More than a decade ago I hoovered up a great many War Diaries and other documents. Many remained unread until recently. Those of the Beach Groups in Exercise Roundabout contain a great deal of interesting facts and detail so I thought I would share them. 104 BEACH GROUP in EXERCISE ROUNDABOUT V and VI. INTRODUCTION. All the Beach Groups training for D Day rotated through Gullane Camp and participated in one of the six Roundabout exercises. 101 Beach Group participated in Roundabout I and Roundabout II. 102 Beach Group participated in Roundabout III and Roundabout V. 104 Beach Group participated in Roundabout V and Roundabout VI. All the Roundabout exercises followed the same basic plan but there were variations and additions as the programme progressed. There were two basic aims: To give the Beach Groups practice in the tasks that they would perform on D Day. To test and improve the methods and organisation employed. In all the exercises the same basic plan was: The exercise would commence at the point where the imaginary assault formations had landed and moved inland and imaginary assault engineers had cleared beach exits. Beach Group personnel would simulate landing from the sea but would in fact move to the assault beach dryshod and be fed in according to an imaginary landing programme. Coasters would be loaded at Leith Docks, Edinburgh, and move to the invasion area where they would moor off the beach and be discharged into DUKWs and LVTs. Dumps would be established and routes to them cleared and signposted. Dumps would receive and stack commodities and issue them on receipt of indents from imaginary units. It sounds simple enough but……. The Beach Group diaries are brief but there is a large, and varying, amount of appendices. The diaries and appendices for 104 Beach Group have been used as a basis, with notes from 101 and 102 Beach Groups. 104 Beach Group and their participation in Roundabout V and VI has been chosen as the central topic because: It was the last group to take part in the Roundabout exercises and therefore could draw on the experience of the earlier groups. As it was the last group its operation and conclusions are most relevant to D Day. The appendices to the War Diary contain twice as much material as for the other groups. For the purpose of the exercise it is imagined: That the British Army is carrying out an assault landing on the coast of France. That ‘M’ Corps is assaulting the area shown on the map That ‘Y’ Division is landing on the right and ‘X’ Division is landing on the left. That ‘X’ Division is landing with 1001 Brigade on the left and 1002 Brigade on the right. That 104 Beach Group will land on Dog Sector and establish a Beach Maintenance Area. (These do exist) The Gullane exercise area. Mike Much more to come as time allows.
TRAINING at AYR. Before moving to the exercise area at Gullane the Beach Groups carried out training near Ayr. These training sessions sometimes involved a whole Beach Group but more often concentrated on individual and small unit training. During this time there was a flurry of orders and instructions including the following. Mine Detection and Clearing Competition. A standard area sown with a standard number of mines which it is reasonable to assume can be cleared in 30 minutes. One minute will be deducted for each minute taken over this time. One point will be credited for every minute under this time. Deduct 20 points for each booby trap exploded or missed and 10 points for each mine. Such fun. The highest scoring teams were: 21 Stores Section RE. 101 points. Not a unit usually concerned with mine clearance. 25 Field Dressing Station. 99 points. Not a unit concerned with mine clearance. The lowest scoring team was: 75 Company Pioneer Corp. 41 points. Vehicle inspections. All inspections will be carried out at the units’ location. Units will be given 24 hours notice of the arrival of the inspection party. All units should ensure that: Nominal roles are prepared in duplicate showing the vehicles WD number, type and make of all vehicles held and these should be given to the inspecting party immediately on arrival. The vehicles are clean. The drivers are with their vehicle and ready to assist the inspection party if required. The Motor Transport NCO should be available. Provision has been made for the inspection to take place under cover in the event of bad weather. First Aid Competition. The team will be tested from a selection of questions and will be required to carry out a series of practical actions. Individuals will be examined and the marks for the team as a whole will be the total of marks scored by individuals. Teams will consist of one NCO and five other ranks and will not contain any specialists such as medical orderlies, stretcher bearers or holders of St Johns Ambulance Brigade certificates. There was such a wide range of scores that the Commanding Officer was moved to write that it was clear that insufficient attention had been paid to First Aid training. One team said that they had never received any training at all. Staff Tables. These detailed tables and the accompanying notes show how complicated the establishment of units can be. There were: Assault scales. The vehicles, equipment and personnel which will actually be used in the landings. War Establishment scales. The vehicles, equipment and personnel that a full strength unit, in normal times should ideally have. Build up will be from Assault Scales to War Establishment. Vehicles shown on the Assault Scale of units and not on the War Establishment will be brought up to unit strength by means of adjustment within the Beach Groups. Infantry Battalion. No part of the anti tank platoon, mortar platoon or carrier platoon is shown on the Assault Scale. The defence of the Beach Maintenance Area is initially the responsibility of the Assault Division and it will be decided during planning what part of the Beach Battalion is to be brought in for this purpose. It is considered that all or part of the anti tank platoon will be required (It was). In other words some parts of the Beach Group infantry battalion may be ‘loaned’ to the Assault Division to aid in the defence of the Beach Maintenance Area. General Transport Company. The staff tables show a company based on three platoons with DUKWs and one platoon of 3ton 4X4. The additional DUKW platoon will be provided at the expense of two platoons at present shown on the strength of DUKW companies on the order of battle of the Assault Division. Composite platoons will not form part of the assault scales or War Establishment in a beach role. Mechanical Equipment Section. 4 X Tractor, crawler, Class II with angledozer. 2 X Scraper, 8 yards. 2 X Scraper, 4 yards. 2 X Tractor, crawler, Class I with angledozer. 4 X Tractor, crawler, Class II with angledozer and PCU. 2 X Tractor, crawler, Class III. 2 X Tractor, crawler, Class IV. 2 X Excavator, 3/8 yard. 1 X Light rooter. 2 X Road Roller, 6ton. 4 X trailer, 20cwt, low loading. 2 X Motor Grader, 12 foot mould board. Vehicle brakes. Accidents due to faulty brakes are occurring far too frequently. When investigated these cases show that brake drums and brake linings have become wet as a result of vehicle wading exercises and this fact is often put forward in extenuation. In future the following precautions will be taken by officers in charge of vehicle wading practices. All drivers will dry out the brakes by frequent and intermittent application before the convoy returns to camp or billets. This drying out will take place on waste ground and not on the public highway. Officer in charge of practice will confirm from drivers of all vehicles that the braking system is efficient before he orders the convoy to proceed. If subsequently to this any driver finds that his brakes are not working efficiently he will halt, dismount, wave on the other vehicles of the convoy and proceed at reduced speed. The convoy speed will not exceed 35 miles in 2 hours. All drivers will make allowances for reduced friction on brake linings. In practice drivers should allow between twice and three times the normal distance to bring vehicles to a standstill. Immobilisation. In spite of the relaxation of Defence Regulations regarding the immobilisation of civilian vehicles, unattended Service vehicles must be immobilised. Clothing. The average issue of the undermentioned items of clothing per 1000 men in the Beach Sub Area for the previous month. ..........................................War Office Scale.....................Issued. Blouse, BD…………………80……………………………….85 Trousers, BD………………100……………………………..102 Blouse, Denim……………..40……………………………….37 Trousers, Denim…………..50……………………………….43 Boots, Ankle……………….110………………………………90 Drawers, Cellular………….70……………………………….76 Shirts………………………. 85………………………………72 Towels, Hand………………80……………………………….81 BD = Battle Dress. Weapons. Machine Carbines, Sten, although used within a unit as personal weapons are never the less unit equipment and will not be taken away by personnel on posting. Such personnel will be issued with a rifle on posting. If a driver normally armed with a machine carbine is posted away his carbine will be withdrawn from him before he leaves and will be issued with a rifle in exchange. His replacement will arrive with a rifle and a readjustment can then be made. Similar action will be taken in the case of other ranks armed with pistols. Smoking. The Beach Sub Area commander has recently noted several cases in which smoking has not been properly controlled. It must be clearly understood that personnel will not smoke when actually on duty either on exercises or training parades. Nor will drivers of vehicles smoke while driving. Smoking is permitted during rest and off duty periods and for clerks and similar personnel working in offices or under cover. Sheep. The Agricultural Executive Committee for North Ayr have complained that full use is not always made of Anderside Range after farmers have been notified that the full period of daylight will be occupied by firing. It is pointed out that it is essential for some allowance to be made for farmers concerned to supervise their sheep. If the full day is not required then the farmers concerned should be informed. Controlled Stores. Census. The following equipment held by units may be either of British or Canadian manufacture. Rifle No4. Bren LMG .303”. Mortars 2” MkVII and MkVIII. Rangefinder No12. Compasses Prismatic. Sten MkII. Telescopes Signalling. Wireless sets No19 MkI and MkII. Fullerphones MkIV. Switchboards 10 line. Telephones D MkV. Rangefinders No2. 