War Diaries of CC Battery, Royal Horse Artillery

1942

 

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January 1942

Commanding Officer: Major. W. R. Holman R.H.A.

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Wotton Dec 28- Jan 3   Individual training carried out. Practice loading and packing trials were held  
  1   Bdr. Ewing admitted to Surrey Country Hospital, Dorking.  
  2   2/Lt. M.T. Barstow. R.H.A. attached to H.Q.8th Armd., Div., Support Group and later posted.

Gnr. Twomey Declared a deserter by Court of Inquiry held on 2-1-42

  
  3   The C.O. inspected the Battery - men, vehicles and equipment - and expressed himself as thoroughly satisfied with everything.  
  5   Brig. C.B. Findlay., C.B.E., M.C., Inspector R.A., visited the Battery and addressed a representative gathering before walking round the vehicle, guns etc.  
  6   Gnr. Wigmore posted to H.Q. 8th Armd. Div, Support Group.  
  7   Gnr. Battern posted to the Y List.  
  8   Gnr. Goodrick admitted to Connaught Military Hospital on 8-1-42 and discharged on 9-1-42.  
  9   Gnr. Bentham posted to the Battery from 1st reserve Fld. Regt., R.A.  
  10   Dvr.IC. Harvey discharged from Cambridge Military Hospital.  
  5-11   Normal training plus further mobilisation preparations were carried out.  
  16  

Sgt. Short posted to the Battery from the Y list w.e.f. 18-9-41

Gnr, Swift. posted to the Battery from the Y list w.e.f. 17-11-41

Gnr. Nicholls D.N. posted to the Battery from the Y list w.e.f. 12-12-41

D/M Williams Discharged from Surrey County Hospital, Dorking.

Gnr. Smith S.T. admitted to Horton E.M.S. Hospital, Epsom on 16-1-42 and discharged on 29-1-42

  
  12-18   Training was somewhat hampered by heavy fall of snow combined with hard frosts  
  17   D/M. Woods. A.F. was tried by Court Martial at WOTTON.

Charge. Sec: 18(4) A.A. W.O.A.S. Steeling property belonging to a person subject to Military Law in that he at Westcott on 31st December, 1941, stole a ten shilling note the property of Dvr.I.C. West A.W.G., "CC" Bty, 5th Regt., R.H.A. as person subject to Military Law. Finding. Guilty, and Sentenced to undergo Detention for Six Months. Confirmation. Confirmed by Brig. H.M. Stanford. M.C. Commander 8th Armd., Div., Sp. Gp. on 20-1-42 who remitted 60 days Detention. Promulgation. Promulgated at GOMSHALL on 21-1-42.

  
  19   Sgt. Bailey posted to Battery from Y List.

2/Lt. W.S. Barrow. R.H.A. promoted War Substantive Lt.

  
  22   Gnr. Colsell Transferred to No. 12 Centre Pioneer Corps.  
  23   D/M Woods A.F. Committed to Aldershot Detention Barracks and posted to Y List.  
 

19-25 

and 

26-31

   Training was carried out, although there was still much snow and training outside billets was impossible  
  25   Sgt. Steward proceeded on Demolition Course for period 25 - 31 Jan 42.  
  28   Gnr Hayton posted to Battery from R.H.Q. 5. R.H.A.  
  29   Gnr (M/M) Headington, J.D. posted to the Battery from 2nd Field Regt., R.A.

Lt-Gen Sir Ronald. F. Adam., Bt, C.B., D.S.O., O.B.E., Adjutant General to the Forces visited the Regiment and addressed the Officers W.Os and Sgts of the Regiment at R.H.Q.

  

 

February 1942

Commanding Officer: Major. W. R. Holman R.H.A.

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Wotton 1   Gnrs. Evans, Gentry, Garrigle and Ansell appointed U/A/L/Bdrs.

L/Bdr. Elwine promoted Bdr.

  
  3   Gnr. Ranby transferred to No. 5 Centre Pioneer Corps.  
  5   L/Bdr. Cocksedge, of this Battery, posted to Home Details/from No.4 Command. (Awaiting posting to O.C.T.U.)  
  7   Gnr. Stuart-Brown admitted to C.R.S. Abinger on 2-2-42 and transferred to Dorking County Hospital on 9-2-42  
  8   2/Lt. J.N.A. Armitage-Smith R.H.A. posted to R.H.Q. 5 R.H.A.

