They were at the time they went to Aldbourne and Ramsbury, very much a Territorial Army unit, not really ready for battle. As time passed a lot of them were sent home to the 119th Field Regiment which was their reserve training unit.  Many of the officers including Major Wynn, as he was an older man. 

Combat soldiers were generally selected from the 20-30 year old age group. Many of the younger men who came to your village, whilst very enthusiastic,were too young or inexperienced to go to war. The older men were not as fit as they needed to be. The training that they did sorted this out. The older experienced men were needed in the 119th to train the recruits.

In October/November the new replacements Arrived in Aldbourne and Ramsbury. These were battle experienced ex-Regular Army Reservists who had been in the British Colonial Armies around the world. They were put there to bolster the Territorials, who whilst well trained, had never been under fire. Several of these men went on to be awarded medals for bravery as the war progressed.   

Two names who joined at this time stand out. Lt Peter Mennell and Lt  Kenneth Jupp. Both ended the War as Majors.

Peter Mennell eventually became second in Command of the Regiment. He became a Diplomat and the British High Commissioner to the Bahamas. 

Ken Jupp was awarded the Military Cross at Anzio. After the war he was knighted as a High Court Judge.

The reorganisation upon joining the 1st Infantry Division in France and subsequent retraining was severe. Turning a parochial Territorial Army unit into a battle hardened fighting Regiment which went on to outperform many of their contemporaries over the next five years.

 

 

67th Field Regiment RA War Diary Sept – Dec 1939.

Worcester – 01.09.39 – 1830 hrs – Telegram from Divisional HQ ordering embodiment.

1920 – Telegram from Divisional HQ ordering display of poster A.F.E. 634.

2359 – Men reporting at 265 & 266 Batteries were ordered to return home and report again at 0800 hours the following morning.

Worcester – 02.09.39 – 0800 hrs – Buildings taken over:

265 Battery

Regtl. H.Q. 265 Bty H.Q. Drill Hall Southfield Str.

Officers Mess Worcester Arboretum Rooms

A Troop & ½ B Troop Perrins Hall, Worcester

½ B Troop & C Troop Railway Mission Hall, Worcester

266th Battery

266 Bty. H.Q. Drill Hall, Malvern

Balance 266 H.Q Memorial Hall

and D Troop Barnards Green

E Troop Foley’s Inst.

F Troop & Officers Mess Priory Small Hall, Avenue Rd.Malvern.

1000 – Brevet Colonel A.C.W. Hobson M.C., T.D. assumed command of the regiment.

2359 – 265 Bty. – 12 Officers embodied – 290 W.O’s & N.C.O’s & Men embodied. 3 absentees – 2 absent with leave (employed on evacuation scheme) – 1 absent without leave: – Gnr. Jones L.V. – 12 men still to pass doctor.

2359 – 266 Bty. – 12 Officers embodied, including one unattached Officer, asked for.

247 W.O’s & N.C.O’s & Men embodied – 5 absentees, 2 of which can be accounted for: – 1 in Sanatorium, 1 on Militia training. 2 men rejected as medically unfit: – Lawrence E.B. – Fish F.G. – 20 men still to pass doctor.

Embodiment proceeding smoothly.

Worcester – 03.09.39 – 1200 hrs – 265 Bty. – 2 Officers reported from 119th Fld. Regt. – 2/Lt Shepherd, 2/Lt Blythe. 1 man reported – Gnr. Jones L.V.

266 Bty. – 2 Officers reported from 119th Fld. Regt. – 2/Lt Chalmers, 2/Lt Lindner.

Regtl. H.Q. – 1 Officer reported from 119th Fld. Regt. – 2/Lt Whitehouse.

2359 – 265 Bty. – 6 men still to pass doctor.

04.09.39 – 0259 hrs – Telegram from Div. H.Q. authorising purchase locally of approved P.A.D. stores deficient on allotment vide SMA 251/27/4 Para 3, dated 20th March 1939, Army additional immediate requirements. Purchases to be made from trader’s stock. Bills to be passed to D.A.D.O.S.

Worcester – 4.9.39 – 2150 hrs – Telegram from Divisional H.Q. requesting details of stores and personnel which cannot be moved by batteries. Details wired to Oxford 2300 hrs.

