Blog Archives - LIGHTBOBS

April 30th, 2018

30/4/2018

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).

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
The Regiment in trenches and due to be relieved tomorrow 1.5.18.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – PRIA DEL ACQUA.(Italy)
Sunny Morning. Showers during the Afternoon.
Our Artillery extremely active.
Ration Strength: 35 Officers 741 OR. Casualties: 2 OR Hospital.

1918 - 1/4th Bn. Oxf & Bucks LI - To Front Line about S. SISTO (ASIAGO PLATEAU).

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.

April 29th, 2018

29/4/2018

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.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
The following Officers of the Territorial Force joined the Regiment for duty and were posted to companies as under:-
Lt G E Pearson to D Coy.
Lt J P Wayte MC to C Coy.
2Lt C Blick to D Coy.
2Lt E A Brown to C Coy.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – PRIA DEL ACQUA.(Italy)
Reserve Battalion.
Battalion relieved 1/5th R WARWICKSHIRE REGT in Right Reserve during the Morning.
Relief complete by 12 Noon.
Pouring rain fell all day.
Dispositions:-
Bn HQers, B and D Coys at PRIA DEL ACQUA
A Coy to side of GRANEZZA – ASIAGO Road just North of RABERLABA RD
C Coy MALGA FASSA fort.
During the Night an attempted raid by 1/6th R WARWICKSHIRE REGT produced considerable shelling.
Battalion manned battle positions during the Afternoon.
Casualties: 1 OR Wounded.
Ration Strength: 37 Officers 745 OR.

1918 - 1/4th Bn. Oxf & Bucks LI - To GRANEZZA. (Italy)

1918 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI
Marched to Cavron (16 miles). Very comfortable billets.
The 5th Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry (as it is still called) is now entirely separated from the 6th Somersets, and is under the command of Major Barwell, M.C., the other officers being : Major B. K. Cooke, M.C., Captains Addington, Stace, and Peel, M.C., Lieut. Holiday, 2nd Lieuts. McKechnie and Vaughan, Captain and Adjutant Symonds, and Lieut, and Quartermaster Toplis.

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.

April 28th, 2018

28/4/2018

On this day 28th April

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

1917 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Battle of Arleux (Arras)
Casualties Officers- Died of Wounds = 1, Wounded = 5
About 200 Other ranks, of whom 130 were wounded the remainder Killed and Missing.

1917 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI. C.S.M. E. Brooks gained the V.C. at Fayet (France).
'For most conspicuous bravery. This Warrant Officer, while taking part in a raid on the enemy's trenches, saw that the front wave was checked by an enemy machine-gun at close quarters. On his own initiative, and regardless of personal danger, he rushed forward from the second wave with the object of capturing the gun, killing one of the gunners with his revolver and bayoneting another. The remainder of the gun's crew then made off, leaving the gun in his possession. S.M. Brooks then turned the machine-gun on to the retreating enemy, after which he carried it back to our lines. By his courage and initiative he undoubtedly prevented many casualties, and greatly added to the success of the operations.'

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
Inter Company Relief carried out as under:-
C Coy relieved D Coy who withdrew to Reserve.
The Platoons of B Coy rejoined its company in Support.
2 platoons A Coy relieved 2 front Line platoons of the same company.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Divisional Reserve
2 Coys on Working Parties. Remainder working on the Camp.
1 Officer and 4 NCOs per Coy went up to Reserve Battalion of 143 Brigade for 24 hours attachment.
Rain fell nearly all day.
Ration Strength: 37 officers 746 OR. Casualties: 3 OR to Hospital

1918 - 2/4th Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - To Front Line (Robecq-Calonne road).

1918 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI
The remains of the Battalion marched to Predefin, some 14 miles. Average billets.
Captains G. C. Wetherall and W. H. King to First Army Musketry School.

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)

April 27th, 2018

27/4/2018

On this day 27th April

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
Promotions to be Lieutenant:-
2Lt E K Blyth – 27.4.18.
2Lt D C Colvill – 27.4.18.
2Lt WA F Bailey (missing) – 27.4.18.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Divisional Reserve.
2 Coys on Working Parties, 2 Coys making Gas Tracks up the mountain from the Camp, 3 Coys and HQers had baths and change of clothing during the day.
Ration Strength: 36 Officers 749 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI -reduced to cadre.
The Battalion was split up. Officers and men for drafting entrained at Berguette, for Etaples. at 4.30 p.m.
The following are left to form a staff for training Americans: Majors Barwell and Cooke, Captains Wetherall, King, Symonds, and Stace, Lieut. Addington, 2nd Lieut. McKechnie, Captain Peel, Lieut, and Quartermaster Toplis, 2nd Lieut. Vaughan; also 49 other ranks, composed of N.C.O. instructors, C.S.M.'s, C.Q.M.S.'s, etc.
It is hoped that, after a lapse of a few months, when sufficient drafts have been collected, the Battalion and also the Division will be reformed.
The following have gone to the Base: Captain E. F. V. Deyns, Lieut. W. H. Thomas, 2nd Lieuts. H. E. Wells, A. G. Bowen, and W. A. F. Hearne.

