Blog Archives - LIGHTBOBS

On this day 31st July

31/7/2016

On this day 31st July

1809 - 2nd Bn. 43rd - embarked as part of the expedition to Walcheren.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MONTAUBAN.
4am – 2/HLI arrived to take over trenches on relief of the Regiment which withdrew on relief to position vacated on 28th in vicinity of Brigade Headquarters.
A quiet day subsequently.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – DOMLEGER
Battalion in Billets.
Company training – bombing & Lewis gun courses started.

1940 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - (the 52nd) (under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel L. W. Giles, M.C.) mobilized at Wheatley near Oxford as part of the 31st Independent Brigade Group. The other three infantry battalions in the brigade were the 1st Bn. Border Regiment, the 2nd Bn. South Staffordshire Regiment and the 1st Bn. Royal Ulster Rifles. Thus began for the 52nd a partnership which lasted with the Border Regiment and South Staffordshire Regiment until the spring of 1942, and with the Royal Ulster Rifles until parting in Palestine after the end of the war.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – BREVILLE & AMFREVILLE.
The Regts period of rest came to an abrupt end at 0100 hrs this morning when we received orders to be at one hour's notice to move and take over from 4 & 6 Commandos at BREVILLE + AMFREVILLE. The relief was completed by 0900 hrs, without any interference from the enemy. In the afternoon we were informed that 'B' Coy 1st Bucks were to be attached to us and would arrive tomorrow morning. The Comd Offr decided to use them to relieve "C" Coy who would go into a rest area for four days. The layout of the Regt is as in attached traces.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - NORMANDY
B Coy complete moves over the River Orne to take up position at 128748 under command 52nd.
A Coy assumes responsibility for guarding 4 bridges over River Orne at 111765 and 115761 under command 4 SS Bde.

On this day 30th July

30/7/2016

On this day 30th July

1809 – Light Brigade – Took over Advanced guard and outpost duties of the army after Talavera.

1877 – 43rd – Martini-Henry Rifles issued at Bellary (India) in place of Snider Rifles.

1915 – 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Present at the action of HOOGE;

1916 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI. - Took part in attack on GUILLEMONT (Near Delville Wood, Somme).
1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MONTAUBAN.
4.45am – “Zero” for attack.
B and C Companies attacked the Station. (Guillemont)
A and D Companies attacked towards GINCHY.
Both attacks failed.
Casualties: 12 Officers and 205 Other Ranks.

To: FRUIT
30/07/16
We have made as great an effort as is possible to attack Station but have not got there.
The Stokes Mortars failed to deal with the bombing posts and evidently the bombardment had no effect on hostile Machine Guns from straight and almost straight down the main road.
I can get no information of Division on our right and the present position is as follows:
A B C is line of deployment.
A B are our original bombing posts.
D E are the German bombing posts which our Stokes Mortars were to destroy and did not.
Our advance got to within bombing distance of line D E after loss from M.G. fire which I cannot at present estimate.
Our men were bombed from these places and the remainder of them were formed up in Old Trench B F.
I propose to consolidate this and make another bombing post out to G.
I can get no information back but I know that our leading party got well up to the North face of the Station, but I think they must have been shot.
If the 30th Division or other troops succeed in taking the Station or getting near it hostile bombing posts D and E will have to go and I can meet them by prolonging trench B F E towards the Station.
As regards the other Operation, or “Second Objective” attack on Right of PEAR, of a first wave of 3 platoons only a few men and no Officers have come back.
It appears they were merely enfiladed by M.G. fire from the right.
In accordance with the Brigadier General’s letter I did not send forward the second wave because my right would have been in the air.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – DOMLEGER
Battalion in Billets.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – ORCHARDS.
A large proportion of the Regt had their first full nights sleep since before 'D' day. 40 men were sent across the bridges to LUC SUR MER for a days outing. The remainder have spent the day resting and generally cleaning themselves up.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - NORMANDY
0550 - Received letter from 1 Canadian Army stating that the Bn ceases to be L of C but comes under 1 Canadian Army wef 1200 hrs today. immediately under 1 Corps.
0900 - Comd Offr visits 1 Corps and arrangements are made for Bn to become Corps Troops, directly under 1 Corps for Admin but under 6 Airborne Division for operations.
1200 - 6 Airborne Division contacted.

On this day 29th July

29/7/2016

On this day 29th July

1807 - 43rd - embarked for Copenhagen.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MONTAUBAN.
A quiet day and very hot.
Preparations made and orders issued for attack for which verbal instructions were issued to Commanding Officer yesterday.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battalion in Billets.
The 145 Inf Bde leaves BEAUVAL & marched via CANDAS, FIENVILLERS, BERNAVILLE to BEAUMETZ where the Brigade split up, the BUCKS BN moving to billets at DOMLEGER. Distance about 14 miles.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
A normal night. Our own arty active as usual, a few enemy shells land in the Regtl area, but no casualties. Our snipers claim two more hits during the morning, one of the enemy hit was wearing a much lighter grey uniform than any seen previously which tends to confirm other indications that a relief has taken place. During the afternoon the Regt was relieved by 1 RUR and moved back into Bde reserve area in the orchards astride the rd 132142.

On this day 28th July

28/7/2016

On this day 28th July

1809 - The Light Brigade started at dawn on the famous forced march on Talavera (52 miles in 26 hours with only 17 stragglers).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MONTAUBAN.
5am- Commanding Officer, Adjutant and 2nd Lieutenant Bobby (Grenade Officer) and 2nd Lieutenant Horley (Lewis Gun Officer) went round trenches at WATERLOT FARM.
5pm – Relief of 2/HLI began.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ARQUEVES
Battalion in Billets.
The 145 Inf Bde march to BEAUVAL via BEAUQUESNE

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Our standing patrols reported a certain amount of movement between the enemy FDLs during the night. During the day enemy movement continued to be very cautious and he filled in the gaps in the hedgerows where our snipers had scored several hits previously, we did however manage to score one more hit. At 2140 hrs 9 enemy mortar bombs landed in the Regtl H.Q. area, 6 of them were duds however and no casualties were incurred.

On this day 27th July

27/7/2016

On this day 27th July

1809 - The Light Brigade under Craufurd, reached Navalmoral, 52 miles from Talavera, at sunset.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MONTAUBAN.
Some shelling of vicinity of Regimental Headquarters.
Very late at night received orders to relieve 2/Highland Light Infantry in trenches (front line) about WATERLOT FARM tomorrow.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ARQUEVES
Battalion in Billets.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
During the night a small number of enemy bombers dropped a few bombs on the Regtl area causing damage to a small building occupied by No.7 (A/Tk) Pl HQ. (no one inside the house was hurt). 'A' Coy suffered one slight casualty. Our patrols confirmed that the enemy are still occupying the same FDLs. The enemy has been much more cautious in his movement to-day and our snipers only claim one definite hit. At 1730 our mortars put down a small but effective conc on a party of ten enemy moving back to their Coy HQ. At 2045 hrs about 20 enemy mortar bombs landed in the fd behind one of our own mortar btys, and so all three of our btys fired immediately on BENEAUVILLE CHATEAU which is thought to be a Bn HQ. This seemed to have the desired effect.

