August

Source : WO 179/1994 National Archives
Thanks to Mark Hickman of Pegasus Archive for supplying the War Diary : https://www.pegasusarchive.org/

PLACEDATESUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION
Field1 Aug 43Showers in the morning clear in the afternoon, rain in evening. H.Q. had a parade in the morning about the dress they should wear. All personnel were allowed to go to town till 2230 hrs.
2 Aug 43Weather very clear. Bn. had a pay parade at 093 hrs. One Pte. from every hut went on a 48 hr. leave, was to be back by 2359 hrs, 3 Aug 43, and was to be on guard while Bn. is on leave.
3 Aug 43Weather very clear. Bn. had an inspection by Colonel Ralston, at 1000 hrs. and a march past. H.Q. and A Coys, were given a 48 hr. pass from 1200 hrs. 3 Aug. to 1200 hrs. 5 Aug. 1943. All personnel were taken to Woking or Sunningdale railway stations. Mostly all personnel went to London on leave.
4 Aug 43Weather clear. B and C Coys, were given 48 hr. passes to proceed to London. B Coy was taken to Sunningdale to take train to London. C Coy was taken to Woking for same purpose.
5 Aug 43Rain all day. H.Q. and A Coys, returned from their 48 hr. leave. B and C Coys still on leave.
6 Aug 43Cloudy and slight rain in morning, windy and cloudy all afternoon. B and C Coys personnel returned from their 48 hr. leave. Personnel received mail for the first time since arriving in England. Air raid siren was sounded at approx. 0200 hrs. reason unknown. Had an R.C. & Protestant church parade. Personnel of these religions were given a small talk by a Protestant Pastor and an R.C. Pastor.
7 Aug 43Cloudy in morning. Bn. started morning runs. Personnel of this Bn. were given late passes to proceed to Sunningdale.
8 Aug 43Slight rain in the morning, windy in the afternoon. Bn. had an R.C. church parade at 0815 hrs. All R.C. attended this parade. Most personnel went to near by towns in the afternoon. Some late passes were given.
9 Aug 43Weather cloudy and windy, slight showers.
10 Aug 43Weather cloudy and slight rain in morning, clear and warm in afternoon. Personnel of this Bn. were told to have all kit bags ready to be moved by 1500 hrs. All battle order equipment was to be blanked dark green. Personnel were C. B. until ground around buildings was properly cleaned.
11 Aug 43Reveille was at 0400 hrs. Bn. left Chobham camp at 0630 hrs. by transport to Woking station. Bn. embarked on train at 0900 hrs. arrived at Bulford camp at 1230 hrs. All personnel were given billets.
12 Aug 43Weather was clear in the morning cloudy and uncertain in the evening.
13 Aug 43Weather was cloudy and cool all day. All personnel were paid in the morning.
14 Aug 43Weather cool all day. Personnel of this Bn. had a short talk by Brigadier Hill Comd. of the 3td Para. Bde. A and B Coys went on a 36 hr. leave, remainder of the Bn. were given passes from after duty till 2400 hrs.
15 Aug 43Weather very clear all day. Bn. had a C of E church parade at 1030 hrs. H.Q. and A Coys were on duty in the afternoon. B and C Coys were on pass. A movie was shown in the Bn. gym. A great number of personnel attended this movie.
16 Aug 43Weather clear and warm. Bn. started a two mile morning run. Most personnel of this Bn. saw gliders landing just outside of camp area. Gliders were Horsa type. Lt. Girvan went on a 62 mile forced march.
17 Aug 43Weather clear and warm. Mortar pl. went on a 21 mile forced march. Left camp at 0400 hrs. and arrived back at 0710 hrs. C Coy. went on a forced march at 2100 hrs.
18 Aug 43Weather cloudy in morning. C Coy. returned from forced march at 0700 hrs. Personnel of C Coy. complained of sore feet. The reinforcements left for Hardwick for parachute and ground training.
19 Aug 43Weather foggy in the morning clear and warm during the day. Second pair of black boots were issued to the personnel of this Bn. Companies were reviewing battle drill. H.Q. and A Coys. passes were cancelled for this week-end.
20 Aug 43Weather clear during the day. Rain in the evening. Personnel were issued with new helmets. All Coys. were reviewing battle drill.
21 Aug 43Rain all day. All personnel were issued with airborne smocks and string vests.
22 Aug 43Weather uncertain during the day. There was a voluntary church parade for C of E and R.C. The Y.M.C.A. gave a movie in our gym. Many of the personnel attended this movie.
23 Aug 43Reveille was at 0400 hrs. Bn. was to be ready to move off on Frigate scheme by 0600 hrs., Left Bn. area at 0615 hrs. and marched to Hale 23 miles south of Bulford. Arrived at Hale at 1300 hrs. Personnel prepared billets for the night. One pl. from B Coy. was sent out on a patrol. O.P's. were posted during the night.
