On this day 31st March

1865 - 52nd arrived at Portsmouth from India.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -GORRE

Casualties: One man of a Working Party wounded.

 

1915–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion–OSTERHOVE Near BOULOGNE

Rest camp. Parade 3.40pm.

March to PONT DE BRIQES station.

Entrain 5.45pm on same train as transport & MG section coming from HAVRE, Arrive CASSELL 10.15pm.

March to billets in farms near TERGENHEM arriving 2am 1.4.15.

(Strength 31 Officers & 1002 Other ranks including 1 RC Chaplain & batman.

Billets in farm barns, straw plentiful, average 3 farms per company.

Interpreter joined Bn on the train at PONT DE BRIQUES.

 

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

The advance continued to Vreden (3782) unopposed.

 

1945 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COESFELD to GREVEN

1230 - Left COESFELD.  Moved along Divisional axis, already cleared by 5 Para to GREVEN 9288.  From here we moved up into the wooded area 947916 our Task being to protect the Divisions North flank.  One Battalion of parachutists is across the DORTMUND-EMS canal.  In getting into position we met fire from AA guns & small arms fire from Flak personnel.  C Coy suffered some casualties including Maj. Molloy.  Medium artillery helped to keep the Flak guns fairly quiet but there was only a very narrow safety margin.  The whole operation was rendered very difficult owing to the lack of any maps better than 1/100,000 & by the darkness of the night.

On this day 30th March

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -GORRE

Lieutenant D H W Humphrey proceeded to ST VENANT for a course of instruction in the Trench Mortar Gun.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CHELMSFORD to BOULOGNE

5PM - Entrained by ½ battalions 5.0pm & 5.30pm, arrived FOLKESTONE 8.30pm & 8.45pm.

Crossed on steamer “INVICTA” ,

Arrived BOULOGNE 10.40pm.

Marched to rest camp OSTERHOVE. Strength 28 Officers 916 other ranks (including 1 RC Chaplain)

 

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

On the 30th it passed through Bocholt (2260) and now was once more at the head of the pursuit, travelling in Kangaroos. A Company deployed and cleared Haken (295690) and B Company passed straight through and took Veldboom (297692). A few prisoners were taken.

A Company remounted and set off again, but a self-propelled gun knocked out the leading tank, and since the ground was too soft for vehicles to move off the road, proceeded to pick off eight Kangaroos/three of them still full of troops. Casualties were lighter than might have been expected, but included Lieutenant Selby and Serjeant Walton. The gun then moved off and the subsequent attack found no opposition.

 

1945 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - COESFELD

The Regiment spent the whole day in COESFELD.  No activity beyond the rounding-up of deserters & suspects.

On this day 30th March

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -GORRE
Lieutenant D H W Humphrey proceeded to ST VENANT for a course of instruction in the Trench Mortar Gun.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion –CHELMSFORD to BOULOGNE

5PM - Entrained by ½ battalions 5.0pm & 5.30pm, arrived FOLKESTONE 8.30pm & 8.45pm.
Crossed on steamer “INVICTA” ,
Arrived BOULOGNE 10.40pm.
Marched to rest camp OSTERHOVE. Strength 28 Officers 916 other ranks (including 1 RC Chaplain)

 

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe
On the 30th it passed through Bocholt (2260) and now was once more at the head of the pursuit, travelling in Kangaroos. A Company deployed and cleared Haken (295690) and B Company passed straight through and took Veldboom (297692). A few prisoners were taken.

A Company remounted and set off again, but a self-propelled gun knocked out the leading tank, and since the ground was too soft for vehicles to move off the road, proceeded to pick off eight Kangaroos/three of them still full of troops. Casualties were lighter than might have been expected, but included Lieutenant Selby and Serjeant Walton. The gun then moved off and the subsequent attack found no opposition.

 

1945 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - COESFELD
The Regiment spent the whole day in COESFELD.  No activity beyond the rounding-up of deserters & suspects.

On this day 29th March
1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -GORRE
Captain C C Chichester left the Regiment on transfer to the Base for duty.

1915 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI arrived Boulogne from England.

1943  - 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI started out on a 3,000 mile journey to join the 8th Army. (29th/30th March)

1944 – 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI moved to Egypt from Italy.

