1st July.
Brigade HQ – HAMMAMET.
1430 General Montgomery addressed all the Officers of the Division. Apart from welcoming us to 8th Army, he outlined his general philosophy of warfare: a) Allow no failures. b) Limit scope to what you command. c) Wait until you are 100% ready.
1 RIrF – HAMMAMET.
Bttn exercise. Object to practise bttn in daylight attack. Enemy supplied by R Company.
1800 Discussion for all officers and NCOs down to the rank of platoon sergeant on bttn exercise.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
1500 General Montgomery lectured officers of 78 Division. Lt Hanna returned from hospital after illness. QGH Radice CF joined bttn vice GCL Mitchell CF.
2 LIR.
0530 Battalion HQ HQ Company and Support Company on Route March approx 10 miles
Remainder of Companies on Company Training.
1430 General Montgomery lectures all officers of the Division.
1730 Captain Robb lectures to the whole Battalion on Prisoners of War.
2nd July.
Brigade HQ – HAMMAMET.
Special order of the day from Commander 5 Corps received.
1 RIrF – HAMMAMET.
A quiet day. Nothing to report.
Lieut JA Smith rejoined the Battalion.
1800 Lecture by Major HGC Garratt on Combined Operations.
2 LIR.
Company Training.
3rd July.
Brigade HQ – HAMMAMET.
Lt-Col TPD Scott relinquished command of 2 LIR, posted to 12 Infantry Brigade as acting Brigadier.
Major APK O’Connor commands 2 LIR.
Orders for move to Sousse area issued.
Brigade night exercise “Tryout” – 3 to 4 July.
Instructions for Sousse area move issued.
Captain MJ Glenn admitted to 98 General Hospital. Lieut GE Cole appointed acting IO.
1 RIrF – HAMMAMET.
A quiet day. Nothing outstanding to report.
Night: Brigade night exercise.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
0945 Brigade O Group per exercise “Tryout”.
1930 Bttn moves off to forming up place for exercise. The exercise is to practise brigade in night attack and reorganisation by first light. 6 Innisks in reserve. Supporting arms delayed in getting up by traffic congestion.
2 LIR.
Exercise “Tryout” commenced. Troops taking part 38 Brigade. 38 Brigade Sp Group as enemy.
4th July.
Brigade HQ – HAMMAMET.
Instructions and move table for Sousse area issued.
Aims in concentration area Sousse issued.
1 RIrF – HAMMAMET.
A quiet day.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
0900 Return to camp. Rest and cleaning up.
2 LIR.
Exercise “Tryout” ended at 0700 hrs. Battalion returned to Camp.
Lt-Col Scott gave farewell lecture to the Battalion.
5th July.
Brigade HQ – HAMMAMET.
Brigade Signals Exercise.
1 RIrF – HAMMAMET.
Designated a holiday by the Divisional Commander.
1700 Brigade wireless exercise.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
Capt Robb (Div) lectured selected Officers and NCOs on conduct and escape of PoWs.
1730 Signal exercise to practise procedure and passing of messages during operations.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Albert Myatt, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
Brigadier Scott left to take up new command. Major APK O’Connor assumed command of Battalion. 12 officers and 8 Senior NCOs attend special lecture by Captain Robb on “Escapes as Prisoner of War. Brigadier TPD Scott (RIrF) posted to 12 Infantry Brigade. W/Lieutenant DGF Kirkham (RUR) posted to Number 1 I RTD.
6th July.
Brigade HQ – HAMMAMET.
Brigade Exercise “Marathon” for Brigade HQ and Bttns.
1 RIrF – HAMMAMET.
0900 Conference for all Coy Commanders and specialist officers on Brigade night exercises. A quiet day.
Night – Divisional endurance test begins. Bttn marched twenty three miles to lying up area.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
0930 Brigade conference on Exercise “Tryout”. Divisional Commander attended points: length of time taken for recces as far down as Section Commanders. Route finding at night and intercommunication by night.
