249th (Airborne) Field Company, RE

Abbreviation

2 i/c
ACC

ADMS

ADOS

Adv

Airldg

A/N

Arty
Att

Bde

CCS

CMP

Comd

Comdr

Comp

Coy

CRE

Div

Eqpt

FBE

Galls

HQRE

LSI

LST

M/C

Offr

O i/c

ORD

Oxf & Bucks

RAMC

RAP

RASC

Ref

Regt

Reqd

RUR

Sec

Sqn

TCV

Tpt

Trng

UXB

Wef

W/O

Second-in-Command

Army Catering Corps

Assistant Director Medical Services

Assistant Director Ordnance Services

Advanced

Army Group

Airlanding

Above Named

Artillery

Attached

Battledress

Brigade

Brigade Major

Battalion

Bridge

Casualty Clearing Station

Corps of Military Police

Command

Commander

Composite

Company

Commander Royal Engineers

Division / Divisional

Equipment

Folding Boat Equipment

Field

General Staff Officer 1

Gallons

Headquarters Royal Engineers

Intelligence Officer

Liaison Officer

Landing Ship Infantry

Landing Ship Tank

Motorcycle

Motor Transport

Officer Commanding

Officer

Officer-in-Command

Observation Post

Other Ranks

Ordnance

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry

Park

Platoon

Physical Training

Royal Artillery

Royal Army Medical Corps

Regimental Aid Post

Royal Army Service Corps

Road

Royal Engineers

Reference

Regiment

Required

Royal Ulster Rifles

Section

Squadron

Troop Carrying Vehicle

Troop

Transport

Training

Unexploded

Unexploded Bomb

With effect

Without

March party No.2 moved in morning to docks and embarked on J32 L.S.I. In evening Vehicle Party moved off and embarked during night on L.S.T. 160.

2100 - Bulk of invasion fleet set sail. Main body of 2 pl airborne at 2256 hrs (Tarrant Rushton airdrome)

0020 - Glider rafting party airborne (Brize Norton airdrome). 2 pl Main body "prangs" on BÉNOUVILLE bridge and PONT TOURNANT also at 0020. Both bridges captured intact - Some resistance encountered.

0320 - Glider rafting party land. Nos 1, 2 and 3 March parties landed between 1200 hrs & 1400 hrs at or near BERNIERES SUR MER and moved independently to Airborne Assembly Area "ARCHIE" (about 1 mile NORTH of REVIERS). Slight German resistance in ARCHIE. One prisoner captured.

2 pl still on bridges and harassed by snipers. At 2100 hrs 2 pl commenced building causeway for Bailey rafting site. Coy at Archie on "qui vive". Transport finally landed and arrived in assembly area at 1800hrs. 1 pl, 3 pl and HQ pl reorganise.

2 pl still on bridge - unsuccessfully attacked by fighter bombers. UXB on centre of BÉNOUVILLE bridge, 2 men wounded 1400 hrs. Main body of coy together with Airborne RASC, RAMC etc moved to Airborne Assembly Area "HOMER". O.C contacted CRE and unit moved across bridges at approx 1900 hrs. Coy then moved into harbour area at LE BAS DE RANVILLE and was joined there by 2 pl. Coy accounted for 3 German killed and 9 captured today (2 killed and 3 captured by 2 pl on bridge - 1 killed and 6 captured at ARCHIE). Jeep damaged by bomb about 2000 hrs. Four casualties one of which later proved fatal. Capt Smerdon attached 286 Field Coy.

Continual spasmodic shelling during the day. Intensified in the evening to a pre-attack barrage. Sudden confusion at 2100 hrs. Rumour that German attack had broken through in our sector, and wrong order caused part of coy to retire. Remainder stood firm. 12th Devons were contacted by patrol and it was found that this bn. was holding out against a strong German attack. Small party drawn from 2 pl & HQ pl under command Capt Neilson took up position on 12th Devons' right flank. Devon coy on right flank then counter attacked and restored the position. Capt Neilson's party then returned. Today's casualties:- 1 officer wounded (Capt Clive - 2 i/c). O.R's - 2 killed 14 wounded 16 missing. One trailer 10 cart destroyed by fire.

