On this day 29th April

1864 - 43rd present at the assault of the Gate Pa, New Zealand.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BETHUNE

The whole Brigade now here in Reserve.

Route Marching and Company Training carried out daily on ground in close vicinity of town.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT WOOD

Bn in trenches. Exceptionally quiet both by day & night.

 

1916 - End of the Defence of Kut; 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI., 9 Officers and 300 men taken prisoners.

 

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

Halted in Guyhum.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Suttorf

Regiment moved by march route to SUTTORF. 

Concentrated in preparation for crossing ELBE.

 

On this day 28th April

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BETHUNE

The whole Brigade now here in Reserve.

Route Marching and Company Training carried out daily on ground in close vicinity of town.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT WOOD

Bn in trenches. All very quiet by day.

Good deal of sniping by night.

1 man (LC Hutt A Coy) killed early morning while mending wire.

 

1917 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI at the Battle of Arleux (Arras) ;

 

1917 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI. C.S.M. E. Brooks gained the V.C. at Fayet (France).

 

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

Halted in Guyhum

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Ebsdorf

The C-in-C visited Division & presented medals won since the last presentation in Normandy.  Advance parties moved to new location.

 

1962 – 1st GREEN JACKETS 43rd & 52nd – Arrived in Malaya (Minden Barracks, Penang)

On this day 27th April

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BETHUNE

The whole Brigade now here in Reserve.

Route Marching and Company Training carried out daily on ground in close vicinity of town.

19th Reinforcement of 2 Serjeants and 43 men arrived.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT WOOD

8PM-Bn into trenches in relief of 5/Glosters – 1man wounded in relief

 

1918 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI reduced to cadre.

 

1943 – 7th Oxf & Bucks LI arrive in TUNISIA

 

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

Halted in Guyhum.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Ebsdorf

Weather has broken.  Training continues. 

Warning received that Recce parties will be sent to area of LUNEBERG tomorrow.

On this day 26th April

1868 - 43rd arrived in the Channel Islands from Aldershot.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BETHUNE

The whole Brigade now here in Reserve.

Route Marching and Company Training carried out daily on ground in close vicinity of town.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROMARIN

Bn resting

 

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

Halted in Guyhum.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Ebsdorf

Fine weather continues.  The Brigade Commander spent the morning looking at the training & other activities within the Regiment.  Football & Films in the evening.

 

1953 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - The Regiment disembarked at Southampton and moved by rail to Chisledon Camp near Swindon.

 

On this day 24th April

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BETHUNE

In afternoon relieved by 19th London Regiment (TF) and moved into billets in RUE D’ARRAS quarter of town.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROMARIN

Bn resting, one Coy (A) had baths in NIEPPE

 

1917 - Battle of Doiran; 7th and 8th Bns Oxf & Bucks LI, present.

 

1943 – 6th Airborne Division was formed.

 

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

On the 24th the Regiment was relieved of its positions and moved round to Scheessel (1609) and later to Hetzwege (1112) as a preliminary to an attack north-west the following day.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Ebsdorf

A fine day devoted to maintenance & recces for training.  Also baths.

On this day 25th April 
1864 - 43rd engaged with Maoris (New Zealand).

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BETHUNE
The whole Brigade now here in Reserve.
Route Marching and Company Training carried out daily on ground in close vicinity of town.

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ROMARIN
Bn resting, one Coy (B) had baths in NIEPPE

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – North West Europe
On the 25th the 4th Royal Welch Fusiliers carried out the initial attack and at 1300 hrs. A and B Companies were directed on Gyhum (0515) and Wehldorf (0316). Opposition was con-siderable, especially against B Company, but A Company out¬flanked it and Gyhum fell to their combined assault C and D Companies then attacked Wehldorf and by nightfall had reached its outskirts against fierce opposition. A and B Companies were moved up and the Regiment sat round a furiously blazing village until dawn. During the night the enemy managed to slip away and a patrol found it empty.

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Ebsdorf 
Cadre for N.C.O.'s & potential N.C.O.'s started chief instructor Maj Edmunds.  
Coy's engaged in training, medical inspection, football etc.

1946 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Palestine - Ceremonial Parade at Allenby Barracks, Jerusalem to commemorate the Regiment leaving the 6 Airborne Division. Major/General Cassels gave farewell speech.

1953 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - Empire Ken docked at Southampton after a good voyage.

