1st August.
Brigade HQ.
Leave parties to Alexandria, Cairo and Ishmalia continue. Day leave to Ishmalia is greatly appreciated by officers and men. Individual training and drill parties in the morning and lectures in the evening are carried out by the battalions.
1200 Brigade Commander returns from 2 Innisks at Sidi Bishr.
1600 Brigade Commander summoned to Divisional HQ.
1745 Brigade Commander returns. Informs us that the brigade will not now be going to Palestine but will remain here and do individual training preparatory to returning to Italy.
Brigade Commander decides to try and move the brigade and join the 2 Innisks at Sidi Bishr. Phones up Area Commander and receives tentative reply of approval.
1 RIrF – QASSASSIN.
Continue light training and leave. Received draft of 2 and 31 from 2 Skins.
6 Innisks– QASSASSIN.
Weather fine and warm.
A quiet day with no activity. The few men in camp were needed to carry out the administrative duties.
Bttn HQ was still busily engaged in completing the many ‘A’ details required for the disbandment of the battalion.
1400 A swimming party left for Ishmalia.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
1000 CO’s inspection of bttn camp area.
1100 Warning Order. Probable future move of 7% of present bttn strength leave present area under command of Staff Captain, approx date 5th August.
2nd August.
Brigade HQ.
0930 Brigade Commander phones up Alexandria area and receives notification that the brigade can go to Sidi Bishr camp. Arrangements accordingly made with division. Advance parties to go on the 4th and main body to move on 7th.
Additional troops under command will be 152 Field Ambulance, RASC Transport Platoon and half section of Provost.
Brigade Commander commences to write the story of the Irish Brigade from March to July 1944.
Brigade PT course commences. Instructors from APTC Cairo have come down to run the course. Students are both officers and men from the three battalions. Course to last ten days.
1 RIrF – QASSASIN.
Admin received move Order No 14 – 38 (Irish) Brigade plus Appendix A.
6 Innisks – QASSASSIN.
Weather fine and warm.
CO, Adjutant, Major Mathew and IO, who was working as Assistant Adjutant left for the 2nd Bttn to tie up final details about personnel from 6 Innisks, who were to be absorbed into 2 Innisks.
Major RB Myles was appointed to command the bttn in the absence of the CO and Major EJ Griffiths was appointed A/Ajt in the absence of Captain R Blyth. Warning was received that the brigade would now be going to Alexandria instead of Palestine as previously arranged and that the move would take place earlier than originally intended ie 7th August instead of 12th August.
Movement Order received from Brigade HQ.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
1200 Notification of the following awards for the Anzio fighting:
Captain PJ Long, MC.
Lieut RW Brackenridge, MC.
6983390 L/CplA Godber, MM.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0900 RSM’s lecture of ceremonial drill to NCOs and Officers.
1000 Lecture on Egypt by Mr Heywood (British Council of Information).
1100 Bttn inoculation and vaccination parade.
3rd August.
Brigade HQ – QASSASSIN.
Orders for move of brigade to Sidi Bishr issued.
Battalions continue training periods in morning and day leave periods in Ishmalia and Cairo.
1900 Brigade Pipe Band plays Retreat in the Brigade Lines.
2100 Film ‘Tunisian Victory’ shown in the lines of the Irish Fusiliers to all ranks in the brigade.
1 RIrF – QASSASSIN.
Received further detail re above.
6 Innisks – QASSASSIN.
Weather – fine and warm.
Normal routine at Qassassin with Bathing Parade in the afternoon.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
1000 Warning for advance party to move to Sidi Bishr 0900 hrs on 4th August.
1800 Brigade Band played ceremonial ‘Retreat’
2100 ENSA film show ‘Tunisian Victory’ for the brigade.
4th August.
Brigade HQ – QASSASSIN.