On this day 26th July

26/7/2016

On this day 26th July

1810 - The Light Division fell back after Almeida to Freizedas where it remained while the French besieged the fortress of Almeida.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MONTAUBAN.
Quiet day except for a little shelling.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ALBERT
Battalion in Bivouacs.
At 7am the Battalion left the bivouacs & marched to ARQUEVES to billets.
Distance about 8 miles. Route via BOUZINCOURT -HEDAUVILLE –VARENNES.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Our own arty was active during the night a number of VICTOR targets being engaged. The enemy have been rather more hesitant about showing themselves to-day and our snipers only claim two certain hits and 5 probables. About 50 men attended a concert given by the Regtl Band at OUISTREHAM and a further 50 attended a film show at LUC SUR MER.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – NORMANDY.
The Regimental band gave another splendid performance on the 26th July, immediately after which the Germans put two shells into the theatre!

July 25th, 2016

25/7/2016

On this day 25th July

1827 – 43rd - Occupation of Portugal, 43rd quartered at Thomar.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – F.27 & 28.
5am – Reconnaisance of part of Reserve and Support Trenches by Commanding Officer and OC A and D companies.
To Trenches South of MONTAUBAN as Battalion in Brigade Reserve in relief of a Brigade of 3rd Division (8th or 9th I forget which, but not Brigadier General Potter’s Brigade).

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ALBERT
Battalion in Bivouacs.

1916 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BOUZINCOURT Huts.
Battalion resting.
A certain amount of reorganising carried out, as C Coy practically the only Coy with any NCO's left.
News received that Brigade was being relieved, and that Battn would probably go to VARENNES

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
A noisy night due to our own and enemy arty fire, also large numbers of aircraft flew overhead, mostly our own. Bombs were dropped SE and SOUTH and SW of our posn but some fell in our immediate area. Another very good day for our snipers who between them claim 8 certain hits and 6 probables. The carelessness on the part of the enemy in allowing our snipers such success in the last few days may indicate a relief. But at the moment we believe the enemy opposite us to belong to Nos 6 + 7 Coys of the II Bn 857 Gren Regt.

On this day 24th July

24/7/2016

On this day 24th July

1807 - 52nd - embarked for service in Denmark.

1810 – Light Division - Combat of the Coa, near Almeida.(Peninsula)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – F.27 & 28.
4am – Reconnaissance of part of Front Line by Brigadier General and Commanding Officers.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ALBERT
Between midnight & 1am (24th inst) the Germans put a heavy barrage on the captured front line but the majority of the shells went over.
The front line & communicators were intermittently shelled throughout the morning.
At 12 noon the 1/5th GLOUCESTER REGT commenced relieving the BUCKS BN who returned to bivouacs near ALBERT.
Casualties Killed 8 OR
Wounded CAPT E.V.D.BIRCHALL. CAPT O.V.VINEY. LIEUT E.N.C. WOOLERTON – 70 OR
Missing 8 OR
The BUCKS BN received the congratulations of the GOC 145 Inf Bde & GOC 48 Division

1916 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Bivouac outside ALBERT.
Coy's moved as relieved to field outside ALBERT, the last party getting in about 2.30 AM
Casualties Capt. BROOKES missing believed Killed. Capt. BLAKE Killed.
The following Officers Wounded Capt. EDMUNDS, 2nd/Lts T.N. HALL G.M. FRIEAKE, E.E. SMITH, F.E. JONES, P.C. LAY, S. SMITH & M. HUTCHINS [5th Middlesex, Attached].
O.R. 40 Killed, 5 Missing, believed Killed, 3 Missing believed wounded, 164 Wounded, 18 Missing, total 230.
Battalion stayed in Bivouacs till after dinner and then returned to huts at BOUZINCOURT via track crossing the ANCRE between ALBERT & AVELUY.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
A really fine day at last and a great day for our snipers who got the biggest bag of the season, 'C' Coy hitting 3 certains and 2 possibles and 'D' Coy hitting 6 certainties.
Otherwise it has been a quiet day.

On this day 23rd July

23/7/2016

On this day 23rd July

1812 – Light Division – In pursuit of French about Huerta.

1818 – 43rd - New Colours presented to the 43rd at Valenciennes (France), by Lady Blakeney

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – F.27 & 28.
(Sunday). Marched to HAPPY VALLEY.

1916 - Battle of Pozieres (Somme); 1/4th and 1/1st Bucks Bn heavily engaged.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ALBERT
Early in the morning the BUCKS BN were ordered to continue the attack on the German front line & to attack at 6.30am.
D Coy were on the right & proceeded up the easternmost communicator running in a N E direction from X.8.B 68 to X.3.C.7.9 their they came to a bombing barricade about 150 yards from the German trench.
B Coy on the left went up the westernmost communicator running in a NE direction from X.8.B.68 to X.3.C.7.9.
Both companies were ordered to get out of the trenches & extend inwards so as to get into touch with each other & then rush the German line.
D company moved out of the trench to their jumping off place amid a barrage of 15cm shells in a very steady manner – they then extended & rushed the German front line before our own barrage had lifted. It was entirely due to this that they were enabled to carry out successfully what two other similar enterprises had failed to accomplish: this was confirmed by a captured German officer who stated they were taken entirely by surprise & were waiting for the British barrage to lift.
CAPT E.V.D.BIRCHALL who commanded D Coy at the time was seriously wounded in the leg.
A Company under CAPT N.S.REID were drawn up in the SW end of the easternmost communicator & as D Coy entered the trench CAPT REID led his company up the communicator, rushed from the barricade & entered the German trench. Consolidation was immediately commenced & a bombing section quickly got into touch with the 1/4 R BERKS REGT on the right.
B Company under CAPT O.V. VINEY went up the westernmost communicator but were seriously impeded & somewhat disorganised by our own barrage which caused them casualties and compelled them to withdraw a little. They were unable to take part in the advance but one platoon & a Lewis gun managed to gain the German trench via the westernmost communicator.
One platoon of C Company was sent up to reinforce the left of the captured trench & the rest of the company was employed carrying up SAA & bombs etc.
About 150 Germans & 2 officers surrendered & 2 machine guns were captured.
Frequent enemy bombing attacks were beaten off during the day.
During the afternoon a bombing section reached point 40 (X.3.A) & advanced some 90 yards up the German trench but were driven back by rifle grenades & a heavy artillery barrage.
In the evening C Company took over the front line assisted by some 60 men from the other three companies.

