September 1943 Irish Regiment of Canada Diary - The Irish ...

September 1943 Irish Regiment of Canada Diary
September 1, 1943 BARTON STACEY CAMP
This afternoon HQ COY visited WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL. All the Bn has now
been on this interesting tour. MAJOR J.H.S. BROUHALL left the unit to go to 11CIB.
He will now be attached there.
“D” Coy were busy in the morning rehearsing for a demonstration of a fighting patrol
which they will put on for all Coy’s. In the afternoon they carried out this demonstration
for “C” Coy. CAPT A.J.P. LAPRAIRIE was the Coy Comd, LIEUT J.M. REID was I.O.
and LIEUT R.D. HEARD’s platoon was the fighting patrol.
The patrol was briefed in every phase, from the time the I.O. arrives at COY HQ with
the information for the patrol until the time it was interrogated on returning, was
thoroughly demonstrated.
LT COL. R.C. CLARK and MAJOR G.C. CORBOULD were present at this
demonstration.
Weather—mild.
September 2, 1943
C COY put out a fighting patrol using SP Coy as enemy. Many good practice points
were brought to light. MAJOR R.D. CLENDENNING spent some time talking to the
patrols and discussing the lessons learned.
D COY put on their patrol demonstration for A COY. The idea was to have the
demonstration just before the patrol went out. In spite of this the patrols sent out by A and
C COY’s failed to get enough accurate information. It was quite noticeable, however, that
they have improved considerably.
The C.O. left this afternoon for a meeting at CMHQ after which he was taking a 48-
hour leave.
CAPT L.C.H. PAYNE, LIEUT W.H. MITCHELL, and LIEUT R.B. CROZIER were
SOS to #4 CIRU.
Seventeen O.R.’s were attached to the unit today from the 43 rd General Transport.
These were the drivers of the twelve 30-cwt trucks for our use on scheme
“HARLEQUIN”.
Weather—Fair and mild
September 3, 1943
The Bn patrol work continued with B COY sending out a platoon in the morning and
D COY in the afternoon. Both these platoons showed vast improvement over previous
patrols which indicated the hard work put in by the COY’s during the last few days.
At 1430 hrs, MAJOR G.C. CORBOULD attended a discussion group at DIV HQ in
the absence of the C.O.
SP COY fired the 2” and 3” mortars and proved by actual test that only 5 bombs per
minute were necessary to make a man keep under cover in an area of 10 feet. Selected
personnel fired the PIAT.
In the afternoon all COY’s participated in sports parade.
Weather—Fair and warm

September 4, 1943
RSM G.A. MCKELVEY and 2 members of our Sgts Mess attended the FOURTH
ANNIVERSARY of the PERTH’s Sgts Mess.
A note appeared in PART I ORDERS stating that good serge will not be worn on the
parade ground except on Church Parades, Ceremonial Parades, and Inspections. The
reason for this decision was so that men could keep their good serge in the best possible
condition.
Weather—Warn and clear
September 5, 1943
The Bn took part in a BDE Church Parade held on the parade square. The three
infantry Bns were there and all BDE Supporting Arms, as well as the GOVERNOR
GENERAL HORSE GUARDS.
CAPT D.P. ROWLAND conducted part of the service.
The Officers held a baseball game amongst themselves.
The A/Tk Pl challenged and defeated D COY in volleyball.
Weather—Cloudy and warm
September 6, 1943
Today the mail corporal reported that outgoing mail had increased threefold since the
Unit arrived in this area.
The M.O., CAPT R.W. BOYDEN, reported that the health and morale of the men in
the Regiment was good.
Selected personnel were firing rifle practices from the hip. CAPT F.L. JONES was in
charge of this training.
The Rifle Coy’s were doing patrols and wood-clearing today.
A/MAJOR ARMSTRONG, CAPT A.C. ALLEN, and LIEUT W.C. LEONARD
returned to the unit from #4 CIRU where A/MAJOR ARMSTRONG and LIET
LEONARD have been serving since last FEBRUARY and CAPT. ALLEN since last
MARCH.
LT-COL. H.E. HARRIS and CAPT R.E. BOLT of the 2-10 DRAGOONS and
MAJOR H.R. FULLERTON and A/CAPT W.S. PALMER of the 3 rd BN IRISH
FUSILIERS along with 4 other ranks were attached to the unit. They are members of the
Fifth Series of Overseas Attachments from Units of Home Defence Role and are here for
field training and experience.
At 2359 hrs all personnel of the Regt was C.B.’d for scheme HARLEQUIN
Weather—Cloudy with rain
September 7, 1943
LIEUT C.H.A. SPENCER qualified Q-1 in course #306 at CMHQ.
The following postings came through PART I ORDERS:
A/MAJOR W.H. ARMSTRONG to B COY as O.C.
CAPT A.C. ALLEN to A COY as 2i/c
LIEUT W.C. LEONARN to C COY as 2i/c
LIEUT J.M. REID to BnHQ (A/Adjt)
LIEUT H.I. MACTAVISH to BnHQ (IO)

