War Diary, 2nd Battalion Welsh Guards, Sep 1939 - Dec 1941

TNA Catalogue Reference: WO 166/4113

and also incorporating:
TNA Catalogue Reference: CAB 106/228

 

20th GUARDS BRIGADE

1939 September 1
H.M. Tower of London
Mobilization ordered.

1939 September 2
H.M. Tower of London
-
1939 September 3
1100 hours
H.M. Tower of London
WAR DECLARED.

1939 September 4
0900 hours
H.M. Tower of London
Captain T.A. OAKSHOTT, Lieutenant A.H.S. COOMBE-TENNANT and 80 Other Ranks to THEYDON BOIS CAMP, ESSEX as Advance Party.

1939 September 5
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant G.W. RIDEHALGH, 2/Lieutenant C.F. CRAWSHAY, 2/Lieutenant P.F. HANBURY, 2/Lieutenant R.D. STEWART-BROWN, 2/Lieutenant N.M. DANIEL, 2/Lieutenant H.B.T. COX, M.P. from GUARDS DEPOT.

1939 September 6
Theydon Bois Camp
Main body 2nd Battalion WELSH GUARDS to THEYDON BOIS CAMP, ESSEX.

1939 September 7
0900 hours
Theydon Bois Camp
Commanding Officer’s Parade.

1939 September 8
Theydon Bois Camp
Lieutenant C.A.St.J.P. HARMSWORTH and 3 N.C.O.s to Course at S.A.S. HYTHE.

1939 September 9
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 10
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 11
Theydon Bois Camp
W.T. and Young Officers Course began.
156 recruits from DEPOT.

1939 September 12
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 13
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 14
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 15
Theydon Bois Camp
Most of 2nd Battalion Motor Transport arrived.

1939 September 16
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 17
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 18
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 19
Theydon Bois Camp
Refresher Course for old Signallers began.

1939 September 20
Theydon Bois Camp
No. 4 Company formed.
Battalion Route March.

1939 September 21
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 22
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 23
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 24
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 25
Theydon Bois Camp
2/Lieutenant M.A.F. PITTS-RIVERS and 2 Other Ranks to A.S.P.T. ALDERSHOT.
List of Officers available for 2nd and TRAINING BATTALIONS, WELSH GUARDS issued. (subsequently greatly increased).

1939 September 26
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 27
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 September 28
Theydon Bois Camp
Draft left ENGLAND to join 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS (and 97 Other Ranks)

1939 September 29
Theydon Bois Camp
Sundry innovations in dress.

1939 September 30
Theydon Bois Camp
2nd Battalion WELSH GUARDS and TRAINING BATTALION WELSH GUARDS separated.
No. 1, 2 and 4 Companies 2nd Battalion WELSH GUARDS to TOWER of LONDON.
Captain J.C.W. LEWIS rejoined from A.D.C. AUSTRALIA and posted to TRAINING BATTALION as Adjutant.
2/Lieutenant RUSSELL, 2/Lieutenant COBBOLD, 2/Lieutenant UPJOHN, 2/Lieutenant COOPER, 2/Lieutenant EMMANUEL, 2/Lieutenant Lord DELAMERE, 2/Lieutenant EARL of IDDESELIGH, and 2/Lieutenant CUNDY from O.E.R. joined.

 

APPENDIX 1:-
Nominal Roll of Officers Available, or who may be Available for - 2nd Battalion WELSH GUARDS (In order of Seniority):-
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander STANIER, Bt. M.C.
Major G.St.V.J. VIGOR
Major W.D.C. GREENACRE, M.V.O.
Major G.W. BROWNING
Major W.L. BONN, D.S.O., M.C.
Major H.T. RICE
Captain J.C.W. LEWIS
Captain H.M.C. JONES-MORTIMER
Captain R.B. HODGKINSON
Captain J.E. FASS
Captain C.P. VAUGHAN
Captain B.T.V. HAMBROUGH
Captain J.A.D. PERRINS, M.C.
Captain A.M. BANKIER, D.S.O., M.C. (Staff Coll)
Captain T.A. OAKSHOTT Captain C.R. WIGAN (Depot)
Captain P. DILBEROUGLUE (R.T.O.)
Captain R.M.V. PONSONBY (A.R.P.)
Captain J.H.V. HIGGON
Captain L.S.F. ELLIS, C.V.O., C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C.
Lieutenant & Adjutant R.C. ROSE PRICE
Lieutenant J. DUNCAN
Lieutenant C.A. la T. LEATHAM
Lieutenant G.H.W. CLARKE
Lieutenant R.C. SHARPLES
Lieutenant W.H. CARTER
Lieutenant A.C. DANIELS (R.T.O.)
Lieutenant H.C.N. HILL, M.C.
Lieutenant W.H. DOWDING
Lieutenant P.S. ACKROYD (Depot)
Lieutenant T.L.R. HARDY
Lieutenant C.H.R. HEBER-PERCY
Lieutenant J.G. MITCHELL (Officers Cadet Training Unit)
Lieutenant R.W. WILLIAMS-WYNN (T.A.)
Lieutenant J.W.E. TORBETT (Returned Home)
Lieutenant Sir F.S.W. WINNINGTON, Bt.
Lieutenant J.A. MEADE
Lieutenant The Honourable C. FURNESS
Lieutenant J.F. GRESHAM
Lieutenant C.A.St.J.P. HARMSWORTH
Lieutenant E.C. DICKENS
Lieutenant P.T. PETLEY
Lieutenant J.D.A. SYRETT
Lieutenant G.W. RIDEHALGH
Lieutenant R.C. TWINING
Lieutenant E.G.F. BEDINGFELD
Lieutenant P.S. BLACK
Lieutenant C.F. CRAWSHAY
Lieutenant P.J. McCALL
Lieutenant BARON de RUTSEN
Lieutenant M.W.T. LEATHAM
Lieutenant A.J. PEARCE-SEROCOLD
2/ Lieutenant A.McN. PERRINS
2/ Lieutenant I.H.T. GARNETT-ORME
2/ Lieutenant B.E. RICKETT
2/ Lieutenant J.A.B. RODERICK
2/ Lieutenant P.F. HANBURY
2/ Lieutenant J.B.L. FITZWILLIAMS
2/ Lieutenant R. LLEWELLYN
2/Lieutenant R.B. STEWART-BROWN
2/Lieutenant P.W.R. HELY-HUTCHINSON
2/Lieutenant J.J. GURNEY
2/Lieutenant J.N. MARTIN-SMITH
2/Lieutenant C.N. JANSON
2/Lieutenant W.G.M. WORRALL
2/Lieutenant H.B.T. COX, M.P.
2/Lieutenant N.M. DANIEL
2/Lieutenant R.C.L. FITZWILLIAMS
2/Lieutenant R.L. PATTINSON
2/Lieutenant M.A.L. FOX-PITT-RIVERS
2/Lieutenant J.D. GIBSON-WATT
LORD DELAMERE
EARL of IDDESLEIGH
R.H. RUSSEL, Esq.
S.F. EMANUEL, Esq.
R.A. COBBOLD, Esq.
G.R. UPJOHN, Esq.
T. GUNDY, Esq.
M.P. COOPER, Esq.
J.P.T. BURCHEL, Esq., M.C.
P.R. SPERLING, Esq.
Lieutenant & Quartermaster Mr. W.L. BRAY, D.C.M., M.M.
Lieutenant & Quartermaster Mr. L. POWNALL

 

1939 October 1
Theydon Bois Camp
2/Lieutenant GIBSON WATT and 2/Lieutenant P.R. SPERLING joined.

1939 October 2
Theydon Bois Camp
Platoon Commanders’ Course began, under Major W.D.C. GREENACRE, M.V.O.

1939 October 3
Theydon Bois Camp
-

1939 October 4
Theydon Bois Camp
Essex hounds met at ABRIDGE 8a.m.
5 Officers out, including Commanding Officer, Adjutant.
Scent very poor.
[One line here has been heavily crossed out.]

1939 October 5
Theydon Bois Camp
The Corps of Drums of the 2nd Battalion Paraded under D/M WHITTARD before the Commanding Officer for the first time and played on the March.

1939 October 6
H.M. Tower of London Battalion H.Q to H.M. TOWER of LONDON.
War time Tower Guard Duties taken over from 11th Battalion ROYAL FUSILIERS.
Officer of the Guard - 2/Lieutenant P.F. HANBURY

1939 October 7
H.M. Tower of London Lieutenant J. DUNCAN and 2/Lieutenant P.T. PETLEY escorted Prisoners of War (Officers and Other Ranks) from the Collecting Centre at H.M. TOWER of LONDON to Camps in the NORTH of ENGLAND.

1939 October 8
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 October 9
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant BARON de RUTZEN and 1 N.C.O. to Course, S.A.S. HYTHE.

1939 October 10
H.M. Tower of London
Lieutenant R.C. SHARPLES and 149 Other Ranks attended the Full Dress Rehearsal of “THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED” at the PALLADIUM by invitation of the Management.

1939 October 11
H.M. Tower of London
The Colonel of the Regiment (Colonel W. MURRAY-THREIPLAND, D.S.O.) accompanied by the Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment (Colonel R.E.K. LEATHEM, D.S.O.) visited the Battalion in the morning and watched it training.

1939 October 12
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 October 13
H.M. Tower of London
Lieutenant A.H.S. COOMBE-TENNANT and 1 Other Rank conducted Prisoners of War from the TOWER to Camps in the NORTH of ENGLAND.
1 Cook to Internee Camp, OLYMPIA, (2 further Cooks sent at later date. The Camp subsequently moving to THE ORATORY SCHOOL).

1939 October 14
H.M. Tower of London
Association Football.
Battalion beat EPPING TOWN 6-3.

1939 October 15
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant P.J. McCALL and 6 Other Ranks to first Snipers’ Course at BISLEY.

1939 October 16
H.M. Tower of London
The Battalion found King’s Guard for the first time, relieving 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS.

Captain of the King’s Guards:- Major G.W. BROWNING
Subaltern:- Lieutenant J. DUNCAN
Ensign:- 2/Lieutenant P.T. PETLEY
Other Ranks of the King’s Guard.

