Blog Archives - LIGHTBOBS

February 28th, 2018

28/2/2018

On this day 28th February

1814 - 43rd and 52nd - The Light Divison - engaged in pursuit of the French after Orthes.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
2nd Lieut. J. W. Bennett proceeded to England for tour of duty of 6 months.
The 1914 Star Ribbon was received and issued on parade by the Commanding Officer to 70 of all ranks. About 30 all ranks above this number were from various causes not on parade.
According to notification received during the month Lt N G Clarke was Struck off Strength of the Regiment in the Field.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - IL MONTELLO
(in Support)
Fairly Quiet Day.
A certain amount of shelling distributed over the area.
Coys worked on improving dugouts etc.
Dispositions:-
Bn HQers Immediately EAST of Road 4 500 yards N of Track A
A Coy EAST of Bn HQrs 500 yards N of Track A
C Coy EAST of Road 3 500 yards N of Track A
B Coy 200 yards WEST of Road 2 700 yards N of Track A
D Coy 200 yards WEST of Road 2 700 yards N of Track A
Cloudy Day with a little rain in the Evening.
Ration Strength: 36 Officers 817 OR. Casualties: NIL.

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 (from Operations connected with the Ardennes Offensive)

1959 – 1st Green Jackets (43rd & 52nd) – “The last men of the last Draft to be trained at Cowley Barracks joined the Regiment”

February 27th, 2018

27/2/2018

On this day 27th February

1814 - 43rd and 52nd - Battle of Orthes.

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
The Regiment was relieved by the 2nd Highland Light Infantry from front line, on the relief of that Battalion by the 24th Royal Fusiliers from Reserve and withdrew to billets and shelters in METZ, less C Coy to the WINCHESTER VALLEY, where work was begun on the construction of a camp for one battalion.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - SELVA.
Battalion moved up in the Evening to Support Positions on IL MONTELLO.
HQers and A Coy between Roads 4 and 3.
B, C and D Coys between Roads 2 and 3.
A number of shells from 15cm Long Gun fell near road on S edge of MONTELLO when the Battalion was coming up.
Relief complete 9.15pm.
Ration Strength: 37 Officers 824 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 – l/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To front line at GIAVERA (River Piave).

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

February 26th, 2018

26/2/2018

On this day 26th February

1852- 43rd - 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.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
Battalion Paraded at 8.30am and marched to SELVA area,
Billeting party under MAJOR HALL proceeded at 8am to new area.
Battalion arrived in Billets at 12.30pm.
Billets quite good but very scattered, Transport being at VOLPAGO.
CAPT J B HALES to 145 Inf Bde HQers for attachment.
Ration Strength: 39 officers 813 OR. Casualties: 2 OR.

February 25th, 2018

25/2/2018

On this day 25th February

1814 - 52nd - disputing the passage of the Gave Du Pau prior to the Battle of Orthes. (Peninsula)

1918 -1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Reconnaissance towards HIT.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
CO & CAPT WRIGHT went up to Line with a view to taking over from 21st MANCHESTERS, 91st BDE, 7th Division in few days time.
Our C Coy played BERKS D Coy in Bde Football Competition & Won 1-0.
Ration Strength: 38 Officers 814 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1932 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – The Regiment left Albany Barracks, Parkhurst, IOW proceeded via Cowes and Southampton to Martinque Barracks, Bordon Camp, Hants.

February 24th, 2018

24/2/2018

On this day 24th February

1791 - 52nd - marched on Colar against Tippoo.

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

1903 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – The Battalion paraded at 11am for the presentation of the Kings South Africa Medal to all those entitled.

1918 –1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Marched to UQBAH.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Casualties: Wounded = 1 Man.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
Sunday.
No Working Parties.
Our B Coy played BERKS A Coy in Bde Football Competition & were beaten 3-9.
Poor game.
MAJOR HALL & CAPT HALES returned from Rome Leave.
Ration Strength: 38 Officers 825 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1929 – 4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - On Sunday 24th February, a Guard of Honour, with Band and Bugles, commanded by Captain R. F. Symonds, paraded at Oxford, and marched to the Town Hall, for the unveiling of the War Memorial Tablet for all ranks of the Territorial Battalions who fell in the Great War.

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.

February 23rd, 2018

23/2/2018

On this day 23rd February

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

1918 –1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Marched to KHAN ABU RAYAT.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Casualties: Wounded = 2 Men.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
Working Party of 250 men on aerodrome S. LUCA.
Commanding Officer reconnoitred Corps Line.
Lecture by GOC Division for all Officers at BADOERE at 3pm.
Ration Strength: 38 Officers 817 OR. Casualties: NIL.

