War Diary 756th Field Company, Royal Engineers, January 1943

1 January 1943 Stourbridge.

At the beginning of the month, No. 3 Platoon under Lt D Oglesby RE were on detachment at Llansawel, Cardiganshire, engaged on the construction of installations for Mountain Training Camps. This work was continued during the month in spite of adverse weather conditions. No. 2 Platoon, under Lt R Brown RE began training in demolition work. NCOs were trained in demolitions recce.

Lt W G M Wilson RE posted to HQRE 49 Division for duty as F.E.2.

9 January 1943

No. 2 Platoon began training on Floating Bridging Equipment and were later joined by No. 1 as personnel became available from leave. This training proved particularly valuable, and the inclusion of several night bridging schemes showed the Platoons to have developed a high degree of efficiency.

19 January 1943

Captain T S Pryce RE Second-in-Command proceeded to Ripon to attend Company Commanders’ Course.

22 January 1943

Major General H O Curtis CB, DSO, MC G.o.C. 49 Division visited the Divisional Royal Engineers and inspected the bridging training in which this Unit was taking part.

24 January 1943

Company took part in Bridging Demonstration to members of the 10th Battalion, Home Guard.

28 January 1943

Following orders for the cessation of work on Mountain Training Camps No. 3 Platoon cleared camp sites, returned stores and majority of personnel returned to Company HQ.

30 January 1943

Remainder of No. 3 Platoon returned to Company HQ.

Major J Colborne RE, Officer Commanding 756 Field Company since 22/11/1940, having received posting orders to join South Western District as Staff Officer 2 Royal Engineers handed over to his successor, Major J R Grimsdell RE, who assumed command with effect from 30/1/1943.

31 January 1943

Company assembled for Divisional Royal Engineers’ Exercise “Pompous”.

Following postings in and out the strength of the Company on the last day of the month was as follows :-

Officers 6; Other Ranks 248.

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