• HOME
  • SOLDIER RESEARCH
  • WOLVERTONS AMATEUR MILITARY TRADITION
    • WOLVERTON & THE BUCKS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS 1877-1908
    • BUCKS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS WOLVERTON COMPANY & THE BOER WAR
    • WOLVERTON & THE BUCKS BATTALION (TF) 1908-1919
    • WOLVERTON DRILL HALL
    • WOLVERTON & THE BUCKS BATTALION (TA) 1920-1947
  • BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS 1859-1908
    • BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS HISTORY
    • BUCKS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS DRESS REGULATIONS 1893
    • BOER WAR 1899-1902 REGIMENTAL OVERVIEW
    • BUCKS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS - THE BOER WAR 1899-1902
    • BUCKS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS - BOER WAR MEMORIALS
  • BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BATTALION 1908-1947
    • The Bucks Battalion A Brief History
    • 1ST BUCKS 1914-1919 >
      • 1914-15 1/1ST BUCKS MOBILISATION
      • 1915 1/1ST BUCKS PLOEGSTEERT
      • 1915-16 1/1st BUCKS HEBUTERNE
      • 1916 1/1ST BUCKS SOMME JULY 1916
      • 1916 1/1st BUCKS POZIERES WAR DIARY 17-25 JULY
      • 1916 1/1ST BUCKS SOMME AUGUST 1916
      • 1916 1/1ST BUCKS LE SARS TO CAPPY
      • 1917 1/1ST BUCKS THE GERMAN RETIREMENT
      • 1917 1/1st BUCKS TOMBOIS FARM
      • 1917 1/1ST BUCKS THE HINDENBURG LINE
      • 1917 1/1ST BUCKS 3RD BATTLE OF YPRES
      • 1917 1/1st BUCKS 3RD YPRES 16th AUGUST
      • 1917 1/1st BUCKS 3RD YPRES WAR DIARY 15-17 JULY
      • 1917 1/1ST BUCKS 3RD BATTLE OF YPRES - VIMY
      • 1917-18 1/1ST BUCKS ITALY
    • 2ND BUCKS 1914-1918 >
      • 1914-1916 2ND BUCKS FORMATION & TRAINING
      • 1916 2/1st BUCKS ARRIVAL IN FRANCE
      • 1916 2/1st BUCKS FROMELLES
      • 1916 2/1st BUCKS REORGANISATION
      • 1916-1917 2/1st BUCKS THE SOMME
      • 1917 2/1st BUCKS THE GERMAN RETIREMENT
      • 1917 2/1st BUCKS ST QUENTIN APRIL TO AUGUST 1917
      • 1917 2/1st BUCKS 3RD YPRES
      • 1917 2/1st BUCKS ARRAS & CAMBRAI
      • 1918 2/1st BUCKS ST QUENTIN TO DISBANDMENT
    • 1ST BUCKS 1939-1945 >
      • 1939-1940 1BUCKS MOBILISATION & NEWBURY
      • 1940 1BUCKS FRANCE & BELGIUM
      • 1940 1BUCKS HAZEBROUCK
      • HAZEBROUCK BATTLEFIELD VISIT
      • 1940-1942 1BUCKS
      • 1943-1944 1BUCKS PREPARING FOR D DAY
      • COMPOSITION & ROLE OF BEACH GROUP
      • BROAD OUTLINE OF OPERATION OVERLORD
      • 1944 1ST BUCKS NORMANDY D DAY
      • 1944 1BUCKS 1944 NORMANDY TO BRUSSELS (LOC)
      • Sword Beach Gallery
      • 1945 1BUCKS 1945 FEBRUARY-JUNE T FORCE 1st (CDN) ARMY
      • 1945 1BUCKS 1945 FEBRUARY-JUNE T FORCE 2ND BRITISH ARMY
      • 1945 1BUCKS JUNE 1945 TO AUGUST 1946
    • BUCKS BATTALION BADGES
    • BUCKS BATTALION SHOULDER TITLES 1908-1946
    • 1939-1945 BUCKS BATTALION DRESS >
      • UNIFORM
      • HEADDRESS
      • INSIGNIA & DRESS DISTINCTIONS
      • STEEL HELMETS
  • ROYAL BUCKS KINGS OWN MILITIA
  • BUCKINGHAMSHIRE'S LINE REGIMENTS
    • REGIMENTS CONNECTED TO BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
    • 14TH (BUCKINGHAMSHIRE) REGIMENT
    • 85TH (BUCKS VOLUNTEERS) KINGS LIGHT INFANTRY
  • ROYAL GREEN JACKETS
    • BATTLE HONOURS
    • ROYAL GREEN JACKETS A BRIEF HISTORY
    • RGJ BADGES
    • RGJ BADGES 2
    • RGJ BADGES OF RANK
    • RGJ TRADE BADGES
    • RGJ BAND BADGES
  • OXFORDSHIRE & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY 1741-1965
    • OXF & BUCKS LI INSIGNIA >
      • OXF & BUCKS LI BADGES
      • HEAD DRESS BADGES 1882-1965
      • SHOULDER TITLES 1885-1965
      • REGIMENTAL BUTTONS 1881-1965
    • REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS >
      • REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS 1914
      • REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS & DRESS 1939
      • REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS 1941
      • REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS 1951
    • REGIMENTAL DRILL >
      • REGIMENTAL DRILL 1931
      • REGIMENTAL DRILL 1932
      • REGIMENTAL DRILL 1935
      • REGIMENTAL DRILL 1937
      • REGIMENTAL DRILL 1944
      • LIGHT INFANTRY DRILL 1951
    • REGIMENTAL DRESS >
      • REGIMENTAL UNIFORM 1741-1896
      • REGIMENTAL UNIFORM 1741-1914
      • 1894 REGIMENTAL DRESS
      • 1897 OFFICERS DRESS REGULATIONS
      • 1900 DRESS REGULATIONS
      • 1931 REGIMENTAL DRESS
      • 1939-1945 REGIMENTAL DRESS
      • 1950 OFFICERS DRESS REGULATIONS
      • 1960 OFFICERS DRESS REGULATIONS (TA)
      • 1960 REGIMENTAL MESS DRESS
      • 1963 REGIMENTAL DRESS
      • 1958-1969 REGIMENTAL DRESS
    • HEADDRESS >
      • HEADDRESS 1741-1894
    • REGIMENTAL CREST
    • BATTLE HONOURS
    • REGIMENTAL COLOURS >
      • 1895 REGIMENTAL COLOURS 1741-1895
      • 1961 REGIMENTAL COLOURS 1741-1961
    • BRIEF HISTORY
    • REGIMENTAL CHAPEL, OXFORD >
      • 1931 REGIMENTAL CHAPEL
      • 1931 REGIMENTAL CHAPEL DESCRIPTION
      • 1931 REGIMENTAL CHAPEL DEDICATION SERVICE
      • 1950 1939-45 ROLL OF HONOUR
      • 1950 1939-45 ROH DEDICATION SERVICE
    • THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 >
      • REGIMENTAL BATTLE HONOURS 1914-1919
      • OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 SUMMARY INTRODUCTION
      • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 SUMMARY
      • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 SUMMARY
      • 1/4 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 2/4 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 1/1 BUCKS BATTALION 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 2/1 BUCKS BATTALION 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 5 (SERVICE) OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 6 (SERVICE) OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 7 (SERVICE) OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 8 (SERVICE) OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
  • 1st GREEN JACKETS (43rd & 52nd) 1958-1965
    • 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND) 1958-1965
    • 1959 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1959 REGIMENTAL MARCH IN OXFORD
    • 1959 DEMONSTRATION BATTALION
    • 1960 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1961 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1961 THE LONGEST DAY
    • 1962 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1963 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1963 CONVERSION TO “RIFLE” REGIMENT
    • 1964 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1965 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1965 FORMATION OF ROYAL GREEN JACKETS
  • REGULAR BATTALIONS 1741-1958
    • 1st BATTALION (43rd LIGHT INFANTRY) >
      • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1741-1914 >
        • 43rd REGIMENT 1741-1802
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1803-1805
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1806-1809
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1809-1810
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1810-1812
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1812-1814
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1814-1818
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1818-1854
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1854-1863
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1863-1865
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1865-1897
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1899-1902
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1902-1914
      • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 >
        • 1914 >
          • 1914 AUGUST - DECEMBER
        • 1915 >
          • 1915 OVERVIEW
          • 1915 JANUARY - FEBRUARY
          • 1915 MARCH - MAY
          • 1915 JUNE - JULY
          • 1915 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
          • 1915 SEPTEMBER BATTLE OF ES SINN
          • 1915 OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
          • 1915 BATTLE OF CTESIPHON.
          • 1915 THE WITHDRAWAL FROM CTESIPHON.
          • 1915-1916 THE SIEGE OF KUT-AL-AMARA >
            • 1915 DECEMBER SIEGE AT KUT-EL-AMARA
        • 1916 >
          • 1916 SIEGE OF KUT-AL-AMARA
          • 1916 SIEGE OF KUT-AL-AMARA CO's ACCOUNT
          • 1916 ATTEMPT TO RELIEVE KUT
          • 1916 JULY - DECEMBER 43RD REFORMED
        • 1917
        • 1918
        • 1919
      • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1945 >
        • 1939 SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER
        • 1940 JANUARY - MAY 9TH
        • 1940 MAY 10TH - 26TH
        • 1940 MAY 27th - 31st
        • 1940 JUNE - DECEMBER
        • 1941 JANUARY - DECEMBER
        • 1942 JANUARY - DECEMBER
        • 1943 JANUARY - 1944 MAY
        • 1944 JUNE - AUGUST
        • 1944 SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER
        • 1944 OCTOBER BATTLE OF S'HERTOGENBOSCH
