War Diary: 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS, September 1939 - July 1944

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by dbf, Jul 15, 2011.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    1 May 1944
    A final practise was held for tomorrow’s inspection of the Battalion by the Regimental Lieutenant-Colonel.

    2 May
    The Regimental Lieutenant-Colonel inspected the Battalion at 1130 hours this morning on the square at Chelsea Barracks.
    The parade was held under Major D.M.L. GORDON-WATSON MC, and after he had reported the Battalion present, the Lieutenant-Colonel walked round the ranks accompanied by Lance-Sergeant KENNEALLY V.C., speaking to many of those who had fought in the past battles.
    Afterwards the Battalion marched past, re-formed mass, and advanced finally in Review Order.
    The Parade was watched by a number of spectators, among them several Officers of the Battalion who had been wounded either in AFRICA or ITALY.
    It seemed to be generally agreed that if the standards of smartness had ever fallen, they had now been completely retrieved.
    After the Parade, films were shown in the gym of the operations at ANZIO, and also of the St. Patrick’s Day parade at MASSALUBRENSE.
    These photographs, though perhaps rather confusing to the general public, were of great interest to the Battalion and all who saw them.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEoeMoolsaA

    3 May
    A quiet day.
    In view of the prevailing heat wave it was appropriate that the Chelsea Swimming Baths were opened: further information was published with regard to Prisoners of Wars.

    4 May
    Nothing to record.

    5 May
    The Battalion's party for Public Duties paraded this morning under Major H.L.S. YOUNG DSO, the Guard Commander.
    They marched out of barracks in great style, headed by the band of the COLDSTREAM GUARDS, and took over from the SCOTS GUARDS.
    Lieutenant J.F. BELL and Lieutenant M.R.C. EARLS-DAVIS were subaltern and ensign of the guard respectively.

    6 May
    Battalion Parade this morning was cancelled, and instead the Commanding Officer spoke to the Battalion in the Mess Room.
    He first thanked them for their excellent behaviour during the awkward delay before leave could begin: then confirmed what the Lieutenant-Colonel had told us already, that the 201 GUARDS BRIGADE was to be used to train a large new intake; and said finally that Lieutenant-Colonel T.W. GIMSON, a former Commanding Officer of the Battalion would be in command again when the Battalion returned from leave.
    It is now unofficially learned that the small-pox case on board the “Capetown Castle” was later identified as Chicken-pox.
    Our period of very loosely-applied quarantine has thus ended, and leave is to begin as soon as possible i.e. at the beginning of next week.

    7 May
    Voluntary Church Parades were held for all Denominations.
    Major YOUNG's Guard dismounted at the Palace this morning, handing over to the COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    There was a slight hitch just outside the yard which resulted in the party having to march back without a band; very few people noticed this, however, and otherwise the ceremony went very well.

    8 May
    After one of the heaviest pay parades in history, at which nearly everyone drew out the accumulated credits of the past year or so, all ranks of the Battalion not going to IRELAND proceeded on leave till May 23rd.

    9 May
    By the end of today all but one or two of the busiest men had gone.
    The Irish party, which left today is due back on the 25th.

    10 - 22 May
    LEAVE.

    23 May
    Lieutenant-Colonel T.W. GIMSON is now Commanding Officer.
    An Investiture was held today at BUCKINGHAM PALACE, at which all the Officers of the Battalion who have been decorated either in NORTH AFRICA or in ITALY attended.
    Also present was Lance-Serjeant KENNEALLY, VC.

    24 May
    A quiet day, in which people re-established themselves after leave.

    25 May
    The Battalion paraded for drill at 0915 hours.
    Those whose leave had been spent in IRELAND returned today.

    26 May
    A Drill Parade in the morning, and later the first P.T. Parade to be held since we landed in ENGLAND.
    A small Party, under command Lieutenant J.C.F. QUINN, left for Stobs Camp, HAWICK, the eventual destination of the Battalion, to contact the TRAINING BATTALION who are at present living there.

    27 May
    Battalion Parade in the morning, otherwise an uneventful day.

    28 May
    Voluntary Church Parades for all Denominations.

    29 May
    The Battalion paraded for drill, and it is learned that Field Marshal the Earl of CAVAN is to inspect the Battalion before we leave for the North.

