Brigade HQ \u2013 VILLA VOLTURNO (N 1884).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Training and recreation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heavy rain during the early morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Operations postponed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1st to 16th March \u2013 Platoon Training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks\u2013 BELLONA (1686).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather wet. Visibility fair. Wind light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Owing to the bad weather, coys carried out weapon training, instructions on river crossing; using the sand tables etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Driver Mechs of S Company checked new and reconditioned carriers after their \u2018running in\u2019 period. The Mortar Platoon studied wireless procedure and carried out range work using the new 210 grain charges. The flight of the bomb was checked and found to be 2\u00bd seconds on an average faster than the published time in the Range Table Manual. Base plates showed no ill effects. The A\/Tk Platoon spent the day at Capua on raft construction and practice. A six pounder was floated on the raft constructed. All guns returned safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bttn received an allotment for the cinema at Caserta in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A rum issue was authorised and issued in the evening<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Heavy rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Day training \u2013 River crossing exercise and line laying Signal platoon and Pioneer platoon over the River Volturno.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> FFI Inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Brigadier visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> CO\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> CO\u2019s conference. Bttn HQ guard supplied by G Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Weather \u2013 heavy showers of rain and hail during the day. Deep mud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 VILLA VOLTURNO (N 1884).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Brigadier carries out recce with COs of 6 Innisks, 2 LIR, 1 RIrF, 17 Field Regiment RA, and Second in Command 16\/5 Lancers for TEWT on cooperation with tanks to be held at 1400hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Brigade TEWT down to Coy Commanders, LOs and Adjutants. COs act as DS to their own battalions. Reps from 16\/5 Lancers and RA attend to assist syndicates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 BELLANO (1686).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather showery. Visibility fair. Wind light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coys carried out normal training including field firing and street fighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> The CO, accompanied by the OC, 138 Field Regiment RA left for Corps HQ for an address by the NZ Corps Commander, General Freyberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bttn football team played the 17 Field Regiment RA in the afternoon which we won by 3 goals to 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recreational transport was provided for 20 men per Coy to go to Caserta during the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Weather still showery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Second in command proceeds to area 961164 to conference and recce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coy training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> CO goes out on local recce for training exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Brigade TEWT on cooperation with tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> CO\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn HQ guard supplied by H Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> CO\u2019s conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather \u2013 Heavy rain at intervals during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 VILLA VOLTURNO (N 1884).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Training and recreation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1530<\/strong> Divisional Commander visits Brigade Commander at this HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rain most of the day. Operations still delayed. Active patrolling and artillery duels are main activities on the Division front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 BELLANO (1686)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather showery. Visibility fair. Wind light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bttn carried out normal training\u2026Platoon schemes, street fighting, section stalks etc\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n The A\/Tk Platoon fired 2 inch mortars on the range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the afternoon, 20 men per company went to the cinema at Caserta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> The CO held his training conference, the subjects being discussed were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Company Commander to set the exercise, designed to practise night advances across featureless country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain EW Kendal assumes command of D Coy. Intelligence summary No 5 was issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attention was called to all concerned about damage to S8 set junction boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Weather still showery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Coy training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1030<\/strong> Leave parties proceed to Caserta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Brigade TEWT on cooperation of infantry with tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> CO\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn HQ Guard supplied by S Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> CO\u2019s conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather \u2013 frequent heavy showers throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 VILLA VOLTURNO (N 1884).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Training and recreation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 BELLANO (1686).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather overcast. Showery. Visibility good. Wind light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coys carried out training including Platoon in the attack, while D Coy had boating practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Brigade TPD Scott DSO, Commander 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade addressed the bttn, introducing himself to those who did not know him when he was in the brigade in Africa. He gave a rough outline of the future of the brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1330<\/strong> Officers and 12 NCOs per coy went to inspect of the 6th Armoured Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20 men per coy went to the cinema at Caserta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> The CO held his usual conference. The points discussed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sand table 2000 hrs 6\/3\/44.