​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. (Peninsula)
 
1914 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI- Retreat from Mons
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - .
Church Parade.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
All Coys on Working Parties during the Morning.
No Training could therefore be carried out.
CAPT & ADJT C.G.REEVES proceeded on Leave to England.
Ration Strength: 20 Officers 518 OR.  Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To NEUF BERQUIN.
 
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.
 
1977 – 1st Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets – Northern Ireland.
Remembering today – Cpl W J SMITH
“As we approached the final weeks of the tour we increased our vigilance against the well-known I.R.A. tactic of trying to settle the scores with a successful unit before they depart. Unfortunately, it is a very simple matter to plan a successful sniping incident and on 28th August an N.C.O. of the Gordon Highlanders was killed by a single shot in Ardoyne.
Three days later Cpl. Smith, of the Reconnaissance Platoon was shot dead in similar fashion whilst a passenger in a land-rover entering Girdwood Park base. In the course of the follow-up to this incident, "B" Company played a hunch based on their own intelligence and found the murder weapon, a rifle. Our friends in "D" Division of the R.U.C. turned their full efforts onto the case and, by the time we left two weeks later, five people had been charged in relation to Cpl. Smith's murder.”

​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-
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - .
Company Training.
The following Officers arrived and were attached to companies as shown against their names.
Lt L S Dowson (Reception Camp)
Lt A H B Brooke – B Coy
Lt A Cockshut – D coy
Lt H E Wells – C Coy
2/Lt C H Sheppard – A Coy.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion GRANEZZA.
All Coys carried out Platoon Tactical Exercises in the Morning.
Ration Strength: 20 Officers 511 OR. Casualties: 3 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
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
 
1808 - 52nd - on outpost duty near Torres Vedras (Portugal).
 
1812 – 52nd – Quartered at Getafe near Madrid.(Spain)
 
1914 – Retreat from Mons – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI-
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - .
Company training.
Lt Bartlett granted leave to England to 12.9.18.
Lt T A Coffin granted leave to England to 29.9.18 (one month).
2/Lts L M Crosfeld & C Gray arrived and attached to D and C Coys pending posting.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Almost the whole Battalion employed on Working Parties at various dumps etc.
Heavy rain in the Evening, the weather becoming extremely cold.
Ration Strength: 20 Officers 509 OR.  Casualties: 3 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To Support Trenches (VIERHOEK-MERVILLE Road),


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.

​On this day 28th August
 
1857 - 52nd at Delhi.
 
1914 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Retreat from Mons
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - .
Companies at disposal of Company Commanders for Training
Lt F M Cowell arrived and attached to C coy pending posting.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Coys carried out Inspections during the Morning.
No Training was done.
BRIGADIER GENERAL D. M. WATT handed over Command of 145 Brigade after nearly two years in Command to BRIGADIER GENERAL W.W.PITT-TAYLOR C.M.G., D.S.O...
Ration Strength: 20 Officers 510 OR.  Casualties: NIL.
 
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
 
1776 - Engagement at Brook Lyne, long Island (America).
 
1914 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Retreat from Mons
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - .
Companies at disposal of Company Commanders for Training
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S SISTO.
Day spent resting and cleaning up.
In the Evening the battalion was relieved by 1/4 GLOSTERS returning to Camp at GRANEZZA S.
Battalion was all in by 9pm.
Ration Strength: 20 Officers 512 OR.  Casualties: 4 OR to Hospital – Sick
 
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
 
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
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - .
Regiment existing in bivouacs at A.21.d.
Lt (A/Capt) H S Eagle and Lt C R Horley granted leave to England to 9.9.18.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – S SISTO.
Battalion relieved 1/4 GLOSTERS as Right Support Battalion, Right Brigade during the Morning.
The day was spent in Special Preparations for the Raid.
Battalion moved at 8.30pm passing through Front Line at 9pm to the Forming Up Position (report & maps attached).
Raid was entirely successful, 210 Prisoners being taken by this Battalion and 4 R BERKS on Left.
Casualties were as follows:-
Officers
Wounded  6
CAPT FIRMINGER, LIEUT BRIGHTMAN, 2/LIEUT LORNS, 2/LIEUT BATES, 2/LIEUT WILCOX M.C., 2/LIEUT BLACKMOOR
O.R.
Killed              3
Missing           6
Wounded      75
Battalion all back in Support Positions by about 3am.
Ration Strength: 26 Officers 584 OR. 
 