6 pdr anti tank. Assault Scales. Really amendments to the existing Assault Scales and Staff Tables. The revised Beach Sub Area Signals Section is given in full. In most cases the changes are ordinary motorcycles instead of airborne motor cycles and 15cwt GS instead of Loyd Carriers. Beach Sub Area Signals Section. 3 Officers. 102 other ranks. 15 motorcycles. 17 5cwt GS (jeeps). 8 15cwt GS. 5 3ton GS. Infantry Battalion. 36 Officers. 710 other ranks. Field Company RE. Delete 15cwt Office. Mechanical Equipment Section. Delete Carrier Loyd. Add one 15cwt GS. Docks Operating Company. Delete 15cwt water. Add 15cwt GS. GT Company. Delete 8X Carrier Loyd. Add 8X 15cwt GS. Add 2X Scammel or Diamond T. OBD. Delete 3X Motor Cycle Airborne. Add 3X Motor Cycle. Delete Carrier Loyd. Add 15cwt GS. Pioneer Companies. Delete 4X Carrier Loyd. Add 4X15cwt GS. Provost Section. 10 Motorcycle. 6 Car 5cwt GS. Embarkation of vehicles. Reports from recent exercises have indicated that the drill for embarking vehicles is NOT satisfactory. At Appendix A is a drill which will be adopted by all units. All officers and NCOs who are likely to be appointed i/c craft serials will be instructed in this method. Drill for embarkation of vehicles from hards. OC Craft Serial immediately before embarkation will liaise with the Embarkation Staff Officer and the Captain of the craft. Although the Military Officer in command of the craft serial is responsible for the embarkation and stowage of vehicles it must be clearly understood that the Naval Commanding Officer of the craft is responsible for the trim and safety of his ship and therefor may find it necessary to order vehicles to be stowed in a different position to that indicated by the Officer Commanding Craft Serial. The Officer Commanding Craft Serial will position himself in such a position that he can supervise the embarkation, ensuring that vehicles are embarked in accordance with the tactical requirements and pay particular attention to the closing up of vehicles. Normally during planning the maximum number of vehicles are pre stowed in a craft and if each vehicle is not closed up to the vehicle behind it there will not be sufficient space in the hold to embark the last two or three vehicles. All vehicles will then have to be started up and closed up thus causing waste of time during embarkation. Loaders will be detailed by each Officer Commanding Craft Serial for duties as under: One loader to guide vehicles in reverse in correct order to top of hard, or from 15-20 foot away from the top of the hard opposite the craft in which they are to embark. One loader to take over vehicles at the top of the hard and guide it into the bows of the craft, stopping it in the hold clear of the ramp. One loader to take over the vehicle in the hold of the craft and stow it in the correct place in the hold. The method of directing drivers will be by recognised arm signals. There will be no verbal commands or shouting at drivers. The further the guide stands away from the bonnet of the vehicle he is guiding the easier it will be for him to see both sides of the vehicle and both sides of the ramp of the LCT. Similarly by standing a reasonable distance from the bonnet it is easier for the driver to see the arm signals. The Royal Navy have been requested to paint a white line down the centre of the holds and ramps of all craft to assist embarkation of vehicles. Immediately the vehicle is stowed in the correct position in the hold the driver will switch off the engine and remain in the drivers seat. Any other personnel riding will also remain in the vehicle and no smoking or moving about will take place while loading is in progress. Loading vehicles by night. The same methos as loading by day will be employed but the loaders will be provided with two suitably dimmed torches or white sleeves. There will be no verbal commands or shouting. It has been agreed that the ? staff will place on each craft before embarkation, lights in order to assist the loader. One dimmed light facing landward each side of the top of the ramp. One dimmed light each side of the head of the ramp. No one other than the guides will give orders to the drivers of vehicles being embarked or will interfere in any way. Officers Commanding Craft Serials will ensure that this order is rigidly enforced. Loading of LST by day or night. The same drill will be adopted as for the LCT with the exception, indicated below, for loading the Main Deck (Upper Deck). One loader will be responsible for taking over the vehicle when it enters the Tank Deck and guiding it to the elevator platform. One loader will be responsible for guiding the vehicle off the elevator on the Main Deck and stowing it in the correct position. Swimming. The ideal to be aimed at is that all officers and other ranks shall be able to swim and to cross water obstacles with confidence. Commanders will press on with this training which will be methodical, purposeful and progressive. One might think that the ability to swim was essential in a Beach Group. Mike
RATIONS. Ration scales. When Beach Groups are engaged on full scale exercises the Field Service (UK) Ration Scale will be issued provided authority is first obtained from I Corps. Application must be at I Corps Headquarters sixteen days before required date of drawing. They must therefor reach this headquarters eighteen days before date of drawing. Principal differences between normal UK Scale and Field Service (UK) Scale are: …………………………….Normal…………………………Field Service. Meat………………………6oz……………………………..8oz Or boneless………………4½oz…………………………..Or boneless/preserved 6oz Or preserved……………..4oz……………………………..nil. Bread……………………..10oz……………………………12oz. Or biscuit………………… 7½oz…………………………..Or biscuit 9oz Cooking fat……………….nil……………………………….5/7 oz. Only where boneless meat is issued. Tea………………………..2/7 oz……………………………½ oz Cocoa…………………….¼ oz……………………………..1/8 oz Sugar……………………..2oz………………………………3½ oz Milk……………………….3oz……………………………….3 4/5 oz Jam……………………….1oz……………………………….1½ oz Bacon…………………….1 2/5 oz………………………….3oz Offal or sausage………...1 5/7 oz………………………….nil Cheese………………….. 6/7 oz……………………………1oz Potato, fresh……………..20oz……………………………..16oz Potato, tinned……………nil…………………………………8oz Fresh vegetables………..5 5/7 oz………………………….8oz Or dried vegetables……..1 3/7 oz………………………….2oz Or tinned vegetables……nil…………………………………4oz Or baked beans…………nil………………………………… 4oz Dried peas, beans………6/7oz……………………………...nil. Flour………………………1¾oz……………………………..4oz Or Rice……………………3/7oz……………………………..3oz Or Oatmeal……………….6/7oz……………………………..3oz Cake………………………4/7 oz……………………………. Field Service (UK) Rations Issues will be made when it has been established that either: - It is necessity due to the nature and purpose of the exercise that the administrative units involved should issue them. - Or the exercise will involve continual movement of units over a prolonged period which will make it administratively impracticable for the Home Service Ration Scale to be used due to difficulties arising from the purchase of items with the messing cash element. 14 Man Compo Rations. This ration will be issued where: - It can be established that administratively its use is an essential feature of the exercise. - It is not possible to issue Field Service UK ration with fresh commodities. It will not be issued on the grounds that: - The units involved have not used the compo before and therefor require training in its use. - It is a more convenient method of feeding troops than Field Service UK Scale. The compo ration came in a wooden box containing tinned and packaged food for 14 men for one day. 24 Hour Ration Pack. This ration will only be issued on exercises either: - If it is an essential part of the exercise from an administrative point of view. - Where it has been considered desirable that certain assault formations are acquainted with its make up and receive an opportunity to practice its use in the field under realistic conditions. AFV Ration Pack. This ration will only be issued for use on exercise where the actual conditions under which it is intended to be consumed will arise. It is NOT a ration which is normally consumed by AFV crews in the field, it is essentially a reserve ration for use when all other sources of supply are cut off. Self heating soup. These will not normally be issued for use on exercise but the use may be authorised under very special circumstances. Emergency Ration. The emergency ration will not normally be issued for use on exercises. YUM. YUM. Mike
Space saved. I have solved the spacing problem by simply separating the columns with dots/full stops. As a refinement I might try using white dots which will be invisible. Service will be resumed as soon as possible. For younger members or overseas members that was the message that frequently appeared on TV screens many years ago.
