TNA Catalogue Reference: WO 167/359 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS Just adding that I found parts of this difficult to decipher and as a result there are quite a few "???"s.
1939 September 1 Pirbright Camp 0700 hours 1st Party of Reservists rejoin. Reservist Officers and Other Ranks continue to join from LONDON throughout the day. 1500 hours B.B.C. announce General Mobilization has been ordered. 1530 hours Battalion’s moved out of Camp into Billets. Location:- 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- H.Q., H.Q. Company & No. 3 Company - PIRBRIGHT CAMP King’s, No.s 2 & 4 Companies - HENLEY PARK 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- H.Q., H.Q. Company - PIRBRIGHT CAMP No. 1 Company - WORPLESDON No. 3 Company - PIRBRIGHT LODGE No.s 2 & 4 Companies - STONEY CASTLE 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS:- H.Q., H.Q. Company - PIRBRIGHT CAMP No.s 2 & 3 Companies - PIRBRIGHT No.s 1 & 4 Companies - STONEY CASTLE Brigade Anti-Tank Company - STONEY CASTLE 1600 hours Orders received to put P.A.D. Scheme PIRBRIGHT CAMP into force. Difficult experience through lack of Equipment. 1900 hours Blackout ordered by ALDERSHOT COMMAND. 2020 hours Codeword received ordering the final preliminary steps prior to Mobilization to be taken. 1939 September 2 1100 hours Battalions hand in Home Service clothing. 1740 hours Brigade Progress Reports from Battalions:- 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- 297 Reservists joined. Strength effective 790 - 19 over War Establishment. Battalion ahead of Time Table. 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- 314 Reservists out of 333 Reservists have rejoined. Progress satisfactory, proceeding according to Programme. 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS:- Verbal Report - Battalion at War Establishment. 1939 September 3 Pirbright Camp 1100 hours WAR ON GERMANY DECLARED. Heavy rain during night made billets very uncomfortable and some were flooded. Weather improved during the day. Brigade Commanders with B? visited all billets. 1320 hours O.P.T. announcing DECLARATION of WAR received. 1400 hours Brigade Anti-Tank Company drew 9 Anti-Tank guns from WOOLWICH. 1800 hours Progress:- Battalions report Mobilization progressing satisfactorily according to Time Table. 1939 September 4 Pirbright Camp 1000 hours Brigade visited by Divisional Commanders. Accompanied by Brigade Commanders, Divisional Commanders visited Company Billets. 1800 hours Battalions report progress proceeding according to Time Tables. Mobilization - vehicles drawn. Weather hot and fine. 1939 September 5 Pirbright Camp 1000 hours Brigade visited by Corps Commanders Battalions carry out firing: 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- Musketry with 1st Year men and Reservists 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- Anti-Gas Training 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS:- ? and Anti-Tank mine laying. 1300 hours Battalions report satisfactory progress regards Mobilizaton. Weather hot and fine. 1939 September 6 0800 hours Air Raid warning, Brigade P.A.D. Duty Parties assemble at P.A.D. Centres. 0945 hours Raiders passed sounded Work resumed. 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- ? 1st Year men and Reservists on Bren Gun 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- ? 1st Year men and Reservists on Bren Gun 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS:- Carried out ? and Anti-Tank ? 1520 hours H.R.H. The DUKE of CONNAUGHT visited the Brigade. 1939 September 7 Weather still hot and fine. Battalions carried out Training. All Battalions carried out Musketry with 1st Year men and Reservists. 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- have 293 Reservists, the majority of whom have not done Training since leaving the Colours 5 years before. 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- have 420 Reservists, they are men at the end of the Reserve service and have done no Training for 9 years. 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS:- have 320 Reservists of whom 150 have had no Training since leaving the Colours. 1800 hours Battalions report Mobilization proceeding satisfactorily. 1939 September 8 1800 hours Weather fine. Battalions continued individual Training. Peace equipment handed in to Stores. Progress:- 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- 2 Officers and 27 Other Ranks over War Establishment. Clothing and Equipment ledgers not yet closed. 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- Reaching final stages as regards personnel. Mobilization held up by outstanding Ordnance Stores. 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS:- Battalion at War Establishment as regards personnel. Mobilization held up by outstanding ? for Ordnance Stores. Extra cases of sickness which will necessitate demands on TRAINING BATTALION. 1939 September 9 1800 hours Progress Reports:- 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- 1 Officer and 27 Other Ranks over strength. To proceed overseas. No ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS S/Sergeant posted extra ? in lieu. Following are outstanding:- 1) Issue of S.A.A. 2) Clothing and Equipment ledgers not yet closed. 3) Loading Vehicles prior to move 4) Equipment on ledgers. 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- Reaching final stages as regards personnel. ? Equipment still outstanding 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS:- Deficiencies still outstanding, ? submitted to D.A.D.O.S. LONDON AREA. War Establishment Personnel complete. But 12 30-cwt trucks, 12 5-ton lorries deficient. Brigade Anti-Tank Company still loading essential and ? and Equipment ? through lack of transport. 