CAPT H.L.J. HENDRIE to D COY as O.C.
LIEUT W.S. ELDER to B COY as 2i/c
LIEUT H.G. HERMAN to SO (A/Tk)
LIEUT R.J.LANCASTER to A COY
LIEUT C.H.A. SPENCER to B COY
LIEUT E.R. YOUNG to C COY
CAPT R.E. BOLT to be attached to B COY
A/CAPT W.S. PALMER to be attached to C COY
Weather—Fair and mild
September 8, 1943
During the evening the signal platoon lost their softball game against the transport
platoon.
CAPT D.H. VERMETTE was made O.C. of the residue party while the rest of the Bn
took part in scheme HARLEQUIN.
Unit mail censorship commenced at 1200 hrs today for the above-mentioned exercise.
Weather—Fair and mild
September 9, 1943
CAPT J.E. TYLER was today SOS to 11 CIB. There he is to be Liaison Officer.
CAPT TYLER has been with the IRISH REGT continuously since the CAMP BORDEN
Guard, AUG 1939.
B24120 A/RSM MCKELVEY, G.A. has been awarded the CANADIAN
EFFICIENCY MEDAL. He has served as the A/RSM since 16 JUL 43.
Weather—Cloudy and mild
September 10, 1943
LIEUT’s W.S. ELDER and R.J. MILLER were promoted to A/CAPT’s in CARO,
SUPP 3796. Their promotion was effective on the 1 AUG 43.
MAJOR J.H.S. BROUGHALL was today attached to 11 CIB, there to await a new
appointment.
The exercise “HARLEQUIN” began for us. This exercise is concerned with the
operation of the machinery now organized in Commands for passing formations through
coastal areas for embarkation on a short sea voyage. It is, therefore, largely an exercise of
administration and movement.
There are five stages of movement to pass through: the Concentration Area, the
Reception Sub Area, the Marshalling Sub Area, the Transit Area, the Point of
Embarkation.
BARTON STACEY CAMP was our Concentration Area. Here we did the
waterproofing of vehicles (5%), reduced to light scale, detailed our vehicle and marching
personnel, marking vehicles and baggage with serial numbers and prepared our AFW
3028’s.
Four hours before the main body left, the advance body left under CAPT S.C. BELL.
Our Carriers under CAPT N. HICKLING left in a slow convoy at 0807 hrs, then the
main body crossed the SL at 0909 hrs.
The residue was left in BARTON STACEY CAMP under CAPT D.H. VERMETTE.