On this day 23rd April

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In Trenches Near FESTUBERT

In relief of 17th London Regiment (TF).

No casualties.

Quiet 24 hours.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT WOOD

Bn in trenches to be relieved by 5/Glosters about 8pm.

1 man killed in trenches (D Coy) & 1 Sgt wounded (afterwards died) in wood near MOATED FARM. (Pte Albert Spong & Sjt Beckley)

Bn marched by Platoon to billets in ROMARIN in Divisional reserve.

 

1917 - Second battle of the Scarpe; 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI present.

 

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

On the 23rd advanced towards Mulmshorn (0410), with a troop of the 53rd Reconnais­sance Regiment in front. Opposition was met and, though attempts were made to outflank it, resistance stiffened and the whole day was spent without further success.

 

1945 -2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI  - NWE Ebsdorf

The Regiment left at 0800 hrs by march route arriving EBSDORF at about 1500 hrs.  We are all billeted in the town and expect to be here for about eight days.  The period is to be devoted to maintenance & training and the second-in-command is to start cadres for N.C.O.'s & potential N.C.O.'s.  In the evening a Dutchman reported to "B" Coy the location of a very large quantity of valuables belonging to the Netherlands Government,  Bonds, currency, cutlery & jewellery were found hidden in a cellar.

On this day 22nd April

1814 - 52nd quartered in suburbs of Toulouse on declaration of peace.

 

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

In billets.

Route Marching, drills and Musketry carried out daily.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT

Bn in trenches – situation normal.

 

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

On the 22nd the Regiment moved up to Rothenburg (1102)

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Katzien

A very wet & unpleasant day. 

During the morning we were honoured by a visit from Major General Gale and Divisional Commander. 

Advance parties under Maj. Edmund left to reconnoitre billets in our new area.

On this day 21st April

1794 - 43rd at capture of Guadaloupe.

 

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

In billets.

Route Marching, drills and Musketry carried out daily.

18th Reinforcement of 3 Serjeants and 57 men arrived.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT

Bn in trenches – situation normal.

2Lt Williamson slightly wounded in trenches in the hand whilst observing with field glasses – 1 man wounded.

 

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

Spent in the area of Hassel

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Katzien

This morning early a complete company surrendered to us.  They were burnt out of their positions last night, have few weapons, little ammunition & no inclination to fight.  They are an Eisenbahn Pioneer Co.  One woman in German uniform was with them.  Today our village has been on one of the 5th Division axis & Americans are also all around us.

On this day 20th April

1815 - 2nd Bn 52nd reached Canterbury on return from Belgium.

 

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

In billets.

Route Marching, drills and Musketry carried out daily.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT

Bn in trenches – situation normal.

 

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

The Regiment reverted to its pursuit role, moved to Liidingen (1692) and attacked Riekenbostel (1594). Opposition was slight and a considerable number of dis­heartened prisoners surrendered. One shell, the only one fired, killed C Company's forward observation officer and wounded the company commander, Captain C. F. A. Baxter, and his two signallers.

Another attack was mounted for Hassel (1697) and 204 prisoners surrendered; there was no fighting.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Katzien

At 1330 hrs Capt. P.E. Gerahty took out two platoons of "C" Coy along the same route as was followed by "B" Coy yesterday.  Today however, enemy were encountered, some on the main road just South of POLAU, others in the woods due West of POLAU.  A small battle took place during the course of which one German was known to be killed & six "soft" vehicles destroyed.  Our casualty was one N.C.O. wounded.  Tonight the woods are blazing in the area in which "C" Coy discovered the enemy.  Our mortars fired 200 phosphorous bombs to get the fire going.  Several deserters having had enough of this have come in this evening.

On this day 19th April

1775 - Combat of Lexington (North America).

 

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

In billets.

Route Marching, drills and Musketry carried out daily.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT

B Coy employed during day on working party.

Took over trenches from 5/Gloucester Regt  ST YVES SECTION & Centre section at 9pm.

D & C Coys in front B in support.

Bn trenches running from point in LE GHEER – ST YVES road. V.21.b.5.8 road north to point V.15.4.9 west point in front of road as far as point V. 15.C.8

 

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

The 19th was spent in Dauelsen under command of the Guards Armoured Division, during which there was no fighting.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Katzien

Local patrols report adjacent woods clear of enemy.  A quiet day.  At 1500 hrs Capt. R.A.A. Smith took a fighting patrol of 2 platoons from "B" Coy, to clear the woods between here & POLAU.  No enemy were encountered.

