Blog Archives - LIGHTBOBS

On this day 31st March

31/3/2017

On this day 31st March

1864 - 52nd arrived at Portsmouth from India.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – FLORINGHEM.
The day was spent in cleaning up and resting.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CARTIGNY.
DOBBINS COLUMN. –
Coys resting.
2 Secs per Coy at work on road in village.
2nd LIEUT PASSMORE to hospital sick.
LIEUT FIRMINGER to Signalling Course.
Ration Strength 19 officers 624 OR

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe
The advance continued to Vreden (3782) unopposed.

1945 - 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COESFELD to GREVEN (North West Europe)
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

30/3/2017

On this day 30th March

1885 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Left Bangalore (India) for Quetta (Biluchistan).

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)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HERICOURT & GUINECOURT to FLORINGHEM.
The regiment marched to FLORINGHEM just North of PERNES and took over very good billets, the march was 15 miles and was very well done – march discipline very good. Nobody fell out.
Captain R J Brett was Struck Off Strength on being appointed Senior Major of 17th Royal Fusiliers.
The following Officers joined for Duty and were posted to Companies shown:-
Capt F W Chippendale to D Coy.
2/Lt R G Wilsdon to B Coy.
2/Lt F Southam to C Coy.
2/Lt L E W O Fulbrook-Leggatt to A Coy.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CARTIGNY.
DOBBINS COLUMN. –
All Coys Resting. Day spent getting clean & dry.
Ration Strength 19 Officers 623 OR

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 (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COESFELD (North West Europe)
The Regiment spent the whole day in COESFELD. No activity beyond the rounding-up of deserters & suspects.

On this day 29th March

29/3/2017

On this day 29th March

1790 – 52nd – Reached Aulloor (Southern India).

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

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HERICOURT & GUINECOURT .

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HAMEL.
Outpost Line. –
Dispositions as yesterday.
Heavy rain nearly all day.
Battn was relieved by 1/4th GLOSTERS after dark, and marched back to CARTIGNY to billets in cellars. Before relief A Coy sent out strong patrols to find out if enemy were still holding STE EMILE. This was found to be still held. Bn all in at CARTIGNY, about 3am where they became part of DOBBINS COLUMN.
Casualties 2 IR Wounded.
Ration Strength 20 Officers 650 OR.

1917 – 5th (Bn) Oxf & Bucks LI – To ARRAS.

1922 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - The Regiment disembarked and left Karachi in the evening by train.

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 (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COESFELD (North West Europe)
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

28/3/2017

On this day 28th March

1886 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Left Egypt for India.

1886 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – Battalion paraded at 4.15am and left for Suez embarking on H.M.T Jumna for conveyance to India.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LIGNY-SUR-CANCHE – HERICOURT.
Regiment moved to HERICOURT less C and D Coys at GUINECOURT 1 1/4 miles away.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HAMEL.
Outpost Line. –
D Coy relieved A Coy in outpost line as yesterday.
A Coy were withdrawn to MARQUAIX.
Enemy shelled VILLERS-FAUCON with 77cms and 5.9s in the morning.
During night 4th R BERKS provided Working Parties to dig Cruciform posts on Outpost Line.
A few 77’s were fired into Eastern edge of HAMEL during the afternoon.
Cavalry were withdrawn from VILLERS-FAUCON after dark and A Coy were sent up to take their place. At same time C Coy relieved B Coy the latter returning to billets in MARQUAIX.
A very wet and dark night. Telephones were out for several hours and communication forward entirely broke down owing to difficulty of finding forward Coys HQrs in the intense darkness. B & C were shelled during relief.
Casualties 1 OR Killed, 9 OR wounded.
2nd LIEUT VAUGHAN to hospital sick.
Ration Strength 21 Officers 658 OR.

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To BARASTRE.

