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On this day 31st August

31/8/2016

On this day 31st August

1782 – Orders issued connecting the 52nd with the county of Oxfordshire and the 43rd with Monmouthshire.

1813 - Storming of San Sebastian.

1914 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI- Retreat from Mons

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COURSELLES AU BOIS.
2nd Lieutenant M G Fielding rejoined and was reposted to A Company.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BUS
Battn in huts.
Company training & Lewis Gun course started.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOULBEC -Normandy
Orders for the return to England and Bulford were received and on the next day we set off— marching to start with, as the troop-carrying transport failed to materialize. The night of the 1st September was spent at a transit camp at Ryes and on the following day we embarked from the Mulberry harbour for home with thoughts of leave in our minds.
During the advance to the River Seine the Regiment suffered the following casualties:
Killed: 1 officer and 5 soldiers. Wounded: 42 soldiers.
The Comd Offr received orders that the Regt would proceed to a Transit Camp at RYES 8483 tomorrow where we would spend the night and embark for ENGLAND on 2 Sep 44.

On this day 30th August

30/8/2016

On this day 30th August

1812 - The Light Division engaged at the passage of the Bidassoa.

1914 – Retreat from Mons – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI-

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COURSELLES AU BOIS.
2nd Lieutenant F S Parsons joined and posted to B Company.
2nd Lieutenant C W Fitt joined and posted to C Company.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BUS
Battn in huts.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOULBEC -Normandy:-
The day has been spent in returning all non-airborne arms and equipment to Ordnance, as we have been ordered to take nothing but personal or special airborne equipment back to England.

On this day 29th August

29/8/2016

On this day 29th August

1808 - 52nd - on outpost duty near Torres Vedras (Portugal).

1812 – 52nd – Quartered at Getafe near Madrid.

1914 – Retreat from Mons – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI-

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
To Courcelles au Bois on relief by the 17th Royal Fusiliers.
1 Company (B) left at disposal of 17th Royal Fusiliers.
1 Company (D) to Elles Square and Fort Horstead.
T/Major C S Baines D.S.O. rejoined from 2/6th Royal Warwickshire Regt and assumed the duties of Senior Major.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SENLIS CROSSROADS
Battn in bivouacs.
At 6.30am the Battn marched to huts at BUS arriving there at 9.10am.
Route via HEDAUVILLE, FORCEVILLE & BERTRANCOURT.
Later in the morning the 145 Inf Bde moved to the same place.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOULBEC -Normandy:-
News has been received that the Regt will be proceeding back to ENGLAND on 2 Sep. Today has been spent issuing men with new clothing and getting them bathed and generally cleaned up. There was a slight scare that the enemy were preparing boats to cross the river to BERVILLE SUR MER from which all British tps had been withdrawn. 'A' Coy had a mobile pl ready to deal with any emergency, but nothing came of it.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
AM - Balance of 'S' Coy personnel transferred to HQ Coy. 'S' Coy books and affairs wound up. 2 - 3 tonners on loan to Airborne Div return. All our dvrs less carrier dvrs are now back with us which means a further 13 available for drafting! 'HQ' Coy now consists of Bn HQ, Sigs Pl, Adm Pl (incl Carrier and A tk remnants), Pnr Pl.
PM - Standing Orders for Bn while at PLANET issued. Definite news received of death of Capt J.A. Hope in action while serving with 7 Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Capt Hope was first offr to be drafted when 'A' Coy went complete less its HQ on 13 Aug. He was killed on 17 Aug during an advance on ST JULIAN. Full details are not available but it seems that fairly heavy casualties were suffered by 'A' Coy in the attack.

August 28th, 2016

28/8/2016

On this day 28th August

1857 - 52nd at Delhi.

1914 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Retreat from Mons

1916 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
Quieter day.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – USNA REDOUBT
Battn in gunpits.
At 6am the Battn moved to bivouacs in field just East of the BOUZINCOURT – HEDAUVILLE & SENLIS – ENGEBELMER cross roads.
(Trench Map FRANCE 57D. SE EDITION 2.B 1/20,000 V.12 C. 8.5)

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOULBEC -Normandy:-
'C' Coy patrols have been across the RIVER RISLE as far as the RIVER SEINE: no enemy were encountered although the F.F.I. reported that there are a few Germans still hiding up in the area. Units of 49 Div incl tanks have crossed the river at PONT D'AUDEMER and are completing the process of mopping up.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
0600 - 10 - 3 tonners arrive for loading. 'B' Coy leaves first at 0755 hrs then 'C' Coy 0805 hrs then 'D' Coy 0815 hrs then 'A' Coy at 0845 hrs and 'HQ' Coy at 0930 hrs.
PM - QM stores moved on second trip. Move completed by 1700 hrs.

On this day 27th August

27/8/2016

On this day 27th August

1776 - Engagement at Brook Lyne, long Island (America).

1914 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Retreat from Mons

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
2nd Lieutenant E H Vigan rejoined and reposted to D Company.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – USNA REDOUBT
Battn in gunpits.
At 12.30pm B Coy relieved D Coy in the trenches as Support Coy to 1/5 GLOSTERS
7pm attack by 1/5 GLOSTERS, 1/4 R BERKS & one Battn of the 143rd Inf Bde on German line.
All the objectives of the two former regiments were attained.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – FOULBEC -Normandy:-
A quiet day. Lt Scott and Capt Thompson (F.O.O. Lt Arty) swam across the RIVER RISLE and collected 7 PW. 'A' Coy took over the defence of the village of CONTEVILLE 6817 from one coy of the 12 DEVONS.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
At 1000 hrs on the 27th August the last draft departed.
The last parade of the Battalion, which was formed after the losses at Dunkirk, took place in a field adjoining the orchard at Plumetot, in which Battalion headquarters had been established.
Complete disbandment was the fate of many good battalions at this time in face of the urgent need for reinforcements and the Battalion was fortunate in being left a cadre from which a new battalion could be built. Moreover, the men who were about to leave were to join a famous division with the promise that they would be employed in the roles for which they had been trained. Many were the reports received during the coming months showing that the 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion was respected in the Highland division.

0900 - 6 ORs plus cook sent on to PLANET as Adv party.
1000 - Tpt for move laid on with 11 L of C in view of lack of own tpt on loan to Airborne Div.
1030 - Drafts for 51 Div depart. This draft consists of most of the old 'originals' of the Bn from pre-war Territorial days and is a very sad day for the Bn. They all go off in good heart nevertheless. Total drafts to date amount to 16 Offrs and 504 ORs.
1400 - Comds conference. Details of move given out verbally. In view of lack of tpt a shuttle service has to be run, so Bn must start early. Present available tpt amounts to 8 - 15 cwts and 10 - 3 tonners (on loan from 11 L of C).
1800 - All our 15 cwts (12 in all) return from Airborne Div.

On this day 26th August

26/8/2016

On this day 26th August

1809 – 52nd – Both battalions of the 52nd engaged the French at Ferrol.

1807 - 43rd and 52nd - engaged at Kioge, Denmark.

1809 – 52nd – 1st Bn 52nd landed in the Peninsula.

1891 – 52nd - General G. Whichcote, the last 52nd survivor of the Peninsular War and Waterloo, died, aged 97 years.

1914– 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Retreat from Mons

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
2nd Lieutenant V E Fanning joined and posted to B Company.
Casualties – 3 killed (C Company).