1916 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – In action West of POZIERES.
12.30AM - Battalion attacked. A Coy on right, D on left, B in Support to D. C in Reserve.
Objective on right reached almost at once: that on left after a hard struggle, & at least two counter attacks repulsed.
4AM - Reinforced by two Coy's 4th R BERKS Regt. Heavy shelling all day, but no further attacks.
In afternoon it became evident that Battn had suffered heavily, & information was receivedthat the Battn would be relieved by a Battn of 143 Bde.
Relieved by 1/5th R. WARWICKS. Relief not complete till after midnight 23/24th.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Last night was an exceptionally quiet one and our patrols had no fresh infm to report. This morning B + D Coys changed over areas. A Coy snipers got two hits. At dusk this morning a few enemy aircraft flew at [naught?] feet over our HQ but no bombs were dropped in our immediate vicinity.

On this day 22nd July

22/7/2016

On this day 22nd July

1790 – 52nd – Engaged at the capture of Coimbatore (Southern India).

1812 - Battle of Salamanca.

1915 - 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI arrived at Boulogne from England.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CORBIE.
Bathing Parade before breakfast.
Standing by all day.
9.15am – Conference of Officers Commanding Companies.
Briadier general visited Regimental Headquarters.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ALBERT
Battalion in Bivouacs.
At 10pm the BUCKS BN moved to trenches in X 13 B as support to an attack by the 1/5 GLOUCESTER REGT.

1916 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Bivouac outside ALBERT.
12.10AM - BM 103 received, intimating that attack would be resumed, and ordering an officer to reconnoitre new trenches being dug by SUSSEX.
2.30PM - All CO's of Bde at Bde HQ (USNA REDOUBT). Orders for attack issued.
9PM - Battalion moved up to get into position.
The Australian Division on our right were attacking about 10 PM & very heavy fighting appeared to be in progress.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
A quiet night except for continuous activity by our own arty. Bde did a propaganda broadcast from the area of 'A' Coys right fwd pl. The broadcast went well and there was no enemy reaction by fire. Our snipers claim another two hits and our standing patrols have been using their PIATS offensively. The rain abated somewhat to-day. A and C Coys changed over their Coy areas.

On this day 21st July

21/7/2016

On this day 21st JULY

1812 - The Light Division in bivouac at San Martin, near Salamanca.

1847 – 52nd – Left Quebec for England.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CORBIE.
12.25am – Arrived CORBIE.
Billets very fair except Officers, on which subject the Town Major was at first troublesome.
Satisfactory settlement.
Troops resting all day. Very hot.
Commanding Officer with Adjutant reconnoitered the Country North West of BRAY-SUR- SOMME.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OVILLERS
A tape was laid 175 yards from the German front line by the RE – The attacking companies assembled in the Sickel shaped trench (X.9.B – X.3D&C) & moved forwards up to the tape at 2.30am.
D Company occupied the Sickel shaped trench after the other three companies had left.
At 2.30am the enemy started sending up numerous white flares & after a few minutes red flares as a result of which machine guns opened fire.
At 2.45am an intense artillery barrage opened on the German front line & lifted at 2.47am.
The attack could not be pushed home owing to the large number of enemy machine guns, though one party of 1 Corporal & 6 men succeeded in entering the German line on the extreme right of the attack.
Casualties were heavy.
Killed CAPT L.W. CROUCH. 2LT C.G ABREY. 2LT J.P.CHAPMAN. 2LT C.W. TRIMMER and 7 OR.
Wounded 2LT B.C RIGDEN. 2LT H.C.E MASON. 2LT H.V. SHEPHERD & 97 OR
Missing CAPT G.G. JACKSON & 42 OR
About 9am the Battalion was withdrawn from the trenches & returned to bivouacs.

1916 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Bivouacs 1/4 mile NE of ALBERT.
6.30AM -Information received [T248] that attack unsuccessful 1st BUCKS withdrawing to Bivouacs adjoining those occupied by the Battalion.
Battalion to relieve one Battalion in the line in afternoon.
7.30PM - Battalion not to relieve and take over trenches. Instead 150 men provided to work under R. BERKS (on right of Bde) 200 for GLOSTERS (on left) and 50 to cover R. SUSSEX who were digging new trench X 3d (South) X 9f (North).

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
During the night our own arty fired at frequent intervals on counter bty and counter mortar tasks on our front. Enemy reaction was only slight. Our own patrols confirmed that the enemy were still in occupation of the posts on our front. Lt Scott fired a PIAT at three of the enemy posts, the bombs landed in the right place but the enemy reaction was nil. It continued raining most of to-day and practically no movement observed from the enemy fwd posts.

On this day 20th July

20/7/2016

On this day 20th July

1812 – Wellington’s, Army and that of Marmont marching parallel to each other and within musket shot throughout the day, neither finding an opportunity to attack.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – H.30.d.7.0.
10.52am – By rail from PERNES.
4.40pm-Detrained at SALEUX near AMIENS.
Joined 4th Army.
Marched to CORBIE, 16 miles.
Packs were carried in lorries.
Two men fell out.
I consider the marching very good.

20th /21st July 1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BOUZINCOURT
Battalion in Bivouacs.
During the night 20/21 July the attack on the German front line in X.3. was resumed by the 48th Division.
The objective of the BUCKS BN was Point X3.B.11 & Point X3.D.28 & trenches adjoining these point – The 1/5 GLOUCESTER REGT was attacking immediately to the left of the BUCKS BN – The BUCKS BN attacked in 4 waves, one behind the other on a front of 2 Companies, C Coy on the right & A Coy on the left. These Companies were dispersed in a line of columns of platoons, two platoons in the front line & each company front. The fourth wave was supplied by B Coy which supported both front line companies & followed along behind them.
A tape was laid 175 yards from the German front line by the RE – The attacking companies assembled in the Sickel shaped trench (X.9.B – X.3D&C) & moved forwards up to the tape at 2.30am.
D Company occupied the Sickel shaped trench after the other three companies had left.
At 2.30am the enemy started sending up numerous white flares & after a few minutes red flares as a result of which machine guns opened fire.
At 2.45am an intense artillery barrage opened on the German front line & lifted at 2.47am.
The attack could not be pushed home owing to the large number of enemy machine guns, though one party of 1 Corporal & 6 men succeeded in entering the German line on the extreme right of the attack.
Casualties were heavy.
Killed CAPT L.W. CROUCH. 2LT C.G ABREY. 2LT J.P.CHAPMAN. 2LT C.W. TRIMMER and 7 OR.
Wounded 2LT B.C RIGDEN. 2LT H.C.E MASON. 2LT H.V. SHEPHERD & 97 OR
Missing CAPT G.G. JACKSON & 42 OR
About 9am the Battalion was withdrawn from the trenches & returned to bivouacs.

