2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards War Diary 1941-1945

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by Phaethon, Jun 18, 2011.

  1. Phaethon

    Phaethon Historian

    War diary September 1942

    1 Sep
    A Coy conference was held with Os C etc to discuss the kit to be packed in Party C tpt for Exercise ‘Crewe’.
    A very successful boxing meeting was held in the Town Hall at which all the Bn stars performed and an exhibition was given by SI Caplan and A/C McGrory ex champions of Gt Britain and the British Empire respectively. Our MO ‘Pip’ Blacker also gave an exhibition – a very fine feat for a last war veteran.

    2 Sep
    Party C were ready to move from 0001 hrs but no instructions were received and they are standing by at 4 hours notice.

    10 Sep
    Conference at Brigade. Exercise Crewe postponed. Party C disintegrates.

    11 Sep
    Nil

    12 Sep
    Lecture at Perth on ‘Navigation by the Stars’.

    13 Sep
    Voluntary church service. Our late Padre Rev Wansey took service. Heard that Commanding Officer has been given 115th Inf Bde at Whareham.

    14 Sep
    Lecture in ‘Escaping’ for those who did not hear it at Cowes. Explosives course started: Lieus Chichester, Callender & Lt Pioneer Pl. Major Hill assumed command on return from leave. 3 Coy & Mortar Pl giving agricultural lessons for the following week.

    15 Sep
    COs & Adj conference at Bde.

    16 Sep
    2 & 4 Coys on long 25 mile route marches.

    17 Sep
    2 Coy & A/T Pl do exercise area Kirklowen.

    18 Sep
    ‘Officer’s day.’ Lecture on beach signals followed by one by Major ER Hill. 3 Coy returns from their week’s agricultural instruction.


    19 Sep
    4 Coy firing on Monifieth range and A/T Pl on Barry Links.
    Rugby match v Black Watch ITC.

    20 Sep
    Voluntary church service as usual. The Adj resumed normal duties after a period acting as Bde Major 1st Gds Bde and 9 days leave.

    21 Sep
    Drill parade for 1 Coy. 3 Coy fired on Rattray range. 4 Coy was ‘struck off’ for the whole week for agricultural assistance.

    22 Sep
    The Bn was visited by Lt Gen KAN Anderson CB, MC, Comdr 1st Army. He inspected a street fighting demonstration carried out by 1 Coy.

    23 Sep
    1 Coy fired on Monifieth range. 3 Coy carried out a Field Firing Exercise at Balduff Hill.

    24 Sep
    2 Coy carried out exercises for Plns in the attack.

    25 Sep
    The newly appointed Comdg Off, Lt Col WS Stewart Brown, joined the Bn. Lt Gen CW Aufrey DSO, MC, Comdr V Corps visited the Bn and inspected the A/Tk Pln carrying out a demonstration of A/TK guns in the attack. ‘Offs Day’ was held in the morning and in the afternoon the Bn set off on a Bn Exercise involving a 30 mile night march.

    26 Sep
    The Bn returned from the above Ex. Selected Officers attending a lecture on German tactics in the Middle East by Col Latham.

    27 Sep
    Voluntary church services. The Comdg Off, Adj & SM attended conferences at Bde HQ.

    28 Sep
    1 & 2 Coys were allotted Barry Links Range. The Band of the Rgt arrived to pay the Bn a visit in the evening.

    29 Sep
    Adj’s Parade with the band arranged for the morning had to be cancelled on account of rain. 2 Coy carried out Battle Drill Practice & the A/TK road picketing in the afternoon. The Band played at a Gdsmn’s dance in the evening.


    30 Sep
    1 & 2 Coys carried out Ex ‘Rannock’, a combined Field Firing Exercise in cooperation with 17 Fd Regt. The Band visited the 3rd Gren Gds in Perth, attending a parade in the morning, giving a concert in the afternoon, and playing at a dance in the evening.
     
  2. Phaethon

    Phaethon Historian

    War diary October 1942

    1 Oct
    The A/TK Pln practiced firing at moving targets on the Arty Range. The Band gave a most successful concert in the Blaigowrie Town Hall in the afternoon and played at a Cpl’s dance in the evening.

    2 Oct
    Adj’s Parade with the Band and Drums in the morning. ‘Officer’s Day’ was held in the afternoon, Major C Harford and Capt A Fortescue initiating a discussion on Desert Warfare. The Band played at a Sgt’s dance in the evening.

    3 Oct
    Comdg Off’s Parade with the Band and Drums in the morning. The Band played at a Sgt’s mess social evening in the YMCA hall. (or YWCA)

    4 Oct
    Voluntary church services in the morning. In the early afternoon the Band played in the centre of the town for an hour and subsequently left to return to London after a valuable and – for the Bn – enjoyable visit.

    5 Oct
    1 & 2 Coys were allotted Monifieth Range. 4 Coy carried out a night compass march. The SO lectured all Officers and Sgts on the new ‘Lines’ signal procedure.

    6 Oct
    1 Coy carried out Battle Drill Practice. 2 Coy were ‘struck off’ for 4 days for agricultural assistance.

    7 Oct
    The Bn less 2 Coy took part in 1st Gren gds Ex ‘Lee’ XXXX and admin instrs of which are att’d as App ‘A’ to this summary.

    8 Oct
    The Bn returned from Ex ‘Lee’.

    9 Oct
    HQ & 4 Coys fired on Monifieth Range.

    10 Oct
    The Regt’l Lt Col accompanied by the Reg’l Adj visited the Bn informal. Adj’s Parade was held in the morning.

    11 Oct
    The Regt’l Lt Col & the Regt’l Adj returned to London. A Parade service was held in St Andrew’s church.
    12 Oct
    Reinf & 4 Coys were allotted Monifieth Range. Dets of all Coys carried out gd to air firing at Arbroath. 1 & 2 Coys & Dets of HQ Coy received instr in mine laying.

    13 Oct
    3 & 4 Coys & Dets of HQ Coy received similar trg in mine laying. The A/TK Pln fired at moving targets at Sheriffmuir.

    14 Oct
    HQ & 3 Coys were allotted Barry Links Ranges.

    15 Oct
    Night patrolling & night compass marches were carried out by 1 & 4 Coys respectively.
    2 Coy carried out a defence exercise by day.

    16 Oct
    HM the King inspected the Bn on parade in the morning together with Dets of 17 fd Rgt & 214 fd Coy RE. His Majesty subsequently to luncheon in the Officer’s Mess where the Offs of the Bn were presented to him.

