1st February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI DEL SANNIO (H1443).
0600 Bttns spent quiet night. No enemy activity.
1200 2 LIR handed over billets and information to advance parties of 3 Bttn, 1 Carpathian Rifle Brigade.
1245 HQ 2 LIR closes.
1300 2 LIR leave Forli (H1443) for Baranello (H4625).
1 RIrF.
1000 Advance party (one officer, one OR per coy) to new location.
1130 Advance party incoming unit arrived.
1230 Castel Di Sangro shelled. Strafe Two fired.
1700 Movement Order No 2 issued.
1800 Reps incoming unit go to each coy.
Routine night patrols. R. Sangro 3ft 6ins
6 Innisks – CERRO.
Weather fine. Visibility variable (ground mist in morning).
0400 Patrol from B Coy to Mount Fosse (060420) returned. Nothing to report.
0400 Patrol from D Coy to Mount Curvale (070428) returned. Nothing to report.
0900 Advance party under Captain Griffiths left Bttn HQ for Busso (H4628).
1745 D and B Coys send out usual patrols to Mount Fosse and Mount Curvale.
2 LIR.
0800 Loading of stores and equipment for move to Baranello.
1330 Battalion em-bused ready to move.
1400 Battalion proceeds to Baranello. Order of march: E F companies, Battalion HQ, HQ G, H, and S companies. 34 x 3-ton lorries supplied by RASC.
1715 Battalion arrives at Baranello. No incidents.
1800 Battalion established in billets in Baranello.
2nd February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI DEL SANNIO.
1200 Main body 1st Carpathian Rifle Brigade arrive.
1500 Rear Brigade HQ move to Campobasso (H5528) Tac HQ left in Forli.
Relief of 6 Innisks and 1 RIrF carried out during the afternoon and evening.
1530 Two coys of 6 Innisks leave Cerro (H0839) for Busso (H4628).
2000 D Support Group leave Forli for Campobasso.
1 RIrF.
0600 Heavy mist.
1000 Incoming unit arrives and wait 2 miles behind Rionero. Incoming coy moved up to pt 1210 (0944) to relieve A Coy 6 Innisks.
1200 Mist clears.
1430 Relief A Coy 6 Innisks complete.
1630 A Coy 6 Innisks leave Rionero by TCV and cease to be under command on passing Brigade SP.
1730 Unit vehicles forward to Castel Di Sangro and pt 1041 (0946) to offload incoming unit’s weapons and stores and load up with our B, C and D Coys.
A Coy by TCV to 102475, thence march to protect road Castel Di Sangro – road junction 0749 during take-over.
1800 Incoming coys (two) by TCV to 102475 thence march to Castel Di Sangro.
1830 HQ Coy and unit vehicles A Coy leave Rionero.
Incoming coy TCV to pt. 1041 (0946) to relieve C Coy.
2100 C Coy relieved leaves Rionero by TCV.
2110 Incoming coys (2) reach Castel Di Sangro.
2200 Unit vehicles (B and D Coys) from Castel Di Sangro reach.
2230 Rionero and leave for Campobasso.
6 Innisks – CERRO.
Weather fine. Visibility good. Wind light.
1400 Preparations for the move to Busso (H4628) completed. Route cards issued.
1630 The column did not move off until this time owing to a delay caused through lack of sufficient petrol for the TCVs to take them to Busso.
1945 Arrived at Busso.
Major Little rejoined this unit from hospital and assumes command of S Coy.
Capt EW Kendal relinquishes command of S Coy and is transferred to D Coy and assumes 2.i.c. of the coy.
2 LIR.
0930 Battalion HQ guard provided by F Company (duty company).
1200 Commanding Officer’s training conference. Instructions issued for exercise Vino.
1400 Company commanders’ recce training areas.
1600 Guard comprising three NCOs and nine men from F Company proceed to Campobasso to guard supply dumps.
1800 Pipers play retreat at Battalion HQ.
3rd February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
0010 Coy of 6 Innisks leaves Cerro (H0839) for Busso (H4628).
0300 1 RIrF plus one coy of 6 Innisks move to Campobasso. Coy 6 Innisks to go to Busso.
0330 Tac HQ Brigade leaves Forli for Campobasso.
1 RIrF.
0200 B and D Coys em-bused in TCVs at 102475.
0210 A Coy em-bused at 102475.
0230 A, B, D Coys leave Rionero.
0300 CO, I.O, OC HQ Coy, Rear Link signals vehicle left Rionero.
0730 All vehicles reported in at Campobasso.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather fine and cold. Visibility good, wind light.
0715 Holy Communion was held for C of Es.
1000 Brigade Commander visited the bttn.
1600 Recreational transport was provided to take 20 men per coy to Campobasso daily at the same time.
The bttn spent the day clearing up and admin checks.
2/Lieut CR Wilkie is transferred from D to A Coy.
2/Lieut R Phillips MM is appointed town mayor of Busso.
A leave party left for Campobasso during the day.
