Brigade HQ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leave parties to Alexandria, Cairo and Ishmalia continue. Day leave to Ishmalia is greatly appreciated by officers and men. Individual training and drill parties in the morning and lectures in the evening are carried out by the battalions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Brigade Commander returns from 2 Innisks at Sidi Bishr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600<\/strong> Brigade Commander summoned to Divisional HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1745<\/strong> Brigade Commander returns. Informs us that the brigade will not now be going to Palestine but will remain here and do individual training preparatory to returning to Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade Commander decides to try and move the brigade and join the 2 Innisks at Sidi Bishr. Phones up Area Commander and receives tentative reply of approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Continue light training and leave. Received draft of 2 and 31 from 2 Skins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks\u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather fine and warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A quiet day with no activity. The few men in camp were needed to carry out the administrative duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn HQ was still busily engaged in completing the many \u2018A\u2019 details required for the disbandment of the battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400 A swimming party left for Ishmalia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> CO\u2019s inspection of bttn camp area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> Warning Order. Probable future move of 7% of present bttn strength leave present area under command of Staff Captain, approx date 5th August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> Brigade Commander phones up Alexandria area and receives notification that the brigade can go to Sidi Bishr camp. Arrangements accordingly made with division. Advance parties to go on the 4th and main body to move on 7th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional troops under command will be 152 Field Ambulance, RASC Transport Platoon and half section of Provost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade Commander commences to write the story of the Irish Brigade from March to July 1944.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade PT course commences. Instructors from APTC Cairo have come down to run the course. Students are both officers and men from the three battalions. Course to last ten days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 QASSASIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Admin received move Order No 14 \u2013 38 (Irish) Brigade plus Appendix A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather fine and warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CO, Adjutant, Major Mathew and IO, who was working as Assistant Adjutant left for the 2nd Bttn to tie up final details about personnel from 6 Innisks, who were to be absorbed into 2 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Major RB Myles was appointed to command the bttn in the absence of the CO and Major EJ Griffiths was appointed A\/Ajt in the absence of Captain R Blyth. Warning was received that the brigade would now be going to Alexandria instead of Palestine as previously arranged and that the move would take place earlier than originally intended ie 7th August instead of 12th August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Movement Order received from Brigade HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 Innisks \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Notification of the following awards for the Anzio fighting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain PJ Long, MC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut RW Brackenridge, MC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6983390 L\/CplA Godber, MM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> RSM\u2019s lecture of ceremonial drill to NCOs and Officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Lecture on Egypt by Mr Heywood (British Council of Information).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> Bttn inoculation and vaccination parade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Orders for move of brigade to Sidi Bishr issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Battalions continue training periods in morning and day leave periods in Ishmalia and Cairo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900<\/strong> Brigade Pipe Band plays Retreat in the Brigade Lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2100<\/strong> Film \u2018Tunisian Victory\u2019 shown in the lines of the Irish Fusiliers to all ranks in the brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Received further detail re above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather \u2013 fine and warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Normal routine at Qassassin with Bathing Parade in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Warning for advance party to move to Sidi Bishr 0900 hrs on 4th August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Brigade Band played ceremonial \u2018Retreat\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2100<\/strong> ENSA film show \u2018Tunisian Victory\u2019 for the brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0530<\/strong> Leave parties to Alexandria depart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Brigade Commander\u2019s Conference to discuss the best amendments to the present unit and formation War Establishments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> Brigade Commander, Staff Captain and IO go to dinner with the 2 LIR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaves continue, all ranks taking advantage of facilities provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather very warm and bright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Normal routine at Qassassin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> At Alexandria, a conference was held at 2 Innisks to decide where to put the personnel transferred from the 6th Bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 Innisks \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Advance party 38 (Irish) Brigade arrive Sidi Bishr. Bttn provides working parties etc, to complete camps for Brigade Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0500<\/strong> Five day leave party left for Alexandria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> Bttn advance party left for Sidi Bishr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1215<\/strong> CO\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Movement Order. Bttn to move on 7th August to Sid Bishr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> Dinner in Officers\u2019 Mess for Brigadier and Officers of brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0600<\/strong> Leave parties to Cairo and Ishmalia depart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0730<\/strong> Brigade Commander leaves for Sidi Bishr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 QASSASIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF Move Order No 2 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather fine and warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Normal routine at camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> CO, Adjutant, IO and Major Mathew returned from Alexandria and work was started on movement orders and administrative details for