​On this day 30th June
 
1853 – 52nd - Headquarters 52nd left Cork for India (second tour).
 
1866 - 43rd - reached England from New Zealand
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
Situation Quiet.
 
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
 
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).
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
2130 - Lt. Browne & 1 Section R.E. & 30 Other Ranks 1st Oxf & Bucks Lt. Infty. for police duty left for BERESNIK by barge, floating down river, reached UST VAGA at 0100 hrs.
Orders issued for move of H.Q. & 3 platoons D Coy. from UST VAGA to MAL BERNSNIK in relief of C Coy.
 
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 – 1st 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 1st Green Jackets, 43rd and 52nd, shall henceforth be a Rifle Regiment.
ARMY ORDERS
Army Order 34/1963 - 29th June, 1963
1st Green Jackets, 43rd and 52nd - Change to Rifle Regiment
Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously pleased to approve that the 1st Green Jackets,43rd and 52nd, shall henceforth be a Rife Regiment.
MESSAGE FROM THE COLONEL COMMANDANT,
GENERAL SIR GERALD LATHBURY, G.C.B., D.S.O., M.B.E., A.D.C.
In 1803 the 43rd and 52nd together with the 95th Rifles (now the 3rd Green Jackets, The Rifle Brigade) formed the Light Brigade at Shorncliffe under Major-General Sir John Moore, K.B., who was Colonel of the 52nd.
In January of that year the 52nd became the 52nd Light Infantry and so the senior Light Infantry regiment in the service. In July a like distinction was conferred upon the 43rd, which thus became the second senior.
With this historical background the conversion of the Regiment to "Rifles" may cause some concern amongst its members, particularly those of the older generations, and I should like, therefore, briefly to explain the sequence of events that culminated in the Army Order printed
above.
In 1958 there was a reorganisation of Brigades within the Army, and the Regiment was selected to join our former comrades-in-arms, The Rifle Brigade and The Kings Royal Rifle Corps, to form the Green Jackets Brigade. The Regiment, therefore, left the Light Infantry Brigade and became a member of a "Rifles" Brigade adopting the title "1st Green Jackets, 43rd and 52nd." The other two Regiments became The 2nd Green Jackets, King's Royal Rifle Corps and The 3rd Green Jackets, The Rifle Brigade.
At this time we accepted the loss of our identity as Light lnfantry and since conformity of dress and drill within the modern brigade is an essential, the Regiment became, in the eyes of all except officialdom, a "Rifle" Regiment. This anomalous state of affairs led to very considerable administrative difficulties and, therefore, with the approval of the Regimental
Committee and the Colonels Commandant of the other two regiments, I made application to Her Majesty The Queen for her approval that the Regiment officially be converted to a Rifle regiment. This Her Majesty was graciously pleased to approve in June of this year.
I wish to stress that the traditions and customs of the Regiment so largely established during its 160 years as Light Infantry remain unchanged though I must tell you that, as a "Rifle" Regiment, we shall no longer carry Colours on parade. The present Colours will be laid up on a suitable occasion after the Regiment returns to this country from Malaya in late 1964 or early 1965. I should also like to take this opportunity to state that the Regiment remains the county regiment of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and is justly proud of the connections built up over many years with its two counties.

​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.
 
1914 – “A bloke called Archie Duke shot an Ostrich because he was Hung(a)ry”
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
2130 - 2 – 4.5 Howitzers 4th Russian Field Howitzer Battery & 2 – 3.7 Howitzers 55th Mountain Battery R.F.A. left by road to join Divina Force.
River VAGA now too shallow for traffic, Routine Boat ceases to run.
 
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
 
1813 – 43rd and 52nd - The Light Division at Olite.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
0110 - Attack on IGNATOVSKAYA commenced.
0250 - Orders issued by A & C Coy’s to break off the action & reform on the road. Withdrawal commenced, Capt. Naylor & 2 platoons of A Coy. acting as rearguard.
0430 - Raiding party arrived back at MALA BERESNIK.
Telegram received from C – C and Gen. Grogan.
Casualties in raid.
Killed 2nd Lt. E.L. Hughes and 5 other ranks 1st Oxf & Bucks Lt. Infantry & 1 other rank M.G.C.
Wounded. Capt. C.S. Bains D.S.O. Lt. O.R.M. Sturges, Lt. W Maunder, M.C. & 21 other ranks. 1st Ox. & Bucks Lt. Infantry.
Lt. E.S. Browne R.F.A., 3 other ranks M.G.C. & 1 other rank R.E.
Missing. - 7 other ranks 1st Ox & Bucks Lt. Infantry.
1430 - Lt. Colvill & 1 platoon D Coy. arrived UST VAGA from Detachment BERESNIK.
Report to G.H.Q. on Operation night 26/27th. Copy to H.Q. Grogan’s Bde.
 
