{"id":15920,"date":"2025-11-20T18:24:53","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T18:24:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/?page_id=15920"},"modified":"2025-12-08T19:10:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T19:10:39","slug":"war-diaries-september-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-september-1943\/","title":{"rendered":"War Diaries \u2013 September 1943"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\n\n

1st September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigade Section Leaders Course No 1 commenced at Brigade Battle School under Lieut White 2 LIR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Divisional rest period being over, Bttn started to train as per programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training proved difficult as company number were low and had to be amalgamated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

2nd September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Nothing outstanding occurred during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Routine visit to FSP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concert given in LIR area \u201cStars in Battledress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

3rd September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Army Commander\u2019s Personal Message to all ranks received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

Captain RC Hodsall joined the bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Lieut Hamilton admitted to MDS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0830<\/strong> British and Canadian troops of the 8th Army land in Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

4th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major MLG Wood re-joined the bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0430 <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Fighting in Italy going according to plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OMEs; inspection of all vehicles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

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

Lt-Col BH Butler DSO proceeded on 14 days leave to Cairo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Owing to the very wet and windy weather, which had been experienced in the last day or two, the bttn swimming sports was postponed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major CC Markes assumed command of the bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Bttn church parade. National day of prayer. 1 section of pioneers left to train with battle patrol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Church Parades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

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

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

Some reinforcements: Lt Franklyn-Vaile and Lieut JCG Glennie joined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Draft of 116 other ranks join the Battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officers and Sgts discussions. (Lessons of the Campaigns.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palmi captured in Italy. 8th Army advancing well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

7th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigade Section Leaders Course No 1 ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Lieut W Fielding awarded an MC and 3966302 CSM J Keir, 6985964 L\/Cpl Gilvear awarded MMs. An ENSA concert was given in Barcelona<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Field firing. 2 NCOs & 12 other ranks mount Bde Guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft of 85 other ranks arrive from North Africa and join the Battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

8th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigade Section Leaders Course No 2 commenced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

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

Great enthusiasm shown when the capitulation of Italy was announced \u2013 Officers\u2019 Mess held a Guest Night after which the pipes played for Irish folk dancing. The Brigadier was present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Commanding Officer speaks to the last two drafts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Italy surrenders unconditionally. Military Armistice concluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

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

Lt M Webb-Bowen 38 Brigade HQ and one officer from each battalion attended malaria course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1800 <\/strong>A discussion was held in the officers\u2019 mess to discuss infantry weapons and equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Coy officers attended a demonstration of infantry in an assault landing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1030<\/strong> The Brigadier visits the bttn and talks to men of the new intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigadier Russell DSO MC 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade inspected last two drafts to the Battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

10th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigade Commander attended demonstration at Galbato (826534) of rifle coys in an assault landing and the setting up of a bridgehead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

A draft of 28 ORs and one officer, Lieut LW Fricke, joined the bttn. Many old Faughs joined up in this draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

2nd i\/c & Intelligence Officer on recce of training area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lt Col Good (1st LIR) visited the Battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

11th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

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

1730<\/strong> A concert party \u201cStars in Battledress\u201d gave a show, which was much appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Officers under 2nd i\/c on Fire Orders instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain PP Giles admitted to hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seventeen Italian Warships reached Italy and surrender to British Navy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

12th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

38 Brigade W\/T diagram issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1100 <\/strong>Swimming Gala which should have been held last Sunday was held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major CC Markes left the Bttn to take command of 4th Bttn Lancashire Fusiliers stationed in Malta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Lt Col H Rogers visited 117 LAA Regiment RA (8th RUR)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

13th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Appreciation of the Italian situation issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Training continued according to programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

CO and Coy officers went to a demonstration by 4 Field Regiment RA in area C9639.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigade Command in Battalion area to watch Company training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commanding Officer lectured the Battalion on discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lt Lyness transferred to HQ Company as Intelligence Officer vice Lt O\u2019Rourke. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

14th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigade Commander attended demonstration by Divisional Royal Artillery on engaging an \u2018U\u2019 target and also a demonstration of 4.2\u201d mortars by 1 Kensingtons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Permission granted by Division to use part of Patti as a street fighting area from 14-16 September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade Section Leaders Course No 2 ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1430 <\/strong>RA Demonstration for all available officers was held at Tripi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Training continued as usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1945 <\/strong>Cinema show in 2 LIR lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Mobile Film Unit visits Bttn TAB inoculation for B Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

All Officers attend a demonstration UNCLE Shoot by 25 pounders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ENSA cinema show for 38 Bde in Battalion lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

15th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigade Platoon Commander\u2019s Course commenced at Brigade Battle School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaders Course No 3 commenced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1830<\/strong> Concert by 78 Division concert party was held in 2 LIR lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

