1st September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Brigade Section Leaders Course No 1 commenced at Brigade Battle School under Lieut White 2 LIR.
1 RIrF.
Divisional rest period being over, Bttn started to train as per programme.
Training proved difficult as company number were low and had to be amalgamated.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Training programme includes: field firing, house fighting and town fighting in a bombed street in Patti and beach landings on a week to week basis. First issue of three day course of Quinine tablets. Newly formed battle patrol moved to training area at C915466.
2 LIR.
38th Bde Junior Leaders School opens under Lts White and Lyness. 13 Platoon as Demonstration Platoon. Section leaders course. Regimental Battle Patrol of 4 NCOs and 10 men formed under command Lt Seymour to train under Brigade arrangements at JL School
2nd September.
1 RIrF.
Nothing outstanding occurred during the day.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Routine visit to FSP.
Concert given in LIR area “Stars in Battledress.”
3rd September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Army Commander’s Personal Message to all ranks received.
1 RIrF.
Training continued as per programme.
Captain RC Hodsall joined the bttn.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Lieut Hamilton admitted to MDS.
2 LIR.
0830 British and Canadian troops of the 8th Army land in Italy.
4th September.
1 RIrF.
30 Corps HQ announced the immediate awards of the DSO to Lt Col BL Butler. MCs to T/Captain JE McNally and Lieut TE Cammiade, and MMs for 7045206 L/Sgt F Cooper, 697900 L/Cpl H Lamb.
Major MLG Wood re-joined the bttn.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
0430 Duty Coy (A Coy) out to patrol beach on report of enemy vessels off shore (this was later found to be a false report). The following awards were notified: Lt-Col Grazebrook DSO; Major Crocker, Lieut McClinton and Lieut Hewitt MCs; L/Cpl Apling D Coy and L/Cpl Shaw HQ Coy MMs.
2 LIR.
Fighting in Italy going according to plan.
Medal awards for fighting in Sicily: Lt MOW Clark MC. L/Cpl Gregory DCM. Sgt Donaghy MM. L/Cpl Gaffney MM. L/Cpl Harrison MM.
OMEs; inspection of all vehicles
5th September.
1 RIrF.
Lt-Col BH Butler DSO proceeded on 14 days leave to Cairo.
Owing to the very wet and windy weather, which had been experienced in the last day or two, the bttn swimming sports was postponed.
Major CC Markes assumed command of the bttn.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Bttn church parade. National day of prayer. 1 section of pioneers left to train with battle patrol.
2 LIR.
Church Parades.
6th September.
1 RIrF.
A quiet day. Training continued according to programmes.
Some reinforcements: Lt Franklyn-Vaile and Lieut JCG Glennie joined.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Reinforcement draft strength arrived. It consisted of bttn personnel from hospital and a large proportion of Royal Fusiliers (from 4th Division); a welcome addition bringing the battalion to about WE.
2 LIR.
Draft of 116 other ranks join the Battalion.
Officers and Sgts discussions. (Lessons of the Campaigns.)
Palmi captured in Italy. 8th Army advancing well.
7th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Brigade Section Leaders Course No 1 ended.
1 RIrF.
Lieut W Fielding awarded an MC and 3966302 CSM J Keir, 6985964 L/Cpl Gilvear awarded MMs. An ENSA concert was given in Barcelona
2 LIR.
Field firing. 2 NCOs & 12 other ranks mount Bde Guard.
Draft of 85 other ranks arrive from North Africa and join the Battalion.
8th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Brigade Section Leaders Course No 2 commenced.
1 RIrF.
A quiet day. Nothing out of ordinary to report.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Great enthusiasm shown when the capitulation of Italy was announced – Officers’ Mess held a Guest Night after which the pipes played for Irish folk dancing. The Brigadier was present.
2 LIR.
Commanding Officer speaks to the last two drafts.
Italy surrenders unconditionally. Military Armistice concluded.
9th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Lt M Webb-Bowen 38 Brigade HQ and one officer from each battalion attended malaria course.
1 RIrF.
1800 A discussion was held in the officers’ mess to discuss infantry weapons and equipment.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Coy officers attended a demonstration of infantry in an assault landing.
1030 The Brigadier visits the bttn and talks to men of the new intake.
2 LIR.
Brigadier Russell DSO MC 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade inspected last two drafts to the Battalion.