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
 
1813 – 43rd and 52nd - Light Division – pursuing French, reached Olonez.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
1230 - Aeroplane bombed IGNATOVSKAYA & KITSA. 3 direct hits reported on IGNATOVSKAYA. One on KITSA.
Planes also bombed advanced position on left bank.
Capt. Swinhoe and two platoons B Coy. left NIJNI KITSA to advance on KITSA.
2315 - Advance Guard (A Coy. less two platoons) left 2nd bridge followed by main body. (H.Q. & C Coy.) to attack IGNATOVSKAYA.
2315 - Advance Position was captured with 17 prisoners and two Machine Guns.
2340 - Reports of capture of bolo advanced positions sent back by hand: telephone communications having broken down owing to a cart with signalling equipment having bolted when bolo started shelling.
 
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
 
1800 – 52nd – 1st Bn 52nd – left Southampton to join expedition to Quiberon.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
Quiet.
 
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 a Self Propelled gun but suffered no casualties.  The remainder of the day passed quietly.

On this day 24th June
 
1813 – 43rd and 52nd - Pursuit of the French; Light Division close to Pamplona.(Peninsula)
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
1400 - C in C visited Column H.Q, wishes raid on IGNATOVSKAYA & KITSA originally fixed for night 25.26th postponed for 24 hours.
Raid postponed for 24 hrs – Column Intelligence, Grogan’s Brigade & R.A.F. informed.
0230 - Orders for raid on IGNATOVSKAYA & KITSA issued.
 
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.
 
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
 
1811 - The Light Division reached Campo Mayor.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
0900 - Mounted patrol of 1 offr. (Lt. H.S. Eagle) & 5 O.R. proceeded to reconnoitre MIJNI KITSA – CHAMOVO trail.
Patrol only got six verts and had to return owing to swamps.
Trail impassable for wheels or foot passengers.
 
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
 
1813 – 43rd and 52nd - The Light Division in pursuit of the French after Vittoria,
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
1200 - Fire broke out in forest near C Coy’s H.Q. MALA BERESNIK.
Believed caused by Bolo shells of yesterday.
Extinguished 1500 hrs.
Several Telegraph lines burned.
No other damage.
 
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.

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.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
Patrol left bank (2 offrs. & 6 O.R’s) reports bolo advanced post300 yards in front of their forward position (Tin Hut).
Strength estimated at 10 rifles & 1 Machine Gun, which fired on patrol.
Evening. Bolo shelled MALA BERESNIK heavily, knocking in several trenches but caused no casualties.
Our guns replied by shelling Forward Position IGNATOVSKAYA & KITSA.
 
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
 
1815 - 52nd - in pursuit of the French after Waterloo, reached Binche.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
0430 - Patrol went out from MIJNI KITSA to find positions for:-
(1) 2 3.7 inch Hows. to bombard IGNATOVSKAYA & KITSA.
(2) for T.M.B’s to bombard Tin Hut. Patrol returned at 0430 hrs.
Slight enemy shelling during the afternoon. Our guns replied.
 
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
 
1775 - 43rd and 52nd holding and fortifying Charlestown Heights.(Battle of Lexington).
 
1815 – 52nd – Commenced march on Paris.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
Situation quiet.
Raid on IGNATOVSKAYA and KITSA decided on.
Date not fixed.
 
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 concentration from Rocket Projectors was brought down on our area in which Lt James was killed and Capt Mason wounded.

​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.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
C Coy. (H.Q. & 2 platoons from SELTSO & 2 platoons from UST VARGA by Routine Boat) relieved A Coy. at MALA BERESNIK.
 A Coy. crossed over to SELTSO.
General Grogan came up from BERESNIK and made a tour of the defences.
 
