Blog Archives - LIGHTBOBS

On this day 30th September

30/9/2016

On this day 30th September:-

1810 – Light Division - commencement of retreat of Wellingtons army after Busaco on the Lines of Torres Vedras. Light Division as rearguard.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.
The Reverend W L S Dallas C.F. who for 13 months had been attached to the Regiment, as one of the Chaplains (Cof E) to the Brigade placed under orders to proceed for duty to 165 Infantry Brigade (56th Division), he left on 1/10/16.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – COULLEMONT
Battn in Billets. –
Company Training & Bomb & Lewis Gun Courses recommenced.

1918 - 7th and 8th Bns Oxf & Bucks LI Armistice with Bulgaria declared.

On this day 29th September

29/9/2016

On this day 29th September:-

1790 - 52nd - marched from Coimbatore on Dinaporam (India).

1911 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Left Moore Barracks Shorncliffe and moved to Albuhera Barracks, Aldershot. Strength 27 Officers, 750 Other Ranks, 36 women and 65 children.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.
The night scheme, deferred from 26/27 (attack from trenches) was very satisfactorily carried out.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
At 8.30am the Battn marched to CANDAS and there joined the 145 INF BDE which moved via DOULLENS – GROUCHES – LUCHEUX & there separated.
The 1st BUCKS BN marched to Billets at COULLEMONT.
Total distance about 20 miles.

On this day 28th September

28/9/2016

On this day 28th September:-

1872 – 43rd – embarked at Queenstown (Ireland) for India.

1915 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI engaged Battle of Kut (Mesopotamia)

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.
Normal Training ordered to be resumed.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
Company Training – Bomb & Lewis Gun courses continued. Range Practice.

On this day 27th September

27/9/2016

On this day 27th September:-

1810 - Battle of Busaco; Pte. James Hopkins, 52nd, in this action took prisoner the French General Simon.

1872 – 43rd – Embarked at Queenstown and sailed for Cannanore East Indies.
43rd Depot was left in Cork attached to 2nd Bn 7th Royal Fusiliers.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.
Training in vicinity of billets ordered to be proceeded with 4 hours notice of move probable.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
The above programme was repeated.

On this day 26th September

26/9/2016

On this day 26th September:-

1810 – Skirmish near Martagao during retreat towards Busaco (Peninsula).

1914 – 7th (S)Bn Oxf & Bucks LI formed at Oxford and moved to camp at Codford St. Mary (Wilts).

1914 – 2nd Bucks Bn officially recognised as separate unit (2/1 Bucks).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.
58th Reinforcement – 11 Other Ranks joined.
It is worthy of note that 9 of these were Territorial soldiers, signallers from Territorial Training Reserve Battalion.
The regiment was placed at 2 hours notice to move.
The proposed night scheme was therefore abandoned.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
At 9am the Battn marched to ST LEGER LES DOMART – Starting from this place an attack on BERNEUIL was practiced.

On this day 25th September

25/9/2016

On this day 25th September:-

1806 – 52nd – 1st Bn 52nd left Plymouth for service in Sicily where it remained until 1808.

1915 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – BATTLE OF LOOS; attack made by 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI at Givenchy (casualties, 9 Officers and 226 men);

1915 - 5th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI attacked Bellewarde Farm, Ypres
(casualties, 13 Officers and 463 men).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
Company Training – Musketry – Range Practice.
In Afternoon a Regimental Tour was conducted over the ground between ST LEGER LES DOMART & BERNEUIL.

On this day 24th September

24/9/2016

On this day 24th September:-

1811 - The Light Division at Horquerra, on the River Vadillo (Spain).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
Coys at disposal of OCs Coys for Interior Economy.

On this day 23rd September

23/9/2016

On this day 23rd September:-

1868 – 52nd – left Ireland for Malta.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.
2nd Lieutenant G S La W Lyle joined and was posted to D Company.
The Regiment remained at SARTON till 2/10/16.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
Field Training – Musketry – Range Practices.

On this day 22nd September

22/9/2016

On this day 22nd September:-

1790 – 52nd – formed part of the army which entered Paulighautcherry after 12 days siege. Killed 1 Serjeant. Wounded 1 Officer and 3 men.