2/Lt. H. J. Jackson R.H.A. posted to the Battery from "K" Battery R.H.A.

  
  1-8   Battery and Troop training were carried out, although much hindered by snow.  
  9   14 Foresters provided a very good demonstration of 2" mortar and various grenades.  
  10   2/Lt. W.H.H. Allon R.H.A. promoted W/S Lieut.  
  9-15   Training still hindered by snow, but Regtl., practice turnout for War was held on 13th.  
  17   U/A/L/Bdr. Kent appointed P/A/L/Bdr.  
  19   Bdr (AC) Larney posted to the Battery from 176 (Army) Fld., Regt. RA.  
  20   L/Bdr. Evans admitted to Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot.  
  16-22   Troop and Battery training continued. Regimental Exercise for  Command Post on 17th  
  17   1 gun "C" Troop with detachment visited 14 Foresters and carried out a demonstration.  
  22   2/Lt. D.R. Charles R.A. attached to Battery from 123 O.C.T.U.  
  24   L/Bdr. Cocksedge Posted to London and District Transit Camp  
  22-28   Battery and Troop training continued. Regimental Night Survey Exercise on 25th  
  26   Major-General J.F. Evetts, C.B. C.B.E. M.C. accompanied by Commander 8 Armoured Division, Commander 8 Armoured Division Support Group., etc inspected the Battery training and expressed himself as very pleased.

A Regimental A.Tk T.E.W.T was held during the afternoon.

 See Appendix 1

 

 
  28   The Battery beat A Coy., 14 Foresters 2-1 in Support Group Soccer League.   

Appendix 1

Subject: - Visit of Major-General J.F. Evetts C.B. C.B.E. M.C

 

Ref. No. 3/2/162.
To: - O.C. "CC" Battery. R.H.A

The following copy of 8 Armd Div. Letter 13/61G dated 1 March is forwarded:-

"1. A letter has been received by the G.O.C. from Maj-Gen Evetts in which he expresses his great appreciation for the trouble taken by all concerned in connection with his visit.

2. The G.O.C wishes to add that he fully realizes the had work involved, and that he was very pleased with all he saw."

 

XXXXXXXXXX     Major.

B.M. 8 Armd Div Sp. Gp.

 

 

Sd.  M.C. Lanyon

  Captain R.H.A

Adj.,

 5th Regiment. R.H.A

Gomshall

4-3-42.

BJG

 

March 1942

Commanding Officer: Major. W. R. Holman R.H.A.

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Wotton 1-8   Normal Battery and Troop training carried out  
  2   Gnr. Stuart-Brown discharged from Dorking County Hospital  
  3   2/Lt. H.H. Jackson posted from 175 Field Regt., R.A.

Battery carried out Exercise BEEFEX for C.O.

  
  4   3 Tanks from 41 R.T.R. visited the Battery and the day was spent in lectures and demonstrations on the tanks. Much value was obtained from this visit.  
  5   L/Bdr. Evans discharged from Cambridge Military Hospital.  
  6   The Battery won the Regimental table tennis and darts tournament, being represented by Gnrs. Yurovitch, Ungless in Table Tennis and T.S.M. Croft, BQMS. Prest, L/Sgt. Brodie, L/Bdr. Walters, Gnrs. Jackson, Gnr. Thomas.T in the Darts.  
  7   L/Bdr Loader attached to R.A.M.T. School attending Armd. O.P. Course No.4 fro period 7 - 28 March 42  
  8-14   Normal Training continued  
  8   Gnr(FMV) Young. appointed P/A/L/Bdr.  
  9   Gnr. Hunt posted to R.A. Sand.

U/A/L/Bdr. Kent appointed  P/A/L/Bdr.

  
  10   Regimental Exercise was carried out.  
  12   The Battery spent the day firing rifles and Bren attachment on Henly Park Ranges.

2/Lt. D.R. Charles of 123 O.C.T.U. ceased to be attached to the Battery.

  
  13   Sgt. Ayling promoted to U/A/W.O.II (BSM) and posted to 147 Field Regt. R.A.  
  14   C.O. inspected the Battery and was very pleased with everything.

The battery was beaten 2-1 in the Final of the Sp. Group Soccer League by 168 L.A.A. Bty. R.A. after a very close game.

A Battery 3-tonner driven by Sgt. Bailey R.H.A.F. was involved in an unfortunate accident while returning from a Battery dance in DORKING.