EXERCISE ROUNDABOUT V. Exercise Roundabout V was one of a series of Roundabout exercises in which Beach Groups Practised their D Day roles. The Beach Groups took it in turn to carry out the exercise at Gullane on the Firth of Forth. This study deals mainly with 104 Beach Sub Area mid February 1944. It will consist of extracts from the War Diary and Attachments with added comments. None of the Beach Group personnel will land from the sea. The object of the exercise is not to rehearse or test the amphibious landing but the operation of the beach area and the landing of stores. Personnel will walk to the beach and then start their exercise at the place and time laid down in the landing table. Gullane was, and still is, famous for its golf courses. The nearby coastline had shallow sloping sandy beaches and although the exercise claimed to be landing on a beach in Southern France the beaches seem very similar to those found in Normandy. Timetable. 3-8 Feb………… Briefing in home station. 9 Feb……………Group arrives. 10 Feb. D-1…….Exercise briefing by control. …………………..Settle in. Preload vehicles. …………………..Initial work by RE on beach exits to correspond to work which would have been done by assault engineers. 11 Feb. D.Day…H Hour 0900. High water 0512. First coasters berth 1730 hours. High water 1702 hours. 12-18 Feb……...Exercise continues. Ends 2359 hours 18 Feb. D+7. 19 Feb………….Evacuation of remaining stores from dumps. 20 Feb………….Picking up and stacking Somerfeld track etc. 21 Feb………….Pack up and hand over to advance party of incoming group. 22 Feb………….Depart. Tasks and timings during the exercise were as they would be in a real landing. BSA troops were fed in as in laid down in the staff table. Laying out and setting up Assembly Areas and BSA dump areas. Laying out and improving roads and tracks. Discharging stores from coasters. Moving stores from the beach to dumps. In order that the first coasters may berth late on D Day, and to give the Group time to construct the requisite beach exits and entrances through the dunes REs and Pioneers may commence a limited amount of work on these exits following a pre exercise recce by Group Commander at 1400 hours D-1. It is desired to berth coasters as soon as possible in case of later delays from bad weather, fog etc. Most of the personnel involved were travelling from the area of Ayr. The table below is a typical of movement tables throughout WW2. An Advance Road Party in unit vehicles travelled ahead to make preparations for the later arrivals. The Main Road Party followed with the remainder of the vehicles and such personnel as could be carried. The Rail Party consisted of the bulk of the personnel, vehicles which could only with difficulty make a long road journey (in this case Loyd Carriers) and stores and equipment. The Move to Gullane. Advance Road Party. 6 Borders…………………………..3 Officers……24 other ranks….3 vehicles. 90 Field Company RE…………….1 Officer……..6 other ranks…...1 vehicle. 23 Stores Section RE……………..Nil……………2 other ranks…...1 vehicle. 1035 Docks Operating Co………..1 Officer…….10 other ranks…..1 vehicle. 19 Movement Control Group……..Nil…………...Nil…………………Nil 705 GT Company………………….1 Officer…….40 other ranks…..12 vehicles……2 motorcycles. 5 Detail Issue Depot……………….1 Officer…….4 other ranks……1 vehicle. 244 Petrol Depot…………………...1 Officer…….2 other ranks……1 vehicle. 25 Field Dressing Station…………1 Officer……..6 other ranks……1 vehicle. 10 Ordnance…………………….....Nil……………3 other ranks……1 vehicle. 25 Beach Recovery Section………Nil……………4 other ranks……1 vehicle. 173 Pioneer Company…………….1 Officer……..10 other ranks…..1 vehicle. 243 Provost Company………….....Nil……………4 other ranks…….Nil……………..4 motorcycles. ‘Q’ RN Commando…………………Nil……………3 other ranks (with 6 Borders) RAF Beach Sec and Balloon Sec..1 Officer……..6 other ranks……1 vehicle………1 motorcycle. Total………………………………….11 Officers….124 other ranks…..27 vehicles. 7 motorcycles. Main Road Party. 6 Borders. ………………………….6 Officers…….69 other ranks…..25 vehicles….8 motorcycles. 90 Field Company RE…………….8 Officers…….241 other ranks….29 vehicles…17 motorcycles. 23 Stores Section RE……………..Nil…………….1 other rank………Nil……………1 motorcycle. 1035 Docks Operating Co………..Nil…………….8 other ranks…….2 vehicles……2 motorcycles 19 Movement Control Group…….1 Officer………2 other ranks…….1 vehicle…….1 motorcycle. 705 GT Company…………………7 Officers……..260 other ranks….80 vehicles…17 motorcycles. 5 Detail Issue Depot………………Nil……………..12 other ranks…...Nil……………2 motorcycles. 244 Petrol Depot…………………..Nil…………….19 other ranks……Nil……………1 motorcycle. 25 Field Dressing Station…………1 Officer……...13 other ranks….. 9 vehicles…...1 motorcycle. 10 Ordnance………………………..Nil……………. 5 other ranks……1 vehicle……. 3 motorcycles. 25 Beach Recovery Section………1 Officer……...20 other ranks…..7 vehicles……4 motorcycles. 173 Pioneer Company…………….Nil……………..6 other ranks……1 vehicle. 243 Provost Company…………….2 Officers……..35 other ranks…..10 vehicles….10 motorcycles. ‘Q’ RN Commando..……………….Nil……………...Nil…………………Nil… …………Nil RAF Beach Sec and Balloon Sec. 2 Officers……..28 other ranks……11 vehicles…. 6 motorcycles. Total…………………………………28 Officers…….719 other ranks…..178 vehicles…75 motorcycles. Presumably the personnel of 5 Detail Issue Depot and 244 Petrol Depot were travelling in the vehicles of 705 GT (General Transport) Company RASC. Rail Party. 6 Borders……………………………22 Officers……682 other ranks…..11 vehicles. Loyd Carriers. 90 Field Company RE……………. Nil…………….12 other ranks……..6 vehicles. Carriers. 23 Stores Section RE……………..1 Officer………16 other ranks. 1035 Docks Operating Co………..5 Officers……..292 other ranks. 19 Movement Control Group……..2 Officers……..6 other ranks. 705 GT Company………………….7 Officers……..260 other ranks. 5 Detail Issue Depot……………….2 Officers……..25 other ranks. 244 Petrol Depot……………………Nil…………….19 other ranks. 25 Field Dressing Station…………3 Officers……..57 other ranks. 10 Ordnance………………………..5 Officers……..51 other ranks. 25 Beach Recovery Section………2 Officers……..62 other ranks. 173 Pioneer Company…………….5 Officers……..264 other ranks 243 Provost Company…………….1 Officer……….39 other ranks. ‘Q’ RN Commando…………………10 Officers…….64 other ranks. RAF Beach Sec and Balloon Sec.. 5 Officers……..73 other ranks. Total…………………………………..65 Officers……1643 other ranks….17 vehicles + 83 tons of stores. The Loyd Carriers should have been replaced by 15cwt trucks. It is recorded that since the carriages on the train did not have corridors (and therefor no toilets) the train would make a brief stop at Edinburgh. One might think that 1600 men would need more than a brief stop. On arrival accommodation was provided at Gosford Camp, Gullane. Some units would be billeted at towns along the coast. Leith was in fact the port for Edinburgh. Portobello was a resort near Edinburgh. Accommodation at Leith. Eldorado……..Sleep 250………Mess 480….Docks Operating Company, RASC, RAOC, RE and Provost. Market Hall…..Sleep 120……………………..Attached personnel. Cable Wynd…Sleep 120……………………...Docks Operating Company. 4 Mill Lane…...Sleep 60……………………….Permanent staff. 33 and 217 Ferry Road………………………..Officers Mess. Accommodation at Portobello. 37 Argyll Crescent…..Sleep 35. 12 Brighton Place…..Sleep 35……………….Pioneer Company and Provost Section. 23 Brunswick Road…Sleep 45. 14 Brighton Place…...Sleep 40. Joppa Garage………Sleep and Mess 130. Sea Beach Hotel……Sleep 100……..Mess 250. 3 The Promenade…..Sleep 30. Nissen Hut S13……..Sleep 20. 8 Hamilton Terrace…10 Officers and 8 other ranks….Officers Mess. Accommodation at Musselburgh. Race course…………Sleep 180……..Mess 180…...RASC. Inveresk Gate……….Sleep 128……...Mess 150…..Infantry Company. Woodside…………… Sleep 90……….Mess 90……Laundry unit. Masonic Hall………...Sleep 50. 3 Albert Terrace……..Officers Mess. Accommodation at Longnaddry. Hutted Camp in Gosford Park…….Sleep 92……Mess 92……42 and 43 Port Ammunition Detachments and Section CMP (VP). Accommodation at Haddington. To be notified………… Sleep 120……. Mess 120…….Infantry Company. Mike
