War Diary of 8th Kings Royal Irish Husssars 1943

War Diaries of

8th (King's Royal Irish) Hussars

1943

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January 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
General HQ, A and C Sqns located in billets at Kondea, Cyprus until 19 Jan, when they were joined by A Sqn and reinforcements to complete to war establishment. Whole unit together and up to strength for first time since 26 May 42. Following vehicles were allotted to the unit. It did not correspond to the WE, owing to the limited amount of transport in Cyprus :- 45 Armd Cs 13 Carriers Bren 33 MCs 2 Cars 4-str 2 Trucks 8cwt 20 Trucks 15cwt 2 Trucks 15cwt water 9 Lorries 30cwt 11 Lorries 3-ton
	1 Jan 43		The above vehicles were drawn up during the first three weeks of the month.
			For the first four days of the month the unit was busy drawing accommodation and other stores, consequent on arriving in a new area and a new command.
			Officers are accommodated in billets, ORs all in huts.
			Unit is under command Brig Moffat HQ 20 Ind Inf Bde of 1st Ind Div (commander Maj Gen Blaxhand).
			Higher formation is XXV Corps (commander Lt Gen Hughes).
	2 Jan 43		2RGH personnel posted to 8H joined details at Sidi Bishr
	4 Jan 43		CO issued Training Instruction No 2.
	7 Jan 43		Maj Gwyn lectured at Bde HQ ‘Eye-witness Account of Operations on Himeimat Front Sep - Nov 42’.
	8 Jan 43		D&M and WT classes, run regimentally, recommenced.
	11 Jan 43		Troop training-cum-driving instruction by B and C Sqns commenced.
			Training Instruction No 3 (Wireless Training) issued by CO.
	12 Jan 43		Lecture by CO to all officers and senior NCOs ‘Recce by Armoured Cars in Close Country’.
	14 Jan 43		CO and Maj Huth attended conference at Bde HQ, ‘Mountain Warfare’.
	19 Jan 43		Maj Phillips and rear party, consisting of A Sqn and reinforcements, arrived by SS ‘Fouadieh’ at Famagusta at 0800hrs.
			Fourteen officers and 282 ORs disembarked, including two officers and 100 ORs from 2RGH and two officers and 38 ORs from other sources.
			List of officers who disembarked:- Maj J W Phillips Maj G W G Threlfall Capt H H Firth Capt M E Harari Capt P H Wagstaffe Lt R H Ames Posted to 8H 1 Jan 43 Lt R H Anstey Lt J N Lombard Lt A V Case Lt J E Chapman Lt J Wharton From 2RGH posted 8H 7 Jan Lt C J G Meade From 2RGH posted 8H 7 Jan Lt A J Hind Late 13/18H posted 8H 12 Jan Lt L Preston Late Inns of Court posted 8H 12 Jan Four Daimler armoured cars arrived with above party.
	20 Jan 43		Capt J A G Ladenburg appointed Adjutant vice Capt P H Wagstaffe, who went to C Sqn as 2IC.
			A Sqn drawing up vehicles and settling in from 20-23 Jan.
	23 Jan 43		Demonstration by 61 Fd Coy ( Madras ) SM on mine lifting; attended by all officers. Lt D S Scott and Lt Hon R D G Winn (posted to 8H on 23 Jan) arrived Famagusta with seven ORs.
	24 Jan 43		Copy of AFW3008 and 3009 attached
			Capt Firth took over HQ Sqn from Capt Mills and promoted Major wef this date.
	25 Jan 43		Squadron leaders’ conference. Agenda: Promotion of NCOs
			A Sqn commenced troop training.
	27 Jan 43		CO, Capt Mills and Capt Heycock RMO attended Bde TEWT on ‘jungle warfare’.
	29 Jan 43		Regimental parade. Practice turn-out and drive past for Corps Commander’s inspection on 1 Feb.
	30 Jan 43		Ordered by Brigade at 1400hrs to find two armoured car patrols on coastal roads: (i) Famagusta - Boghaz (ii) Famagusta - Larnanca., owing to shelling of Cape Andreas (Panhandle) by enemy submarine. Two troops found by A and B Sqns respectively. Nothing seen.
	31 Jan 43		One troop found by C Sqn; recce all day coast road Famagusta - Boghaz.
			Corps Commander’s inspection of unit to be held tomorrow, cancelled owing to arrival in island of Mr Winston Churchill after his conference in Turkey .
			Copy of AFW3008 and 3009 attached

February 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Feb 43		Distribution of officers attached. Nominal Roll of Officers RHQ HQ Sqn T/Lt Col C Goulburn CO A/Maj H H Firth OC WS/Maj J W Phillips 2IC T/Capt T M Mills 2IC T/Capt J A G Ladenburg AdjtT/Capt N D A Hall Tech Offr WS/Lt A R Newman IO WS/Lt F E Adams RTO WS/Lt M C Walker RSO Lt(QM) E O’Malley QM A Sqn B Sqn OC T/Maj G W G Threlfall T/Maj J W Gwyn 2IC WS/Capt M E Harari T/Capt J R Robertson 1Tp WS/Lt J E Chapman (Carrier Tp) WS/Lt R H Ames 2Tp WS/Lt R P G Dill WS/Lt L Preston 3Tp WS/Lt A V Case 4Tp WS/Lt R H Anstey WS/Lt G V Bates 5Tp WS/Lt A J Hind WS/Lt C J G Meade (Carrier Tp) 6Tp WS/Lt R D G Winn (Close Recce) WS/Lt J N Lombard (Close Recce) C Sqn T/Maj P H Huth OC T/Capt P H Wagstaffe 2IC WS/Lt D S Scott 2Tp WS/Lt F J E Hurst 3TP (Carrier Tp) WS/Lt J A S Hepburn 4Tp WS/Lt J Wharton 5Tp WS/Lt H R D Pegler 6Tp (Close Recce) Throughout the month troop training was carried out. Strength of Unit ORs Officers In Cyprus 456 31 and 2 att (MO and Padre) Courses etc, Egypt 32 Hospital , Cyprus 10 Total 498
			List of Officers Lt Col C Goulburn Maj J W Phillips Maj G W G Threlfall Maj P H Huth Maj J W Gwyn Maj H H Firth Capt M E Harari Capt N D A Hall Capt P H Wagstaffe Capt T M Mills Capt J Robertson Capt J A G Ladenburg Lt F E Adams Lt R H Ames Lt J E Chapman Lt A R Newman Lt H R D Pegler Lt G V Bates Lt M C Walker Lt A V Case Lt D S Scott Lt J N Lombard Lt R P G Dill Lt F J E Hurst Lt R H Anstey Lt J A S Hepburn Lt C J G Meade Lt J Wharton Lt A J Hind Lt L Preston Lt Hon R D G Winn Lt(QM) E O’Malley Capt J B Heycock MO Capt Rev F L Hone Padre
			Corps Commander’s inspection of unit cancelled at short notice, owing to sudden arrival of Mr Winston Churchill in Cyprus .
	2 Feb 43		Squadron leaders’ conference.
	4 Feb 43		CO lectured all officers and troop sergeants on ‘Organisation, Role and Handling of the Close Recce Troop in the Armoured Car Squadron’.
	6 Feb 43		All officers attended lecture by Corps Commander, Lt Gen I T P Hughes DSO MC, in Nicosia . Subject: ‘Conditions in Cyprus ; Relations between Military and Civil; Welfare of Troops; Training and Maintaining the Offensive Spirit’.
			Signal arrived from 4 Lt Armd Bde that Tpr Weir had been awarded an immediate DCM for action when Maj Harbord was killed.
	8 Feb 43		CO lectured whole Regiment on regimental history.
	11 Feb 43		CO, 2IC and squadron leaders on Brigade TEWT - Defence of western plain. Director : Brig Moffatt, Comd 10 Armd Bde.
	13 Feb 43		Corps Comd, Lt Gen Hughes, inspected the Regiment.
	15 Feb 43		2IC gave second lecture on regimental history. All ranks attended.
	16 Feb 43		CO and five officers attended Brigade TEWT. CO gave lecture to all officers and troop sergeants in the evening. Subject: Flank guards. Lecture followed by discussion on contact drill.
	19 Feb 43		RQMS Spooner proceeded to Egypt to await posting to Home Establishment - seventeen years with Regiment.
			CO and Adjt attended all-day discussion on ‘The Target and Interim Garrisons of the Island ’, conducted by the Corps Commander at HQ XXV Corps.
	20 Feb 43		Lt Tisdall and seventeen ORs arrived from mainland.
			CO, two officers and six sergeants attended umpires’ conference and recce of ground for 7th Div exercise.
	21 Feb 43		Detachment of eighteen officers and 200 ORs attended ceremonial Church Parade at Nicosia Stadium, to pay homage to Russian dead. Detachment commander Maj Phillips, 2IC. CO represented Brigade Commander in Governor’s stand. Salute taken by Colonial Secretary, Mr Shaw, and Corps Commander, Lt Gen Hughes.
			Three officers proceeded on seven-days minelifting course.
	22 Feb 43		Capt Mills proceeded to mainland to attend course at Junior Staff School Sarafand.
	24 Feb 43		Funeral of Tpr Harley at Nicosia cemetery
	25 Feb 43		CO conducted Brigade TEWT ‘To Study the Handling of an Armd C Sqn’.
	26 Feb 43		CO gave lecture to certain NCOs on ‘Contact Umpires’.
	27 Feb 43		Squadron leaders’ conference.
			One officer and four NCOs proceeded as umpires on three-day exercise of 7th Div.

March 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Mar 43		Throughout March the Regiment remained at Kondea carrying out squadron training, with two regimental signal exercises towards the end of the month.
			Heavy rain and floods stopped all movement of vehicles off main roads for ten days. This interfered with squadron exercises
			Strength of the unit:- ORs Offrs A Sqn 120 Cyprus 32 and 2 att (MO & Padre) B Sqn 122 Mainland 2 Base Depot; course C Sqn 110 Junior Staff School Cyprus courses 11 Mainland courses 22 Total 483
			XXV Corps ordered the Regiment to find one squadron at 30mins notice at all times wef this date, as part of the island defence scheme, to deal with any minor landing or attack of installations by paratroops.
	2 Mar 43		CO, Lts Lombard and Winn, six WOs and sergeants, nine LCpls, away from unit until evening 5 Mar. Umpiring on 1st Ind Div exercise in hill country NW of Larnaca.
	5 Mar 43		CO returned from exercise 1700hrs. Snow, turning to heavy rain.
	6-7 Mar 43		Heavy rain rendered much of country impassable.
	10 Feb 43		Brigade Commander (Brig Moffatt), accompanied by CO, watched B Sqn training in country between Famagusta and Larnaca. Squadron exercise set by CO.
			Regimental boxing tournament in afternoon.
	11 Mar 43		Brigade lecture at KT on ‘Role of a Field Regiment in Support of an Armoured Brigade’, by officer of 97 Fd Regt (KY). All available officers attended.
	12 Mar 43		Regimental B Echelon exercise commenced 1400hrs. Director : CO; Assistant Director : Maj Firth. To practise:- (i) Movement by second-class road to Larnaca, practising driving and road discipline. (ii) Night march from Larnaca through hill country on second-class road to night leaguer. (iii) Defence of leaguer against attack by paratroops at dawn, firing live ammunition. (iv) Move by day into day leaguer positions, and camouflaging of vehicles in leaguer.
	13 Mar 43		B Echelon exercise terminated 1300hrs. Heavy rain 1300hrs until evening 14 Mar.
	15 Mar 43		Demonstration by ‘demonstration troop’, ie three Daimler cars. Troop commander Lt Wharton; Director Maj Phillips. Fighting echelon of all squadrons attended. Loudspeaker broadcast. Place: on main road Kondea - Famagusta . Two demonstrations were given:- (i) Advance by the troop along road. Contact is made with enemy A Tk gun. Contact drill. (ii) Tp taking up position of observation. The standing patrol.
	16 Mar 43		B and C Sqn exercise set by CO. Area, eastern plain. Heavy rain on tracks already very wet, resulted in six vehicles becoming bogged. These vehicles were not got out until three days later, when weather improved.
	17 Mar 43		St Patrick’s Day. Regimental holiday. Heavy rain from 1400hrs onwards.
	19 Mar 43		Regimental wireless exercise. General Idea: British force landed at Famagusta moving towards Nicosia . 8H doing right flank guard against enemy located to Kyrenia hills.
	20-21 Mar 43		Violent rainstorms.
	22 Mar 43		Regimental B Echelon exercise commenced 0900hrs. Director : CO; Asst Director : Maj Firth. To practise:- (i) Two vehicle convoys meeting and passing where one squadron is already halted on side of road. Carried out on road Kondea - Lefkoniko. (ii) Daylight leaguer by squadrons on North coast road East of Kyrenia. (iii) Battle practice and firing of live ammunition by B Echelon personnel. (iv) A night march into squadron night leaguer areas.
			Squadron minelifting courses commenced. Each squadron has the use of training mines for two days. Chief Instructor: Lt Newman, Intelligence Officer.
	23 Mar 43		B Echelon terminated 1000hrs.
			Regimental WT exercise for RHQ and all armoured cars in squadrons fitted with wireless. General Idea: 8H covering a landing at Famagusta , occupies line of observation Lefkoniko - Larnaca. 8H advances West as covering troops to the force.
	24 Mar 43		WT exercise. RHQ and squadron rear links only. Max RT distance obtained on No 19 Sets: 36 miles.
	25 Mar 43		300 ORs of the unit attended a training film and demonstration of tough tactics, at cinema - Famagusta .
			CO attended conference at 1st Ind Div HQ on forthcoming exercise TOUGH.
	26 Mar 43		Notification that SSM Atkins and LCpl Scrugham had obtained periodical awards of MM
	27 Mar 43		Lt Col Charlton arrived from Arab Legion to carry out attachment to the Regiment for six weeks.
	29 Mar 43		B Sqn exercise set by CO. Area Trikomo and NE into ‘Panhandle’. To practise:- (i) Control of squadron moving on two roads. (ii) Concentration of close recce tp at roadblock to recce block and attack. (iii) Standing patrols in mountainous country, consisting each of one Armd C tp and one sec close recce tp. B Sqn remained out night 29/30. 3ins Mortar course commenced for three NCOs from each close recce tp. Instructor: Sergeant from Kings Own. C Sqn training. Night out 29/30. North coast area.
	30 Mar 43		A Sqn exercise set by CO. A Sqn moving East across eastern plain on four-troop frontage. Wireless silence except to report arrival on bounds. Sqn on ten-mile front.
			A Sqn night out 30/31. Salamis Forest .
			C Sqn night out 30/31.
	31 Mar 43		A and C Sqn exercise set by CO. A Sqn advancing West, C Sqn East. Both covering soft vehicles, whose role it is to pick up paratroops dropped inside the frontier of the other side’s state. Both squadrons on twelve-mile front.