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
 
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.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
One bolo deserter 6th Soviet Regt. came in on left bank.
 
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
 
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.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
SELTSO
1400 - Column H.Q. absorbed Forward Area H.Q. which ceased to exist.
0300 - Patrol from B Coy. NIJNI KITSA strength 2 Offrs. (Lt. W.L. Dibben & Lt. J.E.W. Rance M.C.) & 16 O.R. reached advance defences of KITSA.
Sentry was observed in the trenches and the patrol decided to rush him but was held up by strong belt of barbed wire. Bolos came out of their blockhouses and ran away.
Patrol opened fire at about 30 yards range and knocked over eight bolos, who appeared to be dead.
Our casualties Nil.
Patrol got back at 0430 hrs.
 
1919 –2nd Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – Oxford.
Cadre of the Regiment, less a skeleton left to deal with administration, began 28 days' leave.
 
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
 
1804 - 43rd - joined Sir John Moore's Brigade at Shorncliffe.
 
1815 – 52nd – Reached Enghien (Waterloo Campaign)
 
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.
Known Regimentally as “THE BATTLE OF THE COOKS”.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
1400 - VAGA COLUMN moved to SELTSO H.Q. and 2 platoons D Coy. and 2 platoons C Coy. took over UST VAGA.
 
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).
 
1968 – 1st Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets (43rd & 52nd) – The subsidiary titles of the three regular battalions of the Regiment were dropped leaving the battalion with the title of:-  1st Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets.
It would however keep alive the traditions of the 43rd & 52nd such as Serjeant with the “J”, the Regimental Serjeant Majors white bow tie and “Letter – Company” etc until 1992 when the battalion was disbanded on the reduction of the Regiment (RGJ) to two battalions.

​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.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
0330 - A patrol of B Coy. under Lt. W.L. Dibben M.C. & Lt. J.E.W. Rance, M.C. went out from NIJNI KITSA down KITSA track to within a short distance of KITSA.
No Bolos were met but Bolos were seen in their advanced trenches on left bank.
Propaganda was picked up in the BROWN PATCH.
 
1919 –2nd Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – Oxford.
Inspection of the Regiment and Presentation of Medals by Major-General Sir John Hanbury Williams, K.C B., K.C.V.O, C.M.G, Colonel of the Regiment.
 
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
 
1811 -The Light Division - crossed the Tagus.
 
1914 – Buckinghamshire Battalion – WOLVERTON
The spacious new Territorial Drill Hall which has been erected at the junction of Stantonbury and Haversham Roads at Wolverton was opened with fitting ceremony by Lieut-General E C Bethune (Director of the Territorial Force).
The new hall is a very spacious and well appointed building and contains all the offices and equipment for the proper training of the Territorial Units. A strong contingent of the two Wolverton Company’s under Captain L C Hawkins and Colour Sergeant W L Marsh and Colour Sergeant F Smith were drawn up into line on the parade ground which adjoins the building.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
Intelligence Offrs. Patrol came in with a bolo Q.M. Sergeant captured on MARSIMOVSKAYA – OTAKHOVSKAYA Road.
1700 - Capt. J.W. Meade & two platoons C Coy Oxfords to SELTSO by Routine Boat & took over from 1 platoon B Coy to KOSLOVC.
 
1935 – Buckinghamshire Battalion - AYLESBURY
The opening of the new Headquarters in the Oxford Road, Aylesbury. The buildings have
been erected on a site of about 1 1/2 acres which has a road frontage of 240 feet-the main building having a frontage of 120 feet. The accommodation provided is undoubtedly a very great improvement on the old Headquarters in the Market Square. Accommodation exists for the Bucks Territorial Army Association, Headquarters of the 393rd (Royal Bucks Yeomanry)
R.A., T.A.  Headquarters of "B" Company of the Battalion, Battalion Headquarters. Headquarters 99th (Berks and Bucks Yeomarry) Fd. Bde. R.A., together with the Territorial Club…….
 
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
 
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.
 
1919 –2nd Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – Oxford.
Proceeded to Depot, Oxford, Mobilization Stores having been handed in at Woolwich.
Civic reception by the Mayor and Burgesses of the City of Oxford.
Speeches at the Station.
March through City of Oxford.
Lieut-Colonel A. J. F. Eden, C.M.G., D.S.O., assumed command of the Regiment.
 
