70th Infantry Brigade War Diary April 1942.
1st April 1942
The Brigade HQ Main Party which had left CRICKHOWELL overnight arrived at PORTMADOC Station at 05:30 hours and the new Camp at DOLFRIOG, PENRHYNDEUDRAETH at 06:45 hours. Tents had been pitched by the Advance Party but Royal Engineer work had been held up.
The Motor Transport arrived in convoy at 21:30 hours.
By the end of the day both 187 Field Ambulance and 11th DLI were established in their Camps. 454 Mountain Battery were also in their new location.
2nd April 1942
The Brigade Commander visited HQ Western Command on his return from leave, and reached DOLFRIOG early in the afternoon.
By the end of the day 10th DLI were established in their Camp.
3rd April 1942
1st Tyneside Scottish Main Party were established. Further details of the move are set out in the Administrative Summary for the month, which is attached to the War Diary as Appendix A.
4th April 1942
The Brigade Commander held two conferences – one for C.Os. of the Brigade units, and the other for all units under command during the April training period.
70th Brigade Administrative Instruction No 10 was issued and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix B.
70th Infantry Brigade was now concentrated in an area 4 miles by 2 ½ miles, for the first time in its history. In addition, 187 Field Ambulance, three Mule Companies R.I.A.S.C., two Royal Engineer Field Companies, one Royal Engineer Field Park Company and one Mountain Battery, Royal Artillery, were also concentrated in the area.
Headquarters of 1 Mountain Regiment, Royal Artillery also moved to PORTMADOC and the two other Mountain Batteries to the TRAWSFYNYDD area.
The location statement for the Brigade was attached to the War Diary as Appendix C.
6th April 1942
Training began on a Platoon and Company basis. No Motor Transport was used, nor was it necessary, as training areas were all within a few miles of the Camps. Lt Col W.M. Grylls, later 12th Frontier Force Rifles, who had been attached to the Brigade from the Western Command Pool of Umpires, had made an early reconnaissance of these training areas. A Field Firing area suitable for the 3.7 howitzers of the Mountain Batteries, and for mortars, had been found, and the use of an Anti-Tank Gun range was obtained from Western Command Assault and Battle School at LLANBERIS.
The local inhabitants looked upon this “invasion” with mixed feelings. The people of PORTMADOC and PENRHYNDEUDRAETH were very hospitable and did all they could for the welfare of the troops but the farmers viewed with suspicion the movement of men in training. This was largely due to the fact that no troops had been stationed in the area before and the area was so isolated from the War.
Living in a few isolated Camps among a few Welsh people speaking their own language, with place names long and unpronounceable, and large tracts of high land nearby, we might have been in Iceland. There was one difference – there was usually a certain amount of beer obtainable, but the supply often ran out, owing to the large number of troops concentrated in the area.
7th April 1942
The wet weather that had greeted our arrival continued throughout the week and made conditions rather uncomfortable. Camp areas became waterlogged and soon churned up into seas of mud, while clothes became saturated many times during training and it was not always easy to dry them in the tented accommodation.
8th April 1942
During the period of training in North Wales, 70th Infantry Brigade and attached troops were under the command of Western Command for operations and training and North Wales District for administration. The Brigade would have to return to South Wales in an emergency but if a surprise sea-borne or air-borne landing occurred in or near the Brigade area, the Brigade would be prepared to counter-attack. For this purpose it would come under the command of North Wales District.
The operational role was more fully detailed in Operation Instruction No 2, a copy of which was attached to the War Diary at Appendix D.
10th April 1942
The men of 70th Infantry Brigade were now in closer touch with the Indian troops than they had been before, and it was necessary to issue a few notes on the ranks of the Indian Army, some URDU expressions in common use, and some of the habits of the Indian troops, with which our men were unfamiliar. The note was attached to the War Diary as Appendix E.
