War Diary of CC Battery Royal Horse Artillery 1944

War Diaries of CC Battery, Royal Horse Artillery

1944

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January 1944 Commanding Officer: Major. F. B. Wyldbore-Smith M.B.E. R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Field	1-3		On Board S.S. ORMONDE
	4	0430	S.S. ORMONDE at anchor in River Clyde off GOUROCK.
	5		On Board S.S. ORMONDE
	6	1430	Bty disembarked.
		1730	Train moved out of GOUROCK.
Cranwich Camp	7	0910	Train arrived at BRANDON NORFOLK. Bty taken by lorries to CRANWICH CAMP. 232127.
	8-9		Organisation of billets and issue of kit.
	10-12		The main part of the Bty proceeded on 14 days disembarkation leave, about 20 men remaining as rear party.
	13-24		Disembarkation leave.
	20	0830	Dvrs left to collect 5 "B" Vehicles from 2 VRD SLOUGH.
	21	1530	Dvrs returned with vehicles.
	24		B.C. Posted to 11th Armoured Division as G.S.O. 1. Capt G.R.A. Wixley RHA assumed command of the Bty on return from leave on 29 Jan.

January 1944 Commanding Officer: Capt G.R.A. Wixley R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Cranwich Camp	26-28		Parties returning from leave. Rear party proceeded on 14 days disembarkation leave.
	29		Personnel left for MT Course at RHYL.
	30		2/Lt. PG Burroughs RHA & 2/Lt DA Cons RHA attached to the Bty.
	31		Training and cross country run.

Appendix 'A' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of Jan '44

Hospital Admissions and discharges.

Name.	Admitted.	Discharged.
Gnr. White. S.	4/1/44
Gnr Guilfoyle.	15/1/44
Gnr Gray. W.	22/1/44	29/1/44
Sgt. Lord. A.	24/1/44 (sick on leave)

Appendix 'B' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of Jan '44

	Postings to and from the Battery.

	Lt. W.S. Barrow RHA Posted to R.H.Q. 5th Regt RHA on 8th Jan 44
	Major. F.B. Wyldbore-Smith DSO MBE RHA posted to 11th Armoured Division on 24 Jan 44
	Gnr Rains R. posted to 11th Armoured Division on 24 Jan 44

February 1944 Commanding Officer: Capt G.R.A. Wixley R.H.A
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Cranwich Camp	1-12		Training was carried out on a reduced scale owing to the number of men on disembarkation leave, courses, and the total absence of equipment except for rifles, and a minimum number of essential vehicles for administration.
			The Battery concentrated on small arms shooting on SWAFFHAM Ranges and also fatigues in order to get the camp in proper working order.
	12		There was a Regimental inter-Battery rifle shooting competition which was won by the Battery.
	14		Capt. R. E. Stone MC RHA was posted to RHQ as entertainments Officer to await further posting to entertainments branch of 21st Army Group.
			Lt. M. T. Barstow RHA was posted back to the Battery from 'K' Bty RHA and became G.P.O. of 'C' Troop.
			3 S.P. 25 pdrs on RAM Chassis (SEXTONS) were received by the Battery.
	15-16		Training continued and preparations were made for the inspections of the Brigade by the C.in C. General Sir B.L. Montgomery.
	17	1100	Inspection by C.in C. The Regiment was formed up in the grounds of DIDLINGTON HALL by 0930 hrs and returned to camp at 1215 hrs. The Battery had on parade 6 Officers and 100 O.Rs.
			Major T.J. Cooke MC RHA posted from RHQ (Adjutant) to the Battery as B.C.

February 1944 Commanding Officer: Major. T. J. Cooke M.C. R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Cranwich Camp	18-24		Training on modified scale, owing to delay in receiving any equipment except the 3 SEXTONS.
		1500	Inspection by H.M. the King., at HILLBOROUGH HALL. On this occasion the Regiment paraded with Div R.A. instead of 22 Armoured Brigade.
	25-29		During the period training continued and G1098 equipment began to arrive. By the end of the month the Battery had received 90% of its 'B' vehicles (less ½ tracks) and 1 Sherman Tank for training purposes.
	29		Bdr Reid returned to the Battery from hospital in NORTH AFRICA.
			During this month little real training had been achieved but a great deal had been accomplished. Nearly all the men had not only completed their disembarkation leave but privilege leave as well, so that when the equipment arrived the Battery could train as near 100% strength on parade as possible.
			The new gun drill was worked out and learnt, the new W.E. had been shown to all ranks in the form of blocks on the floor, and nearly everyone was at least in his right place and doing the right job.
			The Battery was now ready to start a months hard basic training, by the end of which the Battery had been ordered to be ready for Regimental and Divisional Schemes.

"CC" Battery R.H.A TRAINING PROGRAMME Week Ending Sat. Feb 19th 44

Day	Personnel	0900--1000hrs	1000--1045hrs	1115--1215hrs	1400--1600hrs	1730--1830hrs

	Gunners	R/T Sig Class	Gundrill	Laying		Lecture on
Mon	Drivers	Instruction Maintenance	Gundrill	Maintenance		Tactics
	Signallers	R/T Sig. Class	Ram, Sherman Equipment.	Maintenance		Capt. Wixley. R.H.A.

	Gunners	R/T Sig Class	Gundrill	Maintenance		Lecture on
Tues	Drivers	Instn. Mainte. R.H.Q	Gundrill	Maintenance		S.P. Tactics and
	Signallers	R/T Sig Class	Tank Driving Maintce. Class	Maintenance Specs, only Refresher Course		Organisation Min Range

	Gunners	R/T Sig Class	Laying	Maintenance
Wed	Drivers	Instruction. Mainte. R.H.Q	Laying	Maintenance Nos 1 Min. Range.		A.B.C.A
	Signallers	R/T Sig Class	Tank Driving Maintce. Class	Maintenance Specs, only Refresher Course

						R/T Class
Thurs	Generals		Inspection			Elementary Wireless
						Off Min Range.

	Gunners	R/T Sig Class	Gundrill	Laying and Maintenance		O.Rs Lecture First Aid
Frid	Drivers	Instruction. Mainte. R.H.Q	Gundrill	Maintenance		Sgt Murray N.C.O.s Cloth Model.
	Signallers	R/T Sig Class	Tank Driving Maintce. Class	Maintenance Specs, only Refresher Course

	Gunners
	Drivers	Preparations for	Inspection
	Signallers

1400hrs	Sports	Sports	Sports
	"CC" Battery Training Prog W/E 26th Feb '44
1730hrs - 1815hrs	R/T	Troop Drill Order	Gun Drill
Monday 21st	B.H.Q	"C" Troop	"H" Troop

0915hrs - 1000hrs		2nd I/C's Maintenance Lecture
1005hrs - 1045hrs	---	Gun Drill & Laying	R/T Instruction
1115hrs - 1200hrs	R/T	-------	Gun Drill & Laying
1400hrs	Sports	Sports	Sports
1730hrs - 1815hrs	Lecture training	Gun Drill & Laying	Tactical with Blocks

Tuesday 22nd
0915hrs - 1000hrs		2nd I/C's Maintenance Lecture
1005hrs - 1045hrs	---	R/T Instruction	Gun Drill
1115hrs - 1200hrs	R/T	Gun Drill	---
1400hrs	Sports	Sports	Sports
1730hrs - 1815hrs	Map Reading Lecture	Tactical with Blocks	Gun Drill

Wednesday 23rd
0915hrs - 1000hrs	R/T	-------	Gun Drill
1005hrs - 1045hrs	---	Gun Drill	R/T
1115hrs - 1200hrs		2nd I/C's Maintenance Lecture
1400hrs	Sports	Sports	Sports
1730hrs - 1815hrs	Tactical/Scheme Blocks (Bty)	Gun Drill	Lecture

Thursday 24th
0915hrs - 1000hrs		2nd I/C's Maintenance Lecture
1005hrs - 1045hrs	---	R/T	Gun Drill
1115hrs - 1200hrs	R/T	Gun Drill	---
1400hrs	Sports	Sports	Sports
1730hrs - 1815hrs	R/T	Troop Drill order with Blocks	Gun Drill

Friday 25th
0915hrs - 1000hrs		2nd I/C's Maintenance Lecture
1005hrs - 1045hrs	---	Gun Drill	R/T
1115hrs - 1200hrs	R/T	-----	Gun Drill
1400hrs	Preparations for inspection
1730hrs - 1815hrs			"H" Troop Drill Order

Continued:	"CC" Battery Training Prog W/E 26th Feb '44
Saturday 26th	B.H.Q	"C" Troop	"H" Troop

A.M		INSPECTIONS
P/M		Football Match v "A" Sqdn, 1st R.T.R. at Mundford

NOTES:-	The following are Standard:-
	1115hrs - 1215hrs	Maintenance hour
	1200hrs - 1230hrs	Officers & Signallers R/T
	1115hrs - 1215hrs	Mondays - Fridays Officers Min. Range.

ESC			Major R.H.A.
18/2/44			Commanding "CC" Battery R.H.A

	Signal ½ hour	1200 - 1230
	Tuesday 1730 hrs	Offrs and WOs lecture
	by 8 H
	Sunday 1200 -1700	Offrs TEWT

Note:- The text in Blue above is hand written on the originals.

Appendix 'A' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of February '44

Hospital Admissions and discharges.

