Blog Archives - LIGHTBOBS

On this day 31st May

31/5/2016

On this day 31st May

1816 - 2nd Bn. 52nd finally disbanded at Canterbury

1915 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Advance on Amara (Tigris); capture of Norfolk Hill by attack in boats, 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI engaged.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COUY-SERVINS Q.35.d.
Several working parties were found, and Reconnaissances of the line were carried out daily by Officers and NCO’s and such training as could be done in the vicinity of billets was performed.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets.
Brigade marched to ST RIQUIER training area.
BUCKS BN billeted in NEUVILLE.
Route – CANDAS – FIENVILLERS – BAUMETZ – COULONVILLERS.
About 18 miles- three men fell out, one being through injury.

1959 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd The Regiment disembarked and arrived at Jellalabad Barracks, Tidworth, by train.(on return from CYPRUS)

May 30th, 2016

30/5/2016

On this day 30th May

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COUY-SERVINS Q.35.d.
Several working parties were found, and Reconnaissances of the line were carried out daily by Officers and NCO’s and such training as could be done in the vicinity of billets was performed.

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

1940 – 4th (TA) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CASSEL
Orders were received to march on a 50-degree bearing to Watou and thence due north to Hondschoote, where the canal was said to be held by our own troops (in point of fact it was not). The leading half-column passed to the north of Watou and got well on the way to Hondschoote before encountering a strong force of the enemy, to whom they were compelled to surrender after putting up a stiff fight. The rear half-column, finding Watou occupied by enemy tanks, attempted to make a detour to the south of the village, but soon found itself surrounded by a strong enemy force consisting of tanks, guns, mortars and motorized infantry in armoured troop carriers. Against these the only weapons that we had been able to take with us—rifles and Bren guns—were practically useless; but an attempt at resistance was made until the party was overwhelmed by the advance of heavy enemy tanks. As further resistance merely meant increasing the already heavy casualty list whilst serving absolutely no useful purpose, they too surrendered.
Apart from most of the transport drivers who left Cassel on the 27th May, Lieutenant Wallis (of the brigade anti-tank company), Lieutenant Eley and a handful of men were the only members of the 4th Battalion who succeeded in returning to England.

1959 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd - H.T. Dunera docked at Southampton at 1600 hours. Light Division Assembly was sounded by the bugles, and the band of the 2nd Green Jackets, K.R.R.C., played on the dockside

On this day 29th May

29/5/2016

On this day 29th May

1848 - 52nd - employed in aid of the civil power at Bradford.

1896 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – “Long Shoulder” abolished and the “Short Shoulder” adopted

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COUY-SERVINS Q.35.d.
Several working parties were found, and except the above, Reconnaissances of the above line were carried out daily by Officers and NCO’s and such training as could be done in the vicinity of billets was performed.
Lt Col Eden returned from leave and resumed Command of the Regiment.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets.
Coys Training. Musketry.
In afternoon Trench Mortar demonstration by 145/1 & 145/2 T.M. Batteries.

1940 – 4th (TA) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CASSEL
Night again was quiet, but the next day brought increased enemy activity on all sides and it became quite obvious that we were entirely surrounded. There was heavy bombing and shelling from which we had a number of casualties. Major Thorne was killed by a shell which burst in Battalion headquarters, and Captain Lightfoot, the quartermaster, was slightly injured in the foot. Enemy tanks could be seen moving about throughout the day on all sides of us and infantry were also seen to be digging themselves in or preparing fresh gun positions. One or two guns were brought to bear on them, but they were too far away for results to be seen.
During the afternoon orders arrived that Cassel was to be evacuated that night. The order also contained the warning that "some enemy opposition may be encountered which will be swept aside with the bayonet." A route was given which was said to be free of the enemy, but subsequent reconnaissance showed that it was so strongly held that it was determined to attempt to escape across country in single file. Accordingly, at 2230 hrs. what was left of the Cassel force began to evacuate the town, abandoning everything except what each man could carry with him. Second Lieutenant Clerke Brown attempted to get his carriers out, but they were attacked by German tanks and obliterated. Second Lieutenant Clerke Brown was mortally wounded and died later in hospital.
At first the march went well—two platoons of B Company were lost but eventually retrieved—but, after a particularly long halt, it was discovered that the rear half of the column had lost contact with the front half. The night was so dark that there was no hope of contact being remade and from that time there were two main columns. As the march progressed other small parties also lost touch and disappeared hi the dark.
The troops, very tired and hungry, were not in much condition for fighting. They had had very little rest since retreating from Brussels a fortnight before and had also been on very short rations throughout. However, when they did come in contact with the enemy they put up very stiff resistance.
First actual contact with the enemy was made at Wannerzeele,(Winnezeele 3567) where the leading half of the columns came under fire. Major Graham was killed leading a successful bayonet charge which cleared a way for the rest of the troops.
The rear half of the column also came under fire near Wannerzeele,(Winnezeele 3567)but escaped with only two casualties.