1943 – 7th Oxf & Bucks LI arrived 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.

April 26th, 2018

26/4/2018

On this day 26th April

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
2Lt T B Baines joined for duty and was posted to B Coy.
Notification received of the escape of 32525 LCpl Hubbard C Coy (Missing and taken prisoner 24.3.18.)

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Divisional Reserve.
Battalion all on Woking Parties, the majority clearing Snow on PRIA DEL ACQUA – MONTE BOSCON Road.
A little rain in the Evening.
Ration Strength: 36 Officers 750 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

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.

April 25th, 2018

25/4/2018

On this day 25th April

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
Promotions to be Lieutenant:- 2Lt C E Barnes – 25.4.18.
The Regiment relieved the 2HLI in the Left Sub-section of the Brigade Front.
Headquarters – Boisleux-au-Mont.
Relief effected without incident.
Distribution as under:-
Right Front – D Coy reinforced temporarily by 1 Platoon B Coy.
Left Front – 2 Platoons A Coy.
Support – D Coy less 1 Platoon.
Defended Locality – A Coy less 2 Platoons.
Reserve – C Coy.
A continuous front line – fairly good trench.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Divisional Reserve.
Battalion all on Woking Parties, mostly clearing Snow on GRANEZZA – PRIA DEL ACQUA Road.
A dull day with some rain in the Evening.
Ration Strength: 36 Officers 750 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

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.

April 24th, 2018

24/4/2018

On this day 24th April

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

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
Notification received of the award of Military Medals in connection with the recent operations:-
19418 LCpl Lloyd
22309 LCpl Smith
7774 LCpl Jackson
9324 Pte Jeffs
19211 Sgt Smith
17733 LSgt Sheppard
22180 LCpl Kirby (3rd recommendation)
8373 Pte Southon
25445 LCpl Smith
23301 Pte Tinson
18238 LCpl Wallis
15641 Pte Peace

Lt T W C Foreshew (on completion of 6 months in England) joined and was attached to 2nd Division Wing (late 2/Division Depot Bn)

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Divisional Reserve.
Battalion all on Working Parties.
Snow fell heavily nearly all day from about 11.30am onwards, accompanied by thunder & lightening.
MAJOR HALL and 2nd LIEUT BATES reconnoitred 143 Brigade (Right Brigade) Area.
CAPTs RIGDEN and DARBY reconnoitred Marginal Line and drew up defensive scheme for this Line.
CAPT WRIGHT and 2nd LIEUT McCRACKEN proceeded to MARE and arranged the bringing up of remaining stores.
2nd LIEUT CAULFIELD and 25 OR were attached to 474 FIELD COY R.E for duty whilst in forward area.
Ration Strength: 36 Officers 762 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 - 2/4th Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - To ST. VENANT and ROBECQ.
At 5 a.m. enemy shelling set fire to Bacquerolles Farm, and D Company moved into trenches until fire died down.
At 6.30 a.m. the enemy attacked the Glosters on their new front.
The attack was defeated with loss, and 70 prisoners were taken by the Glosters.
In the evening we were relieved by the 2/4th R. Berks, and moved to billets (St. Venant and Robecq), getting in about midnight.

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.

April 23rd, 2018

23/4/2018

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.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
Notification received of the award of Military Medals in connection with the recent operations:-
7876 LSjt Bennett
18495 LCpl Bazeley.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Battalion marched at 10am to Huts in Reserve Brigade area at GRANEZZA.
Route – Mule Track via COVOLO – PERPIANA – CAMPANA – TEZZE SCIESSERE.
A great deal of halting for first two hours owing to Brigade coming down.
Battalion Halted for ten minutes every half hour.
Long halt for Dinners at 12.50 – 1.30.
Head of battalion arrived at 2.30pm: all in by 3.30pm.
Owing to lorry shortage Officers valises and one Coys blankets could not be brought up.
This was made good by blankets and fleece lined sleeping bags which had been drawn from Ordnance in the Morning.
Transport (i.e.) 5 Limbers, 4 Cookers, 2 Water carts and Maltese cart and Pack Ponies arrived about 6.15pm.
A Coys Cooker fell over the cliff coming up, neither Horses nor men were badly hurt and Cooker not very seriously damaged in spite of rolling 50 feet with a ten foot sheer drop at the end.
Huts for the men quite good, but rather crowded.
Heavy fall of Snow and Sleet in the Evening.
Height climbed during the march, 840 metres (about 2750 feet).
Ration Strength: 36 Officers 761 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

