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December 31st, 2017

31/12/2017

On this day 31st December

1808 - 2nd Bn 43rd and 1st Bn 52nd, with Sir John Moore's Army, reached Cambeeros.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HAPLINCOURT to BARASTRE ROAD.
Lewis Gun and Bombing classes continued.

1917 – 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – At FALUJA (Mesopotamia)

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
A, B and C Coys Training in the Morning.
D Coy on the Range.
Usual party sent to reconnoitre the foothills W of BRASSANO.
Ration Strength: 39 officers 871 OR
Casualties 1 OR to hospital – sick.

1917 – 1/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – At TEZZE. (Italy)

1917 – 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion (TF) – To VAUVILLERS.

1917 – 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Moved to CAIX.

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Training in ST OMER AREA.

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Training EBLINGHEM (Blaringhem Area)

1944 – 1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – Holland
On the 31st December the Composite Company moved off under the command of Major Brocklehurst, with Captain Eyles, officer commanding support platoon, in charge of the armoured cars. No one was told at the time exactly what their role would be, but it was later discovered that it consisted of holding part of the line under No. 4 Special Service Commando Brigade opposite the Scheldt estuary, with the Germans still entrenched on the opposite island of Schouwen en Duiveland.

1965 – 2359 hrs The Regiment ceased to be known as 1st Green Jackets, (43rd & 52nd).
1966 – January 1st – 0001 hrs – Became 1st Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets (43rd & 52nd)

December 30th, 2017

30/12/2017

December 29th, 2017

29/12/2017

On this day 29th December

1808 - Retreat on Corunna; 1st Bn 43rd and 2nd Bn. 52nd moved towards Vigo for embarkation.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HAPLINCOURT to BARASTRE ROAD.
Lewis Gun and Bombing classes began.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
Coys Route Marched during the Morning. T.O. and 2nd LIEUT FISHER proceeded to RUBBIO to reconnoitre mule roads.
CAPT G.R. CROUCH proceeded to ENGLAND to attend Senior Officers School at ALDERSHOT.
Ration Strength: 39 officers 879 OR
Casualties 1 OR to hospital – sick.
Training carried out.

December 28th, 2017

28/12/2017

On this day 28th December

1808 – Retreat on Corunna, rearguard engaged at Benavente (Spain).

1837 – 43rd - First party of the 43rd reached Quebec, 370 miles in 18 days, including 2 days' halt. (Canada)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HAPLINCOURT to BARASTRE ROAD.
Celebration of Christmas Day.
Brigadier-General Eden, D.S.O., visited the Regiment.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
CO proceeded to RUBBIO with CAPT CROUCH to complete reconnaissance.
Coys Training during the Morning.
A Coy on the Range.
Ration Strength: 40 Officers 878 OR
Casualties 2 OR to hospital – sick.

December 27th, 2017

27/12/2017

On this day 27th December

1884 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Detachments of the 43rd engaged for a second time in the suppression of Moplah outbreak (Southern India).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – HAPLINCOURT to BARASTRE ROAD.
Bathing.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
CO and IO proceeded to RUBBIO to continue reconnaissance of defensive Positions.
A, C & D took part in Bn Training during the Morning.
D & C acting as Rearguard and A as Hostile Advanced Guard.
The following Officers rejoined the Bn from the base:-
2nd LIEUTs FISHER, BROWNE, CURRAM and STOKES.
Ration Strength: 36 officers 877 OR
Casualties 3 OR to hospital – sick

1917 – 7th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To trenches H SECTOR (Salonika).

1918 - 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - reached Stommeln (near Cologne).

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Ardennes Offensive
The commanding officer and several officers went over to a party given by the 43rd. Not since the disbandment of the Light Division after Toulouse had the two regiments met on the battlefield.

1944 – Buckinghamshire Battalion – Brussels
On the 27th December we were suddenly ordered to produce a rifle company at full war establishment, plus two sections of armoured cars, to go to Goes in South Beveland, where they would come under No. 4 Special Service Commando. A composite company was organised by choosing the fittest officers and men from A and D Companies.

