Blog Archives - LIGHTBOBS

On this day 30th June

30/6/2016

On this day 30th June

1853 – 52nd - Headquarters 52nd left Cork for India (second tour).

1866 - 43rd - reached England from New Zealand

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
Training in various forms, especially of the last 2 reinforceements, as a party under Lt Slocock.
Major C H MARSDEN, Yorkshire Regiment arrived for one weeks attachment with a view to being appointed to the staff, and remained with Headquarters.

1916– 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion in Huts.
Companies engaged in Musketry, Bayonet Fighting & Bombing Practise.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – BREVILLE.
The day passed very quietly.
Lt Gen FAM Browning Officer Commanding Airborne Forces, Maj. Gen. R. Gale DSO 6 Airborne Div Commander together with the Commander 59 Infantry Division visited our positions.
Letter B Coy sent out an ambush patrol but failed to contact the enemy, recce patrols operated normally.

On this day 29th June

29/6/2016

On this day 29th June

1809 - 52nd - arrived off Lisbon and proceeded in boats up the Tagus to Vallada.

1900 – 1st Bn Oxf LI Mounted Infantry – engaged at Elandsfontein, 1 officer and 3 men wounded. (Boer War).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
Training in various forms, especially of the last 2 reinforceements, as a party under Lt Slocock.
Casualties: Wounded=1 (D Coy).

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion in Huts.
Companies engaged in Musketry, Bayonet Fighting & Bombing Practise.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – BREVILLE.
The Commando raid took place in the area of LONGUEMARE from 0300 hrs to 0400 hrs and was very successful.
The Regiments mortars put up a concentration as part of the initial preparation.
The day passed very quietly, letter B Coy sent out patrols to the area of the previous nights Commando raid but found everything quiet and no enemy about.

1963 – lst Green Jackets, 43rd and 52nd -Army Order 34/1963-Change to Rifle Regiment.
Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to approve that the lst Green Jackets,43rd and 52nd, shall henceforth be a Rife Regiment.

On this day 28th June

28/6/2016

On this day 28th June

1778 - 52nd - engaged at Freehold, New Jersey. (American War of Independence)

1814 – 52nd – 1st Bn 52nd arrived at Plymouth on termination of the Peninsula War.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
Training in various forms, especially of the last 2 reinforceements, as a party under Lt Slocock.

1916– 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion in Huts.
Companies engaged in Musketry, Bayonet Fighting & Bombing Practise.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – BREVILLE.
Commando units recce'd the posn with a view to taking it over in the event of the Regiment being ordered to move.
The RHQ officers enjoyed the luxury of something resembling a mess for the first time since D day.
The mortars enjoyed a good shoot against a German working party moving in the area of LONGUEMARE at 1230 hrs and also ranged for the Commandos "party" arranged for tomorrow morning.
A Coy sent out patrols.

On this day 27th June

27/6/2016

On this day 27th June

1813 – 43rd and 52nd - The Light Division at Olite.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ESTREES-CAUCHIE
In Billets.
Training etc as usual, in Reserve billets and bathing.
10am-The 50th reinforcement of 27 Other ranks joined from Base.
5.30pm – The Regiment marched to VILLERS-AU-BOIS to billets.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion in Huts.
Companies engaged in Musketry, Bayonet Fighting & Bombing Practise.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – BREVILLE.
The Regiment moved up to BRÉVILLE at 0930 hrs.
The relief was made without any interference from the enemy.
Troops spent the remainder of the day improving the defences.
Letter B Coy sent out a recce patrol to locate enemy standing patrols and watch movement with a view to destroying it at a later date.
The day passed uneventfully.

On this day 26th June

26/6/2016

On this day 26th June

1813 – 43rd and 52nd - Light Division – pursuing French, reached Olonez.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ESTREES-CAUCHIE
In Billets.
Training etc as usual, in Reserve billets and bathing.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion in Huts.
Companies engaged in Musketry, Bayonet Fighting & Bombing Practise.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
Orders were received from Brigade for the Regiment to relieve the 1 RUR at BREVILLE on the 27th.
The day passed quietly, the troops preparing for the move while officers made recce's of the 1 RUR positions with a view to taking over.
The BREVILLE position seemed to be an exceptionally strong one and far more comfortable than that at Le Mesnil.
5 Officers and 30 ORs attended a concert given by ENSA in the back areas.
Good news was received about the progress on the main front.
The Regiment reinforced its diet with a few chickens which would otherwise have starved after negotiations with the local mayor.