Name.	Admitted.	Discharged.
Dvr Groombridge. G.	4 Feb '44	-
Dvr Moscovitch, L.	14 Feb '44	-
Dvr Kyle. A.E.	24 Feb '44	-
Dvr. Woodall. J.	28 Feb '44	-
Dvr. Mellows. R.	28 Feb '44	-

Appendix 'B' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of February '44

	Postings to and from the Battery.
2/Lt. GP Burroughs RHA.	)	Posted to the Battery on 2 Feb '44
2/Lt. DN. Cons. RHA.	)
Lt. MT. Barstow. RHA	)	Posted to the Battery from 'K' Battery RHA on 14 Feb '44
Major TJ Cooke MC RHA.	)	Posted to the Battery from RHQ. 24 Feb '44
Gnr. Severn F.M	)	Posted to the Battery from RHQ. 24 Feb '44
Gnr. Allen. J.M.	)
Gnr. Binmore. W.J	)
Gnr. Bowker. W.D.	)
Gnr. Bridges. F	)
Dvr. Carr. E.V.	)
Gnr. Davies. E.G.	)
Gnr. Dewar. R.A.	)
Gnr. Etheridge. A	)
Dvr. Faulkner. C.	)	Posted to the Battery as reinforcements on 19 Feb '44.
Gnr. Fairburn. K.A	)
Gnr. Green. W.J.	)
Gnr. Griffiths. B.R.	)
Gnr. Jelley. J.T.	)
Gnr. Marshall. R.F.	)
Gnr. Smith. L.S.	)
Dvr. Smith. R.	)
Gnr. Taylor. T.	)
Gnr. Mellows. J.	)
Dvr. Read. P.	)
Bdr. Reid. A.		Posted to the Battery from 101 Reinforcement Group on 29 Feb '44

Capt. RE. Stone. MC RHA.		Posted to RHA on 14 Feb '44
Gnr. Guilfoyle. RC.		Posted to the 'Y' List on 5 Feb '44.
Sgt. Lord. A		Posted to the 'Y' List on 12 Feb '44.

Appendix 'C' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of February '44

	Courses.

Name.	Type of Course.	Period.	Place.
Lt. PAB Wickham.	'A' Vehicle Waterproof	1 - 26 Feb.	Rhyl.
L/Sgt Chapman.	'A' Vehicle Waterproof	1 - 26 Feb.	Rhyl.
L/Bdr Dipper.	Sherman Course	8 Feb - 21 March.	Rhyl.
L/Bdr Headington.	Sherman Course	8 Feb - 16 Feb.	Rhyl.
Gnr Maisey.	RAM Course	8 Feb - 21 March.	Rhyl.
Gnr Meaden.	RAM Course	8 Feb - 21 March.	Rhyl.
Bdr Bartley	Mines Course	7 Feb - 9 Feb.	Didlington.
L/Bdr Course.	Mines Course	7 Feb - 9 Feb.	Didlington.
L/Bdr Botting	O.P.As Course	9 Feb - 16 Feb.	Larkhill
Dvr Collins.	Dvr/Mechs.	10 Feb - 24 Feb.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Nicholls.	Dvr/Mechs.	10 Feb - 11 March.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Smith G.W.	Dvr/Mechs.	10 Feb - 11 March.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Parfitt. E	Dvr/Mechs.	10 Feb - 11 March.	Huddersfield.
Pte Conkleton.	Officers Mess Cook's Course.	15 Feb - 7 March.	Aldershot.
L/Bdr Nott. J.	Dvr/Mechs.	17 Feb - 18 March.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Davies GAT.	Dvr/Mechs.	17 Feb - 18 March.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Smith JN.	Dvr/Mechs.	17 Feb - 18 March.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Webber. E.G	Dvr/Mechs.	17 Feb - 18 March.	Huddersfield.
Bdr Forbes. G.	Waterproofing Course	27 Feb - 4 March.	Westcliff.
Bdr Eade. S.	Div Mines Course.	27 Feb - 29 Feb.	Didlington.

March 1944

Commanding Officer: Major. T. J. Cooke M.C. R.H.A.

Place

Date

Hour

Summary of Events and Information

References to Appendices

Cranwich Camp

Capt. D.L Benke posted to the Bty from K Bty as Battery Captain.

Capt. G.R.A. Wixley R.H.A. who had been in the Battery since its foundation in November '40 left to command a Battery in 5th Field Regt. R.A.

3 Officers and 21 O.Rs (Capt T.R.D. Belgrave i/c party) left to collect 5 SEXTONS from WOOLWICH and returned with them on March 5th.

1630

The Adjutant General. Lt. General Sir Ronald Adams visited the Regiment and spoke to all Officers, W.Os, Sgts & L/Sgts giving them a summary of the war situation in all parts including the S.W. Pacific.

2-14

Training started in earnest and by March 14th both Troops were capable of simple drill order in the new SEXTONS.

Battery Soccer match against 511 Bty R.A. (Essex Yeomanry) which was won 1 - 0.

The Essex Yeomanry who were living 5 miles away also had SEXTONS and as they had had them for a few months there was as much liaison with them as possible in order to "pick their brains" and find out the answers to any of the small difficulties.

An inter subsection Gun Drill Competition was postponed owing to thick mist.

Inter-subsection competition was held and won by 'B' Subsection (Sgt Townsend). This was followed by a demonstration by both troops to the C.O. of a normal troop deployment.

First Battery Drill Order took place.

The Battery did a Battle practice with 1 R.Tanks on the STANDFORD Battle area, this was followed by course shooting.

The Battery did a fire and movement scheme on the STANDFORD Battle area.

Football match V Divisional C.M.P. won 10 - 3.

Training continued. During the month a great deal of hard work had been put into the training by all ranks and the results were beginning to show. Although not ready for war in all respects the Battery could have gone and fought the next day and produced an adequate thought not perfect. As a result of the courses at RAMT School Rhyl the maintenance of tracked vehicles was by now on a very firm basis. The gun detachments had made tremendous effort in this respect and had achieved a consequently good answers

Major TJ Cooke MC RHA

Bty Cmdr.

Capt. D.L. Benke. RHA

Bty Capt.

Capt W.H.H. Allon RHA

"C" Tp Cmdr.

Capt. TRD Belgrave. RHA

"C" Tp Cmdr.

Lt. M.T. Barstow RHA

"C" Tp G.P.O.

Lt. A.B. Curtis. RHA

"H" Tp G.P.O.

2/Lt D.N. Cons. RHA

'C' Tp Leader

2/Lt. P.G. Burroughs RHA

'H' Tp Leader

Lt. R. Whitely RHA

C.P.O

Lt. P.E. Arni. RHA

Spare 'H' Tp Leader

Lt. P. Wickham. RHA

A.C.P.O

2/Lt. W.R.. Pierce.

Appendix 'A' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of March '44

Hospital Admissions and discharges.

Name.	Admitted.	Discharged.
Sgt. T. Stewart. MM.	21 March '44	-
Dvr. B. Rack	22 March '44	-
Gnr. W. Rispin	26 March '44	-
Dvr G. Groombridge.	-	14 March '44

Appendix 'B' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of March '44

	Postings to and from the Battery.
Capt. D.L. Benke. RHA.		Posted to the Battery from 'K' Battery RHA on 1 March 44.
Gnr. Webb. G.H.		Posted to the Battery from 'K' Battery RHA on 1 March 44.
L/Bdr. Ansell. W		Posted to the Battery from 101 Reinforcement Group on 14 March 44.
L/Sgt. Hailwood		Posted to the Battery from 'K' Battery RHA on 19 March 44.

Capt. GRA. Wixley. R.H.A		Posted to 5th Field Regt R.A. on 2 March 44.
Gnr. Bates. A.E.		Posted to 5th Field Regt R.A. on 2 March 44.
Sgt. Ware. C.		Posted to R.H.Q. on 2 March 44.

Appendix 'C' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. WAR DIARY

for Month of March '44

	Courses.

Name.	Type of Course.	Period.	Place.
Gnr Gibson	Cooks Course	11 March - 31 March.	Oswestry.
Gnr. Gibb. J.	Cooks Course	11 March - 31 March.	Oswestry.
Gnr. Appleby. G..	Cooks Course	11 March - 31 March.	Oswestry.
Lt. P.G. Burroughs RHA	'B' Vehicles Waterproofing	23 March - 1 April '44.	Rhyl.

"CC" Battery R.H.A Training Programme Week-ending 4th March ' 44

DAY	0900--1000hrs	1000--1045hrs	1115--1200hrs	1200--1230hrs	1430hrs	1730--1815hrs

MONDAY				Officers
BHQ			R/T	&	Sports	Lecture Training
C Trp	Gun Drill & Laying	R/T Instruction	Maintenance	Signallers	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Gun Drill & Laying
H Trp	R/T Instruction	Gundrill & Laying	Maintenance	R/T	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Tactical with Blocks

TUESDAY				Officers
BHQ			R/T	&	Sports	Map Reading Lecture
C Trp	R/T Instruction	Gun Drill & Laying	Maintenance	Signallers	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Tactical with Blocks
H Trp	Gun Drill & Laying	R/T Instruction	Maintenance	R/T	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Gun Drill
						Officers & W/Os Lecture by 8th Hussars.

WEDS.
BHQ			R/T	Officers	Sports	Tactical with Blocks
C Trp	Gun Drill & Laying	R/T Instruction	Maintenance	&	Sports	Gun Drill
H Trp	R/T Instruction	Gun Drill & Laying	Maintenance	Signallers	Sports	Lecture
				R/T

THURS.
BHQ			R/T	Officers	Sports	R/T Instruction
C Trp	R/T Instruction	Gun Drill & Laying	Maintenance	&	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Drill order with Blocks
H Trp	Gun Drill & Laying	XXX	Maintenance	Signallers	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Gun Drill
				R/T		Officers & W/Os Lecture by C.R.E..