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

1945 - 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BRAMBERGHOF to RHADE (NWE)
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

27/3/2017

On this day 27th March

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

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – GEZAINCOURT- LIGNY-SUR-CANCHE.
Regiment moved to LIGNY-SUR-CANCHE.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TINCOURT. Ref: 62.C.N.E 1/20,000
Outpost Line. –
Bn moved at 9am to take over Outpost Line from 1/4 OXFORDS.
HQrs at HAMEL + B Company. D & C Coys holding ROISEL, A Coy holding line K3 central to K.10.d.1.2 with Coy HQrs at MARQUAIX.
At 5.30pm 5th CAVALRY DIV attacked & captured VILLERS-FAUCON, SAULCOURT and GUYENCOURT.
At 7pm line covering ROISEL was handed over to 2/4th LINCOLNS (59th Div) and our Right boundary became COLOGNE RIVER. D Coy were withdrawn to MARQUAIX, & C Coy to HAMEL.
At 9.30pm B Coy moved up to VILLERS-FAUCON to assist the cavalry who were holding the edge of the village and Southwards along road to K4.b.3.3
A Coy moved up a Lewis Gun to protect flank of cavalry.
Ration Strength Officers 21 OR 638

1945 - 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BRAMBERGHOF.(North West Europe)
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

26/3/2017

On this day 26th March

1879 – 43rd – Arrived at Thayetmyo (Burma) from India.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HERICOURT – GEZAINCOURT.
Regiment moved to GEZAINCOURT.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – DOIGNT.
Outpost Line. –
Heavy rain nearly all day.
B Coy relieved C Coy in forward position at 4.30am. The two halves of A Coy again changed over. D coy found working party for RE at CARTIGNY river crossing until 1.30pm.
Bn moved to TINCOURT at 5pm. Handing over DOIGNT area to 4th RYL BERKS.
Billets at TINCOURT were taken over from 4th OXFORDS.
Transport difficulties delayed Bn and they were not all in till 10pm.
Fairly comfortable billets as village contained civilians and was not much damaged. CAPT N S REID rejoined Battn and took over command of A Coy.
Ration Strength 21 Officers 646 OR.

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – In Camp near GUILLEMONT Station (Somme).

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

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 (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HAMMINKELN (North West Europe)
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

25/3/2017

On this day 25th March

1812 – 43rd and 52nd - Siege of Badajoz; capture of the outwork of La Picurina:

1885 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – Arrived at Alexandria (Egypt) as part of Army of Occupation

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HERICOURT

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – DOIGNT.
Outpost Line. –
C Coy + 2 platoons of A Coy relieved D Coy and other 2 Platoons of A Coy in forward position at 5am, D Coy returning to DOIGNT WOOD line and the 2 platoons of A Coy to trenches astride DOIGNT – COURCELLES road.
The line was again altered, the position in front of BRUSLE South of COLOGNE River being handed over to 1/4 R BERKS at 8am.
Our outpost line was extended Northwards as far as V.11.c.5.7. so as to cover BUIRE WOODS, and running from there in a straight line to E edge of BUIRE.
There was a certain amount of shelling of the Outpost Line near BUIRE WOODS during the day.
Hostile aircraft were very active.
Ration Strength 21 officers 646 OR.

1945 - 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HAMMINKELN (North West Europe)
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

24/3/2017

On this day 24th March

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

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – BRUCE HUTS to HERICOURT.
Regiment moved to HERICOURT.
Time advanced 1 hour at 11pm (which thus became 12 midnight).

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – DOIGNT.
Outpost Line.-
D Coy relieved B Coy in forward position at 5am.
The line was advanced to cover BUIRE a piquet being established in the village with posts on E edge.
Front covered was also extended South of COLOGNE RIVER to cover BRUSLE, this position being taken over from 1/4 R BERKS REGT & held by 2 platoons of A coy brought up from DOIGNT village.
B Coy was withdrawn to position vacated by D Coy in Reserve Line.
Line runs RED HOUSE (exclusive) – RONCES WOOD – COURCELLES WOOD – BUIRE – BRUSLE.
LT J B HALES rejoined Battn from 145 Inf Bde HQrs.
5th CAVALRY DIV passed through outposts to maintain touch with enemy.
Ration Strength 20 Officers 644 OR

1917 – 7th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To LA TORTUE Trenches (Salonika)

1918 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - 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.