On this day 25th June

25/6/2016

On this day 25th June

1800 – 52nd – 1st Bn 52nd – left Southampton to join expedition to Quiberon.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ESTREES-CAUCHIE
In Billets.
Training etc as usual, in Reserve billets and bathing.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion in Huts.
Companies engaged in Musketry, Bayonet Fighting & Bombing Practise.

1944 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - NORMANDY Landed soon after midday on the 25th June at Courseulles, whence they marched to Beny-sur-Mer and met the advanced party.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
The attack was successfully beaten off and the enemy retired at 0410 hrs having suffered many casualties.
Letter H Coy HQ received a direct hit from an Self Propelled gun but suffered no casualties. The remainder of the day passed quietly.

On this day 24th June

24/6/2016

On this day 24th June

1813 – 43rd and 52nd - Pursuit of the French; Light Division close to Pamplona.(Peninsula)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ESTREES-CAUCHIE
In Billets.
Training etc as usual, in Reserve billets and bathing.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion in Huts.
Companies engaged in Musketry, Bayonet Fighting & Bombing Practise.

1944 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - NORMANDY
After twenty-four hours' delay because of rough weather, the marching troops embarked at Newhaven on the 24th June and landed soon after midday on the 25th June at Courseulles, whence they marched to Beny-sur-Mer and met the advanced party.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
Lt. Col. M.W. Roberts resumed command of the Regiment on return from England. He was flown over in a C47 transport accompanied by Lt. P.G. Bulford who has also joined letter 'B' Coy. The Intelligence Officer has organised a news source consisting of boards with maps showing latest positions of all main units operating on the West European front, together with news items from our somewhat meagre supply of news papers; Coys are kept informed daily and the troops very much appreciate these efforts to keep them "in the picture".
The day passed quietly apart from the casual intermittent shelling and mortaring of our area.
At 2345 hrs the enemy were surprised by a recce patrol from 7 Para Bn, while forming up for a 5 Coy attack on the positions held by 7 Black Watch and 7 Para Bn to our SOUTH and EAST respectively. When the enemy realised he had lost surprise he pressed forward supported by Self.Propelled Artillery and Mortars a large proportion of which fell in our area, which was obviously an enemy Defensive Fire task. The Regiments positions were so well dug in that we only suffered 7 casualties, 2 killed and 2 wounded from letter S Coy at 2350 hrs and a further 2 killed and 1 wounded from letter B Coy at 0400 hrs.

1944 - 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - NORMANDY
A party including the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsey, and other naval officers ascended the lighthouse at the entrance to the canal and we felt considerable anxiety at the sight of so much brass being exhibited to the enemy. Luckily he failed to react, although shortly afterwards he secured two direct hits on the lighthouse with an anti-tank gun.

The plan for the defence of the locks was now as follows:
(a) One rifle company (and the mortar platoon) on the ground to the east of the power-house to prevent a raid from the Point du Siege.
(b) One rifle company to the west of the canal (supported by a neighbouring pioneer company) to prevent the enemy crossing the canal farther to the south.
(c) One rifle company in Ouistreham ready to counterattack any enemy who gained a foothold on the west bank.
(d) One rifle company in reserve in Riva Bella.
(e) Anti-tank platoon guarding west bank of the canal.
(f) Artillery support from I Corps.
Companies moved round at intervals and occupied each of these positions during the ensuing weeks. Those given in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) were the hottest positions, and always under an intermittent fire.
Patrols were sent by night to the end of the Point du Siege, where snipers were left to pick off any Germans seen by day on the opposite side of the Orne.

1963 – 1st Green Jackets 43rd & 52nd - The Regiment were invited to a free showing of "The Longest Day" at the Cathay Cinema, Penang.

On this day 23rd June

23/6/2016

On this day 23rd June

1811 - The Light Division reached Campo Mayor.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ESTREES-CAUCHIE
In Billets.
On compliance with orders received Lt Col A J F EDEN D.S.O. proceeded on special duty to Headquarters 4th Army.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion in Huts.
Companies engaged in Musketry, Bayonet Fighting & Bombing Practise.