FRIDAY
BHQ			R/T	Officers	Sports	Preparations
C Trp		Gun Drill & Laying	Maintenance	&	Drill orders (Dismounted)	for
H Trp	Gun Drill	R/T Instruction	Maintenance	Signallers	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Inspection
				R/T		H Trp. Drill Order

SAT.
	INSPECTION				Sports

SUN.	1200hrs - 1700hrs	Officers	T. E. W. T.

Note:- The following is Standard - 1820hrs MON. TUE. THUR. FRI.				Officers Miniature Range.		Major R.H.A
						Commanding "CC" Battery R.H.A

"CC" Battery R.H.A Training Programme for week ending 11th March ' 44

Date			0900--1045hrs	1115--1200hrs	1200--1230hrs	1400hrs	1730--1815hrs

Mon March 6th
		HQ.	Driving & R/T Instr.	Maintenance		Driv. Instr	Tp. Lecture.
		C & H	Mounted Gun Drill	"		Laying, or Sports.	"

Tue 7th.
		HQ.	Driving & R/T Instr.	"		"	"
		C & H.	Mounted Gun Drill	"		"	"

Wed 8th.
		HQ.	Driving & R/T Instr.	"	Indoors	"	"
		C & H.	Mounted Gun Drill	"	Signals Exercise	"	"

Thurs 9th.
		HQ	Driving & R/T Instr.			"	"
		C	Troop Drill Order			"	"
		H	Mounted Gun Drill			"	"

Fri. 10th.
		HQ.	Driving & R/T Instr.		Indoors	Preparation	Pay
		C.	Mounted Gun Drill		Signals	for	Parades
		H.	Troop Drill Order		Exercise	Inspections	"

Sat. 11th.		HQ, C, and H.	INSPECTION........................................................................

Note	(a)	The afternoon period will be devoted to sports as and when football grounds are available.
	(b)	Miniature Range 1820 - 1900 hrs for Officers and W.Os as detailed in orders.
	(c)	Young Specialist Class Mon - Thursday (incl) 1400 - 1500 hrs.
							Major R.H.A
							Commanding "CC" Battery R.H.A

"CC" BATTERY TRAINING PROGRAMME W/E 18MAR 44.

DAY		0900--1045hrs	1115--1200hrs	1200--1230hrs	1400hrs	1730--1815hrs

MON	BHQ	R/T & Driving Inston	Parade under T.C.	Trp R/T indoor Exercise	Maintenance	Parades under T.Cs.
	C	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	Lecture A Vehicles
	H	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	Maintenance (Capt Allon)

TUE	BHQ	R/T & Driving Inston	Parade under T.C.	Trp R/T indoor Exercise	Maintenance	Parades under T.Cs.
	C	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	"
	H	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	"

WED	BHQ	Driving Instruction	Parade under T.C.		Football Match	Parades under T.Cs.
Postponed	C \|	Inter Sub-Section	Laying		Bty v Essex Yeo.	"
	H \|	Gun Drill Competition	Laying		(Away)	"

THURS	BHQ	Parade under T.C.	Scheme	Trp R/T indoor Exercise	Maintenance	Parades under T.Cs.
	C	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	"
	H	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	"
					Capt's kit inspection	Bomber Pilots Lecture

FRI	BHQ.	Parade under T.C.		Trp R/T indoor Exercise	Maintenance	Pay Parades
	C.	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"
	H.	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"

SAT	BHQ.	INSPECTION........................................................................
	C.
	H.				S P O R T S

Cadre for all Officers, W.Os., Nos 1 & 2 i./cs.				1820 hrs Daily	Miniature Range
				Monday C Trp	Offrs & W.Os.	Weds & Thurs Nos 1 under
M.T. N.C.Os. and Drivers				Tuesday H Trp	" " "	B.S.M.
				Friday HQ Trp	" " "
Bty Specialists	1115 hrs 1400
Thursday 2,
Tues 2,		Young specialists 0915
Wed 1,
Monday 2,

Note:- The text in Blue above is hand written on the originals.

"CC" BATTERY TRAINING PROGRAMME W/E 25 MAR 44.

DAY		0900--1045hrs	1115--1200hrs	1200--1230hrs	1400hrs	1730--1815hrs	1815 -- 1900

MON	BHQ	Parade under T.C.	Specialist Class	Young Officer's	Maintenance	Parades under	Y.Offrs &.
20th	C	0900 hrs Gun Drill	C.O's.	& OP/A's.	&	T.Cs.	OP/As
	H	Inter-Subsection Comp.	GUN DRILL	Miniature Range	Specialist Classes		Min.Range

		Signallers
TUE	BHQ	Young ~~Specialist~~ R//T	Sten Gun Cadre	T.C's. Min.	Maintenance	A Veh Maint.	GPO's &
	C	Gun Drill & Laying	(under BSM)	Range	&	Lecture by	A/GPO's
	H	Gun Drill ~~Troop Drill Order~~	[HQ C & H]		Specialist Classes	Capt. Allon	Min.Range
					& link line Scheme		Under Capt.

WED	BHQ	Young Sigs R/T			Bty Staff Drill	A Veh Maint.	Subalterns
	C	Troop Drill Order			Order & Wireless	Lecture by	Miniature
	H	" " "			Exercise.	Capt. Allon	Range

		Bty Staff Drill Order
THURS	BHQ	~~D. R.. Scheme~~		Battery Indoor	~~Battery Staff~~	Parades	T.Cs'.
	C	Gun Drill ~~Troop Drill Order~~	Sten Gun	R/T	~~Drill Order~~	under	Miniature
	H	" " ~~Gun Drill & Laying~~	Inst'n	Exercises	Maintenance	T.C.s	Range
		(under TSM's)

FRI	BHQ.	)			Preparations	Pay
	C.	) Battery Drill Order	.................		for	Parades
	H.	)			Inspections

SAT	BHQ.
	C.	I n s p e c t i o n s
	H.

Note:- The text in Blue above is hand written on the originals.

April 1944 Commanding Officer: Major. T. J. Cooke M.C. R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Cranwich Camp	1		Lt Col F.B. Wyldbore-Smith D.S.O. M.B.E. who commanded the Battery on HOMS and in Italy was married at the Savoy Chapel in London. The wedding was attended by all Officers from the Battery, who were in Italy with him and the 12 senior W.Os and Sgts who formed a guard of honour outside the church.
	2-4		Training continued.
	5	1400	Major General A.A. Goschen C.B. D.S.O. Colonel Commandant R.H.A. visited the Regiment and walked round the Battery/
	7		The Battery tried out Regimental link shooting on STANFORD ranges.
			This was followed by course shooting under Battery arrangements.
	8	1100	The C.O. inspected the Battery.
		1600	Inspection by Lt.General Sir Robert Gordon-Finlayson Col Cmdt R.A. who inspected the guns and then gave a short address to all ranks.
	9		Easter Sunday. Owing to restrictions on rail travel there was no week end leave over this week end.
	10		The Battery concentrated on maintenance in preparation for a fairly strenuous week.
	11	1500	The Battery moved off to concentrate for the night in the area of SWAFFHAM with 22 Armd Bde prior to Brigade exercise the following day.
			One gun went up to THORNHAM to carry out absolute calibration under Divisional arrangements. Lt. R. Whitley RHA was i/c of the gun and for the calibration of Divisional Artillery.
	12	0900	Bde Exercise "SPRINGBOK". The Battery acted as 'swinger' Battery to the Regiment and joined in some quick Regimental concentrations which were fired but as 1 R.Tanks were not out everyone had a rather boring day.
		1500	The Battery moved to the Northern end of THETFORD training area to join 1 R.Tanks in close leaguer for night prior to exercise KANGAROO the following day.
	13	0500	Reveille.
		0540	Open out from close leaguer.
		0540	This was the first day that the Battery had been in close leaguer and had shaken out into open formation for many months: During the ensuing exercise 1 R.Tanks group (including 'CC' Bty) was the enemy and attacked the remainder of 22 Armd Bde who were in battle position on the STANFORD battle area. Smoke was fired by both sides instead of H.E.
		1600	Return to camp.
	14		Maintenance all day.
		1730	The remaining 7 SEXTONS went up on transporters to THORNHAM ranges to zero the next morning and then out comparative calibration against the standard gun in the Battery.
	15	0945	Guns were zeroed under Div Artillery arrangements at THORNHAM ranges.
		1215	Comparative calibration against the standard gun that had undergone absolute calibration, on SANCTUARY Ranges.
	15-16		The Battery staff vehicles which had done a wireless scheme under the Battery Captain arrived at the range and after the calibration the whole Battery including the guns (transporters not being available for the return journey) did a drill order, which included a night march and night occupation, back to arriving at 1030 hrs the following morning.
	17		The Battery concentrated on maintenance as a result of the two previous days and in anticipation of the following day.
	18		A Regimental day on the STANFORD battle area. The Regiment too out the exact vehicles, with which it was going to fight for the first fortnight of the Second Front. Quick Regimental deployment and engagement of Regimental targets and quick barrages was tried out and as far as the Battery was concerned was highly successful. The Registration by the O.Ps and the work at the Command Posts was quick and accurate.
	19		Maintenance. A conference was held for Troop Commanders to discuss personnel who were getting short due to sickness and medical regrading etc..... Word has just be received from R.H.Q. that there was little chance of getting any further reinforcements, and it was therefore decided to training up as many drivers as possible out of fatigue men such as cookhouse personnel etc., and put the gunners (who were by now quite trained) into the cookhouse.
	20-21		Divisional Exercise Kelly's Eye II. The Battery did not take part but the B.C. Capt WHH Allon., Capt TRD Belgrave. & Lt. PAB Wickham took part as umpires for 3rd Regt R.H.A.
	22	1100	Visit of the Russian Military Mission.
			The whole Regiment was liner up on the concrete Gun Park in two ranks (facing inwards) by Btys and the visiting Generals walker up through the ranks and then afterwards inspected the various types of equipment.
	23		Sunday. Three Drivers went to YARMOUTH on 2 days course, vehicle wading.	App C.
	24		All leave except compassionate leave had been stopped on April 15th. A scheme opened whereby 3% approximately of the Battery could be away on "Special Compassionate" leave. Names for this were drawn out of the hat.
			Normal Compassionate was permitted to continue provided the case was exceptional.
	25		Regtl. inter Staff Drill Order. A six a side inter-section Football League was started, 2 matches being played each evening, 20 minutes each way.
	26	0915	Regtl.Staff Drill Order.
		1900	L/Bdr Pye and Dvr. Smith G.W. were injured when one of the recreational trucks going to Downham Market hit a ½ track which had just been drawn from CHILWELL for the Regt. amd was being driven back to the camp.
	27		2/Lt. D.N. Cons R.H.A. and 15 Drivers left to attend a 2 day sea wading course at LOWESTOFT.
	28		Driving Instruction and maintenance.
	29		Proper Saturday inspections were carried out bt the B.C. Owing to exercises etc., this was the first inspection that had been made for several weeks.
	30		The month ended with training completed and the Bty., concentrating on maintenance in preparation for waterproofing. The final W.E of vehicles was still not firm and the Bty., possessed a number of odd spare vehicles varying from Sherman tanks to M/C's for which it was impossible to supply proper drivers, owing to the shortage of personnel on the new establishment.
			A number of drivers had been medically down graded during the past 3 months and it had become necessary to teach every available man how to drive. The shortage of qualified drivers appeared to be acute.