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – USNA REDOUBT
Battn in gunpits.
At 4pm B Coy moved up to the trenches as a support to the 1/5th GLOSTERS.
A working party of 2 officers & 100 men was provided at night for the 1/4th R BERKS.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MANNEVILLE -Normandy:-
At first light on the 26th August the 52nd moved forward to what proved to be its final objective. This was the village of Foulbec, which is on the River Risle and just short of the River Seine itself.
During the early hours of 26 Aug the remainder of the enemy withdrew and 1 R.U.R. passed through en route for BERVILLE. The Regt remained in its posn until first light 26 Aug. A full account of the battle of MANNEVILLE LA RAOULT is attached in Appx "D". At first light the advance was continued. The Regt's objective was FOULBEC 7014. 'C' Coy reached the high ground overlooking the village at 1300 hrs. As the enemy had been mortaring the village fairly heavily and the Belgian Recce Sqn, who had reached FOULBEC before us, had suffered some casualties, the Comd Offr did not order the immediate occupation of the village but ordered Coys to remain in concealed posns on the high ground until Coy Comds had had the opportunity of recceing concealed routes to their consolidation posns in and around the village. By 1900 hrs the Regt was established in its final posns. During the night enemy arty and mortar fire continued to fall in the area and MGs on fixed lines also fired from the opposite bank of the river. No casualties were incurred.
Our own casualties during the advance have been:-
KILLED:
WOUNDED & EVACUATED:
WOUNDED BUT NOT EVACUATED:
SICK & EVACUATED
TOTAL:
1 Offr and 5 O.Rs.
38 O.Rs.
4 O.Rs.
14
62

Casualties inflicted on the enemy are NOT known but the number of PW taken is estimated to be 120.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
0900 - Conference for commanders and details of drafts given out.
1 Gordons 4 Officers & 78 ORs
5 Black Watch 1 Officer Nil ORs
5/7 Gordons 0 Officers & 14 ORs
152 Inf Bde HQ 0 Officers & 3 ORs
2 Seaforths 0 Officers & 29 ORs
5 Seaforths 0 Officers & 23 ORs
5 Camerons 1 Officer & 22 ORs
Totals 6 Officers & 169 ORs
This now leaves the Bn with its minimum cadre of 9 Offrs and 72 ORs plus RMO and 32 ORs who are still available for drafting. 106 ORs and 6 Offrs are attached away and are not available for drafting at present. The balance of 32 ORs are to remain with Bn until specially called for and not to be posted to RHU. It is usual to post them to RHUs but this concession was obtained from Reforsec 2 Army.
1000 - CO visits 11 L of C to whose comd we have been delegated by L of C and is told that we are to be under 4 L of C Sub-Area and directly under 101 Beach Sub-Area, and are to move to PLANET Map ref 7886.
1400 - Major J.W. Kaye sent off to recce new area. Decided to move on Monday and get rid of surplus stores immediately. All Sp Coy stores to be handed in less cooking eqpt, and all amn less personal scale.

1947 - Information Received that the Colonel of the Regiment has laid down that Bronze gorget buttons will replace the present polished buttons worn on battledress by Officers and warrant Officers.

On this day 25th August

25/8/2016

On this day 25th August

1800 – 52nd – Both battalions of the 52nd which had left England about midsummer with a force on secret service under Sir John Pultney landed in Spain.

1857 – 52nd – engaged all day before Delhi (Indian Mutiny).

1914. - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI:- Retreat from Mons

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
2nd Lieutenant A S Holiday joined and posted to A Company.
2nd Lieutenant H Davies joined and posted to C Company.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BATTALION IN TRENCHES
The enemy relieved trench 31 – 79 across the open at about 4.45am – our Lewis guns opened fire on them & caused them about 20 casualties.
At 7am the Battn was relieved by the 1/5th GLOSTERS & returned to gunpits behind the USNA REDOUBT.

1918 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Capture of Behagnies and Sapignies villages.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MANNEVILLE -Normandy:-
The Regt spent the night 24/25 Aug in the area of GABIN 4814, out of contact with the enemy. Orders were received to continue the adv at 0615 hrs 25 Aug on the route X rds 488139 - ST PHILIBERT 5111 - LA CORRESPONDANCE 5412 - PRETREVILLE 5713 - MALBORTIE 6012.
The Regt moved off to time with 'C' Coy acting as vanguard and the mobile recce pl ahead, and passed through 1 R.U.R. at ST PHILIBERT at about 0700 hrs. 'C' Coy was ordered to seize the feature about Pt 127 5513 and establish a firm base there. This was effected without incident by 0900 hrs and 'A' Coy with the recce pl still ahead was passed through and seized PRETREVILLE again without incident.
From here 'D' Coy was passed through and seized the area X rds 595132 without opposition but while in their posn information was received at about 1130 hrs from the BELGIAN Recce Regt that they had reached the line of the rly but had had a scout car knocked out by an enemy post holding the bridge at MALBORTIE 604124.
At about the same time the Bde Comd arrived at Regtl HQ and ordered the Comd Offr to seize the crossing over the river as soon as possible.
'B' Coy (Major Edmunds) was ordered to pass through and seize the bridge and consolidate on the high ground immediately EAST of it. At the same time 'C' Coy were ordered to be prepared to carry out a right flanking attack to cross the river and seize the high ground in event of 'B' Coy being held up. 'B' Coy's attack went in at about 1330 hrs and the bridge was seized intact and some prisoners captured.
One pl of 'B' Coy succeeded in est themselves on the high ground EAST of the bridge but the left fwd pl was held up for some time by an enemy post to their left.
As a result the Comd Offr ordered 'C' Coy to carry out their right flanking attack and on arrival at their first objective to be prepared to consolidate on the right of 'B' Coy or, if the situation permitted, to push on and seize the line of the rd running North and South through MANNEVILLE LA RAOULT. 'A' Coy was shortly afterwards ordered to move fwd, clear the wooded slopes East of the river and consolidate on the ridge on the left of 'B' Coy. 'C' Coy started off on their rt flanking movement at about 1500 hrs and reached the ridge and made contact with 'B' Coy about 1700 hrs. The Coy Comd then decided to go in and make the line of the road to the East. Enemy opposition was encountered when the leading pl were still about 300 yds short of the village.
Arty fire was put down on the village of MANNEVILLE LA RAOULT and 'C' Coy succeeded in infiltrating fwd, driving out the enemy and est themselves astride the road South of the village about 630110 at about 1900 hrs. Unfortunately wireless comn broke down with 'C' Coy shortly after the attack started and it was not until 2200 hrs that their posn and the fact that they had been successful was eventually discovered.
At the same time as 'C' Coy's attack started, 'D' Coy (Major Howard) who had been moved up into the ridge on the right of 'A' Coy were ordered to infiltrate into the centre part of the village.
This movement started at 1835 hrs and was successful though stiff enemy resistance was encountered just East of the village and mopping up continued until after dark (2200 hrs). Contact between 'D' & 'C' Coy was not effected until nearly midnight.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
AM - Conference all comds. New cadre given out and all told that this is now firm. This leaves, after deduction of personnel attached away on 1 Corps duties and with Airborne Div, 6 offrs and 201 ORs.
1100 - Rep from 2 Army Reforsec arrives to get our drafting figures. Arranged that Adjt will go over to 1 Corps with this rep and sort it all out as it appears that 1 Corps are to be given first chance of our drafts, but they must be posted to Bns by 26 Aug which had been given as a deadline date by 21 Army Gp for final posting of Bucks Bn.
1400 - Adjt and rep visit DAAG 1 Corps and after 4 hrs, arrangements are made with DAAG 51 Div to absorb 6 offrs and 169 ORs in the various Bns of 51 Div in their own specialist roles. Exact details are worked out on the spot as it appears there is no time for consideration. Protests are made but with no avail. Everyone agrees once more that the whole thing is quite ridiculous and entirely unnecessary, but that the powers that be have laid it down that it will be all completed by 26th, or else they will all be posted to RHU's. This is considered to be punishment worse than death, so arrangements are made to post them direct to Bns as asked, despite short notice. It is arranged that tpt shall collect from this HQ at 1000 hrs 27 Aug 44.
1800 - CO visits 5 Kings to learn that on the same day as the 'Bucks' drafted offrs and men to 51 Div and 1/4 KOYLI, they, the 'Kings', had drafted men to 1 Bn Oxf Bucks. This despite General Montgomery's letter saying that 'all due consideration would be given to Regimental Associations'. No very encouraging.