1929 - Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry – YPRES.
On March 24th, the dedication took place of the British Church at Ypres which has been erected in memory of the British troops who died in the Ypres salient during l914-18.
The Regiment has presented a window to the Church in memory of the 52nd, the lst/4th, 2nd/4th, lst/lst Bucks, 2/1st Bucks Territorial Battalions and the 5th and 6th Service Battalions.

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

23/3/2017

On this day 23rd March

1886 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Arrived at Poona from Quetta.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – BRUCE HUTS.
Having completed 22 years service in the regiment (on 6-3-17) and being 43 years of age, 5019 Sjt A McAlister left the Regiment on Discharge. He had served with the 52nd throughout the whole of the present war, as NCO i/c Watercart during the Retreat from MONS and up to the time of his appointment as Pioneer Serjeant in November 1914.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – DOIGNT.
Outpost Line. –
B Coy relieved C Coy at 5am in forward position.
C Coy withdrawing to position previously held by B Coy in Reserve Line.
During day D Coy dug section trenches in front of THREE TUBS WOOD.
2 Platoons of A coy took over position of Reserve Line nearest COLOGNE RIVER, in trenches astride DOIGNT – COURCELLES RD.
Remaining 2 platoons of A coy billeted in E end of DOIGNT.
2/LIEUT PULLMAN took over command of A Coy vice CAPT WOOLERTON to hospital sick.
Ration Strength 21 Officers 653 OR

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – From SOMBRIN to FOSSEUX. (Arras)

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To SAILLY SAILLISEL. (Somme)

1918 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - 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

22/3/2017

On this day 22nd March

1842 – 52nd – Left Barbados (West Indies) for Canada.

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

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – BRUCE HUTS.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – DOIGNT.
Outpost Line. –
C Coy took over from D Coy in forward position at 5am, with piquets at RONCES WOOD, COURCELLES WOOD and quarry in V.32.b.
WARDS COLUMN moved forward through outpost line to CARTIGNY.
D Coy took over position previously held by C Coy at 4pm.
A Coy moved up from PERONNE to billets in DOIGNT.
Ration Strength 21 officers 638 OR.

On this day 21st March

21/3/2017

On this day 21st March

1791 – 52nd – Engaged at Capture of Bangalore Fortress.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – WOLF HUTS to BRUCE HUTS.
The regiment moved to Bruce Huts on the AVELUY – BOUZINCOURT Road.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PERONNE.
Outpost Line. –
B, C & D Coys moved off about 6.30am to relieve 1/8TH R WARWICKSHIRE REGT in the outpost line in THREE TUBS WOOD, DOIGNT WOODS & COURCELLES WOOD.
A Coy relieved reserve Coy in the Barracks at PERONNE. Relief complete 10.15am.
HQs moved temporarily to 8th WARWICK HQs in PERONNE.
Coys were disposed as follows:-
D Coy in forward position on E edge of COURCELLES WOOD. C and B Coys on line of resistance along E edge of THREE TUBS WOOD and DOIGNT WOOD holding a line from 500 yards S of BUSSU to the COLOGNE RIVER. C Coy at North end, A Coy Southern end.
Ration Strength 21 Officers 637 OR
1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PERONNE.
Outpost Line. –
In the afternoon Bn HQrs moved to DOIGNT (I.35.b.9.9)

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

On this day 20th March

20/3/2017

On this day 20th March

1814 – 43rd and 52nd - Engagement at Tarbes with the French (Peninsula).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – WOLF HUTS.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CAMP 56 (CAPPY-ECLUSIER RD)
Bn in Divl Reserve. –
Battn left CAMP 56 at 1pm and marched to PERONNE via HERBECOURT – BIACHES – BAZINCOURT FARM – HALLE.
Advance parties were sent ahead to reconnoitre the outpost line covering PERONNE & for billeting.
Bn arrived at PERONNE about 4pm.
The town had been completely wrecked by the enemy and was still burning in several places. Coys were billeted in cellars on NW side of the square. Bn HQ were at the Chateau. Transport were in a field just E of LA QUINCONCE.
Ration Strength 21 Officers 637 OR

