War Diary of 3rd Country of London Yeomanry 1940

War Diaries of 3rd County of London Yeomanry

1940

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January 1940 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Whitwell	Jan 1		In billets 27 officers, 417 O. R’s
“	2		“ “ 29 “ 401 “ 500 Rifles arrived from 2nd Royal Gloucestershire Hussars
“	3		“ “ 29 “ 421 “
“	4		“ “ 29 “ 444 “
“	5		“ “ 28 “ 526 “ Third Christmas leave party returned.
“	6		“ “ 28 “ 526 “ C Sqn was transferred from billets in Southgate House to
			WHITEWELL,and Gunnery and D.&M. School were established if Southgate House.
“	7		“ “ 28 “ 526 “
“	8		“ “ 27 “ 536 “
“	10		“ “ 28 “ 526 “ The Commanding Officer held a Conference at which Internal
			Security Schemes 1 & 2 were discussed.
“	11		“ “ 28 " 526 “ Operation Order No.1 came into force see Appendix No. One.
“	12		“ “ 29 “ 519 “
“	13		“ “ 29 “ 557 “
“	14		“ “ 29 “ 557 “
“	15		“ “ 31 “ 563 “ Operation Order No.2 came into force, see Appendix No. Two
“	16		“ “ 31 “ 532 “ 6 BESAS and 50 Revolvers arrived from WEEDON.
“	17		“ “ 31 “ 557 “
“	18		“ “ 31 “ 557 “
“	19		“ “ 31 “ 551 “
“	20		" “ 31 “ 557 “
“	21		" “ 30 “ 532 “
“	22		“ “ 29 “ 532 “ The Tracheitis epidemic reached its peak with 152 sick and detained, 27 hospital and 2 sick leave.
“	23		“ “ 27 “ 514 “
“	24		In billets 28 Officers, 439 O. R’s
“	25		“ “ 28 “ 489 “ 2Lt. R.P. Phillips attached A.D.C. to 2nd Armd, Div.
“	26		“ “ 25 “ 473 “
“	27		“ “ 24 “ 451 “
“	28		“ “ 24 “ 442 “
“	29		“ “ 27 “ 452 “
“	30		“ “ 26 “ 447 “
“	31		“ “ 26 “ 441 “ Tracheitis epidemic abating. 101 sick and detained, 34 Hospital and 35 Sick Leave.