1945 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - COESFELD
0730 - R.U.R. leading the Brigade today with tanks from 4 Guards Armoured Brigade moved through KL REKEN & GR REKEN, thence by a cross-country route to COESFELD.  The RUR has been held up on the high ground SouthWest of the town.  The 52nd concentrated in farm 607685 and came under some Air-burst fire A & B Coys assaulted eastwards to get astride the main road into COESFELD from the south.  No opposition.  The Regiment entered COESFELD much battered from RAF attacks at 2145 hrs and areas for local protection were allotted.

On this day 28th March

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -From Breastworks to GORRE

The regiment was relieved by 2\Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and proceeded to billets in GORRE.

Casualties: Nil.

 

1918 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI heavily engaged with enemy in Aveluy Wood.

 

1945 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BRAMBERGHOF to RHADE

0730 - Left BRAMBERGHOF.  5 Para Brigade ahead of us, meeting slight opposition.  After delay caused by further traffic complications arrived at RHADE 454508 where the Regiment spent the night.  The town was subjected to considerable air-burst fire at intervals during the night.  No casualties.

On this day 27th March

1815 -1st Bn. 52nd left Plymouth for the Waterloo campaign.

 

1915 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI- Breatworks Subsection C.1. FESTUBERT – LE PLANTIN.

Some shelling on the Right of breastwork.

2 Platoons of A Coy 7th London Regt (T) attached to Regiment.

Casualties: Wounded 1.

 

1945 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BRAMBERGHOF.

All day at BRAMBERGHOF.  Strength of coy's, several more glider loads having turned up, in addition to transport parties is as follows:- "A" 4 & 76   "B" 2 & 62   "C" 3 & 67   "D" 3 & 76   "S" 6 & 96.  The day gave an opportunity for a bit of rest & maintenance.  In the afternoon the Cameronians arrived once more to take over from us.  We had to remain at an hours notice to move, but owing to the crowding of the roads, the move was repeatedly postponed.

On this day 26th March

1915 -2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -Breatworks Subsection C.1. FESTUBERT – LE PLANTIN.

Some shelling on the Right of breastwork.

2 Platoons of A Coy 7th London Regt (T) attached to Regiment.

Casualties: Killed 1, Wounded 2.

 

1918 - Battle of Khan Baghdadi - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI engaged.

 

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

Crossed the Rhine on the night of the 26th/27th, moving up behind the leading divisions.

 

1945 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HAMMINKELN

0600 - Relief complete.  Regiment assembled West of HAMMINKELN area 204495.

1100 - Moved off through HAMMINKELN behind Devons & RUR whose objective was high ground West of BRUNEN.  The Regiment then took up the reserve position with Regt H.Q. at BRAMBERGHOF 249486.  In the evening the "sea tails" under Maj A.C. Mason caught up with us.  The axis is very busy and there is the transport of 52 Division plus a Guards Armoured Brigade, also S.P. guns & A.A. guns.

On this day 25th March
1812 - Siege of Badajoz; capture of the outwork of La Picurina:

1915 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Breatworks Subsection C.1. FESTUBERT – LE PLANTIN.
Wet day: Still impossible to dig lower than 6 inches without encountering water.
Working Parties busy every night lengthening and completing new area of breastwork.
The following Officers joined from the Base:-
Lieutenant C A F Fowke to be attached to B Company
2nd Lieutenant D A W Sewell to be attached to C Company
2nd Lieutenant C R Horley wounded in the foot.
Casualties: Wounded 2.
Pte Quarrington attached 170th Coy R.E killed at CUINCHY.

1945 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - HAMMINKELN
Throughout the night this movement continued & tanks & about 30 infantry approached the bridge.  "A" Coy were moved up to area behind "B" Coy.  When it appeared that the tanks were on the bridge, the order was given for the bridge to be blown.  Enemy definitely got into houses 218498.
0300 - Attack seems to have stopped.  One tank hit by 6 pdr.  Damage not known.  Mediums laying harassing fire.
0400 -  The enemy started working round to the North.  Small party infiltrated between C & A Coys.
0445 - C Coy attacked and one platoon position overrun.  S.O.S. Tasks called for.  
A Coy counter attacked Northwards & one coy from 12 Devons moved up to occupy A Coys former position around crossroads.
0530 - Tank activity started up again between RINGENBURG & the river.  2 Mark IV's definitely seen.  Shortly after 0700 Typhoons made their first rocket-firing attack.  A Coy returned to their original position releasing the Devons company.  Typhoon attacks on AUTOBAHN & RINGENBURG areas throughout the day.  Continued enemy infantry activity was noticed to the North & West of D Coy, who made a clearing raid on the houses at 214508.
1900 - Comd Officer's O Group at Brigade.  Information re take-over during the night by 157 Bde of 52 (Lowland) Div.
2040 - A Coy again attacked Northwards beside the road, suffering some casualties from enemy who appeared behind civilians who were displaying a white flag.  While the Cameronians were taking over during the night, there was some desultory fire over the whole Bn area, but very few casualties were incurred.