     The following were admitted to hospital:- Dorking County Hospital. Gnr. Nicholls.D.N. - Perforating wound of the right side, lacerating from within the liver. Dvr.IC. Malia.  - Dislocated left shoulder and slight concussion. Discharged on 27-3-42. L/Bdr. Wagstaff - Blow on head very mild concussion. Discharged 28-3-42. BSM. Maddison. - cut head and contusion of neck. Discharged on 26-3-42. Gnr. Foard., Gnr. Neam - Cut face and right knee, Discharged on 23-3-42. Dvr. Walker - Contusion of left shoulder. Discharges on 24-3-42. Dvr. Collins - ramatic pneumonia moderately serious. Dvr. Gibson - Bruising of Chest. no facture. Discharged on 24-3-42. Dvr. Lucas - Dorking Cottage Hospital. Gnr Shaw - Bruises of calk and mild shock. Discharged on 18-2-42. Gnr Walkden - Bruising of spine and hips and small laceration of scalp. Discharged on 28-3-42. Hortion E.M.S. Hospital, Epson. L/Bdr. Walters - The right eye is blind. Recovery is unlikely.

  
  15-21   Normal training was continued, including a Battery Drill Order for C.O. on 19th.  
  16   Bdr. Toy posted to the Battery and attached to R.H.Q., 5.R.H.A.  
  17   Gnr. Pinckheard attached to S.E. Command Pay Duties School, attending Pay Duties Course for period 17-23 MAR 42.  
  19   Bdr. Lord admitted to Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot on 19 MAR 42 and discharged on 23 MAR 42.  
  20   60 volunteers from the Battery attempted to walk 10 miles in 2 hrs with equipment. A large percentage succeeded in completing the course in under 2¼ hrs. See App. A for list of those finishing and the times
  22   2/Lt. F.A.B. Wickham posted to the Battery from 123 O.C.T.U.  
  23   First Embarkation leave part despatched.  
  26   Dvr. Rogers admitted to Cambridge Military Hospital, Aldershot.

Firing Practice with observation by the R.A.F. was carried out at ALFRISTON.

  
  27   Bdr. Ewing posted to the Battery from Y List.  
  28   Lt-Gen B.L. Montgomery, C.B., D.S.O., GO.C in S.E. Cmd visited the Regiment and inspected one Section of "C" Troop (Commanded by Capt. G.R.A. Wixley R.H.A.) at R.H.Q. he was very pleased with all he saw. See App. B

 
  29   Lt. Stone R.H.A. and 25 O.R.s of the Battery formed part of Regimental Church Parade,  under Major Holman, which attended a Divisional Church Parade at DORKING Parish Church in this Nation Day of Prayer  
  31   Sgt. Bailey appeared before a Field General Court Martial charged under Sec: 40 A.A.  

Results of "CC" Battery R.H.A. 10 mile walk. Appendix "A"