On this day 18th April

1775 - 52nd embarked at Boston for attack on Concord, North America.

 

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

In billets.

Route Marching, drills and Musketry carried out daily.

2nd Lieutenant J B Solomon left to join Head Quarters R.F.C to be attached on probation as an Observer.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT

Coys employed by day & night on working parties behind & in trench line under RE

 

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

On the 18th the Regiment seized Dauelsen (0085) as a firm base for the advance of the 52nd Division on Bremen (7199). Heavily supported by heavy, medium and field guns, the battle was quickly won, only D Company having to fight a skirmish to secure its area. Later shelling damaged most of the vehicles of Regimental headquarters.

 

1945 -2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Katzien

Left KAHLSTORF at 0130 hrs.  Route HANSTEDT - RATZLINGEN - ROSCHE, behind the Devons who very successfully did a silent dawn attack on ROSCHE.  We then passed through to the village of KATZIEN (0393), which we occupied at 0900 hrs without opposition.  There are enemy - chiefly recce and PzJager - troops in the woods around us but nothing in the immediate vicinity & we have been free from shelling & mortaring.  Capt. F.B. Scott went on a recce patrol to POLAU (0894) where he stirred up a few enemy on the ring contour west of the village.

On this day 17th April

1863 - Field-Marshal Lord Seaton died.

 

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

In billets.

Route Marching, drills and Musketry carried out daily.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT

Coys employed by day & night on working parties behind & in trench line under RE

A & B Coys moved billets to PLOEGSTEERT village

 

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

Night attack began at 0030 hrs on the 17th. A Company secured the start line without incident and C Company moved forward with a half-squadron of Crocodiles and attacked a group of houses wherein all the Germans surrendered as quietly as possible.

D Company advanced through them without opposition and A Company did another leapfrog attack on to a cemetery. The slight opposition encountered was silenced by Bren fire and a flame-throwing Crocodile.

B Company finally moved up on to a ridge above Verden and the 1st Highland Light Infantry moved into the town without resistance. By tea time the Regiment too was in Verden. During the day 112 prisoners were taken.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Kahlstorf

Vehicle movement heard early in the morning.  On the whole a quiet day. 

One or two salvoes of Moaning Minnie.

On this day 15th April

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

In billets.

Route Marching, drills and Musketry carried out daily.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT

Bn moved marching 8.30am via LA CRECHE – RABOT – PLOEGSTEERT to relieve Somersetshire Lt Infy in reserve.

A Coy at 1875 farm, B Coy TOUQUET BERTHE, C & D Coys in HUNTERSTOWN. 

Bn HQ in PLOEGSTEERT.

A & B Coys in reserve to 4 Royal Berks, C & D Coys in reserve to 5 Glosters.

 

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

On the 15th the Regiment took up a flank defensive role in the area of Neddenaverbergen (0977). The next day they moved forward to Weitzmtthlen (0581) and received orders for a night attack from Kirchlinteln (0684) to Verden (0081).

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Celle

Todays activities entirely dependent upon the progress of the 15th Division in the advance to UELZEN.  Owing to cratering of the main road & stubborn resistance in the town, we were unable to move up the axis until the afternoon, & even then progress was slow.  We eventually took over the village of NETTELKAMP (9179) from the 9th. Bn. Cameronians.  The Regiment did not arrive until about 2000 hrs.  There had been considerable fighting in the area the previous night & during the day & it was known that P.G. troops were in the vicinity.  Patrols eastwards & North East during the night made no contact however.

 

1953 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - Empire Ken left Port Said for England.

On this day 16th April

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

In billets.

Route Marching, drills and Musketry carried out daily.

Casualties: Killed 2, Wounded 6.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – PLOEGSTEERT

Coys employed by day & night on working parties behind & in trench line under RE

 

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion captured TOMBOIS FARM  during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line.

 

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

Moved forward to Weitzmtthlen (0581) and received orders for a night attack from Kirchlinteln (0684) to Verden (0081).

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Nettelkamp

At first light the Recce Pl went off to report on the enemy situation & the bridges at BOLLENSEN 9582.  Lt. Wilmot reported that bridge was intact & he also located several S.P. guns lying up in the woods.  At 1215 hrs the Regt. led by "A" Coy with Churchills in support left NETTELKAMP, with the object of getting to KAHLSTORF 9885.  "B" Coy met opposition in the village whilst "A" Coy pushed through, & supported by our own mortars the 53 (WY) light regiment & 25 field regt put in an attack east of the road EMERN-KAHLSTORF, eventually getting into the latter village, where the Regiment consolidated, "B" Coy was detached and sent to GR PRETXIER 9984.  During the day we were repeatedly bothered by guns & Nebelwerfers which between them caused 25 casualties.