1947 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - The first intake of National Service soldiers arrived and posted to B Company.

May 28th, 2016

28/5/2016

On this day 28th May

1845 – 43rd - Great fire at Quebec; 43rd gave valuable assistance in putting it out.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COUY-SERVINS Q.35.d.
Several working parties were found, and except the above, Reconnaissances of the above line were carried out daily by Officers and NCO’s and such training as could be done in the vicinity of billets was performed.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets.
Brigade Church Parade at 10am.

1940 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HAZEBROUCK
As soon as it was light troop movements along the Therouanne (western) road could be seen from a good observation post on the second floor. Both troops and lorries were fired on by a concentration of every available Bren with tracer, and made good targets at fourteen hundred yards. This one-sided target practice did not last for long. Soon the enemy mortars were ranging on the building.
At 0630 hrs one of the ammunition trucks, unfortunately only half-unloaded, was hit and continued exploding for two hours. Firing increased and there were more casualties. To the astonishment of all, at 0900 hrs. an enemy battery appeared not half a mile away, firing at Cassel from an open field. Two Vickers guns of the 4th Cheshire Regiment, manned by members of the old Wycombe machine-gun company, were taken up on to the roof. Their firing was most effective, but eventually it produced redoubled and more accurate fire from the enemy six-barrelled nebelwerfers.
At 1000 hrs. some enemy got into the garden of headquarters under cover of smoke and shouted for the Battalion to surrender. At least one of them never left the garden.
Tanks appeared on both sides. Some were hit and at least one put out of action. The same sort of fighting continued for the rest of the morning, by which time most of the transport was on fire, including all the carriers used as roadblocks.
At 1300 hrs. a more serious attack had to be faced. Several tanks came past the front and fired point blank at twenty yards. These attacks, coupled with mortar bombing, machine-gun fire and sniping, but countered continually by anti-tank and .303 fire were maintained until 1430 hrs., when there was a well-marked lull for an hour or more. It was found that ammunition was seriously short, but, as over half the attached G.H.Q. troops scarcely knew how to fire a rifle, their ammunition was withdrawn and they were unceremoniously consigned to the cellars.
At this time, too, it was agreed between Majors Heyworth and Viney that as the remnants of the Battalion were obviously not now holding up the advance and the rifle companies had been overrun, added to which brigade had ordered a move out the day before (after headquarters had lost touch with the companies), all who were left should march out and make for the coast that night, provided that resistance could be maintained until then.
During the lull Major Viney discovered two boxes of cigars that he had received at Lesdain. Determined that they should not be smoked by Germans, he went round the posts until everyone, officers, non-commissioned officers and men alike, were all smoking cigars.
But it was the lull before the storm, for, at about 1630 hrs, the artillery started again. This time it was not mortars but heavier stuff, and in quick succession the top and then the second floor had to be evacuated. The chapel wing was now useless. The enemy had the exact range. There were many wounded by now and Major Heyworth decided to go across to the G.H.Q. building to see if it was worth evacuating there. He never returned.
Shells were coming down thick and fast and Major Viney decided that the building must be evacuated at once. The whole building was on fire and the cellars badly damaged. Men who could move, weapons and the very small supply of ammunition left were taken outside into the garden at the east end. The adjutant, Captain Ritchie, who led a party out the other end, was killed very soon afterwards.
Once in the garden, Major Viney, who had perhaps a hundred men but only two Brens and virtually no ammunition, found that the party was trapped. They climbed into one of the house gardens in the Northeast corner, where they were concealed from view. He ordered them to stand fast there until dark, when they would try to make a break, but, if attacked, he told them that he might have to surrender because so many men were unarmed and ammunition was so short. Besides, they were vulnerably placed if discovered and attacked.
Major Viney took a nominal roll of those who were with him and went into the house to watch developments.
It was now 1800 hrs and six tanks were bombarding the main building at short range. There was a great roar as it collapsed altogether. The tanks advanced towards it still firing hard. Then a section of infantry came noisily down the street. He ducked down at his window, but he had been seen. Just as one of the Germans threw a grenade into the house he climbed through the window and surrendered his party.
The defence of Hazebrouck was over.