1. L/Bdr Bartley. 1  hour 51  minutes 15  seconds.
2. Capt. G.R.A. Wixley. R.H.A. 1   " 51   " 49   "
3. Gnr. Lapidus 1   " 52   " 55   "
4. TSM Croft 1    " 53   " 15   "
5. 2/Lt. R.E. Stone. R.H.A 1   " 54   " 30   "
6. Capt. E.J.V. Williams R.H.A 1   " 55   " 5   "
7. Gnr. Greaves. 1    " 56   " 12   "
8. Major W.R. Holman R.H.A 1   " 56   " 58   "
9. Dvr. Nott 1   " 57   " 39   "
10. Bdr. Mitchell 1   " 58   " 10   "
11. 2/Lt. V.M. Hill R.H.A 1   " 58   " 12   "
12. 2/Lt. R. Whitely. R.H.A 1   " 58   " 20   "
13. 2/Lt. W.H.H. Allon R.H.A 1   " 59   " 21   "
14. Dvr. Vallins. 1   " 59   " 27   "
15. Sgt. Stewart. 1   " 59   " 30   "
16. Sgt. May 2   " 0   " 0   "
17. L/Bdr. Layhe. 2   " 0   " 20   "
18. BSM. Scott.)
Gnr. Frew.  ) 2   " 2   " 30   "
20. Gnr. Cooper.E 2   " 3   " 0   "
21. 2/Lt. P.B.A. Wickham. R.H.A 2   " 3   " 21   "
22. Gnr. Saunders.                )
Lt. W.S Barrow. R.H.A. ) 2   " 4   " 30   "
25. Gnr. Nudds. 2   " 4   " 45   "
26. Gnr Bates.          ) 2   "   "   "
L/Sgt. Robinson. ) 2   "   "   "
L/Bdr. Blundell   ) 2   "   "   "
Gnr. Thomas.D.  ) 2   "   "   "
Gnr.Hale             ) 2   " 5   " 30   "
31. L/Sgt. Mills. 2   " 6   " 7   "
32 Bdr. Elwine.
Gnr. Jones. 2   " 7   " 16   "
34. Gnr. Smith. J.N. 2   " 7   " 57   "
35. L/Bdr. Brown. 2   " 8   " 50   "
36. Gnr. Pinckheard.R 2   " 8   " 54   "
37. Gnr. Venables 2   " 9   " 10   "
38. Gnr. Barnstable. 2   " 10   " 45   "
39. Sgt. Hill 2   " 11   " 0   "
40. L/Bdr. Kent. 2   " 12   " 0   "
Bdr. Goldsmith 2   " 12   " 0   "
42. Gnr. Groombridge 2   " 12   " 10   "
43. L/Sgt. Murray 2   " 12   " 20   "
44. Gnr. Linscer. )
Gnr. Frank.   ) 2   " 12   " 58   "
46. Dvr. Ashman. 2   " 14   " 30   "
47. L/Sgt. Townsend. 2   " 15   " 0   "
48. Dvr. Rosier 2   " 15   " 10   "
49. Gnr. Mead.   ) 2   " 18   " 20   "
Gnr. Boulter. )
50. Dvr. Moscovitch 2   " 18   " 30   "

 

Appendix "B"

Subject: - Army Commander's Inspection

 Ref:- 3/2/168
O.C. "CC" Battery. R.H.A

I should like to congratulate "C" Troop of your Battery on the splendid turnout which they gave this afternoon. The Army Commander was most complimentary at everything he saw.

 

28-3-42

Sd. R.R. Hoare

Lt. Col
NRV

Cmdg. 5th Regiment. R.H.A

 

April 1942

Commanding Officer: Major. W. R. Holman R.H.A.

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Wotton 2   Composite Troop moved to Hove preparatory to acting as Depot Troop and ALFRISTON Practice Camp  
  3-4   Firing practice was carried out by the Regiment at ALFRISTON - gallery shooting only - the Battery providing the Depot Troop. Bty returned to WOTTON on completion of the practice on the 4th  
  4   L/Bdr/ Walters, Gnrs. Nicholls.D, Foard, Collins, Lucas posted to Y List.

Gnrs. Jenkins, Wood.F, Davies.H, posted to the Battery from 23rd Fld Trng., Regt., R.A.

Gnrs. Loughman, Murrell, Pearson & West posted to the Bty from 4th Fld Trng., Regt., R.A.

L/Sgt. Townsend promoted Sergeant.

  
  5-11   With nearly half the battery on embarkation leave, this period was devoted to packing and preparation for embarkation. C.O. visited the Battery on 9th to examine the progress made in this direction.  
  7   D/M. Woods A.F. posted to the Battery from Y List.  
  8   Gnr. Pittas admitted to Nelson Hospital, WIMBLEDON.  
  10   Major-General O.M. Lund., D.S.O., M.G.R.A. visited the Battery to wish us farewell.

Sgt. Hill posted to 123 O.C.T.U.

Gnr. Haworth admitted to Cambridge Hospital, Aldershot..

Dvr. Lucas posted to the Battery from Y List.

  
  12-16   Packing was completed for the Road Party and the vehicles were despatched to BIRKENHEAD under Capt. E.F. Elston on 13th. Most of the personal from this party returned on 16th, leaving a loading party under 2/Lt. T.R.D. Belgrave.  
  16   Dvr. Parsons admitted to C.R.S. Abinger and transferred to Surrey County Hospital Dorking on 18th.  
  18   Dvr. Collins posted to the Battery from Y List.  
  18-25   Local training was carried out and further preparations for embarkation made.  
  20   Gnr. Foard posted to the Battery from Y List.  
  23   Gnr. Beard posted to the Battery from Depot R.A.

Bdr. (Ac) Larney posted to 27th Fld. , Trng., Regt. R.A.

  
  25   2/Lt. Belgrave and loading party returned having completed the loading of the vehicles.