On this day 13th April

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

In the evening relieved by 2\Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and moved into billets in Divisional Reserve.

Casualties: Nil.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – 1/3 Mile W of STEENWERCK

2 Officers per Coy & 2 NCOs from BN instructed in bomb throwing under arrangements of 4th Div.

 

1917 - Battle of Vimy Ridge; 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI present.

 

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

The Regiment's part in the brigade plan was to capture Gross Hauslingen(1168).

Eventually the Regiment was fired at as darkness fell, in scrubby-country and with open flanks and no definite know­ledge of enemy positions. A halt was called, but, after some opposition to A Company, Gross Hauslingen was occupied before first light.

Daylight discovered a dangerous and difficult situation, for a number of enemy posts had remained hidden and began shoot­ing as soon as they could see.

The day was spent in cleaning up these enemy posts. Casual­ties were fairly high, as the fighting was very close. Captain E. P. Hawley was killed when a panzerfaust hit his carrier, and Major W. R. G. de Warenne Warren, Second Lieutenant E. Norris and Lieutenant L. W. Hedges were wounded. By 2000 hrs the posi­tion was stable.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Heitlingen

Our notice to move was cancelled about mid-day.  More rest & maintenance. 

Some training & PIAT practice.

On this day 14th April

1815 - 2nd Bn. 52nd embarked at Ostend for England.

 

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

In billets.

Route Marching, drills and Musketry carried out daily.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – 1/3 Mile W of STEENWERCK

Officers & NCOs instructed in bomb throwing.

 

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

At 0545 hrs during stand-to, the enemy launched a determined counter-attack, designed to annihilate the Aller bridgehead at Rethem. At the time the 4th Royal Welch Fusiliers and 1st Highland Light Infantry were forming up in the Regimental area for a further advance.

Some enemy infiltrated into the Regiment's position, but D Company and, later, B Company cleared them out during the day, capturing the commander and headquarters staff of the 1st Battalion Marine Regiment, fifty other prisoners and two 10.5 field guns.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Heitlingen

After some waiting about & several changes in timing the Regt left HEITLINGEN in TCV's & following the main axis behind 15th (S) Div spent the night a few miles North of CELLE.  Houses there are very scarce & about half the regiment had to sleep in the woods.

 

1953 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - The Regiment embarked in H.M.T. Empire Ken at Port Said. 

On this day 12th April

1817 – 43rd moved from Bapaume to Valenciennes

 

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

A very quiet period.

On 2 whole days no shelling whatever by enemy.

Some successful sniping on our front on several occasions: one rifle with telescope and one with magnifying sights (both private) found very useful.

The new line of breastwork towards Section B.3. completed by hurdle work.

A complete company of 19th London Regiment (TF) relieved one of ours in breastworks.

Our relieved company into quarters in Reserve near Regimental HeadQuarters.

Casualties: Wounded 2.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LE BIZET

Bn moved 9am marching via ARMENTIERES – NIEPPE – STEELWERCK – billets in farms north of road STEELWERCK – LEVERRIER arriving 1pm.

Bn HQ at farm (ref map 36 B series 1/40000) A.14 C SW.

 

1918 – Battle of Hazebrouck; 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI. present.

 

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

On the 12th crossed the Aller at Westen (0572) and on to Ottersen (0872).

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Heitlingen

Another day of maintenance & administration, including a visit from a mobile bath unit. 

The Brigade Commander addressed all our reinforcements.  We are to be at one hours notice to move as from 0800 hrs tomorrow.

On this day 11th April

1814 -Treaty of Paris signed; Napoleon retired to Elba.

 

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

A very quiet period.

On 2 whole days no shelling whatever by enemy.

Some successful sniping on our front on several occasions: one rifle with telescope and one with magnifying sights (both private) found very useful.

The new line of breastwork towards Section B.3. completed by hurdle work.

A complete company of 19th London Regiment (TF) relieved one of ours in breastworks.

Our relieved company into quarters in Reserve near Regimental HeadQuarters.

Casualties: Nil

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LE BIZET

A & C Coys in trenches.