A circular on security was issued in sufficient quantity for distribution to platoons.
2 LIR.
0900 Bttn HQ Guard provided by F Company (duty company).
1200 CO’s office.
1200 Leave parties proceed to cinema performance at Campobasso in unit transport.
1800 CO’s conference.
4th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
Relief of 38 Brigade. All units arrived safely and established as follows:
6 Innisks – Busso H4628.
2 LIR – Baranello H4625.
1 RIrF – Campobasso H5528.
D Support Group – Campolieto H6337.
152 Field Ambulance – Campobasso H5528.
1 RIrF.
Admin. Lt G Coetzee joined.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather wet and cold. Visibility poor. Wind fresh.
Btttn cleaning up and checking G1098 stores.
0900 The CO inspected all billets.
1030 Brigade Commander visited the bttn.
Lieut CD Beard will assume appointment of Sports Officer,
2 LIR.
0800 Companies commence training programme.
0900 Bttn HQ Guard provided by H Company (Duty Company)
1200 CO’s Office
1200 Leave parties proceed to proceed to cinema show at Campobasso in unit transport.
1400 Change of weather. Rain commences.
2000 Leave parties return from Campobasso.
Weather:- morning dry but dull, afternoon some rain. Sky heavily overcast.
News – Russians announce 10 German divisions trapped in Smela salient in Southern Ukraine and capture of Rovhe and Lusk in Poland, also that Red Army have crossed the Estonian border.
5th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
Units reorganise and settle in. Training programme submitted.
1 RIrF.
Admin.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather snowing hard. Visibility poor. Wind strong.
1000 RSM’s parade was held despite the inclement weather.
FFI inspections were carried out and baths were available for coys.
Location for training areas and trace issued by 2.i.c.
2 LIR.
0630 Snow fell during night. Fairly heavy on high ground and hills, but roads still clear and traffic not impeded.
0800 Outdoor training suspended owing to snow.
0900 Bttn HQ Guard supplied by G Company.
1200 CO’s Office.
1300 Leave parties proceed to cinema show at Campobasso.
1700 Draft of 75 Other Ranks join battalion from CRU.
1800 CO’s conference
2000 Leave parties return from Campobasso.
Weather:- snow fell at intervals during morning and afternoon, but slight thaw during evening. Snow lying heavy on hills and high ground generally. Local roads still quite clear.
6th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
1600 Snow falls in Brigade area. Junior Leaders’ School returns from Forli.
Road to Campobasso blocked. Work on clearing roads to Busso and Baranello being carried out.
1 RIrF.
Training. Snow.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
0730 Holy Communion was held for C of Es.
0930 a voluntary morning service was held for C of Es and Mass was celebrated for the RCs.
A snow plough attached to a jeep was used to clear the Busso to Campobasso road.
The under mentioned officers joined this unit and are posted to coys as shown.
Capt AG Kemp HQ Coy as IO, Captain RJT Irwin A Coy, Lieut H Cross D Coy.
Captain EW Kendal OC D Coy made a recce of the training area.
A leave party left for Campobasso.
2 LIR.
0700 Snow during the night. Approximately 2 inches deep on roads and low ground.
1030 Voluntary CE & RC Church Parade.
1200 CO’s Office.
1300 Leave parties proceed to cinema show at Campobasso.
1800 Bttn HQ Guard provided by S Company (Duty Company).
1900 Leave parties return from Campobasso.
Weather: – heavy snow fell at intervals during the day. Now deep on high ground but local roads still fairly clear.
7th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
0900 Heavy snow all night. Roads partially blocked. Snow all day. Most main roads now blocked. No communication to Isernia, Termoli, Larino, Luceria.
1 RIrF.
Training. Snow.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather : snow hard, visibility poor, wind fresh.
Bttn training was to have commenced this morning, but owing to heavy snowfall during the night, it was impossible to carry out any training outside.
Personnel were employed digging paths through the snow. The Busso to Campobasso road is now bound. A jeep was again employed in towing a snow plough and eventually cleared the road.
Small arms training was carried out in billets.
An Information Room is opened by the I section for the use of officers and ORs.
Daily recreational transport to Campobasso will leave Bttn HQ at 1500hrs as opposed to 1600hrs notified on 3rd February.
2 LIR.
0630 Heavy snow during night. Approximately 12” deep on local roads. Some traffic possible with skid chains. Snow still falling.
0800 Outdoor training cancelled because of snow.
1200 CO’s office.
1800 Bttn HQ Guard supplied by F Company (Duty Company).
1930 Regimental dinner in Officers’ Mess.
Guests:
Lt Col Dunnill DSO, Adjt and 2 i/c 1 RIrF.
Captain JD O’Rourke proceeded to take over appointment of Brigade IO. Lt JD White, MC takes over as Battalion IO.
8th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
Snow stops. Roads being cleared slowly. Roads to 2 LIR and 6 Innisks passable to vehicles with chains. No communications with D Support Group. Indoor training. T/Captain JD O’Rourke takes over duties as Brigade IO vice T/Captain J Hobbs posted.