1939 September 10 0800 hours Advance Parties leave for Concentration Area. 0930 hours Voluntary Church Services arranged in PIRBRIGHT CAMP, HENLEY PARK, STONEY CASTLE. 1700 hours Orders for move to Concentration Area issued. O.O.1. 1800 hours Progress Reports:- 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- No change from Report received on Z+8. 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- Reaching final stages as regards personnel. Large quantity of Ordnance Stores outstanding. 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS:- Mobilization held up by deficiencies in Ordnance stores and vehicles. 2200 hours Telephone message D.A.D.O.S. LONDON AREA. Stores of Anti-Tank Company were available if transport was arranged to fetch them from DIDCOT. 1939 September 11 0800 hours Impressed vehicles received. 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS carry out H.Q. Training exercise. 1300 hours Message from BUCKINGHAM PALACE stating H.M. The KING’s intention to visit the BRIGADE on the 12th September. 1700 hours Instructions and programme for HIS MAJESTY’s visit issued. Copies attached. 1800 hours Battalions report that they are at War Establishment as regards personnel, but large quantities of Ordnance Stores, and E Weather fair, much cooler. 1939 September 12 1135 hours HIS MAJESTY arrived in Camp and was received by the Brigade Commanders. After visiting Brigade H.Q. HIS MAJESTY accompanied by the Brigade Commanders visited all billets occupied by Battalions of the Brigade. He afterwards lunched in the Officers’ Mess with the Brigade Commanders, Battalion Commanders, Staff Officers and Field Officers of Battalions of the Brigade and Training Battalions. 1800 hours All vehicles loaded in preparation for move to Concentration Area. APPENDIX 2 His Majesty the King will visit, on 12 Sep, the units of the Brigade of Guards stationed at, and in the vicinity of PIRBRIGHT. Detailed programme is attached. His Majesty has directed that no considerable alterations to work programme already made out are to take place. Visit of His Majesty the King to Pirbright 12 Sept 19 1100 hours 3 D.R.s (one each Battalion) assemble at SUNNINGDALE, await Royal Car and precede it to Pirbright Camp via CHOBHAM - KNAPHILL and BROOKWOOD. 1130 hours His Majesty arrives H.Q., 7th Guards Brigade. Brigade Commander explains organisation and location of 7th Guards Brigade and distribution of Training Battalions at Pirbright Camp. 1135 hours Officer Commanding, 1st Grenadier Guards (Lieutenant-Colonel J.A. PRESCOTT) presented to His Majesty, who sees the portion of his Battalion in camp. 1145 hours Officer Commanding, 2nd Grenadier Guards (Lieutenant-Colonel G.M. CORNISH, M.C.) presented to His Majesty, who sees the portion of his Battalion in camp. Officer Commanding, 1st Coldstraem Guards (Lieutenant-Colonel A. de L. CAZENOVE, M.V.O.) presented to His Majesty, who sees the portion of his Battalion in camp. 1205 hours His Majesty, preceded by Brigade Commander, motors to STONEY CASTLE CAMP, (passing Militia Camp under construction on the way), and sees two companies of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, Anti-Tank Company (under command of Major G.H. BULL) and two companies of 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards. 1225 hours His Majesty leaves STONEY CASTLE CAMP for Pirbright seeing the two companies 1st Coldstream Guards, one company 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards. 1240 hours His Majesty arrives HENLEY PARK and sees three companies, (including King’s Company) 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. 1300 hours His Majesty arrives Camp Office, and Officer Commanding, Coldstream Guards Training Battalion (Lieutenant-Colonel J.C. WYNNE-FINCH, M.C.) is presented, and takes His Majesty to see more than half the Battalion having dinners. 1315 hours His Majesty lunches in the Officers’ Mess, the officers for the first sitting being as in Appendix “A”. 1400 hours His Majesty visits Scots Guards Training Battalion (Lieutenant-Colonel A.H. SWINTON, M.C.). 1415 hours His Majesty departs from top of “A” lines to LONDON via BROOKWOOD - CHOBHAM and SUNNINGDALE. APPENDIX A Officers for 1st Sitting Lunch 12 Sep 39:- Centre Table:- His Majesty. Accompanying General, other Officers (?4) Brigade Commander. Battalion Commanders (3) Training Battalion Commanders (2) Field Officers of Battalions (6) Field Officers of Training Battalions (5) B.M. Anti-Tank Company Commander. Adjutants (5) Quartermasters (4) 5 other Officers of each Battalion of 7th Guards Brigade (15) Officers of R.A.Ch.D. (3) Officers of R.A.S.C., R.A.O.C. and R.A.M.C. (7) Total 58. 1939 September 13 East Coker Weather cool, cloudy and inclined to rain but improving later. Brigade moved from PIRBRIGHT CAMP to Concentration Area. The move was carried out by rail and road in accordance with O.O.1 issued 10th September 1939. 0745 hours Advance Administration Parties left PIRBRIGHT CAMP for Concentration Area by Road. 0945 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE closed at PIRBRIGHT CAMP and opened at EAST COKER. 1000 hours Main body 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS left camp for Concentration Area. 1045 hours Main body 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS the last Battalion to leave Camp was clear of the Starting Line. The move by M.T. was carried out in strict obedience to the March Table issued with O.O.1. 13th September 1939 and proved entirely satisfactory as regards control, speeds and timings. Casualties to vehicles reported:- 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, 1 Carrier Track broken. 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS, 1 Truck. 