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: 1 Offr and 5 O.Rs.
WOUNDED & EVACUATED: 38 O.Rs.
WOUNDED BUT NOT EVACUATED: 4 O.Rs.
SICK & EVACUATED 14
TOTAL: 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
 
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
 
1918 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI  - Capture of Behagnies and Sapignies villages.
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - .
1.30AM – Orders received to carry out an attack against SAPIGNIES – in conjunction with an attack on BEHAGNIES by the 24RF and 2HLI and to establish positions on East, South and South West sides of the village.
Owing to late arrival of orders for the attack and also the great distance between Regimental HeadQuarters and the Companies it was impossible to reach the point of assembly by 3.30AM which was the Zero hour for the first attack i.e 24RFs and 2HLI on BEHAGNIES.
About 3.40AM – A, B and HeadQuarters Coys reached point of assembly.
The order of companies for the attack were as follows:-
Front Lines – B & A Coys from Left to Right with 2 Platoons in Front Line and 2 Platoons in Support.
C Coy in Support and D Coy in Reserve with HeadQuarters at H.1.a.35.65 approx.
3.50AM – B and A Coys moved forward in rear of 24RF and shortly afterwards C Coy arrived at position of assembly and were ordered to move forward and get in touch with the two leading companies which was done.
Owing to the heavy mist and presence of gas, direction by the leading companies was lost which necessitated the Support Company going into and on the left of the front line and the 3 companies went through the village in that order.
While this was being done several small parties became detached from their companies, amongst them being Lt R C Warren MC and Lt H A Smith who with a few men captured several machine Guns and their crews which greatly assisted in the capture of the village.
About 7.15AM – information was received that the village had been captured and positions previously given to companies were being consolidated but it was not until about 9.0AM that the village was reported clear of the enemy.
Headquarters moved forward about 6.0AM and finally settled at H.7.b.3.8 with Reserve Company along Road from H.7.b.55.35. – H.7.b.75.35.
Part of the 62nd Division passed through our line to continue the attack but we remained in our positions on the outskirts of SAPIGNIES.
4.30PM – Orders received to withdraw on completion of relief by a regiment of 62nd Division but the withdrawal was not carried out until 9.20PM owing to a heavy enemy barrage which lasted 4 hours.
10PM – The Regiment withdrew to bivouacs at A.21.d.
During the attack and remainder of day the total casualties were:-
Officers 4. ORs 36.
Lt JEH Neville MC – Wounded
Lt R C Warren MC – Wounded
Lt R Fitzgerald – Wounded
Lt H A Smith Wounded
2/Lt R Sawers – slightly wounded but only went to Transport Rear Headquarters where he quickly recovered.
Lt T Tyrwhitt Drake MC rejoined from leave to England.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Camp lightly shelled during the Morning.
2nd LIEUT BOCKING being Wounded.
During the Afternoon Battalion practised Raid over taped Trenches S of GRANEZZA.
Ration Strength: 27 Officers 581 OR.  Casualties: 1 Officer & 2 OR Wounded.
 
1918 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To MARZIELE CAMP.
 
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
 
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 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI  - present at capture of Delville Wood (Somme).
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - .
The Regiment being in Reserve to Brigade.
Dispositions were as follows:-
A, B and D Coys in Sunken Road at A.30.a & C facing South East.
C Coy in A.24.d facing North and North East.
Regimental HeadQuarters at A.30.a.65.90.
9.0AM - Orders were received to push out patrols in conjunction with 2nd HLI and endeavour to establish themselves on the North East side of BEHAGNIES.
Two platoons of A coy were detailed to carry out this task but were withdrawn about 11.0AM owing to other orders.
10.0AM – Two companies C and D ordered to relieve 2KRRC, 99th Brigade who were in position on right of 5th Brigade and on completion of relief these companies came under orders of Col Pipon DSO 24RF.
The Right company was held responsible for keeping touch with 37th Division.
12NOON -  B Coy moved from A.30.a. to position previously occupied by C Coy in A.24.d. so as to protect our left flank.
The remainder of the day was quiet.
Our casualties were 4 ORs.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Battalion Resting and cleaning up.
CAPT P.L. WRIGHT and 2nd LIEUT GRACE proceeded on English Leave.
Ration Strength: 25 Officers 564 OR.  Casualties: 3 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To outpost line (NEUF BERQUIN).
 
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
 
1793 - 52nd - present at the capture of Pondicherry (India).
 
1914 - Battle of Mons; 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI present.
 