1944 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - NORMANDY
The advanced party landed at Courseulles-sur-Mer on the 23rd June and drove to Beny-sur-Mer to prepare the Regimental concentration area.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
At 0310 hrs the ENEMY commenced heavy shelling of our positions and continued for 70 minutes, damage to property was slight and we had no serious casualties.
The remainder of the day was quiet, two cows were killed by a bomb from a rocket projector in our locality, this enabled the butchers to get to work and the troops enjoyed fresh meat for the first time since D day.
The night was the quietest we had had for some time.

On this day 22nd June

22/6/2016

On this day 22nd June

1813 – 43rd and 52nd - The Light Division in pursuit of the French after Vittoria,

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ESTREES-CAUCHIE
In Billets.
Waterloo Sports held in very good location in a field close to the billets. A very great success.
Very fair entries, large attendance of visitors.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
Battalion in Trenches.
Battalion relieved in Trenches by 1/5 ROYAL WARWICKS.
Moved to huts in COUIN PARK.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
Another quiet day, the troops are already showing some benefit from their sleep.
All men had a rough bath during the day.
Intermittent mortar & shell fire continues but does not seriously interfere with rest now.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion:- NORMANDY.
The remainder of the Battalion moved into Ouistreham and Riva Bella and complete responsibility for the ground and air defence of the locks (the local anti-aircraft was placed under our command) was assumed. So for all practical purposes, after only twelve days of active operations, No. 6 Beach Group ceased to exist, although it continued to live on paper for another three weeks, and the Battalion reverted to an infantry role.

1953 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - Coronation Day.
The Regimental detachment lined part of the route in Hyde Park and the Colour Party and Escort marched in procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.

On this day 21st June

21/6/2016

On this day 21st June

1813 – Battle of Vittoria. (Peninsula) Both 43rd & 52nd Engaged.

1864, - 43rd - Engagement of Te Ranga (New Zealand), 43rd present; Captain Smith 43rd, gained the V.C.

1882 – 1st Bn Oxf LI - A letter was received, dated Horse Guards, 29th April 1882, stating that Her Majesty had been graciously pleased to command that the victory of QUEBEC, 1759, shall be inscribed on the Colours of the Regiment.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ESTREES-CAUCHIE
In Billets.
Training and musketry.
Preliminary arrangements and heats for the Waterloo Sports to be held on the 22/06/1916.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Some shelling on both sides during day.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
A comparatively quiet day - no alarms - troops rested - for many the first undisturbed rest since landing.

On this day 20th June

20/6/2016

On this day 20th June

1815 - 52nd - in pursuit of the French after Waterloo, reached Binche.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ESTREES-CAUCHIE
In Billets.
Training and musketry.
Preliminary arrangements and heats for the Waterloo Sports to be held on the 22/06/1916.

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

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – ST COME.
At 0400 hrs Maj Favell was killed while inspecting his company positions, by a shell.
Capt Priday assumed command of "B" Coy.
Commanding officer received orders from Brigade to move to a new location for a rest at LE MESNIL 134726, the Regiments position being taken over by 12 DEVON.
The Regiment less 'D' Coy moved out at 1800 hrs & reached its position at 2000 hrs. Digging was immediately commenced to improve the positions, particularly with regard to overhead cover.
This position was certainly much more restful than the last although almost continuous if intermittent shelling and mortaring was occurring on the surrounding area.
Letter D Coy moved to position at orchard 132741.

On this day 19th June

19/6/2016

On this day 19th June

1775 - 43rd and 52nd holding and fortifying Charlestown Heights.(Battle of Lexington).

1815 – 52nd – Commenced march on Paris.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ESTREES-CAUCHIE
In Billets.
Notification received that T/2Lt A G GIBBONS is transferred to the Royal Engineers with effect from this date.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Enemy Artillery fairly active. 2 casualties.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – ST COME.
After a quiet day the ENEMY sent over a heavy mortar concentration at 2000 hrs.
At 2100 hrs a fighting patrol of 2 platoons 'B' Coy commanded by Maj Edmonds attacked & cleared hedge row 142736 running NORTH, killing 10 ENEMY; they then came under heavy small arms & MG fire from the RIGHT flank; Maj Edmonds being wounded.
Maj Darrell Brown commanding the Regiment then ordered the patrol to withdraw, 'D' Coy being brought up to cover this withdrawal.
Casualties were 6 wounded and 6 missing.
Maj Favell assumed command of 'B' Coy.
At 2300 hrs a further concentation from Rocket Projectors was brought down on our area in which Lt James was killed and Capt Mason wounded.