2359 hrs – Officers embodied – 265th Battery – 20

266th Battery – Officers embodied – 14 265 Other Ranks – 294 266 Other Ranks – 250

Absentees – 2 (Both accounted for)

Embodiment completed

Worcester – 5.9.39 – 0800 hrs – Bar. 2958 0800 – Battery Commanders and 2nd i/c attended lecture at Divisional H.Q. by Major Howard I.G.

1200 – Bar. 2960 1200 – Inspection of the requisitioned buildings by the Commanding Officer.

1400 – Parades as under Battery Orders: – 256.Bty. Sandbagging & Classes. 266.Bty. – Map Reading.

Worcester – 6.9.39 – 0800 hrs – Bar. 2966

0900 – Warning order to move concentration area received from 144th Inf. Bde. (App. 5)

1200 – Bar. 2968

1300 – Training proceeding in accordance with training programme. (App. 2)

1430 – 266th Bty. Lt. Kerr reported for duty.

1600 – Bar. 2969.

2359 – Half Holiday.

Worcester – 7.9.39 – 0800 hrs – Bar. 2972

1230 – Brigadier the Hon. E.F. Lawson D.S.O., T.D., C.R.A., inspected accommodation at Drill Hall and requisitioned buildings.

1300 – Morning training proceeded in accordance with training programme. (App. 2)

1700 – Troops engaged in digging and filling sandbags.

Worcester – 8.9.39 – 0800 hrs – Bar. 2974

0900 – Operation orders received from 144 Inf. Bde. (App. 3)

1200 – 67th Field Regt. Operation Orders sent out to Batteries.

1300 – Training proceeding in accordance with training programme. Guns packed for inspection by C.O.

1415 – Subalterns training on miniature range.

1700 – Troops employed under Battery Arrangements.

Worcester – 9.9.39 – 0800 hrs – Arrangements as under Battery Orders.

1130 – 265 Bty. Bathing parade. 102 men on parade.

1230 – Half Holiday.

1700 – Amendment & Addendum to O.O. No 1 received.

1830 – Visit from the Rev. R.C. Unwin, 68th Fld. Regt.

Worcester – 10.9.39 – 0945 hrs – Parade for Church Parade in the Cathedral.

1230 – Half Holiday.

Worcester – 11.9.39 – 0900 hrs – Advance party moved off under Capt. Foster. 0900 hrs – Training proceeding in accordance with training programme.

1200 – Commanding Officer inspected classes at Old Hills.

1415 – Games and P.T. in accordance with Battery Orders.

1730 – Orders received to move guns on 12.9.39

Worcester – 12.9.39 – 1000 hrs – 2 vehicles arrived at Worcester and 8 at Malvern to tow guns to concentration area.

1130 – 2 vehicles transferred from Malvern to Worcester, and guns with steel tyre wheels despatched

1200 – 2 further vehicles arrived at Worcester and were despatched with guns. 1200 – 6 vehicles left Malvern under command of Capt. Shrimpton.

1400 – 2 further vehicles arrived at Worcester and were despatched with remaining guns, under Lt. Styles.

1500 – 2 guns despatched from Malvern, 1 outside vehicle and 2-15 cwt’s being used. All guns now on the road to concentration area.

1700 – Lt. Styles telephoned that 1 vehicle had broken down, two replacement vehicles had been procured and the party was proceeding. Men engaged in preparation for the move, and sandbagging under Battery arrangements. Miniature range practice under

Capt. Brotherton for Junior Officers.

Worcester – 13.9.39 – 0900 hrs – Loading of luggage proceeding.

1015 – Report from Capt. Shrimpton from Ramsbury that all guns have arrived there.

1230 – Baggage vehicles departed for concentration area under Lt. Jacomb.

1400 – 265 Bty. – Half Holiday 266 Bty. – Half Holiday.

1830 – Lt. Jacomb returned with 7 vehicles & reported 2 vehicles damaged in return journey owing to skidding. Damaged vehicles being towed under Lt. Shepherd.

2000 – Lt. Shepherd returned with damaged vehicles.

Worcester – 14.9.39 – 0700 hrs – Work proceeding on damaged vehicles. One repaired and one sent to garage for further repairs.

0915 – Cooks and baggage party departed for concentration area.

1100 – Remainder of the batteries embussed and departed for concentration area.

1500 – Arrival at concentration area. Troops debussed and marched into billets.