Some of the billets in Leith. These are all a short distance from the Leith Docks where the coasters used in the exercises were based. Plan of the Market Hall, Leith The Eldorado Dance Hall, Leith. 33 Ferry Road. Officers Mess. It is not clear which of the buildings is 33. 217 Ferry Road. A very nice Officers Mess. Mike
THE EXERCISE. All troops will feed into the beach dry shod on the following routes. Cross roads 980040 thence via track junction 978044 to beach at 975045. Turn right and proceed to beaches as allotted in landing table. They are only pretending to land from the sea. Transport for troops at Gosford Camp. CRASC 34 L of C Transport Column is providing transport for troops at Gosford eg: Infantry Battalion. Pioneer Company. RE Stores Section. RN Beach Commando. Beach Signals. He will provide a Liaison Officer who will contact Group Commander at 1700 hours, 9 February, at Operation Headquarters, Gosford Camp when Group Commander will supply details and timings and route to be used. This transport will return to own location on completion of task. Pre loading of vehicles of GT Company. Beach Group will inform BGPC (Beach Group Practice Control?) as soon as possible of the number and type of vehicles which they require to preload with stores other than G1098 (unit stores), eg. Defence stores, RE stores, Ammunition etc. BGPC will then issue orders accordingly. Dock Operating Company. This unit, less headquarters and any other such details to be fed in dry shod, remain in Gosford Camp until called forward by the Port. Hatch gangs will be called forward as required to embark on coasters when the latter are due to leave the Port of Leith. Embarkation Commander Leith will inform Dock Operating Company by phone when and where personnel are to report at Leith. He will state exact requirement in numbers. This information will be passed at least three hours before the personnel are required to leave Gosford. Dock Operating Company will order transport forward as required from CRASC 34 L of C Transport Column. Personnel will proceed fully equipped and with unexpended portion of rations and 48 hours Compo Rations. These rations will be kept in Gosford by Docks Operating Company for this purpose. When the coaster has been discharged hatch gangs will join the group ashore, bringing unexpended portion of rations with them, and live in bivouac area allotted by Beach Group. REME. REME will be both exercised and trained during the exercise. Group Command will retain on the beach sufficient REME to cope with the recovery problems involved. The training of the remainder will be under their own commander with Major Hill, REME, BGPC acting as advisor. Detachments on the beach will be changed every 24 hours so that all get both training and exercise. The detachments working on the beach will live and feed under exercise conditions and NOT from billets. Those training will remain in and work from billets, drawing and cooking fresh rations in the usual manner, indents being submitted to Camp Commandant daily. Details regarding personnel for training will be arranged directly between Major Hill and Group Command. At a time to be arranged the whole REME Recovery Detachment will be deployed on the beaches. RE and Mechanical Equipment. In order to prepare the beach at Gullane Sands (Charlie Sector) 960043 to 961044 for use in case Gullane Beach (Dog Sector) is closed by rough weather, Beach Group Commander will make available maximum RE effort, after meeting commitments in RMA to clear obstacles and construct necessary exits. The exits will be required in any case for REME training in this area, this training being concurrent with the exercise on Dog Sector. Route to area: end of road at 975042, thence by tarmac track. POL. POL is divided into that to be landed for training in landing and dumping, and that for consumption during the exercise. Pol to be landed. This will be in either Jerricans or non returnable 4 gallon tins. They will in fact contain DERV and will carry the DERV label. RAF 100 octane……container with blue band. DERV………………..container with white band. MT 80………………..container with DERV label only. Proportion of DERV to MT80 is 5% to 95%. POL for consumption during exercise. MT 80 and DERV will be available from pumps at Sorleys Garage, Gullane, (4 petrol and 1 DERV each 500 gallon capacity). A beach dump of POL is being established in addition. Supplies. Compo Pack will be used for the exercise, Beach Group being entirely responsible for provision, storage, issue and accounting. Beach Group will refer any queries to CRASC 29 L of C Transport Column. Prior to the exercise this can be stored in the Town Hall in charge of 2 DID. Prior to and after the exercise this building will be used by 2 DID for breaking bulk of fresh rations, the building being taken over by 2 DID. Medical. Casualties will be dealt with by Light Section FDS and evacuated by FDS ambulance car to GPS North Berwick or to hospital according to the nature of the case, under arrangements DADMS – BGPC. RE Stores. Material for use in development of the Beach Maintenance Area will be dumped about 979045 where it will be preloaded by Beach Group according to the number of vehicles allotted to them for this purpose. The following will be available and will be handed over by RE umpire (Captain Murray). Somerfeld track………………8,000 x Chespaling……………………3,000 x Coconut mat…………………….500 x Flexible duckboard………………60 x Pins and sledgehammers…..To scale. Transportation Stores. A dump is sited at 976044 containing transportation, beach stores, cargo handling gear, FBE and RBs 10 and 19. The latter items will be taken over by Docks Operating Company on D-1 and returned to DAD Transportation after the exercise. This dump will contain gear to replace breakages on coasters. Repair and Recovery. A detachment LAD at Sorleys Garage, Gullane is available for assistance if required. Recharging of Batteries. CRASC 34 L of C Transport Column will be responsible for providing apparatus for charging batteries. Beach Group will apply to Control when this service is required. Beach Signals, Lights and Floodlights. RN Commando will provide own signals and lights. Lion floodlights for night illumination will be provided if available. If ‘purple’ warning is passed by Control, Beach Group will douse all lights forthwith. Traffic. During blackout hours all vehicles will have side and under vehicle lighting. Motorcycles will have rear and tail lights. Damage to crops and land. Beach Group will be issued with a crop map, to be handed over on relief. The Key Plan sites chosen are those which are on the best roads and avoid crops. If any changes to the Key Plan are made, the damage to crops will be kept down to an essential minimum. In any case agricultural land is very heavy and will break up under loads imposed by vehicles. All personnel and vehicles will keep clear of greens and tees on golf courses. The sewer pipe shown on trace attached is on the surface for almost its entire length. Particular care will be taken to avoid any damage to this pipe, and any damage occurring will be reported IMMEDIATELY by the formation or unit concerned direct to Control. Electric Power Lines. The Electric Power Cable which runs through the area, both overhead and underground is also shown on the trace attached. Any damage to this highly dangerous cable will be reported as above. No digging to be effected near areas marked on trace attached. Buildings. Buildings will not be used except by consent of the owner/occupier which will invariably be obtained by an officer before entrance to such buildings. Firing and use of explosives. There will be no firing of live ammunition. Explosives, practice mines and made up charges may be used in the DUNES area providing necessary precautions are taken to prevent damage to civilian property, and that the safety of civilian inhabitants and live stock is not