On this day 18th June

18/6/2016

On this day 18th June

1815 – 52nd - Battle of Waterloo – 52nd under the command of Sir John Colborne, led the decisive attack on the French Imperial Guard.
The casualties of the Regiment in the battle of June18th, were 38 killed, and 168 wounded, of whom several died later.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CAMBLAIN-L’ABBE
Waterloo Day. The 49th Reinforcement of 45 Other Ranks, including A/CQMS Andrews, joined from the Base.
The Regiment moved to ESTREES-CAUCHIE to be billeted there. A very small billeting area and a large proportion of all ranks very uncomfortable.

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

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – ST COME.
Patrols reported (1) ENEMY post 1 section at 155737, 1 section at 153743 - deduction chateau area held by not more than one platoon.
'B' Coy made a feint attack on position at wood 146735 supported by Artillery, thus drawing ENEMY fire; estimated 1 section at 144736, two Machine Guns at wood 147735, post at hedge junction 143738 - deduction that enemy is holding area of wood 146735 strength one platoon. Brigade moved to new location at 133724.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion:- NORMANDY
On the 18th June Battalion headquarters moved to its new position (an old civilian transport park)

On this day 17th June

17/6/2016

On this day 17th June

1775 - Battle of Bunker Hill (America) 43rd and 52nd engaged.

1815 – 52nd – Started at 2am, reached Waterloo and remained in bivouac in a ploughed field in heavy rain.

1907 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – Mills-Burrowe’s equipment taken into wear.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CAMBLAIN-L’ABBE
Ordinary forms of training, bathing and resting.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Quiet Day.
Great Aeroplane activity on both sides.
Large parties at work on our trenches throughout day & night.

1941 – 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - embarked on Empire Pride bound for India.

1944 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI:-
The marching troops left on the 17th June under Major G. D. Jephson, M.C., for a marshalling area at Bolney, Sussex. Ready for deployment in Normandy.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – ST COME.
We were given a warning of a possible attack from Brigade.
At 0430 hrs ENEMY commenced mortar & shell fire on our area. Both mortar & gun positions were actively engaged by our Artillery & mortars.
At 0600 hrs a tank & Self Propelled gun attack developed from CUVERVILLE towards ESCOVILLE and HEROUVILLETTE, the SP guns firing on those villages and our positions. Small arms fire was directed at our positions from the EAST, SOUTH and NE but the attack did not develop and the tanks withdrew towards CUVERVILLE at 0930 hrs after being engaged by our Artillery.
Unit patrol areas were extended by Brigade to (1) 2 Oxf Bucks - Chateau 156742 (2) 1 RUR - area rd 147749 - 153746, the tasks being to accurately fix ENEMY positions and strength.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - NORMANDY
D Company, the reserve working company, was moved to Ouistreham, where it combined the duties of a reserve to C Company and the administration of Moon assembly area, a transit area used for the passage of troops and vehicles to the line.

On this day 16th June

16/6/2016

On this day 16th June

1815 - 43rd - left England to join Wellington's Army in Belgium.