December 26th, 2017

26/12/2017

On this day 26th December

1815 - Occupation of Paris.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRAI SECTOR
The Regiment was relieved by the 1st Royal Berkshire (99th Infantry Brigade), and moved to huts on the Haplincourt-Barastre road.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
Coys Training during the Morning.
LIEUT A P DARBY assumed Command of B Coy.
Ration Strength: 39 officers 874 OR
Casualties 3 OR to hospital – sick.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Ardennes Offensive
On Boxing Day Henry Howard, commanding the 43rd, visited the 52nd

1962 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd – SARAWAK.
Letter A Coy reverted to Regimental Command.

December 25th, 2017

25/12/2017

On this day 25th December

1808 - Both Bns 43rd and 52nd, as part of Sir J. Moore's rearguard from Sahagun (Spain), started on the retreat to Corunna.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRAI SECTOR
In the position of Support Battalion to the Left Brigade of the 2nd Division.
Working Parties were relaxed on Xmas and the troops spent an uncomfortable but otherwise not unpleasant day.
The Rev. E. M. Guilford, B.A., C.F., conducted Morning and Evening Services at Regimental Headquarters.
2/Lt E. K. Blyth joined, and was attached, pending posting, to D Company.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
XMAS DAY
All Coys had very successful dinners in the middle of the day.
Transport had dinners in the Evening.
2nd LIEUT CLOTHIER rejoined Bn from the Base.
Ration Strength: 39 Officers 874 OR
Casualties NIL

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Moved by rail from ST JEAN to WIZERNES thence by marching to ST-MARTIN-AU-LAERT (ST OMER AREA).

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Ardennes Offensive
Christmas Day the Regiment moved through Ath, Mons and Charleroi to Givet, reached at 0400 hrs. By noon the 52nd had taken over the Givet bridgehead and defence of the town. At this time Givet was an American replacement depot and American troops were available to help in the defence, as were French troops to man posts along the river towards Dinant, where the rest of the brigade was posted

December 24th, 2017

24/12/2017

On this day 24th December

1761 – 43rd – landed at Barbados.

1791 - 52nd - took part in the capture of Ooreedroog (India)

1808 - The Retreat on Corunna commenced.

1867- 43rd – Banda and Kirwee prize money distributed to the 43rd at Aldershot.
(after a lapse of nearly 10 years).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRAI SECTOR
In the position of Support Battalion to the Left Brigade of the 2nd Division.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
Co, Adjutant, 4 Coy Commanders, Transport Officer and LIEUT TROUTBECK proceeded to RUBBIO to reconnoitre positions in the Mountains.
A, B & D Coys Training.
C Coy on the Range.
The following officers rejoined from the Base:-
2nd LIEUTs SHERWIN, CORFIELD, GRACE, BAKER, SAERWIN, CAULFIELD & ELLWOOD.
Ration Strength: 39 officers 840 OR
Casualties 1 OR to hospital – sick.

1917 – 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – By rail to huts & billets at SUZANNE.

1917 – 2/4th (TF) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – By rail to huts & billets at SUZANNE.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Ardennes Offensive
The Regiment travelled by road through Waerejem to Olsene

December 23rd, 2017

23/12/2017

On this day 23rd December

1797 - 43rd - arrived at Martinique.

1828 – 43rd – end of the epidemic amongst the 43rd at Gibraltar; 89 deaths in 3 months.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI –
In the position of Support Battalion to the Left Brigade of the 2nd Division.
Casualties: Killed-2 men (A Coy). Wounded – 3 men (A Coy).

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
Bn attended Church Parade in the Morning.
Intelligence Officer and Scouts completed Road reconnaissance begun by CO and 2nd in Command on Dec 19th.
Ration Strength: 29 Officers 844 OR
Casualties 1 OR to hospital-sick

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – From trenches to CAPRICORN & CALIFORNIA CAMPS (Ypres).