Quite day - comparatively! 4 slightly wounded. 16 missing returned. Pls on works:-

At dusk, company moved off to LE HOM (about 1 mile from former location) to fill in gap in the line.

Coy remains as infantry at LE HOM until 1400. Then returned to LE BAS DE RANVILLE. Coy R.A.P's dug.

Coy still at LE BAS DE RANVILLE. R.A.P's completed and equipped. 2100 hrs 1½ pls moved out to support Devons right flank - Later these reinforcements were moved up to LE HOM to support 5th Para Bde.

Early morning move by Coy (less rear HQ) to HEROUVILLETTE to support 7th Para Bn. 1½ pls recalled from LE HOM and also moved to HEROUVILLETTE. At midday position strafed by rocket-firing Typhoons in error (we hope!). No casualties from this but one man burned by petrol cooker.

Coy still at HEROUVILLETTE but pls go out on works by day. 1 pl clearing debris from roads. 2 pl & 3 pl - Div H.Q. dugouts. In the evening coy reverts to infantry rôle.

Coy still in dual rôle. Pls on works. 1 pl continued road clearing. 2 pl - road clearing and digging hull down tank positions. 3 pl - water supply & strengthening Div HQ.

Coy still at HEROUVILLETTE! Early morning mortar barrage continuous for 2½ hours. 2 wounded. Wood clearing by 1 pl & ½ 3 pl. Approx 5 huns killed. Coy in defensive position all day.

Still at HEROUVILLETTE!!! 1 pl resting & 2 pl marking minefields and blowing mortar pits. 3 pl on Div HQ dugouts. At 1800 hrs all these pls commence work on new Div H.Q. at LE MESNIL. Work continues until dark.

0430 - 1000 hrs work continues on new Div HQ. 1000 hrs - Div move cancelled and work ceases. Coy returns to LE BAS DE RANVILLE and commenced bathing in R.A.F. dinghy. Coy notified that new Div H.Q. would be completed on 20th as an H.Q. for 6th Airlanding Bde.

Work resumed by coy (less ½ of 2 pl) on HQ position commenced on 18th. 1930 work complete. 2100 hrs HQ 6th Airlanding Bde move in. Right half of 2 pl finished blast wall in G1's office at Div HQ. Lt. Woodcock promoted Acting Capt. w.e.f. 10 JUNE 44.

1 pl improved RAP's in unit lines and strengthened defence positions for 12 DEVONS near ST. COME. 2 pl constructed blast walls in Int. office at Div HQ and dealt with UX shells near AMFRÉVILLE. 3 pl constructed splinterproof for CRA and blast proof office for Chief 2nd Officer at Div HQ. Capt Smerdon released from 286 Fd Pk Coy to take up duties of 2 i/c. Cpl Tate & Cpl Blogg, injured previously evacuated by RAMC. 2100 hrs practice "Stand To" in addition to usual.

1 pl continue strengthening 12th Devons & 1st RUR positions at BREVILLE & ST. COME respectively. 1 pl also continued work on unit R.A.P. 2 pl completed the final strengthening at Div HQ at LE BAS DE RANVILLE and was able to employ a section in turn on domestic duties. 3 pl recc'd for and commenced erection of a 3 tank divisional water point at CHATEAU D'ANEREVILLE. Today passed relatively quietly. No casualties. Printed Coy orders for 23rd issued in the evening.

1 pl finally completed the defensive strengthening of 6th Airlanding Bde positions in a line from BREVILLE to ST. COME. 2 pl on arty observation and construction of new latrines with two sections on domestic duties. 3 pl completed water point at AMFRÉVILLE (storage for 3,600 galls). Personnel left to operate point which is due to open at 0900 hrs 24 June. This was an excellent job. In the evening there was some enemy shelling - 2 O.R. casualties. - The battle proceeds.