1815 – 52nd – With Sir Henry Clintons Division marched on Soignies, halted for night at Brain-le-Conte at midnight in torrential rain.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CAMBLAIN-L’ABBE
Ordinary forms of training, including the last reinforcement party under 2nd Lt Slocock, and bathing and resting.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion Relieved the 1/4 OXFORD & BUCKS LI in trenches – G Section.
1/4 ROYAL BERKS on Left. 12th YORKS & LANCS on Right.
A party of B Coy being posted by LIEUT ROLLESTON to cover a digging party in front of K23/2, was hit by enemy patrol. Bombs & Rifle shots were exchanged in which encounter we had 1 officer & 3 men Wounded & 1 Missing.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – ST COME.
Much quieter day - patrols working well forward now, mortar & shell fire much less frequent now.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion:- NORMANDY
On the 16th June, while Queen beach was being shelled heavily, six out of seven landing craft, tank, beached at the time were hit. A petrol coaster carrying 500 tons of spirit and beached between these landing craft was not touched.
At 2000 hrs on this day a Spitfire crashed in the petrol dump, setting petrol alight. Miraculously the pilot was saved before being burnt, and the fire put out.
Things were now going so well that we were told that it was intended to replace the labour provided by the Battalion with pioneers and move the Battalion to Ouistreham so that it could protect the locks.
As a result of the speed with which the 6th Airborne Division had attacked on D Day these locks at the entrance to the Caen Canal had been captured undamaged, and as it was planned to use the docks of Caen as a principal supply port as soon as the town was captured, it was vital that these locks should be preserved intact.
In spite of the foothold won by the 6th Airborne Division on the east bank of the River Orne it had not been possible to drive the Germans from Franceville Plage at the mouth of the Orne. The 6th Airborne Division, in fact, was hard put to it to maintain the ground which it had won, and great battles were raging at Ranville and Herouvillette. In consequence the enemy were stationed only 3,000 yards from the docks, with no intervening troops, and it was considered probable that they would make a raid to demolish the gates and pumping machinery. The fact that they had not already made the attempt will always remain a mystery.
On the 16th June C Company was withdrawn from the ammunition dump and moved to defensive positions on the strip of ground between the locks and the entrance to the Orne.
On the same day an enemy aircraft attempting to bomb the locks was shot down.

On this day 15th June

15/6/2016

On this day 15th June

1804 - 43rd - joined Sir John Moore's Brigade at Shorncliffe.

1815 – 52nd – Reached Enghien (Waterloo Campaign)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CAMBLAIN-L’ABBE
1am- The regiment completed its move from the trenches to CAMBLAIN-L’ABBE being there quartered in the huts.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SAILLY
Battalion in Bivouacs.
Half the Battalion working by Day & Half by Night

1918 - Battle of the Piave; 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI and 1/1st Bucks Bns engaged on the Asiago Plateau (Italy) in meeting the great Austrian offensive.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – ST COME.
Letter B Coy snipers had a good day on patrol and accounted for at least 4 enemy dead. Prisoners of War captured in BREVILLE area identified as being from 4 Coy 857 Regt (under command 711 Infantry Div).

On this day 14th June

14/6/2016

On this day 14th June

1815 - 52nd - marching through Belgium on Enghien,(Near Waterloo) news of Napoleon's intended attack having arrived.

1856 – 52nd - Attacked by cholera at Lucknow and during next two months lost 86 men.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – PETIT-SERVINS

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SAILLY
Battalion in Bivouacs.
Half the Battalion working by Day & Half by Night

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – ST COME.
Regiment began to settle down and the shell & mortar fire decrease becoming less nerve wracking.
We began to clear the area of the large quantity of enemy dead and to salvage damaged equipment.
1 RUR and 12 Devon moved in on our RIGHT and the Regiment returned to the command of 6 Airlanding Brigade.

On this day 13th June

13/6/2016

On this day 13th June

1811 -The Light Division - crossed the Tagus.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – PETIT-SERVINS
Temporary /2nd Lieutenant W R Goffe joined the regiment on first appointment to a commission from the Motor Machine Gun Corps and was posted to D Coy (Capt Kite).

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SAILLY
Battalion in Bivouacs.
Half the Battalion working by Day & Half by Night

1944 - 13th June -16th August -2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI- Engaged in Holding the Bridgehead on the eastern flank of the Normandy front.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI –HEROUVILETTE to ST COME.
Place: Herouvillette
At 0215 hrs Brigade ordered the Regiment to move to area SOUTH of BREVILLE under command of 3 Para Brigade - relieving 9 Para Bn.
The attack on BREVILLE had not been as successful as was hoped and we were ordered to prevent the ENEMY forming up between BREVILLE and our position at all costs.
The Regiment moved out from HEROUVILLETTE at 0500 hrs and reached the new location 135736 at 0700 hrs.
We began to strengthen defensive positions and clear fields of fire immediately.
Place: St Come
A very strong defensive position had been built up by 1300 hrs although the area was being subjected to intermittent mortar & shell fire which caused a small number of casualties before the positions had been completed.
Coys sent out recce patrols during the night to locate and if possible identify the enemy.