1903 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Left Chatham for Southampton embarking on SS Plassy en route to India.

1915 - 7th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI arived at Boulogne from England.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
Inoculation – remainder of Battn occupied in Field Training& Range Practises.

1944 - 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI placed into Suspended Animation and finally Disbanded.

On this day 21st September

21/9/2016

On this day 21st September:-

1790 - 52nd - present at Conclusion of the siege of Paulighautcherry;

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
Company Training & Bomb & Lewis Gun classes started.
Range Practises Commenced. Revolver training continued.

On this day 20th September

20/9/2016

On this day 20th September:-

1777 – 52nd – American War of Independence - The light Company of the 52nd with a small force under Major General Grey, at night surprised and defeated 1,500 Americans with 4 guns (artillery).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – SARTON.
On relief of the Brigade the Regiment moved to SARTON into good billets.
The following Officers joined for duty:-
Captain R J BRETT (Appointed Transport Officer in which capacity he served the regiment from 4/8/14 to 3/11/14).
T/Lieutenant D T Barnes (Reported to D Company)
Lieutenant J B Slade-Baker (Posted to D Company)
2nd Lieutenant O H M Sturges (Posted to B Company)
2nd Lieutenant L W Giles (Posted to B Company)
2nd Lieutenant P Booth (Posted to C Company)
2nd Lieutenant F C L A Lowndes (Posted to A Company)
2nd Lieutenant P H R Whitehead (Posted to A Company)
2nd Lieutenant H Vernon (Posted to C Company)
The last seven appear to be a very good type of Regular Officer, all Sandhurst educated and likely to be very useful to the regiment, several have family connection with the 52nd.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
Company Training & Bomb & Lewis Gun classes started.
Range Practises Commenced. Revolver training continued.

1917 - 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI heavily engaged in Battle of the Menin Road (3rd YPRES)

On this day 19th September

19/9/2016

On this day 19th September:-

1857 – 52nd – during the engagements with mutineers from August 14th to September 20th the 52nd lost 1 Officer, 1 Serjeant and 25 men killed. 3 Officers and 82 men wounded. 98 men died of cholera and other diseases.

1915 - 8th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI arrived at Havre from England.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COIGNEUX.
Regimental Headquarters was shelled on 17th, 18th and 19th.
9.30AM – The Regiment was suddenly relieved by the 12th (Service) Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade, 39th Division and moved to huts North of BUS-LES-ARTOIS.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BERNEUIL
Battn in Billets. –
Company Training & Bomb & Lewis Gun classes started.

On this day 18th September

18/9/2016

On this day 18th September:-

1857 – 52nd – still engaged in the streets of Delhi.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COIGNEUX.
Regimental Headquarters was shelled on 17th, 18th and 19th.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battn in Billets. –
The 145th INF BDE left BEAUVAL. 1st BUCKS BN was the leading Bn & left the Starting Point at 10am & marched to Billets at BERNEUIL.
Route via CANDAS & FIENVILLERS.

1916 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI present Battle of Flers-Courcellette;,
18TH SEPTEMBER 1916 – 6th (S) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – TRIANGLE TRENCHES.
Rained all day. Trenches very wet and muddy.
5.30 AM - 6th Divn. Attacked and took QUADRILATERIL.
We assisted by firing on retiring Germans, very large number was seen to fall, many prisoners were taken.
Our area very heavily shelled with 5,9’s.
During afternoon 1 Lewis Gun and 2 Platoons of “A” Coy. went forward to support 6th K.S.L.I. who thought enemy were about to attack.
8 PM - Battn. commenced to relieve 6th K.S.L.I.
Disposition: - 2 Coy’s. in front line, “B” Coy. in support and 1 Coy. E face of TRIANGLE.
2.30 AM - Relief complete.

1917 - 7th (S) and 8th (S) Bns Oxf & Bucks LI present-Battle of Doiran;

1924 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Orders were issued that Buff Belts would be taken into wear for Walking Out, with effect from the 22nd inst.