11th April 1942
With the wet weather still continuing, the Transport Camp at DOL-Y-MOCH had now become almost unusable. Its site had been waterlogged originally, but ten days’ rain and continual movement of vehicles had made mud at least twelve inches deep in parts. 289 Field Park Company, Royal Engineers, was therefore moved to the driest part of this Camp, while the Motor Transport moved to PORTMADOC where large parts of the quay were taken over and an excellent Transport Park was formed. Motor Transport personnel were accommodated in billets in PORTMADOC and lived extremely comfortably.
12th April 1942
A temporary amendment to the War Establishment for the HQ of 70th Infantry Brigade was received. This involved the appointment of a Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General in addition to the post of Staff Captain. Work in the A/Q office had been considerably increased owing to the number of units under command, and to work being done for 49 Division, who’s HQ had not yet appeared in the UK. Work in the G Office had increased almost in the same proportion, but the situation was partly eased there by the presence of Lt Col W.M. Grylls, who assisted in the preparation of exercises, as well as acting as Chief Umpire.
Captain J.H. Trail assumed the appointment of D.A.A. & Q.M.G., being promoted to Acting Major. Captain D.C. MacNicol – Transport Officer - assumed the appointment of Staff Captain, which work he had often done in the absence of Captain Trail.
Lieutenant J.W. Barron, 1st Tyneside Scottish, was appointed Brigade Transport Officer, and promoted to Acting Captain. These appointments were due to end on 12th May. This day marked the beginning of a long spell of fine dry weather that was to continue well into May. Training continued without any interference by the weather and living conditions became more pleasant.
13th April 1942
A message was received from Western Command that the period of Pack Training for the Brigade, due to finalise at the end of April, had been extended to 15th May. The training programme was therefore altered. Platoon and Company training was extended until 28th April, and the 3-day Brigade exercise postponed for a few days. Details are set out on Appendix F attached to the War Diary.
14th April 1942
D.A.Q.M.G., D.A.D.O.S. and Adjutant C.R.E. all of 49 Division reached DOLFRIOG, having recently arrived in the UK from Iceland. They represented the Divisional Headquarters and were then at WHITNEY COURT, near HEREFORD. The Brigade Commander had a conference with them on various points connected with the proposed arrival of HQ, 49 Division.
2nd Kensingtons (M.G.) less two Companies, 294 Field Company, Royal Engineers and Advance Parties of 147 Infantry Brigade had all arrived in this country. Until the arrival of Major-General H.O. Curtis C.B., D.S.O., M.C. from Iceland, Brigadier P. Kirkup D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C., T.D. was the senior representative of 49 Division in this country and various points were referred to him. The experience gained by 70th Infantry Brigade in the last few months was an invaluable aid to Advance Divisional HQ and to help them in getting established Captain D.C. MacNicol left DOLFRIOG for WHITNEY COURT for a few days.
Training Instruction No 3 of 1942 was issued and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix G.
16th April 1942
Up to this date Brigade HQ had been training as individual Sections with Pack Transport, although it had not been possible to release all the clerks for this as much as it had been hoped, owing to the large amount of clerical work now necessary at Brigade HQ.
Correspondence was now arriving from Iceland Force, Advance HQ 49 Division, Western Command, North and South Wales Districts, as well as the various units under command.
On 16th April an exercise was held to practise the Brigade HQ in loading and moving with Pack Transport, setting up a new HQ, and in office procedure in the field. The lighter side of the exercise was provided by an Officer who set off on a reconnaissance for a new HQ on his charger, a form of transport to which he had only recently been introduced. Having been misinformed en route concerning a “short cut”, he arrived at the new area just after the Main Body and promptly fell off his horse.
18th April 1942
Exercise “LAMB” held in the area between PORTMADOC and DOLFRIOG in glorious weather. This was a Brigade Signals exercise to test communications on the move with Pack Transport, and to practise Brigade and Battalion HQs in Battle Procedure. Particulars of the exercise were attached to the War Diary as Appendix H.
21st April 1942
Exercise “SHEEP” was held for 11th DLI, directed by the Brigade Commander, assisted by Major J.L. Jordan. This was an exercise in the LLYN EDNO field firing area, without the use of ammunition. It was really a rehearsal for the Battalion Field Firing exercise held the next week. Particulars were again attached to the War Diary – as Appendix I.