1 RIrF.
Training. Snow.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather: snowing, visibility poor, wind light.
Conditions of ground outside still unsuitable for outdoor training. Small arms training is continued in billets. Digging parties were sent out to clear the roads of snow. The road to Campobasso was impassable in the evening. Three bttn officers were unable to return until the next day.
2 LIR.
0630 New snow fell during the night. Morning bright but cold.
1200 CO’s Office.
1300 Leave Parties proceed to Campobasso.
1800 CO’s conference.
1800 Bttn HQ Guard provided by E Company (Duty Company)
1900 Leave parties return from Campobasso.
Weather. More now at intervals during day, but roads still open to transport using skid-chains. Main Campobasso road kept open by clearing parties. No outdoor training possible during the day.
9th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
Slight snow. Colder. Freezing during the night. Indoor training and discussions carried out by bttns.
1 RIrF.
Training. Snow.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather; snowing, visibility poor, wind fresh.
The Bttn continued to carry out indoor training.
A case of diphtheria has occurred in the bttn within the last few days. The section concerned is in quarantine and is therefore out of bounds to all ranks. A Sergeants’ mess meeting is held.
A sand table model is completed by the I section for indoor exercises.
2 LIR.
0630 Snow falling lightly.
1200 CO’s Office.
1300 Recreational transport to Campobasso cancelled owing to road conditions.
1800 Bn HQ Guard supplied by H Company (Duty Company).
Weather:- Light snow at intervals during day. Roads now difficult for transport. No outdoor training possible during day.
10th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
Slight snow. Indoor training carried out by bttns, except 1 RIrF, who were able to move on the main roads in Campobasso and carry out route marches etc.
1 RIrF.
Training. Fine.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather: fine, visibility good, wind fresh.
In the morning, the bttn was employed on indoor training in the afternoon.
Coys went for a ‘run and walk’.
A Battle Inoculation Course has been started for men with no battle experience.
1100 The Brigadier paid a social visit to the bttns and was introduced to all new officers.
Baths were available for coys.
Three officers and 75 ORs left for the 8th Army rest camp, San Spirito near Bari.
Recreational transport was available for the first time in 3 days.
A Bttn Hall is inaugurated and is named ‘Sangro Hall’.
B Coy held a concert and, with the help of some local civilians, had an enjoyable time.
2/Lieut R Phillips MM is transferred to HQ Coy and appointed Pioneer and Salvage Officer.
The under mentioned bttn appointments will take effect from today:
Captain AC Kemp Bttn Gas Training officer, 2/Lieut CR Wilkie Educational Officer, Lieut JR Stewart Bttn Entertainments Officer.
2 LIR.
0630 No further snow during night, but road conditions icy.
1200 CO’s Office.
1300 Leave parties proceed to Campobasso.
1400 Brigadier visits Bttn HQ on informal visit.
1800 Bttn HQ Guard supplied by G Company (Duty Company).
1900 Leave parties return from Campobasso.
Weather:- Day bright with slight thaw. Road conditions better locally. Sky again overcast at last light.
11th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
Advance parties 78 Division HQ arrive in Campobasso. Roads cleared to D Support Group. Most of divisional moves to rest areas displayed by clocked roads. 56 Recce moved up to Agnone.
1 RIrF.
Training. Snow.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather: snow and sleet, visibility poor, wind strong.
Bttn continued to carry out indoor training, weapon training, lectures etc.
A Coy held a ‘sing song’, a good time was had by all.
2/Lieut Wilkie gave his coy a lecture on mules, which they found interesting.
B Coy held an inter platoon quiz, which caused intense competition.
2 LIR.
0630 Continued thaw during night.
1200 CO’s Office.
1300 Leave parties proceed to Campobasso.
1800 Bttn HQ guard supplied by F Company (Duty Company).
1900 Leave parties return from Campobasso.
Weather:- Thaw continued throughout the day with frequent showers of rain and sleet.
12th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
Training carried out by bttns. Brigade at 12 hours’ notice to move.
1 RIrF.
Training.Dull.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather: overcast, visibility fair, wind fresh.
The Bttn carried out training, weapon training, compass instruction lectures etc.
1330 A leave party left for the ‘Gazelle Club’ in Campobasso on short notice.
2/Lieut B Jackson assumes the appointment of a Bttn Sports Officer during the absence on duty of Lieut CD Beard.
Lieut AJ Wilton re-joined this unit and is posted to C Coy.
2 LIR.
0630 Weather dry and frosty.
1200 CO’s Office.
1300 Leave parties proceed to Campobasso.
1800 Bttn HQ Guard supplied by E Company (Duty Company).
1900 Bttn at 12 hours’ notice to move.
2000 Leave parties return from Campobasso.
Weather:- Dry and bright, no further snow locally no appreciable thaw.
13th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
11 Brigade to Castelnouva area less 2 LF. 36 Brigade remain present locations. Roads still bad and some main roads still partially blocked.