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B Coy held a sing song in the evening which included the distribution of vino, teas and cakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Troops are allowed to send photographs in personal mail subject to certain restrictions. Attention was drawn to all ranks about \u2018Safe Conduct Passes\u2019 (distributed over German lines).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intelligence Summary No 6 was issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Heavy showers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Company training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0915<\/strong> Officers and NCOs proceed to Mesobello for lecture and demonstration of Sherman tanks by 16\/5 Lancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Officers and NCOs return from demonstration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> CO\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn HQ Guard supplied by HQ Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Weather \u2013 showery during day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade <\/strong>HQ \u2013 VILLA VOLTURNO (N 1884).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Training and recreation. Church parades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n COs of their battalions and one Coy Commander go to HQ 16\/5 Lancers to carry out recce of field firing scheme, Scheme is simple attack in cooperation with tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF celebrate Barrosa Day. Football match and concert were the main events of the day. Officers and sergeants celebrate during the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 BELLANO (1686).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather showery. Visibility good. Wind light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today was considered a day of rest \u2013 there were no parades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> RCs attended a service at Bellona Church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coy organised tombola and there was the usual party for the cinema at Caserta. C Coy invited all sergeants to a party in the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instructions for the Field Firing Exercise to be held on 7\/3\/44 were issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lt R Phillips MM, Pioneer Officer and acting Town Major, proceeded on a Hygiene Course. Captain AG Kemp was appointed Town Major in his place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A\/Captain GP Dicker is appointed T\/Captain having held the acting rank for 3 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0700<\/strong> Weather still showery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> RC service at Bellona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> CO, Second in Command, and Coy Commanders proceed to 16\/5 Lancers area for tank demonstration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> CO and Company Commanders return from demonstration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Bttn HQ Guard supplied by E Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather \u2013 still showery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 VILLA VOLTURNO (N 1884).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Battalion carry out organised coy training. Rainy periods during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Snow fell on the higher slopes during the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 BELLANO (1686).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather fine. Visibility good. Wind light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bttn carried out normal training including 30 yards range, route marches, lectures etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sixty officers and men attended a demonstration by 10 Field Battery RA, while the Pioneer Platoon gave lectures and demonstration of mine lifting to 10 Field Battery RA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1330<\/strong> The usual party left for Caserta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> The CO held his daily conference. The points were raised:<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was a guest night in the Officers\u2019 Mess, which was also attended by the Brigadier. L\/Cpl Kane and Fusilier McGoldrick entertained on the pipes<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1845<\/strong> A Coy hold a night exercise and returned by 2230.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2200<\/strong> \u2018Last Post\u2019 was played by two members of the RAP, Sgt Scarlett and Cpl Daniels, bring back memories of the promenade at Bangor NI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More details for the Field Firing Exercise to be held on 7\/3\/44 were issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Heavy rain during night. Morning dry, but cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Coy training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> CO and IO proceed on local recce for bttn exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Coy exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> CO\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> CO\u2019s conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn HQ Guard supplied by F Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Weather \u2013 dry since early morning. Sky clearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 VILLA VOLTURNO (N 1884).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Battalions carry out training. The Brigade Commander visits battalions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 BELLANO (1686).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather overcast. Visibility good. Wind light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n C Coy, with a skeleton Bttn HQ and Mortar detachments, carried out an exercise with tanks of the 16\/5 Lancers. The remainder of the bttn carried out normal training including 30 yards range, field firing, camouflage and concealment etc. In the afternoon, the usual party left for Caserta and coys played football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1520<\/strong> The Brigadier paid a social visit to the bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Locations and traces of the new training areas was issued by the second in command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Weather \u2013 dry and bright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0815<\/strong> CO, Second in Command, Adjutant, Coy Commanders and parties from all coys proceeded to area Falciano Selise to take part in demonstration attack in conjunction with tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1130<\/strong> Demonstration commences. Troops of Sherman tanks provided by 16\/5 Lancers. Points brought out in demonstration-<\/p>\n\n\n\n The use of tanks to give covering fire to infantry carrying out flanking movement and to deal with MG and A\/Tk gun positions located by the infantry and reported back to tank commanders. The use of tanks for mopping up buildings, wireless and signal communications between infantry and tank commanders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1230<\/strong> Demonstration ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1645<\/strong> CO\u2019s conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 VILLA VOLTURNO (N 1884).