Sir. John Gregg, Secretary of State for War, and General Sir Benard C.T. Paget, KCB., D.S.O., M.C., G-I-C. Home Forces, inspected units of the Support Group - including 8 Officiers and 98 O.Rs of th Battery - in the grounds of WOTTON HOUSE.

 (See Appendix "A")
  27   In a Regimental rifle competition at HENLEY PARK RANGES, the three teams from the Battery filled the first three places. "H" Troop 1st, "C" Troop 2nd, BTY H.Q. 3rd. (See Appendix "B")
  29   Lt-General M.B. Burrows D.S.O., M.C., Commanding 2nd Armoured Group, visited the Battery to wish us farewell. He met all the officers, W.Os and Nos.1

Gnr. Pittas discharged from Nelson Hospital.

Gnr. Sumner posted to Home Details.

  
  30   Major-General C.W. Norman Commanding 8th Armoured Division addressed a representation gathering of Officers, W.Os and N.C.Os of all Units of Support Group in the Battery Dining Hall.  
  26-2 May   Final packing of stores was carried out, and all preparations made for the Battery to leave.  

 

Appendix "A".

Subject: - C in C's Inspection.
O.C. "G" Battery. (Mercer's Troop) R.H.A.
O.C. "K" Battery. R.H.A
O.C. "CC" Battery. R.H.A

I consider that the Regimental turnout was excellent. I feel certain that a great deal of work was put in by all ranks.

It is satisfactory to know that the Commander-in-Chief paid a very high compliment indeed to the Regiment, when speaking of its arrival to the Secretary of State for War.

25-4-42

Lt. Col
NRV

Cmdg. 5th Regiment. R.H.A

Appendix "B"

RESULTS OF 5th REGIMENT R.H.A RIFLE COMPETITION.

 

MAXIMUM

GROUP

25

APPLIC

50

RAPID

50

SPEED

25

TOTAL TEAM 1200

PLACE

 
"CC" BTY "H" TROOP.
Sgt. Easton 15 42 42 15 )
M/M Williams 15 42 37 11 ) 710 1st
Bdr. Elwine - 42 41 17 )
Gnr. Jones. - 41 43 14 )
BSM. Maddison. - 39 34 12 )
Gnr. Botting. - 41 30 11 )
Gnr. Smith. - 33 31  7 )
Gnr. Webber. - 31 22 10 )
"CC" BTY "C" TROOP.
Gnr. Appleby. 15 30 37 13 )
Gnr. Rutherford. - 44 32 17 )
L/Bdr. Loader. 15 44 26  6 )
Sgt. Brodie. - 41 35  6 )
BSM. Fay. - 43 22 17 ) 660 2nd
Dvr. Lelwellyn. - 45 18 17 )
L/Sgt. Nixon. - 28 27 17 )
Bdr/ Swinhoe. - 34 18  4 )
"CC" BTY "H.Q.
S/Sgt. Smith. - 41 42 15 )
Bdr. Mitchell. - 41 35 18 )
Lt. Barrow - 39 35 16 )
Gnr. Yellett. - 45 24  7 ) 637 3rd
BQMS. Prest - 44 21  8 )
Gnr. Elbre. - 29 29 14 )
Gnr. Ungless - 36 15 16 )
Dvr. Haslett. - 38 17 12 )
"G" BTY "A" TROOP 623 4th
RHQ No.2 TEAM 610 5th
"G" BTY "B" TROOP 587 6th
"K" BTY "A" TEAM 565 7th
RHQ No.1 TEAM 519 8th
BTY H.Q. "G" BTY 516 9th
"K" BTY "B" TEAM 502 10th
"K" BTY No.3 TEAM 420 11th

 

 

(see War Diary for the Month of MARCH)

Subject: - Visit of Army Cmdr.

Ref: - 3/2/168.
O.C. "G" Battery. (Mercer's Troop) R.H.A.
O.C. "K" Battery. R.H.A
O.C. "CC" Battery. R.H.A

The following copy of letters from H.Q. South Eastern Cmd and 8 Armd Div are forwarded for information.

"I have received a letter from the Army Cmdr after his visit to the Div., and I send you copies for distributions to your C.Os.

I do not think I need to add anything to what he said, and I wish to thank you and congratulate you for all the trouble you took!.

 

XXXXX

 Major-General
Cmd. 8th Armoured Divison.

 

"I would like to say how very much I enjoyed the two days I spent with your division, meeting the C.Os and their Officers.

I am sorry I could not see more.