24 Aug 43Weather clear. Bn. has not moved from its position. Reports received enemy troops have been sighted near by. Platoons were sent out to investigate. Enemy troops were not seen again. Bn. was warned to be ready to move by 1430 hrs. Guards were posted during the night.
25 Aug 43Reveille was at 0500 hrs. Bn. was told to stand to. Bn. moved by transport at 1030 hrs. to Picket Post, and went into action against enemy troops and tanks.
26 Aug 43Slight rain in morning, clear the rest of the day. Personnel were given the morning off to clean up their billets, for an inspection in the afternoon. No morning run due to personnel being tired from returning from Frigate scheme.
27 Aug 43Weather clear.
28 Aug 43Weather was cloudy and windy during the day. All personnel were given a 36 hr. leave. Majority went to London and other nearby towns.
29 Aug 43Weather was clear all day. There was a voluntary church parade for the personnel that did not proceed on pass. Unit stores arrive at Newcastle-on-Tyne, about the SS Telapa.
30 Aug 43Weather was clear all day, except for slight rain in the morning. There was a Bn. muster parade at 1600 hrs. The muster parade was a check up on names and addresses of next of kin.
31 Aug 43Weather clear all day. Training went on as per schedule.

September

PLACEDATESUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATIONREFERENCES TO APPENDICES
Field1 Sept 43Clear all day. Bn. is to start one week night training at 1800 hrs. Bde. Intelligence Office was visited by the Bn. Intelligence section. Being the first night training, the training ended at 0400 hrs.Syllabus for Thurs. 1 Sep. 43.
2 Sept 43Clear all night. Training was carried out as per syllabi.
3 Sept 43Clear all night. Personnel of Int. section went on small scheme at 0300 hrs. to 0600 hrs. First shipment of unit stores arrived at Bulford.
4 Sept 43Weather clear. Personnel of H.Q. and C coys. were given 36 hr. leave, from 1200 hrs 5 Sept. 43, to 0130 hrs. 6 Sept. 43. A and B coys were given 12 hr. leave.
5 Sept 43Clear all night. Personnel of H.Q. and C coys returned from leave at 0130 hrs. Training commended at 0200 hrs. 6 Sept. 43. Bn. was visited by Brig. Hill, commander of the 3rd Airborne Bde.Trace Appendix 9
6 Sept 43Clear all night. Bn. H.Q. and Intelligence section went on 10 mile forced march. Coys carried out training as per syllabi.
7 Sept 43Warm all night. Training ended at 0400 hrs. for the night. Bn. is to return to day training at 1300 hrs. 8 Sept. 43.
8 Sept 43Warm and clear. Bn. returned to day training. Personnel were given morning off for rest. The 3" mortar platoon started synthetic training, and are to go to Ringway to make 5 parachute jumps. Training is given by Bn. instructors.Syllabus for 8 Sept. 43.
9 Sept 43Clear and warm all day. Personnel from the 3" mortar platoon are proceeding with synthetic training, and are to proceed to Ringway 11 Sept. 43.
10 Sept 43Mortar platoon and Int. section personnel were given half day synthetic training. They also had a Q.N. and pay parade and medical inspection. Weather clear and warm.
11 Sept 43Personnel proceeding to Ringway entrained at 0900 hrs. No passes were given for the week-end. Warm all day.
12 Sept 43Int. section at Ringway, and 2 sections from the 3" mortar pl. Remainder of Bn. carried out training as per syllabus.
13 Sept 43Int. section at Ringway, and 2 sections from the 3" mortar pl. Bn. carried out training as per syllabus.
14 Sept 43Int. section and 2 sections from the 3" mortar platoon at Ringway. Remainder of Bn. carried out training as per syllabus. 99 personnel arrived to this unit as reinforcements.
15 Sept 43Int. section at Ringway, and 2 sections from the 3" mortar pl. Remainder of Bn. carried out training as per syllabus.
16 Sept 43War diary same as for 15 Sept. 43.
17 Sept 43War diary same as for 15 Sept. 43.
18 Sept 43Personnel returned from Ringway after completing parachute training. All personnel that were in Ringway completed British parachute jumping. 5 jumps were made by all personnel.
19 Sept 43Clear all day. Bn. attended Bde church parade, and had a march past. Salute was given to Major Gen. Gale of the 6th Airborne Div. Personnel of this Bn. attended a concert given for out benefit by British Army personnel.
20 Sept 43Clear all day. 200 personnel were picked to go to Ringway to complete British parachute jumping. Personnel that are to proceed to Ringway had a medical inspection and a Q.M. parade. There are also 100 personnel going to Hardwick parachute training school.
