Blog Archives - LIGHTBOBS

On this day 28th February

28/2/2015

On this day 28th February

1814 - The Light Divison engaged in pursuit of the French after Orthes.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BETHUNE.

In the afternoon marched to BEUVRY and occupied billets.

Now in Brigade Reserve.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

On the 28th the Regiment was relieved by the 1st Highland Light Infantry.

1945 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Arrived at BULFORD

On this day 27th February

27/2/2015

On this day 27th February –

1814 - Battle of Orthes.

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI present at the surrender of Cronje and 4,072 Boers at Paardeberg, after 9 days, investment.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BETHUNE.

Drills and route marching carried out.

Good baths in the school enabled all ranks to obtain one during this period.

1945 - The 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion was informed that it was to be a T Force.

For more information click below:-

http://www.lightbobs.com/1945-1bucks-1945-february-june-t-force-1st-cdn-army.html

On this day 26th February

27/2/2015

On this day 26th February

1852- Loss of the Birkenhead off Danger Point, South Africa; the 43rd had a draft of 1 Officer, 1 Sjt., and 40 rank and file on board, of whom only 1 Officer (Lieut. Girirdot) and 14 rank and file were saved.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BETHUNE.

Drills and route marching carried out.

Good baths in the school enabled all ranks to obtain one during this period.

On this day 25th February

26/2/2015

On this day 25th February

1814 - 52nd disputing the passage of the Gave Du Pau prior to the battle of Orthes.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - LES CHOQAUX.

The Regiment marched to BETHUNE and occupied billets in the COLLEGE JEUNES FILLES.

On this day 24th February

24/2/2015

On this day 24th February

1791 - 52nd marched on Colar against Tippoo.

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI opposite Cronje's laager.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - LES CHOQAUX.

Drills carried out.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

On the 24th the 1st Highland Light Infantry was ordered to capture Rottum (9339), and once that was secure the Regiment was to attack the wood at 9239 beyond it.

A Company secured the start line and D Company, left, and B Company, right, were to attack the wood. In the darkness there was considerable confusion and the wrong wood was captured. However, a new plan was made and the correct objective was achieved without much opposition. The Regiment proceeded to" occupy the wood. Flooded ground made digging almost impossible and heavy shell fire caused considerable casualties—forty-two in all, including Lieutenant A. F. M. Paget, D.S.O., who was mortally wounded.

On this day 23rd February

23/2/2015

On this day 23rd February

1812 - 2nd Bn. 52nd at Ciudad Rodrigo (under orders for England) transferred 490 men to the 1st Bn.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - LES CHOQAUX.

Drills carried out daily.

Colonel H R Davies left the Regiment to take over command of 3rd Infantry Brigade.

Major A I F Eden assumed command of the Regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel C H Cobb, commanding 5th (Service) Battalion arrived for attachment until 25th February.

On this day 22nd February

22/2/2015

On this day 22nd February:-

1810 - General Craufurd's Light Brigade converted into the Light Division.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In trenches near FESTUBERT.

Information has been received that Lieutenant Colonel H R Davies has been selected for command of 3rd Infantry Brigade.

In the evening relieved by 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and marched into Divisional Reserve at LES CHOQAUX

1918 - 2/1st Bucks Bn. disbanded as such and became temporarily the 25th Entrenching Bn.

On this day 21st February

21/2/2015

On this day 21st February

1814 - The Light Division marching from Sala towards Orthes.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In trenches near FESTUBERT.

Practically no shelling and not much sniping.

Work continued principally in improving of small redoubts in breastwork line and construction of larger and self contained redoubts in second line on outskirts of village.

Two platoons from each company (First line) in breastworks always.

Second Lieutenant J L Johnston and 12th Reinforcement of 1 Serjeant and 29 others joined the Regiment.

Information received of the following:-

(a) Promotions:

To be Brevet Colonel = Lieutenant Colonel H R Davies.

To be Brevet Major = Captain E H Kirkpatrick.

(b) Confirmed in their rank:

Second Lieutenants (on probation) C B Baker and V C Martin.

Casualties:- Wounded = 1.

1945 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

On the 21st the 52nd was relieved and journeyed by road, train and aeroplane to England, arriving at Bulford on the 28th February.

On this day 20th February

20/2/2015

On this day 20th February

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI investing Cronje.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In trenches near FESTUBERT.