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI
The main body landed at Calais the first troops to use the port since its liberation.

1962 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd – SARAWAK.
Letter A Coy landed by helicopter at LABI.

December 22nd, 2017

22/12/2017

On this day 22nd December

1858 - 43rd - present at Second engagement at Kirwee (India).

1899 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – Left Aldershot for Southampton embarking on the HMT Gaika on route to South Africa (Boer War).

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRAI SECTOR
In the position of Support Battalion to the Left Brigade of the 2nd Division.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
A, B and C Coys Training in the Morning.
D Coy were on the Range.
Ration Strength: 29 Officers 843 OR
Casualties 2 OR hospital.

1917 – 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – To billets near LECHELLE.

1917 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To billets near LECHELLE.

1944 – 2nd (AB) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI
Just when the Regiment was preparing for Christmas dinners orders were received to reinforce the front in Europe against the German offensive in the Ardennes which came to be known as the Rundstedt Rush.
The advanced party under Major Edmunds left Tilbury on the 22nd December.

December 21st, 2017

21/12/2017

On this day 21st December

1791 - 52nd - took part in the storming of Savendroog in India. Whilst the Grenadier and Light Infantry Companies mounted the breach the band of the regiment played “Britons strike home”.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRAI SECTOR
December 21st-26th.- In the position of Support Battalion to the Left Brigade of the 2nd Division.
C Company was kept off working parties for 48 hours in order to make shelters, as the accommodation was very bad.
Weather cold and dry; snow on the ground.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
All Coys Training during the Morning.
Rain fell heavily all afternoon.
Commanding Officer and Adjutant went to RUBBIO (about 7km NW of BASSANO) to reconnoitre trench line immediately WEST of RUBBIO to a point immediately SOUTH of FONTANELLE.
CAPT E N C WOOLERTON sent to hospital with Sprained Ankle.
Ration Strength: 29 Officers 843 OR
Casualties 1 OR to hospital – sick.

December 20th, 2017

20/12/2017

On this day 20th December

1808 – 43rd - 1st Bn. 43rd joined Sir John Moore's Army at Mayorga.

1852 - 43rd - engaged at Berea (Kaffir War).

1854 – 43rd – Kaffir War Medals presented to the 43rd at Bangalore.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – CAMBRAI SECTOR
The Regiment was relieved by the 2nd H.L.I., and on relief took up positions as follows:
H.Q. and Aid Post, K.13.d.8.3;
C Company in Hunt Avenue, south of our former H.Q. vacated by the Regiment.
D about bridge K.15.a.35, in shelters and dug-outs entrances;
B and A Companies, in that order from Right to Left or North to South in the Old British Front Line.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
Bn Training.
A & B Coys formed Rearguard and C Coy enemy Advanced Guard as on 18th inst.
D Coy training separately.
Ration Strength: 30 officers 854 OR
Casualties NIL

1962 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd – SARAWAK.
Letter A Coy flew by helicopter to HMS Albion to act as Force Reserve

December 19th, 2017

19/12/2017

On this day 19th December

1768 – 52nd - By Royal Warrant issued this day, the facings of the 52nd were ordered to be buff, the red coats faced and lined with buff ornamented with white lace, red worm and one orange stripe, buff waistcoats and breeches, black gaiters.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – FRONT LINE TRENCHES.
Casualties: Wounded – 2 Men (C Coy)
2nd Lieutenant D G Rydings proceeded to England on transfer to the Machine Gun Corps.
2nd Lieutenants Mann and Clarke, Essex Regiment (T.F.) reported to 13th (Service) Battalion, Essex Regiment, 6th Infantry Brigade.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
9 Officers and about 90 OR went to reconnoitre the foothills as on 17th.
CO and 2nd in Command reconnoitred all Roads in area N of TEZZE.
Ration Strength: 30 Officers 858 OR
Casualties NIL

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Returned to Trenches.