This is in addition the first occasion which the King’s Guards was furnished by the Battalion stationed at H.M. TOWER of LONDON.
The King’s Guards proceeded by Underground and were mounted by the Adjutant in F.S.MO. (less packs) on the same spot on the Detachment Wing Parade Ground, WELLINGTON BARRACKS, upon which the first King’s Guards of the 1st Battalion mounted on St. David’s Day, 1915.
A photograph was taken.

The Colonel of the Regiment (Colonel W. MURRAY-THREIPLAND, D.S.O.), the Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment (Colonel R.E.K. LEATHEM, D.S.O.) and Brigadier W.A.F.L. FOX-PITT, M.V.O., M.C., were among those who watched the Parade.

In the evening the Captain of the King’s Guard entertained the following guests to dinner on King’s Guard:-
H.M. Principal Secretary of State for War - Right Honourable Leslie HORE-BELISHA, M.P.
The Chief of the Imperial General Staff - General Sir Edmund IRONSIDE, G.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.
The Military Secretary - Lieutenant-General G.J. GIFFARD, C.B., D.S.O.
The Colonel of the Regiment - Colonel W. MURRAY-THREIPLAND, D.S.O.
The Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment - Colonel R.E.K. LEATHEM, D.S.O.
The Commanding Officer - Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander STANIER, M.C.
Late Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding the Regiment - Brigadier W.A.F.L. FOX-PITT, M.V.O., M.C.
Late Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding the Regiment - Brigadier General T. ROSE PRICE, C.M.G., D.S.O.
The Regimental Adjutant - Lieutenant R.C. ROSE PRICE
Late Brigade Major, Brigade of Guards - Lieutenant-Colonel J.A. LLOYD, (GRENADIER GUARDS)
D.A.Q.M.G. London Area - Major The Lord BINGHAM, M.C. (COLDSTREAM GUARDS)

All Officers measured for the first time for Battle Dress.

1939 October 17
H.M. Tower of London
The Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 October 18
H.M. Tower of London
Lieutenant-General Sir Bertram SERGISON-BROOKE, K.C.V.O, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. became Major General Commanding Brigade of Guards and G.O.C. London Area, and visited the Battalion in the afternoon.
Firing of new L.M.G. and Rifle Course began at PURFLEET and continued on subsequent days.

1939 October 19
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant N.M. DANIEL and 7 Other Ranks conducted Prisoners of War from the TOWER to Camps in the NORTH of ENGLAND.

1939 October 20
H.M. Tower of London
Officers posted to 2nd Battalion, WELSH GUARDS.

1939 October 21
H.M. Tower of London
Lieutenant J. DUNCAN and 2 Other Ranks conducted Prisoners of War from the TOWER to Camps in the NORTH of ENGLAND.

1939 October 22
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 October 23
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 October 24
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard. (only the Officers mounted, the Guard of the 23rd remaining on).

1939 October 25
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 October 26
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 October 27
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant P.F. HANBURY and 5 Other Ranks conducted Prisoners of War from the TOWER to Camps in the NORTH of ENGLAND.

1939 October 28
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 October 29
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 October 30
H.M. Tower of London
No. 3 Company under Captain C.P. VAUGHAN from CORRIDOR CAMP, COLCHESTER.
No. 4 Company under Captain J.H.V. HIGGON to CORRIDOR CAMP, COLCHESTER.

1939 October 31
H.M. Tower of London
-

 

APPENDIX 3:-
Other Ranks on 1st King’s Guard:-

Drums:-
9500 D/Major A. WITTARD - CATERHAM
2026 Lance-Serjeant W. PIKE - LONDON
2313 Lance-Serjeant A. WILLIAMS - TOWYN, NORTH WALES
0578 Drummer P. HITCHCOCK - PORTLAND, DORSET
2168 Drummer F. HARDACRE - CARDIFF
3335 Drummer B. RASBERRY - GAYTON-THORPE, NORFOLK
2832 Drummer H. DAVIES - STAFFORD
4118 Drummer A. JORDAN - LLANHILLETH, MONMOUTHSHIRE
6525 Drummer R. APPLEBY, MILFORD, SURREY
4106 Drummer H. MILLARD - CARDIFF
2772 Drummer T. CORBETT - EVESHAM, WORCESTERSHIRE
2573 Drummer T. FRANCIS - LLANELLY
4696 Drummer L. GREGORY - CARDIFF
3562 Drummer A. HARRIS - NEWPORT
4704 Drummer C. JONES-COX - ABERTILLERY, MONMOUTHSHIRE
4763 Drummer R. NUNN - SHILDON, CO. DURHAM
2924 Drummer J. PENNY - WESTON-SUPER-MARE
4769 Drummer T. STEPHENSON - FERRYHILL, CO. DURHAM
4664 Drummer D. WILLIAMS - BIRMINGHAM
4673 Drummer F. WILLIAMS - SWANSEA
4994 Drummer H. WEBB - MITCHAM

H.Q. Company and No. 1 Company:-
1501 C.S.M. H. CROFT - LONDON (H.Q. Company) (One only)
2623 Guardsman HOLVEY - BLAENAVON, No. 1 Company
2474 Guardsman HOLE - WELLS, SOMERSET
8687 Guardsman BICKERTON - CAERLEON
6565 Guardsman DAVIES - FLINT
2585 Guardsman HARDING - BRISTOL
2396 Guardsman DAVIES - ENFIELD
2958 Guardsman DAVIES - GUILDFORD
3300 Guardsman DAVIES - COLWYN BAY
C.S.M. WEDLAKE - CARDIFF
Serjeant DAVIES - NEATH
2385 Guardsman DAVIES
2948 Guardsman PUGH - COVENTRY
3002 Guardsman DAVID - PENARTH
2716 Guardsman BROWN - EMSWORTH
3149 Guardsman DANIELS - COVENTRY
2665 Guardsman HOOLE - NEWCASTLE
2667 Guardsman COLLEY - WREXHAM

No. 2 Company:-
27 Lance-Corporal COLLINS - CARDIFF
Lance-Corporal ROBINSON - HEREFORD
Lance-Corporal PINCOTT - BLAEN-GWYNFI, NORTH WALES
2805 Guardsman BOWEN - SWANSEA
4688 Guardsman DEAKIN - BIRMINGHAM
5182 Guardsman BISHOP - STOKE-on-TRENT
3576 Guardsman LEWIS - NEWPORT
3031 Guardsman ROBERTS - BLANEAU-FFESTINIEG, NORTH WALES
2771 Guardsman DOWNES - STAFFORD
3263 Guardsman BAILEY - SWANSEA
2409 Guardsman MARSDEN - NEATH
3169 Guardsman WILLIAMS - SKEWEN
2829 Guardsman ROBERTS - BAGILLT, NORTH WALES
2413 Guardsman LEWIS - LEYTONSTONE
3489 Guardsman PUGH - ABERCYNON
2809 Guardsman GRIFFITHS - SWANSEA
3759 Guardsman JONES - CAERPHILLY

No. 4 Company:-
2765 Serjeant C. BRADBURY - LONDON
3017 Lance-Corporal F. MESSANT - MAESTEG
2579 Lance-Corporal A. WALTON - LEEDS
2775 Lance-Corporal P. THOMAS - SWANSEA
2695 Lance-Corporal D. MILES - BIRMINGHAM
2857 Lance-Corporal J. PENDLEBURY - RADCLIFFE
4729 Guardsman G. OWEN-ROBERS - LLANDUDNO
2392 Guardsman D. JONES - WREXHAM
2419 Guardsman J. BUSSELL - PORTHCAWL
2937 Guardsman A. JOHN - JERSEY
2966 Guardsman WILLIAMS - LONDON
6643 Guardsman C. PRITCHARD - BRIDGEND
2943 Guardsman A. NICKOL - ARGOED

APPENDIX 4:-
List of Officers posted to 2nd Battalion WELSH GUARDS:-
Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander STANIER, Bt. M.C.
Major G.St.V.J. VIGOR
Major G.W. BROWNING
Captain H.M.C. JONES-MORTIMER
Captain R.B. HODGKINSON
Captain C.P. VAUGHAN
Captain J.H.V. HIGGON
Lieutenant R.C. ROSE PRICE
Lieutenant J. DUNCAN
Lieutenant P.V. MAKINS
Lieutenant A.H.S. COOMBE-TENNANT
Lieutenant R.C. SHARPLES
Lieutenant W.H. CARTER
Lieutenant C.H.R. HEBER-PERCY
Lieutenant J.A. MEADE
2/Lieutenant P.T. PETLEY
2/Lieutenant J.D.A. SYRETT
2/Lieutenant R.C. TWINING
2/Lieutenant E.G.F. BEDINGFELD
2/Lieutenant P.J. McCALL
2/Lieutenant BARON de RUTZEN
2/Lieutenant M.W.T. LEATHEM
2/Lieutenant A.MacN. PERRINS
2/Lieutenant R.D. STEWART BROWN
Lieutenant & Quartermaster W.L. BRAY, D.C.M., M.M.

 

1939 November 1
H.M. Tower of London
-
1939 November 2
H.M. Tower of London
Two Officers and 29 Other Ranks attended Dress Rehearsal of “RUNAWAY LOVE” at the SAVILLE Theatre by invitation of the Management.

1939 November 3
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
2/Lieutenant P.J. McCALL and 6 Other Ranks from first Snipers’ Course at BISLEY.

1939 November 4
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
2/Lieutenant M.W.T. LEATHEM, 2/Lieutenant R.C.L. FITZWILLIAM and 5 Other Ranks escorted Prisoners of War from the TOWER to Prisoners of War Camps.

1939 November 5
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
2/Lieutenant P.T. PETLEY and 6 Other Ranks to 2nd Snipers’ Course, BISLEY.

1939 November 6
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 November 7
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 November 8
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 November 9
H.M. Tower of London
First Concert by N.A.A.F.I. (E.N.S.A.)

1939 November 10
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 November 11
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 November 12
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 November 13
H.M. Tower of London
Four Officers and 75 Other Ranks attended Dress Rehearsal of “BLACK VELVET” at the HIPPODROME by invitation of the Management.
One Officer and 30 Other Ranks attended a performance of “YOUNG ENGLAND” at the HOLBORN EMPIRE by invitaiton of the management.