Appendix 'A' to "CC" Battery 5 RHA. War Diary

for month of April 1944

Hospital Admissions and discharges.

Name.	Admitted.	Discharged.
L/Sgt. Ewing. A.E.	10 April '44	-
Gnr. Rispin. W.		15 April '44
Gnr. Goodrick. R.H.	15 April '44	27 April '44
Bdr. Eade. S.	26 April '44
Dvr Bowker. W.	26 April '44
Dvr Woodall. J.		27 April '44
Dvr Hagger. S.R.	25 April '44
L/Bdr (DO) Pye. J	26 April '44
Dvr. Smith. G.W.	26 April '44

Appendix 'B' to "CC" Battery 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for month of April 1944

	Postings to and from the Battery.
W/Sgt. Murray. W		Posted to Home Details on 18th April '44.
Bdr (DO) Layhe. J.		Posted to Home Details on 18th April '44.
Gnr West A.W.G.		Posted to Home Details on 21st April '44.
L/Bdr (Gun Fit) Fors		Posted to the Battery from G Battery RHA on 24 April '44.
Gnr (Gun Fit) Watts.		Posted to G Battery RHA on 24 April '44.

Appendix 'C' to "CC" Battery 5th Regt RHA. WAR DIARY

for month of April 1944

	Courses Attended.

Name.	Course attended.	Place. & date.
L/Bdr Ansell. W.	A/Typhus.	70 Field Hygiene 2 - 8 April '44
Gnr. House. W.S.	Unit Clerks Course.	RA Records. Footscray. 15 April - 5th May '44
Dvr Nicholles. W	Water Splash Course	Yarmouth. 23 - 25 Apr
Dvr Young R.	" " "	" "
Dvr Smith. J.N	" " "	" "
Dvr Padgett. O.	" " "	" "

Dvr Rosier	Salt water Driving	Lowestoft.. 28 - 29 Apr
Dvr Parfitt.	" " "	" "
Dvr Couper.	" " "	" "
Dvr Wright G.	" " "	" "
Dvr Hewitt. F.	" " "	" "
Dvr Malia. E.	" " "	" "
Dvr Tucker.	" " "	" "
Dvr Benton. A.E.	" " "	" "
Dvr Gray W.	" " "	" "
Dvr Wicks.	" " "	" "
L/Bdr Baugh C.W.	" " "	" "
D/M King. A.	" " "	" "
Dvr Barnstable.	" " "	" "
Dvr Groombridge.	" " "	" "
L/Bdr Nott.	" " "	" 29 - 30 Apr
Dvr Ashman.	" " "	" "
Dvr Giddings.	" " "	" "
Dvr Smith. R.	" " "	" "
Dvr Shepherd	" " "	" "

May 1944 Commanding Officer: Major. T. J. Cooke M.C. R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Cranwich Camp	1	1200	The G.O.C. 7 Armd Div visited the Regiment and spoke to all ranks. He told us the reasons why leave had been stopped etc and also told the men that the future tasks of the Division were very fair ones and not unreasonable. The rest of the day was spent in maintenance.
	2		Maintenance and preparation for firing on the ranges of Wednesday.
			In the evening Col H.M. Stanford M.C., and Brigadier Wetherburn Maxwell visited the Regiment and spoke to Officers and No.1s informally.
	3		The Regiment practiced A/Tk shooting against standing targets in the Stanford battle Area. The SEXTON proved to be a remarkably stable weapon at ranges upto 800^x. It was not possible to fire at greater ranges. 25rds A.P. per gun were fired .
			Afterwards a Regimental concentration was fired by a new quick method, in which one gun from the Regiment registered and then the remaining 23 guns drove in track to track were lined up on the same switch and range fired and then drove away again. The total time taken for the whole thing was 13 minutes and the concentration at the target was very impressive. Afterwards the Bty carried out Course shooting and returned to camp at 1700 hrs
	4-5		Loading and preparation of vehicles for waterproofing.
	4-7		Preparation continued for the continued splitting up of the Battery into its various serials for waterproofing and subsequent embarkation.
			Information was received that the Battery would be split into 4 serials for the assault party and a residue party for the follow up convoys.
			These vehicles were divided by vehicle types as follows:- (1) O.Ps and Sextons area 'R' (2) Battery staff vehicles, half tracks & carries area 'T' (3) 2 x 3 tonners & spare Sherman area 'S' (4) 2 x 3 tonners & watercart remaining at Cranwich for the start.
			The problems of administration, command and supervision of the waterproofing in the 4 entirely separate areas were fairly considerable and required a detailed organisation., which was done on a Regimental basis in order to have the necessary waterproofing experts etc in the same area.
			During this period all vehicles were loaded up ready to move the dates of which were not known until May 1st.
	7		Captain T.R.D. Belgrave R.H.A. left as advance party for the Battery to camp R.5.
	8	0800	Serials 7 & ( 19 & 26 ) left for R.5 and T.4 respectively under Capt. W.H.H. Allon R.H.A. and Capt. D.L. Benke R.H.A.
			In the case of serial 7 the waterproofing had not completed by the L.A.D. for the SEXTONS and they remained behind to follow independently under their G.P.Os as soon as this was done.
	9	0815	Serial 47 left under Lt. P.E. Arni R.H.A. For Camp S.4.
		1130	BC attended investiture at Buckingham Palace.
		1330	The SEXTONS left for R.5 independently under their G.P.Os, the welding having been finished in a very quick time by the L.A.D.
	10-17		Waterproofing was carred oit at 'R' 'S' & 'T' and was completed in all cases by May 17th. At 'R' & 'S' a satisfactory fresh water test was carried out on May 17th but this was not possible a 'T'.
Field	19		Major. T. J. Cooke MC RHA (Bty Cmdr) attended a demonstration by 'Rhinos' in the Solent.
	20-22		Day passes started for 33% of the Battery.
Field	22-25		This period was spent in a daily check over on the waterproofing of the vehicles, and apart from some small adjustments in loading etc the remainder of the days were spend keeping the men fit and allow as many men on pass as possible. Restrictions on all except local leave were very stringent which was unfortunate and was a direct cause of a certain amount of absence without leave.
	25		On this day all leave of any sort was stopper preparatory to marshalling the vehicles. No men were allowed outside the camp except on duty, which appeared on the surface to be a rather unnecessary restriction as the amenities in the camp for the men were very small indeed and the quarters very cramped. Communications with the parties at S & T camps ceased shortly afterwards and it was believed that these parties were due to load shortly.
	28		Marshalling of vehicles in camp R began on the main IPSWICH - FELIXSTOWE Rd.
	29		Marshalling continued.
	31		Orders received for moving to the hards to load on June 1st.

Appendix 'A' to 'CC' Battery War Diary

for month of May 1944

Hospital Admissions and discharges.

Name.	Admitted.	Discharged.
Gnr. White S.A.	Adm. to White Lodge Emergency Hol on 6.5.44	-
D/M Hagger S.R.		Discharged 2.5.44
Dvr. Smith G.W.		" 2.5.44
Dvr Bowker. W.		" 6.5.44
L/Sgt. Ewing A.E.		" 11.5.44
Bdr. Eade. S.		" 12.5.44

Appendix 'B' to "CC" Battery 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for month of May 1944

	Postings to and from the Battery.
L/Bdr Ansell. W.H.		)
Gnr Goodrick. R.H.		)
Dvr Green.C.E.		)Posted to 1st Line Reinforcement 49 R.H.U. Brentwood. on 6th May '44.
Dvr Smith.R.		)

Sgt. Brodie. J.		Posted to 46th R.H.U. Brentwood. on 29th May '44.