21 Sept 43Cold all day. H.Q. personnel were on the ranges all day. All personnel fired rifle in the morning, and Bren in the afternoon. Int. Sgt. went to London to get tank and aircraft models. 200 men from the Bn. left for Ringway to make 5 parachute jumps.
22 Sept 43Cold and windy all day. Bn. H.Q. and part of H.Q. Coy. were on the ranges all day. 100 reinforcements personnel had a medical, Q.M. and pay parade, and left for Hardwick for parachute training.
23 Sept 43Clear all day. Int. section prepared briefing room. Training during the day was carried out as per syllabus.
24 Sept 43Clear and warm all day. Bn. H.Q. and Int. section went on a 17 mile route march, in the evening. Personnel on this march wore new Airborne web equipment, for experimental purposes.Trace Appendix 8
25 Sept 43Clear and warm all day. Personnel of H.Q. and C coys. went of 36 hr. leave. A and B coys went on 12 hr. leave.
26 Sept 43Fair in the morning, slight rain in the afternoon. A and B coys had a protestant and R.C. church parade. Our Y.M.C.A. supervisor showed a movie for all personnel not on leave, many personnel attended this movie.
27 Sept 43Cold all day. Int. Sgt. and the 2 i/c of this unit examined the 50 mile route, and the personnel of this unit are to go on a 50 mile route march in the near future. Part of C coy personnel were picked to go to Ringway. They had a Q.M. medical, and pay parade. A concert show was given to this unit by the Forge Cap Concert Party. Today's show was a special one for the personnel that are leaving for Ringway tomorrow.
28 Sept 43Clear all day. C coy left for Ringway at 0900 hrs. A and B coys were paid in the evening. A concert was given for our benefit by the Forge Cap Concert Party. The British Airborne Personnel were invited.
29 Sept 43Clear all day. Personnel that were at Ringway for jump training returned at 1500 hrs. Concert party was given for them by the Forge Cap Concert Party. The British Glider Pilot Regiment was invited. C and H.Q. coys were paid in the evening.
30 Sept 43Slight rain in the morning, cloudy and cold in the afternoon. A coy went on a 10 mile forced march. Int. section checked their route and time. C Coy. went on a 10 mile forced march and they were also checked by the I section. A movie was shown by the Y.M.C.A. supervisor, Mr. Plewman. A great number of personnel attended this movie.Trace Appendix 9

October

PLACEDATESUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATIONREFERENCES TO APPENDICES
BULFORD,
Wilts.,
England
1 Oct 43Weather good with slight rain in the late part of the morning, but fair in the afternoon. Bn HQ and HQ Coy were out on a 10 mile forced march (Battle Order, two hours) and completed same successfully. Time and route were picqueted by the 'I' Sec.Trace : see Vol 10.
2 Oct 43Typical BULFORD weather today: cool and cloudy. A part of 'C' Coy took the 10 mile forced march. Being Saturday, all personnel were allowed 36 hrs leave.
3 Oct 43Sunday again, cool and cloudy. Personnel who could not take advantage of the 36 hrs leave had a Church Parade, both Prot and RC.
4 Oct 43Cloudy again and trg as per syllabus with the remainder of 'C' Coy doing the 10 mile march. The 'I' Sec policed the route. The YMCA Supervisor, Capt Plewman, had another movie in the gym in the evening and there was a good attendance.
5 Oct 43Weather getting colder each day and clouds persist. Today the Bn rehearsed a March Past which is scheduled for tomorrow for the Bde Comd's Inspection. Brigadier S.J.L. HILL, DSO, MC, is the comd of the 3 Para Bde.
6 Oct 43Rain in the morning. Unfortunately the Inspection has been cancelled and everyone is disappointed as this was to be our first inspection by Brig HILL, apart from the quick visit he made with us at the Base Staging Camp when the Bn first arrived in England.
7 Oct 43Today the sun shone all the time. Bn HQ took the 15 mile run (PT Kit, three hrs) as both the A/Tk Pl and 'C' Coy had done the day before. 'I' Sec checked route.
8 Oct 43Clear and warm today and excellent conditions for the 15 mile run take by HQ Coy.Trg Syllabus for W E 19th.
9 Oct 43Clear all day. Kit inspections for all coys were carried out. 'A' Coy was out on the ranges in the morning and in the afternoon HQ Coy were on the pistol range here in Camp. Sten gun trg is being caught up well on the pistol range.
10 Oct 43Foggy weather for 'A' and HQ Coys on the ranges all day. Church Parades and, in the evening, movies which are both popular and well attended.
11 Oct 43Fog gather in the Bulford Fields area in the mornings and is not dispersed till well on in the mornings, making an early start on the range difficult. 'A' Coy and part of 'B' Coy took the 15 mile run today and in the evening another movie was shown.