February 22nd, 2018

22/2/2018

On this day 22nd February

1810 - 43rd and 52nd - General Craufurd's Light Brigade converted into the Light Division.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
Working Party of 250 men on aerodrome S. LUCA.
2nd in Command reconnoitred Corps Line just North of POVEGLIANO.
2/LT CAULFIELD rejoined Battalion from GHQ.
Ration Strength: 36 Officers 812 OR. Casualties: 2 OR to Hospital.

1918 –2/1st Bucks Bn - Marched to CURCHY and HERLY for disbandment, and became the 25th Entrenching Battalion.
The Battalion marched to CHURCHY and HERLY, the roads were very bad, and the march was lengthened for some Companies owing to the scattered billets.
On arrival in billets, the Battalion with about 250 all ranks of 2/8 Royal Warwicks, became the 25th Entrenching Battalion.
Letters from General Sir H de la P GOUGH, Commanding V ARMY, enclosing a letter from Major General Colin Mackenzie Commanding 61st Div, from Brig. General Hon R. WHITE commanding 184 Inf. Bde are attached
Since the Battalion has been in France 128 Officers have been with the unit.
Drafts. 30 O.R’s. joined on 21/2/18 from 61st Div. Wing.
The strength of Battalion on 22/2/18 was Officers 42. W.O. 6. N.C.O’s. 120.Other Ranks 637. Total 805.

1918 –2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To forward area (FRESNOY).

February 21st, 2018

21/2/2018

On this day 21st February

1814 - 43rd and 52nd - The Light Division marching from Sala towards Orthes (Peninsula).

1918 –1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Euphrates Operations; marched from MADHIJ to RAMADI.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
The Regiment was relieved, on a further redistribution of the front, by parts of the 1st King's (6th Infantry Brigade),lst Royal Berkshire (99th Brigade), 17th Royal Fusiliers (6th Brigade), and proceeded to relieve the 2nd Battalion Royal Marine Light Infantry, with H.Q. and 3 companies, while B Company relieved C Company, 1st Battalion R.M.L.I., 63rd (R.N.) Division, in Apex Lane, as Right Support to the Battalion in the Line.
This came about as follows: The Divisional front from three sub-sectors (VACQUERIE Right, Centre, and Left) was reorganized in two sub-sectors (VACQUERIE Right and Centre), the Division withdrawing from the old centre the 5th Infantry Brigade and with it taking over a new VACQUERIE Left, i.e., an indefinite front line in front of the support line APEX LANE—SAILOR RESERVE, which measured rather over 2,000 yards, to be held by 9 Platoon Posts.
The Support Battalion, which the Regiment thus became in this new VACQUERIE Left, were distributed about the old HINDENBURG System—WOOD TRENCH and WOOD SUPPORT, astride the COUILLET VALLEY. Work was begun on making the position fightable in and a certain amount of fire-stepping and wiring was carried out.
Casualties: Wounded = 1 Man.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
Battalion paraded at 9am for Brigade Training-scheme-Bde resuming march through its Outposts after a halt for 1 night during an advance.
Battalion finding Advance Guard – special scheme – practising 3 rearguards marching along parallel roads.
GOC Division lectured all Officers on OUTPOSTS at 5pm at PAESE.
Ration Strength: 35 Officers 809 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 – 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Disbandment.
Officers, Warrant Officers, C.-Q.-M.-Sergeants, Orderly Room and Signalling Sergeants moved, by train, from Godewaersvelde station to "D" Infantry Base Depot, Rouen; while all other Details proceeded, by march route, to join No. 14 Entrenching Battalion at Wippenhoek.

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.

February 20th, 2018

20/2/2018

On this day 20th February

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI - investing Cronje.(Boer War)

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Casualties: Wounded = 3 Men

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
D Coy finding Working Party on S LUCA aerodrome. C used on fatigues.
A & D Coys Gas Instruction under DGO.
CO 2nd In Command, Adjt & OC Coys attended lecture by LT COL PILKINGTON D S O on “Cavalry at BADOERE” at 11am.
2/LT S N BROWNE to GHQ to relieve 2/LT CAULFIELD on Guard Duties.
Ration Strength: 34 Officers 807 OR. Casualties: NIL.

February 19th, 2018

19/2/2018

On this day 19th February

1798 – 52nd – Embarked at Madras for England, after 15 years in India.

1900 - 1st-Bn Oxf LI - engaged at Kitchener's Kop (Boer War). 6 men wounded.