0850 hours First Train left BROOKWOOD with Brigade H.Q. and 1st Party 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS. 1400 hours Last Train left BROOKWOOD with 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS. 2200 hours Reports had been received from all Battalions and the Brigade was located as follows:- H.Q. - EAST COKER 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS - YEOVIL 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS - SHERBORNE 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS - YEOVIL Advance Parties:- Field Ambulance ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS - YEOVIL Brigade Anti-Tank Company - WEST COKER 33rd Field Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY & 246th Field Company ROYAL ENGINEERS were not to arrive before Z + 15. The Brigade Signal Section and L.A.D. were unable to accompany the Brigade as they had not yet received their vehicles. 1939 September 14 East Coker Brigade settled into Billets. Battalions begin Training under Battalion arrangements. 1430 hours Brigade Commanders Conference for Battalion Commanders. 1500 hours L.A.D. join Brigade H.Q. The detachment is still deficient of vehicles and equipment. Progress reports:- 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS:- Still deficient of vehicles and Ordnance stores. 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS:- Still deficient as regards a quantity of Ordnance of ? War Map issued to all Battalions. 1939 September 15 East Coker Battalions carried out Training under own arrangements. 1800 hours 33 Field Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY arrive in Concentration Area. Billets STOKE SUBHAMDON. 1939 September 16 East Coker 1110 hours O.O.1 F? Defense Scheme issued - Move from Billets to Back? area, attached. 1130 hours Divisional Commander visited Brigade H.Q. and all Battalions in Billets with Brigade Commander. 1900 hours 246 Field Company ROYAL ENGINEERS arrived in Concentration Area. ? ? of vehicles, YEOVIL. 2200 hours 4 Guardsmen of 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS killed by a lorry in SHERBORNE. 2614679 Guardsman Jeffrey Arthur MACE 2611159 Guardsman Arthur Oliver SIMPSON 2614462 Guardsman Curzon Samuel BRADBURY 2613424 Guardsman Samuel Edward PERKINS 1939 September 17 Cattistock 1530 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE closed EAST COKER, and opened CATTISTOCK. Brigade moved into Billeting areas for the night in accordance with O.O.1 issued 16th September. 1530 hours Brigade Commander and R.I.O. visited 9th INFANTRY BRIGADE in thie time. The Brigade Commander made a recce with Commander 9th INFANTRY BRIGADE. 1830 hours All Battalions well established in billets. 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS - CRUXTON 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS - MAINEN NEWTON 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS - FRAMPTON COURT 1939 September 18 Compton Valence 930 hours Brigade Commanders Conference for Battalion Commanders. 1005 hours O.O.2 (Exp) issued. 1930 hours Brigade closed CATTISTOCK opened COMPTON VALENCE. 1945 hours Battalions left Billeting areas and moved up to Line. 2335 hours Relief completed. 2 men of M.X. and 3 of ROYAL ULSTER RIFLES casualties owing to a ? ? Dispositions of Battalions:- 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS H.Q. - TRACK JUNE 989149 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS H.Q. - ? TRACK 990142 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS H.Q. - TRACK & RD JUNE 011146 7th FIELD REGIMENT H.A. - COMPTON VALENCE 1939 September 19 Compton Valence 1100 hours HIS MAJESTY The KING visited the Brigade. 1550 hours M.C. Tasks and dispositions received. 1600 hours O.O.3. (Exe) issued. 2200 hours Relief completed. 1939 September 20 East Coker 0800 hours Exercise completed. Battalions fill in trenches and return to Billets. 1?00 hours Brigade closes COMPTON VALENCE and reopened EAST COKER. 1939 September 21 East Coker 1500 hours Oversea Advance Partly left Brigade H.Q. EAST COKER. 1939 September 22 East Coker 2000 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE Movement Table issued. 1939 September 23 East Coker 0800 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE H.Q. Transport moved from EAST COKER in accordance with Appendix Y. 1939 September 24 East Coker 1800 hours Message from Field-Marshall Sir Cyril DEVERELL, G.C.B., K.B.E. issued and read to all troops. APPENDIX 8 Message from Field-Marshall Sir Cyril J. DEVERELL, G.C.B., K.B.E. 1. I have received from Field-Marshal Sir Cyril J. DEVERELL a message for the 3rd DIVISION; this message is given below. 2. The Field-Marshall commanded the 3rd DIVISION in the last Great War for 2 years. In those days the DIVISION was known as the IRON DIVISION; it never failed to capture its objectives, and it never failled to carry out satisfactorily an task demanded of it. This message from the Field-Marshall will be a great inspiration to us who served in the DIVISION today, and we must see to it that the 3RD DIVISION lives up to the magnificent reputation it gained in the last Great War. 3. This letter is distributed on a company, battery, etc., scale, and it will be read out on parade to all troops. Signed B.L. MONTGOMERY, Major-General, Commander, 3RD DIVISION. Message from the Field-Marshall To The 3RD DIVISION There are many living today not only in GREAT BRITAIN but throughout the EMPIRE who served in the last Great War in the 3RD DIVISION, and who remember with pride their DIVISION and all that it accomplished. It was their privilege to carry on the magnificent traditions of the DIVISION in the annals of the British Army. They are confident that the soldiers of the 3rd DIVISION of today will uphold the name it held in 1918 of the “IRON DIVISION”. Many of us would ask nothing more than to return to the posts which we filled in the last war. But in heart and thoughts we shall be with you in this war. As the Major-General who had the great and lasting honour of commanding the DIVISION in 1916 - 1918 I send to all ranks on behalf of my comrades our best wishes. And I say to you as I know that they would wish me to say: “Carry On”. Signed C.J. DEVERELL, Field-Marshall, 20th September 1939. 