1 RIrF.
Training. Cloudy.
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather fine and cold. Visibility good, Wind light.
Today was declared a bttn holiday and there were no parades.
0930 Voluntary church services were held for C of Es and RCs.
1100 Thirty men per coy went to Campobasso for the day.
1400 A Bttn O Group was held, something in the wind, it looks as if 13 is an unlucky number. We now learn that we are under 12 hours’ notice to move to an unknown destination.
A Coy held another ‘sing song’, and D Coy a concert.
2 LIR.
0700 Weather. No change during night.
1000 Voluntary C of E & RC Church services.
1300 Leave parties proceed to Campobasso.
1800 Bttn HQ Guard provided by S Company (Duty Company).
1830 Regimental concert given in local theatre. Very good show.
1930 Leave parties return from Campobasso.
Sports Conference held by 2 i/c to arrange for participation in brigade boxing competition.
Weather:- Day dry and cold. No appreciable thaw.
14th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
1100 Warning order received for the brigade to move to Alife H2803 the following, under command 38 Brigade: D Support Group 1 Kensingtons, 17 Field Regiment RA, 254 A/Tk Battery RA, 280 LAA Battery RA, 214 Field Company RE, 152 Field Ambulance, 294 Coy RASC, Section Ord Field Park, Pro Section 78 Division, Section 78 Division MBU.
1400 OO order and march table N0 15 issued.
1 RIrF.
1230 Verbal warning order from Brigade for move. Purpose and destination unknown. Advance parties ready to move at once. Main body not to move before 0830 hrs 15 Feb.
1530 Received 38 Brigade 039 warning order for move.
1800 Verbal warning order from Brigade. Main body moves 1030 hrs 15 Feb.
2045 Received 28 Brigade March Table No 15 (Appendix).
2130 Adv party left for Alife 2803.
2159 Issued March Table No 3 (Appendix).
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather fine and cold. Visibility fair, wind fresh.
The Bttn spent the day packing up and preparing for the move.
1400 A talk was given by the CO to all ranks about the spreading of rumours and the proposed move
1530 A warning order was issued for an advance party.
1700 The Bttn Entertainments’ Officer held a conference, representatives from each coy attended.
1800 A meeting was held by the Sports Officer.
1830 The padre gave instruction in the Italian language.
2045 The advance party under the 2.i.c. left for the new area.
2359 A Bttn O Group was held to complete details for the move and a movement order was issued.
36 TCVs arrived during the day for the move.
2 LIR.
0630 No change of weather during night.
1200 CO’s Office.
1300 Warning order Advance party to rendezvous crossroads at 2300 hrs today and report to Major Holmes 1 RIrF.
1800 CO’s Conference.
2200 34 x 3-tonners arrive from RASC to move.
2215 Advance party under 2 i/c leave Baranello.
Weather:- Dry and cold throughout the day.
15th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI DEL SANNIO.
0800 Brigade column moves from Campobasso area to Alife H2803. Location of Division concentration area now changed. Brigade group to go to Villa Volturno N1884 near Capua 1878.
2100 Brigade established except for D Support Group and 152 Field Ambulance still on route.
1 RIrF.
0900 Verbal instruction from Brigade Major to cross SP half an hour earlier than time stated in written order.
1000 Head past Battalion SP.
1035 Head past Brigade SP.
1500 Head at Brigade DP. No signs of guides. Enquiry from Provost elicited the information that Division was gone north of R. Volturno near Capua (N1778). Route road junction N2597 – Caiazzo N3086 road junction N2
1655 Head arrived N188801 where Battalion was to concentrate 18812.
1715 Tail arrived. All vehicles except pioneer ammunition truck and HQ Coy 3 tonner. Weather mild and coys had about one bivouac tent for every 3 men. Battalion at 6 hrs notice.
1945 Visited by Brigade Commander (Brigadier Nelson Russell DSO MC) who estimated our stay in present location at least 4 or 5 days.
2300 Message from Brigade giving their location Vitulazio N1884 and Admin details (Appendix).
6 Innisks – BUSSO.
Weather fine. Visibility good. Wind fresh.
0005 Admin Order No 10 issued in conjunction with the Movement Order 14 Feb 1944.
0500 Reveille.
0800 The bttn was em-bused and ready to move, the column started on its way at 0820. It was a long and pretty weary journey and at the last moment our destination was changed.
2 LIR.
0600 Reveille. Morning dry.
0800 Bttn em-bused and lined up for move to new area.
0815 Convoy proceeds past start point. Route via Isernia, Capriatti and Caizzo.
1630 Convoy arrives in new area at 1983 near Villa Volturno. Accommodated in farmhouses and buildings and bivouacs. Original destination was the town of Santa Maria where billets had been arranged by 2 i/c and advance party. At 1400 hrs orders received altering destination to area 1983. Journey without incident.