The Bn arrived at the R.S.A. at CREECH WALK at approximately 1130 hrs. It was
served very quickly and the food was excellent.
While there we were allocated to craft parties and our vehicles marked accordingly.
The Bn was held up by another serial and was over an hour late in leaving the R.S.A.
The move from there to the M.S.A. was slow. Consequently, by the time all the vehicles
were in their proper stands it was quite dark and began to rain.
All that night, the Administrative Officers of the Unit along with the Static Staffs and
Movement Control worked preparing the AFW 5169 (Embarkation Strength Returns),
topping up in petrol and drawing 48 hr mess tin rations, emergency rations, and the bag
lunch to eat with tea at the Transit Area. The Unit was given its evening meal, tent
accommodation, and blankets for the night and breakfast in the morning, all by the Static
Staffs.
Weather—Clear and Mild
September 11, 1943
In the morning the Bn moved off in six different craft loads, in no way tactical. Each
craft load moved off at a different time, proceeding to both PORTSMOUTH and
GOSPORT. At this stage, everyone, regardless of rank was just a passenger under orders
of Movement Control.
The craft loads reached the Transit Area and were there given tea. Personnel and
vehicles were again checked. Our maps were collected and handed in. After a 2-3 hour
stop the craft loads moved on to the Embarkation Points where we handed in our AFW
5169’s and AFW 3060’s.
We did not proceed into the “hards” but proceeded to the Dispersal Points. Again we
were given tea. After 20 minutes the column began its return journey to BARTON
STACEY CAMP. The only incident on the return move was a 2-hr hold up caused by a
tank catching fire. The Unit was all back in BARTON STACEY CAMP by 1100hrs in
the evening. The morale of the Tps was high during the whole exercise.
Weather—Warm and bright
September 12, 1943
LIEUT W.E. OBRIEN was taken on strength as Special Increment from #4 CIRU.
During the evening the Sgts Mess entertained some ATS and NAAFI girls with music
and refreshments. The Regimental film was also shown.
Weather—Warm and bright
September 13, 1943
LIEUT W.H. AGNEW has qualified as Driver i/c (Wheeled) and (Motorcycle).
CAPT D.H. VERMETTE was posted from B to SP.
LIEUT L. LESSARD from SP to C.
LIEUT G. LAPALME from HQ to A.
LIEUT W.E. OBRIEN to B Coy.
Weather—Warm and bright
September 14, 1943
The 2 i/c MAJOR G.C. CORBOULD, went on a 7-days’ leave today.

New respirators arrived in the R.Q. Stores for the Regiment The face piece is a MK
1A; the container, Type E, MK III; Haversack, MK 1 (light); Anti-dim, MK6.
In the sports contest between SP and HQ, SP won the baseball and tied the soccer
games.
17 OR’s from the 43 GEN TRANSPORT cease to be attached to the unit as of today.
A/MAJOR F.E. HILTZ was attached here from #7CIRU.
CAPT A.J.P. LAPRAIRIE was appointed Sec of the Men’s Messing Committee.
No 2” Mortar Ammunition will be used pending further orders. A serious accident in
another unit caused this order to be issued.
Weather—Cold with rain
September 15, 1943
In a softball game today, the Officers defeated the Sergeants.
LIEUT E.R. YOUNG was taken on strength from Special Increment.
Vehicles will no longer be washed by camp water. Double the allowance per capita is
being used and the water shortage would become serious if this were kept up.
Weather—Cool with rain
September 16, 1943
Ten officers attended a demonstration of the dry drill for a river crossing put on by the
C.B.H.
D Coy carried out a wood clearing exercise with the Mortar and Carrier Platoons
today.
D Coy NCO’s spent the night training on patrol work with the use of compass and
map stressed.
A and B Coy’s had a sports afternoon during which time the baseball and soccer games
were strongly contested.
One Platoon of A Coy did a compass march during the evening.
Weather—Cool with rain
September 17, 1943
In a soccer game between the Officers and Sergeants there was a tie score.
The new respirators were tested in the gas chamber today.
CAPT F.L. JONES gave a lecture on “German Weapons”.
“C” Coy had their sports afternoon today and “D” Coy spent the whole day on a field
craft scheme.
CAPT L.J. SAUNDERS proceeded on a 2-day Periodical School of Instruction at
CMHQ Clinic.
Weather—Dry and cool
September 18, 1943
A Regimental Weapons Training school was begun today for selected NCO’s.
A and B Coy Officers and NCO’s spent the day on the field firing area.
SP Coy has instituted a notice board which contains the latest information on the
German Army and Current Events.