On this day 27th May

27/5/2016

On this day 27th May

1857 - 52nd - joined the Punjab Field Force under Brig.-General Nicholson at Wuzeerabad, and by order of its Commanding Officer (Colonel Campbell) was dressed in khaki; the first Regiment so clothed.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COUY-SERVINS Q.35.d.
Several working parties were found, and except the above, Reconnaissances of the above line were carried out daily by Officers and NCO’s and such training as could be done in the vicinity of billets was performed.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets
Brigadde Route march. Moved off 7am. Returned 11am.
Route- CANDAS – MONTRELET – BONNEVILLE – VALEREUX.

1940 – Three battalions of the regiment serving with the B.E.F engaged in heavy fighting covering the withdrawal to Dunkirk.
1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI engaged in Defence of Comines-Warneton
1st Bucks Bn engaged in the Defence of Hazebrouck.
4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI engaged in the Defence of Cassel.

On this day 26th May

26/5/2016

On this day 26th May

1874 – 52nd – Arrived at Portsmouth from Gibraltar and went into Cambridge Barracks after 6 years in the Mediterranean.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COUY-SERVINS Q.35.d.
The Regiment marched at 1.30pm via GD.SERVINS PETIT SERVINS to GOUY-SERVINS as part of 5th (or Reserve) Infantry Brigade to 2nd Division which was now in course of replacing 47th Division in the line.
Battle position if necessary, assigned to the regiment was the MAITKE and the one further forward line between CARENCY RIVER and SOUCHEZ RIVER, the left flank resting approximately in the ruined village of ABLAINST-NALANCE.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets
Coys Training. Musketry & Drill.

1916 – 2/4th Oxf & Bucks LI and 2/1st Bucks Bn arrived Havre from England.

1944 – 1st Bucks Bn confined to Petworth Camp in preparation of the move to the marshalling camps ready for the D Day invasion of Normandy.

On this day 25th May

25/5/2016

On this day 25th May

1809, 1st Bns, 43rd, 52nd, and 95th embarked for Portugal.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – DIVION.
In Billets.
The regiment marched at 9am via HOUDAIN and REBREUVE FRESNICOURT to tents in the BOIS DE VERDREL.
Heavy rain at the start which clearly demonstrated the value of the regimental method of carrying waterproof sheets.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets
Coys Training. Musketry & Drill.

1927 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – (India) – Buglers ordered to wear Green Field Service Caps (side hat).

1944 (25th/26th May) - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI moved to transit camps in two parties:
(a) The Regiment, less D Company, to Harwell airfield under command of Lieutenant-Colonel M. W. Roberts.
(b) The coup de main party, comprising six platoons, to Tarrant Rushton airfield under command of Major R. J. Howard.

May 24th, 2016

24/5/2016

On this day 24th May

1809 - 43rd - marched from Colchester to Harwich en route for Portugal.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – DIVION.
In Billets.
Orders received to be prepared to move in the evening, subsequently cancelled.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets
Battalion Route March.
Moved off 7am. Returned 10am.
Route – X Roads in M9a – M9d – BEAUQUESNE (PT101 H25c) – PT 91 G 16 b d.

On this day 23rd May

23/5/2016

On this day 23rd May

1870 – 43rd – New Zealand medals presented to the 43rd.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – DIVION.
In Billets.
About 9pm the regiment was reverted to “Ready to move at 2 hours notice”.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets
Coys Training. Musketry & Drill.

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Bulford
Regiment proceeded on leave.

On this day 22nd May

22/5/2016

On this day 22nd May

1813 - The Light Division moving towards Salamanca and driving Joseph Buonaparte from Portugal to the Pyrenees.

1906 – 1st Bn Oxf LI —The following Order regarding Dress was published in Regimental Orders :--
" The wearing of Chevrons gold, and Chevrons and Badges worsted, on khaki clothing will be discontinued from the 25th instant. Chevrons, and badges of rank, and Good Conduct badges of the ' lace ' or ' drab ' pattern will be worn on khaki clothing; the wearing of chevrons and badges worsted being restricted to white and serge clothing."

