War Diary of 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards 1941

January 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Jan		Winter training. Maj J P B Sangster assumed command of the Regiment this day with the acting rank of Lieutenant Colonel, vice Lt Col J H Anstice DSO, appointed Brigadier 30 Armd Bde.
	2 Jan		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Bde turn-out.
	3 Jan		Winter training.
	4 Jan		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	5 Jan		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	6 Jan		Church parade service St Sepulchre's Parish Church.
	7 Jan		Winter training.
	8 Jan		Winter training.
	9 Jan		Winter training. Visit by GOC Northern Command.
	10 Jan		Winter training.
	11 Jan		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	12 Jan		Church parade at St Sepulchre's Church Northampton.
	13 Jan		Winter training.
	14 Jan		Winter training.
	15 Jan		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	16 Jan		Winter training.
	17 Jan		Winter training.
	18 Jan		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	19 Jan		Church parade service at St Sepulchre's Parish Church.
	20 Jan		Winter training.
	21 Jan		Winter training.
	22 Jan		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	23 Jan		Winter training.
	24 Jan		Winter training. Regimental run.
	25 Jan		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	26 Jan		Church parade at St Sepulchre's Parish Church.
	27 Jan		Winter training.
	28 Jan		Winter training.
	29 Jan		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	30 Jan		Winter training.
	31 Jan		Winter training. Visit of Maj Gen R Evans MC.

Feburary 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Feb		Winter training. Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	2 Feb		Church parade services at St Sepulchre's and Moulton Parish Churches.
	3 Feb		Winter training.
	4 Feb		Winter training. Visit of HRH The Duke of Gloucester.
	5 Feb		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	6 Feb		Winter training.
	7 Feb		Winter training. Signals exercise.
	8 Feb		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	9 Feb		Church parade services at St Sepulchre's and Moulton Parish Churches.
	10 Feb		Winter training. DRAGON TEWT.
	11 Feb		Winter training. DRAGON TEWT.
	12 Feb		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	13 Feb		Winter training.
	14 Feb		Winter training,
	15 Feb		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	16 Feb		Church parade services at St Sepulchre's and Moulton Parish Churches.
	17 Feb		Winter training.
	18 Feb		Dress winter training and revisions
	19 Feb		?????? Commander's visit. Congratulatory lecture.
	20 Feb		Signal scheme, lectures and cadre.
	21 Feb		Lectures and practical classes.
	22 Feb		Church parade service at St Sepulchre's and Moulton Parish Churches.
	23 Feb		Gas training, cadre and lectures.
	24 Feb		Winter training and cadres.
	25 Feb		Prisoner of war and winter training under OsC sqns.
	26 Feb		Cadre and DRAGON TEWT.
	27 Feb		Discipline, DRAGON TEWT and cadre.
	28 Feb		Discipline, course departures, training.

March 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Mar		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	2 Mar		Church parade services at Moulton and Northampton. Officers' ride at Weedon.
	3 Mar		Regimental gas drill. Individual training.
	4 Mar		Individual training. Half-holiday.
	5 Mar		Maj R P Harding assumed temporary command of the Regiment.
	6 Mar		Individual training. Half-holiday.
	7 Mar		Individual training.
	8 Mar		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	9 Mar		Church parade services at Moulton and Northampton. Officers' ride at Weedon.
	10 Mar		Regimental gas drill. Individual training. Half-holiday.
	11 Mar		Lt Col F P B Sangster reassumed command of the Regiment. Individual training.
	12 Mar		Individual training. Half-holiday.
	13 Mar		Individual training.
	14 Mar		Individual training.
	15 Mar		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Adjt's parade.
	16 Mar		Oates Memorial Church Parade at Northampton.
	17 Mar		Regimental gas drill. Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	18 Mar		Individual training.
	19 Mar		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.Visit of CinC Home Forces. Half-holiday.
	20 Mar		Individual training.
	21 Mar		Individual training.
	22 Mar		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Half-holiday.
	23 Mar		Church parades at Moulton and Northampton.
	24 Mar		Regimental gas drill. Individual training.
	25 Mar		Individual training.
	26 Mar		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Half-holiday.
	27 Mar		Individual training.
	28 Mar		RHQ practice turn-out. Individual training.
	29 Mar		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Half-holiday.
	30 Mar		Church parades at Moulton and Northampton.
	31 Mar		Regimental gas drill. Regiment put under orders as for operational move. A Sqn 2hrs and B, C and RHQ 4hrs.
			Later altered to ½hr and 2hrs respectively. Following sqn ldrs' conference, orders issued to move at 0700hrs 1 Apr 41.