On this day 24th March

1741 - The 43rd raised and originally numbered 54th.

 

1915 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -Breatworks Subsection C.1. FESTUBERT – LE PLANTIN.

Lieutenant C S Baines D.S.O. rejoined from the Base as was reposted to B Company.

Less shelling today.

Casualties: Killed 1, Wounded 1

 

1918 - First Battle of Bapaume. 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI carried out the withrdrawal ordered to avoid being cut off, by daylight and with great difficulty and some loss.

 

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

The Regiment moved back into the battle area once more, concentrated at Kuckuck (935276)

 

1945 - The 2nd (Airborne) Battalion Oxf & Bucks LI landed at Hamminkeln in Germany during the crossing of the River Rhine, Operation Varsity.

Place: Birch 

0615 - After an early rouse and breakfast, we were taken in transport from the BIRCH transit camp to the airfields at BIRCH & GOSFIELD, whence we started take-off at 0615 hrs.  Weather fine.  Very smooth flight.

Place: Hamminkeln Sta.

1020 - Immediately after passing over the RHINE fire from heavy Flak guns started coming up & several tugs and gliders were hit by shrapnel.  As we approached the Landing Zone and cast off we were troubled by 20mm fire from positions round our objectives.  Many gliders crashed & caught fire because of this & very great credit is due to the glider pilots who took us down through it to land with few exceptions, in the right places.

1140 - Message sent to Brigade to the effect that all objectives had been gained, bridges intact.  We were short of Jeeps & heavier weapons - 6 pdrs & mortars.  Many Jeeps had caught fire or been holed, & it was impossible to get others out of the gliders which were under enemy observation.  All was quiet save for spasmodic spandau fire, by 1530 hrs. "D" Coy moved to its position near "C" as planned & the Glider Pilots took over the farm in rear of RHQ where they received 110 PW, who were later sent back to Bde.

1600 - Divisional & Brigade Commanders arrived.  All the Divisional objectives taken.  Heavy casualties among Airlanding Brigade.  Estimated 50% total casualties in Regiment.

1900 - Glider Pilots under Squadron-Leader Reynolds took up position astride Railway south of RHQ.

2000 - Patrol from "C" Coy under Lt. Stone sent to raid Lt. Flak position 216503, 2 Germans killed, 2 prisoners.  Lt. Stone wounded.

2030 - Strength of Coy's as far as can be ascertained are as follows A 4 & 56, B 2 & 45, C 4 & 52, D 5 and 58.

2320 - "B" Coy report sounds of track vehicles in RINGENBURG.  F.O.U. (Forward Observation Unit) engaged target with medium artillery.

On this day 23rd March

1915 -2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Breastworks Subsection C.1. FESTUBERT – LE PLANTIN.

The following Officers joined from Base:-

2nd Lieutenant R E Kite to be attached to A Company

2nd Lieutenant W L Barnard to be attached to D Company

2nd Lieutenant H V Pendavis D.S.O. to be posted to A Company.

Some heavy shelling of Left Companies breastworks during morning, otherwise quiet.

Casualties: Wounded 2

 

1918 - Battle of St. Quentin, continued; 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI and a Bn. of Royal Marines holding the Bertincourt Salient.

On this day 22nd March

1847 -New Colours presented to the 43rd by Lady Pakenham at Southsea.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -Into Breatworks Subsection C.1. FESTUBERT – LE PLANTIN.

Into Breatworks Subsection C.1. FESTUBERT – LE PLANTIN in relief of 2nd Bn 60th (Kings Royal Rifle Corps), 2nd Infantry Brigade.

2 Companies still occupy breastworks which are now completed into one continuous line.

1 Company in Support in the Village and 1 Company in Reserve close to the Regimental HeadQuarters.

A great deal of patrolling now required at night.

On this day 21st March :-

1915 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -Into Trenches CUINCHY

On relief by 1st Bn 60th (Kings Royal Rifle Corps) 2nd Infantry Brigade, the Regiment proceeded to billets in the ECOLE DE SEUNES FILLES previously occupied by the Regiment February 25-28 last.