	8th Hussars Operational Instruction No 2 (Movement to Concentration Area)

Ref map Cyprus ½ins.	SECRET
		Copy No 11

This instruction supersedes operational Instruction No 1 dated 12 Jan 43, which will be destroyed by fire and certificate to that effect rendered to this HQ. 1. Information 10 Armd Bde Composition: Force HQ (HQ 20 Ind Inf Bde & Sigs) 4H less one sqn (under comd 7th Div) 8H less one sqn 470 Fd Bty RA 3GR (trucked) Det Fd Coy RE A Coy 21 Fd Amb (less det). 2. Role Striking force but prepared to operate in small groups to deal with airborne troops. 3. Intention 8th Hussars will move to battle position areas when ordered. 4. Method Degrees of readiness will be as follows:-
(a) ACTION	CODEWORD	ACTION TO BE TAKEN
BATTLE POSITIONS	WELLINGTON	(a) Surplus baggage, stores & personnel will move to Keep L (MALCURDA R. 5756) (b) 8H less “A” Sqn will move at once to battle posns. I.e. STROVOLOS S.0366 or WAYES KEEP R.932690 whichever is ordered. (c) On arrival battle posn. area, one Sqdn will remain at 30 minutes readiness for action. Remainder at 3 hrs notice. (d) B.1. Ech. Will accompany sqdns. On move the battle posn. areas. (e) Normal ground and air sentries in battle posn. areas will be maintained throughout the 24 hours (f) On completion (a) above, B Ech, less “A” Sqdn will be brigaded and move under orders B.T.O. (g) “A” Sqdn will come under command 7 Div.
ACTION STATIONS	HAIG	All tps man battle stations, i.e. crews man vehicles, for instant action against enemy
5. Codewords will be understood by all and action will be taken immediately on receipt of them at any hour of the day or night. 6. While either of the above degrees of readiness is in force, sqns will be prepared to deal with enemy paratroops in their immediate neighbourhood. 7. In event of a Det Gp being formed to deal with isolated bodies of enemy, C Sqn will form part of this force, which will be known as LENCOL. Composition LENCOL: Comd 4H Tps B Sqn 4H (cruisers) One Sqn 8H One Tp 470 Fd Bty RA One Coy 3GR. Codeword for formation of this group - LEMON. 8. Tracings showing demolitions and roadblocks will NOT be reproduced and every effort will be made to prevent them falling into enemy hands. 9. If capture of a vehicle by the enemy appears imminent or unavoidable, it is primary duty of all ranks to destroy vehicle rather than allow it to fall into enemy hands. 10. Administration Adm Appx to 8H OO No 1 dated 21 Jan 43. Amend as follows: (1) Para 1. Cancel except last line. ‘Non-runner Armd Cs will be evacuated to VRP Strovolos B0266’. (2) Para 3. POL. For ‘100 miles’ read ‘160 miles’. (3) Para 6. For ‘7 days’ read ‘3 days’. For ‘Sqns’ read ‘each vehicle’. 11. Intercommunication By WT and DR. Callsigns, map ref, codes and WT codes, as in force. ACKNOWLEDGE
Field		(Sgd) ??????? Lt Col
March 43		Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Distribution List
Copy No 1 A Sqn
2 B Sqn
3 C Sqn
4 HQ Sqn
5 Comd
6 IO
7 Sigs Offr
8 QM
9 Tech Offr
10 File
11-12 War Diary

Adm Appx to 8H Op Instr No 2 dated 17 Mar 43

Ref map Cyprus ½ins.		SECRET
		Copy No 12
		24 March 43

This adm appx supersedes adm appx dated 21 Jan 43 to 8H OO No 1 dated 12 Jan 43, which will be destroyed by fire and certificate to this effect rendered to this HQ. 1. It is likely that prior warning will be given before battle posns are ordered. In which case, action will be as follows: (i) Surplus baggage and stores to Malcurda R5756, accompanied by personnel less (ii) below. (ii) Spare Armd C crews to [illegible] 0158. (iii) Nonrunner Armd Cs to VRP Strovolos S0366. If Battle Posns or Action Stations is received without any prior warning, surplus baggage, stores and spare personnel will remain present location. 2. Amn Full echs as per G1098. Res carried as follows: B1 1/3 res; B2/B3 2/3 res. 3. POL Full tanks and 130 miles to be carried as follows: B1 80 miles; B2/B3 100 miles. 4. Water Water trucks full. To be regarded as unit res for refilling 2-gall containers if necessary. 2-gall containers to be carried full on scale one container to one man. Replenishment from waterbottles if opened, or from local resources. Sqns will carry chlorinating powder. 5. Sups (i) Unexpired portion of day’s ration and three days battle ration will be carried on every vehicle. (ii) Balance of battle rations for personnel proceeding to Malcurda etc will be handed in to FMC Malcurda. 6. Maintenance Policy (i) Normal maintenance will be continued as long as possible. B Ech will draw direct from FMCs, supplemented where necessary by 2nd Line RASC. (ii) FMCs are located as follows: Amn Sup POL No 1 FMC - ???????? R890580 R878564 R885545 R895553 No 2 FMC - ???????? R786560 R785550 R783573 R781562 No 3 FMC - Troodos R590410 R624410 R589411 (R620348 (R550349 No 4 FMC - ???????? R150740 R155735 R148742 R153745 Limited stocks of sups and amn are held in Keeps. (iii) When drawing from FMC or Keeps, B Ech will refill completely.
7. B Ech. B Ech tpt will remain with unit and under unit comd until ordered to come under Bde comd. Bde B Ech comd will be the senior unit B Ech comd. 8. Med Permanent MRSs are established at: (i) ???????? S090825 (ii) ???????? R6249 (iii) ???????? R877535. 9. Rec (i) All towable vehicles which cannot be got going by sqn fitters will be recovered by sqns onto nearest main road. These, and non-towables, will be reported to RHQ. (ii) Battle stations of wksps as follows: 2nd Line - 90 Bde Larnaca 10 Bde ???????? 25 Bde Strovolos. 3rd Line - 3 Indep ???????? (0153). 10. PWs All PWs to Bde HQ. 11. Traffic and Pro (i) Lighting - normally no lights. (ii) One MC per sqn will report Regtl Pro Sgt for pro duties. 12. Liaison with Civil Authorities To be done through civil LO at Bde HQ. ACK.
Field		(Sgd) J A G Ladenburg
24 Mar 43		Lt Col
		Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Distribution List
Copy No 1 A Sqn
2 B Sqn
3 C Sqn
4 HQ Sqn
5 Comd
6 IO
7 Sigs Offr
8 QM
9 Tech Offr
10 File
11-12 War Diary

Appx A issued to this HQ letter No 283 dated 24 Mar 43

Amdt No 1 Para 1. After ‘A Coy 21 Fd Amb (less det)’, add ‘Tp 115 Lt AA Bty (six Bofors)’.

Amdt No 2 Para 4(a)(a) Add ‘Spare Armd C crews will proceed to [illegible] (0158)’.

Amdt No 3 Para 4(a)(f) Delete and substitute new para: ‘On completion (a) above B Ech less A Sqn will remain with unit until ordered to move under Bde comd’.

Amdt No 4 Para 4(a). Add sub-para (h):

‘(h) One tp from Regt less A Sqn will move [illegible] (0865) and come under comd XXV Corps on arrival’.

Amdt No 5 Para 4(a). Add sub-para (j):

‘(j) If [illegible] is ordered, one sqn less one tp only will proceed to [illegible] one sqn still proceed to [illegible] one tp to [illegible] (see 4(b) above).

Sqn less one tp to [illegible] area main road 9265. Route - main rd - [illegible] to 072687 - bypass to 073668 - to 053667 - 053650 - 027662.

April 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Apr 43		The main events of the month were two Corps exercises, TIGER and TOUGH.
			TIGER consisted in the move to, and occupation of, battle positions which will be manned in the event of an enemy invasion of the island.
			TOUGH consisted of large-scale manoeuvres, lasting ten days, in the hill country in the western half of the island.
			The end of the month found the Regiment still in Kondea
			Strength of unit: ORs 34 offrs and three att. A Sqn 117 B Sqn 127 C Sqn 113 HQ Sqn 100 Det Cyprus 3 Courses 27 (mainland) Total 487
			Maj Gwyn and Lt Col Charlton, Arab Legion, who is on attachment to 8H for six weeks, attended discussion held by Corps HQ, on mountain warfare.
			Lt Adams proceeded to mainland to take over Base Details at Abbassia from Lt McClintock.
	2 Apr 43		CO and Adjutant attended discussion at Corps HQ on the island defence scheme and the plan to defeat invasion.
			Regimental cadre class on 3ins infantry mortar finished one week’s course and gave demonstration of firing mortar.
	5 Apr 43		Maj Gen Moorhead DAG GHQ, accompanied by Corps Comd, visited unit. Various A matters discussed.
			Exercise TIGER commenced by receipt of codeword at 1440hrs. 8H less A Sqn moved to battle position at Waynes Keep, becoming part of the mobile armoured reserve known as CRUSADER FORCE. A Sqn remained Kondea, coming under comd 7th Div and forming part of Eastern striking force.
	6 Apr 43		Unit remained at Waynes Keep all day, vehicles under camouflage nets.
	7 Apr 43		TIGER ended 1245hrs. Unit returned to Kondea.
	8 Apr 43		CO attended comds’ conference at HQ 1st Ind Div on Exercise TOUGH.
			D-Day TOUGH.
	9 Apr 43		D+1 day TOUGH.
			Maj Dunne and 20 ORs arrived from mainland. Maj Dunne was wounded in Nov 41 and had only recently been medically graded A.
	10 Apr 43		D+2 day TOUGH.
			B Sqn moved off after dusk to Akaki, coming under comd 10 Ind Inf Bde.
	11 Apr 43		D+3 day TOUGH.
			8H, less A and B Sqns, moved to concentration areas for TOUGH, after dark, as follows:-
			RHQ area HQ 1st Ind Div Athalassa; C Sqn area Malounda; A Sqn came under comd 7th Div and remained Kondea until 12 Apr.
	12 Apr 43		TOUGH. Role of 8H, less A and B Sqns, with 9 Fd Coy under comd, Div res. Tasks:
			Delay any enemy movement across frontier on roads Palekhori - Malounda and Kato Moni - Malounda.
			Patrolling on above roads as far West as Khandria and Kato Moni.
			Role of 10 Ind Inf Bde with B Sqn 8H under comd: Initially to capture J Keeps and Amiandos area. Subsequently, in conjunction with 7th Div, capture Paphos.
			Role of 7th Div with A Sqn 8H under comd: Capture Limassol and advance along coastal plain to capture Paphos.
	14 Apr 43		TOUGH. War declared 1800hrs.
	15 Apr 43		TOUGH. C Sqn in contact with enemy all day Palekhori.
	16 Apr 43		TOUGH. Enemy withdrew from Palekhori night 15/16. C Sqn followed up. Heavy rain on mountain roads made movement most difficult.
			B Sqn reverted to comd 8H and moved into res at Athalassa.
	17 Apr 43		TOUGH. One tp B Sqn (Lt Preston) came under comad 10 Ind Inf Bde and returned to area Amiandos.
			C Sqn, having cleared up situation in area Khandria during night 16/17 and early morning 17, came into res in area Athalassa.
	18 Apr 43		TOUGH. 8H, less A Sqn and one tp B Sqn, in res area Athalassa.
	19 Apr 43		TOUGH. B Sqn moved out at first light to area Lefka. Role: prevent any attempt by enemy to debouch from area Lefka into Morphou Plain.
			B Sqn in contact with CVF (enemy) from 0900hrs until termination of exercise on 21 Apr.
	20 Apr 43		TOUGH. C Sqn moved out at first light. Role: Standing patrols on coast from Kyrenia westwards to observe any possible enemy landing.
	21 Apr 43		TOUGH. 1100hrs. CEASE FIRE.
			RHQ and B Sqn returned to Kondea.
	22 Apr 43		A and C Sqns returned to Kondea.
	23 Apr 43		Sqn leaders’ conference.
			Lt A F McClintock arrived by air from mainland.
	24 Apr 43		Demonstration by paratroops from mainland, landing on coast East of Larnaca.
			Brig Hackett (late OC C Sqn) comd paratroops, to lunch.
			Following offrs and ORs proceeded to mainland:-
			Capt Wagstaffe - To METC (sub-unit comd’s course).
			Capt Harari - compassionate leave.
			Lt Dill - To offrs selection board for permanent commission.
			Four ORs - for OCTU selection board.
			Leave season in island commenced. 45 ORs to Holiday Camp Famagusta for seven days.
	28 Apr 43		Rifle and LMG practices commenced on open ranges at Athalassa and Trikomo.
	30 Apr 43		Strength of unit:-
			ORs 35 offrs and 3 att. A Sqn 126 Att R Sigs 28 B Sqn 127 REME 15 C Sqn 123 ACC 10 HQ Sqn 98 Det Cyprus 5 Courses 16 (mainland) Total 495 53

May 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1-8 May 43		43 Individual and troop training continued from Kondea until 21 May, when unit commenced moving to new campsite at MS11 road Nicosia - Peristerona. Training recommenced 26 May.
			Musketry (Rifle and LMG) by all sqns at ranges at Athalassa and Trikomo.
			Owing to certain moves on the island, 8H ceased to be under comd 10 Armd Bde and reverted to direct comd 1st Ind Div.
	6 May 43		CO and seven offrs attended Corps HQ indoor combined ops Exercise APHRODITE - two days 6 and 7 May.
	8 May 43		Lt Col Charlton, Arab Legion, left unit after a six weeks attachment.
			CO issued training instruction dealing with individual and troop training.
	10-15 May 43		All sqns on troop training. Away from camp 2-3 days
	13 May 43		Lt Hepburn and Lt Lombard left for attachment to Household Cavalry Regiment (Armd Cs) on mainland (Ninth Army - Syria ).
	15 May 43		Lt Hepburn and Lt Lombard left for attachment to Household Cavalry Regiment (Armd Cs) on mainland (Ninth Army - Syria ).
	16 May 43		Sqn leaders’ conference.
	17-20 May 43		All sqns out on troop training, away from camp.
	20 May 43		Maintenance of B vehicles inspection by UMI Ninth Army. Good report.
	21 May 43		Movement to new camp, MS11, commenced.
	24 May 43		Move to new camp completed.
	26 May 43		Regimental TEWT to study the handling of an Armd C troop. All officers and troop sergeants attended. Directed by CO.
	27-31 May 43		Troop training recommenced. Sqns away from camp
	29 May 43		Lt Young rejoined unit after six months absence, most of the time in hospital.

June 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Jun 43		Troop and sqn training continued during the first week of the month, the Regiment being located at MS11 road Nicosia - Peristerona.
			On 6 Jun a warning order was received that unit was to stand by at 48hrs notice to move to mainland any time after 9 Jun.
			All vehicles, war equipment (except G1098 stores) and accommodation stores (except tents) were handed in between 7 and 10 Jun. As no movement order had been received, individual training in a number of subjects was restarted on 14 Jun, and continued until the Regiment moved on 21 Jun.
			21-25 Jun was spent in travelling and on 25 Jun the unit arrived at Beni Yousef Camp. The remainder of the month was spent in drawing up vehicles and stores.
			Strength state on 1 Jun:
			ORs A Sqn 106 Officers 36 B Sqn 111 C Sqn 115 HQ Sqn 103 Det Cyprus 14 Courses 24 (mainland) Total 473 Hospital 40
			On 1 Jun a regimental officers mess was opened. Through force of circumstances, sqn messes had been the rule since Apr 1942.
	4 Jun 43		Regimental welfare meeting presided over by 2IC, met in St Patrick’s Club.
	5 Jun 43		Capt Wagstaffe returned from Junior Commanders Course METC.
	6 Jun 43		CO, Adjt and QM attended conference at XXV Corps and warned that the Regiment was under orders to leave the island any time after 9 Jun.
	7 Jun 43		Sir John Woolley, Governor of Cyprus, lunched in the Officers Mess.
			CO spoke to whole Regiment on coming move and impressed on all ranks the vital importance of security.
	8-10 Jun 43		Handing in of all war equipment (except G1098 stores), amn, accommodation stores (except tents), Armd Cs and all B vehicles (except six) during these three days
	11 Jun 43		Regimental TEWT conducted by CO, for all officers, troop sergeants and troop corporals, on the handling of an Armd C troop in roaded country after contact with the enemy.
			Organisation of troop: one Dingo; two Armd Cs; one 75mm gun.
			Particular attention made to the use of 75mm gun for clearing the road ahead and allowing the troop to continue their advance. Also to a troop doing a standing patrol.
	12 Jun 43		GOC made an informal visit to the Regiment, to say goodbye to CO and sqn leaders.
	13 Jun 43		Fire in officers lines which destroyed two 160lb tents and all personal kit of three officers
	14-20 Jun 43		Individual training in unit lines
	15 Jun 43		Lt Hepburn and Lt Lombard returned from a three-weeks attachment to Household Cavalry Regiment (Lt Col Gooch) in Syria .
	18 Jun 43		Regimental TEWT conducted by CO, for all officers, troop sergeants and troop corporals, on the handling of an Armd C troop, with particular reference to the use of the close recce section in giving troop leader local protection when getting into a position of observation, dismounted in broken country.
	20 Jun 43		Movement order received from XXV Corps ordering unit to proceed by rail to Famagusta on 21 Jun and embark that night. Rear party to be left behind - Lt Pegler and fifteen ORs.
	21 Jun 43		Regiment moved to FMA and embarked on HM minelaying cruiser. See 8H Mov Instr No 1 dated 21 Jun. Ship sailed about midnight.
	22 Jun 43		Arrived Beirut about 0800hrs. Disembarked. Personnel and unit baggage conveyed by MT to transit camp.
	23 Jun 43		Entrained at Beirut Station in the evening. Train departed 2100hrs for Egypt .
	24 Jun 43		In transit between Syria and Egypt .
			Detrained Giza 1000hrs. Regiment conveyed to Beni Yousef by march route to tram stop, by tram to Mena and by MT to camp.
			CO proceeded to GHQ where he was informed that Regiment would move to Cyrenaica on 4 Jul on anti-paratroop role in area of airfields.
			Cars and equipment were to be issued commencing 30 Jun. CO requested another week to draw up new equipment etc before moving.
	25 Jun 43		CO to GHQ. Request granted. Unit to move 11 Jul.
	26 Jun 43		CO to GHQ. Request granted. Unit to move 11 Jul
	27 Jun 43		B vehicles drawn from 13 Veh Coy, Mena and Tel el Kebir.
	28 Jun 43		CO to Armd C Wing. Interviewed S African officers and selected three to come to Regiment.
	29 Jun 43		CO to MEOSB GHQ southern Maadi. Drawing of Armd Cs from Tel el Kebir commenced.
			Drawing of Armd Cs from Tel el Kebir continued.
			Strength state:
			ORs A Sqn 114 Officers 35 B Sqn 119 C Sqn 113 HQ Sqn 112 Rear party 15 ( Cyprus ) Courses 23 (Abbassia) Total 496