    17 Oct
    Adj’s parade in the morning.

    18 Oct
    Voluntary church services were held as usual.

    19 Oct
    2 Coy – night exercise- 3 Coy – exercise with 3” mortars. 4 Coy – weapons and signal training.

    20 Oct
    1 Coy – Drill & WT parades: 2 Coy Battle Drill: 3 Coy – Battle Drill.

    21 Oct
    1 Coy – PT and ABCA discussion: 3 Coy Battle Drill: 4 Coy Route March.

    22 Oct
    Bn exercise to practice digging when in contact with enemy.

    23 Oct
    Comd 5 Corps (Lt Gen Allfrey) visited the Bn and saw Coys at work. He had lunch in Officer’s Mess. Carrier Pl started Vickers MG trng.

    24 Oct
    Adj’s Parade 0915 hrs.

    25 Oct
    Voluntary church services as usual.

    26 Oct
    Coys Battle Drill training by Pls. (Veh party moved to port).

    27 Oct
    Lt Gen Sir Arthur Smith (Major General Commanding Brigade of Guards) visited the Bn, inspected parts of the Bn area and addressed the Bn in the Regal Cinema.

    28 Oct
    4 Coy on BALDUFF FFR. Other Coys on route marches.

    29 Oct
    Battle Drill Demonstration to Coys. Officer’s Day pm.

    30 Oct
    Bn Battle Drill Demonstration at BALDUFF FFR. Veh party returned from port. All vehs loaded into ships.

    31 Oct
    2 and 4 Coys fired at MONIFIETH RANGE. Adj’s parade for balance at RATTRAY SCHOOL.

    List of Appendices
    A. Exercise ‘Lee’.
     
  3. Phaethon

    Phaethon Historian

    November 1942.

    Blair Gowrie.

    Nov 1:
    Bn Church Parade in St Andrews by Padre from 2 Hamps.

    Nov 2:
    A draft of 24 and 2 officers arrived from 6 Coldsm Gds.

    Nov 3:
    Bn route march. RAF sta NEW SCONE provided aircraft to act as dive bombers.

    Nov 4:
    Coy Battle Drill Training. Lecture by MO to Corps on Health in the
    Tropics.

    Nov 5:
    Coy training.

    Nov 6:
    Officer's day: Lecture by 2nd l/c and MO.

    Nov 7:
    Drill Parade RATTRAY SCHOOL.

    Nov 8:
    Church Parade in St Andrews by Rev Solomon.

    Nov 9:
    Preparations to change quarters. Baggage loaded.

    Nov 10:
    Bn entrained in 2 parts. (KM3) entrained 800 strong all ranks in HMT NEA HELLAS at KGV.

    At sea.

    Nov 11:
    Moved down Clyde to Greenock.

    Nov 12:
    On board. At anchor off Greenock.

    Nov 13:
    At anchor off Greenock. Parade for Corps.

    Nov 14:
    PT Parade. Sailed approx 1600 hours.

    Nov 15:
    At sea. Daily PT parades, wireless procedure, preactive (?). TENTS.

    Nov 16:
    At sea. Lectures.

    Nov 17:
    A number of cases of seasickness more serious.

    Nov 18:
    Quarters very cramped.

    Nov 19:
    One officer went down with German Measles 16 Nov.

    Nov 20, 21: Fine warm weather and smooth sea.

    Algiers


    Nov 22:

    Disembarked Algiers 1400 hours. Bn marched 12 miles with big packs to Banaki Camp. Bivouacked in farm of M Daniette. Considerable pilfering by soldiers in orange groves,
    Air raid in Algiers.

    Nov 23:
    Settling in - orange buying arranged.

    Nov 24:
    8 mile route march via Sidi Moussa. Began to rain.

    Nov 25:
    Heavy rain in night - quagmire.

    Nov 26:
    More rain - Companies moved into neighbouring farms and wine "caves". All Bn under cover.

    Nov 27:
    Volunteer parties marched to Algiers and then fell out for sightseeing and shopping.

    Nov 28:
    Bn had baths at 5 Corps near Maison Canee.

    Nov 29:
    Weather greatly improved and farm drying out.

    Nov 30:
    All Coys went for route marches independently to Arba - about 12 miles.
     
  4. Phaethon

    Phaethon Historian

    WAR DIARIES
    2nd Bn Cldm Guards

    Commanding Officer: W.S. Stewart Brown

    December 1942

    1st:
    Bn guard of honour practice at Eucelypte xns.

    2nd:
    At 0930 hrs a guard of honour was formed by this Bn and by American and French troops. The occasion was the anniversary of the Battle of Austerlitz and the place was the war memorial at Algiers. The troops were inspected by Admiral DARLAN, Governor General of N. Africa, Gen Eisenhower, Admiral Cunningham, Generals Giraud and Nogues. At the march past the salute was taken by General Darlan.

    3rd:
    Bn left KRODJA farm at 0830 hrs embussed in 39 RASC (royal army service corps) lorries. Bn col formed 2nd part of Bds column HQ 1st Grds Bd leading, and 3 GG followed by LAD. 95 miles were covered and the night halt was at Beni Mansour at 1630 hrs. – no vehicle casualties.

    4th:
    Column moved at 0700 hrs and covered 139 miles during the day, arriving at a point 25 miles short of CONSTANTINE at 1630 hrs. Bivouacked for night. No vehicle casualties.

    5th:
    Col set off at 0700 hrs and arrived at Dunvier (Maybe Guelma)at 1600 hrs where an excellent night was spent close to a fast moving river to which many of the men bolted on arrival.

    6th:
    Bn moves at 0800 hrs and took the winding mountain road to SOUK AHRAS where Bn transport – 13 30 CWT’s, CO’s Car, water cart joined the tail of the column. GHARDIMAOU was reached at 1530 hrs and dinner was taken then – on account of threatened aircraft activity the column was opened out to 6 v.t.m . No enemy aircraft was seen. The truck commanded by Lieu Cazenove overturned on a hairpin bend. 4 men evacuated to hospital at Souk Ahras. It is feared that Jones W. has his back broken. At 1800 hrs the column moved on along the very straight road from GHARDIMAOU through SOUK EL ARBA to EL KHEMIS to BEJA.

    BEJA

    7th:
    Head of column reached DP at 0230 hrs when it was met by Bde advance party Confusion as no warning had been given that we were to be parted from our transport. The Bn marched 5 miles with bi packs to concentration area.

    BEJA area.