1939 November 14
H.M. Tower of London
Officers and Other Ranks attended a Concert and Dance given by No. 20 (G.W.) Company, COUNTY OF LONDON A.T.S.

1939 November 15
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
2/Lieutenant R.D. STEWART BROWN to 3rd Post-Mobilization Signal Course at CATTERICK.
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 November 16
H.M. Tower of London
The Commanding Officer and some Officers, and Other Ranks proceeded to the Brigade of Guards Sniper School at BISLEY.
The Commanding Officer gave a lecture at the School.

1939 November 17
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Lieutenant P.V. MAKINS and Lieutenant R.C. SHARPLES carried out an Examination in Cert. ‘A’ of ETON COLLEGE O.T.C.

1939 November 18
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 November 19
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 November 20
H.M. Tower of London
No. 1 Company under Major G.W. BROWNING to COLCHESTER for Training.
No. 4 Company under Captain J.H.V. HIGGON from COLCHESTER.
A draft of 42 Other Ranks from 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS via MARSEILLES and CHERBOURG consisting of N.C.O.s and Drummers, Guardsmen, and boys under 19 years, and tailors.

1939 November 21
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 November 22
H.M. Tower of London
First Mortars arrived. One 3”. Two 2”.

1939 November 23
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 November 24
H.M. Tower of London
Commanding Officer visited No. 1 Company at COLCHESTER.

1939 November 25
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant R. BUCKERIDGE, 2/Lieutenant A.D.C. FRANCIS, 2/Lieutenant C.E.N. GRAHAM reported for duty from R.M.C. SANDHURST, and were attached to 2nd Battalion from TRAINING BATTALION WELSH GUARDS.

1939 November 26
H.M. Tower of London
Captain T.A. OAKSHOTT,
Lieutenant The Honourable C. FURNESS,
Lieutenant Sir Francis WINNINGTON, Bt.,
2/Lieutenant PEARCE-SEROCOLD,
2/Lieutenant DANIEL,
2/Lieutenant WORRAL,
2/Lieutenant HELY-HUTCHINSON, and
2/Lieutenant JANSON, and
50 Other Ranks proceeded to join 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS with B.E.F. in FRANCE.

1939 November 27
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 November 28
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 November 29
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 November 30
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

 

1939 December 1
H.M. Tower of London
13 N.C.O. Reservists joined from the POLICE.

1939 December 2
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 3
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 4
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant A.MacN. PERRINS and 2 Other Ranks proceeded on a P.T. Course at HENDON.

1939 December
2/Lieutenant M.W.T. LEATHEM and 9 Other Ranks proceeded on a Course at the Brigade of Guards Sniper School, BISLEY.

1939 December 5
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 6
H.M. Tower of London
Captain J. DUNCAN, 2/Lieutenant P.J. McCALL and 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS carried out O.T.C. Exam for Cert. ‘A’ of UNIVERSITY SCHOOL, LONDON.

1939 December 7
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion Signallers classified at COLCHESTER (no failures).
2 Officers and 90 Other Ranks attended Dress Rehearsal at PALACE THEATRE.

1939 December 8
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion Signallers classified at COLCHESTER (no failures).

1939 December 9
H.M. Tower of London
Barrack Blocks occupied by Prisoners of War taken over on latters’ move from H.M. TOWER of LONDON.

1939 December 10
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant J.D.A. SYRETT proceeded on Gas Course at PORTON.

1939 December 11
H.M. Tower of London
No. 1 Company from ROMAN WAY CAMP (late CORRIDOR CAMP) COLCHESTER.

1939 December 12
H.M. Tower of London
The Commanding Officer and three Officers proceeded to the Brigade of Guards Sniper School, BISLEY.
The Commanding Officer gave a lecture at the School.

1939 December 13
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 December 14
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 December 15
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 December 16
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 December 17
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 18
H.M. Tower of London
The Colonel of the Regiment visited the Battalion and watched it training in the morning.
He was accompanied by the Regimental Lieutenant-Colonel and the Regimental Adjutant.

1939 December 19
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 20
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 21
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 22
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 23
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant J.D.A. SYRETT from Gas Course, WINTERBOURNE GUNNER.

1939 December 24
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant A.MacN. PERRINS from P.T. Course at HENDON.

1939 December 25
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 26
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 27
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 28
H.M. Tower of London
-

1939 December 29
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 December 30
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1939 December 31
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

 

1940 January 1
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 January 2
H.M. Tower of London
Lieutenant-Colonel F.A.V. COPLAND-GRIFFITHS, M.C. (Officer Commanding 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS - B.E.F.) visited the Battalion and lectured to Officers and N.C.O.s.

1940 January 3
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 January 4
H.M. Tower of London
2 Officers and 48 Other Ranks attended EARLS COURT CIRCUS.

1940 January 5
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 January 6
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 January 7
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 January 8
H.M. Tower of London 8 Warrant Officers and N.C.O.s from CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE for attachment.

1940 January 9
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 January 10
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 January 11
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 January 12
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 January 13
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
7 further Warrant Officers and N.C.O.s arrived for attachment from C.E.F.

1940 January 14
H.M. Tower of London
1 Other Rank proceeded on Gas Course

1940 January 15
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 January 16
H.M. Tower of London
P.S.M. BAKER to 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS, B.E.F.

1940 January 17
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 January 18
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant G.F. COOPER from TRAINING BATTALION WELSH GUARDS for attachment.

1940 January 19
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant R.C. TWINING and 2 N.C.O.s from P.T. Course, HENDON.

1940 January 20
H.M. Tower of London
Lieutenant A.H.S. COOMBE-TENNANT and Battalion Signallers from COLCHESTER.

1940 January 21
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 January 22
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 January 23
H.M. Tower of London
Captain R.B. HODGKINSON and Pioneer Platoon to WARWICKSHIRE for TRAINING BATTALION Novices Boxing.

1940 January 24
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant P.E.G.L. PARISH and 2/Lieutenant G.M. FISHER TRAINING BATTALION, WELSH GUARDS from COLCHESTER for attachment.

1940 January 25
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion Novices Boxing Final.
Winners No. 2 Company (Major H.M.C. JONES-MORTIMER).

1940 January 26
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Captain R.B. HODGKINSON and Pioneer Platoon from WARWICKSHIRE.
One Other Rank from Army Gas School, TREGANTLE.

1940 January 27
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 January 28
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 January 29
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
1 N.C.O. to Gas Course, TREGANTLE.
2 N.C.O.s to P.T. Course HENDON.
2 Other Ranks from M.T. Course, FINCHLEY.

1940 January 30
H.M. Tower of London
1 N.C.O. to Course, Army School of Cookery.

The following is an extract from Brigade Order No. 35, dated 29 January 1940:-
“ACT OF GALLANT CONDUCT”
On 11th January, 1940, No. 2732680 Lance-Corporal A. WEBB, 2nd Battalion WELSH GUARDS, was walking along BELL STREET, N.W.1., when he heard an urgent cry for help from the first floor of a blazing bakery. This Non-Commissioned Officer immediately scaled the shopfront to the window above, where he found two young boys and their uncle. He succeeded in climbing down into the street with one child. He then pulled own the sunblind and told the uncle to slide the other child down to him. After seeing that the uncle was safely in the street, Lance-Corporal WEBB returned to the bakery and carried a cripple from the building.

The Major-General Commanding, Brigade of Guards, directs that this act of gallantry will be recorded on the Regimental Conduct Sheet of the above-named N.C.O. in accordance with paragraph 1680 (b) (xvii), King’s Regulations 1935.

1940 January 31
H.M. Tower of London
-

 

1940 February 1
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 2
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 3
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 4
H.M. Tower of London
Captain C.H.R. HEBER-PERCY attended the annual Memorial Service to the late Field Marshal EARL HAIG, at St. Columba’s Church, PONT STREET.

1940 February 5
H.M. Tower of London
The King’s and Regimental Colours arrived from BRANSTON.
One N.C.O. proceeded on a Course at S.A.S. HYTHE.

1940 February 6
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 7
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 8
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 9
H.M. Tower of London
One N.C.O. rejoined from Course at Army Gas School, TREGANTLE WING.

1940 February 10
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 11
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant J.A.B. RODERICK and 2/Lieutenant F.E.G.L. PARISH attached from TRAINING BATTALION WELSH GUARDS proceeded to WIGAN and COLWYN BAY respectively for duty with T.A. Battalions.
2/Lieutenant W.D.D. EVANS and 2/Lieutenant R.M.D. THESIGER, TRAINING BATTALION, WELSH GUARDS arrived for Attachment.

1940 February 12
H.M. Tower of London
Final Rehearsal for the Ceremony of the Presentation of Colours to the Battalion.
The Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment (Colonel R.E.K. LEATHEM, D.S.O.) took the Salute.

1940 February 13
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 14
H.M. Tower of London
His Majesty The KING presented Colours to the Battalion.

His Majesty was received by the Constable of the Tower and proceeded to the Parade Ground.

He was met by the Colonel of the Regiment (Colonel W. MURRAY-THRIEPLAND, D.S.O.)

Colonel The Honourable PIERS-LEGH and Lieutenant-General Sir Bertram SERGISON-BROOK, K.C.V.O., C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. (Commanding Brigade of Guards) were in attendance.

The Officers of the Battalion and a detachment of 300 Other Ranks were drawn up in line on the Parade Ground under the Commanding OffiCER (Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Alexander STANIER, Bt., M.C.).

His Majesty was received with a Royal Salute after which he inspected the Battalion.

The Colours were then Consecrated by the Chaplain-General to the Forces (Major-General Reverend C.D. SYMONS, M.C., M.A., D.D., K.H.C).

The Senior Major (Major G.St.V.J. VIGOR) then handed the King’s Colour to His Majesty, who gave it to 2/Lieutenant J.D.A. SYRETT, who received it kneeling.

His Majesty was then handed the Regimental Colour by Major G.W. BROWNING, and gave it to 2/Lieutenant P.J. McCALL.
His Majesty was graciously pleased to address the Battalion, and the Commanding Officer replied.

After the Colours had been received with appropriate honours, the Battalion marched past His Majesty the KING in column of threes with Colours flying.

Before the conclusion of the Parade the Commanding Officer called for three cheers for His Majesty The KING.