1939 September 25 East Coker 1500 hours Divisional Commander visited Brigade H.Q. 1939 September 26 East Coker Nil. 1939 September 27 East Coker 1215 hours Major General Brigade of Guards visited Brigade H.Q. 1939 September 28 East Coker Nil. 1939 September 29 East Coker 0830 hours Brigade H.Q. closed at EAST COKER. Sherbourne 0945 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE entrained at SHERBOURNE. Southampton 1215 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE arrived at SOUTHAMPTON DOCKS Aboard s.s. Viking 1400 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE embarked on the Troopship s.s. VIKING. 1600 hours s.s. VIKING left SOUTHAMPTON and anchored at SPITHEAD ROADS. 1939 September 30 0100 hours Aboard s.s. Viking s.s. VIKING moved off in convoy accompanied by escort. 0730 hours Arrived at Port of CHERBOURG. Cherbourg 0815 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE disembarked and marched to Railway Station. 1830 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE entrained at CHERBOURG.
1939 October 1 Cherbourg 0015 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE left CHERBOURG. Sille-le-Guillaume 0830 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE arrived at SILLE-LE-GUILLAUME and moved to billets. Attached layout of 7the GUARDS BRIGADE Area. BRIGADE established in Billeting Areas under:- 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS - NEUVILLALAIS 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS - CONLIE 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS - TENNIE Rouez 1330 hours H.Q. 7th GUARDS BRIGADE arrived at Billets at CHATEAU DE COURMENANT. 1939 October 2 Rouez 1200 hours M.T. 7th GUARDS BRIGADE arrived at SILLE-LE-GUILLAUME and proceeded to billets. 1330 hours M.T. 7th GUARDS BRIGADE arrived at billets. 1939 October 3 Rouez 1730 hours BRIGADE Commander held Conference with Battalion Commanders. 1939 October 4 Rouez 0800 hours Advance Party H.Q. 7th GUARDS BRIGADE left CHATEAU DE COURMENANT. 1939 October 5 Rouez 1430 hours BRIGADE Commander held Conference with Battalion Commanders. 1939 October 6 Rouez 0715 hours M.T. 7th GUARDS BRIGADE H.Q. left CHATEAU DE COURMENANT (In conjunction with 7th GUARDS BRIGAGE M.T. Move). 1000 hours DIVISIONAL Commander visited Brigade H.Q. 1939 October 7 Rouez 0830 hours Move Orders issued to 7th Guard Brigade H.Q. 1939 October 8 Rouez 1630 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE left CHATEAU DE COURMENANT. Sille-le-Guillaume 1900 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE entrained at SILLE-LE-GUILLAUME. 2000 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE left SILLE-LE-GUILLAUME. 1939 October 9 Lille 1700 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE arrived at Gare LESQUIN. 1830 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE H.Q. arrived at Billets at Ecole de Plein ?, FOUBERG DE DOUAI. 1939 October 10 Lille 0800 hours Situation Report 7th GUARDS BRIGADE:- 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS - FOUBOURG DE DOUAI 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS - FOUBOURG DES POSTES 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS - FOUBOURG D’ARRAS 0815 hours Conference held at 7th GUARDS BRIGADE H.Q. Battalion Commanders attended. 1939 October 11 Lille 1130 hours Operation Order No. 4 issued. 1939 October 12 Lille 1020 hours Intelligence Summary No.1 issued. Copy to 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS. 0950 hours Relief of 201st R.I., FRENCH ARMY by BRIDGADE began. 1100 hours Relief completed. 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS in Line, H.Q. Company LANNOY. Brigade Anti-Tank Company take on the defence against Tanks. 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS and 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS each find 1 Company for Oupost Duty. 1500 hours BRIGADE H.Q. visited by the Commander-in-Chief. 1600 hours Operation Instruction No.1 issued. 1700 hours Intelligence Summary No.2 issued. Security Instruction No.1 issued. Ecole de Plein Air Foubourg de Douai, near Lille APPENDIX 4 INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY NO.1. Serial No.1 ENEMY:- Divisions reported to be concentrated as follows:- 15 Divisions in area EAST of VORHENBACH. 23 Division in area KAISERLAUTERN. 3 Divisions in area FRANKFURT. 7 Divisions in are WITTLICH. 1/2 “R” Division in area KAISERLAUTERN. 18 “R” Divisions in area BLANKENHEIM. 3 Landwehr Divisions in area ST. GOAR. Serial No.2 It is also reported that last week AACHEN and TREVES were ordered to be evacuated. This grouping of the main weight of the active or 1st Line Divisions SOUTH of “A” Line drawn EAST and WEST through PRUM and FRANKFURT lends colour to the reports in the FRENCH PRESS of the 10th October that the offensive is to be launched against the FRENCH FRONT in the SAAR BASIN with the object of recapturing the lost ground.. Serial No.3 OWN TROOPS:- FRENCH D.1 AQ.R.O.O. H.Q. - 3 RUE MARECHAL FOCH, LOOS, 6634 REGIMENTAL H.Q.s:- R1.310. - WAMBRECHIES, 6942 R1.100 - MARCQ-EN-BAROEUL, 7240 R1.210 - LEMAY FOUR ENGINEERS BATTALION - ANSTAING, 7932 ARTILLERY:- 27th Regiment equipped with 75’s:- 1 Groupe (12 guns) - RONCQ 1 Groupe (12 guns) - LA SART, 7539 1 Groupe (12 guns) - RONCHIN, 7232 227 Regiment equipped with 155’s:- 1 Groupe (12 guns) - LIENSELLES 1 Groupe (12 guns) - WASQUELALLIER, 1540 APPENDIX 6 Lille, Sheet 