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – DIVION.
In Billets.
Just before dawn information received that the regiment would be at 1 hours notice to move from 8am.
This by reason of heavy bombardment by enemy of Right Division (47th) of 4th Corps and line to the South of it, resulting in some loss of trenches by 47th Division and by 25th Division (17th Corps) and move forward of the reserve division (less 5th Infantry Brigade) i.e 6th and 99th Infantry brigades of 2nd Division. No further news.

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

On this day 21st May

21/5/2016

On this day 21st May

1813 - The Light Division left winter quarters and marched into Spain.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – DIVION.
The Regiment moved to billets in DIVION, not the same sub area as previously: Companies scattered and positions rather unsatisfactory.

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

1947 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - All ranks in BAOR are authorised to wear berets.

On this day 20th May

20/5/2016

On this day 20th May

1837 – 52nd - Disembarked at Gibraltar (first visit)

1915 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI arrived in Boulogne from England.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CAMBLAIN CHATELAIN.
In billets
Ordinary drills and musketry.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets
Coys Training.
Baths at GEZAINCOURT.
New Short Rifles issued.

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Bulford
Preparations for leave, and considerable documentation.
Those having the demobilisation number of 27 and below are eligible for S.E.A.C.
These and others who are volunteers are to have 28 days leave.
The remainder will go in separate batches for 9 days.

1959 – 1st Green Jackets (42rd & 52nd) Leave CYPRUS.

On this day 19th May

19/5/2016

On this day 19th May

1874 - 52nd - embarked in H.M.S. Tamar at Gibraltar for England.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CAMBLAIN CHATELAIN.
In billets
Part of day devoted to the cleansing of the billeting area part of which was taken over in a very bad condition.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets
All Coys resting.

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Bulford
The remainder of the Regiment arrived.

On this day 18th May

18/5/2016

On this day 18th May

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HERSIN – CAMBLAIN CHATELAIN.
The Regiment marched to CAMBLAIN CHATELAIN (Area “B” or Bruay Area of 4th Corps Rest Area) via MAISNIL-LES-RUITZ HOUDAIN DIVION. ¾ hour halt near HOUDAIN and tea issued from cookers. Packs were carried on lorries. Very hot march. Three men fell out.
The regiment in rest billets.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion paraded at 7.30am for march to billets in BEAUVAL.
Very hot march.
27 OR fell out.
Marched as a BDE.
Reached BEAUVAL about 11am.
Billets Fair.
Training postponed owing to Very Wet weather. Lectures etc

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Bad Kleinen
Leaving LUNEBURG at 0400 hrs, we were taken in TCV's to an airfield near CELLE.
The unit transport under Maj. P.K. Everett was left at LUNEBURG, whence it will start on its journey to ANTWERP.
At the airfield there was considerable delay & eventually about half the Regiment took off in Dakota aircraft, landing at Greenham Common near NEWBURY, where trucks were waiting to take us to BULFORD.

1948 - A.C.I. 368 received amalgamating the 43rd and the 52nd.

May 17th, 2016

17/5/2016

On this day 17th May

1808 - 52nd with Army for protection of Sweden, reached Gothenburg from England.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HERSIN.
In Billets.
Working Parties of about two companies daily were provided for work on rearward defences in the areas of 47th and 23rd Divisions.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion in Bivouacs.
All Coys resting.

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Bad Kleinen
A small advance party under Maj. Edmunds left BAD KLEINEN early for LUNEBURG, whence they flew back to England in the afternoon. The remainder of the Regiment left later in transport, arriving at LUNEBURG at about 1800 hrs. We were accommodated for the night in the Cavalry Barracks.

On this day 16th May

16/5/2016

On this day 16th May

1813 - The Light Division reviewed by Lord Wellington at Espeja (Spain).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HERSIN.
In Billets.
Working Parties of about two companies daily were provided for work on rearward defences in the areas of 47th and 23rd Divisions.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion Relieved by 6th GLOSTER BATT.
Marched to bivouacs at COUIN, arriving about 7.30pm.

1928 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – (India) – The new Khaki Flannel Shirt was taken into use in place of the Grey Flannel Shirt. Existing stocks to be worn out before replacement.