    8th:
    Bn moved to defensive positions a few miles down the road towards MEDJEZ EL BAB very wet day.

    9th:
    Bn digging in position. Rained all day. At about midnight 9/10 Dec Bn moved up to concentration area at MEDJEZ EL BAB preparatory to going into the front line.

    10th:
    Advanced party of CO, IO. and Coy Cmdrs witnessed attack by 20 German tanks on position on our right flank. Bn arrived just as battle was drawing to a close about 1700 hrs. Apparently a recce in force. 1 Grenadier officer killed.


    11th Dec:
    Bn digging in position.
    American combat force and 11th Bde withdrew through our position in the early hours. About 1715 hrs a column of about 10 tanks with an American motor cycle and two American Jeeps approached to within 800 yds of our position. They then opened fire with LMG on the pioneer pl who were out laying mines. Our a/tank gunner replied and for forty minutes there was a lively engagement before the tanks withdrew. Our casualties were 6 wounded including Captain A Fortescue MC, of 3 Coy who was wounded in the chest and back by shrapnel.

    12th:
    Enemy ranged on our own positions for about an hour in the morning. One man in No 3 Coy slightly wounded.

    13th:
    Patrol reported that wood and farm where enemy had previously been – SMIDIA – now clear of enemy.

    14th:
    (mechanized?) patrol of US Tanks and carriers went to Smidia.
    No enemy. Body of Gdsm Cook found. 1530 enemy fired 8-10 shells into our positions. Brigadier warned us to expect Attack? shortly.

    15th:
    Nothing happened in our area. Two MT drivers, McAdam and Rope, were shot by two ME 109s as they were proceeding towards Beja with the MT. Information received that Padre Wansey has been wounded while serving with 78 Div.

    16th:
    Nothing to report. Div Cmdr and Brigadier visited us in the evening and were in very cheerful and optimistic mood.

    17th:
    Four shells dropped in area in morning. No 1 Coy rejoined the Bn, having been relieved by 2 Sections? of carriers.

    18th:
    Attack by enemy aircraft on Medjez between 0530 and 0730 hrs. 9 or 10 bombs were dropped in Bn area – 2 within 50 yds of Bn HQ. Craters were 10 feet across except one which was 30 feet across. No casualties though RAP was partially destroyed.

    19th:
    Much activity in the air – all German – throughout the day. German patrol watched in wood 3000 yards to our front. German killed on Dec 11th found ¾ of a mile in front of our positions and buried.

    20th:
    At 1415 hrs the forward Pl of 2 Coy opened fire on a German patrol at SMIDIA. Casualties – we lost one killed (Gdsm PILBEAM). Germans – 1 killed and 3 wounded. Remainder of German patrol withdrew.

    21st:
    Pl of 4 Coy under Lieu Colville took up position at farm CHASSART TAFFAHA about 2 ½ to our front as a standing patrol T.F.O. We had previously noted a German patrol recceing that area.

    22nd:
    In the afternoon a German patrol of about 9 men was seen to be approaching CHASSARA TAFFAHA. Lieut L O LEWESON and D/Sgt KNIGHT had earlier gone on a recce patrol in the hills above the farm.

    The enemy patrol was surprised both by the Pl of 4 Coy and by Leweson and Knight in the hills above. – we captured 4 of the enemy (including a medical orderly with not even insignia and revolver!) two of these were seriously wounded. – During the night our area was shelled on three separate occasions.

    23rd:
    The day was spent in making plans for a night attack that night by the Bn on LONGSTOP HILL the imposing and important feature 7 miles N of our positions and guarding the important Tebourba Road.

    At dusk, companies moved to their positions. The objective of 4 Coy was a saddle at the front of the hill. No 1 Coy was to pass through 4 and capture the ridge, meanwhile 2 coy was to capture the railway station and area of the road on the right of the hill.

    Bn HQ and 3 Coy were to advance to a white house at the base of the ridge between 4 & 2 Coys. 4 Coy captured the col without opposition. 1 Coy passed through and were met by M.G. and mortar fire at the ridge. They fought magnificently and captured the ridge. Unfortunately their Coy Commander – Major Chichester, was severely wounded in the neck, from which he subsequently died.

    During the night a Bn of the American combat team took over our positions under very difficult circumstances. This was accomplished before first light and then the Bn withdrew some 12 miles into a so-called rest area.

    This proved to be a ravine – it rained the whole day. At 20000 hrs Bn ordered to move out in preparation for another attack on LONGSTOP night 24/25 Dec.
    Bn moved to basin at foot of Longstop without interruption from enemy. – Day spent resting in basin. At 1645 Arty barrage opened on hill. At 1700 hrs 4 Coy attacked ridge followed by 3 Coy and 1 Coy. 2 Coy formed work parties, - amenities, food, water etc. – Met by intense MG fire. 4 Coy got to their objective but were unable to hold it. 3 & 1 Coys then held the front line with 4 behind. A German counter attack was repulsed and the Coys began digging in. Night comparatively quiet.

    At 0700 hrs the enemy counter attacked: very heavy mortar fire and M.G. on our exposed position on the ridge. Large armoured cars were also used on the flanks at the bottom of the ridge. Our position became untenable – withdrawal was ordered on to CHASSARD TEFFAHA -. Meanwhile the 3 Grenadier Guards came up prepared to counter attack -. The enemy however did not do more than consolidate on the ridge.

    The attack has been magnificently carried out by the 3 rifle Coys but our losses in officers, COs, NCOs being heavy. During the night the first line reinforcements were brought up to the front line.

    No 2 and reinforcements were formed on a lower ridge to cover the withdrawal of the other Coy and the American Bn from the higher ridges. This they did well – 3 inch mortars also assisted admirably with HE and smoke. The Bn were finally withdrawn and reformed in a gulley ¾ to the rear of CHASSARD TEFFAHA. At dusk they were moved by MT to farm some 8-10 miles to the rear and SW of MEDJEZ.


    Dec 26th:
    Considerable number of stragglers returned to the farm. Day spent “sorting ourselves out”.

    Dec 27th:
    Service by Hamps Padre at 1200 hrs. No 3 Coy under Capt Windsor Clive moved out to neighboring farm. Bn ordered to move at 1800 to farm 4 miles W* Move completed without incident.

    Dec 28th:
    Bn settling in. – Visit from Div Comdr and Brigadier.

    Dec 29th:
    Area recced. No 2 Coy joined No 3 & No 1 Coy moved to another farm.