1800 CO’s O Group. Bttn at six hours’ notice for further move.
1900 Brigadier and Brigade IO visit Bn HQ.
2000 Brigade HQ established at Bellona also 6 Innisk. 1 RIrF at 186806.
Weather:- Day dry but cold, roads clear of snow except in Baranello area. No sign of snow past or present in new area.
16th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO
1100 Brigade now established. All vehicles broken down en route reported in bttn areas. 152 Field Ambulance and D Support Group now established in location.
Brigade location statement:
HQ 38 Brigade – N186848.
6 Innisks – N198846.
2 LIR – N189820.
1 RIrF – N190811.
D Support Group 1 Kensingtons – N1880.
17 Field Regiment RA – N193382.
254 A/Tk Battery RA – N1982.
214 Field Company RE – N205815.
294 Coy RASC – N1983.
280 LAA – N176829.
152 Field Ambulance – N 1784.
1 RIrF.
1130 Remaining vehicles arrived (one Ammunition lorry and HQ Coy 3 tonner).
Platoon training.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather fine. Visibility good. Wind fresh.
The bttn spent the day cleaning up after the move, reorganising billets and checking admin points.
1150 A message was received from brigade instituting a one way circuit from the main Capua road–Bellona–Vitulazio and back to the main road. Traces and covering letters were issued to all concerned.
2 LIR.
0630 Morning dry and clear.
1400 CO’s address to officers and NCOs on forthcoming operations.
1630 CO’s Offices.
1700 CO’s O Group for Battalion Exercise tomorrow.
Intention E Company supported by G Company to attack and capture monastery on top of hill at 210830 and to consolidate same. F Company to attack and capture Three Tree Hill (206837) on left of Monastery Hill. H Company to move into reserve positions to support either attack if required. Positions recced by CO during morning.
Exercise to be treated as night exercise. Direction by compass bearing.
Weather:- Dry but cloudy during day.
17th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
Bttns carry out recce for training areas and organise billets and room for as many men as possible. All attached units revert to their own command of formations except for D Support Group and 152 Field Ambulance and section MBU.
1 RIrF.
Platoon training.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather fine. Visibility good. Wind fresh.
All coys went for route marches in the morning. Later all coy weapons were tested on the range.
0900 The Divisional Commander accompanied by the Brigadier visited the bttn.
1630 The rear party arrived from Busso.
1800 All officers attended the CO’s conference to discuss standing OOs and new amendments.
Baths were available for the coys in the afternoon.
2 LIR.
0630 Morning dry and frosty. Bttn exercise.
0800 Companies and Bttn HQ move off to forming up areas. 2 i/c in charge of exercise.
0830 Companies and Bttn HQ move off to start line in sunken road at 194829.
In position at 0915.
0930 E & F Companies cross Start Line towards their respective objectives.
1015 E Company reports in position by verey light.
1030 E Company moves off from Start Line to occupy height to right of Monastery Hill.
1115 F Company signals “On Objective”. 2 i/c orders H Company to move forward to positions approximately half-way up slope of Three Tree Hill in readiness for possible counter-attack.
1230 Exercise ends. Bttn returns to bttn area.
1330 Bttn back in area.
1600 CO’s conference.
1800 Bttn HQ guard provided by F Company.
Weather:- Dry and sunny throughout day.
18th February.
Brigade HQ – CAMPOBASSO.
1100 Division Commander’s address at Caserta cinema for all officers and senior NCOs. He spoke of future operations and a few notes on training. He also spoke of the divisional spirit, a very necessary thing to keep up especially now there was a considerable number of men in the divisional who have arrived only recently.
Concerning future operations, he gave the outline plan. 78 Division is now in 2 NZ Corps and 5 Army reserve. Attacks by 4 Indian Division and 2 NZ Division south of Cassino to capture the town and establish a bridgehead across the Rapido. 78 Division supported by armour to enlarge bridgehead. Attacks by 4 Indian Division to gain high ground around the Cassino Monastery went in at dawn that morning.
1400 Football match between 1 RIrF and 2 LIR took place in the afternoon. Brigade pipe band played. 1 RIrF won.
1 RIrF.
Platoon training. Divisional Commander at conference announced that this Division was in Army reserve and its probable role would be exploitation of the intended break-through the German Cassino – R. Garigliano line. Special order of the day by Brigadier N Russell DSO. MC. (APPX). Brigadier TPD Scott DSO assumed command of 38 (Irish) Inf. Brigade.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather fine. Visibility good, Wind fresh.
The coys went on route marches and the Snipers and Signals Courses have been resumed.
0945 The Brigadier visited the bttn.
1100 Twenty officers and 20 senior NCOs went to Caserta to hear an address given by the Divisional Commander, Major General Keightley.
D Coy had a kit inspection in the afternoon.
A special ‘order of the day’ was received by Brigadier N Russell DSO MC, commanding 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade.
Lieut RB Miles rejoined this unit and is posted to B Coy.
B Coy held a ‘sing song’ at which vino flowed freely.