On this day 15th May

15/5/2016

On this day 15th May:-

1791 – 52nd - Engagement at Seringapatam; 52nd present

1897 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – Infantry Drill 1896 taken into use.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HERSIN.
In Billets.
Working Parties of about two companies daily were provided for work on rearward defences in the areas of 47th and 23rd Divisions.
On 15/16 one man of B Coy was wounded.
During this period (14th-18th) notification was received that Brigadier General C E COCKRAN C.M.G. Grenadier Guards had been posted from command of 5th Infantry Brigade to that of 3rd (Guards) Brigade: and that Brigadier General G M Bullen-Smith D.S.O., The Leinster regiment had been appointed in his stead.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Quiet Day.
At 12.30am night 15/16 enemy opened heavy bombardment of our trenches, & trenches of Battns on our Right & Left.
Bombardment lasted till 1.30am when it died down considerably.
No enemy entered our trenches.
All Quiet by 2.30am.
Our casualties 1 Killed 14 Wounded.

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Bad Kleinen
Normal peace-time routine continues. Fine weather & plenty of recreational facilities. The chief business in hand is the working out of release groups. An advance party from the artillery of 5th British Division arrived to look at our area with a view to taking over.

On this day 14th May

14/5/2016

On this day 14th May

1861 – 43rd - Indian Mutiny medals presented to 43rd at Madras

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HERSIN.
In Billets.
Working Parties of about two companies daily were provided for work on rearward defences in the areas of 47th and 23rd Divisions.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Enemy artillery active.

1944 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI sent a representative company of 120 officers and men (under the command of Major Howard) to take part in the procession for the “Salute the Soldier” savings campaign which took place in Oxford. The commanding officer decided to send Oxford men. It was a welcome break, for it gave everyone in the party two days at home. For security reasons this visit of representatives of the Regiment could not be advertised, but when the people of Oxford saw the detachment wearing the red beret of airborne troops together with the badge of the county Regiment, they gave the parade a rousing welcome.
The company was perfectly turned out and its marching through the city was faultless. This, together with the obvious stamp of supreme physical fitness, gained the admiration of everyone who saw the parade.

1957 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) – Battle Honours for the Second World War were awarded to the Regiment.

On this day 13th May

13/5/2016

On this day 13th May

1841 – 52nd - Percussion fire-locks issued to the 52nd in place of flintlocks

1857- 52nd - First news of Mutiny at Delhi reached the 52nd at Sealkote.

1907 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – A new pattern Regimental Badge on the khaki helmet was taken into wear consisting of a diamond shaped piece of scarlet cloth with a bugle and the word “OXFORD” worked on it in white worsted.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HERSIN.
In Billets.
Two companies held in readiness to find working parties but not required.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Enemy’s artillery very active all day.
Many 5.9s fell on trenches on our left, occupied by 4th LONDONS.
Coy reliefs.

1947 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - The Regiment arrives Bristol Barracks, Luneberg, and relieves the 2nd Bn the Devonshire Regiment.

On this day 12th May

12/5/2016

On this day 12th May

1809 - Passage of the Douro. (Peninsula)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOSSE 10.
Relief of 5th Brigade by 69th Infantry Brigade.
The Regiment moved to HERSIN and was billeted in the Convent.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Quiet Day.
Considerable amount of shelling during evening, causing us 4 casualties. Chiefly directed on New Trench, dug last month.

May 12th, 2016

12/5/2016

On this day 11th May

1809 - Company detachments of 43rd and 52nd served with Brig.-General Stewart's Brigade in the attack on heights of Grijou (Portugal).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOSSE 10.
Letter C Company, digging strength 100, with proportion of Officers and NCO’s employed on repairing of the Communication Trenches.

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

On this day 11th May

11/5/2016

On this day 11th May

1809 - Company detachments of 43rd and 52nd served with Brig.-General Stewart's Brigade in the attack on heights of Grijou (Portugal).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOSSE 10.
Letter C Company, digging strength 100, with proportion of Officers and NCO’s employed on repairing of the Communication Trenches.

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

On this day 10th May

10/5/2016

On this day 10th May

1811 - The Light Division - at Gallegos.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY.
On relief by 17th Royal Fusiliers the Regiment move into Billets at FOSSE 10.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Billets.
Relieved 5/GLOSTERS in H Section. Trenches FT K17/9 to FT K17/2 both inclusive.
Relief complete by 10.20pm.
1st LONDONS on Left, 4/ROYAL BERKS on Right.
A & C Coys in Front Line, B in Outpost billets.
D in Reserve in SAILLY.
Newly dug trench on our right shelled heavily in evening, but NO damage done, owing to bad shooting.

