War Diary of D Battery, Royal Horse Artillery 1942

The following is a transcript from a number of different sheets from D Battery, RHA, War Diary for 1942.


Feb. 6th.	“A” Troop leaves Beni-Yusef at 06.00 Hrs with 2/Lt B.J. CORK for unknown destination,
Feb. 10th.	The Regiment with the whole of 7th Sp Gp. paraded at Kasr-el-Nil at 10:30 for a Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance, the Service takes place at All Saints Cathedral.
	For the service the G.O.CinC General AUCHINLECK., gave a short talk and afterwards presented our Divisional Commander Major-General J CAMPBELL. V.C. D.S.O. M.C. with the victoria cross, which had been approved by King.
Feb. 19th.	“D” and “J” Batteries mover to Abbassia, and “M” Battery to Almaza.
Feb. 28th.	Major-General J CAMPBELL. V.C. D.S.O. M.C. was buried in Cairo.
	He was killed in a motor accident on his way back from the Desert
	B.S.M. HILLIER. MM. was a bearer and was the only representative from the Battery who was allowed to attend.
	The Battery Christmas Dinner was to have taken place on this date but was postponed until March 1st.
March. 1st.	The Christmas Dinner which was a combined “D”/”J” Battery affair took place at 8 O’clock at the Slade Club Abbassia. It was a great success, among the guests were Lt. Col. P WILSON. R.H.A. Lt. Col. YATES. R.H.A. Lt. Col. H COWAN. R.H.A and Major W.B. STEWART D.S.O. M.C. R.H.A., every Officer made a speech, as this was insisted on by the troops.
March. 2nd.	Capt. W.E. BLOOMFIELD rejoined the Regiment. He had been doing a staff job at GSO 111 in the R.A. Branch G.H.Q. Middle East while in Medical Category “B” since leaving hospital in Aug. 41, after being wounded in May.
	He was posted to “J” Battery as Bty Captain.
March. 15th.	Capt. K.S. WATT was posted to “D” Battery from R.H.Q.
March .18th.	Major G.J.B. MASTERS D.S.O. from 25th Field Regt, comes to take over the Battery from Major, Blackburn. M.C. who reverts to Captain.
	Two 25pdr guns arrive this is the first sign of the much discussed changeover from A/T to Field Guns. We were told that in one months time we should be made-up to full establishment of a 25pdr regiment.
	2/Lt J.R. BROWN. was posted to “D” Battery from B.D.R.A.
March. 20th.	Capt, Blackburn went to visit “A” Troop at Carabub, where they are now operating in a holding force under the command of Col Wilson 1/1 Punjab Regiment.
	One section under Sgt, Porter is situated on the Northern Defences of the Oasis with guns off portee in dug in positions
	The other section under Sgt. Gilby is close to H.Q. and is attached to a small mobile column.
	They were all very fit and welcomed the N.A.A.F.I. supplies, Mail, Papers etc, brought down by the Captain.
March. 21st.	2/Lt, B.G. Nichol, rejoined the Battery having fully recovered from his wounds.
March. 31st.	13 Reinforcements ORs were posted to the Battery from a recent draught from England.
April. 1st.	12 Signallers were posted to the Battery.
	During this period of training various Officers and N.C.Os are being sent out on the necessary courses.
7th April.	2/Lt, B.G. NICHOLL, R.H.A. Posted from the Battery to R.H.Q. to take over duties of Assistant Adjutant.
13th April.	Sgt, SMITH-GANDER and Sgt, FARLEY have been a great help in Instructing Gun Drill, and Sgt. CAPEL in Instructing the Signallers. These Instructors were kindly lent by B.D.R.A.
	Lack of equipment, and the splitting up of the battery have greatly impeded progress.
17th April.	Sgt. CLAVERING, left for Giarabub to visit “A” Troop with a supply of Canteen goods, Books Etc. He found them fit and well and very pleased to see him. There is still no word of their return.
20th April.	Sgt. HURLOCK was posted to B.D.R.A preparatory to taking over duties as an A/T Instructor in the Sudan.
	Officers and N.C.Os have been on a variety of courses, and so far results have been satisfactory.