1 pl engaged on construction of Div. tps water point (Storage for 3,600 gallons). Point estimated to be ready for use by 0900 hrs 25th. 2 secs of 2 pl engaged in road work for the water point, traffic sign posting and route marking remaining two secs on domestic affairs. 3 pl on domestic affairs and preliminary work for large scale divisional shelter scheme due to commence on 25th. Shelling continues spasmodically. No casualties.

The entire coy. with 591 Para Sqn and two tps of 3 Para Sqn. in support commenced the construction of an above ground Div H.Q. (near AMFRÉVILLE) capable of resisting direct hits from shells up to 6" calibre. Work has progressed slowly today because of the extreme hardness of the ground. The stores, however, are now arriving at good speed and better progress is hoped for tomorrow. We aim to complete the entire work in four days commencing as from Noon today. Spasmodic shelling in the morning inflicted six casualties two of whom returned today.

The work on new Div HQ proceeds satisfactorily. G.O.C's shelter complete less shellproof cover. All other structures 50% complete.

Work continues. Good progress. Completion time considerably retarded by the addition of other structures not included in original orders and therefore not allowed for in calculations of stores and times. Quiet day.

All original shelter structures complete. Additional structures added within last 48 hrs are 50% complete. Shortage of materials is hindering final work such as interior installations, tables, individual shelter covers etc. Another quiet day.

Construction of all huts completed and filling 60% complete. Work progresses very satisfactorily and if the services of a face shovel can be obtained for tomorrow, the work should be completed by 1200 hrs 1st July. Promotions (on a temporary basis) to fill vacancies in NCO establishment have been made in the unit. Some of our junior NCO's are showing themselves to be excellent leaders of men. Recommendations for Honours & Awards submitted including a claim for the M.M. for Spr Beard for attending casualties under heavy mortar fire and 8 "mentions" for various outstanding acts of leadership and personal courage.

Late arrival of Mechanical Equipment on the site retarded work. From 1000 hrs onwards however work progressed more satisfactorily and by 1900 hrs the work was 98% complete with the exception of one hut which was thrown out of true by the injudicious heaping of spoil on one side of the structure. This hut will have to be reconstructed to some extent to restore its original stability. News received today that C.S.M. Isaacs, wounded by enemy action on 9 June, died on the following day from wounds received.

Work on Div H.Q. completed at 1200 hrs today. Tidying up, stores clearance and the rebuilding of one collapsed retaining wall due to persistent bad weather, was completed by 1700 hrs.

Coy. rest day. Pls engaged on domestic affairs, improving slit trenches and the maintenance of pl stores. Work for the next week is forecasted on the maintenance of existing roads and the construction of new roads in the Div. area. 28 men from the coy. attended a concert at LA DELIVERANDE at 1500 hrs. A short service was held at Div HQ at 2000 hrs and was attended by a large proportion of the coy.

Coy. commenced work on a wheeled vehicle and tank track by-passes from LE PLEIN to South of LE BAS DE RANVILLE. 1 pl engaged on vehicle track roughly 1000x in length and 1000x of tank track. 3 pl engaged on remaining 2000x of tank track. No.2 pl, with the assistance of French labour, on road maintenance throughout the Div. area. Quiet day.

Tank track, vehicle track and road maintenance proceeds in spite of bad weather. By 1700 her the complete length (i.e. 3000x) of tank track, marked on both sides by pickets and graded by an auto-patrol was finished. The vehicle track, laid with Summerfield track and similarly marked with pickets, was by the evening 40% complete. Road maintenance continues slowly owing to quantities of liquid mud. Quiet day. No casualties. The battle proceeds.

2 pl's road maintenance in Div area today proceeded steadily but more slowly owing to the withdrawal of transport for other priority work. By-pass road for wheeled vehicles 70% complete. The Summerfield track has been extremely well laid, and bedded on a surface of brushwood, by No.1 pl. No.3 pl engaged on training with enemy anti-tank mines & minor improvements to Div. H.Q. Occasional shelling of roads in proximity of coy location. No casualties.