1917 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To HAVRINCOURT WOOD (CAMBRAI SECTOR)

1917 – 7th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To CROW HILL CAMP (Salonika)

1963 – 1st Green Jackets (43rd & 52nd) – Arrived back in Penang after 2nd tour of Sarawak & Brunei

December 18th, 2017

18/12/2017

On this day 18th December

1815 - 52nd - at St, Germaine, near Paris.

1906 – 2nd Bn Oxf LI – The new pattern drab great coat was taken into wear.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – FRONT LINE TRENCHES.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
Bn Training.
C and D Coys formed Rearguard, and B Coy formed enemy Advanced Guard.
A Coy training separately.
Ration Strength: 30 officers 835 OR
Casualties NIL

December 17th, 2017

17/12/2017

On this day 17th December

1851 - 43rd - landed in South Africa for the Kaffir War.

1864 – 52nd – sailed from India for England after 12 years foreign service.

1906- 1st Bn Oxf LI – The following order was published:-
“Badges lace or drab pattern will be worn on khaki clothing the wearing of badges in gold embroidery being restricted to white and serge clothing.”

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – FRONT LINE TRENCHES.
B Coy relieved D Coy in Right Front and A Coy relieved C Coy in Left Front.
Reliefs effected without incident.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
5 Officers and 40 OR went in GS Wagons to reconnoitre the foothills immediately WEST of BASSANO.
A, C and D Coys NCOs went over Rear-Guard scheme carried out by Officers on Sunday.
All Coys washed clothes.
Ration Strength: 30 officers 837 OR
Casualties 3 OR hospital (sick)

1917 – 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To trenches North West of LA VACQUERIE (CAMBRAI SECTOR).

December 16th, 2017

16/12/2017

On this day 16th December

1826 – 52nd - received the 'Light Infantry Musket' in Canada.

1907 – 1st Bn Oxf LI – The Commanding Officer approved of a khaki serge Field Service Cap for Officers.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – FRONT LINE TRENCHES.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
Bn attended Church Parade in the Morning.
In the Afternoon all Officers took part in Tactical Exercise (Rear Guard Scheme) between TEZZE – S CROCE Road and the BRENTA.
Ration Strength 30 Officers 839 OR
Casualties NIL.

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – From trenches to HASLAR CAMP near ST JEAN.

December 15th, 2017

15/12/2017

On this day 15th December

1837 - 43rd - reached the Grand Falls of the River St. John in their march across the Portage of the Madawaska. (Canada)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – FRONT LINE TRENCHES.
December 15th-20th.-These days passed very quietly; Weather fine and cold, with some snow.
The area was organized for defence and upkeep by one battalion.
Labelling of trenches was carried out and the position of the bombing-posts "Adam" and "Eve" improved, as they had been found to be in a very unsatisfactory and defenceless condition.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - S CROCE BIGOLINA.
All Coys resting.
Ration Strength 30 Officers 839 OR
Casualties 1 OR to hospital (sick)

1917 – 1/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – At TEZZA and GRANEZZA.

1962 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd – SARAWAK.
Letter A Coy landed by helicopter from HMS Albion on the head waters of the Sibuti River.

December 14th, 2017

14/12/2017

On this day 14th December

1790 - 52nd - took part in the storming of Cannanore. (3rd Anglo-Mysore war)
The 'Forlorn Hope' consisted of 1 Officer, 1 Sjt and 31 rank and file of the Regiment, nearly all of whom were killed or wounded.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – FRONT LINE TRENCHES.
The Regiment relieved the 2nd South Staffordshire Regiment and two companies of the 13th Essex Regiment in the front line, main line of resistance from the junction with the 99th Infantry Brigade on the right about K.9.a.65 to the Junction of KELLET WALSH and BULLEN Trenches on the left.
D Coy on the right;
C Coy on the left;
B Coy (less 1 platoon with D), Right Support;
A Coy (less 1 platoon with C), Left Support.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - VILLA DEL CONTE.
Bn paraded at 9.10am to march to new area.
Bn joined Column of Brigade Group on main PADOVA-CITADELLA ROAD at 11.15am.
Owing to possible lack of room in new area Bn was not allowed to pass 25 Kilometre Stone on above road until receipt of further orders.
Bn turned off just short of this point out of the column down a side road running EAST.
Bn had dinners while awaiting orders which were received about 12.45pm, to move forward to FONTANIVA. Here instructions were received to move to billets at S CROCE BIGOLINA (about 41/2 kms NW of FONTANIVA).
Bn arrived in rather scattered billets shortly after 4pm having marched about 11 miles.
Ration Strength 30 Officers 839 OR
Casualties 10 OR to hospital (sick)