12 Oct 43All personnel who had not completed the 10 mile forced march test did so today. This test is among the first of the physical tests of the Division which will include in later phases 50 mile marches in as little as 18 hrs. Short, quick moves in Battle Order are of course concentrated upon, as is the night trg.
13 Oct 43More foggy weather today for 'A' and 'C' Coys and Bn HQ who were on the ranges all day. In addition to rifle, Bn HQ also fired the Sten. Brig HILL visited he ranges. The trial jumps with kit-bags were carried out today, 64 men dropping with this equipment.Trg Syllabus for period 17-21 Oct.
14 Oct 43Trg as per syllabus today with the A/Tk Pl doing the 15 mile run in PT Kit at 2200 hrs. A movie in the evening was, as always, welcomed. Recreational facilities in BULFORD leave much to be desired and our own YMCA is doing a good job here in Camp.
15 Oct 43Today was a good day all round on the ranges. HQ Coy and BN HQ fired the Bren. The evening brought another movie.
16 Oct 43Saturday and an adm morning, though the remainder of HQ Coy fired the Bren. A dance was held in the gym in the evening, music being the skills of a few of our own musicians. We are trying hard to get our own orchestra made up though interest lags. Complaint: there were insufficient partners for every man to have one each at the dance.
17 Oct 43Good Sunday weather. Kit-bag jumping by 32 men from each coy was a success only one injury: a sprained ankle. The a/c were Whitleys as usual and the Div DZ was used.
18 Oct 43A clear day with trg as per syllabus and preparations for the 50 mile march made. Pay parade for all coys in the evening.
19 Oct 43Clear weather dawned for the 50 mile march and at 1000 hrs the Bn moved off in AA formation, Maj NICKLIN the 2 IC, in command. 1200 hrs; lunch and 1 hrs rest. 1500 hrs: rain, continuing for 6 hrs. 1815 hrs: supper at the half-way mark. Due to rain and cold the rest period at this time was cut to 45 minutes and the march continued at 1900 hrs. Spirits were low at this time though the rations and hot drink made a remarkable difference in morale for an hour or two. The rain stopped at approximately 2300 hrs and the Bn was closed up in column of route as it was very dark. 2400 hrs: hot cocao and 35 minutes rest.Trace : Appx 10.
20 Oct 43Clear and windy. Tps tired and cold and wet but morale improving. 0200 hrs: hot cocao and 30 minutes rest. March ended at the barracks at 0500 hrs and the remainder of the day was spent in rest.
21 Oct 43Clear weather. No trg was carried out as all personnel were preparing for Bde leave of 10 days and the first priviledge leave for the Bn. Warrants for travel and ration cards were issued in the afternoon and a special train for Scotland left Bulford Siding at 2315 hrs. Most people felt this leave would be well deserved. A lot of things have been accomplished in this trg period just past.
22 Oct 43Special train left for London at 0915 hrs. Rear Party consisting of 2 offrs and 42 ORs was left in Camp along with 1 offr and 3 ORs waiting to proceed on course.
22 - 31 Oct 43Ten day priviledge leave on a bde basis.

November

PLACEDATESUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION
BULFORD,
Wilts.,
England
1 Nov 43Today was cloudy with some rain in the morning. Last night all personnel returned from their 10 day leave and everyone appears to have had a real good time. In the afternoon 'C' Coy took the 10 mile forced march, the remainder of the Bn completing various adm jobs and starting into a regular trg program.
2 Nov 43Rain in the morning caused considerable delay on the ranges where HQ Coy were firing and this work did not get completed until the afternoon. 'B' Coy took the 15 mile run for those who had not taken this physical test before their leave. So many subalterns are absent on courses that WO's have been made available for Orderly Offr's duties. 1 Offr and 24 OR's left for course at the Airborne Forces Depot and School at Hardwick.
3 Nov 43The Rear Party left today for their 10 day leave. All coys completed battle drill trg and HQ Coy personnel who had not qualified on the rifle spent the day on the ranges.
4 Nov 43Weather at BULFORD is cold these days. It rains almost every day and as a rule is very foggy in the mornings. Operation Order No 1 for the coming scheme "SCHEMOZZLE" was issued and all offrs were absent on a TEWT, save those few who were required on duty in Camp. No 2 Mortar Pl (MMG) did elementary Vickers trg. Lt B B Hart, the former IO of this unit, has left to become Bde IO at 3 Para Bde and is SOS on transfer to 'Q' List, Acton. With this appointment goes the rank of A/Capt. Lt D S MacLean is the new Bn IO. Both of these offrs completed the War Intelligence Course at Matlock in Oct.
5 Nov 43Bn HQ and HQ Coy fired Bren practices on the ranges today. The weather was very cold in the morning though warmer in the afternoon. Mortars and MMG and other specialist pls carried out regular trg, as did the rifle coys. 'B' and 'C' Coys had night exercises.