10th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Brigade Commander attended demonstration at Galbato (826534) of rifle coys in an assault landing and the setting up of a bridgehead.
1 RIrF.
A draft of 28 ORs and one officer, Lieut LW Fricke, joined the bttn. Many old Faughs joined up in this draft.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
B & D Coys on bttn exercise (beach landing). Rum ration issued at night to celebrate armistice with Italy. SS platoon start two day course on explosives given by Divisional REs.
2 LIR.
2nd i/c & Intelligence Officer on recce of training area.
Lt Col Good (1st LIR) visited the Battalion.
11th September.
1 RIrF.
A quiet day.
1730 A concert party “Stars in Battledress” gave a show, which was much appreciated.
2 LIR.
Officers under 2nd i/c on Fire Orders instruction.
Captain PP Giles admitted to hospital.
Seventeen Italian Warships reached Italy and surrender to British Navy.
12th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
38 Brigade W/T diagram issued.
1 RIrF.
1100 Swimming Gala which should have been held last Sunday was held.
Major CC Markes left the Bttn to take command of 4th Bttn Lancashire Fusiliers stationed in Malta.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Church parade. Captain Kendal takes over duty of adjutant. Captain Norman assumes command of S Coy, and Lieut Griffiths takes over duties of IO. Lieut Hamilton cross posted to D Coy. Swimming gala in the afternoon won by HQ Coy.
2 LIR.
Lt Col H Rogers visited 117 LAA Regiment RA (8th RUR)
13th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Appreciation of the Italian situation issued.
1 RIrF.
Training continued according to programme.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
CO and Coy officers went to a demonstration by 4 Field Regiment RA in area C9639.
2 LIR.
Brigade Command in Battalion area to watch Company training.
Commanding Officer lectured the Battalion on discipline.
Lt Lyness transferred to HQ Company as Intelligence Officer vice Lt O’Rourke.
14th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Brigade Commander attended demonstration by Divisional Royal Artillery on engaging an ‘U’ target and also a demonstration of 4.2” mortars by 1 Kensingtons.
Permission granted by Division to use part of Patti as a street fighting area from 14-16 September.
Brigade Section Leaders Course No 2 ended.
1 RIrF.
1430 RA Demonstration for all available officers was held at Tripi.
Training continued as usual.
1945 Cinema show in 2 LIR lines.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Mobile Film Unit visits Bttn TAB inoculation for B Coy.
2 LIR.
All Officers attend a demonstration UNCLE Shoot by 25 pounders.
ENSA cinema show for 38 Bde in Battalion lines.
15th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Brigade Platoon Commander’s Course commenced at Brigade Battle School.
Leaders Course No 3 commenced.
1 RIrF.
Bttn received warning order of forthcoming move to Taranto in Italy. Carriers were to go about the 19th, marching serials on 24th, and transport on 25th.
1830 Concert by 78 Division concert party was held in 2 LIR lines.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
152 Field Ambulance gave concert in LIR area.
More TAB innoculations given.
2 LIR.
Lt Col D Swinburne, 117 LAA Regiment RA (8th RUR) visited.
1000 Bde Scheme ‘Moon” for battalion commenced (recce of area).
16th September.
1 RIrF.
A quiet day. Nothing to report.
17th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
38 Brigade Admin Order No 5 issued.
38 Brigade Movement Order No 4 issued.
1 RIrF.
Training continues according to programme.
Preparation for forthcoming move go on in much the same way as they did in North Africa.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Bttn held night exercise in area 8849c. Bttn in attack by night.
2 LIR.
0400 Scheme ‘Moon’ ended.
Captain PP Giles returned to unit from hospital.
1000 Commanding Officers Conference re pending move of Battalion to Italy.
Orders for first party (Carrier Platoon) move.
2300 Lt Barker & 1 other rank left Battalion to form Beach Party at Crotone.
18th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
38 Brigade Movement Order No 5 issued.
38 Brigade Battle Patrol Training ended.
1 RIrF.
Carrier platoon under Lieut Pattinson left for Syracuse to embark for Italy. Lt-Col BH Butler rejoined the bttn.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
SS platoon returned to bttn. First part of the bttn to move went to Syracuse to embark to Italy. Some new vehicles arrived to complete.
2 LIR.
0830 Lt Hunter & Carrier Platoon plus Company Carriers left to embark at Catania. Lt Clark MC & one Mortar Detachment left to collect new Mortar Carrier at Messina and then joined Carriers for embarkation.