July 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Jul 43		The beginning of the month found the unit at Beni Yousef Camp under secret orders to move to Benghazi area on 11 Jul.
			It was obvious, therefore, that the whole period until that date would be taken up with drawing up new vehicles, refitting and preparing to go into the field.
			The Regiment was to be equipped as follows:-
			Armd Cs 58 WE: 58 3-ton lorries 27 15cwt trucks 13 15cwt water trucks 4 15cwt WT trucks 4 Bantams 5 Staff cars 2 LAD: 15cwt truck 1 3-ton lorries 2 Breakdown tractor 1 Workshop s lorry 1 Signals Troop: 8cwt trucks 2 15cwt trucks 3 10cwt trucks WT 1 3-ton lorries 2
			The Armd Cs were all Marmon Herrington MkIIIs and had all recently been overhauled, or refitted with new engines, at Tel el Kebir, from where they were drawn. In spite of being old, they were all in quite good condition. 30 of them were fitted with WT sets but, as a result of strong representations made by the CO, an addition of ten No 11 sets were obtained.
			These, in addition to the five sets held by the unit and brought from Cyprus, and a further four issued as ground stations, made it possible to equip 43 Armd Cs with WT and six ground stations. A total of 49 sets, plus one with R Sigs Troop attached, were taken into the field.
			The Armd Cs had a mixed armament, twelve being without turrets and fitted with the Italian 47mm guns, nine had 20mm guns (Solathurn, Breda or KWK), the rest being fitted with the normal Boys A Tk rifle and Bren guns.
			All the B vehicles, except the two staff cars, were either new or practically new, the majority being Dodge, with rear-wheel drive only
			During these first days of July the CO was extremely busy interviewing many people at GHQ and RAC Trg Depot, regaining ‘touch’ after the unit’s six-month stay in Cyprus . As there was no time to do any set training, it was decided that all who had not had leave in Cyprus should now take four days leave in the Delta.
			By the time the unit left Beni Yousef the majority of officers and men had had leave within the last three months, the exceptions being those key personnel who were required during this fortnight of re-equipment.
	3 Jul 43		CO left for short leave in Alexandria . Capt Robertson and Lt Hurst to METC on tactical course.
	4 Jul 43		Lt Preston and three ORs to Armd C Wing on WT instructors course.
	5 Jul 43		SSM Clarke and SQMS Melson posted to RAC Trg Depot to await passage to UK , having served over ten years and seven years respectively with the Regiment.
			Promotion of Sgt Burrows as SSM of B Sqn and Sgt Fleming as SQMS of HQ Sqn.
	6 Jul 43		CO returned from leave, late in the day.
	7 Jul 43		Three S African officers, seconded to British Army, who had been selected by CO at a recent interview, joined the unit - Lts Rampf, Bennie and Mossop. Posted to A, B and C Sqns in that order.
			Also, the new EME arrived, Lt Best, as a result of an application made by the CO sometime previously.
	8 Jul 43		The Regiment was inspected by Maj Gen C Norman MGAFV GHQ.
			All Armd Cs were paraded in line on the desert ground South of the camp, with B vehicles behind in sqn packets. Men were dressed in front of their vehicles, in light battle order. The turnout was very good.
			The General arrived at 1100hrs and the general Salute was given. The General inspected the men and vehicles, after which he gave a short address. The CO then introduced him to all the officers.
			Points brought up by the CO were chiefly in connection with the Regiment’s future, combined with a protest at being given another semi-static role in a back area, and the impossibility of continuing training on the new lines with the equipment now given to the Regiment.
			The General left at 1230hrs.
		1800hrs	Preliminary verbal movement orders given to Adjutant at GHQ.
	9 Jul 43		Six men selected for exchange draft with personnel from UK under special arrangements made between WO and ME. Qualifications - battle experience. The men chosen were: SQMS Newman, C Sqn; Sgt Broadfield MM, HQ Sqn; LSgt Pickersgill, C Sqn; Cpl Kendall, B Sqn; Tpr Coxhead, A Sqn; Tpr Toms, C Sqn.
			Orders re move to Benghazi received from GHQ (no copies - see 8H Movement Orders 1 and 2 Appx D1/2	Appx D1/2
	10 Jul 43		Capt Firth posted to RAC Trg Depot, not being medically fit to serve in the desert. Other officers to be left behind:
			Maj Phillips Hospital Capt WagstaffeHospital Capt Robertson METC Lt Hurst METC Lt Wharton Hospital Lt Preston Course Armd C Wing.
	11 Jul 43		Move commenced as per Movement Orders Nos 1 and 2. Road party left Beni Yousef 0730hrs. Rail party loaded cars at Giza during the morning and departed Giza 1800hrs in two trains. Road party staged El Imayid.
	12 Jul 43		Road party staged night 12/13 Jul at Matruh.
	13 Jul 43		Rail party arrived Tobruk evening. Staged night 13/14 transit camp Tobruk . Road party staged night 13/14 Buq Buq
	14 Jul 43		OO No 3 issued for onward move Tobruk - Benghazi . See Appx D3. Road party staged night 14/15 Tobruk.	Appx D3
	15 Jul 43		Whole Regiment departed Tobruk 0700hrs. Staged night 15/16 Martuba.
	16 Jul 43		Advance party reached Barce 0815hrs. CO called at HQ CYRDIST and met the District Commander, Maj Gen Collier CBE MC, who gave him his role:
			‘8H will constitute the District mobile reserve available for employment anywhere in the District. Most probable task will be to deal offensively with any enemy paratroop landings made in the area Benghazi .’
			CO requested that the Regiment should be kept together. This was agreed and the area of Km20 road Benghazi - Agedabia was allotted as the campsite.
		1230hrs	Arrived HQ 93 Sub Area and met the Comd, Col Hillyard.
			Conducted to campsite by Staff Capt Q. The area had been in continuous use as a staging area and was found to be in a filthy condition. 9th Gurkhas were in camp on the area. They moved out the next day and handed over their tentage to the Regiment.
		1830hrs	A certain number of permanent structures were available and four ruined buildings beside the main road were allotted, one to each sqn, as mess rooms, sqn canteens and sqn stores. One stone hut in good condition was allotted to RHQ and Orderly Room etc , one ruined hut to Sergeants Mess and St Patricks Club, two wooden huts to QM, a high-walled stone fort to Officers Mess, and a small ruined Arab village to regimental fitters and LAD. These buildings eased considerably the congestion in the tents, 180lbs.
			Accommodation stores were practically non-existent.
	17 Jul 43		Arrival of main body of Regiment. The move was completed with a minimum of breakdowns or accidents, only one lorry, which had previously given trouble, arriving on tow, and no accidents.
			On arrival in the field, the strength of the Regiment was as shown on AFs W3008 and W3009 Appx 1	Appx 1
			Present Courses Hospital 30 officers Capt Robertson Maj Phillips Lt Preston Capt Wagstaffe Lt Hurst Lt Wharton Maj Threlfall acting 2IC and PRI in absence of Maj Phillips. Capt Ames acting OC A Sqn. ORs Present Courses & Employed Hospital Rear Party at Base Depot Egypt Cyprus Cyprus 419 52 16 14
	18 Jul 43		Cleaning up area and settling into new camp. One sqn to be kept in camp at 30mins notice, for use against paratroops if required.
	19 Jul 43		Cleaning up area etc. CO went out on recce and contacted comds of units of RAF Regt etc.
	20 Jul 43		Lt Kirkham joined unit. CO out on recce.
	21 Jul 43		By this date sqns had practically settled into their areas and the whole camp presented a very different picture to the condition it was in when the unit arrived. The CO inspected the camp
			The ADMS and ADM visited the unit and agreed that conditions were now reasonably sanitary.
	22 Jul 43		Comd 93 Sub Area paid an informal visit to the unit, but the CO was out on recce.
			CO issued Operation Instruction No 1. Att at Appx D4.	Appx D4.
	25 Jul 43		Warning received of possible air raids by low-flying planes, as reprisal for RAF raids on Crete on 23 Jul.
			At a sqn leaders’ conference in the morning the CO warned them to keep the men on the alert, and a PAD scheme was issued. Appx D6	Appx D6
	26 Jul 43		Week’s training programme attached at Appx J1
	27 Jul 43		Comd CYRDIST, Maj Gen Collier, paid an official visit to the unit, arriving 1200hrs. There was no inspection, but the General visited sqn areas and watched normal individual training. He stayed to lunch in the mess, and afterwards discussed various points put forward by CO.
			25 officers and senior NCOs attended the GOC’s lecture on ABCA in Benghazi , in the evening.
	30 Jul 43		Leave to Delta re-started.

Appendix D3
SECRET
Movement Order 8 Hussars Operation Order No 3
1. 8 Hussars will move to Benghazi in accordance with the following march table, which will be strictly adhered to.
2. 15 Jul 43 0700hrs - dep Tobruk. 0840-0900hrs - 1st Halt. Maintenance. 1130-1230hrs - 2nd Halt. Maintenance and Dinners. 1420hrs - arr Martuba. Refuel. Stage night 15/16 Jul. 16 Jul 43 0700hrs - dep Martuba. Maintenance and Dinner times as above. 1420hrs - arr D’Annunzio. Stage night 16/17 Jul (staging area nine miles East D’Annunzio). 17 Jul 43 0700hrs - dep D’Annunzio. 0740-0800hrs - 1st Halt. Maintenance. 0945hrs - arr Barce. Refuel. 1140-1230hrs - Maintenance. Dinners. 1340-1400hrs - Maintenance halt. 1525hrs - arr Benghazi .
3. Convoy Commander. Maj N C E Dunne.
4. (i) SP. 1,000yds North of transit camp. (ii) Time past SP: B Sqn - 0700hrs. A Sqn - 0708hrs. C Sqn - 0716hrs. HQ Sqn - 0724hrs.
Speed: 15mih (pace-setters 18-20mph); Density 20vtm. Sqns will move complete with B Echs.
5. Advance Party. CO; Adjt; QM; Sqn Ldrs or 2ICs, pass SP 0655hrs. This party will be self-contained for rations and cooking up till teas 17 Jul.
6. Lt Hepburn will proceed at least one hour ahead of convoy, to report to Area and Sub Area reps, to arrange bivouac areas at staging halts, and co-ordinate refuelling at PSPs.
7. Lights. No naked lights in staging areas during hours of darkness.
8. Bush Fires. Care will be taken to avoid bush fires, especially in Derna/Barce area.
9. Sanitation (i) OsC Sqns will ensure that trench-type latrines are dug at all staging areas, and that these are properly filled-in and marked on leaving. (ii) All refuse will be buried or burnt and areas left clean.
10. Rations. Four days MEFS Hard Scale will be carried from Tobruk. Meals. Breakfasts 15 Jul: (a) For officers - officers mess transit camp 0600hrs . (b) For OR Armd C crews - transit camp 0530hrs . Remainder - under sqn arrangements. All other meals under sqn arrangements.
11. Water. All containers will be filled before leaving Tobruk and Martuba.
12. POL. PSPs at Tobruk - Martuba - Barce.
13. Medical. Sick parades daily at 1700hrs in staging areas.

(Sgd) J A G Ladenburg
14 Jul 43	Adjt 8 KRI Hussars

Appendix D4

SECRET

8 Hussars Operation Order No 1

Ref: Map Benghazi 1:250,000 22 Jul 43

1. Cyrenaica District. The District extends from the wire in the East to Ageila in the West, and southwards to French Equatorial Africa .

2. Defence Units

(i) Infantry units - 9th Motor Bn SDF with coys at Coefia S0585 and ??????. 1st Bn CDF at ????????? Barracks Benghazi.

(ii) Det No 1 Armd C Coy RAF at Benina.

Det No 2 Armd C Cot RAF at Site 10 (see para 4).

These Armd Cs patrol the immediate environs of airfields up to a distance of five miles.

(iii) RAF Regt - fixed static guards on heavy bombers by night.

3. Libyans. Local Bedouins are very friendly towards the British. Libyan Arab Corps (Senussi) bns have been converted into local CYDEF Gendarmerie.

4. Airfields. American Liberators (B24) are operating from Benina S1373, Berka No 2 S9468, Benascir (Site 10) S0563 and Km30 (Site 7) R8844.

Other LGs in the Benghazi area are Brescis N3314, Barce No 3 R9554,??????? Buravi R8834 and ???????

5. Enemy Action. On night 13/14 Jun, two enemy aircraft from Crete crossed coast about Bomba, flew West across Gebel and dropped a party of 41 Italian paratroops in area Giandina S08390. All were rounded up except two, owing to smartness of a local Bedouin and lack of enterprise by the paratroops. Remaining two placed timebombs in seven aircraft at Benina night 17/18 Jun.

6. Possible Future Enemy Action. Further paratroop raids in greater strengths, or landings from caiques or submarines, with our airfields around Benghazi as his objective.

7. 8H Role. 8H constitute the District mob res available for employment anywhere in the District. Most probable task will be to deal offensively with any enemy paratroop landings made in the area Benghazi .

8. Method. If the Regiment, or part of it, is called upon to carry out anti-paratroop role, general area in which it is believed paratroops have been dropped will be given. Role will be carried out as follows:-

(a) By day

(i) A close and methodical search of the country. Troops and squadrons will carry out sweeps, in line, over country passable to Armd Cs. Ruined houses, stone huts etc will be searched on foot. Squadrons will be given areas of responsibility.

(ii) Standing patrols from viewpoints to observe any movement by enemy. OPs will be dismounted, cars concealed. Any identified paratroops will be destroyed unless they show immediate signs of surrender. Suspicious characters will be arrested and searched.

(b) By night. Standing patrols on tracks leading to airfields.

9. Method of dealing with landings from sea will be similar to para 8.

10. Squadrons will obtain, forthwith, by patrolling, a detailed knowledge of the Benghazi area along coast from Tocra N4223 to I R0101 and inland to Si Ghaled N4523 - below escarpment to ??????? S2370 - Abian Cheil S2253 - Soluch S1426 - Magsun S0202.

Particular reference will be paid to all tracks marked on map or otherwise, and suitable OPs.

11. Mines. Car comds will mark own maps from key copy issued to squadrons by IO. Mined areas will be avoided.

12. Adm. Separate instructions.

13. Intercomn

(i) Frequencies and callsigns issued weekly by Sigs Offr.

(ii) RT. Clear. RT code will NOT be used.

(iii) In the event of an alarm, another set from RHQ will be sent direct to 93 Sub Area for alternative means of comn to LT.

(Sgd) G Goulburn

Lt Col

Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Distribution:

A Sqn Copy No 1

B Sqn 2

C Sqn 3

HQ Sqn 4

93 Sub Area 5

IO 6

Sigs Offr 7

File 8

War Diary 9-10

Appendix D5

8H PAD Scheme
Camp Km18 Rd Benghazi - Agedabia
1. Probable Type of Attack (i) Medium-scale night bombing raids against airfields. (ii) Single aircraft making low-flying ‘tip-and-run’ day attacks..
It is the second type for which this camp might be a target, situated as it is astride the prominent landmark formed by the main road. This PAD scheme is devised to deal with this type of attack.
2. Warning. Previous warning may be received: (i) By signal from HQ 93 Sub Area. (ii) By the sound of AA fire from neighbouring AA units defending airfields. (iii) By sound of bombs and MG fire. The first warning may, however, be an actual attack. Unit warning signals will be as follows:- For (i) Adjutant or duty clerk will warn squadrons verbally or in writing by runner: AIR RAID WARNING RED, together with any other information available. For (ii) or (iii), SHORT BLASTS on motor horns or whistles, originated by any officer or WO whose duty it will be to give this signal if he is satisfied that attack is taking place in the neighbourhood.
3. Action to be Taken by Troops on Receipt of Unit Warning (i) AIR RAID WARNING RED. All ranks will be warned, steel helmets will be carried and normal work will continue. (ii) SHORT BLASTS (a) Armd C crews will instantly man vehicles without further orders, disperse from vehicle parks, remaining East of the road, and engage low-flying enemy aircraft with AA MGs. (b) Echelon drivers will disperse B vehicles and engage aircraft by rifle fire, lying on ground away from vehicles. (c) All other personnel will collect their arms and disperse away from tented area, lie down and engage aircraft with rifle fire
4. Similar action to 3(ii) above will be taken if attack commences with no previous warning.

(Sgd) G Goulburn
Field	Lt Col
26 Jul 43	Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Training Programme for Week Ending 31 Jul 43
Date	Sqn	0630-0700	0815-1230	1400-1600	Remarks
Mon 26	A	PT	Recce by Tp offrs Individual trg in Camp under tp sgts.	Sqn baths	A veh standstill
	B		Duty sqn. Individual trg in camp	Individual trg in camp
	C		Main. Lectures by tp ldrs	Tp trg. Sqn out ni 26/27
	HQ		Area cleaning	Half sqn baths
Tues 27	A	PT	Individual trg in camp	Tp trg. Sqn out ni 27/28	GOC visits unit 1200hrs
	B	PT	Duty sqn. As for Mon.	Sqn baths
	C	-	Return to camp 1200hrs	Duty relief for B
	HQ	PT	Armd C tp trg. Remainder area cleaning	Half sqn baths
Weds 28	A	-	Return to camp 1200hrs	Regtl kit Inspection	B veh standstill
	B	Footdrill	Duty sqn. As for Mon.		A&B veh standstill
	C	PT	Maintenance
	HQ	PT	Maintenance. Gun cleaning
Thu 29	A	PT	Regtl wrls net. Maint. Recce by tp offrs	Half holiday	A veh standstill
	B		Regtl wrls net. Duty sqn. As for Mon.	As for Mon
	C		Regtl wrls net. ABCA by tp ldrs.	Half holiday
	HQ		Regtl wrls net. Individual trg for duty men	Half holiday
Fri 30	A	PT	As for Tue. Early dinners	Tp trg. Sqn out ni 30/31
	B		Duty sqn. As for Mon.	ABCA by tp ldrs
	C		Sqn Baths	Tp trg. Sqn out ni 30/31
	HQ		Armd C tp trg	Sea bather parade. ABCA.
Sat 31	A	-	Return to camp 1200hrs	Maintenance	B veh standstill
	B	Footdrill	Duty sqn. As for Mon.	As for Mon.	A&B veh standstill
	C	-	Tp trg	Return to camp 1800hrs	B veh standstill
	HQ	PT	Interior economy	Maintenance	A&B veh standstill
Regtl Classes: (i) DOs Refresher 1st week. (ii) DOs Refresher 1st week.