On this day 24th August

24/8/2016

On this day 24th August

1857 – 52nd – engaged at Delhi (Indian Mutiny).

1914 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Retreat from Mons commenced;

1914 - 5th (Service) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI formed at Deepcut (Aldershot).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BATTALION IN TRENCHES
In the early morning a German prisoner belonging to the 28th IR was taken about point 19.
The day was fairly quiet.
After the successful attacks of the 7th Inf Bde in the LEIPZIG REDOUBT, German artillery shelled the front line from point 81–19–29–46 heavy with 15cm shells from 4.30 to 7.30pm
Trench 24 – 46 was caught in enfilade & badly hit in places. The damage was made good during the night.
Further attempts to gain points 31 & 79 by bombing attacks were made but were held up by enemy machine guns trained down the trenches.
A patrol left our lines & ascertained the enemy held points 31 & 79 in some strength & that a working party was at work in the trench between these points.
Our guns opened fire on this target & appeared to do good shooting.

1916 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - present at capture of Delville Wood (Somme).
1916 – 5th Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – DELVILLE WOOD
Assaulted & took German trenches in Delville Wood allotted to Battn.
Line finally established from junction with Worcester Regt. 100th Bde 33rd Div on FLERS Rd S 12.a.54. through S.12.c.99 to S.12.c.84 where 5th K.S.L.I. joined 5th K.S.L.I. holding from Inner Trench to edge of wood.
Casualties. 2nd Lt’s. BRADLEY & WESTON-WEBB Killed. Capt. CRAWFORD, Lt. FORSHAW, 2nd Lt’s CLUTSON, ROBINSON, DE PASS, & THOMAS wounded. 2nd Lt. TALBOT Missing. O.R. 39 Killed, 115 Wounded, 9 Missing.
One M.G. captured with 200 prisoners including 5 Officers, estimated enemy killed and wounded 150 – 200.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – TOURGEVILLE -Normandy:-
The 52nd was ordered forward to cross the river at Touques and D Company moved to the high ground overlooking the river. The 52nd received a particularly warm welcome in Touques.
Place: Tourgeville
At 0700 hrs a member of the F.F.I. came into Regtl HQ and said that he had got across the river TOUQUES. He stated that the Germans had pulled out early in the morning. This was further supplemented by 'D' Coy who were fwd at ST ARNOULT who stated that the local population the other side of the river at the village of TOUQUES were dancing and waving flags. Immediately the Comd Offr ordered 'D' Coy to cross the river and establish themselves on the high ground beyond taking the HONFLEUR rd as their axis of adv. The night before, the Comd Offr had ordered 'B' Coy to relieve 'D' Coy at ST ARNOULT and they duly carried out this relief before 'D' Coy crossed the river establishing themselves as a firm base. By 0800 hrs 'D' Coy had reached their objective and reported it clear, taking on route two or three prisoners who waved a white flag from a lonely farmhouse. In the meantime the Comd Offr had ordered Major A.C. Mason to take a recce party to the river to see what could be done about getting the Regt's vehs and men across. 'A' & 'C' Coys were also ordered to stand by having received orders to adv when instructed and consolidate the X rds on the crest of the high ground the other side of the river.
The river TOUQUES at LE TOUQUES is 30 ft wide with a fast running current and up to 10 ft deep. As it is also tidal considerable difficult faced Major Mason in his job of arranging the river crossing. The br was brick consisting of 3 spans and the roadway to it was the only possible approach as, on the North side the way was blocked with partially demolished houses, and on the South by an embankment which dropped down sharply to the leas running up to the river bank. The banks themselves were steep and were faced with thick slimy mud. No bridging or raft eqpt of any kind was carried so Major Mason was faced with a tricky problem. However, providence in the shape of the newly liberated population came to the rescue and the whole of the male population of the village standing around was immediately organised by him with two parties on either side of the river to pull a boat which had been found by 'D' Coy across by means of ropes attached to it. So was the problem of the personnel settled but what of the vehs? Nothing daunted at his difficult task he got the population to produce suitable timber for building a raft and soon our Pioneers and some civilians were up to their necks in water constructing a raft. Meanwhile the Comd Offr had been on the scene and appreciating that congestion had to be avoided if a quick crossing was to be effected he came back and called fwd 'A' Coy, leading them across the river by means of a difficult crossing place well to the North. 'C' Coy then commenced to cross the bridge site and in a very short time they were across. By 1000 hrs the whole of the marching personnel of the Regt were across. The Regt were given a terrific welcome in LA TOUQUES.
The usual kisses and drinks were distributed but what was more to the point to the men who had been living on compo rations since 'D' day, plates of steak and chips were produced on the far side. Despite all these distractions the Regt marched smartly through the village. An American airman reported himself to us. He had been hidden by the French for two months after being shot down and had been bombed out of 3 houses in that time. Meanwhile Major M. Darrell Brown, DSO, and Capt J.M.A. Tillett were organising the crossing of the vehs and they soon had soldiers of 'H' Coy and civilians working like fury constructing approaches to the raft. This was a most inspiring sight. The men were as keen as mustard and by 1130 hrs the first veh was rafted across. By this time the marching Coys had reached and consolidated their objectives and 'B' Coy were ordered fwd with Regtl HQ. The whole operation was a real trial of patience and the tension was much relieved by the sight of the Comd Offr being driven up the hill in a farmer's cart with the two wireless sets on it and by 1200 hrs the Regt less tpt was intact on the high ground above the river and ready to carry out further orders. The rafting parties worked steadily throughout the day bringing across essential vehs with only one mishap, a jeep falling in the river, but that was only a detail in a harassing day.
We were favoured by a visit from the G.O.C. 1st Corps, Lieut.Gen. Crocker, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C. and the G.O.C. 6th Airborne Division, Major. General Gale, D.S.O., O.B.E., M.C. who seemed impressed by the Regt's efforts to affect a speedy crossing of what could have easily been a serious obstacle.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
0900 - Conference of all comds and proposed minimum cadre given out.
1000 - C.O. goes to L of C to clear posn re stores. Adjt goes to 1 Corps who do still not know that we are no longer under their command, and arranged for certain personnel who are attached to Corps Reception Camp to be released the following day.
1400 - CO on return from L of C announces we have been given the wrong cadre and we should be working on a cadre of 9 offrs and 72 ORs incl all Coy Comds and QM but no Sp Coy at all.

On this day 23rd August

23/8/2016

On this day 23rd August

1793 - 52nd - present at the capture of Pondicherry (India).