    30 May
    The Advance Party left for HAWICK under command Captain S.A.H. WHITE, to prepare for the arrival of the Battalion.
    Parades as usual.

    31 May
    The Battalion was inspected this morning by the Colonel of the Regiment, Field Marshal the Earl of CAVAN.
    The Parade was held under Major D.M.L. GORDON-WATSON MC, and after the inspection and march past, the Battalion formed up to hear a short address by the Field Marshal.
    In a most complimentary speech he emphasised the contrast between the Allies’ success in AFRICA and SICILY in “pushing the enemy into the sea”, and the German’s failure to achieve the same thing at ANZIO: and he passed on to us a message from General Sir Oliver LEESE, commanding the EIGHTH ARMY, in which he expressed his regret that the 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS was no longer part of the Forces in ITALY.
    The Regimental Lieutenant-Colonel was present at the Inspection.
     
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  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    23 May

    Kenneally VC, approx 2m40s



     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2023
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Deutsche Wochenschau propaganda film - Nettuno, Aprilia from approx 8m30s - 12m, also shows US POWs in Rome.
    description in English from
    "III. Germans recapture Aprilia on Anzio front and parade prisoners through Rome. Animated map of Italy, including Aprilia and Nettuno. Anglo-American expectation of achieving decisive change on southern front has been foiled by strong resistance of German forces and flexible leadership. Camera pans over flat country in area of Allied landing near Nettuno (Anzio). Road sign in town indicates distance to these two points as 33 and 35 kilometres respectively. StuG III passes along street, paratroops move along road and 8.8cm Flak in travelling position is towed by half-track. Flat country contrasting with Cassino landscape allows German forces to move forward: paratroops advance under fire as artillery duel causes shells to explode nearby. Paratroops fire 8cm GrW 34. Camera pan across country shows Aprilia in distance at foot of Alban Hills, now recaptured by Germans. 8.8cm Flak fires in ground role; observation post stands camouflaged and explosions hit town in distance.
    Some of four thousand prisoners captured in Nettuno sector climb down from German trucks beside Colosseum in Rome; all wear US uniform and reported survivors of British elite battalion cut off in Aprilia are not recognisable on film."

     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2023
  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    1 June
    A quiet day, in which the Battalion collected its pay and prepared for the move tomorrow evening.

    2 June
    After the customary final clean-up to ensure that our quarters were left in at least as good order as we found them, the Battalion paraded on the square, and left Chelsea Barracks in trucks at about 1900 hours.
    On arrival at St. PANCRAS we marched to the appropriate platform, and waited.
    The first train-load left just before 2000 hours, and the second, carrying mainly the baggage-party, followed it.
    Everyone had an uneventful and reasonably comfortable journey.

    3 June
    At 1000 hours this morning our train stopped just outside HAWICK Station.
    The Brigade Commander was there to meet the Battalion, and also a considerable party from the TRAINING BATTALION including the Pipers.
    The Pipers played as the train came in, and again when the Battalion had organised itself and was ready to march off.
    The Brigadier took the Salute as we left the railway.
    It would, however, be difficult to deny that spirits in the Battalion were rather low.
    The country, and, particularly, the appalling weather that greeted us, were in sharp contrast to our recent life in LONDON: but in the afternoon the Battalion were allowed to walk out, and perhaps forget their rather forbidding first impressions.
    The TRAINING BATTALION are still in occupation of part of Stobs Camp, but are preparing to move: tomorrow they go to new quarters near EDINBURGH.

    4 June
    Voluntary Church Parades were held.
    The weather today is at least as bad as it was yesterday, and some people are expressing doubts as to whether it will ever change: in our rather exposed position the wind is terrific.
    At 1100 hours the Commanding Officer held a Conference in order to arrange a programme for the immediate future.

    5 June
    It was announced today that travel is restricted to 25 miles by rail and 40 miles by M.T., unless the journey is officially authorised for duty purposes.

    6 June
    Early this morning one of the very few wirelesses in Camp brought the news of the first landings on the NORMANDY Coast.
    Everyone was of course enormously encouraged at this great news, and the bulletins - unlikely for the moment to be very informative - are eagerly awaited.
    An Investiture was held today at BUCKINGHAM PALACE at which 13 awards were made to N.C.Os and men of the Battalion - 2 Distinguished Conduct Medals and 11 Military Medals.

