War Diary 756th Field Company, Royal Engineers, May 1944

1 May 1944 TAVERHAM.

Training was carried out to training programmes at Appendices 70 to 74. See Appendices attached to War Diary. These documents were either missing from the file or were not photographed at Kew, due to pressure of time during the research visit.

6 May 1944

Return of Other Ranks attached to the War Diary. For details see below.

14 – 17 May 1944

Company took part in Exercise SHISHAH under command 147 Infantry Brigade. Two bridges were prepared for demolition and one river crossing made. Class II Bulldozer was used for route clearance. In addition No. 3 Platoon erected a brigade Water Point with a capacity of 20,000 gallons per day.

21 – 31 May 1944

During this period Motor Transport was thoroughly overhauled and waterproofed for wading for the invasion of the Continent. Vehicles were painted Olive Drab and fitted out for operations. 3 Cars 5 cwt (? Jeeps), 7 M14 half-track and other new vehicles were received.

22 May 1944

3 Platoon built a Single Single 70 foot Bailey Bridge for the Divisional Royal Engineer Competition in 24 minutes 35 seconds.

Appendices attached to the May 1944 War Diary of the 756th Field Company, Royal Engineers.

Field Return of Other Ranks dated 6th May 1944.

The Return shows the Company almost to full strength, with 258 men in post as against the War Establishment of 261 – a shortfall of two Corporals and one Lance Corporal.

Part C lists 7 men whose return to the Unit from hospital was particularly requested. Two of these were listed in April – details of the other five have been added to the personnel list on the Unit Main Page.

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