April 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Apr		Regimental harbouring scheme as per orders issued on 31 Mar 41.
	2 Apr		General tactical training by fighting sqns.
	3 Apr		Individual training. Strength increase of 36 ORs from 51 and 53 Trg Regts.
	4 Apr		Individual training.
	5 Apr		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Maintenance and MT holiday.
	6 Apr		Church parade at St Sepulchre's Church Northampton.
	7 Apr		Individual training.
	8 Apr		Individual training. Strength decrease, 34 ORs to DofW ITC.
	9 Apr		Bde harbouring scheme.
	10 Apr		Individual training.
	11 Apr		Individual training.
	12 Apr		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Maintenance and MT holiday.
	13 Apr		Church parade at St Sepulchre's Church Northampton.
	14 Apr		Individual training. Gas drill.
	15 Apr		Individual training.
	16 Apr		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Tactical training.
	17 Apr		Individual training. Strength increase of four ORs from 51 Trg Regt.
	18 Apr		Maj R P Harding assumed command of the Regiment during absence on leave of CO. Strength increase of nineteen ORs from 55 Trg Regt.
	19 Apr		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Maintenance and MT holiday.
	20 Apr		Church parade at St Sepulchre's Northampton.
	21 Apr		Individual training. Gas drill. Strength decrease of six ORs transferred to Lincolnshire Regt.
	22 Apr		Individual training.
	23 Apr		Tactical training under orders of OsC sqns.
	24 Apr		Individual training.
	25 Apr		Individual training.
	26 Apr		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Maintenance and MT holiday.
	27 Apr		Church parade at All Saints' Church Northampton.
	28 Apr		Individual training. Gas drill.
	29 Apr		Regimental scheme under direction of Brigadier.
	30 Apr		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. Tactical training.
			Appendix
			During the month two further cruiser tanks were issued to B Sqn. This enabled the sqn to be reorganised as follows:-
			SHQ: One Cruiser MkVI; two Lt Tks MkVIB; one Lt Tk MkVI; one Lt Tk MkIV. 1Tp: Three Cruiser Tks MkV. 2Tp: Three Cruiser Tks MkV. 3Tp: Four armd cars. 4Tp: One Lt Tk MkVIB; two lt Dutch tks.
			During the last week of the month individual training came to an end, with the exception of wireless squads and regimental gunnery

May 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 May		Collective troop training. Regimental gunnery course.
	2 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery course.
	3 May		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. MT holiday, maintenance day.
	4 May		Church parade at All Saints' Church Northampton.
	5 May		Gas drill. Individual training.
	6 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery course.
	7 May		Sqn schemes under orders of OsC sqns.
	8 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery course.
	9 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery course.
	10 May		Sqns prepared to go away for training in various areas.
	11 May		A Sqn march to camp in Fakenham area. B Sqn march to Tring area. C Sqn march to Newmarket area.
	12 May		Sqn schemes under orders of OsC sqns. C Sqn made recce to East Coast.
	13 May		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
	14 May		A Sqn recce coast between Cromer and Great Yarmouth. B and C Sqns, troop schemes.
Newmarket	15 May		C Sqn scheme against Gloucester Hussars.
Tring			B Sqn tank v tank battle between troops.
Fakenham			A Sqn troop scheme.
	16 May		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns.
Northampton	17 May		Sqns return to Northampton.
	18 May		Sqn parades under orders of OsC sqns. No church parade.
	19 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery cadre class.
	20 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery cadre class.
	21 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery cadre class.
	22 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery cadre class.
	23 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery cadre class. One MkV tank arrives, making a total of eighteen in the Regiment.
	24 May		Maintenance day, Vehicle holiday.
	25 May		Church parade at All Saints' Church Northampton.
	26 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery cadre class.
	27 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery cadre class.
	28 May		Sqns parade under orders of OsC sqns.
	29 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery cadre class.
	30 May		Troop training. Regimental gunnery cadre class.
	31 May		Maintenance day. Vehicle holiday.

June 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Jun		Church parade at All Saints' Church.
	2 Jun		Troop training. Regimental gunnery training cadre.
			Gas training.
	3 Jun		Troop training. Regimental gunnery training cadre.
			Lecture by Tech Adjt to all subalterns on tank performance and design.