0530 Leave parties to Alexandria depart.
1200 Brigade Commander’s Conference to discuss the best amendments to the present unit and formation War Establishments.
2000 Brigade Commander, Staff Captain and IO go to dinner with the 2 LIR.
1 RIrF – QASSASSIN.
Leaves continue, all ranks taking advantage of facilities provided.
6 Innisks – QASSASSIN.
Weather very warm and bright.
Normal routine at Qassassin.
0900 At Alexandria, a conference was held at 2 Innisks to decide where to put the personnel transferred from the 6th Bttn.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
Advance party 38 (Irish) Brigade arrive Sidi Bishr. Bttn provides working parties etc, to complete camps for Brigade Group.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0500 Five day leave party left for Alexandria.
0900 Bttn advance party left for Sidi Bishr.
1215 CO’s Office.
1800 Movement Order. Bttn to move on 7th August to Sid Bishr.
2000 Dinner in Officers’ Mess for Brigadier and Officers of brigade.
5th August.
Brigade HQ – QASSASSIN.
0600 Leave parties to Cairo and Ishmalia depart.
0730 Brigade Commander leaves for Sidi Bishr.
1 RIrF – QASSASIN.
1 RIrF Move Order No 2 issued.
6 Innisks – QASSASSIN.
Weather fine and warm.
Normal routine at camp.
1400 CO, Adjutant, IO and Major Mathew returned from Alexandria and work was started on movement orders and administrative details for the move of the bttn to Alexandria.
In the evening, personnel returned from leave and the camp lost its deserted appearance, as everyone re-installed with beds etc.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0630 Five day leave party left for Cairo.
1800 Long leave party returned from Alexandria.
6th August.
Brigade HQ – QASSASSIN.
Leave parties and training continue.
The disbandment of the 6 Innisks commences. All personnel going to 2 LIR and 1 RIrF join their respective battalions. Personnel going to IRTD leave as well. The remainder, who are being absorbed into the 2 Innisks remain in their own camp.
2000 1 RIrF hold Officers’ Guest Night for all officers of the Brigade Group.
1 RIrF – QASSASIN.
High wind and dust storms. Packing preparatory to move. Captain Chambers and Major Crehan rejoin battalion on discharge from No 1 General Hospital.
6 Innisks – QASSASSIN.
Weather fine and warm.
Bttn went ahead with arrangements for the move to Alexandria.
1100 CO spoke to the bttn on the Parade Ground for the last time as their Commanding Officer and said goodbye and wished everybody ‘Good Luck’ in their new units.
1130-1330 A photographer was brought from Ishmalia and photographs were taken of the bttn as a whole, Officers’ Mess. Sergeants’ Mess, Cpls’ Mess and groups of each coy and a sufficient number of copies ordered so that all members of the 6th Bttn would have a record of their bttn.
1400 The personnel of the 6th Bttn, who could not be absorbed into the other bttns of the brigade left for the ITD at Geneifa.
The rest of the day was very quiet. People continued with the task of packing up, but without the usual cheerful cross-chat, which normally accompanied these operations, for to everybody the death of the bttn has now become a very real thing and there was nobody that did not feel very deeply about it.
1500 The Commanding Officer said goodbye to all NCOs personally.
1600 CO left for 2nd Bttn with Major Mathew.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
1400 Brigadier TPD Scott, DSO, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade visits Bttn HQ.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0700 Reveille.
0830 Bttn loading stores and striking camp in preparation for move.
7th August.
Brigade HQ – QASSASSIN.
0630 Head of the convoy passed SP for route to Sidi Bishr. Order of March: 6 Innisks, Brigade HQ, 2 LIR, 1 RIrF, 152 Field Ambulance.
The convoy as routed by the longest possible way going right across the Delta Barrage and along the Desert Road. This entailed a total distance of 150 miles and many trucks in the convoy ran out of petrol. Also the standard of maintenance on the vehicles when they were taken over was far from good and even the hardest possible work put into them was insufficient to make them last the journey. A number had to be written off at the end of the journey. All these incidents made the convoy very late and the brigade was not complete in Sidi Bishr Camp until the following morning.