    7 June
    All Rifle company subalterns, together with four attached Officers from the WELSH GUARDS, began a P.T. Course today, under the C.S.M.I.
    It is understood that they are to be trained as Instructors to the expected squads, who will be drawn from the ROYAL AIR FORCE REGIMENT, and, to some degree from the ROYAL AIR FORCE.

    8 June
    Voluntary Church Services were held to celebrate the Feast of CORPUS CHRISTI.
    Orders have been given that Wound Stripes and Service Stripes will be worn by Other Ranks.

    9 June
    The Brigade Commander visited parts of the Camp today.
    Lieutenant A.M.C. ASKIN has been appointed M.T. Officer, and Lieutenant J.C.F. QUINN (Intelligence Officer) is to be in addition Weapon Training Officer, with the present Intelligence Staff to assist him.
    Today and tomorrow are to be celebrated as holidays in HAWICK; the occasion, known as the Feast of Common-Riding, is kept annually to commemorate the capture by some HAWICK men of an English standard after the Battle of FLODDEN (1515).
    The events are numerous: among them is a cricket match between the Battalion and the HAWICK C.C., at which the Pipers will play.

    10 June
    It is not possible to hold Battalion Parades until the square, which is at present under construction on the high ground at the West end of the Camp, is completed.
    At the cricket match held in HAWICK this afternoon the Battalion were defeating by six wickets.
    Before the game began a long and lively procession passed the ground, with two pipe bands provided by the Boys’ Brigade.
    The general interest in, and enjoyment of, this affair seemed typical of a town in which local patriotism is very strong.

    11 June
    Voluntary Services were held in the Y.M.C.A.
    In order to compensate for the shortage of wireless sets and newspapers in the Camp, a Battalion Information Room has been set up in which up to date maps will be kept and news bulletins posted.
    Naturally everyone is eager for news, and it is hoped that this new organisation will help to satisfy the demand.

    12 June
    Information has been received from Regimental Headquarters that Lieutenant C.D. LESSLIE has escaped from a Prisoner of War Camp in ITALY, and has reached Allied lines.
    A cadre course for N.C.Os in drill and W.T. started today.
    Those taking part in it will be used as squad instructors as soon as the expected intake arrives.

    13 June
    This morning the Second-in-Command inspected Barracks.
    At 1415 hours the Commanding Officer held a Conference for all Company Commanders.
    The Y.M.C.A. and N.A.A.F.I. may now be opened for an hour each morning.
    No eatables, however, are allowed to be sold during this period.

    14 June
    The Commanding Officer was admitted to BANGOR Hospital very early this morning, with suspected appendicitis.
    So far there is no news of his progress.
    Lieutenant F.S. COLLIN has been appointed Battalion Welfare Officer, and Captain S.A.H. WHITE, Battalion Entertainments Officer.

    15 June
    The Commanding Officer has undergone an operation for appendicitis.
    It is understood that the operation was successful, and that he is progressing satisfactorily.
    The training periods on Saturday afternoons which were recently introduced have now been cancelled again.

    16 June
    This evening at 1800 hours, and inter-company cricket mach was played on the ground at HAWICK.
    H.Q., 1 and 2 led by Captain D.A. GILLIAT beat Support Company, 3 and 4, who were captained by Lieutenant A.M.C. ASKIN.
    It is proposed to form a dance-band, if possible, from Brigade.
    Instruments will be provided, and anyone who wants to play may apply.

    17 June
    A quiet day.
    Battalion Parades are still impossible, as the PIONEER CORPS are still working on the new square.
    It is learned that the Commanding Officer has temporarily failed to maintain his previous good progress.
    His slight relapse is not, however, likely to be at all serious.

    18 June
    All Services this morning were voluntary.
    Lieutenant C.W.D. HARVEY-KELLY has been posted from the 3RD BATTALION to the 1ST BATTALION.
    Another seven men previously reported “Missing” are now known to be Prisoners of War.

