War Diary of 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards 1939

November 1939 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
La Croix	1 Nov	0900	Sqns parade for training under OsC sqns.
		0915	Maj Ansell and IO report to 4th Div to take part in a TEWT.
		1330	Maj Gen Johnson comd 4th Div calls on CO.
		1430	Sqn Ldrs conference to discuss routine matters and scheme for tomorrow.
	2 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for training. CO umpires scheme, A Sqn vs B Sqn. A holding and denying a railway crossing and B attacking.
		1800	Cinema performance cancelled because paying-out had to be postponed.
	3 Nov	0930	Regimental conference to discuss questions arising out of yesterday's scheme. .
		1000	Sqns parade for training under OsC sqns.
		1800	Cinema first house.
		2000	Cinema second house.
	4 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for maintenance and individual instruction.
		1400	Sqns send representatives to Field Cashier 3rd Div (Seclin) to open sqn imprest accounts (39/N/WD4).
	5 Nov	1030	Regimental church parade followed by voluntary Communion service.
		1430	Regimental football team plays team of 1 Bn Coldstream Guards at the Racing Club ground Roubaix . The Guards team won 4-1. Capt C P D Legard promoted Major with effect from 9 Oct 39. (39/N/WD5).
	6 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for training.
		1120	Air raid warning in Lille
		1200	All Clear.
	7 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for training. .
		1230	Sqn Ldrs conference
		1830	Film show of 'Music Hall'.
	8 Nov	0830	IO leaves to attend a course of lectures on MI at 3rd Div Fwd HQ Les Quins. .
		0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training.
			CO visited in the morning by Lt Gen Brook comd II Corps
		1345	Party of officers and NCOs leave to inspect trenches of 1 Bn Coldm Gds, stationed at Roubaix
		1800	Cinema performance.
	9 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for training.
		0930	2Lt B Flenz-Tenton draws pay for the Regiment.
			Regiment receives 3rd Div Operation Order No 8, informing us that if Germany invades Belgium the BEF is to engage the enemy, either on its present position, or on line of R L'Escaut. 15/19H are to be on our right. Line of R L'Escaut ?????? incl Decq (8940) and Bossuit (9547) - our responsibility now being line of Bossuit - Coutrai Canal from incl Bossuit to incl bridge 863576. It appears we have nobody on our left. Further details are to be found in this order (ref 3rd Div OO No 8; MR 1/50,000 sheets 63, 64).
Verlinghem	10 Nov	0900	Sqns paraded under OsC sqns for individual training. A fine autumn day.
		1130	OC 15/19H calls on CO to discuss points of mutual interest in 3rd Div Operation Order No 8. A fine autumn day.
		1230	Air raid warning for Lille - one German plane and ?????? of AA shells ??????? from Verlinghem.
	11 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training.
		1200	Sqn Ldrs conference. Lille put out of bounds to all ranks during present crisis.
			As from Monday Capt T C Williamson (Tech Adjt) is to be attached to C Sqn as supernumerary 2IC for training. Plans for inter-sqn ???????? competition (drill, turnout, tactics, sport, driving, maintenance) discussed.
		1430	Inter-sqn football. A very wet day from noon onwards.
	12 Nov	0900	CO leaves for a conference at 4th Div HQ near Lens.
		1030	Church parade and Armistice service.
		1115	Maj Ansell places a wreath on Verlinghem War Memorial in the name of the Regiment, in the presence of the Maire and Curé of Verlinghem
		1215	CO 15/19H calls on CO to discuss new plans whereunder it appears that 4th Div will ???????? eventualities and that we will revert to our old job of Div Cav 4th Div.
		1500	CO visits CO 15/19H.
		1530	Two first-line reservists, Tpr Cara and Tpr Gibbs, report for duty, having been travelling since 9 Nov from Base Camp.
		2300	Received orders 4th Div to move Tourcoing area 13th as soon as possible after sunrise.
		2315	Sqn Ldrs conference and operational orders issued verbally for noon tomorrow.
	13 Nov	0021	Informed 4th Div that I Bty 14 A Tk Regt move to Tourcoing and that this battery, less one troop, is to come under the command of 5 INNIS DG.
		0500	Reveille.
		0830	Tanks move off - RHQ, B, C, A - route La Croix X rds - War????? - Bord????? - Le Jambone.
		0930	Wheels move off under Capt Barridge MC - same route.
Tourcoing		1300	Billeting parties start work under Maj Ansell.