1918 - l/4th Bn. Oxf & Bucks LI - To VALLE DI SOPRA. (Italy)

1918 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI
Band instruments sent off to the 2/4th Battalion transport camp.
Orders for the Battalion to be sent to the Base, for drafting, expected at any moment.

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.

April 22nd, 2018

22/4/2018

On this day 22nd April

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
The Regiment was relieved by the 24th Royal Fusiliers, from Battalion in Brigade Reserve.
Relief effected without incident,.
Major (T/Lt Col) F O Koebel DSO North Staffordshire Regiment, late commanding 12th (S) Bn Hampshire Regiment joined for one month’s attachment.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – MARE.
Morning spent by all ranks getting clothes dry.
Battalion Marched at 3pm to Billets and Bivouacs at MARE (North of LUGO).
HQ B, C & D Coys in Billets, A Coy & Transport in Bivouacs.
2nd LIEUT BATES & 6 OR proceeded to forward area to reconnoitre trenches & Billeting party under LIEUT ROVER proceeded to Reserve Brigade Area to take over Billets.
Ration Strength: 36 Officers 763 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To MARE. (Italy)

1918 - 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To SMOL HILL.(Salonika)

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.

April 21st, 2018

21/4/2018

On this day 21st April

1794 - 43rd - at capture of Guadaloupe.

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S MARIA
Battalion Marched at 7.30am to Billets at S MARIA (North of SARCEDO) arriving in Billets about 3pm.
Extremely Heavy rain fell the whole way, and the battalion arrived wet through.
During the day MAJOR P A HALL and Six other Officers proceeded by lorry to reconnoitre the Intermediate and Hill Lines.
Ration Strength: 36 Officers 762 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

1918 - 1/4th Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI - To S. MARIA (near SARCEDO). (Italy)

1918 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI
Preparation made for splitting up the Battalion; a small nucleus of 10 officers and 45 men to be left for instructing American troops.

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.

April 20th, 2018

20/4/2018

On this day 20th April

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
Casualties = Other Ranks, 1 Wounded.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRUMO & CEREDA
Coys Training during the Morning.
During the Afternoon all men entitled to “1914” Star were decorated with the ribbon by Divisional Commander.
This was followed by final of Brigade Football Competition which was won by C Coy beating c Coy 1/4 OXFORDS by 2 goals to Nil.
Ration Strength: 38 Officers 774 OR. Casualties: NIL.

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.

April 19th, 2018

19/4/2018

On this day 19th April

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

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
Inter Company reliefs were carried out.
B Coy relieving A Coy on the Right Front, C Coy relieving D in line Left Front.
The six days tour was quiet and without incident.
T/2/Lt C F Beeson joined for duty.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRUMO & CEREDA
Coys practised hill climbing during the Morning.
Ration Strength: 38 Officers 771 OR. Casualties: 2 OR to Hospital.

1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Returned to front line, H.Q. at AMUSOIRES.
In the evening the Battalion relieved the 2/5th Glosters, taking over the frontage previously occupied by the Battalion with the exception of farms at Q.19.b.8.6 and Q.20.a.5.8, which had remained in the hands of the enemy after an otherwise unsuccessful attack upon the 2/5th Glosters during the night of April 18th/19th.
Casualties: 1 man killed, 5 wounded.

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.

April 18th, 2018

18/4/2018

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.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRUMO & CEREDA (Italy)
Battalion marched at 9am via BERNUFFI to Billets at GRUMO and CEREDA arriving about 12 noon.
Transport was Brigaded and marched via VALLE owing to the hills, arriving about 1pm.
During the march box respirators were worn by all ranks for ¼ hour.
Billets quite good.
2nd LIEUT CORFIELD to GHQ Signalling School for Course of Instruction.
2nd LIEUTs GRACE & BAKER to XIV Corps School for Courses of Instruction.
Ration Strength: 42 Officers 799 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

1918 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To CASTELGOMBERTO. (Italy).