Field				(Sgd) C Gouldburn
26 Jul 413				Lt Col
				Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

August 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Aug 43		Strength of the Regiment throughout the month is given in Appendices I 1-5 (3008 and 3009)
			The Regiment remained in same location throughout the month, Km10 road Benghazi - Agedabia, without any change in role or equipment. he policy throughout the month with regard to training was:- (i) Field firing, for which a battle practice run was made at Fort Sceleidima . (ii) Tp and sqn training, on which sqns, except the duty sqn, were away from camp two or three nights each week (see Appx J1-5). (iii) Regtl and base courses for both offrs and men. Leave to the Delta for all ranks continued throughout the month, also leave parties to Derna. Lt Wharton and eleven ORs returned from Base.	Appx J1-5
	2 Aug 43		Maj Phillips and Capt Wagstaffe rejoined from hospital and sick leave.
	3 Aug 43		Orders received to send a detachment as guard to bullion in No 3 Technical Store at Derna; one tp of Armd Cs under Lt Scott was sent.
			Clear RT communication with No 19 Sets was maintained with this tp at Derna, a distance of about 160 miles across the Gebel, by use of endfed aerials.
			Lt Hurst rejoined from junior comds’ tactical course at METC.
	4 Aug 43		At 1500hrs information was received from local Arabs that some Italians were lying-up in area between the camp and the sea to the NW. OC HQ Sqn, who was first in receipt of this news and to whom the Arab had reported this information, was ordered to despatch two Armd Cs from RHQ Tp at once, with an Arab as guide, and C Sqn were ordered to send out two tps, each with an Arab as guide.
			No information about enemy landings or paratroop activities had been received from higher formation, and it was therefore considered advisable to warn No 4 AA Practice Camp that Italian troops were reported in their vicinity.
			1), where they were being pinned by local Arabs armed with rifles. Unluckily, the leading Armd C, commanded by Lt Dill, ran into a soft patch in a salt-marsh, the crew therefore dismounted and went forward on foot but, before they could reach the house, the patrol sent out by No 4 AA Practice Camp had already arrived, to whom the Italians, one offr and nine ORs of the San Marco Marines, surrendered.
			A similar party of Italians also landed at Suani Et Terra and were captured by a patrol of SDF. These Italians had landed during night 3/4 Aug from a submarine, with sabotage as their object. The prisoners were handed over to a tp of C Sqn, who escorted them to HQ 93 Sub Area.
	6 Aug 43		B Sqn field firing at Sceleidima. CO accompanied the Sqn.
	7 Aug 43		Capt Robertson, 2IC B Sqn, returned from sub-unit comds’ course at METC and a week’s leave.
	8 Aug 43		CO to conference at 93 Sub Area.
			In accordance with instructions received by signal from GHQ, 30 ORs, trained Armd C crews, were posted to HQ X Corps as reinforcements for Armd C regts, and left the Regt on this day.
			They included two sergeants (Macdonald and Budgen) and two corporals (McBride and Marks).
	11 Aug 43		B Sqn, accompanied by CO, left for four-days exercise and training in Gebel country East of Barce
	12 Aug 43		Regt now under comd of 93 Sub Area for all purposes (Appx E1).	Appx E1
			Capt Ladenburg on leave to Delta. Lt Case acting Adjutant in his absence.
			C Sqn field firing at Sceleidima. Visited by CO.
	16 Aug 43		A Sqn field firing at Sceleidima.
			A most unfortunate accident occurred during the Sqn’s approach to Sceleidima, when an Armd C ran onto a minefield, involving the death of LCpl Kyle and Tpr Low, and serious injuries to Sgt Smith, the car comd, in his jaw and head.
			Lt I M O Hutchinson, Fife & Forfar Yeomanry, joined Regt and posted to A Sqn.
	17 Aug 43		Capt Hall on leave to Delta, then to sub-unit comds’ course at METC.
	18 Aug 43		Funeral of LCpl Kyle and Tpr Low at Benghazi .
	20 Aug 43		CO visited GOC at CYRDIST.
	23 Aug 43		Lt Brodie, 11th Hussars, posted to and joined unit, sent to B Sqn.
	24 Aug 43		Maj Threlfall and Lt(QM) O’Malley to Cairo for unit comds’ course at METC, and course at School of Adm , respectively.
			A Sqn commanded by Capt Ames.
			Lts Dill, Anstey and Scott also to Cairo for courses in camouflage; know your enemy; and aircraft recognition, respectively.
	25 Aug 43		One NCO and four men provided for a bullion guard to Tripoli .

Appendix E1
MOST SECRET
93 Sub Area Operation Instruction No 5
Ref 6/7/G
Copy No 1 17 Aug 43
Information Further and more intensified enemy action against four-engined bombers in the Benghazi area, possibly by German parachutists, may be expected. 8 Hussars now come under comd 93 Sub Area
Intention To ensure greater speed in the capture or destruction of hostile elements
Method 1. 9 Mot Bn SDF (less one coy) will be responsible for the area North of Benghazi. Armd Cs of RAF, one coy 9SDF and one coy 2 Bn Pal Regt are responsible for the area South of Benghazi. 8 Hussars will provide a mobile reserve. 2. C Coy 9 Mot Bn SDF will remain in its present position for the purpose of infantry patrols along the coast. One coy 2 Bn Pal Regt will move to a location on the coast just South of Berka 2 airfield. 3. The coy of 9 Mot Bn SDF now at El Coefia will move to Bersis for the protection of airfields there. The coy at Regima will remain there for the protection of Benina airfields and one coy will be kept in reserve at Bn HQ Benghazi. 4. 8 Hussars will keep one sqn at 30mins call.
Admin Admin arrangements will remain as before.
Intercommunication All information must be passed at once to this HQ by fastest means. When the operation is completed a full report of it will be rendered to this HQ by units. If the operation lasts more than one day, a daily situation report will be rendered.

ACK
(Sgd) ??? Capt GS
Distribution:
Copy No	1 8 Hussars 2 9 Mot Bn SDF 3 2 Bn Pal Regt 4 HQ Cyrenaica District	Copy No	5 SNOC 6 212Gp RAF 7 1X Bomber Comd USAF 8 1 AA Bde

Appendix J2 Training Programme for Week Ending 14 Aug 43 8H/384/1
Date	Sqn	0700-0730	0815-1230	1400-1600 or 1730-1930	Remarks
Mon 9	A	Sqn Baths	Duty sqn. Sqn courses - WT, gny, gas	Maintenance	Duty Sqn for wk
	B	Footdrill	??????? Maint	Half holiday	A&B veh standstill
	C	PT	??????? Gny & WT trh	?????? trg. Out ni 9/10
	HQ	PT	?????? trg.	Half sqn baths Main
Tues 10	A	PT	As for Monday	Tool check. Maint
	B	Sqn Baths	Sqn Baths. Prepare to move out	Sqn moves to Barce loc N6817
	C	-	Tp trg. Return to camp 1230hrs	Half holiday
	HQ	PT	As for Monday	-
Weds 11	A	Footdrill	As for Monday ABCA	Equip check. Lecture by IO
	B	-	To trg area Barce	-
	C	PT	As for Monday	Lecture by IO	A&B veh standstill
	HQ	PT	Tp trg. JD & recognition of tgts	Gun cleaning	A&B veh standstill
Thu 12	A	PT	Tp ldrs parades. Lecture by MO	Half holiday
	B	-	Road recces Barce - Tocra - ???????? & Barce - Cyrene - ??????? & subsidiary tracks	-
	C	PT	Sqn Baths.	Sqn moves to Sceleidima
	HQ	-	Tp trg. Armd C Tp out ni 12/13	Half holiday
Fri 13	A	PT	Sqn courses. Maint	Area cleaning & inspection
	B		As for Thursday.	-
	C		Fd firing all day Sceleidima	-
	HQ		Armd C tp returns 1200hrs	Maintenance
Sat 14	A	PT		Tp ldrs parades
	B	-	Tp trg	Return to camp 1600hrs
	C	Footdrill	Maintenance	Bathing parade. Maint.	A&B veh standstill
	HQ	Footdrill	Gun cleaning & inspection of all arms	Maint. ABCA	A&B veh standstill
Regtl Classes: (i) D&M Instructors 2nd week. (ii) WT Elementary 1st week. (iii) Refresher No 2 1st week

Field				(Sgd) C Gouldburn
?? Aug 43				Lt Col
				Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Appendix J3 Training Programme for Week Ending 21 Aug 43 8H/384/1
Date	Sqn	0700-0730	0815-1230	1400-1600 or 1730-1930	Remarks
Mon 16	A	Sqn Baths	Prep for fd firing	Leave camp 1500hrs. Out ni 17/18	-
	B	Footdrill	Sqn Int Economy	ABCA	Duty sqn for wk
	C	PT	Fd firing conf. Gun & arms inspection	Sqn baths
	HQ	PT. Rifle drill	Maintenance	Swmiing. Lecture by MO
Tues 17	A	-	Fd firing Sceleidima	Out ni 17/18
	B	Sqn Baths	Maintenace	JD
	C	PT	Leave camp for sqn ex area Barce	Out ni 17/18
	HQ	As for Mon	Armd C Tp fd firing Sceleidima	½ sqn baths. Maint
Weds 18	A	-	Fd firing Sceleidima	Out ni 18/19	B veh standstill
	B	PT	Crew control & fire orders	Gny instr on en wpns
	C	-	Sqn ex area Barce	Out ni 18/19
	HQ	-	As for Tue	Maintenance
Thu 19	A	-	Return to camp. Gun cleaning & maint	Half holiday -
	B	PT	Gny instr on en wpns	Half holiday -
	C	PT	Sqn exercise.	Return to camp 1500hrs
	HQ	-	Tpt Tp B Ech exercise	Tpt Tp out ni 19/20
Fri 20	A	Footdrill	To trg	Out ni 20/21
	B	PT	Firing 47mm. Maint	Lecture by IO
	C	Swimming	Car comds & DOs trg	ABCA
	HQ	PT	Armd C Tp trg. B Ech ex	B Ech return to camp
Sat 21	A	-	Tp trg	Maintenance	B veh standstill
	B	PT	Crew control & fire orders	JD
	C	Footdrill	Tool check. Veh inspection	Half holiday
	HQ	Footdrill	Gun cleaning. Arms inspection	ABCA
Regtl Classes: (i) D&M Instructors 3rd week. (ii) WT Elementary 2nd week. (iii) Refresher No 2 2ndt week

Field				(Sgd) C Gouldburn
15 Aug 43				Lt Col
				Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Appendix J4 Training Programme for Week Ending 28 Aug 43 8H/384/1
Date	Sqn	0700-0730	0830-1230	1400-1600 or 1730-1930	Remarks
Mon 23	A	Sqn Baths	Sqn Baths. Maint	TSMG trg. Gun cleaning
	B	Footdrill	Gas & Mine lifting - NCOs. Maint Armd Cs; WT sets; Guns. ABCA	Sqn baths
	C	PT	WT; Gny; Mine lifting	Maintenance	Duty sqn for wk
	HQ	PT	Armd C Tp trg. Out ni 23/24	Swimming. ABCA
Tues 24	A	Footdrill	Sqn int economy	TSMG Firing	Dvr mech trade test
	B	PT	TSMG Firing. Maint as per Mon	Instr in RT code
	C	Early Bfast	Sqn baths. As per Mon	Lecture by IO
	HQ	PT	Armd C Tp return 1200hrs	Sqn baths. Maint
Weds 25	A	-	Sqn moves out to area Barce to carry out tp recces	Out ni 25/26. ABCA	MT Standstill
	B	-	Sqn moves to Agedabia	Out ni 25/26.	MT Standstill
	C	PT	As for Mon. ABCA	Maintenance	Dvr mech trade test
	HQ	PT	Rifle trg. Main	JD & indication of tgts ABCA	Dvr mech trade test
Thu 26	A	-	Tp recces Gebel area	Out ni 26/27
	B	-	Sqn ex Agedabia	Out ni 26/27
	C	PT	As per Mon	Maintenance
	HQ	PT	Armd C Tp trg	Half holiday
Fri 27	A	-	Tp recces Gebel area	Out ni 27/28
	B		Fd firing Sceleidima	Out ni 27/28
	C		Tp ldrs veh inspections Mine lifting	Maintenance
	HQ		Armd C Tp trg	Sqn baths. Maint
Sat 14	A	-	Return to camp 1200hrs		MT standstill
	B	-	Fd firing. Return to camp 1700hrs
	C	Footdrill	Sqn int encoomy. Do trade test	Half holiday
	HQ	Footdrill	Sqn int encoomy.	-
Regtl Classes: WT Elementary 3rd week.

Field				(Sgd) C Gouldburn
22 Aug 43				Lt Col
				Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Appendix J5 Training Programme for Week Ending 4 Sept 43
Date	Sqn	0700-0730	0830-1230	1400-1600 or 1730-1930	Remarks
Mon 30	A	PT	Maint. Resp & gun inspection	Maintenance	Duty Sqn for wk
	B	Footdrill	406 inspection Maint	Sqn baths
	C	PT	Baths. Mine liftiing demo. Maint. 406 inspection	Regtl kit inspection
	HQ	PT	TSMG instr. Maint	Regtl kit inspection
Tues 31	A	PT	Sqn Baths. ABCA	Maintenance
	B	PT	406 inspection Maint. Gun Cleaning	Half holiday
	C	As for	Monday	Half holiday
	HQ	As for	Monday	ABCA
Weds 1	A	PT -	Tool check. Fire orders	Armd C Inspection
	B	PT -	Arms & Resp inspection. Gas frill	Kit inspection
	C	Footdrill	Maint. ABCA	Maintenance
	HQ	PT	Arms drill. Maint	Judging distance
Thu 2	A	Footdrill	Tp trg - varous subjects	Half holiday
	B	PT	Prep for ex	Leave camp on sqn ex Away ni
	C	-	Scheme with B sqn	Leave camp on sqn ex Away ni
	HQ	PT	A Ech WT trg. B Ech 2pd instr3	Half holiday
Fri 3	A	PT	As for Thu	412/3 inspection reports
	B	-	Sqn exercise	Away ni
	C	-	Sqn exercise	Away ni
	HQ		As for Thu	Baths & swimming
Sat 4	A	PT	Sand table ex. Maint	Maint
	B	-	Return from ex. Maint
	C	-	Return from ex. Maint
	HQ	Footdrill	Int economy. Main


Field				(Sgd) J A G Ladenburg
29 Aug 43				Capt, for Lt Col
				Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