1 RIrF – QASSASSIN.
0400 Reveille. Bttn moved to Sidi Bishr area. First trucks rolling in about 1700 hrs. Some arrived very late through having run out of petrol. First glimpses of Alex, led one to anticipate much in the way of entertainment and relaxation. The camp is set among sand dunes and date palms and is not far from bus and tram lines or the beach.
6 Innisks – QASSASSIN.
Weather fine and warm.
0400 Reveille.
0430 Breakfast. After breakfast, final packing was done and the bttn was em-bused by 0620 hrs.
0630 Column moved off u/c Major RB Myles. The journey was very tedious and the convoy had to refill at one of the PSPs on route.
A halt of one hour was called at midday for tea and haversack rations.
2130 Convoy arrived at Sidi Bishr. The 6 Innisks’ convoy was divided into groups so that personnel for 2 LIR and 1 RIrF went at night into their respective camps.
Everyone was soon settled in for the night, being too tired to worry very much about comfort and checking rolls etc was left until morning.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
1800 Main body of 38th Brigade arrive. 6 Innisks had had a very trying and exhausting journey and arrived at 2130 hrs. A hot toddy had been arranged by 190 Transit Camp for the bttn on arrival.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0430 Reveille.
0445 RASC Transport (23 x 3 tonners) report to bttn for move.
0630 Bttn (less Advance Party) em-bused ready for move.
0652 Head of column past Brigade Start Point. Route – Qassassin, Tel el Kebir, Bibbeis, Qualyub, Nile Barrage, Khatatra, Amiriya, Alexandria, Sidi Bishr.
1200 Bttn halts for one hour for a meal at Khatatra.
2200 Bttn arrives at Sidi Bishr. Journey without incident but considerable delay caused by drawbridge on Nile and canals. Further delay caused owing to queue of traffic at Patrol Filling Point at Amiriya.
Fifty six other ranks join bttn on posting from 6 Innisks.
8th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Brigade Training Programme and Instruction issued. Battalions commence to organise their camps and carry out normal administrative duties. Recces of ranges and training areas are also carried out.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Made recce of rifle ranges. Troops proceed to make themselves comfortable.
6 Innisks – QASSASSIN.
Weather fine and warm.
6 Innisks personnel were shown to the coys, which they were to join and their manes etc were checked and added to coy rolls.
A tent was set up in which the Bttn HQ of 6 Innisks could continue to work until the bttn was finally closed down.
Nothing further of interest happened during the day; the time was spent by the new personnel in feeling their feet and settling in.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0600 Reveille.
0900 R Company formed under command of Major Gibbs.
9th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Range allotments for battalions on 30 yard range at Sidi Bishr and Mustapha Barracks. Allotments on the Open Range at Aboukir, Deheila and Amiriya. These range allotments continue until the 11th for the 30 yards range and up to the 16th for the Open Range.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR
IO, Sergeant, and two Fusiliers start a photo interpretation course under divisional instructors. PT course carries on at Brigade Training consists of PT, conditioning marches and range work for bttn.
6 Innisks – QASSASSIN.
Weather fine and warm.
Normal bttn routine was carried out, starting with an RSM’s parade, followed by a run and a dip in the sea.
During the day, many applications for transfer were received at 6 Innisks Orderly Room from 6 Innisks personnel, who found that they could not settle down satisfactorily in the 2nd Bttn.
2359 The 6th Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers now ceased to exist.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
Lt Col J Kerr, MC, admitted to No 3 General Hospital.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0830 Brigade PT Course resumed. Air Photography Course commenced at Brigade HQ under divisional arrangements.
1300 Five day leave party left for Cairo.
1400 Cricket match 2 LIR versus 1 RIrF.
10th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Range allotments. 30 yards and open.
Individual training by battalions.
Leave allotments to Cairo and Alexandria.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Day leaves organising to Alex.
23 ORs s/o to CMC.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
Official date of disbandment and amalgamation of 6 Innisks. 2 Innisks now take their place in 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade.