Appendices Pending

February 1940 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Whitwell	Feb 1		In billets 27 officers, 480 other ranks
“	2		“ “ 27 “ 467 “ “
“	3		“ “ 27 “ 421 “ “
“	4		“ “ 29 “ 444 “ “
“	5		“ “ 28 “ 526 “ “ 2nd Lt. A.L. Murray posted to 3 Sharpshooters fro, O.C.T.U. Sandhursrt, w.e.f. 5.2.40.
“	6		In billets 27 officers, 464 other ranks
“	7		“ “ 28 “ 454 “ “
“	8		“ “ 26 “ 453 “ “ Sick leave reached its peak with 7 officers and 114 other ranks on leave.
“	9		In billets 27 officers, 463 other ranks 2nd Lt. C.B. Woodman posted to Royal Warwickshire Regt. w.e.f. 9.2.40
“	10		In billets 27 officers, 464 other ranks Attached to 5th Bn Scots Guards – Tpr FRANK, Tpr. MOONEY.
“	11		In billets 31 officers, 482 other ranks Posted to 102nd O.C.T.U. – No.7885778, W/S/TSM. Harvey, R – Part II Order 17/137 dated 12.2.40 refers.
“	12		In billets 31 officers, 490 other ranks Attached to 5th Bn Scots Guards – Tpr PINNER.
“	13		“ “ 31 “ 490 “ “
“	14		“ “ 31 “ 496 “ “
“	15		“ “ 31 “ 503 “ “
“	16		“ “ 31 “ 502 “ “ Posted to O.C.T.U, Sandhurst – No.7886804, W/S/Sgt. Hansen-Bay, J. Part II Order 19/153 dated 16.2.40 refers.
“	17		In billets 31 officers, 512 other ranks
“	18		“ “ 32 “ 512 “ “
“	19		“ “ 32 “ 512 “ “
“	20		“ “ 32 “ 512 “ “
“	21		“ “ 31 “ 509 “ “
“	22		“ “ 31 “ 511 “ “ Posted to O.C.T.U, Sandhurst – No.7886483, Sgt. Squirrel, P. Part II Order 22/186 dated 26.2.40 refers.
“	23		In billets 30 officers, 510 other ranks
“	24		“ “ 24 “ 504 “ “ 43 O.R’s posted to 22 H.A.B. Part II Order 22/186 refers, and de-attached to 3 Sharpshooters for all purposes.
“	25		In billets 27 officers, 504 other ranks 2nd Lt. W.J.P Goodbody relinquished commission w.e.f. 25.2.40 and attached to 5th Bn (Special Reserve) Scots Guards. Capt. J.E. Castle posted to 51st Training Regiment, Tidworth and struck off strength w.e.f. 25.2.40.
“	26		In billets 31 officers, 480 other ranks
“	27		“ “ 30 “ 485 “ “ The Regiment’s change of station to THORESBY PARK began.
			The Wireless School consisting of 2 officers and 90 other ranks moved to OLLERTON.
“	28		In billets 31 officers, 484 other ranks
“	29		“ “ 31 “ 484 “ “ The Regiment completed its change of station.
			R.H.Q., D. & M. and Gunnery Schools moved to THORESBY. The remainder of ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Squadrons consisting of 3 officers and 43 other ranks to WELLOW

Appendices Pending

March to June 1940

Missing

July 1940 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Rushton, Northants	1 Jul		Regimental strength 34 officers, 554 other ranks.
			Total of A vehicles:-
			2 Light Tanks Mark IV, 10 Mark VIb, 7 two man Light Tanks completed 1940 on order to Dutch Government, 10 scout cars
			Total of B vehicles:- 82
			26 three ton, 12 15 cwt, 1 water truck, 1 office truck, 1 W/T truck, (surplus to establishment) 5 30 cwt (Commers) (surplus to establishment) 11 30 cwt, 4 Austin utility vans, 3 Humber utility cars, 3 M/C combinations, 12 motor cycles 3 Coaches (surplus to establishment)
	2		22 tanks Mk IVb received from 2nd RGH. 3 Dutch tanks received from Vickers C Lloyd.
	3		10 Dutch tanks handed over to 2nd RGH.
	4		4 tanks Mk IVb received from 2nd RGH. 1 W/T truck handed over to 1st NH.
	8		Divisional Harbouring Scheme. AFVs left bivouac area at 1540 hours and reached harbour at Owston Woods at 1900 hours.
	9		Move to alternative harbour at Knossing ???? at 0115 hours and completed at 0220 hours. B Echelon reached harbour at 0430 hours under Brigade arrangements. Harbour vacated at 0830 hours and the Regiment reached bivouac area at 1530 hours after exercise on River Welland.
	10		2Lt CB Wrey appointed Adjutant. 1 W/T truck received from Chilwell.
	11		A & B Echelons Brigade Harbouring exercise. Vehicle left bivouac area at 1520 hours and reached harbour at Hartley St George at 2130 hours. Harbour vacated at 2315 hours and bivouac area reached at 0300 hours.
	12		2Lt PH Forshall posted to MI5. 6 tanks Mk IVb arrived from Chilwell. 1 tank Mk IVb from 2nd RGH. 2 tanks Mk IVb from OO Hilsea.
	14		2 coaches handed over to 2nd RGH.
	15		Div exercise with 1st AB and 2nd AB attacking positions on the River Ouse held by Support Group and 2nd RGH east of Newport Pagnall. AFVs left bivouac area at 1200 hours and harboured at Odell Woods. B echelon harboured at Wollaston.
	16		Regiment returned to bivouac area by 1200 hours.
	17		2Lts I Zvegintzov, OS Bowling-smith, AR Lindsay posted to 3rd Sharpshooters. 2 Tanks Mk IVb received from OO Newmarket, 2 tanks Mk IVb from 2nd RGH, 1 scout car handed over to 4th Sharpshooters, 2 scout cars to 22nd Armd Brigade.
	19		Brigade harbouring exercise for A & B echelons. Vehicles left bivouac area at 1500 hours, harboured at Upper Deane, and returned at 2400 hours.
	21		3 tanks Mk IVb received from 20th Armd Brigade (Guildford). War establishment now reached with total of 52 tanks Mk IVb and 7 scout cars.
	22		Divisional Harbouring exercise for A & B echelons. Vehicles left bivouac area at 0930 hours, harboured at Woburn Abbey and returned to bivouac area at 2330 hours.
	23		2Lts JC Caunce, JC Burts, RH Murphy posted to 3rd Sharpshooters from 56th Training Regiment. Major G Dollar attached to 3rd Sharpshooters from 3rd DG (Caribiniers).
	25		2Lt AAW Henderson posted to 3rd Sharpshooters.
	26		Brigade exercise on tributary of Alconbury Brook west of Huntingdon, with 3rd and 4th Sharpshooters fording the crossings and 2nd RGH defending. AFVs left bivouac area at 1300 hours. Exercise ended at 2000 hours.
	27		2Lt Burts posted to 15 Div Provost Camp. 2Lt IA Howie attached to 2nd Armd Div HQ (Scout Sqn).
	29		2 30cwt Commers handed over to 2nd RGH.
	30		Regimental exercise in area Great Oakley involving attack by AFVs on A & B echelons. Vehicles left bivouac area at 0845 hours and returned at 2300 hours.Regimental strength 40 officers, 550 ORs.