1916 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BOUZINCOURT Huts.
Day spent in quiet.
Orders received that attack would be continued night of 20/21st.
Battn in reserve.
11.45PM - Battalion moved off – Coy's at 5 minute intervals – through ALBERT, and bivouacked in field and old gun emplacements about ¼ mile outside ALBERT just on SE side of ALBERT - BAPAUME Road.
Reached 1.10 AM 21st.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Once again our patrols report that the enemy posns on our front remain unchanged. Our snipers claim three certain hits and 'C' Coy standing patrol engaged several targets with their guns as well, but the result could not be observed with any certainty. Very heavy rain fell today and a lot of the slit trenches became waterlogged and all the tracks in the Regtl area extremely muddy.

On this day 19th July

19/7/2016

On this day 19th July

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –H.30.d.7.0.
Inspection Parade by General Officer Commanding 4th Corps cancelled.
Standing by in billets waiting for order to entrain for ?

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BOUZINCOURT
Battalion in Billets.
At 5pm the Battn marched through ALBERT & took over bivouacs in W 3Oa from the 1/5th R WARWICKS.

1916 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Between OVILLERS & POZIERES.
1.30AM - Attack launched but held up [See Appendix for full account].
About 3AM - 2nd attack ordered, but not practicable, owing to congestion of trench rendering reorganisation impossible.
4.15AM - Battalion ordered to withdraw. This operation very difficult owing to state of trench.
8AM - Battalion clear of trenches. Coy's reformed at Dump (outside ALBERT) and moved back into huts at BOUZINCOURT (where surplus officers & 5% men had been left) last Coy being in about 12.30 PM.
Remainder of day spent in rest.
Total casualties 2 Officers wounded [2nd/Lts JEFFERSON & FENWICK (5th Middlesex Attd)] O.R. 12 Killed: 4 missing believed wounded: 82 wounded, 1 missing.
[Night 19/20th bombing attack by 1/5th GLOSTERS towards point 79. 50]

1916 - 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion heavily engaged in the battle of Fromelles. 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI in Support.

1916 - 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - FAUQUISSART
“ZERO” was at 11a.m. & at that hour our Bombardment started.
5.30 p.m. By 5. 30 p.m. we had lost nearly 100 men killed and wounded by Shell Fire. This was serious as on July 18th “A” Coy. (which was holding the Battn. front) lost 78 men gassed – owing to one of OUR shells having burst a Gas Cylinder in our Trenches.
The Battalion went into Action with 20 Officers and 622 Other Ranks.
This was reduced by casualties suffered during the action to 6 Officers and 300 O.R.
5. 40 p.m What was left of “A” and “D” Coy’s. (the assaulting Coy’s.) – about 120 men filed out into NO MANS LAND by RHONNDA SAP and lay down in 4 waves.
6. p.m.With a cheer the four waves leapt up and assaulted the enemy’s trenches.
Even before 5.40 pm the enemy's machine guns had become busy, and at 6.00 pm they mowed down our advancing waves, so that only a few men actually reached the German parapet, and none of these ever returned.
Quite early (about 1.00 pm) telephone communication between Battalion HQ and the front line was cut. After many gallant attempts to mend the wire, success was attained at exactly 5.40 pm, and from then until 9.30 pm the telephone was in constant use thus saving many lives, in that runners
were spared.
Reports that flowed in over the telephone were sent on, as they came in, straight to Brigade HQ, and were very contradictory. Owing to the distance between the trenches, and to the continuous bombardment and smoke, the officers who were observing found their task almost impossible to fulfil with any degree of accuracy. Our men, having been seen actually on the German parapet, it was concluded that a certain number must have got in. But it is
certain that very few survived the enemy's machine gun fire, and whether they got in or not, they never returned”.
C Coy (the Company which carried over R.E. material for consolidation purposes) went out into NO MANS LAND at 6.10PM but, again the enemy’s machine Gun fire prevented any advance without extermination.
6.30PM - By 6.30PM it was clear that:-
1. The attack could not succeed without more men.
2. That given more men say 2 coys the attack must have succeeded
No reserves however, were available and the Commanding Officer of the Battalion was ordered to reorganise and to attack again at 8.30PM.
This order was received at a time when every man save a few Telephone Operators - orderlies and wounded, was in NO MANS LAND.
Gradually about 80 men (of A, C & D Coys) were reorganised , and 40 men of B Coy (the Reserve Coy) were added.
7.30PM - The order then came to postpone the attack until 9PM.
8PM - And at 8PM the order came through that no further attack would take place that night.
Every Officer who went out with the assaulting Coys was either Killed or Wounded & Capt H S G Buckmaster was the only officer who went out into NO MANS LAND who came back unhurt.
During the 18th and 19th July the Battalion lost 322 ALL RANKS – as follows:-
OFFICERS
KILLED: Capt. H. CHURCH, Lieut. C.P. PHIPPS, Sec LieutS. H.R.N. BREWIN, F.R. PARKER
WOUNDED: Sec Lieut H.G. BADDERLEY, Capt. I. STEWART-LIBERTY, Sec. Lieuts A.T. PITCHER, B.H. DRAKES, G.D.W OLIVER, T.J. RELF. J.S. RUTHERFORD. Capt. V.W.G. RANGER
MISSING: Sec. Lieut. R.S. HUDSON, Lieut.. G.W. ATKINSON.
DIED of WOUNDS Lieut   D.G. CHADWICK
OTHER RANKS: Killed – 62 .Wounded – 180. Missing   - 65
The whole attack was unsuccessful in that the enemy’s Trenches – though penetrated – were not consolidated and held – but a very great measure of success was obtained in that.

The enemy suffered severe casualties.
He was and will be prevented from withdrawing either Infantry or Guns in support of his forces further South on the SOMME.

One of the most striking lessons to be learnt from this attack is that the greatly superior method of holding Trenches – adopted by the Germans – should be at once followed by the British and French armies.
Whereas on our Battalion front, the Regt. had NOT ONE Bombproof shelter, and lost 100 casualties from shelling alone, the Germans appeared to have about 6 teams of Machine Gunners, and very few Infantry and even after seven hours of Bombardment by our guns these six Teams of Machine Gunners appeared intact – firing over the parapet at our assaulting infantry. By crowding three companies into three hundred yards of front, our casualties from shellfire were the more heavy. The orders, referring to the attack published by Superior Authorities are copied and attached in APPENDIX “D”

1916 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - FAUQUISSART
In Billets.
A & C Coy’s moved up at 6 a.m. to the Assembly Trenches behind the left of the FAUQUISSART Section. C Coy. then provided 1 Officer and 80 men to carry up T.M. Ammn. To frontline and subsequently to carry same across NO MANS LAND behind an assault on Enemy Trenches by 2/4 Berks and 2/1 Bucks. at 7 p.m. A Coy. and remainder of C Coy. moved into front trench to reinforce above two Battns. At 7.15 p.m. remainder of Battn. left billets in motor lorries and eventually relieved 2/4 Berks and 2/1 Bucks in front line. In the meantime the assault had commenced but neither Battn. succeeded in reaching enemy’s trenches. A part of “C” Coy. carrying party advanced with the 2/1 Bucks After the relief all Coy’s. were occupied in getting in the dead and wounded of their own & of the other 2 Battns. Orders were received for us to make another assault but were subsequently cancelled. Casualties O.R. Killed 14, missing 1, wounded 43.