        • 1945 JANUARY - JUNE
      • 1 OXF & BUCKS 1946-1958 >
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1946
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1947
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1948
        • 1948 FREEDOM PARADES
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1949
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1950
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1951
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1952
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1953
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1954
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1955
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1956
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1957
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1958
    • 2nd BATTALION (52nd LIGHT INFANTRY) >
      • 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY 1755-1881 >
        • 1755-1802 52nd FOOT
        • 1803-1805 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1806-1809 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1809-1810 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1810-1812 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1812-1814 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1814-1818 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1818-1854 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1854-1863 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1865-1881 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
      • 2 OXF LI 1881-1907
      • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1908-1914
      • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 >
        • 1914-1919 OVERVIEW
        • 1914 >
          • 1914 MOBILISATION
          • 1914 THE RETREAT FROM MONS
          • 1914 BATTLE OF THE MARNE
          • 1914 THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE
          • 1914 TO FLANDERS
          • 1914 THE BATTLE OF LANGEMARCK
          • 1914 WOOD FIGHTING 24/10 - 10/11
          • 1914 NONNE BOSSCHEN
          • 1914 WOOD FIGHTING 12-16 NOVEMBER
          • 1914 THE CLOSE OF 1914
        • 1915 >
          • 1915 BETHUNE SECTOR JAN-MAY
          • 1915 BATTLE OF FESTUBURT
          • 1915 FURTHER TRENCH WARFARE
          • 1915 BETHUNE AUGUST-SEPTEMBER
          • 1915 THE BATTLE OF LOOS
          • 1915 BETHUNE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
        • 1916 >
          • 1916 BETHUNE SECTOR JANUARY-JUNE
          • 1916 VIMY SECTOR JUNE - JULY
          • 1916 SOMME - GUILLEMONT
          • 1916 SOMME SECTOR AUGUST-SEPTEMBER
          • 1916 SOMME SECTOR OCTOBER 1916
          • 1916 SOMME - BATTLE OF THE ANCRE
          • 1916 SOMME SECTOR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
        • 1917 >
          • 1917 JANUARY-APRIL
          • 1917 ARRAS APRIL-JUNE
          • 1917 JULY-NOVEMBER
          • 1917 CAMBRAI NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
          • 1917 CAMBRAI NOVEMBER 30TH - DECEMBER 6TH
        • 1918 >
          • 1918 JANUARY - MARCH
          • 1918 GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE
          • 1918 APRIL - AUGUST
          • 1918 AUGUST THE ADVANCE TO VICTORY
          • 1918 SEPTEMBER
          • 1918 OCTOBER
          • 1918 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
      • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1945 >
        • 1939-1941
        • 1941-1943 AIRBORNE INFANTRY
        • 1944 PREPARATION FOR D DAY
        • 1944 PEGASUS BRIDGE-COUP DE MAIN
        • Pegasus Bridge Gallery
        • Horsa Bridge Gallery
        • COUP DE MAIN NOMINAL ROLL
        • MAJOR HOWARDS ORDERS
        • 1944 JUNE 6
        • D DAY ORDERS
        • 1944 JUNE 7-13 ESCOVILLE & HEROUVILETTE
        • Escoville & Herouvillette Gallery
        • 1944 JUNE 13-AUGUST 16 HOLDING THE BRIDGEHEAD
        • 1944 AUGUST 17-31 "PADDLE" TO THE SEINE
        • "Paddle To The Seine" Gallery
        • 1944 SEPTEMBER ARNHEM
        • OPERATION PEGASUS 1
        • 1944/45 ARDENNES
        • 1945 RHINE CROSSING
        • OPERATION VARSITY - ORDERS
        • OPERATION VARSITY BATTLEFIELD VISIT
        • 1945 MARCH-JUNE
        • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI DRESS 1940-1945 >
          • UNIFORM
          • HEADDRESS
          • CLOTH INSIGNIA
          • STEEL HELMETS
      • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1946-1947 >
        • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1946
        • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1947
  • MILITIA BATTALIONS
    • MILITIA BATTALIONS INTRODUCTION
    • 3rd MILITIA BATTALION (ROYAL BUCKS KINGS OWN MILITIA)
    • 4th MILITIA BATTALION (OXFORDSHIRE MILITIA)
    • 3 (SPECIAL RESERVE) BN OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919
  • TERRITORIAL BATTALIONS
    • 4th (TERRITORIAL) BATTALION
    • 1/4th & 2/4th (TF) OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
      • 1/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 >
        • 1/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 1/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 1/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 1/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
      • 2/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
        • 2/4 (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 2/4 (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 2/4 (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 2/4 (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
    • 4th & 5th (TA) OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1945 >
      • 4th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1944 >
        • 4th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1940
        • 4th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1940-1942
        • 4th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1942-1944
      • 5th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1945 >
        • 5th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1940
        • 5th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1940-1942
        • 5th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1942-1944
  • WAR RAISED/SERVICE BATTALIONS 1914-18 & 1939-45
    • 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th (SERVICE) 1914-1918 >
      • 5 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
        • 5 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 5 OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 5 OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 5 OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
      • 6 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
        • 6 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 6 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 6 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 6 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
      • 7 (SERVICE)Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
        • 7 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 7 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 7 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 7 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
        • 7 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1918-1919
      • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
        • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
        • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1918-1919
    • 6th & 7th Bns OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1945 >
      • 6th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1940-1945 >
        • 6th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1940-1942
        • 6th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1942-1944
        • 6th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1944
        • 6th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1945
      • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1940-1945 >
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI JUNE 1940-JULY 1942
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI JULY 1942 – JUNE 1943
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI JULY 1943–OCTOBER 1943
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI OCTOBER 1943–DECEMBER 1943
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI DECEMBER 1943-JUNE 1944
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI JANUARY 1944-JUNE 1944
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI JUNE 1944–JANUARY 1945
  • "IN MY OWN WORDS"
    • THE SOMME REVISITED
    • REMEMBERING FROMELLES 1916-2011
    • MEN OF STEEL - HAZEBROUCK REMEMBERED
    • THE TALE OF A FEW BRIDGES - 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1944-45
  • CREDITS
LIGHTBOBS
FORTY-THIRD LIGHT INFANTRY