Regtl HQ.) Ramsbury 226 Bty.) Ramsbury 265 Bty.) Aldbourne

1930 – Visit from Major Davies R.E. & Major Gardner R.E.

Ramsbury – 15.9.39 – 0800 hrs – Troops engaged in improving billets.

1030 – Visit from Capt. Cross & Major Boultbee from Div. H.Q.

1100 – Visit from Capt. Unwin.

1200 – C.O. visited 265 Bty at Aldbourne & inspected billets.

Lunched in Officer’s Mess.

1500 – Orderly Officer visited 265 Bty H.Q.

1700 – 200 gallon water tank towed from Swindon for storing water for Regtl. H.Q.

1800 – Pay Parade.

Ramsbury – 16.9.39 – 0700 hrs – Trucks despatched to Tidworth for stores.

0800 – Bar. 2942

0900 – Training proceeding as under Battery orders. E Troop moved to better billets.

1000 – Recce of water supply by Orderly Officer.

1100 – Visit for Lt. Whitwell for information regarding our requirements for water supply screens etc.

1200 – Bar. 2943

1230 – Visit from Major Davies R.E.

1300 – Half Holiday. Six officers depart for course at School of Artillery: – Major Flay. Capt. Brotherton. Capt. Beard. Lt. Whatley. Lt. Gilbertson. Lt. Styles. & 4 O.R’s.

1730 – Visit from Col. Holland G.S.O.I. of Div. and Col. Gore-Brown A.A. & Q.M.G. of Div.

Ramsbury – 17.9.39 – 0700 hrs – Lt. Quartermaster returned to Worcester to collect stores not yet transported to Ramsbury. Two Gnrs. Left 265 Bty to joint 119th Field Regt.

0800 – C.O. & 2nd i/c attended church.

1000 – Church parade – 266th Bty Parish Church, Ramsbury – 265 Bty Parish Church, Aldbourne.

1430 – 265 Bty moved their guns from gun park Ramsbury to Aldbourne.

Inspection by C.O. and M.O. of model latrines at H.Q. R.A.M.C.

Ramsbury – 18.9.39 – 1000 hrs – C.O. attended conference at Div H.Q.

1130 – Visit from Major Davies R.E.

1430 – Bty Commanders conference at Regtl. H.Q.

Orders received from C.O. 265 Bty Half Holiday.

266 Bty parade for instruction as under Bty Orders.

1730 – Visit from Lt. Whitwell R.E. with men and materials for constructing shelter over cooking quarters and latrines.

Ramsbury – 19.9.39 – 0900 hrs – Two vehicles under Orderly Officer despatched to Tidworth to collect anti-gas capes. Battery parade as detailed in Battery Orders.

1000 – Recce of training area carried out by C.O. and Adjutant.

1415 – Inspection of site for baths carried out by C.O. and 2nd i/c.

1430 – Medical examination by M.O. in order to submit urgent list of men unfit to Div H.Q. Details of local Air Raid Warning system investigated by Orderly Officer at Ramsbury Police station.

2100 – Messing Officers attended at Regtl H.Q. for instruction by Lt. Quartermaster Whitlock.

Ramsbury – 20.9.39 – 0945 hrs – Instructions in Stage I. & Stage II given to selected personnel by Major Howard I.G. Southern Comd.

1400 – Instruction on deployment given by Major Howard.

1800 – Medical Inspection by M.O. concluded.

1830 – Football match: Sigs v H.Q. victory to H.Q. 3-0. List of code names to be used in training received from C.R.A. (App. 5) Training instructions received from 144 Inf. Bde.

Ramsbury – 21.9.39 – 0845 hrs – Training proceeding as under Bty Orders.

1430 – Deployment and stage I & II training for officers.

1800 – C.O’s parade for all officers in County Library.

Ramsbury – 22.9.39 – 0845 hrs – Regimental classes as usual.

1200 – Visit and inspection by G.O.C. 48 Div. Major-General Roberts VC, DSO, OBE, MC.

1400 – Continuation of training. Certain Officers and O.R’s left for week-end leave.

Ramsbury – 23.9.39 – 1000 hrs – Inspection of billets by C.O.

1100 – Officers miniature range.

1300 – Half Holiday.

1800 – 265 Bty Dance held in canteen for all ranks.

Ramsbury – 24.9.39 – 1030 hrs – Church parade. C.O. and Adjutant attended church at Aldbourne.