But the quality of a Division can be seen reflected in the Officers, you have a fine lot of officers and under them the men will do well.

The Division will fight well in battle and I shall expect to hear great things of it in due course.

Will you let the officers know how glad I was to meet so many of them, all looking so fit and 'on their toes'."

 

Gomshall.
4-4-42

M.C. LANYON.

  Capt. R.H.A
BJG

Adj., 

 5th Regiment. R.H.A

 

To: -     

SECRET 
         Adjutant 5th Regt,. R.H.A.

Strength for "CC" Battery R.H.A.

Inspection on Saturday 25-4-42  :-

 

8 Officers

 98 O.R's.

                        

 

23-4-42

Major R.H.A.
EEC

Commanding "CC" Battery R.H.A.

 

 

 SECRET.                

DETAILS FOR C -in- C's INSPECTION.

 

1.      The C-in-C and Secretary of State will inspect the Regt,. together with certain units in the Div at WOTTON HOUSE on Sat 25 Apr.

Actual time of inspection 1230 - 131- hrs.

 

2.      TRANSPORT. RHQ, G and K Btys will be transported to Wotton House in accordance with the following programme:

(a)  

 Tpt will report to G Bty at 0845 hrs as follows:-

(i)  

 2-30 cwts CC Bty to A Tp. Depart CC 0820 hrs.

(ii)  

 1-30 cwts RHQ & 1-30 cwt G Bty to B Tp

(iii)  

 1-30 cwts K Bty & 1-15 cwt RHQ & K Bty to Bty H.Q.

(b)  

 TIMINGS.

0900 hrs.

 Tpt RVs Br 513663 and departs for CC Bty.

0915  "   

 Tpt arrives at CC Bty

0925  "   

 Leaves CC Bty

0940  "   

 Arrives K Battery

0950  "   

 Departs K Battery

1005  "   

 Arrives CC Bty

1015  "   

 Departs CC Bty

1030  "   

Arrives RHQ (4 30cwts) G Bty H.Q. (1 30cwt.)

                                       K Bty (2 15cwts.)

1040  "   

 Tpt departs RHQ, G and K Btys.

1055  "   

 Arrives CC Bty

(c) 

  

 2/Lt. P.M. Victory RHA will be i/c tpt and will ensure that ensure that the programme runs to time. After that last journey to CC Bty, vehicles will be parked in CC Bty H.Q. vehicle park.

(d) 

  

 All vehicles will enter Wotton Ho grounds by the gate at 553666. Debussing point, CC Bty dining hall. Tpt will continue on its way via the exit gate.

(e) 

  

 After 1130 hrs tpt will revert to Bty control. Personnel attending the parade will march back to billets, though tpt may be used for lifting B Tp personnel from Gomshall onwards. Btys will march away via gate at 559666.

3.      TRANSPORT. RHQ: - 50 - 60 all ranks.

                                  Bty: - 100 - 110 all ranks

B.C.s will report to this office by 1200 hrs Friday 24 Apr accurate numbers of officers and O.Rs who will be on the parade.

4.      O.C. 'CC' Bty has arranged to allot the dining hall to G and K Btys and a barrack room close by RHQ, to wait before the parade and the clean up.

5.      Btys and RHQ will produce their own polishing parties.

6.      CC Bty will make all necessary arrangements for police and traffic control, as already arranged.

7.      Parade will form up by Btys outside CC Bty dining hall under orders of the Adjutant ready to move by 1140 1130 hrs. 1100 ready for me by Tps in short drive

8.      Regtl. right and left markers - Sgt Richardson and L/Bdr, Edwards, will report to B.M on parade ground (rugger ground) at 1130 hrs.

9.      After the inspection, the Regt will be marched off in the same way as it came in, There will be no March Past.

         The order "Privates Parades" will given once the Regiment is clear of the rugger ground.

10.     O.C. 'CC' Bty will provide A.A. defence as arranged. G & K Btys will each detail two A.A.L.M.G Gnrs to report to CC Bty Office by 1015 hrs. L.M.Gs will be provide by CC Bty.

11.     DRESS. All ranks - Best Battle Dress, no 'Go' signs. Web belts and braces only.  Caps F.S.  NO respirators or arms.    Officers will parade without sticks and gloves.

         Ground sheets will be taken if wet but will be collected before the parade by the polishing parties and loaded on to Bty vehicles. 

