Blog Archives - LIGHTBOBS

On this day 30th April

30/4/2016

On this day 30th April

1808 - 1st Bn., 52nd embarked for Sweden

1883 – 1st Bn Oxfordshire LI – Moved from Shornecliffe to Parkhurst (Isle of Wight).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.8.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Billets.
Battalion paraded for Church at Div Hqrs COUIN 10.30am.

1937 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – India – Red Flashes with embroidered White Bugle Horns taken into wear on the left side of the Pith Hat sewn on to the puggaree. The Silver Bugle Horn now worn only on the Wolsey helmet which is worn on ceremonial parades.

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

1945 -2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - NWE Suttorf
After repeated changes in timings, the Regiment marched out at 1700 hrs & crossed the ELBE by the Class 9 Bridge.
Then turned East following the 3rd Para Brigade to HORST 9235.

On this day 29th April

29/4/2016

On this day 29th April

1810 – 43rd and 52nd - Light Division - at Gallegos joined by Captain Ross’s Troop of R.H.A.

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

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

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.8.
T/2nd Lt J D C HOLLAND from Corporal 1 Kings Edwards Horse.
T/2nd Lt R G PLUCKROSE from Battery Serjeant Major, Motor Machine Gun Corps.
Arrived for duty.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Billets.
Coy Training. Musketry, rapid firing etc Baths

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

28/4/2016

On this day 28th April

1759 – 43rd and 52nd - Battle of Sillery,(America).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.8.
Relieved 17th Royal Fusiliers in same sector as before.
During this period the enemy were quiet except for some more frequent shelling of Right Communication Trench and all along front line. 3 Companies are in front line each with one platoon in Support Line.
The fourth company has three platoons in Suppoer Line on the extreme right with the remaining platoon at P.C.4. close to Advanced Battalion HQ. Normal regimental Headquarters is in MECHANIC Trench as before for Centre Battalion.
Casualties: 3 Wounded (CSM MARTIN died of his wounds).
North at HULLOCH and on 1st Division front just North of 6th Brigade on our Left enemy active with gas attacks which met with no success. There has also been much shelling near GIVENCHY-EN-GOHELLE on 47th Division front just South of 99th Brigade on our right.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Billets.
Battalion doing field work, with 4/ROYAL BERKS, under Brigade.

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

27/4/2016

On this day 27th April

1810 – 43rd and 52nd - Light Division – marched to Almeida. (Peninsula)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOSSE 10.
In Billets.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Billets.
Coys Training.

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

26/4/2016

On this day 26th April

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

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOSSE 10.
In Billets.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Billets.
All Coys Training

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 25th April

25/4/2016

On this day 25th April

1864 - 43rd engaged with Maoris (New Zealand).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOSSE 10.
In Billets.
Temporary 2nd Lieutenant M F M PARKES joined for duty from 9th Battalion.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Relieved by 7th WORCESTERS in evening.
Batt in Billets in COIGNEUX by 12.30pm.

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 considerable, especially against B Company, but A Company outflanked 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 24th April

24/4/2016

On this day 24th April

1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Second affair of outposts on the River Azava.(Spain)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.8.
On relief by 17th Royal Fusiliers to Billets in FOSSE 10.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Artillery active on both sides.

1917 - 7th and 8th Bns Oxf & Bucks LI – present - Battle of Doiran; (Salonika)

1943 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - 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 23rd April

23/4/2016

On this day 23rd April

1811 – 43rd and 52nd - Affair of outposts on the River Azava.(Spain)

1868 – 43rd – Embarked at Portsmouth on board HMS Urgen and sailed for the Channel Islands.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.8.
Right Battalion (ANGRES 1).
Very quiet period except for a certain amount of hostile rifle grenade activity.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Great difficulty in getting Killed & Wounded down to Dressing Station, on account of distance to bring stretchers.
Quiet Day.
One casualty in C Coy.

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

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

22/4/2016

On this day 22nd April

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

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.8.
Right Battalion (ANGRES 1).
Very quiet period except for a certain amount of hostile rifle grenade activity.
Some Heavy Rain.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
1 Post of Right Coy (B) bombed by enemy just before daylight.
Several bombs fell among post causing us 6 casualties.
Post being isolated, impossible to withdraw casualties before dark & then with difficulty.
4 Killed, 3 Wounded.
Some shelling on both sides during night.

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

21/4/2016

On this day 21st April

1794 - 43rd - at capture of Guadaloupe.

1864 – 43rd – Engaged at Maketu, New Zealand.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.8.
Right Battalion (ANGRES 1).
Very quiet period except for a certain amount of hostile rifle grenade activity.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BAYENCOURT
Relieved 7/WORCESTERS in G SECTION, K17 C 33 to K 23 D 34.
4th ROYAL BERKS on Left, 16th WEST YORKS on Right.
Trenches on Right in Bad condition.
Three Coys in front line.

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

20/4/2016

On this day 20th April

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

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.8.
The Regiment relieved the 17th Royal Fusiliers as Right Battalion (ANGRES 1).
Very quiet period except for a certain amount of hostile rifle grenade activity.
Some heavy rain on 22nd.
Casualties: Killed = 1. Wounded = 5.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BAYENCOURT
Battalion in Billets
Coy Training.

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

19/4/2016

On this day 19th April

1775 – 43rd and 52nd - Combat of Lexington (North America).

1886 – 52nd – Arrived at Bangalore (India) from Egypt.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.11.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BAYENCOURT
Battalion in Billets
Very wet again. Lectures etc

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

18/4/2016

On this day 18th April

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

1842 – 52nd – Arrived in Canada.

