70th Infantry Brigade War Diary March 1943.
1st – 3rd March 1943
70th Brigade Group remained in HASLEMERE CAMP, made full preparations, and all troops became conversant with the role the Brigade was detailed to perform on Exercise “SPARTAN”, as the forward mobile Brigade in the Central Sector of the 11 Corps front.
4th March 1943
At 00:01 hours the Brigade Group, consisting of 22 sub-units, moved behind the Reconnaissance Regiment into Battle positions on the line of the River KENNET, East and West of NEWBURY. The first actual contact with the “enemy” was made by 70th Brigade Group at 17:10 hours.
5th March 1943
At 01:00 hours the Brigade Group withdrew into new positions in the WANTAGE area in order to conform with 61 Division on the Right. 1st Tyneside Scottish formed an Anti-Tank Island at WANTAGE, fought their way back fifteen miles and rejoined the Brigade Group on a new line South of OXFORD.
6th March 1943
The Brigade Group withdrew during the night behind the River THAMES in the LONG CRENDON area. 10th DLI withdrew from LONG CRENDON at 18:00 hours. 11th DLI, supported by the Divisional Artillery and Army Group Royal Artillery concentrated at LONG CRENDON and lost 50 casualties before withdrawing at the CHILTON feature.
7th March 1943
The Brigade Group withdrew to the ASHENDON feature and was attacked by a Canadian Brigade – Brigade HQ being almost captured. 1st Tyneside Scottish suffered severe casualties.
8th March 1943
The Brigade Group withdrew behind the WADDESDON feature, 10th DLI and the remnants of 1st Tyneside Scottish carried out a night withdrawal over the line of the River THAMES. 11th DLI was put under the command of 147th Brigade.
9th March 1943
The remnants of 147th Brigade were put under the command of 70th Brigade in the Divisional Hedge Hog area of POTSGROVE.
10th – 12th March 1943
70th Brigade was still in contact with the “enemy” on the perimeter of the Divisional Hedge Hog. The Brigade was detailed to perform seven possible counter-attack roles.
12th March 1943
At 09:00 hours Cease Fire was called on Exercise “SPARTAN”.
13th – 14th March 1943
The Brigade Group concentrated in the area of POTSGROVE. The Mobile Bath Unit was used and assistance was given to local farmers.
15th March 1943
The Brigade Group completed the first stage of its homeward journey, staging the night in the LEDBURY area.
16th March 1943
All units returned to their home locations after an absence of 18 days on Exercise “SPARTAN”. The Brigade Major proceeded on 10 days’ privilege leave.
18th March 1943
An A.D.O.S. (Assistant Director of Supply) conference was held at Brigade HQ at 10:00 hours. All Quartermasters and Transport Officers attended.
19th March 1943
The Staff Captain attended the A.D.O.S. conference at Brigade HQ. Representatives from the Officer i/c Records visited Brigade HQ.
20th March 1943
The Brigade Commander held a C.Os. conference.
Mobilisation Orders were issued to each unit.
Six pounder Anti-Tank Guns were issued to the Infantry Battalions to replace the Two-pounder Guns.
21st March 1943
The classification of all Technical Stores commenced. Training only on a Company basis was begun until Mobilisation was completed.
22nd March 1943
The Brigade Commander proceeded on 10 days’ privilege leave.
23rd March 1943
2/Lieutenant Troupe was posted to Brigade HQ as Liaison Officer from 11th DLI.
24th March 1943
The Assistant Provost Marshal visited Brigade HQ. All units were visited by the Staff Captain and Mobilisation appeared to be well in hand.
25th March 1943
The Brigade Major returned from privilege leave.
26th March 1943
A.D.O.S. conference was held for all unit representatives.
27th March 1943
The Colonel i/c Administration, Western Command (abbreviated to Westco) visited all unit locations accompanied by an American Officer.
31st March 1943
The Semi-Finals of the Divisional Boxing Competition took place – 49 Recce Regiment versus 1st Tyneside Scottish. 1st Tyneside Scottish won on points.
11th DLI held a demonstration of a river crossing including the passage of a Jeep by means of a 30 cwt hood cover, and a six-pounder gun by means of lashed Assault Boats.
To contact the author by e-mail with any queries, or to send information - click here.