1914 - Battle of Mons; 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI present.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
2nd Lieutenant K Peploe rejoined from duty at the Base.
55th Reinforcement – 23 Other ranks joined.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OVILLERS POST
Battn in reserve trenches.
At 9.15am the Battn moved up into the line & took over trenches from the 1/6th GLOSTERS. The 1/4 OXFORD & BUCKS LI were on the right & the 3rd Battn WORCESTERS on the left.
BATTN IN TRENCHES (O.G.1.) 81.R.31.DE M03.X.8.A
At 4.30pm A & C Coys of the 1st BUCKS BATTN attacked the enemy’s front line at Points 33, 21 & 79. A Coy attacked the trench between Points 33 & 31 (both inclusive), C Coy from PT 31 to 79.
A preliminary bombardment was carried out by our heavy guns & Stokes Mortars & from 3pm – 3.5pm our field guns placed a barrage on the objective.
The attacking Companies attacked in two waves but were unable to attain their objective owing to a heavy barrage of hostile field guns & machine guns.
A slight advance was made towards point 31 along the trench 19-31 & most of trench 27-79 was occupied, a bomb stop being erected about 70 yards west of point 79.
Casualties were heavy:
Killed
2nd LIEUT E.G.H BATES.
2nd LIEUT W.R.HEATH.
OR 24

Wounded
2nd LIEUT M. BOWEN.
2nd LIEUT H.M.BRETON (7TH BN MANCHESTER REGT ATTACHED 1ST BUCKS BN)
OR 61

Missing
OR 14

D Coy 1/5 GLOSTERS moved into trenches in support of 1ST BUCKS BN.
Repeated efforts were made to capture point 31 & 79 by bombing attacks but they could not be pushed home.
During the night a new trench was commenced joining up the bomb stops in trenches 27-79 & 79-76, the 1/4 OXF & BUCLS LI cooperating on the right.
A patrol was sent out from trench 19-81 to investigate point 33.

1918 - Battle of Albert; 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI present.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – LE PT CASTEL - Normandy:-
1 R.U.R. had no success in their attempts to cross the river during the night, and the Regt was ordered to move fwd to TOURGEVILLE and 'D' Coy were sent fwd to occupy the high ground overlooking the river at ST. ARNOULT while the 1 R.U.R. moved further South. 'D' Coy suffered a few casualties from enemy arty and mortar fire during the day but our own arty returned the fire with interest and succeeded in silencing two of the hostile btys.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
AM - CO and Adjt visit 5 Kings at LION SUR MER who are in the same state of suspended animation as ourselves. They still know nothing.
PM - CO and Adjt visit 101 Beach Sub-Area to see if they know anything. Comd 101 Beach Sub-Area accompanies CO and Adjt to HQ L of C where 'A' branch assume that we have been under comd L of C since 1200 hrs 22 Aug. They also state that we are to have a minimum cadre and after a lot of humming and hawing the infm is dragged from them that eventually we are to receive new intakes of 'bomb happy' gentlemen and recruits from England to train as a future garrison. It was particularly stressed that this was still unofficial as 'officially' we must not be told anything. This statement produced a certain amount of righteous indignation from the Comd Offr who asked how we were to know who to retain on the cadre if we did not know our future role. Everyone said they couldn't agree more but 21 Army Gp had apparently decreed that we were to be kept completely in the dark, so that was that. Highly unsatisfactory. Visited Reforsec and were shown the cadre consisting of 16 Offrs and 136 ORs. This stated that coy comds must go and the QM but we retained a skeleton Support Coy. Reforsec said that these men were urgently required and would be posted almost immediately, once we let them know our draft availability state. The posn regarding stores and vehs was still not cleared up.

August 22nd, 2016

22/8/2016

On this day 22nd August

1790 – 52nd – Present at the assault of Paulighautcherry (India).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
Commanding Officer, Company Commanders and Adjutant reconnoitered trenches of Left Battalion.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OVILLERS POST
Battn in reserve trenches.

1917 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI and 2/1st Bucks Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI heavily engaged in fighting before Ypres (Third Ypres).

1927 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – (India)- Khaki Field Service Caps ordered to be replaced by all ranks with those of dark Green colour as the former become unserviceable, the small bugle (shoulder bugle size of whitemetal) to be worn with the latter.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – HEULAND - Normandy:-
Next morning the adv towards VAUVILLE was continued with the Regt in the lead, 'D' Coy acting as adv guard. About midday a member of the F.F.I. came cycling down the road with the news that the enemy had withdrawn to the other side of the river TOUQUES. The Comd Offr sent fwd two BB patrols to confirm this infm. The Int Offr went fwd into DEAUVILLE and confirmed that the bridge across the river had been blown and that the enemy were holding the East bank in some strength. Lieut Bousfield brought back similar infm about the bridge at TOUQUES 8410. The Regt then received orders to consolidate astride the road at LE PT CASTEL while 1 R.U.R. passed through with the object of trying to get across the river during the night.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
Comd Offr visits Airborne Div. No chance of Mortar or Carrier Pl being used. Airborne want to retain the vehs as long as possible. Still no news. Normal routine. LO goes to 1 Corps - no news.

On this day 21st August

21/8/2016

On this day 21st August

1790 – 52nd – engaged in the assault on Dindigul (India).

1808 - Battle of Vimiera (Peninsula)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
Quiet Day.
All classes of Instruction in progress.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BOUZINCOURT
Battn in billets.
At 4.30 the Battn marched to trenches at OVILLERS POST via AVELUY about X.7.C & was placed at the disposal of the GOC 144th Inf Bde for offensive purposes.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – ST RICHER - Normandy:-
Start of the Advance to the River Seine.(Operation Paddle)
At 0300 hrs the Regt moved off behind the 12 DEVONS to relieve 1 SS Bde who were cut off from the rest of the Div on the hills East of BRUCOURT. No communication with 1 SS Bde was possible as the only road leading to them was under heavy mortar fire from enemy posns on the hills EAST and WEST of them. Wireless comn had also broken down. This made the operation rather a hazardous one as not only was it impossible to let 1 SS Bde know that we were coming but there was also only one line of approach and no recce of the route was possible. Despite the difficulties including an extremely dark and wet night the operation was carried out successfully and at 1000 hrs the pursuit of the enemy Eastwards towards the R. Seine continued with 12 Devons leading. Progress was rather slow but by the evening after mopping up minor resistance and capturing a few prisoners, the Regt consolidated astride the road PERIERS ON AUGE - VAUVILLE 2978 just North of the village of HEULAND.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
0900 - In view of weather coys move their men into buildings together with stores. Amendments 2, 3 and 4 finally received from O2E as special favour. No further news of future.

On this day 20th August

20/8/2016

On this day 20th August

1884 - 52nd - arrived at Gibraltar on its 3rd visit.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
Quiet Day.
All classes of Instruction in progress.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BOUZINCOURT
Battn in billets & huts

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – GONNEVILLE & MERVILLE.
The Regt was ordered to concentrate at ST RICHER 2069, this was completed by 2130 hrs.
At 2300 hrs the Comd Offr received orders to stand by to move.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
0930 - CO and QM go to 1 Corps. On way over are met by agitated off from Airborne who states that General Gale urgently wants to see them. Arrive at HQ Airborne to find that they want all our tpt and carriers for load carrying. CO explains it cannot be done as we have just had another order to hand them all in. CO and QM proceed to 1 Corps, see DDOS and it is there arranged that stores need only be handed in as and when we like and if we like. The following infm is also obtained (i) Our future is likely to be garrison duties (ii) 21 Army Gp are now preparing a minimum cadre for the Bn - nos not yet specified (iii) There will be no further drafts till our future is settled, and the minimum cadre agreed (iv) We will remain in present location until further notice.
1500 - Lt Col Gore, G1 Ops 21 Army Gp arrived to enquire if we had yet withdrawn all our men from Airborne Div. Explained that they had been withdrawn a week ago and since sent on draft. 21 Army Gp it appears knew nothing of this and were extremely surprised as we are apparently directly under 21 Army Gp and not 1 Corps. He hinted that we might be returned to OUISTREHAM in our original role of guarding the docks and that we would become a garrison unit later.
2300 - Started to rain hard and continued raining throughout the night. Enemy AC overhead. AA opened up - no bombs in our area.

1956 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd) - arrived in Cyprus.

On this day 19th August

19/8/2016

On this day 19th August

1808 - 2nd Bn.43rd and 2nd Bn. 52nd landed in Portugal.