22nd April 1942
Exercise “SHEEP” was carried out by 10th DLI. 70th Brigade Training Instruction No 4 of 1942 was issued and attached to the War Diary as Appendix J.
23rd April 1942
Exercise “SHEEP” was carried out by 1st Tyneside Scottish.
1 Pack Transport Company RASC arrived at the new tented Camp at NANTMOR near DOLFRIOG. This unit was to train with units in second-line transport duties, and to take part in the forthcoming Brigade exercise.
24th April 1942
The fine weather continued and full advantage was taken to push ahead with the training programme.
27th April 1942
Major-General H.O. Curtis C.B., D.S.O., M.C. with HQ 49 Division and 147 Infantry Brigade arrived in South Wales from Iceland. 70th Infantry Brigade continued under the command of Western Command while pack training in North Wales.
28th April 1942
Lt Col W.G. Mason A.A. & Q.M.G. 49 Division called at DOLFRIOG to visit the Brigade Commander. At a conference of District Commanders at HQ Western Command, CHESTER, attended by the Brigade Intelligence Officer, it was stated that 70th Brigade would go to PEMBROKESHIRE on completion of training in North Wales.
29th April 1942
The Brigade Field Firing Exercise was carried out by 11th DLI. The details were attached to the War Diary as Appendix K.
The prolonged dry weather had left all the surrounding countryside in a parched state and it was necessary to turn out a large fire-fighting party that evening to beat out flames on the hillsides. For the next four nights parties of fire-fighters from the Brigade turned out to assist the civilian authorities to put out fires.
More chargers were delivered to the Brigade to bring it up to the establishment of 48. Grooms were supplied by units for those chargers which were attached to Brigade HQ.
30th April 1942
10th DLI carried out the Field Firing Exercise.
Major-General H.O. Curtis C.B., D.S.O., M.C. – G.O.C. 49 Division and Lt Col L.F. Heard G.S.O.1. arrived at PENRHYNDEUDRAETH in the afternoon and inspected Camps of Brigade HQ and units. In the evening, the Brigade Commander attended a conference with the G.O.C. in connection with future policy and moves.
Administrative Summary – April 1942 – Appendix A to War Diary
April 1 – 4th had been entirely taken up with moving from South to North Wales. Owing to the dispersion at marching out the entraining process did not present any difficulties but the detraining had to be confined to PORTMADOC – the only station capable of dealing with the volume of personnel, animals and stores. During the move 19 separate trains were dealt with at this Station, holding a total of:-
110 Officers,
2,700 men,
1,244 animals and
375 tons of baggage.
The unloading was supervised by the Staff Captain, assisted by Lt Elrick of 1st TS and 2/Lt Russell of 10th DLI. Great assistance was given by the Railway Transport Officer (RTO) at BARMOUTH – Captain Price – and the Railway Authorities at PORTMADOC.
The units detrained consisted of:-
70th Brigade HQ and Signal Section
10th and 11th DLI
1st Tyneside Scottish
454 Mountain Battery
187 Field Ambulance
25, 29 and 32 Mule Companies (R.I.A.S.C.)
In addition, 289 Field Park Company and 756 and 757 Field Companies, Royal Engineers were already in the area working on the Camp sites. These units came under command on the arrival of Brigade HQ and were later joined by Regimental HQ and two Batteries of 1st Mountain Regiment, Royal Artillery, and a Mobile Veterinary Detachment of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.
Camps
Although each site was ready on an operational basis by 1st April the non-arrival of a vast quantity of Engineer Stores and the extremely wet weather conditions prevailing left much to be done. By 10th April conditions had in all respects considerably improved and, with the exception of shower baths, Camps were, in the main, complete.
Accommodation
With the exception of 289 Field Park Company in billets in PORTMADOC, the whole of the Brigade lived in tented Camps. Demands on Ordnance North Wales District for tentage and accommodation stores were promptly dealt with.
