War Diary of CC Battery Royal Horse Artillery 1944

War Diaries of CC Battery, Royal Horse Artillery

1944

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January 1944 Commanding Officer: Major. F. B. Wyldbore-Smith M.B.E. R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Field	1-3		On Board S.S. ORMONDE
	4	0430	S.S. ORMONDE at anchor in River Clyde off GOUROCK.
	5		On Board S.S. ORMONDE
	6	1430	Bty disembarked.
		1730	Train moved out of GOUROCK.
Cranwich Camp	7	0910	Train arrived at BRANDON NORFOLK. Bty taken by lorries to CRANWICH CAMP. 232127.
	8-9		Organisation of billets and issue of kit.
	10-12		The main part of the Bty proceeded on 14 days disembarkation leave, about 20 men remaining as rear party.
	13-24		Disembarkation leave.
	20	0830	Dvrs left to collect 5 "B" Vehicles from 2 VRD SLOUGH.
	21	1530	Dvrs returned with vehicles.
	24		B.C. Posted to 11th Armoured Division as G.S.O. 1. Capt G.R.A. Wixley RHA assumed command of the Bty on return from leave on 29 Jan.

January 1944 Commanding Officer: Capt G.R.A. Wixley R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Cranwich Camp	26-28		Parties returning from leave. Rear party proceeded on 14 days disembarkation leave.
	29		Personnel left for MT Course at RHYL.
	30		2/Lt. PG Burroughs RHA & 2/Lt DA Cons RHA attached to the Bty.
	31		Training and cross country run.

Appendix 'A' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of Jan '44

Hospital Admissions and discharges.

Name.	Admitted.	Discharged.
Gnr. White. S.	4/1/44
Gnr Guilfoyle.	15/1/44
Gnr Gray. W.	22/1/44	29/1/44
Sgt. Lord. A.	24/1/44 (sick on leave)

Appendix 'B' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of Jan '44

	Postings to and from the Battery.

	Lt. W.S. Barrow RHA Posted to R.H.Q. 5th Regt RHA on 8th Jan 44
	Major. F.B. Wyldbore-Smith DSO MBE RHA posted to 11th Armoured Division on 24 Jan 44
	Gnr Rains R. posted to 11th Armoured Division on 24 Jan 44

February 1944 Commanding Officer: Capt G.R.A. Wixley R.H.A
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Cranwich Camp	1-12		Training was carried out on a reduced scale owing to the number of men on disembarkation leave, courses, and the total absence of equipment except for rifles, and a minimum number of essential vehicles for administration.
			The Battery concentrated on small arms shooting on SWAFFHAM Ranges and also fatigues in order to get the camp in proper working order.
	12		There was a Regimental inter-Battery rifle shooting competition which was won by the Battery.
	14		Capt. R. E. Stone MC RHA was posted to RHQ as entertainments Officer to await further posting to entertainments branch of 21st Army Group.
			Lt. M. T. Barstow RHA was posted back to the Battery from 'K' Bty RHA and became G.P.O. of 'C' Troop.
			3 S.P. 25 pdrs on RAM Chassis (SEXTONS) were received by the Battery.
	15-16		Training continued and preparations were made for the inspections of the Brigade by the C.in C. General Sir B.L. Montgomery.
	17	1100	Inspection by C.in C. The Regiment was formed up in the grounds of DIDLINGTON HALL by 0930 hrs and returned to camp at 1215 hrs. The Battery had on parade 6 Officers and 100 O.Rs.
			Major T.J. Cooke MC RHA posted from RHQ (Adjutant) to the Battery as B.C.

March 1944 Commanding Officer: Major. T. J. Cooke M.C. R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Cranwich Camp	18-24		Training on modified scale, owing to delay in receiving any equipment except the 3 SEXTONS.
		1500	Inspection by H.M. the King., at HILLBOROUGH HALL. On this occasion the Regiment paraded with Div R.A. instead of 22 Armoured Brigade.
	25-29		During the period training continued and G1098 equipment began to arrive. By the end of the month the Battery had received 90% of its 'B' vehicles (less ½ tracks) and 1 Sherman Tank for training purposes.
	29		Bdr Reid returned to the Battery from hospital in NORTH AFRICA.
			During this month little real training had been achieved but a great deal had been accomplished. Nearly all the men had not only completed their disembarkation leave but privilege leave as well, so that when the equipment arrived the Battery could train as near 100% strength on parade as possible.
			The new gun drill was worked out and learnt, the new W.E. had been shown to all ranks in the form of blocks on the floor, and nearly everyone was at least in his right place and doing the right job.
			The Battery was now ready to start a months hard basic training, by the end of which the Battery had been ordered to be ready for Regimental and Divisional Schemes.