    19 June
    An uneventful day.
    At 1715 hours the Commanding Officer gave a Lecture to all Officers, Warrant Officers and N.C.Os down to the rank of Lance-Serjeant, discussing the various points which the battle experience of the Battalion had particularly brought out, and the question of the best way for Instructors to use their experience to the advantage of the coming recruits.

    20 June
    Some appointments and transfers were announced, as follows:-
    Lieutenant G.V. BLAND to be Battalion Salvage Officer
    Lieutenant M.F. RAWLENCE posted from TRAINING BATTALION to 1st Battalion
    Captain J.D. BLOIS from 1st Battalion to TRAINING BATTALION.
    In the evening an excellent team of ENSA players performed ‘Without the Prince’, in the Brigade Hut, their good presentation of an amusing play giving great enjoyment.

    21 June
    At 0815 hours this morning the Brigade Commander spoke to all Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants, in the Brigade Hut.
    He emphasised a few points that should govern the Instructor’s attitude towards the squads of R.A.F. men, whose outlook is bound to be different from our own, and whose position is in many respects unenviable.
    The first squads arrived recently, and intakes are expected from now on at regular intervals, until the full number of the intake is made up.
    The Battalion learns with regret of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Herbert SCOTT, CMG, DSO, first commanding Officer of the IRISH GUARDS MOUNTED INFANTRY, and father of Brigadier C.A. MONTAGU-DOUGLAS-SCOTT, DSO.
    The Commanding Officer also regrets to announce the death of Major J. GILLIAT, kiled by enemy action on June 18th. [Guards Chapel]

    22 June
    A message concerning the Battalion's former Commanding Officer was published today.
    The text is as follows:-
    "Brigadier C.A. MONTAGU-DOUGLAS-SCOTT, DSO, had a private audience with the POPE in the Throne Room on 11th June 1944. Brigadier SCOTT was presented by the British Minister’s Secretary as ‘Brigadier General MONTAGU-DOUGLAS-SCOTT, Commander of the Catholic Irish Guards, who have fought so gallantly in Italy.’ Brigadier SCOTT received a splendid blessing from the POPE on behalf of the Battalion.”
    The Battalion played SELKIRK at cricket in the evening, on the SELKIRK ground, and won by 17 runs.

    23 June
    A further list has been published from Regimental Orders of casualties by enemy action on 18th June - 3 dead and 6 wounded.
    It is understood, though the news has not yet been officially released, that the GUARDS CHAPEL was hit by a ‘flying bomb’ during the Service on Sunday morning, most unluckily at a time when the building was crowded.
    R.H.Q. has also suffered some damage.

    24 June
    The Battalion learned with great pleasure the following news, published in a Supplement to the London Gazette on Friday 16th June:-
    “The KING has been pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following decoration, which has been conferred on the undermentioned officer in recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the allies:-
    Decoration conferred by His Majesty the King of the Hellenes, Order of King George the 1st, GRAND CROSS,
    General the Honourable Sir Harold R.L.G. ALEXANDER, GCB, CSI, DSO, MC, late IRISH GUARDS.

    25 June
    The usual voluntuary services were held for all Denominations.
    Members of the Battalion who have homes or relatives in LONDON and Southern ENGLAND are naturally much concerned with the present ‘flying bomb’ attacks.
    In spite of the very severe restrictions of all leave, it has been possible, in cases where actual damage has been done to homes, to send men on Compassionate Leave.

    26 June
    A letter from the O.C. 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS in ITALY has been received, confirming a piece of news first published a fortnight ago.
    It says that Lieutenant C. LESSLIE, who was taken prisoner with No. 2 Company on ‘RECCE RIDGE’, is believed to be at liberty in ITALY.
    Now that Barnes Camp, (just East of Stobs Camp) is beginning to be occupied by recruits and their Instructors, a Piper has been detailed to sound calles there daily.
    The Commanding Officer spoke to the R.A.F. intake at 1715 hours.
    Of the total number of recruits taken in, 21 Irishmen have been accepted by the Battalion, destined to be Irish Guardsmen, while we are continuing to provide Instructors, and in some case also Trained Soldiers, for those going into other Regiments of the Brigade.
    Our own men are at present organised into Administrative Platoons, and Demonstration Platoons, from whom, if required, drafts of trained men could be taken.
    In the meantime they continue with Platoon and (later) Company training, and are, of course, available to give demonstrations.