1918 - Battle of Albert; 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI present.
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - .
The Regiment had acted on the “Warning Order” (5th Inf Bde GS 740/162 of 22.8.16.) and completed its move to the area therein ordered (Fox Trench F.16 and nearest suitable ground) by about 2AM.
The final order (5th Inf Bde Order 319 of 22.8.18.) was not received till 4.40AM or thereabouts but no great inconvenience was caused and nearly everyone was able to get several hours early morning sleep before explanations had to begin, and it was not necessary to move the Regiment forward till 10AM.
At dawn the 3rd Division was successful in its attack on GOMIECOURT, so that it was possible for the 2nd Phase to begin, namely the 2nd Division to attack, the 5th Inf Bde on the Right, the 6th Inf Bde of the Left and the 99th Bde finding troops to protect the right flank of the advance, the objective being the village of Sapignies Behagnies and Ervillers on the Bapaume – Arras Road.
The 2nd Highland Light Infantry were to take Behagnies, the 24th Royal Fusiliers following, were to take Sapignies, and the Regiment was to follow and come into a Reserve Position.
The leading wave of the 2nd Highland Light Infantry was to cross the Achiet-le-Grand – Arras Railway at 11AM, the remainder of the Brigade following at the distances laid down. The advance was under a good artillery barrage, to which the regiment experienced little or no retaliation until approaching the line North and South through Courcelles-le-Comte, where shells began to fall among the small columns or “worms” in which the Regiment had been disposed, B and C Coys being on the Front Line, Right and Left, covered off by D & A Coys respectively. Regimental HeadQuarters in two columns following slightly in rear of of the 2nd Line until nearing Gomiecourt, where a temporary HeadQuarters was established with a view to finding out exactly the situation on the immediate right, further South as it did not at the moment appear to be progressing as it ought, before getting the regiment involved in what might be a flank fight southwards which might make it difficult to properly perform the roll of Reserve Battalion, when called on from the front subsequently.
A pair of Scouts however brought back some re-assuring information and the advance proceeded to an Aid Post Dugout at Triangle Copse, North East of Gomiecourt which became Regimental HeadQuarters that day and the next.
Here a Medical Officer and Aid Post and sundry others, about fifty prisoners in all and nine machine guns were taken by Regimental HeadQuarters.
About 1PM Lt Col R B Crosse DSO was wounded, a shell bursting in the entrance of the dugout.
Capt L E W O Fullbrook-Leggatt MC and Lt Smith US Medical Corps, the Medical Officer were also hit but only slightly and were able to remain at duty until the evening. Capt J Blagrove assumed command.
2.15PM – At 2.15PM the situation was that the 24th Royal Fusiliers and the 2nd Highland Light Infantry were held up in front of BEHAGNIES. The regiment was along H.1.c.9.1 and H.1.d.2.2 and moved up to banks about G.6.b.0.8 – G.6.b.0.4
At 2.5PM OC Left Support Company reported his company to be in touch with both Front companies and with 99th Brigade on Right. He was also in touch with 2HLI at G.6.b.
The situation remained unaltered until 6.0PM when OC C Coy stated that the 24th RF had withdrawn slightly in front of SAPIGNIES.
As this move placed three companies of the Regiment in front of the Support Company of the 24th RF these were withdrawn to the Sunken Road in A.29.d – A.30.c orders having been received to keep the Regiment in Reserve.
Touch being kept throughout the fourth company of the regiment was in position on the high ground about A.24.central. About the time of this withdrawal two enemy aeroplanes bombed the Sunken Road inflicting several casualties on A and D companies.
The remainder of the night passed without any change in the situation and about midnight 23/24 August Major G Field MC took over the command of the Regiment from Capt J Blagrove.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Battalion relieved by 5th R WARWICKS.
B, D and 1/2 A Coy during Morning, C and remainder of A after dark.
Battalion went into camp at GRANEZZA SOUTH.
CAPT TROUTBECK to Hospital Sick.
Ration Strength: 24 Officers 582 OR. 
Casualties: 1 OR Wounded 2 OR Wounded (slightly at duty)
 
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.

​On this day 22nd August
 
1790 – 52nd – Present at the assault of Paulighautcherry (India).
 
1917 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI and 2/1st Bucks Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI heavily engaged in fighting before Ypres (Third Ypres).
2/1st Bucks Bn Lost 11 Officers and 338 men.
2/4th Bn Lost 8 Officers and 144 men.
 