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 Regiment 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
 
1762 – 43rd - Capture of Moro, Havannah, 43rd present.
 
1812 – Light Division – Left El Boden (Spain) en route to Salamanca.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
1400 - H.Q. & 2 platoons B Coy. arrived from BERESNIK by Routine tug and billeted UST VAGA.
1430 - Adjutant & Quartermaster inspected SELTSO with a view to moving Column H.Q. there at an early date.
2100 - Enemy fired 3 salvoes of 4 rounds each at MALA BERESNIK. Our guns replied.
 
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
 
1850 - 52nd - moved to Liverpool.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
1600 - Slight shelling Left Bank. Our guns replied.
2230 - One man drowned at UST VAGA.
Comdg. Offr. Returned from M. BERESNIK and reported on situation to GROGANS BRIGADE.
Capt. G. Naylor A Coy took over Adjutant Forward Area from Lt. T. Tyrwhitt-Drake M.C. who becomes Intelligence Offr. Forward Area.
 
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 heavy artillery 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 artillery with the assistance of [our] Tanks and the enemy withdrew at 1800 hrs, although they caused us to lose 6 Tanks before doing so. 
Units of the 51st Highland Division 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
 
1823 - 52nd - embarked at Cove for Halifax (Nova Scotia.).
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
1515 - Aeroplane Recon Reports steamer on river.
A.A. fire from KITSA.
No other movement.
1730 - Intermittent shelling left bank. Our guns replied.
1920 - One man A Coy wounded at MALLA BERESNIK by Bolo Machine Gun fire from Right bank.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI -HEROUVILETTE
Owing to the fact that recce patrols reported ESCOVILLE to be clear of the enemy the Commanding Officer decided to send 'C' Coy forward 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. 
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 positions 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. 
1900 hrs heavy fire was opened on the area of the village by Self Propelled 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 Anti/Tank defence.  The Commanding Officer quickly organised a PIAT party and this gap was soon covered. 
Defensive Fire 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 Regiment suffered a total of about 40 casualties.  Recce Patrols were sent forward to ESCOVILLE during the night but nothing was reported.
 
1944 - 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - NORMANDY
The dumps reopened on D plus 3 in the beach maintenance area on the sites allotted in the first key plan,

​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.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
Lt. Col. W.M. Dodington C.M.G. took over Command Vaga Column.
Capt. H.E.F. Smyth took over Adjutant Vaga Column.
Lt. R.C. Warren M.C. took over Assistant Adjutant Vaga Column.
2040 - Relieved troops left for BERESNIK By Routine Boat.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – HEROUVILETTE (NORMANDY)
A quiet day preparing defences and some shelling in the area of 'A' Coy.
 