The following are commands and appointments of officers of 2 Innisks:
CO – Lt Col RWH Scott (2 Innisks).
2 I/C – Major J Kerr MC (6 Innisks), who relinquishes rank of Lt Col.
Adjutant – Captain RT Irving (2 Innisks).
IO – Lieut JP Scarratt (2 Innisks).
HQ Coy
OC – Captain BH McCorkell (2 Innisks).
Signals – Captain DL Cole, MC (2 Innisks).
MTO – Lieut JJ McConnell (2 Innisks), who relinquishes rank of Captain.
QM – Captain D Dawson (2 Innisks).
Pioneers – Lieut MA Casey (2 Innisks).
A Coy
Major EH Cochrane (2 Innisks).
Captain RB Myles (6 Innisks), who relinquishes rank of Major.
Lieut MG Murray (2 Innisks).
Lieut DP Farrell (2 Innisks).
Lieut CJ Heather (2 Innisks).
B Coy
Major JD Nixon (2 Innisks).
Lieut RT O’Connor (6 Innisks) who relinquishes the rank of Captain.
Lieut AG Gladitz (6 Innisks).
Lieut PJ Brady (2 Innisks).
C Coy
Major PJ Blake, MC (2 Innisks).
Captain J Duane, MC (2 Innisks).
Lieut GH Murray (2 Innisks).
Lieut TJ Trainor, MM (2 Innisks).
Lieut RJ Shields (2 Innisks).
D Coy
Major HE Mathew (6 Innisks).
Captain PJ Long, MC (2 Innisks).
Lieut JM Campbell (6 Innisks).
Lieut JH Bradfield (6 Innisks), who relinquishes rank of Captain.
Lieut RW Brackenridge, MC (2 Innisks).
S Coy
Captain AW Kendall (6 Innisks), who relinquishes rank of Major.
A/Tk – Captain AWB Vincent (2 Innisks).
Lieut WS Pollard (6 Innisks), who relinquishes the rank of Captain.
Carriers – Lieut FHK Smith (2 Innisks), who relinquishes the rank of Captain.
Lieut AC O’Reilly (6 Innisks).
Mortars – Captain PS Anderson (6 Innisks).
R Coy
Captain PA Hamilton, MC (6 Innisks), who relinquishes the rank of Major.
Captain GCG Ree (2 Innisks).
Lieut PIM Foort (2 Innisks).
Lieut DP Dicker (6 Innisks), who relinquishes the rank of Captain.
First line reinforcements are held and form R Coy.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0900 Coy Commanders’ Conference re training.
1000 Five day leave party left for Alexandria.
1100 Long leave party returns from Alexandria.
11th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Range allotments. 30 yards and open.
Individual training by battalions.
Leave allotments to Cairo and Alexandria.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Officers’ mess ‘dine in’ night with guests from other units. CO proceeded to Cairo for conference re disturbances in Cairo personnel of 78 Division.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0630 Bttn PT.
0830 Range practice (as per Training Instructor No 1, 9/8/44).
12th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR
Individual training by battalions.
Leave allotments to Cairo and Alexandria.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Police Commissioner’s dance well attended and looked like a Brigade reunion. Pipe Band at this unit entertained with music and dances.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0630 Bttn PT.
0830 E Coy on firing range.
1700 Bttn Sports Committee Meeting.
13th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Brigade Commander and all COs ordered to Cairo for conference at Divisional HQ.
Apparently some members of the division rioted in Cairo, having at last became outraged by the robbing and tricking and exorbitant prices of that very overrated city. The affair was smoothed over with a caution.
Individual training and leave allotments continue.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
CO addressed the bttn on the subject of the recent demonstration in Cairo and the possible consequences. Lieut Doyle to hospital
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0900 Cricket match – G Coy versus S Coy.