1917 – 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – Third Battle of YPRES
Of the 61st Division the 184th Brigade was told off for the attack, having the 44th Infantry Brigade, 15th Division, on their right, and the 143rd Brigade, 48th Division, on their left.
The Bucks were to make the attack on the right, the Oxfords on the left of the Brigade, each Battalion taking a frontage of approximately 700 yards.
The Bucks were to advance with two Companies forming the first and second waves, and two Companies forming the third and fourth; the Oxfords were to attack with three Companies forming the first and second and one Company the third wave.
Eight platoons of the Royal Berks were to be attached to the Bucks as “moppers-up’ and five to the Oxfords.
The Glosters and one Battalion of the 183rd Brigade were in Brigade reserve.
The final objective was the position on the Kansas Cross—Winnipeg Road. The “moppers-up” were to deal with the strong posts at Somme, Aisne, Gunpits, Cross Cotts, Green House, Martha, Keir Farm, and various dug-outs, and to be ready to cover the flanks if necessary. This would enable the main attack to push forward to take the main position without delaying to clear the strong points in advance of it.
At 4.45 a.m. the Artillery put down the barrage and the waves advanced, disregarding the strong posts and pressing forward as close as possible to the barrage in accordance with the orders they had received.
The “moppers-up,” in attempting to follow, suffered heavily in casualties from machine-gun and rifle fire, the garrisons of the posts behind their concrete walls put up a stubborn resistance.
The Somme and Aisne Farms were taken, but the latter retaken almost at once by the enemy. Pond Farm in front of the Oxfords on the left and Gallipoli in front of the 7th Cameron Highlanders on the right remained in the possession of the enemy.
The position of the advancing waves of the Bucks became more and more serious, but still they pressed on, and some at least reached their objective, though exposed to fire from front, flanks, and rear, and entirely cut off from all communication.
Meanwhile a company of the 2/5th Gloucesters, under Second Lieutenant Johnston, with the few remaining men available with the Battalion, consolidated a line of shell-holes for the defence of Somme Farm that had been won by a platoon of the Berks, only three men of which remained to follow Second Lieutenant St. Leger into the post and to deal with the 14 survivors of the garrison.
Three counter-attacks were made on the newly consolidated line, but were caught by the fire of our Artillery, and easily repulsed by the Infantry. The enemy snipers were much in evidence throughout the day, any movement that might suggest a runner with information for Headquarters attracted their special attention; even stretcher-bearers and wounded crawling painfully back were not spared.
 
At 4 p.m., with the assistance of two platoons of the 2/5th Gloucesters, the Oxfords finally assaulted and captured Pond Farm. This much relieved the pressure on the left of the Bucks, and they were able to straighten out the line.
A party was sent forward to take the gun-pits, but found them deserted by the enemy and giving shelter to many of the wounded of the Battalion, including Second Lieutenant S. A. G. Gibson, who had shown conspicuous gallantry in the attack, and was awarded the Military Cross before he died of his wounds.
The losses were found to have been very heavy 13 officers and 637 other ranks went into action, 11 officers and 338 other ranks were reported as casualties.
KILLED:  1 Officer  And 46 other ranks.
DIED OF WOUNDS: 7 Officers   And 156 other ranks.
MISSING: 3 Officers And 122 other ranks.
Of the missing 19 were afterwards traced as prisoners of war, and 103 presumed killed. Nine of the prisoners were wounded when captured.
At night the Battalion was relieved by the 2/7th Worcesters, to whom they handed over a much-improved line, straighter and stronger than it had been when they took it over on the 20th.
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - .
About 11AM orders came to move back and occupy accommodation other than the ordinary area of the Reserve Battalion between Adinfer Wood and the Monchy-au-Bois – Ransart Road. Owing to considerable doubt about what accommodation was available, and part of the same area having been allotted to several units and arms of the Service, the move and settling in was arduous and exhausting and the day being again excessively hot.
The accommodation varied:
B Coy – Good
A & D Coys – Fair
HQers – Fair
C Coy – Bad
All C Company and part of D company had to bivouac.
Transport and Rearward Services were ordered to move to Brigade Head Quarters (W.23.c.1.9) but this move was subsequently cancelled.
Soon after 10PM Brigade Warning Order (GS 740/162 attached to Regimental Office Copy of this diary) was received and action taken thereon.
Another days rations etc were brought up by the QuaterMaster.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Quiet Day.
Work continued camouflaging Front Line.
Ration Strength: 24 Officers 579 OR.  Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1918 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To Reserve at KABERLABA.
 
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
 
1790 – 52nd – engaged in the assault on Dindigul (India).
 
1808 - Battle of Vimiera (Peninsula)
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEFT FRONT BATTALION.
10AM (about) Orders received to proceed to a position of readiness on the Ayette - Moyenneville Road so as to move further forward or to to a flank if required by GOC Guards Division.
Orders were issued another move completed in the early afternoon.
Regimental HeadQuarters being ordered to be established at the headquarters of the Right Company of Right Battalion in what had been the Left Brigade Front of 2nd Division Front in the British Front Line prior to Zero hour today.
The day was exceedingly hot and the heat combined with the absence of shade was very trying to all ranks.
The order, therefore, was very gratefully received, in the later afternoon, to re-occupy the Old Front Line on the Brigade Front, for the purposes of better shelter.
Companies were accordingly disposed:-
Right Company of Right Battalion = D Company. (Regimental HeadQuarters behind it so as to give this company its old area complete)
Left Company of Right Battalion = B Company.
Right Company of Left Battalion = A Company.
Left Company of Left Battalion (less Coy HQrs still occupied by a Guards Battalion HeadQuarters) = C Company.
A and C companies shared the HeadQuarters of Right Company of Left battalion.
Move completed, rations and water brought up and everyone settled down to a good nights rest from which we were not disturbed.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
C.O. 2nd in Command and 1 Officer per Coy visited MTE TAGLIO OP to examine ground to be raided.
Coys working on camouflage during the Night.
Ration Strength: 24 Officers 577 OR.  Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
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
 
