​On this day 31st March
 
1864 - 52nd arrived at Portsmouth from India.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – AYLESBURY.
“On March 23 the cadre left Novale, reaching Aylesbury on the 31st.
Here these remnants, under Lieutenant-Colonel L. L. C. Reynolds, D.S.O., paraded once again on that Square in front of the Town Hall where, more than four and a half years ago, the whole Battalion had paraded on mobilisation.
And so ended for us those wonderful years, in our brief record of which no claim is made of greater deeds than were achieved by others; enough that the Battalion never failed to uphold the great traditions of the British Army. Throughout those long, hard years, trying to the utmost the patience, the resolution, the courage and the endurance of all ranks, every officer, N.C.O. and man did his duty cheerfully.
In many a Midland home, for generations to come, names shall be held in honour, and question shall be asked, “What did they do?” Let the answer be:
“In the Great War they served with The First Bucks Battalion"”
Extract from First Buckinghamshire Battalion 1914-1919 by Capt P.L.Wright.
 
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
 
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)
 
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
 
1790 – 52nd – Reached Aulloor (Southern India).
 
1915 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - arrived Boulogne from England.
 
1919 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI
To Port Said by train and accommodated in the Rest Camp, where all troops were confined to camp owing to trouble in the town.
This embarking and disembarking, entraining and detraining, have become a little wearisome now.
We have about six tons of baggage, and the constant moving of this is hard work for the Cadre, which is a small party. There is also the risk of losing portions of it.
 
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
 
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.
 
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
 
1815 -1st Bn. 52nd - left Plymouth for the Waterloo campaign.
 
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
 
1879 – 43rd – Arrived at Thayetmyo (Burma) from India.
 
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
 
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
 
1919 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI
Reached Suez, disembarked, and conveyed by train to the Rest Camp, two miles inland.
 
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.
here to edit.

​On this day 24th March
 
1741 – 43rd - The 43rd raised and originally numbered 54th.
 
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
 
1886 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Arrived at Poona from Quetta.
 
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.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 50 OR.  Casualties: NIL.
(This is the last entry in the 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalions War Diary 1914-1919)
On March 23 the cadre left Novale, reaching Aylesbury on the 31st.

​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.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 50 OR.  Casualties: NIL.

​On this day 21st March
 
1791 – 52nd – Engaged at Capture of Bangalore Fortress.
 
1918 - 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.
 
1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Overwhelmed; very heavy casualties. (France)
2/4th (TF) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - FAYET
In Forward Zone.
Our positions were subjected to severe enemy bombardment commencing at 4.30 a.m., gas shells being frequently used on our back areas and keeps.
At 9 a.m. under a heavy smoke barrage, a strong hostile attack was launched, penetrating the forward Zone and surrounding ENGHEIN REDOUBT.
The garrison of the latter, D Coy and Battn Headquarters, held out till 4 p.m. at which time owing to casualties they attempted to fight their way out.
The remainder of the Battalion attached themselves to 2/5th GLOSTERS.
Casualties:
OFFICERS.Missing (14); Missing believed killed (4): Wounded and missing (1);
OTHER RANKS . Killed = 5. Wounded =32.Wounded and Missing = 31. Missing = 494.
 
1918 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Heavily engaged and had many casualties. (France)
5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - MONTESCOURT
Misty morning.
ACTION 6.5 a.m.
Battn. moved up to Battle Zone under command of MAJOR LABOUCHERE. 
A & D Companies loose very heavily from shell fire.
Enemy reach Battle Zone about 11.30. a.m.
Front post lost, having been obliterated with occupants by shell fire.
Second line held in front of Brigade Headquarters along BENAY- ESSIGNY road.
Some hand to hand fighting, 8 prisoners taken.
Enemy massing in LAMBAY WOOD and ESSIGNY all afternoon.
Line abandoned at night all British Troops retire behind canal at FLAVY.
Casualties;
Officers. Killed=2.Wounded=3. Missing=3.
About 180 other ranks casualties.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 50 OR.  Casualties: NIL.

​On this day 20th March
 
1814 – 43rd and 52nd - Engagement at Tarbes with the French (Peninsula).
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 51 OR.  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. (Peninusula)
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 52 OR.  Casualties: NIL.
 
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
 
1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Skirmish at Conte de Marcella.(Peninsula)
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 52 OR.  Casualties: NIL.
 