Pouches in front rank 

12.     ADMIN. 

Hot tea and light haversack ration should be taken and late dinners arranges, A proportion of mugs will be taken under Bty arrangements.

Dinners 1345. Break 1000 hrs

 

13.     NOTES FOR CONDUCT OF PARADE.

(a)  

 The parade will form up in three ranks in the following order from the right :-

G, K. CC, RHQ.  Sized by Btys. No serrie-file.

BSM should form a blank file on the right of each Bty, the next files consisting of 2 T/BSMs & BQMS

(b)  

 2 paces between ranks, but men shoulder to shoulder.

(c)  

 Officers will fall in 3 paces in front of their sub-units, evenly spaces in order of seniority by Btys, with B.Cs on the right of their Batteries.

(d)  

   

 The parade will march on the rugger ground and the leading file will halt just short of and behind the right marker. Left turn, open order march and right dress will then be given.

(e)  

 O.Rs will be dressed by the R.S.M.

(f)  

 The front rank will be marked by right and left markers, and possibly a white line string.

 
BJG Capt.
Adjt.
Distribution.
G Bty ........1
K Bty ........2
CC Bty ... .3
C.O...........4
C.O.2........5
O.O...........6
R.S.M........7
file............8/9

 

Note: Text in blue text are hand written notes by the Battery Commander, on the original pages.

 

 S E C R E T.                

DETAIL FOR C.-in-C's INSPECTION.

Amendment No.1.

Para 7 line 2

Delete 11:40

Insert 11:30

 

Para 13

Insert "(g) Officers will be dressed by Capt. S.R. St. John RHA

 

Para 2

Insert "Forms for seating men will be places in vehicles.

 

24 Apr 42. Capt.
FCA. Adj.
Distribution.
G Bty ......1 C.O.2........5
K Bty ......2 O.O...........6
CC Bty ...3 R.S.M........7
C.O.........4 File............8/9

 

 

 

May 1942 (up to embarkation)

Commanding Officer: Major. W. R. Holman R.H.A.

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Wotton

 

 1   H.M. the King inspected units of the Support Group - including 9 Officers and 130 O.Rs of the Battery - in grounds adjoining WOTTON HOUSE.

Advance Party from 13 (H.A.C.) Regt., R.H.A. under Capt. Taylor arrived to take over billets etc.

 (See Appendix "A")

 
  4   Baggage party under Capt.. G.R.A. Wixley left by train for port of Embarkation.  
  6   The Battery, together with "G" Battery (Mercer's Tp) and R.H.Q. left GOMSHALL Station for port of embarkation, having handed over billets to 13 (H.A.C.) Regt., R.H.A.

The C.O. address the Battery at WOTTON HOUSE before departure.

 (Nominal Roll of W.E. and 1st Line reinforcements Appendix "B")
  7   The Battery embarked with 5 R.H.A. less "K" Battery for an unknown destination, taking tropical kit.  

 

Appendix "A"

INSPECTION ON FRIDAY 1st MAY 42

Most Secret.
Copy No.....3
29 April 42

1.     There will be an inspection of all ranks of the Division on Friday, 1 May, to bid them Godspeed.

2.     The following units will be inspected at WOTTON HOUSE, 3666:-

H.Q., 8 Support Group.

5th., Regt., RHA.

145 Fld Park Sqn R.E.

7th Tank Transporter Coy R.A.S.C.

8th Light Field Ambulance.

The inspection will commence at approximately 1055 hrs, and finish at approx,. 1115 hrs. The parade will be under the command of Lt.Col. R.R. Hoare DSO MC RHA.

3.(a)  All units will march to the place of parade, so as to reach WOTTON HOUSE by 1010 hrs.

  (b)

 

Routes:-

 

(i)

 

HQ 8 Support Gp. WIGMORE 6161 - rd Junc 573620 - Entrance at 557663. (Guide will meet party at this entrance, and conduct them to place of parade.)

(ii)

 

145 Fld Pl Sqn, Tank Transporter Coy. 8 Lt Fd Amb. Rd junc 561645 to entrance at 557663. (Guide will meet party at this entrance, and conduct them to place of parade.)

(iii)

G & K BTYS RHA, RHA 5 RHA, will proceed independently by main DORKING Rd to entrance at 566669.

  (c)

 Each party marching as a body will have one O.R. 50 yds ahead and one O.R. 50 yds in rear, for traffic control purposes.