    Dec 30th:
    Bn moved to another farm about ½ mile N to make room for Bde HQ in our present location.

    Dec 31st:
    No activity. Brigadier talked to Bn HQ personell.
     
  5. Phaethon

    Phaethon Historian

    WAR DIARIES
    2nd Bn Cldm Guards
    Commanding Officer: E.R. Hill
    Jan 1943
    Jan 1/2 1942 (sic)
    Nothing of interest. Major E.R. Hill appointed A/Lieut Col in Command of the Bn.

    Jan 3.
    Padre of the Hamps Regt held services for Bn in their areas.

    Jan 4, 5, 6
    Very quiet time. Reinforcements of officers (6) and OR arrived. Weapons and clothing came steadily in.

    Jan 7.
    Move back to MEDJEZ STA area and change over 8A & SH ordered for 2000. Transport did not arrive and change over not completed till about 0400 hrs. 8 Dec (sic) Adv party to MEDJEZ experienced mild shelling of area for ¾ in morning – the first time the sta had been shelled for a week.

    Jan 8.
    1030 – 1050 Area shelled – about 28 shells landed on the same spot – No casualties.
    Lieut Birkbeck took a patrol out on the night 8/9 Jan to LONGSTOP HILL. Unfortunately he went too far and trod on a booby trap at the same place where No 2 Coy experienced the same trouble on Dec 22nd. He was wounded in the shoulder but walked back and was evacuated.

    Jan 9, 10.
    All quiet in the area. Active patrols by night by (unreadable) otherwise nothing to report. Michael Hollins returned to us from hospital and went back to B Echelon.

    Jan 11.
    5 shells dropped in area between 1000 and 1100 hrs – the same spot as before. All very odd. No casualties.

    Jan 12.
    In the evening we handed over to 8 A & SH and returned to Coldstream Hill W of MEDJEZ.

    Jan 13.
    Cleared up after 8 A & SH!

    Jan 14.
    ½ Bn had wonderful baths near BEJA – old Roman sulphur baths, just the right heat.
    Much air activity – MEDJEZ BEJA Rd bombed and shot up.

    Jan 15.
    Rest of Bn went to sulphur baths.

    Jan 16 & 17.
    Nothing of interest to report. Brigadier came to our service on Sunday 17 Jan, taken by Padre Cole.

    Jan 18.
    Bn prepared to move to BOU ARADA area. Major Brittain and I.O. went there in recce and found tank v arty battle raging.

    Jan 19.
    Proposed move off. Grenadiers already there. As from 1200 hrs 1st Guards Bde less 2 Gren Gds – U/C 78 Div.

    Jan 20.
    Mr Balfour takes up appointment at P204 as liason officer and Mr Cazenove as Camp Commandant. Mr Muir takes up appointment as Bn I.O. Sir R Anstruther takes command No 13 Pl.
    Bn relieved 8 H95H in station area, move starting 1930 hrs and completed at 0215 hrs.

    Jan 21.
    No shelling, all quiet in area.
    troops in support.
    322/132 FD Regt
    254 6pn A/T 1P
    2 tps & ½ J&G TP 16/5L

    Jan 22.

    No shelling.
    Three Canadian officers and two sgts attached to Bn 1330 Mr Jackson was evacuated to MDS 11 FD AMB. Miss V Cowles, novelist, visited the Bn area. Mr Watney made a fine patrol 22/23 shooting up a German occupied mosque himself with a Bren Gun.


    Jan 23rd.

    2200. The Bde Comr and Bde Major visited the Commanding Office ref the plan for the defence of Nacceur (N36° 40' 60.00, 9° 34' 0.00E)..

    2350. Present det of 16/5 L were relieved by 2 tps + D+g Sqdrn & B Sqdrn.
    16/5 L.

    Jan 24th.

    All quiet no shelling.

    Jan 25th.

    Very quiet. Nothing to report.

    Jan 26th.

    1250. The Divisional Commander paid the bn headquarters a visit with good news about 78 Div getting together again.
    Two airforce officers came to stay with the Bn for two days.
    1800. The Bn Commander went outside the minefields and visited the Bn positions from the enemy side.

    Jan 27.

    26/27. Mr Ponsonby No 2 Coy and his patrol killed two Germans at the foot of Longstop.
    Bde Commander visited Bn area and discussed No 3 Coys position at Sidi Naceur (N36° 40' 60.00, 9° 34' 0.00E).

    Jan 28th.

    Major Harford went to Sidi Naceur (N36° 40' 60.00, 9° 34' 0.00E) to redispose Coy posns. Col Daunay visited this Bn area.

    Jan 29th.

    The Bn Commander went up to Chaouache to view? the Bn area. Mr Fitzroy takes up the appointment of 2nd Carrier Officer.
    3 guns 31 Coy 11 Light AA have come under command.
    16/5 L leave Bn area.
    1400. Major Stanford goes on recce for new B echelon.

    Jan 30th.

    The Commanding Officer left to spend a few days rest at Constantine.

    Jan 31st.

    Preparation to move back to Coldstream Hill. 2 days sulphur baths arranged.
     
  6. Phaethon

    Phaethon Historian

    WAR DIARIES
    2nd Bn Cldm Guards
    Commanding Officer: E.R. Hill


    February 1943

    Feb 1st.

    1100. 8 men were killed in CQMS and 2 wounded in No 4 Coy’s wood when some 100 75 grenades exploded.
    1600. Our changeover may be postponed
    1630. THE Bn is to be relieved by 8 A&SH and to move to lying up area w of Al Arusah
    1230 (sic). Hand over complete.

    Feb 2nd.

    0530. The Bn arrived at lying up area. Starting from 1100 hrs Bn moves up to area E of BOU ARADA.
    2000. Bn concentrated in area.
    2230. The Bn starts to move up to Argob E of BOU ARADA & Pont du FAHS Road.
    The Bn relieve the 10 R.B. and take up offensive positions.

    Feb 3rd.

    1530. Relief completed.

    Feb 4th.

    1 Para Bn & 3 Gren Gds & Foreign Legion attack DJ MANSOUR (Jabal Manşūr). With support of very heavy arty barrage. DJ MANSOUR taken.

    Feb 5th.

    1 Para Bn held DJ MANSOUR with French Foreign Legion.
    1600. The enemy has attacked and the (J+M?) had to be abandoned.
    Three men were wounded on patrol.
    The Commanding Officer returned from his short rest.

    Feb 6th.

    1600. Warning area to move (unreadable)
    2100. 10 R.B. start to relieve the Bn.

    Feb 7th.

