At 02:30 hours Lt Asker was ordered to be ready to go as representative with 4 LINCS at 07:30 hours 19th July. Attack by 146 and 70 Brigade postponed.
19 July 1944
A Company
News received early that 146 Brigade were to be relieved and were to rest in the area of Carcagny. We came into the Battalion HQ area early in the afternoon, and the Company settled in some new very pleasant fields bordered by the SEULLE.
C Company
10 Platoon moved to 852664. Positions dug for an indirect shoot. One Officer and 9 Other Ranks proceeded to Rest Camp.
D Company
Ammunition allotment same as yesterday. Lt Asker reported as representative to 4th LINCOLNS at 07:30 hours. No firing as Lincs walked into their positions without any opposition. 12, 14 and 15 Platoons ordered to recce forward positions. At 12:00 hours Company less 13 and 14 Platoons returned to rear HQ for rest. 13 and 14 Platoons to be under command 70 Brigade. Captain King replaced Captain Archer as representative with 70 Brigade. 13 and 14 Platoons moved to area 867657. Remainder of Company returned to rear HQ by 18:00 hours.
20 July 1944
A Company
Weather lovely and general re-organisation and cleaning carried out. News received in evening that we move tomorrow to an area South East of CAEN. This was almost immediately postponed for 24 hours, but not before most of the packing had been done.
B Company
Entire Company move to area Battalion HQ 844754 for rest and maintenance.
C Company
Company HQ and Platoons prepare to move to harbouring area, prior to taking over defence sector from Brigades of 3rd British Division and 51st Division - 1 Corps.
D Company
13 and 14 Platoons still under command 70 Brigade. 25 rounds per mortar for CM. No firing. Remainder of Company had late Reveille and spent day cleaning up. Captain Fenwick arrived to take over 14 Platoon vice Captain Nicol, now evacuated to UK.
21 – 22 July 1944
A Company
Still further postponement of move. Company settled down to enjoy one or more days in present area.
21 July 1944
B Company
Advance Party move to recce new area 097709 09:30 hours. Party composed of 2 i/c Company and 10 men with mine detectors. Move postponed 24 hours. Recce party recalled – move postponed further 24 hours – recce party returned in evening.
C Company
9 and 11 Platoons harbour in Company area early morning. 7th Royal Northumberland Fusiliers take over all Machine-Gun commitments at 17:00 hours. 10Platoon move to Company harbour area during evening.
D Company
13 and 14 Platoons ordered to come into rest at rear HQ – arrived about 17:00 hours. Remainder of Company again spent day cleaning up. This was difficult as it rained most of the day.
22 July 1944
B Company
10:00 hours. O.C.Company to recce new area in Jeep.
C Company
O.C. recce new area. Platoons at rest reconditioning stores etc. Three Other Ranks proceed to Rest Camp.
D Company
Rain most of the day. O.C. Company went on recce, new area South East of CAEN. One Officer and 12 Other Ranks went to Rest Camp for three days.
23 July 1944
A Company
Remained in Rest Area.
B Company
Company HQ and wheeled vehicle party moved to Brigade Start Point in the evening.
C Company
Platoons at rest reconditioning stores etc. Church service held by Padre. 2 i/c Company and advance party proceed to new area to recce concentration area for Company HQ and one Platoon.
D Company
Whole Company attended Battalion Church Parade. O.C. Company, Captain Archer, and Captain Clayden proceeded on recce of new area. Move Order arrived during afternoon and everything packed ready to move on 24th. Company football team played Battalion HQ and lost 2 – NIL.
24 July 1944
A Company
Company still in rest area. Football – 4 Platoon vs Company HQ – 4 Platoon won 6 – 3.
B Company
Wheeled vehicle party moved to CAEN Sector 02:30 hours. Tracked vehicles party moved to CAEN Sector 06:30 hourts. Move uneventful. Arrived St HONORINE LE CHARDONERETTE 097708 and complete Company remains for day. 3 Platoon A Company attached B Company whilst in CAEN Sector. Task – Defence.