'CC' Battery Nominal Role.

Serial No. 7.

	Gnr.	Allen. J.M.
	U/Bdr.	Hartley. P.
	U/L/Bdr.	Botting. G.A.
	Dvr.IC.	Carr. M.
	P/A/L/Sgt	Chapman J.W.
	Gnr.	Chappell. A.
	P/A/L/Bdr	Cooper. E.E.
	Pte	Dorley. A.J.
	P/A/L/Bdr DO	Corse. J.
	P/A/L/Sgt	Courtnage. E.F.
	Gnr.	Davies. H.G.
	Dvr.IC.	Davies. G.A.T.
	Gnr.	Dewer. R.A.
	W/Sgt..	Duddy. C.E.F
	W.Sgt.	Easton. D.
	Dvr/Mech.	Finding. F.J
	W/Bdr.	Forbes. G.
	P/A/L/Bdr Fit/Gun	Fox. L.B.
	W/Bdr.	Garrett. H.H.F.
	P/A/L/Bdr.	Garrigle. M.A.
	~~P/A/L/Sgt~~	~~Ewing A.E.~~
	P/A/L/Sgt	Hailwood. M.T.
	Gnr/D.M.	Hagger S.R.
	U/L/Bdr.	Hardy. K.V.
	Gnr.	Harvey. R.E.W
	Gnr.	Hird. W
	~~Gnr.~~	~~Hitchen. J.~~
	Gnr.	Hoare. G.
	Gnr.	Howell. T
	Gnr.	Jelley. J.T.
	P/A/L/Bdr. DO	Lapidus. L.
	Dvr.IC.	Lucas. W.R.
	Gnr Fit AFV	Maisey. P.J.
	Sgt.	May. R.N. (MM)
	P/A/L/Bdr.	Morbin. A.W.
	U/L/Bdr. DM.	McDowall. D. (MM)
	P/A/L/Sgt	Nixon. A.L.
	Gnr.	Pennifold. G.F.
	W/Bdr	Quarterman. A.A.
	Gnr.	Radden. J.W.
	P/A/Sgt	Robinson. R
	Gnr.	Roe. L.M
	Gnr.	Rutherford. A.
	P/A/L/Bdr	Saunders. R.W.
	Gnr.	Severn. F.M.
	P/A/L/Bdr	Shaw. J.B.
	Dvr.IC.	Short. W.F
	Gnr.	Smith. G.
	Gnr.	Smith. H.T.
	U/L/Bdr.	Swift. S
	Gnr.	Taylor. T.
	U/L/Bdr.	Thomas. T.
	Gnr.	Thompson. G.
	U/L/Bdr.	Thornton. W.
	W/Sgt.	Townsend. J.L.
	U/L/Bdr.	Venables. H.W.
	Dvr/Mech.	Walker. W.E.
	Gnr.	Walsh. A.C.R.
	Dvr.IC.	Webber. F.A.
	Gnr. DM.	Williamson. M.S.
	Gnr.	Woodham. B.
	Gnr.	Wright. T.
	Bdr. Fit Gun	Young. F.H.
	Gnr.	Jackson. J.H.
	Dvr IC.	Bowker. W.D
	V/M.	Meaden

Note:- The text in Blue above is hand written on the originals.

'CC' Battery Nominal Role.

Serial No. 19.

	Dvr.IC.	Barnstable. C.G
	P/A/L/Bdr.	Bough. C.W.
	W/Bdr. (DS)	Blundell. A.
	Gnr. DO.	Brown. A.G
	W/Bdr. DO.	Brown. T.M.
	Dvr.IC.	Cooper. D.
	Gnr. DO.	Eckersley. G.
	Gnr.	Fergusson. J
	W/Bdr.	Firth. H.A.
	W/Bdr. DO	Gillespie.H
	Gnr.	Greaves. E.A.
	Dvr.IC.	Groonbridge. G
	Gnr.	Griffiths. B.R.
	Gnr.	Haworth. A.
	P/A/L/Sgt.	Mitchell. G.D.A.
	Gnr.	Munro. L.A.
	Dvr.IC.	Nicholls. W
	Dvr.IC.	Nott. R.J.
	W/Sgt	Parker. E.
	Gnr.	Patterson. A. (actually Paterson. A.)
	W/Bdr. DO	Reid. A.
	Dvr.IC.	Shepherd. J.
	Dvr.IC.	Shipperley. H.J. MM.
	Dvr.IC.	Smith. J.W.
	Gnr. DM.	Stone. W
	U/L/Bdr. DO	Stuart-Brown. C.W.
	W/Bdr.	Whieldon. L.R.
	Gnr.	Wilson. A.W.
	Dvr.	Woodall. A.J.
	U/L/Bdr.	Young. S.W.
Serial No. 26.
	W/WOII BSM	Dixon. G.
	W/WOII BSM	Short. J. MM.
	Dvr.IC.	Smith. G.W.
	Dvr.IC.	Thompson. J

'CC' Battery Nominal Role.

Serial No. 44

	Dvr IC.	Bowker. W.D
	Gnr.	Boyd. R.M.
	P/A/L/Bdr. VM.	Dipper. W.F.G.
	Gnr.	Finlayson. W.
	W/Bdr.	Goldsmith. A.W.
	Gnr.	Hamer. G
	Gnr.	Jenkins. E.
	~~Gnr.~~	~~Marshall. R.F.~~
	P/A/L/Bdr. DO	McNaught. J.C.
	Gnr.	Neville. F.L.
	Dvr IC.	Parfitt. W.E.
	Gnr.	Pashby. R.J.
	Gnr.	Pendreich. J.
	Gnr.	Pearson. H.W.
	Dvr IC.	Rosier. H.W.
	S/Sgt. FitRA	Smith. H.J.
	Gnr.	Thomsas. G.
	Dvr IC.	Turner. T.S.T.
	Gnr.	Hitchen. J.
	Gnr.	Fairburn. K.

Serial No. 57.
	Dvr.IC.	Armstrong. W.
	W/Bdr	Elwine. F.W.
	~~Gnr.~~	~~Fairburn. K.~~
	Dvr.IC.	Findlay. W.
	Gnr.	Frew. A.C.
	Gnr.	Gibson. J.P.
	Gnr.	Hall. F.
	~~Gnr.~~	~~Jackson. J.H.~~
	Dvr.IC.	Kyle. A.E.
	Gnr.	Mason. F.
	Gnr.	Richards. F.
	Gnr.	Rispin. W.H.
	W/Cpl	Roberts. R
	W/WOII BSM	Scott. D.W.
	P/A/L/Bdr. VM	Thomas. D.
	Dvr.IC.	Tucker. A.E.
	Gnr.	Ungless. R.J.
	Gnr.	Webb. G.H.
	Dvr.IC.	Wright.. G.
	Gnr.	Yurovitch. H.
	Gnr.	Marshall. R.F.

Note:- The text in Blue above is hand written on the originals.

'CC' Battery Nominal Role.

	Gnr.	Appleby. L.G.
	Dvr IC.	Ashman. C
	Gnr.	Baker. C.E.
	Gnr. DO.	Bennett. A.S.
	Dvr IC.	Benton. A.E.
	Gnr.	Binmore. W.
	Dvr IC.	Bonwick. W.J.
	Gnr.	Bridges. A.
	Gnr.	Carter. E.
	Pte.	Conkleton. J
	Gnr.	Davis. H.
	Gnr.	Faulkner. G.
	W/Bdr.	Gentry. G.J.
	Gnr.	Gibb. J.
	Dvr IC.	Giddins. T.
	Dvr IC.	Gray. W.E
	Dvr IC.	Grimble. W.
	Gnr.	Harris. J.E.
	Gnr.	Hayse. S (actually Hayes. S.)
	Gnr.	Hayton. E.
	L/U/L/L/Bdr	Headington. J.D.
	Gnr.	House. W.S.
	Pte.	Howard. R.H.
	Gnr.	Inglis. W.
	W/Bdr. UC	Kent. W.H.
	Dvr IC.	King. A.
	Dvr IC.	Llewellyn. A.R.T.
	Dvr IC.	Malia. A.
	Gnr.	Neame. J.
	Gnr.	Nippard. E.B.
	Dvr IC.	Padgett. O.
	Gnr.	Pinckheard, R.J.
	Gnr.	Read. P.
	Dvr IC.	Rogers. J.
	BQMS	Rogers. H.J.
	Dvr.	Siers. R.J.
	W/Bdr,	Swinhoe. H.
	Gnr.	Tindell. E.D.
	W/Cpl.	Vickery. R.E. REME.
	P/A/L/Bdr	Wagstaff, F.
	Gnr. DM.	Wicks. R
	Gnr.	Yellot. F.
	Gnr.	Young. N.
	Gnr.	Hewitt. F.
	Gnr.	Smith. L.S.
	Dvr.	Smith. R.
	Sigmn	Pinnell (attached)
	Sigmn	(Another attached)
	L/Sgt.	Ede. F.W.

Note:- The text in Blue above is hand written on the originals. Text in Grey is a later addition in different typeface.

'CC' Battery Nominal Role of Officers and Serials

Serial No. 7.	Major T.J. Cooke MC.	Capt. W.H.H. Allon.	Capt. T.R.D.. Belgrave.
		Lt. M. T. Barstow.	Lt. A.B. Curtis.