    0100. Relief completed. Bn moved to concentration area E of BOU ARADA.
    0330. Bn arrive at lying up area.
    1900. Bn leaves in TCVs for Robaa.

    Feb 8th.

    Bn arrives at area S of Robaa after a 65 mile drive.
    Bn is in Army reserve.

    Feb 9th.

    The commander makes counter attack recce with OCs 12 RHA & 17/21 sqn. 2 pls are sent forward the only contact the Bde has with the enemy.

    Feb 10th.

    Snow in the morning which turned to rain.
    Bn Commander visited Bn.
    Mr Crowder & Mr Phillips rejoin Bn. Mr Crowder 2 I/c No 1 Coy. Mr Phillips posted AT Coy attached No 3.
    Rain most of the day.

    Feb 11th.

    Bde Commander visited Bn.

    Feb 12th.

    Mr Charworth –Musters & Mr Selby join the Bn from Reinforcements. Mr C.M. is posted to No 3 Coy. Mr Sells as Assistant M.T.O.

    Feb 13th.

    Nothing to report. Weather windy.

    Feb 14th.

    Manned battle positions.

    Feb 16th. (sic)

    1000. Bn Commander met the Bde Comd.
    1430. Bn starts to exchange posns with 8 A&SH 2 miles west. Bn relinquished all responsibility of defence of area. Bn at 2 hrs notice with TCVs standing by.
    1945. Last Coy in position.
    Feb 17th.

    0815. Commander went to bde and then on to recce Bn defensive posn 2 miles south of SBIBA.

    1130. Bn column departed and arrived 1815 hours. 1st Gds Bde on the right of SBIBA – SBEITLA Rd. 18 CT on left. 3 Gren Gds held rt of line.

    Feb 18th.

    Bn positioned and dug in by noon.

    Feb 19th.

    0830. Tanks reported then came into view in front of FDLs. They were engaged by arty.
    1300. Tanks approx 30 moved round to left of Bn posn in front of 18 Ct. Heavily engaged. 5 tanks were destroyed incl one by fwd 2pndr
    No other A/t guns opened up.

    Feb 20th.

    0800. Tanks reported but not seen.
    1100. Inf retreated up the Speilta – Sbiba Rd.
    1000. Debussing. Engaged by arty.
    1200. A Bn of Inf advanced into axis Speita – Sbiba Rd coming to within 800x of Btns FDLS then crossed to 15 CT front.
    1300. Arty engaged Inf and did tremendous damage. Also Btns 3” mortars

    Feb 21st.

    0900. Direct on 1 Coy HQ by enemy arty which was lightly shelling Bn 7 D.L.S. 9 casualties. Two fatalities incl CSM. Considerable arty activity. Enemy seems to have withdrawn most of its forces.
    1700. Recce on force by 7 A Tanks & 14 pl towards feature 3 miles along the road. A/Tk & inf resistance encountered. 3 A Tanks knocked out. 1 man wounded.

    Feb 22nd.

    2200. Withdrawal of defensive line. Bn moved to shorten front.

    Feb 23rd.

    Bn arrives and takes up position S of Thala.
    2200. 1&3 Coy together with M.G. & 2” ms advanced & took up a position two thousand yards S of previous position.
    Enemy has withdrawn E. Lt Cd W S Stewart Brown took over command of the Bn.
    24th Feb. Indiscriminate mining of the road towards KESSERINE has slowed up our advance. The Bn prepares to move forward.
    2400. Bde conference.

    25th Feb
    1030. bn moves forward 15 miles. Position taken up in defence of arty & Bde HQ.
    Armour advancing slowly owing to mines. Enemy reported to have evacuated KESSERINE PASS.

    26th Feb
    1930. Bn withdrawn to rest area at LE CRIB.
    2100. Bn ordered to take up a defensive position N of EL AROUSSA. Roads in a very muddy condition.

    Feb 27th.

    1200. Coys in position.
    Enemy has withdrawn into the foothills to the N. A/Tk defence is very strong.

    Feb 28th.

    1000 hrs. Capt Windsor Clive’s Coy (3) set out on a recce in force accompanied by 13 Churchill tanks. Their object was to keep the enemy parachutists at STEAM ROLLER farm in the foothills to the NE of the Bn position.
    1600 hrs. Enemy A/Tk defence, tanks and infantry were engaged, 2 Coy waited to support 3 Coy.
    1800 hrs. 3 Coy covered the withdrawal of 9 Churchill tanks.
    Results of the action were favorable; three German tanks and 1 88 mil gun were reported destroyed. Many infantry believed killed. Our casualties were 2 killed, 7 wounded, including Lieut Sir Ralph Anstruther.
     
  7. Phaethon

    Phaethon Historian

    WAR DIARIES
    2nd Bn Cldm Guards
    Commanding Officer: W.S.Stewart Brown

    March 1943

    Mar 1st.

    0800. An escaped Commando P.O.W. arrived in our lines. He reported the Germans to have retired into the hills leaving 14 wounded Commandos at STEAM ROLLER farm.
    1500. Remainder of P.O.W.s brought back to R.H.P.
    1700. 3 Gen Gds took up position in foothills N.W. of EL ARROUSSA. Lt Col W.S. Stewart Brown is temporally commanding Bde.

    Mar 2nd.

    Major Harford is commanding the Bn. Salvage of our own & German equipment & vehicles continues.
    1600. Bn ordered to move to BEJA.
    2130. Bn column moved off in unusually fine weather.

    Mar 3rd.

    0600. Bn arrived at BEJA,
    Lt Col W.S. Stewart Brown returned to the Bn from Bde.
    1700. “O” Group set out for 139 Bde HQ under whose command we come.

    Mar 4th.

    1200. Bn in position 2 ½ miles W of SECENANE [Sedjenane?].
    The column was machine gunned en route.
    1800. 139 Bde completed its withdrawal through the Bn.

    Mar 5th.

    1500. 1 Coy killed 3 men of an enemy recce party which advanced S.E. down the road.
    1530. 1 Coy took 1 P.O.W. who had lost his patrol.
    1650. Orders to hand over to [1] PARA BDE & return to BEJA.

    Mar 6th.

    0030. Handover complete.
    0630. Bn returns to area just N of BEJA.
    Reinforcements arrive incl Capt Skimming, Mr Sherriden, Capt Corboulis. The latter had been holding the line on the Medjez front with B ‘cons’

    Mar 7th.