63, 1/50,000 0900 hours - 1700 hours INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY NO.2. Serial No.1 Faubourg de Douai Relief of EPOG of F.D.L.S. and OUTPOST held by R.1.201 FRENCH ARMY. Excluding MARAIS, 7934 to Excluding LYS-LEZ-LANNOY 8139. The Relief was carried out in accordance with EPOG’s O.O.4. Serial No.2 0930 hours Relief begun. Serial No.3 1000 hours Relief completed except for installation of Anti-Tank Guns. Serial No.4 1115 hours Relief reported complete. Serial No.5 ULAB moves from billeting Area to LANNOY during course of afternoon to establish itself in LANNOY Serial No.6 GENERAL DISPOSITION on front of EPOG:- Right - SHIP H.Q., CHATEAU FRETIN, 740273 Left Battalion - LAND Left - 100 R.I. FRENCH ARMY H.Q., MARCQ EN BAROEUL Right Battalion - 100/III H.Q., MARCQ EN BAROEUL No change in positions of EPOG LUKA TETO KERO. Serial No.7 1445 hours Visit to EPOG of Commander-in-Chief. Serial No.8 ITEMS OF INTEREST:- BELGIUM has withdrawn the greater portion of the forces using the FRANCO-BELIGAN frontier. A double line of trenches is being constructed along the SOUTH bank of the ALBERT CANAL. Long columns of ARTILLERY reported moving NORTH through GHENT. Public opinion is turning in favour of the Allies and away from neutrality. 1939 October 13 1000 hours 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS and 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS moved from Billeting Area LILLE (Faubourgs) to the Line. 1200 hours All Battalions established in the Line. 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS H.Q. - SCHOOL ANNAPPES 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS - HEM 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS - GRAND PALACE LANNOY The COLDSTREAM GUARDS were in touch with 3rd R.I. 100 FRENCH ARMY on left, 3rd P.C. LEERS, I00/I B? P.C. TOURCOING, 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS in touch with EAST YORKS on R.T., H.Q. ASCQ. The Line is a series of Pill Boxes built in 1937 to accommodate a 25mm Anti-Tank Gun, and L.M.G. The wiring about the Boxes had been ?ted but 1st ? Pioneer Bn are still at work on the tank obstacle on the post of the 2nd Battalion. On the whole this post is very low lying with water 2 feet below surface ... [2 lines at bottom of page illegible] 1939 October 14 Lille 1100 hours R? 100/II ? relieved I Battalion on left of 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS. 1600 hours M.B. Fire plan upon BRIGADE Sector arranged. The FRENCH object to taking over two Pill Boxes on the left of COLDSTREAM GUARDS. These Pill Boxes were garrisoned by Troops of the 100/I B?. ? ? was refused to the two General Staffs. 1500 hours BRIGADE Commander visited Commander R.I. 100. 1939 October 14 Lille APPENDIX 9 INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY No.3 Serial No.1 FRENCH ARMY:- II Battalion/100 R.I. relieved I Battalion on the Left of 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS. 1939 October 15 1900 hours FIELD RETURN of Other Ranks. 1930 hours Dispute over Block Houses arranged. FRENCH accept responsibility. 1939 October 16 0800 hours Warning received that enemy Aircraft might attempt action against LILLE within the immediate future. 1800 hours Regimental Commander of 100 R.I. lunched with his Chief of Staff with the BRIGADE Commander. Anti-Tank defence by 45 Battery, Anti-Tank ROYAL ARTILLERY approved by BRIGADE Commander. Battalion begin digging in on the BRIGADE Front. The ground was very heavy after recent rains and drainage presented many problems. Lille APPENDIX 9 INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY No.3 Serial No.2 ITEMS OF GENERAL INTEREST GERMAN:- Reports show that 92 Divisions are now concentrated upon the WESTERN FRONT. These Divisions are disposed in two Groups:- (a) The Northern Group in the Area CLEVES - WESEL - 3 Divisions DUSSELDORF - KOLN - 6 Divisions. These six Divisions have only arrived within the last 48 hours. AACHEN - 10 Divisions. In this Northern Area 2 Army H.Q. have been located at DUSSELDORF and CODESBURG. (b) Southern Group North of TH???S - 16th INFANTRY DIVISION and 1 MOTOR DIVISION. 18 Divisions and 1 Motorised Division are extended along the frontier from SAARBURG to BALE. There are two Air Force Divisions in this Sector. A Divisional H.Q. has been located at ST. WENDEL and an Army H.Q. at KREUZHACH. The remaining Divisions are concentrated astride the RHINE, South of COBLENZ to KARLSRUHR. Serial No.3 BELGIUM:- All Field Army Troops have now been withdrawn from the FRANCO-BELIGIAN Frontier. The 18 Divisions of Field Army are deployed along the GERMAN Frontier. The ARDENNES is covered by the Regiment of Frontier Cyclists, separated by the CHABBOURS ARDENNAIS. To the North is the Cavalry Corps supported by the Infantry. The inundation programme has been revised and it is now possible to flood to a depth of 5 feet. The areas lying:- (i) between CANAL ALBERT South of HERENTHAL and the VALLEY OF THE GD HETHE. (ii) between a line drawn HAR???? and LOUVAIN on the East and the CETTE VALLEY on the West. This plan leaves a gap between the two areas in which BRUSSELS stands. BRUSSELS is built on clay, which if waterlogged would make movement laborious, which the narrow Front would make the deployment of large numbers impossible. Therefore it seems improbable that the GERMANS will launch their main attack through BELGIUM against the Allies’ left. The alternative plan would be a limited offensive against the FRENCH gains in the SAAR with the object of driving out the invader. The grouping of GERMAN reserves makes this plan seem the most probable. Perhaps, if this plan fails an offensive will be launched through BELGIUM with the object to effect a break through in the North while the Allied reserves are drawn South to repulse the main offensive. It is of interest only 2 of the Motorised Divisions have so far been located. A major GERMAN offensive is expected within the next few days. 1939 October 17 1000 hours Intelligence Summary No.3 issued. 