"CC" Battery R.H.A TRAINING PROGRAMME Week Ending Sat. Feb 19th 44

Day	Personnel	0900--1000hrs	1000--1045hrs	1115--1215hrs	1400--1600hrs	1730--1830hrs

	Gunners	R/T Sig Class	Gundrill	Laying		Lecture on
Mon	Drivers	Instruction Maintenance	Gundrill	Maintenance		Tactics
	Signallers	R/T Sig. Class	Ram, Sherman Equipment.	Maintenance		Capt. Wixley. R.H.A.

	Gunners	R/T Sig Class	Gundrill	Maintenance		Lecture on
Tues	Drivers	Instn. Mainte. R.H.Q	Gundrill	Maintenance		S.P. Tactics and
	Signallers	R/T Sig Class	Tank Driving Maintce. Class	Maintenance Specs, only Refresher Course		Organisation Min Range

	Gunners	R/T Sig Class	Laying	Maintenance
Wed	Drivers	Instruction. Mainte. R.H.Q	Laying	Maintenance Nos 1 Min. Range.		A.B.C.A
	Signallers	R/T Sig Class	Tank Driving Maintce. Class	Maintenance Specs, only Refresher Course

						R/T Class
Thurs	Generals		Inspection			Elementary Wireless
						Off Min Range.

	Gunners	R/T Sig Class	Gundrill	Laying and Maintenance		O.Rs Lecture First Aid
Frid	Drivers	Instruction. Mainte. R.H.Q	Gundrill	Maintenance		Sgt Murray N.C.O.s Cloth Model.
	Signallers	R/T Sig Class	Tank Driving Maintce. Class	Maintenance Specs, only Refresher Course

	Gunners
	Drivers	Preparations for	Inspection
	Signallers

1400hrs	Sports	Sports	Sports
	"CC" Battery Training Prog W/E 26th Feb '44
1730hrs - 1815hrs	R/T	Troop Drill Order	Gun Drill
Monday 21st	B.H.Q	"C" Troop	"H" Troop

0915hrs - 1000hrs		2nd I/C's Maintenance Lecture
1005hrs - 1045hrs	---	Gun Drill & Laying	R/T Instruction
1115hrs - 1200hrs	R/T	-------	Gun Drill & Laying
1400hrs	Sports	Sports	Sports
1730hrs - 1815hrs	Lecture training	Gun Drill & Laying	Tactical with Blocks

Tuesday 22nd
0915hrs - 1000hrs		2nd I/C's Maintenance Lecture
1005hrs - 1045hrs	---	R/T Instruction	Gun Drill
1115hrs - 1200hrs	R/T	Gun Drill	---
1400hrs	Sports	Sports	Sports
1730hrs - 1815hrs	Map Reading Lecture	Tactical with Blocks	Gun Drill

Wednesday 23rd
0915hrs - 1000hrs	R/T	-------	Gun Drill
1005hrs - 1045hrs	---	Gun Drill	R/T
1115hrs - 1200hrs		2nd I/C's Maintenance Lecture
1400hrs	Sports	Sports	Sports
1730hrs - 1815hrs	Tactical/Scheme Blocks (Bty)	Gun Drill	Lecture

Thursday 24th
0915hrs - 1000hrs		2nd I/C's Maintenance Lecture
1005hrs - 1045hrs	---	R/T	Gun Drill
1115hrs - 1200hrs	R/T	Gun Drill	---
1400hrs	Sports	Sports	Sports
1730hrs - 1815hrs	R/T	Troop Drill order with Blocks	Gun Drill

Friday 25th
0915hrs - 1000hrs		2nd I/C's Maintenance Lecture
1005hrs - 1045hrs	---	Gun Drill	R/T
1115hrs - 1200hrs	R/T	-----	Gun Drill
1400hrs	Preparations for inspection
1730hrs - 1815hrs			"H" Troop Drill Order

Continued:	"CC" Battery Training Prog W/E 26th Feb '44
Saturday 26th	B.H.Q	"C" Troop	"H" Troop

A.M		INSPECTIONS
P/M		Football Match v "A" Sqdn, 1st R.T.R. at Mundford

NOTES:-	The following are Standard:-
	1115hrs - 1215hrs	Maintenance hour
	1200hrs - 1230hrs	Officers & Signallers R/T
	1115hrs - 1215hrs	Mondays - Fridays Officers Min. Range.