C Company
Company HQ including wheeled vehicles of Platoons moved at 06:15 hours and arrived 097675 about 10:00 hours. Platoons moving by way of tracked vehicle route arrived Company HQ area during the evening. 9 Platoon Commander’s Carrier struck a mine just off track 076785. Carrier blown up and overturned crew were thrown clear. Platoon Commander was shaken and bruised and his batman received minor injuries to hand and buttock and was evacuated. Mine thought to be a Tellermine and 11 Platoon Carrier and crew lost way and are missing. Four Carrier casualties en route taken to Light Aid Detachment. Carriers had some trouble in negotiating the thick mud en route. Company 2 i/c received a leg injury whilst riding a motorcycle and evacuated.
D Company
Company ordered to move to area 104725 South East of CAEN, North East of St HONORINE. Arrived new area by 14:00 hours. Captain Archer and Captain Clayden proceeded to recce Platoon areas. 12 and 14 Platoons moved into position 105651 and 13 and 15 Platoons 116659. Captain Archer moved to 70 Brigade as a representative. Captain Clayden stayed night at Battalion HQ, Tactical HQ and Company HQ. Area bombed during the night – bombs dropped near 15 Platoon – no casualties. 25 rounds per mortar allotted for CM – no firing.
25 July 1944
A Company
3 Platoon A Company moved to B Company and came under command. Remainder of Company prepared to move to new area to take place at 23:00 hours. Recce party with Platoon Commanders and CSM left at 15:00 hours. Move postponed in the evening till dawn 26th July.
B Company
8 Platoon HQ established area FRENOUVILLE 10146325 with 11th Royal Scots Fusiliers. 3 Platoon A Company one casualty Pte Griggs, Sten Gun shot through foot by accident. 7 Platoon HQ established area Cagny 11326389 with 7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. 6 Platoon HQ established area Cagny 11236318 with 1st LEICESTERS. Tactical HQ established area Brigade HQ 098659. Enemy mortar and shelling during the day – no casualties. Enemy aircraft active over rear areas during the day.
C Company
Enemy bombing North of Company HQ location. 10 and 11 Platoons take up positions at 08:00 hours. 10 Platoon 115652, 11 Platoon 113664. 10 Platoon position mortared at about 22:00 hours.
D Company
13 and 15 Platoons moved to area 108664. Captain Clayden moved to 147 Brigade as representative. Allotment 25 rounds per mortar. 13 and 15 Platoons fire a few rounds CM. Some shelling and mortaring of positions during the day – no casualties.
26 July 1944
A Company
Wheeled vehicles moved at 05:30 hours. Uneventful journey over very bad route and arrived at Dispersal Point at 10:00 hours where column was met by Major Cannon. Tracked vehicles left at 08:30 hours under Lt Douet and moved by different route arriving 13:00 hours. One Carrier broke down with petrol trouble but was towed by Sgt Phillips and all reached destination safely. Company Headquarters dug in in a field in middle of ST HONORINE LA CHARDONERETTE and 4 and 5 Platoons occupied defensive positions near Demouville with Counter-penetration task. Night brought heavy attacks by mosquitos and incidental music from the Luftwaffe. No casualties.
B Company
Shelling during day. One motorcycle slightly damaged in Company HQ area. Other Rank DLI injured. Shelling and mortaring in forward areas and Pte Gilkes slightly wounded by shrapnel. Enemy aircraft bombed and machine-gunned forward positions during day – no casualties. Lt Bursey – Canadian Officer – attached to B Company admitted hospital with stomach trouble.
26 – 31 July 1944
C Company
9 Platoon take up position 128647. No change on all parts of front including Company HQ. Locations same and subject to heavy shelling. Occasional harassing shoots carried out by 11 Platoon enegaged on counter-penetration task. Lt Vaughan promoted Acting Captain and appointed 2 i/c of the Company vice Captain J T Stanyer.
D Company
Allotment 25 rounds per mortar again today for definite targets. At about 19:00 hours 13 Platoon moved forward to 119668 and engaged CHATEAU ST PIERRE CURSIN with 24 rounds per minute and them moved back to previous positions. 14 Platoon fired 14 rounds per mortar area WOOD 1261. Whole area bombed. 12 Platoon again had direct hit on to a bomb dump – 64 rounds being damaged. Sgt Jacobs wounded in the back by shell splinter and had to be evacuated. Few bombs fell in area Company HQ and HQ Company – no casualties. HQ Company had a few trucks slightly damaged. Platoon areas mortared and shelled on and off during the day.