1100 hours O. Instructions No.2 issued. Battalions continued digging. The weather was fine, but many of the FRENCH trenches were full of water, which refused to be drained. 1939 October 18 1150 hours Air Raid Alarm sounded. No raiders reached the BRIGADE Area. 1530 hours H.R.H. The DUKE of GLOUCESTER visited BRIGADE H.Q. Weather dull, turning very wet. 1939 October 18 Lille APPENDIX 11 INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY NO.4. Serial No.1 1150 hours Air Raid alarm sounded. The alarm was sounded owing to the sudden appearance of hostile aircraft off the FRENCH Coast between DUNKERQUE and CALAIS. Serial No.2 1450 hours H.R.H. The DUKE of GLOUCESTER visited BRIGADE H.Q. Serial No.3 GERMANY:- There is a gradual troop movement towards the North. Nine Divisions of Infantry are reported to be now concentrated at DUSSELDORF. Apart from the movement of troops North, no great activity is reported upon the BELGIAN-GERMAN Frontier. For the moment, the GERMAN strength seems to be concentrating in the areas WITTLICH - TRIER - SARREBOURG in the South and about DUSSELDORF in the North. By 1800 hours the 18th, no reports had been received as to any past GERMAN attacks after the repulse of three attacks on teh 17th South of LUXEMBOURG. Serial No.4 HOLLAND:- Current reports tend to the opinion that the DUTCH will not offer any effective resistance should GERMANY decide to violate their neutrality. It seems probable therefore, the next GERMAN offensive move will be through HOLLAND and not across the GERMAN-BELGIAN Frontier. 1939 October 19 Lille 1000 hours Intelligence Summary No.4 issued. Heavy and continuous rain throughout the day. 1939 October 20 Lille Battalions continued work upon defensive positions. Heavy rain caused trenches to flood, much work had to be expended in digging drains. The country is very flat so little flow could be obtained and water remained standing in the trenches. 1939 October 21 Lille 1500 hours Operation Instruction No.3 issued. After a wet morning the weather improved during the afternoon. 1500 hours Field Return of Other Ranks No.2. 1830 hours LILLE placed OUT OF BOUNDS for Other Ranks up till 1830 hours. 1939 October 22 Lille 1500 hours 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS arranged Football match with RI/100. The result not yet received at H.Q. Result: COLDSTREAM 1-4. 1800 hours Two suspects arrested by GARDE MOBILE brought to BRIGADE H.Q. Charge espionage. 1939 October 23 Recce by BRIGADE Commander and Battalion Commander of BRIGADE Sector to see what modifications would have to take place in the defensive positions on account of the rain and floods. It is probable that the trenches will not be dug and that breatworks will be built to cover the BRIGADE Front. 1939 October 24 Lille Further Recce carried out on BRIGADE Front. Warning Order No.1 issued. 1939 October 25 Lille DIVISIONAL Commander 51st D.I. FRENCH ARMY lunched with his staff with the BRIGADE Commander at BRIGADE H.Q. C.R.E. paid a visit to discuss ROYAL ENGINEERS work on the Front and drainage. Great difficulty experience in buying corrugated iron for shelters. 1939 October 26 Lille Weather still wet. The needs of the BRIGADE as regards corrugated iron at last met. 1939 October 26 Lille APPENDIX 15 INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY No.5 Serial No.1 GERMANY:- Two GERMAN Armoured Groups have been located, the first in the area South of SIEGEN, the second to the North of WIESBADEN. General REICHENAU who commands these two Groups has his H.Q. at HAMBURG. The 5th Armoured Division has been identified at OSNABRUCK, while armoured “ELEMENTS” are reported at BALE. H.Q. Western Front is now located at WIESBADEN. KREUZHACH remains the H.Q. for operations on the SAAR FRONT. Serial No.2 BELGIUM:- The situation in BELGIUM remains unchanged since the movement of an Infantry Division reinforced by 6th R.I. into the LIEGE AREA late last week. It is rumoured that highly placed advocates of non-resistance to GERMANY received a severe setback during the course of last week. Serial No.3 HOLLAND:- The position in HOLLAND remains the same - her Frontier is reported quiet. TURKEY:- HAVAS reports that the TURKS concentrated 300,000 men on the SOVIET Frontier. The concentration was in reply to the SOVIET claims for the cession of ARMENIA. 1939 October 27 Lille 1400 hours Intelligence Summary No.5 issued. 1700 hours H.R.H. The DUKE of GLOUCESTER visited BRIGADE H.Q. Weather cold but dry. 1939 October 28 Lille Battalions continued work on their Fronts. 1939 October 29 Lille 1300 hours BRIGADE Commander repaid call by General Commanding 51st Division FRENCH ARMY, LOOS. 1500 hours FIELD RETURN of Officers and Other Ranks issued. 1500 hours Signal Section ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS played ?RONOHIN UNION SPORTIVE at football and were defeated 4-0. 1500 hours FIELD RETURN OF Officers and Other Ranks No.3 issued. [written in pencil] 1939 October 30 Chateau Le Receuil 1600 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE H.Q. opened at CHATEAU for 3RD DIVISION Manning Exercise. Rear H.Q. remained at LILLE. 2359 hours Battalions moved up from Billets to occupy Front Line. 1939 October 31 Chateau Le Receuil 0315 hours Reports received from all Battalions that occupation is complete. 2000 hours R.?. and Intercommunication Exercise began. A very ? well contested battle was fought over the telephone and by the BRIGADE Commander and DIVSIONAL H.Q. All the S.O.S Signals were fixed and recognised according to the instructions issued for the ?tion of the Exercise, except one. That of the Left Company of the Left Battalion, which had to be repeated. 2130 hours Exercise finished. 2215 hours Patrols left BRIGADE H.Q. to carry out Raids on Forward Companies.