BASED ON EXTRACTS FROM THE REGIMENTAL WAR CHRONICLES OF THE OXFORDSHIRE & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY 1939-1945

FROM 1st JANUARY TO 30th JUNE, 1941
The rationing of the men was changed several times during the first three months of 1941, cuts in the supplies of meat, bread, tea and sugar being the main items. In addition, the supply of food for tea meal was discontinued and 2d. a man provided for the purchase of this. A considerable amount was done to bring up the standard of cooking to meet the shortage of food.

Periodic brigade, divisional and corps exercises were held during the winter, the divisional and corps exercises lasting usually two nights and part or most of three days. The most memorable of these were a December visit to Bodmin Moor, two February visits to Exmoor, in which the Regiment took part in snow in an exercise designed to represent the Libyan cam­paign, and two March exercises with special service troops who fought as guerrilla gangs south-west of Dartmoor.

No. 10 Platoon, of B Company, won the platoon Bren gun and rifle competition and represented the Regiment in the brigade and divisional competitions.

Second Lieutenant Stapleton's platoon of A Company went to act as demonstration platoon at the junior leaders' school at Minehead from January to March and came back to give a demonstration to the officers and N.C.Os. of the Regiment in the latest "pepperpot" irregular method* of crossing open country under small-arms fire. (*In this system men were trained to dodge and jink as they advanced at the double and by so doing create a very difficult target for the enemy.—ed.)

At the beginning of March the Regiment had a visit from the commander-in-chief, General Sir Alan Brooke, with the com­mander, Southern Command, Lieutenant-General The Hon. H. R. L. G. Alexander, the VIII Corps commander, Lieutenant-General Franklyn, the 48th Divisional commander, Major- General R. L. Petre, and the 143rd Brigade commander, Briga­dier Muirhead. This formidable body of men watched a platoon of C Company boating on the lake at Buckland Filleigh in fold­ing boats and another platoon "pepperpotting" across the park.