1884 - 52nd - arrived at Gibraltar on its 3rd visit.
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEFT FRONT BATTALION.
One (patrol) in daylight on 20th unfortunately cost the life of an Officer T/2Lt J P Sears who about 9.45AM asked permission to work forward from the line of the Left Front Company ( C Coy Capt Bobby MC which had relieved D Coy Capt Eagle the night before) to obtain better observation of the ground to the front.
This was allowed and the Objective reconnoitered was given as the Outpost Line and a covering party posted.
About 11.15AM the patrol was seen by the enemy who, contrary to expectations, were holding a post in the sunken AYETTE – MOYENNEVILLE Road which crossed the front. This post fired on our patrol and was engaged from a flank.
The patrol withdrew slightly during which 2/Lt Sears was twice hit, he died from his wounds a few minutes later.
The two NCOs (Cpl Hollyoake and LCpl Lee) who went with him remained out until dark. The body was subsequently buried in rear of our old front line.
6AM – At a conference of Commanding Officers at HeadQuarters, Right Battalion the plan of operations which were to begin tomorrow was disclosed by the Brigadier General and Orders were given verbally to the Commanding Officer and the OC 2nd Highland Light Infantry.
Briefly these were to the following effect:-
The Regiment would be relieved before Zero Hour (4.55AM tomorrow 21.8.18) by attacking troops of the Guards Division and would on relief occupy the area of trenches Hameau Switch front and support lines East of the Adinfer – Ransart Road.
Major Field MC, Lt Horley and representatives (NCOs) of OC Companies proceeded during the afternoon to reconnoitre this area and allot accommodation to Companies and the move was effected about 3-5AM without incident.
Regimental HeadQuarters were established in Hameau Farm and a forward echelon of Transport, Lewis Gun Limbers, Cookers and Water Carts in a valley just in rear of the Companies. Greatcoats were sent to Pommier in Section Bundles, an extra bandolier per man was issued and rations and water brought up.
The Brigade was attached to the Guards Division and was placed in Divisional Reserve and the regiment warned to be ready to move immediately to act in one of several alternative ways: the whole detail being given in 5th Infantry Brigade Order 318 and Addendum I thereto d/20.8.18. filed with the Regimental Office Copy of this diary.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Fairly Quiet Day.
B Coy sent out Patrol during the Night but NO enemy were encountered.
Ration Strength: 25 Officers 582 OR.  Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To CHAPELLE BOOM.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI –GONNEVILLE & MERVILLE. Normandy
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
 
1808 - 2nd Bn.43rd and 2nd Bn. 52nd landed in Portugal.
 
1897 – 1st Bn Oxf LI  – Moved to Curragh (Ireland)
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEFT FRONT BATTALION.
The Right Reverend Bishop Gwynne DD CMG Deputy Chaplain General British Armies in France and Chaplain to the Regiment 1914-15 performed the dedication service in St Georges Recreation Room and Church in the HeadQuarters of the Reserve Position, between ADINFER Wood and MONCHT-AU-BOIS. This building had been erected by the Pioneer Platoon of the Regiment with material supplied through Brigade HeadQuarters. The Deputy Chaplain General subsequently visited the Rearward Services of the Regiment at POMMIER, having stayed there the preceding night. The Rev E H Gallop CF who had arrived in place of the Rev E M Guildford was also present.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Battalion relieved 1/4 ROYAL BERKS during the day.
Coys going into same positions as before.
LT COL REYNOLDS rejoined the Battalion from Leave and resumed Command of the Battalion.
2nd LIEUT GRACE rejoined from SIRMIONE Leave.
Ration Strength: 25 Officers 567 OR.  Casualties: 3 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI–GONNEVILLE & MERVILLE. Normandy
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
 
1821 – 43rd and 52nd – reviewed by King George IV in Dublin.
 
1916 - 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI at capture of Horseshoe Hill (Macedonia),
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEFT FRONT BATTALION.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Work on Trenches, camouflage etc continued.
Ration Strength: 24 Officers 559 OR.  Casualties: NIL.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI–GONNEVILLE & MERVILLE. Normandy
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
 
1790 - 52nd - took part in the siege of Dindigul (India).
 