Supplies
All supplies for personnel and animals were arranged to be drawn from the Central Supplies Deport at TRAWSFYNYDD and this system worked well from the beginning. A difficulty arose when the RASC required, on 20th April, units to hold 3 to 4 weeks’ supply of animal feed. This entailed a large amount of transport making a 40-mile round trip and it was suggested that a forage depot nearer the Camp sites would be preferable.
The opening of canteens on the Camp sites proved to be the greatest difficulty. Just at the point where such amenities were urgently required, the lack of tentage, staff and the non-arrival of stores were a serious handicap.
Petrol
Supplies of petrol through requisitioned pumps at PORTMADOC, PENRHYNDEUDRAETH and MAENTWROG were placed under the control of various units.
Fuel
Adequate stocks of coal and coke were run into PORTMADOC and collected by units using their own Motor Transport.
Motor Transport
Other than a small quantity of vehicles held by units for essential purposes, the rest of the vehicles were brigaded on grassland at DOL-Y-MOCH and the personnel were accommodated in a tented Camp there. The wet conditions quickly made the site untenable and on 11th April the 289 Field Park Company moved into DOL-Y-MOCH and the Brigade Transport, and personnel, took over the hard standings and billets at PORTMADOC, together with the Carriers. This proved much more satisfactory.
Medical
The Camp Reception Station was opened by 187 Field Ambulance on the first day of occupation. More serious cases were sent to the Casualty Clearing Station at PORTMADOC. The health of the Brigade overall was extremely good, despite the wet weather, and only two cases of pneumonia were notified in the first fortnight.
Entertainments
Immediate contact was made with the Entertainment Officer and the Cinema Branch, North Wales District – the latter could not assist as the 35mm projection equipment could not be used in tented areas. (The second page of this summary was missing from the file).
Appendix B – HQ Administrative Instruction No 10
Medical
Details set out of timings for Sick Parade and location of Reception Station and Dental Clinic.
Water
All units were urged to take steps to avoid pollution of water supply.
Postal
Location of Army Post Office and delivery timings set out.
Baths
No 8 Mobile Bath Unit now had two Sections established with one of the DLI Battalions, to which their personnel would be attached for all purposes. Details of bathing parties to be notified.
Laundry
No 22 Mobile Laundry located in CRICCIETH and schedule for collections set down.
Boot repairs
Units without their own cobblers to arrange with Army Boot Controller, D.D.O.S., Western Command, CHESTER for civilian contractor to carry out any repair work.
Clothing
Nearest clothing depot was at CONWAY.
Appendix C – Location Statement
This was simply a list of unit locations and contact telephone numbers – the units being as follows:-
Brigade HQ DOLFRIOG
1st Tyneside Scottish HAFOD-GAREGOG
10th DLI COED CAE
11th DLI CROESOR QUARRY
187 Field Ambulance Youth Hostel, CAE DDAYDD
1 Mountain Regt RA PORTMADOC
451 Mountain Bty TRAWSFYNYDD Camp
452 Mountain Bty Hutted Camp, COED-Y-BRENIN
454 Mountain Bty CROESOR QUARRY
756 Field Coy RE BLAENAU-FFESTINIOG
757 Field Coy RE North of CAEDDAFYDD
289 Field Park Coy DOL-Y-MOCH
Brigade MT Park PORTMADOC
25 Mule Coy DOLFRIOG
29 Mule Coy NANTMOR VALLEY
32 Mule Coy CROESOR QUARRY
1 Pack Tpt Coy NANTMOR
Pack Transport Liaison Officer – Brigade HQ
Appendix D – Brigade Operation Instruction No 2
Command
During training in North Wales, 70th Infantry Brigade and attached troops will come under command Western Command for operational purposes and training, and North Wales District for administration.
Should a surprise landing take place in the area the Brigade will prepare to counter-attack under the command of North Wales District.
In respect of an emergency, and the receipt of Code Word “NEWTON” the Brigade (less the Mule Companies and 1 Mountain Regiment) will return to South Wales and come under command of South Wales District.