1100 Voluntary RC Church Parade.
1200 Bttn Sports Committee Meeting.
1400 CO’s O Group on future moves of bttn. Movement Order No 7 issued; warning Bttn Advance Party to move 1600 hrs, 15th August.
14th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Individual training by battalions.
Range allotments on the Open Ranges.
Leave to Cairo and Alexandria continues.
All COs speak to their battalions concerning the disturbances in Cairo.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Captain Rawlings to hospital. Discussion in the Mess on the merits of an Empire Army to garrison the Empire and its outposts.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
General Sir B Paget (C in C, MEF) visits camp.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0630 CO addresses bttn at PT parade on recent incidents in Cairo.
0930 CO addresses R Coy.
Bttn trial football match – ‘Possibles’ v ‘Probables’.
15th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Battalion Pioneer Platoons and A/Tk Platoons assemble at the School of Mechanical Engineering for short course of instruction.
Individual training by battalions.
Last leave party from Cairo and Alexandria return. No more leave parties allotted after this.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Invasion of southern France received with enthusiasm. I section construct 20 foot sand model for CO’s talk on the battle of San Giovanni
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0900 Five day leave party left for Alexandria.
Pioneer Platoon personnel proceeded on 13 day course organised on divisional basis.
1200 Bttn Advance Party move (due to take place at 1600 hrs) postponed until further orders.
16th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Individual training by battalions.
Range allotments.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Early morning demonstration by camp guard for any locals lurking around.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0830 E Coy on Field Firing Range.
1000 All Thompson Machine Guns handed in prior to issue of Carbines M3 (American Manufacture).
17th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Individual training by battalions.
RE course commences at Brigade HQ.
46 RTR were in camp at Amiriya and all instruction and practice in the cooperation between infantry and tanks was to be done with them. Consequently, various phases of training were worked out. One squadron was to work with each battalion.
The first phase was to be a Cloth Model Exercise run by the COs of the battalions. This provided good opportunities for the COs to discuss actual battles they had fought in the advance to Rome and discuss the faults and merits of their decisions.
1 RIrF held a lecture by the CO on tank cooperation at 0900 hrs at which the Tank Squadron and Troop Leaders attended.
Lt Col Scott, commanding 6 Innisks, was also present.
At 1400 hrs, they held the Cloth Model discussion on the same subject, which was also attended by the Brigade Commander and various officers of the Egyptian Army.
0730 Advance parties from Brigade HQ, the three battalions and 152 Field Ambulance leave for docks to embark for Italy.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Lecture by CO on tank cooperation, followed by sand table discussion. The latter was attended by Tank, Skin and Brigade officers and officers from the Egyptian Army.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0900 Brigadier’s inspection of bttn camp area.
F Coy on Field Firing Range.
1600 Bttn Movement Order No 8 warned Advance Party to move off at 0715 hrs on 18 August.
18th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Representatives from 2 Innisks watch demonstration shoot by 17 Field Regiment at Mena.
2 LIR hold Cloth Model discussion in the evening on cooperation of Infantry and Tanks. Various officers of the Egyptian Army also attended this discussion.
Also in the evening, an officer from GHQ lectured to representatives of the three battalions on the Escape and Conduct of British Prisoners of War.
Orders received for all transport to be ready to move at 48 hrs from the 20th August.
Later on during the evening, further information was received stating that all transport would move to Amiriya on 22nd preparatory to being called forward to the docks for loading.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Coy representatives heard an excellent talk at brigade on escapes and escape devices.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0730 Bttn Advance Party left for Alexandria docks at 0830 hrs. G and H Coys on Field Firing Range.
1700 CO’s TEWT for Officers and Platoon Sergeants on Tank Cooperation. Lecture given with aid of Sand Table Model of Rapido Battle. Officers of the Tank Corps, 2 Innisks and local units of the Egyptian Army also present.
New Carbine M3s issued during course of the day.
19th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
All battalions allotted the Open Range, otherwise individual training carried out.
A Charity Ball was held in Alexandria, which was attended by a fair percentage of officers from the brigade.