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fine all day. Battalions carry out training. 2 LIR out all day on battalion exercise. Brigade Commander visits battalions during morning. Allotment of cinema seats in Capua to all battalions during the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 BELLANO (1686).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather overcast. Visibility good. Wind light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0830<\/strong> A leave party left for Campobasso, the first since we arrived in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B Coy carried out a scheme, using 38 sets, to practise fire control and use of ground. One platoon acted as the enemy and used live ammunition. Other coys carried out normal training including field firing (PIAT, 2 inch mortar and small arms), route march etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was the usual recreational transport in the afternoon to Caserta and coys played football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> The CO\u2019s conference was held, the points discussed were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1st Phase \u2013 to secure bridge at 228835. 2nd Phase \u2013 to capture features Monastery Hill (210831) and Three Tree Hill (210840)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Bttn, less F Coy and support already in attack, halted at track 241839.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1310<\/strong> F Coy reported in possession of bridge. Bridge still intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1330<\/strong> CO\u2019s conference to put Phase 2 into operation. G Coy to advance beyond F Coy and capture and consolidate more ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1335<\/strong> Bttn, preceded by G Coy, move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> Bttn halted in area, secondary road 228840. Further orders given by CO H Coy to capture Monastery Hill. F Coy in reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1540<\/strong> Scheme ended. Bttn returns to camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> CO\u2019s office. Bttn HQ Guard supplied by H Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Weather \u2013 fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 VILLA VOLTURNO (N 1884).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Training and recreation. Brigade Commander visits Battalions during the morning. Weather fine. Cinema allotments Capua.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 BELLANO (1686).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather showery. Visibility good. Wind light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Normal training was carried out throughout the bttn and included field fighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Section stalks and attack and applications of fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> Fifty men left for the cinema at Capua. In the afternoon, there was the usual party for the cinema at Caserta and football matches between Coys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> A\/RSM held a drill parade for all NCOs up to and including Sergeants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Baths were available for Coys during the day. Lieut Cassidy visited the bttn today, he was the first PoW of the bttn, who had escaped while passing through the Brenner Pass. It took him five months to reach our lines and he is now waiting to go home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0700<\/strong> Bright weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> FFI Inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Leave parties from all coys proceed to Caserta. G and H Coys also send leave parties to cinema show in Capua.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1630<\/strong> Brigadier Scott DSO visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> CO\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn HQ Guard supplied by S Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Weather \u2013 cloudy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 VILLA VOLTURNO (N 1884).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Training and recreation. Night exercises. Roads and tracks now quite dry. Cinema allotment Capua.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 BELLANO (1868).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather showery. Visibility good. Wind light,<\/p>\n\n\n\n The coys carried out normal training including boat drill on the Volturno river, field firing etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0915<\/strong> The CO and IO left for Divisional TEWT. Exercise Hustle in area 959130.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There were the usual cinema parties to Caserta and Capua. In the afternoon, the Battalion football team played and beat 1 RIrF by 4 goals to nil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> The full band, pipes and drums played \u2018Retreat\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A\/Lt-Col BL Bryar is appointed T\/Lt-Col and Substantive Major having held the rank of Lt-Col for three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A\/Major Kerr is appointed T\/Major and Substantive Captain having held the rank of Major for three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain EW Kendal is transferred to S Coy and assumes command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain HE Mathew is transferred to D Coy and assumes command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain AG Kemp is transferred to D Coy and is appointed as second in command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut JH Bradfield is transferred to HQ Coy and appointed IO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0700<\/strong> Weather \u2013 fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0815<\/strong> CO\u2019s lecture on bttn scheme of two days previous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> CO and Second in Command proceed to Divisional TEWT held at Teano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n2nd March<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n3rd March<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\n4th March<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\n5th March<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n6th March<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n7th March<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n8th March<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n\n\n9th March<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n10th March<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n