1944 - 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - NORMANDY
Unloading on the beaches was now approaching its maximum rate, and large quantities of stores were flowing into the four sector stores dumps. These had been established at intervals off the main lateral to the rear of the beaches. All the fields adjoin­ing these dumps bore Achtung—Minen notices and the sappers of the field company, and anyone else who could be spared, were clearing the mines as fast as their many other duties would allow. But mine clearance is a slow process and in the meantime the dumps were becoming dangerously congested; petrol and ammunition were adjoining one another, and the stacks of ammunition were close together. Plans were, however, ready for expansion into the beach maintenance area as proposed origin­ally, and as soon as the strong-point at Lion fell reconnaissance parties left to inspect sites.
The prospects appeared good, a firm but narrow bridgehead had been secured, the weather was fine, the beach installations were established and developing at great speed, air attack was negligible, the beaches were not under fire, the ships forming the gooseberry could be seen settling down satisfactorily in their allotted places, and now it would be possible to establish the beach maintenance area in country, suitable for expansion and served by adequate roads.
At 1200 hrs a single German aircraft chased by Spitfires flew low over the main lateral, which was crowded with traffic, and dropped a bomb. A Dukw carrying petrol was hit and the burn­ing petrol flowed down into an ammunition dump, which began to explode. Stack after stack blew up with deafening reverbera­tions and pieces of shell started to fall all over the beaches. Soon blazing petrol added a huge column of smoke and flame which roared skywards with a mushroom of smoke. The explosions and fires were fully visible to our own troops and the enemy in the line and must have been as disturbing to the former, who saw the ammunition vital for their attacks exploding in their rear, as they must have been gratifying to the latter.
Many ordnance experts hold the opinion that once an ammu­nition dump catches fire the only thing practicable is to let it burn out and then to start stacking elsewhere. In this case they were strongly of this opinion, as the stacks were placed so close together. But anyone with even a nodding acquaintance with Lieutenant-Colonel Sale knew that such counsels of despair were not good enough for him. Soon after the first explosion had taken place he was in the dump rallying the staff.
The stacks had been covered with camouflage netting, which caught alight easily; the grass was so dry that it burst into flame whenever red-hot fragments of metal landed and the result was that every stack that exploded started up a succession of new fires. Helped by a small band of officers and by a hand­ful of pioneers, the commanding officer started to drag the nets from the stacks, beat out the blazing grass, drive out vehicles which had been abandoned by their drivers, and eventually, as more men were rallied, to demolish the stacks nearest to the seat of the fire so as to create a fire-break.
For nearly an hour the party worked in this blazing inferno until Colonel Sale was hit in the stomach by a piece of flying shell and carried off uncon­scious to the nearest field dressing station. His place was taken by the second-in-command, Major Carse, and after a further two hours’ hazardous work the seemingly impossible was achieved. The fire burned itself out and half the dump was saved, with the result that when an urgent call for anti-tank ammunition was received that evening from the 3rd British Division the call was answered and the ammunition supplied. But 400 tons of precious ammunition and 60,000 gallons of petrol had been lost.
The loss of the commanding officer was a high price to pay for this achievement, but his work was done. With unflagging enthusiasm he had welded the group into a serviceable forma­tion. On landing he had taken command of 7,000 troops, revised the original plan and laid the foundations for future success. It was with great satisfaction that we learned later that he had been awarded the George Medal for his gallantry. The George Medal also went to Major Pepper and the M.B.E. to Major Carse for their parts in the incident.

​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.
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
UST VAGA.
0430 - B Coy. left by barge to take over defences Right Bank. Major L.J. Carter D.S.O. and Lt. T. Tyrwhitt Drake M.C. left by barge to take over O.C. & Adjutant respectively of Forward Area.
1200 - Relief of Forward Area completed.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI -HEROUVILETTE
Engaged in capture of Herouvilette
0130 - Regiment passed Start Point 110739 moving forward to the Chateau in RANVILLE a temporary H.Q. was set up there. 
The remainder of the Regiment 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 Regiment.
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 Regiment 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 Regiment were to move forward to the area of the farm at 119728.  This move was completed without opposition by 0830 hrs.
0830 - The Commanding Officer 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 positions already allotted to them and they were followed by 'D' Coy and Regimental H.Q. 
'C' Coy was to remain at HEROUVILLETTE as a firm base until the remainder of the Regiment was established in ESCOVILLE. 
At 1030 hrs the leading Coys reached ESCOVILLE and started to dig in.
1100 - Regimental H.Q. attempted to establish itself in CHATEAU 124714 as arranged but came under accurate fire from an enemy Self Propelled gun firing from a hull-down position 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 Self Propelled gun appeared to be well protected by snipers.  Meanwhile 'D' Coy moved round into its allotted position.
1200 - Coys were in position but experiencing difficulty owing to fire from armoured cars and other Self Propelled guns and snipers who appeared to be on a reverse slope position just South of the village and which were continually moving about. 
We were visited about this time by the Brigade Commander. 
Battalion 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 Regimental 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 positions of observation and in particular the Anti/Tank guns were unable to get into their allotted positions or even into positions from which they could engaged the enemy Self Propelled 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 Self Propelled 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 Self Propelled 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 position and there was considerable danger of becoming outflanked in a position not suitable for defence in view of the fact that ST. HONORINE had not been captured the Commanding Officerr asked for permission from Brigade to withdraw to a position on the highest ground in the village of HEROUVILLETTE.  This permission was granted.
1600 - The Regiment 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 Armoured Fighting Vehicle's. 
The Vickers Machine Gun'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 forward Coys.  This was successfully accomplished with some casualties.
1700 - The Regiment took up a defensive position in the area of HEROUVILLETTE and commenced to dig in.  Recce Patrols were sent forward to discover the enemy's further intentions.  The remainder of the day and night was spent digging in.  During the day the Regiment had suffered about 60 casualties.  The Commanding Officer who had been injured on landing and was unable to get about on foot was evacuated by Medical Authority at about 2100 hrs and command of the Regiment was taken over by Major M. Darrell-Brown 2 i/comd.
 