After the Parade His Majesty The KING received all the Officers of the Regiment who were present.

2/Lieutenant G.M. COOPER (attached from TRAINING BATTALION WELSH GUARDS) proceeded to take up the appointment of Officer Commanding Mobile Baths Unit, ALDERSHOT.

1940 February 15
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 16
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 17
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 18
H.M. Tower of London
Lieutenant J.A. MEADE and one N.C.O. proceeded on a Gas Course at WINTERBOURNE GUNNER.

1940 February 19
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 20
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 21
H.M. Tower of London
A party of Other Ranks attended a performance of “RUNAWAY LOVE” at the SAVILLE THEATRE, by invitation of the Management.

1940 February 22
H.M. Tower of London
The Battalion Harmonica Band, and the Battalion Choir gave a Concert in the WHITE TOWER.
Dame Clara NOVELLO-DAVIES D.B.E. attended the Concert and conducted the Choir.
At the conclusion of the Concert, Dame Clara spoke from the platform and presented instruments to the Band.
Among others who attended was Lieutenant-General Sir John BROWN, K.B.E., C.B. (Assistant Adjutant-General to the Forces).

1940 February 23
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 February 24
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 February 25
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 February 26
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Captain C.H.R. HEBER-PERCY took over Command of No. 1 Company from Major G.W. BROWNING (Posted to TRAINING BATTALION as Second-in-Command).
A party of Officers and Other Ranks attended a performance of “SHEPHERDS PIE” at the PRINCE’S THEATRE.

1940 February 27
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 28
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 February 29
H.M. Tower of London
Two Platoons took part in a Parachute Exercise under the direction of the SOUTH SUB-AREA COMMAND.

 

1940 February 14
H.M. Tower of London
His Majesty The KING presented Colours to the Battalion.

From The Times, Thursday, February 15, 1940:

AT THE TOWER
Later the King, Wearing the uniform of Colonel-in-Chief of the WELSH GUARDS, went to the Tower of London to present colours to the WELSH GUARDS. Many relatives and friends of men in the regiment watched the ceremony.

After the Colours had been blessed by the Chaplain-General to the Forces (the Reverend C.D. Symons) the King stepped down from the dais and presented them. He then addressed the battalion.

http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=44089&d=1295793299

 

1940 March 1 H.M. Tower of London ST DAVID’S DAY.
Parade Service at the Chapel of ST. PETER AD VINCULAR followed by Presentation of LEEKS by the Colonel of the Regiment (Colonel W. MURRAY THREIPLAND, D.S.O.)
Members of the Battalion Choir sang with the Regimental Bank in a programme broadcast twice during the day from the B.B.C.
The Sergeants held their annual ST. DAVID’s BALL in the evening.

1940 March 2
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Lieutenant J.A. MEADE and one N.C.O. from Course at Army Gas School, WINTERBOURNE GUNNER
Lieutenant F.T. PETLEY, 2/Lieutenant M.W.T. LEATHAM and 8 N.C.O.s and 8 Guardsman to COLCHESTER for Sniper’s Course.

1940 March 3
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
16 Warrant Officers and N.C.O.s of the CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE arrived for attachment.

1940 March 4
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Further Lance-Corporals and Section Leaders Course began.

1940 March 5
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 March 6
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 March 7
H.M. Tower of London
Commanding Officer member of Board of Officers to consider candidates for a Commission.

1940 March 8
H.M. Tower of London
One N.C.O. from Course at S.A.S. HYTHE.

1940 March 9
H.M. Tower of London
One N.C.O. from Course at FINCHLEY MOTOR INSTITUTE.

1940 March 10
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Major J.C. WINDSOR-LEWIS from Adjutant, TRAINING BATTALION to Command of No. 3 Company.
Captain W.H. CARTER to course at Infantry Commanders Tactical School, COLCHESTER.

1940 March 11
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
2 N.C.O.s to Course. London Area P.T. School, HENDON.
Captain J. DUNCAN, 2/Lieutenant R.G.D. BUCKERIDGE and one Warrant Officer examined LONDON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL O.T.C. in Cert. ‘A’.

1940 March 12
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Captain P.V. MAKINS, Lieutenant J.A. MEADE, 2/Lieutenant R.C. TWINING, 2/Lieutenant BARON de RUTZEN and 2/Lieutenant C.F. CRAWSAHAY, examined DULWICH COLLEGE O.T.C. in Cert. ‘A’.

1940 March 13
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 March 14
H.M. Tower of London
Lecture to all Officers, Warrant Officers and N.C.O.s on ‘THE GERMAN ARMY’ by Brigadier H.C. HARRISON, D.S.O, M.C.

1940 March 15
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 March 16
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
One Other Rank from Course at London Area School of Cookery.
Lieutenant P.T. PETLEY from attachment TRAINING BATTALION.
2/Lieutenant M.W.T. LEATHEM to TRAINING BATTALION (att) vice Lieutenant P.T. PETLEY.
Battalion found Military funeral at KINGSCLERE for late 2/Lieutenant P.R. SPERLING (TRAINING BATTALION)

Second Lieutenant PHILIP ROWLAND SPERLING 115739, Welsh Guards who died age 29 on 11 March 1940
Son of Sir Rowland Arthur Charles Sperling, K.C.M.G., C.B. and of Lady Sperling (nee Kingsmill), of Kingsclere. B.A. (Oxon.).
Remembered with honour KINGSCLERE (ST. MARY) CHURCH CEMETERY
Grave/Memorial Reference: West part. Grave 1.
CWGC :: Casualty Details

1940 March 17
H.M. Tower of London Battalion found King’s Guard.
Captain J. DUNCAN, 2/Lieutenant R.G.F. BEDINGFELD and 4 N.C.O.s to Field Works Course at TUNBRIDGE WELLS.

1940 March 18
H.M. Tower of London Lieutenant A.H.S. COOMBE-TENNANT to No. 4 Company.
2/Lieutenant R.D. STEWART BROWN appointed Signal Officer.

1940 March 19
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion Boxing Championships (Preliminaries).

1940 March 20
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 March 21
H.M. Tower of London
Lieutenant A.H.S. COOMBE-TENNANT and 2/Lieutenant BARON de RUTZEN examined ETON COLLEGE O.T.C. in Cert. ‘A’.

1940 March 22
H.M. Tower of London
Good Friday.
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 March 23
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 March 24
H.M. Tower of London
Easter Sunday.

1940 March 25
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 March 26
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 March 27
H.M. Tower of London
Further Carrier Course at COLCHESTER begun.

1940 March 28
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant C.F. CRAWSHAY and Other Ranks escorted German Prisoners of War to P.O.W. Camp in NORTH of ENGLAND.
Battalion Boxing Championships - FINALS. Winners No. 3 Company (Major J.C. WINDSOR LEWIS).

1940 March 29
H.M. Tower of London
Corporals Dance.

1940 March 30
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Captain J. DUNCAN, 2/Lieutenant R.G.F. BEDINGFELD and 4 N.C.O.s from Field Works Course at TUNBRIDGE WELLS.
2/Lieutenant C.F. CRAWSHAY to M.T. Course.

1940 March 31
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
2/Lieutenant G.W. RIDEHALGH (TRAINING BATTALION attached 2nd Battalion) died in a LONDON Nursing Home after a long illness.

Second Lieutenant GEORGE WILLIAM RIDEHALGH 71399, Welsh Guards who died age 23 on 31 March 1940
Son of William S. Ridehalgh and Ethel Ridehalgh, of Grange-over-Sands.
Remembered with honour STAVELEY-IN-CARTMEL (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD
Grave/Memorial Reference: Right of Main Path. Grave 180.
CWGC :: Casualty Details

 

1940 April 1
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant J.D.A. SYRETT to Map Reading Course - LONDON.
2 Other Ranks to Cooks Course - LONDON
2 Officers and 2 N.C.O.s of 2nd LONDON DIVISION for attachment M.T. Course.
16 Warrant Officers and N.C.O.s of the CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE left Battalion on conclusion of attachment.

1940 April 2
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 April 3
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion began finding one Company AND two Platoons in waiting under LONDON AREA HOME DEFENCE SCHEME.

1940 April 4
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 April 5
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
2 N.C.O.s from Course at LONDON AREAD P.T. School.
2 Officers and 2 N.C.O.s of 2nd LONDON DIVISION conclude attachment for M.T. Course.

1940 April 6
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Captain W.H. CARTER from Course at Infantry Company Commanders’ School, CHICHESTER.

1940 April 7
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
2/Lieutenant R.W. STEPHENSON from TRAINING BATTALION for attachment.

1940 April 8
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
2/Lieutenant P.F. HANBURY and 4 N.C.O.s to P.T. Course HENDON.

1940 April 9
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 April 10
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 April 11
H.M. Tower of London
-

1940 April 12
H.M. Tower of London
2/Lieutenant J.D.A. SYRETT from Map Reading Course - LONDON.

1940 April 13
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
No. 3 Company to ROLLS PARK - CHIGWELL for Training.
1 N.C.O. from Course at S.A.S. HYTHE.

1940 April 14
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.

1940 April 15
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Captain J. DUNCAN to B.E.F. (Attached 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS) for attachment.

1940 April 16
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion found King’s Guard.
Verbal news received of imminent move of 2nd Battalion to a Theatre of War.

1940 April 17
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion handed over the Public Duties to the 22e (ROYAL) CANADIAN REGIMENT.
The ceremony was witnessed by H.M. The KING who entered the Forecourt of BUCKINGHAM PALACE and by H.M. The QUEEN.
The occasion was without precedent in that it was the first time that Colonial Troops of Non-British descent had mounted the King’s Guard.
The Drums of the Battalion marched the ST. JAMES PALACE DETACHMENT to ST. JAMES PALACE.
The entire ceremony was broadcast throughout the EMPIRE.

The Officers of the Battalion Guard were:-
Captain of the King’s Guards:-
Major H.M.C. JONES-MORTIMER
Subaltern:- Lieutenant J.A. MEADE
Ensign:- 2/Lieutenant BARON de RUTZEN

No. 3 Company from ROLLS PARK - CHIGWELL.
Mobilization of Battalion began.