1916 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – TRENCHES. RUE PETTILION.
11AM – 11.30AM -Registration by Divn. Artillery and Trench Mortars
1130-1PM -Bombardment of German Lines by heavy artillery (9.2 inch Hows: and upwards)
6inch Hows. also registered during this period
1PM-3PM-Wire cutting by 18 pounders and Trench Mortar Batteries.
3PM-6PM - Bombardment of enemy’s lines by 4.5 inch and 6 inch Howitzers
4PM-6PM - Heavy artillery (9.5 inch Hows: and upwards) slow bombardment.
Mine exploded.
Above programme was carried out in accordance with Operation Orders. The heavies were particularly accurate, and caused considerable damage to enemy’s trenches, the 60 pounder Trench Mortars were also very deadly.
The Australian infantry on our right advanced on the enemy’s trenches with little or no opposition, though the enemy in the front of us in order to bring fire to bear on them exposed themselves freely.
Our Machine and Lewis Guns and rifles constantly swept the parapet opposite, in order to keep them down, and appeared to be successful.
After explosion of mine the enemy manned his parapet N. of Farm DE LANGRE, and displayed much daring, in his endeavours to bring fire to bear on the assaulting Australians.
Some bombing was heard in the German Line during the night.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
The big battle SW of CAEN still continues but most of the fighting is now well beyond our range of vision and the majority of the sp arty has moved up so the noise has not been so deafening. On our own front the enemy still appears to be occupying the same posns and 'D' Coy snipers claimed another two hits, otherwise a quiet day.

1953 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - The Regiment arrived at the Hook of Holland and moved in two train parties to Osnabruck where they all arrived at Belfast Barracks before 1800 hours.

On this day 18th July

18/7/2016

On this day 18th July

1824 - 52nd - arrived in Canada on its first tour.

1885 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – Metal Shoulder Badges, consisting of a brass bugle with “OXFORD” in brass underneath, were taken into wear. These were given by the Officer Commanding, to be kept up by the men, and to be worn on khaki clothing.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –CAMBLAIN CHETELAIN.
Practice Ceremonial Parade.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SENLIS
At 1am 18th inst one platoon under 2Lt B C RIGDEN left our trenches & attacked point X.3.D.97 & entered this objective at 2am. Barricades were at once erected & the party commenced consolidating.
Repeated enemy bombing attacks were driven off – the party was withdrawn owing to the other enterprises failing. On the 25th July LT B.C. RIGDEN was awarded an immediate grant of the Military Cross for his good work on this occasion.
2Lt C. HALL with one platoon attacking point X.3.B.1.1 was held up by machine gun fire & was withdrawn & he was wounded severely in the head whilst bringing in casualties – 2Lt R.C. NORWOOD with one platoon attacked point X.3.C.7.9 & was held up by machine gun fire& was seen to fall. The Sergeant in charge was ordered to retire & a further search was made for 2Lt NORWOOD. As a result of this reconnaissance the positions & strength of the German dispositions in the neighbourhood was established & the Battn received the congratulations of the G.O.C 48th Division.
The Battalion marched to billets in BOUZINCOURT during the morning.
During the night of 18/19 July 2LT R.E.M. YOUNG took out a patrol of 1 Sergeant & 12 men of B Coy to reconnoitre the German wire on the Western side of POZIERES on the ALBERT – BAPAUME road in a northerly direction.
Casualties O.R Killed 2 Wounded 34 Missing 18

1916 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BOUZINCOURT Huts.
Morning; inspections.
7.10PM -Received orders to attack between OVILLERS and POZIERES 1.30 AM 19th.
8.15PM - 1st Company moved off through ALBERT to Dump on ALBERT – BAPAUME Rd (on USNA hill) where RE Stores, extra SAA etc. issued to Battn.
10.45PM -Coy's moved off up ALBERT – BAPAUME Road to get into position.
B (on left) C (on right) in front line. A Coy in Support D Coy in Reserve.

1940 – 2nd Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI:-The 52nd disembarked at Liverpool, after eighteen years’ service in India and Burma.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Last night was a quiet one, our own patrols confining themselves to making sure that the enemy had not changed his posns during the night. An enemy wiring party was observed on 'A' Coys front, strength about 20 men, but no action was taken owing to necessity of keeping the front quiet during the night. Between 0520 hrs and 0700 hrs we had a magnificent view of hundreds of medium and heavy bombers carrying what is termed "the greatest air assault in history" against the enemy posns EAST and S.E. of CAEN. This was followed be a tremendous arty barrage of over [800?] guns and then we could see our armour going forward until it was out of sight in the dust & smoke caused by this arty fire and bombing. Enemy reactions in our own front were negligible. During the afternoon five of "A" Coy's numbers worked fwd into one of the enemy fwd posns and found it unoccupied, but later in the day the enemy returned and set off one of his own booby traps in the posn. The noise of the big push SOUTHWARDS and WESTWARDS out of our br head EAST of the R. ORNE could be going on all day. From all accounts the day's fighting has been going very successfully. At about 23.00 hrs this evening a small number of enemy bombers flew over dropping about 100 small anti-personnel bombs on A + D Coys, one of which wounded Lt AF White in the back of the head. Other bombs were dropped near D + C Coys Standing Patrols and also some behind the enemy's FDLs. Our own patrols incurred no casualties.

1953 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - The Regiment moved by train to Harwich and embarked for B.A.O.R.

On this day 17th July

17/7/2016

On this day 17th July

1803 - 43rd made Light Infantry.

1857 – 52nd – Marched to Goodasepoor en route to Delhi.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –CAMBLAIN CHETELAIN.
Nothing to record.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SENLIS
Battalion in Billets.
At 7pm the Bn marched through ALBERT & bivouaced temporarily in W.30.A South of the ALBERT – BAPAUME road.
A reconnaisance in force of 6 points in the enemy front line was carried out.
Battn HQ were established at X.9.D.56.72.
A & D Companies under the command of CAPT E V BIRCHALL carried out the operations & assembled in the sickle shaped trench running through X.9.B – X.3 D&C.
B&C Companies supplied carrying parties

1916 (17/18 July) - 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion engaged OVILLERS POZIERES (Somme) On the night of the 17th/18th July the Battalion was ordered to carry out a reconnaissance of certain points in the enemy’s line between Ovillers and Pozieres.
The enemy’s positions were not known, and the object in view was to ascertain whether four points in the area were being held or not. If these were not strongly occupied, they were to be seized and made into strong points, but heavy fighting was not to be undertaken.
The tasks were allotted to “A” and” D “Companies, each Company detailing one platoon for each of the points in its sector. Each platoon advanced in two lines of sections in file with a point patrol immediately in front, led by the officer in charge, with ten yards interval and distance between sections. All points were found to be strongly held, but a platoon of “A” Company under Second Lieutenant B. C. Rigden succeeded in rushing the most easterly point, and occupying it, until ordered to withdraw after daybreak. The withdrawal was accomplished with only slight casualties, notwithstanding that 400 yards of open ground had to be crossed.
Second Lieutenant C. Hall died of wounds received in this reconnaissance, and Second Lieutenant R. C. Norwood was missing.
Amongst other ranks 2 were killed, 29 wounded, and 27 reported missing.
Efforts on the part of search parties, who were sent up to find the missing, were fruitless, on account of the extreme darkness of the night.
It was daylight when the move back started, as the evacuation of the wounded had taken some time. Orders were to move back to billets at Bouzincourt.