1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Fighting continued around LANGEMARCK.
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEFT FRONT BATTALION.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
All Coys worked on Trenches during the Night camouflaging and deepening.
LIEUT HIGLETT proceeded on English Leave.
Ration Strength: 25 Officers 570 OR.  Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL. Normandy
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
 
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).
 
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.
 
1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – ST JULIEN. THIRD BATTLE OF YPRES
Zero was at 4.45 a.m.
Seven minutes beforehand the two leading Companies moved forward to cross the Steenbeek. At Zero the Artillery put down a barrage 300 yards east of the stream to creep forward at the rate of 100 yards every five minutes.
The advance of the Infantry was delayed by the numerous water-filled shell-holes, difficult of negotiation in the scarce dawning light.
The barrage lifted off the forward positions of the enemy before the leading wave had reached it, machine-gun fire opened from the concrete emplacements with great intensity, and was quickly reinforced by rifle fire from the enemy positions in the shell-holes.
The leading wave of the right Company was almost entirely annihilated, the second wave closed up, engaging the enemy with fire while parties worked round the flanks.
The enemy kept up a strong resistance till the leading platoons of” D “closed up, and charged with the bayonet. This was followed by hand-to-hand fighting till about 6 a.m., when the garrison of one blockhouse put up their hands, and the rest followed suit.
 “B” and “D” Companies were then quickly reformed and pushed on in an attempt to catch up their barrage, which by this time had got well ahead of them. They reached the trench railway 100 yards N.E. of the out­skirts of St. Julien, but here they were confronted by a large sheet of water, commanded from the far side by a blockhouse and two gun-pits held by machine-guns and riflemen, and no further advance could be made under the heavy cross-fire thus brought to bear from these, and other positions on the left.
The left leading Company,” A,” met with less resistance at first, but on getting over the slight ridge above the Steen­beek they came under a heavy cross-fire from Hillock Farm and two gun-pits to the west of it. The left Battalion had been held up on the Steenbeek, and the enemy positions on their front were thus able to join in the cross­fire on “A” Company.
The two leading platoons reached the gun-pits with very few men left.
The second wave closed up, but the left platoon was absolutely stopped by fire from the left gun-pit, and a trench N.E. of it, as well as from Maison Du Hibou and Triangle Farm.
The right platoon rushed the right gun-pit, and, carrying out their orders, continued on with the remains of the leading platoon to their objective at Springfield, which they reached about 6.45 a.m., but the casualties had been heavy and few actually reached it.
Every attempt to get forward to their assistance failed, and at 9 a.m. the enemy were seen to rush the place.
At 7 a.m. Battalion Headquarters were established in a blockhouse on the west of St. Julien—Poelcappelle Road, 450 yards from the Steenbeek by-road.
In the meantime the Glosters on the right had got about 300 yards S.W. of the Steenbeek, when they too were finally held up.
Soon after 8 a.m. the enemy were seen coming over the ridge north of Springfield, and collecting in a trench below it. There was no communication with the Artillery, no action was therefore possible, but the Companies were hastily reorganized, three Vickers Guns were got up, and a platoon of the Berkshires placed to cover the left flank, which was completely en l’air.
At 9 a.m. three thick lines of the enemy were seen to move down towards Triangle Farm.
At 10 a.m. a counter-attack developed from this farm, but was stopped by our fire, and after one or two more unsuccessful efforts the enemy retired over the ridge.
No further attempts were made during the day, but a brisk machine-gun fire, and intermittent sniping, was continued, from which the Battalion suffered several casualties, especially in the vicinity of Hillock Farm, where there was little cover, and the slightest movement was visible to the enemy.
At 9.30 p.m. an enemy attack drove back the posts about Hillock Farm. The state of the ground precluded any attempt at digging; it was therefore decided to withdraw the posts on the west of the road to the south of the stream, the road itself being held up to Hillock Farm. The next evening the Battalion was relieved by the 6th Royal Warwicks.
Though the result of this engagement was not equal to expectation, the Battalion put up an excellent fight and met with a larger measure of success than fell to the lot of most units, and was warmly congratulated by the Divisional Commander, Major-General Sir Robert Fanshawe, K.C.B.
The casualties were:
OFFICERS: KILLED=2. WOUNDED=7
OTHER RANKS: KILLED=54. MISSING=35. WOUNDED=193.
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEFT FRONT BATTALION.
Patrolling on the Regimental front necessarily very active.
Several good patrols being carried out by Officers and NCOs of the Front Companies (15th – 20th).
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Quiet Day.
All Coys working on Trenches for four hours during the Night.
Ration Strength: 23 Officers 569 OR.  Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital – Sick
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL. Normandy
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
 
1884 - 52nd - left Ireland for Gibraltar.
 