1300 – Half Holiday.

Ramsbury – 25.9.39 – 0100 hrs – Return from Week end leave.

1000 – Work commenced by R.E’s on baths at Ramsbury. Training as usual.

Ramsbury – 26.9.39 – 0900 hrs – Directors, Dial sights and other instruments taken to Tidworth for repair. Training as usual.

1400 – Arrival of 4.5. Hows from Hungerford station. Arrival of M.C’s for training.

Ramsbury – 27.9.39 – 1000 hrs – Instruction on Resection given to selected personnel by Major Howard I.G. Southern Comd.

1400 – Instruction on night occupation and duties of G.P.O’s given as before by Major Howard.

1930 – Football Match 266th Bty v Ramsbury Town Lost 3-4.

Ramsbury – 28.9.39 – 1000 hrs – Regtl. Classes as usual and other training as under Bty Orders.

1400 – Continuation of training.

2300 – Arrival of 100 Reservists who were fed at Regtl. H.Q. and divided equally among the Btys.

Ramsbury – 29.9.39 – 1000 hrs – Training as usual.

1200 – 2nd i/c and Adjutant left for week-end leave.

1300 – Standing Orders received from 144 Inf Bde.

1400 – M.O’s inspection of Reservists.

Ramsbury – 30.9.39 – 1000 hrs – Training as usual. Regtl. Classes to cease this day.

Bty’s to train independently.

1200 – Half Holidays.

2000 – 265 Bty Dance for all ranks held in canteen. C.O. attended.

October 1939

1st – 7th No records in diary.

Ramsbury – 8.10.39 – 1030 hrs – Church parade

1400 – Half holiday

Ramsbury – 9.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training under Bty Orders

Ramsbury – 10.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Bty Orders

1745 – Demonstration in Orderly room procedure in Ramsbury County Library by Adjutant and full

supporting cast.

2000 – Concert party in Ramsbury village Hall attended by C.O. Visiting artists entertained at R.H.Q

Ramsbury – 11.10.39 – 0830 hrs – 266 Bty Parade on gun park for scheme under Major Howard I.G. (Instructor Gunnery)

Southern Comd.

1300 – 265 Bty scheme under Major Howard.

Ramsbury – 12.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Bty Orders

1200 – Command Post training for 266 Bty Officers and specialists under the Adjutant.

1430 – Lecture on supplies for all Officers by Capt. Cross 48 Div H.Q.

1500 – Command Post training for 265 Bty.

Ramsbury – 13.10.39 – 1000 hrs – 2nd i/c tested officers 266 Bty on miniature range.

1200 – 2nd i/c and Adjutant left on week end leave.

1430 – Week end leave parties left.

Remainder training as in Bty Orders.

Ramsbury – 14.10.39 – 1000 hrs – Inspection of all billets in Ramsbury by C.O.

1130 – Inspection of all billets in Aldbourne by C.O.

1300 – C.O. took lunch with 265 Bty in Aldbourne.

Half Holiday.

1600 – 266 Bty 266 Bty defeated 265 Bty at Rugger 24 – 0. One casualty admitted to hospital with injured leg.

2130 – Dances held in Ramsbury and Aldbourne.

Ramsbury – 15.10.39 – 1030 hrs – Church parades as in Bty Orders. C.O. attended service at Ramsbury.

1300 – Half Holiday – very wet

Ramsbury – 16.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as under Battery Orders.

1400 – 265 Bty Officers tested on miniature range by 2nd i/c.

1800 – C.O’s lecture to Officers on the German Army.

Ramsbury – 17.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders

1730 – Concert party in Memorial Hall, Ramsbury organised by E.N.S.A. Attended by 265 Bty.

2030 – Concert party for 266 Battery. Attended by C.O.

Ramsbury – 18.10.39 – Training as in Battery Orders

1200 – 265 Battery Officers. Miniature range under 2nd i/c.

1500 – 266 Bty Officers miniature range under 2nd i/c.

Ramsbury – 19.10.39 – 0830 hrs – 265 Battery scheme under Major Howard Instructor Gunnery Southern Command

0930 – 2nd i/c and two Messing Officers visited Warminster for lecture on Messing.

1330 – 266 Battery scheme under Major Howard.

1440 – Officers fitted with ‘Battle Dress’.