    Kitbags brought up and a large part of the Bn had baths.
    0630. Orders to move.

    Mar 8th.

    0130. Bn arrives in lying up area W of DJ ABIOD

    Mar 9th.

    Commander recces for counter attack role in PARA Bde area.
    Orders to return to BEJA.

    Mar 10th.

    0230. Bn arrives in old area E of BEJA.
    Mobile baths. Bde Commd visited the Bn area.

    Mar 11th.

    Baths and N.A.A.F.I. issue.

    Mar 12th.

    Football matches and concert.

    Mar 13th.

    1600. Training order to move.
    2000. Bn moves to lying up area at Slougia.
    Bn Commd recces MEDJEZ station area.

    Mar 14th.

    Bn starts to relieve 6 Y& L.

    Mar 15th.

    0130. Relief complete. Coys in position. 3 in station area out at Sidi Ben Ya.
    In support 409/102 Bty RA
    90 Lt AA
    254 BTy A/Tk
    142 Bn B + P (A res)



    Mar 16th.

    2 off and 6 NCos sent back to instruct in England.
    (15/19) Mr Phillips on a pioneer patrol met a German working at the top of No 2 Coy’s wood. They inflicted 1 casualty on enemy.

    Mar. 17th.

    MR Crouch with 1 O.R. encountered a pl of Germans in Whitehouse Farm and Windrush Farm whilst on patrol. They hit two sentries and silenced a m/g with T.S.M.G fire (16/17)
    Old Bde Major came to visit with new Bde Major – Major Cuthwood.

    Mar 18th.

    The enemy are showing themselves considerably more than the Bn’s last stay at MEDJEZ.
    Two officers and six NCOs are sent back to England for instructional purposes.
    MR Callender, Sgt Stewart, Sgt Lewis, MR Agnew, Sgt Chapman, Sgt Chapman (sic), L/c Hepworth.

    Mar 19th.

    The party returns having been recalled. 19/20 MR Jackson is wounded while patrolling Sidi Naceur

    Mar 20th.

    0200. MR Callendar and 1 O.R sets out to lie up and observe Plantation Farm.
    1940. MR C returns with valuable information. Original party for England sets off again.

    Mar 21st.

    Rain in afternoon. Mud is abundant.

    Mar 22nd.

    0100. Bn Comd acting Bde Comt. Major Stanford acting Bn Comd.
    0315. 25 shells landed in Bn area. No damage or casualties.
    96/97 Bty 19th FD Regt RA comes in support in place od 406/102.

    Mar 23rd.

    Recce parties from 1st Bn Scots Gds. Handover begins at first dark.
    2350. handover complete.

    Mar 24th.

    1710. Bn arrives at new area Sakiet Sidi Youssef
    N 491.728.

    Mar 23rd.

    Bn finds itself in a rest and training area. To work with the 6th armoured division now reequipped.

    Mar 24th.

    Bn rest and baths.

    Mar 25th.

    Bde Comd speaks to Bn.

    Mar 26th.

    Rifle Coys undertake route marches. Signallers are instructed in 19 sets.

    Mar 27th.

    (ref 402 732 from drawing)
    Field firing. Part of the Bn sees the 17/21 L demonstrate their new tanks.

    Mar 28th.

    The Bn play a large part in the Bde concert for the division. Drill Sgt Knight sings “Old King Cole”.

    Mar 29th.

    Field firing and training continue. Innoculations against typhus for the Bn.

    Mar 30th.

    The Bn has new number painted on vehs. 62 replaces 65.

    Mar 31st.

    Training continues. Bn Comd and Coys Comds continue with Divisional T.E.W.Ts.
     
  8. Phaethon

    Phaethon Historian

    WAR DIARIES


    2nd Bn Cldm Gds


    Commanding officer: Stewart Brown


    April: 1943

    Place: Sakiet. N 5078

    April 1st.

    Bn resting and training. Field firing. NAAFI issue.
    All officers meeting together.

    Apr 2nd.

    Officers have signal exercise with the No 19 sets. Good progress. The Bde Comd addresses the Bn ttelling them about their entry into 6 armd Div.

    Apr 3rd.

    There is a Bn concert in the morning (unreadable) near Sakiet. The Bn plays a leading part. 6 Armoured Div hears for the first time Drill Sgt Knight singing ‘Old King Cole’. It is very much appreciated.

    Apr 4th

    1400. The Bn moves through LE KEF - Macktar and…

    Apr 5th (Place: 16 KESSERA 42.38)

    0200 …arrives at Le KESSERA concentration area. Order received for as little movement by day as possible.

    Place: LE KESSERA.

    Apr 6th.

    Lord Levenson managed to get some HE ammo for 6 pds and has a practice first with great effect.

    2345.
    Orders to move to EL ALA down Mactar – Pichon Rd.

    Apr 7th.

    0500. the Bn had to harbour at 05333 owing to the fact that a ford further up that rd had been ruined by the tks.

    The day spent in a cactus grove.
    Some reinforcements arrive incl MR Whitweth.
    2100. The Bn moves up 3 miles in order to cross ford and harbour in scrub.
    05732. 128 Bde put in their attack on Pichon with Bn of Churchill tanks and are successful.
    3GG & 3 WG in area EL ALA.

    Apr 8th.

    0930. Bn move up to 07020 near DJ TROZZA* and overlooking the FOUDOUK GAP.
    A terrific wind making almost a sandstorm.
    Allied airforce in great evidence.

    *for this location see battle of kasserine pass map This location is known as argoub el ahraeb

    Apr 9th.

    Great arty barrage. 3 WG attack and capture hills N of the Gap. 34 IS DN fail to get their objective. During afternoon tank battle takes place in the Gap. Many prisoners seen marching by. One gives the victory sign to Bn HG guard.
    1600. Bn Comd goes to see Div & Corps Comd.

    Apr 10th.

    0730. Bn moved across the plain towards Gap.
    1100. Passed through Gap and harboured for 2 hours in cactus grove 08616.
    Bn continues up KANOVAN Rd to hill P0227 overlooking KAIROUAN. Several enemy tip and run raids. Bn sustained 4 casualties, one fatal. Streams of prisoners.

    Apr 11th.

    0625 enemy planes bombed Bn area.
    1800. 2 pls of No 2 Coy sent to cover bridging party.

    Apr 12th.

    0500. bn moved off via KAIROVAN to lying up area P0238.
    1030. Recce party followed by Bn move to area P0252 with orders to clear up this area which was the scene of a tank battle*.