the move of the bttn to Alexandria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the evening, personnel returned from leave and the camp lost its deserted appearance, as everyone re-installed with beds etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Five day leave party left for Cairo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Long leave party returned from Alexandria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Leave parties and training continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The disbandment of the 6 Innisks commences. All personnel going to 2 LIR and 1 RIrF join their respective battalions. Personnel going to IRTD leave as well. The remainder, who are being absorbed into the 2 Innisks remain in their own camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> 1 RIrF hold Officers\u2019 Guest Night for all officers of the Brigade Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 QASSASIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n High wind and dust storms. Packing preparatory to move. Captain Chambers and Major Crehan rejoin battalion on discharge from No 1 General Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather fine and warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn went ahead with arrangements for the move to Alexandria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> CO spoke to the bttn on the Parade Ground for the last time as their Commanding Officer and said goodbye and wished everybody \u2018Good Luck\u2019 in their new units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1130-1330<\/strong> A photographer was brought from Ishmalia and photographs were taken of the bttn as a whole, Officers\u2019 Mess. Sergeants\u2019 Mess, Cpls\u2019 Mess and groups of each coy and a sufficient number of copies ordered so that all members of the 6th Bttn would have a record of their bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> The personnel of the 6th Bttn, who could not be absorbed into the other bttns of the brigade left for the ITD at Geneifa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rest of the day was very quiet. People continued with the task of packing up, but without the usual cheerful cross-chat, which normally accompanied these operations, for to everybody the death of the bttn has now become a very real thing and there was nobody that did not feel very deeply about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> The Commanding Officer said goodbye to all NCOs personally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600<\/strong> CO left for 2nd Bttn with Major Mathew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 Innisks \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Brigadier TPD Scott, DSO, Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0700<\/strong> Reveille.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0830<\/strong> Bttn loading stores and striking camp in preparation for move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Head of the convoy passed SP for route to Sidi Bishr. Order of March: 6 Innisks, Brigade HQ, 2 LIR, 1 RIrF, 152 Field Ambulance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The convoy as routed by the longest possible way going right across the Delta Barrage and along the Desert Road. This entailed a total distance of 150 miles and many trucks in the convoy ran out of petrol. Also the standard of maintenance on the vehicles when they were taken over was far from good and even the hardest possible work put into them was insufficient to make them last the journey. A number had to be written off at the end of the journey. All these incidents made the convoy very late and the brigade was not complete in Sidi Bishr Camp until the following morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0400<\/strong> Reveille. Bttn moved to Sidi Bishr area. First trucks rolling in about 1700 hrs. Some arrived very late through having run out of petrol. First glimpses of Alex, led one to anticipate much in the way of entertainment and relaxation. The camp is set among sand dunes and date palms and is not far from bus and tram lines or the beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather fine and warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0400<\/strong> Reveille.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0430<\/strong> Breakfast. After breakfast, final packing was done and the bttn was em-bused by 0620 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Column moved off u\/c Major RB Myles. The journey was very tedious and the convoy had to refill at one of the PSPs on route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A halt of one hour was called at midday for tea and haversack rations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2130<\/strong> Convoy arrived at Sidi Bishr. The 6 Innisks\u2019 convoy was divided into groups so that personnel for 2 LIR and 1 RIrF went at night into their respective camps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everyone was soon settled in for the night, being too tired to worry very much about comfort and checking rolls etc was left until morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 Innisks \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Main body of 38th Brigade arrive. 6 Innisks had had a very trying and exhausting journey and arrived at 2130 hrs. A hot toddy had been arranged by 190 Transit Camp for the bttn on arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0430<\/strong> Reveille.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0445<\/strong> RASC Transport (23 x 3 tonners) report to bttn for move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Bttn (less Advance Party) em-bused ready for move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0652<\/strong> Head of column past Brigade Start Point. Route \u2013 Qassassin, Tel el Kebir, Bibbeis, Qualyub, Nile Barrage, Khatatra, Amiriya, Alexandria, Sidi Bishr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Bttn halts for one hour for a meal at Khatatra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2200<\/strong> Bttn arrives at Sidi Bishr. Journey without incident but considerable delay caused by drawbridge on Nile and canals. Further delay caused owing to queue of traffic at Patrol Filling Point at Amiriya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fifty six other ranks join bttn on posting from 6 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade Training Programme and Instruction issued. Battalions commence to organise their camps and carry out normal administrative duties. Recces of ranges and training areas are also carried out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Made recce of rifle ranges. Troops proceed to make themselves comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather fine and warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks personnel were shown to the coys, which they were to join and their manes etc were checked and added to coy rolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A tent was set up in which the Bttn HQ of 6 Innisks could continue to work until the bttn was finally closed down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nothing further of interest happened during the day; the time was spent by the new personnel in feeling their feet and settling in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0600<\/strong> Reveille.