4.     Markers. One Right and Left Marker for each unit will report to the Adjutant 5 RHA at 566669 at 0950 hrs. They may use transport, which will be parked in the grounds of WOTTON HOUSE, under arrangements of O.C. CC Bty RHA. Marker for 5 RHA will be found by G Bty (Right) and RHQ (Left).

5.     Strengths. Units, and Btys RHA, will report to this HQ by 1600 hrs 30 Apr, exact strengths of (a) Officers, (b) O.Rs who will be on parade.

6.     Traffic Control. O.C.. 'CC' Bty RHA will be responsible for the provision of traffic control, police, and guides (as shown in 3 above) for each unit. All guides will be at their respective entrances from 1000 hrs.

7.(i)  The inspecting party will dismount just inside the entrance at 566669, proceed down the line, and subsequently remount and proceed out from the same entrance. O.C. 'CC' Bty RHA will arrange for turning round of all visitors cars during the period of the inspection.

  (ii)

 

 

 Route for inspecting party is as follows:
BURFORD LODGE 6171 - rd junc 610697 - rd junc 601394 i rd junc 602687 - Entrance 566669 - SHERE 5137 - rd junce 5067  - Rd Jun 4566 - WONERSH 4564 - CRANLEIGH 4958 - rd junc 5359 - Rd junc 523602 - rd junc 5859 - WIGMORE rd junc 611618 - rd junc 612643 - rd junc 622656 - X rds 643663 - BROCKHAM PK 642666.
Under NO circumstances will any vehicles (whether engaged in the parade, or otherwise) be parked on the inspecting party's route.

8.

 

Dress. (i) Battle Dress , with Web Equipment belts and braces only, and khaki F.S. caps. Arms, steel helmets and respirators will not be carried. Officers will NOT carry sticks, but will wear leather gloves
(ii) All personnel (including officer's) will carry capes anti-gas with them for use in the vent of wet weather , but on arrival at the place of parade, these will be disposed of, out of sight, in sub-unit piles, under arrangements to be made of O.C. CC Bty RHA. They will be collected after the parade.
9. Conduct of parade.

(a)

 

 

 

 Parade will form up in three ranks, in the following order from the right:-

 

5th Regt. RHA.

HQ 8 Support Group

145 Fd Pk Sqn R.E.

7 Tk Transporter Coy RASC

8 Lt Fd Amb.
There will be a 15 yard interval between each unit, but no interval between Btys RHA (BSM's will form a blank file on the right of each bty., the next file to consist of 2 T/BSM's and B.Q.M.S.),

(b)

 All units and sub-units will be sized (tallest on the flanks, shortest in the centre) before arrival in the parade area.

(c)

 3 paces between ranks, but men shoulder to shoulder.

(d)

 

 Officers will fall in 3 paces in front of their sub-units, evenly spaces in order of seniority by Btys, with unit commanders the right flank. All Officers will face front.

(e)

 Position of front rank will be marked by right and left markers and a white line.

10.

 

 "Polishing Parties."    Any polishing parties units may bring with them will be clear of the parade ground by 1040 hrs: O.C. CC Bty RHA will arrange for these parties to be conducted to the vehicle park.

11.

 On Conclusion,  units will march off and return to billets independently. There will be no March Past.

12.

 

 "A.A. Defence.   O.C. 'CC' Bty will arrange for three A.A.L.M.Gs to be mounted, out of sight, at dispersed points in the area. G & K Btys will each detail two A.A.L.M.Gnrs to report to CC Bty Office by 0945 hrs, to man these L.M.Gs.

13.

 

 Security.     The strictest secrecy will be maintained . Any recces necessary may be made, but information will be circulated only when absolutely necessary.

14.

 

 Conference.     There will be a conference for all unit commanders or their respective representatives, and RHA Bty Cmdrs, at WOTTON HOUSE on Thursday 30 Apr, after the G.O.C's address at 0930 hrs.
 
Gomshall.
29th APRIL 1942 Captain R.H.A.
RAPT/

Adjutant,  

 5th.. Regiment. R.H.A

 

DISTRIBUTION.
G Bty .....................................1. C.O................................8.
K Bty .....................................2. C.O.2.............................9.
CC Bty ...................................3. O.O...............................10.
HQ 8 Sp Gp............................4. R.S.M............................11.
145 Fd Pk Sqn RE............. ....5.   War Diary....................12/13.
7 Tk Trans Coy RASC............6.   File...............................14/15
8 Lt Fd Amb............................7.

 

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