1830 Bttn left camp on Exercise “Marathon” consisting of 20 mile march followed by scheme and 22 miles march back, partly cross country by bounds. Total distance 56 miles in 36 hours. Tea was provided by frequent intervals. Heat very intense with Sirocco wind, but cooled off on 7th.
2 LIR.
Divisional exercise “Marathon” commenced. Battalion march approx 20 miles to Staging Area (Grombalia).
Died on this Day:
Rifleman John Kiely, London Irish Rifles.
7th July.
Brigade HQ – HAMMAMET.
RE and Support Group concentration area K3136 reached 0430hrs 7 July.
Brigade Exercise “Marathon” – Attack by 2 LUR (left), 6 Innisks (right), 1 RIrF (reserve) down valley area K2733 starting 0600hrs. Mountain attack. Bttns layup – 6 Innisks K2833, 2 LIR 275327, 1 RIrF K316365, Brigade HQ K293374. Return route via tracks K275377 south east to road 348310 thence north east to road junction 365369 to road junction 392347, where tea was issued and much appreciated by all ranks. Return route continued via Grombalia–Sousse road. All units were within lines by 0800hrs.
1 RIrF – HAMMAMET.
Spent the day lying up. The bttn was not required in the Brigade attack and made all possible use of a rest.
Night – Bttn start to march back. First eleven miles across country through the mountains. A total of 26 miles.
2 LIR.
Exercise “Marathon” continues. Battalion did attack during the morning rested during the heat of the afternoon and marched approx 25 miles back to camp during the hours of darkness.
8th July.
1 RIrF – HAMMAMET.
0700 Bttn arrived back at camp having marched 56 miles in a period of thirty six hours.
Day spent bathing and resting.
Orders for move to Sousse area in Appendices.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
0800 Bttn return from endurance test in good heart.
Advance party left for overseas concentration area. Lieut Hanna to hospital.
2 LIR.
0530 Battalion returned to camp from Exercise “Marathon” Standing Orders for Sousse received.
9th July.
Brigade HQ – HAMMAMET.
Advance parties from Brigade HQ and units under command and in support left for new area Sousse.
1 RIrF – HAMMAMET.
A quiet day spent preparing to move to Sousse.
2 LIR.
Special Order of the Day by Lieutenant General CW Allfrey DSO MS on 78 Division being transferred to 8th Army. Preparations for move to new Area.
10th July.
Brigade HQ – IN TRANSIT.
38 Brigade left for area Sousse. Via Camp Bou Ficha (K3804), Enfidaville (K3892), Kairouan road for area Churchill (P4151). Movement tables see Appendix. Brigade locations as shown in tracing.
1 RIrF – IN TRANSIT.
Bttn move to Sousse, and as part of the 78th Division go into reserve to the 8th Army, who had invaded Sicily last night.
Captain J Ray MC admitted to hospital.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
0930 Bttn moves by MT to Churchill concentration area (Camp Betty 2 – K4050). Formation signs removed.
Area is olive grove. Shade good, cooler than last area. Water situation bad – 1 quart drinking, 1 quart washing.
Road covered in deep sand. 12 miles to Sousse.
2 LIR.
Battalion moves to Sousse. Battalion HQ established 414511 (sheet 56 I/50000 Tunisia). News received of invasion of Sicily by American, British and Canadian forces.
11th July.
Brigade HQ – SOUSSE.
AM CO’s conference at Brigade HQ.
Brigade Major gave talk to all Brigade HQ personnel ref the Allied invasion of Sicily, developments and topography.
Brigade Security Instruction No 3 issued.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
A quiet day spent settling into new area. Nothing to report.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
Recce of training area. Salisbury Plain type with no natural cover.
Major Crocker rejoins bttn (he was OC B Coy until Exercise Dryshod in Oct 42).
2 LIR.
E Company, 16 and 18 Platoon of the Battalion specially commended by the Brigadier on their performance during Exercise “Marathon” – they marched 53 miles in just under 36 hours without a single casualty.