    27 June
    It is announced that all the reservoirs above the Camp are Out of Bounds for bathing, except a small one near the Guard-room.
    In fact the weather is still so cold that the question of bathing is unlikely to arise in any form.
    The following appointments were made known today:-
    Lieutenant J.F. BELL to be Assistant Adjutant, and
    Lieutenant J.P. COMPTON to be Mortar Officer.

    28 June
    A Library has now been opened in the Information Room under the auspices of the Battalion Welfare Officer.
    It is at present necessarily small, but its stock is varied, and probably provides something for every taste.

    29 June
    Holy Mass was celebrated in the Brigade Hut this morning to marke the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul.
    Our Mobile Film Unit continues to show films in the Brigade Hut at frequent intervals.
    Light, sound, and in fact the whole cinema, is dependent upon a small engine in the back of a lorry; though this is not absolutely reliable the efforts of its crew are much appreciated.

    30 June
    This morning an Officer from the ARMY PAY CORPS visited us, and gave a most instructive talk on Pay and Allowances.
    The Quartermaster, all C.Q.M.Ss, and one Officer per company attended, and afterwards he looked at some of the Battalion’s Cash Books, etc.
    The Station-master at Stobs Camp seems to be having considerable trouble with the handling of his now very heavy traffic.
    The customary devices to avoid buying a ticket have been worked out, and special instructions have been issued to contend with this practise.
     
  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    July 1944
    FOREWORD TO PERIOD 1ST - 31ST JULY
    There is very little incident to be put on record for this period, since the present phase of the Battalion’s history is not likely to be an adventurous one.
    By far the most important work now being undertaken is that of training men, particularly the large intakes from the R.A.F. REGIMENT and the Ground Staff, and also our own members of the present Demonstration Platoons.

    In view of the importance of this side of our activity, a summary of the situation at the end of the month has been included under July 31st.

    1 July 1944
    The Battalion paraded for drill at 0845 hours this morning, on the square.
    In the afternoon, a cricket fixture with GALA C.C. which was to have been played at GALASHIELS, was cancelled because of the weather.
    Everything possible is being done to overcome the disadvantages of remoteness which the Camp suffers: it was announced today that a special train is to run every week-day evening at 2330 hours from HAWICK to STOBS.

    2 July
    Roman Catholic, Church of England, and Church of Scotland Services were all held today, both in camp and in HAWICK.
    At an evening Service in the YMCA, the HAWICK Home Mission Choir attended.

    3 July
    There was no Battalion Parade this morning.
    Further news was received of casualties from the Battalion - one Guardsman previously reported Missing is now Presumed Killed in Action, and five more have Died of Wounds while in enemy hands.
    Two other men are now known to be Prisoners in German hands.

    4 July
    More trains have now been arranged to carry members of the Battalion in both directions between Camp and HAWICK.
    The Station-master at Stobs has had understandable difficulty in issuing and checking tickets, and they are now to be sold by Companies.
    An ENSA team of nine members, with the titel of ‘The Merry Macs’, performed on the stage of the Brigade Hut at 1930 hours.
    Otherwise nothing to record.

    5 July
    The training facilities in Camp have been much improved by the completion today of four new 30 yard Ranges within easy reach.
    They are situated North of the Camp, and each Rifle Company has exclusive use of one Range.
    H.Q. and Support Companies share the range previously existing, in the gully below the Officers’ Mess.
    Regular practises are being held in order to select and train a Battalion Athletics Team.
    All the arrangements are being made by Captain M.F. RAWLENCE.

    6 July
    The Commanding Officer inspected the Camp this morning at 1100 hours.
    Otherwise a day without incident.

    7 July
    Nothing to record, except that further information of casualties has been received.
    Among these are two IRISH GUARDSMEN attached to a COMMANDO Unit and one man from the TRAINING BATTALION reported to be Wounded.
    Lieutenant J.F. BELL has begun to act as Acting Adjutant as Captain D.J.L. FITZGERALD MC is shorting joining the 161 O.C.T.U.