Serial No. 19.	Capt. D.L. Benke.	Lt. R. Whitely.	2/Lt D.N. Cons.


Serial No. 44.	Lt. P.E. Arni.

	Remainder.

	Lt. P. Wickham.	2/Lt. P.G. Burroughs

June 1944 Commanding Officer: Major. T. J. Cooke M.C. R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Field	1.		Serial 7. R.C. (C Trp O.P.) proceeded to marshalling area whilst general cleaning up was carried out in Serial 44 Camp. At Cranwich Camp waterproofing continued for serials X, 60, 92.
	2.		'H' Tp guns & RH (H Tp O.P.) went to marshalling area, serial 44 moved to from Camp S5 to S8.
		1600	Orders received for Serial X to move.
	3.	0045	Serial X moved to Ipswich.
		1200	Serial 7 completed all loading.
		1930	Serial 44 embarked at TILBURY.
			Serial 19, & 25 marched to Albert Docks in the morning, embarked and sailed up river in the evening, anchoring off SOUTHEND.
	4.	0600	Serial 44 sailed down river and anchoring off SOUTHEND.
			Serial 7 sat on board all day, serials 19 & 25 remained off SOUTHEND all day.
			Serial 60 left CRANWICH at 2359 hrs.
	5	0730	Serial 7 sailed. Series 19, 26, & 44 remained anchored off SOUTHEND.
	6	2300	Serial 7 anchored off beaches, seriall 44 was in the same convoy as serials 19 & 26 which sailed at first light were shelled in the Straits of DOVER at approx 1400 hrs. 1 ship, hit left sinking and burning.
			This was D Day
	7	0800	Serial 7. RC (C Tps O.P.) landed.
		1600	The remained of battery landed.
		1830	The Battery were in action at 822810
		0700	Serials. 19. 26, & 44 arrived at beachhead and anchored.
	8		'C Tp O.P. out S.W. of BAYEUX with 2 ESSEX. 'H Tps O.P. out S.E. of BAYEUX with 1. R.T.R. Battery fired M targets in support of Glosters who were attacking SULLY.
			Serials. 19. 26, & 44, remained anchored but unloading had commenced.
	9		The Battery were still in action but no firing.
			Serials. 19. 26, & 44 off loaded on the beaches by L.C.T.s
			Waterproofing for Serial 92 was completed except for 1 Jeep and 1 new three ton Bedford which we had received the previous day.
		1300	Serials. 19. 26, & 44 joined the Battery at 822810
	10	0630	Battery moved up the C.L. from present position to BAYEUX and down towards TILLY. O.Ps were in support of the 1 Tanks who were guarding the left flank.
			Battery went into action at 814742 and fired in support of 4 C.L.Y. Serial 93 had now completed their waterproofing and cleaning up at the camp had commenced.
	11		Battery in same position, firing in support of attack on TILLY and woods at VERRIERES.
	12		Battery in action at 814742. Both O.Ps were supporting a squadron of the 1 R.T.R. in the VERRIERES area
		1400	The Regiment was ordered to move to support 22nd Armd Bde who were to break through to VILLERS BOCAGE via BRIQUESSARD and La BUTTE.
		1700	Both O.Ps rejoined the Battery, which then move down the C.L. to 727630 where they leagured at 2300 hrs.
	13.	0730	The Bty moved out of leaguer and proceeded down the C.L. 'H' Tp O.P. moved with RHQ 4 C.L.Y. and 'C' Tp O.P. with Major TJ Cooke RHA at Tac Bde.
			On arrival at AMAYE the Bty was ordered into action and fired immediately to help a squadron of 4 CLY cut off to the East of VILLERS BOCAGE. Various targets were reported during the day.
		1200	An alternative position was recced, as the present position was over - looked left and right.
		1600	Four tanks were spotted by 'H' Tp lookouts on the right flank; two friendly, two hostiled.
		1700	Enemy infantry were seen moving towards AMAYE from 776570. 'H' O.P. who had returned to the Battery engaged them until there were in the woods out of sight (800x).
			Every available man lined the hedges around the guns and quite a considerable amount of small arms shooting took place.
			The enemy were held at bay, and on orders from RHQ 'H' Trp moved out of their alternative position, followed by 'C' Trp less gun which fired several rounds of smoke and then withdrew to new area at 780582.
			On arrival at this new position 5 A.P. shots landed in C Tps position, hitting one gun but only breaking three teeth on the tracks. (This was thought to be a Cromwell firing). C Troop moved back 200x.
			AT the O.P. Major TJ Cooke RHA and Caot WHH Allon (C Tp O.P). successfully shot up 2 German M/C Combinations, a German car with four Huns in it: only one Hun got away whole.
			The car was sent back to the Bty. 'H' Tp O.P. was hit twice in VILLERS BOCAGE but it was successfully got back to the Battery lines.
			'C' Tp pointed SOUTH, and 'H' Tp NORTH WEST on their D.Fs.
			D/M Stone was wounded by a Sten gun going of.
			In England Serial 92, commence a series of Route marches to keep the chaps fit, also orders were received that they were at 6 hours notice to move.
	14		'H' Tp O.P. went at 775583 and 'C' Tp O.P. to 782579.
			The day was quiet except for sniper scares. An F.AP. lorry about 200x from the Command Post was hit but the fire was put out.
		1500	Sent F.A.P back.
		1700	Told we would pull out from island under cover of darkness to main positions.
		2100	Enemy attacking from Pt. 198, tank reported 400 x S. of AMAYE by H Tp O.P. who had gone to join 1 R.T.R. at 775580. All men man small arms in front of guns, Guns fired gun-fire for 3 mins.
			Dvr Smith G.W. was hit in arm and evacuated.
			The enemy attack was smashed. There was a rum issue!
		2300	The Battery formed up for move. One gun had been firing harrassing fire since the attack,
	15	0130	The Battery began to move down to BRIQUESSARD and LIBRY. No interventions from enemy. Arrived at Le MESNIL at 0500 hrs and Bty went into action 715643.
			The whole Bty went to sleep less 1 man per troop.
			Maj, TJ Cooke MC RHA went to RHQ in dingo, he was machine gunned on the way by our own planes and was wounded in the head. Dvr EJ Shipperley Mm (driver of the dingo) also wounded in the head. Both were evacuated
		0900	Capt D.L. Benke RHA assumed command of the Battery.
			Capt D.L. Benke and both O.Ps went to 1 R.T.R. Rest of the day was very quiet.
	16.17.18		One L.O. with 1 R.T.R. Same location. No Battery shoots.
			At 0200 hrs on 17th Lt PAB Wickham left Cranwich Camp to proceed to SELSEY BILL to board plane to fly over to FRANCE.

June 1944

Commanding Officer: Major. DL Benke RHA.

Place

Date

Hour

Summary of Events and Information

References to Appendices

19		The Battery supported the 16 Queens at 715643.
		Capt TRD Belgrave H Trp O.P. was relived by 2/Lt G.P. Burroughs in the evening.
		A little shooting throughout the day. Serial 92 who were still in England were lectured by Capl WRL Addison RHA (Camp Commandant) on the progress of the war in FRANCE.
20		Capt WHH Allon RHA C Trp O.P. was relieved by 2/Lt D.N. Cons RHA in the evening.
21	1400	Capt TRD Belgrave RHA at O.P. till relieved by 'M' Bty 3rd RHA, both OPs returned to the Battery
22		No O.Ps out.
23	0800	The Battery took over 1/5 Queens front from G Bty (Mercer's Troop) RHA.
		Capt Allon at C Trp O.P.
		The Battery moved to alternative position at 716645.
24.		Capt TRD Belgrave at O.P. Handed over responsibility to '' Bty 3 RHA at 1400 hrs. Both O.Ps returned to K Bty location 710645 for a rest.
		The Battery moved to 761696 to support an attack by 49th Div.
25.	0615	The Battery fired a concentration on 49 Div front.
26		8 Corps attack started. The Battery was visited by the C.O.
27. 28.		Both these days were spent quietly.
28		The Battery moved to a new area at 736670 to support 56 Inf. Bde.
		Targets were registered and one or two Regimental targets fired.
	2359	All vehicles on Serial 92 were packed and ready to leave Cranwich Camp for FRANCE.
29		The Battery were shot on Div targets.
		Serial 92 left Cranwich Camp at 0030 hrs to proceed Brentwood, arriving there at 1130 hrs.
30.		American Recce party from the 2nd U.S. Army Div came to take particulars of the position,
0830		Serial 92 left Brentwood to proceed to TILBURY, where they boarded the EMPIRE CELIA sailing at 1400 Hrs arriving at SOUTHEND where they met a convoy and journey to FRANCE was commended at 2040 hrs.