September 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Sep 43		Strength of the Regiment throughout the month is given at Appx I 1-4	Appx I 1-4
			Location remained unchanged - Km18 rd Benghazi - Agedabia.
			Towards the end of the month the Regiment began re-equipping with modern Armd Cs - Humbers MkIV, armed with 37mm gun and coax Besa 7.92mm MG. T
			he unit had to provide its own personnel to collect the Armd Cs from vehicle park at Geneifa, bringing them to unit by rail to Tobruk and thence by road. By the end of the month 32 cars were in the possession of the unit, the remaining 26 being expected to arrive the first days of October.
			Of the old equipment, 29 Marmon Herringtons were driven in convoy to Tel el Kebir and the remaining 28 were handed to 9 Mot Bn SDF (one having been blown up on a minefield on 16 Aug). Total - 58.
			There were a number of inter-sqn exercises held during the month in the Barce area and two regtl sigs exercises in the Soluch area.
			The remaining of the training was individual, the latter part of the month being devoted specially to maintenance of the new cars and instructional courses on the Humber and its weapons (37mm and 7.92mm Besa).
			Programmes attached at Appx J 1-3.	Appx J 1-3
			One sqn continued to stand by at 30mins readiness throughout the month at No 3 Technical Stores Tocra.
			Leave was suspended towards the end of the month, owing to the number of men away in the Delta drawing cars.
	2 Sep 43		B Sqn concentrated in area Barce and C Sqn in area Driana - Benina in preparation for inter-sqn exercise on the following day.
			Lts Walker and McClintock left for Delta to attend gas course (METC) and D&M Instructors’ course (ACW) respectively.
	3 Sep 43		B/C Sqn exercise directed by CO and 2IC commenced at 0630hrs and terminated at 1700hrs, C Sqn advancing, B Sqn withdrawing (Appx J4).	Appx J4
	4 Sep 43		B and C Sqns returned to camp.
	5 Sep 43		93 Sub Area Rifle Shooting Competition at Benina Ranges . The Regiment entered two teams.
	6 Sep 43		Regtl sand table exercise for all officers and tp sgts, directed by CO and conducted by Capt Ames and Lt Hurst. Subject ‘Advance to Contact’.
			Sub area comd, Col Hillyard, paid an informal visit and inspected accommodation, cookhouses etc.
	7 Sep 43		Orders received at midnight from HQ 93 Sub Area for one sqn to be at an hour’s notice to move to 99 Sub Area, probably starting at first light 8 Sep (Appx E1). B Sqn was detailed for this duty. The standby lasted several days before being cancelled.	Appx E1
			This emergency was due to the possibility of Italian aircraft arriving at Derna in accordance with armistice terms. B Sqn were to take over Italian crews and escort them to Tobruk. No aircraft arrived.
	8 Sep 43		Lt Preston rejoined unit after completing WT Instructors’ course at ACW.
			First batch of seven Humber MkIV Armd Cs arrived.
	9 Sep 43		A Sqn left camp for five days’ training in the Gebel round Barce.
	10 Sep 43		A Sqn carried out an exercise set by the CO. Advance to contact and the co-ordination of movement without WT (Appx J5).	Appx J5
			A Sqn concentrated for night 10/11 in area Si Dachil, in preparation for inter-sqn exercise the following day.
			C Sqn proceeded to concentration area Abiar el Meletania S4994, in preparation for exercise vs A Sqn on 11 Sep
	11 Sep 43		A/C Sqn exercise directed by CO. See general idea Appx J6.	Appx J6
	12 Sep 43		C Sqn returned to camp. A Sqn remained out at Tocra.
	14 Sep 43		B Sqn moved to concentration area Barce in preparation for exercise vs C Sqn on 15 Sep.
	15 Sep 43		A/B Sqn exercise directed by CO. See general idea Appx J7. A Sqn tapping-in on a MT column; B Sqn acting as flank guard. Exercise terminated at 1400hrs when wireless silence was enforced. Both sqns, then in area El Abiar, proceeded to camp that afternoon.	Appx J7
	18 Sep 43		29 Marmon Herrington Armd Cs under comad Capt Wagstaffe left unit in convoy for Tel el Kebir, with the intention of handing-in to VRP the MHs, and drawing up from Geneifa 26 Humber MkIV Armd Cs.
			Maj Dunne and Lt Newman left the unit in the field to attend unit comds’ and sub-unit comds’ courses, respectively, at METC.
			Capt Hall, on sub-unit comds’ course at METC admitted to No 12 Gen Hosp (Sarafand), having severed a nerve in his right arm. Return to unit unlikely.
	20 Sep 43		Regtl sigs exercise area Driana - Benina - Soluch, with all available Armd Cs, ie 28 MH and seven Humbers (Appx J8).	Appx J8
	25 Sep 43		25 Humber MkIV Armd Cs arrived. Convoy comd Lt Hind, who was rejoining unit on completion of Gas and Gunnery Instructors’ courses.
			Five reinforcements arrived to replace men who left on exchange draft REEFER scheme (vide war diary 9 Jul 43). The sixth man was admitted to hospital, en route, at Tobruk.
	27 Sep 43		Regtl wrls exercise, same area as exercise on 20th (Appx J9).	Appx J9
			Maj Phillips left for Delta, to attend camouflage course and one week’s leave.
	29 Sep 43		Maj Threlfall returned to unit from leave and unit comds’ course at METC, and Lt(QM) O’Malley from adm course at METC.

Appendix E1
Message by Special DR
From: 93 Sub Area Ref 0.1078 Date 8 Sep 43
To : 8 Hussars TOO 1030hrs THI 1035hrs
Priority: Emergency Ops
	WARNING ORDER. ONE SQN TO BE AT ONE HOURS NOTICE FROM 1100HRS TODAY TO MOVE TO 99 SUB AREA. ACK

Appendix J1 Training Programme for Week Ending 11 Sept 43
Date	Sqn	0700-0730	0830-1230	1400-1600 or 1730-1930	Remarks
Mon 6	A	Footdrill	Regtl sand table ex. Maint. DOs class	Tp ldrs disposal
	B	-	Regtl sand table ex. Maint.	Sqn baths	Duty Sqn for wk
	C	-	Regtl sand table ex. Sqn baths. Gny, Mines & WT classes	Half holiday
	HQ	PT	Regtl sand table ex. Maint. Gny	Maint
Tues 7	A	-	Sqn Baths. Tp ldrs disposal	Half holiday
	B	PT	Crew control & fire orders. JD	Org sport
	C		Gny, mine, WT classes	Maint
	HQ		Gny. Maint	½ sqn baths. Maint
Weds 8	A	PT	Prep for moving out	Move to area Barce	Out ni 8/9
	B	PT	Intro Number MkIV	Org sport. En AFV recogn
	C	Footdrill	2Tp to Sceledima for fd firing. Remainder - Gny, Mines & WT classes in camp. ABCA	Maint
	HQ	PT	Arms drill. Gny. Maint	JD
Thu 9	A	-	Sqn Ex No 1 area Barce (wrls working hrs 0200-1300)	Sqn Ex	Out ni 9/10
	B	Arms insp	Gny, D&M. WT classes	Half holiday
	C	-	2Tp fd firing Remainder as for Tue & Wed.
	HQ	PT	Gny 2 pr. Armd C Tp out for ni	Half holiday
Fri 10	A	-	Sqn Ex No 1 area Barce (wrls silence ends 1300hrs)	Move to conc area	Out ni 10/11
	B	PT	As for Thu	Unarmed combat. Gas drill	Out ni 10/11
	C	-	Move to conc area for inter-sqn ex		Out ni 10/11
	HQ	PT	Armd C Tp ret to camp. Maint	½ sqn baths. ABCA discussion
Sat 11	A	-	Inter-sqn ex vs C sqn area Barce	Wrls working hrs all day	Out ni 11/12. Ret camp Sun
	B	PT	As for Thu	ABCA discussion
	C	-	Inter-sqn ex vs A sqn. See above		Ret camp Sun
	HQ	Footdrill	Int Econ. Gny


Field				(Sgd) C Goulburn Lt Col
5 Aug 43				Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Appendix J2 Training Programme for Week Ending 25 Sept 43
Date	Sqn	0700-0750	0900-1230	1400-1600 or 1730-1930	Remarks
Mon 20	A	Regtl Sigs Ex	Leave camp 0800hrs	Ret camp 1700hrs
	B
	C
	HQ
Tues 21	A	PT	Maint. TAB inco	Maint
	B	Baths	Maint. TAB inco	Maint
	C	As forPT	Maint	Half holiday
	HQ	PT	Maint. Sqn courses	Swimming. maint
Weds 22	A	Footdrill	Sqn	Sqn courses. Maint
	B	PT	Sqn	Sqn courses
	C	Musketry prelims	Sqn courses. Maint. 1100 hrs ABCA	Sqn courses. Maint
	HQ	PT	Sqn courses.	ABCA
Thu 23	A	Baths	Sqn courses.	Half holiday
	B	Footdrill	Sqn courses.	Sqn courses.
	C	Musketry prelims	Sqn courses. Benina Ranges (rifle, Bren, TMG)	Benina Ranges for Staff employ & B Ech pers
	HQ	PT	Sqn courses.	50% baths. Half holiday
Fri 24	A	PT	Sqn courses. Map reading. 1100hrs. ABCA	Sqn courses. Maint
	B	Footdrill	Sqn courses.	Sqn courses.
	C	Musketry prelims	Sqn courses. Maint	Sqn courses. Maint
	HQ	PT	Sqn courses.	Swimming Maint
Sat 4	A	PT	Comds' sand table discussion. Sqn courses	Maint
	B	Arms Inspec	Sqn courses. 1100hrs ABCA	Half holiday
	C	Footdrill	Sqn courses., Maint. Int Econ	Sqn courses., Maint.
	HQ	Footdrill	Int Econ	Maint

Regtl Courses:
(i) WT Beginners (7th week) (5)
(ii) WT Beginners (2nd week) (7)
(ii) Bty Chg (3)

Sqn courses
A Sqn				B Sqn
(i) D&M Humber (6)				(i) D&M Humber (9)
(ii) 37mm & Besa (6)				(ii) Gnr Ops (5)
				(iii) Gnr Ops (5)
				(iv) WT Refresher (7)
				(v) Fitters Humber (4)

C Sqn				HQ Sqn
(i) D&M Humber (5)				(i) D&M Humber (3)
(ii) D&M Humber (5)				(ii) 37mm & Besa (7)
(iii) 37mm & Besa (7)				(iii) WT Refresher (6)
(vi) 37mm & Besa (5)
(v) WT Refresher (10)

Field				Sgd) C Goulburn Lt Col
22 Aug 43				Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Appendix J3 Training Programme for Week Ending 2 Oct 43
Date	Sqn	0700-0745	0900-1230	1400-1630	1730-1830
Mon 27	A	-	0800hrs Regtl Sigs Ex	All Day	-
	B	-			-
	C	-			-
	HQ	PT		½ Sqn baths	Main
Tues 28	A	Sea bathing	Maint. Sqn Courses	Sqn Courses	ABCA
	B	Footdrill	Maint. Sqn Courses	Baths	Maint
	C	PT	Baths. 1100hrs MO's lecture	Half holiday	-
	HQ	PT	Sqn Courses	Maint	ABCA
Weds 29	A	PT	Car Comds' cont, Mon's Ex, Fire orders	Maint. Sqn courses	Arms inspec. Map rdg
	B		AB406 inspec. Mthly tool check	As for morning	Maint
	C		Sqn courses. 1100hrs ABCA	Maint	Map rdg under tp offrs
	HQ		Arms drill. Maint	Musketry	Lecture by MO
Thu 30	A	Footdrill	Veh inspec. Maint. Sqn courses	Half	Holiday
	B	PT	Sqn courses	Sqn courses	Maint
	C	Sea bathing	Sqn courses. 1100hrs NCOs recog en vehs	Fire orders under tp ldrs
	HQ	PT	Sqn courses	Baths ½ sqn
Fri 1	A	Baths	Baths. Maint. Sqn courses	Sqn courses	Lecture by Sqn Ldr
	B	PT	Sqn courses	Sand table, all NCOs	Maint
	C		NCOs sand table	Maint	Fire orders. B veh dvrs lecture
	HQ		Sqn courses	Half	Holiday
Sat 4	A	PT	Sand table all NCOs, Maint. 1100hrs map reading under tp ldrs	Sqn courses	Lecture by Sig Offr
	B	Arms inspec	Maint 0945hrs gas trg. 1100hrs lecture by Sig Offr. 1145 ABCA	Half	Holiday
	C	Footdrill	Sqn courses	Tp trg B Set	Main
	HQ	Footdrill	Int Econ	Maint	Lecture - Security

Regtl Courses
(i) WT Beginners (3rd week) (7)
(ii) DOs Refresher A (1st week) (6)
(iii) DOs Refresher B (1st week) (7)
(iv) Bty Charging (2)

Sqn Courses
A Sqn	B Sqn	C Sqn
D&M Humber (6)		D&M Humber - 4	D&M Humber (7)	D&M Humber (4)
37mm & Besa (6)		classes x 6	37mm & Besa (6)	Gny (5)
37mm & Besa (6)		37mm & Besa (6)	WT Class (8)
Gny (4)
WT Refresher (5)		WT Refresher (6)	Mines Course (7)	DOs Morse (7)
		WT Beginners (8)
Mines Lifting (6)

Field			(Sgd) C Goulburn
27 Sep 43			Lt Col
			Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Appendix J4

A & C Sqn Exercise 2-4 Sep 43

Objects of Exercise

(A) Advance

1. To practise control of armoured cars on roads and hilly country.

2. The reporting of 1st Contact.

3. Keeping contact.

4. Cover from air.

5. Use of ground for observation.

6. Reporting nature of opposition when held up.

(B) Withdrawal

1. Breaking contact.

2. Watch flanks.

3. Methods of delaying advancing cars:-

(a) Fire.

(b) Ambushes.

Note. C Sqn will fly pennants on masts; dummy masts to be erected where no sets are carried.

General Idea

Tobruk and Agheila are two neighbouring states. Agheila covets the fertile Gebel country and oil refinery (DID) at Barce, belonging to Tobruk.

Frontier runs North and South on a line running through Tocra Pass M4822 - El Abial.

The country as on the maps.

Agheila intends to declare war on Tobruk and, with a sudden attack, hopes to overcome frontier opposition and gain the Gebel country, and hold the line Derna - Mechili.

However, the Tobrukians have had their suspicions and, for the last week, a force has been in the Gebel area but, so far, so well-concealed and kept back from the frontier that Agheila has no idea that there are any troops except the normal garrison at Derna.

Both sides have only one armoured car squadron operating.

Until war is declared, neither side will enter the demilitarised zone, which extends for eighteen miles on both sides of the frontier.

Administration Instructions

B and C Sqn Exercise 2-4 Sep 43

1. Umpires

(a) OC HQ Sqn will provide umpires as follows:-

One officer and five NCOs to each squadron - total two officers and ten NCOs.

(b) OC HQ Sqn will arrange for umpires to report to squadrons on Thursday - time to be arranged mutually.

(d) Officer umpires to be provided with a truck each, NCOs to travel in squadron AFVs.

(e) There will be an umpires’ conference at 1400hrs on 1 Sep in the St Patrick’s Club, and another after the exercise on return to camp, same place but time and place to be notified later.

(f) Umpires will render reports on proformae, which will be issued at conference on 1st.

2. POL Both squadrons will carry POL for 100 miles. B Sqn replenish POL Barce on afternoon 2 Sep. Both squadrons replenish POL Barce on termination of exercise for the run home.

3. Rations and Water

(a) Rations will be drawn by both squadrons on 1 Sep, for consumption 2nd, 3rd and breakfast 4th; remainder of rations for 4th will be kept in camp. QM has already indented for normal numbers, plus five umpires for each squadron.

(b) Water - one gallon per man for three days to be carried.

4. Medical. Any casualties to General Hospital at Barce or Benghazi , whichever happens to be nearer.

5. Recovery. Any vehicle requiring unit recovery will be left with a guard - if on a track, towed to a main road if possible - and the Regiment informed immediately.

(Sgd) ???

2IC 8KRI Hussars

Special Idea - Agheila

To be issued to C Sqn & attached umpires

1. Our main force is at Benghazi .

2. (a) The GOC’s intention is to capture the oil refinery (DID) at Barce, and to establish himself on the line Cyrene - Demartino.

(b) On 2 Sep you will advance from Benghazi on the two routes Benghazi - El Abiar and Benghazi - Tocra, so that you will be in a good position to enter the neutral zone and cross the frontier after war has been declared. From Tocra you should make use of all possible routes into Barce

3. You will be in position as at para 2(b) by 2000hrs on 2 Sep 43. After this time war is liable to be declared at any moment.

4. As soon as war is declared your squadron will:-

(a) Capture Barce in order to prevent the enemy destroying the oil refinery, should he wish to do so.

(b) Push on patrols to positions of observation on the roads leading out of Barce, ie:-

(i) Area Km20 N8828 on northern road.

(ii) Area Km16 N8617 on southern road.

Report when in positions and await further orders.

5. Under no circumstances will any of your vehicles go within eighteen miles of the frontier until war has been declared.

Special Idea - Tobruk

To be issued to B Sqn & attached umpires

1. Our main force lies concealed at Beda Littoria but,a small force is in the area of Maddalena, just East of Barce. Your squadron is situated at Km20 (N8828

2.        (a) The SOG’s intention is for you to delay the enemy to allow time for:-
                 (i) The demolition of the oil refinery at Barce.
                 (ii) Give the main force time to take up its position in the Gebel.
           (b) On 2 Sep you will advance from Km 20,so that you will be in a good position to enter the neutral zone after war has been declared.

3. You will be in position as at para 2(b) by 2000hrs on 2 Sep, after which time war is likely to be declared.

4. As soon as war is declared, your squadron will:-

(i) Obtain early warning of the enemy crossing the frontier.

(ii) Will impose delay on the enemy to give time for our engineers to destroy the oil installations in Barce, which they cannot complete under six hours from the time war is declared; therefore you must keep the enemy out of Barce for this period.

(iii) Then withdraw along both roads, delaying the enemy as you go, until reaching the line fort (N9828) on the North road to fort at Km34 on the South road, when you will retire behind my covering force.

5. Under no circumstances will any of your vehicles go within eighteen miles of the frontier until war has been declared.

To be given to OC B Sqn at 2000hrs on 2 Sep

Tac R has reported enemy Armd Cs moving out of Benghazi along roads Benghazi - Driana and Benghazi - El Abiar.

General Idea El Abair

To be issued only C Sqn

The Prime Minister El Abiar sent for Maj Huth and spoke as follows:-

‘You will move to your concentration area Abiar el Meletania 4994 on 10 Sep. You will move off from there at 0800hrs 11 Sep, cross the frontier and cut Section A pipeline in as many places as possible. You will then advance to Section B; but don’t proceed until you have done the maximum damage possible on Section A. I shall be content if you cut the pipeline in one place only on Section B. What is more important is that you should bring back those pump assemblies from any ine of the pumping stations. Take one lorry with you. It must not proceed more than 10mph during your withdrawal, as the delicate machinery may become broken.