1940 April 18
H.M. Tower of London
Mobilization of Battalion continued.
A party of Officers and Other Ranks attended a Dance at the ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, COVENT GARDEN at which an appeal and collection were made on behalf of the Regimental Comforts Fund.

1940 April 19
H.M. Tower of London Mobilization of Battalion continued.
A Party of Other Ranks saw a performance of “THE SILVER PATROL” by courtesy of the Management

1940 April 20
H.M. Tower of London
Mobilization of Battalion continued.

1940 April 21
H.M. Tower of London
Commanding Officer reported Mobilzation of Battalion complete.

1940 April 22
H.M. Tower of London
2nd Battalion WELSH GUARDS moved to OLD DEAN COMMON CAMP, CAMBERLEY at War Strength and fully mobilized.
Battalion forms part of newly formed 20th (GUARDS) BRIGADE under Brigadier, Sir Oliver LEESE Bt., (late COLDSTREAM GUARDS)

1940 April 23
Old Dean Common Camp, Camberley
Platoon Training. Specialist Training.
21 Other Ranks left Battalion to 20th (GUARDS) BRIGADE Staff.

1940 April 24
Old Dean Common Camp, Camberley
Platoon Training. Specialist Training. Firing.

1940 April 25
Old Dean Common Camp, Camberley
Battalion addressed by BRIGADIER COMMANDER. (Brigadier Sir Oliver LEESE, Bt.)
Platoon Training. Specialist Training. Firing.

1940 April 26
Old Dean Common Camp, Camberley
Platoon Training. Specialist Training. Firing.

1940 April 27
Old Dean Common Camp, Camberley
-

1940 April 28
Old Dean Common Camp, Camberley
-

1940 April 29
Old Dean Common Camp, Camberley
Company Training. Specialist Training.
Lieutenant J.A. MEADE, 2/Lieutenant P.S. BLACK and 26 Other Ranks left Battalion to form part of 20th (GIARDS) BRIGADE Anti-Tank Company.

1940 April 30
Old Dean Common Camp, Camberley
Company Training. Specialist Training.

 

1940 April 17
H.M. Tower of London
Battalion handed over the Public Duties to the 22e (ROYAL) CANADIAN REGIMENT.
The ceremony was witnessed by H.M. The KING who entered the Forecourt of BUCKINGHAM PALACE and by H.M. The QUEEN.
The occasion was without precedent in that it was the first time that Colonial Troops of Non-British descent had mounted the King’s Guard.
The Drums of the Battalion marched the ST. JAMES PALACE DETACHMENT to ST. JAMES PALACE.
The entire ceremony was broadcast throughout the EMPIRE.

Toronto Scottish & Royal 22nd Reg. mount guard at Buckingham Palace & St. James' Palace

FRENCH CANADIANS AS KING'S GUARD - British Pathe

CANADIANS TAKE OVER - British Pathe



The Times, Friday, Apr 05, 1940
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=37688&d=1286267741


The Times, Wednesday, Apr 17, 1940 - article and photo same date
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=37690&d=1286268445
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=37689&d=1286267741

 

TNA Catalogue Reference: CAB 106/228

Scope and content: Report on operations of 2nd. Battalion Welsh Guards at Boulogne, 1940 May 21-24, by Major J. C. Windsor Lewis.
Covering dates: 1940


REPORT OF OPERATIONS 21st - 24th May, 1940 - 2nd Bn. WELSH GUARDS.

Date: 21 May

Time: 1130hrs
2. W.G. ordered to be ready to move at 2 hours notice to a Port by M.T. and hired transport but that no Bn transport would be embarked. Those out of Camp on training were recalled and Bn were given dinners at 12 noon. Efforts by 20TH GUARDS BRIGADE to postpone time of starting to 1700hrs were unavailing, and Zero for the move form OLD DEAN COMMON CAMP, CAMBERLEY to DOVER was 1530hrs. 2 W.G. followed 2 I.G. in the M.T. column.

The move took place without event until dark, but when the head of 2 W.G. column had reached the top of the hill between FOLKESTONE and DOVER and the tail was still in FOLKESTONE, Air Raid Warnings were sounded and the column was halted at 1040p.m. The column progressed only a short distance during the next hour.

Meanwhile the Commanding Officer and Adjutant had gone on to a conference at the LORD WARDEN HOTEL, DOVER, which they reached with difficulty whilst Air Raid Sirens were still being sounded. On arrival the Commanding Officer was told to embark his Bn and as much kit as possible on the S.S. “BIARRITZ” which was to sail at 0200hrs the next morning. Most of the ship’s crew had not come aboard as they were taking shelter during the Air Raid Warning which was still in force, although no enemy aeroplanes were sighted.

A recce of the Transport was made by the Commanding Officer and the very limited deck space allotted to Companies. A large part of the Ship was already occupied by R.E. and dock workers who continually moved without orders, which added to the difficulties.

From the outset little or no Staff arrangements had been made on the Quay for loading personnel, weapons or stores. Eventually most of the personnel of the Bn were embarked in S.S. “BIARRITZ”, but the M.T. column carrying the weapons, ammunition and stores was still well back in DOVER and when it finally came forward, was allowed to double bank, causing a complete breakdown in loading. Thereafter, with time getting short, weapons, ammunition and digging tools at the expense of all other stores were manhandled forward along the Quay and loaded. The Master of the “BIARRITZ” then stated that he could load no more. He had previously announced that he had 60 tons of ammunition and stores already on board, which he had not unloaded on his last trip to BOULOGNE, as the stevedores there had ceased to work the cranes and the position there was reported to be very uncertain.

No. 1 Coy. (Captain C.H.R. HEBER-PERCY) was therefore moved with all Company weapons, ammunition and stores etc out of the “BIARRITZ” into the “MONA’S QUEEN”, with orders to load all Bn stores left on the quay and to unload and guard same at BOULOGNE. Major G. St. V.J. VIGOR (2 i/c) went in “S.S. MONA’S QUEEN” as O.C. troops. After considerable obstruction and difficulty on all sides, all personnel and almost all weapons, ammunition and equipment were loaded in pitch dark on to the two transports.

The order to sail was given to “S.S. BIARRITZ”, which followed H.M.S. WYCHETT carrying Brigadier W.A.F.L. FOX-PITT, MVO, MC, Commanding the force, out of the harbour. S.S. “MONA’S QUEEN” did not all sail until 4 hours later.

Coys disembarked from “S.S. BIARRITZ” and moved to their local positions under cover in the Railway Station. Unloading was begun under great difficulty and various impressed transport arrived at the Quay. There was again a grave absence of Staff direction and the Quay was filled with large crowds of disorganised troops of different nationalities waiting to get on the “BIARRITZ”. There were also many refugees and wounded.
The Commanding Officer then returned to the Quay with one large scale Map and two small scale maps (1 inch to 4 miles) and from them gave verbal orders to ‘O’ group which had been assembled, of which the gist was as follows: - 2 and 4 Coys to march to R.V. at ST. LEONARD, 2½ miles distant on the road to SAMER. 3 Coy and Bn HQ and HQ Coy to march to R.V. at OSTROHOVE 2 miles distant, a small hill NORTH of ST. LEONARD. Bn HQ to be established near OSTROHOVE. Provision was made for No. 1 Coy on arrival to be brought into reserve on the left of the position (i.e. NORTH).

The Commanding Officer then went forward by car to make a detailed recce of the front. At 1115hrs he met the Brigadier at ST. LEONARD and was ordered to hold a line from EAST of the RIVER LIANE along the line of the rd OSTROHOVE-VAROQUERIE - X rds N.E of MONT LAMBERT thence along DESVRES-BOULOGNE rd, blocking as many roads as possible back to the sea, total length 5 miles. Eventually about 3½ miles of front was held, the left flank nearest the sea being left open. 2 I.G. were to hold westward from the RIVER LIANE to the sea. Coys were therefore ordered to take up positions as under:-

No. 2 Coy excl RIVER LIANE to excl village of OSTROHOVE, two Pls covered the SAMER rd with Coy HQ at the Rly bridge. One Pl covered a rd not marked on map leading to OSTROHOVE. Bn HQ was established in a house in OSTROHOVE under the protection of HQ Coy who were responsible for the defence of the village, the A.A. and C Pls being used for ground defence. Later all the administrative Pl including cooks, spare signallers and pioneers helped in the defence.

No. 3 Coy continued the line excl OSTROHOVE - incl X rds MONT LAMBERT. One Pl held the rd junc at LA MADELINE, actually a X rds, one Pl rd junc N.W. of MONT LAMBERT and on MONT LAMBERT, one Pl covering the X rds from a position due NORTH. Coy HQ was in a farm about 200 yds N.W. along the rd to BOULOGNE.

No. 4 Coy held rd blocks from excl 3 Coy HQ, excl Church at ST. MARTIN, BOULOGNE along the BOULOGNE-DESVRES rd with one Pl watching towards the NORTH.

No. 1 Coy arrived in position about 1530hrs and held the many rds about the Church at ST. MARTIN, BOULOGNE.

All rds leading into the Bn position were blocked with cares and farm implements, the rd to SAMER being cratered by the R.E. in front of our posts. All troops were ordered to dig in as quickly as possible. Luckily the Bn was supplied with tools, but no wire.

22 May

A/T. Defence
Four 2 pdrs R.A. and six mm A/T guns from 20th GUARDS BRIGADE A/T Coy were allotted under Comd for 2 W.G. These guns were brought up in lorries but once unloaded they had to be manhandled as it was impossible to get them back on the lorries. In many cases they had to be manhandled several hundreds of yards into their positions in support of the forward Coys. When the Bn withdrew it was found impossible to save these guns. These guns were disposed along the Bn front, but owing to the great frontage it was impossible to site them in any depth. A Belgian A/T Gun was found and manned by Belgian soldiers on No. 2 Coy front.

1700hrs
Up till this time the only information available was:-
(i) ETAPLES in hands of the enemy,
(ii) A small mechanized force had broken through, and might be expected to show up in front of BOULOGNE,
(iii) The French were stated to be holding SAMER and WIRWIGNES with a Bn at each.