	4 Jun		Sqn schemes. Regimental gunnery training.
	5 Jun		Troop training. Regimental gunnery training. Security lecture.
	6 Jun		Troop training. Regimental gunnery training.
	7 Jun		Vehicle holiday. Demonstration on entraining tanks.
	8 Jun		Church parade at All Saints' Church.
	9 Jun		Troop training. The Regiment now has 26 tanks. B Sqn is completely tanked with Cruisers MkV.
	10 Jun		Troop training. Regimental gunnery course.
	11 Jun		Sqn schemes under OsC sqns. Regimental gunnery course.
	12 Jun		Troop training. B Sqn night scheme.
	13 Jun		Troop training.
	14 Jun		Maintenance day. Vehicle holiday.
	15 Jun		Church parade at All Saints' Church Northampton.
	16 Jun		Troop training. Gas training.
	17 Jun		Troop training.
	18 Jun		Troop training.
	19 Jun		Troop training. Preparation for Linney Head.
	20 Jun		Preparation for Linney Head.
	21 Jun		Vehicle holiday.
	22 Jun		Preparation for Linney Head. Advance party arrives at Linney Head.
	23 Jun		Main body entrains for Linney Head.
	24 Jun		Regiment arrives at AFV Ranges Linney Head.
	25 Jun		Preparation for firing. Tour of ranges.
	26 Jun		Practices 1-5 fired.
	27 Jun		Practices 1-5 fired.
	28 Jun		Revolver practice. Anti-aircraft and Thompson Gun practices.
	29 Jun		Battle practices.
	30 Jun		Battle practices.

July 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Brownslade Camp	1 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Main party of Regiment returned to Northampton.
Northampton	2 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	3 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	4 Jul		Regiment granted whole holiday by CO in recognition of keenness and result of firing at Linney Head.
	5 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. MT holiday was observed.
	6 Jul		Church parade for B, C and HQ Sqns was held at All Saints' Church Northampton.
	7 Jul		All ranks wore respirators from 1000-1030hrs.
	8 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	9 Jul	0700	Adjt's parade was held on the racecourse, after which sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	10 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	11 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. 2Lt J G Drew was appointed Regimental Messing Officer.
	12 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. MT holiday was observed.
	13 Jul		Church parade for B, C and HQ Sqns was held at All Saints' Church Northampton.
	14 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. All ranks wore respirators from 1000-1030hrs.
	15 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	16 Jul		B Sqn under comd Maj A B J Scott MC proceeded to camp at Foulden, Norfolk, and C Sqn under comd Maj T G Williamson DSO proceeded to camp at Foulden also.
	17 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	18 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	19 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. The Northern Command MT holiday was observed.
	20 Jul		A parade service for Presbyterians and Free Church men of HQ and A Sqns took place at the Congregational church. No CofE church parade was held.
	21 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. The CO attended the Belgian national celebrations in London, in an official capacity.
	22 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	23 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	24 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	25 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Maj P A C Bridgewater, Capt C H Terrot and 2Lt Leander represented the Regiment on Exercise HARRODS. A minor outbreak of para-typhoid was reported in the county and precautions were instituted.
	26 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. MT holiday was observed.
	27 Jul		A parade service for Roman Catholics took place at the cathedral, Northampton. There was a sqn ldrs' conference at the Orderly Room.
	28 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	29 Jul		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	30 Jul		The Regiment, including all vehicles and LAD, moved into camp at Burghley Park, Stamford to fulfil role under CLOVERLEAF scheme.
Stamford	31 Jul		The Regiment commenced individual training in D&M, gunnery, wireless and PAD, under regimental arrangements. Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. B and C Sqns reported satisfactory camps at Shingham and Langham respectively, where valuable troop training was carried out.
			The weather was mainly good. ?????? included orders for a daily duty sqn, whose personnel would be confined to camp for the period of duty, reveille to reveille. Contact was made with RAF units regarding operational function in respect of CLOVERLEAF role.

August 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Stamford	1 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. The weather was very wet and conditions generally bad.
	2 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. MT holiday was observed. Gp Capt Finlay RAF, Officer Commanding RAF Station Wittering and satellite aerodromes, visited the camp.
	3 Aug		Maj Gen M B Burrows DSO MC visited the camp. 1000. A short voluntary service for all denominations was held in the open and conducted by Capt Glasgow, chaplain to the Regiment.
	4 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	5 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Maj A B J Scott left the Regiment on posting to 2 Lothians and Border Yeomanry.
			The following promotions, appointments and inter-sqn transfers took place with effect this date:- Maj P A C Bridgewater from HQ Sqn to command B Sqn; Capt D S L Gregson to be Major commanding HQ Sqn; Capt C H Terrot transferred from HQ Sqn to be 3IC B Sqn; Lt F C Paget to be Captain and 2IC C Sqn; 2Lt A H Hoare transferred from B Sqn to HQ Sqn, to be Asst Technical Officer.