12th July.
Brigade HQ – SOUSSE.
Brigade Admin Order No 1 issued.
Personal message from Army Commander.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Companies started training. Field range firing was allotted.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
Field Firing exercise.
Much less dysentery now but septic spots are prevalent.
2 LIR.
Company Training.
13th July.
Brigade HQ – SOUSSE.
Major H Rogers (1 RIrF) appointed Commander of 2 LIR.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Two ENSA concerts were held at Sousse. Bttn had a certain amount of seats allotted to it.
1700 Instruction in wireless for all officers under the signals officer Captain Brown. T/Major H Rogers posted to 2 LIR.
Warning order for conversion of Algerian money.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
A & C Coys Field Firing. B & D Field Training.
Major McCann left to take over Base Details.
2 LIR.
Lieutenant-Colonel H Rogers (1 RIrF) assumes command of the Battalion.
T/Major H Rogers (1 RIrF) joined the Battalion, and assumes command wef same date.
14th July.
Brigade HQ – SOUSSE.
Lieut CMP North attached this HQ. Brigade Training tables issued.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Captain RCP Jefferies is admitted to hospital, and Captain BDJ Clark takes over the duties of Adjutant.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Raymond Purvis, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
A & C Coys’ training. B & D Field Firing.
2 LIR.
Battalion Signal Exercise under direction of Intelligence Officer to practice officers and Warrant Officers in Signal procedure. Officers attend demonstration of night shoot for guiding purposes by 25 pounders.
15th July.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Lieut RH Richardson posted to 6 Innisks.
A quiet day. Nothing to report.
2130 Demonstrations for Company Commander on keeping direction by night with the assistance of artillery.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
Lieut RH Richardson joined bttn from 1 RIrF.
Coy Field Training. Heat and dust considerable.
2 LIR.
Company training and Field Firing as per programme of work.
16th July.
Brigade HQ – SOUSSE.
T/Captain CPJD O’Farrell relinquished appointment as Staff Captain on posting to 1 RIrF.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
A quiet day with nothing to report.
1900 Lecture to the whole bttn on the campaign in Sicily.
2000 Bttn concert was held for the troops using purely local talent from the bttn.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
Lieuts EJ Griffiths and GT Griffiths joined bttn.
2 LIR.
Brigadier N Russell MC, commander 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade, lectured battalion on Sicily and events to date.
17th July.
Brigade HQ – SOUSSE.
Brigadier N Russell MC addressed personnel of Brigade HQ, Signals Section, and Support Group at Brigade HQ on the campaign in Sicily. Afterwards, the Brigadier addressed the bttn in their own lines.
1000 Brigade advance party left for new area. South of Sousse (P6248).
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Another quiet day. Training carried out as per programme.
2000 A repetition of last night’s concert was held.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
3” Mortar shoot in training area.
Talk on Sicily by Brigadier Russell.
2 LIR.
Company training.
18th July.
Brigade HQ – SOUSSE.
Brigade HQ, Bttns, Support Group, 152 Field Ambulance, and 214 Field Company RE moved to new area south of Sousse (P6248) via Kalaa Apira (P5251), Sousse ((P5952) move commenced at 2015hrs. Marching personnel went by direct route across country.
2300 Brigade HQ established P629483.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
A quiet day. Bttn receive orders to move to a new area nearer the sea.
1300 Bttn set out on foot for new area, about four miles south of Sousse on the coast road.
6 Innisks – HAMMAMET.
1600 Bttn marches to new area. Halt 2300-2359hrs for tea.
2 LIR.
1730 Battalion moves to new area nearer the coast.
2000 Battalion HQ established at 632478 (Sheet 57 Tunisia I/50000).
19th July.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Day spent settling into new area. Bathing parties organised.
6 Innisks – SOUSSE.
0100 Bttn moves to new area 5 miles south of Sousse. 1/4 mile from the sea. 18 mile march along sandy tracks. All ranks marched as well. Area is in olive grove, with deep sand. Water situation bad.