B & D Coys under instruction in billets

A & C Coys leave trenches between 6pm & 10pm.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Heitlingen

The Commanding Officer was informed at Brigade that this Division is now to be Corps reserve.  Today we were passed by the 15th (S) Division.  Spring sunshine gave us all a chance of cleaning up & maintenance.  67 further reinforcements arrived.

On this day 10th April

1814 – Battle of TOULOUSE -

 

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

A very quiet period.

On 2 whole days no shelling whatever by enemy.

Some successful sniping on our front on several occasions: one rifle with telescope and one with magnifying sights (both private) found very useful.

The new line of breastwork towards Section B.3. completed by hurdle work.

3 Coys of 19th London Regiment (TF) shared duties with us in breastwork.

Casualties: Wounded 2.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LE BIZET

B & D Coys in trenches. A & C Coys under instruction in billets during the day.

A & C Coys relieve B & D Coys at night.

 

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

On the 10th set off again in troop-carrying vehicles through Lembruch (4336), Warpe (927616), where it paused on the 11th.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Heitlingen

Despite yesterdays hopes, we moved off in transport & arrived at about 1730 at HEITLINGEN

On this day 9th April

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

A very quiet period.

On 2 whole days no shelling whatever by enemy.

Some successful sniping on our front on several occasions: one rifle with telescope and one with magnifying sights (both private) found very useful.

The new line of breastwork towards Section B.3. completed by hurdle work.

3 Coys of 19th London Regiment (TF) shared duties with us in breastwork.

Casualties: Nil

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – LE BIZET

A+C Coys in trenches. Mine exploded in TOUQUET by RE in front of Lancs Fus trenches at 8.30am. after previous bombardment by our guns for 20 minutes for infantry attack. After explosion our guns shelled German communications from FREHLINGEN both explosion & shelling reported successful.

B & D Coys and Bn HQ in reserve in rear line of trenches. 2 men wounded.

B & D Coys into trenches at night in relief of A & C Coys.

 

1917 - First battle of the Scarpe (Arras) - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI heavily engaged.

 

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

The Regiment had the task of protecting the main route of the corps axis of advance.

Relieved of this duty on the 9th by troops of the 52nd Division, the Regiment concentrated at Lemforde (4330) ready to advance again.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Winzlar

A fine day, very suitable for the maintenance & cleaning up which we need.  We are told we shall be here for at least 48 hrs.  Received a draft of reinforcements - over 100 of them.

 

1964 – 1st Green Jackets 43rd & 52nd - The Regiment was complete in Montgomery Barracks, Berlin.

On this day 8th April

1810 - 2nd Bn. 52nd marched from Chatham to London, to assist in quelling riots.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In Trenches near FETUBERT

A very quiet period.

On 2 whole days no shelling whatever by enemy.

Some successful sniping on our front on several occasions: one rifle with telescope and one with magnifying sights (both private) found very useful.

The new line of breastwork towards Section B.3. completed by hurdle work.

3 Coys of 19th London Regiment (TF) shared duties with us in breastwork.

Casualties: Wounded 1.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – METEREN

Bn under instruction of 12th Bde.

A Coy into trenches at night with Lancashire Fusiliers.

C Coy with Essex Regt.

B Coy instructed during day by 2/ Monmouth Regt in billets & trench digging.

D Coy instructed in billets by  Kings Own Regt in billets by RE in rear trenches-

D Coy 1 man wounded Afterwards died of wounds (Pte William Holland)

 

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

On the 8th the Regiment had the task of protecting the main route of the corps axis of advance.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Frille

Deserters who came in early were from a Battle Group which they say now retired to RUSBEND The tracked vehicles heard last night, they say, were the rearguard & have now gone.

1100 - D Coy supported by the Light Regiment, mortars & MMG's put in an attack on FRILLER BRINK & HEINRICHS TEICH 8716, followed by A Coy.  No opposition.

After a wait in FRILLE were marched off at 1500 hrs & marched to WINZLAR arriving late & tired.  No operational role, the Para Brigades being up to the line of the River LEINE.

 

1949 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd)- The Regiment disembarked at Harwich at 0900 hours. Arrived Warren Camp, Crowborough, Sussex.

On this day 7th April

1815 - 1st Bn. 52nd arrived at Grammont (Belgium) and took over effectives of 2nd Bn., which returned to England.

 

1915 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - In Trenches near FETUBERT

A very quiet period.