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Bad Kleinen
Censorship restrictions have now been relaxed & we are allowed to state our present whereabouts in letters. S Coy beat HQ Coy by one point in a Regimental Sports meeting. Regular allotments for seats at two cinemas in WISMAR have been received.

On this day 9th May

9/5/2016

On this day 9th May

1873 – 52nd – Arrived at Gibraltar.

1915 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - in reserve Battle of Aubers;.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY.
In Trenches.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Billets.
About 450men on Working Parties. Chiefly laying cables.

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Bad Kleinen
A Regimental team played the 1st. RUR at football, RUR won by 2 goals to nil.

On this day 8th May

8/5/2016

On this day 8th May

1757 – 43rd - Left England for North America.

1801 – 52nd - Major-General John Moore appointed Colonel of the 52nd.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BULLY-GRENAY.
In Trenches.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Billets.
About 450men on Working Parties. Chiefly laying cables.

1917 - Battle of Doiran; 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (casualties, 15 Officers and 456 men) and 8th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI both present.

1943 – 7th Oxf & Bucks LI took part in Operation “LIGHT INFANTRY” – BATTLE OF ENFIDAVILLE (Tunisia). (8th/9th MAY)

1945 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Germany.
SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY by major-general R. K. Ross, C.B., D.S.O., M.C.
Tomorrow, the 9th May, has been officially declared V Day and so ends for the 53rd (W.) Division a campaign in which the division has played a part second to none.
I attach as an appendix to this order extracts from a letter I have received from the corps commander and my reply on behalf of the division.
The corps commander has paid us a high tribute and all ranks of the division can feel justly proud that General Ritchie, who knows the division better than any other higher commander, has felt able to speak so highly of us.
Further, the unbroken line of successes of the division throughout the whole campaign enables all ranks to feel with quiet confidence that General Ritchie's generous praise is well deserved.
V Day coming as it does one day short of the completion of the fifth year that I have been privileged to serve the division as brigadier and divisional commander, I am in a better position than most to appreciate the years of hard work and effort by all ranks which have forged the efficient fighting machine which has proved itself so consistently on the battlefields of Europe.
General Ritchie is right when he attributes our success largely to the magnificent team work which exists throughout the division, but good team work is born of a thorough knowledge of and confidence in the ability of each member of the team and this cannot exist without a long period of hard work and training. Further, it implies complete loyalty to the team and allows no place for petty jealousies or individualism. I would say, therefore, that General Ritchie's tribute to our team work is the highest compliment he could pay us.
Those of you who can look back to the conditions of May, 1940, in Ireland—conditions of complete lack of transport and negligible equipment—will realize, as I do, how far we have gone since those days, and the immense amount of work which has been put into it by everybody to achieve the present team. "Battles cannot be won without paying the cost and we have had heavy casualties, though I am thankful to say that the numbers who have made the supreme sacrifice are astonishingly few considering the almost continuous fighting in which the division has been engaged throughout the campaign. I feel at this moment we should pay tribute to those whose gallantry contributed so much to our successes but who are unable to be with us now at the moment of our . . . triumph.
I would end on a personal note. I have had the honour of commanding the 53rd (W.) Division for the last two and a half years. It has been and will always be a matter of great pride and satisfaction to me that I have been privileged to be in charge of the final preparation of the division for war and to have seen the campaign through with you all to its successful end. I wish to acknowledge with gratitude the unfailing loyalty, understanding and support I have received at all times from all commanders of whatever grade, from all staffs and, indeed, from all ranks of the division, which has made my work so simple and at the same time so pleasant. I am most grateful to you all.
"N. K. Ross, Major-General, "Commanding 53rd (W.) Division.
"british liberation army. "8th May, 1945."

1945 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Bad Kleinen
Fine weather continues. Our varied activities include athletics, rowing, sailing, swimming and occasional short route-marches. The area is searched for arms & suspects twice a week. Today we provided guides to help in the dispersal of civilians from the camp. These are being moved in batches of about three hundred each to various villages & hamlets in the neighbourhood. A Coy have returned from WITTENBURG.