    8 July
    The Battalion paraded on the square this morning at 0845 hours.
    On the cricket ground in HAWICK the Battalion played the 6th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS in the afternoon, and beat them by nine wickets.
    On the adjoining Sports Ground a trial team practised races of all distances.
    In the evening a film was shown in the Brigade Hut.

    9 July
    The usual voluntary Church Services were conducted for all Denominations.

    10 July
    No Battalion Parade.
    A great many improvements have now been made in the appearance and convenience of the Camp - wood-work has been painted, large Regimental Stars constructed at several points, mud converted where possible into cinders, and strops cut in the steeper gullies.
    The Camp is now at its best for the Major General Commanding LONDON DISTRICT, who is to visit us tomorrow and inspect recruit squads and some Demonstration Platoons.
    More transport is now available between HAWICK and the Camp: two buses now make two return journeys, on Friday and Saturday and Sunday evenings.
    A Company made up of the Demonstration Platoons of the 4 Rifle Companies is to leave under Major J.S.O. HASLEWOOD, to camp at the Field Firing Area near TUSHIELAW.
    The Platoons are commanded by Lieutenants R.C. TAYLOR, M.R.M. AIRD, Lord PLUNKET and R. MAHAFFY.
    Lieutenant AIRD’s Platoon remains behind until after the Major General’s visit, the remainder move out today.
    Lieutenant G.J. WARNOCK has been appointed Intelligence Officer, and Lieutenant J.C.F. QUINN now acts as full-time Weapon Training Officer.

    11 July
    The Major General arrived at 1215 hours this morning.
    He was received by the Camp Quarter Guard outside the Orderly Room, and visited parts of the Camp at once.
    In the afternoon the IRISH, WELSH, and COLDSTREAM GUARDS recruit squads paraded on the square for inspection.
    Part of Major HASLEWOOD’s party, who had remained behind for the inspection, went out to the Training Area this evening.

    12 July
    Nothing to record.
    The Regimental Lieutenant-Colonel is now visiting the TRAINING BATTALION near EDINBURGH, and will arrive here tomorrow evening.

    13 July
    An uneventful day.
    The Lieutenant-Colonel arrived in the evening, and dined in the Officers’ Mess.
    There were also a number of guests, all farmers from the areas in which the Battalion trains, with whom it is therefore as well to be on good terms.
    The eldest of them, who has lived in this area since the first camp was built here in 1902, remembered speaking in that year to Lord ROBERTS, the first Colonel of the Regiment.

    14 July
    This morning the Lieutenant-Colonel left HAWICK to visit the party in training at TUSHIELAW.
    He returned to inspect the Battalion in the Camp during the afternoon, and returned to LONDON on the midnight train.
    Otherwise nothing to record.

    15 July
    The Battalion paraded on the Square at 0845 hours.
    The cricket team, joined by Lieutenant G.K. HOOD from Brigade H.Q., played another match at SELKIRK this afternoon, and lost rather heavily by 76 runs.
    Nearly half the side’s score was made by Lieutenant M.R.G. EARLS-DAVIS.
    The Athletics Team went to EDINBURGH to run, and because of the distance had to stay the night and return on Sunday.
    Captain M.F. RAWLENCE conducted the team.
    A party of 16 signals under command Lieutenant G.J. WARNOCK proceeded to the GUARDS ARMOURED TRAINING WING at PIRBRIGHT, on a 19 Set Course, with a view to providing reinforcements for the other Battalions.

    16 July
    The usual Church Services for all Denominations, and all voluntary.

    17 July
    No Battalion Parade this morning.
    Of two Guardsmen previously reported “Missing”, one is now known to have Died whilst in enemy hands, and another is reported to be a Prisoner of War.

    18 July
    A day without incident.
    An ENSA show called ‘Rhythm and Laughter’ was presented to the Battalion in the Brigade Hut at 1930 hours.
    Passes up to 0200 hours may now be given to those who attend the Friday and Saturday evening dances in HAWICK.

    19 July
    A second W.T. stores came into use this morning, to provide for the squads that have now overflowed out of Stobs into Barnes Camp and thus are rather a long way form the present store.
    The new establishment is behind the ROYAL ENGINEERS Office, within easy reach.
    Otherwise nothing to record.