Decorations for the crossing of the Rapido and the smashing of the Gustav Line were announced this evening.
They were as follows:
6 Innisks:
Lt Col Hen Bredin. MC and Bar – DSO
Major MB Miles – MC.
Lieut JV Sorrell (UVF) – MC.
Captain JA Petrie (RAMC) – MC.
L/Cpl R Hadden, MM – Bar to MM.
CSM J Thompson – MM.
Sgt H Owens – MM.
Sgt L Leaper – MM.
2 LIR:
Major JH Coldwell-Horsfall, MC – DSO.
Major AD Woods MC – Bar to MC.
Lieut DW Fay – MC.
Cpl G Keegan – MM.
Rfn J Bean – MM.
1 RIrF:
Captain GL Richards, MM – MC.
Lieut JV Lloyd – MC.
CSM P Payne – DCM.
Sgt AC Cross – DCM.
CSM J Storey – MM.
Sgt Bunting (ACC) – MM.
Sgt F Higgins – MM.
Sgt S Sanderson – MM.
Sgt G Marnell – MM.
L/Cpl F Girvan – MM.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Major McNally left unit for METC. Advance party left.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0900 S Coy on Field Firing Range.
1200 Warning Order for bttn to prepare to function on Light Scale as from 0600 hrs on 20th August.
20th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
1 RIrF and 2 LIR allotted Open Ranges at Abukir and Deheila.
2 Innisks hold Cloth Model Discussion on cooperation with tanks.
2 LIR send representative to watch artillery shoot by 17 Field Regiment, RA at Mena.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Captain Rawlings rejoined unit. 100 men and assorted officers stood by to assist in expected Greek riots in Alex which did not materialise.
The following decorations were awarded wef 30th May:
DSO
Lt Col JH Horsfall, MC.
MC
Captain GL Richards, MM.
Lieut JV Lloyd.
DCM
6976361 CSM P Payne.
7047043 Sgt A Cross.
MM
7012472 CSM Storey.
6975123 Sgt P Bunting.
7046643 Sgt F Higgins.
7044677 Sgt S Sanderson.
3777718 L/Sgt G Mammell.
3774728 L/Cpl Girvan
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
Brigade Commander holds conference for COs on Tank Cooperation.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0900 RC and C of E Church Parades.
21st August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Brigade PT Course ends.
Open Ranges at Abukir and Deheila allotted to battalions.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
The following immediate awards for 6 Innisks for Gustav Line fighting announced:
MC – Captain RB Myles, Lieut J Sorrell.
MM – 6983533 Cpl R Hadden (with bar), 6975993 CSM J Thompson.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0900 All transport to be loaded with non essential G 1098 stores ready for shipment on
0930 F Coy on Field Firing Ranges.
1500 Notification of the award of DSO to CO, Lt Col HEN Bredin MC
22nd August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
0730 Transport of Brigade HQ, 2 Innisks and 2 LIR under command BTO goes to Amiriya Transit Camp preparatory to loading on ships at Alexandria Docks.
Certain transport is lent to the brigade by 49 LAA Regiment in order that essential duties may be performed.
Representatives from 1 RIrF watch artillery shoot by 17 Field Regiment at Mena.
Open Range allotments to battalions.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Brigade Boxing Championships were held, the LIR winning three, the Skins two and this unit three.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
Lieut HR Giles and 12 ORs re-join bttn from HQ 13 Infantry Brigade.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
1400 Bttn transport moved off to Alexandria Docks via Amiriya Transit Camp.
1700 Bttn Boxing Team participated in Brigade Boxing Championship Matches.
23rd August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Open Range allotments to battalions at Abukir and Deheila.
Individual training carried out.
Route marches and sports.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Visit by Divisional Commander, Major General Butterworth DSO. Mr Hanssen to hospital. A brigade party was held in the officers mess (LIR) for the Skins.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
Message from Lt Col HEN Bredin DSO MC, OC 2 LIR:
“I want to try and convey to you and particularly the men of the old 6th Bttn how much that I feel that my DSO is a tribute to the Inniskilling rather than a matter of personal consideration. I should like to thank all these soldiers, who made it so easy for me to deliver the goods.”