6th May 42.	Lt. D.D. Yonge R.A. is posted to the Battery from B.D.R.A. Alaos, Lt. J. Sibbald. R.A. on 11th May
	34 Reinforcements are received from B.D.R.A.
6-9	Calibration of one gun per Bty on S of Arty range.
7th May 42.	The battery changes over from A/T Establishment to 25-Pdr. Estab;.
8th May 42.	“A” Troop returned from Jarabub looking remarkably fit, and looking forward to their weeks leave.
11th May 42.	Two more guns were drawn up making a total of 4, but the lack of equipment is still impeding progress.
12th May 42.	The battery moves with the regiment from Abbassia to Khatatba and arrives there on same date, to take up training with 8th Armd Brigade (Brig Custance) of 10th Armed Division (Gen Gatehouse)
	The Battery is at the moment working with the Notts Yeomanry (Sherwood Rangers) - with whom we had close liaison.
	The first few days are spent in digging-in all the tents and general fatigues. After the first week, strenuous training is begun. Training is progressing satisfactory.
23rd May 42.	A “Stuart Tank” on loan from the Notts Yeomanry makes its appearance in the Battery from Armd O.P. purposes.
29th May 42.	The regiment is honoured by a visit from H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester.
	There was a quick reaction competition by Troops.
	“B” Troop produced fastest time ‘Coming into action’ but owing to errors was only 3rd.
	“A” Troop had bad luck and went to pieces.
	Competition wasl won by “Java” Troop, “M” Battery.

	The Battery was organised on a 2 Troop Basis – “A” & “B”.

	“A” Troop.	“B” Troop.

	Capt. P.M. Barrington. R.H.A.	Capt. K.S. Watt. R.H.A.
	2/Lt. J.R. Brown. R.A.	Lt. J. Sibbald. R.A.
	2/Lt. B.J. Cork. R.A.	2/Lt. J.D. White. R.H.A.
	B/S/M. W.J. CLAVERING	B/S/M. Gilby.

	H.Q. Troop.
	Major G.J.B. Masters. D.S.O. R.H.A.
	Capt. B.C. Blackburn. M.C. R.H.A.
	Lt. D.D. Yonge. R.A.
	B/S/M. W. Hillier (M.M.)
	B/Q/M/S. W. Stead.

29 May	In the Western Desert 7th Armd Div - for the first time without 3 RHA - was engaged from 26 May onwards in countering an axis attack in a battle SW of Tobruk.

AUGUST 1942.

The month was spent in preparation for the enemy attack which eventually materialised on 30-31st, although they hade being many early alarms and forecasts. At the same time as preparing positions at both HIMEIMAT & GABALLA, the Battery harassed to the best of its ability a somewhat retiring enemy with one or two guns in sniper positions. This meant constant maintenance of two OPs an one other officer forward. The gun did not have any visible results but fired up to 150 rounds per day. There was no reply except in the early days but the enemy searched for it abortively. We worked throughout with the closest touch with the 1st Bn 60th K.R.R.C., and had the final satisfaction of fightng a highly successful action ending in a safe and unharmed withdrawal to the main position at GABALLA. The 4/8 Hussars providing strong support particularly the 8th Squadron. Throughout the period before the attack or infantry patrols and O.Ps maintained a territorial advantage over at enemy who always had the more commanding observation. Our O.Ps acted with thrust and energy. “Jeep’s” with M.Gs., were a great success. Our M.T. was subjected to constant strain but stood up to this the bad going under the careful nursing of the faces and the various assorted addition of derelicts. Leave was opened up between the 8-24th and two leave parties got away. The B.C, Capt. Blackburn and Capt. Barrington made their getaway but the latter was cruelly recalled.

Aug.	2nd.	Moved two HIMEIMAT. American Gunnery Officers attached to the Battery.
	8th.	Leave opened.
	11th.	13 Italian prisoners taken by 11th Hussars, who claimed that they were Italian Parachutists.
	15th.	Expecting the enemy to attack the code word “GAME BIRDS” being given, but the attack did not materialise.
	24th.	Leave closed

A number of inter unit changes took place during the month with “C” Battery R.H.A. (A/T). Sgt. Darlington, L/Sgt. McAdam, L/Bdr. Roe; and L/Bdr Day also foor Gunners while we in return received four Signallers from “C” Bty. The Mens Canteen has arrived regularly with Fruit, Bear, and Cigarettes, and there has never been a time when the men have been hard up for the want of a smoke. The health of the battery on whole is good and at all times the ranks have shown a cheerful and aggressive spirit.