endangered. Fire precautions. In case of fire that cannot be put out at once by personnel on the spot Control will be informed at once. Control will then call the NFS. Rough Water. If the exercise has to be stopped on account of rough weather orders will be issued as to: Whether troops are to remain in position or return to billet. In the latter case guards will be left over gear and stores in each occupied area, and traffic signs which affect civilian traffic will be taken up. Whether the beaches on Gullane Sands are to be used. Reversion from comp to fresh rations. Resumption of exercise. Access to Control Room. The following can visit Control and Statistics Room whenever they wish; Commander, 2ic, MLO/AMLO, Beach Company Commander. Returns. Dumps will issue dump umpires with stock states every six hours. For this purpose clerical staffs will be increased from personnel of other groups. Rum. Quartermaster of Permanent Staff will hold 3,500 rations of rum in case of need. The advance Party Quartermaster will draw 450 life belts from Quartermaster BGPC and will distribute to group. Blankets. The Group will not remove from their accommodation any blankets taken over from BGPC or Officer in charge of Barracks. Such blankets as they require to take out on exercise must be brought with them. Balloons. If used they will not be flown above 500 foot. Billets. These will be out of bounds to Beach Group personnel during exercise with the following exceptions- One billet orderly per building to look after kits etc. who will be attached to Permanent Staff for messing. REME under training. Hygiene. Strict hygiene discipline will be observed-trenches will be dug and filled in at the end of the exercise-the sites being clearly marked. Mike
RESERVES. Reserve Policy. Policy for reserves will be as follows: 14 days reserve to be landed by D+41 for the total force. RE Works. The following dumps will be set up. On beaches, one per beach group. Stores required for initial beach development. (For exercise purposes these stores will be dumped on the beach prior to the exercise.) In the Beach Maintenance Area on scale of one per Beach Maintenance Area.. Policy for bulk petrol Supply. Bulk petrol installation will be established in area West Links 9906. And operated by D+11. 30 foot by 9 foot tanks and stores for this installation will be landed over beaches. (For exercise purposes tanks will be fed in dryshod to waters edge.) Transport. No extra transport is allotted to Beach Groups. GT Companies RASC of Beach Groups will be loaded with ammunition and RE stores required in the stages before coasters beach. (For exercise purposes one platoon only will be landed with ammunition from Leith under arrangements Commander BGPC.) Supplies. One days supplies will be carried in units first line transport. Until second line transported is landed units will draw direct from dumps. (This drawing will be represented for exercise purposes by neutral stores organisation.) Water Supply. Water will be landed in four gallon returnable containers on D, D+1 and D+2. Thereafter it will be supplied under arrangements RE (Field Companies in Beach Groups.) It will be assumed: That all piped supplies will have been damaged. That all streams in the immediate vicinity of the beach will yield the daily requirements from D+2. That local resources further inland will be adequate. Ammunition. Until ammunition in second line transport is landed ammunition will be drawn direct from dumps. (For exercise purposes this will be carried out by Neutral Stores Organisation.) POL. Units will be shipped with vehicle tanks full and two full spare 4 gallon cans for vehicles. (For purposes of the exercise these will not be carried. Until second line vehicles are landed first line transport will draw direct from depots in the Beach Maintenance Areas. (For exercise purposes this drawing will be carried out by Neutral Stores Organisation.) In initial stages all petrol will be issued in 4 gallon returnable containers. (For exercise purposes these will contain Derv and may not be used.) A neutral petrol point for the Beach Group will be established in Gullane. Neutral means not part of the exercise. Medical. For the purpose of the exercise evacuation of casualties will not be practised. Hygiene. Water supplies will not be used unless tested by a Medical Officer. RAF Stores. RAF stores will be landed and held in the appropriate dumps. Outline Landing Programme on Dog Sector. Day Personnel Vehicles Stores (in tons) D………...10,400……………1,300………….350 in vehicles. D+1…….. 6,000……………..1,000…………1,000 D+2………5,000……………..700…………..1,200 D+3………4,000……………..600…………..1,350 D+4………3,500……………..500…………..1,400 D+5………3,500……………..500…………..1,450 D+6………3,500……………..500…………..1,450 D+7………3,500……………..500…………..1,050 The complete stores landing programme. Figures in tons. D+1 SDS……………………..48 tons (25 Daily Maintenance, 23 Reserve.) Water…………………...50 tons Ammunition…………….417 tons (215 Daily Maintenance, 202 Reserve.) POL……………………..140 tons (72 Daily Maintenance, 68 Reserve.) Engineer Stores………..170 tons. Ordnance Stores……….90 tons. RAF POL………………..45 tons. RAF Stores……………..35 tons D+2 SDS……………………..74 tons (43 Daily Maintenance, 32 Reserve.) Water…………………...80 tons Ammunition…………….495 tons (325 Daily Maintenance, 170 Reserve.) POL……………………..181 tons (113 Daily Maintenance, 68 Reserve.) Engineer Stores………..220 tons. Ordnance Stores……….90 tons. RAF POL………………..45 tons. RAF Stores……………..35 tons D+3 SDS……………………..86 tons (50 Daily Maintenance, 36 Reserve.) Water…………………....Nil Ammunition…………….607 tons (350 Daily Maintenance, 257 Reserve.) POL……………………..222 tons (127 Daily Maintenance, 95 Reserve.) Engineer Stores………..241 tons. Ordnance Stores……….124 tons. RAF POL………………..45 tons. RAF Stores……………..35 tons D+4 SDS……………………..100 tons (70 Daily Maintenance, 30 Reserve.) Water…………………....Nil Ammunition……………..621 tons (421 Daily Maintenance, 200 Reserve.) POL…………………….. 252 tons (178 Daily Maintenance, 0 Reserve.) Engineer Stores………..264 tons. Ordnance Stores……….148 tons. RAF POL………………..45 tons. RAF Stores……………..35 tons D+5 SDS……………………...93 tons (70 Daily Maintenance, 23 Reserve.) Water………………….....Nil Ammunition……………..571 tons (393 Daily Maintenance, 178 Reserve.) POL………………………225 tons (158 Daily Maintenance, 67 Reserve.) Engineer Stores………...279 tons. Ordnance Stores………..148tons. RAF POL…………………45 tons. RAF Stores………………35 tons D+6 SDS……………………..112 tons (80 Daily Maintenance, 32 Reserve.) Water…………………....Nil Ammunition…………….566 tons (416 Daily Maintenance, 50 Reserve.) POL……………………..232 tons (164 Daily Maintenance, 68 Reserve.) Engineer Stores………..288 tons. Ordnance Stores……….192 tons. RAF POL………………..45 tons. RAF Stores……………..35 tons D+7 SDS……………………...95 tons (80 Daily Maintenance, 15 Reserve.) Water…………………....Nil Ammunition…………….307 tons (287 Daily Maintenance, 20 Reserve.) POL……………………..566 tons (416 Daily Maintenance, 50 Reserve.) Engineer Stores………..311 tons. Ordnance Stores……….72 tons. RAF POL………………..45 tons. RAF Stores……………..35 tons Notes. No reserve POL was land on D+4 because of a change in coaster. No water was laned after D+2 since supplies could be obtained ashore. Reserves of supplies, ammunition and POL were landed daily as insurance against any interruption of supplies. Mike