27 July 1944
A Company
Spasmodic shelling all rounds around CUVERVILLE and Demouville with apparently little retaliation from our own artillery. Gun positions completed and vehicles dug in in all areas. Night again brought mosquitos and Luftwaffe with no casualties. Some bombs fell near Company HQ.
B Company
Spasmodic shelling and mortaring.
D Company
CM fire during day on known targets 13 and 15 Platoons fired on CHATEAU again and 12 and 14 Platoons also engage area WOOD 1261. All Platoons shelled and mortared during day. During evening L/Cpl Hope, Ptes Tulley and Bishop (12 Platoon) and Pte Whipps (14 Platoon) were sent back to Regimental Aid Post suffering from exhaustion. About 22:00 hours Cpl Smith, Ptes Pope and Edwards all slightly wounded, arms and face. Captain Fenwick was helping to load them into Carrier taking them to RAP when another shell burst and wounded him in the leg. Captain Fenwick evacuated to the UK.
28 July 1944
A Company
No change in locations. Spasmodic shelling through day from East, South East and South West. Evening, while cleaning Sten Gun Pte Fielding (Driver Operator Company HQ) shot himself through right breast. Remained calm and was quite unruffled when he left in an ambulance. Air Raid during night considerably lighter than usual. Anti-Gas ointment came into use against mosquitos.
B Company
Two Other Ranks (Ptes Perry and O’Rourke) injured by shell splinters and admitted to the Advanced Dressing Station.
D Company
CM (counter-mortar?) work again only job given. 13 and 15 Platoons fired 10 rounds on bridge 130637, 12 and 14 Platoons did not fire. Lt Stoltenhoff assumes command 14 Platoon. Sgt Burton 15 Platoon sent to Regimental Aid Post with exhaustion. 13 Platoon had direct hit on trailer loaded with bombs. Some of bombs burst but no casualties. Trailer written off. All positions shelled and mortared during day – no casualties.
29 July 1944
A Company
Locations – no change. Increased shelling general area of all positions and HQ during afternoon. Air raid during night slight – anti-mosquito cream now issued.
B Company
Considerable mortar and shellfire. No casualties. One gun in 8 Platoon damaged by shrapnel.
D Company
CM fire again main task for the day. Areas engaged during day WOOD 1261, bridge 130637, CHATEAU 1464 and WOOD 1465. All positions mortared and shelled, some damage to two mortars. Vehicles and trailers slightly damaged.
30 July 1944
A Company
Quiet day – locations no change.
B Company
Shelling Tactical HQ area forward areas continues. Mortaring of forward areas – no damage or casualties reported.
D Company
Several known enemy positions engaged – very quiet day.
31 July 1944
A Company
Light shelling in neighbourhood during the afternoon – Company HQ. News received 146 Brigade taking over from 89 Brigade of 3 Division tomorrow. Recce party and harbour party leave 21:00 hours for new area. 4 and 5 Platoons move late today. 3 Platoon remaining under command B Company. 4 Platoon have one Section on wheels and occupy defensive positions 300 yards from enemy in BOIS DE BURES whilst 5 Platoon have two Section positions in Sannerville approximately 100 yards apart, one firing penetration task and the other carrying our defensive task in a gap between KOYLI and LINCOLNS.
Monthly Summary
The outstanding tactical event of the month has been the transfer of 49 Division from 30 Corps to 1 Corps. One result of this has been that there are now three Battalions of the Regiment in the same Corps, 2nd Middlesex with 3 Division, 1/7 Middlesex with 51 Division and ourselves in 49 Division. There have been several opportunities for visits and the renewal of acquaintances.
There have also been some major communication experiments in the first few days of the month. It was decided to put all the Machine-Gun Companies and Platoons on to the one net and to utilise the Company rear link sets rendered superfluous as Company Commanders’ rovers, to be used on a flick between Company and Brigade HQ. The HQ Company set has been brought up to Battalion HQ as Control set on the mortar net to D Company and Platoons. This arrangement has been tremendously successful, to everyone’s surprise, and has enormous advantages over the previous system.
The C.O. has become responsible for the co-ordination of all counter-mortar activities in the Division, and a plan designed to link all the sources of information at a CM Office which can call for fire from Corps or Divisional artillery, 4.2” mortars and 3” mortars is slowly coming into being.