Dec. 1st.	“A” Troop patrol S.W., with the Royals. O.P. reached Pink Hills and observed enemy in spectacles position and further West. Guns came into action but enemy were not engaged. A few casual 105’s landed near position as Troop left and returned to Bettafall. B.C. visited “A” Troop.
Dec. 2nd.	“A” Troop ordered to rejoin Regiment but unable to do owing to the state of vehicles. B.C. and Capt. Fisher reconnoitred round Pink Hills. No attention from air. B Coy. 1/K.R.R.C. remained with “A” Troop, remainder of column left
	The rest of the Battery moved with 4 L.A.B. to Belandah.
Dec. 3rd.	“A Troop rejoined. They had achieved little, but the vehicles had been sorely tried, much phrase is due to the drivers, and fitters, that the Troop returned complete unlike all our companions, the Greys and Royals being each reduced at one time to only a Troop.
Dec. 4th.	Lt-Col. R.L.T. Daniell RHA assumed command of the Regiment in place of Lt-Col J.A. Ackroyd-Hunt RHA, who much to the sorrow of all ranks had been invalided sick on 28th Nov.
	Make and mend.
Dec. 5th.	Unusual and unexpected sudden move to 20 miles South of Haseiyat. “A” Troop left on ground as they were immobilised. 2/Lt. Dermaine was dispatched with a large number of vehicles for exchange to the 4th Feld Regiment R.A. He had a very hard time did not return till just before our move on Dec 12th.
Dec 6th. -to 11th.	Training a preparation for the “Big Swan”. “J” Bty., calibrated and we were to follow but were prevented first by concentration of N.Z. Division, and later by the weather. “A” troop dragged themselves in still short of vehicles on 10th.
	A mobile cinema and officers “pep” talk on 10th.
	“D” Battery officers missed “pep” talk but reached cinema owing to faulty night navigation. Constant change of M.T.
Dec. 12th.	“D” Battery prepared to calibrate. It poured with rain, calibration abandoned. Brigade to move at 1 and half hours notice. Half-hour before start 12 reinforcements and 8t vehicles of various shapes and conditions arrive. Start ????? hours only 10 minutes late. One new Quad left at start and an armoured Bed Pan (Indian Type Armoured Car) abandoned after 2 miles. This last special gift of R.H.Q. Water cart and fitters 15 cwt was left, still sheltering from the rain, caught up later. Move 40 miles without mishap. News of S/Sgt. Day and N.A.A.F.I only 80 miles away but broken down.
	The 4th. L.A.B. was without the Greys our only Tank Regiment.
Dec. 13th.	4th. L.A.B. pressed ahead of N.Z. Division. Crossed Chrystalls Rift which had been prepared for us by bull-dozers etc. Going improved by rain but fog early morning. One 3-tonner missing with unknown number of reinforcements aboard, rejoined the next day. First serious casualty to M.T., one Quad died and was cannibalised. Sgt. Gregory's with punishment lorry did not turn up and only rejoined at Nofilia.
	14th to 21st December missing.
Dec 22nd. 23rd.	Little of note occurred. Lt. Waite returned from Cairo and sickness. The long-awaited canteen arrived, also B3.
	We received 2 Jeeps and a 3-Tonner from 1/K.R.R.C. of a certain vintage; also, a Stuart Tank for “B” Troop from the Greys.
Dec. 24th.	We set aside goodbye to 1/K.R.R.C. under Lt.Col. Consett, especially to “B” Company (Maj. Hope) in the case of “D”. They left the 4.L.A.B. and were replaced by 2/K.R.R.C.
	We had worked together a long time and understood each others ways.
	The day was under eventful till we caught up with our advanced parties and “M” were ordered forward to deal with the enemy reported near Gabr Br?? We halted about 15 miles S.E. The Greys were not with us.
	We had with us an addition in the shape of the Battery Office cum Officers Mess; also, B.S.M. Hillier (MM). L/Sgt. Gressland was left in B3. We had a serious loss as a water caught got lost in Nofilia with Gnr Adair driving
Dec. 25th.^.	CHRISTMAS DAY and a thick fog. There was considerable doubt as to whether we should spend the day where we were or push on, as on the previous day the enemy was still in Sirte. However, we did not move and spent a very pleasant day. The fare was 1st class, as we had at least two, if not three bottles of beer per man, roast pork (issued) and Christmas Pudding.
	There was a rum ration and each man was able to buy an extra tin of sausages.
	There were Church Services in the morning and the Officers and Nos. 1 “tapped-up” before lunch when we were visited by the C.O. and Major W.B. Stewart D.S.O. M.C. R.H.A.
	Suggestions for games after lunch were vetoed as everyone was some what
	Sgt. Gregory and his 3-Tonner turned up.
Dec. 26th.^.	Continued the advance just East of Wadi Tamet, where we bivouaced.