July 1944 Commanding Officer: Major. DL Benke RHA.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Field	1st		Serial 92b weighed anchor at 2105 hrs.
	2nd.		Serial 92 spent the day unloading onto Rhinos, proceeded to the concentration area and arriving there by 2100 hrs.
	3rd.		Serial 92 joined the Battery at 1100 hrs. Battery were carrying out maintenance and cleaning themselves up generally.
	5th.		Battery at 2 hours notice to move. The C.P.O recced a new position at 1500 hrs.
	7th.		The Corps Commander visited the Regt and spoke to Officers and NCOs.
	9th.		Battery stood to at 0430 hrs, Stood down 0800 hrs. New position was recced at 865733. Code word for this was WHISKEY.
	13.		The Divisional Commander (Maj. Gen. ERSKINE DSO. OBE), visited the Battery and spoke to them all on the progress of the war.
	15.		The Battery fired in support of 50th Division.
	16th.		Recced was sent to CAEN area. The O.Ps joined the 1st Tanks.
			Lt DB Cons went ahead to superintend the dumping of ammunition. The Bty position was severley bombed and machine gunned during the unloading of the ammunition. The wheeled vehicles proceeded by road and leaguered the night of the road. After being stonked in the old position the 'A' vehicles left at 0800 hrs the next day and arrived by tank track to the new position by 0800 hrs.
	17th.		The 'B' vehicles arrived later in the day at the gun position.
	18th.		The Battery fired a barraged at 0600 hrs in support of 11th Armoured and Guards Armoured Divisions. The Battery moved up to a Regimental position at 100732 and in the evening moved to 111686. A dud shell landed in a slit trench on 'H' Tp position, and and MDS also moved in on the Bty position.
	19th.		O.Ps in observation by first light. Bty, Regtl, and Div targets fired continuously throughout the morning. at 1930 hrs the Bty was bombed and straffed by low flying aircraft, and Dvr Nott sustained injuries in the head and side and was evacuated. Lt. Col. F.B. Wyldbore-Smith DSO MBE who had commanded the Battery previously was in the next field with his Divisional HQ., came and visited the Bty.
	20th.		Regtl targets fired throughout the day. Major Benke awarded the MC.
	21st.		A quiet day with few targets. LT DN Cons RHA moved as holding party to new area at 0464 at IFS. O.Ps withdrawn at last light.
	22.		No O.Ps in observation. One or two stray shells in 'C' Troop waggon lines, resulted in the death of Dvr Efermeniger who was buried at 2000 hrs at CUVERVILLE 410500 168800. Bde Reid was sent back to B Echelon suffering from Shell shock. Gnr Borley went back to B Echelon suffering from deafness. O.Ps out again at last light.
	23.		O/Ps in observation at first light. Regtl targets controlled by the Bty were fired during the day.
	24th.		Handed over to a field Regt of 49th Div and recce parties moved to new area at 043645 where the Bty came into action at 0530 hrs to support 1st Tanks. The Div was in support of the Canadian Corps.
	25th.		The attack went in before first light and the Regt fired 6,000 rounds throughout the day. Fire was mainly controlled by Maj DL Benke MC and the 2 O.Ps. D.F, as usual, was worked out at last light.
	26th		D.Fs were fired at 0400 hrs, One or two Regtl targets followed and at 1115 hrs the BC and 2 O.Ps returned to the Bty,
			In the evening 'C' Troop position was severly stonked by 88mm ad Gnr Hardy was killed and L//Bdr Garrigle wounded in the head. Gnr Hardy was buried on the Bty position, L/Bdr Garrigle evacuated. 'C' Troop moved to alternative position at 2300 hrs and dug in during the night.
	27th.		O.Ps in observation. Regtl targets fired throughout the day. Capt TRD Belgrave relieved 'G' Bty's O.P. at last light.
			Lt DN Cons took Bdr Brown back to 'B' Echelon who were about 10 miles behind. Bdr Brown was suffering from severe attack of shell shock.
	28th.		Capt Belgrave fired on several targets during the day. 'C' Troop fired much Red smoke for the typhoons. Gnr Thomas G. injured his knee when laying against the recoil of the gun. He was evacuated.
			Capt TRD Belgrave returned at last light.
	29		L.Os to RHQ to hand over Bty area to Canadians. Bty Capt on recced to harbour the Bty area at TRUNGY near JUAYE - MONDAYE. During the change over the Bty area was stonked with air burst and Dvr Armstrong's motor cycle was knocked about and had to be loaded on to a 3 tonner.
			The Canadians (being in action for the first time) were somewhat shaken.
			Lt DN Cons RHA went to collect A1 Echelon and the Bty moved at approx 1400 hrs, and arrived in harbour area approx 1800 hrs.
	30.		A day of rest which was spent in maintenance.
	31st.		Another quiet day. 4 men proceeded to the Rest Camp at LE MESNIL at 790870. Bdr Reid rejoined his troop from B Echelon, and Lt DN Cons RHA was evacuated to 10th C.C.S. Sick.

August 1944 Commanding Officer: Maj DL Benke MC RHA..
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Field,	1st		The Battery moved to concentration area 0600 hrs and on arrival there was ordered into action (743624). No O.Ps out.
			At 1600 hrs recce parties moved to new position South of CAHAGNES,. Bty moved into action at 2000 hrs. Anti-personnel bombs were dropped by enemy aircraft during the night; ~~and~~ L/Bdr SH Young was the only casualty and his injuries were very slight.
	2nd.		Maj TJ Cooke MC RHA returned to the BTY and took over from Maj Benke MC RHA at 1400 hrs.
			O.Ps fired Regtl targets throughout the day. Recce parties moved to new positions at approx 528749 and the Battery moved at 2000 hrs.
			A barrage was prepared to support 131 Bde,
	3rd.		At 0100 hrs the barrage was fired. D.Fs were worked out and prepared. Regtl target fired throughout the day.
			LT. P.E. Arni posted to Bty HQ as A.C.P.O, and Lt. P.A.B. Wickham to 'C' Troop.
August 1944 Commanding Officer: Major. T. J. Cooke M.C. R.H.A.
	4th		The Battery spent a quiet day firing on one ?????????
			Lt. MT Barstow RHA left the BTY to join 'K' as Trp Cmd ??????
	5th.		Recce parties left at 0530 hrs for new area at 870515. The Bty followed and came into action at 1000 hrs/
			Recce parties again left for another area at 8651, and the Battery came into action in the new area at 1700 hrs. O.Ps in observation.
	6th.		O.Ps in observation. The Battery fired on Regtl Targets throughout the day.
			A box barraged was prepared to cover 131 Bde.
	7th.		0400 hrs, The Battery fired the box barrage to cover 131 Bde's attack
			All O.Ps in observation.
	8th.		O.Ps in observation. More Regtl targets fired throughout the morning. 1200 hrs. The Battery moved to new position at 869476.
			Various targets fired throughout the evening. D.Fd prepared to cover 131 Bde.
	9th.		A fire plan was prepared to cover 50 Div but was cancelled at the last minute. Recce parties left at 11oo hrs, and Battery moved into new area at 845491 and fired smoke and HE to support 5 R.Tanks.
	10.		Regtl targets were fired throughout the morning. The B.C. returned to the Battery position.
			O.Ps withdrawn at 2000 hrs. Recces followed by the Battery left for new positions at 861453.
	11.		0700 hrs, the Bty fired on fire plan in support of 50 Div. Warning Order received to stand by for another move, this time further forward.
			Lt. P.A.B. Wickham evacuated to C.C.S.
	12.		No O.Ps in observation. The Regiment fired targets to support 43rd Div. 1330 hrs Bty fired a smoke shoot to support an attack by 43 Div, this was called 'BLACKPOLL'.
			Capt DL Benke left at 1100 hrs to recced harbour area. 1830 hrs, The recce parties left for new area, and the Battery moved at midnight.
	13.		Barraged and Concentrations were prepare for an attack by 43 Div.
			Div, and Army targets were fired throughout the day. No O.Ps in observation.
	14.		0300 hrs, a barrage trace was received, and prepared to support 43 Div. 0805 hrs. Barrage fired.
			Battery fired another barraged at 1330 hrs in support of 43 Div. Recce parties moved at 2000 hrs, but returned after dark.
	15.		0300 hrs. A Divisional target was fired on. 0600 hrs recce party left to recce new area. More Regtl targets were fired on and at 1730 hrs the Battery fired a fire plan to support 43 Div.
			Recce parties proceed to Tac RHA at last light.
	16		0430 hrs Recce parties follow by battery moved to new area at 883384 and the Battery came into action.
			Battery moved at 1900 hrs to harbour area at AUNEY SUR ODON and arrived approx 2200 hrs.

WAR DIARY
Month and Year Aug 1944		Unit 'CC' Battery 5 R.H.A.
		Cmdg Officer Maj. MC. Lanyon. RHA.