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.

April 17th, 2018

17/4/2018

On this day 17th April

1863 - Field-Marshal Lord Seaton died.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
Shortly after completion of relief the Commanding Officer and Bugler (9808 Bugler Osborne) in endeavouring to trace the disconnected front line met 2 NCOs of A Coy, also reconnoitring and the whole party found themselves among some German Posts. Some firing ensued and then the party divided into 2 pairs, Bugler Osborne and LCpl Young probably running into a German Support Post, in error. They became Missing.
A Coy was on the Right Front, D coy on the Left Front having the railway inclusive to itself.
C Coy in Support and B coy in Reserve.
Capt B L Hutchence RAMC to Hospital, being relieved by Lt A J Smith USMC.
Casualties: Other Ranks 1 Killed, 1 Died of Wounds, 2 Wounded and 2 Missing.
Casualties: Killed 5. Wounded 4. Missing 1.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO COVOLO VIGO
Bn Training during the Morning attacking high ground at S. URBANO from SOVIZZO.
During Morning A & B Coys moved to Billets at COVOLO.
Ration Strength: 42 Officers 799 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

1918 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To MONTECCHIO MAGGIORE.

1918 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To MOLINGHEM.

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.

April 16th, 2018

16/4/2018

On this day 16th April

1797 – 43rd – Arrived at Jamaica.

1917 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion captured TOMBOIS FARM during the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line.
Casualties – Officers Wounded – 5. ORs Killed - 18. ORs Wounded - 48

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
The Regiment relieved the 2nd HLI in the Right Subsection of the brigade Front.
Headquarters Bony St Mantin having on the Left the 24th Royal Fusiliers and on the Right the 1st Royal Berkshire Regt (Lt Col Brett).
Casualties = 2 Other Ranks Wounded.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
Coys Training.
A and C Coys on the Range.
MAJOR P A HALL proceeded to OSTERIA DI GRANEZZA to reconnoitre Reserve Brigade Area of 23rd DIVISION with a view to taking over.
Ration Strength: 37 Officers 773 OR. Casualties: 2 OR to Hospital.

1918 - l/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To SARMEGO. (Italy)

1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - On relief moved to billets at ST. VENANT.
Considerable shelling by the enemy at various times during the day.
In the evening the Battalion was relieved by the 2/5th Glosters, and went into billets at St. Venant. Relief was not complete until 2 a.m.
The Battalion came under the orders of the G.O.C. 183rd Infantry Brigade.
Casualties: Captain A. F. L. Shields, R.A.M.C., and 2nd Lieut. A. C. Stowell, wounded at duty.
Other ranks: killed, 2; wounded, 25; missing, 5.

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.

April 15th, 2018

15/4/2018

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.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
Final departure from the huts to areas clear of the guns, followed by comparative peace, with discomfort.
2AM – German Time again became 1 hour ahead of Franco-British time.
Casualties = 2 Other Ranks Wounded – Gas

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
Move to Training Area cancelled.
Coys Training.
D Coy on the Range in the Morning.
Transport on the range in the Afternoon.
CAPT G R CROUCH to 1/4 OXFORDS as 3rd in Command.
CAPT J B HALES to 48th DIV HQers and appointed G.S.O.III.
Ration Strength: 39 Officers 777 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

1918 - 2/4th Bn. Oxf & Bucks LI - In further fighting had two officers killed.
The day passed quietly, our artillery and L.T.M.'s carrying out registration.
At 7 p.m. the enemy, after a brisk bombardment of our line, developed an attack against C Company, moving in extended order from Q.14.d. against Bacquerolles Farm. This attack was beaten off by rifle fire. Soon afterwards a report was received that large numbers of the enemy were collecting in the houses in Q.14.b. and d. Our artillery heavily shelled this target, and the enemy must have lost great numbers.
At 7.30 p.m. B Company (Captain Stanley) carried out an attack on the houses in Q.20 in accordance with operation orders. The operation was entirely successful, and by 9 p.m. the objectives had been captured.
Unfortunately, the Division on our right, which had been relied upon to co-operate, did not effect a junction with B Company's right flank, and the enemy, who were in large numbers along the road east of the Hennebecq, and were strongly reinforced from La Pierre-au-Beure, commenced to counter-attack at 9.30 p.m., and threatened to envelop B Company's flank in the houses at Q.20.d.o.6 and 3.7. Orders were then given at 10.15 p.m. for B Company to withdraw to their original position. This they did, bringing in all the wounded.
During the night our artillery shelled La Pierre-au-Beure, Q.20, and Q.14.b. and d.
A German prisoner was taken by B Company.
Casualties : Killed, 2nd Lieuts. S. F. Kemp and G. W. Couoher, and 2 other ranks;
Wounded, 18 other ranks ; Missing, 1.