1830hrs
To gain touch with (iii) above, 20 GDS BDE ordered to officers fighting patrols to be sent forward by 2 W.G. These patrols were cancelled before going out as enemy reported on both rds. Actually a patrol under 2/Lieut. J.D.A. SYRETT had gone forward earlier with a party of R.E. beyond PONT de BRIQUES in an attempt to blow up the bridge at HESDIGNEUL LES BOULOGNE. No French troops were found, enemy detachments were reported in the vicinity. At this time an enemy air raid took place but it was not directed against 2 W.G.

2000hrs
During the evening enemy recce parties were spotted on the ridge opposite OSTROHOVE and tanks attacked No. 3 and No. 4 Coys, one tank coming within 100 yrs of 2/Lieut. E.G.F. BEDINGFIELD’s Pl, using every bit of cover. Later it fired a smoke signal which appeared to be a rallying signal for the remainder of the tanks operating in the area. Shortly afterwards all enemy tanks withdrew.

2100hrs
A major of the 8 D.L.I. reported to the Commanding Officer. He stated that he and the remnants of his tired Bn (about 150 strong) with no food of their own, were at his disposal. The Commanding Officer decided to rest half in rear of Bn HQ and the other half behind No. 1 Coy and to use them for counter attack if occasion demanded later.

About the same time Lt.-Col. DEANE, VC, reported to the Commanding Officer that he had 1200 tired A.M.P.C. to be at the Commanding Officer’s disposal. Actually only about 200 ever took up a position anywhere, the remainder just stood about blocking roads and houses and the quayside, and proved throughout and particularly in the withdrawal stage to come, a grave liability. Old, disorganised, tired but keen, armed with rifles and little S.A.A. and with no food of their own, their status in the front line was impossible.

There was also a small stream of refugees and disorganised parties of Allied soldiers through the Bn fr going in two directions, either NORTH to CALAIS or into BOULOGNE. An order was issued by BDE in the evening that only pedestrians were to be allowed past all the road blocks. 2 W.G. was also ordered to co-operate if possible with such disorganised small parties of FRENCH and BELGIUM soldiers who might be willing to fight on our front and under our command. Except in isolated instances nothing materialised from this.

1900hrs
An artillery bombardment began and grew in intensity, lasting until dark but directed over 2 W.G. positions into the town of BOULOGNE. The Arty fire came from behind MONT LAMBERT and from the direction of FORET DE BOULOGNE. As darkness fell, OC 3 Coy reported that 3 enemy A.F.V.s (probably those previously engaged by 4 Coy) had been sighted on his front, and shortly afterwards there was a sharp engagement. In view of the possibility of an attack on Bn HQ at OSTROHOVE all personnel of Bn HQ were further disposed in its defence, to give all round protection. However nothing materialised and 3 Coys front became quiet again, the enemy A.F.V.s having withdrawn.

2100hrs
Commanding Officer decided to move Bn HQ back about 400 yds to a small cottage at the Water Works on the railway, as it seemed likely that OSTROHOVE would be attacked next morning, as indeed it was, but all HQ Coy ground defence personnel remained in their positions. The bulk of the Bn M.T. was then laboriously moved back in the darkness and dispersed in the streets on the reverse side of the hill behind Bn HQ. (The remainder was moved early next morning).

23 May
Between 2300hrs 22 MAY and 0100hrs 23 MAY the Commanding Officer visited all Companies in position. A good deal of sniping took place in the town and it was difficult to motor owing to French rd blocks. Recce patrols were sent out, but there was nothing to report and no enemy seen. Communication by line was established by 0600hrs from Bn HQ to 2/Lieut. H.H. HUGHES’ Pl on the right of 3 Coy. This was the only line laid within the Bn, during the operation, owing to the Bn Signal equipment being on the quay and every time N.C.O.s and men were sent to collect it, these men were ordered by officers to embark and evacuate the quay.

0730hrs
Whilst the Commanding Officer was making a detailed tour of the line enemy tanks attacked No. 3 Coy at MONT LAMBERT, setting fire to the rd block which was being inspected by a patrol under 2/Lieut. A. MacN. PERRINS, most of which suffered casualties. The tanks fired at the A/T guns sited near 3 Coy HQ. These guns either put the tanks out of action or at any rate made them withdraw after heavy fighting. Lateral enemy Arty bombardment began and lasted without pause until midday, registering at first on the quay and the town of BOULOGNE and later lifting backwards (SOUTH) until it registered accurately on the railway running through the Bn position, the SAMER road, and particularly on 2 Coy.
At about 0900hrs under cover of this close Arty bombardment and Mortar fire, a strong enemy attack with Tanks and A.F.V.s was launched against our right (2 Coy) and centre (3 Coy). The front was held intact until 11a.m., a slight readjustment to 2 Coy’s position having been made, one Pl and Coy HQ being withdrawn slightly to the left and rear. The Arty registration on the railway had made it untenable and one Pl suffered heavy casualties from shell fire. Meanwhile 3 Coy was heavily engaged and suffered casualties. Capt. W.H. CARTER being mortally wounded at about

1030hrs.
The A/T gun crews on the front suffered severe damage during this time, but accounted for some tanks. These guns had little time to dig in and were subjected to heavy fire from tanks firing over the crest of the hill. The left flank (4 Coy and 1 Coy) were not heavily engaged. One enemy tank was out of action by a 3” mortar in the village of VAROQUERIE.

1130hrs
The position in front of HQ Coy was obscure. Having return from HQ Coy’s front and observed towards the left of the position, i.e. towards 1 and 4 Coys the Commanding Officer dictated at situation report to the Adjutant to be sent to BDE of which the gist was as follows:-

“Strong enemy pressure on my front is being resisted. Have made slight readjustment to 2 Coy’s position. Ammunition running short.”

O.C. 2 Coy then appeared and slightly accentuated the danger of his position. O.C. HQ Coy came in immediately afterwards and said that his line in front of OSTROHOVE was now in grave danger of being enveloped. A screen consisting of Bn HQ personnel available, and about 60 A.M.P.s was hastily pushed out in front of Bn HQ facing N.E. Very little firing could be heard from 1 and 4 Coys’ front but in view of the attack on 2 and 3 Coys the Commanding Officer decided to hold the houses between the halt and BEREQUERECQUE facing S.E. with HQ and 3 Coy continuing the line with 4 Coy linking with 1 Coy. Before this adjustment was completed a liaison officer from BDE came with verbal orders to withdraw 2 W.G. into the town and to defend and block the approaches to the harbour facing N.E. from the sea as far as the main railway bridge over the RIVER LIANE.
Eventually the Bn with 4 Coy as rear-guard were successfully withdrawn an took up positions along the line of the river road facing EAST in collaboration with French troops. It was now about 1400hrs. There was at this time a lull in the bombardment. From then until the final withdrawal by sea there was continual sniping from houses and from both sides of the river many hundred of disorganised, officer-less A.M.P.C. had arrived and fired indiscriminately at each other and at 2 W.G. 2 I.G. and BDE HQ had by this time withdrawn to the quay? Under great difficulty the Commanding Officer personally redistributed the Bn in Coy areas and Bn HQ was opened at the HOTEL DE LA PAIX. The Brigadier then arrived and gave the Bn the order that we were “to fight it out”. BOULOGNE was to be held. Further strengthening to road blocks was therefore carried out.

1700hrs
Many houses searched for 5th columnists. Four arrested, questioned and placed in close custody, and important papers and money subsequently handed to M.I. 6 War Office.

1730hrs
An intense air bombardment on the quay and town of BOULOGNE which lasted about 30 mins. Few if any casualties to 2 W.G. Soon afterwards written warning order to withdraw at Zero to the Quay, given to the Commanding Officer. “Zero to be announced later”. Shortly afterwards Zero given as “Forthwith”. All Coys and Coy Commanders were warned with great difficulty by D.R. with the exception of 3 Coy, the D.R. reporting that 3 Coy could not be found where they were supposed to be. The Commanding Officer himself went out and was able to extricate Coy HQ and some men who were attached to it. O.C. 3 Coy (Major J.C. WINDSOR-LEWIS) and the bulk of his Coy were at that time heavily engaged with the enemy on a road block and could not be withdrawn.

2000hrs
Bn less 3 Coy were across the bridge and dispersed chiefly in the railway station with some forward in the pier shelter. Three destroyers then attempted to sail into the quay. All were at once engaged by Arty from the hill to the SOUTH of the quay, and from the Fort in the old town, by tanks at close range on the opposite side of the river and by bombs from the air. One destroyer was hit and set on fire. Firing all the time it left the harbour. The remaining two under intense fire, took off 2?? and other personnel, including a small proportion of 2 W.G. All shelters and the quay were during the evacuation crowded with hundreds of A.M.P.C. and other disorganised British, French and Belgian troops. A certain number of casualties occurred, including Captain J. DUNCAN, who was killed.
Every effort was made to get all personnel of the WELSH GUARDS forward in readiness for the next destroyer which might come in and as far as was known all remaining personnel were collected in the pier shelter forward of the quay. O.C. 3 Coy only, had not been seen on the quay side of the bridge. The Bn waited there for 2 hrs.

2300hrs
The Destroyer “WINDSOR” sailed in safely and the evacuation of all 2 W.G. on the quay and a large number of other troops were taken on board.

24 May

0030hrs
DOVER was reached.

0430hrs
2 W.G. proceeded by train to FLEET and thence to Camp at TWESELDOWN RACE COURSE reaching it about 1030hrs.

1830hrs
2. W.G. proceeded by rail to COLCHESTER and went into CHERRY TREE CAMP.

2/Lieut. R.C. TWINING, 2/Lieut. E.G.F. BEDINFELD and less than 20 men of 4 Coy joined the Bn later in the morning at TWESELDOWN CAMP, having arrived by destroyer at DOVER just before the Bn left for FLEET. From their reports an unfortunate misunderstanding or error of judgement had occurred before the bulk of the Bn had been embarked, resulting in the loss of most of the officers and men of 2 and 4 Coys. The Coys were stated to have been in one of the big sheds on the quay in rear of the Station. Attempts had been made to contact forward, when “an officer” is stated to have told Capt. J.H.V. HIGGON (O.C. 4 Coy) that the last destroyer had left. After a short conference between O.C. 2 Coy and O.C. 4 Coy, it was decided to strike out through the German ring along the coast in the direction of ETAPLES.