1300 Lt Bonham Carter and 26 other ranks from 1st LIR arrived on two-day visit to the Battalion.
19th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
38 Brigade Movement Order No 6 issued.
38 Brigade Movement Order No 7 issued.
Conference at Brigade HQ regarding move of Brigade personnel and transport.
1 RIrF.
Remainder of carriers left, mortars etc.
2/Lts SEJ White, R Phillips, JL Baker, RE Hogan joined the bttn.
Bttn set off on 18 miles route march.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
0500 2 i/c, Pioneer Officer and Coy reps left for Taranto. Church parade. I Conference at Brigade. Mortar carriers left Catania.
2 LIR.
0300 Beach Party (Lts Wilson, O’Connor & Condy and 27 other ranks left Battalion for Taranto where they will form part of 78 Division beach party.
0830 Lt Glasgow & Mortar Platoon left to embark at Catania.
All Bde Battle School Patrol personnel rejoin Battalion.
20th September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
38 Brigade Movement Order 8 issued.
Platoon Commander’s Course ended. Brigade Battle School closed.
Instructions for distribution of Brigade transport for moving 11, 36 and 38 Brigade troops issued.
1 RIrF.
A quiet uneventful day.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Bttn route march Patti area (22 miles). This is the first march of any length for some time.
2 LIR.
Lt F Lyness took over duties of Intelligence Officer.
Promotions: T/Captain WH Westcott & T/Captain KDH Howlett appointed P/A Majors wef; 29.8.43. Lt JA St Maur-Sheil, Lt WHB Glasgow appointed P/A Captain wef. 29.8.43.
Amphibious Exercises by the Companies.
21st September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Brigade letter reference 38 Brigade Movement Order No 6 issued.
Brigade letter cancelling paras 2 and 3 of Brigade letter on moving troops.
Amendment No 1 to 38 Brigade Movement Order No 8 Appendix A issued.
38 Brigade Movement Order No 9 issued.
1 RIrF.
Battalion carried out Assault Boating exercise under coy arrangements. Lieut L Franklyn-Vaile was appointed IO vice Lieut CC Hill, who was admitted to hospital.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Preparation for move, Battle platoon swimming test. All passed but two. Swimming greatly improved in the bttn. As a result of our stay at sea, SS platoon raided bttn. Patrols of 3-4 men – very successful
2 LIR.
Amphibious Exercises by the Companies.
22nd September.
Brigade HQ – TINDARI.
Miscellaneous instructions regarding move of 38 Brigade to Italy issued.
1 RIrF.
Captain DEH Haywood MC returned from hospital and assumed command of D Coy.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Packing and loading of transport ready for move. Transport lined up for move at 1900hrs. Moved off the following morning at 0530hrs. Transport reached Messina and waited their turn to cross to Reggio but darkness prevented a crossing.
2 LIR.
Brigadier in Battalion Area. All motor transport to prepare to move to Italy.
23rd September.
Brigade HQ – ON ROUTE FOR ITALY.
0330 Brigade HQ closed. Recce parties of Bttns and Bttn Commander, IO, SC, LO left Brigade HQ.
0400 Brigade Group MT column left Tindari for Messina via Olivieri (C9247) , Falcone (C9447) Barcellona (D0650), Spadafora (D2059), Bauso (D2660).
0750 Recce party arrived Reggio.
0830 MT column arrived in staging area Messina (D3655).
1500 MT column left staging area Messina for docks. Informed that column would be ferried over to mainland in two separate parties at 2330hrs, and 0330hrs 24 Sept.
1800 Recce party arrived Crotone (Z7057) via south coast route Pellaro (D4437), Melito (D5626), Bova (D6827), Bianco (D8745), Locri ((D9663), Siderno (E0165). Bocello Ionica (E1073), Monastrerace ((E25856), Soverato (E2314), Cutro (E5653).
2330 First party of MT column embarked on ferry Messina for Reggio.
1 RIrF.
Battalion transport under command of Captain JE McNally commenced journey to Taranto.
0520 SP passed.
1600 Bttn received sudden movement order.
1700 Ready to move.
1900 Movement commenced.
2200 Milazzo reached and Bttn bivouacked on the road by the beach.
6 Innisks – PATTI.
Bttn, almost to a man, was bathing in the afternoon, when the order came into move at 16000hrs (Coys were ready to move at 1605hrs – a very good performance). A, B & C Coys moved off to Milazzo at 1800hrs having had to wait for transport. Bttn HQ, and HQ and D Coys warned to move at 2100hrs, at which hour transport arrived. CO decided to move off at 0430hrs. Troops slept near transport.