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Lieut. V. C. Martin (who previously served with the 52nd in January 1915) joined, on transfer from the 6th (Service) Battalion of the Regiment, and was posted to B Company.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
A & B Coys finding Working Parties on S. LUCA aerodrome.
C Coy on Working Parties on Transport Lines & Assault Course.
A & D Coys Gas Instruction under DGO.
Ration Strength: 35 Officers 811 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 –2/1st Bucks Bn - To billets at GERMAINE.

1918 –2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To reserve billets at VAUX.

February 18th, 2018

18/2/2018

On this day 18th February

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

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI - at the Battle of Paardeberg. Lost 3 Officers died & 3 Officers and 27 men wounded.

1904 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – New pattern cap was taken into wear by the NCO’s and men.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
Battalion paraded at 9am for battalion Training – Scheme – Battalion finding Outpost Line in front of CASTAGNORE.
Ration Strength: 35 Officers 810 OR. Casualties: NIL.

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.

February 17th, 2018

17/2/2018

On this day 17th February

1814 – 43rd and 52nd - Commencement of the Campaign of 1814.

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI - in pursuit of Cronje.(Boer War)

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
Sunday.
Voluntary services.
All unvaccinated men in C Coy vaccinated by M.O.
Ration Strength: 35 Officers 815 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

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.

February 16th, 2018

16/2/2018

On this day 16th February

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

1900 - 1st Bn.Oxf LI - at Klip-Kraal, South Africa. 9 men killed. 1 Officer & 40 men wounded.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
2 Coys Bathing.
1 Coy at work on Transport Lines & 1 Coy on making Assault Course.
B Coy played A Coy 1/4 OXFORDS in BDE Football Competition & Won 2 Goals to NIL.
Ration Strength: 34 Officers 808 OR. Casualties: 2 OR to Hospital.

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.

February 15th, 2018

15/2/2018

On this day 15th February

1862 – 43rd LI – Left Madras for Calcutta.

1900 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Engaged with the Boers at Klip Drift.

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
The Regiment relieved the 24th (Service) Battalion Royal Fusiliers in what had now become known as VACQUERIE Centre Sub-section of the 2nd Divisional Front;
B Company took over the Right Front;
C Company the Left Front;
D Company were in Support;
A Company in Reserve.
Regimental H.Q. in MONUMENT RAVINE.

Six very pleasant, enjoyable, and quiet days (save for two trench-mortar bombardments of the front line) passed without incident. The weather enabled full use to be made of the trenches as thoroughfares, thereby yielding the advantages of (a) Free movement all over the area by day; (b) Being able to avoid overland movement, which resulted in reduced shelling.
The area was taken over was difficult to find the way about, in that trenches were labelled, either not at all, or so that they did not agree either with the official maps the Divisional scheme. To some extent this was rectified.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
Coys Training and Bathing.
1 Coy at work on Transport Lines making camps for protection of horses against bombs.
LT COL L L C REYNOLDS returned from BDE & resumed Command of Battn.
Ration Strength: 32 Officers 800 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 - 2/1st Bucks Bn - To Support in SAVY WOOD.

1918 –2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI To Support in HOLNON WOOD

February 14th, 2018

14/2/2018

On this day 14th February

1791 - 52nd - pursuing Tippoo, reached Chittipet.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Spent in Bathing, Drill, Musketry, and improving the new camp.
The Lewis gunners were exercised on a range near Metz.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - PAESE.
Coys Training.
GOC Division lectured to all Officers of the Brigade in MUNICIPIO, PAESE in Afternoon – Subject: Napoleons Wars.
Ration Strength: 31 Officers 795 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

February 13th, 2018

13/2/2018

On this day 13th February

1878 – 52nd LI – Moved from Plymouth to Aldershot.

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Spent in Bathing, Drill, Musketry, and improving the new camp.
The Lewis gunners were exercised on a range near Metz.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion-CASCORBA & VICILIESE.
Brigade moved to F area (Just N of TREVISO).
Battalion paraded at 10.45am and marched to PAESE.
Route: OSTEDELATTO - ISTRANA. Arrived 1.30pm.
Excellent Billets.
Ration Strength: 31 Officers 794 OR. Casualties: 2 OR to Hospital.

1918 –1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To PORCELLENGO.

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

February 12th, 2018

12/2/2018

On this day 12th February

1860 - Sir William Napier died.

1876 – 43rd – The Depot was attached to the 53rd Regiment which regiment under the new system was linked with the 43rd and the Depots of the two corps were to be united as a Brigade Depot at Shrewsbury as soon as a barracks could be built.