152 Field Ambulance gave concert in LIR area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More TAB innoculations given.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Lt Col D Swinburne, 117 LAA Regiment RA (8th RUR) visited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1000<\/strong> Bde Scheme \u2018Moon\u201d for battalion commenced (recce of area).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

16th September.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

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

\n\n\n\n

17th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

38 Brigade Admin Order No 5 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

38 Brigade Movement Order No 4 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Training continues according to programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparation for forthcoming move go on in much the same way as they did in North Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Bttn held night exercise in area 8849c. Bttn in attack by night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0400<\/strong> Scheme \u2018Moon\u2019 ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Captain PP Giles returned to unit from hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1000<\/strong> Commanding Officers Conference re pending move of Battalion to Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orders for first party (Carrier Platoon) move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2300<\/strong> Lt Barker & 1 other rank left Battalion to form Beach Party at Crotone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

18th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

38 Brigade Movement Order No 5 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

38 Brigade Battle Patrol Training ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Carrier platoon under Lieut Pattinson left for Syracuse to embark for Italy. Lt-Col BH Butler rejoined the bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0830<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1300 <\/strong>Lt Bonham Carter and 26 other ranks from 1st LIR arrived on two-day visit to the Battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

19th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

38 Brigade Movement Order No 6 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

38 Brigade Movement Order No 7 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conference at Brigade HQ regarding move of Brigade personnel and transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Remainder of carriers left, mortars etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2\/Lts SEJ White, R Phillips, JL Baker, RE Hogan joined the bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn set off on 18 miles route march.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0500 <\/strong>2 i\/c, Pioneer Officer and Coy reps left for Taranto. Church parade. I Conference at Brigade. Mortar carriers left Catania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0300<\/strong> Beach Party (Lts Wilson, O\u2019Connor & Condy and 27 other ranks left Battalion for Taranto where they will form part of 78 Division beach party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0830<\/strong> Lt Glasgow & Mortar Platoon left to embark at Catania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All Bde Battle School Patrol personnel rejoin Battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

20th <\/sup>September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

38 Brigade Movement Order 8 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platoon Commander\u2019s Course ended. Brigade Battle School closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instructions for distribution of Brigade transport for moving 11, 36 and 38 Brigade troops issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

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

Bttn route march Patti area (22 miles). This is the first march of any length for some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Lt F Lyness took over duties of Intelligence Officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amphibious Exercises by the Companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

21st September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigade letter reference 38 Brigade Movement Order No 6 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade letter cancelling paras 2 and 3 of Brigade letter on moving troops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amendment No 1 to 38 Brigade Movement Order No 8 Appendix A issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

38 Brigade Movement Order No 9 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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 \u2013 very successful<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Amphibious Exercises by the Companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

22nd September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Miscellaneous instructions regarding move of 38 Brigade to Italy issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Captain DEH Haywood MC returned from hospital and assumed command of D Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigadier in Battalion Area. All motor transport to prepare to move to Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

23rd September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brigade HQ \u2013 ON ROUTE FOR ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0330 <\/strong>Brigade HQ closed. Recce parties of Bttns and Bttn Commander, IO, SC, LO left Brigade HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0400 <\/strong>Brigade Group MT column left Tindari for Messina via Olivieri (C9247) , Falcone (C9447) Barcellona (D0650), Spadafora (D2059), Bauso (D2660).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0750 <\/strong>Recce party arrived Reggio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0830<\/strong> MT column arrived in staging area Messina (D3655).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1500<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2330<\/strong> First party of MT column embarked on ferry Messina for Reggio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Battalion transport under command of Captain JE McNally commenced journey to Taranto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0520 <\/strong>SP passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1600 <\/strong>Bttn received sudden movement order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700 <\/strong>Ready to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900 <\/strong>Movement commenced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2200 <\/strong>Milazzo reached and Bttn bivouacked on the road by the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0500<\/strong> Motor transport column left for Messina by road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1450<\/strong> Battalion (Marching Personnel) ordered to be prepared to move by 1530.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1830<\/strong> Marching Personnel left by RASC troop for Milazzo beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the morning, the battalion embarked from Milazzo beaches<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TLCs took personnel to troopship Princess Josephine Charlotte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

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

0200 <\/strong>First party MT column disembarked Reggio and proceeded to staging area D4453.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0330 <\/strong>Second party of MT column embarked on ferry Messina for Reggio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0600<\/strong> Recce parties left Crotone (Z7057) for Taranto. Second party of MT column disembarked at Reggio (D4547).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> MT column assembled in staging area (D4453).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1015<\/strong> MT column left staging area D4453 for Catanzaro (Z2537) via Scilla (D5063), Bagnara ((5867), Palmi (D6714), Rosarno ((D7289).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> MT column halted for lunch between Rosarno and Mileto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1515<\/strong> Column resumed journey via Mileto (Y7903), Vibo Valentia (8310), Pizzo (Y8717).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1730<\/strong> Recce parties arrived at 5 Corps HQ Taranto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1830 <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1000 <\/strong>Bttn embarked on HMS Prince Leopold at West Beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400 <\/strong>Ship sailed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0400<\/strong> Reveille.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0430 <\/strong>Moved off to Milazzo arriving here at Milazzo \u2013 majority of personnel bathed before breakfast (0830hrs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400 <\/strong>Convoy left Milazzo for Taranto via Messina Straits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