1897 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Moved to Curragh

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
5th Infantry Brigade relieved 3rd Guards Brigade in Beaumont Section.
The regiment moved into Brigade Reserve relieving 1/Grenadier Guards in new billets in Bus-Les-Artois.

1915– 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – SAILLY
Working Parties on Communication Trench LARREY
1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – USNA REDOUBT
At 8am the Battn moved into the gunpits behind the USNA REDOUBT on the 1/4 OXF & BUCKS LI leaving.
Battn HQ was in the USNA REDOUBT.
At about 3pm the Battn was relieved by the 1/6 GLOSTERS & marched to BOUZINCOURT. A & B Coys were in huts, C & D in billets.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – GONNEVILLE & MERVILLE.
We were ordered to send a detachment consisting of two Coy gps under comd Major M. Darrell Brown, D.S.O. to take over from 3 Commando at VARAVILLE. This was accomplished without incident.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
1000 - Lt D.J.D. Defriez attached to 1 Corps as L.O. (semi-permanent).
1100 - Lt Col Boehm goes to HQ Airborne to try and sort out the tpt question - can get no real satisfaction.
General Gale, Comd 6 Airborne Div officially applies to 1 Corps to use our Mortar Pl and Carrier Pl complete in an operational role.
1300 - OC Mortar Pl and Carrier Pl warned accordingly to stand by.
1500 - Offr from GSD 1 Corps arrived to say we were to supply 10 - 3 tonners and 3 - 15 cwts to 7 Armd Div at once. Explained that all our 3 tonners were with Airborne which caused some surprise. GSD branch did not seem to be quite in the picture and are the odd lap or so behind. Agreed to send 2 - 3 tonners and 3 - 15 cwts immediately, and GSD said he would arrange for the return of our remaining 3 - tonners from Airborne.
1910 - Further visit by Col Boehm to HQ Airborne. AQMG promised to get 3 - tonners back. Still no news as to our future role.
2000 - Further message received from DDOS 1 Corps saying all eqpt and all vehs less 10 to be handed in. This is becoming quite a habit now, but we still have not handed anything in!

On this day 18th August

18/8/2016

On this day 18th August

1821 – 43rd and 52nd – reviewed by King George IV in Dublin.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – CANDAS to BUS-LES-ARTOIS.
By march route to Bus-Les-Artois.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BOUZINCOURT – ALBERT LINE
Battn in bivouacs.
At 9.4pm the Battn marched to the gunpits West of the USNA REDOUBT & bivouaced in the open.

1916 - 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI at capture of Horseshoe Hill (Macedonia),
1916 – 7th (Service) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - HORSESHOE HILL, DOLDZELI RIDGE
(1) The Battalion arrived at the entrance to HORSESHOE HILL at about 2215 Hours 17th August. Telephones and wire were got out as quickly as possible. One Platoon of A coy with Telephone was sent out to C1 and one Platoon of B Coy was sent to C3 (up to the boundary mark) up to this time our movements had not been noticed by the enemy. Reconnoitring patrols were immediately sent out by these Platoons, three from C3 were met with Rifle and Machine Gun fire and Very Lights almost immediately, the patrol from C1 was fired on apparently from C2 as soon as they drew near to that position, the Very lights sent up exposed to view the whole attacking force.
(2) The patrols being driven back to the Platoons on C1 & C3 were reinforced by one Platoon respectively and were ordered to push on to their objectives. We were then subjected to considerable amount of shellfire cutting the Telephone wires. A message was received by runner from C3 saying that the trenches of C3 had been captured but the Platoon was held up by fire from C2 and the enemy appeared to be working round our right and left flanks. At this time the French on our right flank opened fire all along their own front. Two more Platoons with Machine Guns from Machine Gun Coy were immediately sent forward to protect our Right flank, B Coy (C3) being reinforced pushed on and arrived within 50x of C2, during this advance our casualties were very heavy. The Coy Commander Capt. Simpson and two other Officer’s being wounded. Artillery assistance was asked for. and given at 0115 to 0130 Hours. The Telephone wire connecting A Coy was also cut by shellfire at this time but a runner brought a message to the effect that they had attacked C2 and had been driven back with some casualties. The assault having been delayed owing to the difficulties in communications. The Artillery were again asked to give assistance. Three Platoons of the 3rd Coy were ordered to advance to the centre of the HORSESHOE, DUE south of C2, to cooperate in the General Attack the Platoons on C3 & C1 then rushed forward and although exposed to heavy fire Bayoneted the enemy in the trenches. The position having been captured tools were carried up immediately, also Machine Guns and RE with materials to consolidate the position. About 0400 Hours one Coy (provisionally sent out as a carrying party) was sent back to Bivouacs they having no rations or water and not considered necessary. Information was sent to the Commandant 54 Reg. (French) informing him that the HORSESHOE was in our possession and asking him for any information of any movements that might take place in his sector. The Battalion was subjected to very heavy shellfire by Guns of various calibres up to 0430 causing some casualties – 25 Officers wounded – O/R 6 killed & 54 wounded.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – GONNEVILLE & MERVILLE.
The Regt spent a quiet day resting and were very little trouble by enemy arty fire - the enemy mortars were just out of range. 'B' Coy were sent to occupy a posn on the coast road to CABOURG where they suffered some casualties from 'S' mines and arty fire but they were later withdrawn.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
The drafting process continued on the 18th with drafts for the lst/4th King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and the 5th Seaforth Highlanders from B and C Companies.
0700 - 6 Airborne Div rep arrived to loan tpt urgently required to move tps forward in view of German rapid withdrawal on their front past TROARN.
0830 - 10 - 3 tonners and 10 - 15 cwts despatched to Airborne Div.
1000 - 'B' and 'C' Coys find the drafts ordered - 2 Pls.
'B' Coy with Lt E.S. Collins and Lt R.S. Carley-Pocook - 1 Pl 'C' Coy with A/Capt R.D. Moore.
The offr for 7 D.W.R. to be Capt J.C. Fox (Sp Coy Comd). 'B' Coy draft go off in good spirits.
1300 - 'C' Coy draft and Capt Fox go off also in good spirits.
Total numbers drafted to date 10 Offrs and 335 ORs.
Bn is now left with Specialists Offrs only plus 4 Coy Comds and 1 2IC Rifle Coy, and specialist ORs plus 1 Pl 'B' Coy.
Visit from DAAG 1 Corps. Policy seems to be to draft specialist offrs in specialist jobs only and not to post them as rifle pl comds etc.
1400 - Adv party sent to GRENTHEVILLE - 1 Offr and 6 ORs to prepare ground for proposed move forward of Bn.
2200 - DAQMG 6 Airborne Div arrived to say our tpt which we lent this morning has now become so involved that it will be quite impossible to extricate it for several days. Also states that 1 Corps have stated that they can keep the tpt as we have to hand in all our tpt and eqpt anyway.
1700 - QM sees ADOS about handing in eqpt as per instrs. Told that it is not required to be handed in. No-one really seems to know what is happening!