Bttn transport left Messina at 0630hrs and was complete in Reggio by 0830hrs. Trasnport left Reggio at 1045hrs and had a good journey in good roads to a place on the coast (Z4440) after a run of 120 miles.
2 LIR.
0500 Motor transport column left for Messina by road.
1450 Battalion (Marching Personnel) ordered to be prepared to move by 1530.
1830 Marching Personnel left by RASC troop for Milazzo beaches.
During the morning, the battalion embarked from Milazzo beaches
TLCs took personnel to troopship Princess Josephine Charlotte.
24th September.
Brigade HQ.
0200 First party MT column disembarked Reggio and proceeded to staging area D4453.
0330 Second party of MT column embarked on ferry Messina for Reggio.
0600 Recce parties left Crotone (Z7057) for Taranto. Second party of MT column disembarked at Reggio (D4547).
0900 MT column assembled in staging area (D4453).
1015 MT column left staging area D4453 for Catanzaro (Z2537) via Scilla (D5063), Bagnara ((5867), Palmi (D6714), Rosarno ((D7289).
1430 MT column halted for lunch between Rosarno and Mileto.
1515 Column resumed journey via Mileto (Y7903), Vibo Valentia (8310), Pizzo (Y8717).
1730 Recce parties arrived at 5 Corps HQ Taranto.
1830 Owing to bad diversions and darkness over River Amato (R0636), CMP control stopped further progress and column harboured for night approximately 5 miles west of Marcellinara at Z0837. Total mileage for day 94 miles.
1 RIrF.
1000 Bttn embarked on HMS Prince Leopold at West Beach.
1400 Ship sailed.
6 Innisks.
0400 Reveille.
0430 Moved off to Milazzo arriving here at Milazzo – majority of personnel bathed before breakfast (0830hrs).
Embarked on Ulster Monarch and Royal Ulsterman at 1030hrs. Sailed at 1400hrs. Sea calm during voyage, which was without incident. MT reached Crotone at 1000hrs, re-fuelled and left again at 1110hrs. Roads became bad and in some cases were unfinished.
2 LIR.
Motor transport crossed the Straights of Messina by LCMs and disembarked at Catona, joined Bde Convoy. Moved off at 1030 and halted for night at Canova 7177 (Sheets 52/53)
1400 Convoy left Milazzo for Taranto via Messina Straits.
25th September.
Brigade HQ – ITALY.
38 Brigade marching personnel embarked at Milazzo (D0859).
0830 MT column resumed journey via Marcellinara (Z1740), Tirioli (Z1742), Catanzaro (Z2436) coast road to Crotone (Z7057).
1000 Brigade Commander and IO visited 78 Division TAC HQ at Barletta (J9104).
1700 MT column harboured for night Crotone (Z7057). Total mileage for day 69 miles.
2000 Brigade Commander and IO returned to 5 Corps HQ. Marching personnel arrived Taranto. Carriers arriving slowly from various ships.
1 RIrF.
1000 Taranto reached after smooth crossing and started to disembark immediately.
1400 Disembarkation completed and Bttn marched to Divisional concentration area 3 miles outside of the town. 2/Lieut RGE Glennie and 2/Lieut HL Hutchinson were both promoted Lieut.
6 Innisks – ITALY.
MT reached Cariati by night where halt was called.
Bttn reached Taranto. Disembarkation began 1000hrs and completed by 1515hrs.
Bttn left dock area for Divisional concentration area. Marching personnel concentrated by 1615hrs. MT reached a point 8 miles from Taranto after a hard journey over unfinished roads. M/Cs suffered on this road.
2 LIR.
(MT) Continued by road to Crotone Staging Area 6957 (Sheet 48)
1200 Battalion started disembarking at Taranto Inner Harbour by TLCs.
1400 Battalion marched from dock area on to main Taranto-Brindisi road and arrived in the Bde Area 4 miles North of Taranto.
26th September.
Brigade HQ – ITALY.
Clocks set back one hour. Recce parties waiting at Taranto for Brigade Group to concentrate.