In the morning orders received that the Brigade would relieve the 2nd Infantry Brigade in 2nd Division section of the line C, the Regiment returning to subsection C.1. FESTUBERT – LE PLANTIN.

Casualties: Wounded 1.

 

1918 - Battle of St. Queutin; The great German Spring offensive in France commenced, 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI and 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI. heavily engaged.

For more information follow the links below:-

2/4th Battalion: http://www.lightbobs.com/24-tf-bn-oxf--bucks-li-1917-1918.html

5th Battalion: http://www.lightbobs.com/5-oxf--bucks-li-1917-1918.html

On this day 20th March

1814 - Engagement at Tarbes with the French.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -Into Trenches CUINCHY

Into Trenches CUINCHY in relief of 2/Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

Orders received during the night that the relief of the Brigade, originally ordered for 22nd March, would be carried out tomorrow.

Information received that 3820 Sgt Major A E Warnock has been appointed Quartermaster with the Honorary rank of Lieutenant.d/18.3.15. Vice Quartermaster and Hon Captain A S Field placed on retired pay on account of ill health. d/18.3.15.

Lt & QM Warnock assumed the duties.

Casualties: Nil

 

1947 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI received notification that the 52nd Light Infantry must lapse into Suspended Animation.

On this day 19th March

1812  - Commencement of third siege of Badajoz.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -BEUVRY

In Brigade Reserve.

Drills or Route Marching daily.

 

1944  - 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI move to Burma

On this day 18th March

1811 - Skirmish at Conte de Marcella.(Peninsula)

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -BEUVRY

In Brigade Reserve.

Drills or Route Marching daily.

On this day 17th March

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -BEUVRY

In Brigade Reserve.

Drills or Route Marching daily.

 

1917 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI present at operations resulting in capture of Bapaume.

On this day 16th March:

1794  - the 43rd took part in the second capture of MARTINIQUE.


1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -From Trenches to BEUVRY

On relief in afternoon by 2/Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers returned into Brigade Reserve at BEUVRY.

Casualties: Wounded 1

On this day 15th March

1811 – Affair of Foz d'Aronce.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -In Trenches at CUINCHY.

On all days the enemy shelled us at odd hours but never severely.

“Sniping” brisk at night. By day many periscopes were destroyed by enemy snipers, who are undoubtedly very good shots. Enemy very vigilant, though possibly not in great strength.

Casualties: Wounded 2

On this day 14th March

1811 -Combat of Cazal Novo.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -In Trenches at CUINCHY.

On all days the enemy shelled us at odd hours but never severely.

“Sniping” brisk at night. By day many periscopes were destroyed by enemy snipers, who are undoubtedly very good shots. Enemy very vigilant, though possibly not in great strength.

Casualties: Wounded 3

On this day 13th March

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI took part in the capture of Bloemfontein.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -In Trenches at CUINCHY.

On the first night frequent bursts of fire, by order, were made.

On all days the enemy shelled us at odd hours but never severely.

“Sniping” brisk at night.

By day many periscopes were destroyed by enemy snipers, who are undoubtedly very good shots.

Enemy’s trenches 200 – 100 yards distant opposite our right, but only 120 – 60 yards opposite the left.

Enemy very vigilant, though possibly not in great strength.

2nd Lt L A Dashwood (from corps of R.E. Motor Cyclist) joined for duty.

Casualties: Killed 2, Wounded 6

On this day 12th March

1811 - Combat of Redinha.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -From BEUVRY to Trenches.

Ready to move as on two previous days.

Relieved 2/Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in trenches as before.

On this day 11th March

1811 - Skirmish at Pombal (Peninsula).

 

1858 - Captain W. R. Moorsom, 52nd, killed at Lucknow.(India)

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -BEUVRY

In Brigade Reserve.

The Regiment stood by from 6am till dark “Ready to move at very short notice.”

Companies at drill close to billets during these days.

On this day 10th March

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI on rear-guard at Driefontein.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -BEUVRY

In Brigade Reserve.

The Regiment stood by from 6am till dark “Ready to move at very short notice.”

Companies at drill close to billets during these days. 

On this day 9th March

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -BEUVRY

In Brigade Reserve.

 

1918 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI occupied Hit.

On this day 8th March

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -From Trenches to BEUVRY

During the afternoon relieved by 2/Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and marched into Brigade Reserve at BEUVRY.

 

1916 - Provisional Bn (1st). with Kut Relief Force, at attack on Dujailah Redoubt.