1939 November 1 Chateau Le Receuil 0630 hours Manning Exercise finished. Battalions returned to Billets. 1939 November 2 Ft. Babylone 1830 hours BRIGADE opened. The old fort is surrounded by marsh, full of mosquitoes. The cold however numbed the mosquitoes who failed to launch their expected offensive on the Staff. The storm having been broken the Staff too were numbed until ? ? in ? led to the fort being entirely in ? 1939 November 3 Lille 0830 hours BRIGADE reopened. The Night Move and the move at dawn were both considered well done but there was held to be too much talking. 1939 November 4 Lille 1500 hours FIELD RETURN of Officers and Other Ranks issued. After noon the the day was observed as a holiday. 1939 November 5 Lille 1130 hours A Raid was reported to be on its way. The Sirens were not sounded and the Raiders were thought to have changed their course. Later reports say they passed over very high and were thought to have changed their course. 1st COLDSTREAM GUARDS reported firing about LANNOY ? LILLE not action was taken. 1939 November 6 Lille Battalions continued work on their positions. A definite improvement in the weather. 1939 November 7 Lille 1100 hours Air Raid alarm. Shells were seen to burst, but the battle was fought well away from the school. New Frontier Control Scheme initiated. 1939 November 8 Lille Wet once again. All security Officers attended 3RD DIVISION Security Course. G.S.O.2. 2 CORPS explained Control Scheme. The blocking of roads causes the maximum inconvenience. 1939 November 9 Lille 1140 hours Air Raid warning. Heavy firing, no aeroplane was seen, but afterwards it was learnt an unidentified aeroplane had flown over LILLE. 1330 hours The blocking of roads .....[illegible] ... serious inconvenience caused to both military and civil populations. Guard of Honour from 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS left to take part in the AMISTICE PARADE, PARIS. 1939 November 10 Lille 1000 hours Intelligence Summary No.1 issued. 1200 hours Air Alarm, another Recce raid by lone aircraft. 1500 hours BRIGADE H.Q. played A.? Squadron, ROYAL AIR FORCE at Football and won 4-2. 1939 November 10 Lille APPENDIX 2 INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY No.1 Serial No.1 0900 hours GERMANY:- The distribution of troops along the Frontier according to the latest reports are as follows:- 1. Sector from N. SEA to WESSEL - 3 Infantry Divisions. 2. Sector from WESSEL to AACHEN - 13 or 14 Infantry Divisions. 3. Sector from AACHEN to TRIER - 20 or 21 Infantry Divisions. 4. Sector from TRIER to KARLSRUHE - 21 Infantry Divisions. 5. Sector from KARLSRUHE to BALE - 14 to 15 Infantry Divisions. The main mass of Divisions in Reserve is still stationed behind the Centre Sectors. Serial No.2 TWO FORTRESS Divisions are deployed along the Frontier between TRIER and KARLSRUHE. Serial No.3 ARMOURED TROOPS No change in the present position of General V. RICHENAU’s H.Q. or in the two Armoured Groups. The 5th Armoured Division has been moved to BIELSFELD. Serial No.4 AVIATION:- Enemy photo Recce machines are making a practice of flying high over BELGIUM, gliding down to a few thousand feet about TOURNAI and then they take oblique photographs of the Frontier. Six planes flew over BOULOGNE on the 9th and one unidentified aircraft flew over LILLE. It was chased by fighters but was lost in the clouds. Serial No.5 BELGIUM:- Partial flooding has already taken place in the area of the ALBERT CANAL. Serial No.6 HOLLAND:- Some flooding has been carried out at MAESTRICHT and also further North about VENLO. This fact is taken as an indication that opinion is rising in HOLLAND against accepting without resistance a GERMAN invasion. Serial No.7 The meeting of the two Neutral Sovereigns called this week is through to have been in answer to a GERMAN ultimatum. The two Sovereigns met to decide upon a common policy with which to oppose this threat of further GERMAN aggression. 1939 November 11 Lille 1500 hours FIELD RETURN issued. All ranks confined to ? Billeting Area owing to ? situation on GERMAN, DUTCH and BELGIUM Frontier. 1100 hours Silence observed but no special Parade or ? All large scale military Parades cancelled. 1939 November 12 Lille 1725 hours Warning to BRIGADE to be ready to move at four hours notice. 2345 hours Advance BRIGADE H.Q. moved from ECOLE DE PLEIN AIR. 1939 November 13 Chateau Le Receuil 0100 hours Advance BRIGADE H.Q. established at CHATEAU LE RECEUIL. Very heavy mist during move. 1430 hours BRIGADE H.Q. reinforced by rear H.Q.s LAD (ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS) and M.T. remain at ECOLE DE PLEIN AIR. 2145 hours Notice to move given as follows:- Carriers and Recce Parties at three hours notice. Remainder of BRIGADE at five hours notice. 1939 November 14 Chateau Le Receuil Quiet day. Weather fair. 1939 November 15 Chateau Le Receuil 0900 hours Operation Order No. 5 issued. 1150 hours Air Raid warning. No aeroplanes were seen. 1225 hours “All Clear” sounded. 1939 November 16 Chateau Le Receuil 1935 hours BRIGADE now no longer at 5 hours notice. Weather dull, heavy rain. 1939 November 17 Chateau Le Receuil 1130 hours Air Raid warning sounded. No aeroplanes seen from the CHATEAU but sound of Anti-aircraft fire was heard. 1225 hours “All Clear” sounded. 1600 hours BRIGADE H.Q. closed at CHATEAU LE RECEUIL and opened same hour at ECOLE DE PLEIN AIR, LILLE. 1939 November 18 Lille 1000 hours Air Raid warning sounded. Anti-Aircraft guns were heard firing but no enemy aircraft were seen from the School. 1115 hours “All Clear” sounded. 