While you are stripping the pumps and sabotaging Section B you must keep open at least one line of withdrawal for your squadron; I don’t want you to get cut off. Withdraw by any route you like and once there you are safe concentrate at the Dung Factory 6006.

Appendix J5

Subject:-	A Sqn Exercise 10 Sep 43		8H/384/1/2

OC A Sqn
1. Object of the exercise. To practise:- (i) Co-ordinating an advance to contact without wireless. (ii) Method of movement of troops on roads and tracks when expecting contact. (iii) The value of high ground for observation and the importance of map reading. (iv) Securing a bound.
2. Points to note. During the advance the movement of the squadron is controlled and co-ordinated by the squadron leader laying down centre lines, bounds and report lines. For explanation of these, read 8H Standing Orders p29. During wireless silence troops must halt on bounds and their advance from bound to bound must be on a timed basis, which is either laid down when the squadron leader issues his orders for the advance, or is notified to troops by DR or some other means of communication other than wireless, as the advance proceeds.
3. In this exercise OC A Sqn will co-ordinate the advance of his troops on a timed basis

Narrative
A small mixed force is due to land during the night 9/10 Sep at Si Abdalla 7442, with the task of advancing on Barce, carrying out certain demolitions in that area, withdrawing and re-embarking in their landing craft
A Sqn 8H is the recce element of this force. On approaching the coast the force commander gives OC A Sqn the following orders:-
‘The enemy is known to have a small striking force in the area Siret el Fahaga 4906. From these a number of tracks and roads lead north-east and East towards Barce. I hope the enemy will not get wind of our raid, at least until you have passed through Barce, but I cannot guarantee you will not meet his armoured cars before this. Your role is advance guard to my force, making good all important roads and tracks, securing bounds as you advance and forming a protective screen to the south-west of Barce. You will commence withdrawal at 1400hrs, co-ordinating your movement back to the petrol point at Barce. Thereafter you will move in your own time to Si Dachil, when you will concentrate for night 10/11 Sep. Your squadron centre line will be the road and track Si Abdalla - Si Dachil 76345 - road junction 7626 - Barce 6 Tomb at Di Ahmed Rached Hadda 6716 - Si Buzeid 5509.
Bounds:- 1st Bound. Si Dachil. 2nd Bound. Pt386 7029 - road junction 7626 - track junction 7820. 3rd Bound. Pt369 5819 - Pt391 6417 - tomb 6715 - Area Pt468 7012. 4th Bound. Pt358 5316 - Pt388 5614 - Si Buzeid - Pt368 6208.
Boundaries:- Right Boundary. Inclusive road Si Dachil - Baracca - Pt368. Left Boundary. Inclusive road and track Si Dachil - track junction 7820 - Pt468 - Pt368
You will waste no time in pushing on to your final bound, but be careful to co-ordinate the advance of your sub-units, so that the enemy does not slip through your screen.
Have you any questions?’

Field		Sgd C Goulborn Lt Col
7 Sep 43		Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Appendix J6

Inter-Sqn Exercise C vs A - 11 Sep 43

General Idea

Ref Map: Benghazi 1/250,000

Tolmeta and El Abiar are two rival states. Tolmeta is fertile and prosperous, owing to its deep soil and artificial system of irrigation. El Abiar is a poor, rocky, wooded country. Its people, however, are tough and jealous of the Tolmetans. The frontier, running East and West, lies about two miles South of the main road all the way from Barce to Tocra, from Pt450 7516 - Pt391 6417 - Pt358 5316 - Pt273 4316.

Tolmeta, in their haste to lay the water pipeline in time for this season’s crop, have left two sections of this pipeline unburied, known as Section A and Section B:-

Section A. Running beside the main road from inclusive road and track junction at B in Barce - inclusive road junction in Baracca 5419.

Section B. Running beside the main road from inclusive road junction 8426 - inclusive road junction 8437.

There are four important pumps on this section, at intervals of two miles apart.

The El Abian Army, consisting of one squadronn armoured cars (RRD cars), commanded by the much-feared guerrilla leader Maj Huth, has planned to carry out a raid into Tolmeta State, in order to blow up the pipeline in as many places as possible on both Sections A and B, and to remove certain assemblies from any of the four pumps on Section B for use as spares on their own pumps.

By means of secret agents, Tolmeta has heard of this projected raid and its objective, and obtained the following information:-

Maj Huth’s squadron is concentrated somewhere in the El Abiar area. They move off sometime after first light on 11 Sep. Each troop has one section of engineers, but their resources are such that it will take 45mins concentrated work to blow the pipeline in each place. The spares they require are heavy and the transport which will carry them away will be slow-moving, and this transport is easy to recognise because it flies a red flag.

The Tolmetan Army, consisting of a very efficient squadron of armoured cars (plain cars) commanded by one of the cleverest citizens, Capt Ames, is concentrated in the area Tolmeta.

Unfortunately, most of the men are away in the capital city, Tolmeta, on leave; and they cannot be collected before the early hours of the morning 11 Sep. Therefore, they cannot be sure of forestalling the El Abiar squadron on Section A.

Maj Huth knows about this (he is in possession of a leave state of the Tolmetan Army) and has selected 11 Sep for his raid for that very purpose.

First light - 0630hrs.

8H/384/1/2

Subject: Inter-Sqn Exercise A vs C Sqn -11 Sep 43

Adm Plan A Sqn

To be issued to A Sqn only

1. Timetable

10 Sep. 1500hrs approximately, replenish POL Barce.

Night 10/11. In concentration area El Dachil.

11 Sep. Maximum distance El Dachil to Dung Factory 6006.

Night 11/12. area Dung Factory.

12 Sep. Return to camp.

2. POL. Under squadron arrangements. POL cannot be drawn at Barce after 10 Sep.

3. Sups and Water. Under squadron arrangements. Rations for five umpires will be arranged by A Sqn

4. Umpires. Five umpires, to be provided by OC HQ Sqn,will report A Sqn by 1800hrs 10 Sep Si Dachil, under arrangements to be made by OC HQ Sqn.

Field	Sgd C Goulborn Lt Col
7 Sep 43	Commanding 8th KRI Hussars
Copy: OC HQ Sqn

Special Idea Tolmeta

To be issued to A Sqn only

The Prime Minister Tolmeta sent for Capt Ames and spoke as follows:-

‘You will concentrate area Si Dachil on 10 Sep. I cannot find out the exact concentration area of El Abiar squadron, or the time they are leaving it. But I suggest you to take up a position of observation on the general line of the frontier from inclusive ry to inclusive Pt 358 5317, as early as possible on 11 Sep, though I don’t want to tie your hand in any way as to where you go.

You cannot leave before 0800hrs, owing to the return of men off leave, except for one troop which is now complete and which may leave at 0755hrs and go to the western limit of the line I have given you, this being the furthest distance.

If they succeed in cutting our pipeline on Section A, fight a delaying action back onto Section B and don’t let them capture our pumps. If they do sabotage our follow them up or preferably cut them off. I have definite information that they are returning to the Dung Factory 6006.’

Inter-Sqn Exercise C vs A - 11 Sep

Administrative Instruction C Sqn

To be issued to C Sqn only

1. Timetable

10 Sep. Move to concentration area Abiar el Meletania 4994.

Night 10/11. In concentration area.

11 Sep. Maximum distance to Oberdan and return to concentration area.

12 Sep. Return to camp.

2. POL. Under squadron arrangements. Replenishing from Barce will NOT be possible.

3. Sups and Water. Under squadron arrangements. Rations for five umpires will be arranged by C Sqn.

4. Umpires. To be provided by OC HQ Sqn. Mutual arrangements will be made for reporting of umpires before moving off from camp.

Field	Sgd C Goulborn Lt Col
8 Sep 43	Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Appendix J7

A vs B Sqn Exercise - 15 Sep 43

General Idea

Barce is a semi-hostile state, through which runs the British lines of communication to their Army, which is fighting in Tripoli .

Western boundary of Barce is the north-east - south-west line of the escarpment which cuts the main road four miles East of Maddalena 8027. Southern boundary is the line Si Marius 5891 - Driana 1702.

In an effort to keep the Barcians friendly, the British have allowed them to retain their army of one highly-trained armoured car squadron, commanded by Capt Ames.

So far the Barcians have given little trouble. But recently the hot-headed militarists have gained control of the government and, as a precaution, the British have had recourse to escorting their convoys while passing through the Barcian state.

A most important convoy carrying beer and NAAFI stores left Tobruk on 13 Sep and is due to pass through Barce on the morning of 15 Sep. The Barcians first got wind of this during the night 14/15 Sep. They are determined to harass this column during its passage through their country.

By means of one of their agents, who is a clerk in the movements office at Benghazi, they obtained the following information: The convoy consists of approximately 200 vehicles; they are moving at 20vtm and 8mih; Route - road D’Annuncio - Barce - El Abiar - Benghazi; they are staging the night 14/15 Sep at Km20 8727, which point the head of the column leaves at 0830hrs on 15 Sep.

The British, fearing a possible attack, have provided the convoy with an advance guard strong enough to deal with any frontal attack by Barcian armoured cars. And on the night 14/15 Sep one squadron of armoured cars, commanded by Maj Dunne, will join the column to provide further protection. All this is known to the Barcians.

The exact whereabouts of the Barcian armoured cars is unknown to the British, except that they are located somewhere to the North or north-west of the state. It is thought that the squadron may be split between Si Abdalla 7341 - Gr Gemea 6435 - Tocra 4123 - Driana.

First light - 0630hrs.

Note:

(i) The head and tail of the convoy will be represented by two trucks flying red and blue flags respectively, moving at 8mih.

These will be found by OC B Sqn. They will work on a timetable to be issued separately.

(ii) Wireless working hours 15 Sep. 090-1300hrs.

A vs B Sqn Exercise - 15 Sep 43

Special Idea - Barce

To be issued to A Sqn only

During the night 14/15 Sep the Prime Minister Barce sent for Capt Ames, whose squadron was located at Driana, and said:-

‘You will harass the British convoy tomorrow, from the time the head enters the town of Barce until the tail clears the southern boundary of our state. By “harass” I mean get the convoy under effective machine-gun fire from a flank. Don’t attempt to get astride the line of advance of the column because the British have got some tanks which will brush you aside or destroy you. And don’t get in among the lorries on the road because they carry some effective anti-tank weapons which may destroy you. By tapping-in and knocking out lorries by MG fire, you will be carrying out your task.

Work out where the head and tail of the column will be throughout the morning, and make your plan accordingly.

Beware of Maj Dunne. He is certain to provide a flank guard to the convoy. He may move close to the axis of advance of the column, or wide to the flank, or piquet all roads and tracks leading onto the axis.

You won’t leave here, Driana, until after the British Tac R plane has carried out its daily recce, that will be about 0845hrs. Except for one of which may leave 0730hrs.’

Note. A Sqn moving from Driana (imaginary) will not be East of Barocca Km6, 6km at top of Tocra pass, before 0945hrs. Except for one of which will not proceed East of list formed in of PSP

A vs B Sqn Exercise - 15 Sep 43

Special Idea - British

To be issued to B Sqn only

A LO from HQ Tobruk handed Maj Dunne the following written orders:-

You have already had all the information available. The enemy’s tactics are likely to be that of harassing the column by MG fire, which can be very effective on soft vehicles.

Your task tomorrow will be to set a right flank guard to the convoy, from the time it enters the State of Barce until the time the tail of the column clears the southern frontier. You may adopt the moving flank guard on a parallel route method; or the piquetting of all roads and tracks running into the axis method; or a combination of both. Of course your troops will have to do some leap-frogging. This should be possible, as you ought to be able to overtake the column, at the speed it is moving.

Your role does not include advance guard. That is being done by the tanks in the column.

Convoy leaves staging area at 0830hrs

Appendix J8

General Idea

8H Exercise A, B and C Sqns- 20 Sep 43

Benghazi 1:250,000

Barce is a semi-hostile state, through which runs the British lines of communication to their Army, which is fighting in

Benghazi and Magrun are two small rival states, the frontier between the two being the line Abiar Cmeil 2253 - Suamait Heira 1848 - El Mscegghegh 1340 - Giardina 0739 - El Chettui 0137 - Umm Sefa 9945 - Bu Lghema 9044 - Bu Fachra 8757. Both states extend westwards for 20 miles, there being no sea. Eastern boundary: the line of the escarpment from Benina to Sceleidima. Benghazi has an important railway, which terminates at Giardina.

Both states have small, but modern, armies consisting of approximately one or two squadrons armoured cars, one battery field artillery, one motor battalion, one field company RE and equivalent services. Neither side has any air force.

At the beginning of September, rumours reached Benghazi that the Magrunis were planning a sudden raid, with the object of damaging the railway between inclusive En Nauuaghia 0455 and inclusive Suani Chuebia 9863. It was rumoured that they were concentrating their army in the town of Magrun .

This news alarmed the government of Benghazi , because their army was engaged in operations in the area of the Tocra pass, against another state to the north-east called Barce. It would take some hours to move back and meet the enemy before he got onto the railway in the vital area.

On the evening 19/20 Sep, the Magrun Government withdrew its ambassador from Benghazi and declared war on its rival. At the same time it ordered its army to advance with speed at first light, seize and damage certain sectors of the railway and then withdraw. The Prime Minister of Magrun sent for commander Magrun Army and warned him that he was likely to meet Benghazi armoured cars (8H less C Sqn) as soon as he crossed the frontier.

On information that war had been declared, commander Benghazi Army sent for CO 8H (8H less C Sqn) and said:-

‘You will move tonight from Tocra to road and railway junction at 9665. At first light you will move forward to take up line of observation on the frontier from Bu Fachra in the West to Abiar Cmeil in the East, with the role of reporting the line of advance of the enemy. You will withdraw back in front of him and delay him in order to give time for the rest of my army to arrive. For your information, the enemy have only on squadron of armoured cars (C Sqn, red turrets)’.

Note. The country over which both sides will be operating will be regarded as unfit for wheels, except along roads and tracks. Cars may, however, proceed across country if they are following a track, marked as such on the map, and it dies out

Exercise SECRET

384/1/2

Special Idea - Magran

Issued to C Sqn only

OC C Sqn

1. For purposes of the exercise, it is necessary to impose a serials amount of control on your movements.

2. You will leave camp at 0800hrs and proceed to Soluch.

3. You will advance from Soluch on a three-troop frontage on three troop centre lines:-

(i) Track Soluch - VMM El Zebed 1435 - El Mesciarrech - Giardina - track running North on East of railway to En Nauuaghia - El Guarscia 9865.

(ii) Track Soluch - track running north-west and North to Giardina - Stret Ben Armed 0039 - Bu Drisa 8950 - road and rail junction 96565.

(iii) Track Soluch - El Chettui 0136 - Umm Sefa 9945 - El Mesciarrech 9451 - road and rail junction 9665.

4. You will not advance from Soluch until 1100hrs. First contact should be made on the line El Mesciarrech - Giardina - El Chettui, and you will give the impression that you are advancing North towards En Nauuaghia, astride the railway.

5. When the enemy commences to withdraw, you will endeavour to break contact and switch your troops westwards, and then continue your advance North.

6. Your reserve troop will move North along the main road Ghemines - Benghazi , in line with the remainder of the squadron. On no account will it press on and get further North than the troop on its immediate East

7. Your role throughout will be that of forming a screen in front of a column, preventing the enemy from observing the line of advance of that column.

8. The exercise will terminate at 1600hrs and you will proceed back to camp.

Exercise SECRET

384/1/2

Special Idea -Benghazi

(To be issued to A and B Sqns only)

OC C Sqn

8H less C Sqn will move from camp at 0800hrs and concentrate in area immediately East of road and rail junction 9665, where orders will be given out by CO 8H.

All ranks will be put fully into the picture before 20 Sep and commanders will have their maps marked up according to the General Idea.

Appendix J9

8H Exercise 27 Sep 43

General Idea

The country Tocra - Benghazi - Soluch - Magrun represents the plains of Hungary , held by the Axis powers. The country is flat, visibility good and tracks numerous. The sea is non-existent. A main road runs due North from Benghazi .

A British division, consisting of three columns, is advancing from West to East by parallel tracks between the Easting grid lines 2 and 9. 8H, less one sqn, are forming a protective screen on the front of the British division. So far contact has not been gained. The last Tac R on 26 Sep, however, has reported enemy armoured cars (Red turrets) on the line of Nothing grid 2.

By last light 26 Sep, British division reached a line 20 miles West of our present position, where they bivouacked for the night. 8H, who were advancing two-up, Right A Left C, had reached the line of the main road Magrun - Ghemines - Benghazi .

Forward troops had remained out on that line as protection to the British force behind. A Sqn HQ were harbouring in the area South Bu Fachra 8235 and B Sqn HQ in the area Ras Tavines 8257.

During the evening 26/27 divisional commander ordered advance to continue at 0930hrs the next morning, to reach the line of the main rd from inclusive Ghemines to inclusive Pt9590 by nightfall 27th. 8H were ordered to continue to carry out their role of protective screen on the whole front from inclusive Easting 2 to inclusive Easting 0, and to advance as far East as the grid line Northing 2.

