2nd Battalion, Princess Louise's Kensington Regiment War Diary - October 1943
1 October 1943
Groups prepare for Exercise “Bridgehead”.
2 October 1943
1 Corps Exercise “Bridgehead” – object – to discover what degree of congestion is likely to take place in a covering position on D Day, begins – Area Troon, Ayrshire. All groups at their Assault Scales participated with their Brigades and Battalion HQ formed part of the Chief Umpire’s staff at static Divisional HQ. The RAF took part, acting both as enemy and allied planes, and German land forces were represented by troops of 3 Infantry Division and 33 Tank Brigade. This exercise, to a greater exte4nt than any previous, has given the “private soldier” of the Battalion some idea of the important part he has to play. “Bridgehead” also gave the Officers of the Battalion a really splendid opportunity to get to know the Brigade and Battalion Commanders with whom they are to work.
The weather throughout the whole exercise was appalling with constant rain and wind. But in spite of the discomforts that all troops suffered the morale was very high.
Captains Frary and Hulbert and 2/Lt Knight attend short Educational Course at the Training Centre, Jordanhill.
5 October 1943
2/Lts Ross and Joseph proceed to S.A.S. Netheravon to attend MMG Course No. 25.
Advance Party from “A” Group of Officers and Sergeants proceed to Inveraray to attend a four-day cadre in Combined Operations in preparation for the coming 146 Brigade Combined Operations training programme.
Exercise “Bridgehead” ends.
7 October 1943
“C” Group move to Rothesay to begin a three week period of Combined Operations with 70th Brigade, which include numerous assault exercises in which all arms, including the RAF participate.
8 October 1943
Exercise “Remedy” begins. Object is to test Medical and REME Units in the evacuation of battle casualties. Battalion HQ participated in their normal battle role as HQ of the Divisional Admin. Area.
10 October 1943
A most important day in our history, for today official Mobilisation Orders have been received from War Office. However, the C.O. has not yet received authority to promote Officers and Other Ranks within the third Group. The reason – the vacancies are to be filled by transfers from the Motor Battalions. Consequently, the men that are fully qualified in the Support Group weapons, have put in much hard work during the last three months, are not to be promoted, while substantive NCO’s from the Motor Battalions, knowing nothing of the Suuport Group weapons are to hold the positions.
“A” Group as part of 146 Brigade commence a three week programme in Combined Operations at the Combined Training Centre, Inveraray.
Exercise “Remedy” ends.
Major Jacobson assumes command of “B” Group vice Major Ayscough, who now commands the Mortar Company of “A” Group.
11 October 1943
Almost every day now Officers of the Norwegian Forces, who form part of the Mountain Warfare Brigade that are to occupy Callender Area after us, are seen inspecting the billets. The Crown Prince of Norway, a General in the Norwegian Army, visited Battalion HQ, after being introduced to the Commanding Officer, was shown over prospective Mountain Warfare Areas by Major D’Abo.
15 October 1943
2/Lt V de P C Johnson, of “A” Group, returns from the Infantry Motor Cycling School, Keswick having obtained the qualification Q1.
19 October 1943
Major Lovibond, HQ Company Commander of “A” Group is admitted to the Harrogate General Hospital with cartilage trouble in his leg.
21 October 1943
The Commanding Officer visits “C” Group, who are at the Combined Operations Training Centre at Rothesay and confers with the Group and Company Commanders on training. The Companies on exercise performing in their new assault roles are inspected by the Commanding Officer.
The Commanding Officer has now visited both Groups. “A” Group at Inverary and “C” Group at Rothesay and on the latter visit was very surprised to find that in the Training Programmes no time had been allotted for the very necessary vehicle maintenance, after the landing exercises when the vehicles had been half immersed in water.
25 October 1943
Lt D E Englehart, the Divisional Intelligence Officer visited the Battalion and lectured to Battalion HQ and “B” Group personnel, at the Palace Hotel, on “The Identification of the Enemy”. The Divisional Intelligence Officer stayed the night and a party was thrown in the Mess.
26 October 1943
Lt Englehart finishes his visit by lecturing to Battalion HQ and “B” Group personnel on Prisoner of War procedure.
Both lectures by the Divisional Intelligence Officer were of the highest standard and he is to be congratulated on the interesting way he “put them over”.
28 October 1943
Lt Brake of “A” Group, Lts Green and Wright of “B” Group return from the 4.2” Mortar Course at Netheravon.
The Regimental Audit Board under the presidency of Captain E J Fray finish auditing the Regimental Accounts of the Battalion.
29 October 1943
“A” Group returns from the Combined Training Centre, Inverary on completion of the three weeks Combined Ops Training Programme.
31 October 1943
Advance Parties of 147 Brigade, which includes that of “B” Group, proceed to the Combined Training Centre at Inverary. The Advance Parties consist mainly of Officers and Sergeants who are to attend a four day cadre in preparation for the coming three weeks of Combined Operations Training for 147 Infantry Brigade.
During the latter half of the month much new equipment has been pouring into the Battalion and the QM staff has been working overtime.
This month a large part of the Battalion was tested by a Personnel Selection Board. These tests are all of a psychological nature and are intended to classify men into certain groups of adaptability for certain jobs. The tests are part of the War Office’s effort to utilise the limited manpower of the Army to the best purpose.
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