		1600	Sqns march to billets.
		1830	Sqn Ldrs conference - CO issues and explains Operational Instruction No 1 impossible to draft ??????? as Div operation order not yet to hand (39/N/WD18. Ref maps 1/50,000 sheets 42, 43, 53, 54).
	14 Nov	0900	CO leaves by car for conference at French formation HQ Cassels 35.
		1000	CO Northumberland Fusiliers calls on CO
		1010	Bty comd 14 A Tk Regt calls on CO.
	15 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns.
		1100	A Sqn report that one of their tins of petrol contains water. Matter passed ????? 11 Inf Bde for 4th Div.
		1200	Air raid alarm in Tourcoing .
		1430	CO confers with CO 2NF.
		1530	AA fire ????? in distance.
	16 Nov	0800	Sqns parade under OsC sqns.
		1515	Men under 19 years of age (ten in number) proceed to the Base.
	17 Nov	0800	Sqns parade under OsC sqns.
		1130	Air raid warning.
	18 Nov	0800	Sqns parade under OsC sqns.
		1030	Air raid warning.
		1415	Regimental football match against 2 Northumberland Fusiliers. Result draw 1-1.
	19 Nov	0915	Mass for RCs of A Sqn at Church of St Ann .
		1000	Mass for RCs of B, C Sqns and RHQ at Church of St Joseph .
	20 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Fine autumn day.
		1130	IO 4th Div visits Regiment.
		1400	Bath parade by sqns.
		1620	Reorganisation of DR Tp decided upon. Lt C Bladen to be IC DRs as well as Signals Officer. SgtWarby to be troop sergeant.
	21 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Fine autumn day.
		1050	Air raid warning.
		1445	Maj Gen Johnson VC CB DSO MC, comd 4th Div, calls on CO.
	22 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Frosty morning with slight mist.
		1129	Air raid warning.
		1236	All Clear signal.
	23 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Frosty morning; fine.
		1125	Air raid warning.
		1155	All Clear signal.
	23 Nov	1445	Orders received to move back to Verlinghem - La Croix area tomorrow (39/N/WD30).
		1800	2Lt J Ward-Harrison and party of eleven troopers report to Regiment for duty from first line reserves at base.
		2115	Sqn Ldrs conference to consider move and billeting areas.
	24 Nov	1030	Wheels under Capt Barridge MC - less LAD - move off for Verlinghem. Rain.
		1100	Tracks under Maj W F Bovill move off for Verlinghem, followed in rear by LAD.
Verlinghem	25 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for completion of billeting and maintenance. Fine, frosty day.
		1000	Sqn Ldrs conference. 2Lt J A D Ward-Harrison posted to RHQ as OC DR Tp. 2Lt W R I Turner transferred to B Sqn for training as tp ldr, pending his being required by Div as liaison officer.
	26 Nov	0945	Church parade CofE. Gusty day with rain from time-to-time.
		1000	Church parade RC.
	27 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training.
	28 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns. Fine autumn day. .
		1430	Sqn Ldrs conference to discuss Christmas arrangements.
	29 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Wet and dull.
		1800	Sqns go out on night driving exercise.
	30 Nov	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Very wet. Wireless silence lifted for sqn training in certain areas.
		1430	Sqn Ldrs conference relating to surprise night scheme against Northumberlands in the La Bassée area.
		1500	Lt Chamberlain RAMC reports for duty in place of Lt O'Neil.
		1700	Night scheme postponed owing to the weather.

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December 1939 Commanding Officer:
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Verlinghem	1 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Dull day.
		1900	Sqn boxing tournament (first day). 2Lt J Ward-Harrison reported to ????? suffering from jaundice.
	2 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. A fine day with brilliant sunshine.
		1900	Finals inter-sqn novices boxing tournament.
	3 Dec	1030	.Regimental church parade.
		1145	Regiment march past the CO.
		1400	Inter-sqn revolver shooting competition.
	4 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training.
	5 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training.
		1430	Practice parade for CinC's parade.
	6 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training..
		1020	Six officers and 200 ORs leave for CinC's inspection. Dress - all ranks wore coloured side hats and steel helmets slung on left shoulder, and webbing less haversack, pouches, water bottle etc. Fine cold day.
	7 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Day scheme A Sqn and B Sqn.