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> R Company formed under command of Major Gibbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Range allotments for battalions on 30 yard range at Sidi Bishr and Mustapha Barracks. Allotments on the Open Range at Aboukir, Deheila and Amiriya. These range allotments continue until the 11th for the 30 yards range and up to the 16th for the Open Range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 SIDI BISHR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n IO, Sergeant, and two Fusiliers start a photo interpretation course under divisional instructors. PT course carries on at Brigade Training consists of PT, conditioning marches and range work for bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 QASSASSIN.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weather fine and warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Normal bttn routine was carried out, starting with an RSM\u2019s parade, followed by a run and a dip in the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the day, many applications for transfer were received at 6 Innisks Orderly Room from 6 Innisks personnel, who found that they could not settle down satisfactorily in the 2nd Bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2359<\/strong> The 6th Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers now ceased to exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 Innisks \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lt Col J Kerr, MC, admitted to No 3 General Hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0830<\/strong> Brigade PT Course resumed. Air Photography Course commenced at Brigade HQ under divisional arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> Five day leave party left for Cairo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Cricket match 2 LIR versus 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Range allotments. 30 yards and open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individual training by battalions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leave allotments to Cairo and Alexandria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Day leaves organising to Alex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23 ORs s\/o to CMC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 Innisks \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Official date of disbandment and amalgamation of 6 Innisks. 2 Innisks now take their place in 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following are commands and appointments of officers of 2 Innisks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n CO \u2013 Lt Col RWH Scott (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 I\/C \u2013 Major J Kerr MC (6 Innisks), who relinquishes rank of Lt Col.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adjutant \u2013 Captain RT Irving (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n IO \u2013 Lieut JP Scarratt (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n HQ Coy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n OC \u2013 Captain BH McCorkell (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Signals \u2013 Captain DL Cole, MC (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n MTO \u2013 Lieut JJ McConnell (2 Innisks), who relinquishes rank of Captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n QM \u2013 Captain D Dawson (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pioneers \u2013 Lieut MA Casey (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Coy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Major EH Cochrane (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain RB Myles (6 Innisks), who relinquishes rank of Major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut MG Murray (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut DP Farrell (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut CJ Heather (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n B Coy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Major JD Nixon (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut RT O\u2019Connor (6 Innisks) who relinquishes the rank of Captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut AG Gladitz (6 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut PJ Brady (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n C Coy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Major PJ Blake, MC (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain J Duane, MC (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut GH Murray (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut TJ Trainor, MM (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut RJ Shields (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n D Coy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Major HE Mathew (6 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain PJ Long, MC (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut JM Campbell (6 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut JH Bradfield (6 Innisks), who relinquishes rank of Captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut RW Brackenridge, MC (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n S Coy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain AW Kendall (6 Innisks), who relinquishes rank of Major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A\/Tk \u2013 Captain AWB Vincent (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut WS Pollard (6 Innisks), who relinquishes the rank of Captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carriers \u2013 Lieut FHK Smith (2 Innisks), who relinquishes the rank of Captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut AC O\u2019Reilly (6 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mortars \u2013 Captain PS Anderson (6 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n R Coy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain PA Hamilton, MC (6 Innisks), who relinquishes the rank of Major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain GCG Ree (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut PIM Foort (2 Innisks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut DP Dicker (6 Innisks), who relinquishes the rank of Captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First line reinforcements are held and form R Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> Coy Commanders\u2019 Conference re training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Five day leave party left for Alexandria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> Long leave party returns from Alexandria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Range allotments. 30 yards and open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individual training by battalions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leave allotments to Cairo and Alexandria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 SIDI BISHR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Officers\u2019 mess \u2018dine in\u2019 night with guests from other units. CO proceeded to Cairo for conference re disturbances in Cairo personnel of 78 Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR \u2013 EGYPT.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Bttn PT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n2nd August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n3rd August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n4th August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n5th August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n6th August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n7th August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n8th August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n9th August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n10th August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n11th August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n