{"id":15911,"date":"2025-11-20T18:07:43","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T18:07:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/?page_id=15911"},"modified":"2025-12-12T16:34:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T16:34:39","slug":"war-diaries-june-1943","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/second-world-war\/38-irish-brigade-1942-1947\/38-irish-brigade-war-diaries\/war-diaries-june-1943\/","title":{"rendered":"War Diaries \u2013 June 1943"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\n\n

1st June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

187839 T\/Captain RLE Lowry, RIrF, rejoined the hospital ex hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

186875 A\/Captain PI Chalk, RASC, posted to this HQ as Brasco vice Captain RWS Plumley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn spent the day settling into a new area. Change over in transport. Lieut JA Smith, Lieut HCP Hamilton joined the battalion. And Lieut JP Brady re-joined from hospital. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awards confirmed by GOC in C 1st Army to Lieut C Clarke MC, and L\/Cpl EH Teare DCM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieut DFS Schayek re-joined bttn on recovery from wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major D W Conroy re-joins Battalion from X (iv) list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieutenant B C Stigant admitted to hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

2nd June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0745 <\/strong>Officers of the bttn photographed for the press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2\u201d Mortar course commenced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quiet day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1815<\/strong> Massed drums and pipes of 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade beat the retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000<\/strong> Guest night held in Bttn HQ mess. Many guests were invited, including the brigadier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sgt Hadden and L\/Cpl Herbert awarded Commendation Cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The MMG Platoon disbanded as a separate unit. Two sections of Carriers Platoon to be linked with MMGs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battalion moves by Companies to new location. Battalion HQ established 695082 (Sheet 54 Algeria 1\/50,000).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain T L Laister (late Adjutant) visited the battalion. He took many photographs, including a group of officers (Photographs att. Appendix). He also wrote the \u2018History of the Irish Brigade\u2019 for publication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major J W Dunnill awarded the DSO and Rifleman Bishop received a Commendation certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

3rd June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junior Leaders School opened at 733085 \u2013 officer in command Captain JS Clarke, 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade Battle School under Captain JS Clarke commences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn signal course starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carrier and 3\u201d Mortar course starts at La Menaghia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing of interest happened throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platoon and Company Training commences. Signal Cadre is started under the Signal Officer \u2013 Lieutenant Lovatt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieutenant Glasgow and the remainder of the Carrier and Mortar Platoons rejoin their Platoons at La Mornaghia for training at a Brigade Carrier and Mortar Training School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

4th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quiet day. Nothing to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn commences individual and weapon training. In addition to an Officers\u2019 and Section Leaders\u2019 course under bttn arrangements, Brigade specialist courses for Signals, SBs, carriers and mortars are being held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A\/Tk Platoon is attached to 64 A\/Tk Regiment RA, and Pioneer Platoon is attached to Field Coy RE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Companies construct their own ranges. 2-i-c recces Field Firing Range. 4 Officers and 20 NCOs attend Course Number 1 at the Brigade Battle School. Lieutenant Lyness posted there as an Instructor and Lieutenant White as Officer Commanding Demonstration platoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

5th<\/strong> June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

187839 T\/Captain RLE Lowry, RIrF attended HQ, 5 Corps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Party left to collect kit bag and officer kits, belonging to officers and men joining the bttn as reinforcements, left at Algiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain McPhillips joined the bttn and took over A Coy. Lieut JBA Miller, Lieut JE Mathew, Lieut JD Long also joined the bttn along with 10 other ranks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snipers\u2019 Course commences under the Intelligence Officer. Duration 10 days. Four men per Rifle Company attended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

W\/Lieutenant Harper (RUR) joined the battalion from X(iv) list and posted to 6 Innisks the same day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

6th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liaison Officers\u2019 course (6-13 June) began at Divisional HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Pioneer course starts at 214 Field Company RE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Church parade for all denominations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anti Tank Platoon attached to 64 A\/Tk Regiment RA for training and firing. Duration about 3 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