2 LIR – EGYPT.
1130 CO’s conference for all Coy Commanders, IO and SC.
24th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Major Olsen G II Air GHQ arrives at Brigade HQ to lecture battalions on Air Cooperation.
Open Range allotments for battalions.
Major Butterworth, Commander 78 Division, visits the brigade. He meets all COs and Coy Commanders and paid short visits to battalion.
A Brigade Boxing Competition was held in the evening. The Brigade Team fought the RAF and won by 6 fights.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Brigade boxing team took on the RAF and won four out of six bouts. Should have won five, only one lad had the misfortune to foul his opponent.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
1000 CO’s inspection of bttn camp area.
1200 Platoon Commanders and Sgts of Signal and Intelligence Sections proceeded to Brigade HQ for lecture on new Slidex Code System.
1230 New Divisional Commander visited Bttn HQ.
1700 Bttn Boxers participated in Boxing Contest, 38 (Irish) Brigade v RAF.
25th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Nos 1 and 11 GHQ Training Teams arrive to lecture battalions and to give discussions and Cloth Model Exercises.
Major Olsen talks to 2 Innisks and 1 RIrF on Air Cooperation.
Lectures given to all officers.
Range allotments to battalions and individual training carried out.
A further list of Honours and Awards for the brigade is published
They are as follows:
6 Innisks:
Major EJ Griffiths – MC.
Captain PA Hamilton – MC.
Sgt AT Cowan – MM.
L/Cpl AW Ayre – MM.
Fusilier A Percy – MM.
2 LIR:
Major CAF Gibbs – MC.
Major RW Boyd – MC.
Lieut J Gartside (LF) – MC.
2/Lieut HG Montgomerie (RA) – MC.
Cpl N Adams – DCM.
Rfn H Chalmers – DCM.
Sgt G Guild – MM.
Sgt J Barratt – MM.
L/Cpl R Brown – MM.
1 RIrF:
Capt JP Phelan (UDF) – MC.
Lieut LM Manson (UDF) – MC.
Sgt C Parke – MM.
Cpl S Patton – MM.
Fusilier J Abel – MM.
Fusilier W Hobden – MM.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Officers entertained the Sergeants in the Officers’ Mess. The party was a success.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
The following immediate awards to 6 Innisks announced:
MC – Captain PA Hamilton.
MM – 4980258 L/Cpl W Ayre, 6350578 Fusilier W Perry.
Captain PJ Long MC and Lieut AH Burton and Advance Party leave for embarkation.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0830 Bttn route march – Route: Camp through Alexandria to Mustapha Barracks returning to Sidi Bishr via the sea front. Dress – Drill order.
1300 Bttn returned to camp.
26th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Remainder of brigade transport leaves for Alexandria Docks for loading. This now leaves the brigade completely without any vehicles and arrangements made to transport from 16 (Alexandria) Area and units in the division whom transport has not yet left.
No 1 GHQ Training Team run Brigade Cloth Model Exercise. The exercise as designed to bring out the problems and plans arising out of a river crossing and forming a small initial bridgehead. The exercise was run by the Directing Staff consisting of Brigadier TPD Scott, Lt Col Haycroft (GI Training Team), Lt Col Baker (17 Field Regiment), Major Foxwell (1 Kensingtons) and Major White (256 Field Company RE).
Each battalion formed a syndicate consisting of CO, 2 I/C, Adjutant, IO from 17 Field Regiment, RA, 214 Field Company RE, 1 Kensingtons, 254 A/Tk Battery RA, 280 LAA Battery RA and 78 Division Provost.
The problems of traffic control and communications were dealt with in detail as well.
Major Olsen lectures to 2 LIR on Air Cooperation.