It is the general opinion in the Regiment that meals have improved considerably since
a resent shake up in the kitchen staff.
SP Coy beat the CBH in a softball game and D Coy took C Coy in both soccer and
volleyball games.
8 OR’s proceeded on an Infantry Regiment Sigs Course which will take six weeks.
LT COL R.C. CLARK returned today from a Small Arms Course.
Weather—Dry and warm
September 19, 1943
A Bn church parade was held which the RCAMC also attended.
LIEUT R.J. LANCASTER and 2 NCO’s proceeded on CMHQ Course #321 (3”
Mortar) which will last two weeks.
Weather—Cloudy and wet
September 20, 1943
MAJOR F.E. HILTZ was posted to D COY as A/OC.
CAPT L.A.C. PAYNE and CAPT J. BONVILLE-HUMPHREYS were promoted to
the rank of A/MAJOR
LIEUT C.A. GORDON was promoted to the rank of A/CAPT as of 9 AUG 43.
MAJOR R.D. CLENDENNIING is to be A.C/O in the absence of the CO and 2i/c.
Weather—cloudy and cool
September 21, 1943
CAPT G.C.A. MACARTNEY was taken on strength on posting to Special Increment
from #4 CIRU. CAPT MACARTNEY had been away from the Unit since 17 JAN 43
when he proceeded HQ, 5CAD. Up to that time he had been with the Unit since it
mobilized in JUNE 1940.
MAJOR R.D. CLENDENNING ceases to be A/CO of the Regiment upon the return of
the 2i/c MAJOR G.C. CORBOULD who now becomes A/CO.
LIEUT H.G. HERMAN is to be Unit Weapon Training Officer.
Weather—fair and cool
September 22, 1943
The WESTMINSTER REGIMENT gave a demonstration of patrols and recces today
which the Intelligence Section attended.
There was a 3” Mortar shoot today in which 100 bombs were fired, and in cooperation
with which, D Coy held a scheme.
LIEUT W.C. LEONARD and selected NCO’s attended an ARTY shoot.
There was an “18”set procedure lecture for all Officers.
Weather—Sunny and cool
September 23, 1943
“C” Coy Officers had a lecture on the “18” set.
“A” Coy had a company dance and it was a real success. They were honoured by the
presence of 70 WRENS. A Coy have always had a flair for putting over a successful
dance and this one was no exception.

D Coy opposed B Coy in a sports afternoon and defeated them in soccer, volleyball,
and horseshoes. B Coy however, won the baseball game.
CAPT J.E.P. LESSARD was posted from D Coy to SP Coy.
Weather—bright and cool
September 24, 1943
The Regiment had an Ordnance inspection and from all reports, the equipment, stores,
etc, are in good condition.
Field firing was carried out by A&B Coy’s. The men enjoy this type of training as it
gives them something they can get their “teeth” into. There are several rough edges to
smooth out, but practice makes perfect.
18 OR’s were taken on strength from #4 CIRU, among them our Mortar Pl Sgt KING,
J.S.
Weather—Bright and cool
September 25, 1943
The Carrier Platoon did a map reading exercise in which they covered 76 miles with
only one vehicle casualty and that was due to circumstances beyond their control.
A/MAJOR J.B. HUMPHREYS proceeded on exercise on exercise “VICTOR” and Bn
C.O. With him were:
CAPT G.C.A. MACARTNEY
LIEUT F.E. SOUTHBY
LIEUT H.R. YOUNG
LIEUT W.E. OBRIEN
plus 9 NCO’s.
Weather—Bright and cool
September 26, 1943
LIEUT W.L. GRAFF and 2 NCO’s attended a drumhead service at WINCHESTER.
Officers and NCO’s from 5 th DIV, WRENS COMMANDOS, ATS girls, and many
civilians attended.
The Sgts entertained some WAFF’s and NAAFI girls in their mess during the evening.
The IRISH orchestra was in attendance and a movie picture was also shown.
Weather—Bright and cool
September 27, 1943
A Battalion parade was held this morning. MAJOR G.C. CORBOULD was acting
C.O. and the Regiment had a smart turn out.
A/CAPT W.S. PALMER was attached from C Coy to SP Coy.
Weather—Bright and cool
September 28, 1943
CAPT R. BOLT, CAPT S.C. BELL, LIEUT D.A. SMITH, and 6 NCO’s attended a
demonstration of supplying water in the field.
MAJOR G.C. CORBOULD and LT COL H.S. HARRIS made a recce of
LAMBOURNE DOWNS Training Area for Bn Exercise “BAFFLE”.

The warning order for the above mentioned exercise came out.
The Carrier Pl went out on a n all day map reading exercise, and the A/Tk Platoon
went out on in the afternoon.
Weather—Fair and warm
September 29, 1943
The whole Bn attended a mine-laying and lifting demonstration.
We were informed that we must move out into bivouac areas just south of BARTON
STACEY shortly in order to clear the camp for the incoming 3 rd CDN DIV. The unit is to
remain in this bivouac area until commencement of exercise “DITTO”.
Weather—Dull and warm
September 30, 1943
The Bn spent the day in preparing for the scheme “BAFFLE” which is to take place
shortly.
According to the M.O., CAPT R.W. BOYDEN, the Regiment is in excellent health
and consequently, morale is high.
Weather—Dull and warm.