1918 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To ISBERQUES.
March to Isbergues ; arrive 4 p.m.; billeted in empty houses near the railway.
Very slight shelling.

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.

April 14th, 2018

14/4/2018

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).

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI.
Very cold and unpleasant.
B and D Coys (Right and Left) of the Purple System at night.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
Sunday.
Wet.
No Church Parade.
A Coy Working Party rejoined during the day.
Ration Strength: 36 Officers 680 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BATTLE OF THE LYS (Fourth Ypres)
At 6.30 a.m., in continuation of the policy of the previous day, C Company, assisted by the L.T.M.'s, occupied the farm at Q.20.a.5.8, and also drove the enemy out of the house at Q.14.c.8.2.
During the morning it appeared that the houses about Q.20. central were not held by the enemy, civilians being seen moving among them, and no fire being directed at, our aeroplanes from the area. A battle patrol, consisting of a platoon of A Company, was accordingly sent to find out whether the ground was held by the enemy, with orders to reach the road running through Q.20.b. and d. if only slight opposition was met with, when our line would have been advanced to include the houses and enclosures in Q.20. The patrol reached the road immediately west of the houses without opposition, but came under machine-gun and rifle fire from the houses east of the Honnebecq when a further advance was attempted. After a short fire fight the patrol withdrew, covered by Lewis-gun fire from the farm at Q.20.a.5.8.
Riez-du-Vinage was attacked and captured by the 4th Division operating on the Battalion's right during the afternoon, in consequence of which A Company swung its right forward south-east of Carvin, in order to join up with the left flank of the 1st Hants.
Casualties: Lieut. H. C. Banton, wounded; other ranks : 3 killed, 22 wounded, 1 missing.

1918 - 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Marched to LAIRES.
Move to Laires (14-mile march); arrive 6 p.m.
Draft of 11 officers and 323 other ranks from 6th Somersets amalgamated with the Battalion.

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.

April 13th, 2018

13/4/2018

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).

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – SAULTY.
The regiment relieved the 2nd Bn Coldstream Guards in the position of Reserve battalion, Centre Brigade, being in huts on the Blaireville – Heudecourt-les-Ransart Road and in unpleasant proximity to a heavy battery Royal Artillery the attempts to destroy which, by the enemy, necessitated several moves to alternative positions and seriously interfered with rest.
The Regiment marched from Saulty at 2.30PM via the main Doullens – Arras Road as far as Beaumetz-les-Loges, detaching the Rearward Services to Baillueumont, from Le Bac du Sud, where the Regiment halted for tea, and thence via Bretencourt and Blaireville A and C Coys (Right and Left) occupied the Purple System, by night within the Brigade Boundaries.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
Orders received that Battalion is to proceed to PADUA Training Area on 15th inst.
All Working parties with exception of party of 2 Officers & 100 OR A Coy rejoined during day.
CAPT HALES, LT BRIGHTMAN & INT Officer reconnoitred Intermediate Line.
Ration Strength: 28 Officers 276 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BATTLE OF THE LYS (Fourth Ypres)
At 7.30 a.m., in thick fog, the enemy attacked the frontage occupied by the 183rd Brigade (1,000 yards to the Battalion's left), at the same time enfilading the Calonne-Robecq road with his artillery, which had been moved up in the fog to very close range. Owing to the exposed condition of the Battalion's left flank at Q.14.c.35, and to guard against the risk of the three companies south of the river being isolated by a strong enemy attack down the Colonne-Robecq road, D Company was ordered to form a defensive flank to C Company, and remained thus in position until 10 a.m., when all was quiet.
Between 12 noon and 3.30 p.m. the troops holding the line of the Calonne-Robecq road on the left of C Company were heavily shelled by the enemy, and (in spite of the control and example shown by 2nd Lieut. Lodge, who twice went up to their position) withdrew to the line of the road through Q.13.b. facing east, and in so doing gave up the houses along the Calonne-Robecq road as far south as road-junction Q.14.c.3.4.
This move of the troops on their left obliged C Company to withdraw from the houses at Q.14.c.3.3 and the farm south, of the Noe River at Q.20.a.5.8. As these houses (especially the house at Q.14.c.33) constituted the key to the line of the Noe River, orders were given for the recapture by C Company both of the buildings from which withdrawal had been obliged, and of the houses on each side of the road at Q.14.c.4.6.
At 7.30 p.m. two platoons of C Company attacked and captured the three houses at Q.14.c.33 and 46., taking a machine gun and killing a good number of the enemy. Two light trench mortars, manned by personnel of the Battalion, assisted in the operation. The houses at Q.14.c.4.6. were reoccupied by the Warwicks at nightfall.