The Opening Situation. A British force is invading the coast of France (represented by the south coast of the Firth of Forth). ‘M’ Corps consisting of two assault divisions is landing on the right flank of the assault ‘X’ Assault Division is landing on the right and ‘Y’ Assault Division is landing on the left. H hour will three hours before high tide on D day. For exercise purposes H hour will be selected on a rising tide any time between first light and 1400 hours. The Director of the exercise will be responsible for selecting H hour according to local conditions. ‘M’ Corps, ‘X’ Division and ‘Y’ Division are imaginary. ‘X’ Division front. ‘X’ Division is assaulting with two brigades up. On the Right 1001 Infantry Brigade with under command 12 Beach Group, Baker Sector. (Imaginary.) On the Left 1002 Infantry Brigade with under command 9/10 Beach Group, Dog Sector. In Reserve 1003 Infantry Brigade. 104 Beach Sub Area is under command ‘X’ Division for the assault, thereafter coming under command ‘M’ Corps and subsequently HQ L of C. 12 Beach Group will establish Beach Maintenance Area Gosford 9599. (Imaginary). 9/10 Beach Group will establish Beach Maintenance Area Aberlady 9601-Gullane 8903. Intention. To provide for the daily maintenance, including reserves, over the beaches until the capture and development of the port of Leith 7798. Trace 'P'. Landing programmes. Shipping. Coasters will arrive loaded as follows. D+1 to D+4…..Composite loaded. Block loaded with one or two commodities per hatch. D+5 to D+7…..Small coasters commodity loaded. Medium coasters block stowed by holds. Development and control of Beach Maintenance Area. Suggested location……………………See Trace ‘P’ attached. Control………………………………….After assault control will mass to ‘M’ Corps and subsequently to HQ L of C. Stores and Equipment………………..Beach Groups will land at assault scales. First Key Plan………………………….See Trace ‘Q’ attached. (for Dog Sector only). Trace Q. Development of Rear Maintenance Area. The Rear Maintenance Area will be prepared to receive stores from D+9 and be prepared to issue from D+12. (For exercise purposes this may be varied to establish and practice the establishment of a stores transhipment area.) Termination of the Exercise. On the ‘Cease Fire’ from the Director the following action will be taken. Beaches will be cleared and all stores drawn on signature will be returned. Vehicles will rendezvous in the GT Company Park to lift beach personnel back to camp. Dumps will remain on the ground until all stores have been cleared by Neutral Stores Control. Areas will be cleared up as finished with, Somerfeld track etc will be rolled up and returned to the store whence drawn and stacked tidily by natures. Traffic signs will be removed and Provosts will withdraw as traffic ceases. Traffic Post at Aberlady will remain on duty until all stores have been withdrawn from dumps. Signal line will be taken in. Beach Group Command will report all occupied vacated and areas cleared up. Ships and craft. This section is from sources other than the War Diaries and appendices. The main objectives of the exercise were: To give a complete Beach Group practice in working together. To monitor and test the efficiency and effectiveness of the handling of stores from coaster to dumps. No Beach Group personnel would land from the sea but would proceed to the beach from their billets and commence the exercise from the shore. Coasters. Coasters were loaded at Leith Docks, Edinburgh, some thirty miles from the exercise beaches. Coasters varied greatly in size but for convenience were divided into classes according to the number of holds. Stores were to be discharged by Docks Operating Company into LBVs (Landing Craft Barge) or amphibious DUKWs. Docks Operating Company assigned one standard section per hold. For Exercise Roundabout V the full complement of LBV and DUKW were not available. The following LBV were assigned to Leith for the purpose of Roundabout. 5 LBV Flotilla with 12 LBV(2) including: LBVs 10, 13, 24, 32, 59, 75, 77, 85, 96, 108, 114, 238. 6 LBV Flotilla with 12 LBV(2) including: LBVs 1,43,44, 88, 99,111, 117, 119, 135, 199, 200, 201. LBVs were Thames barges converted by the addition of ramps and engines. 17 coasters were made available for the Roundabout series of exercises. So far only 7 have been identified and details found for only four. They were based at Leith Docks where they were loaded for the exercises. C2. Ebbrix…………… Built 1916…. 204 tons….2 holds. C7. Twee Gebroeder. C8. Elider……………. Built 1903…. 398 tons….1 hold. C9. Beechfield……… Built 1922….. 400tons…..2 holds. C13.Tkoreafter. C17.Soborg………….. Built 1924……1,993 tons. Mike
REPORT ON EXERCISE ROUNDABOUT V. This exercise was carried out by 9 Beach Group. The weather throughout was good. Working of DUKWs was only stopped for three hours on night D+3/D+4. There was a shortage of craft, an average of 22 DUKWs and 13 LBVs only being available. Some delays were caused by breakdowns of winches on the coasters and on the last day one coaster of 200 tons did not arrive owing to breakdown of the generator supplying power to the winches. Considerable difficulty in loading DUKWs is caused by being unable to rig derricks on coasters to plumb the DUKWs and LBVs as well as the hold. The slightest list on the ship aggravates this and causes loss of time in unloading. Winches on some coasters were in very bad condition. Before the operation all coasters should be overhauled and attention paid to the rigging of derricks. The coasters on D Day were left over, loaded from the previous exercise with the result that the wrong type of stores were landed on that day. Shipping. The organisation of feeding hatch gangs was not satisfactory at the start, but was working smoothly by the end of the exercise, and valuable experience was obtained. Docks Operating Company undertook the feeding of all personnel working on hatches. Hatch gangs should take hot tea with them. One gallon containers are required for this, or hot water should be provided on coasters. Hatch gangs from the Docks Operating Company arrived on the first batch of coasters, usually two gangs per ship. These were sufficient to unload the coaster into DUKWs or LBVs. When they had unloaded the coaster the gangs went ashore and were thereafter assigned to coasters on the basis of one gang of 14 men per hatch. Most coasters had two hatches. More experience is required in towing pontoons with DUKWs which must also be provided with long towing lines. If towed from the stern the pontoon is in the wake of the DUKW and tends to yaw, putting the DUKW off its course. This is particularly bad if here is any sea running. Steering a DUKW was difficult in normal conditions. The blunt bows did not cut the water as would the pointed prow of most craft. Wind, wave and cross tides made steering difficult and towing a pontoon which swung from side to side made this worse. Two types of pontoon were used. One was the folding boat from the FBE bridging equipment. The other was the naval pontoon used for piers etc. At the beginning only 2.2 tons per DUKW were being loaded. If the load from the first nets is trimmed an extra net can be loaded and during the later stages the load per DUKW was increased to 2.8 tons. Stores were loaded into cargo nets in the hold of the coaster. The nets were then hoisted out of the hold and lowered into the DUKW. Usually the stores remained in the cargo nets, in the DUKW until the DUKW reached the dump or transhipment point. It was found essential for the driver to remain at the wheel throughout loading. By putting two extra men per DUKW from the coaster to assist in loading and stowing the cargo, increased loading and a quicker turn around were obtained. The number of LBVs available was insufficient to allow for a steady flow of stores. More barges could have been handled on each tide. An increase in DUKWs will not compensate for this as soon as heavy stores start coming in. LBVs, not being amphibious, were beached on a rising tide and then unloaded into trucks using roller conveyors. They could carry more than a DUKW, could carry larger and heavier items and could carry vehicles. In fact sufficient LBVs had been assigned, 24 in all, but some were still in transit to Leith. Coasters will arrive as follows. D+1 to D+4. Composite loaded. Block stowed with one or two commodities per hatch. D+5 to D+7. Small coasters. Commodity loaded. One commodity only. Medium coasters. Block stowed by holds. Only one commodity per hold. Beach. There were several potholes on the Gullane beach, and in