1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Moved to Assembly Trenches for attack on LANGEMARCK. (YPRES).
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEFT FRONT BATTALION.
The Regiment relieved the 24th (S) Royal Fusiliers in the area of Left Front Battalion.
Companies being distributed as under:-
Right Front – B Coy
Left Front – D Coy
Support – C Coy
Reserve – A Coy
Relief effected without incident.
Today a double change occurred which caused very great regret throughout the Regiment in that the Reverend E M Guildford MC CF who had been Chaplain (CofE) to, and lived with the Regiment since November 1916 was transferred to HeadQuarters, 2nd Division in place of the Rev H L Hornby MC CF, transferred to HeadQuarters 3rd Army.
These two clergymen in their respective capacities were greatly beloved by the troops and their work very deeply appreciated by all ranks.
To Mr Guildford the Regiment owes its very prosperous Field Canteen.
The period in the Front Line commencing August 15 is noteworthy for the increased vigilance necessary to ensure that the enemy did not withdraw unobserved, there being indications, quite beyond doubt, that he would do so, and had done so further South.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Quiet Day.
All Coys working on Trenches during the Night.
Ration Strength: 23 Officers 566 OR.  Casualties: 2 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL. Normandy
'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
 
1857 – 52nd – took part in Siege of Delhi (Indian Mutiny).
 
1914 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI disembarked at Boulogne.
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HUMBERCAMP & LA CAUCHIE.
The Regiment moved about 6PM and took over Reserve Battalion Area once more from 2nd Bn Highland Light Infantry (who then relieved the battalion of 319th Infantry USA in the area of Right Front Battalion).
The time at Humbercamp was very enjoyable and profitable .
Companies were clear of the Trench System and in billets for the first time since June 7th and the weather left nothing to be desired. The benefit derived was in proportion.
On August 13th the fourth anniversary of the embarkation of the regiment for France, the occasion was marked by a Commanding Officers Parade in the morning when the regiment was reminded of the day and by a concert by the Divisional Troupe in the New Theatre, Humbercamp, which had been specially engaged for the Regiment.
In addition the Corps Theatre at Saulty was engaged and used by the Regiment on
Sat 10th – C & D Coys
Mon 12th – A & B Coys
In each case marching there and back with music.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Quiet Day.
Coys had battle practise during the day - A Coy 10am and B, C and D at 9pm.
Coys working on Trenches, camouflaging etc during the Night.
Ration Strength: 23 Officers 562 OR.  Casualties: NIL.
 
1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To NIEPPE FOREST CAMP.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL. Normandy
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
 
1762 - 43rd - at the capture of Havannah.
 
1858 – 43rd – engaged at Chitrakote (Indian Mutiny).
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HUMBERCAMP & LA CAUCHIE.
Four years ago today the Regiment embarked for France. Of those whom embarked with it then there are at present now 3 Officers ( Commanding Officer, Second in Command & QuarterMaster), and 69 others, of whom 1 Officer and 44 Others have served continuously in France since 13.8.14.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
About 4.30am the enemy nervous as a result of recent Raids put up S.O.S. Barrage Fire, MG and Rifle fire were maintained for nearly an hour along a very wide front.
During Afternoon and early part of Night the Battalion was relieved by 1/4th R BERKS coming into Support in the Main Line.
Ration Strength: 23 Officers 561 OR. 
Casualties: 1 OR Wounded and 3 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL. Normandy
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
 
1847 - 52nd - landed at Portsmouth after 11 years foreign service.
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HUMBERCAMP & LA CAUCHIE.
Companies at work under their Captains.
Bivouacking and Skirmishing exercises having been ordered to be included in the mornings work.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Some Shelling on SPOT TRACK during the Evening.
CODA SPUR was Patrolled during the Night but NO enemy seen.
Ration Strength: 23 Officers 566 OR.  Casualties: 2 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1918 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To Support Positions.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL. Normandy
 '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 Argylls 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
 
1804 - William Napier joined the 43rd as Captain, from 52nd.
 