    20 July
    The Commanding Officer held a Conference for all Company Commanders at 1700 hours this afternoon.

    21 July
    It is learned with regret that Acting Brigadier D. MILLS-ROBERTS DSO, MC, was wounded on the 6th of June.
    A film was shown for the Battalion in the Brigade Hut this evening, at 2015 hours.

    22 July
    The Battalion paraded on the square at 0845 hours.
    In the afternoon the Battalion played GALA C.C. at GALASHIELS, and defeated them after a most exciting last-wicket stand.

    23 July
    The usual voluntary Church Services were held.

    24 July
    Nothing to record.

    25 July
    The Battalion was glad to see that Lieutenant-Colonel T.W. GIMSON is with us again, having finished convalescence after his operation.
    It is learned that the postal address of all British Forces in NORTHERN FRANCE will be ‘British Liberation Army’.
    The Battalion played the 6th Battalion GRENADIER GAURDS at cricket in the evening, and lost by 15 runs.
    A remarkable entertainment was given today in the YMCA.
    A Lecture, illustrated with gramophone records and slides, was presented in the Quiet Room by Mr. COULBECK.
    The general title was ‘Meet the Orchestra’, and many of the illustrations were performed by the B.B.C.s own organisation, the B.B.C. Symphony Orchestra.
    The talk developed into a discussion, in which all members of the audience were invited to join, but only some of them (perhaps naturally) seemed eager to do so.
    On the whole the evening was successful and popular, and a welcome change from our sometimes (be it admitted) inaudible films.

    26 July
    Very little incident.
    It has now been decided that bathing can be allowed in the small reservoir above the camp, West of the SCOTS GUARDS lines.
    While bathing is going on a Picquet of one N.C.O. and one Guardsman must always be present.
    The increasing number of COLDSTREAM and WELSH GUARDS recruits has made it necessary to occupy more of the available buildings in the area.
    The COLDSTREAM GUARDS have left Nos 1 and 3 Companies, and occupied Barnes Camp, while the slightly smaller WELSH GUARDS Company has moved from Barnes Camp into some unoccupied huts in Stobs.
    The Quartermaster has moved his Office into a larger building on the east edge of the Camp.

    27 July
    Major J.S.O. HASLEWOOD’s Company, consisting of the four Demonstration Platoons, returned today from the training area at TUSHIELAW.
    A small detachment from Support Company, in which the Mortar, Anti-Tank and Carrier Platoons were each represented, moved out the same day to take over.
    A warning has been issued to Company Commanders not to instruct men to return from leave in the South on Sundays, as there are no suitable trains on which they can travel.
    The Adjutant inspected Nos 2 and 3 recruit squads on the square this morning.

    28 July
    The Commanding Officer inspected No. 1 recruit squad at 0915 hours, and the Adjutant also inspected Squads 4, 5 and 6.
    Practise Drills are now being held under the R.S.M. for a Drill display to be given next week in aid of the HAWICK Holidays.
    The selected men paraded this morning at 0845 hours.

    29 July
    The Battalion parade on the square at 0845 hours.
    An experiment - it is hoped a popular one - was initiated today in the Information Room.
    Since there room is now such a resort, particularly round about meal-times, the NAAFI have agreed to supplement the rations of cigarettes available in their own Institution, by selling packets at the civilian prices at certain hours in the Information Room.
    A member of the NAAFI Staff has been given a table for the display of cigarettes, and an N.C.O. is on duty daily to supervise the trade.
    The cricket team played HAWICK C.C. this afternoon, and a most exciting game resulted in a victory by one run.

    30 July
    Nothing to record except that all the usual Services were held.

    31 July
    No Battalion Parade.
    An Inter-Battalion Swimming Competition was held at HAWICK Baths this evening, to form part of a local programme of swimming events.
    The Battalion's team led by Lieutenant R.C. TAYLOR, was victorious, 6th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS second, and 2nd Battalion SCOTS GUARDS third.
    An amusing ENSA Show entitled ‘Bubbles’ was performed in the Brigade Hut at 1939 hours, and was well received.
    It will be repeated on Tuesday and Wednesday at the same time.