1500 – Visit from S.O.M.E. re examination of guns by O.M.E.

Ramsbury – 20.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training in accordance with Battery Orders.

1000 – Divisional scheme training un der Commander Royal Artillery. in Ramsbury Memorial Hall.

1430 – C.O. left on week-end leave.

Ramsbury – 21.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1400 – Half Holiday.

Ramsbury – 22.10.39 – 1030 hrs – Church Parade.

1400 – Half Holiday.

Ramsbury – 23.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1130 – C.O. returned from week-end leave.

2000 – Practice for move by night carried out by vehicles of both Batteries. Route controlled by Military Police.

Ramsbury – 24.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

0930 – Officers of 265 Battery tested on miniature range by Major Howard I.G.

Quartermaster ill in bed.

1400 – Officers of 266 Battery tested by Major Howard.

1900 – Red Cross Held in Ramsbury Memorial Hall.

Ramsbury – 25.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1630 – Rugger match v RASC at Hungerford.

Ramsbury – 26.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1200 – Inspection of billets equipment etc.

1900 – Night Occupation by 266 Battery

Ramsbury – 27.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

Ramsbury – 28.10.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1000 – Inspection of billets by Battery Commanders.

1300 – Half Holiday.

1400 – Inoculations started by M.O.

1500 – Visit from Lt. Col. Nunn May C.O. 119th Field Regt. R.A. (67thFR Training Regiment)

Ramsbury – 29.10.39 – 0730 hrs – 2nd i/c and other officers depart to spectate at West Down ranges.

99th Field Regt. Firing.

0900 – Advance party to West Down departs under Capt. Foster.

1030 – Church Parade.

1300 – C.O. departs for War Office T.E.W.T. (Tactical Exercise Without Troops see Training Sessions Jargon)

1800 – C.O. returns from T.E.W.T. owing to uneasiness with regard to forthcoming enemy movements. Spectators return from West Down.

2000 – 14 Gun Towing Tractors arrive. (4 wheel drive Quads)

Ramsbury – 30.10.39 – 0730 hrs – Officers depart for West Down for further spectating.

0900 – Training as in Battery Orders.

1000 – M.O. continuing with inoculations with local assistance.

1300 – Capt. Foster recalled from West Down to take up post as A.I.L.O. at Odiham.

Ramsbury – 31.10.39 – 0800 hrs – 265 Battery left Aldbourne for Practice Camp at West Down.

0900 – 266 Battery and Regimental H.Q. left Ramsbury for West Down.

1100 – Batteries taking over necessary guns and equipment from 99th Fd. Regt. R.A.

1300 – 265 Battery opening fire.

1430 – Observed fire abandoned owing to poor visibility.

1500 – Three tank shots fired by 265 Battery Gun Position Officers.

1800 – Lecture for all officers by Commander Royal Artillery.

2100 – C.O. retired to bed with temperature.

November

West Down – 1.11.39 – 0900 hrs – 266 Battery firing on orders from Observation Post 18. Visibility poor.

C.O. returned home under care of M.O.

1300 – 265 Battery firing. 266 Battery reconnaissance for night occupation.

West Down – 2.11.39 – 0430 hrs – Night occupation of reconnoitred positions by both Batteries.

0700 – Batteries ready for action.

0800 – Breakfast.

0900 – 266 Battery firing on orders from O.P. 16. Visibility fair.

48 Immatures left Ramsbury for Training Regiment.

(soldiers under age for posting abroad to 119 Field Regt)

1800 – Talk to all officers on result of training camp by C.R.A.

Ramsbury – 3.11.39 – 0830 hrs – Batteries returned to Concentration area under their own arrangements.

3 Officers left at West Down to act as Safety Officers for the 68th Field Regiment R.A.

Batteries occupied in returning equipment, cleaning billets etc.

Ramsbury – 4.11.39. – 0730 hrs – 3 officers depart to spectate at West Down.

0900 – Training under Battery Orders.

47 Immatures left for Training Regiment.

1300 – Half Holiday

1900 – Dance at Aldbourne.

Ramsbury – 5.11.39 – 1030 hrs – Church Parades.

1300 – Half Holiday.

Ramsbury – 6.11.39 – 0930 hrs – Training as under Battery Orders.

1000 – M.O. proceeding with T.A.B inoculations.

Ramsbury – 7.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as under Battery Orders.