1916 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Bivouacs between COUIN & ST LEGER.
A Coy rejoined Battn about 9 AM.
1PM - Battalion loaded into 36 lorries (Transport moved independently).
2PM - Moved via AUTHIE – BUS – BERTRANCOURT – FORCEVILLE – HEDAUVILLE to BOUZINCOURT, which we reached about 4.45 PM. Very bad traffic block in the road. Battalion in huts in orchards on West side of village. Transport at SENLIS.It appears that 143 & 144 Bde's, are holding OVILLERS and the line to W of POZIERES.

1944 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – NORMANDY.
The greater part of the day was spent in cleaning up and reorganising after the previous days action. The total casualties of the Regiment were three Officers and forty seven Other Ranks KILLED. Six Officers and Ninety Other Ranks WOUNDED.Nil Officers and twenty six Other Ranks MISSING.
Enemy casualties were estimated at 120 KILLED and WOUNDED apart from casualties inflicted in back areas by Artillery and Mortar Support fire; 45 dead were actually counted on the ground.
Thirteen German MGs were captured or destroyed and approx 138 PW passed through the DIV Cage.
During the evening the Regiment moved back through COLLEVILLE 9264 to a rest area near MOUEN 934653.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Our patrols last night confirmed that the enemy FDLs already pinpointed were still occupied. No enemy patrols approached our ambush parties - and he seems generally to be very nervous about sending any of his own patrols fwd. During the night enemy horse drawn tpt could be heard going round his FDLs probably distributing rations. During the day 'A' Coy were mortared but the enemy mortar posns were spotted and the Lt Arty put down a conc on each of the posns silencing them most effectively. Cries of pain were heard coming from one of the posns. 'D' Coy got three hits with their snipers to-day.

1944 – 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI arrived in Taranto (back in Italy)

On this day 16th July

16/7/2016

On this day 16th July

1857 - 52nd - engaged mutineers about the Ravee River

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI –CAMBLAIN CHETELAIN.
(Sunday). Church parade for the Regiment less a number of men of all companies bathing.
Brigadier General Eden D.S.O visited the Regiment in the afternoon.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SENLIS
Battalion in Billets.

1944 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BATTLE OF CAHIER (NORMANDY)
0200hrs. At approx 0200hrs, Coys began moving up to the start lines for the attack:
“B” Coy moved from COLLEVILLE through GRAINVILLE-SUR-ODON 9164 to X RDS 912636: “D” and “C” Coys moved through MONDRAINVILLE 926640, past Regtl HQ to the Wood 9216625 (called HORSE-SHOE COPSE) where their start line was.
0300hrs. “B” Coy crossed the start line at 0300hrs: “D” Coy and consequently “C” behind them, were slightly delayed by an enemy patrol in WOOD 922627 and were a few minutes late.
“D” Coy moved cross country against the MILL and took it after a short struggle, in which Capt J H COOPER was killed.
Heavy Mortar fire soon began to come from the other side of the River ODON and from area MONCEAUX 907614 , supported later by a counter attack, and “D” Coy were compelled to abandon the MILL itself and withdraw to the high ground 150 yards above it 916624. During the mortaring, Major NH PIERCE, the Coy Commander, was seriously wounded.
“C” Coy moved into the attack from the same start line as “D” Coy and a few minutes after them, went round the SOUTH edge of HORES-SHOE COPSE and reached area TINY COPSE with only minor resistance. In and around the copse itself, the fighting bacame most fierce and bitter, especially the in fighting caused by the thickness of the undergrowth and the short fields of fire. Casualties were heavy in “ C” Coy and included the Coy Comd Capt W R B HAZELL. As with “D” Coy heavy mortaring was followed by a counter attack which succeeded in driving “C” Coy out of TINY COPSE. The Carriers however held firm in their positions North of HORSE-SHOE COPSE and prevented the enemy moving forward of the Road GRAINVILLE-SUR-ODON - GAVRUS.
“B” Coy on the right flank moved across open fields from their start line at X RDS 912636 and took CAHIER after a short struggle. As with “C” and “D” Coys however heavy mortaring preceeded a counter attack during which the Coy Comd Major S P FLORY was wounded and Capt P A F COLVILLE killed and the Coy was compelled to withdraw from CAHIER itself. A position containing the enemy in the buildings was taken up and as all the Coy Officers were now casualties the Adjutant Capt H P PATTERSON went up and took command for the remainder of the operation.
1400hrs. – At 140hrs the Commanding Officer put “A” Coy into the attack. The South bank of RIVER ODON was now in the hands of 15 Scottish Division and so “A” Coy moved round the left flank SOUTH of HORSE-SHOE COPSE and advanced on TINY COPSE and from SW under cover of a barrage from three Field Regts, the 4.2” Mortars and MMGs of 1MANCHESTERS and the Regtl 3” Mortars. TINY COPSE was cleared despite heavy mortaring and an assault was launched on the final enemy position in the hedgerow forward of JUMBO WOOD 914626. But as the enemy saw the final bayonet charge starting they began to surrender. A batch of 40 prisoners was taken here alone.
Meanwhile the enemy had withdrawn from CAHIER and “B” Coy occupied it without further opposition.
Coys consolidated their positions as follows:
“B” Coy – CAHIER;
“A” Coy with remainder of “C” Coy under command – area TINY COPSE and JUMBO WOOD;
“D” Coy - area 915623.
A/TK guns were brought up to relieve the Regiment and by 0015hrs had taken over all the regiments positions. The regiment moved back into the areas vacated by 2MONMOUTHS:-
“A” Coy into the Orchards 916637,
“D” Coy into the area of the Farm buildings 918640 and the remnants of “B” and “C” Coys into the COPSE 925630.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Last night's patrols got further infm concerning the layout of the enemy posns. 'C' Coy snipers claim a definite hit this morning and this evening our standing patrols fired a Bren Magazine at a group of about 7 of the enemy in a hedgerow about 250 yds away. The enemy all went to ground but it was not possible to ascertain how many had been hit. 'A' Coy standing patrol spotted an enemy working party of about 10 men on their front and our arty put down fifty shells on to them, again it was not possible to estimate the enemy's casualties. Other than these activities it has been a quiet day and we have not been trouble by enemy mortar or arty fire.
The following officers and men have been granted immediate awards by the Comd-in-Chief. Maj M. Darrell-Brown and Maj J. Howard - DSO.
Lt A.E. Bousfield, Lt H.D. Brotheridge (deceased), Lt H.J. Sweeney, Lt C.A. Hooper, Lt R.A.A. Smith - M.C.
L/Cpl Stacy - M.M.
Of these only Maj Darrell-Brown, Major J. Howard and Lt A.E. Bousfield received their awards from General Montgomery today, the remainder are still casualties.