1962 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd – SARAWAK.
Letter A Coy after carrying out operations with Queens Own Highlanders returned to Regimental Command.

December 13th, 2017

13/12/2017

On this day 13th December

1837 - 43rd - reached Dedingee Settlement, thermometer below zero. (Canada)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEBUCQUIERS

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - VILLA DEL CONTE.
All Coys Training.
8 OR under CAPT CROUCH went on to FONTANIVA during the Afternoon to take over Billets.
Ration Strength 30 Officers 846 OR
Casualties NIL

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – By bus through ST OMER to EBLINGHEM for training.

1924- Buckinghamshire Battalion - WOLVERTON.
Lord Cottesloe, Lord Lieutenant of the County, and Hon. Colonel of the Battalion, unveiled a Memorial Tablet in the Wolverton Drill Hall to the memory of the men of the Wolverton Company in the lst and 2nd Bucks Battalions who fell in the war.

1962 – 1st GREEN JACKETS (43rd & 52nd) - SARAWAK
Letters "B" and "C" Companies successfully retook the villages of Bekenu and Niah, which had been held by rebels.

December 12th, 2017

12/12/2017

On this day 12th December

1837 - 43rd - reached Jones's Settlement in the march across the Portage of the Madawaska. (Canada)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEBUCQUIERS

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - VILLA DEL CONTE.
Rain fell heavily nearly all day.
Coys continued Training as far as possible.
Commanding Officer and 4 Coy Commanders went to forward area immediately WEST of BASSANO to reconnoitre.
Ration Strength 30 Officers 841 OR
Casualties 2 OR to hospital (sick)

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To trenches PASSCHENDAELE RIDGE (Ypres)

1962 – 1st GREEN JACKETS (43rd & 52nd) - SARAWAK
The Regiment less Letter A Coy arrived in Miri, Sarawak and proceeded to deal with the revolt in that area.

December 11th, 2017

11/12/2017

On this day 11th December

1837 - 43rd - commenced the famous winter march from Fredericton to Quebec, proceeding in sleighs holding six to eight men. (Canada).

1863 – 43rd – disembarked at Auckland, New Zealand.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEBUCQUIERS

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - VILLA DEL CONTE.
Coys Training during Morning and Afternoon.
Rain fell on and off all day.
2nd LIEUT R.C.F.CAULFIELD who was supernumerary to establishment, was sent back to the base.
Ration Strength 31 Officers 843 OR
Casualties NIL

1917 – 7th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – To Trenches H SECTOR (Salonika).

1962 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd – Whilst sailing towards Lauban Regiment ordered to direct to MIRI, SARAWAK.

December 10th, 2017

10/12/2017

On this day 10th December

1813 - Battle of the Nive.(Peninsula War)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEBUCQUIERS.
Baths were allotted to the Regiment near Haplincourt.
Days spent in resting and cleaning up.
The health of the Regiment was surprisingly good, but all ranks were very badly in need of rest, which they were able to get to a very great extent.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - VILLA DEL CONTE.
Coys Training during Morning and Afternoon.
Ration Strength 31 officers 843 OR
Casualties 7 OR to hospital sick

1917 - 2/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion – From trenches to HAVRINCOURT WOOD (CAMBRAI SECTOR)

1917 - 2/4th Bn Oxf & Bucks LI– From trenches to HAVRINCOURT WOOD (CAMBRAI SECTOR)

1962 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd – On arrival at Singapore the Regiment instructed to go direct to Naval Dockyard for embarkation on HMS Tiger and sail for BRUNEI via LAUBAN.