1000 – M.O. proceeding with further inoculations.

1100 – Court of Enquiry at R.H.Q. before 2 i/c on Gnr. Moseley for drunkenness and disorderly

behaviour in Aldbourne Saturday night.

1100 – Meeting in Ramsbury of 67th, 68th and 99th Fd. Regts. For sorting out and distributing equipment pooled at firing camp.

1800 – E.N.S.A. Concert in Memorial Hall.

Ramsbury – 8.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

0945 – Orderly Officer vaccinated.

Ramsbury – 9.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1200 – 26 Reservists posted to this Regiment. (making up numbers with experienced ex regular soldiers)

Ramsbury – 10.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1100 – Adjutant and M.O. depart for week end leave.

1530 – 2nd i/c departs on Senior Officers Course.

Ramsbury – 11.11.39 – 0900 hrs Training as in Battery Orders.

1300 – Half holiday.

Ramsbury – 12.11.39 – 1030 hrs – Church Parade. British Legion Armistice Day parade

for ex-servicemen, under Mr Dean Regimental Wreath laid at War Memorial.

1430 – C.O. returns from Sick Leave.

1800 – M.O. returns from week end leave.

Ramsbury – 13.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Order.

1230 – 8 new vehicles return from Ordnance.

1430 – C.O. departs for War Office T.E.W.T. at Winchester.

1700 hrs – Three new officers posted to Regiment. 2/Lt’s Jupp (265 Bty) Mennell and Taylor (266 Bty). Capt. Jacomb transferred to 266 Battery.

Ramsbury – 14.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Order.

2000 – Miss New’s concert party in Memorial Hall.

Ramsbury – 15.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1500 – Arrival of Light Aid Detachment under Capt. Garsed.

1600 – C.O. returns from War Office T.E.W.T.

Ramsbury – 16.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Order.

1000 – C.O. visits C.R.A. at Div. H.Q.

1100 – Inspection of Billets by Co. Broderick ADMS accompanied by M.O. and Battery Orderly Officers.

1130 – Inspection of 265 Battery vehicle park by C.O.

Inspection of 266 Battery vehicle park by C.O.

Ramsbury – 17.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1500 – C.O and Orderly Officer reconnoitre area for Regimental Scheme.

Ramsbury – 18.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1300 – Half Holiday.

Ramsbury – 19.11.39 – 1030 hrs – Church Parades.

1300 – Half Holiday.

Ramsbury – 20.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1300 – Reconnaissance for night occupation. Operation Order Attached.

Orderly Officer takes up position in enemy territory for purpose of observation. Movements observed in O.P. areas on Three occasions.

Ramsbury – 21.11.39 – 0300 hrs – Batteries start night occupation.

0345 – Regt. H.Q. and Signal section H.Q. established.

0700 – Batteries ready to fire.

1000 – Orders to move received from Div. H.Q. 2nd i/c and Orderly Officer move off to reconnoitre new Battery positions.

1200 – Batteries move into new positions.

1400 – Exercise ends.

1800 – C.R.A’s conference for all officers and N.C.O’s at Ramsbury.

Ramsbury – 22.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

All men dentally inspected.

1800 – C.O’s conference for officers in Ramsbury.

Ramsbury – 23.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

Dental inspection and inoculations continued.

Ramsbury – 24.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1500 – C.O’s reconnaissance with Orderly Officer for Regimental Scheme.

2000 – ENSA concert in Ramsbury Memorial Hall attended by C.O. Artists entertained at Regtl. H.Q.

Ramsbury – 25.11.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1300 – Half Holiday.

1430 – Football Match 266 Battery v Ramsbury. W on 4. 0.

1600 – Major Harris Commanding 268 Battery arrived for week end visit.

1900 – C.O’s dinner for Officers of the 119th Field Regiment at Hungerford.

1930 – Dances in Ramsbury and Aldbourne.

2300 – Night reconnaissance of training area.

Ramsbury – 26.11.39 – 0800 hrs – C.O. and Orderly Officer attended church at Ramsbury.

Hired vehicles returned to Northampton.

1030 – Church Parades.

1300 – Half holiday.

Ramsbury – 27.11.39 – Training as in Battery Orders.

1230 – Reconnaissance for Regimental Scheme.

1300 – Orderly Officer takes up position in enemy country for observation purposes.