Recce of training area. Quiet day.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Ronald Anthony, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
Battalion Training Programme issued. Company training.
20th July.
Brigade HQ – SOUTH OF SOUSSE.
1015 Lieut North, 1 East Surreys and Sergeant Colwill, Corps Military Police attached this HQ. Both killed by enemy mine, which exploded when their jeep was passing through wadi at P637483.
Brigade training area issued.
Brigadier N Russell’s story of the Irish Brigade attached.
6 Innisks’ Exercise “Blister” area P6521.
6 Innisks’ History of bttn in Tunisia in Appendix.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
A quiet day.
1900 Football match v 2 LIR, which we lost 4-1. Concert held by 152 Field Ambulance.
CO went on recce for forthcoming exercise.
6 Innisks – SOUSSE.
1600 March out for Exercise “Blister”. 19 miles to assembly area.
2 LIR.
Company training.
21st July.
Brigade HQ – SOUTH OF SOUSSE.
Brigade training area issued.
2 LIR on Exercise “Blister” in area P6521.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Nothing outstanding to report. Training continued at Company Commander’s discretion.
1800 Discussion on ‘spit and polish’.
1900 Concert given by the Irish Brigade. Arranged by Lieut B St G Power. A very good show, organised entirely from local talent in the Brigade. Orders for bttn exercise.
6 Innisks – SOUSSE.
0515 Reveille.
0600 O Group.
0740 Zero. Bttn attack on 3 objectives. Wireless silence imposed by higher authority.
1000 March off from exercise area to lying up area. 6 miles in very great heat. Very little shade. All ranks suffering from heat exhaustion.
1800 Move off after tea: day still hot. Further 15 miles making total of 42 miles in 36 hrs.
Morale high on way back. Bttn marched in well with few casualties in spite of the intense heat.
2 LIR.
Exercise “Blister” commenced. Battalion marched during the night to concentration area.
22nd July.
Brigade HQ – SOUTH OF SOUSSE.
Brigade Operation Instruction No 2 issued.
1 RIrF on Exercise “Blister” in area P6521.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Warning order to be ready to move cancelled the Bttn exercise. A modified exercise consisting of a 20 mile night march was held instead. Orders for this march, Appendix H, to standing orders.
6 Innisks – SOUSSE.
Day of rest.
2 LIR.
Exercise “Blister”. Battalion attacked during the early hours of the morning and returned back to camp by transport during the remainder of the morning and evening.
2300 Battalion returns to camp.
23rd July.
Brigade HQ – SOUTH OF SOUSSE.
2000 Brigadier N Russell and Major CPJD O’Farrell (1 RIrF) left Brigade HQ en route for new location.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Warning order that marching details must be prepared to move at 0700 24/7.
All transport packed and ready to move by 0800 24/7.
Lieut Coats in order of priority.
Lieut A Smyth rejoined the bttn.
6 Innisks – SOUSSE.
Coy exercises. Waterproofing of vehicles completed. Packing started.
2 LIR.
Battalion standing by for move to Sicily.
24th July.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Bttn still in the same area. No move yesterday as ships were not ready. Standing by to move today. A few minor difficulties experienced with the serials, but otherwise, all preparations going well.
6 Innisks – SOUSSE.
Bttn packed up and standing by for embarkation at 1 12 hrs notice.
2 LIR.
Embarkation Serials sorted out in the Battalion IO and Intelligence Sergeant report to Brigade. Brigade Recce Group embark on LST at 1800 hrs.
25th July.
Brigade HQ – SOUTH OF SOUSSE.
1800 Brigade HQ moved to assembly area (P6050) and lay up for the night.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
Still no move. Bttn spent a quiet day in the same area.
6 Innisks – SOUSSE.
Standing by.
1500 Rifle coys embark at Sousse on two LCIs and leave 1900hrs. Remainder standing by.
2 LIR.
0800 Brigade Recce Group sailed for Sicily.
26th July.