2 LIR.
0630 Morning dry and bright.
0930 CO, 2 i/c, adjutant and party of officers and NCOs proceed to Caserta to lecture by Divisional Command.
1230 CO and parties return from Divisional Commanders’ conference.
1400 Football match 2 LIR v 1 RIrF. Score 2 LIR 0 1 RIrF 1.
Brigadier Scott present at match.
1700 CO’s Office.
1730 Bttn HQ Guard supplied by G Company.
Weather:- Dry and cold with strong breeze.
19th February.
Brigade HQ.
1030 Brigadier N Russell DSO MC Commander of the Irish Brigade since July 1942 relinquished his command. A great soldier, he was a loss to all. Brigadier TPD Scott DSO took over command of the Brigade.
Training and recreation carried out by bttns. 12 jeeps and 15 x 15 cwts arrive for distribution in the brigade.
1 RIrF.
Platoon training.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather fine and overcast. Visibility good, Wind fresh.
Coys carried out field training, which consisted of section and platoon handling.
1030 Twenty five officers and men went to Naples on a day pass.
The Bttn received an allotment for 50 men to go to the cinema at Capua.
2/Lieut R Phillips MM is appointed town mayor of Bellona,
A Coy held a ‘sing song’ around the cook house fire in the evening.
2 LIR.
0630 Morning dry and cold
0930 CO and 2 i/c carry out recce locally for Bn exercise.
1300 Bn bathing parade.
1430 Two football matches 2 LIR v 25 Forward Battery RA & 2 LIR v RASC Company.
Results:
2 LIR 6 256 Forward Battery 2.
2 LIR 3 RASC Company 8.
1700 CO’s Office.
Brigadier Scott DSO appointed to command of brigade.
Brigadier Russell DSO, MC returning to England.
Weather:- Dry and fine throughout the day, with strong breeze.
20th February.
Brigade HQ.
Training and recreation. 4 Indian Division attacks successful. Consolidating and regrouping north west of Cassino.
1 RIrF.
Rest day (Sunday).
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather fine. Visibility good. Wind fresh.
The bttn carried out normal training.
0800 Men of the Jewish faith left Bttn HQ for a service in Naples, as advertised in ‘Stars and Stripes’.
0930 A voluntary church service was held for C of Es.
1030 Mass was celebrated by the RCs in Bellona church.
1115 The Brigadier visited the bttn.
In the afternoon, the bttn played a game of football against the 152 Field Ambulance and lost by two goals to one.
2 LIR.
0700 Weather cold and dry.
0930 RC Church Service.
1100 C of E Church Service.
1400 Basketball game – Officers v Sgts.
Result: Sgts 2 Officers 1.
1715 Cinema party returns from Capua.
Weather:- Sunny and dry.
21st February.
Brigade HQ.
Training and recreation. Little news from the Cassino front and from the bridgehead. No change in our disposition.
1 RIrF.
Platoon training.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather fine overcast. Visibility good. Wind light.
A Coy went on a coy exercise using 38 wireless sets, with two sets of mortars attached. Other coys carried out section training and platoon schemes.
FFI inspections, road ‘walk and run’, lectures etc.
1120 The new Brigade Commander Brigadier TPD Scott DSO visited the bttn and stayed to lunch, when he was introduced to all officers.
The under mentioned officers have been promoted to war substantive rank of Lieutenant wef today: 2/Lieuts JV Sorrel-Walker MM, LJ Greene, BN Jackson.
CSM RP Whitfield will take over CSM of A Coy on the posting of CSM Stevenson to Rear Division HQ.
A boxing match was held against the 1 RIrF – as usual we lost by 16pts to 14.
2 LIR.
0630 Morning dry and sunny.
0900 Officers lecture by CO with aid of Sand table and model tanks.
Subject “The use of infantry in conjunction with tanks.”
1700 CO’s Office.
1730 CO’s Conference for Bttn Exercise tomorrow. CO and 2 i/c to be umpires. Major Woods MC i/c Enemy. Major Phillips to be CO of bttn for purpose of Exercise.
1800 Bttn Guard provided by S Company.
Weather:- Dry and sunny with moderate breeze.
22nd February.
Brigade HQ.
1800 Brigade Commander to confirm at 78 Divisional HQ. Future operation discussed. 11 Brigade to relieve 2 NZ Divisional Cavalry to allow division to concentrate further north.
Attacks by 4 Indian Division and 2 NZ Division on Cassino to go in at 1400hrs on 24 February preceded by 1500 ton bombing raid of Cassino defences.
1 RIrF.
Platoon training.
6 Innisks – BELLO.
Weather fine. Visibility good. Wind light.
B Coy carried out the same exercise as set for A Coy on 21 February. Other coys went on the range and carried out normal training.
Shrove Tuesday was celebrated by the issue of pancakes in all messes.
The Battle Platoon has reformed under the command of Lieut FJ Walker MM.
A whist drive was held with great success. The padre was disappointed in not winning the booby prize.
2 LIR.
0630 Morning dry and clear.
0715 Bttn Exercise. Forming up point (FUP) at area 192838 H Company on right with F Company in support and G Company on left with E Company in support.