			A harbouring exercise took place in conjunction with the RAF.
	6 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	7 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. A second harbouring exercise, similar to that held on 5 Aug, took place in conjunction with the RAF.
	8 Aug		Brig H Lumsden DSO MC visited the Regiment. A harbouring scheme was held in conjunction with the RAF on the lines of the previous two schemes.
	9 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. The MT holiday was observed.
	10 Aug		A short service for CofE personnel was held, conducted by the Regimental Chaplain.
	11 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	12 Aug		The Regiment, being based on Northampton, came under administration of Eastern Command wef this date. A harbouring scheme was held in conjunction with the RAF on the lines of the first scheme, held on 5 Aug, but with a different RAF sqn.
	13 Aug		The Regiment moved out of Burghley Park Camp, Stamford. HQ Sqn moved into existing billets at Northampton; A and C Sqns went to tented camps in Ashridge Park, ??????, and B Sqn went into a tented camp at Cougham, at King's Lynn. 4/7 Royal Dragoon Guards took over from the Regiment at Stamford.
Northampton	14 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns and established themselves in their respective camps.
	15 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. The details under comd Capt H F Philips, taking part in the AFV Circus touring Western Command, rejoined the unit. Capt Philips reported a very satisfactory tour.
			The vehicles from this Regiment taking part in the tour were two Cruisers MkV, known for the purpose of Press publication as the 'Covenanter', two scout cars and one light armoured car - Humberette type. 2Lt Williams accompanied Capt Philips on this tour.
	16 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
			A Court of Enquiry, under the presidency of Maj R P Harding DSO, assembled to examine and report upon the petrol and MT spares accountancy within the Regiment.
	17 Aug		A church parade under orders of OC HQ Sqn took place at All Saints' Church.
	18 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. 2Lt A H N Reade joined the Regiment this day and was posted to C Sqn.
	19 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Maj R P Harding assumed command of the Regiment in the absence of Lt Col Sangster visiting sqns in camp.
	20 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	21 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Eastern Command MT holiday was observed by all sqns.
	22 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	23 Aug		Lt Col Sangster reassumed command of the Regiment on his return from visits to sqns in camp.
	24 Aug		A church parade under orders of OC HQ Sqn took place at All Saints' Church Northampton.
	25 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Maj R P Harding DSO assumed command of the Regiment in the absence of Lt Col Sangster.
	26 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	27 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. A Court of Enquiry, under the presidency of Capt J W R Murland, sat to investigate circumstances under which a Cruiser Tank MkV sustained damage by fire.
	28 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
		1400	A sqn ldrs' conference was held, primarily to consider promotions.
	29 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	30 Aug		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
			An appendix to Part I Orders was published announcing 28 appointments and/or promotions, and fifteen inter-sqn transfers.
	31 Aug		A church parade under orders of Maj D S L Gregson took place at St Sepulchre's Northampton.

September 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Sep		A regimental scheme under the direction of the CO took place in the Swaffham Training Area, adjacent to the camps of the fighting sqns.
	2 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	3 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	4 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	5 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	6 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. B and C Sqns returned to Northampton from camp at Cougham and Shingham, Norfolk, respectively.
	7 Sep		Maj C P D Legard assumed command of the Regiment from this date, owing to the absence on leave of Lt Col F P B Sangster.
		1025	B, C and HQ Sqns paraded at the Drill Hall under Maj C P D Legard, to attend Divine Service to respect the National Day of Prayer.
	8 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	9 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	10 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. A Sqn returned to camp at Moulton from Shingham, Norfolk.
	11 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Maj R P Harding DSO left the Regiment to assume command of 23 Hussars.
	12 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	13 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Capt C H Blacker left the Regiment to assume command of a sqn in 23 Hussars.
	14 Sep		B, C and HQ Sqns paraded at the Drill Hall under Maj T G Williamson DSO and attended a Church of England service at All Saints' Church. Presbyterians and other Free Churchmen of all sqns paraded under Sgt Shufflebotham A, at the Drill Hall and attended the parade service at the Congregational church, Dodderidge Street.
	15 Sep		A composite sqn made up of A and C Sqn tanks, together with C Sqn Inns of Court Regt, formed a force under the command of Maj C P D Legard, which opposed 15/19 Hussars in a scheme in the neighbourhood of Burton Latimer.
		1000-1030	Gas training.
	16 Sep		A and B Echs of all sqns and LAD units took part in a Bde scheme in the Leicester area. Regtl A Ech was under the command of Capt J M D Ward-Harrison and B Echs were brigaded and were under the orders of Capt The Marquis of Kildare. Lt Col Sangster reassumed command of the Regiment on returning from leave.