Practically no shelling and not much sniping.

Work continued principally in improving of small redoubts in breastwork line and construction of larger and self contained redoubts in second line on outskirts of village.

Two platoons from each company (First line) in breastworks always.

Casualties:- Killed = 1. Wounded = 2.

On this day 19th February

19/2/2015

On this day 19th February

1900 - 1st-Bn Oxf LI engaged at Kitchener's Kop.

1901 - H.M. The King of Portugal appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – In trenches near FESTUBERT.

Practically no shelling and not much sniping.

Work continued principally in improving of small redoubts in breastwork line and construction of larger and self contained redoubts in second line on outskirts of village.

Two platoons from each company (First line) in breastworks always.

On this day 18th February

18/2/2015

On this day 18th February

1791 - 52nd in pursuit of Tippoo, ascened the Ghauts (Southern India).

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI at the battle of Paardeberg.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In trenches near FESTUBERT.

Practically no shelling and not much sniping.

Work continued principally in improving of small redoubts in breastwork line and construction of larger and self contained redoubts in second line on outskirts of village.

Two platoons from each company (First line) in breastworks always.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

On the 18th converging attacks on Goch (9043) by the 15th and 51st Divisions were successful and the Regiment found itself pinched out of the front line.

A short rest followed, but the Regiment was at short notice for further operations, planning for which was difficult because of the fluid situation.

On this day 17th February

17/2/2015

On this day 17th February

1814 - Commencement of the Campaign of 1814.

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI in pursuit of Cronje.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In trenches near FESTUBERT.

Practically no shelling and not much sniping.

Work continued principally in improving of small redoubts in breastwork line and construction of larger and self contained redoubts in second line on outskirts of village.

Two platoons from each company (First line) in breastworks always.

Casualties:- Killed = 1.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

On the 17th the Regiment successfully and with minor opposition cleared the area to the River Niers (893466) and made contact with the 51st (Highland) Division.

1959 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd - The Regiment was equipped with the production

model of the Self Loading Rifle. All Fabrique Nationale type were withdrawn.

On this day 16th February

16/2/2015

On this day 16th February

1827 - Occupation of Portugal, 43rd quartered at Leiria.

1900 - 1st Bn.Oxf LI at Klip-Kraal, South Africa.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In trenches near FESTUBERT.

Practically no shelling and not much sniping.

Work continued principally in improving of small redoubts in breastwork line and construction of larger and self contained redoubts in second line on outskirts of village.

Two platoons from each company (First line) in breastworks always.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

Orders were received for a diversionary attack designed to assist the 43rd Division in its southward advance east of the Reichswald.

This was to be one of the fiercest battles of the campaign. B Company was directed on to the houses at 901476 and C Company on to Asperberg (895472) and the house at 897473. The enemy were later discovered to be from the 115th Panzer Grenadier Regiment and the 2nd Parachute Regiment, with orders to resist at all costs, and they had a fanatical determination to carry out their orders.

Within an hour both companies were on their objectives, but the enemy continued to fight fiercely from house to house and room to room in C Company's area.

In the whole operation forty-two prisoners were taken and forty Germans killed. The Regiment lost seventeen killed, twenty-two wounded, and one missing, believed killed.

On this day 15th February

15/2/2015

On this day 15th February

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In trenches near FESTUBERT.

Practically no shelling and not much sniping.

Work continued every night, principally in improving of small redoubts in breastwork line and construction of larger and self contained redoubts in second line on outskirts of village.

Two platoons from each company (First line) in breastworks always.

1916 – Provisional Bn. (of 1st Bn.), 400 strong, joined the force for relief of Kut at Wadi.

On this day 14th February

14/2/2015

On this day 14th February

1791 - 52nd, pursuing Tippoo, reached Chittipet.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Into trenches near FESTUBERT.

Relieved the 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in the same trenches as before at LE PLANTIN near FESTUBERT.

On this day 13th February

13/2/2015

On this day 13th February

1900 - Invasion of Orange Free State, 1st Bn Oxf LI at Waterval Drift.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - ESSARS.

In Brigade Reserve.

Route Marches and drill carried out.

Road mending party for work near LE PLANTIN.

1944 - 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI arrive in ANZIO (Italy)

On this day 12th February

12/2/2015

On this day 12th February

1860 - Sir William Napier died.