1330 hours Visit of SECRETARY of STATE for WAR, Mr. HORE BELISHA to the BRIGADE Area. 1939 November 19 Lille 1200 hours FIELD RETURN of Officers and Other Ranks issued. 1939 November 20 Lille Quiet day. Weather cool and showery. Battalions working along Front, digging and revetting. 1939 November 21 Lille 1050 hours Air Raid warning sounded. No aeroplanes were seen from the School, nor was there any Anti-Aircraft fire heard. 1245 hours “All Clear” sounded. 1939 November 22 Lille 1130 hours Air Raid alarm sounded. No enemy aircraft were seen. Anti-Aircraft fire heard. 1230 hours “All Clear” sounded. Weather very cold, a big drop in temperature. 1939 November 23 Lille 1130 hours Air Raid alarm. These alarms are now part of the accepted routine on fine days. Usually one or two Recce planes skip over the BELGIAN Frontier flying very high. 1245 hours “All Clear” sounded. The weather was hard frost and sun. Work on the Battalion defensive Lines proceeded. The Line is now continuous across the whole Front with gaps of a few yards between Battalions. The Left Company of the 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS have not yet established their posts as their area is under water. 1939 November 24 Lille Calm day. The weather broke and turned wet once more. BRIGADE Commander takes up residence in the CHATEAU LE RECEUIL. 1939 November 25 Lille Anti-Tank Company concentrate for Training at CHATEAU LA FONTAINE. The guns are withdrawn from Pill Boxes. They are now for the first time a self-appointing and accounting Unit to the untold relief of the Q. Staff at BRIGADE H.Q. 1615 hours FIELD RETURN of Officers and Other Ranks issued. 1939 November 26 Lille A quiet wet day. Battalions played football. 1939 November 27 Lille Battalions continued work on Front Line positions. Weather wet but mild. 1939 November 28 Lille Day paned without incident. Battalions continued work on positions. The day was fair. 1939 November 29 Lille A wet day. All Battalions experienced trouble with trenches falling in. Most of the day was spent in trying to maintain positions already dug. Sketch of the whole of the BRIGADE Front attached. 1939 November 30 Lille 1200 hours The Commander-in-Chief visited the BRIGADE Front and arranged to test the Anti-Tank obstacles on the Front of the 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS. The obstacle is one made by fixing girders in concrete.
1939 December 1 Lille 1150 hours The Commander-in-Chief together with the C.I.G.S. visited the Front held by the BRIGADE. 1939 December 2 Lille 0930 hours The effectiveness of the Anti-Tank obstacle was tested. The “I” Tank employed for the demonstration was much hindered by the mud, but after many attempts managed to force its way through an obstacle designed to repel light Recce A.F.V.s. It is doubtful whether the tank could have effected a crossing at ? ? conditions. The girders once bent by the tank crossing their line became an effective trap preventing the retreat of the vehicle from the position reached 1939 December 3 Lille 0900 hours FIELD RETURN of Officers and Other Ranks issued. 1500 hours Orders for the Commander-in-Chief’s visit and inspection issued by D.R.L.S. 1939 December 4 Lille A quiet day. Battalion continued work upon their defensive positions. 1939 December 5 Lille 0930 hours It was officially announced to the BRIGADE that HIS MAJESTY The KING would visit the BRIGADE and take the Salute on the 8th. 1939 December 6 1230 hours HIS MAJESTY arrived at the gates of the CHATEAU BRIGADE, ANNAPPES accompanied by the Commander-in-Chielf and H.R.H. The DUKE of GLOUCESTER. He was then received by the BRIGADE Commander and the assembled General Officers both BRITISH and FRENCH. The Battalions of the BRIGADE, the Anti-Tank Company and attached 246 Field Company ROYAL ENGINEERS marched passed HIS MAJESTY. The Regimental marches were played by the Massed Drums of the BRIGADE. The March Past was well carried out. A special message was ? by the BRIGADE Commander conveying his thanks to all Ranks for their co-operation and informing them of the satisfaction HIS MAJESTY expressed with their “turn out”, bearing and drill. 1939 December 6 APPENDIX 3 To 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS, Anti-Tank Company, 246th Field Company The Brigade Commander wishes to convey to all ranks his tanks for their whole hearted co-operation in making the March Past on 6 Dec a ceremony in every way up to the standard of the Brigade of Guards. His Majesty the King expressed to the Brigade Commander his entire satisfaction with the turn out, bearing and drill as shown, while the Higher Commanders of the Army and of the French Army expressed much favourable comment together with surprise that such results should have been achieved without very considerable preparation and time off work on the defences. The standard attained with but little opportunity for preparation reflects the greatest credit on all ranks. Signed Brigade Major, 1045 hours, 7 Dec 1939 1939 December 7 Lille A quiet day. The weather once more broke. Rain and mist once more. 1939 December 8 Lille 1400 hours BRIGADE Exercise for Battalion H.Q.s. The Exercise was designed to practice the working of Recce Order Groups. At the Conference following the Exercise the following points were ? [rest illegible due partly to bottom of page being ripped and curled. 1939 December 9 Lille A quiet day. Battalions worked on defensive positions till midday. 1939 December 10 H.Q. Staff began work upon the DIVISION Exercise. 1400 hours H.Q. played 1st GRENADIER GUARDS in the First round of the French Mission Football Cup and lost 10-0. 1430 hours FIELD RETURN of Officers and Other Ranks issued. 1939 December 11 Lille 1900 hours 7th GUARDS BRIGADE O.O. for the DIVISIONAL Exercise prepare and issued. Weather cold , dark but ?