ESC			Major R.H.A.
18/2/44			Commanding "CC" Battery R.H.A

	Signal ½ hour	1200 - 1230
	Tuesday 1730 hrs	Offrs and WOs lecture
	by 8 H
	Sunday 1200 -1700	Offrs TEWT

Note:- The text in Blue above is hand written on the originals.

Appendix 'A' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of February '44

Hospital Admissions and discharges.

Name.	Admitted.	Discharged.
Dvr Groombridge. G.	4 Feb '44	-
Dvr Moscovitch, L.	14 Feb '44	-
Dvr Kyle. A.E.	24 Feb '44	-
Dvr. Woodall. J.	28 Feb '44	-
Dvr. Mellows. R.	28 Feb '44	-

Appendix 'B' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of February '44

	Postings to and from the Battery.
2/Lt. GP Burroughs RHA.	)	Posted to the Battery on 2 Feb '44
2/Lt. DN. Cons. RHA.	)
Lt. MT. Barstow. RHA	)	Posted to the Battery from 'K' Battery RHA on 14 Feb '44
Major TJ Cooke MC RHA.	)	Posted to the Battery from RHQ. 24 Feb '44
Gnr. Severn F.M	)	Posted to the Battery from RHQ. 24 Feb '44
Gnr. Allen. J.M.	)
Gnr. Binmore. W.J	)
Gnr. Bowker. W.D.	)
Gnr. Bridges. F	)
Dvr. Carr. E.V.	)
Gnr. Davies. E.G.	)
Gnr. Dewar. R.A.	)
Gnr. Etheridge. A	)
Dvr. Faulkner. C.	)	Posted to the Battery as reinforcements on 19 Feb '44.
Gnr. Fairburn. K.A	)
Gnr. Green. W.J.	)
Gnr. Griffiths. B.R.	)
Gnr. Jelley. J.T.	)
Gnr. Marshall. R.F.	)
Gnr. Smith. L.S.	)
Dvr. Smith. R.	)
Gnr. Taylor. T.	)
Gnr. Mellows. J.	)
Dvr. Read. P.	)
Bdr. Reid. A.		Posted to the Battery from 101 Reinforcement Group on 29 Feb '44

Capt. RE. Stone. MC RHA.		Posted to RHA on 14 Feb '44
Gnr. Guilfoyle. RC.		Posted to the 'Y' List on 5 Feb '44.
Sgt. Lord. A		Posted to the 'Y' List on 12 Feb '44.

Appendix 'C' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of February '44

	Courses.

Name.	Type of Course.	Period.	Place.
Lt. PAB Wickham.	'A' Vehicle Waterproof	1 - 26 Feb.	Rhyl.
L/Sgt Chapman.	'A' Vehicle Waterproof	1 - 26 Feb.	Rhyl.
L/Bdr Dipper.	Sherman Course	8 Feb - 21 March.	Rhyl.
L/Bdr Headington.	Sherman Course	8 Feb - 16 Feb.	Rhyl.
Gnr Maisey.	RAM Course	8 Feb - 21 March.	Rhyl.
Gnr Meaden.	RAM Course	8 Feb - 21 March.	Rhyl.
Bdr Bartley	Mines Course	7 Feb - 9 Feb.	Didlington.
L/Bdr Course.	Mines Course	7 Feb - 9 Feb.	Didlington.
L/Bdr Botting	O.P.As Course	9 Feb - 16 Feb.	Larkhill
Dvr Collins.	Dvr/Mechs.	10 Feb - 24 Feb.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Nicholls.	Dvr/Mechs.	10 Feb - 11 March.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Smith G.W.	Dvr/Mechs.	10 Feb - 11 March.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Parfitt. E	Dvr/Mechs.	10 Feb - 11 March.	Huddersfield.
Pte Conkleton.	Officers Mess Cook's Course.	15 Feb - 7 March.	Aldershot.
L/Bdr Nott. J.	Dvr/Mechs.	17 Feb - 18 March.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Davies GAT.	Dvr/Mechs.	17 Feb - 18 March.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Smith JN.	Dvr/Mechs.	17 Feb - 18 March.	Huddersfield.
Dvr Webber. E.G	Dvr/Mechs.	17 Feb - 18 March.	Huddersfield.
Bdr Forbes. G.	Waterproofing Course	27 Feb - 4 March.	Westcliff.
Bdr Eade. S.	Div Mines Course.	27 Feb - 29 Feb.	Didlington.