1944-1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - NORMANDY
At his order group the commanding officer stated that:
(a)   Until the strong-point at Lion-sur-Mer could be cap­tured the original plan was not practicable and the beach maintenance area could not be established.
(b)   Development of the beaches, vehicle and transit areas would proceed as originally planned.
(c)   Sector stores dumps established in rear of the beaches would be enlarged to hold all stores landed.
(d)   Traffic circuits would be adjusted accordingly.
Work now started in earnest. Entrances and exits were com­pleted, beach roadway put down, signs erected, and an ever-growing stream of men, stores and vehicles began to pour ashore. The beach was littered with debris of every description: wrecked landing craft, airborne bicycles, packs, explosives, waterproof­ing material, smashed tanks, and all the indescribable litter of war impeded progress, and one of the first tasks was to carry all that was movable to the rear of the beaches. German prisoners, now numerous, were used for this purpose. Among them were two who at first light were discovered concealed in a dug-out which had been occupied all night by some of our own troops.
The dead were collected into reserve areas and covered, await­ing burial.
A command post between Red and White beaches was established.
The beach limits were properly marked. Beach companies began to unload craft. The Royal Navy began to sink their gooseberry. In short, the operation really began to work, and by nightfall it was clear that the training had proved sufficiently practical to adapt itself to unforeseen circumstances. During the morning an attack was launched by a company of the South Lancashire Regiment (from the 8th Brigade) and the 41st Royal Marine Commando on the Lion strong-point, but the force employed was insufficient for the task. The South Lancashire Regiment had, however, succeeded in mopping up Plumetot and Cresserons, both of which hamlets were on the southern fringe of the beach maintenance area. D Company, two of the platoons of which had been kept afloat all night in the landing ships, tank, in which they had been embarked, relieved the commando later that day and covered the right flank of the beach area.
At 1100 hrs that morning eight Ju.88’s flew low in formation over the beaches from the direction of Franceville Plage, drop­ping canisters containing butterfly bombs. They were greeted by a storm of anti-aircraft fire from the Bofors and triple Oerlikon guns, now well established ashore. Several were hit, and one fell almost on top of the sub-area command post, scattering its bombs in all directions.
Apart from attacks by individual aircraft, one of which was to do much damage  there were no more determined raids in daylight. Raids by night continued for weeks to come. Two attacks were normally delivered, one at midnight and another shortly before dawn. The landing of the heavy guns of the 103rd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment and the balloon barrage kept these aircraft high, and little serious damage was suffered from night raids in spite of dumps being hit. When the beaches were finally closed down forty-seven planes had been destroyed by anti-aircraft fire.

​On this day 6th June
 
1765 – 52nd – Embarked at Cork for North America.
 
1915 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI.- reached Amara;
 
1919 –1st Bn, OXF & BUCKS LI – NORTH RUSSIA.
BERESNIK UST VAGA
1230 - Regiment and 239 T.M.B. embarked on two barges and proceeded to UST VAGA.
1630 - Disembarked UST VAGA. Regtl. H.Q. C Coy. and ½ 239 T.M.B. moved into billets.
 C Coy. took over defences UST VAGA.
2330 - A Coy marched to Left Bank road to take over defences Left Bank VAGA.
 
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.
 