7th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade Carrier course (7-13 June) began area Tunis 9250 \u2013 office in command Major DT Little, 6 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade Mortar course began same area \u2013 officer in command Captain T Woods, 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training continued under company arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Courses still in progress, otherwise to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2\/Lt WT Bolton joined the bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pioneer Platoon attached to 214 Field Company RE for training. Duration one week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

W\/Lieutenant BC Stigant re-joined the Battalion from hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

W\/Lieutenant Wilkin posted to 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

W\/Lieutenant Wade posted to Lancashire Fusiliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

8th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quiet day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

W\/Lieutenant Bird and 2\/Lieutenant Daly joined the battalion from X(iv) list. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

9th <\/sup>June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

53967 Captain TJ Glenn. Worcester Regiment, posted this HQ for duties as IO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Course No II for Platoon and Sections Commanders opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1015<\/strong> Demonstration for A Coy on night patrols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Party returned from Algiers with officers\u2019 kits, men\u2019s kit bags could not be traced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain DR le P Gethin and Lt JHA Monsell re-joined the bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retreat played on football ground by massed Pipes and Drums of Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company Training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

10th <\/sup>June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training continued. Nothing unusual occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major PR Savage joined the bttn  and took over C Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major SJ Bunch reverted to T\/Captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain RJ Dilson posted to 152 Field Ambulance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieut KFC Brown RAMC joined this unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thirty ORs transferred from LIR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company Training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

11th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quiet day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Discussion on \u201cLessons of the Campaign\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Concert by 152 Field Ambulance concert part in the cinema at Guelma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major JH Coldwell-Horsfall re-joined the bttn from hospital. Lt JB Cammiade, Lt GF Ash, 2\/Lt WG Fielding joined the bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three Officers and 20 NCOs attended the Course Number 2 at the Brigade Battle School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

W\/Lieutenant KDH Rowlette and W\/Lieutenant M Tasker promoted A\/Captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

12th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing to report during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn played a football match against A & SH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn Sports Meeting. A Company won Company prize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain DK McCaldin MC returned to bttn on recovery from wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieutenant Clark in charge of a party of Officers and NCOs per company to go to Phillipeville to inspect LST and MLC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

13th <\/sup>June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demonstration of Recce and Group drill at Divisional HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

W\/Lieut WJ Concannon  (193879), RUR, posted to this HQ as LO vice 89181 W\/Lieut Seymour, RUR, to 2 LIR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liaison Officers\u2019 course ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quiet day. Training continued as per programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Received warning of impending visit by the Secretary State for War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company Training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

14th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Divisional Intelligence course began. All Bttn and Brigade HQ Intelligence personnel attended. Programme attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quiet day. Training continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No 6 Section 10 Platoon C Coy won the inter section shooting competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lt OPB Jewell joined the bttn, Lieuts RH Richardson, A Smith and RG Wilkin joined the bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing to report. Bathing under coy arrangements was carried out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieut A Ferriss appointed assistant Adjutant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intelligence Section attended divisional intelligence course. Duration four days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\/Captain DHM Davies (Welsh), T\/Captain JKH Culverhouse (RE), W\/Lieutenant GT Griffiths (RWK) W\/Lieutenant EJ Griffiths (Welsh) joined battalion from X(iv) list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\/Captain KS Grannell (RUR) joined battalion from RWK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\/Captain WH Westcott admitted to hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seven Officers and 27 NCOs attended Course Number 3 at the Brigade Battle School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

15th <\/sup>June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit by Secretary of State for War cancelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training cancelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three Company Commanders, 3 Platoon Commanders, and 4 Platoon Sergeants attended courses at 18 Army Group Battle School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

16th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade Support Group arrived (1st Kensingtons) in area 691069. Brigade Support Group organisation attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing to report. Some vehicles went to MT shops. Capt PT Proctor, 2\/Lt GL Richards, Lieut GF Ash left to attend 18th Army Battle School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning orders saying General Montgomery would speak to all officers tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2\u2019\u2019 Mortar Course for all Platoon detachments under the 2 i-c. Duration 2 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