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.

April 12th, 2018

12/4/2018

On this day 12th April

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – MONDICOURT.
Commanding Officer and 4 Company Commanders by bus to reconnoitre the area of the Centre Brigade Guards Division probably to be taken over tomorrow night 13/14.
Interesting day but not a very favourable impression of the position acquired. The area to be taken over consisted of a line of posts in front of Hamelincourt which lies, (in the enemys country) between Moyenneville and Boyelles and required a great many more men to work on it than were available.
The Purple Line and Reserve Line Heudecourt le Ransart and in front of Blaireville respectively were reconnoitred within the Brigade Front.
The remainder of 108 Nucleus including those Buglers who had been trained as Lewis Gunners, left by rail from Mondicourt. Lt T Tyrwhitt-Drake MC (Commanding B Coy) left later to command this party.
The Regiment to SAULTY: in billets and bivouac in the Park.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
Training of “Employed” men continued.
CAPTs CROUCH & FIRMINGER reconnoitred Intermediate Mountain Line.
Ration Strength: 28 Officers 217 OR. Casualties: 3 OR to Hospital.

1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Detrained at STEENBECQUE, and went into action near the CALONNE-ROBECQ road (Battle of the Lys).
Arrived 3 a.m. at Steenbecque. The Battalion ordered to march forward at once and take up a defensive position along the line of the Noe River, it having been reported that the Germans had broken through our battle positions and were threatening Merville. The 51st Division was reported to be holding a line east of Calonne.
Operation orders issued, special instructions being left at the station for D Company.
The Battalion halted from 7 to 8 a.m. for breakfasts, on the roadside west of Haverskerque; the C.O. and three Company Commanders rode forward through St. Venant to Les Amusoires, and discovered the situation to be serious. There were no troops holding about a mile of the Calonne-Robecq road, which had been reached by enemy patrols, while our artillery, which had withdrawn west of La Bassee Canal between 9 and 10 a.m., put down a light barrage 500 yards north-west of the Calonne-Robecq road. In addition, a large ammunition dump along the St. Venant-Robecq road was on fire, and provided a valuable screen against observation by the numerous enemy observation balloons, but which on the other hand was likely to be a menace to the Battalion's right flank, if manoeuvre was required. Under the circumstances orders were given for an attack to be pressed if necessary in order to gain the south-east bank of the Noe River.
Companies moved forward in column of fours and 50 yards between platoons along the St. Venant-La Haye-Les Amusoires road, in C, B, A (C Company finding the advanced guard). The companies debouched from Les Amusoires and crossed the open ground to a point 200 yards north of the Calonne-Robecq road, when the advance was stopped on the left (C Company), owing to the inability of the 182nd Brigade on the left to make good the line of the road. The C.O. decided to disregard the danger of an exposed left flank, in favour of seizing the bridge-head at Q.14.c.8.2.; and at 11.30 a.m.
A and B Companies held the Robecq-Calonne road, with patrols across the Noe River; while C Company was fighting for the possession of the bridge-head at Q.14.c.72., and driving the enemy from Bacquerolles Farm. By 1 p.m. these latter objectives were in our hands, amongst the casualties being Captain Buttfield and 2nd Lieut. Bennett, wounded.
During this fighting the finest use was made of Lewis guns and snipers from house roofs. The enemy resistance was not obstinate except at Bacquerolles Farm. Enemy artillery was active against the Calonne-Robecq road during the afternoon, and a heavy trench mortar of long range fired on Carvin and the houses in P.24.b., when A Company first occupied them. It was silenced by concentrated Lewis gun and rifle fire.
During the night the position Carvin-Bacquerolles Farm was consolidated.

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.

April 11th, 2018

11/4/2018

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.

1918-SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY By FIELD-MARSHAL SIR DOUGLAS HAIG
K.T., G.C.B., G.C.V.O., K.C.I.E.
Commander-in-Chief, British Armies in France

To ALL RANKS OF THE BRITISH ARMY IN FRANCE AND FLANDERS
Three weeks ago to-day the enemy began his terrific attacks against us on a fifty-mile front. His objects are to separate us from the French, to take the Channel Ports and destroy the British Army.