1944 -7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI-Engaged in the Battle of Ceriano (Italy)
(18th/20th September)

On this day 17th September

17/9/2016

On this day 17th September:-

1759 - 43rd - Quebec surrendered - 43rd formed part of the garrison of occupation.

1828 – 43rd – Terrible epidemic broke out in the 43rd at Gibraltar.

1857 – 52nd – at Delhi.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COIGNEUX.
Regimental Headquarters was shelled on 17th, 18th and 19th.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battn In Billets. –
Companies at disposal of OC Companies for interior economy.

1916 – 5th (S) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - MONTAUBAN
1.30 AM - Read orders from 43rd Bde to connection with Guards on right. A Coy ordered to send forward platoon to make strong point on Gas Alley with Vickers. Also orders for relief.
2.25 AM - Read message from 10th D.L.I. that O.C. FLERS thought attack likely at 2 a.m.
Ordered GAP Coy’s with Vickers to Bulls Rd & D Coy from SWITCH to occupy GAP vacated & instructed GAP Coy’s to enquire from D.L.I. if they were required.
3.30 AM - Read message that GAP Coy’s not required.
Gap Coy’s returned & D Coy also withdrew.
5.0 AM - A Coy Post relieved by 13th Northumberland Fusiliers
5.30 AM - SWITCH trench relieved by 12th N. Fusiliers.
5.45 AM - 1st Lincolns having failed to relieve GAP trench explained situation to 12th N.F. & withdrew GAP Coy’s Battn bivouaced at POMMIERS Redoubt for breakfast & rest.
2.0 PM - Marched camp at F.13.b (MAP ALBERT 1/40000)

1944 – 1st Airborne Divisional Defence Platoon incorporating members of 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI flew to ARNHEM.
Also serving with the Division were former Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment including:-
Brigadier Lathbury (43rd) 1 Para Brigade
Major Haig (52nd) Div Provost
Major Wallis (4th Bn) 2IC 2Para Bn
Major Tatham Warter (52nd) OC A Coy 2Para Bn
Captain Moy-Thomas (52nd) Staff Captain 1 Airlanding Brigade
Captain Robson (52nd) Div GSO3
Captain Blatch (Bucks) Glider Pilot Regiment
Lieutenant Grayburn (43rd) A Coy 2Para Bn who was to win the Victoria Cross.
Lieutenant Eastwood (52nd) 21st Independent Parachute Company
http://www.lightbobs.com/1944-september-arnhem1.html

On this day 16th September

16/9/2016

On this day 16th September:-

1857 - 52nd - engaged in severe street fighting in DELHI.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COIGNEUX.
The Regiment relieved the 17th Royal Fusiliers in the same trenches.
The relief was affected without incident:
Regimental Headquarters was shelled on 17th, 18th and 19th.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battn in Billets. –
The 145INF BDE exercised in Open Order moving across country under BRIG-GEN DONE D.S.O. – Revolver Range opened.