6 Nov 43Coys trg as per syllabi. Briefing arrangements for the coming scheme were well in hand, the 'I' Sec having prepared a large cloth model of the proposed scheme. 15 OR's left for the hardening course at Hardwick.
7 Nov 43Clear and cold all day. The Adjutant, Capt D W Wascall, took Bn HQ 'A' Party out to the 9th Bn area to show them the posns that would be taken up by this group on consolidation after a night attack. This was in preparation for Scheme "SCHEMOZZLE". In the afternoon, Lt-Col Bradbrooke, the CO, briefed the entire Bn in the upper gym, this being a procedure which in the future will be common to all exercises and ops.
8 Nov 43Slight rain during the day. Fd rations were issued and the final preparations for the scheme took place. At 1930 hrs the Bn embussed and proceeded to the cone area from where the "A" and "B" Parties of the Bn split up and proceeded independently to their respective DZ's. At 2359 hrs flares illuminated the country-side and Exercise "SCHEMOZZLE" began, the actual parachute descent not taking place. Umpires took one pl from "B" Coy and one 3" Mortar pl off into the darkness and "dropped" them by themselves as though they had missed the DZ completely.
9 Nov 43Exercise "SCHEMOZZLE": 0030 hrs: the Bn had successfully gathered in the RV's and was preparing to move off on compass bearings to the FUP. At this time the direction finding group of both parties moved off and located the Fup without opposition. Both "A" and "B" Parties came together at the FUP at approximately 0300 hrs and the Bn reorganised here. 0330 hrs: fwd elements of the Bn crossed the SL and advanced towards the objective on DAMERHAM KNOLL. No enemy were encountered during the attack due entirely to the fact that they had been completely fooled by the great number of flares that lit up the country-side at the time of the drop. 0605 hrs: "C" Coy took a small patrol of enemy anti-parachutist tps prisoner. 0630 hrs: success signal and Bn consolidating and preparing for the counter-attack. Digging was extensive. "I" personnel manned an OP and a quiet morning was spent by all coys. Patrols reported no enemy to be seen. At 1335 hrs an a/c laid a thick smoke screen across our left flank and completely blinded "C" Coy posn. Shortly afterwards a heretofore unseen enemy launched an attack with light tk support on posns of the 9th Para Bn. A fierce battle was fought until 1430 hrs when the OP reported enemy approaching 1 Cdn Para Bn posns. This attack did not develop as the Exercise ended at 1500 hrs. 3 Para Bde embussed for Bulford. The weather had been very cold before the hrs of light, being warmer during the day.
10 Nov 43Today "A" and "C" Coys left for three days Fd Firing at the Cranbourne Chase ranges. Lt J HANSON, 2 IC "C" Coy, to be A/Capt wef 16 Oct 43. Our Padre, H/Capt Harris has completed his para trg and qualified for his wings on 26 Oct 43. Lt MW Holman tos this unit wef 10 Nov 43. A movie was shown in the evening by the YMCA Supervisor who has set up a reading room and made available several other facilities for the tps.
11 Nov 43Clear weather all day today. One Mortar pl had some experimental firing of the American 60 mm mortar which proves to be a very accurate weapon. It has many advantages over the heavier 3" Mortar. Bn 'I' Sec visited the 'I' Sec of the 9 Para Bn and Sigs spent most of the day on their lamps. Rear party personnel returned from their 10 day leave. Part of BN HQ was innoculated. HQ Coy NCO's had an evening lecture on the Vickers MMG.
12 Nov 43Forty OR's came to this unit today as refts from No 1 CGRU. Trg was normal with 'B' Coy on the ranges. Pay parade was held for 'B' and HQ Coys in the evening.
13 Nov 43Twenty-four OR's and one Offr returned from Hardwick and Ringway trg schools. Weekend passes were granted to 'B' and HQ Coys. Lt R E Harrison was tos this unit wef 13 Nov 43 from No 2 CGRU. Trg as per syllabi.
14 Nov 43Slight rain during the day. A church parade was held for Protestant personnel and in the evening the usual well-attended movie was shown. Small numbers of reinforcements are continually coming in to the Bn from various Cdn Army units in the Field.
15 Nov 43This morning at 0900 hrs Lt-Col Bradbrooke reviewed Exercise "SCHEMOZZLE" for the Bn in the gym and many mistakes in procedure was brought out. The individual soldier is being thoroughly "put into the picture" before and after each exercise so as to make most certain of his being able to act independently should the situation arise. Mistakes in tactics, concealment, movement by night and many other phases of trg can only be brought out by continually reviewing them in this manner. Nine OR's of this unit are attending a Sniper's Course under Capt Hanson at Bisley. Movie in the evening.