OC 8H gave out orders verbally at 1000hrs at RHQ, to Comds A and C Sqns.

NOTE. These orders will be given out in the Orderly Room at 0745hrs 27 Sep. Squadron leaders will then give out orders verbally to troop leaders in car parks. Troops will then move into positions from which they would advance East from the line of the main road - Ghemines - Benghazi 27 Sep. There will be no movement East of this road before 0930hrs.

EXERCISE SECRET

8H Exercise 27 Sep 43

Special Instructions Axis Powers (B Sqn)

1. You will leave camp at 0800hrs on 27 Sep. Troops will take up following positions of observation facing West:-

(i) Si Ali 1296.

(ii) Benina 1272.

(iii) Pt128 1259.

(iv) Pt126 1552.

(v) El Mscegghegh 1440.

(vi) Soluch 1226.

2. Troops will not withdraw until outflanked by the enemy. If the enemy bypasses them within 1,000yds, troops will NOT withdraw. -

Furthest point of withdrawal will be 1,000yds East of following points:-

(i) Driana.

(ii) Pt283 1972.

(iii) Abiar el Msauura 1962.

(iv) Siret Ummi Er Reham 1957.

(v) Suani Ait Heiba 1848.

(vi) Siret Amara.

3. Soon after the enemy have reached the above line he will receive orders to withdraw. Your troops will follow him up.

4. Cars will keep to tracks and avoid any minefields marked on the map.

5. The exercise will terminate on or before 1500hrs.

October 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Oct 43		Strength of the Regiment throughout the month is given at Apps I 1-4 (3008 & 3009s)
			The early part of October was spent in completing the re-equipment of the Regiment with Humber MkIVs.
			A CYRDIST exercise, in which the Regiment took part, was held on 11th of the month.
			From 16-20 Oct, squadrons carried out field firing successively at Sceleidima
			On 22 Oct orders were received from HQ CYRDIST for the Regiment to move to Mena.
			An advance party left Benghazi on 25 Oct, to be followed on 28 Oct by the main body moving by road, which arrived at destination on 2 Nov
			Remaining Marmon Herrington Armd Cs (total 28) in possession of the Regiment were handed over to 9 Mot Bn SDF.
	4 Oct 42		Balance of Humber Armd Cs (total 26) to complete the Regiment to 58, arrived by road from Tobruk.
	5 Oct 42		Nineteen ORs left the Regiment for the base depot to await posting home on terms of continuous service overseas since 6 Jan 37.
			This was known as the PYTHON scheme. Nominal roll of these personnel at Appx J1. Provisional promotions pending arrival of reinforcements, rank for rank, were made as follows:-	Appx J1
			SQMS Cole B Sqn to be SSM C Sqn vice SSM Atkins Sgt Jeskins HQ Sqn to be SQMS A Sqn vice SQMS Poplett Sgt Southworth Sgt Fitter to be Mech Sgt vice Mech Sgt Friel Sgt Witherick B Sqn to be SQMS B Sqn vice SQMS Cole.
	6 Oct 43		Lt Meade rejoined Regiment from HQ CYRDIST, where he had been carrying out the duties of GSO3 for the previous seven weeks. On rejoining the unit he was promoted to captain, vice Capt N Hall, who had been posted to X(ii) List, hospital, vide War Diary 18 Sep.
	7 Oct 43		New Diamond-T breakdown tractor and Dodge 8cwt, to complete the LAD, arrived by road from Delta with Capt Wagstaffe, who had taken the Marmon Herringtons back, and Lt Dill, who had been on a camouflage course and leave.
	8 Oct 43		Regimental WT exercise, see Appx J2. Regiment at approximately full strength with 58 Humber Armd Cs.
	9 Oct 43		Orders received from CYRDIST placing the Regiment directly under CYRDIST for operations, but remaining under 93 Sub Area for administration. Operation order attached at Appx E1.	Appx E1.
	10 Oct 43		Regiment moved to concentration area for CYRDIST Exercise PARTISAN as follows:-
			8H less C Sqn (Tobruk Force) to Tocra, where they spent night 10/11 Oct.
			C Sqn (part of Benghazi Force) to Benina.
			CO, accompanied by OsC A and B Sqns 8H; B Coy Pal Regt; and det 738A Tp Coy RE, carried out recces of Tocra Pass and the escarpment East of Barce.
			CO gave out orders at 1830hrs in concentration area.
			Lt Hurst admitted hospital Benghazi , with NYD rheumatoid arthritis in his right hand.
	11 Oct 43		PARTISAN. See App J3 attached	App J3
	12 Oct 43		Regiment returned to camp. Majority of officers remained in Barce to attend conference on the exercise, proceeding to camp during the afternoon.
			Maj Phillips 2IC returned from Cairo .
			Lt Hind admitted hospital Barce, with jaundice
	14 Oct 43		Heavy rain, the first of the year, fell in Benghazi area
	15 Oct 43		Capt Wagstaffe left the Regiment for base depot, to await passage to UK to take up appointment as instructor OCTU Sandhurst.
			Lt Bates rejoined unit from CYRDIST, where he had been carrying out the appointment of ADC to Maj Gen Collier CBE MC, GOC CYRDIST.
	16 Oct 43		A Sqn proceeded to Sceleidima to carry out field firing during 17 and 18 Oct.
	19 Oct 43		C Sqn to Sceleidima for field firing.
	21 Oct 43		B Sqn to Sceleidima for field firing.
	22 Oct 43		Orders received from HQ CYRDIST for Regiment to move to Mena. See Appx E2.
	23-25 Oct		43 Sqn details and RHQ completed field firing.
	25 Oct 43		Advance party left camp for Mena under command Maj Phillips. 8H movement orders attached at Appx D1.	Appx D1.
	26 Oct 43		CO proceeded to Barce to see GOC CYRDIST, Maj Gen A L Collier CBE MC.
			Col Hillyard, Comd HQ 93 Sub Area, visited Regiment to say goodbye.
	28 Oct 43		Main body of Regiment left camp for Mena; see Appx D2. GOC CYRDIST visited the Regiment at Maraua, the first night’s staging area. CO, Adjt and QM proceeded independently to Mena.
	29 Oct 43		Regiment staged night 29/30 at Martuba.
	30 Oct 43		Regiment arrived Tobruk and staged night 30/31 in transit camp.
	31 Oct 43		Regiment staged night 31/1 Nov at Sidi Barrani.
			CO reported to GHQ MEF and received verbal orders that the Regiment would embark for UK about the middle of November.
			Sig Tp and LAD attached would accompany (signal from GHQ MEF, attached at Appx E3, was received on 3 Nov 43).	Appx E3

Appendix J1

Nominal Roll of Personnel Repatriated under PYTHON ONE Scheme

No Rank Name Date Embarked

2928621 WS Sgt Friel D 28 Nov 35

555126 P LCpl Rouse W 31 Aug 36

554861 WS SSM Atkins T 6 Jan 37

553923 WS SQMS Poplett P 6 Jan 37

555729 WS Sgt Garrod G 6 Jan 37

555754 WS Cpl Counter J 6 Jan 37

555783 AP Cpl Townsend A 6 Jan 37

554819 WS Cpl Edwards A 6 Jan 37

555941 WS Cpl Edyvean R 6 Jan 37

555651 P LCpl Parker W 6 Jan 37

836521 U LCpl Elvins D 6 Jan 37

555643 Tpr Foster L 6 Jan 37

555792 Tpr Meager J 6 Jan 37

823191 Tpr Metters F 6 Jan 37

556426 Tpr Nash W 6 Jan 37

555662 Tpr Shaw W 6 Jan 37

555862 Tpr Collennette F 6 Jan 37

556005 Tpr Wade H 6 Jan 37

319300 Cpl Waterson C 6 Jan 37

		Appendix J3
	Exercise PARTISAN
		Copy No 12
		7 Oct 43
Ref map: 1:250,000 Egypt & Cyrenaica Sheet 1
1. General Idea. Tobruk and Benghazi are two city-states, the interstate bdy being that between 99 and 93 Sub Areas. Some weeks ago the Tobruk Army invaded Benghazi state and, after an unsuccessful siege of Benghazi , is now withdrawing eastwards, followed up by the Benghazi Army. The withdrawal of the Tobrukan main body is being seriously delayed by extensive demolitions in the Jebel, carried out by Benghazi guerrillas living in the hills. The armies of both states are trained and equipped on British lines but, owing to Britain having been engaged in her own war in Europe , they have been unable to obtain as much modern equipment as they require. Owing to over-production in Gt Britain , both armies are well provided with Armd Cs. The situation at 0830hrs on 11 Oct is as follows:- Benghazians Adv Gd 9SDF. Head of MT coln at Coeffia. Mob Tps. Operating ahead of, and on flank of, advancing coln. Main Body (imaginary). In vicinity of Benghazi . Tobrukians Rear Gd 8H (less one sqn ) covering eastward withdrawal of main body. One coy 2 Pal Regt ) Main Body (imaginary). In western end of Jebel, much disorganised and seriously delayed by demolitions and sporadic actions by Benghazi guerrillas. All inf are MT-borne. 2. General Instructions (i) Duration. The exercise will begin at first light on 11 Oct and end about 1800hrs on the same day. (ii) Codeword of Exercise. PARTISAN. (iii) Distinguishing Marks. Own tps will:- (a) Wear steel helmets when dismounted. (b) Carry RED bands on Armd Cs. (iv) Tps Taking Part Benghazi Force Comd: Lt Col G T B Adams 9SDF. One sqn 8H. One sec 18prs, 575 Coast Regt RA. One sec 738 A Tps Coy RE. 9SDF. Tobruk Force Comd: Lt Col C Goulburn 8H. 8H less one sqn. One sec 738 A Tps Coy RE. One coy 2 Bn Pal Regt. (v) Bounds and Damage (a) All houses, inhabited or otherwise, are out of bounds for the duration of the exercise. (b) All airfields and RAF camps are out of bounds. (c) Care will be taken to avoid damage to fruit trees and crops. (d) There are no other restrictions, and digging will be carried out as on active operations. (vi) Minefields (a) All ranks will be warned that two minefields exist at Baracca. These minefields are marked with wire and notices. (b0 Certain minefields are known to exist in the southern Jebel. The area bounded on the North by the 10 Northing grid, and the West by the escarpment from Sidi Gebrin N6709 to the Charruba - El Abiar track, will be out of bounds. (vii) Amn (a) Tps armed with rifles will carry ten rounds blank amn per rifle. (b) Tps carrying blank amn will NOT carry live amn. (c) No blank amn will be carried by this unit. (viii) Movement to Conc Area on 10 Oct 43. Operation orders will be issued. (ix) Petrol. Times of filling at PP Barce:- (i) 8H less C Sqn: 10 Oct 1800-1800hrs. 12 Oct 0830-1030hrs. (ii) C Sqn ONLY: 11 Oct 1800-2000hrs. (x) Sups. Two days MEFS hard-scale rations will be drawn by QM from C Sec 39DID on morning of 10 Oct, and issued in leaguer same night. (xi) Water. RV rd junc N702200 on 11 Oct 43 at 1900hrs. Guide will be sent by Ech comd. (xii) Med. One ambulance will report in leaguer evening 10 Oct and will be under comd MO.
		(Sgd) J A G Ladenburg, Capt
		Adjutant 8th KRI Hussars

Distribution
Copy No	1	A Sqn	Copy No	6	Sigs Offr
	2	B Sqn		7	QM
	3	C Sqn		8	MO
	4	HQ Sqn		9	EME
	5	CO 8H		10	File
			11,12		War Diary

Extracts from Report on Exercise PARTISAN by CSO CYRDIST

Signal Discipline

RT. First-class knowledge of equipment and procedure. Messages passed very quickly under extremely difficult wireless conditions, and often over quite long distances for the type of country in which the exercise was carried out.

Communication

Frequencies. Two frequencies only had been allotted, one for tp to sqn working, and one for sqn to RHQ.

It is considered that alternative frequencies should be allotted on an exercise of this sort, and the risk of losing touch would be greatly reduced.

A first-class enemy intercept set was employed at RHQ. By 1500hrs Comd Tobruk Force had the exact location of enemy dispositions, purely by intercept, although this proved to be of no value as the Force was inadequate to deal with it (stated by Lt Col Goulburn).

Training

Duties. The standard of training throughout 8th KRI Hussars is very high, and all NCOs and men employed on signal duties maintain this same high standard of efficiency. I am sure that slipshod methods would not be tolerated in this Regt, where the lives of so many men in an active theatre of war depend on so few.

Conclusion

In conclusion I would like to place on record that the high standard of efficiency shown by signals personnel of the 8th KRI Hussars reflects great credit on the Regiment’s Signals Officer - Lt A U Case.

				Exercise SECRET
				Copy No 11
				8 Oct 43
			Tobruk Force OO No 1 PARTISAN
			Move to Concentration Area
Ref Map Benghazi 1:250,000.
1. Information. Composition of Tobruk Force:- Comd: Lt Col C Goulburn 8H. Tps: 8H less C Sqn One sec 738 A Tps Coy RE One coy 2 Bn Pal Regt. 2. Intention. Tobruk Force will concentrate at Tocra N4223 by 1730hrs 10 Oct. 3. Method. Harbour areas:- (i) OC A Sqn will detail one offr to report to [illegible] Town Major at rd junc N4283 at 1200hrs 10 Oct, to choose harbour areas and allot them to units of Tobruk Force on arrival. (ii) Sub-unit harbour guides will arrive rd junc N4223 30mins before their sub-units, to meet rep in (i) above. 4. March Table. RHQ, A and B Sqns 8H, accompanied by their respective B Echs, will move independently to Tocra, leaving camp as follows:- RHQ 1400hrs. A Sqn 1420hrs. B Sqn 1440hrs. Sec 738 A Tps Coy RE and C Coy 2 Bn Pal Regt will move in own time. 5. Operational Recce. OsC A and B Sqns 8H, Maj Epstein 2 Bn Pal Regt and Lt [illegible] 738 A Tps Coy RE, will meet CO 8H at rd junc Tocra N4223 at 1200hrs 10 Oct, for the purpose of carrying out operational recces in the [illegible] area. 6. Orders. Comd Tobruk Force will give out verbal orders at HQ Tobruk Force Tocra, at 1800hrs 10 Oct. 7. Adm. As for CYRDIST General Instructions CYR/44/4/G dated 4 Oct 43, with the following alterations:- (i) Petrol. QM 8H will arrange to draw 600galls petrol from PP Barce on 10 Oct and issue to all units and sub-units of Tobruk Force in harbour that evening. (ii) Distinguishing Marks. Tobruk Force Armd Cs will fly one red pennant on aerial mast, in lieu of red bands. 8. Intercomn. Signal instructions will be issued separately (NOT to Sec 738 A Tps Coy RE and C Coy 2 Bn Pal Regt). Ack
				(Sgd) C Goulburn
				Lt Col
				Commanding 8th KRI Hussars

Distribution List
Copy No 1
	2	OC A Sqn 8H
	3	OC B Sqn 8H
	4	OC HQ Sqn 8H
	5	OC Sec 738 A Tps Coy RE
	6	OC C Coy 2 Bn Pal Regt
	7	Comd
	8	Sigs Offr
	9	QM
10.11	War Diary (2)
12	Senior Umpire Tobruk