    At the end of the month training could be summarised as follows:-
    1. INTAKE TRAINING.
    There are at present fifteen squads under instruction, for whom the Battalion is providing 12 N.C.Os and the COLDSTREAM GUARDS 3 (these totals do not include supernumerary instructors). Of these squads one is destined for the IRISH GUARDS, seven for the WELSH GUARDS, and seven for the COLDSTREAM GUARDS. There are at present in the camp two COLDSTREAM GUARDS Companies, under Major I.W. GORE-LANGTON and Captain D.R.W.R. WATTS-RUSSELL, and one WELSH GUARDS Company under Major C.A.la T. LEATHAM. The administration and supervision of squads is, however, shared among these companies, and our own rifle companies, of whom No. 1 has charge of 3 squads, and Nos. 2, 3 and 4 Companies of 4 squads each. Courses correspond broadly to the type of training carried out at the GUARDS DEPOT, with emphasis in the early weeks on Weapon Training and Drill, advancing later through the various stages of Fieldcraft and minor tactics. The Course is based on a week of 5 full working days, leaving Sunday and one other week-day (not fixed) completely free. The total length of Courses is at present flexible, but will probably work out at 14 weeks. The customary inspections by Adjutant and Commanding Officer are carried out on a plan similar to that in use at the GUARDS DEPOT. All things considered, the spirit and will to work of the intake platoons, is remarkably good, and they should make, in time, a valuable contribution to their respective regiments.

    2. DEMONSTRATION PLATOONS, ETC.
    A very recent re-arrangement of personnel has resulted in organisation as follows:-
    No. 1 Company - 32 + 14 from TRAINING BATTALION = 46.
    No. 2 Company - 39 + 7 from TRAINING BATTALION = 46.
    No. 3 Company - 32 +14 from TRAINING BATTALION = 46.
    These platoons are engaged in the usual platoon training. In addition to the above platoons, three of the old Demonstration Platoons have been formed into an independent and self-contained unit in No. 4 Company carrying on its own training, and prepared to do anywhere, at any moment. It is now, as it always has been since its re-formation in ITALY, under the command of Major J.S.O. HASLEWOOD. The following 3 Officers have joined the Battalion recently from the TRAINING BATTALION, and are engaged in training the new Demonstration Platoons:-
    2/Lieutenant L.E. DOWLEY
    2/Lieutenant B.R. BERKELEY
    2/Lieutenant J.D. PARKER
    2/Lieutenant R. BOBBETT joined at the same time, and is in charge of an Intake Platoon in No. 4 Company.
    Although this Company now contains 3 fully trained platoons, and 3 platoon commanders for them, they are still under the Company’s care 3 Intake Platoons, with three Officers in charge. Captain A.P. DODD was second-in-command of this company, but is now in hospital with appendicitis; his place has been taken by Captain S.A.H. WHITE.

    In this way it is though that the Battalion will be able to meet any demands likely to be made on it, with the minimum of dis-organisation and with as much consideration as possible for individuals. Training as a whole covers our own short-term requirements, and also fulfils the longer-term policy of other Regiments.
     
  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

  7. Rob BrabN

    Rob BrabN New Member

    My great Grandfather is corporal Doak in the photo of two prisoners. My mum said he rarely ever spoke about the war, however once mentioned about riding a motorcycle collecting ID tags. No one had ever seen that photo till now so thanks for sharing. Would you happen to have anymore information?
     
  8. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Hello Rob,
    Thanks for posting. I assume you haven't got a copy of the IG History already, that photo is in the book. I'd really recommend that you do get the hold of a copy, it's a great read and will help you get a general idea of the battalion in which your g.grandfather served.The war diaries are available here in any case.

    Getting copy service records would be another avenue of research to pursue.

    Does your family have anything with g. grandfather's Army Number?
    Could you at least verify if his first hame began with J?

    2719916 J DOAK, 1 Irish Guards
     
  9. Rob BrabN

    Rob BrabN New Member

    2719916 J DOAK, 1 Irish Guards[/QUOTE]
    That’s brilliant thankyou I shall look into purchasing a copy. Yes I can confirm his name was Joseph Doak and as above that is is Service number as seen on a pay document from the time. Where could I request the copy of his service record that would be very beneficial. Thanks in advance, Rob.
     
    dbf likes this.
  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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