operations there will be more snags from bombs, burnt out and damaged craft etc. The potholes were difficult for drivers to see even with beach lighting. One bad pothole was marked well but others were not and more consideration must be given to this and close cooperation maintained between Assistant Beachmasters, Beach Provost Sections and Beach Company Commanders. Owing to the scarcity of DUKWs, transhipping on the beach was practised. This worked very well and a quick turn round was obtained. It is of course essential that cranes are available to do this. During times when 3 tonners were in use unloading LBVs DUKWs were sent direct to the dumps. With the full complement of DUKWs it would probably be uneconomical to tranship on the beach unless the roads inland were too narrow to allow DUKWs to go forward and the turn round took too long. In the event of a reduction of DUKWs by casualties however the most is made of the DUKWs abilities. The DUKW Control and the NCOs regulating the DUKW and lorry traffic at the entrance to the beach worked very efficiently. There was however a tendency to stop traffic and give them orders in the mouth of the entrance, which held up other traffic. It would be better if the NCO took his stand, which should be marked, further from the mouth of the entrance so as to allow other traffic to pass out onto the beach. DUKW Control was sited near the high water mark and was the point at which DUKWs entered the water and were handed over to RASC launches from the NCOs on motorcycles who escorted them on land. A transport cushion was placed in the open space behind he first line of sandhills and DUKWs were called forward as required. This worked well but at certain times there was a large collection of transport in the cushion, although the instances were few. It is suggested that a bulldozer could, as opportunity offered, make dispersal bays for the transport to minimise the liability of damage from air attack or shell fire. Transport of officers visiting the Command Post was parked on the beach. It is desirable that the beach should be kept as free as possible of transport and a car park should if possible be formed behind the Command Post, and marked. Ferry Control. Infantry Battalion provided men to operate wireless sets for ship to shore communication for Docks Operating Company. Only partially trained men could be provided initially and some difficulty was experienced in operating the sets. These communications provided the docks superintendent with valuable information. This commitment will entail training extra signallers from the Infantry Battalion as the signal platoon is already fully committed, or operators trained from the Docks Operating Company. An extra frequency will also be required. Docks Operating personnel will have to be careful that they do not give away any information and must be security minded. A port superintendent from Port Operating Group was attached to the Beach Group for the exercise. This worked very well and left the Company Commander to deal with the running of his company. It is proposed to make this a permanent arrangement and land a port superintendent and assistants with each Beach Group. It has been found essential for Principal Beach Master to have transport. He should have a Jeep allotted to him which should be fitted with a loud hailer. He also requires a launch for visiting ships. On this exercise he was allotted an amphibious Jeep from Sub Area. This is not suitable as it is too slow and can only be used in flat calm. Military Landing Officer, Principal Beach Master and Dock Superintendent frequently have occasion to visit ships. A DUKW was used for this purpose but is comparatively slow and takes a vehicle away from its job. A fast launch is required. Each hatch gang was issued with a No36 wireless set, with a similar set at Dock Operating Company Headquarters. Providing operators took longer. The amphibious Jeep was thought ideal for the Beach Master but it was found to be unwieldly on land and unsafe at sea. Movements. Valuable experience was obtained in the working of the Ferry Control Conference and in the liaison between all those concerned. The need for accurate dump pressure predictions does not seem to have been greatly realised at the start. Predictions made in advance were not subject to correction when it was found that they were inaccurate. The Commander Beach Group Practice Camp, during the course of the exercise, issued notes on the control of movement, and as experience was gained on this exercise many of the earlier faults were rectified. A great deal depends on the advance information which Military Landing Officer and Port Operating Company receive, and it is essential that freight forms, graphical stowage plans etc. are in their hands in advance of the ship berthing. In some cases those got to the Supply and Transport Officer but it was some time before the Military Landing Officer could get them, and there is some doubt at present to whom and how they will arrive. Provost. Traffic Control and sign posting was well carried out by Provost. Electric cycle type lamps were used for marking routes over the sand dunes. A large stock of batteries has to be held for this. Some economy could be effected by interposing cats eyes mounted on a wire peg. They could also be used for marking Somerfeld track and the issue of these is recommended. Provost require full information of any heavy traffic which is likely to occur at dumps. On the night of D+6 when there was a large amount of ammunition being put into Ordnance Base Depot, Provost were sent forward to assist in traffic control. As soon as possible after dump layouts are fixed, provost should do a recce and make plans for cushion areas for such dumps. These cushions should be divided for the separation of classes of traffic so that the right vehicles can be called forward quickly as required. Dumps. The petrol dump was sited on open land. Stacks were however placed too close together and of regular shape. This was corrected later and camouflage improved. Some stacks were dug into the sides of hillocks but many more were all above ground level in which case it is considered that some sort of protection should be provided against blast and splinters, and extra sandbags should be carried for this purpose and for protection against the risk of fire spreading. The Detail Issue Depot was well sited in a wood and with good cover from air and room to expand. Stacks were arranged off the road so that lorries pulling in to load or unload left the roadway clear. Stacking was started from the entrance inwards and it would have been better if this had started at the exit end. Issues and receipts were made from the same stack instead of building up on one and using another for issue whenever possible. Labour is provided by the Infantry Carrier Platoon. There were, including the DID personnel, 78 men permanently at the dump. This is considered excessive and a reallocation of labour is being made. The ammunition section of the Ordnance Beach Depot was sited off the road under trees. Many of the stacks were on the edge of a wood and under trees in a field. Even with the little rain on one night the ground was cut up very badly and neutral lorries (4X2) were getting stuck. Somerfeld track was laid down but it is impossible during the time to lay sufficient track in a site of this kind. DUKWs had to be manoeuvred in the dark through the trees to get to stack sites. The dump worked well until a heavy but not abnormal landing of ammunition on D+6. Owing to a shortage of labour and inadequate drill for control of lorries there was bad congestion and loss of time. A new allocation of labour is being made as insufficient labour is provided by one infantry company, and a further exercise will be held to practise the organisation. (Roundabout VI?). Neutral lorries were those not belonging to the Beach