On this day 17th August

17/8/2016

On this day 17th August

1790 - 52nd - took part in the siege of Dindigul (India).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MONTONVILLERS to CANDAS.
By march route to Candas.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BOUZINCOURT – ALBERT LINE
Battn in bivouacs.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
During the night 'B' Coy patrols reported that the enemy had withdrawn from STICKIES CORNER which they accordingly occupied. At 0500 hrs 'A' Coy sent a fighting patrol to TRIANGLE WOOD which was found to be clear of the enemy. The patrol then continued in accordance with orders to the rd junc at BENEAUVILLE. Here a party of about 20 Germans was seen and shot up. At 0800 hrs 'C' Coy advanced down the VARAVILLE rd towards BENEAUVILLE CHATEAU, while the R.E. cleared the rd of mines so that the tpt could get through. By 0930 hrs the rd was clear and the main body of the Regt advanced. By 1000 hrs 'C' Coy had reached and consolidated around BENEAUVILLE CHATEAU. The Comd Offr then ordered them to move on to LES COINS 162753, leaving one pl at the rd junc at 164748 to act as right flank protection as the axis of the advance swung NORTHWARDS. This pl was later relieved by 'D' Coy who pushed out patrols towards VARAVILLE. One patrol was fired on by an enemy post and lost 2 N.C.Os as a result. The enemy post was, however, fairly quickly dislodged and the remainder of the Regt passed through 'D' Coy having suffered a few casualties from shellfire in the neighbourhood of BENEAUVILLE CHATEAU.
Meanwhile we were informed that the 12 DEVONS had met opposition astride the road about one mile N.E. of LONGUEMARE X rds and were going to put in an attack against them with arty sp at 1300 hrs. The Comd Offr ordered 'C' Coy to push on to GONNEVILLE SUR MERVILLE with all speed and to cut off any of the enemy driven back by the 12 DEVONS. It appears however that the enemy withdrew before the DEVON's attack went in, as no enemy came back through 'C' Coy.
'B' Coy were then ordered to advance down the rd towards DESCANVILLE and during the course of the advance the leading pl was fired on by a couple of enemy snipers whom they attacked and drove out, suffering one casualty in the process.
'B' Coy was ordered to consolidate on the Southern edge of the village and 'A' and 'D' Coys were ordered to carry out a two coy attack sp by arty and mortars to capture DESCANVILLE.
This attack took place at 1700 hrs but the fire sp was cancelled at the last minute as the leading pl of 'B' Coy had managed to get into the village.
'A' and 'D' Coys reached their objective without opposition by 1730 hrs. The Regt then consolidated with 'C' & 'D' Coys at GONNEVILLE and 'A' & 'B' Coys at DESCANVILLE; Regtl HQ was established in the coastal bty posn which had been attacked by the 9th Para Bn on 'D' Day. The whole are between GONNEVILLE and DESCANVILLE is pitted with bomb craters caused by the R.A.F. attempts to knock out the bty posn prior to 'D' Day.
1 R.U.R. then passed through the Regt en route for CABOURG.
A good many mines were encountered during the days adv, the R.E. party with the leading coy picking up over 100, no casualties to personnel or vehs were incurred through mines.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
AM - Cleaning up and settling in. Coy stores being prepared for handing in.

1800 - Further draft ordered, 1 offr and one Pl to 1/4 KOYLI (49 Div) 2 offrs and 2 Pls to 5 Seaforths (51 Div) and 1 offr and batman to 7 D.W.R. (49 Div) 'B' and 'C' Coys warned.

On this day 16th August

16/8/2016

On this day 16th August

1807 – 52nd – 2nd Bn 52nd with the troops under General harry Burrard, landed about 8 miles from Copenhagen (Denmark).

1884 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – Sailed from Queenstown (Ireland) on H.M.T Orontes on route to Gibraltar (arrived 20th August).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – AILLY-SUR-SOMME. to MONTONVILLERS.
By march route to Montonvillers.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES NW OF POZIERES
At 12.30am after 1/4hr bombardment by our guns A Coy under CAPT N.S, REID DSO attempted a bombing attack on Points 78, 59 & 48 starting from Point 99. Shortage of bombs prevented the attack being successful.
At about midnight the line of posts of B Coy were withdrawn into the trench as the bombardment of 6TH AVENUE had by that time ceased.
In the early hours of the morning a patrol was sent along 6TH AVENUE as far as the POZIERES – THIEPVAL road & then turned & came down the road toward POZIERES but failed to find any troops with whom to get in touch.
Accordingly 2 platoons of B Coy were withdrawn into 5TH AVENUE & the other 2 platoons held Points 99 & 14.
From 6am onward the situations was quite quiet.
At 11am the Battn was relieved by the 1/4 OX & BUCKS LI.
The casualties as a result of these operations were
Officers Wounded
LT F D EARL.
2LT D FALLON
CAPT V C HEATHCOTE-HACKER.
2LT F C DIXON (7TH BATTN MANCHESTER REGT ATTD 1ST BUCKS BN)
OR Killed 15
Wounded 159
Missing 23
On relief the Battn marched to the BOUZINCOURT – ALBERT line in W.21.a

1917 - Battle of Langemarck (Third Ypres)- 1/4th Bn, 1/1st Bucks, and 6th Bns Oxf & Bucks LI actively engaged; 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI also present.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
Bde reported that there was a strong possibility that the enemy might be withdrawing and that we were to carry out active patrolling and be prepared to follow them up. The Comd Offr returned from the Div Battle Drill School as Ouistreham and reassumed comd of the Regt.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
The draft went off in high spirits in transport supplied once again by the 51st Division, quite unperturbed by the drenching they had received the previous night. Although watching one's own battalion being drafted away can never be a pleasant sight, it was most heartening to see the excellent spirits and bearing of the men—now, alas, stripped of the familiar red and black chevrons and badges. The 51st Division were undoubtedly receiving a first-class reinforcement.
AM - Informed by 1 Corps that we are to be allowed to retain minimum cadre of 5 offrs and 100 ORs.
1100 - Draft goes off in good spirits to 1st Bn Black Watch Regt.
1400 - Conference of Coy Comds etc to discuss minimum cadre.
1500 - Informed by 1 Corps that we are to be allowed to retain 12 vehs and adm eqpt only, remainder to be handed in. Minimum cadre statistics issued to all coys.
PM - Major H.H.H. Boehm officially appointed A/Lt Col in command of Bn w.e.f. 4 Aug 44, ie date of casualty of Lt Col E.A. Carse.

On this day 15th August

15/8/2016

On this day 15th August

1884 - 52nd - left Ireland for Gibraltar.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – AILLY-SUR-SOMME.
Quiet day.
Bathing.
Divisional Conference.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES NW OF POZIERES
By about 5am 6TH AVENUE was held from Point 21 (R.33A) to PT88 (X2.B)
At about 8am A Coy were sent back to rest just W of the entrance to OVILLERS & C & D Coys took over the line.
About 11.30am the Germans opened heavy shell fire on the right of 5TH AVENUE & about mid day they started systematically flattening 6TH AVENUE starting from the right & working down the trench. Very heavy shells were employed & trench mortars & a minenwerfer from the direction of MOUQUET FARM enfiladed the trench. The heavies opened on the latter & momentarily eased the situation. Owing to the extremely heavy shelling it was found necessary to withdraw from 6TH AVENUE & hold the head of the right & left communicators. This bombardment was kept up practically without cessation until about 10pm.
At about 8pm B Coy took over the front line & established a line of posts 100 yards outside 6TH AVENUE: D Coy & 2 platoons of C were withdrawn into 5TH AVENUE & the other 2 platoons of C were posted around PT 11 in 3RD AVENUE.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
'B' Coy returned to their posns in the WOOD 140737 this morning, relieving the Dutch Coy who had been ordered to take over another Coy area further North.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (Normandy):-
By 1800 hrs the whole Battalion had been transported to the new position, which was actually just outside Cresserons in a small village called Plumetot, which had figured in the original first key plan of the beach maintenance area.
Just before the headquarters were closed down at Ouistreham a telephone call was received from I Corps saying we were expected to provide a further draft of eight officers and one hundred other ranks for the 1st Black Watch by 1900 hrs. that night. Without soliciting anyone’s advice the adjutant stated that it could not be done, as the Battalion was on the move, but guaranteed to have the draft ready by 1100 hrs. the following day, the 16th August. This was agreed.