1812 – Light Division – arrived at the Escurial, near Madrid and halted in the park.
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HUMBERCAMP & LA CAUCHIE.
Sunday.
Church Parade of HeadQuarters, C and D Companies at Humbercamp & B Company at La Cauchie. A Company did not attend owing to Bathing.
D Company had a very successful Monthly Sports Meeting at Humbercamp.
The Band attended and was used to the full during 10th and 11th.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
HEART and SPOT TRACKS Shelled during Afternoon.
Party of 80 OR from 4th BERKS working on Left Coy Trenches at Night.
Standing patrols at RONCALTO and MALGA GHELLER.
CODA visited twice during the Night.
Ration Strength: 23 Officers 567 OR.  Casualties: 3 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL. Normandy
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
 
1804 – 43rd - 2nd Bn, 43rd raised.
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HUMBERCAMP & LA CAUCHIE.
Cleaning up and bathing.
Very hot.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Fairly Quiet Day.
Patrols sent out by all three Coys at Night.
CODA SPUR, POST SPUR were visited-No signs of enemy.
Ration Strength: 24 Officers 590 OR.  Casualties: NIL.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL. Normandy
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
 
1817 - 43rd (in brigade with 7th and 23rd) reviewed by the Duke of Wellington at Valencienes; strength, 785 of all ranks.
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HUMBERCAMP & LA CAUCHIE.
The move was carried out and the Battalion U S A occupied the Reserve Battalion Area before dusk.
Major G Field MC was required to remain with this battalion and be present with it in the line.
The move was completed by midnight, the troops being in very good spirits, being considerably rejoiced at the news of the capture of 17,000 prisoners and many guns by the British 4th Army and a French Army.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.
Quiet Day.
Some Shelling on SPOT TRACK in the Afternoon.
At 11.15pm a bombardment was opened and Raids carried out by 143 Brigade and French Division on Right.
At 2.30am Patrol went out to CODA to reel in telephone wires and look for dead from previous Night.
Ration Strength: 24 Officers 587 OR.  Casualties: 1 OR to Hospital – Sick.
 
1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - CHAPELLE BOOM (Reserve Trenches).
 
1942 – 6th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - arrived in Bombay.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL. Normandy
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
 
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.
 
1918 – Start of the “HUNDRED DAYS”.
British and Commonwealth forces attack with French forces: the Allied element is referred to as the Battle of Amiens, which was the opening phase of what later became known as the Hundred Days Offensive, that ultimately led to the end of the First World War
General Ludendorff would later refer to it as the "black day of the German Army"
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – RESERVE BATTALION AREA.
Notification received that owing to the attachment to the Brigade of a battalion of the 319th Infantry US Army who would hold the line (Right Front Battalion) as a Battalion, the Regiment would be relieved by this battalion US Army tomorrow and would withdraw on relief and be distributed as under:-
HeadQuarters and Two Companies as HUMBERCAMP
Two Companies at LA CAUCHIE – C and D Companies having been the outlying companies in the SAULTY Area were billeted in HUMBERCAMP:
A and B Companies were billeted at LA CAUCHIE.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – KABERLABA.(Italian Front)
Patrol sent out by Centre Coy at 3am after 6 GLOSTER Patrols returned – NO enemy encountered.
At 12 Midnight 8-9 Raids were carried out all along British Front.
2 Raids by 6 GLOSTERS carried out from Battalion Front.
Parties proceeded up either side of CODA SPUR.
Heavy fighting took place in the RAILWAY CUTTING practically NO shelling on our Trenches.
Ration Strength: 24 Officers 593 OR.  Casualties: NIL.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – LE MESNIL. Normandy
 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.
er lapse of 4 days.

​On this day 7th August
 
1798 - 52nd - after 15 years in India arrived at Chatham; strength 18 Officers, and 166 rank and file.
 
1918 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – RESERVE BATTALION AREA.
Bathing etc as usual on day after relief from the line.
 
1918 –1/1stBuckinghamshire Battalion – GRANEZZA.
Coys Resting in the Morning.
B, D & A Coys (less 2 Platoons plus BN HQ paraded at 1pm and proceeded to Left Brigade Left Sub Sector to relieve 1/7 WORESTERSHIRE REGT.
C Coy and 2 Platoons A Coy paraded at 7.15pm and followed.
Relief complete 11.50pm.  
Very Good take-over.
Dispositions:
Bn HQ + 1 Platoon A Coy& A Coy HQ - KABERLABA S
1 Platoon A Coy - HARTLEPOOL REDOUBT
1 Platoon A Coy - DUKES REDOUBT
1 Platoon A Coy - VALLEY W of KABERLABA
D Coy - Left Front
B Coy - Centre
C Coy - Right Front
B and C Coys 3 Platoons in Line with 1 in Reserve at Coy HQs
D Coy 2 Platoons in Line 1 at Coy HQ 1 in LEMERLE SWITCH.
Ration Strength: 26 Officers 604 OR. 
Casualties: 2 Officers & 22 OR to Hospital-Sick
 
1918 - 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - To Front Line Trenches. (Italian Front)
 
1932 – 4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Annual Camp – BORDON.
 
1944 - 2nd (Airborne) Bn, Oxf & Bucks LI – BREVILLE & AMFREVILLE.Normandy
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!