December 09th, 2017

9/12/2017

On this day 9th December

1813 – 52nd – 2nd Bn 52nd embarked at Ramsgate to join Sir Thomas Grahams force in Holland.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – LEBUCQUIERS.
B, C and D Companies moved from their tents into huts, about 100 yards further west, and were infinitely more comfortable.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - VILLA DEL CONTE.
All Coys resting.
Ration Strength 31 Officers 851 OR
Casualties NIL

1918 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - entered Germany and billeted at Malmedy.

1962 – 1st Green Jackets, 43rd & 52nd – PENANG.
The Regiment was ordered to move to Singapore in connection with the Brunei Revolt.
The order was received at 1340hrs and the first vehicle moved off at 1930hrs.

December 08th, 2017

8/12/2017

On this day 8th December

1806 – 52nd – landed in Sicily.

1915 - 1st Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - in the Garrison at the Commencement of Siege of Kut,
(Mesopatamia)

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – Near HERMIES.
The 91st reinforcement 23 Rank and File (9435 L/Sgt Timms) joined.
Orders were received that the Regiment would be relieved by the 13th Essex Regiment of 6th Infantry Brigade. As this about to begin, some commotion occurred by the rounding-up of a post in the K.3.c. slag-heap, in the outpost line, whose garrison of the 17th Royal Fusiliers, fortunately eluded superior numbers of the enemy and escaped.
Two companies, A and D were required to move forward and A Coy from LOCK 7 was all but required to do an operation which, it is understood, was to result in the retaking of the post.
This plan being abandoned the relief proceeded a miserably cold, wet night; the companies marched very well into LE BOCQUIERE, Headquarters and A Company being in huts in the village; B, C, and D Companies in O'SHEA Camp in tents, whence they moved on the afternoon of the 9th to huts about 100 yards further West and were infinitely more comfortable.
Casualties: 1 man in D Coy Wounded.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - VILLA DEL CONTE.
All Coys training during the Morning and Afternoon.
Ration Strength 31 Officers 846 OR.
Casualties 2 OR to hospital (sick)

1917 – 5th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Moved by rail to CALIFORNIA CAMP and ST JEAN (YPRES)

December 07th, 2017

7/12/2017

On this day 7th December

1875 - 43rd - furnished a Guard of Honour to H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, during his tour in Southern India.

1910 – 2nd Bn Oxf & Bucks LI – Intimation received by Army Order 218 of 1910 that His Majesty the King approved of the distinction PYRENEES being borne on the Colours of the Regiment.

1917 – 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS LI – Near HERMIES.
Passed quietly.
Certain reliefs of Officers and N.C.O.'s with those at the Rearward Services were carried out.
About 6 p.m. very complicated orders were received to find 2 reliefs each of 2 companies (including C Coy in Close Support, to be relieved on completion of work by 1 Coy, 24th Royal Fusiliers) almost at once, for work on a new communication trench which subsequently became familiar as BETTY AVENUE.
These working parties were effected without incident.

1917–1/1st Buckinghamshire Battalion - VILLA DEL CONTE.
Bn resting.
Coys were kept busy washing socks and cleaning up generally, this being the first opportunity since leaving FRANCE.
Bn was at two hours notice to move to support Italian Army if necessary.
Ration Strength 31 Officers 850 OR
Casualties 1 OR to hospital.

1917 – 6th (S) Bn Oxf & Bucks LI - BOURAINVILLE to RENTY.
At 9.00 a.m. the Battalion left Bourainville and started the march to Renty which was about 14 miles distant This march was done exceptionally well.
The Battalion arrived at Renty at 5.p.m. and was given good billets.