17th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0700<\/strong> Advance transport party left for new training sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1100<\/strong> Visit of HM the King to 78 Division. All available HQ personnel took their place lining the Bone-Guelma road. The King, accompanied by Sir James Grigg, passed at 1345hrs on his way to lunch at HQ 78 Division. After lunch, the visitors returned to Bone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn lined the route for the visit of His Majesty the King.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reinforcement company came into being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bttn lined the road outside the camp on the occasion of the visit of HM the King to inspect 78 Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

18th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Division I course ended. \u201cReference Point\u201d Map References Code came into use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quiet day. Nothing to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waterloo Day. Training continued as usual for a future Waterloo. Football March \u2013 Officers v Sergeants. Waterloo night celebrated in traditional manner in Officers\u2019 and Sgts\u2019 messes. Brigadier Russell and Lt-Col Butler were guests. There was considerable numbers of cases of mild dysentery caused by flies, which are as bad as the heat and the dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

HM The King visited the division. The battalion lined the route to Divisional HQ and the King spoke to Brigade Command Group including the Commanding Officer \u2013 Lieutenant Colonel TPD Scott.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

19th <\/sup>June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade TEWT for COs\u2019 and Commanders\u2019 supporting arms. Main purpose to introduce the Brigade Support Group. Object, opening narrative and tracing of area attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PIAT demonstration for all officers and ORs down to the rank of platoon Sergeants at the Brigade Training Camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing further to report. Restarted training programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn inter platoon shoot. Bttn HQ were the team winners. A Plate shoot was won by officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning Order received. Advance Party to move on 21st to new area at Hammamet. (This was later postponed to 23rd).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rifleman James Carr, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

20th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieut Cole returned from instructing at Brigade Junior Leaders\u2019 Course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quiet day. Nothing to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Lecture on RT procedures by Bttn Signals Officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The officers of the bttn entertained in the Sgts\u2019 Mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\/Captain WH Westcott re-joined battalion from hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\/Captain Findlater admitted to hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

21st June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training continued as per programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Lecture on the new inter battalion map reference code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A small\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIOPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platoon training starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The part played by the bttn in the N African campaign has been written by eyewitnesses, edited by Capt Hanna,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All personnel attending courses at the Brigade Battle School re-joined the Battalion. A\/Tk Platoon re-joined the Battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

22nd June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing of interest to report. During the whole of this period, with the exception of some fairly strenuous training, the bttn was having a very quiet time. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

23rd June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advance parties left for Hammamet area 470186.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advance party left Bttn and proceeded to new area at Hammamet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Bttn paraded for exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Object of exercise \u2013 practise getting into a defensive position as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Night:<\/strong> Bttn slept out. Warning order for impending move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HELIPOLIS.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advance party moved to Hammamet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advance Party under Lieutenant Barker move to new area at Hammamet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battalion Move Order issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battalion Exercise:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Object \u2013 To exercise the Battalion \u201cR\u201d and \u201cO\u201d Groups and the rapid deployment of the battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This exercise was held to discover the weaknesses and the best method of dealing with the Battalion Recce and Order Groups under the new Battalion Higher Establishment. \u201cS\u201d Company Commander must be included in the Recce Group and he must bring up with him his Platoon Commanders or a representative so that they may receive orders at the first possible opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is essential that the Anti Tank Platoon Commander is well forward with Officer Commanding \u201cS\u201d Company at Forward Battalion HQ during the initial stages in order that the guns may be brought up immediately into position as soon as consolidation is about to take place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company Sergeant Majors are invaluable at the \u201cO\u201d Group and always come forward with the Company Commander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

24th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn returned from exercise. Remainder of the day spent resting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commanding Officer and Intelligence Officer left for new battalion area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