16 Nov 43The new men of 'A' Coy took the 15 mile run today in PT kit. Lts J GREGOR and L H ADAMS were tos this unit today. Trg as per syllabi by coys.
17 Nov 43Cold and clear all day today. The A/Tk pl went out on the 10 mile forced march in Battle Order and finished in one hr and forty minutes. 'I' Sec trg included TOET's in weapons. In the evening a movie was shown in the gym.
18 Nov 43Clear and cold all day. Trg as per syllabi by coys and preparation for the 50 mile march for those who had not already done this before the leave. Movie in the evening.
19 Nov 43First issue of the new form "Offr State" to be published weekly was made. At 0420 the party on the 50 mile march moved off with Lt-Col Bradbrooke in command. This march was completed at 2335 hrs when all but a few stragglers arrived back at Camp. About 150 all ranks finished this march, very few being unable to complete it entirely. Lt J S Couper and L J Hachey att fap from No 5 CIRU to assist the MMG Pl in instruction.
20 Nov 43There was no weekend leave this weekend and personnel who took the 50 mile march yesterday were allowed the day free. 'A' and 'C' Coys had a dance in the gym in the evening and this was a great success. Local towns provided the partners and a sufficiency of extra refreshments was available.
21 Nov 43A Protestant Church Parade was held in the morning. The A/Tk Pl gave a demonstration of the PIAT and the Mortars were out on the ranges in the afternoon. Movie in the evening.
22 Nov 43A/Tk Pl took the 10 mile forced march today. A British Army Show was hel in the gym in the evening under arrangements by Mr Plewman, the YMCA Supervisor. Good entertainment.
23 Nov 43Maj Nicklin is the A/OC in Col Bradbrooke's absence on course. The mortars made us of the cloth model in the Briefing Room for ranging practice. Cold and cloudy all day.
24 Nov 43Due to inclement weather, a proposed container drop by 'B' Coy was cancelled. Albamarie a/c with the rear aperture exit were to be used. Movie in the evening.
25 Nov 43The first fatality in the unit since its arrival overseas occurred today. Pte A J Williams (D-132204) of 'C' Coy was killed at 0915 hrs in a road accident while 'C' Coy was proceeding to Stoney Cross airfield to jump. Two other men were injured. Due to this unfortunate accident, the jump was cancelled. Capt Mascall, the Adjutant, left on a course on the German Army at Cambridge and Lt J A Rossiter is A/Adj in his place. Today has been a very good day as far as jumping weather goes.
26 Nov 43Lt-Col Bradbrooke returned today and took over command from Maj Nicklin. The Mortar Pl and the 'I' Sec went on the 10 mile run in the afternoon. The unit barber shop opened and HQ Coy and BN HQ were paid in the evening. There was a movie. A slight fire occurred in the Offrs Quarters but no damage was done.
27 Nov 43Pay parade for 'A', 'B' and 'C' Coys in the morning and then all personnel were granted weekend passes. Lt R M (Bob) Baxter, one of the old original officers of this unit from the first Ringway class, returned to No 1 CASCRU to serve with the Army Service Corps. Twenty-one OR's went to Hardwick.
28 Nov 43This morning there was a voluntary church parade for those who did not take advantage of the weekend pass. The Nominal Roll of this Bn as of this day was issued.
29 Nov 43'A' Coy left for a two day spell at Cranbourne Chase Fd Firing Area. Rifle coys and specialist pls trg as per syllabi. The 'I' Sec is preparing a cloth model for a coming exercise early in December.
30 Nov 43Today was normal with the usual trg taking place in the coys. Part of HQ Coy was out on the ranges. There was a moving in the evening.

December

PLACEDATESUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATIONREFERENCES TO APPENDICES
CARTER BARRACKS
BULFORD
1 Dec 43Foggy in the morning. HQ Coy personnel on the Ranges. Coys training as per syllabi. Mortar platoon fired 3" mortar all afternoon.
2 Dec 43Cold all day. Coy training as per syllabi. MMG Pl fired Vickers MG all afternoon. The A/Tk Pl practiced firing the Pist A/TK gun. A movie was shown in the Gym by the Y.M.C.A. Supervisor, Mr Plewman. A large number of personnel attended this movie.
3 Dec 43Clear and warm during the day. The Int Sec and a party from the Mortar Pl decorated the gym for a dance to be held by HQ Coy and Bn HQ. Coy training as per syllabi. A movie was shown in the Gym and there was a large audience. Promotion Board increased the N.C.O. strength of the Unit by 5 L/Sgts, 9 A/Cpls and II L/Cpls. Lt. W.P. Croxford TOS from No 1 C.A.S.C.R.U.