1986 – 1st Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets – Northern Ireland.
Remembering today – Rfn D A MULLEY - Northern Ireland.
“IT was perhaps symptomatic of the tragedy of the place that no more than three days into the tour Rfn David Mulley was murdered by an RCIED whilst on patrol in Castlewellan.
This incident had a galvanising effect on anyone who may have been unaware of the full extent of the problem and, up to the last day of the tour no one relaxed their vigil or efforts.”
here to edit.

​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.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 51 OR.  Casualties: NIL.

​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.
 
1919 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Germany.
The "Regiment marched via Sturzelburg to the area Delrath-Mevenheim-Uckerath, being billeted along the road through these places, and very scattered. H.Q. at Mevenheim. Lieut. Murray Town Major and Regimental Staff Officer for Civil Duties; Lieut.-Colonel Crosse "Summary Court Officer" for the new area.
Educational Training was resumed, and Demobilization continued.
There were with the Regiment a certain number of men detainable in or volunteering for the Army of Occupation, and since the Regiment was to be taken out of the Army of the Rhine, these men were held in readiness for transfer to the 9th (Service) Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment (Pioneers), and during the month 160 N.C.O.'s and men were so transferred, moving by rail via Cologne, etc., to Solingen.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
CAPT H NOKE CF rejoined from Leave.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 51 OR.  Casualties NIL.

​On this day 15th March
 
1797 – 43rd – Left Cowes for the West Indies.
 
1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Affair of Foz d'Aronce.(Peninsula)
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 50 OR.  Casualties: NIL.

​On this day 14th March
 
1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Combat of Cazal Novo (Peninsula).
 
1900 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – marched into Bloemfontein. (Boer War)
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 50 OR.  Casualties: NIL.

​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”.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 50 OR.  Casualties: NIL.

​On this day 12th March
 
1811 – 43rd & 52nd - Combat of Redinha.(Peninsula)
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
LT H D C CAMPBELL + 2LT J R PIKE left Battalion for Demobilisation.
2LT D CULLIMAN proceeded to ENGLAND to join the ROYAL MUNSTER FUSILIERS Reserve Battalion.
Ration Strength: 5 Officers 50 OR.  Casualties: NIL.

On this day 11th March
 
1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Skirmish at Pombal (Peninsula).
 
1858 - 52nd - Captain W. R. Moorsom, killed at Lucknow.(India)
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
All Stores and Equipment of the Battalion handed In.
Nothing Unusual.
Ration Strength: 8 Officers 50 OR.  Casualties: NIL
ck here to edit.

​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.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
MAJOR P L WRIGHT + LT L M C McCRACKEN left Battalion for Demobilisation.
Ration Strength: 8 Officers 50 OR.  Casualties: NIL.

​On this day 9th March
 
1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Pursuit of Massena (Peninsula War).
 
1919 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI
Arrived at Bombay, and transhipped into the S.S. "Tahiti," a New Zealand boat absolutely packed with troops, and several Officers' families.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
2LT C B ELLWOOD to GHQ to act as Quartermaster on Demobilisation Train.
Ration Strength: 10 Officers 49 OR.  Casualties: NIL.

​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 consideration 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”.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
CAPT G L TROUTBECK + LT W E BUTLER left Battalion for Demobilisation.
Ration Strength: 11 Officers 49 OR.  Casualties: NIL.

​On this day 7th March
 
1870 -43rd - Colour-Sjt. Denis Trehy and Pte. Charles Harman (43rd) awarded the Royal Humane Society's Medal.
“On March 7th 1870 two Royal Humane Society medals were granted to Colour-Serjeant Denis Trehy of Captain Onslow's, K Company, and Private Charles Harman of Captain Hatchell's, F Company, for a gallant attempt to rescue Private Daniel Campion, of Captain Tod's Company, from drowning at the Pigeon House Fort, Dublin. The following is an extract from Major-General McMurdo, C.B., commanding the Infantry Brigade, Dublin, on the subject:
“In forwarding the enclosed report on the death of a soldier, Private Campion, 43rd Light Infantry, by drowning, I think it right to bring to special notice the gallant and courageous conduct of Colour-Serjeant Denis Trehy and Private Charles Harman of the same Regiment, who threw themselves into the water on a dark cold night after the drowning man, and, at the imminent hazard of their lives, succeeded in bringing the body to land. Admiration for the conduct of these gallant men must be my apology for a lengthy minute.””
 
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.
 
1919 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MAGLIO.
Nothing unusual.
Ration Strength: 13 Officers 51 OR.  Casualties: NIL.
 
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