Brigade HQ – SOUSSE.
1130 Brigade HQ moved from assembly area to Sousse docks to embark. HQ was split up to three parties; Brigade Major, BTO (Captain Nightingale), and OC, Signals Section (Captain Parsons). Personnel and vehicles were distributed accordingly on three different MT carrying vessels. Loading was completed by 1600hrs, and the vessels lay off Sousse, until the convoy sailed, approximately at midnight.
1 RIrF – SOUSSE.
0000 Transport serials left camp to embark on LST.
0400 Transport loaded with no mishaps.The ship was found to be fairly uncomfortable – each man had a bed below decks, and there was ample room for walking about on deck, despite the vehicles.
Marching serials went aboard LCIs during the evening. The allotment of ships for the bttn was one LST and four LCIs.
Convoy sailed.
6 Innisks – SOUSSE.
Remainder of Bttn with assault scales of transport embarked at Sousse port. All transport and HQ and S Coy personnel on an LST. Balance of Rifle Coy personnel on LCI.
2300 Convoy sailed.
2 LIR.
1800 Battalion left camp and marched to docks at Sousse.
2000 Battalion embarked on LST and LSIs.
2100 Convoy formed up off shore.
27th July.
Brigade HQ – AT SEA.
Brigade HQ spent a very unhappy day aboard HM Transports on a choppy sea, which laid many low, irrespective of rank, for the majority of the journey. Fortunately the wind ceased with the fall of night.
1 RIrF – AT SEA.
A somewhat unpleasant day, owing to a very heavy sea. The ships, being flat bottomed, rolled excessively, and a large proportion of the troops, especially those in LCIs, were seasick.
6 Innisks – AT SEA/SICILY.
Rifles coys landed on beaches on Sicily south of Syracuse, and marched to Divisional Assembly Area, where the balance of light scales of transport (5 vehicles) was found awaiting them.
Remainder of bttn at sea, where adverse weather was encountered, both LSIs and LSTs rolling like a barrel. Considerable seasickness and conditions on board were far from comfortable.
2 LIR.
0400 Convoy sailed for Sicily and started a very rough passage to Ochrina Bay.
28th July.
Brigade HQ – SICILY.
0700 Sicily sighted.
0915 MT Transport unloading on beach (J0920) and MT and personnel proceeded to concentration area (J0620) Cassibile, with the exception of Brigade Major’s party, otherwise all Brigade HQ. MT and personnel were in concentration area by 1600hrs.
1600 Captain Nightingale ((BTO) received orders to proceed to 78 Division concentration area Mineo (H6152) at once.
1745 Brigade HQ left concentration area (J0620) and proceeded to Mineo (H6152) via Floridia (J0232) and Palazzolo (H8030).
2045 Convoy halted about 5 miles past Palazzolo and Captain Nightingale (office in charge of convoy) was advised by CMP control that to proceed in the hours of darkness (lights not allowed) was extremely dangerous owing to the precipitous nature of the route; in consequence, Brigade HQ leaguered for the night in area (H7735).
1 RIrF – SICILY.
0830 Convoy beached about twelve miles south of Syracuse. Bttns marched about five miles along an extremely dusty road to 78th Division assembly area. CO went straight on forward to meet Brigadier at Mineo.
1430 Bttn’s MT moved.
1600 Marching personnel left assembly area in 3 tonners.
6 Innisks – SICILY.
Balance of Rifle coys landed and joined coys in Divisional assembly area. All coys lofted on 3 tonners and moved to Albospino (Sicily 269. 5273).
1300 Transport and remaining personnel disembarked from LST on Amber Beach (Sicly 269. 0515) and moved to Divisional assembly area.
1445 R & A groups leave for Albospino.
1600 Reminder of bttn less carriers leave for Albospino. Bad roads over mountains mostly at night. Total distance 97 miles.
2 LIR.
1100 Battalion landed at Bay of Ochrina – about 10 miles South of Syracuse and marched from beach to Divisional concentration areas.