2/Lieut. TWINING and 2/Lieut. BEDINGFELD and a proportion of 4 Coy (number unknown) became early cut off from the remainder as a result of encountering fire more than once down the streets up which they were advancing. Having lost touch with their Coy they decided to return to the quay and were soon taken off in a Destroyer.

ROLL OF OFFICERS WHO EMBARKED.

BATTALION HEADQUARTERS.
Lt.-Col. Sir ALEXANDER STANIER, Bt. MC - C.O.
Major G. St V. J. VIGOR - 2 I/C
Capt. & Adjt. R.C. ROSE PRICE
Lieut. P.T. PETLEY - IO
Lieut. & Qmr. W.L. BRAY, DCM, MM

HEADQUARTER COMPANY.
Captain R.B. HODGKINSON
Captain P.V. MAKINS - MTO.
Lieut. R.C. SHARPLES, C.Pl.
2/Lieut. R.D. STEWART-BROWN, SO.

No. 1 COMPANY.
Captain C.H.R. HEBER-PERCY
Captain J. DUNCAN
Lieut. C.A. StJ. P. HARMSWORTH
2/Lieut. R.C.L. FITZWILLIAMS
2/Lieut. N.T.L. FISHER
2/Lieut. K.R. JOHNSTONE

No. 2 COMPANY.
Major H.M.C. JONES-MORTIMER
Lieut. P.J. McCALL
2/Lieut. J.D.A. SYRETT
2/Lieut. I.H.T. GARNETT-ORME

No. 3 COMPANY
Major J.C. WINDSOR LEWIS
Captain W.H. CARTER
2/Lieut. R.C.H. PILCHER
2/Lieut. C.F. CRAWSHAY (att. HQ. Coy)
2/Lieut. A.MacN. PERRINS
2/Lieut. H.H. HUGHES

No. 4 COMPANY
Captain J.H.V. HIGGON
Captain A.H.S. COOMBE-TENNANT
2/Lieut. R.C. TWINING
2/Lieut. E.G.F. BEDINGFELD
2/Lieut. P.F. HANBURY

HQ 20TH GDS BDE
Lieut. J.A. MEADE - A/T Coy Commander
2/Lieut. P.S. BLACK - A/T Pl Commander
2/Lieut. M.W.T. LEATHEM - Bde. Liaison Off.

ATTACHED OFFICERS
Rev. P.F. PAYNE, R.A. Ch.D.
Lieut. J.H. TAYLOR, RAMC

OTHER RANKS WHO EMBARKED
With 2nd Bn - 894
With 20th Gds Bde - 45
Total - 939
RACC personnel att. to 2nd Bn - 5
Total - 944


ROLL OF OFFICERS WHO DISEMBARKED

BATTALION HEADQUARTERS.
Lt.-Col. Sir ALEXANDER STANIER, Bt. MC - C.O.
Major G. St V. J. VIGOR - 2 I/C
Capt. & Adjt. R.C. ROSE PRICE
Lieut. P.T. PETLEY - IO
Lieut. & Qmr. W.L. BRAY, DCM, MM

HEADQUARTER COMPANY.
Captain R.B. HODGKINSON
Captain P.V. MAKINS - MTO.
Lieut. R.C. SHARPLES, C.Pl.
2/Lieut. R.D. STEWART-BROWN, SO.

No. 1 COMPANY.
Captain C.H.R. HEBER-PERCY
Lieut. C.A. StJ. P. HARMSWORTH
2/Lieut. R.C.L. FITZWILLIAMS
2/Lieut. N.T.L. FISHER
2/Lieut. K.R. JOHNSTONE

No. 2 COMPANY.
2/Lieut. J.D.A. SYRETT

No. 3 COMPANY
2/Lieut. C.F. CRAWSHAY (att. HQ. Coy)

No. 4 COMPANY
2/Lieut. R.C. TWINING
2/Lieut. E.G.F. BEDINGFELD

HQ 20TH GDS BDE
Lieut. J.A. MEADE - A/T Coy Commander
2/Lieut. M.W.T. LEATHEM - Bde. Liaison Off.

ATTACHED OFFICERS
Rev. P.F. PAYNE, R.A. Ch.D.
Lieut. J.H. TAYLOR, RAMC

CASUALTIES

1. Major J.C. WINDSOR LEWIS - “MISSING” 37260 James Charles WINDSOR-LEWIS, DSO & Bar, MC, MiD, Welsh Guards
2. Major H.M.C. JONES-MORTIMER - “MISSING” Liberation report available
3. Captain J.H.V. HIGGON - “MISSING” 17736 John Henry Victor HIGGON, OBE, Welsh Guards
4. Captain W. H. CARTER - “MISSING” 42675 William Hamilton CARTER, MC, 2 Welsh Guards
5. Captain J. DUNCAN - “KILLED” http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2278453
6. Captain A.H.S. COOMBE-TENNANT - “MISSING” 65371 Augustus Henry Serocold COOMBE-TENNANT, MC, MiD, 2 Welsh Guards
7. Lieut. P.J. McCALL - “MISSING” 70030 Lieutenant Peter John McCALL, 2 Welsh Guards: POW Liberation report available
8. 2/Lieut. R.C.H. PILCHER - “MISSING” 77599 Ralph Cecil Horace PILCHER, MiD, 2 Welsh Guards
9. 2/Lieut. P.S. BLACK - “MISSING” 68554 Lieutenant Peter Stubley BLACK, 2 Welsh Guards: POW - liberation report
10. 2/Lieut. A. MacN. PERRINS - “MISSING” 74919 A MacN PERRINS, Welsh Guards
11. 2/Lieut. I.H.T. GARNETT-ORME - “MISSING” 76279 Lieutenant Ion Hunter Touchet GARNET-ORME, CBE, 2 Welsh Guards: POW Liberation Report
12. 2/Lieut. P.F. HANBURY - “MISSING” 89413 P F HANBURY, Welsh Guards
13. 2/Lieut. H.H. HUGHES - “KILLED” http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2280639

OTHER RANKS.
No. who disembarked with 2nd Bn. - 529
No. who disembarked with HQ 20TH GDS BDE. - 27
R.A.O.C. personnel - 5
No. wounded evacuated to hospitals in England - 62
Total - 623

CASUALTIES
Killed - 4
Missing - 317
Total - 944



TACTICAL NOTES ON THE OPERATIONS.

1. A/T RIFLES.
It is not possible to say accurately if A/T Rifles actually knocked out enemy tanks as they always fired in conjunction with the A/T Guns supporting the Bn. Certainly a good deal of damage was done to enemy tanks at least five being put out of action by fire. One tank was put out of action by 3” Mortar fire.

2. A/T GUNS.
These guns certainly stopped the tanks. More damage could have been done if the shooting had been better. This was of a low standard as the gunners had had very little training. Eventually these guns were all abandoned or put out of action due to the following causes:-
(i) Once spotted by the enemy they received very heavy punishment and in every case the enemy attempted to outflank the guns and shoot at the gunners from their rear.
(ii) The guns were not properly dug in. Tools were very short and the gun crews only tried to dig themselves in, not the gun. This is considered essential.
(iii) No transport was available to load and move the guns.

3. ROAD BLOCKS.
In nearly all cases road blocks were made of cars and cars. The enemy tanks on approaching set fire to these by means of a flame thrower or tracer bullets. Although the men holding the blocks gallantly defended them in some cases they had to withdraw because of the flames and smoke. It is therefore recommended the trenches, cratering, wire and non-flammable things are used for road blocks.

4. INFANTRY POSTS.
Every effort was made to dig everyone in and although extra picks and shovels were available and were used, they were hardly sufficient. As long as men remained in their trenches casualties were low and the enemy had difficulty in dislodging our posts. Casualties occurred when Cmdrs finding the enemy attacking their flanks attempted to move into alternative positions. Trenches must be dug to give all round defence and sited so that it is unnecessary to move once the attack starts.

5. 2” MORTARS, AND GRENADES
2” Mortars might have been very useful in screening posts from tanks but although Mortars were carried there was no ammunition available. Very few grenades were used, I think chiefly because men had never used live ones before and were not sure of this weapon.

6. COMMUNICATIONS
Owing to there only being three maps issued, one 1” to 1 mile and two smaller scaled ones, it was impossible to send out written orders. Also very little signalling equipment came with the Bn from DOVER. It was impossible to lay line or communicate by visual with Coys. There were only a few Motor cycles and bicycles which again added to the difficulty of keeping Coys in touch and in the end No. 3 Coy were lost and did not withdraw due in a great part to the lack of communication between Coys and Bn HQ.

 

2nd Bn Welsh Guards casualties from 21st to 25th May 1940

Courtesy of Geoff's search engine, click on no. to see cwgc details:

001 ALEXANDER, B 2734183 22/05/1940
002 BEER, DW 2733644 22/05/1940
003 BROWN, DT 2735573 23/05/1940
004 COLLINS, DC 2735592 24/05/1940
005 CURTIS, RW 4191299 24/05/1940
006 GREEN, WG 814103 23/05/1940 - 24/05/1940
007 JACKSON, EWC 2734703 23/05/1940
008 JEFFRIES, JA 2735451 24/05/1940
009 KEARNS, D 2732527 22/05/1940
010 MCCARTHY, E 2733612 24/05/1940
011 MORTON, DT 2735224 23/05/1940
012 PINCOTT, G 2733086 24/05/1940 - 25/05/1940
013 PUGH, B 2735458 24/05/1940
014 ROBINSON, HJP 2735142 23/05/1940
015 ROCK, C 2732946 23/05/1940
016 SMALL, W 2735438 25/05/1940

 

TNA Catalogue Reference: CAB 106/228

Scope and content: Report on operations of 2nd. Battalion Welsh Guards at Boulogne, 1940 May 21-24, by Major J. C. Windsor Lewis.
Covering dates: 1940



SUBJECT: OPERATIONS - BOULOGNE.
FROM: MAJOR J.C. WINDSOR LEWIS, WELSH GUARDS.
TO: REGIMENTAL ADJUTANT, WELSH GUARDS.

Sir,

I have the honour to submit to Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding the Regiment an account of the Battle of BOULOGNE May 21/25th. My account will be in two parts; first as O.C. No. 3 Coy, 2nd Bn. WELSH GUARDS; secondly as Commander of the Small Allied Force which held the Harbour Station after the 20TH GDS BDE had been withdrawn.