No.1 pl divided its activities between training on enemy anti-tank mines and continuing on the wheeled vehicle by-pass which, by the time the pl ceased work was 90% complete. No.2 pl continued on road maintenance with the additional delay this morning of head high machine gun fire over and around the site. No.3 pl completed its local rd maintenance and the work at Div H.Q. More frequent shelling especially on the road between SALLENELLES and RANVILLE. No casualties.

No.1 pl on the approaches to the Divisional water point with 1 sec - The remaining three sections on conservancy, weapon training and bicycle maintenance. 2 pl continued on the Div. rds. which are now in a much better state for work than during the wet weather of the past week. 3 pl on mine training, digging "stand to" positions and improving the exits of the coy M.T. area. Chief Engineer visited the unit, met all available officers and inspected some of the recently completed work of the unit:- tank & vehicle by-passes, the Div. water point and the made up roads. Quiet day except for low flying attacks by enemy aircraft and occasional shelling. One casualty. The unit locality afforded a "grandstand" view of the 2,000 ton raid on enemy concentrations North of CAEN.

No.3 pl engaged on dismantling the AMFRÉVILLE water point and transferring the fittings of the water bottle filling point and the water pacifier trailer to the Div water point, where No.1 pl was still engaged in enlarging and improving the scope of the point and its approaches. 2 pl continued its road maintenance. Tomorrow it is hoped that the unit will be able to have a complete day on training. Quiet day. No casualties.

Today the unit has been able (with the exception of No.1 pl) to concentrate on training - Periods being spent on Assault Demolition, Minefield Clearance, Removal of Road Obstacles, and Neutralisation of [Repaired?] Bridges. No.1 pl commenced the erection of a protective wall around the water purifier at the Div water point and improving the drainage of the site. Quiet day. No casualties.

No.1 pl engaged on digging new drainage system for the Div water point. No.2 pl still on road maintenance. No.3 pl training on assault demolition and the use of the No.4 Mine Detector. C.R.E's conference allows the unit a weeks training programme starting on 12th July; during this time the company will be relatively free of work commitments. Major Macpherson (556th Corps Field Coy R.E.) visited the unit. Rather heavy mortar fire on parts of the front and shelling near unit location. No casualties.

No.1 pl completed the drainage work at the Div. water point and built a sandbag wall to protect the water purifier trailer. No.2 pl handed over its road maintenance task to the 591st (Antrim) Para Sqn. R.E. No.3 pl was engaged in strengthening the H.Q. of the 1st bn R.U.R. There was some shelling in the area of LE BAS DE RANVILLE - one casualty - otherwise a quiet day. Training programme was submitted to C.R.E. The Coy. today ate bread for the first time in NORMANDY. Trng programme enclosed.

Platoons on training as per programme - No.1 pl (after completing water point) on Assault Demolition. 2 pl on Weapon Training and Mines - 3 pl on Flame Throwers and Weapon Training. Works commitments limited to the strengthening of Artillery O.P.s at SALLENELLES which will employ one section for two days commencing tomorrow. Molar conference at HQRE at 1800 hrs.

Training continues as per programme - 1 pl. rafting (hoddy raft and MkIII Assault Boat raft) - 2 pl. Weapon training, assaulting road blocks and route march. One section on O.P's at SALLENELLES. - 3 pl. Mines. First issue of beer from NAAM was collected this morning and issued this evening. Otherwise a very quiet day.

Training continues as per programme - 1 pl. Battle drill, Enemy Mines. NCO's rafting site recce and knots & lashings - 2 pl. Weapon training, road clearance and enemy mines with one section still on O.P's - 3 pl. Rafting and Watermanship. Warning order for large scale road repairs and for the construction of new tank tracks was given this evening. The coy will start work on these tomorrow morning. Warning order received for move back to U.K. to reform. Spasmodic shelling. No casualties.

Whole unit on road and tank track construction. No.1 pl. on tank track BOAR. No.2 pl. on vehicle track A and Y. No.3. pl. on tank track RAT. Work went ahead satisfactorily during the day and was complete, less the positioning of signboards, by 1800 hrs. There was much movement on the road today by our own Troops. Spasmodic shelling of bridges over the ORNE by enemy heavy artillery. No casualties.