1944 - 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - NORMANDY
With the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel Wreford Brown to act as commander of No. 5 Beach Group the headquarters of No. 6 Beach Group was moved to Lion-sur-Mer at 0700 hrs. on the 12th June (D plus 6) and responsibility for the beaches was handed over.
No. 6 Beach Group was now solely responsible for the beach maintenance area, but A and B Companies, 1st Bucks, working beaches, remained under command of No. 5 Beach Group.
From the time that headquarters, No. 6 Beach Group, moved to Lion-sur-Mer these matters of the beaches were left to No. 5 Beach Group, and we were able to concentrate on the administration of the dump area. This proved a much easier problem, as by the 12th June dumps had been established most efficiently, initial difficulties had been solved, and the machine had had time to run itself in.

On this day 12th June

12/6/2016

On this day 12th June

1776 - 43rd and 52nd - left Halifax (Nova Scotia) for Staten Island.

1813 – Light Division – At Horillas (Spain) caught up with the French rearguard and was occupied all day.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – PETIT-SERVINS
The 48th Reinforcement of 52 Other ranks, including 2 Serjeants joined at PETIT-SERVINS from the base.
2nd Lieut T G C Caulfield-Stoker joined the regiment for duty and was posted to C Coy (Capt Boardman).

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SAILLY
BUCKS BN moved to bivouacs close to the DELL, West of SAIILY.
Employed on Working Parties.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI -HEROUVILETTE
After a quiet night the unit started checking up on a few administrative details, checking over kit and equipment and making sure that everything was in fighting order.
During the evening the Regt were spectators of the "closing of the BREVILLE gap" in the NW of the outer crest of the Divisional defences. This was accomplished in a most spectacular manner with a "Corps" Artillery shoot as a preliminary to the attack and occupation by infantry. The men had a rough bath - the first since leaving England.

On this day 11th June

11/6/2016

On this day 11th June

1762 – 43rd - Capture of Moro, Havannah, 43rd present.

1812 – Light Division – Left El Boden (Spain) en route to Salamanca.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CABARET ROUGE, THE BAJOLLE LINE, ALHAMBRA and COLISEUM REDOUBTs.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COUIN
The Brigade continued its Eastward march, assembling at OCCOCHES & passing HEM DOULLENS – ORVILLE – THIEVRES – AUTHIE.
BUCKS BN in huts at COUIN. Distance about 15 miles.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI -HEROUVILETTE
A report that a large number of tanks were moving in a N.W. direction from CAEN towards our positions caused great activity in the strengthening of our positions. Slight shelling added to the general state of expectancy during the afternoon, but the threat did not materialise.

On this day 10th June

10/6/2016

On this day 10th June

1850 - 52nd - moved to Liverpool.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CABARET ROUGE, THE BAJOLLE LINE, ALHAMBRA and COLISEUM REDOUBTs.
The Regiment relieved the 17th Royal Fusiliers in the same trenches. Nothing occurred out of the ordinary course.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OCCOCHES
The brigade marched eastwards via AUXI-LE CHATEAU & FROHEN LE GRAND - distance 20 miles.
The BUCKS Bn billeted in OCCOCHES.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI -HEROUVILETTE
An infantry coy began to attack from BREVILLE area and very heavy casualties were inflicted on them as they moved across open country and concentrations in the wood 125731 being engaged repeatedly by very hy arty fire together with unit small arms fire. The enemy began moving at 0700 hrs and eventually withdrew at 1300 hrs. Another attack seemed likely to develop in the afternoon as the enemy began moving from BREVILLE on the same route as in the morning, this move was broken up mainly by arty with the assistance of [our] Tks. and the enemy withdrew at 1800 hrs, although they caused us to lose 6 Tks before doing so. Units of the 51st Highland Div worked SOUTH round our flanks during the night.

1949 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - Disembarked at Salonika and occupied Sobraon Barracks just outside the town