August 1940 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Rushton, Northants	1 Aug		.Regimental strength 40 officers, 550 other ranks.
			Total of A vehicles:- 62
			52 Light Tanks Mark IVb, 7 scout cars, 3 light Dragons Mk II
			Total of B vehicles:- 79
			26 three ton Bedford, 11 30cwt, Fordson & Morris, 4 30cwt Commer (1 surplus to establishment), 13 15cwt Bedford (1 surplus to establishment), 1 Bedford water, 1 Morris office, 3 Humber utility, 4 Austin utility, 3 Norton M/C combinations, 12 Norton M/C solo, 1 coach (surplus to estab)Squadron Training.
	2		1 scout car entrained at Northampton for unknown destination. 1 30cwt Commer transferred to 2nd RGH. Capt (acting Major) G Dollar (3rg DG) to be temp Major wef 22/7/40. Lt (acting Capt) S Buxton (17/21 Lancers) to be temp Capt wef 21/7/40.
	3		Squadron Training.
	4		Regimental Church Parade. Regiment paraded as strong as possible at 1000 under command of Lt Col Jago MM TD.
	5		Squadron Training.
	6		Squadron Training.
	7		Squadron Training.
	8		Squadron Training.
	9		Brigadier J Scott-Cockburn visited the Regiment. The Brigadier made a general inspection which included all vehicles.
	10		1 scout car transferred to 2nd RGH. 6 Light Tanks Mk VIb transferred to 2nd RGH. 1 Morris W/T truck received from OO Chilwell. Capt (acting Major) CA Rich (63203) to be temp Major wef 3/7/40.
	11		11 Light Tanks Mk VIb transferred to 3rd Hussars.
	12		Squadron Training.
	13		Squadron Training. Advance party left for new bivouac area under command of Capt RL Eaton.
	14		Regiment preparing to move.
	15		Warning order received from Titi to move East on an operational basis. This came into effect at 0001 hours.
	16		Order to move received from Titi. Fighting and A Echelons to move at 1715, B Echelon at 2230.
			A Echelon harboured at Babraham Park for night at 2330. B Echelon harboured at Keyso Row for night.
	17		At 0245 Echelons moved out of harbour area to new bivouac areas, A Echelon arriving at 1100, B Echelon arriving at 1400. RHQ and B Squadrons bivouacked at Hildersham Hall ref 9967. A Squadron on farm at Chilford Hall ref 0163 and C Squadron at Rivey Hall 0166 Cambridgeshire.
	18		In The Field. Local Defence and PAD measures continued and camp organised.
	19		6 Light Tanks Mk IVb received from 3rd Hussars. Recces carried out in accordance with Training and Defence plans by LO.
	20		Fatigues following the move-in being completed, Regiment resume Squadron Training. Major G Dollar (3rd DG) posted to 50th Btn RTR wef 19/8/40. 2Lt J Hansen-Bay posted to 3rd Sharpshooters.
	21		Squadron Training. Lt ASM Alcock (878720) (RAOC) OME posted to 1st Rangers wef 21/8/40.
	22		Recces carried out in accordance with Training and Defence plans by LO. A Echelon left bivouac area at 1630 for Brigade exercise and returned at 0900 (23/8/40).
	23		Squadron Training.
	24		Squadron Training. One 15cwt Bedford transferred to 2nd RGH.
	26		Capt SH Reddish appointed Regimental Weapon Training Officer wef 26/8/40, Capt S Buxton relinquishes this wef 26/8/40. A Echelon left bivouac area on Brigade exercise at 1500 and went to Brigade HQ which they left at 1900. They harboured for night West Wickam and left there at 0700 27/8/40 to arrive an bivouac area at 1100.
	27		Squadron Training.
	28		Squadron Training. 2 Scout cars received from Rear GHQ Home Forces, Twickenham.
	29		4th Corps Exercise. A Echelon left bivouac area at 1000 and harboured at Steeple Morden at 2000. Left harbour at 0200 (30/8/40) to contact enemy river crossings on River Cam.
			A Echelon harboured at Chishall Grange at midnight, left harbour at 0800 (31/8/40) and returned to bivouac area at 0900. B Echelon left bivouac area at 0915 and arrived at harbour, Woburn Abbey, at 1430.
			They remained there until 1645 (30/8/40) when they left to harbour at Whittleford at 2350. This harbour was left at 0915 (31/8/40) and they arrived in bivouac area at 1630.
	31		Regimental Strength - Officers 40, ORs 531