Group. They were used to simulate transport from imaginary formations drawing from the dumps. The Stores Section of the Ordnance Beach Depot was sited in the grounds of a house, using the drive and the back exit. The section was well laid out under trees but stacks were too regular in shape and visible to the oblique view from the air. The exit roadway – a mud track – started to cut up badly. Royal Engineers filled in with sand owing to a lack of hardcore. This proved an excellent temporary repair which stood up for the last three days of the exercise. The RAOC staff at OBD had to work very long hours in order to check in the ammunition and there is a serious shortage of checkers. Unless additional RAOC checkers can be provided some infantry NCOs must be trained to do this work at rush periods in which case there is a liability of inaccuracy in returns. An experiment was tried in handling 1,000lb RAF bombs. These were placed on the beach as they were not available in time for loading onto coasters. No difficulty was experienced in handling them without mechanical aids. Two skids were placed on to the lorry and the bombs were rolled up. Six men loaded six bombs in sixteen minutes onto a lorry at night. They are easier to handle than 500lb bombs. No suitable gear is carried for handling 500lb bombs with cranes. It is suggested that if a number are likely to be landed special hooks should be carried to fit onto the hook of a crane and fit into the lug on the side of the bomb. These must be available from the RAF. RE stores dump started under a handicap by receiving stores, which should be landed on D+5, on the first day. One stores section is not considered enough to deal with a stores dump handling the quantity of stores passing through on the exercise. CRE eventually brought in a second section and the position then improved, both as regards accounting and supervision of stacking. As no crane is available to lift over 3 tons a gantry was built from Bailey Bridge equipment. This was used for unloading one crate from a transporter which the Coles crane was unable to do. Provision of sunken unloading bays is an early priority. In all dumps the signing of headquarters was inadequate. One sign was placed on the roadway pointing to the headquarters but the actual headquarters itself was not clearly marked. In most cases there were several bivouacs any one of which might have been the headquarters office. More signs are being constructed for marking. There is also a shortage of camouflage nets in the dumps. RE Works. Survey of roads and tracks was not fully carried out and repairs started too late entailing extra work. It is considered that RE should make a reconnaissance of all roads and tracks, preparing outline plans for repair to be put into operation if necessary. Areas of platoon responsibility should be fixed and a watch kept on all places likely to need repairs. Provost should be informed of any such places and have alternative routes recced so that if repairs have to be carried out it will be according to a pre arranged plan. CRE has this in hand. The water point was efficiently run with a pull in off the main road and under cover from the air. The Stella pump broke down and water was pumped into tanks and purified in the tanks. It is considered that at least one spare Stella pump should be available in the Sub Area. Medical. FDS was well laid out in a field with excellent camouflage and well dug in. Casualties on the exercise were treated in the FDS but all were of a very minor nature. Lighting. Lighting on coasters was inadequate. It is considered that some form of cluster light for loading DUKWs and LBVs should be provided, also lighting in the holds. Each LBV should also be provided with light, electric if possible, otherwise oil lamps as part of the equipment of the craft. Experiments in beach lighting were carried out on the exercise, both Lion arc lamps and RAF landing lights being used. The following points arose. - Unless there are many sources of light there are too many shadows. - The source has to be placed high up on the sandhills to avoid dazzling craft crews on the beach. - The drivers of vehicles on the beach are dazzled and could not see signs or obstructions. - The lighting of beach signs must be increased in intensity. It is also possible that the Royal Navy would object to these lights being used on the beaches pointing seawards. It is not considered practicable to place them to seaward of the area to be lit up as they would continually have to be moved. It is considered that a job light is preferable in all cases and this may be provided by acetylene flares which are easily portable, except for petrol. Cranes should be fitted with electric jib lights. Electric torches will have to be provided for petrol. This form of lighting should be able to be screened from the sea and cause no nuisance to shipping. A general ruling on the tactical policy as regards the use of lighting on ships, beaches and dumps is required. Electric light was provided at Petrol Depot and RE Stores. At the RE stores acetylene flares were also tried. Unless a large number of lights can be provided electric light can only cover a small area. Sufficient light was provided by the use of acetylene flares which are easily portable and can be so placed as to light up the work in hand. At the Petrol Depot stack lights were put up. These are considered better than port lights which light up a bigger area. Only those actually required need to be turned on. No lighting was provided in the OBD. It does not seem that electric lighting will be possible owing to the number of stacks and the area covered. If light is allowed it is considered that portable acetylene flares will satisfy the requirements. A large increase in the number of torches, electric, hand, is required. The DID could be lit by electric light as it covers a smaller area than the OBD. Stack lights are preferable to flood lighting but again acetylene flares should provide a good answer. In order to assist in loading and unloading by night it is recommended that every lorry and DUKW should have an inspection lamp fitted up with a small tin reflector with long enough flex for it to be put inside the back of the vehicle to light up the back. Some drivers did this, which greatly assisted in working. DUKWs will require fitting for this and provision of inspection lamp. Cranes. There is a general requirement for Coles cranes for use in the RE dump. RB 19 does not fulfil this as it is too slow in moving, and in any case it should be used as an excavator. One Neals crane was in use in the OBD but was not found to be satisfactory. Neals produced mobile cranes very similar to those produced by Coles. Coles was the preferred manufacturer for the War Department. Chaseside crane has only one use, moving stores within the dump from place to place. It is of no use for unloading DUKWs. Chaseside cranes were light (1ton and 2 ton) cranes based on a Fordson tractor. Each crane as part of its equipment should have a full set of slings and tackle for dealing with a variety of lifts. Time is lost in getting the correct kind of sling when unloading RE stores if it is not immediately available. Conclusion. 9 Beach Group worked extremely well and there was good teamwork throughout. A very high average tonnage of 852 tons a day was maintained for six days. Very valuable experience was obtained and many lessons were learned. A review of the distribution of labour is being made, taking into consideration that a second pioneer company will be available. On the conclusion of Roundabout VI consolidated recommendations for the sub area will be put forward. THE END. Uploading this thread has proved difficult due to a number of problems with my equipment, and my lack of knowledge of such things. It is hoped that it will be possible to replace some tables and diagrams with better ones. Mike.