The light company ceased in December and the tank-hunting platoon was disbanded. The motor-cycle platoon joined the carriers, and these and the mortars rejoined H.Q. Company, which Captain R. F. E. Hill took over. These two platoons moved to Hatherleigh in January, 1941, being replaced at Winkleigh by A Company.


The Regiment remained in its scattered detachments without any major event from March to June. It had a visit from the Infantry Training Centre band in May and at the end of that month went to Bulford for a week's firing on the ranges. This course consisted of four rifle practices, on the scoring of which depended the war-tune proficiency pay of all men except a limited number of specialists. The Bren gun was also fired at this time. 

Throughout May and June the towns and villages around held War Weapons Weeks ('Designed to raise money by voluntary subscription in National Savings Certificates.) and the Regiment provided parties to attend ceremonies and take part in marches, and also provided the band at several dances. 

Local work included many contacts with the Home Guard. The Regiment provided instructors and companies arranged exercises with them. The Home Guard also played an increasing part in higher training.

Training during this period involved an increasing number of divisional and corps schemes. Most of these included practising the division's invasion role, and the Regiment got to know the country of South Devon well, and to link it with varying activi­ties. The defence of Totnes bridge by the quartermaster and Regimental cooks was one of these.

Exercises usually involved two nights out and plenty of march­ing, and the standard of the Regiment in alertness and endurance greatly improved.





FROM 1st JULY TO 31st DECEMBER, 1941
On the 1st July the Regiment left the Hatherleigh area after its stay of close on eleven months and moved to the Plymouth area to relieve the 1st/7th Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who had done a tour of duty in replacement of the 10th East Surrey Regiment as part of a scheme to allow battalions occupying beach defences to train with the field army.

The Regiment was split into three detachments: Regimental headquarters at Plympton, H.Q. and two rifle companies at Chaddlewood House, a derelict mansion at Plympton, R Com­pany (Reinforcement Company) and the remaining two rifle companies in the excellent modern Seaton Barracks at Crown Hill, Plymouth.

The Regimental transport and part of the carrier platoon went to a camp at Hinton St. George which had been sited by Lieutenant-Colonel Colvill for the Regiment but which was pitched and occupied temporarily by the 6th D.C.L.I., to whom our transport and carrier detachments were attached. The Regi­ment used the very limited transport of the 10th East Surrey Regiment.

At training, the Chaddlewood companies carried out section treks on Dartmoor, involving each section bivouacking and cooking, and finding and attacking another section. Half-way through the month rifle companies were changed over, so that all sections were able to carry out these treks. The companies at Seaton Barracks found working parties and a guard at Long Bridge, and carried out rifle shooting on the Tregantle ranges.

The operational role of the Regiment involved the holding of the eastern defences of Plymouth and an additional role of counter-attack against the Yelverton aerodrome.

The Regiment took over a machine-gun platoon of the East Surrey Regiment and this was attached to R Company. Captain Lowndes-Stone-Norton joined the Regiment and was posted to command this company.

As the Regiment was nearly concentrated and had the excel­lent accommodation in Seaton Barracks, it was decided to hold a celebration parade to mark the bicentenary of the formation of the Regiment.

The 26th July was chosen for the date, and a programme comprised:

An inspection by the colonel of the Regiment, followed by a march past.

A church service conducted by the Reverend W. H. Cox and the Reverend George Bidgood, present and past chaplains to the Regiment.

A luncheon to guests.

A cricket match versus the 52nd Light Infantry.

An all ranks' dance.

A week before the day of the celebration we had the good fortune to be joined at Seaton Barracks by the 70th Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel J. J. Powell.

The programme did not work out quite as planned. First, Sir John Hanbury-Williams was at the last moment prevented by illness from attending, and, secondly, the 52nd were prevented by operational liabilities from sending a team.

The Regiment formed up in mass, the parade ground being lined by representatives of all companies of the 70th Battalion. Lieutenant-General Paget, who had promised to fly over, was prevented at the last minute from taking Sir John Hanbury-Williams's place. We received a telegram to say that the weather had prevented his aeroplane from taking off in time, and Brigadier-General A. J. F. Eden, C.M.G., D.S.O., was good enough to carry out the inspection and addressed the Regiment and took the salute at the march past.

After the march past the representatives of the 70th Battalion lining the square closed and marched past. The visitors and the Seaton Barracks companies then attended the service at the garrison church. The garrison chaplain and the chaplain to the 70th Battalion helped. While the service was going on the Chaddlewood companies were transported back to Plympton by R.A.S.C. troop carriers.

All officers, both visitors and those serving, had luncheon in the Seaton Barracks officers' mess, which had been put at the disposal of the Regiment by the camp commandant, and Ser­jeant Darlow served a sit-down meal to between eighty and ninety officers. Other-rank visitors were entertained in the serjeants' and company messes at Seaton Barracks. A Company looked after the 1st Bucks' visitors, D Company the 4th Bat­talion, and R Company the 5th Battalion and the 2nd Bucks Battalion.

After the midday meal there was a cricket match on the Bowden Park ground against the 4th Battalion which the 4th Battalion won after a close game.

In the evening an all ranks' dance was held in the Seaton Barracks companies' dining-hall.

It may be of interest to state the stations from which repre­sentatives of other battalions of the Regiment came. The 4th Battalion party came from Bishopsteignton, near Teignmouth, the 1st Bucks from Denbury Camp, near Newton Abbot, the 5th Battalion from Castlerock, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, the representative of the 2nd Bucks Battalion was on leave, but the battalion was stationed at Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. Major Meade came from the 6th Battalion, stationed in the Isle of Wight, and Major Neville and Lieutenant Burness from the I.T.C., Cowley.

On the 1st August the Regiment moved into camp at Hinton St. George and a fortnight later to Tiverton, where it found good billets.

Specialist classes which had been started at Plympton and Hinton St. George were continued, comprising mortars, carriers, anti-aircraft, bombing, signalling and bugling; and Regimental exercises continued, including the firing of the 3-inch mortar.

TIVERTON, DEVON
The first half of September was filled with higher training. In quick succession the Regiment did three exercises.