1402 – Officer observed by enemy establishing O.P.

1500 – Lieut. Tallack RAMC joined Regiment to assist Capt. Fawcett.

1530 – Signallers observed laying lines.

1650 – Enemy withdraw for tea.

Ramsbury – 28.11.39 – 0300 hrs – Batteries ready to move for night occupation.

0400 – Regtl. H.Q. and Signal Section established.

0600 – Message received from Capt. Kerr.

0700 – Batteries ready to fire.

0930 – C.O’s talk to officers and men.

1400 – Troops engaged in preparation for move to Camp.

Bustard Camp – 29.11.39 – 1030 hrs – Batteries move off to Bustard Camp.

1400 – Arrival at Bustard Camp. Troops engaged in settling into Camp.

30.11.39 – 0900 hrs – C.O. moves off to rendezvous with C.R.A.

1000 – Reconnaissance parties move off.

1200 – Bty positions for night occupation fixed by 2nd i/c.

1300 – Regtl. H.Q. established. All preparation made for night action. Gun crews resting.

December

Bustard Camp – 1.12.39 – 0315 hrs – Reveille Btys prepare to occupy position.

0900 – Barrage fired by both Batteries.

1030 – 266 Battery advanced to new position.

1430 – “D” Troop firing on orders from O.P.

1800 – Guns laid on night lines.

1900 – Troops returned to Camp. Guards laid on Guns.

Bustard Camp – 2.12.39 – 0630 hrs – Troops returned to gun positions. O.P’s manned.

0830 – Orderly Officers resumed duty of safety officer.

1100 – Cease fire prepare to withdraw.

1245 – Regiment leaves Camp. First vehicle past S.P.

1700 – Battery Dances in Ramsbury and Aldbourne.

Ramsbury – 3.12.39 – 1030 hrs – Church Parades.

1300 – Half Holiday.

1430 – Two R.A.F. Officers arrive. One per Battery.

1630 – C.O. takes tea at Ramsbury Manor.

Ramsbury – 4.12.39 – 0900 hrs – Arrangements as under Battery Orders.

1500 – Intelligence course for Div R.A. Intelligence Officers under Capt. Roberts.

C.O. attended conference at Div H.Q.

Ramsbury – 5.12.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as under Battery Orders.

0930 – Orderly Officer inoculated.

1200 – Senior Officers attended lecture by General Ironside C.I.G.S. in Marlborough.

1400 – M.O. continues with inoculations.

2000 – E.N.S.A. concert in Ramsbury.

Ramsbury – 6.12.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1000 – C.O. rendezvous at Div H.Q. to act as C.R.A. for Div exercise. Major Ross acting C.O.

Major J.C. Flay acting 2nd i/c.

1045 – Orders received from Div H.Q. to move to rendezvous.

1115 – Battery and H.Q. recce groups move off to rendezvous.

1300 – H.Q. Recce group moves forward to Regtl. H.Q. established by C.O.

1330 – Orderly Officer goes forward to move with Inf. Bde H.Q.

1430 – C.R.A’s conference for C.O’s arty and 2nd i/c.

1330 – Exercise finishes.

10% of Regtl. Personnel leave for Christmas leave.

Ramsbury – 7.12.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders. Div. Exercise cancelled owing to fog.

1500 – Lieut. Laing arrived to take up duties of assistant M.O. pending departure of Capt. Fawcett.

1530 – C.O’s conference for Battery Commanders.

1630 – Major Ross left to assume command of Battery 99th Field Regiment.

Ramsbury – 8.12.39 – Training as in Battery Orders. C.O. confined to bed with temperature.

0930 – Junior Officers leave to spectate at tank demonstration.

1000 – Intelligence course for Div Arty Officers under Capt. Roberts held at Ramsbury.

1230 – Assistant Director of Artillery inspected indents etc., with Lieut. Quartermaster.

Ramsbury – 9.12.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Batter Orders. C.O. resumes duties.

1200 – C.O’s talk with 266 Battery Officers and men in Memorial Hall.

1300 – Major Asquith, I.G. arrived for purpose of inspecting the Regiment.

1900 – Dances held in Ramsbury and Aldbourne.

Ramsbury – 10.12.39 – 1045 hrs – Church Parades. Sermon at Aldbourne by Major Boultbee. Service

attended by C.O.

1300 – Half Holiday.