Lateral distances between companies 300 yards. Squadron of Sherman tanks represented by 15 Bren carriers. Object of exercise to practise attack by infantry supported by tanks.
0800 All Companies in position in FUP. TAC HQ in rear of companies.
0810 G and H Companies over start line followed by E & F Companies and TAC HQ.
1100 Exercise ends. Brigadier visited ground during exercise.
1200 CO’s Conference with Officers and Section Commanders to discuss points brought out in Exercise. Points emphasized:-
1) The importance of passing back information when enemy positions encountered, giving exact position, strengths and steps being taken to deal with same.
2) Passing back to Tank Commanders of information as to Anti-Tank obstacles not already known and of any mines observed.
3) Tanks not to be allowed to remain in exposed positions.
4) Whole Company not to be held up by isolated enemy positions, but Platoon or section left to deal with same while rest of Company moves on.
1500 Inter-company football matches.
S Company 4 E Company 1
HQ 2 G Company 1
1730 Bttn HQ Guard supplied by E Company.
1815 CO’s Office.
1830 CO’s Conference.
Weather:- dry and sunny.
23rd February.
Brigade HQ.
Rain during the afternoon and evening. May hamper future operations. Extremely heavy rain during late evening. Training areas allotted to bttns.
Directive on training sent out to bttns by Brigadier.
11 Brigade move to positions south of Cassino. 1 East Surreys take over front line defences.
1 RIrF.
Platoon training.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Percy Todd, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather wet. Visibility fair. Wind fresh.
D Coy carried out coy scheme with support group as set for A and B Coys.
Other coys carried out normal training including route marches and road ‘Run and Walk’. Lieut-Colonel BL Bryar relinquishes command of the bttn and Lieut-Colonel HEN Bredin MC takes over command.
Personnel from Ireland and scenes of the bttn including a bathing scene were taken by army photographers.
2 LIR.
0630 Morning dull and cloudy.
0930 RC Church Service at Bellona (Ash Wednesday).
1100 Rain commences.
1200 Lt Colonel Jeffreys visit bttn.
1500 CO’s Office.
1530 CO’s Conference.
Bttn HQ Guard supplied by F Company.
Major HEN Bredin MC & Bar promoted local Lt Col and appointed to command 6 Innisks.
Major Heidenstam (1 RIrF) appointed 2 i/c 2/LIR
Weather: raining since 1100 hrs.
24th February.
Brigade HQ.
Training and recreation.
Col Bryar, Commander 6 Innisks posted from bttn. Major HEN Bredin MC and Bar, 2.i.c. 2 LIR take over command of the battalion. Major PCS Heidenstam assumes 2.i.c of 2 LIR.
1 RIrF.
Platoon training.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather fine. Visibility good. Wind fresh.
0900 The CO inspected all billets.
The coys carried out normal training including defence and attack schemes, route marches etc.
1200 A lecture was given to the bttn by the ADMS 78 Division on VD.
1730 A CO training conference is to be held daily while in this area.
1830 A bttn concert is held with great success.
1900 The Brigade Major visited the CO with reference to training with assault boats.
An assault boat training timetable is issued. Training Instructions No 1.
A church army canteen has been opened in Bellona.
The new RSM arrived today, RSM B Slattery, on the departure of RSM Reilly.
2 LIR.
0630 Morning dry and breezy.
1200 CO’s Office.
1230 CO’s Conference.
1400 Inter-Brigade Sports at 1 RIrF. Football ground.
Events 100 yards, 220 yards, 440 yards. 1 mile, long jumps high jump, tug-o-war.
Result. 2/LIR. 24 points. 1 RIrF 23 points, 6 Innisks 22 points.
Brigadier present.
Combined bands of all three bttns gave performance. All events keenly contested but ground very sodden.
1700 CO’s Office. Bttn HQ Guard supplied by H Company.
1800 Weather:- Light showers during morning and afternoon. Heavy rain since 1630.
25th February.
Brigade HQ.
1 RIrF practise river crossings in assault boats. Brigade Commander to 78 Division HQ at Mignano 9812 for conference. 36 Brigade recce parties move to Divisional concentration area at Mignano. 36 Brigade to concentrate on 26 Feb in Divisional area. Brigade sports meeting. Result: 2 LIR, 1 RIrF, 6 Innisks. 1 pt difference between each bttn.
1 RIrF.
Platoon training.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather overcast – showery, visibility fair, wind fresh.
B Coy carried out a pillbox assault using live ammunition. There was one casualty from shrapnel from a PIAT bomb. Other coys carried out assault boat training route marches etc.
1730 The CO’s Training Conference is held.
1740 The Brigadier visited the bttn.
1900 Coys carried out schemes including recce patrols.
Lieut RB Miles is transferred from B to HQ Coy and appointed MTO.
A brigade sports meeting was held in the afternoon, many men and officers attended.