September 1940 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
In the Field	1 Sep		Regimental strength:-40 officers, 530 ORs.
			Total of A vehicles:-
			41 tanks Mk VIb 7 scout cars 3 light Dragons Mk II
			Total of B vehicles:- 78
			26 three ton Bedford, 11 30cwt, Fordson & Morris, 3 30cwt Commer, 12 15cwt Bedford, 1 Bedford water, 1 Morris office, 3 Humber utility, 4 Austin utility, 3 Norton M/C combinations, 12 Norton M/C solo, 1 coach (surplus to estab)
	2		Squadron Training.
			2 Bedford 3-ton received from 2nd RGH (Rear party, surplus to establishment).
	3 - 6		Squadron Training.
	7		Squadron Training.
			Codeword 'CROMWELL' received. Regiment under 2 hours notice to move.
	8		Codeword 'CROMWELL' cancelled 1600 hours.
	9 - 11		Squadron Training.
	12		The Secretary of State for War, the Right Honourable Anthony Eden inspected the Regiment during the morning and was given a demonstration 'Tanks in the Attack'.
	14		Squadron Training.
	16		Squadron Training. 3 scout cars received from Daimler Motor Co.
	17		Squadron Training. 2 'Dutch' type tanks received from Vickers Armstrong.
	18 - 20		Squadron Training.
	21		Squadron Training. 1 coach transferred to 43rd Division.
	22		'Stand-to' order received. Regiment on 4 hours notice.
	23		Squadron Training.
	24		Squadron Training. During the absence of Lt Col RK Jago MM TD, on 7 days privilege leave, Major RW McC Godson assumes appointment of Commanding Officer.
	25 -30		Squadron Training. Regimental Strength 40 Officers, 519 ORs.