Ramsbury – 11.12.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

G.P.O’s parade at Ramsbury for instruction by I.G.

1100 – Firing practise with Bren guns and Anti Tank riffles on Marlborough ranges.

1800 – Talk to Officers on Infantry organisation by Major Jones B.M. 144th Inf Bde.

Ramsbury – 12.12.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders. 266 Bty Drill Order under supervision of I.G.

1600 – Talk to Officers by C.R.A. on his visit to France.

1800 – C.O’s talk to 265 Battery Officers and men at Aldbourne. Visit from Colonel Sunkey.

Ramsbury – 13.12.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders. 265 Battery drill order under the supervision of the I.G.

1000 – Visit from Colonel Clutterbuck, O.C. 68th Field Regiment R.A.

1230 – Visit from Major Ross.

1400 – C.O. and Adjutant reconnoitre positions now held by 68th Field Regiment R.A.

2030 – Adjutant and Lieut. Quartermaster interview Financial Advisor, Southern Command.

Ramsbury – 14.12.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders. All men and officers test respirators

A.C. in gas chambers under supervision of Lt. Ward.

1200 – Visit from Major Vallis S.O.M.E.

Ramsbury – 15.12.39 – 0900 hrs – Training as in Battery Orders.

1000 – C.O’s reconnaissance and liaison with O.C 68th Field Regt. R.A.

1400 – Batteries reconnaissance parties leave to reconnoitre positions for night occupation. Preparations under troop arrangements.

1900 – Visit from Major Harris, O.C. 268 Battery, 119th Field Regiment R.A. with Capt. Denman and 2/Lt. Thompson.

Ramsbury – 16.12.39 – 0400 hrs – Batteries leave for night occupation.

0500 – R.H.Q. take over from 68th Fd Regt. R.A.

0730 – C.O’s inspection of Battery positions and camouflage.

0930 – Full inspection of all positions and O.P’s by C.O.

1015 – LIXO C.O. reported numerous attacks by low flying aircraft.

No casualties as yet.

1200 – Visit from C.R.A.

1245 – Gnr. Jones brought before C.O. on charge of attempting to strike N.C.O. Stopped 14 days pay and 3 days leave.

1350 – Visit from Colonel Holland.

1430 – Orderly Officer visits Inf Bn. H.Q. with 2/Lt. Blyth, Liaison Officer. Confusion over S.O.S. signal due to lack of Very Lights.

1700 – Infantry Brigadier informed of the position re Very Lights.

1815 – Position with regard to Very Lights found to be deportable. Communicated to Batteries.

1905 – S.O.S. lines fired.

1925 – Instructions to evacuate position received from Div R.A.

2010 – Regimental Rockets fired.

2015 – O.C. 266 Battery entertained to dinner at Regtl. H.Q.

2100 – Darts match with R.H.Q. v The Rest. Match Lost.

Ramsbury 17.12.39 – 0700 hrs – Vehicles leave waggon lines to evacuate positions.

0830 – R.H.Q visited my Major General Thorne, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., Divisional Commander.

0915 – Position evacuated. R.H.Q. closed down and re-opened at Bell Hotel. Cleaning of guns equipment etc., after Div Exercise. Preparations before going on leave.

Ramsbury – 18.12.39 – 0815 hrs – Pay Parade. Christmas leave begins.

1200 – Capt. Kerr returns from leave to assume Command of Regiment during absence of C.O.

1330 – C.O. departs for Christmas Leave.

1400 – Adjutant departs for Christmas Leave.

Ramsbury – 19.12.39 – 1000 hrs – Orderly Officer departs for Christmas for leave. 10% of Regiment remains at Ramsbury.

19 Dec. to 29 Dec. – 10% of the Regiment remain at Ramsbury and Aldbourne under the command of Capt. Kerr to continue with guard duties, general fatigues etc. Daily programme in Battery Orders as issued by Capt. Kerr.

Ramsbury – 29.12.39 – C.O. returns from leave. All Christmas leave now completed. Batteries report 17 absentees.

Ramsbury – 30.12.39 – 1000 hrs – C.O’s conference at Div H.Q. Advance parties leave for recce of embarkation area.

Training as in Battery Orders.

Ramsbury – 31.12.39 – 1030 hrs – Church Parades.

1300 – Half Holiday.

11th January 1940 The Regiment embarked for France.