On this day 15th July

15/7/2016

On this day 15th July

1813 – Light Division - Engagement on the Heights of Vera.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ESTREE CAUCHIE to CAMBLAIN CHETELAIN.
To CAMBLAIN CHETELAIN.
Captain R M Owen from attachment to General Staff Headquarters, 4th Corps rejoined for duty as Second in Command.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SENLIS
Battalion in Billets.

1944 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI in action at Cahier 15th/16th July
Orders were now received for the Regt to carry out an attack on what was at first supposed to be an enemy Company position in the area CAHIER 906628 – Wood (called JUMBO) 910626 – Copse (called TINY) 912624. The Company was one of 277 Inf Div, with a large proportion of conscripted Poles and Austrians. The plan initially was for two coys of the Regt to attack first, one directed on CAHIER and the other on TINY COPSE, and for the attack on JUMBO Wood to be launched with the remaining Coys either from CAHIER or from TINY COPSE, according to the situation at the time.
During the day, additional information about the enemy was received through deserters. There were now thought to be three coys in the area, one stretching from MILL 917623 to TINY COPSE, another in the area of JUMBO WOOD and a third in CAHIER.
The plan accordingly changed and it was decided to direct one coy on the MILL in the initial assault in addition to the attacks on TINY COPSE and CAHIER, thus leaving one company in reserve for the final attack on JUMBO WOOD.
“B” Coy were ordered to carry out the attack on CAHIER, “C” Coy on TINY COPSE, and “D” Coy on the MILL with “A” Coy in reserve for the final attack on JUMBO WOOD.
The Carrier Platoon dismounted was to move to a position in the hedgerow 912616 before the attack, ready to beat down enemy fire on “C” and “D” Coys which was expected from the area between JUMBO WOOD and the road 915625.
The Regimental 3” Mortars, the MMG’s of 1MANCHESTER, the 25pdrs of 81 Fd Regt and the 3” Mortars of 1E LANCS and 2MONMOUTHS were prepared to give support fire if necessary, but the intention was that the attack should be silent and that this supporting fire should not be called for unless absolutely necessary.
2130hrs.- The Regt set out by Coys for the assembly areas for the attack at 2130 hrs, and arrived at COLLEVILLE 923651 by 2230 hrs.
Regimental HQ was established in the NW corner of the Copse 922634 by 2200hrs.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Our orders to-day have been to keep as quiet as possible and to cut out all offensive action, in order to entice the enemy into being a bit more bold and offering betters targets for our snipers, Brens and Mortars tomorrow.

On this day 14th July

14/7/2016

On this day 14th July

1857 - 52nd - took part in annihilation of Sealkote mutineers.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
1.30am – Relief by 13th Essex regiment, 6th Infantry Brigade complete.
To ESTREE CAUCHIE.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Bivouacs.
Bivouacs handed over to the 11th Bn MIDDLESEX REGT & the 1st BUCKS BN moved in motor lorries to BOUZINCOURT, marching thence to billets at SENLIS.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Last night Bde carried out a propaganda broadcast in German and Polish from the hedgerow between 'A' + 'C' Coy fwd posns. The result was most satisfactory as this morning five deserters came into 5 Para Bde's lines on our right as a direct result of hearing the broadcast. Our snipers had a good day and claim three probables. We had one or two quite lively exchanges of mortar and arty fire and hope that we silenced for good an enemy SP gun which had been harassing us. No.9 (MMG Pl) carried out harassing fire against some of the fwd enemy posts on our front between 23.00 and 2359 this evening. This was the first indirect shoot our MMGs have done and it went according to plan and we hope inflicted a number of casualties on the enemy. The enemy reacted with MG & Mortar fire which proved it had stirred him up somewhat at any rate.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – NORMANDY.
Le Quatorze Juillet was celebrated by the local inhabitants for the first time since the German occupation and the Battalion provided a guard of honour outside the church in Ouistreham. D Company provided the guard, consisting of one officer (Captain Lee) and forty soldiers. Despite the fact that they had spent most of their time so far on the beach and in slit trenches, their appearance and turnout were a great credit to the Battalion, and were much appreciated by the populace. After the service the Mayor made a speech in French and the local civilian band played the Marseillaise and the National Anthem. The latter was a little difficult to recognise owing to the fact that this was the first time the band had played together for four years. Nevertheless, the members of the band seemed well satisfied with their rendering, and in fact were so encouraged by its reception that they played it over and over again whenever there was a lull in the proceedings. This became a little embarrassing after a while, with the guard presenting arms at frequent intervals as soon as the commander recognised the tune, but he finally managed to disentangle his party and march them off during a prolonged spell of cheering.
In the afternoon the Regimental band arrived and provided us with an excellent concert in the large theatre in the centre of the town. The theatre was crammed full with civilians and military, the 52nd sending a large number of officers and men. We had been a little apprehensive about filling a place of this size with troops in view of the danger of enemy shelling, which was still active, but apart from rather a lot of external noises and explosions, caused chiefly by our own anti-aircraft replying to the Boche, no untoward incident occurred.

On this day 13th July

13/7/2016

On this day 13th July

1857 – 52nd – Actively engaged with mutineers.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
The Brigadier General went round the trenches of the Regiment. The situation in Football Crater was explained to him.
4.30pm – Received verbal order by telephone to “clear up” situation in Football Crater and later to write a report on it, which was done, timed 7.30pm but this report was withheld owing to receipt, in the meantime of further (verbal by telephone) order to carry out operation in Crater “PRIOR TO RELIEF tonight”.
9pm – Received written order to patrol crater.
10.40pm – Crater patrolled. (All details of this operation are contained in a separate file which is retained with the Regiment Office Copy of War Diary).

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Bivouacs.
Company training.
The bivouacs were shelled during the night & temporarily vacated.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
One of last night's patrols under Lt Scott attempted to find a gap in the enemy's fwd posns and recce the ground behind them, but it was found that there was only about 20 yds between the enemy posts and it was not possible to get through without being observed.
The day on the whole has been a quiet one though there has been the odd exchange of mortar and arty fire and 'C' Coy suffered one casualty.