In spite of throwing already 106 Divisions into the battle and enduring the most reckless sacrifice of human life, he has as yet made little progress towards his goals.

We owe this to the determined fighting and self-sacrifice of our troops. Words fail me to express the admiration which I feel for the splendid resistance offered by all ranks of our Army under the most trying circumstances.

Many amongst us now are tired. To those I would say that Victory will belong to the side which holds out the longest. The French Army is moving rapidly and in great force to our support.

There is no other course open to us but to fight it out. Every position must be held to the last man: there must be no retirement. With our backs to the wall and believing in the justice of our cause each one of us must fight on to the end. The safety of our homes and the Freedom of mankind alike depend upon the conduct of each one of us at this critical moment.

(Signed) D. Haig F.M.
Commander-in-Chief British Armies in France
General Headquarters
Tuesday, April 11th, 1918

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LE SOUICH - MONDICOURT.
Commanding Officers Parades.
The 2/52nd Regiment marched over from its billets and took part in the parade. During it, orders were received to march that afternoon to Mondicourt.
March carried out without incident via Lucheux where each company used the baths and Pommera.
Billets good.
(note the 2/7th Bn The Kings, 57th Division (Lt Col C S Barnes DSO, 52nd Light Infantry) occupied the billets the next night after the Regiment had left and located it by chalk marks which had been left on the doors etc.)

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
Training of “Employed” men continued.
CO CAPTs HALES & FIRMINGER reconnoitred Intermediate Mountain Line (ASTICO - MARE – PONTE)
MAJOR P A HALL rejoined from English leave.
Ration Strength: 27 Officers 219 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To HANGEST, whence entrained.

1918 - 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - By rail and march to HERLY.
March to Fenquieres and entrain.
Arrive at Maresquel at 6 p.m.
Long, dreary march to Herly. Men very tired.

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.

April 10th, 2018

10/4/2018

On this day 10th April

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LE SOUICH.
2/Lt C E Barnes (on completion of 6 months in England).
2/Lt F W Taylor and the 95th Reinforcement, 9858 Serjeant Rowe MM, 3 Corporals, 5 Lance Corporals and 259 Privates (Total 268 Other Ranks) joined the Regiment, having arrived the night previously. This draft consisted for the most part of boys under 19 who had been and cut out from a Graduated Battalion (some from 52nd Graduated Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment) before completing their training. A large proportion of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire men was among them.
Owing to there being Rose Measle contacts, and so ordered to be segregated, permission was asked for, and given, for a duplicate battalion to be known as the 2/52nd Regiment to be formed for the period of segregation and billeted at Bouquemaison in command Captain V C Martin.
Adjutant 2/Lt C R Crosley, W Coy (to be ultimately posted A Company.
2/Lt D C Colvill, X Coy (to be ultimately posted to B Coy).
Lt F W Taylor, Y Coy (to be ultimately posted to C Coy).
2/Lt C E Barnes, Z Coy (to be ultimately posted to D Coy).
Lt T Walker A/Sgt Major 8214 Sjt Smith, B Coy. A/QM Sgt 19091 Sgt Slatter.
The NCOs of companies were those of the Inst Reinforcement (“108 Nucleus”) to be left out of action. This arrangement worked excellently. The Band was added 11.4.18 and the 2/52nd Regiment existed till its details rejoined at Saulty on 17.5.18. the battalion being officially broken up on 11.5.18.
The 52nd Light Infantry previously had a 2nd battalion from 1804 to 1816 when it became the 96th Foot, subsequently 2nd Bn Manchester regiment.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
Training of “Employed” men continued.
CO & CAPT HALES reconnoitred Front Line area.
Further Working Party found from remnants of 50 OR sent to GEORGIO DEL PERTICHE.
Ration Strength: 24 Officers 220 OR. Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital.

1918 - 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Moved by rail and road to BERTHENCOURT-SUR-MER.
March out at 6 a.m. Entrain at Saleux.
Detrain at Gamarches, and march to Bethencourt-sur-Mer.
Good billets. Men get good night's rest.