		1430	Capt Sanderson RAChD reports for duty as regimental chaplain in place of Capt Fox.
	8 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training.
		1630	Lt N H Sissons, 7886678 Sgt Turner G, 7890252 LSgt Suffit H, 7887344 Cpl Sissons B and 7876194 Cpl Young W, join the Regiment from the East Riding Yeomanry.
	9 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns
		1200	Sqn Ldrs conference.
		1230	Lt N H Sissons posted to A Sqn. Lt E B G Oates is to leave Regiment for England in the near future, to be attached as an instructor to East Riding Yeomanry.
	10 Dec	1030	Church parade. Wet morning.
	11 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Fine day.
		1000	Lt C H Blacker draws pay for the Regiment.
	12 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Cold, dull day.
		1430	Exercise (wireless) for RHQ vehicles and all 2ICs.
	13 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for individual training. Very cold, dull. Exercise (wireless) for RHQ vehicles and all 2ICs.
		1430	Sqn Ldrs conference
	14 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for training. Wet, dark day.
		1000	Maj Gen Johnson VC CB DSO MC, comd 4th Div inspects Regiment and training. B Sqn individual training; scheme A Sqn vs C Sqn in Fournes - Don - Fromelles area.
		1630	Capt J D A Andrews reports back from Staff College tour.
	15 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns for training.
		1000	Umpires conference to discuss scheme of 14 Dec 39.
		1100	General conference on scheme of 14 Dec 39.
		1400	Inter-sqn cross-country run. C sqn the victors; RHQ second.
	16 Dec	0900	.Sqns parade under OsC sqns.
		1000	CO's inspection of Regimental transport.
		1100	Lecture by RSM to all WOs and NCOs on subject of promotion from the ranks.
	17 Dec	0800	Church parade ordered for 1100hrs cancelled owing to indisposition of Capt the Rev Sanderson. Maj Ansell leaves for attachment to 2NF, 12 Inf Bde, north Maginot Line.
		O840	Air raid warning.
		0917	All Clear warning. Very cold - heavy night frost.
		1130	Lt M Morland reports for duty from first line reinforcements.
	18 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under orders of OsC sqns. Fine, very cold.
		1230	Sqn Ldrs conference to discuss training and Christmas arrangements.
	19 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under orders of OsC sqns. Cold, rain.
		1400	Sqn Ldrs conference.
	20 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under orders of OsC sqns. Cold.
	21 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under orders of OsC sqns. Cold.
		1100	Order received from 4th Div that we are to hand over Verlingham - La Croix area to 5th Div on 29 Dec 39. We are to move to Tourcoing area.
		1400	Advance billeting party leaves under Maj(QM) Brown.
	22 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under orders of OsC sqns. Very cold with thick fog.
		1100	Information received from 4th Div that we will not move to Tourcoing but are given the choice of Bethune or the training area (eg ??????).
		1130	Sqn Ldrs conference to discuss suggested alternatives and sqn ?????? strengths
	23 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under orders of OsC sqns. Fine and very cold; heavy frost.
		1000	Maj M Ansell reports back to Regiment from his attachment to 12 Inf Bde.
	24 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under orders of OsC sqns. Very cold.
		1900	Christmas revue given by officers to ORs.
	25 Dec	0800	Holy Communion. Very cold.
		1100	Christmas service
		1230	Christmas dinners visited by CO.
	26 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns. Very cold. Whole holiday. The Adjt leaves for attachment to HQ.
		1430	Christmas party to the children of Verlingham and La Croix, attended by CO.
	27 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns. Extremely cold. Advance parties for sqns under Maj Ansell go to Bethune.
	28 Dec		Regiment moves to Bethune 3926. Arctic conditions with snow and ice on roads (39/JD/WD35).
		1030	Tracks under Maj A B S Scott move off.
		1100	Wheels move off under Capt W Barraclough MC.
Bethune		1400	Regiment completes move and unpacks in new billets.
	29 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns. Maintenance. Very cold.
		1300	Maj Ansell assumes command of Regiment in temporary absence on leave of CO.
	30 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns. Very cold.
		1100	HRH Maj Gen The Duke of Gloucester pays surprise visit to Regiment and inspects all sqn areas.
		1200	Sqn Ldrs conference postponed.
		1630	Sqn Ldrs conference.
	31 Dec	0900	Sqns parade under OsC sqns. Less cold.
		1045	Church parade.

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