    (*this is between the crossroads and rhedir el hallouf)

    1330. Recce party followed by Bn move to area P0258 S of SBIKHA. Bn dive bombed on the Rd. 1 wounded and MR CHARWORTH MUSTERS killed.
    2015. Bn moves back to old posn P0227 overlooking KAIROVAN.

    Apr 13th.

    0300. Bn arrived back and rested all day.
    Div Comd visited all Coys and talked to men who were in great heart over the advance.
    HQ officers visited KAIROVAN and saw for the first time 8th Army men. Their clothes and vehicles looked very strange.
    1900. Bn moves back to old area at LE KESSERA via Pichon. One TCV overturned 200 yards from location. 1 killed, 2 wounded.

    Apr 14th.

    All day rest. Visit to Bn by Capt Green Wilkinson.MC who gives us news of 3 Bn Coldstrm Gds.

    Apr 15th.

    Coy guns and field firing organised.
    Majors Henford and W Clive & Capts Chaplain & Howard Stepheny go to Sousse to see 3rd Bn Coldstm Gds.

    Apr 16th.

    Bde Comd says goodbye to Bn. He returns to England.
    1500. Bn stands by to move off.
    1815. bn starts back to EL AROUSSA via MACTAR SILIANA-GAFOUR.

    Apr 17th.

    0300. Bn arrives at J 5117. Ammo 3 tonner catches on fire and blows up. Drill Sgt RAMSDEN showed great bravery by driving it burning to the side of the road.

    Apr 18th.

    Rest period. NAAFI issue. Capt RUSSEL CG visits Bn on leave from xxx Corps HQ.

    Apr 19th.

    K.D. is issued. Coys field fire. Coy Comds have tent.


    Apr 20th.

    Demonstration at 3 WG HQ. Gen Alexander visits it.

    Apr 21st.

    0400. Bn Comd goes to Bde HQ & then to Div HQ then to recce 2KOYLI posns which we have to take over.

    0800. Bn leave and arrive at 0115 hrs J5516 and relieve KOYLI Bn who had to make the initial attack with the 46th Div.

    Apr 22nd.

    There was a terrific arty barrage from before day break which kept up throughout the day.
    Supporting am. A BTy Ays Yeo
    151 Lt AA 6 guns
    1 tp 72 A/T

    Apr 23rd.

    0800. Bn moves off by tracks crossing the MEDJEZ Goubellat Rd to ARGOUB EL HAMRI J7015.
    Bn put in posn. Tank battle in front. The 1st Arms Div went in to (unreadable) of the 6 armd Div.
    2000. Enemy planes dropped flares and bombed tpt near Bn area.

    Apr 24th.

    0930. No1 & 2 Coys moved forward followed by two other Coys to posns N of Lake KOURZIA 7415. Enemy aircraft very prevalent bombing our Armour in front. Considerable arty on the other side.

    Apr 25th.

    Bn remains in posn.
    1915. Bn moved by TCVs 4 miles. Debussed at 2240 hrs and moved across country to DJ BRAHIM J8114 by compass bearing where Bn were to occupy the hills and push on if possible.

    Apr 26th.

    0200. Bn arrived and were put in posn.
    0720. Bn ‘F’ esh arrived very late as they had got lost in the fog.
    0730. Fog lifted and heavy mortar and shellfire descended. Also at least 4 Mg’s dug in around Bn area.
    Bde Comd ordered Bn to retire. One pl of No 1 Coy was unable to do so. MR WATNEY, Mr F-WATSON, Capt Skimming, Major Harris, and Bn Comd remained until late with this pl. when they were able to retire followed by a German patrol. 18 Bn vehs were destroyed. MR SARSONS was killed and there were approx 75 casualties.
    The Bn spent last night at J7313.

    Apr 27th.

    Stragglers come in. Considerable enemy shelling.
    1800. Bn moves back to harbour area J5518

    April 28th.

    0300 Bn arrives. There is much reequipping to be done. NAAFI issue.

    Apr 29th.

    Baths in the morning. Bn Comd speaks to Coys. A service. New vehs arrive.
    Reinforcements come up.

    Apr 30th.

    1450. Bn Comd told to pack up in 15 mins and then report to 24th Gds Bde as post Comd.
    Bde are in action in MEDJEZ area.
    2030. Major Harford & I.O. go to Bde for conference.
     
  9. Phaethon

    Phaethon Historian

    May 1943. Part 1.

    May 1st.

    J5316.
    1830. Recce party departs.
    1900. The Bn moves to new area.

    May 2nd.

    0100. Bn arrives at area. (J5923)
    Major Harford makes two recces.
    1500. Bn moves to area J6223 and takes up defensive posn with counter attack for for 3 WG posn to the north.
    In support: B Bty Ayr YEO
    12 tp C Bty 72 A/T
    13 tp 151 Ly An

    May 3rd.

    1400. Lt Co Hill arrives from 18 Army Group Battle School and takes over the Bn.
    1530. All Bn Comds of 201 Gds Bde visit Bn area.
    2215. No 4 + 4x6 tnd A/T guns ordered to take up defensive area J5621 against possible attack. One TCV 2 Sec No 17 pl falls over very steep hill. MR B Williamson killed 6 others wounded.

    May 4th.

    Many signs of winning offensive. Rds jammed with 8th Army traffic coming North.
    All ranks who wish it visit 3rd Bn.

    May 5th.

    The plan is explained. The 4th Div and 4th Indian Div are to attack at 0300 hrs north of Tunis with terrific unprecedented arty and air support. Their objective is to be Furna
    J7842. 7th and 6th armd Divs will then pass through and according to circumstances will continue South of Tunis and/or to Tunis.
    Five days rations and water have to be carried.

    May 6th. (missing)

    May 7th.

    0900. Bn moved through Massicault then East to DJ MERGUEB J 9242.
    Enemy shelling x rds J8842 as Bn went by. No casualties.
    1230. Bn reoccupied hill and pushed forward.
    About 30 HERMANN GOERING Div prisoners taken.
    Bn was given notice to block the 4 rds running to Tunis east of our posn.
    1910. Bn moved off but met D.Y. who informed us there was a tk battle in progress on our route. As a result we were reordered to harbour on the rd approx J9238.
    We heard that D.Y. entered Tunis this evening.

    May 8th.