	17 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	18 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. A draft of nine men from 60 Trg Regt arrived, having been posted to the Regiment.
	19 Sep		The following promotions and appointments were announced:-
			Capt A C Gibson relinquished the appointment of Adjutant and was promoted Acting Major with effect from 5 Sep 41. Lt W R F Turner was promoted Acting Captain with effect from 8 Sep 41. Lt J A Leavey was promoted Acting Captain with effect from 8 Sep 41 and was appointed Adjutant with effect the same date. The following transfers also took place:- Maj T G Williamson DSO from C to HQ Sqn. Maj D S L Gregson from RHQ to C Sqn.
			Capt A C Gibson from RHQ to A Sqn. Capt The Marquis of Kildare from B to HQ Sqn. Capt J M D Ward-Harrison from RHQ to A Sqn. Capt J R W Murland from RHQ to B Sqn. Capt C H Terrot from B to HQ Sqn.
			The CO directed that the above transfers and appointments be operative forthwith, except that for the PERISHER scheme, Maj T G Williamson DSO will command C Sqn.
		1530	The Regiment started to load up on tank transporters, preparatory to moving out for the night to Bourne in Cambridgeshire for the PERISHER scheme the next day.
		1730	The Regiment moved out and bivouacked for the night.
	20 Sep		For the purposes of PERISHER, which involved an approach march of about 30 miles and an AFV battle, the Regiment was commanded by Lt Col F P B Sangster, who also had under his command A Sqn Inns of Court Regt, P Bty 6RHA, a troop from an A Tk regt, and B Coy 8KRRC.
	22 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. A conference was held to consider arrangements for Ex BUMPER.
		1000-1030	Gas training.
	23 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. The CO passed on to the Regiment the congratulations of the GOC on the PERISHER scheme.
	24 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. The regimental wheels party made the journey to the area of Mundford in Norfolk, which was the concentration area for Ex BUMPER.
	25 Sep		The tanks departed by train from Northampton for the BUMPER concentration area, and arrived at Mundford before dark. Capt J M D Ward-Harrison was appointed to command the rear party at Northampton.
Mundford	26 Sep		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Maintenance and stowage of vehicles was carried out in preparation for BUMPER. A sqn ldrs' conference was held to discuss administrative arrangements.
	27 Sep		Preparations for BUMPER were continued under sqn arrangements.
	28 Sep	0830	The CO and Adjt attended a Bde conference.
		1030	A sqn ldrs' conference was held and orders issued by the CO for the Regiment's move to a forward concentration area.
		1900	F Ech moved out and harboured for the night at Wimblington, near March in Cambridgeshire.
		2030	A sqn ldrs' conference was held and orders issued by the CO for the advance the next day.
In The Field	29 Sep		The Regiment advanced two sqns up, as advance guard to the Div, in a south-westerly direction, and harboured for a few hours during the night on Watling Street, South of Weedon. During the advance the Regiment had no serious clashes with the enemy, though B Sqn captured two armoured cars and a DR.
	30 Sep	0600	The Regiment advanced and encountered enemy tanks and infantry in the neighbourhood of Farthinghoe, near Banbury. Considerable, and sometimes confused, battles took place and, after a hard day, the Regiment harboured for the night at Pattishal

October 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Oct		The Regiment went into action again in the Towcester area and advanced towards Beverley. A determined and successful assault was made on Silverstone, and finally Comd HQ itself was vigorously attacked at Stour. Bde HQ, however, was captured and the whole Bde put out of action by the umpires. The Regiment accordingly moved back to billets and was in by 1030hrs.
			Out of a total of 42 tanks taken out on the exercise, eight failed to return on this date.
Northampton	2 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	3 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. The Regiment was notified of the CO's congratulations to all concerned for the vigorous performance on BUMPER. Reveille was put back from 0600hrs to 0630hrs for Fri and Sat 3 and 4 Oct.
	4 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Lt H G S Wright RAOC was promoted Acting captain (OME upgraded) with effect from this date.
	5 Oct	1030	A parade under Capt J R W Murland was held at the Drill Hall for the purpose of attending Church of England Divine Service at All Saints' Church.
		1130	A Sports Committee under the chairmanship of Maj T G Williamson DSO and the presidency of the CO, and consisting of the sqn ldrs, the QM and one subaltern from each sqn, was convened and held its first meeting.
	6 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
		1000-1030	Gas training was undertaken.
	7 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
		1415	A sqn ldrs' conference was held, which was also attended by Capt H F D Philips, Capt E C Paget and Lt M Peters, to discuss arrangements for the Midhope Ranges and administrative matters connected with Ex PERCY. This meeting was concluded at 1730hrs.