1866 – 43rd – Left Aukland, New Zealand for home.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.11.
The 44th Reinforcement of 16 men arrived.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BAYENCOURT
Battalion in Billets
Training postponed owing to Very Wet weather. Lectures etc

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

17/4/2016

On this day 17th April

1863 - Field-Marshal Lord Seaton died.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.11.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BAYENCOURT
Battalion in Billets
All Coys Resting.

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 16th April

16/4/2016

On this day 16th April

1797 – 43rd – Arrived at Jamaica.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY R.11.
During the day the Regiment moved into billets at BULLY on the commencement of the relief of 23rd Division by 2nd Division in the same sections.
The 5th Brigade front is now being held by two battalions instead of three. One battalion is in FOSSE 10 in Divisional reserve, the other, the regiment in Support distributed as follows:
Headquarters and 2 Coys in BULLY.
1 Coy at METRO CAP-DE-PONT, in trenches about 300 yards from the West end of CORONS D’AIX alley: 1 coy in MECHANIC Trench at the tactical disposal of the OC the Right Battalion.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Relieved by 1/4 OXFORDS .
Relief complete by 11am.
Battalion in Billets in BAYENCOURT by 1.30pm

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

1931 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Bugle Cords taken into wear by the Buglers.

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 15th April

15/4/2016

On this day 15th April

1814 – 43rd and 52nd – Quartered near Toulouse. (Peninsula)

1885 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – Summer Clothing taken into wear, viz:- Khaki Drill; Helmets with puggarees, but without plates.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HERSIN Q.5.
In Billets

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Minenwerfers very active on our Left trenches about 6.30pm. Some damage done to trenches. 1 casualty.
The following immediate rewards for gallantry in the field were awarded by the Commander In Chief.
CAPT H.V.COMBES – MILITARY CROSS.
No 1855 SGT BALDWIN W J – D.C.M.,
No 2582 L/CPL P. JENNINGS – Military Medal,
No 2217 L/CPL T.W.VINCENT – Military Medal

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 14th April

14/4/2016

On this day 14th April

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

1869 – 43rd-Embarked on HMS Orontes and sailed for Ireland (Curragh).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HERSIN Q.5.
In Billets

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Quiet Day.
Enemy bombarded New Trench at 11.30pm & again at 12.30am & 2.30am.
5/GLOSTERS who had taken over from 4/R BERKS had seven casualties.

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 13th April

13/4/2016

On this day 13th April

1814 – 52nd LI – picquets entered Toulouse.(Peninsula)

1886 – 1st Bn Oxfordshire LI – entertained 2nd Bn Oxfordshire LI passing through Poona (India).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HERSIN Q.5.
In Billets

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Relieved the Company of 5/ROYAL SUSSEX on our Left.
Just before relief at 6.30pm, enemy opened with Minenwerfers on those trenches. Good shooting. Good deal of damage done to trenches. SUSSEX had about 6 casualties.

1917 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - present Battle of Vimy Ridge (Arras).

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 12th April

12/4/2016

On this day 12th April

1817 – 43rd moved from Bapaume to Valenciennes (France)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CAMBLAIN-CHATELAIN L.15. – HERSIN Q.5.
8am – Marched to BRUAY through DIVION and entrained for HERSIN (20 mins journey) where it went into billets in the other area of this town.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Quiet Day
Enemy Minenwerfers very active on our Left Trenches during evening.

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

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

11/4/2016

On this day 11th April

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

1886 – 2nd Bn Oxfordshire LI – arrived at Bombay (India) from Egypt.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CAMBLAIN-CHATELAIN L.15.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Quiet Day

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

10/4/2016

On this day 10th April

1814 – 43rd and 52nd - Battle of TOULOUSE (Peninsula)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CAMBLAIN-CHATELAIN L.15.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Enemy Artillery fairly active.
Newly dug trench on our right shelled heavily in evening, but NO damage done, owing to bad shooting.

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

9/4/2016

On this day 9th April

1885 – 1st Bn Oxfordshire LI – left Kurrachee (Sind) by rail for Bolan Pass.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CAMBLAIN-CHATELAIN L.15.
11am – The regiment left DELATTE by march route for AIRE where it entrained at 2.15pm and returned to same billets at CAMBLAIN-CHATELAIN.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Enemy Artillery & machine Guns active during day.
A covering party (consisting of B Coy) for large digging party remained out all night while an advanced trench in front of J SECTION was dug.
This was successfully carried out.
B Coys casualties 1 Officer & 4 OR

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

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

8/4/2016

On this day 8th April

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

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –DELATTE.
Brigade Training on another part of Area. Weather very favourable – Area extensive – long ridges and spurs and deep valleys containing villages much concealed.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BAYENCOURT
Relieved 4 OXFORDS in K SECTION, taking over FT K9/1 to FT K10/3 (incl).
Relief completed by 11am.
Quiet Day. Detachment 5/SUSSEX on Left, 4/ROYAL BERKS on Right.

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

7/4/2016

On this day 7th April

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

1882 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – New Territorial Helmet Plate and Cap Badge taken into wear. The latter authorised to be worn without a crown; a circle with bugle within it. (This was nicknamed the “Cart wheel” pattern.)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –DELATTE.
The Brigade took part in field work, Gen Joffre being present for a few minutes.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BAYENCOURT
Battalion in Billets.
Coy Training

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

6/4/2016

On this day 6th April

1812 - 43rd and 52nd - Storming of Badajoz - 43rd and 52nd engaged (Peninsula)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –DELATTE.
The day allotted to the Regiment for Battalion Training.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BAYENCOURT
Battalion in Billets.
Battalion Parade – CO congratulated men on patrol work.

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

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.