A number of officers and men of the 2nd Bttn, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers visited this bttn most of them having been with the bttn before.
26th February.
Brigade HQ.
36 Brigade move forward to Divisional concentration area. 38 Brigade to remain in present locations. Rain all day. Operations hampered and delayed. Indoor training, where possible, by battalions.
1 RIrF.
Platoon training.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather wet, visibility fair, wind light.
There was no outdoor training owing to the bad weather. Weapon training was carried out and lectures given on the situation on the Anzio bridgehead and around Cassino.
1315 The Brigadier paid a social visit to the bttn.
1730 The CO held his daily conference. The subjects dealt with were
- A recce to be made for a bttn exercise including a river crossing.
- Discussion on observations of the river crossings by 2 LIR.
- Admin points.
The CO agreed to the employment of two civilians in each coy cookhouse. Their particulars to be registered in Bttn HQ.
Lieut PA Hamilton rejoined this unit from hospital and is posted to B Coy.
2 LIR.
0630 Fairly heavy rain.
0800 Company training. River crossing exercise by Battle Patrol and Pioneer Platoon.
1000 Rain commences.
1030 Company bathing parades.
1200 CO’s Conference.
1400 Company Bathing Parades.
1700 Bttn HQ Guard supplied by S Company.
1800
Weather:- Fairly heavy rain since 1000 hrs.
27th February.
Brigade HQ.
MMG D support Group reverted to command 56 Recce. Rear division move forward to Divisional concentration area. Rain all day. Operations postponed.
1 RIrF.
Platoon Training.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather wet, visibility fair, wind fair.
Owing to heavy rain, it was not possible to do any outdoor training and the day was taken up with inside work such as lectures; in particular the 5th Army front, tactical handling of weapons and a complete check of kit.
0930 Divine services were held for C of Es and RCs.
1200 The bttn was addressed by the new CO Lieut-Col HEN Bredin MC. He introduced himself and brought out some points, which he wants carried out.
2 LIR.
0700 Morning dry but overcast.
0930 Voluntary C of E and RC Church Services.
0930 CO’s Inspection of Company books and files.
1030 Cinema party leaves for Caserta.
1900 Lt Col Bredin MC and party of officers from 6 Innisks arrive for dinner in Officers’ Mess.
Weather:- Heavy showers throughout day.
28th February.
Brigade HQ.
0800 Rain stops. 6 Innisks carry out bttn scheme.
1400 Boxing match 2 LIR and 1 RIrF. 2 LIR won. Brigade Commander to 78 Division HQ for conference. TEWT on cooperation with tanks arranged to be held on 1st March, now postponed to 2nd March. Officers down to coy commander and equivalent from all three battalions to attend. COs to act as DS to their own bttns. TEWTS on similar lines to be arranged within battalions down to NCOs.
1 RIrF.
Following immediate award notified under 13 Corps 1279/12/A dated 22 Feb. MM. to No 3860577 Sgt T Lyth.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather overcast, visibility good, wind light.
A bttn exercise was held to practise control in a night attack.
1830 The CO held his conference and the points discussed were:
- The bttn exercise – lessons learnt.
- Tuesday A and B Coys to practise river crossings with a night exercise.
- Wednesday evening patrol exercise.
- A duty piper each day and the pipes and drums to play at Guard Mounting when available.
A boxing tournament was held between 2 LIR and 1 RIrF. Many officers and men attended. In the evening, a bttn concert was held in which a number of guest artistes from 10 Forward Battery took part. It was a good show and very much appreciated by those who attended.
2 LIR.
0630 Morning – showery.
0800 Company training.
1430 Brigade Boxing Contest 2 LIR v 1 RirF.
Very good show and high standard of boxing.
Result –
2 LIR 18 points (eight bouts)
1 RIrF 15 points (bouts)
Brigadier present.
1430 CO’s Office.
1730 MO’s lecture to NCOs.
Bn HQ Guard supplied by E Company.
1900 CO 2 i/c and IO go to dinner with Brigadier.
Captain Jones-Davies (RA ChD) attached to bttn as C of E Chaplain in places of Captain Graydon BA MC who ceases to be attended.
Weather:- Sunny and mild with occasional showers.
29th February.
1 RIrF.
Platoon training.
6 Innisks – BELLONA.
Weather showers, visibility good, wind light.
The bttn carried out normal training, including river crossings with assault boats, 30 yards range etc.
1730 The CO held his daily conference, subjects discussed were:
- TEWT and bttn exercise with tanks.
- Wednesday – night patrols. Each company to find a patrol and one officer as an umpire.
- Admin points.
2 LIR.
0630 Considerable rain during night and still raining.
0800 Company training.
0830 Leave parties proceed to Campobasso.
0900 CO, adjutant and IO proceed to Naples to visit Lt Col McCann.
1400 Football match. H Company and S Company postponed owing to rain.
1700 Bttn HQ Guard supplied by F Company.
1830 CO, adjutant and IO return from Naples.
Weather:- Frequent showers during the day. Ground very muddy.