March 1944

Commanding Officer: Major. T. J. Cooke M.C. R.H.A.

Place

Date

Hour

Summary of Events and Information

References to Appendices

Cranwich Camp

Capt. D.L Benke posted to the Bty from K Bty as Battery Captain.

Capt. G.R.A. Wixley R.H.A. who had been in the Battery since its foundation in November '40 left to command a Battery in 5th Field Regt. R.A.

3 Officers and 21 O.Rs (Capt T.R.D. Belgrave i/c party) left to collect 5 SEXTONS from WOOLWICH and returned with them on March 5th.

1630

The Adjutant General. Lt. General Sir Ronald Adams visited the Regiment and spoke to all Officers, W.Os, Sgts & L/Sgts giving them a summary of the war situation in all parts including the S.W. Pacific.

2-14

Training started in earnest and by March 14th both Troops were capable of simple drill order in the new SEXTONS.

Battery Soccer match against 511 Bty R.A. (Essex Yeomanry) which was won 1 - 0.

The Essex Yeomanry who were living 5 miles away also had SEXTONS and as they had had them for a few months there was as much liaison with them as possible in order to "pick their brains" and find out the answers to any of the small difficulties.

An inter subsection Gun Drill Competition was postponed owing to thick mist.

Inter-subsection competition was held and won by 'B' Subsection (Sgt Townsend). This was followed by a demonstration by both troops to the C.O. of a normal troop deployment.

First Battery Drill Order took place.

The Battery did a Battle practice with 1 R.Tanks on the STANDFORD Battle area, this was followed by course shooting.

The Battery did a fire and movement scheme on the STANDFORD Battle area.

Football match V Divisional C.M.P. won 10 - 3.

Training continued. During the month a great deal of hard work had been put into the training by all ranks and the results were beginning to show. Although not ready for war in all respects the Battery could have gone and fought the next day and produced an adequate thought not perfect. As a result of the courses at RAMT School Rhyl the maintenance of tracked vehicles was by now on a very firm basis. The gun detachments had made tremendous effort in this respect and had achieved a consequently good answers

Major TJ Cooke MC RHA

Bty Cmdr.

Capt. D.L. Benke. RHA

Bty Capt.

Capt W.H.H. Allon RHA

"C" Tp Cmdr.

Capt. TRD Belgrave. RHA

"C" Tp Cmdr.

Lt. M.T. Barstow RHA

"C" Tp G.P.O.

Lt. A.B. Curtis. RHA

"H" Tp G.P.O.

2/Lt D.N. Cons. RHA

'C' Tp Leader

2/Lt. P.G. Burroughs RHA

'H' Tp Leader

Lt. R. Whitely RHA

C.P.O

Lt. P.E. Arni. RHA

Spare 'H' Tp Leader

Lt. P. Wickham. RHA

A.C.P.O

2/Lt. W.R.. Pierce.

Appendix 'A' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of March '44

Hospital Admissions and discharges.

Name.	Admitted.	Discharged.
Sgt. T. Stewart. MM.	21 March '44	-
Dvr. B. Rack	22 March '44	-
Gnr. W. Rispin	26 March '44	-
Dvr G. Groombridge.	-	14 March '44

Appendix 'B' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for Month of March '44

	Postings to and from the Battery.
Capt. D.L. Benke. RHA.		Posted to the Battery from 'K' Battery RHA on 1 March 44.
Gnr. Webb. G.H.		Posted to the Battery from 'K' Battery RHA on 1 March 44.
L/Bdr. Ansell. W		Posted to the Battery from 101 Reinforcement Group on 14 March 44.
L/Sgt. Hailwood		Posted to the Battery from 'K' Battery RHA on 19 March 44.

