70th Infantry Brigade War Diary July 1943.
1st July 1943
The Brigade Major returned from the Combined Operations Course at CASTLE TOWARD.
2nd July 1943
The Divisional Commander made an administrative inspection of 10th DLI.
3rd July 1943
The Brigade Major proceeded on five days’ privilege leave.
A demonstration by 218 Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers, took place at LLANOVER PARK, attended by 10 Officers.
5th July 1943
30 RAF NCOs from No 7 P.R.C. at HARROGATE arrived for 14 days’ attachment to Infantry units.
6th July 1943
The Intelligence Sections returned from their Course at PRESTEIGN.
A lecture was given to the RAF personnel on Army organisation.
A 49 Division Signals demonstration for 70th Infantry Brigade was given by Major Sanders to C.Os, 2 i/c's and Company Commanders on maintenance and the capabilities and construction of all wireless equipment used by the Infantry up to Divisional level.
7th July 1943
The Divisional Sports took place at NEWPORT – the individual competition being won by 185 Field Regiment. Five units of the 70th Brigade Group at the conclusion of the Sports were represented in the first 8 places, out of 26 competing units.
A lecture by the Judge Advocate General of Western Command was give on Military Law to all available Officers of the 70th Brigade Group.
8th July 1943
The Infantry Battalion Anti-Tank Platoons proceeded to the Practice Camp at HARLECH for a further three days’ firing.
9th July 1943
A Brigade HQ movement exercise took place at which the RAF personnel examined the layout and purpose of all the vehicles present. The RAF NCOs visited the Brigade Workshops during the afternoon.
A lecture, attended by the Brigade Commander and 45 Officers of 70th Brigade was given by Major-General McCreery at 10:30 hours in CARDIFF on the TUNISIAN CAMPAIGN.
Lt Col Jefferies – 10th DLI – was posted to the West African Division as G.1. and was required to take up his appointment almost immediately.
10th July 1943
49 Division gave a Smoke Demonstration at SENNYBRIDGE – weather conditions prevented the RAF laying a smoke curtain in instillation and making use of coloured smoke as markers for a smoke screen. Smoke screens were laid by 2” mortar, 3” mortar, 4.2” mortar and 25pdr guns during the advance of 7th Duke of Wellington’s Regiment on to their three objectives.
11th July 1943
A Platoon of 11th DLI gave a wood-clearing demonstration to Home Guard units in the area.
12th – 16th July 1943
49 Division Signals Exercise “CONSTANT” was organised – details were attached to the War Diary as Appendices A to E.
Brigade HQ and skeleton Battalion HQs moved in the area North of BRECON. The Exercise began at 18:00 hours on 12th July.
The Divisional Commander gave out the initial orders then became a “casualty” and took up the Director role. Battalion HQs were made up of the Commander and Umpires, this system, although economical, on occasion left a lot to be desired, vital information not always being readily available. Staff work and planning were considerable on 12th and 13th July with no forward movement of troops taking place. The attacks launched on BRECON from North and South were successful and on the 15th the Recce Regiment were allowed to cross the Rover USK and make for SWANSEA.
At 23:59 hours on 15th July the Exercise terminated with 49 Division in a favourable position for securing objectives.
19th July 1943
10th DLI gave a demonstration to the attached RAF personnel – B Company paraded with full G1098 equipment.
20th July 1943
The 30 RAF Sergeants ceased to be attached to 70th Brigade and returned to No 7 P.R.C. HARROGATE after completing their 14 days’ military attachment.
Advance Parties left for Exercise “OVERDO” – the move of 49 Division to Scottish Command. A Divisional Commander’s conference was held at THE BARN, WHITNEY lasting from 11:00 to 16:00 hours discussing the outcome of Exercise “CONTACT”.
21st July 1943
The DLI Regimental Band visited 10th DLI, taking part in concerts, route marches and P.T.
22nd July 1943
The DLI Band played Retreat and Selections in CARMARTHEN PARK from 18:00 to 20:00 hours.
Lt Col F.W. Sandars assumed command of 10th DLI, replacing Lt Col Jefferies.
24th July 1943
The Brigade Major, Clerks and the Intelligence Section left for HAMILTON. The Divisional Commander visited Brigade HQ en route to Exercise “JANTZEN”.
25th July 1943
Preparations were completed for Exercise “OVERDO” – the Divisional move to Scotland for Combined Operations training.
26th July 1943
The Brigade Group left the South Wales area at 07:00 hours and staged the night at WELLINGTON.
27th July 1943
The Brigade Group stayed the night in PRESTON.
28th July 1943
The Brigade Group stayed the night in CARLISLE.
29th July 1943
The Brigade Group arrived at its new locations as follows:-
Brigade HQ – The Barracks, HAMILTON.
10th DLI and 1st TS – Racecourse, HAMILTON.
11th DLI – Drill Hall, HAMILTON.
185 Field Regiment – MOTHERWELL.
187 Field Ambulance – BOTHWELL.
30th July 1943
The Brigade Commander proceeded on a Course at NETHERAVON on the TACTICAL HANDLING OF SUPPORT GROUPS.
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