The first was a two-day exercise as enemy to the 3rd Division hi the Shepton Mallet area, involving a withdrawal, and chiefly memorable for the heat of the march. Then, two days later, followed the second exercise of four days, called "Arthur." This started with a "stand by" lasting twenty-four hours, continued by a night and morning spent quietly near Launceston. Then came a wild rush to the Bodmin area, the planning and cancella­tion of a barrage attack and its replacement by a night advance over the River Camel, in which the adjutant went up to his neck and the Colonel to his waist in water.

The second exercise finished by a return home in the small hours of Friday morning, and the third exercise started at mid­night on Saturday and lasted until the following midday. In this case the Regiment attacked Yeovil aerodrome as German para­chutists.

The intensive period of higher command exercises finished at the end of the month with the biggest exercise yet held in England, called "Bumper." It involved a quarter of a million troops and 9,000 tons of petrol. It took place between, on the one side, the II and XI Corps, consisting of the 1st Infantry Division, the 43rd, 46th and 54th Motorized Divisions and the 6th and 9th Armoured Divisions, under Lieutenant-General Carr, representing a German army landed in East Anglia; and, on the other side, the V and Canadian Corps, consisting of the 3rd, 4th and 48th Infantry Divisions, the 1st and 2nd Canadian Divisions, the 8th Armoured Division, the 21st and 25th Army Tank Brigades and the 24th Guards Brigade, under Lieutenant-General Alexander, representing the British Army.

The Regiment's first move was made on Saturday, the 27th September, when it moved through the night to a concentration area just south of Newbury, Berkshire. The move was done in troop-carrying lorries and all transport was divided into blocks of six or seven vehicles under the command of an officer, these blocks closing in at night without shortening the whole column.

The experiment on the whole was a success.

The next day was spent in woods and farms in the concentra­tion area and at night the Regiment moved on through Wantage and Oxford and found itself climbing Headington Hill at about 0730 hrs. From there it went to Fenny Stratford. It was now the left of the 48th Division, which itself was the left of the British force, save for the 8th Armoured Division, concentrated near Bicester.

The Regiment reached Fenny Stratford at about midday on Monday, the 29th September, and took up "anti-panzer" posi­tions to the south-east of the town. It was very soon in touch with the enemy and spent two nights and the intervening day in this way with some useful tank-hunting, in which it was very successful.

On the 1st October the enemy attacked the British left with the 6th Armoured Division and the 54th Division. The Regiment and the 48th Division suffered heavy casualties, but broke the attack of the armoured division.

At the end of the day only Regimental headquarters and H.Q. Company, with twenty men of A Company and a similar num­ber of D Company, were left hi the field and a composite com­pany was formed. B Echelon managed to escape the tanks and did some good tank-hunting.

On Thursday, the 2nd October, the 2nd Canadian Division was pushed through and the Regiment found itself in Corps reserve. It concentrated at Woburn Sands that afternoon, and the following morning the "standfast" sounded.

After rapidly succeeding contradictory orders, the Regiment moved off at 1600 hrs. and harboured for the night south of Malmesbury and reached billets in Tiverton at 1600 hrs. on Saturday almost exactly a week after starting.

All ranks had enjoyed the exercise, which was excellently run and provided the Regiment's first experience of being attacked by tanks.

October was a month devoted principally to individual train­ing. An officers' cadre course under Major Blyth and an N.C.Os.' class under Second Lieutenant Holden were run. Range allot­ments were made. Buglers and learner buglers were collected under Corporal Bailey and practised both in calls and marches. As a result of the class run by him, a number of acting buglers were made and buglers were used in rotation to march com­panies to church.

Side by side with this training, daily working parties were supplied to give help to farmers, particularly potato lifting and threshing, in the same way as parties had helped in flax pulling in August and September.

As regards the training, the time was badly needed to rub up individual training and minor tactics, which seem always to fall off during higher training; as well as to digest the many lessons of the higher training itself.

A sports committee was formed and a good start made with football, both association and rugby, hockey, cross-country running and boxing.

The novelty of living in a town with two cinemas ruled out the need for much outside entertainment. Dances were kept up twice weekly. The band worked well and we added a double string bass to the instruments.

At the end of October the 48th Division was ordered to Lincolnshire, the advanced party to leave on the 4th November and the main body on the 11th November. The area allotted to the Regiment was Coningsby, about twelve miles south-east of Lincoln.

On the 3rd November, however, the move of the Regiment was cancelled, as it was to leave the 48th Division and replace the 2nd South Wales Borderers in an independent brigade group then in Northern Ireland. This news gave rise to much interested speculation on what special role the Regiment was to fulfil.

On the 5th November the Regiment removed its 48th Divi­sional signs from the shoulders and on the 6th the divisional commander called to say good-bye. On the 8th Brigadier Muirhead visited all companies and spoke to the men, and in the evening dined with the officers. 143rd Infantry Brigade head­quarters left the Tiverton area for Lincolnshire on the 8th November.

While awaiting its movement orders the Regiment continued individual training, and expended its practice ammunition and grenades. Route marches were held, starting with a platoon com­petition, marks being awarded for march discipline.

On the 13th November we lost our transport, which was taken by Lieutenant Florey to Fort Widley, outside Portsmouth (a fort occupied by a detachment of the 3rd Battalion in the last war), where it was handed over to the 10th Somerset Light Infantry, and our drivers brought that battalion's twenty-two vehicles back. These were mostly 8-cwt. utility vans and bore the Hamp­shire divisional sign of a hog and the number 63.

On the 19th November the Regiment learned of the appoint­ment of General B. C. T. Paget, C.B., D.S.O., M.C., to be G.O.C.-in-C, Home Forces, and the following telegram of con­gratulation was sent and published in Regimental orders:

"Congratulations and best wishes upon your appointment as Commander-in-Chief.—all ranks, 43RD."

To this a reply was received by telegram dated the 20th November:

"Officer Commanding 43RD light infantry, Tiverton,— Many thanks to you and to all ranks of the Regiment to which I have the honour to belong.—Paget."

On the 26th November the Regiment handed over its carriers to the 7th Bn. Royal Sussex Regiment.