Capt. GRA. Wixley. R.H.A		Posted to 5th Field Regt R.A. on 2 March 44.
Gnr. Bates. A.E.		Posted to 5th Field Regt R.A. on 2 March 44.
Sgt. Ware. C.		Posted to R.H.Q. on 2 March 44.

Appendix 'C' to "CC" Bty 5th Regt RHA. WAR DIARY

for Month of March '44

	Courses.

Name.	Type of Course.	Period.	Place.
Gnr Gibson	Cooks Course	11 March - 31 March.	Oswestry.
Gnr. Gibb. J.	Cooks Course	11 March - 31 March.	Oswestry.
Gnr. Appleby. G..	Cooks Course	11 March - 31 March.	Oswestry.
Lt. P.G. Burroughs RHA	'B' Vehicles Waterproofing	23 March - 1 April '44.	Rhyl.

"CC" Battery R.H.A Training Programme Week-ending 4th March ' 44

DAY	0900--1000hrs	1000--1045hrs	1115--1200hrs	1200--1230hrs	1430hrs	1730--1815hrs

MONDAY				Officers
BHQ			R/T	&	Sports	Lecture Training
C Trp	Gun Drill & Laying	R/T Instruction	Maintenance	Signallers	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Gun Drill & Laying
H Trp	R/T Instruction	Gundrill & Laying	Maintenance	R/T	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Tactical with Blocks

TUESDAY				Officers
BHQ			R/T	&	Sports	Map Reading Lecture
C Trp	R/T Instruction	Gun Drill & Laying	Maintenance	Signallers	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Tactical with Blocks
H Trp	Gun Drill & Laying	R/T Instruction	Maintenance	R/T	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Gun Drill
						Officers & W/Os Lecture by 8th Hussars.

WEDS.
BHQ			R/T	Officers	Sports	Tactical with Blocks
C Trp	Gun Drill & Laying	R/T Instruction	Maintenance	&	Sports	Gun Drill
H Trp	R/T Instruction	Gun Drill & Laying	Maintenance	Signallers	Sports	Lecture
				R/T

THURS.
BHQ			R/T	Officers	Sports	R/T Instruction
C Trp	R/T Instruction	Gun Drill & Laying	Maintenance	&	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Drill order with Blocks
H Trp	Gun Drill & Laying	XXX	Maintenance	Signallers	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Gun Drill
				R/T		Officers & W/Os Lecture by C.R.E..

FRIDAY
BHQ			R/T	Officers	Sports	Preparations
C Trp		Gun Drill & Laying	Maintenance	&	Drill orders (Dismounted)	for
H Trp	Gun Drill	R/T Instruction	Maintenance	Signallers	Drill orders (Dismounted)	Inspection
				R/T		H Trp. Drill Order

SAT.
	INSPECTION				Sports

SUN.	1200hrs - 1700hrs	Officers	T. E. W. T.

Note:- The following is Standard - 1820hrs MON. TUE. THUR. FRI.				Officers Miniature Range.		Major R.H.A
						Commanding "CC" Battery R.H.A

"CC" Battery R.H.A Training Programme for week ending 11th March ' 44

Date			0900--1045hrs	1115--1200hrs	1200--1230hrs	1400hrs	1730--1815hrs

Mon March 6th
		HQ.	Driving & R/T Instr.	Maintenance		Driv. Instr	Tp. Lecture.
		C & H	Mounted Gun Drill	"		Laying, or Sports.	"

Tue 7th.
		HQ.	Driving & R/T Instr.	"		"	"
		C & H.	Mounted Gun Drill	"		"	"

Wed 8th.
		HQ.	Driving & R/T Instr.	"	Indoors	"	"
		C & H.	Mounted Gun Drill	"	Signals Exercise	"	"

Thurs 9th.
		HQ	Driving & R/T Instr.			"	"
		C	Troop Drill Order			"	"
		H	Mounted Gun Drill			"	"

Fri. 10th.
		HQ.	Driving & R/T Instr.		Indoors	Preparation	Pay
		C.	Mounted Gun Drill		Signals	for	Parades
		H.	Troop Drill Order		Exercise	Inspections	"

Sat. 11th.		HQ, C, and H.	INSPECTION........................................................................