October 1940 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
In the Field	1 Oct		Regimental strength:-40 officers, 520 ORs.
			Total of A vehicles:-
			41 tanks Mk VIb2 Light Tanks 'Dutch' type 6 'Ironside' Humbers Mk I10 scout cars 3 light Dragons Mk II
			Total of B vehicles:- 78
			28 3-ton GS, (2 surplus to establishment for use of rear party) 15 30cwt, GS, (4 surplus but one for use of rear party) 3 30cwt Commer, 12 15cwt GS, 1 15cwt water, 1 15 cwt W/T, 1 15cwt office, 3 Humber utility, 4 Austin utility, 3 Norton M/C combinations, 12 Norton M/C solo
	2		Squadron Training.
	3		Squadron Training.
	4		Squadron Training. 1 Mk VIb Light Tank received from Chilwell.
	5		Squadron Training.
	7		Squadron Training.
	8		Squadron Training.
	9		Squadron Training. 3-ton (LAD) received from Chilwell (breakdown lorry).
	10		Squadron Training. 1 3-ton GS, 3 15cwt GS, 2 M/C solo, received from Chilwell.
	11		Regiment preparing to move to new area.
	12		Regiment completing preparations for move.
Dorking	13		Regiment moved to new area. B Echelon and scout cars left bivouac area at 0700 and arrived at Parkhatch (ref 4557) at 1700 where they bivouacked.
Surrey			Tanks were entrained at Six-Mile Bottom station with skeleton crews of 2 men, for Witley station from there under their power they proceeded to Parkhatch arriving at 2230. A train party of the remainder of the Regiment left Pampisford at 1200 arriving at Witley at 0500 14/10/40
			They remained there until 0915 when they proceeded to Parkhatch by M/T
	14		Regiment in bivouac at Parkhatch.
	15		Regiment moved into new billets. RHQ at Pickhurst House (ref 4036), A Squadron at Cherfold (ref 3936), B Squadron at Chiddingfold (ref 4155, pt.220), C Squadron at Burningfold Hall (ref 4454).
	16		Fatigues in new billets.
	17		Fatigues in new billets.
	18		Squadron Training.
	19		Squadron Training.
	21		Regimental Schools instituted for training. Temporary inter-squadron transfers of personnel according to type of training required.
	22 - 31		Squadron Training. Regimental strength - 40 Officers, 511 ORs.

November 1940 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Dorking, .	1 Nov		Regimental strength:-40 officers, 511 ORs.
Surrey			Total of A vehicles:-
			42 tanks Mk VIb 2 Light Tanks Mk V 2 Light Tanks Mk III 6 'Ironside' Humbers Mk I10 scout cars 3 light Dragons Mk II
			Total of B vehicles:-
			1 3-ton breakdown (LAD) 29 3-ton GS, (2 surplus to establishment for use of rear party) 15 30cwt, GS, (4 surplus but one for use of rear party) 3 30cwt Commer, 15 15cwt GS, 1 15cwt water, 1 15 cwt W/T, 1 15cwt office, 3 Humber utility, 4 Austin utility, 3 Norton M/C combinations, 14 Norton M/C solo
	2		Squadron Training.
	4		The Regiment was visited by Major General CWM Norris DSO MC, GOC 1st Armd Division. The General inspected the Squadron areas.
	5		Squadron Training.
			45237 2Lt RP Phillips posted to HQ Squadron 2nd Armd Div wef 25/1/40.
	6		Squadron Training. 1 Cruiser tank received from Chilwell, (Mk IVa).
	7		Squadron Training.
	8		Squadron Training.
	9		Squadron Training.
	11		Squadron Training.
	12		Squadron Training.
	13		Squadron Training.
	14		Squadron Training.
			75840 2Lt B Stevens died at Chiddingfold, Surrey. Cause of death - motor accident. Buried at Chiddingfold Parish Church.
			3 light Dragons transferred to field workshops, Aldershot. 1 Light Tank Mk VI and 1 Cruiser tank Mk IVa received from Chilwell.
	15		Squadron Training.
	16		Squadron Training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk IVa received from Chilwell.
	18		Squadron Training.
	19		Squadron Training. A/Capt CB WREY 89043 to be temp Capt and W/S Lt wef 13/10/40.
	20		Squadron Training.
	21		Squadron Training.
	22		Squadron Training.
			Capt D Thorpe posted to 101 OCTU Sandhurst wef 23/11/40.1 Light Tank Mk VIb transferred to 2nd RGH. 3 Light Tanks Mk VIb transferred to Chilwell.
	23		Squadron Training.
	25		Squadron Training.
	26		Squadron Training.
			Lt HLF Ward promoted Capt wef 22/11/40. P/151667 2Lt JG Beste and P/151671 2Lt JM Hiddleston posted to unit from 55th Training Regiment wef 26/11/40. WO UPT GY/Postings/AG17b, 28/11/40.
	27		Squadron Training.
	28		Squadron Training.
	29		Squadron Training.
	30		Regiment preparing for 7th Corps Manoeuvres. Regimental strength - 40 Officers, 558 ORs.