0800 - Arrangements made with 6 Airborne Div to withdraw 'B' Coy, Carrier Pl, & A tk Pl from line in view of move. QM sent to recce new area.
1600 - Bn moves by Coys to new location.
1615 - Warned by 1 Corps that we are expected to find further draft of 8 offrs and 100 ORs by 1900 hrs tonight. Reply quite impossible in view of move. Finally arranged that draft will be ready by 1100 hrs 16 Aug 44.
1800 - Settling in at new area in orchard and fields.
1900 - Conference of Coy Comds. Decided that draft to be found from 'C' Coy (2 Pls) and 'D' Coy (1 Pl). Offr question still in abeyance.
1905 - 1 Corps state only 3 offrs now required - all subalterns.
1910 - Offrs selected, 2/Lt R.C.B.M. Viney, Lt D.A. Chatham, Lt J.C. Soulsby. This now cleans out 'D' Coy and posn is 'A' and 'D' Coys - HQs only, 'C' Coy - 1 Pl and HQ, 'B' Coy still complete.
PM - Lt R.D. Moore promoted A/Capt in lieu of Capt Hope posted with previous draft. Thunderstorm and heavy rain starts - continues to approx 2300 hrs. All bivouacs etc flooded. Morale low!

1963 – 1st Green Jackets 43rd & 52nd – Disembarked to Sarawak & Brunei.(2nd tour)

On this day 14th August

14/8/2016

On this day 14th August

1857 – 52nd – took part in Siege of Delhi (Indian Mutiny).

1914 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI disembarked at Boulogne.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – AILLY-SUR-SOMME.
54th Reinforcement – 16 Other ranks joined.
6.20AM – Move completed. The regiment in very comfortable billets.
Bathing parades.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – USNA REDOUBT
Battn in gunpits.
At 3am C & D Coys moved up to the old German front line in X.8.C & were placed under the orders of the O/C 1/4th R BERKS, while 2 companies of that regiment were engaged in mounting a counter attack of 6TH AVENUE which had been lost during the night.
TRENCHES NW OF POZIERES
At 12noon the Bn moved up to this line & took over trenches from the 1/4th OX & BUCKS LI.
A Coy took over 5TH AVENUE, B Coy 3RD AVENUE from post 11 eastward & part of 8TH STREET: 2 platoons of C Coy were placed in 3RD AVENUE close to Bn HQ (PT 47): 2 platoons of C Coy & the whole of D Coy were kept in Reserve in OVILLERS until night when they were brought up into the line-
Shortly after 10pm 2 bombing sections & 1 platoon of C Coy under 2LT D FALLON worked up the right hand communicator between 5TH & 6TH AVENUEs in R.38C & succeeded in gaining 6TH AVENUE without opposition, they then worked outward & eventually got into touch with the ANZACS on the right: 2nd LT J F ARNOTT with one platoon of D Coy was sent up to follow on reaching point 14 in 6TH AVENUE worked S.W. & got into touch with A Coy on the left.
A Coy at about 10pm sent 2 bombing sections up the left communicator between 5TH & 6TH AVENUEs & on reaching 6TH AVENUE without opposition worked outwards.
A bombing stop was erected at X.2.B.88.
(6TH AVENUE was subsequently renamed “SKYKINE TRENCH”)

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
No.8 (MMG) Pl carried out an indirect fire shoot on to suspected enemy res posns and rest areas. The enemy reacted by mortaring the Dutchmen on our left. The Mortar Pl put down harassing fire on to the enemy rear areas as well as the usual Bde counter-mortar concs.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OUISTREHAM -Normandy
AM - Normal routine. No infm can be obtained as to the likelihood of further drafts in the near future. 'A' Coy move in with 'D' Coy.
PM - Shelling commences again. No damage or casualties. Mortar bomb causes damage in Carrier Pl area. Landed close to 2IC Pl and 2 Sjts. One Sjt (L/S Smith R.) committed to hospital, other two minor wounds, remain with Bn on duty.
2350 - Notified by 1 Corps that Bn is to move to CRESSERONS Map ref 042793.

On this day 13th August

13/8/2016

On this day 13th August

1762 - 43rd - at the capture of Havannah.

1858 – 43rd – engaged at Chitrakote (Indian Mutiny).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLE SUR ANCRE.
By March Route to MERICOURT L’ABBE thence by rail to SALEUX and thence by march route via SAVEUSE to AILLY-SUR-SOMME.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BOUZINCOURT
Battn in bivouacs. –
At 6am the Bn marched from the bivouacs & took over from the 5th Bn R BERKS a line of gun pits to the west of USNA REDOUBT about halfway between ALBERT & OVILLERS LA BOISELLE.
A & B companies bivouaced there, C & D moved up to OVILLERS LA BOISELLE but have subsequently withdrawn owing to lack of accommodation.
Map OVILLERS 57D SE 4 (edition 2B)

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
Enemy mortars and arty less active.
R.A.P. moved to same building as 45 RM Commando R.A.P. at 133725.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OUISTREHAM -Normandy
0030 - Conference held. Decided that 'A' Coy should go complete less Coy HQ and Coy Comd. Allowing for halt and sick etc 'A' Coy could muster 90 bodies. Balance of 60 accordingly provided by 2 Pls (complete) of 'D' Coy. Offrs were to be Capt Hope, Lt Hands of 'A' Coy, and as there are no subalterns as present in 'D' Coy, Lt Shilling from 'C' Coy was chosen.
0100 - 1 Corps phoned to say must be ready by 1400 hrs and NOT 1000 hrs.
0130 -Airborne agreed that guards supplied by 'A' and 'D' Coys on bridges shall be abandoned at dawn.
0600 - Bridge guards dismounted.
0700 - Bn tpt lifted 'A' and 'D' Coys back to original billets.
0900 - Comd Offr saw 1 Corps to try and obtain future policy regarding drafting and our operational role here. Nothing concrete available.
1400 - Draft leaves. On the whole men in excellent spirits knowing that they are going to 51st Div. The men have known for some time that we were likely to supply drafts so this was not altogether unexpected.
1500 - Lt Dunkley finally posted to CMP. No 241 HQ Pro Coy (5 Beach Gp).
Conference Coy Comds. All Coy comds told of present posn and Bn policy as far as known. Decided to eliminate Coy by Coy where possible rather than Pls from each Coy.

On this day 12th August

12/8/2016

On this day 12th August

1847 - 52nd - landed at Portsmouth after 11 years foreign service.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – VILLE SUR ANCRE.
Brigade conference.
Quiet day.
53rd reinforcement – 1 Serjeant and 38 Other ranks joined.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BOUZINCOURT
Battn in Bivouacs

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
'B' Coy were relieved by a "Coy Gp" of the Royal Netherlands Bde and went into Bn res just West of R.H.Q. 'A' and 'D' Coys changed over Coy areas. Enemy mortars and arty more active than usual, obtaining direct hits on buildings occupied by R.H.Q. 'A' and 'H' Coy HQs. Eight casualties incurred during the day.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OUISTREHAM -Normandy
Rev Duplock Padre (C of E) to local AA unit is ministering to Bn in place of Rev Dix.
AM - Shelling on docks.
PM - Normal routine.
2230 - Advised by 1 Corps that the Bn has to supply draft of 3 officers (incl 1 Capt) 150 ORs to 7 Argylles tomorrow morning at 1000 hrs. The blow, long awaited, has therefore at last fallen.
Comd Offr decided, in view of operational commitments (ie 'B' 'C' and 'S' Coys in line) to draft from 'A' and 'D' Coys.
6 Airborne Div confirmed that this must be as others could not be released in time.
Conference 'A' and 'D' Coy Comds called for 0030 hrs.