The big difficulty is lack of personnel and communications to work it, but it is hoped that a War Establishment will shortly be approved. The Division has already gained a marked ascendancy over the enemy mortars, which had previously been causing many casualties.. Pending an official War Establishment Lieut G.A. Hunt (Assistant Adjutant) is performing the duties of Counter-Mortar Officer and is established at HQ, Royal Artillery.
Appendices attached to the 2nd Kensingtons War Diary for July 1944 (other Appendices do not appear to have survived in the file).
Times Press Cutting 2 July 1944 – attached to the War Diary as Appendix A.
NEW TROOPS’ SUCCESS
Training Vindicated
In the fierce fighting which preceded the present lull one of the newest British Divisions – it cannot be named as yet – has won its spurs with glory. Meeting the whole force of the thrust made by the heaviest German armour, which cut through our positions and infiltrated into the rear or came round on the flanks, these green troops fought magnificently.
Battling often in little pockets, cut off from all contact with their other units, these men, never before in action and commanded by junior Officers who acted with calm intelligence and judgement, wreaked havoc among the German armour and infantry which outflanked or surrounded them.
Never before has the British battle training, the inoculation under fire through minefields and barrage, been more amply justified.
The 56 ton Tiger tank and its smaller brother, the 45 ton Panther, had no terrors for these troops. The wrecks of the giants, which their Anti-Tank and PIAT guns knocked out, and the bodies of hundreds of German infantry, who thought to consolidate ground the Tigers would gain, now lie in the woods and copses and fields.
Divisions like the 50th Northumbrian and the 51st Highland, who have laurels galore, can well be proud that alongside them a brand-new untried Division did everything that their experience had shown should be done in battle. Theirs is a pride of other brothers in the cadet who made good in his first trial.
Order of the Day – 4th July 1944 - attached to the War Diary as Appendix B.
This Special Order of the Day by Lt Col Brock quoted a message from the Divisional Commander as follows:-
“Will you please convey my congratulations to your Battalion on the excellent co-operation they have given to the three Brigades and their individual Battalions during the fighting since the Division has been engaged. I have had more than one message of appreciation from Brigade Commanders which shows a most satisfactory state of affairs. I should like to make special mention of the gallant team who remained fighting in the Parc du Boislande on 18th June and on the 110 feature on 1st July. These actions have given the Infantry the greatest confidence in your unit and I must congratulate you personally on the results obtained and the splendid way your chaps have kept up the good name of your regiment and the Division. The best of luck for the future!”
The Colonel added – “This reflects great credit on all concerned. I am confident that all the platoons which have so far performed merely routine battle tasks will prove themselves equally steady and determined in action when the time comes”.
List of those killed during July (the details on the Appendix have been added to the individual Memorial pages).
1 July 1944 14633009 Pte Henry McNulty
3 July 1944 6214329 L/Sgt Leonard George Henry Bulleid
11 July 1944 832206 Pte Henry Thomas Smith
3 August 1944 14617787 Pte Thomas Norris
List of those wounded during July – three pages (the details on the Appendix have been added to the individual Memorial pages).
1 July 1944 Cpl A Graydon
1 July 1944 Pte R Howell
1 July 1944 Pte M Collyer
1 July 1944 Pte J Johnston
1 July 1944 Pte E Warland
1 July 1944 Pte R Heasman
3 July 1944 Sgt P Hale
3 July 1944 L/Sgt A Burwood
3 July 1944 Cpl G Hornett
3 July 1944 Pte E Grisbrook
12 July 1944 Pte D Fishman
16 July 1944 Pte D Shave
16 July 1944 L/Sgt H Cadle
17 July 1944 Cpl A George
17 July 1944 Pte W Grimes
17 July 1944 Pte J Wallace
18 July 1944 A/Capt W Q Nicol
18 July 1944 Cpl J Dawkins
18 July 1944 Cpl W Raworth
25 July 1944 Pte C Rouse
25 July 1944 Pte P Collins
26 July 1944 Pte A Hart
26 July 1944 Pte H King
27 July 1944 Sgt R Jacobs
28 July 1944 T/Captain A A H Fenwick
28 July 1944 Pte J Edwards
28 July 1944 Pte G Pope
28 July 1944 Cpl W Smith
29 July 1944 Pte J O’Rourke
29 July 1944 Pte G Perry
26 July 1944 Pte R Gilkes
16 July 1944 Pte J Boyle
16 July 1944 L/Sgt E Etherington
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