On this day 9th June

9/6/2016

On this day 9th June

1823 - 52nd - embarked at Cove for Halifax (Nova Scotia.).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CABARET ROUGE, THE BAJOLLE LINE, ALHAMBRA and COLISEUM REDOUBTs.
Support Battalion.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – AGENVILLERS
Battalion in Billets.
Attack Practice 145th & 144th Brigades under supervision of GENERAL FANSHAWE.
Started from PENDANT COPSE just N of ONEUX & attacked the high ground between AGENVILLERS & GAPENNES.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI -HEROUVILETTE
Owing to the fact that recce patrols reported ESCOVILLE to be clear of the enemy the Comd Offr decided to send 'C' Coy fwd to occupy the village. The Coy moved out at about 1245 hrs and reached the area of the CHATEAU at approx 1330 hrs without opposition. At 1345 hrs 'C' Coy came under fire from enemy armoured cars which came forward from the South of ESCOVILLE as soon as 'C' Coy started to move into the village. 'C' Coy fought back in a spirited manner until about 1630 hrs when the enemy appeared to be being reinforced and 'C' Coy therefore withdrew to their defensive posns on the South side of HEROUVILLETTE. At about 1730 hrs it was observed that the enemy were moving up to ESCOVILLE in some strength and tanks had been reported. At 1900 hrs heavy fire was opened on the area of the village by SP guns, artillery and mortars. The enemy attacked with tanks armoured cars and a certain number of infantry. M.E. 109's appeared overhead and carried out a short straffing attack. Early in the attack one 6-pdr crew were knocked out by Mortar fire which left a gap in the A/Tk defence. The Comdg Offr quickly organised a PIAT party and this gap was soon covered. D.F. artillery fire was called for and came down very quickly and accurately. The enemy then withdrew leaving 2 Mk IV tanks burning about 100 yds from our leading Coys and at least 3 more tanks retired on fire. We later recovered an armoured car from the area of ESCOVILLE and found another one which we were unfortunately unable to bring back. During this very sharp engagement the Regt suffered a total of about 40 casualties. Recce Patrols were sent forward to ESCOVILLE during the night but nothing was reported.

On this day 8th June

8/6/2016

On this day 8th June

1804 - 52nd - encamped at Shorncliffe.

1870 – 43rd – Information received that Her Majesty the Queen was graciously pleased to approve the words “New Zealand” being borne on the colours of the Regiment for their services 1863-1866.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CABARET ROUGE, THE BAJOLLE LINE, ALHAMBRA and COLISEUM REDOUBTs.
Support Battalion.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – AGENVILLERS
Battalion in Billets.
Field Training 145th & 144th Brigades under supervision of GENERAL FANSHAWE.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI -HEROUVILETTE
A quiet day preparing defences and some shelling in the area of 'A' Coy.

On this day 7th June

7/6/2016

On this day 7th June

1842 – 52nd – Moved from St John to Frederickton, New Brunswick (Canada).

1876 – 52nd – The Depot Companies moved from Fort Wallington to Oxford to be incorporated with the 42nd Brigade Depot.

1916 - 1st Bn. (previously Provisional Bn.) Oxf & Bucks LI moved to Amara to refit.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CABARET ROUGE, THE BAJOLLE LINE, ALHAMBRA and COLISEUM REDOUBTs.
Support Battalion.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – AGENVILLERS
Battalion in Billets.
Battalion Resting.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI -HEROUVILETTE
Engaged in capture of Herouvilette
0130 - Regt passed S.P. 110739 moving forward to the Chateau in RANVILLE a temporary H.Q. was set up there. The remainder of the Regt moved into the area of the Chateau grounds and took up a position of all round defence. Elements of the Bridge Assault Party joined us there including Capt B.C.E. Priday and the load from his glider, who having landed in the area of VARAVILLE Bridge, fought their way back to join the Regt.

0230 - 13 Para Bn had been in contact with the enemy up to dark and reported that he was occupying HEROUVILLETTE. On arrival at the Chateau it was arranged that the Regt should take over the patrolling in front of 13 Para Bn and 'C' Coy was ordered to send out fighting patrols to discover whether the enemy were still in HEROUVILLETTE. These patrols reported by 0430 hrs that there was no sign of the enemy in the village though they had not entered it. 'C' Coy was therefore ordered to move forward and seize the Western portion of HEROUVILLETTE and send patrols to discover whether the enemy were holding the Eastern portion. 'A' and 'B' Coys were then to move forward and seize the Eastern portion. Meanwhile the remainder of the Regt were to move fwd to the area of the farm at 119728. This move was completed without opposition by 0830 hrs.

0830 - The Comd Offr then decided to make a similar advance by bounds to seize and occupy ESCOVILLE the task allotted to the Regiment in the original plan before leaving ENGLAND. 'A' and 'B' Coys patrols moved forward to the village which they reported clear except for a few snipers.