On this day 12th July

12/7/2016

On this day 12th July

1857 - 52nd - engaged mutineers at Trimmoo Ghaut.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
11pm – A German Patrol emerged from round North side of Football Crater and bombed our wiring party in front of right picket.
We retaliated vigorously with bombs (ours are much superior now to the German Bombs) and quiet was restored and the wiring proceeded.
Information received that Lt Col Eden D.S.O. had been posted to the temporary command of the 24th Infantry Brigade.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
The Battalion was relieved early in the morning by 1/4 OXFORD & BUCKS LI & moved to bivouacs close to the BUS – BAYENCOURT & SAILLY – COIGNEUX cross roads.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Last night's patrols reported no change in the enemy's disposns on our front.
At 0655 this morning two of four ME 109s were shot down over our area while carrying out a low level machine gun attack. 'C' Coy harassing the fwd enemy posns with 2" Mortar PIAT and Bren fire. 'D' Coy snipers killed two of the enemy at 16.00 and 19.30 hrs.

On this day 11th July

11/7/2016

On this day 11th July
1857 - 52nd - marched 42 miles in 20 hours to intercept the Sealkote mutineers, weather very hot.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
5.30am – The Brigadier General went round the trenches of the Regiment.
Some hostile Trench Mortars about 6am and 11am, otherwise a quiet day.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
A quiet day.
An endeavour was made to put out wire in front of the new trench dug the previous evening.
B Coy 1st BUCKS BN provided a carrying party of 2 Platoons.
Work was hindered by hostile minenwerfer & machine gun fire.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Last night patrols did more good work in pinpointing enemy posns on our front. Enemy mortaring and shelling has been on a slight scale to-day and we only suffered one casualty. The ½ issue of bread since the start of the campaign; it was only enough for 2oz per man but it is hoped that the ration will be increased to 4oz to-morrow.

On this day 10th July

10/7/2016

On this day 10th July

1810 – Light Division - Ciudad Rodrigo capitulated

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
Quiet day.
Expected mine to go up but it didn’t.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
B du 140 drained – a new trench connecting the sapheads in front of H sector with the 1st barricade on the HEBUTERNE – SERRE road was dug.
A Coy 1st BUCKS BN provided a carrying party of 2 platoons.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Our recce patrols last night were very successful in pinpointing the enemy disposns.
At 16.30 this afternoon the 12th Para Bn put a small attack about a mile to our SOUTH with very strong arty sp. The enemy reactions were [active?] and part of his DF fire came down in the Regt's area causing us three casualties.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - NORMANDY
On the 10th July No. 6 Beach Group was dissolved officially. It had, in fact, disintegrated before this date, as its components had passed one by one to the command of higher formations. For the first time since the 5th April, 1943, Battalion headquarters was left with only the Battalion to command—a strange sensation. As the staff captain was without a group to administer Captain J. D. Bicknell was ordered to join headquarters, No. 101 Beach Sub-Area, which had formed a staff to move into Caen as soon as the town fell. He left the Battalion, with which he had served uninterruptedly since the 27th September, 1940, on the afternoon of the 10th July, 1944.

1956 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) -The Regiment arrived at Brentwood at 11.30 hrs and moved to Warley Barracks

On this day 9th July

9/7/2016

On this day 9th July

1803 - 52nd - joined Sir john Moore's Brigade at Shorncliffe camp.

1857 – 52nd - Mutiny of native troops at Sealkote – the 52nd had left this station on 20th May to join the Punjab Field Force and all its property at Sealkote was now looted or destroyed.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
8.30pm – (Sunday) Mine went up (put up by enemy) beneath Football Crater.
Our lip thereof being thereby damaged.
At 11pm the Regiment relieved 17th Royal Fusiliers.
Regimental Headquarters was established in a new place i.e REVU TERRACE SOUTH, it having been considered advisable to vacate HOLLOWAY altogether.
We had been working on this for the previous two days and very good work had been done by our Sapping Platoon under Captain Rawson.
D and C Companies were on their old places in the Right and Centre respectively.
B Company on Left and A Company in Support in Quarry.
2nd Lieutenant Bobby being required for temporary duty at Brigade Headquarters Lieutenant Harrison was brought up as Grenade Officer in his place.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
Battalion in Trenches.
Very wet and in many places flooded owing to continuous rain – Hostile artillery quiet.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Another quiet day. Our recce patrols last night confirmed further of enemy posns on our front. The mortars ranged on their D.F. tasks and carried a certain amount of counter-mortar fire. One of 'D' Coy snipers claims to have hit one of the enemy.

1956 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) -The Regiment left Osnabruck for England after a stay of almost exactly 3 years.

On this day 8th July

8/7/2016

On this day 8th July

1810 - 52nd - at Val de la Mula, near the River Coa (Portugal).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
Quiet day.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – HEBUTERNE
BUCKS BATTN relieved 1/4 OXF & BUCKS LI in G Sector –
1/4 R BERKS on left, 1/4 GLOUCESTERS on right.

1944 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI :-Operation Sally (Normandy)

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – CHATEAU ST COME.
Our patrol activity last night was on a small scale but useful infm was gained concerning some of the enemy disposns on our front as indicated by 12 DEVON. To-day has been a quiet one - though "A" Coy suffered a few casualties from enemy arty and mortar fire. Coys have spent the day making any necessary adjustments in their layout and in generally strengthening our posns. Our snipers have been getting to know the lie of the land but their fd of operations is somewhat cramped as the enemy posns are within 250 yds of our most fwd posns.

1944 - 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - NORMANDY
The patient vigil of the Battalion snipers was at last rewarded on the 8th July, when first a German officer and later a soldier were knocked off from the Point du Siege at a range of 600 yards.

On this day 7th July

7/7/2016

On this day 7th July

1815 - 52nd - entered Paris with 71st and 95th - the only British troops who entered the city - camped in the Champs Elysces.

1858 - 43rd - completed a march of 1,300 miles through Central India.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLERS-AU-BOIS
Support Battalion.
B Company at disposal of Left Battalion.
C Compnay at disposal of Right Battalion.
D Coy at Cabaret Rouge.
A Coy at Carency.
Raid by 17th Royal Fusiliers. Barrage on Regimental Headquarters and Valley in general.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COIGNEUX
Battalion in Bivouacs.
Company Training

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – BREVILLE.
At 14.00 hrs to-day the Regt handed over the defence of BREVILLE to No.4 Commando not without some feeling of regret as we had made ourselves very comfortable and had just begun to dominate effectively with our patrols and snipers "No Mans Land". After handing over we moved about ½ mile southwards and took over from our right hand neighbours the 12 DEVON in defence of the CHATEAU DE ST COME for the second time. The 12 DEVON had held this position for 17 days and were due for a few days rest in Bde res. The 1 RUR had taken over the area of the LE MESNIL X rds 140728 yesterday and are now our right hand neighbours. The take over was carried out without incident and all sub-units were in posn by 1700 hrs.