	8 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. 2Lt J G Drew was appointed Education Officer with effect from this date.
	9 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. MT holiday was observed.
	10 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	11 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns and were engaged largely in preparing for Ex PERCY.
	12 Oct		The Regiment moved out for PERCY and entrained on war flats during the night 12/13 Oct. A Ech, under command of Capt The Marquis of Kildare, harboured for the night near Doncaster, on their way up to the concentration area by rail.
In The Field	13 Oct		The fighting echelon detrained during the night 12/13 Oct at Corbridge, Cumberland. They moved into a harbour area at Ravensworth Castle. During the day, maintenance was carried out.
	14 Oct		The Regiment advanced to concentration area four miles NE of Corbridge and took up a defensive position in the centre of the Bde area. This was held without incident till mid-day, when orders were received to move north-east to . Before this objective was reached, orders were received to halt, pending issue of fresh plans.
			At 1600hrs approx the CO rallied the Regiment at Ouston, but no further operational was issued and at about 1900hrs the Regiment was ordered to return to the original harbour area, which it did, arriving at Ravensworth at 2130hrs. In fact, there proved to have been some misunderstanding as the area intended was the advance concentration area.
			Lt R L A de Vangorn posted to this unit (A Sqn) on this date.
	15 Oct		The Regiment moved out again to the same defensive position, by 0830hrs.
		1200	A message was received that the exercise was concluded and the wheels, which had been brigaded, moved off at once. The fighting echelon returned to harbour to await entraining orders.
	16 Oct		The Regiment entrained and arrived back in billets in the evening.
Northampton	17 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. The day was spent in reorganising after Ex PERCY.
	18 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Lt J B Pine 3 Carabiniers was posted to the Regiment on this day and attached to B Sqn. 2Lt T A Mahoney has been posted to this Regiment and went to B Sqn.
	19 Oct	1025	A parade was held at the Drill Hall, under command of Capt C H Terrot, for Divine Service at All Saints' Church.
	20 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
		1000-1030	Gas training was carried out.
	21 Oct		Maj T G Williamson DSO assumed command of the Regiment with effect from this date in the absence of Lt Col Sangster on duty.
		0900	A conference was held in the Orderly Room to discuss individual training.
	22 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. A lecture was held in the Tivoli Cinema at Northampton by Col J J Kingstone DSO MC, on the recent campaign in Iraq, which all officers attended.
	23 Oct	0915	Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. A sqn ldrs' conference was held to discuss individual training arrangements. The weekly MT holiday was observed.
	24 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
	25 Oct		Lt Col F P B Sangster reassumed command of the Regiment on this day. 1100. A sqn ldrs' conference was held to complete arrangements for individual training and the Regiment's Stamford period of duty.
	26 Oct		A parade was held at the Drill Hall under command of Capt W R J Turner, for the purpose of attending Divine Service at All Saints' Church. Roman Catholic ORs paraded under 2Lt B A J O'Meara for the Mass at the cathedral. Presbyterians and other Free Churchmen paraded under 2Lt T D Grant for a parade service at Dodderidge Congregational Church.
	27 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns.
			A detachment of the Regiment, under command of Maj P A C Bridgewater, moved out to the Stamford Area in compliance with the requirements of the CLOVERLEAF scheme. The following officers were also permanently attached to the Stamford detachment:- Lt R F E Woods - permanent 2IC. 2Lt J H Hothey. 2Lt B A Marshall. 2Lt R D Blunt. The detachment numbered in all approximately 100, with a prospect of a further 50 or so in due course.
		1000-1030	Gas training was carried out.
	28 Oct		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. A medical inspection of all officers was held during the day.
	29 Oct		Individual training was carried out under regimental arrangements.
	30 Oct		Individual training was carried out. The vehicle holiday was observed.
		1800	A lecture was held in the canteen by the Provost of King's College Cambridge. All officers, WOs and full rank sgts attended. Attendance of other ranks than these was voluntary.
	31 Oct		Individual was carried out.

November 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Nov		Individual training was carried out.
	2 Nov		A parade was held under command of Capt C H Terrot for a service at All Saints' Church.
		1100	A Sqn Ldrs' conference was held and a new arrangement for the troop at Coltishall ?????? was decided upon.
	3 Nov		Individual training was carried out.
		1000-1030	Gas training.
	4 Nov		Sqns paraded on individual training.
	5 Nov		Individual training was carried out.
	6 Nov	0730	An Adjt's parade was held at the race course, under command of the Adjt with Capt W R J Turner as 2IC, in preparation for the Armistice Sunday church parade.