No 11 Training Team goes to 2 LIR to instruct a certain number of officers and men in Street Fighting.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Lieut Carver, Lieut Tyler, Lieut Lloyd Davis, 2/Lieut Beaver, 2/Lieut Melliard and 2/Lieut Pretorius joined the unit. Officers’ Mess Dance attended by guests from LIR, Skins, Brigade, ATS, WRNS, WAAF was a great success.
Further decorations awarded –
MC – Capt Phelan, Capt Manson.
MM – Fusilier Hobden.
MBE – Lieut E Macginnis.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
Captain AWB Vincent and Lieut JJ McCorkell with Bttn MT leave for embarkation.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0900 Platoon and Section Commanders on lecture – Section Fighting and Village clearing.
Senior Officers on bttn on Divisional Cloth Model Exercise ‘Tiber’ (River Crossing).
27th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Rest Day. Church parades and Divine Services.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Major Crehan to hospital with burst eardrum. MT left for embarkation.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
Brigade Commander holds Sand Table exercise at Brigade HQ. CO, 2 I/C, Coy Commanders, Adjutant, IO and Signals Officer attend.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0900 Compulsory C of England Parade.
Cricket match – HQ Coy v G Coy.
2000 Pioneer Platoon return from Divisional Course.
28th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
No 11 GHQ Training Team foes to 2 Innisks to instruct officers and other ranks in Street Fighting.
Battalions carry out individual training and route marches.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
I Section building another 20 foot model. This time of the area north of River Sangro to San Vito.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0700 HQ and S Coys Route March.
R Coy Field Firing Range. E and F Coys on 30 yards range.
29th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
2 Innisks carry out Field Firing Exercises at Abukir.
No 11 GHQ Training Team goes to 1 RIrF to instruct officers and men in Street Fighting.
Remainder of battalions and 2 LIR carry out individual training and firing on the ranges.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
This am, officers and NCOs listened to lectures on village clearing mines etc. In afternoon, IO gave a short talk on Security.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0830 Beginning of RSM’s Cadre Course for junior NCOs of bttn.
H and HQ Coys on 30 yards range with SMGs and M3s.
R Coy route march.
1830 H Coy’s dance took place in Alexandria.
30th August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
Range allotments to each battalion, otherwise individual training and route marches carried out.
Preparations made for visit by C in C, General Paget on 31st August.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Captain RCP Jefferies joined bttn.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
0930 G and S Coys on 30 yards range.
1415 Signals Officer gave lecture on Slidex to all Coy Commanders, IO and Second in Command.
31st August.
Brigade HQ – SIDI BISHR.
1030 General Paget, C in C, MEF arrives at Brigade HQ to inspect the brigade in training.
He listened first to the Pipe Band practising at Brigade HQ and then went to the Irish Fusiliers, where he saw a Sand Table Exercise run by Major Clarke MC. The subject was the company in the attack. He visited 152 Field Ambulance and saw Practical First Aid Tests and then saw another Sand Exercise at 2 LIR run by the CO on the Maintenance of a Battalion Defensive Position.
After lunch at Brigade HQ, he visited the 2 Innisks to watch a Patrol Demonstration.
1500 Brigade Commander and all COs and Brigade SO leave for Cairo to attend a Divisional Study Day on 1st September.
The Brigade Commander flew down to Cairo with General B Paget.
In the evening the brigade played the Navy at football.
1 RIrF – SIDI BISHR.
Visit from General Paget, C in C, MEF. Sgt’s Mess ‘Stag Party’ for Navy, well attended with visitors from Officers’ Mess.
2 Innisks – SIDI BISHR.
C in C MEF visits bttn and watches demonstration by Lieut Trainor and his platoon on patrolling.
2 LIR – EGYPT.
1130 Bttn Sand Table Exercise for Administrative Personnel of the bttn subject – Supply and Admin of brigade positions on Monte Castellone near Cassino.
1230 General Paget, C in C, Middle East, visited bttn area.