4 Dec 43Clear and warm all day. There was a training inspection by Gen. Sir Bernard Paget, KCB, DSO, MC, C in C 21 Army Gp and other high ranking officers. The Mortar Pl fired dummy rounds on a target for this inspection. The A/TK Pl also fired dummys on a target. Coys training as per syllabi. B Coy went on a 36 hour week-end leave. A dance was held in the evening by HQ Coy and Bn HQ. Partners were brought to the dance from nearby towns. Refreshments were served during the intermission. The dance was a great success.
5 Dec 43Warm and clear all day. All personnel in Camp preparing for an Inspection by Brig. Gen. Hill, Comd of the 3 Para Bde. A parade was held in the afternoon to check the dress of all personnel for the inspection. The 2i/c of the Bn, Major J.A. Nicklin, briefed all personnel of the Bn who are scheduled to make a mass jump of the 8th of Dec.
6 Dec 43Very cold and cloudy. In the morning, an inspection was held by Brig. Hill of the 3 Para Bde. He visited all billets, messes, lecture rooms and the NAAFI. Capt Hart, the Bde IO visited the Bn Briefing Room. Training in the afternoon as per syllabi. Supervisor T.V. Lambert att f.a.p. as new Spvr, replacing Spvr G.E. Plewman who has done such good work in the Bn.
7 Dec 43Clear all day and slightly cold. Coy training as per syllabi in the morning. A,C and HQ Coys packed containers for the forthcoming mass jump. A/TK Pl went on a two day exercise. B Coy training as per syllabi in the afternoon. Cpl T.J. Keenen TOS from No 1 CGRU as ED Cpl.
8 Dec 43Slight rain and foggy all day. Reveille this morning at 0500 hrs. Personnel embused at 0700 hrs and proceeded to different airports. Containers were loaded at 0915 hrs. Emplaning is to be at 1200 hrs. Personnel waited at airports for emplaning and take-off orders. Due to very poor visibility, the jump was postponed until the next day. All personnel returned to Camp with the exception of B Coy who went to the DZ on an exercise.Appendix 2 ex "PROCEDURE"
9 Dec 43Very foggy during the day with slight rain. Personnel who are to make the mass jump embussed at 0930 hrs and proceeded to the Airports. Due to bad visibility, the jump was postponed until a future day, containers were unloaded and all personnel returned to the Barracks. B Coy returned from their exercise at the DZ. Lts. T.J. Quirk and P.M. Pyne TOS from 30 Recce Regt. (Essex).
10 Dec 43Cloudy and foggy in the morning, clear the remainder of the day. Coys training as per syllabi. A/TK Pl went on a 20 mile run and the Int Sec acted as guides along the route. The IO and the I Sgt went on a recce of the 100 mile march which is to take place in the near future. The CO, Lt Col G.F.P. Bradbrooke took over temporary command of the 3rd Para Bde in the absence of Brig. S.J.L.Hill. Maj D.J. Wilkins left for a senior Officer's course at Brasnose College, Oxford.
11 Dec 43Clear and cold all day. C Coy went on a 20 mile run and the I Sec acted as guides. A and B Coys training as per syllabi. A 36 hr leave was granted to all personnel.
12 Dec 43Clear and cold all day. A Voluntary Church Parade was held for all personnel who did not go on leave. A movie was shown in the gym. Lts. W.R. Hick and R.G. McLean were SOS to Nos 2 and 1 C.I.R.Us. 7 Officers att AFD and S, Hardwick.
13 Dec 43Cold and cloudy all day. HQ Coy personnel on the Rifle Ranges. Coys training as per syllabi. B Coy and Medical Sec went on the 20 mile run with the I Sec as guides. In the evening, a movie was shown in the gym. Maj C.E. Fuller TOS from 2 Cdn Div Sp Bn as OC B Coy.
14 Dec 43Clear and cold all day. Int Sec started Div Int course No 2. The course in taking place at the Div Information Room. HQ Coy went on the 20 mile run. All Coys training as per syllabi. Maj G.F. Eadie TOS from 2 C.I.R.U. as OC A Coy. Maj D.H. Taylor SOS to 1 C.G.R.U. and att f.a.p. from 1 C.G.R.U. to this Unit and posted to Bn HQ.
15 Dec 43Clear and cold all day. Int Sec attending Div course No 2. C Coy on the 20 mile run and the Coys training as per syllabi. All personnel except HQ Coy were paid in the evening. A movie was shown in the gym and a large number attended. The CO returned to command the Bn from A/Comd 3 Para Bde and Maj J.A. Nicklin ceases to be A/CO.
16 Dec 43Cloudy and cold all day. Int Sect attending Div Int course. Coys training as per syllabi. HQ Coy personnel were paid in the evening. All personnel were briefed for exercise "Shilo" which is to take place on the 18th and 19th of Dec.
17 Dec 43Cloudy and warmer during the day. I Sec attending Div Int course. Coys training as per syllabi. A movie was shown in the evening in the gym.