New policy regarding number of slews in tank track caused a general straightening of line necessitating the movement of approx 80% of pickets erected yesterday. Both tank tracks are now dead straight as per orders of C.E. I Corps. They now cut through a large gun position and a decision on who will move is awaited through Division. The signposts and signboards are in place in all but stretches over which the enemy has direct observation. The company has been given the additional task tomorrow of adding 3 more "S" tanks, a new roadway and a completely revised drainage system to the existing divisional water point. Quiet day. No shelling.

Tank track moves again - this time to avoid gunners. Slews, now one more than on original track, accepted. No.1 pl engaged on this final rearrangement all day on what is known now as "FIR" tank track. No.2 pl on final vehicle route maintaining (vehicle routes now named "PALM" and "FIR"). By the evening the water point work commenced by No.3 pl was 80% complete. Work to be handed over to 591 Para Sqn. R.E. at 0900 hrs to leave unit free for road maintenance. Final touches put to tank and vehicle tracks and notice boards. At 2310 hrs word was received that the attack was on at first light. Platoons received orders to erect final notices and check over routes at 2359 hrs. Tomorrow the road maintenance organisation laid on by the unit will take effect.

The road maintenance organisation, involving the whole company, was put into operation at 0001 hrs today. A report centre was established and reports from platoon road patrols and C.M.P. were transmitted to Coy H.Q. via the report centre. The maintenance work consisted mainly of re-erecting pickets and repairing or replacing damaged Summerfield track. At 2315 hrs a brisk enemy air attack developed. There were no direct hits on the roads although some Summerfield track was slightly damaged by some near misses. No casualties.

Road patrolling and maintenance continues. Maintenance today consisted mainly of replacing pickets, signboards and Summerfield track, filling in ruts and shell craters, extracting vehicles from ditches and removing unexploded ammunition from the tracks. Relatively quiet day.

All roads continue to stand up well inspite of heavy traffic. Chief Engineer has sent congratulations on the efficient road maintenance to all units concerned. Today damage was restricted to some 12 pickets crushed, sinking of ground in some places and to the notice-boards. All routes were in perfect order by 1400 hrs. At 1615 hrs rain (the worst enemy of our routes) began and continued with some violence throughout the evening and night. By 2000 hrs PALM tracks and wheels and FIR tracks were impassable to heavy traffic. FIR wheels only continues to stand up to the bad weather and heavy usage. No bombs. No shells. No casualties. Quiet day.

Rain continued throughout the day making any attempt of major road maintenance useless. Minor maintenance, in the form of cutting side drains and catch waters, was carried out on all routes. FIR WHEELS only remains passable to traffic. Quiet day.

Rain ceased but weather still unsettled. Roads remain covered with liquid mud. As no heavy traffic is expected over routes until early morning 24th it was decided merely to prepare for major maintenance tomorrow whilst allowing the surface time to dry out with the assistance of additional drains.

Platoons were reorganised on the work during the morning with 2 and 3 pls on PALM WHEELS and 1 pl on FIR TRACKS. PALM WHEELS progressed well during the morning but by lunch time it was clear that more labour would be required to make this road fit for heavy traffic by tonight. In the afternoon all three platoons, plus a troop from 591 Para Sqn. R.E. under command, were working on PALM WHEELS. Work done during the day consisted of bulldozing and shovelling mud from the tracks, filling numerous potholes, ruts and depressions. A full report on the work involved in constructing the routes through the Divisional area, and in their maintenance in wet and dry weather, was submitted by O.C. 249th Field Coy R.E. (Airborne) to C.R.E. at 1900 hrs. Quiet day.