Attached troops
1 Mountain Regiment RA and the Mule Companies R.I.A.S.C. come under command of the Brigade for all purposes during the training period, except that the Mule Companies are under command of HQ Indian Contingent for discipline.
Immediate Role
Protection of Camps
All units will be allocated to alarm posts and afford all-round protection in the Camp area.
Protection of adjoining Camps will be co-ordinated.
Battalions in Camp will be prepared to provide one immediate counter-attack column of one Company with supporting arms to round-up enemy sea-borne or air-borne troops in the vicinity of Camps – remainder to be held in reserve.
454 Mountain Battery will support 11th DLI for local operations.
The Royal Engineer units would each be prepared to provide mobile detachments to round-up enemy troops in the immediate vicinity of their Camps.
The Mule Companies would defend their Camp areas.
187 Field Ambulance would be prepared to defend their immediate Camp area and also provide medical detachments as required.
The Transport Park would be prepared to defend the immediate area and also be ready to provide transport to make the various counter-attack columns mobile.
Action during training
Any enemy encountered while training is in progress will be destroyed. It is left to C.Os. discretion as to the scale and nature of ammunition to be carried on exercises.
Action in the event of an emergency
Units would be prepared to return to South Wales – probably supported by Motor Coach Companies. G1098 scales of equipment would be taken. Units were expected to assess the likely requirement for transport of troops beyond those, and the equipment, normally carried in unit transport and report the figures to Brigade HQ by 10th April 1942.
In the event of the Brigade having to return to South Wales in an emergency, 178 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, would come under command.
Appendix E – Liaison with Indian Personnel
This Appendix was designed to publicise the Brigade Commander’s wish to encourage fraternisation, but advised British troops that, as all the Mule Company personnel were Muslim (Mohammedans in 1940’s terminology), their religion forbade alcohol, and wet canteens and public houses were therefore out of bounds to them. A note of equivalent ranks was provided together with clarification on the status of the Indian Officers – both those with King’s Commissions and those with Viceroy’s Commissions.
Appendix F – Amendment to Training Instruction No 3 of 1942
This note gave the changed dates for training in the light of the decision to extend the training period.
Appendix G – Brigade Training Instruction No 3 of 1942
This note covered the period from 6th to 11th April and set out certain aspects of the training programme which the Brigadier wished to see emphasised.
Observation
Each Platoon was expected to see that at least two men with good eyesight were trained as observers and equipped with field glasses, while continuing to perform their normal duties. All men were eventually to be trained in intelligent observation.
Maintenance of direction
The standard was not considered adequate and compass work was to be emphasised - each Officer was to have a compass allotted so that compass marches could be planned.
Judging distance
Ranges were expected to be provided in the vicinity of Camps so that distance judging could be practised. Ranges were expected to be taken with a Barr and Stroud rangefinder.
Fire Control
Again the existing standard was judged to be inadequate and Section Commanders were to practice this skill, including differentiating between the use of Bren and Rifle Groups and strike observation.
Runners
In circumstances where the ground prevented adequate observation each Section was to send a runner to Platoon HQ where he would be used for communication purposes with his Section.
Troops were encouraged to make more effective use of cover.
“O” Groups were to be readily at call to assist the process of orders being given out quickly.
Dispersal
Sections were seen as being too widely dispersed for adequate control. As a guide, a Platoon was expected to be dispersed over no more than 150 yards – Battle Drills to be developed to ensure this was the case.
Platoon Storeman
Each Platoon, on an experimental basis, was to identify one man as Storeman with the role of supervising ammunition issue, filling Bren magazines and looking after Mules once off-loaded.
2” Mortar
The No 1 of the team was expected to carry the mortar and his rifle, while the No 2 carried his own rifle plus a case of mortar ammunition. Mules were expected to carry mortar ammunition, not the mortar itself.