1000 - At 1000 hrs 'A' and 'B' Coys were ordered to move up and occupy the posns already allotted to them and they were followed by 'D' Coy and Regtl H.Q. 'C' Coy was to remain at HEROUVILLETTE as a firm base until the remainder of the Regt was established in ESCOVILLE. At 1030 hrs the leading Coys reached ESCOVILLE and started to dig in.

1100 - Regtl H.Q. attempted to establish itself in CHATEAU 124714 as arranged but came under accurate fire from an enemy SP gun firing from a hull-down posn about 250 yds South of the CHATEAU. Attempts were made to dislodge this enemy gun with 6-pdr guns and PIAT parties but these proved unsuccessful. The SP gun appeared to be well protected by snipers. Meanwhile 'D' Coy moved round into its allotted posn.

1200 - Coys were in posn but experiencing difficulty owing to fire from armoured cars and other SP guns and snipers who appeared to be on a reverse slope posn just South of the village and which were continually moving about. We were visited about this time by the Bde Comd. Bn. HQ had still failed to get into the CHATEAU and HQ had been set up in a line of trees about 100 yds North of the CHATEAU itself. Shortly after this the enemy started accurate mortar fire in area of Regtl HQ and some casualties were suffered. Owing to very accurate fire from enemy armoured vehicles 'A' and 'D' Coys had been unable to get well forward into good posns of observation and in particular the A/Tk guns were unable to get into their allotted posns or even into posns from which they could engaged the enemy SP guns.

1400 - Mortar fire and gun fire continued to be experienced by all Coys and an appreciable number of casualties were incurred. The enemy were very well concealed and although 3" Mortars were brought to bear on any SP guns that showed themselves fire was rather ineffective due to lack of observation.

1500 - The enemy began to become more bold and succeeded in shooting up the right forward Coy rather badly. At about this time fire from mortars and SP guns became intensified and enemy infantry began to infiltrate forward supported by tanks and one or two armoured cars. Owing to the fact that the Regt had never managed to get into an organised co-ordinated defensive posn and there was considerable danger of becoming outflanked in a posn not suitable for defence in view of the fact that ST. HONORINE had not been captured the Comd Offr asked for permission from Bde to withdraw to a posn on the highest ground in the village of HEROUVILLETTE. This permission was granted.

1600 - The Regt withdrew to HEROUVILLETTE with 'C' Coy acting as rearguard protection. A portion of 'D' Coy the left forward Coy and 'A' Coy the right forward Coy who were heavily engaged at the time became cut off and had a spirited battle with enemy AFV's. The Vickers MG's with 'A' Coy did some very good work before they withdrew. 'B' Coy reformed about 400 yds North of ESCOVILLE and were sent in as a counter attack to extricate the fwd Coys. This was successfully accomplished with some casualties.

1700 - The Regt took up a def posn in the area of HEROUVILLETTE and commenced to dig in. Recce Patrols were sent fwd to discover the enemy's further intentions. The remainder of the day and night was spent digging in. During the day the Regt had suffered about 60 casualties. The Comd Offr who had been injured on landing and was unable to get about on foot was evacuated by Med Authy at about 2100 hrs and comd of the Regt was taken over by Major M. Darrell-Brown 2 i/comd.

On this day 6th June

6/6/2016

On this day 6th June

1765 – 52nd – Embarked at Cork for North America.

1915 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI.- reached Amara;

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COUY-SERVINS.
The Regiment became Support Battalion in and about CABARET ROUGE, THE BAJOLLE LINE, ALHAMBRA and COISEUM REDOUBTs, being relieved by 17th Royal Fusiliers.
Casualties: 1 Killed (C Coy). 2 Wounded (A Coy).

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – AGENVILLERS
Battalion in Billets.
Brigade Night Operations.
Finished with an attack on BOIS GRAMBUS close to YVRENCH.

1944 – 2nd (Airborne) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI
0015hrs - Coup-de-main force of Letter D Company and 2 Platoons of Letter B Company 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI land in gliders and seize two vital bridges on the allied eastern flank. PEGASUS BRIDGE and HORSA BRIDGE.
2100hrs - Remainder of 2nd Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI land by glider and moved into the bridgehead.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SWORD BEACH - NORMANDY
Elements of 1st Bucks Bn land with the first tide in Normandy with remainder of battalion arriving on the second.