Note	(a)	The afternoon period will be devoted to sports as and when football grounds are available.
	(b)	Miniature Range 1820 - 1900 hrs for Officers and W.Os as detailed in orders.
	(c)	Young Specialist Class Mon - Thursday (incl) 1400 - 1500 hrs.
							Major R.H.A
							Commanding "CC" Battery R.H.A

"CC" BATTERY TRAINING PROGRAMME W/E 18MAR 44.

DAY		0900--1045hrs	1115--1200hrs	1200--1230hrs	1400hrs	1730--1815hrs

MON	BHQ	R/T & Driving Inston	Parade under T.C.	Trp R/T indoor Exercise	Maintenance	Parades under T.Cs.
	C	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	Lecture A Vehicles
	H	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	Maintenance (Capt Allon)

TUE	BHQ	R/T & Driving Inston	Parade under T.C.	Trp R/T indoor Exercise	Maintenance	Parades under T.Cs.
	C	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	"
	H	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	"

WED	BHQ	Driving Instruction	Parade under T.C.		Football Match	Parades under T.Cs.
Postponed	C \|	Inter Sub-Section	Laying		Bty v Essex Yeo.	"
	H \|	Gun Drill Competition	Laying		(Away)	"

THURS	BHQ	Parade under T.C.	Scheme	Trp R/T indoor Exercise	Maintenance	Parades under T.Cs.
	C	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	"
	H	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"	"
					Capt's kit inspection	Bomber Pilots Lecture

FRI	BHQ.	Parade under T.C.		Trp R/T indoor Exercise	Maintenance	Pay Parades
	C.	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"
	H.	Gun Drill	Laying	"	"

SAT	BHQ.	INSPECTION........................................................................
	C.
	H.				S P O R T S

Cadre for all Officers, W.Os., Nos 1 & 2 i./cs.				1820 hrs Daily	Miniature Range
				Monday C Trp	Offrs & W.Os.	Weds & Thurs Nos 1 under
M.T. N.C.Os. and Drivers				Tuesday H Trp	" " "	B.S.M.
				Friday HQ Trp	" " "
Bty Specialists	1115 hrs 1400
Thursday 2,
Tues 2,		Young specialists 0915
Wed 1,
Monday 2,

Note:- The text in Blue above is hand written on the originals.

"CC" BATTERY TRAINING PROGRAMME W/E 25 MAR 44.

DAY		0900--1045hrs	1115--1200hrs	1200--1230hrs	1400hrs	1730--1815hrs	1815 -- 1900

MON	BHQ	Parade under T.C.	Specialist Class	Young Officer's	Maintenance	Parades under	Y.Offrs &.
20th	C	0900 hrs Gun Drill	C.O's.	& OP/A's.	&	T.Cs.	OP/As
	H	Inter-Subsection Comp.	GUN DRILL	Miniature Range	Specialist Classes		Min.Range

		Signallers
TUE	BHQ	Young ~~Specialist~~ R//T	Sten Gun Cadre	T.C's. Min.	Maintenance	A Veh Maint.	GPO's &
	C	Gun Drill & Laying	(under BSM)	Range	&	Lecture by	A/GPO's
	H	Gun Drill ~~Troop Drill Order~~	[HQ C & H]		Specialist Classes	Capt. Allon	Min.Range
					& link line Scheme		Under Capt.

WED	BHQ	Young Sigs R/T			Bty Staff Drill	A Veh Maint.	Subalterns
	C	Troop Drill Order			Order & Wireless	Lecture by	Miniature
	H	" " "			Exercise.	Capt. Allon	Range

		Bty Staff Drill Order
THURS	BHQ	~~D. R.. Scheme~~		Battery Indoor	~~Battery Staff~~	Parades	T.Cs'.
	C	Gun Drill ~~Troop Drill Order~~	Sten Gun	R/T	~~Drill Order~~	under	Miniature
	H	" " ~~Gun Drill & Laying~~	Inst'n	Exercises	Maintenance	T.C.s	Range
		(under TSM's)

FRI	BHQ.	)			Preparations	Pay
	C.	) Battery Drill Order	.................		for	Parades
	H.	)			Inspections

SAT	BHQ.
	C.	I n s p e c t i o n s
	H.