25th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

38 Brigade marching personnel embarked at Milazzo  (D0859).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0830<\/strong> MT column resumed journey via Marcellinara (Z1740), Tirioli (Z1742), Catanzaro (Z2436) coast road to Crotone (Z7057).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1000<\/strong> Brigade Commander and IO visited 78 Division TAC HQ at Barletta (J9104).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> MT column harboured for night Crotone (Z7057). Total mileage for day 69 miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000 <\/strong>Brigade Commander and IO returned to 5 Corps HQ. Marching personnel arrived Taranto. Carriers arriving slowly from various ships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1000 <\/strong>Taranto reached after smooth crossing and started to disembark immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

MT reached Cariati by night where halt was called.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn reached Taranto. Disembarkation began 1000hrs and completed by 1515hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

(MT) Continued by road to Crotone Staging Area 6957 (Sheet 48)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Battalion started disembarking at Taranto Inner Harbour by TLCs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> Battalion marched from dock area on to main Taranto-Brindisi road and arrived in the Bde Area 4 miles North of Taranto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

26th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Clocks set back one hour. Recce parties waiting at Taranto for Brigade Group to concentrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0630<\/strong> MT column resumed journey via Rocca (Z5801), Strongoli (Z6378), Cariati (U5305).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> MT column halted for lunch U 2315.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1300 <\/strong>MT column resumed journey via Corigliano (U1613), Trerisacce (U1643), Sibari (U1130).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> Arrived staging area Sibari (U1130). Total mileage for day 99 miles. Marching personnel disembarked Taranto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0800 <\/strong>Transport arrived after difficult road journey from Messina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C of E and RC parade services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

(MT) By road to area 1335 (Sheet 43) thence to Taranto and joined Battalion at 1200 hrs on 27.9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20% of Battalion allowed on leave to Taranto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

27th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Recce party waiting at Taranto for Brigade Group to concentrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0700<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Bari, column proceeded by coast road via Giovanazzo ((P2491), Molfetta (P1743), Bisceglia (P0996) to Trani (P0301).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> MT column arrived Trani and harboured for night off road Trani\u2013Corati, 1\u00bd miles north of Trani<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0800 <\/strong>12 mile route march.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Transport arrived at Taranto at 0800hrs. Carriers and Mortar platoon were already there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

20% of Battalion allowed on leave to Taranto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

28th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Brigade Commander visited 78 Main HQ with Brasco (Acting Staff Captain).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade Group less Brigade HQ concentrated area Taranto and orders by move of transport by road, personnel by rail issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> BTO and Camp Commandant left concentration area to recce Brigade area after receiving orders from 78 Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade Commander visited area and Brasco joined BTO and Camp Commandant on recce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> Brigade HQ established 1 \u00bd miles north of Andria (J9296) in the house of the Ceci family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn locations 6 Innisks (J9297), 2 LIR (J9300), 1 RIrF ((9298).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Bttn route march.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0830 <\/strong>Battalion: route march, 12 miles. Companies march independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

80% of Battalion allowed out on leave in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> Advance Party consisting of Major Conroy & four other ranks left by road for new area 3 miles SW of Barletta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

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

1400 <\/strong>Brigade Commander, IO, Signals Officer arrived at Brigade HQ from Taranto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1300<\/strong> Bttn main party board train for Barletta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> Transport arrived at camp assembly area Barletta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Transport left for concentration area for Andria at 0800hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marching personnel left for Railway Station\u2013Narsasi \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong> Battalion Transport left for new area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1100<\/strong> Battalion Marching personnel move to Railway Station. North of Taranto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1600<\/strong> Battalion Transport arrived at new area 0 9298, 3 miles south of Barletta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> Bde Marching Personnel move by train to Barletta Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

30th September<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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

Marching personnel arrived in Brigade concentration area by rail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extract from 78 Division draft: Admin Order No 7 dated 29 Sept 43 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1700 <\/strong>Main party arrives Barletta after an uncomfortable train journey lasting 26 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Uncomfortable night spent on train. Breakfast at 0700hrs \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coy Commanders\u2019 conference at 1730hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CO attends conference at Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1730<\/strong> Marching personnel arrive at Barletta Station and march to new area arriving at 1845.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the month until embarkation to Italy the Battalion trained under company arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1st September. Brigade HQ \u2013 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 \u2013 PATTI. Training programme includes: […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":15306,"menu_order":11,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15920","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15920","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=15920"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15920\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18758,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15920\/revisions\/18758"}],"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=15920"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}