70th Infantry Brigade War Diary January 1943.

1st – 2nd January 1943

The Brigade Group moved to its new locations as follows:-

Brigade HQ – RHYD-Y-GORS, CARMARTHEN.

10th DLI – YSTRAD, CARMARTHEN.

11th DLI – VELINDRE.

1st Tyneside Scottish – LLANELLI.

187 Field Ambulance – PEMBREY.

70 Brigade Company R.A.S.C. – ABERMARLAIS.

62 Troop Carrying Company – LLANDILO.

Brigade Light Aid Detachment – CARMARTHEN.

The move took place using Motor Transport, with an overnight staging halt at WELLINGTON.

3rd – 4th January 1943

The Brigade Commander visited all the units in the Brigade Group in their new locations.

4th January 1943

Working Parties commenced work on a Winter Base Camp for Pack Training in the LLANDOVERY area.

5th January 1943

A conference was held for Anti-Tank Platoon Commanders on handling and tactics.

6th January 1943

A demonstration was given by the Royal Engineers of the laying and detecting of minefields.

9th January 1943

The Brigade Commander held a conference of all C.Os. for a discussion on forthcoming Pack Training.

11th – 12th January 1943

All units commenced Platoon and Company training.

13th January 1943

Unit Anti-Tank Platoons fired at SENNYBRIDGE. Results were fairly good, with 11th DLI producing the best scores – valuable experience was gained.

15th – 16th January 1943

The Brigade Boxing Tournament was held at LLANELLI, and was won by 1st Tyneside Scottish.

16th January 1943

Units commenced Advanced Company training.

18th January 1943

A six-day Course in Pack Training – tying and loading – commenced at PEMBREY. Unit representatives attended.

19th January 1943

The Brigade Commander proceeded to LARKHILL to attend a Course at the School of Artillery. Lt Col C.W. Oxley assumed command of the Brigade in his absence.

20th January 1943

Advance Parties of 1st Tyneside Scottish and 187 Field Ambulance arrived at Base Camp.

21st January 1943

11th DLI held a Weapon Training Meeting at PENALLY Ranges.

22nd January 1943

Advance Parties of 10th DLI and 11th DLI arrived at Base Camp.

23rd – 27th January 1943

A great amount of tentage and stores arrived at LLANDOVERY and was off-loaded at the station. Tents and marquees were pitched and stoves put under cover. Tents were repeatedly blown down due to bad weather and unsuitable ground.

28th January 1943

The Brigade Commander returned from LARKHILL.

30th January 1943

The Brigade Rugby Football Final took place, with 187 Field Ambulance beating 11th DLI.

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