18 Dec 43Clear in the morning, a slight rain in the afternoon and evening. All personnel preparing for the night exercise. All ranks were issued with one pair of socks donated by the Cdn Red Cross. Supper was at 1630 hrs. The CO briefed all personnel on the night exercise. Bn embussed at 1830 hrs and proceeded to the exercise area. Arrived at area at 2020 hrs and established defensive positions. All personnel entrenched and waited for the attack. 20 ORs att AFD and S, Hardwick.Appendix 1 Ex. "SHILO"
19 Dec 43"Exercise Shilo" Rain started at 0100 hrs and continued through the night. O.Ps. were set up at all Coy areas and Scouting parties were sent out during the night. A detachment of R.Es. laid out a dummy mine field. First report of an attack was received at 0330 hrs. The enemy attacked C Coy positions at 0340 hrs. During the attack, the enemy flanked C Coy and were encountered by A Coy. At 0430 hrs, flares were sent up to end the battle. No other attacks were made during the night. Personnel remained in their trenches until 0900 hrs and then prepared breakfast. At 1200 hrs, orders were received to leave the area at 1400 hrs. Bn marched back to Camp and arrived at 1800 hrs. The CO and IO made an aerial recce at 1100 hrs.
20 Dec 43Clear and cold all day. In the morning, all personnel cleaned their clothing and equipment. Coys training as per syllabi in the afternoon. A concert party gave a show to our benefit in the evening. The group is know as the Maple Leaf Concert Party and it is sponsored by the Cdn Army.
21 Dec 43Clear in the morning, rain in the afternoon. Coys training as per syllabi. The Sgts had a Christmas party in the mess. The party was a success and everyone had a good time. The Maple Leaf Concert Party gave another show in the evening.
22 Dec 43Clear and windy but warmer during the day. Coys training as per syllabi. 64 personnel from C Coy were to jump from Albemarle Aircraft and 20 of the men were to jump with Kit Bags for experimental purposes, but due to a high wind the jump was cancelled. The Maple Leaf Concert Party gave another show in the evening.
23 Dec 43Clear and warm. Coy training as per syllabi. 64 personnel from C Coy jumped from Albermarles. 20 of these jumps were made with Kit Bags. Fatigue parties from all Coys decorated the gyms for the Xmas Eve Dance.
24 Dec 43Clear and warm. Coys training as per syllabi. Fatigue parties decorated the gyms. The dance started at 2000 hrs. Partners were brought to the dance from nearby towns. Refreshments were served during the Intermission. Dance was a great success.
25 Dec 43Clear and warm. Church parades were held for R.Cs. and Protestants. Christmas dinner was served by the Officers, WOs and Sgts. Beer was served and cigarettes were issues to all personnel. Six Officers returned from Ringway Para School (Qualified). First Xmas away from home and many of the men missed the Cdn Xmas.
26 Dec 43Boxing Day and all at rest. Misty and warm. Voluntary Church Parade was held for all personnel. A movie was shown in the gym in the evening.
27 Dec 43Cloudy and warm. Coys training as per syllabi. Another film was shown in the gym. Maj. H.A. Simmons ceased to be att from No 17 CBD Coy as Dental Officer.
28 Dec 43Cloudy and warm all day. Coys training as per syllabi. All personnel of this Unit were inoculated for Typhus. A/TK Pl fired Piats on the Ranges. A Coy went on a small night exercise. Lt. J.S. Cooper ceases to be att from No 5 C.I.R.U. as MMG Instructor.
29 Dec 43Clear and warm all day. Coys training as per syllabi. Mortar Pl practical firing the 3" Mortar. A/TK Pl fired the Piat on the Ranges. A movie was shown in the evening.
30 Dec 43Clear and fairly warm. Coys training as per syllabi. A/TK Pl fired the Piat on the Ranges. MMG Pl trained with the Vickers MG. A movie was shown in the evening.
31 Dec 43Clear and warm during the day. Coys trained in Battle Drill and Field Formations. A/TK Pl fired the Piat on the Ranges. Lt. L.J. Hachey ceases to be att from No 5 C.I.R.U. as MMG Instructor. Formation of the First Cdn Para Trg Coy as a seperate Unit from the Bn. Maj D.H. Taylor to command and all 1st reft personnel to include those surplus to the W.E. of the Bn, personnel in Hospital, Detention, medical catagoried, etc.

Roll of Honour

  • 25th November 1943
Williams, Arthur Joseph
The first fatality in the unit since its arrival overseas occurred today. Pte A J Williams (D-132204) of 'C' Coy was killed at 0915 hrs in a road accident while 'C' Coy was proceeding to Stoney Cross airfield to jump. Two other men were injured. Due to this unfortunate accident, the jump was cancelled.
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