Note:- The text in Blue above is hand written on the originals.

April 1944 Commanding Officer: Major. T. J. Cooke M.C. R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Cranwich Camp	1		Lt Col F.B. Wyldbore-Smith D.S.O. M.B.E. who commanded the Battery on HOMS and in Italy was married at the Savoy Chapel in London. The wedding was attended by all Officers from the Battery, who were in Italy with him and the 12 senior W.Os and Sgts who formed a guard of honour outside the church.
	2-4		Training continued.
	5	1400	Major General A.A. Goschen C.B. D.S.O. Colonel Commandant R.H.A. visited the Regiment and walked round the Battery/
	7		The Battery tried out Regimental link shooting on STANFORD ranges.
			This was followed by course shooting under Battery arrangements.
	8	1100	The C.O. inspected the Battery.
		1600	Inspection by Lt.General Sir Robert Gordon-Finlayson Col Cmdt R.A. who inspected the guns and then gave a short address to all ranks.
	9		Easter Sunday. Owing to restrictions on rail travel there was no week end leave over this week end.
	10		The Battery concentrated on maintenance in preparation for a fairly strenuous week.
	11	1500	The Battery moved off to concentrate for the night in the area of SWAFFHAM with 22 Armd Bde prior to Brigade exercise the following day.
			One gun went up to THORNHAM to carry out absolute calibration under Divisional arrangements. Lt. R. Whitley RHA was i/c of the gun and for the calibration of Divisional Artillery.
	12	0900	Bde Exercise "SPRINGBOK". The Battery acted as 'swinger' Battery to the Regiment and joined in some quick Regimental concentrations which were fired but as 1 R.Tanks were not out everyone had a rather boring day.
		1500	The Battery moved to the Northern end of THETFORD training area to join 1 R.Tanks in close leaguer for night prior to exercise KANGAROO the following day.
	13	0500	Reveille.
		0540	Open out from close leaguer.
		0540	This was the first day that the Battery had been in close leaguer and had shaken out into open formation for many months: During the ensuing exercise 1 R.Tanks group (including 'CC' Bty) was the enemy and attacked the remainder of 22 Armd Bde who were in battle position on the STANFORD battle area. Smoke was fired by both sides instead of H.E.
		1600	Return to camp.
	14		Maintenance all day.
		1730	The remaining 7 SEXTONS went up on transporters to THORNHAM ranges to zero the next morning and then out comparative calibration against the standard gun in the Battery.
	15	0945	Guns were zeroed under Div Artillery arrangements at THORNHAM ranges.
		1215	Comparative calibration against the standard gun that had undergone absolute calibration, on SANCTUARY Ranges.
	15-16		The Battery staff vehicles which had done a wireless scheme under the Battery Captain arrived at the range and after the calibration the whole Battery including the guns (transporters not being available for the return journey) did a drill order, which included a night march and night occupation, back to arriving at 1030 hrs the following morning.
	17		The Battery concentrated on maintenance as a result of the two previous days and in anticipation of the following day.
	18		A Regimental day on the STANFORD battle area. The Regiment too out the exact vehicles, with which it was going to fight for the first fortnight of the Second Front. Quick Regimental deployment and engagement of Regimental targets and quick barrages was tried out and as far as the Battery was concerned was highly successful. The Registration by the O.Ps and the work at the Command Posts was quick and accurate.
	19		Maintenance. A conference was held for Troop Commanders to discuss personnel who were getting short due to sickness and medical regrading etc..... Word has just be received from R.H.Q. that there was little chance of getting any further reinforcements, and it was therefore decided to training up as many drivers as possible out of fatigue men such as cookhouse personnel etc., and put the gunners (who were by now quite trained) into the cookhouse.
	20-21		Divisional Exercise Kelly's Eye II. The Battery did not take part but the B.C. Capt WHH Allon., Capt TRD Belgrave. & Lt. PAB Wickham took part as umpires for 3rd Regt R.H.A.
	22	1100	Visit of the Russian Military Mission.
			The whole Regiment was liner up on the concrete Gun Park in two ranks (facing inwards) by Btys and the visiting Generals walker up through the ranks and then afterwards inspected the various types of equipment.
	23		Sunday. Three Drivers went to YARMOUTH on 2 days course, vehicle wading.	App C.
	24		All leave except compassionate leave had been stopped on April 15th. A scheme opened whereby 3% approximately of the Battery could be away on "Special Compassionate" leave. Names for this were drawn out of the hat.
			Normal Compassionate was permitted to continue provided the case was exceptional.
	25		Regtl. inter Staff Drill Order. A six a side inter-section Football League was started, 2 matches being played each evening, 20 minutes each way.
	26	0915	Regtl.Staff Drill Order.
		1900	L/Bdr Pye and Dvr. Smith G.W. were injured when one of the recreational trucks going to Downham Market hit a ½ track which had just been drawn from CHILWELL for the Regt. amd was being driven back to the camp.
	27		2/Lt. D.N. Cons R.H.A. and 15 Drivers left to attend a 2 day sea wading course at LOWESTOFT.
	28		Driving Instruction and maintenance.
	29		Proper Saturday inspections were carried out bt the B.C. Owing to exercises etc., this was the first inspection that had been made for several weeks.
	30		The month ended with training completed and the Bty., concentrating on maintenance in preparation for waterproofing. The final W.E of vehicles was still not firm and the Bty., possessed a number of odd spare vehicles varying from Sherman tanks to M/C's for which it was impossible to supply proper drivers, owing to the shortage of personnel on the new establishment.
			A number of drivers had been medically down graded during the past 3 months and it had become necessary to teach every available man how to drive. The shortage of qualified drivers appeared to be acute.