On 2 whole days no shelling whatever by enemy.

Some successful sniping on our front on several occasions: one rifle with telescope and one with magnifying sights (both private) found very useful.

The new line of breastwork towards Section B.3. completed by hurdle work.

A reinforcement arrived it consisted of 30 men under Captain Dillon.

Casualties: Nil

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – METEREN

Bn marched 2.30pm via BAILLEUL – NIEPPE – ARMENTIERES – billet

In LE BIZET (FRANCE) for attachment to 12th Bde. Arriving 7.pm.

 

1945- 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Frille

Early this morning C Coy moved up to the area of DAHREN 8625 working with 11th Armoured Division Recce.  Reason - 11th Armoured Divisions bridge blown, therefore they are using ours at PETERSHAGEN.  In the afternoon the forward Coys saw movement of several tanks & infantry & experienced some mortar fire.  The tanks moved round to the North & were later reported by the Devons.  Vehicle movement was heard early in the night, but later patrols heard & saw nothing.

 

1949 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - The Regiment left Gottingen station for England at 0720 hours. Embarked at Hook of Holland 2030 hours

 

1962 - 1st Green Jackets (43rd & 52nd) Sailed for Malaya.

On this day 6th April  

1812 - Storming of Badajoz - 43rd and 52nd engaged

 

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

A very quiet period.

On 2 whole days no shelling whatever by enemy.

Some successful sniping on our front on several occasions: one rifle with telescope and one with magnifying sights (both private) found very useful.

The new line of breastwork towards Section B.3. completed by hurdle work.

Casualties: Killed 2, Wounded 1.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – METEREN

Bn in billets, Coys at training

 

1916 - Provisional Bn at the first attack on Sanna-y-at; casualties, 12 Officers and 250 men.

 

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

Eventually C and D Companies started the attack at 0500 hrs. behind a series of artillery concentrations. They were met by intense but extraordinarily inaccurate small-arms fire, and by first light had established themselves on their objectives, and A and B Companies had advanced through and beyond. "Never," said the officer commanding B Company, "had so many bullets been fired with so little effect"—surprising, since the opposition were officers and N.C.Os. from a training school.

During the afternoon the 1st East Lancashire Regiment passed through the Regiment and continued to drive the enemy towards the Ems—Weser Canal.

 

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Wietersheim

0700 - "A" Coy attacked a position containing 6 Heavy Flak guns on railway mountings at 862163.  C Coy came across, also the remainder of the transport.  C Coy took position around road junction 836165.  The day generally was quiet, except for occasional ineffective fire from an SP gun.  During the night A & D Coy's reported hearing enemy movement including tracked vehicles to the East.  Mortars and artillery engaged DF Tasks.  Patrols made no contact.

On this day 5th April

1846 - 43rd arrived home from Canada.

 

1915 – Into Trenches near FESTUBERT.

In relief as before of 2\Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

 

1915 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – METEREN

Bn in billets, Coys at training

 

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

On the 5th the Regiment moved to Mesum (8303) in prepara­tion for an attack on the high ground north of Ibbenbiiren (9808) after the 4th Royal Welch Fusiliers and 1st Highland Light Infantry had captured that town.

During the night it moved up to Ibbenburen, where the situa­tion was confused. The 4th Royal Welch Fusiliers and the 1st Highland Light Infantry were reported to have got through the town, but bursts of small-arms fire came from every direction.

 

1945- 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Stockhausen

0730 - C Coy in the lead, riding on Churchills, we started to cross the river WESER at TODTENHAUSEN 8116.  Considerable opposition, chiefly in the form of "BAZOOKA BOYS" was met around KUTENHAUSEN, & two Churchills were hit.  C Coy however made their way to the river bank & we prepared for the crossing.  During these preparations we came under heavy shell-fire - chiefly air-burst from the far bank, but the Small Arms fire was negligible & the air-bursts caused only 8 casualties.  B Coy then did the assault & cleared WIETERSHEIM.  They were followed by D & A Coy's.  C remaining on the West bank.

Meanwhile the RE's aided by our pioneer platoon built a raft for the essential transport, pending the completion of a bridge further downstream.  D & A Coy's pushed on to FRILLE 8516.  During the night of the crossing the village of WIETERSHEIM were repeatedly shelled by AA guns & nebelwerfers.

 

1965 – 1st Green Jackets (43rd & 52nd) Arrived in Berlin.