1916 – 5th (S) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - MONTAUBAN
Relieved by 43rd Bde & went to MONTAUBAN.
3-4 AM - In these operations took 1 French mitrailleuse & 8 field guns.
Casualties, Wounded Lt. Col. W.F.R. WEBB, Capt. E.W. MAUDE, 2nd Lts BEAVER, TURNER, BROOKE and ATKINS, at duty Capt. Gillespie R.A.M.C. & Lt. ROWE. O.R. Killed 14, Wounded 119, Missing 23. (All Refes in connection with attack separate).
3.30 PM- Received from Bde following order “Under orders received from Division the 5th O.L.I. & 5th K.S.L.I are placed at disposal of 43rd Inf. Bde. These 2 Battalions will prepare to move forthwith and inform this office when ready to do so”.
3.45 PM - Orders from Bde. “Attack on GIRD TRENCH and GUEUDECOURT will be resumed this evening. AAA Creeping barrage lifts off GIRD TRENCH at 6.55 p.m. and off GUEUDECOURT at 7.35 p.m. AAA 43rd Inf. Bde. to carry out this attack AAA 5th O.L.I. and 5th K.S.L.I. are placed at disposal of 43rd Inf. Bde forthwith for use in support of attack if necessary AAA our front line will probably be taken over Bde of another Div tonight”.
4.30 PM - Order from Bde “5th O.L.I. and 5th K.S.L.I. will move from present positions at 4.30 PM -. and relieve 41st Bde. in SWITCH TRENCH AAA 5th O.L.I. relieve 8th R.B. on right. AAA Care must be taken not to overcrowd trench, surplus men in shell holes outside. Right Battn. H.Q. T.7.b.7.7. AAA on moving from present positions 5th O.L.I. etc. will come under orders of G.O.C. 3rd Inf. Bde.
5.0 PM - Battn moved up and formed in Artillery formation just South of YORK Alley.
5.45 PM - Order from 43rd Bde. for attack “43rd to take GIRD SUPPORT & have mopping up parties in GIRD TRENCH & consolidate. 5th O.L.I. & 5th K.S.L.I. to carry out attack on GUEUDECOURT, they will move up from SWITCH TRENCH at such an hour as to be in GIRD Support at 7.35.p.m.
The barrage will lift and the attack be launched. Officers patrols will be pushed ahead of Battns & ascertain if GIRD SUPPORT taken. If not taken they will consolidate on Bulls Rd.
6.0 PM - Order from 43rd Bde “Attack on GUEUDECOURT cancelled 43rd Bde attack on GIRD SUPPORT. 5th O.L.I. & 5th K.S.L.I. to have 2 Coy’s in SWITCH TRENCH & H.Q. & 2 Coy’s in GAP TRENCH. 5th O.L.I. on arrival will send forward Officers patrols to get in touch with 43rd Bde & reconnoitre situation AAA In event 43rd Bde failing 5th P.L.I. etc will consolidate Bulls Rd gaining touch with Div on right AAA 5th K.S.L.I. to do same on left AAA 43rd M-G Coy to send 4 Vickers to GAP AAA If 43rd Bde successful Vickers to move forward to hold new line if unsuccessful cover Bulls Rd.
Battn moved up as ordered. Officer’s patrols sent to 43rd Bde & between GAP-SWITCH TRENCHES.
10.30 PM- Officer’s patrols reported 43rd Bde had taken GIRD TRENCH, but NOT GIRD SUPPORT & that plenty of troops were in Bulls Rd. (Later not true) Report sent 43rd Bde stating facts & that we intended to stay. Report sent Col of 43rd Bde that we were in support.

On this day 15th September

15/9/2016

On this day 15th September:-

1857 – 52nd – took part in severe street fighting in Delhi.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COIGNEUX.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battn in Billets. –
Companies exercised in Open Order moving across country- Courses as above continued.

1916 - 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI present at Gueudecourt - Battle of Flers-Courcellette;(Somme)
1916 – 5th (S) Bn OXF & BUCKS LI - MEAULTE
4AM- Reveille.
5AM- Moved to South of YORK ALLEY south of DELVILLE and formed up in Artillery formation of platoon files with 5th K.S.L.I. in front & 9th K.R.R.C. on right. Order B on left D on right C behind B, A behind D. trench mortars & H.Q. behind C. Vickers & S-Bearers behind D. Lt. Col. WEBB wounded in shoulder.
6.20 11.00 - ZERO moved forward through wood after 41st Bde. & finished finally on Bulls Road where position consolidated.
12.30 - Lt. Col. WEBB again wounded & taken away by stretcher-bearers. Major DRURY assumed command.

On this day 14th September

14/9/2016

On this day 14th September:-

1857 - 52nd - severely engaged at the storming of the Cashmere Gate, DELHI.
V.C.'s won by L/Cpl. Smith and Bugler Hawthorne.

1914 - 2/4th (T.F.) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI raised at Oxford;

1914 - 6th (Service) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI formed at Old Dean Common (Camberley).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COIGNEUX.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battn in Billets. –
Company Training – Bombing & Lewis Gun Courses commenced.

On this day 13th September

13/9/2016

On this day 13th September:-

1759 - 43rd - took part in the Battle of Quebec.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COIGNEUX.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battn in Billets. –
Company Training – Bombing & Lewis Gun Courses commenced.