1630 Battalion left by transport via Floridia, Palazzolo, Biccher, Vizzini and Mineo. Battalion bivouacked for night 2 miles north of Mineo.
29th July.
Brigade HQ – SICILY.
0515 Brigade HQ continued via Bucherri ((H7537) and Vizzini ((H6741) to Mineo (H6152). From Mineo, on its peak, the convoy entered the Divisional concentration area and proceeded to Brigade concentration area (H5173) Albospino.
1400 Brigade HQ established at Albospino (H518730). Bttns were disposed as shown on trace, attached as appendix (6 Innisks 528728, 2 LIR 505722, 1 RIrF 517723, Support Group 502723.
17 Field Regiment, 254/64 A/Tk Regiment, 280/49 LAA and 214 Field Company RE were detached from 38 Brigade Group. 38 (Irish) Brigade Operational Order No 6 issued as Appendix.
1 RIrF – SICILY.
0030 Bttn MT arrived in new area 5172.
0300 Marching personnel arrived in transport.
The roads on the way up were extremely bad, and several breakdowns and accidents occurred. One three tonner containing a platoon of B Coy mortared with the result that one officer and nine men were admitted to hospital and several others sustained minor injuries. Lieut LG Dunn admitted to hospital.
Bttn spent a quiet day re-organising in new area. Extensive recces were made for the forthcoming operation, which was to take Centuripe and the high ground round it.
6 Innisks – SICILY.
0600 Transport arrives, although not without casualties to vehicles.
Carriers left Divisional assembly area.
New area is stubble field with gully containing washing water. Bttn HQ is established in a farm, whose Sicilian owner is most hospitable. Recce of possible future area of operations by Brigade O Group.
2 LIR.
0800 Battalion continued by transport to Albospino, west of Raddusa, lie up in assembly area.
1000 “O” Group recce forward areas.
2300 “S” Company arrived in assembly area from Ochrina Bay.
30th July.
Brigade HQ – SICILY.
Brigade Major’s party arrived here 1200hrs. Camp Commandant and advance party left for new area. Major MF Douglas Pennant resumed appointment of Brigade Major.
Brigade Major made recce of new Brigade area.
1130 Brigade HQ, Bttns and Support Group moved to Brigade concentration area 5179, arriving in new area approximately 0400/31, after gruelling journey over bad track.
1 RIrF – SICILY.
0800 CO’s orders for the attack.
Brigade operational order.
2030 Bttn moved to a new Brigade assembly area.
2200 Bttn arrived in new area 515791.
6 Innisks – SICILY.
Carriers rejoined bttn.
Bttn moved by night to forward assembly area at distance 7 miles.
Heat considerable and water in short supply. Bttn again on compo rations.
2 LIR.
Commanding Officer and Intelligence Officer recce forward areas. Battalion warned to move.
2000 Battalion moves into hills and bivouacked in area 5 ½ miles North of Albospino.
31st July.
Brigade HQ – SICILY.
2/Lieut JS Page Backhouse attached this HQ as 2.i.c. Signals Section.
0915 Six FW 190s made low level attack on Brigade area dropping three or four light bombs and machine gunning. No damage or casualties.
1200 Camp Commandant and advance party left for new area.
Purchase of mules and muleteers.
1 RIrF – SICILY.
A quiet day. Some doubt arose as to whether the attack was to take place.
1900 Bttn moved up again to area 5583.
On this night, 36 Brigade attacked Centuripe unsuccessfully.
6 Innisks – SICILY.
Extremely hot day.
1600 C & D Coys under command of 1 RIrF and moved to defensive position at 5482.
1800 B & A Coys moved to defensive positions on pt 230 (5984). A 7 mile march, much of which was over stony mountain tracks in the dark. Supporting arms were unable to follow.
2 LIR.
0900 Six MEs flew over battalion area and dropped bombs near brigade. Probably looking for tanks which were in the area yesterday.