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

On this day 19th March

19/3/2017

On this day 19th March

1812 - Commencement of third siege of Badajoz.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI
The regiment marched at 8am to the Bihucourt Line and there dug a defensive line 650 yards in length using the German wire as obstacle in front.
Orders received at 4pm to withdraw to Wolf Huts at once.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CAMP 56 (CAPPY-ECLUSIER RD)
Bn in Divl Reserve. –
Battn training for all Coys in the morning.
CO lectured Officers on cdg (commanding) Guards & outposts in the evening.
Ration Strength 21 Officers 641 OR

1924 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – In order that the wearing of the Regimental Button on the Service Dress, as authorised by A.C.I. No 129 of 1924, might be carried out without delay, it was decided that these buttons would be placed on sale in the Regimental Institutes.

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

On this day 18th March

18/3/2017

On this day 18th March

1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Skirmish at Conte de Marcella.(Peninsula)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – G33 CENTRAL
The Regiment was employed in road making in on the WARLENCOURT – LE SARS Road.
During the afternoon the Regiment moved to a leg shaped ravine in G33 Central and were bivouacked, being placed under orders of the 6th (Forward Area) Infantry Brigade.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CAMP 56 (CAPPY-ECLUSIER RD)
Bn in Divl Reserve. –
All Coys resting.
Ration Strength 21 Officers 641 OR.

1917 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To TOUR CARREE.

On this day 17th March

17/3/2017

On this day 17th March

1776 – 52nd – Left Boston for Halifax.

1917 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - present at operations resulting in capture of Bapaume.
1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI
The Regiment was employed in road making in 6 hour shifts on the WARLENCOURT – LE SARS Road.
Temp Major D M Ross, 2/4th Bn (TF) Joined for Duty.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CAMP 56 (CAPPY-ECLUSIER RD)
Bn in Divl Reserve. –
3 Coys Training, 1 Coy on working Party.
2 Coys tested Box respirators in the afternoon.
Ration Strength 20 Officers 640 OR.

On this day 16th March

16/3/2017

On this day 16th March:

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

1853 – 43rd - End of the Kaffir War.

1886 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – Moved from Gibraltar to Egypt.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI
The Regiment was employed in road making in 6 hour shifts as under:-
A and D Coys on the PYS – LE SARS Road.
B and C Coys on the WARLENCOURT – LE SARS Road

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CAMP 56 (CAPPY-ECLUSIER RD)
Bn in Divl Reserve. –
2 Coys baths at CAPPY.
Training- Presentation of medals by Corps Commander at Divl HQ 100 OR C Coy attended.
Following were decorated:-
CAPT P A HALL – M.C.,
CAPT P L WRIGHT – M.C.,
1247 CSM BISHOP S.G. DCM & CROIX DE GEURRE.
2031 SGT BALDWIN C – MM.
1908 CPL GOLDSWAIN J – MM.,
1392 L/CPL ODELL G.H. – MM.,
1805 PTE HAYNES J.G. – MM.,
Ration Strength 20 officers 642 OR

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To trenches, MORVAL Sector (Somme).

On this day 15th March

15/3/2017

On this day 15th March

1797 – 43rd – Left Cowes for the West Indies.

1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Affair of Foz d'Aronce.(Peninsula)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI
The Regiment was employed in road making in 6 hour shifts as under:-
A and D Coys on the PYS – LE SARS Road.
B and C Coys on the WARLENCOURT – LE SARS Road

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CAMP 56 (CAPPY-ECLUSIER RD)
Bn in Divl Reserve. –
Battn supplied 400 OR for RE working parties.
Mostly used for wiring CORPS LINE.
Ration Strength 20 Officers 636 OR.