1876 – 52nd – Under the same system the 52nd (Oxfordshire) Light Infantry was to be linked with the 85th Kings (Bucks Volunteers) Light Infantry with a Brigade Depot at Cowley.

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI - reached Ramdam (Boer War).

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Spent in Bathing, Drill, Musketry, and improving the new camp.
The Lewis gunners were exercised on a range near Metz.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion-CASCORBA & VICILIESE.
Coys Training.
MAJOR P A HALL & CAPT J B HALES proceeded on Italian Leave.
CAPT WRIGHT assumed Command of the Battalion.
C Coy played B Coy 1/4 OXFORDS in BDE Football Competition on VICILIESE ground. C Coy Won 5 Goals to NIL.
Ration Strength: 31 Officers 795 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1938 – Buckinghamshire Battalion – WOOBURN GREEN.
Opening ceremony of the new Drill Hall at Wooburn Green, performed by Major-General Sir John Brown, K.C.B., D.S.O., T.D. Deputy Director General of the Territorial Army.

February 11th, 2018

11/2/2018

On this day 11th February

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Spent in Bathing, Drill, Musketry, and improving the new camp.
The Lewis gunners were exercised on a range near Metz.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion-CASCORBA & VICILIESE.
Coys Training during the Morning.
Ration Strength: 33 Officers 795 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 - 2/1st Bucks Bn - Returned to trenches.

1918 –2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Returned to trenches

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe
The Regiment remained in reserve, moving forward behind the advancing Welshmen.

February 10th, 2018

10/2/2018

On this day 10th February

1887 - 1st Bn Oxf LI – 43rd arrived at Shorncliffe after 14 1/2 years in India.

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
The billets were shelled in two bursts at 3.30 a.m. and 5.30 a.m. There were no casualties, although several shells came unpleasantly close to where men were quartered. Permission was asked for, and given, for the position of the Reserve Battalion to be changed, and at about 3 p.m. the Regiment marched by companies except A Coy, which remained in Metz till 12th owing to having to find a working party, to a new camp, pitched in irregular formation on both sides of the METZ-EQUANCOURT cross-country track, about three-quarters of a mile clear of Metz.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion-CASCORBA & VICILIESE.
Battalion attended Church Parade during the Morning.
Guard from G.H.Q. Ammunition Dump returned.
2nd LIEUT FLEEMING returned from ROME Leave.
Ration Strength: 31 Officers 739 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe
The Regiment remained in reserve, moving forward behind the advancing Welshmen.

February 09th, 2018

9/2/2018

On this day 9th February

1792 – 52nd – Took part in the Siege of Seringapatam.

1872 – 43rd – Moved to Cork.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
The 92nd reinforcement, transfers from the 6th (Service) Battalion of the Regiment, 8 sergeants and 129 rank and file, and the following officers, who were posted to companies as shown : Lieut. T. Walker (D Company) ; Lieut. R. G. Pluckrose, M.C. (B); 2nd Lieut. J. E. Zeron, M.C. (A); 2nd Lieut. R. W. Sawers (A); 2nd Lieut. C. R. Crosley (C); 2nd Lieut. A. C. Bell and 2nd Lieut. C. T. O'Neill (D).
The other ranks included a band, of about 18 performers, and 6 buglers. A few men had served previously in the field with the 52nd were among this draft, which has almost entirely H.Q. and C Company of the 6th Battalion, and contained a large proportion of elderly men and senior N.C.O.'s.
The Regiment was relieved in the trenches by the 23rd Royal Fusiliers of 99th Infantry Brigade, on the reorganization of the Divisional Front, and withdrew to billets in Metz-en-Couture.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion-CASCORBA and VICILIESE.
Coys Training.
All unvaccinated in A Coy vaccinated by M.O.
LIEUT FLINT & 2nd LIEUTs CURRAM & COXEN to Hospital Sick.
Ration Strength: 32 Officers 727 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe
The Regiment remained in reserve, moving forward behind the advancing Welshmen.