25th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ left for Hammamet area via Duvivier, Souk Arras (N 1381), Gardimaou (H5503), Souk el Khemis (J0125). Staged at Souk el Arba (H8511) for night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 IN TRANSIT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn moved from Guelma to Hammamet, staying for one night at Souk al Arba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 IN TRANSIT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn moved via Heliopolis, Souk Aras. Souk el Khemis to staging area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battalion moves to Hammamet. Leaves 0730 hrs. Arrived at Staging Area (Souk El Arba) at 1650 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

26th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continued to Hammamet area (470186) via Medjez el Bab (J5834), Tunis (K0755), Grombalia (K3836).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Brigade Headquarters established at 468185. Tracing is attached showing dispositions of the Brigade Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1630<\/strong> Bttn arrived in new area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 IN TRANSIT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn continued via Souk el Arba and Tunis to new Divisional area near Hammamet. Bttn area is situated in olive grove (K 1846) between the main road and the railway. The trees afford plenty of shade, but ground is very sandy. Water is available from wells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The men have still got bivouac and sand fly nets. Many of the officers still have Axis Tenteage, but there are no accommodation stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battalion leaves Staging Area for remainder of journey to Hammamet. Arrives at new location 1730 hrs. Battalion HQ established 461171 (Sheet 37, Tunisia 1\/50,000.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

27th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conference at Brigade HQ 1800hrs. COs and OCs arms under command attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trace of training areas attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

38 Brigade Admin Order No 1 issued and attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security Instruction No 2 issued and attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quiet day. Bttn settled into new area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recce and allotment of training area. The area covers about 3 square miles west of the main north of the camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new camp is within close proximity of the sea (approximately 3 miles), where there are ideal facilities for bathing. The scrubby nature of the training area has also better facilities than the last area. Heat and dust are considerable and there is a high degree of humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company training re-commences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

28th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training continued. Nothing of major importance took place. Training programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn training programme continued with Platoon and Coy training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major WD Davies joined the bttn from the KRR and took over 2nd in command. Four Officers per day are now being granted 48 hours leave in Tunis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company Training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

29th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company and platoon training as programme \u2013 otherwise a quiet day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain RM Bayley appointed A\/Major<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Battalion Exercise<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Object \u2013 To exercise the Battalion in the rapid staging of the attack and consolidation of the objective. The Battalion was commanded by Major APK O\u2019Connor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students attending course at the 18th Army Group Battle School re-joined the Battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

30th June<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instruction of Brigade Group Exercise \u201cTryout\u201d (3-4 July) issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain G Bird III (I) 78 Division lectured bttns on British PoWs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General B Montgomery, Commander 8th Army visited 38 (Irish) Brigade Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He visited and spoke to bttns in their own lines, and later visited Brigade HQ and Support Arms, who were formed up at K459190 at 1815hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The General welcomed the brigade into the 8th Army and all ranks gave the General a hearty welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lieut JD Long (130432), 6 Innisks, posted this HQ as LO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 RIrF \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1630<\/strong> Bttn was visited by General Sir Bernard Montgomery KCB DSO. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Innisks \u2013 HAMMAMET.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn visited by General Montgomery, who announced the changing of the 78 Division to 8th Army. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company Training<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1730 <\/strong>The Battalion inspected by General Sir BL Montgomery. He spoke to the Commanding Officer, 2nd in command, Adjutant, all Company Commanders and the RSM. Afterwards he spoke to all ranks, asking them where the best soldiers came from. He had many replies, but he told them that all the best soldiers came from Ireland and how pleased he was to have them all in his Army.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\/Captain Fitzgerald and T\/Captain Hall promoted to A\/Majors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1st June. Brigade HQ \u2013 GUELMA. 187839 T\/Captain RLE Lowry, RIrF, rejoined the hospital ex hospital. 186875 A\/Captain PI Chalk, RASC, posted to this HQ as Brasco vice Captain RWS Plumley. 1 RIrF \u2013 GUELMA. Bttn spent the day settling into a new area. Change over in transport. Lieut JA Smith, Lieut HCP Hamilton joined the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":15306,"menu_order":8,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15911","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15911","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15911"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15911\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19448,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15911\/revisions\/19448"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15306"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15911"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}