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – From FOSSEUX to SOMBRIN.

On this day 14th March

14/3/2017

On this day 14th March

1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Combat of Cazal Novo (Peninsula).

1900 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – marched into Bloemfontein. (Boer War)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI
During the 5 days that followed to midday 18-3-17 inclusive, the Regiment was employed in road making in 6 hour shifts daily as under:-
A and D Coys on the PYS – LE SARS Road.
B and C Coys on the WARLENCOURT – LE SARS Road except that on the 17th and 18th the whole Regiment worked on the latter.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – CAMP 56 (CAPPY-ECLUSIER RD)
Bn in Divl Reserve. –
All Coys resting.
2 Coys baths at CAPPY in afternoon.
Ration Strength 21 Officers 635 OR.

1917 – 7th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To DOLDZELL Trenches, D Sector (Salonika).

On this day 13th March

13/3/2017

On this day 13th March

1870 – 52nd Depot – joined the 43rd in Dublin.

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI - took part in the Capture of Bloemfontein.(Boer War).

1905 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – The following extract from Special Army Order, dated 21st December 1904, is published:-
His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve the following Corps of the regular Army and Auxiliary Forces being permitted in recognistion of services rendered during the South African War, 1899-1902, to bear upon their Colours and Appointments the words specified in each case:-
REGULAR FORCES – THE OXFORDSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY –
“South Africa 1900-1902”, “Relief of Kimberley” ,“Paardeberg”.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – OVILLERS HUTS.
The Regiment moved a 1 hours notice to the following dispositions:-
Headquarters- DYKE VALLEY (as on 16-1-17).
A Coy – Chalk Mound
B and C Coy – Courcellette Dugouts.
D coy – Old Brigade Headquarters (R.29 Central).

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SUPPORT
2Coys FLAUCOURT 2 Coys DESIREE VALLEY
Bn in Bde Support. –
Enemy shelled FLAUCOURT & neighbourhood intermittently throughout day with 5.9s & some lachrymatory shells.
Battn relieved in evening by 1/7th WORCESTERS. Relief complete by 10pm.
Coys marched independently to CAMP 56
Ration Strength 21 Officers 646 OR.

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Marched from ARRAS to FOSSEUX.

On this day 12th March

12/3/2017

On this day 12th March

1811 – 43rd & 52nd - Combat of Redinha.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – OVILLERS HUTS.
Bathing, Drill etc.
Reconnaissance of the Forward Area by about 10 Officers.
77th Reinforcement, 10 Other ranks joined from the Base.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SUPPORT
2Coys FLAUCOURT 2 Coys DESIREE VALLEY
Bn in Bde Support. –
Quiet morning. About 300 men on working parties during day.
Enemy shelled FLAUCOURT with 5.9s intermittently throughout afternoon, causing D Coy casualties.
Casualties Killed 4 OR Wounded 2 OR
Ration Strength 19 Officers 664 OR.

On this day 11th March

11/3/2017

On this day 11th March

1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Skirmish at Pombal (Peninsula).

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

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – ALBERT – OVILLERS HUTS
The Brigade moved into the Support Area and the Regiment relieved a battalion of the 6th Infantry Brigade in Ovillers Huts.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES.
Bn in Trenches. –
Quiet Day. Trenches very muddy.
Relieved by 1/5 GLOSTERS in evening. Relief complete by 1am.
Went back to support line. C & D Coys in FLAUCOURT. A & B Coys in DESIREE VALLEY.
Ration Strength 19 Officers 664 OR.

On this day 10th March

10/3/2017

On this day 10th March

1879 – 43rd – Left Madras (India) for Rangoon (Burma).

1886 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Left Quetta, Biluchistan, having lost 1 Officer and 92 men in 10 months from sickness.

1900 - 1st Bn Oxf LI - on rear-guard at Driefontein (South Africa, Boer War).