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI reached Ramdam

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - ESSARS.

In Brigade Reserve.

Route Marches and drill carried out.

Road mending party for work near LE PLANTIN.

On this day 11th February

11/2/2015

On this day 11th February

1791 - 52nd reached Vellore (Southern India) in pursuit of Tippoo.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - ESSARS.

In Brigade Reserve.

Route Marches and drill carried out.

Road mending party for work near LE PLANTIN

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

The Regiment remained in reserve, moving forward behind the advancing Welshmen.

On this day 10th February

10/2/2015

On this day 10th February

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI ordered to take part in the invasion of the Orange Free State.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - ESSARS.

In Brigade Reserve.

Route Marches and drill carried out.

Road mending party for work near LE PLANTIN.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

The Regiment remained in reserve, moving forward behind the advancing Welshmen.

On this day 9th February

9/2/2015

On this day 9th February

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - ESSARS.

In Brigade Reserve.

Route Marches and drill carried out.

Road mending party for work near LE PLANTIN.

1918 - Consequent on reduction of battalions in France, 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI disbanded and distributed amongst other battalions.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

The Regiment remained in reserve, moving forward behind the advancing Welshmen.

On this day 8th February

8/2/2015

On this day 8th February

1814 - 52nd engaged in the assault on Bergen-Op-Zoom (Holland).

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - ESSARS.

In Brigade Reserve.

Most of the Regiment were able to have baths and get a change of underclothing in the Divisional Bathing Place in BETHUNE.

Route Marches and drill carried out daily.

Road mending party daily for work near LE PLANTIN.

Lieutenants R E B Bull and D H W Humfrey Joined for Duty.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

On the 8th the attack began, supported by a massive weight of artillery fire, rocket concentrations and by tanks. Again the Regiment was to advance after a preliminary attack by the 4th Royal Welch Fusiliers had secured a firm base. With the Highland Light Infantry on its right B Company was to seize the corner of the Reichswald (796541) and A Company the cross-tracks (795535). They met little opposition, but took many prisoners who had been dazed by the weight of the preliminary barrage. B Company provided the first British troops to cross the German frontier in this area.

C and D Companies advanced through the leading companies and, meeting little opposition, reached their objectives successfully—the high ground of the Branden Berg (808537). A total of 115 prisoners were taken during the day.

In the evening heavy shelling of Regimental headquarters wounded the doctor and caused considerable casualties among the intelligence section and signallers.

On this day 7th February

7/2/2015

On this day 7th February

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - ESSARS.

In Brigade Reserve.

Most of the Regiment were able to have baths and get a change of underclothing in the Divisional Bathing Place in BETHUNE.

Route Marches and drill carried out daily.

Road mending party daily for work near LE PLANTIN.

On this day 6th February

6/2/2015

On this day 6th February :

1792 - 52nd engaged in night attack on Seringapatam.

During the attack on Seringapatam on the night of the 6th and morning of the 7th, the casualties of 52nd amounted to 6 officers and 44 men.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - From trenches near FESTUBERT to ESSARS.

Lieutenant T C Tanner, Kings Shropshire Light Infantry left to join 2nd battalion of his regiment.

In the afternoon the 4th Guards Brigade attacked and took trenches near CUINCHY.

The 5th Brigade were ordered to open bursts of rapid fire at intervals during this attack and the bombardment that preceded it. No reply was made by the Germans to this fire in this part of the line.

In the evening relieved by 2nd Inniskilling Fusiliers and marched into Brigade Reserve at ESSARS.

Casualties:- Wounded = 1.

On this day 5th February

5/2/2015

On this day 5th February

1762 - 43rd at first capture of Martinique.

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In trenches near FESTUBERT

On this day 4th February

4/2/2015

On this day 4th February

1814 - 52nd at siege of Antwerp (Belgium).

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In trenches near FESTUBERT

Captain E H Kirkpatrick and Lieutenant E H Whitfield Joined for Duty.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe

On the 4th they left for a concentration area in the monastery at Nebo (724587). Strictest security measures were enforced and the whole brigade was packed up in the monastery and the skirling of the Highland Light Infantry pipes, the notes of the 43rd bugles and the singing of the Welsh heralded the approaching battle with more zest than tune.