		0900	A Sqn Ldrs' conference was held and was attended by the Tech Adjt. The question of making tanks available for training was discussed.
			The MT holiday was observed.
	7 Nov		Individual training was carried out.
	8 Nov		0730. An Adjt's parade as above was held. Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
	9 Nov	1000	The Regiment paraded under the CO at the race course for an Armistice Service at All Saints' Church. Preceded by the Band, the Regiment marched to the church and, after the service, back to the drill hall, where the CO took the salute.
	10 Nov		Individual training was carried out.
		1000-1030	Respirators were worn.
			All available officers attended a lecture by Brig The Lord Revel on the war in East Africa, in the ITC barracks.
	11 Nov		Individual training was carried out.
			The audit board, comprised of Maj T G Williamson, Maj D S Gregson and 2Lt J N B Ussher, was convened for the purpose of auditing all regimental and sqn accounts.
			A mess meeting, constituted of the Regimental Cook Sgt, Mess Room Cpl and one representative from each sqn, was held.
	12 Nov		Individual training was carried out.
	13 Nov		Individual training was carried out. The MT holiday was observed. Maj C P D Legard was posted away from the Regiment to command Div HQ Sqn.
	14 Nov		Individual training was carried out. 2Lt Hilder was posted to this Regiment and to C Sqn, wef this date.
	15 Nov		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
	16 Nov		The Regiment paraded for a service at All Saints' Church, under Maj P D C Bridgewater.
	17 Nov		Individual training was carried out.
		1000-1030	Gas training was carried out.
			2Lt H K ?????? was promoted Lieutenant with effect from this date.
	18 Nov		Sqns paraded under orders of OsC sqns. Capt The Marquis of Kildare was appointed Major with effect from this date.
	19 Nov		Sqns paraded for individual training.
		1030-1100.	A demonstration was given by the Div Int staff of various German uniforms.
	20 Nov		Individual training was carried out. Bde lecture on pay duties held for 2 and 3 IC sqns, and SQMS.
	21 Nov		Sqns paraded for individual training. Maj T G Williamson assumes command of the Regiment in the absence of Lt Col F P B Sangster on duty.
	22 Nov		Sqns parade under OsC sqns.
		1000	A court of inquiry assembled to investigate the circumstances under which a room in 53 Abingdon Grove, a billet of C Sqn, was damaged by fire. President: Capt E C Paget; Members: Lt J B Paine, 2Lt E G Stephenson.
			2Lt A Hoare was granted authority by CO to assume badges of rank of Lieutenant with effect from this date.
	23 Nov		The Regiment paraded for a service at All Saints' Church, under the orders of Capt B C Fleury-Teuton.
	24 Nov		Individual training was carried out.
		1000-1030	Respirators were worn.
	25 Nov		Sqns carried out individual training. Lt Col F P B Sangster reassumes command of the Regiment.
		1400	A court of inquiry assembled to investigate circumstances under which 2573260 Tpr Morris and 7919038 Tpr Broadhurst sustained injuries. President: Capt J R Marland; Members: 2Lt T G Stephens, RSM F Irons DCM.
	26 Nov		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
	27 Nov		Sqns carried out individual training.
	28 Nov		Sqns carried out individual training.. AIA inspected all small arms of A Sqn.
	29 Nov		Individual training carried out by all sqns. Maj T G Williamson DSO assumed command of the Regiment during the absence of Lt Col F P B Sangster on duty.
	30 Nov		The Regiment attended a service at All Saints' Church under the command of Maj D S L Gregson.

December 1941 Commanding Officer: Lt Col F P B Sangster
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Dec		Sqns paraded for individual training.
		1000-1030	All ranks wore respirators.
		1100	A Field General Court Martial was held in the Drill Hall Clare Street for the trial of 7880634 Tpr Bethell R, RHQ.
	2 Dec		Individual training was carried out.
			A Court of Inquiry was held on the loss of towrope of Tank No T7159, Capt B C Fleury-Teulon, President.
	3 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
			Training films on aircraft recognition, the Battle of Tweseldown and the Lofoten Islands raid were shown to all ranks.
	4 Dec		Individual training was carried out. MT holiday was observed. Commencement of Security Week for Regiment, by Div Security.
	5 Dec		Sqns paraded for individual training. The CO and Adjt attended conference on SCORCH at Bde.
	6 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns. Lt Col F P B Sangster reassumes command of the Regiment.
			Ex SCORCH commenced, zero hr at 1300hrs. A Sqn formed Bde reserve and the tanks were ordered to stand by at Moulton on transporters.