August 17th.	At 0600 hrs, the Battery moved across to the CAEN sector once more, moving into a concentration area at 1056. This was reached at 1030 hrs. At 1300 hrs orders were received for the move of the 22nd Armd Bde to the area of ST PIERRE SUR DIVES, to support a bridgehead which had been established over the river there. At 1700 hrs the Battery moved, and finally occupied a position on the river at 321752. Major T.J. Cooke MC RHA had to be evacuated as his wound was still giving trouble, and Major M.C. Lanyon RHA took over the Battery. Sgt Ewing was evacuated sick.
August 18th.	The Division commenced to advance in the Bridgehead, 131 Bde leading. At 1100 hrs, recce parties moved forward, and at 1300 hrs the Battery moved into action at 315503. O.Ps and B.C joined 1st R.T.R. who were in Brigade reserve, and remained in a concentration area East of ST PIERRE SUR DIVES.
August 19th.	At 1200 hrs the Battery again moved forward to a new position at 432744, and fired concentrations in support of 131 Bde who were endeavouring to secure a ~~bridgehead~~ crossing of the next river. 1st R.T.R. moved forward, still in Bde reserve, and leaguered just in the rear of the Battery position. At 2300 hrs the enemy air effort which had been quite considerable the previous evening, again made a sharp attack on the whole Bde are; L/Bdr Corse & Gnr Marshall were both evacuated wounded as a result. only good trenching saved what might have been far worse casualties.
	L/Bdr Botting was evacuated with a poisoned hand, Lts Dean & Murrell joined the Battery and were posted to H & C Tps repectively.
Aug 20-21st	Further concentrations were fired during the morning. At 1200 hrs the ~~Bde~~ Bty moved forward to a new position at 471752. Two troops of 8th Hussars were attached to the Regiment for local protection purposes, and each Bty moved with 'protective parties' forward to clear the Bty area of snipers and odd enemy infantry who had still to be cleared in the area. At 1500 hrs 1st RTR had been ordered to follow 5 R.Tanks across the river, and subsequently pass through them directed on the road north towards LISIEUX. The final objective for them was the cross roads 7 miles south of the town. At last light the has still a further 3 miles to go to reach this, and were ordered to secure it at all costs. Accordingly, one sqn with Capt Allon in support drove in support, finally reaching the objective at 0130 hrs. This was held by enemy infantry at approximately 1 Bn strength and there ensued a sharp battle around the cross roads in the darkness, with 'C' Coy of 1st Rifle Bde clearing the area of the cross roads with the assistance of the tanks, an Capt Allon supporting by putting down the concentrations on the enemy positions 200 yards minus of himself on the line B.T!! This greatly helped the situation, and by 0230 hrs the position was in hand, the R.Bs had taken 50 prisoners and the tank were forming a firm base in the area. A second Sdn of tanks, with Capt Belgrave, leagured just short of the objective.
Aug 21st.	At 0530 hrs the advance was recommence, although parties of enemy infantry & Anti tank guns made progress difficult. At 1200 hrs the Bty moved up to the area of cross roads at 494786, (the scene of the previous night's battle) and throughout the afternoon both O.Ps were in action engaging targets on the other side of the river running south from LISIEUX. By 1230 hrs A Sqn 1st RTR had a bridgehead over the river, but were hotly engaged with enemy infantry in the area,. The Commander of 22nd Armd Bde decided to attack from the bridgehead with 1/7 Queens less 2 Coys, to be supported by a fire plan from the Regt and 3 R.H.A. At 1730 hrs, The B.C. attended a conference at Bde HQ and arranged details for the fire plan. The attack was finally scheduled for 1930 hrs, but by this hour C Coy 1st R.Bs has succeeded in reaching the high ground on the east side of the river by themselves! Accordingly, except for limited concentration the 1/7 Queens took over the high ground without artillery support, and later endeavoured to patrol down to the next river that night, (their orders were actually to get down to the next river that evening; had they done this they would have cut off a large column of enemy guns and transport which, coming up from the South that night got clean away).
Aug 22nd.	At first light, B Sqn 1st RTR, with Capt Allen move down to the next river, in support of 1/7 Queens, in an attempt to get a bridgehead. All bridges were however, blown, and only infantry could get across. Capt Allen did invaluable work throughout the morning, engaging enemy targets on the other bank, knocking out an Anti tank gun and assisting in every possible way from a most exposed position. (O,Ps of the 3rd RHA who remained on the high ground instead of moving down to the river valley, could not observe the area over which an attempt was made to get a bridge across.) At 1100 hrs the Bty sent recce parties forward for a new positions just short of the first river, which got shelled unfortunately wounding Lt AB Curtis. Lt Dean accordingly took over G.P.O. of 'H' Troop. Throughout the afternoon the Battery ???????????????????????? support of the attempt, until this was finally abandoned at 1500 hrs, and Capt Allen was able to withdraw up teh high ground. Meanwhile it had been decided to attack the high ground east of LISIEUX by passing through the southern portion of the town: A Sqn 1st RTR with Capt Belgrave in support, attempted this, but goy into considerable trouble with snipers and A/Tk weapons in the outskirts of the town, and finally withdrew: Te town had already been "cleared" by leading elements of 51st Div (who it was afterwards discovered had only a few patrols on the western side of the town!) At last light the Bty fired smoke and H.E. concentrations to support the withdrawal of B Sqn from the river line, into leaguer.
Aug 23rd	H.F. tacks at 0500 hrs, and concentrations during the morning. At 1400 hrs 1/6 Queens with C Sqn 1st RTR and Capt Belgrave in support moved up into LISIEUX, (which, although not properly cleared of the enemy has now need entered by 51s Div) and attacked to try and secure the high ground east of the town. After encountering considerable trouble in the area of the start line, by 1530 hrs they had made some progress, and had got into the edge of the high ground, The arrival of 3 enemy tanks and very tenacious resistance by the S.S. troops holding the area, resulted in a very sharp battle. By 1800 hrs, however, 1/6 Queens and C Sqn were firmly established in the edge of the high ground but further attempts to get forward were not successful. A Sqn 1st RTR followed up towards last light, and although position was by no means ~~"lovely"~~ ^"tidy" we had definitely secured a foothold. These attacks were supported by a large programme from the whole Div Artillery (most of which was wasted due to inadequate liason by 3 RHA with the CRA) and subsequently by concentrations on call.
Aug 24th.	At first light Capt Allen moved up with A Sqn. During the previous evening 11th Hussars and 1 R.B. had forced a crossing much farther down the river, and by first light ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? from LISIEUX
	The enemy pulled out during the early morning, and by 0900 hrs 22nd Armd Bde had continued to advance. The Bty moved under Regtl control, with 1st RTR in Bde reserve at 1130 hrs: by 1630 hrs we were some 15 miles East of LISIEUX and at that stage the Battery came under command 1st RTR with instructions to move South of ST GEORGE DE VIEVRE and to secure a position from which we could patrol forward to the River RISLE. It was discovered however that elements of 5 Can Div had reached the river from a little further South. The Regtl group therefore leagured at dark, with the Bty in action in leaguer.
Aug 25th.	At 100o hrs, the Bty reverted back to Regtl control and moved to a new area 2 miles further North, At 1830 hrs Bty again moved to area 877061 where the position was shelled slightly, and one man was wounded, Throughout the day B Sqn 1st RTR with Capt Allen in support were under command of 5 D.Gs and operating to the North of ST GEORGE DE VIEVRE in an effort to secure a bridge at MONTFORT, but this was blown before it could be secured from the enemy covering force.
Aug 26th.	At 0900 hrs, 1st RTR moved up to cross the R.RISLE at a bridge east of ST GEORGE, moving in rear of 5 D.Gs. The Bty moved with the rest of the Regt, crossing at 1200 hrs and coming into action about 2 miles East of the river. At 1600 hrs 1st RTR group were suddenly ordered to proceed North along the R.RISLE to APPEVILLE and then drive on ROUTOT, and endeavour to secure the main road South of the town, which was still an escape router for enemy elements endeavouring to reach the SEINE. After a furious dash we got leading tanks across the road by last light but could not get any further and block ROUTOT due to enemy A/Tk guns, K Bty joined the Bty by last light, and both Btys had the protection of a coy of 1 R.Bs.
Aug 27th.	At first light B Sqn who had leagured astride the road with Capt Belgrave in support commenced to try and push North. A difficult day followed as enemy elements (largely SS) were infesting the area South of the town, and there were also at least 4 S.P. guns. A Sqn with Capt Allen in support tried later to work N.E, and get at the town from the South, but having cleared the village of ROUGEMONTIERS 9208, also came up against stiff opposition. The Bty fired more than 1200 rounds during the day in direct support of 1st RTR and claimed an S.P. brewed up, 3 M.T, knocked out and a large number of mortars and Nelbelwerher silenced. At last light C Sqn who had moved up to assist B had elements across the road West of ROUTOT and leagured with B Sqn in that area. A Sqn leaguered separately, both O.Ps being with their respective Sqns.
Aug 28th	At first light, patrols were pushed forward. but enemy opposition was only slight, more prisoners were taken, the Regtl group accounting for at least 100 in the two days but at 1100 hrs orders were received to standfast: 1st RTR was to concentrate and return to a Div rest area South of LIVERY (West of the R.RISLE). The Battery however, was to support 1st R.Bs in a short operation to clear the FORET DE MONTFORT of enemy stragglers left in the area. This was completed by 1700 hrs, and at 1830 hrs the Bty moved back across the R.RISLE reaching a pleasant rest area by last light.
Aug 29th.	Although it was hoped to have 48 hrs rest, before commencing the next operation, the Div was moved across the R.RISLE again to a new rest area South of NEUBOURG 0284. The Bty moved at 1600 hrs reaching the new area just before last light, but comfortabley billeted in a large farm and ~~otherwise~~ outhouses. Needless to say however throughout most of the first "rest day" it poured with RAIN and this was to continue the next day..
Aug 30th.	We had the day for rest and maintenance (As far as possible in the prevailing weather) but at 1800 hrs all officers attended a conference at R.H.Q. at which the C.O. indicated the plan for crossing the SEINE and the advance on the SOMME by 5 Armoured Divisions at of which we were to be "outside left"! At 2130 hrs the B.C. received further orders giving more details, the Bty being at 15 mins notice to move from midnight.
Aug 31st.	At 0445 the Bty moved in rear of 1st R.Bs whom we were to support, after crossing the SEINE The O.Ps. had joined the Rifle Brigade the previous evening and moved with them. We crossed the SEINE just east of LOUVIERS at 0930 hrs and then drove steadily N.E. to GOURNAY which was the Divisional starting area for this push. This, a move of about 70 miles was completed without any mechanical breakdown which was an excellent tribute to the maintenance put in during the 36 hrs rest. The B.C. joined the 1st R.Bs at 1600 hrs and the advance continued against only slight opposition. Finally the Bty leagured with G & RHQ on the side of a hill near GALLEFONTAINE 5835.

September 1944 - December 1944

Missing

Note - All Diaries for 1945 are missing

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