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

April 09th, 2018

9/4/2018

On this day 9th April

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

1917 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - heavily engaged -First battle of the Scarpe (Arras).
1917 - 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ARRAS - ATTACK ON THE HARP.
The Battalion left the caves at 9 p.m., and was in position in the Assembly Trenches by 12 midnight. At 7.34 a.m. the advance began……..
There was a certain amount of resistance from the back of Telegraph Work and the string of the Harp, but the Germans gave themselves up as soon as our men reached them. About 50 Germans were captured here…….
As soon as both objectives had been reached consolidation was at once commenced……
It is impossible to state accurately the number of prisoners taken by us, but it is estimated there were about 100. Three machine-guns were also captured.
Our casualties were roughly 5 officers killed, 7 wounded, and about 180 other ranks.

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – GOUY-EN-TERNOIS - LE SOUICH.
Lt T Walker assumed the duties of Band President.
In the morning the Regiment received orders to move to billets in LE SOUICH and marched at 2.30PM by the same route reversed. C, D and part of Headquarters Companies were actually in rather indifferent billets in Brevillers: the remainder of the Regiment was in Le Souich.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
All employed men (on Bn HQ & Transport) carried out 2 hours Training.
Ration Strength: 26 Officers 753 OR. Casualties: NIL.

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.

April 08th, 2018

8/4/2018

On this day 8th April

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

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – GOUY-EN-TERNOIS.
Companies at work, re-organising and bathing.
Box respirator Inspections.
Summer Hours came into force (vide Regimental Order 42(4) of 6.4.18).
Extra Lewis Guns were distributed in accordance with Regimental Order 43(7) of this day:-
“The four additional Lewis Guns for Anti-Aircraft purposes will be Headquarter Company Guns and will be manned:- No17 Gun by a team of Reserve Transport Drivers who will join Headquarters Company from D company after dinner tomorrow: Nos 18, 19 and 20 Guns by teams of Buglers.
The necessary organisation and training will be carried out by the Lewis Gun Officer as early as possible.”
Captain (Acting Major) R J Brett posted to temporary command of 1st Bn Royal Berkshire Regiment with acting rank of Lt Col (Authority 2/Division Q 24/4/18).

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
Further Working parties sent away as follows:-
1 Officer & 60 OR A & B Coy For work under C.A.R.O. THIENE
1 Officer & 50 OR Remains of all Coys For work under R.T.O. ROCHETTE
Ration Strength: 25 Officers 250 OR. Casualties: NIL.

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.

April 07th, 2018

7/4/2018

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.)

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – GOUY-EN-TERNOIS.
Quiet day in billets.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
Working Parties as follows sent to places marked for work there till further orders:-
2 Officers & 100 OR B Coy To VILLAVERA Aerodrome
1 Officer & 50 OR D Coy To S PIERTO IN GIU Aerodrome.
Following Officers becoming surplus owing to numbers of men away were sent to PADUA training area for attachment to OXFORDS & GLOSTERS:_
LTs FLINT & ROVER. 2/LTs CURRAM, WILCOX, BUTLER & LORNS.
Tactical Exercise for all remaining Subalterns carried out in Morning under CAPT CROUCH.
Ration Strength: 33 Officers 359 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To billets in AVESNE.
The Battalion marched to Avesne and went into billets.
The 2/1st Bucks Battalion (25th Entrenching Battalion) has been amalgamated with the 2/4th Battalion, which retains its original name.
A draft of 431 other ranks joined.

1918 - 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To ST. FUSCIEN.
Remain in reserve until evening, when Reserve Line taken over by Australians.
March to St. Fuscien; poor billets; men very crowded.

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.

April 06th, 2018

6/4/2018

On this day 6th April

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

1916 - Provisional Bn (Later 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI) - at the first attack on Sanna-y-at; casualties, 12 Officers and 250 men.(Mesopotamia)

1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI –LE SOUICH – GOUY-EN-TERNOIS.
The regiment marched from LE SOUICH via IVERGNY – BEAUDRICOURT – ETREE – WAMIN – MAGNICOURT-SUR-CANCHE to GOUY-EN-TERNOIS, there it was understood, to remain for a week.
Posting 2/Lt E K Blythe to D Company previously attached thereto and in Hospital.
94th Reinforcement – 2 Serjeants, 2 Corporals, 6 Lance Corporals and 52 Privates (Total 62 Other Ranks) Joined from Base.

1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S URBANO VIGO MONTE DI SOVIZZO.
Working Party of 1 Officer & 50 OR sent to POJANA STA for work there till further Orders.
All B Coy fired a grouping & Rapid practise on 150 yard range.
Ration Strength: 38 Officers 615 OR. Casualties: NIL.

1918 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MERICOURT
At Mericourt. Reorganizing the Battalion.
Captain G. K. Rose, M.C., joined for duty and assumed temporary command of the Battalion.

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.