1909 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – New equipment (1908 Mills Burrows Webbing) and new bayonet (1907 pattern) issued and taken into wear.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – ALBERT
Such training and drill as the weather and ground made possible was carried out.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES.
Bn in trenches. –
Just about 4am enemy sent over a gas shell which burst directly in the entrance to the Right Coy (A) HQ dugout, gassing the occupants, 3 Officers & 15 OR all of whom were dead by 10am.
Otherwise Quiet Day.
Trenches in V bad condition by evening.
Casualties: Killed Officers 3 (CAPT J.B.D. WARWICK, 2/LT S WISEMAN, 2/LT R.B.COOPER-SMITH) OR 15. Wounded 4 Missing 1
Ration Strength 22 Officers 681 OR.

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To ARRAS.

On this day 9th March

9/3/2017

On this day 9th March

1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Pursuit of Massena (Peninsula War).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – ALBERT
Such training and drill as the weather and ground made possible was carried out.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES.
Bn in Trenches. –
Enemy active with GRANETENWERFER, especially about “Stand To”, otherwise Quiet.
Our guns shelled LA MAISONETTE fairly persistently all day.
C Coy relieved B Coy in Left front line during evening.
Casualties for 24 hours – Killed 2 OR Wounded 3 OR.
Ration Strength 22 Officers 690 OR.

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

On this day 8th March

8/3/2017

On this day 8th March

1814 – 52nd – in Reserve at Night Attack on Bergen-Op-Zoom.

1875 – 52nd – The New Valise equipment invented by General Eyre was taken into wear.

1889 – Oxf LI – Army Order 136 of 1889 contained the following:-
“In consederation of the services rendered by the Oxfordshire Light Infantry (2nd Battalion, late 52nd Light Infantry) during the campaign in Southern India, 1790-92, Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to permit the Regiment to bear the distinction of MYSORE on its Colours”.

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

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – ALBERT
Such training and drill as the weather and ground made possible was carried out.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES.
Bn in Trenches.
Enemy active with GRANATENWERFER during early morning, otherwise Quiet Day.
Some snow and Very Cold. Visibility Fair.
Front line Coys each sent out patrols in evening, they reported enemy holding their front line.
143 Inf Bde on Left of Divl Sector carried out raid at 9pm. Result not known.
Casualties during 24 hours – Killed 3 OR, Wounded 5 OR
Ration Strength 22 Officers 695 OR.

On this day 7th March

7/3/2017

On this day 7th March

1870 -43rd - Colour-Sjt. Denis Trehy and Pte. Charles Harman (43rd) awarded the Royal Humane Society's Medal.

1900 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – took part in the advance on Bloemfontein (Boer War).

1906 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – The Short Magazine Rifle (SMLE) and 1904 Pattern equipment was issued.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – ALBERT
Such training and drill as the weather and ground made possible was carried out.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCH SOFIE (H25L).
Battn in Brigade Reserve. –
Morning taken up with anti trench foot washing. 2 Coys baths in CAPPY.
Marched up to trenches 1st Coy leaving TR SOFIE at 6.30pm.
Relieved 1/7 WORCESTERS. – Relief complete by 10pm.
Dispositions – Front Line – A Coy on Right, B Coy on Left.
Support - C Coy ( 1 platoon in CHAMINADE, 1 in MAUPOIL, 1 in FIOLLE, 1 in POMMIERS)
Reserve – D Coy (bottom of ACHILLE).
1/4 R BERKS on Left, 1st ROYAL SUSSEX (1st DIV) on Right.
1/4 R BERKS carried out raid on enemy’s front line at 12.45am, but found no enemy.
Patrols sent out by us later found enemy reoccupying his front line thinly & support line very strongly. A further raid carried out by BERKS at 3am secured 2 prisoners.
Ration Strength 22 Officers 700 OR.

1922 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - The Regiment proceeded from Lichfield to Southampton to embark on S.S. Assaye for India.
The Strength of the Regiment embarking was 21 Officers and 628 other ranks, less eleven deserters.

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe
The Regiment was concentrated in a harbour area at Holt (9620). There it remained for five days