After arrival at BOULOGNE on 22 May, No. 3 Coy was detailed to occupy a defensive position astride the village of OSTROHOVE just outside the town. It was difficult to move through BOULOGNE town owing to the congestion caused by the crowds of refugees and isolated parties of French soldiers who were streaming down the streets.

I had been in my position for an hour when the Commanding Officer arrived at my HQ in the village of OSTROHOVE and told me to move and take up a position further to the left, as the Bn was to hold a wide front.

My new position was on a frontage of over 1.000 yds,, my Right forward Platoon being very isolated form the remainder of my Coy. My Left forward Platoon was in position on X Rds, EAST of ST MARTIN, my reserve Platoon and Coy being in small house and farm some 200 yds behind my Left forward Platoon on the Main Road. With me at my HQ and in position were 2 Anti-tank Guns, while another of these weapons was situated between No. 7 & 8 Platoons (my forward Platoons). This gun did good work and knocked out at least 1 tank.

No. 7 Pl established 1 road block in front of its position. No. 8 Pl put up two road blocks, whilst No. 0 Pl, my reserve Pl, dug themselves in for all round defence by the house across the Main Road and to the right of the farm where my Coy HQ were.

In the evening of 22 May we were attacked by Light Automatic Fire and 2 or 3 enemy tanks. My forward Platoons made a spirited reply and the tanks withdrew.

All Pls sent out patrols during the night, made contact with Coys on right and left, Nos. 2 and 1 Coy respectively, but had nothing to report re enemy movements.

About an hour after Stand-down the following morning, 23 May, our position was again attacked, this time more strongly by enemy tanks. After ¾ hour the tanks withdrew, one tank having been put out of action by our Anti-tank Gunfire.

The attack was resumed again within an hour. 3 heavy German tanks had appeared on our front, and both the road blocks of No. 8 Pl had been set on fire. The Coy were resisting this attack well, and No. 8 Pl was particularly well led by 2/Lieut. R.C.H. PILCHER, despite the fact that two tanks were practically on top of them. 1½ miles on my left flank I could see German Artillery getting into position, and more Tank movement could also be discerned in the distance. The shelling and firing from the tanks on our front was growing in its intensity. Word reached me by messenger that my right flank was exposed as No. 2 Coy had been forced to withdraw and with my own right forward Pl also compelled to withdraw, I decided to retire with what was left of the Coy.

When I reached the Citadel in BOULOGNE I sent a message to BDE HQ telling them where I was. I was told that all Coys were withdrawing and to conform to this withdrawal to the Quay.

In the afternoon I was ordered to establish Road blocks in the town. BOULOGNE was to be held. I had few men left by this time, but with three Sections forward covering Rd blocks and Coy HQ down the street about 300 yds in rear, I took up position. Shortly after dusk, 2 tanks approached my position and infantry could be seen infiltrating behind them. I opened as strong a fire as possible with my two Sections (the other was on opposite side of road) and we drove the infantry back and stopped the tanks temporarily.

In the meantime, intense M.G. fire and Rifle fire was directed at my position (in big empty municipal building ) from the houses opposite. 2 houses on my left were set on fire, and some German infantry had succeeded in occupying a house on our left flank, but they gave no trouble when dealt with by the Bren Gun fire of one of my Sections.
Firing died down after midnight and after Stand-to in the morning I sent out a messenger to discover what was happening.

From the time when I had first taken up my position until now, I had sent three messengers to Bn HQ but none of them had returned. I thought at the time the Commanding Officer might have retained them owing to the heavy firing that was going on. Later I discovered that only one message had got through. The other 2 men must have been killed.

I never received the Bn order to withdraw as I could not be found. I remained with my Forward Sections all the night as I was the only officer left in the Company after the battle in the morning. The others were all casualties. This explains why I never received the order to withdraw. I was therefore left in BOULOGNE with the two Sections that I had been with on the Road blocks; the remainder of my Coy were successfully evacuated to ENGLAND with the Bn.

On hearing the news after Stand-to in the morning 24 May that the Bn had gone, I decided to move as quickly as possible to the Quayside with the men I had left.
On arrival at Quayside with the remnants of my Coy, I found the utmost confusion in progress. There were stragglers from Nos. 2 and 4 Coys, 2 W.G., some IRISH GUARDS, about 150 refugees, 120 odd French soldiers with two officers, 200 of the A.M.Ps, 120 men of R.E. and others. I collected this force in the sheds by the station while I, with a Major E.G.M. BURT of the R.E. who had since died, went off to find the minesweeper which had just come into the harbour and ask if it would evacuate us to ENGLAND.

The minesweeper, which was FRENCH, refused but said that when it put to sea again that morning it would make signals to any boat or warship that is saw to come to our rescue. I had previously been told by Staff Officers on the Harbour Station that the BDE had embarked overnight for U.K. but that boats were supposed to be returning for us. They never came, and I heard later that they had been sunk in the effort to reach beleaguered BOULOGNE.

On re-crossing the bridge with Major BURT to get back to the troops in the sheds, we were heavily fired upon by M.G.s from neighbouring houses but using cars, etc for cover we managed to reach the sheds without being hit.

The sheds were now very congested with troops and refugees, so I sent off and officer of the R.E., Lieut. KENNETH ROSCOE, to make a reconnaissance of the station itself and see how best we could defend it and obtain cover there for all. This officer returned shortly after with a comprehensive report and I decided immediately to move the refugees into the Shelters underneath the Station itself.

The Germans then began to open fire upon us in the sheds and several men were wounded. I immediately began to retire my force into the station. This was quite easily effected as there was a covered way of approach afforded by a line of railway trucks. The fire from the German tanks was quite severe when we finally abandoned the sheds which shortly afterwards went up in flames. The Germans then began to fire incendiary bombs into the Station and several of these lit up trucks which contained ammunition and inflammable matter. I hastily prepared the Station for defence by the erection of a sandbagged breastwork in front of the Station and on the left flank overlooking the Town and Custom House. The sandbags were already in the Station. Many of my Command, such as the A.M.Ps were unarmed, and while they prepared the position and carried sandbags the W. GDS personnel and French took up positions under cover and in trains, two of which were in the Station. All Ranks worked very hard and carried out their tasks under fire from enemy tanks and M.Gs.

By midday 24 May we had established as good a defensive position as possible under the circumstances. The position was held by the W. GDS and French infantry. All these troops were already thoroughly exhausted and their tenacity and bravery in keeping the enemy at bay for nearly 2 days without sufficient food and water is, I think, worthy of the highest praise.

Firing form the German tanks, of whom 3 were in front of our position, continued all day, sometimes intense at other times mild, and after 2200hrs dying down altogether. In the evening of 24 May, about 1800hrs, the Germans made an effort to land form a boat on my right flank. Their party of infantry was a small one and we drove them back to the other side of the Harbour with Bren A.T. Rifle and Rifle fire, inflicting losses upon them.

I was able to give the troops holding our positions some rest that night in relays, but early in the morning after Stand-to when the French infantry were holding our front line, the Germans again attacked heavily and we lost several men. At about 0900hrs I was able to see with binoculars big troop movements taking place on the high ground above BOULOGNE. I hoped these might be French but it soon turned out to be a big enemy force arriving to consolidate the capture of the town.

Their artillery which had begun to fire upon us the previous evening was increased, a bit shed to the right of my position was blown up and my own wounded men were being knocked about.

I made a reconnaissance to my flank to see if there was any possible way of escape, but the route was covered by two enemy tanks.

At noon the enemy, now strongly reinforced, opened up an intense fire upon my position and I was compelled to withdraw from my front line of breastworks into the Station itself, protected only by glass overhead and by a train on the left flank.
There was a little food and ammunition left and no more water, and after another hour of the greatest discomfort I decided that my position was now quite hopeless and that a massacre would ensue if I did not capitulate. Having an eye to the number of refugees under my care and the big percentage of unarmed men, I decided to surrender.

My little force had fought most splendidly in the face of heavy odds. Exhausted and without proper nourishment they never lost heart.

On a separate paper I have put forward the names of these Officers and O.R.s under me in both operations whom I consider worthy of decorations.

I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,

(sgd) J.C. WINDSOR LEWIS, Major.

 

From The War Illustrated, June 7, 1940

 

Appendix D, IG War Diary, May-June 1940:
Headquarters,
20th Guards Brigade,
Roman Way Camp,
Colchester,
Essex.
29th May, 1940.

Dear Admiral Ramsay,

I am writing to you on behalf of every officer and man in this Brigade to express our admiration and gratitude for the part played by H.M. Destroyers in the evacuation from Boulogne

But for their skill and courage in action I am certain that the evacuation would have resulted in far higher casualties, and might well have proved impossible. The debt which my Brigade owe to the British Navy will not be forgotten, and I can assure you that the way in which they performed their duties will be remembered by us all.

I hope you will convey this message from the 20th Guards Brigade to the officers and men concerned, and with it our sympathy for casualties sustained during an action fought on our behalf.

Yours very sincerely,

[signed Brigadier] W. Fox-Pitt


Brigadier William Fox-Pitt, 2nd Battalion Welsh Guards [Forgotten Voices of Dunkirk from the IWM sound archives.]:
One day, the Chief of the Imperial Staff, Field Marshall Dill, rang me up and talked to me personally, and said, 'I've got rather a hot one for you. You've got to go out and hold on to Boulogne as long as you can. There's very little information as to what's happening.' So I organised the Brigade again, and the two battalions were sent to Boulogne. We went over in Destroyers, and I took up a line outside Boulogne with the Irish Guards on the right and the Welsh Guards on the left. We were supposed to have a French Division in front of us, but it never materialised. We held Boulogne for 24 hours until we were very heavily attacked by tanks, and then we withdrew, very well covered by the destroyers. I got the whole of the Irish Guards off, and I got the Welsh Guards, bar two companies, off. The destroyers kept coming back and forth, taking us off. Wonderful. Two companies were put in the bag.

 

From The War Illustrated, June 14, 1940

 

See also:

2nd Battalion Irish Guards.

Recollections related to the Irish Guards at Boulogne, 1940

WWII Memories

WWII Memories

BBC - WW2 People's War - James Eric Wicketts Memories - Part 1