(2Oxf & Bucks-War Diary Appendix A)
Monday 5th June 1944 an Assault Party consisting of letter 'D' Coy and 2 Plns 'B' Coy under command of Major R.J. Howard, took off in 6 Gliders from Tarrant Rushton Airfield.  They were the first troops to leave England for the invasion of the continent and had a coup de main task of capturing two vital Bridges intact, namely the Bridges over the Caen Canal and River Orne at Benouville and Ranville respectively.  Three gliders were briefed to land within 50 yds of each Bridge speed and dash on the part of the attacking troops was considered sufficient to overcome the German garrison of 50.
At 0015 hrs. the first glider crash-landed within 20x of Benouville Bridge it contained No.25 Platoon, commanded by Lt H.D. Brotheridge, and the Company Commander.  According to plan they immediately attacked and crossed the Bridge while they took on the defences, the Sappers who accompanied the party cut wires and removed charges.  Lt Brotheridge was unfortunately shot while crossing the Bridge and died two hours later, he gave a gallant display of brilliant leadership. 
The 2nd Glider, 24 Platoon. commanded by Lt. D.J. Wood touched down a minute after 25, with 14 Platoon commanded by Lt. R.A.A. Smith ½ minute later.  While we took on the inner defences, 14 were ordered to reinforce 25 and start to form a small bridgehead to meet the first expected counter-attack.  Both the Platoon Commander and the Pln. Sgt. of 24 Pln. were wounded in the initial assault, subsequent command falling on Cpl. Godbold.  On the Ranville Bridge only two gliders had arrived, 17 Pln. under Lt. D.B. Fox and 23 under Lt. H.J. Sweeney.  Little opposition was met and 17 Pln. soon had full control of the Bridge reinforced by 23.  Both Bridges were captured intact and consolidation effected after mopping up, within 15 minutes of landing.
The defence of the Bridges until our relief arrived, was expected to be a difficult task, within an hour some two or three tanks approached the Bridges from the WEST, the first tank was put out of action by a well aimed bomb from a PIAT fired by 17 Pln. this Platoon was brought over from the River Bridge to form part of the bridgehead on the WEST bank.  Our relief, 7th Bn. Parachute Regt. (Somerset Lt. Infty) reached us 3 hours after our landing, 2 hours later than expected.  Being relieved by the Somerset made the Bridge operation a Light Infantry show.  Our first relief was intended to be 'C' Coy 7th Para Bn. commanded by Major R.J.H. Bartlett of the Regiment, unfortunately his Company were dropped dispersed and unable to reach us as soon as expected.  Soon after 1st light a Gun Boat moved up the Canal from the sea and shot HQ 7 Para Bn. another well aimed PIAT bomb put this out of action.  The assault force was still defending the Bridges when the Regimen landed and crossed the Bridges at 2300 hrs.
The missing glider, 22 Platoon. under Lt. C.R. Hooper with the Company 2nd in Command Captain B.C.E. Priday, landed near a Bridge on the River DIVES and had a lively fight with the Boche defending.  Having discovered where they were, they set out and joined the Regiment at Ranville at 0230 hrs. 8/6/44.
Total casualties 1 officer 3 O.R's killed, 2 Offrs 15 O.R's wounded, 2 O.R's missing
 
(2Oxf & Bucks LI-War Diary)
The Regiment less Bridge Assault Party of Letter "D" Coy and 2 Plns of "B" Coy, took off from Harwell and Keevil Airfields at 1840 hrs and 1910 hrs respectively. The trip was rather bumpy over land but all became very calm over the sea. 
At approx 2055 hrs we approached the French coast and could see a large fleet of ships standing off shore and occasional bursts of fire coming from their guns.  It was very easy to pick out the River and Canal below and ahead of us and we knew that there had been no mistake in navigation.  All gliders except four landed on or somewhere near the L.Z. although in most cases crash landings occurred and many collisions took place.  A certain amount of flak as gliders ran in added to the many difficulties of the Glider Pilots who in the majority of cases did magnificently.  There was a certain amount of firing on the LZ and some snipers still seemed to be holding out in the area of the bridges at BENOUVILLE.  After some delay, due to the fact that some gliders landed rather along way south and also some were very badly smashed which made unloading difficult, the Regt formed up in the area of Road Junction 098754 at Le Port.
2215 - The Regiment began to move forward to cross the bridges to the pre-arranged concentration area at 108744.  At this time four glider loads had failed to land, comprising Bn HQ. No.5, 1 Rifle Platoon 'B' Coy, ½ 'B' Coy HQ, 1 Mortar Pl glider.  A few people had been hurt in crash landings including the Commanding Officer who managed to carry on and the Loading Officer who had to be evacuated.  Major Howard commanding the Bridge Assault Force reported to the Commanding Officer and said that the route to the concentration area was clear.  Despite the darkness of the night the Regiment moved quickly into the concentration area and a temporary HQ was set up at 109744.
2300 - The Commanding Officer met the Brigade Commander 6 Airlanding Brigade on the bridge at BENOUVILLE and was taken forward to the area of the Church at RANVILLE 116734.  The Commanding Officer received orders to move forward into the area of the 13 Parachute Bn at RANVILLE with intention of occupying HEROUVILLETTE 122724 as soon as possible and then to move on to occupy ESCOVILLE as was originally intended.
 