December 1940 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Dorking	1 Dec		Regimental strength:-38 officers, 559 ORs.
Surrey			Total of A vehicles:-
			5 Cruiser tanks Mk IVa, 38 tanks Mk VIb 3 Light Tanks Mk VI 2 Light Tanks Mk IIIb 6 Humberettes10 scout cars
			Total of B vehicles:-
			1 3-ton breakdown (LAD) 29 3-ton GS, (2 surplus to establishment for use of rear party) 15 30cwt, GS, (4 surplus but one for use of rear party) 3 30cwt Commer, 15 15cwt GS, 1 15cwt water, 1 15 cwt W/T, 1 15cwt office, 3 Humber utility, 4 Austin utility, 3 Norton M/C combinations, 14 Norton M/C solo,
			1 -6 Dec Regiment on 5th Corps Exercise.AFVs, A and B Echelons left billeting area at 2000 and harboured for the night at PRESHAW House ref Q0143. AFVs remained here until evening of 2/12/40 when they began an approach-march Northwards across 'desert' which culminated on the morning 3/12/40 into a dawn attack on the 'oasis' of MARLBORO' ref U6389. Line of Advance:- Stockbridge ref U7956, OVER WALLOP ref U7258, COLLINGBOURNE DUCIES ref U6873, KENNET CANAL, MARLBORO'. Regiment in reserve all day. They harboured for night at school ref U692853.
	4		Dawn attack. Line of advance HUNGERFORD ref U7788 - WANTAGE ref U8408. Regiment now leading element. Objective reached at approx 1300 hours. At 1500 hours A Echelon left harbour and with AFVs returned to billeting area.
	5		Squadron Training.
			1 Light Tank Mk VIIb transferred to Chilwell.
	6		Squadron Training.
			158901 2Lt HC Crowther posted to unit. (WO letter 38/Cadets/AG17b 28/11/40)
	7		Squadron Training.
	9		Squadron Training.
	10		Squadron Training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk IVa received from Chilwell.
	11		Squadron Training.
	12		Squadron Training.
	13		Squadron Training. Lt HLF Ward posted to 54 Training Regiment wef 6/12/40. (WO Teleprinter No.548 AG17r 27/11/40)
	14		Squadron Training.
	16		Squadron Training.
	17		Squadron Training. 1 Morris 30cwt and 1 Commer 30cwt transferred to RAOC Woking.
	18 - 21		Squadron Training.
	23 - 24		Squadron Training.
	26		Squadron Training.
	27		Squadron Training. 130221 Lt C Moncreiff appointed acting Capt wef 24/11/40. 1 A Div Order No.57 13/12/40)
	28		Squadron Training.
	30		Squadron Training.
	31		Squadron Training. 1 Light Tank VIc received from HQ 2nd Armd Brigade.

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