February 08th, 2018

8/2/2018

On this day 8th February

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Lieut. L. W. Giles, M.C., was evacuated to England sick, and so off the strength of the Regiment in the field.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion-CASCORBA and VICILIESE.
Brigade Training during the Morning.
Battalion formed enemy against remainder of Brigade Group.
2nd LIEUT BROWN to G.H.Q. Ammunition Guard Vice 2nd LIEUT COXEN who returned to the Battalion.
LIEUT NEWTON to forward area to act as Town Major.
No 265260 SGT ORCHARD appointed Chevalier of the order of Leopold.
No 32548 LCPL COLLINS awarded Belgian Croix De Guerre.
Ration Strength: 31 Officers 724 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

1918 –6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Broken up and distributed to other battalions,
Brigadier-General Duncan addressed the Battalion on parade, and explained that the decision to disband the Battalion had been made by G.H.Q., and the Brigadier and Divisional Commander had had no say in the matter.
The Divisional Commander, Major-General Smith, addressed a few words to the officers in the Mess about noon.
At 12.30 p.m. the Battalion paraded on La Clytte Road, by parties for their respective new battalions, the actual numbers on parade being as follows:
2nd Battalion, 7 officers and 123 other ranks;
2/4th Battalion, 10 officers and 233 other ranks;
5th Battalion, 7 officers and 195 other ranks.
Total, 24 officers and 551 other ranks.
Headed by the band of the 6th K.S.L.I. and our own band, the parties marched off at 1 p.m. for La Clytte station, where entraining was completed by 2.30 p.m. General Duncan and numerous friends of the Battalion were at the station to see it off, and the train left at 3.15 p.m.
There remained behind the following :
Lieut. -Colonel Boyle, D.S.O.,
Captain A. M. Duxbury, M.C. (Adjutant),
Lieut, and Quartermaster Cooper,
Staffs of the Battalion H.Q. and Quartermaster's Stores,
Warrant Officers, and C.-Q.-M.-Sergeants.
The Transport passed into 60th Brigade charge, and remained at Micmac Camp.

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.

February 07th, 2018

7/2/2018

On this day 7th February

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Quiet.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion-CASCORBA and VICILIESE.
Battalion Training during the Morning.
A Coy 1/4 OXFORDS formed the marked enemy.
Ration Strength: 31 Officers 732 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 –2/1st Bucks Bn - Moved to deep dug-outs at SAVY Wood.

1918 –2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To support in HOLNON Wood.

1934 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Information received that the Army Council has approved of the following as the centre badge on the Regimental Colours:- “A Bugle Horn Stringed”. This will replace the United Red and White rose.

February 06th, 2018

6/2/2018

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.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Casualties: 2 Men Wounded.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion-CASCORBA and VICILIESE.
Coys Training during the Morning.
A Coy formed skeleton enemy for 4 OXFORDS Battalion Training.
Ration Strength: 32 Officers 734 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

1918 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –
The Battalion busy making preparations for proceeding to new battalions, cleaning up, handing in stores, etc. Brigadier-General Duncan, C.M.G., D.S.O., with his Brigade-Major (Major A. E. Sanderson, of the 1st Battalion of the Regiment), and his Staff Captain (Captain Bell, M.C.), dined with the officers in the evening, the Brigadier making a very fine and complimentary farewell speech, to which Lieut.-Colonel Boyle, D.S.O., and Major Cleminson, D.S.O., replied.
No definite orders to move have been received as yet.
On this date there were serving with the Battalion 159 N.C.O.'s and men who came out to France with it in 1915.

February 05th, 2018

5/2/2018

On this day 5th February

1762 - 43rd - at first capture of Martinique.

1792 – 52nd – Encamped at French Rocks, before Seringpatam and Tipoo Sahibs army (India).

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
shelters of B Company were shelled early on.
Casualties: 3 Men Killed

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion-CASCORBA and VICILIESE.
Brigade Training.
Battalion formed Advance Guard to Brigade.
Returned to Billets about 2pm.
2nd LIEUT CLOTHIER sent to 145 T.M. Battery for attachment.
2nd LIEUT FISHER attached 477 Coy R.E. as temporary Transport Officer.
Ration Strength: 34 Officers 736 OR. Casualties: NIL.

February 04th, 2018

4/2/2018

On this day 4th February

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – METZ-EN-COUTURE.
Very quiet.

1918 –1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion-CASCORBA and VICILIESE.
LIEUT COL L L C REYNOLDS DSO assumed temporary Command of 145 Inf Bde and MAJOR P A HALL took over Command of the Battalion.
CAPT B C RIGDEN MC proceeded to England on Leave.
CAPT J B HALES returned from attachment to 48th Div HQrs and resumed Command of D Coy.
Coys Training during the Morning. Perfect weather.
CAPT A P DARBY returned from Italian Leave and resumed Command of B Coy.
LIEUT NEWTON returned from 145 TM Battery and posted to B Coy.
Ration Strength: 32 Officers 742 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

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.