1944 -7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - engaged in Attack on Sensoli Ridge (Italy) (13/14 September)

On this day 12th September

12/9/2016

On this day 12th September:-

1777 – 52nd – Battalion Companies 52nd embarked to capture Newark (North America).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COIGNEUX.
The Regiment practiced Co-operation with aeroplanes just North of COUIN.
During this period (12th – 15th) the Regiment was usefully employed in Company Training and Physical Training. All young officers attended Riding School before breakfast regularly under the Commanding Officer and Senior Major.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BEAUVAL
Battn in Billets. –
Company Training – Bombing & Lewis Gun Courses commenced.
Training occupied 6 hours per day.

1918 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - Cpl. W. Wilcox, near Laventie, gained the V.C.

1918 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI engaged Battle of Havrincourt.

On this day 11th September

11/9/2016

On this day 11th September:-

1777 - 43rd and flank companies 52nd engaged at Brandywine (American War of Independence).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COIGNEUX.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – BOIS DE WARNIMONT
Battn in Huts. –
At 2pm the 145th INF BDE marched to Billets at BEAUVAL.
Route via AUTHIE, MARIEUX, BEAUQUESNE & TERRAMESNIL.

On this day 10th September

10/9/2016

On this day 10th September:-

1790 - 52nd - present at the commencement of the siege of Paulighautcherry (India).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COURSELLES AU BOIS.
The regiment on relief by the 17th Royal Fusiliers moved to position of Battalion in Divisional Reserve in huts at COIGNEUX WOOD.
57th Reinforcement – 17 Other Ranks joined.
Major General R Fanshawe C.B. D.S.O. (52nd Light Infantry 1883-1911) visited the Regiment.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – MAILLY-MAILLET
Battn in Billets. –
Early in the Morning the Battn marched to Huts in the BOIS DE WARNIMONT & subsequently joined there the 1/4R BERKS & 1/5 GLOSTERS.

On this day 9th September

9/9/2016

On this day 9th September:-

1898 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Left Curragh Camp and moved to Mullingar.(Reached 11th Sept).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COURSELLES AU BOIS.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – MAILLY-MAILLET
Battn in Billets. –
The Battn supplied various Working parties throughout the day to work (inter alia) on 4TH & 5TH AVENUES.

On this day 8th September

8/9/2016

On this day 8th September:-

1857 – 52nd – Siege of Delhi – continued, 52nd at Brinds Battery.

1901 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – occupying blockhouses in Orange River Colony (Boer War).

1914 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI at Ahmednagar received orders to mobilize.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COURSELLES AU BOIS.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES opposite N end of BEAUMONT-HAMEL
Battn in Trenches. –
In the course of the Morning the Battn was relieved by 1/5GLOSTERS & returned to billets in MAILLY-MAILLET.
Battn HQ was Billet No. 71

1928 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – (India)- Army Order 139/1928 reviving the original title of Bugle Major instead of Serjeant Bugler was published in Regimental Orders.

1943 – 7th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI took part in SALERNO landings.

On this day 7th September

7/9/2016

On this day 7th September:-

1760 - 43rd - present at Capitulation of Montreal (Canada);.

1807 - Surrender of Copenhagen.

1857 – 52nd – Siege of Delhi- 52nd at siege work during the night within 300 yards of the guns of the fortress.

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COURSELLES AU BOIS.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES opposite N end of BEAUMONT-HAMEL
Battn in Trenches. –
From 2.20am to about 3.15am the Enemy heavily shelled the Front Line with Minenwerfer & the Support lines & WHITE CITY with shells up to 15cm calibre – No subsequent action took place.

On this day 6th September

6/9/2016

On this day 6th September:-

1857 - 52nd before Delhi; 340 men in hospital with fever.

1858 - 43rd engaged at Punghattee Pass (Indian Mutiny).

1916 –2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – COURSELLES AU BOIS.

1916 – 1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – TRENCHES opposite N end of BEAUMONT-HAMEL
Battn in Trenches. –
THE BOWERY was shelled with 77cms in the Morning & NORTH STREET was Blown in in places with 15cm shells about 7pm.