The move to Ireland now began. The advanced party left on the 30th November. A road party of the 2nd South Wales Borderers arrived on the 3rd December and handed over their vehicles. These were subsequently loaded with the Regiment's heavy baggage and taken to Ireland as a road party by Second Lieutenant Grayburn, accompanied by eight dogs.

The main body of the Regiment moved on the 7th December in two trains to Stranraer. The start was made between 0900 and 1000 hrs. and a good run took them through Hereford, Crewe and Carlisle. Tea halts were made at Shrewsbury and Carlisle. The Regiment arrived at Stranraer between 0300 and 0400 hrs. on Monday, the 8th December, and embarked on the Royal Daffodil. It was while on board that they heard by wireless of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour.

The Regiment was met at Larne by its new brigadier, Briga­dier Hibbert, and Major Cleghorn, his G.2, who came out to greet the boat in a pinnace in Larne harbour. After a short train journey, the whole of the main body was in camp at Loughan-more, Dunadry, Co. Antrim, by 1500 hrs. on the 8th December.

Loughanmore Camp was constructed of Nissen huts along the drives of Loughanmore House, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Mackean. The camp was muddy and suffered from rats, but was well laid out. It had a poor N.A.A.F.I. building and no enter­tainment hut, but improvement to both was promised. Electric light, the laying on of which was half-complete, was also promised.

The new brigade consisted of the 1st/5th Bn. The Leicester­shire Regiment, the Regiment, the 8th Bn. The Sherwood Foresters, the 150th Field Regiment, R.A., 286th Anti-Tank Regiment, R.A., 507th Field Company, R.E., and ancillary services. By Christmas the Regiment was quite at home and held the usual festivities.


Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • HOME
  • SOLDIER RESEARCH
  • WOLVERTONS AMATEUR MILITARY TRADITION
    • WOLVERTON & THE BUCKS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS 1877-1908
    • BUCKS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS WOLVERTON COMPANY & THE BOER WAR
    • WOLVERTON & THE BUCKS BATTALION (TF) 1908-1919
    • WOLVERTON DRILL HALL
    • WOLVERTON & THE BUCKS BATTALION (TA) 1920-1947
  • BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS 1859-1908
    • BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS HISTORY
    • BUCKS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS DRESS REGULATIONS 1893
    • BOER WAR 1899-1902 REGIMENTAL OVERVIEW
    • BUCKS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS - THE BOER WAR 1899-1902
    • BUCKS RIFLE VOLUNTEERS - BOER WAR MEMORIALS
  • BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BATTALION 1908-1947
    • The Bucks Battalion A Brief History
    • 1ST BUCKS 1914-1919 >
      • 1914-15 1/1ST BUCKS MOBILISATION
      • 1915 1/1ST BUCKS PLOEGSTEERT
      • 1915-16 1/1st BUCKS HEBUTERNE
      • 1916 1/1ST BUCKS SOMME JULY 1916
      • 1916 1/1st BUCKS POZIERES WAR DIARY 17-25 JULY
      • 1916 1/1ST BUCKS SOMME AUGUST 1916
      • 1916 1/1ST BUCKS LE SARS TO CAPPY
      • 1917 1/1ST BUCKS THE GERMAN RETIREMENT
      • 1917 1/1st BUCKS TOMBOIS FARM
      • 1917 1/1ST BUCKS THE HINDENBURG LINE
      • 1917 1/1ST BUCKS 3RD BATTLE OF YPRES
      • 1917 1/1st BUCKS 3RD YPRES 16th AUGUST
      • 1917 1/1st BUCKS 3RD YPRES WAR DIARY 15-17 JULY
      • 1917 1/1ST BUCKS 3RD BATTLE OF YPRES - VIMY
      • 1917-18 1/1ST BUCKS ITALY
    • 2ND BUCKS 1914-1918 >
      • 1914-1916 2ND BUCKS FORMATION & TRAINING
      • 1916 2/1st BUCKS ARRIVAL IN FRANCE
      • 1916 2/1st BUCKS FROMELLES
      • 1916 2/1st BUCKS REORGANISATION
      • 1916-1917 2/1st BUCKS THE SOMME
      • 1917 2/1st BUCKS THE GERMAN RETIREMENT
      • 1917 2/1st BUCKS ST QUENTIN APRIL TO AUGUST 1917
      • 1917 2/1st BUCKS 3RD YPRES
      • 1917 2/1st BUCKS ARRAS & CAMBRAI
      • 1918 2/1st BUCKS ST QUENTIN TO DISBANDMENT
    • 1ST BUCKS 1939-1945 >
      • 1939-1940 1BUCKS MOBILISATION & NEWBURY
      • 1940 1BUCKS FRANCE & BELGIUM
      • 1940 1BUCKS HAZEBROUCK
      • HAZEBROUCK BATTLEFIELD VISIT
      • 1940-1942 1BUCKS
      • 1943-1944 1BUCKS PREPARING FOR D DAY
      • COMPOSITION & ROLE OF BEACH GROUP
      • BROAD OUTLINE OF OPERATION OVERLORD
      • 1944 1ST BUCKS NORMANDY D DAY
      • 1944 1BUCKS 1944 NORMANDY TO BRUSSELS (LOC)
      • Sword Beach Gallery
      • 1945 1BUCKS 1945 FEBRUARY-JUNE T FORCE 1st (CDN) ARMY
      • 1945 1BUCKS 1945 FEBRUARY-JUNE T FORCE 2ND BRITISH ARMY
      • 1945 1BUCKS JUNE 1945 TO AUGUST 1946
    • BUCKS BATTALION BADGES
    • BUCKS BATTALION SHOULDER TITLES 1908-1946
    • 1939-1945 BUCKS BATTALION DRESS >
      • UNIFORM
      • HEADDRESS
      • INSIGNIA & DRESS DISTINCTIONS
      • STEEL HELMETS
  • ROYAL BUCKS KINGS OWN MILITIA
  • BUCKINGHAMSHIRE'S LINE REGIMENTS
    • REGIMENTS CONNECTED TO BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
    • 14TH (BUCKINGHAMSHIRE) REGIMENT
    • 85TH (BUCKS VOLUNTEERS) KINGS LIGHT INFANTRY
  • ROYAL GREEN JACKETS
    • BATTLE HONOURS
    • ROYAL GREEN JACKETS A BRIEF HISTORY
    • RGJ BADGES
    • RGJ BADGES 2
    • RGJ BADGES OF RANK
    • RGJ TRADE BADGES
    • RGJ BAND BADGES
  • OXFORDSHIRE & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY 1741-1965
    • OXF & BUCKS LI INSIGNIA >
      • OXF & BUCKS LI BADGES
      • HEAD DRESS BADGES 1882-1965
      • SHOULDER TITLES 1885-1965
      • REGIMENTAL BUTTONS 1881-1965
    • REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS >
      • REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS 1914
      • REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS & DRESS 1939
      • REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS 1941
      • REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS 1951
    • REGIMENTAL DRILL >
      • REGIMENTAL DRILL 1931
      • REGIMENTAL DRILL 1932
      • REGIMENTAL DRILL 1935
      • REGIMENTAL DRILL 1937
      • REGIMENTAL DRILL 1944
      • LIGHT INFANTRY DRILL 1951
    • REGIMENTAL DRESS >
      • REGIMENTAL UNIFORM 1741-1896
      • REGIMENTAL UNIFORM 1741-1914
      • 1894 REGIMENTAL DRESS
      • 1897 OFFICERS DRESS REGULATIONS
      • 1900 DRESS REGULATIONS
      • 1931 REGIMENTAL DRESS
      • 1939-1945 REGIMENTAL DRESS
      • 1950 OFFICERS DRESS REGULATIONS
      • 1960 OFFICERS DRESS REGULATIONS (TA)
      • 1960 REGIMENTAL MESS DRESS
      • 1963 REGIMENTAL DRESS
      • 1958-1969 REGIMENTAL DRESS
    • HEADDRESS >
      • HEADDRESS 1741-1894
    • REGIMENTAL CREST
    • BATTLE HONOURS
    • REGIMENTAL COLOURS >
      • 1895 REGIMENTAL COLOURS 1741-1895
      • 1961 REGIMENTAL COLOURS 1741-1961
    • BRIEF HISTORY
    • REGIMENTAL CHAPEL, OXFORD >
      • 1931 REGIMENTAL CHAPEL
      • 1931 REGIMENTAL CHAPEL DESCRIPTION
      • 1931 REGIMENTAL CHAPEL DEDICATION SERVICE
      • 1950 1939-45 ROLL OF HONOUR
      • 1950 1939-45 ROH DEDICATION SERVICE
    • THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 >
      • REGIMENTAL BATTLE HONOURS 1914-1919
      • OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 SUMMARY INTRODUCTION
      • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 SUMMARY
      • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 SUMMARY
      • 1/4 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 2/4 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 1/1 BUCKS BATTALION 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 2/1 BUCKS BATTALION 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 5 (SERVICE) OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 6 (SERVICE) OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 7 (SERVICE) OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
      • 8 (SERVICE) OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 SUMMARY
  • 1st GREEN JACKETS (43rd & 52nd) 1958-1965
    • 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND) 1958-1965
    • 1959 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1959 REGIMENTAL MARCH IN OXFORD
    • 1959 DEMONSTRATION BATTALION
    • 1960 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1961 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1961 THE LONGEST DAY
    • 1962 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1963 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1963 CONVERSION TO “RIFLE” REGIMENT
    • 1964 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1965 1ST GREEN JACKETS (43RD & 52ND)
    • 1965 FORMATION OF ROYAL GREEN JACKETS
  • REGULAR BATTALIONS 1741-1958
    • 1st BATTALION (43rd LIGHT INFANTRY) >
      • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1741-1914 >
        • 43rd REGIMENT 1741-1802
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1803-1805
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1806-1809
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1809-1810
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1810-1812
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1812-1814
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1814-1818
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1818-1854
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1854-1863
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1863-1865
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1865-1897
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1899-1902
        • 43rd LIGHT INFANTRY 1902-1914
      • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 >
        • 1914 >
          • 1914 AUGUST - DECEMBER
        • 1915 >
          • 1915 OVERVIEW
          • 1915 JANUARY - FEBRUARY
          • 1915 MARCH - MAY
          • 1915 JUNE - JULY
          • 1915 AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
          • 1915 SEPTEMBER BATTLE OF ES SINN
          • 1915 OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
          • 1915 BATTLE OF CTESIPHON.
          • 1915 THE WITHDRAWAL FROM CTESIPHON.
          • 1915-1916 THE SIEGE OF KUT-AL-AMARA >
            • 1915 DECEMBER SIEGE AT KUT-EL-AMARA
        • 1916 >
          • 1916 SIEGE OF KUT-AL-AMARA
          • 1916 SIEGE OF KUT-AL-AMARA CO's ACCOUNT
          • 1916 ATTEMPT TO RELIEVE KUT
          • 1916 JULY - DECEMBER 43RD REFORMED
        • 1917
        • 1918
        • 1919
      • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1945 >
        • 1939 SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER
        • 1940 JANUARY - MAY 9TH
        • 1940 MAY 10TH - 26TH
        • 1940 MAY 27th - 31st
        • 1940 JUNE - DECEMBER
        • 1941 JANUARY - DECEMBER
        • 1942 JANUARY - DECEMBER
        • 1943 JANUARY - 1944 MAY
        • 1944 JUNE - AUGUST
        • 1944 SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER
        • 1944 OCTOBER BATTLE OF S'HERTOGENBOSCH
        • 1945 JANUARY - JUNE