	Nothing of note except that three Gazelle were shot - 2 by B.C. and 1 by Dvr. Bell. Theses furnished fresh meat for all. B.C. also shot three Bustard which fed some of the Battery Staff sumptuously.
Dec. 27th.^.	“D” Battery were detached with “C” Coy 2/K.R.R.C. (Major Robinson) and a Troop of their A/T guns, to proceed North. Major Masters was in command and the object was to cover R.E. working parties lifting mines between Tamet LG and Sirte. The rest of the brigade crossed the Wadi Tamet at St. Fangs.
	“D” reached the main road just east of the L.G. without trouble. The enemy were reported holding the line of the Wadi Chebir. A sudden report that six tanks were advancing East caused “D” and “C” Coy to deploy rapidly. This was incorrect and it should have read “six tanks dug in”. This was about midday
	The force now started to move West just south of the road, very cautiously. The troops were leap-frogged and we proceeded thus for about eight miles over very bad going including marsh which bogged down the B.C. Jeep.
	Capt. Beckett with a Carrier Section pressed on to the hillock which commanded the road causeway across the top of the Wadi Chebir. He had a warm reception from two 105 m/m guns. They did no harm but the enemy on the West of the body had the better observation.
	The wadi ran N.E. – S.W., and was several miles wide except at the North where the road crossed with a narrow strip of sand dunes between it and the Sea. The feature Capt. Beckett had reached commanded all this area but was in turn overlooked by a higher ridge with several mounds which run along the West side of the Wadi.
	The Wadi was full of water and impossible for 10 miles to the South. “B” Troop were ordered forward across the Salt Marsh on to the good going about 2 miles behind Capt. Beckett. “A” Troop were left back about 3 miles to cover “B” if it had trouble recrossing the marsh.
	Capt. Fisher’s tank had broken down, so was left as a home O.P. for “A” and Capt. Barrington and “K” observed from about a mile South West from “B” Troou.
	This was a good O.P. and at 1500 hrs he began to engage the enemy O.P. and also some vehicles distributed behind the mounds already mentioned. Fire was rapid and effective.
	There was little else to be seen except some M.E.T engaged by “M” fae to the S.W. at 1700 hts. B Troop were withdrawn and we leaguered near the Tamet L.G.
	A patrol during the night along the road found nothing.
Dec. 28th.^.	We reoccupied our former positions with caution but there was no sign of the enemy. “A” Troop was ordered up 2 miles ahead of “B”. Capt. Fisher with a Carrier section went out to investigate the crossing of the Wadi.
* drops as	The main road was heavily mined and blown in three places. Capt. found the track across the same days between sea and road and crossed the Wadi here. He reached Kilo 27 from Duerat and recrossed the main road to South, marking both crossings carefully. His ideas for suitable crossings vehicles are limited and he prefers 6 feet * precipitous as possible
	He looked at the previous days target area, in which the shells had fallen accurately. There was a hastily vacated camp properly Italian and possibly native troops; also two gun pits. Nothing to be seen in the West.
	Orders for the Battery to cross were being issued when we were told to return South and catch up the Brigade which intended to march to BIR Zidan L.G.
	Remainder of the Month is missing.

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SUBJECT :- War Diary		“D” Battery R.H.A.
		Ref No
To the,
Adjutant 3rd Regiment R.H.A.		20th July 42

	Reference your S/17 dated 19th inst.
	Herewith War Diary for the Month of June 42.:-

1st June.	Beginning of the month sees continuance of serious training.
7th June.	F.F. Troop of “C” Battery ~~3rd~~ 4th Regt R.H.A. affiliated to this Battery. (Lt. R G Epsley. R.A. Troop Commander). “C” Battery R.H.A. veing recently equipped with 6pdr A/T guns.
10th June.	2/Lt. C.H. Aitchson RA posted to this Battery
16th	Equipped with No 19 wireless sets, and 6 days later four more 25 pdrs and remainder of vehs to complete establishment.
23rd June.	Field firing which proved highly satisfactory.
June. 28th- 29th	A/T Shoot.
30th June.	Owing to the critical situation in the Western Desert the 3td Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, once again receive orders to proceed there; And, in the early afternoon “D” Battery (under one hour’s notice to see everything is packed up and ready for the road) leave Khatatba and stop at Half-way House.

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“D” Battery 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

WAR DIARY DECEMBER 1942