			The Regiment stood by in readiness to go to the defence of the ??????? allotted to the Bde, this Regiment specially covering Sywell and Denton.
			A Sqn went under command of Lt Col Davies 8KRRC and reported at Barnwell at 2235.
	7 Dec		SCORCH continued. C Sqn left for Wellingborough at 0730hrs, to be nearer operations, and at 1245hrs went under command of CO 15/19H to attack enemy concentrations at Huntingdon.
			Exercise finished at 1550hrs.
	8 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
			A Court of Inquiry was held under the presidency of Capt J M D Ward-Harrison to investigate the conditions under which Pistol No 758885, on charge to 408479 WS Cpl Carr, A Sqn, became lost.
	9 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
	10 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns. Maj Gen H M Gale CBE MC, MG(Administration) Home Forces, visited the Regiment.
			A Court of Inquiry assembled under the presidency of Capt B C Fleury-Teulon to investigate the circumstances whereby 865575 Tpr Staniland sustained a gunshot wound.
	11 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns. The MT holiday was observed.
			A Board, consisting of Capt J R W Murland (President), Lt J B Pine and 2Lt T G Stephens met to examine all regimental accounts.
	12 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
		1100	A messing meeting was held which was attended by the Regimental Cook Sergeant, Mess Room Corporal and one representative from each sqn.
	13 Dec	1045	A lecture to all ranks was held in the drill hall on air cooperation, by Capt J D Profumo.
	14 Dec	1030	All subaltern officers paraded with their motor bicycles at the Orderly Room for inspection by the CO.
		1100	A Church of England church parade was held under Maj The Marquis of Kildare. Lt H K Chapman acted as 2IC. Divine Service at All Saints' Church.
	15 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
		1000-1030	Gas training was carried out by all ranks.
		1630	A lecture on general economy by Lt Col W J Cooper was held at the ITC barracks and was attended by Maj D S L Gregson and 2Lt T G Drew.
	16 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns. A series of voluntary classes for trained dvr ops, under the Sigs Sgt at the Signal Centre, was begun.
		1730	All Roman Catholics attended at the drill hall canteen to see the Roman Catholic padre.
	17 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns
		1430	A lecture on pay duties was held at Bde HQ, which certain officers and ORs were detailed to attend.
			OsC sqns carried out a check of all revolvers on charge to their sqns during the day.
	18 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns. The MT holiday was observed.
		0900	All personnel on D&M instruction paraded under Lt G A Glover for a lecture.
	19 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
		1130	Five officers and ten ORs per sqn attended a training film show at the Tivoli Cinema, Far Caton.
			2Lt J G Drew was appointed Regimental Camouflage Officer.
			A message was received from 409374 Cpl Hill, now a prisoner of war, thanking all ranks for the comforts he has received as a result of the contributions to the Regimental Prisoners of War Fund.
	20 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
	21 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns for interior economy.
	22 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
		1000-1030	Gas training was carried out.
		1630	A lecture on escape aids was held for five officers and fifteen senior NCOs per sqn.
	23 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
			A Court of Inquiry was held to investigate the circumstances under which Tprs Lomas and Crosby lost their respective revolvers.
	24 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
			A Court of Inquiry was held to investigate the circumstances under which Cpl Carr lost his revolver.
	25 Dec		CHRISTMAS DAY.
		1000	A Church of England parade service was held in the canteen at the drill hall.
			The CO visited the men's mess room at dinnertime and wished all ranks a Happy Christmas. The officers served the meal.
	26 Dec		A whole holiday was observed. A football match was played between the officers led by the CO and the sergeants led by the RSM.
	27 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns.
	28 Dec		1030. A Church of England church service was held under Capt J R W Morland. 2Lt G W R Archibald acted as 2IC. Maj Gen M B Burrows visited the Regiment at dinnertime and wished all ranks a successful New Year.
	29 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns. Individual training was resumed. 1000-1030. Gas training was carried out by all ranks.
	30 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns. 2Lt D B D Dickson joined the Regiment for duty this day and was posted to B Sqn. The dinner hour was changed henceforth from 1230hrs to 1300hrs. An Order of The Day by Gen Sir Alan Brooke KCB DSO was issued on his relinquishing command of Home Forces, thanking all ranks for their cooperation.
	31 Dec		Sqns paraded under OsC sqns. 2Lt A D O'Berne-Ryan was transferred from A to HQ Sqn.

Home	1939	1940	1942
1943	1944	1945	1946

Home	1939	1940	1942
1943	1944	1945	1946
Previous Year			Next Year