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.
0700hrs The second-tide convoy sailed. (H hour was at 0725 hrs)
1900 hrs the convoy reached a position approximately one mile off the Normandy coast opposite La Breche, and received a signal from the shore to anchor.
There appeared to be remarkably little activity ashore. Some beach limit signs had been erected and bulldozers could be seen at work with small groups of men. Otherwise the beach appeared deserted. There was no sign of the balloons or of the windsocks which during training in Scotland had been used to mark the beach exits. Clouds of smoke were rising inland from burning woods, and several of the houses on the coast were also burning fiercely.
The most welcome feature was the absence of any fire from the heavy guns at Le Havre and there appeared no likelihood of Plan B or Plan C being put into operation. The anchorage was crowded with craft, among which was H.M.S. Largs, the well-known headquarters ship of Force S and the 3rd Division.
After lying at anchor for some thirty minutes the landing craft, infantry, were signalled to run in. This they did very badly. Some beached too far to the west, grounding in water too deep for disembarkation; others lost their ramps, which were lowered prematurely while the ships were still under way, throwing the men, crowded on board, into the sea. Those landing craft, infan­try, which had beached in deep water kedged off and made another run in and disembarkation began. But the water was still deep—as deep as six feet in some places.
There were casual­ties in consequence, in spite of Mae Wests being worn.
As men struggled ashore in a moderate surf a German plane flew down the beach, dropping a small bomb which caused some casualties. It made off pursued by intense anti-aircraft fire.
Lieutenant-Colonel Sale at once reported to beach sub-area command post which had been established on Queen/Red, and was there ordered by Colonel Montgomery to take command of both beach groups forthwith. The sub-area commander con­firmed the information supplied by Major Carse, and added that unloading into sector dumps was proceeding; but it was obvious that until the strong-point at Lion was captured the beach main­tenance area could not be used, and an alternative plan had to be made before the large quantity of stores and the flood of men and vehicles arrived on D plus 1.
To give time for a complete reconnaissance called an order group for the following morn­ing (D plus 1).
After a hasty reconnaissance the commanding officer met his own “0” group at the prearranged time and place and explained the situation. The carefully rehearsed drill was now impractic­able and for the moment improvisation was imperative. Com­manders would as soon as possible get their commands together and would tie up with their opposite numbers in No. 5 Beach Group. The beach companies would prepare to carry out their allotted task in opening fresh beaches to the east; petrol, supplies and ordnance would double-bank with No. 5 Beach Group installations in the sector stores dumps; the field company, provost and R.E.M.E. would temporarily come under command of the opposite number in No. 5 Beach Group.
C and D Com­pany commanders were ordered to form protective flanks to the east and west respectively, the former to cover the lock gates at Ouistreham and the latter to guard against the threat of any attempted break-out from the Lion strong-point.
As troops could not be deployed to intended positions in the beach maintenance area, there was a good deal of disorganisation, but, following the commanding officer’s order group and during the night, commanders collected most of their men suc­cessfully in temporary assembly areas. Snipers were still reported to be lurking in buildings overlooking the beach to our right, and as night fell a destroyer was firing Oerlikon shells into these houses, which blazed furiously and lit up the beach with a lurid glare. A tank which for some reason was still on the beach followed suit with tracer. At intervals throughout the night of the 6th/7th June German aircraft attacked the beaches in small numbers, dropping bombs which caused some casualties, but the raiders were driven off by heavy anti-aircraft fire from the shore and ships.
As the exact position was not known by most of No. 6 Beach Group, who saw only a disorganised beach and a failure to carry out the plan given at the briefing, an uneasy night was spent.