Appendix 'A' to "CC" Battery 5 RHA. War Diary

for month of April 1944

Hospital Admissions and discharges.

Name.	Admitted.	Discharged.
L/Sgt. Ewing. A.E.	10 April '44	-
Gnr. Rispin. W.		15 April '44
Gnr. Goodrick. R.H.	15 April '44	27 April '44
Bdr. Eade. S.	26 April '44
Dvr Bowker. W.	26 April '44
Dvr Woodall. J.		27 April '44
Dvr Hagger. S.R.	25 April '44
L/Bdr (DO) Pye. J	26 April '44
Dvr. Smith. G.W.	26 April '44

Appendix 'B' to "CC" Battery 5th Regt RHA. War Diary

for month of April 1944

	Postings to and from the Battery.
W/Sgt. Murray. W		Posted to Home Details on 18th April '44.
Bdr (DO) Layhe. J.		Posted to Home Details on 18th April '44.
Gnr West A.W.G.		Posted to Home Details on 21st April '44.
L/Bdr (Gun Fit) Fors		Posted to the Battery from G Battery RHA on 24 April '44.
Gnr (Gun Fit) Watts.		Posted to G Battery RHA on 24 April '44.

Appendix 'C' to "CC" Battery 5th Regt RHA. WAR DIARY

for month of April 1944

	Courses Attended.

Name.	Course attended.	Place. & date.
L/Bdr Ansell. W.	A/Typhus.	70 Field Hygiene 2 - 8 April '44
Gnr. House. W.S.	Unit Clerks Course.	RA Records. Footscray. 15 April - 5th May '44
Dvr Nicholles. W	Water Splash Course	Yarmouth. 23 - 25 Apr
Dvr Young R.	" " "	" "
Dvr Smith. J.N	" " "	" "
Dvr Padgett. O.	" " "	" "

Dvr Rosier	Salt water Driving	Lowestoft.. 28 - 29 Apr
Dvr Parfitt.	" " "	" "
Dvr Couper.	" " "	" "
Dvr Wright G.	" " "	" "
Dvr Hewitt. F.	" " "	" "
Dvr Malia. E.	" " "	" "
Dvr Tucker.	" " "	" "
Dvr Benton. A.E.	" " "	" "
Dvr Gray W.	" " "	" "
Dvr Wicks.	" " "	" "
L/Bdr Baugh C.W.	" " "	" "
D/M King. A.	" " "	" "
Dvr Barnstable.	" " "	" "
Dvr Groombridge.	" " "	" "
L/Bdr Nott.	" " "	" 29 - 30 Apr
Dvr Ashman.	" " "	" "
Dvr Giddings.	" " "	" "
Dvr Smith. R.	" " "	" "
Dvr Shepherd	" " "	" "

May 1944 - December 1944

Missing

Note - All Diaries for 1945 are missing

If any one had any information relating to the missing War Diaries please contact me.

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