      • 1 OXF & BUCKS 1946-1958 >
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1946
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1947
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1948
        • 1948 FREEDOM PARADES
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1949
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1950
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1951
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1952
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1953
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1954
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1955
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1956
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1957
        • 1 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1958
    • 2nd BATTALION (52nd LIGHT INFANTRY) >
      • 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY 1755-1881 >
        • 1755-1802 52nd FOOT
        • 1803-1805 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1806-1809 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1809-1810 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1810-1812 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1812-1814 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1814-1818 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1818-1854 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1854-1863 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
        • 1865-1881 52nd LIGHT INFANTRY
      • 2 OXF LI 1881-1907
      • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1908-1914
      • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 >
        • 1914-1919 OVERVIEW
        • 1914 >
          • 1914 MOBILISATION
          • 1914 THE RETREAT FROM MONS
          • 1914 BATTLE OF THE MARNE
          • 1914 THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE
          • 1914 TO FLANDERS
          • 1914 THE BATTLE OF LANGEMARCK
          • 1914 WOOD FIGHTING 24/10 - 10/11
          • 1914 NONNE BOSSCHEN
          • 1914 WOOD FIGHTING 12-16 NOVEMBER
          • 1914 THE CLOSE OF 1914
        • 1915 >
          • 1915 BETHUNE SECTOR JAN-MAY
          • 1915 BATTLE OF FESTUBURT
          • 1915 FURTHER TRENCH WARFARE
          • 1915 BETHUNE AUGUST-SEPTEMBER
          • 1915 THE BATTLE OF LOOS
          • 1915 BETHUNE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
        • 1916 >
          • 1916 BETHUNE SECTOR JANUARY-JUNE
          • 1916 VIMY SECTOR JUNE - JULY
          • 1916 SOMME - GUILLEMONT
          • 1916 SOMME SECTOR AUGUST-SEPTEMBER
          • 1916 SOMME SECTOR OCTOBER 1916
          • 1916 SOMME - BATTLE OF THE ANCRE
          • 1916 SOMME SECTOR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
        • 1917 >
          • 1917 JANUARY-APRIL
          • 1917 ARRAS APRIL-JUNE
          • 1917 JULY-NOVEMBER
          • 1917 CAMBRAI NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
          • 1917 CAMBRAI NOVEMBER 30TH - DECEMBER 6TH
        • 1918 >
          • 1918 JANUARY - MARCH
          • 1918 GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE
          • 1918 APRIL - AUGUST
          • 1918 AUGUST THE ADVANCE TO VICTORY
          • 1918 SEPTEMBER
          • 1918 OCTOBER
          • 1918 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER
      • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1945 >
        • 1939-1941
        • 1941-1943 AIRBORNE INFANTRY
        • 1944 PREPARATION FOR D DAY
        • 1944 PEGASUS BRIDGE-COUP DE MAIN
        • Pegasus Bridge Gallery
        • Horsa Bridge Gallery
        • COUP DE MAIN NOMINAL ROLL
        • MAJOR HOWARDS ORDERS
        • 1944 JUNE 6
        • D DAY ORDERS
        • 1944 JUNE 7-13 ESCOVILLE & HEROUVILETTE
        • Escoville & Herouvillette Gallery
        • 1944 JUNE 13-AUGUST 16 HOLDING THE BRIDGEHEAD
        • 1944 AUGUST 17-31 "PADDLE" TO THE SEINE
        • "Paddle To The Seine" Gallery
        • 1944 SEPTEMBER ARNHEM
        • OPERATION PEGASUS 1
        • 1944/45 ARDENNES
        • 1945 RHINE CROSSING
        • OPERATION VARSITY - ORDERS
        • OPERATION VARSITY BATTLEFIELD VISIT
        • 1945 MARCH-JUNE
        • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI DRESS 1940-1945 >
          • UNIFORM
          • HEADDRESS
          • CLOTH INSIGNIA
          • STEEL HELMETS
      • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1946-1947 >
        • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1946
        • 2 OXF & BUCKS LI - 1947
  • MILITIA BATTALIONS
    • MILITIA BATTALIONS INTRODUCTION
    • 3rd MILITIA BATTALION (ROYAL BUCKS KINGS OWN MILITIA)
    • 4th MILITIA BATTALION (OXFORDSHIRE MILITIA)
    • 3 (SPECIAL RESERVE) BN OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919
  • TERRITORIAL BATTALIONS
    • 4th (TERRITORIAL) BATTALION
    • 1/4th & 2/4th (TF) OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
      • 1/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1919 >
        • 1/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 1/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 1/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 1/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
      • 2/4th (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
        • 2/4 (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 2/4 (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 2/4 (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 2/4 (TF) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
    • 4th & 5th (TA) OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1945 >
      • 4th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1944 >
        • 4th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1940
        • 4th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1940-1942
        • 4th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1942-1944
      • 5th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1945 >
        • 5th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1940
        • 5th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1940-1942
        • 5th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1942-1944
  • WAR RAISED/SERVICE BATTALIONS 1914-18 & 1939-45
    • 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th (SERVICE) 1914-1918 >
      • 5 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
        • 5 OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 5 OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 5 OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 5 OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
      • 6 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
        • 6 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 6 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 6 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 6 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
      • 7 (SERVICE)Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
        • 7 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 7 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 7 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 7 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
        • 7 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1918-1919
      • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1918 >
        • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1914-1915
        • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1915-1916
        • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1916-1917
        • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1917-1918
        • 8 (SERVICE) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1918-1919
    • 6th & 7th Bns OXF & BUCKS LI 1939-1945 >
      • 6th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1940-1945 >
        • 6th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1940-1942
        • 6th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1942-1944
        • 6th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1944
        • 6th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1945
      • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI 1940-1945 >
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI JUNE 1940-JULY 1942
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI JULY 1942 – JUNE 1943
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI JULY 1943–OCTOBER 1943
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI OCTOBER 1943–DECEMBER 1943
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI DECEMBER 1943-JUNE 1944
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI JANUARY 1944-JUNE 1944
        • 7th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI JUNE 1944–JANUARY 1945
  • "IN MY OWN WORDS"
    • THE SOMME REVISITED
    • REMEMBERING FROMELLES 1916-2011
    • MEN OF STEEL - HAZEBROUCK REMEMBERED
    • THE TALE OF A FEW BRIDGES - 2 OXF & BUCKS LI 1944-45
  • CREDITS