70th Infantry Brigade War Diary May 1944.
Sgt Elliott confirmed that during the run-up to D-Day the transport was waterproofed, the Camp was sealed and all leave was cancelled. Sgt Elliott’s wife was due to give birth to their second child so he was granted a 48-hour compassionate leave. After a much-delayed rail journey involving cancelled trains, invasion timetables and several Railway Transport Officers he managed to get back to Houghton-le-Spring to meet his newest child, spend about two hours in his home but then was further delayed on his return, despite a lift from US transport part of the way, such that he missed the inspection parade by General Montgomery and had to explain his travel problems to his Company Commander as he was technically “absent”.
1st – 2nd May 1944
Eight Officers with wireless sets took part in a cover plan for the 50 Division Assault Landing Exercise held on the South Coast. Model-making teams from 49 Division were not required.
3rd May 1944
11th DLI carried out Battalion Loading Trials.
4th May 1944
The Brigade Commander and Officers of Brigade HQ carried out an administrative inspection of 10th DLI. 1st Tyneside Scottish carried out Loading Trials at continental scales of equipment and vehicles.
6th May 1944
The weekly Field Returns were completed as at 6th May, submitted, and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix A. The Defence Platoon Return showed that the establishment had been reduced to 27 from the earlier 33, and that men in post totalled 26. The Light Aid Detachment and the Officer element of Brigade HQ were at full strength.
7th May 1944
The Brigade Commander and Officers of Brigade HQ carried out an administrative inspection of 11th DLI.
8th May 1944
Brigade HQ carried out a Loading Trial.
10th May 1944
A Cloth Model Exercise took place on Exercise SHISHAH – and this was revealed as the possible role of 70th Infantry Brigade Group in future continental operations.
13th – 16th May 1944
Exercise SHISHAH took place – detailed on Appendices B, C, D, and E attached to the War Diary. The exercise involved practising a landing and a move through to the Brigade Concentration area, followed by an advance to contact from a firm base.
13th May 1944
The weekly Field Returns were completed as at 13th May, submitted, and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix F. The Defence Platoon was at the amended full-strength of 27. Brigade HQ Other Ranks totalled 54 - one short of establishment in the person of an RASC Clerk Shorthand Writer. The Officer element of Brigade HQ remained at full strength.
20th May 1944
The weekly Field Returns were completed as at 20th May, submitted, and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix G. The Defence Platoon total had fallen again to a strength of 26. Brigade HQ Other Ranks remained unchanged. The Light Aid Detachment was at full strength. The Officer element of Brigade HQ remained at full strength.
27th May 1944
The weekly Field Returns were completed as at 27th May, submitted, and a copy attached to the War Diary as Appendix H. The Defence Platoon remained at a strength of 26 as a result of Pte Donnelly of 1st Tyneside Scottish being posted to Home Details. Brigade HQ Other Ranks had reached their establishment total of 55, while at the same time four men were being held surplus as Tyneside Scottish Home Details. The Light Aid Detachment was at full strength. The Officer element of Brigade HQ remained at full strength.
During the period between 13th and 27th May 1944:-
All the Advance Party and Main Body vehicles completed Stage 1 Waterproofing.
Vehicles were all loaded for operations.
The Brigade Commander and all unit C.Os. attended BREAKER III held at NEWMARKET, consisting of an address by General Sir Bernard Montgomery K.C.B., D.S.O. The actual date of the address was not included within the War Diary – presumably for security reasons.
28th May 1944
The Divisional Commander talked to 70th Infantry Brigade Group at KNETTISHALL on the forthcoming operations, reviewing the past, present and future stages of the War and emphasising vital details such as Waterproofing, Motor transport discipline and so on.
AV Battledress was re-issued.
All vehicles were equipped with Sizewell covers. All modifications to transport were completed.
29th May 1944
The Brigade Commander spoke to the Brigade Group, enlarging on the Divisional Commander’s talk and giving practical hints and advice to all Sections based on previous battle experience.
30th May 1944
All vehicles in the Brigade Group were inspected by REME and weighed. Personnel spent the major part of the day on light recreational training and final preparations, pending the call forward to the marshalling area.
31st May 1944
Light recreational and sports tournaments held by all units.
Appendix B – Exercise SHISHAH.
This first document related to this exercise set out the basic movement arrangements, locations and marshalling areas. As wireless would not be available within the marshalling area each unit had to retain a Despatch Rider and Motorcycle for communication purposes.
Appendix C – Exercise SHISHAH.
This was a Message Form setting out details related to rations, water and other supplies, as well as arrangements for handling mail.
Appendix D – Exercise SHISHAH.
This was 70th Brigade Confirmatory Order No 1 and set out the information on the enemy, our own troops, details of units under command, and the make-up and command arrangements for the Advance Guard and the Main Body. Routes, timings and locations were specified, together with the tasks for the supporting forces.
Appendix E – Exercise SHISHAH.
This took the form of a further Message Form dealing with administrative matters, including fuel supplies, water supply, the availability of the Light Aid Detachment and route marking. Arrangements for submitting normal returns were also set out.
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