A Echelon Transport
The A Echelon was to be split into A1 – as small in scale as practicable, and A2, which would include water carrying Mules. Advice was included on tactical handling, including tasking the Storeman with a liaison role with the Mule handlers so as to circumvent any language difficulty when disposing of the Mules so that they were ready for use, without exposure to enemy fire. Arrangements were also required for girth tightening at a halt shortly after setting off. Loads were to be complete, not partial.
Meals
Troops were not to expect hot meals during exercises – thus creating unreal scenarios.
Casualties
Time was to be allowed at the end of exercises to practice casualty evacuation.
Co-operation with Other Arms
All Infantry Officers were to be sufficiently familiar with the Clock Code procedure as to be able to direct fire if the Forward Observation Officer became a casualty. Artillery Batteries were to be requested to run lectures on Artillery organisation and tactics.
Conferences
Units were to inform Brigade HQ of the time and place of post-exercise conferences.
Appendix H – Brigade Signal Exercise “LAMB”
This exercise took place on 18th April and was designed to practise Brigade and Battalion HQs in the field with Pack Transport, including the rapid transmission of information, breakdown of wireless and signal procedures, running maintenance of situation reports and maps and immediate and continuous road protection.
HQs were to be manned by a skeleton staff while the exercise was in progress in the field.
Lamps were to be used for visual communications.
The basis of the exercise was that the Brigade was tasked with capturing a major Supply Dump, following a successful invasion of the area by 49 Division. Air support by way of reconnaissance was included in order to pinpoint exactly where the “enemy” forces were located.
Appendix I – Brigade Exercise “SHEEP”
Because of the delay in making arrangements to hold the Field Firing Exercise, that was delayed until 5th, 6th and 7th May (one Battalion on each day) but in the meantime the original dates were used for a Tactical Exercise without ammunition, with the aim of exercising the Battalion in mountainous country.
The lessons to be covered were;
The formation to be adopted on the approach march from assembly to start line.
The use of cover during the advance.
An attack in two phases.
Consolidation of the objective.
The exercise scenario postulated that a force of German paratroops had landed and were holding a covering position related to the dump at DOLWYDDELAN which was to be subjected to the action of a counter-attack column. The exercising Battalion was required to co-ordinate with a Mountain Battery and reach a designated assembly area ready to carry out this counter-attack – involving a strenuous cross-country march.
Appendix J – Brigade Training Instruction No 4 of 1942
This note dealt with the period 13th to 18th April and noted that considerable progress and improvement had been made since the earlier notes had been prepared.
The points brought out of the previous week’s experiences included:-
A tendency for Platoons advancing against opposition to either all take cover and provide support fire, or all advance together. A more flexible approach to Fire and Movement was needed.
A tendency for the Fire Power Section to move forward when it should be providing supporting fire.
A need to ensure that the supporting Bren Gun was sufficiently supplied with full magazines.
A reminder that utility pouches (carrying spare Bren magazines) should be on the man, and not carried by the Mules.
The need for Mules to be fully used as load carriers and not off-loaded until a stage had been reached where casualties would be caused if they continued.
Communications
Signallers were reminded to place close attention to the siting of sets, to maximise communication.
Officers were to practice and be conversant with R.T. procedure.
Warrant Officers were expected to be able to use R.T. effectively, and Sergeants were encouraged to do so.
The Battalion Intelligence Officer, rather than the Adjutant, should accompany the C.O. on his reconnaissance, while the second-in-command should remain with the Battalion.
Mules were expected to be led by R.I.A.S.C. Drivers, and only exceptionally by British troops – thus avoiding a reduction in fighting efficiency. Any tendency for animals to “bunch“ at halts should be avoided. Halted animals should face oncoming traffic.
Personnel – such as Orderlies and Drivers - visiting HQs, when accompanying Commanders or Staff Officers, should be told off to alarm posts so that in an emergency they would know their Battle Stations.
Appendix K – Brigade Field Firing Exercise
The aim was to exercise the Battalion in Field Firing supported by Artillery and Mortars.
Details of Safety Officers and their arrangements were set out, along with signals to cover safety issues. The exercise involved a supported advance against higher ground with the Artillery and Mortars firing over the advancing troops.
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