0630 MT column resumed journey via Rocca (Z5801), Strongoli (Z6378), Cariati (U5305).
1200 MT column halted for lunch U 2315.
1300 MT column resumed journey via Corigliano (U1613), Trerisacce (U1643), Sibari (U1130).
1700 Arrived staging area Sibari (U1130). Total mileage for day 99 miles. Marching personnel disembarked Taranto.
1 RIrF.
0800 Transport arrived after difficult road journey from Messina.
C of E and RC parade services.
2 LIR.
(MT) By road to area 1335 (Sheet 43) thence to Taranto and joined Battalion at 1200 hrs on 27.9.
20% of Battalion allowed on leave to Taranto.
27th September.
Brigade HQ – ITALY.
Recce party waiting at Taranto for Brigade Group to concentrate.
0700 MT column left staging area Sibari for Bari taking north toad 12 km west of Taranto (cross roads P5817) via Gioza Del Colle ((P4748), Cassamassima.
From Bari, column proceeded by coast road via Giovanazzo ((P2491), Molfetta (P1743), Bisceglia (P0996) to Trani (P0301).
1800 MT column arrived Trani and harboured for night off road Trani–Corati, 1½ miles north of Trani
1 RIrF.
0800 12 mile route march.
6 Innisks – ITALY.
Transport arrived at Taranto at 0800hrs. Carriers and Mortar platoon were already there.
2 LIR.
20% of Battalion allowed on leave to Taranto.
28th September.
Brigade HQ – ITALY.
Brigade Commander visited 78 Main HQ with Brasco (Acting Staff Captain).
Brigade Group less Brigade HQ concentrated area Taranto and orders by move of transport by road, personnel by rail issued.
0900 BTO and Camp Commandant left concentration area to recce Brigade area after receiving orders from 78 Division.
Brigade Commander visited area and Brasco joined BTO and Camp Commandant on recce.
1430 Brigade HQ established 1 ½ miles north of Andria (J9296) in the house of the Ceci family.
Bttn locations 6 Innisks (J9297), 2 LIR (J9300), 1 RIrF ((9298).
1 RIrF.
Advance party under command of Captain JK Brown left for Barletta. The rest of the men were given leave to visit Taranto in two parties: morning and afternoon.
Lieut DF Thomason (B Coy: 2 i/c). Lieut DR Stapler (C Coy), and Lieut RW Gamble (S Coy: OC Carriers) joined the Bttn and joined the coys noted.
6 Innisks – ITALY.
Bttn route march.
2 LIR.
0830 Battalion: route march, 12 miles. Companies march independently.
80% of Battalion allowed out on leave in the afternoon.
1430 Advance Party consisting of Major Conroy & four other ranks left by road for new area 3 miles SW of Barletta.
29th September.
Brigade HQ – ITALY.
1400 Brigade Commander, IO, Signals Officer arrived at Brigade HQ from Taranto.
1 RIrF.
1300 Bttn main party board train for Barletta.
1700 Transport arrived at camp assembly area Barletta.
6 Innisks – ITALY.
Transport left for concentration area for Andria at 0800hrs.
Marching personnel left for Railway Station–Narsasi – at 0930hrs arriving at 1030hrs. Midday meal served at 1230hrs. En-trained at 1345hrs but owing to non arrival of engine, departure was delayed until 1730hrs.
2 LIR.
0900 Battalion Transport left for new area.
1100 Battalion Marching personnel move to Railway Station. North of Taranto.
1600 Battalion Transport arrived at new area 0 9298, 3 miles south of Barletta.
1700 Bde Marching Personnel move by train to Barletta Station.
30th September.
Brigade HQ – ITALY.
Marching personnel arrived in Brigade concentration area by rail.
Extract from 78 Division draft: Admin Order No 7 dated 29 Sept 43 issued.
1 RIrF.
1700 Main party arrives Barletta after an uncomfortable train journey lasting 26 hours.
6 Innisks – ITALY.
Uncomfortable night spent on train. Breakfast at 0700hrs – monotonous journey. De-trained at Barletta at 1500hrs, orders for Trani having been cancelled. Hot tea served to bttn, who then marched to Andria, where camp was sited. Water facilities were very bad.
Coy Commanders’ conference at 1730hrs.
CO attends conference at Brigade.
2 LIR.
1730 Marching personnel arrive at Barletta Station and march to new area arriving at 1845.
During the month until embarkation to Italy the Battalion trained under company arrangements.