On this day 11th August

11/8/2016

On this day 11th August

1804 - William Napier joined the 43rd as Captain, from 52nd.

1812 – Light Division – arrived at the Escurial, near Madrid and halted in the park.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – E.18.d..
Marched to Ville Sur Ancre (Ville Sous Corbie) and found the 5th (Service) Battalion of the Regiment at BUIRE.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – VARENNES
Battn in bivouacs.
At 7.45am the 145 Inf Bde marched to BOUZINCOURT to huts.
At 3pm the BUCKS BATTN was moved to bivouac in fields just East of the BOUZINCOURT – HEDAUVILLE & SENLIS – ENGLEBELMER cross roads to avoid shelling. (Trench map FRANCE 57D.SE – V.12.C.8.5)

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
Enemy mortar and arty activity as usual.
'B' Coy snipers dug up and brought back an 'S' mine just outside an enemy post without being observed.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OUISTREHAM -Normandy
AM - Normal routine.
1230 - Enemy plane crashed on a house behind 'S' Coy lines, occupied by Airborne rest camp. Burst into flames and the house was soon one mass of flaming rubble. Everyone lent a hand but despite fire brigades and ambulances which arrived on the spot quickly a total of 17 persons were killed in the house and a further 10 injured. Bombing and shelling during the afternoon. One shell landed in 'A' Coy old HQ in the town and one in the Square near to the queue of soldiers waiting for the NAAFI mobile van. No-one was occupying ('A' Coy HQ at the time but Pte Higgins, one of Bn snipers was wounded by shrapnel in the hand and on removal to hospital had to have two fingers off.
PM - L/C Teagle (A tk Pl) hit by mortar bomb near Pl HQ. Removed to hospital and subsequently had to have left arm off.

On this day 10th August

10/8/2016

On this day 10th August

1804 – 43rd - 2nd Bn, 43rd raised.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – E.18.d.
The Brigade moved to the Sandpit Area in Bivouac.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battn in billets.
At 5am the 145 Inf Bde moved to VARENNES. BUCKS BN leading –
Battn in Bivouacs

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
Lt. D.B. Fox was wounded this morning while out on a recce patrol. One member of the patrol stepped on an 'S' mine just outside an enemy post, killing himself and wounding Lt. Fox and the other member of the patrol. Enemy mortars and arty active between 1200 hrs and 2100 hrs, otherwise an uneventful day.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OUISTREHAM -Normandy
0210 - FCP reports that two black objects out to sea north of harbour.
0220 - Black objects on being fired upon turned and made off seawards.
0230 - Two more rockets fired, aimed at area of FCP where Bofors was firing. No damage.
0500 - Our own arty fired spasmodically throughout the night.
PM - Normal routine.
1950 - 'D' Coy returned to normal location in res area at OUISTREHAM. Take over YORK BRIDGES over R ORNE.

1956 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI (43rd & 52nd)
The Regiment sailed from Southampton in H.M.T. Dilwara bound for Cyprus in company with the Suffolk Regiment.

On this day 9th August

9/8/2016

On this day 9th August

1817 - 43rd (in brigade with 7th and 23rd) reviewed by the Duke of Wellington at Valencienes; strength, 785 of all ranks.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MONTAUBAN.
Relief by 6th Infantry Brigade by 17th Infantry Brigade.
The Regiment returned to its old area in the vicinity of Brigade Headquarters rejoining 5th Infantry Brigade.
Quiet night.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – DOMLEGER
Battn in billets.
At 8.30am the 145 Inf Bde moved to BEAUVAL via BEUAMETZ, BERNAVILLE, FIENVILLERS & CANDAS – BUCKS BN was last of the Battns in the order of march.
Very hot and trying day for marching – Battn in billets. Distance about 14 miles.

1942 – 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - arrived in Bombay.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
A quiet night until 0600 hrs when enemy put down about 50 bombs into our area. Sixty reinforcements from England arrived this morning and Major Styles visited us this afternoon.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OUISTREHAM -Normandy
0150 - 13 rockets fired by enemy from area FRANCEVILLE PLAGE on to docks. Eerie whistling sound but no damage done. First appearance of rockets up to date. Shelling also started with NIL results.
1000 - Padre Dix leaves Bn to take up post of resident Chaplain to the Garrison Church at CAEN. (St Nicholas (British) Church). Sad day for the Bn after ten years continuous and faithful service. Padre's personal farewell message to the Bn published in Regimental Orders.
1500 - 'D' Coy come under comd 102 LAA and move to RANVILLE area - HQ at farm 118732.
'A' Coy take over bridges again as originally instructed.
All coys now committed operationally, only personnel left under comd 1 Bucks are balance of 'S' Coy (HQ and a few pioneer pl) and Bn HQ and 'HQ' Coy.
1600 - Carrier pl move to orchard 142699.

On this day 8th August

8/8/2016

On this day 8th August

1804 – 52nd – 2nd Bn 52nd formed at Newbury, Berks.

1914 - 3rd (Special Reserve) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - mobilized at Cowley Barracks and proceeded to Portsmouth.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MONTAUBAN.
Attack at Guillemont by 6th Infantry Brigade.
The relief of the brigade (from Divisional Reserve) was cancelled and the Regiment was lent to 6th Infantry Brigade and disposed in Support positions between TRONES and BERNAFAY WOODs.
Headquarters in the latter.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – DOMLEGER
Battn in billets.
Range Practice at AGENVILLE – newly joined drafts from A & C firing.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL.
This morning the Regt changed Bn areas with the 12 Devons. The enemy shelled and mortared both areas during the changeover and we suffered two casualties - two more casualties were incurred later in the evening. Our own mortars have also been very active.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OUISTREHAM -Normandy
AM - Lt Dunkley returned to Bn transfer to CMP not being accepted in view of shortage of infantry officers also 6 men loaned from 'A' Coy originally to CMP at LION SUR MER returned to Bn at our request in view of operational commitments of all coys now.
PM - Normal routine. Mail arrived from England after lapse of 4 days.

On this day 7th August

7/8/2016

On this day 7th August

1798 - 52nd - after 15 years in India arrived at Chatham; strength 18 Officers, and 166 rank and file.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – MONTAUBAN.
Quiet day.
Night 7/8th the vicinity of Brigade and regimental Headquarters was very unpleasantly shelled for 5 hours.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – DOMLEGER
Battn in billets.
Range Practice at AGENVILLE – newly joined drafts from D & B firing.

1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – BREVILLE & AMFREVILLE
Nothing more was seen of the enemy in the LONGUEMARE X rds area last night, but today our patrols found seven entrenching tools and a German FS Cap in the area where the enemy had been reported digging yesterday evening. Mortar bomb craters were also seen in the area and it is thought that our mortar fire caused the enemy to retire in some haste. During the day we suffered 5 casualties from enemy mortar and arty fire.

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – OUISTREHAM -Normandy
0800 - 'A' Coy took over new posns and 'D' Coy took over YORK BRIDGE as arranged.
All coys now committed operationally except half of 'D' Coy which is resting and cleaning up.
AM - No shelling during morning.
1300 - Hinted by senior chaplain 7 Base Sub-Area that Ronnie Dix, our Padre, may be called to take up the post of Vicar of CAEN in the English Church there.
1500 - Comd Offr and Adjt visited Col Carse in 6 Cdn Hsptl LA DELIVRANDE. Quite fit and well himself but will not be fit for duty for approx five weeks and will probably be evacuated to England within a few days.
A further 23 men went off to 1 Corps Leave Camp at MOUDINEAUX 969802. Reports from last lot were excellent - a soldier's paradise with no parades!