2nd Battalion, Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment War Diary - June 1943
1 June 1943
Acting Captain G D Fulcher to be Temporary Captain with effect from 3 May 1943. 2/Lt Ursell posted from this Unit with effect from 6/4/1943. W/S Lt Bamber posted to this unit.
2 June 1943
W/S Major E S M Ayscough posted to this Unit.
3 June 1943
44 Other Ranks have passed as Driver Mechanics Class III on conclusion of Battalion Driver Mechanics Cadre.
74 Other Ranks have passed Trade Test (Signalling) on conclusion of Battalion Driver Operators Cadre.
5 June 1943
ENSA Concert given at Miners’ Rest Camp.
7 June 1943
Battalion now officially reorganised on War Establishment 11/236/2 for Brigade Support Groups only. 11/238/2 for Battalion HQ. In fact the Battalion has for some time been so organised with three Support Groups. Thus the position now is that two Groups have received official recognition and one officially does not exist. The resulting difficulties in promoting fairly to fill two thirds of the eventual vacancies are enormous and the smooth reorganisation of the Battalion is rendered impossible. A decision is expected in the near future.
The following appointments were made:
Major R E N D’Abo – Second in Command
Lieut S R Pinks – Adjutant.
Captain W A Blakely – Quartermaster.
Major E S M Ayscough – Officer Commanding “E” Group.
Lieut J E Wilmot – Adjutant and 2nd-in-command “E” Group.
Captain G D Fulcher – Officer Commanding “M” Company, “E” Group.
Captain R J Cannon – Officer Commanding “MG” Company, “E” Group.
Lieut J T Stanyer – Officer Commanding “AA” Company, “E” Group.
Major G D Paterson – Officer Commanding “F” Group.
Lieut E J Frary – Adjutant and 2nd-in-command “F” Group.
Captain T F Sheppard – Officer Commanding “M” Company, “F” Group.
Captain D A Thomas – Officer Commanding “MG” Company, “F” Group.
Major M Palmer – Officer Commanding “AA” Company, “F” Group.
Major A L Lovibond – Officer Commanding “H” Group.
Lieut I A Strawson – Adjutant and 2nd-in-command “H” Group.
Lieut P E Greville – Officer Commanding “M” Company, “H” Group.
Captain S Jacobson – Officer Commanding “MG” Company, “H” Group.
Lieut K W Attrill – Officer Commanding “AA” Company, “H” Group.
8 June 1943
Major-General Barker G.O.C. 49 Division inspected the Battalion on training. At the conclusion of his visit he stated that he was very favourably impressed with the smartness and keenness of all ranks and the enthusiasm they showed on training.
9 June 1943
Machine-Gun Concentration at Ystradfellte begins.
10 June 1943
Major E S M Ayscough assumes command of “E” Group.
Major M Palmer is transferred to “F” Group to command “AA” Company.
2/Lieut C V Brock posted to this Unit.
2/Lieuts Clayden and Vaughan joined this Unit on commissioning.
11 June 1943
The film “Desert Victory” was shown at Miners’ Rest Camp at 20:00 hours.
13 June 1943
M.G. Concentration ends.
14 June 1943
4 Drivers are sent on Course No. 1 at the Combined Operations Training Centre, Castle Toward, Rothesay.
Mine laying and lifting demonstration given to the Battalion by Western Command personnel.
2/Lieut Joseph and W/S Lieut Galt posted to this Unit.
15 June 1943
Mine laying demonstration concluded.
16 June 1943
Training Film “Bren Carriers” shown to the Battalion.
19 June 1943
Major R E N D’Abo assumes command of the Battalion during the absence of Lt Col D V G Brock on leave.
ENSA show given at Miners’ Rest Camp at 19:00 hours.
W/S Captain Beech and W/S Lt Dudley posted to this Unit.
20 June 1943
“F” Group move to the training area at Ystradfellte for five days field firing exercise of all weapons i.e. M.M.G., 4.2” Mortar and Twin Bren AA. Other Groups to follow in turn.
22 June 1943
It is announced that the 2nd–in-command will hold a Signal Training Conference attended by Signal Officers every Friday at 09:00 hours.
23 June 1943
The Commanding Officer holds an Administrative and Transport Inspection of “E” Group.
W/S Lt D Helder posted from this Unit.
24 June 1943
“F” Group returns from Ystradfellte. “E” Group to move to Ystradfellte for five day field firing exercise – all arms.
25 June 1943
2/Lt D Kennedy posted to this Unit.
Promotions :-
T/Captain R J Cannon to be A/Major
T/Captain S Jacobson to be A/Major
W/S Lt J O Aston to be A/Captain
W/S Lt S R Pinks to be A/Captain
W/S Lt J E Wilmot to be A/Captain
W/S Lt J T Stanyer to be A/Captain
W/S Lt P E Greville to be A/Captain.
W/S Lt Strawson to be A/Captain
W/S Lt K W Attrill to be A/Captain
W/S Lt E J Frary to be A/Captain
W/S Lt L C Hulbert to be A/Captain
26 June 1943
The Commanding Officer attended the C.C.A. Dinner at the Clarendon, Hammersmith.
28 June 1943
“E” Group returns from Ystradfellte. “H” Group moves to Ystradfellte for five days field firing – all arms.
29 June 1943
Lt Col D V G Brock resumes command of the Battalion.
2/Lieut D B Wilson posted to this Unit.
To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - click here.