    0800. Move to K0538 one mile south of La Mohammedia. A complete Q stores was found, also a considerable amount of tpt.
    Some 70 H Goering Div prisoners taken.
    1200. Bn moves through La Mohammedia and harbours on rd for 2 ½ hrs K1344.
    1530. O group followed by Bn moved to K1846 where 3 WG had been attacking DJ ROROUF all afternoon. They had managed to secure a firm hold on the S end of hill and it was decided that the Bn would pass through 3 WG and capture the rest of the hill during the night 8/9 as the armour was to pass through HAMMAN LIF the next morning and the northern end of DJ ROROUF overlooked the town there were five heights to be captured which were lettered.

    0815 (May 9th?) Bn started to move up.

    May 8th.

    No 4 Coy was using one pl as a guide party and two to carry tools for the remaining 3 Coys.
    The heights were taken at the following times:
    A & B 2350 hrs

    May 9th.

    C 0010 hrs
    D 0021 hrs
    E & F 0130 hrs.
    A patrol was sent down to HAMMAN LIF by No 2 Coy which saw some enemy tks in the town. The whole attack was carried out without casualties and 23 prisoners captured.
    (Off page - Captain Skimmington wounded)
    1715. Move to HAMMAN LIF.
    1745. Move completed. There were still a few enemy in the hills which the carrier pl engaged. L/Cpl Jones was killed.
    Bn all dead tired and last night’s sleep did them tremendous good.
    MR Phillips P.O. had to search the Bey of Tunis’s palace and disarm his small body guard. His harem was a hit source of much amusement.

    May 10th.

    0600. Bn ready to move.
    1250. Bn moved off to vineyard K2947.
    1510. Bn move off again and laboured for an hour on rd at K3443.
    1710. Bn move off and make a push for GROMBALIA K3837. Slight fire as enter the town. Two wounded. A P.O.W. cage was established in the centre of the town. One entire Italian Bn gave itself up, diving into the cage with all it’s tpt. Even Drill Sgt Knight was unable to control the numbers. No 1 Coy were put in charge of them. The night’s total was about 1700 P.O.Ws.

    May 11th.

    0600. Bn ready to move.
    1150. Bn moved leaving No 1 Coy behind with the prisoners.\1535. Bn HQ est at Camp BOU FICHA K4310.
    Bn was put into posn facing inland against possible attack from remaining enemy in the hills. 3 WG left, 2 SG on rt.
    1900. Slight shelling around Bn HQ.
    We hear Cap Bou forces are capitulating.
    There now only remains the tps in front.

    May 12th

    0930. 2 P.O.Ws of 90th Light come in saying that their Bn wants to give themselves up.
    No 1 Coy rejoins the Bn.
    1240. Bn moves through BOU FISCHA (K3803) to area K3504 with orders to follow up the Armour. We hear Von Anrim has been captured but won’t surrender his tps because he cannot get in touch with them.
    We follow 17/21 L and take up posn P3297.
    En route we hear that all Hostiles? in N Africa have surrendered.
    Prisoners came steaming in – mostly from 90 Lt Div, the old opponents of our 3rd Bn. The Commandant comes to dinner at Bn HQ. He is very ‘dour’.

    May 13th

    Prisoners have come in all night and there seems no end to them. The chief difficulty is knowing what to do with officers of high rank.
    1445. Bn moves to K6222 which is very pleasant being close to the sea.
    On arrival Col Stewart Brown is waiting to take over Bn.
    No 4 Coy has to be left at the posn to deal with the prisoners.

    May 14th.

    Major Hill and MR Baxendale go to Longstop Hill. They find several dead bodies of Coldstreamers still lying in a minefield. Also Capt Kindersley’s binocular case.
    A dinner at Naboul for all officers of the 3 Gds Bdes now in the country.
    1st – 24th – 201st.

    May 15th.

    Bathing and general tidying up. Men are allowed to walk out to Naboul.

    May 16th.

    A demand for all enemy vehicles to be returned to dump. MR Watney killed in Motor smash the previous night.
    MR Birkbeck rejoins Bn.

    May 17th.

    Spring drills start.
    0930. Div Comdr visits Bn and talks to all Sgts and officers.
    One TCV per Coy to go to Tunis daily.

    May 18th.

    Bathing and visits to Tunis. Bn have officers mess for all officers.
    Spring parades start.
    7 officers and 99 Ors go off to practice victory parade in Tunis. The Commanding Officers Majors Hill, Hanford, W-Clive, Capt Chichester, L/ls Baxendale and Toler.


    May 19th.

    We hear news that 1st Gds Bde is to go back to 1st Div for combined operation training. 24th Gds Bde to take our place in 6 Armd Div.

    May 20th.

    Victory parade in Tunis. Tanks and guns line the route. The Gds Bgdes got a great welcome. Crys of ‘the plumbers’ as 1st Gds Bde go by.
    1300. Bn moves to area P5644 west of Sousse, arriving 1650 hrs.

    May 21st.

    Bathing. Officers mess also Sgts mess established.
    Monastair found to be excellent bathing beach.

    May 22nd.

    Capt Skimming returns. Spring parades and courses start up again.

    May 23rd.

    A rest camp is found in Monastair for Ors. Routine worse during morning. Bathing during afternoon. Worse again after tea.

    May 24th.

    A villa has been rented in Carthage for an officer’s rest camp. Practically the whole Bn has now been to Tunis for the day.

    May 25th.

    The villa at Le Kram called ‘St Nona’ now in full swing. About 6 officers go there for 5? days each.

    May 26th.

    Coy and specialist training. Pioneers put on demonstration. The right and wrong way to deal with mines.

    May 27th.

    Serious numbers of men are getting a light form of dysentery, or ‘Tunis Tummy’.

    May 28th.

    Bn spend the night in an LCI to get used to the ship. A great deal of A/c A/c over Sousse.

    May 29th.

    Training continues. We have now been reissued with a second 9.1098.
    Col Stewart Brown goes on leave.

    May 30th.

    0900. Church service.
    Sgt have a great sing song in their mess.

    May 31st.

    Sgts drill course is started.
     
    dbf likes this.
  10. jmullins49

    jmullins49 Junior Member

    Phaethon, I was in contact with you several years ago about my father. He landed in Naples fought all the way north. You posted the Battalion's daily log but now it is missing. It included everyday coordinates and tied to Google Earth. This is now missing from the web site. Can you re-post or update? I'm now 70 years old and want to plan a trip to trace my Dad's steps before I get too old to do it. I would appreciate your comment.
     
  11. graeme

    graeme Senior Member

    Hi

    Im afraid Phaethon has not been on the Forum since August 2015.

    Graeme
     
  12. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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