November 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Nov 43		1. Strength of Regt as at 3 Nov att as Appx I1 (3008 & 3009)
			2. The Regt arrived Mena Camp on 2nd of the month and was accommodated in Bannu Lines
			3. The first week of the month was fully occupied in handing in all vehicles and G1098 stores, less personal arms and equipment, compasses, binoculars etc, to respective RVSs and RSDs.
			4. Permission was granted to the Regt to take back to UK all regtl baggage, including furniture and pictures belonging to offrs’ and sgts’ messes, all band instruments and offrs’ and ORs’ private baggage. All these had been stored in Abbassia since the outbreak of war.
			A large baggage party, under Lt McClintock, was employed, therefore, in sorting, preparing and labelling this baggage which, in all, amounted to some 30 tons deadweight.
			5. A large number of questions on personnel were settled, the following being the main ones:-
			(i) OC 2nd Ech gave authority for the Regt to take any ex-8th Hussar personnel, of whatever medical category, back to UK . A number of B Category men, therefore, were posted to the Regt from RAC Training depot, where they had been employed in depot jobs. A nominal roll of these personnel is given at Appx J1(i).	Appx J1(i)
			(ii) A number of NCOs were posted to the Regt to replace those NCOs who had left the Regt in October under the PYTHON scheme (repatriations after long service overseas). A nominal roll of these NCOs is shown at Appx J1(ii).	Appx J1(ii)
			(iii) All other 8H depot-posted personnel were given the option of being posted back to the unit, or remaining in Egypt . A nominal roll at Appx J1(iii) shows those who elected to remain.	Appx J1(iii)
			(iii) All other 8H depot-posted personnel were given the option of being posted back to the unit, or remaining in Egypt . A nominal roll at Appx J1(iii) shows those who elected to remain.	Appx J1(iii)
			(iv) Those ORs who had arrived from UK and been posted to the Regt in September under REEFER scheme, and who therefore had served a few months only in ME, were ordered by O2E GHQ to remain behind. They were posted therefore to Base Depot and a nominal roll is shown at Appx J1(iv).	Appx J1(iv)
			(v) Lt Hon R D G Winn and Lt D G R Bennie left the Regt. The latter was posted to a corps protection tp before the unit embarked.
			(vi) Personnel left behind in hospitals in CYRDIST, when the Regt moved from Benghazi , all rejoined the unit before it embarked, with the exception of Tpr Gannon and Pte Palmer ACC att.
			(vii) Padre Hone RAChD was posted away from the Regt by the Chaplain General’s Department, on the grounds that he had not served sufficiently long overseas to merit repatriation. Frank Hone had been padre to the 8th Hussars for two and a half years, and had been with them throughout all the desert campaigns in which they fought, except the Italian campaign. An appeal to the Chaplain General, and finally to the GOCinC MEF, Gen Wilson, failed to alter this decision.
			(viii) Two young officers, recently arrived from UK , joined the Regt at Mena, namely Lt Bellamy and Lt de May
			(ix) Capt Firth who, for medical reasons, had not been allowed to serve with the Regt in the desert, and who had been appointed OC Depot Sqn at the Armd C Wing since July, rejoined the unit and was posted as 2IC C Sqn.
			(x) Maj Harari, who had left the Regt while in Cyprus , and who was employed in GHQ, was not posted back to the unit and continued in his employment in Civil Affairs GHQ.
			6. Gen Sir H Maitland Wilson, GOCinC MEF, visited the Regt to say goodbye before they left Mena.
			7. The unit moved in two parties to ports of embarkation at Suez and Alexandria , where they were embarked on 12th and 16th respectively. The remainder of the month was spent on the high seas
	2 Nov 43		Regt arrived from Benghazi after six days on the road. They were accommodated in Bannu Lines Mena Camp.
	3 Nov 43		A day of maintenance and preparing vehicles for handing in to RVS.
	4 Nov 43		All Armd Cs proceeded to 70 Vehicle Park Geneifa under orders GHQ but, on arrival, were ordered back to 158RVS Abbassia, where they were handed in that evening.
	5 Nov 43		All Ford B vehicles, except 4 x 15cwt trucks, proceeded to 150RVS Tel el Kebir.
	6 Nov 43		Orders received from GHQ that unit would move by rail from Mena to Amirya on 9 Nov (Appx E1).	Appx E1
	7 Nov 43		Sunday church service in camp.
	8 Nov 43		Gen Sir Maitland Wilson, GOCinC MEF, visited the Regt to say goodbye. All offrs present were introduced to him and he made a short speech to all offrs and men, congratulating the Regt on its fine record during the last nine years and eleven months in the ME, and wishing them God-speed
			A nominal roll of all offrs and ORs who had proceeded overseas with the Regt in December 1933, and who were still serving with the Regt at this date, is given below:-
			Lt Col C Goulburn Maj J W Phillips Maj N G F Dunne Maj G W G Threlfall Capt H H Firth Lt(QM) O’Malley RSM McMaster TQMS Day Sgt O’Callaghan Sgt Williams Tpr Huggan.
			Tents were struck and handed in. An adv party of approx 100 men left by rd for Amirya, but had to be recalled owing to a sudden change of orders by GHQ in connection with the embarkation. See Appx E2 att	Appx E2
	9 Nov 43		Regt remained in camp awaiting entrainment.
	10 Nov 43		32 offrs and 247 ORs entrained at Mena and proceeded to Transit Camp Suez (see Appx D1). This party, under comd Maj Phillips, and consisting of B and C Sqns and LAD att, embarked on HMT ‘Duchess of Richmond’ on 12 Nov.	Appx D1
	11 Nov 43		Remainder of Regt, consisting of RHQ, HQ and A Sqns, and RSigs Tp att, remained in camp awaiting move to Amirya.
	12 Nov 43		Adv party, composition two offrs, 95 ORs and 22 vehicles, left camp at 0700hrs for Amirya and were ordered to the concentration area at Ikingi Mariut.
			Rail party, composition two offrs and 130 ORs, departed Cairo main station at 2240hrs.
			A small rear party remained in camp till following morning.
	13 Nov 43		Rail party arrived Alexandria station and proceeded to Ikingi Mariut by RASC tpt, where the Regt was accommodated in a Ship’s Camp in company with other units.
	14-15 Nov 43		Confined to Ship’s Camp.
	16 Nov 43		Regt, less Suez party, composition six offrs and 263 ORs, embarked in HMT ‘Almanzora’ at Alexandria .
			Offrs comprised the following: Lt Col Goulburn; Majs Threlfall and Gwyn; Capts Ladenburg, Ames and Hepburn; Lt McClintock and Lt(QM) O’Malley.
	17-30 Nov 43		At sea.

Appendix D2

SECRET

Copy No 9

8H Movement Order

1. Intention. 8h, less B and C Sqns, and HQ Sqn details, will move to Camp D , Concentration Area Amirya (HQ Sqn details include LAD and RSigs personnel detached to B and C Sqns).

2. Method

(i) Advance party leaving am 12 Nov 43. See Appx A.

(ii) Rail party leaving pm 12 Nov 43. See Appx B.

(iii) Rear party leaving am 13 Nov 43. See Appx C.

3. Rations

(i) Advance Party. Breakfast 12 Nov in camp. Middy meal - haversack. Dinner 12 Nov and breakfast 13 Nov in bulk on HQ sqn cooks lorry, including breakfast 13 Nov for rail party.

(ii) Rail Party. All meals on 12 Nov in camp. No rations will be carried. Cookhouses will provide sandwiches for rail journey.

(iii) Rear Party. Breakfast 13 Nov in camp. Midday meal - haversack. Dinners in new camp.

(iv) Rations to be drawn by Adv Party from 86DID for 13 Nov and following days as ordered: eight offrs, 243 ORs.

(v) Cookhouses

a. HQ Sqn cookhouse will close in present camp after breakfasts 12 Nov 43, and will re-open in new location for evening meals for Advance Party.

b. A Sqn cookhouse will provide midday and evening meals for Train and Rear Parties 12 Nov, sandwiches for Train Party, breakfasts and haversack rations for Rear Party 13 Nov.

4. Administration

(i) Comd in concentration area, Formation HQ at Camp 666.

(i) Postal Arrangements. All ranks will be warned, on parade, that in NO circumstances is mail to be posted anywhere other than in unit Orderly Room.

(iii) Security

a. All ranks will again be warned on parade of the prevalence of theft of arms and paybooks in particular, and

b. That silence is the best security.

c. Only the unit telephone may be used.

(iv) Water

a. There is a water shortage in Amirya.

b. Personnel will NOT wash under water points or running water taps.

c. OC Adv Party will detail a 24hr guard on all water points and taps within Camp D.

(v) Bounds

a. Offrs below the rank of colonel will NOT use 158TC Offrs Mess.

b. All ranks will be confined to Amirya Zone area.

c. Local leave will NOT be granted.

(vi) Medical. Casualties to 114 ( Ind ) Fd Amb Ikingi.

5. Vehicle Handover

(i) All vehs will be retained by unit until instructions for disposal are received.

(ii) Tech Office will be prepared to hand over vehs at short notice.

(Sgd) J A G Ladenburg, Capt

Adjutant 8th KRI Hussars

Field

1 0 Nov 43

Distribution

Copy No 1 OC A Sqn

2 OC HQ Sqn

3 CO

4 QM

5 Tech

6 OC Adv Party

7 OC Rail Party

8-9 Spare (2)

Appx A to 8H Mov O dd 10 Nov 43

Advance Party (leaves 12 Nov 43)

1. Composition

(i) Maj Gwyn (Comd) with driver in Bantam (HQ Sqn).

(ii) Capt Ames with Tpr Roscamp and driver and office eqpt in Bantam (A Sqn).

(iii) Sgt Wizard, LC Best and driver in Bantam (B Sqn).

(iv) Offrs Mess, driver and staff in 3-ton lorry (HQ Sqn).

(v) HQ Sqn cookhouse, Sgt Stone, two cooks, two mess orderlies and driver, in 3-ton lorry (HQ Sqn).

(vi) RSM, Tpr Nolan and driver in Dodge 8cwt PU.

(vii) Personnel from A and HQ Sqns (less Rail and Rear Parties) in 4 x 3-ton lorries.

(viii) Four water trucks with 1st and 2nd drivers.

(ix) 4 x 15cwt trucks (three Ford, one Dodge) with 1st and 2nd drivers.

(x) 1 x 10cwt WT with 1st and 2nd drivers.

(xi) 1 x 8cwt Dodge.

(xii) A and HQ Sqns will each detail 1 x 3-tonner to carry all their personnel’s sea kitbags.

Total strength: two offrs, 95 ORs, estimated. 22 vehs, excluding LC James and Tpr Hill, who travel independently with CO.

2. (i) Capt Ames, Sgt Wizard and RSM will leave camp at 0730hrs.

(ii) Remainder vehs leave camp 0900hrs .

3. Special instructions for OC Rear Party will be collected by him from Adjt.

Appx B to 8H Mov O dd 10 Nov 43

Rail Party (leaves night 12 Nov)

1. Composition

(i) Comd Maj Threlfall, 2IC Capt Hepburn.

(ii) All personnel of A and HQ sqns, less Advance and Rear Parties.

Total strength: two offrs, 130 ORs (estimated); ie HQ Sqn - 70 men, A Sqn - 60 men, these figures will be adhered to.

2. Transport

(i) Supplied by Tpr Offr Mena, arrives unit lines 2000hrs.

(ii) Personnel will be embussed by 2030hrs.

3. Destination

(i) Leave Cairo Main 2240hrs.

(ii) Arrive Amirya 0610hrs, where tpt will meet.

Appx C to 8H Mov O dd 10 Nov 43

Rear Party (leaves 13 Nov 43)

1. Composition

(i) Adjt, Tpr Hurd in bantam (HQ Sqn).

(ii) QM, Tprs Turner, Huggan and Williams in Ford 15cwt (HQ Sqn).

(iii) Sgt Little and driver in Bantam (C Sqn).

(iv) A Sqn cookhouse, two cooks, two mess orderlies and driver, in 1 x 3-ton lorry (A Sqn).

(v) One spare 3-ton lorry (B Sqn) with driver and four men from A Sqn for fatigues.

Total strength: two offrs, sixteen ORs.

2. Party will be prepared to leave at 0800hrs 13 Nov.

Appendix E1

Message Out TOO 1230B

To: (1) 8H ( Br Del )

(2) 17 Area ( Br Del )

(3) (R) 16 Area

(4) Mov 17 Area ( Br Del )

(5) ??????? Force ( Br Del )

From: MIDEAST SD31297 5 Nov

MOST SECRET

1. 8H with sigs tp and LAD will move by rail on 9 Nov from Mena to Amirya under instr Mov MIDEAST.

2. Hy baggage will be loaded on 8 Nov at Abbassia, and will be ready to be called fwd by pm 8 Nov under instr Mov MIDEAST. Escort of offr one OR sixteen will accompany.

3. 17 Area arrange rd lift both parties to relevant rly stns.

4. Adv party will precede by rd under unit arrangements

5. Before departure, OC unit will prepare for a Type B move as described in Adm Instr for units proceeding overseas from MIDEAST . Winter scale clothing will be drawn, minimum summer scale and mosquito nets retained.

6. 8H will sig MIDEAST IMMEDIATE following infm.

(a) Strength of rail party by offrs and ORs.

(b) Weight of baggage to be lifted by tons DW.

7. On arrival unit remains under comd GHQ, and is placed at 24hrs notice for calling fwd under instr Mov MIDEAST.

8. For 16 Area. Block A accn.

BY SAFE MEANS OR IN CIPHER 1402/143/SD3

(Sgd) J E G Clarke, Capt

for Lt Col GS

Dist: MO AG(O) Q1 Q(AE) MOV AFV X EME SIGMR OB SD1a SD2a SD2b O2E (Brit)

UNPARAPHRASED

Appendix J1(i)

Nominal Roll of Medically Low-Graded Personnel who Rejoined the Unit from RAC Trg Depot

554502 Tpr Buxton J

7941102 Tpr Byram J

320722 Tpr Blackburn L

404569 WS Sgt Davies W

7943873 Tpr Griffiths G

7910852 LCpl Hogg L

7922822 Tpr Holmes K

849248 Tpr Lane K

7884135 Tpr Leech L

409355 Tpr Lee G

557096 Tpr McCarthy B

7943502 Tpr Wright G

558468 Tpr Smith J

7940920 LCpl Balcombe V

7888538 Tpr Cuming J

3459447 Cpl Homes A

-------------------------

Appendix J1(ii)

Nominal Roll of Replacements Posted from RAC Trg Depot

4266899 Tpr Archer W

4269708 Cpl Banks W

551685 Sgt Cheeseman A

319120 Cpl Constable L

319527 Sgt Haylock H

410441 Cpl Hill J

555753 Sgt Welch J

555992 Cpl Kitcher S

-------------------------

Appendix J1(iii)

Nominal Roll of 8H Personnel, Depot Posted, Electing to Remain in Egypt

553605 Sgt Stwart A to Civil Affairs

552760 Cpl Calver J to Civil Affairs

7939952 Sgt Burnett C WT Instr RAC Sch

408970 Sgt Preston L WT Instr ACW

Note: Tpr Mullins 5106660 was left in hospital.

-------------------------

Appendix J1(iv)

Nominal Roll of ‘REEFER’ Personnel Posted Back to Base Depot

403881 SQMS Heward J

5436306 Sgt Wills W

7889079 Cpl Manthorpe H

7938950 Tpr Hill K

3314600 Tpr Metcalf W

December 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col C Goulburn
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	8 Dec 43		The convoy conveying the Regiment to England arrived, after a safe and uneventful journey, on Dec 8. HMT ‘Duchess of Richmond’, carrying half the Regiment, went to Liverpool , the other half to Gourock (vide War Diary 10-13 Nov 43) in HMT ‘Almanzora.
			Both Lt Gen Leese, Comd XXX Corps and Maj Gen Erskine, Comd 7th Armd Div, came on board at both Gourock and Liverpool to welcome the Regiment home, and to inform them that the Regiment was to become either the armd recce regt of the 7th Armd Div, or the Armd C regt for XXX Corps.
	10 Dec 43		After some delay in disembarking, the whole Regiment proceeded on 10 and 11 Dec to a dispersal camp at Woodlands Park, Gt Missenden, Bucks, where excellent arrangements had been made for their reception, arriving there on night 11/12 Dec.
			The Liverpool party arrived some few hours before the Gourock party.
	14 Dec 43		On 14 Dec the Colonel-in-Chief, Brig J Van der Byl DSO paid a visit to his Regiment. After lunch he inspected the Regiment on parade, afterwards addressing them in formal welcome home after ten years continuous service in the Middle East .
	15 Dec 43		On 15 Dec the CO proceed to HQ 21 Army Group for interview with Maj Gen Willoughby Norrie MC RAC, who informed him that the Regiment would become either the armd recce regt of 7th Armd Div, or the XXX Corps Armd C regt.
			The decision was made a few days later and the CO informed that the Regiment would convert at once to an armd recce regt.
			All ranks were granted disembarkation leave, on the scale of two weeks for less than two years abroad, three weeks for from two to four years and four weeks for over four years abroad.
	16 Dec 43		By 16 Dec all ranks had left on leave, with instructions to return to Gt Missenden.
			A few days later, however, instructions were received that the Regiment would re-assemble in its new permanent camp at West Tofts, Nr Thetford, Norfolk .
	29 Dec 43		All baggage and equipment therefore had to be moved from Gt Missenden to Thetford. This task was carried out by personnel who returned to Gt Missenden on 29 Dec, after a fortnight’s leave.
	31 Dec 43		Names of officers and numbers of ORs as at 31 Dec 43 are attached at Appx A.	Appx A.

Appendix A

Nominal Roll of Officers and Numbers of ORs as at 31 Dec 43

Officers - Nominal Roll

Lt Col C Goulburn

Maj J W Phillips

Maj N G F Dunne

Maj G W G Threlfall

Maj J W Gwyn

Maj P H Huth

Capt H H Firth

Capt R H Ames

Capt J Robertson

Capt J A G Ladenburg

Capt J A S Hepburn

Capt C J G Meade

Lt I M O Hutchison

Lt A R Newman

Lt H R D Pegler

Lt J Wharton

Lt J E Chapman

Lt A F McClintock

Lt A J Hind

Lt A B Brodie

Lt M C Walker

Lt G V Bates

Lt A U Case

Lt D S Scott

Lt L Preston

Lt J G M Young

Lt J N Lombard

Lt R P G Dill

Lt F J E Hurst

Lt R H Anstey

Lt W St C Tisdall

Lt G R A C Kirkham

Lt M M M Browne

2Lt L G Bellamy

2Lt P F de May

Lt(QM) E O’Malley

T/Lt D Rampf ) UDF seconded

T/Lt D J Mossop ) to UK forces

Capt J B Haycock RAMC

Capt W B P Best REME

ORs - Strength State as at 31 Dec 43

8H 453

RSigs 28

REME 21

ACC 8

Total 510

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