Considerable traffic passed over PALM & FIR WHEELS during early hours of the morning. Little maintenance was required on FIR WHEELS, but on PALM WHEELS some sinking had occurred and mud had found its way back onto the track surface. The day was spent with 1 & 2 pls working to improve, and remove wet mud from, PALM WHEELS. 3 pl engaged with heavy bulldozer in clearing mud from PALM TRACKS. By tomorrow all tracks should be ready for treatment with a road roller. C.R.E. was seriously wounded and I.O. killed today on 3rd Bde front.

Repair work on PALM WHEELS and TRACKS continues. FIR WHEELS now requires only normal maintenance and work has ceased on FIR TRACKS as Corps Engineers have commenced laying a permanent concrete tank track along this route. Work on PALM WHEELS consisted mainly of smoothing out the parts of the track not covered with Summerfield, aided by a 2 ton roller, and with covering hardcore filling depressions, potholes etc with a fine stone topping. Some bulldozer work was required on stretches of track nearer to the river and this portion will be ready for the roller tomorrow. PALM TRACKS was rolled throughout its length and all major depressions and ruts filled with hardcore. By this evening PALM WHEELS and TRACKS and FIR WHEELS were all in good condition and fit for heavy traffic. With effect from tomorrow normal maintenance should suffice to keep the tracks up to scratch. Quiet day.

Little more than normal maintenance on all routes today. PALM WHEELS requiring filling and rolling in places and PALM TREES showing signs of more subsidence owing to heavy traffic. Work progressed without incident during the day which was relatively quiet.

Early this morning the enemy bombed the area with Anti-personnel and 50 Kg bombs cratering PALM WHEELS in one spot and PALM TRACKS in two further places. Craters on track route were repaired by the maintenance patrol in the morning. The crater on PALM WHEELS was filled in by 0325 hrs by the night duty section of 2 pl. During the day, normal maintenance was sufficient on all routes except PALM TRACKS where further filling and rolling was required.

All routes in good condition and normal maintenance only required. During the day a considerable volume of traffic passed over PALM WHEELS and TRACKS to which both surfaces stood up very well indeed, with the result of only minor ruts & depressions. Slight enemy air activity in the evening. No damage. No casualties.

Normal road maintenance proceeds with all tracks continuing in good condition. The Coy has been ordered to hand over road maintenance commitments to 591 Para Sqn with effect from 0800 hrs tomorrow. New work for the unit consists of some reconstruction work on Div H.Q. shelter which commenced today and the digging in of 6th Airlanding Bde HQ at a new location. This new location was recce'd once during the day by O.C. and then cancelled. A second new location was chosen and cancelled before a recce could be carried out. Decision is still in abeyance. It is hoped to get some training done within the next week if this works commitment does not materialise. Slight enemy air activity in the evening. Otherwise quiet.

Coy resting throughout the day with the exception of half of 2 pl engaged on works. E.N.S.A. concert, at night, for 30 members of the unit, provided very good entertainment. Not one "Hackerschmidt" appeared in the evening sky. The end of the first perfect day in Normandy! (Proceedings were marred however by the burial of the latest "pigeon" which crashed into our lines at approximately 2359 hrs).

Coy engaged on conserving during the morning and, with the exception of half of 2 pl on works, training at pl comdrs' disposal took place during the afternoon. O.C's representative visited 6th Airlanding Bde HQ on orders from C.R.E. ref. change of location, to discover that the move has been finally cancelled. However, during the afternoon O.C. carried out preliminary recce for new location for 3rd Para Bde H.Q. North of TOUFFREVILLE, the works on which will have to be carried out by this unit as the 3rd Para. Sqn. R.E. is engaged on water supply work. Training programme for next 7 days submitted to C.R.E. for approval although it appears that we will once again be unable to carry this out.

3rd Bde shelters were cancelled, as far as this unit is concerned, and we were able to commence a week's training programme (a copy of which is appended) today. No.1 pl engaged in mine clearance and assault gap marking. No.2 pl on mine clearance and enemy mines. No.3 pl, as part of their mine clearance training, have commenced the task of lifting German mines around a house to be set aside as a rest centre, a section on the work each day. No.3 pl also carried out training on map reading and compass. Capt R.M. Clive returned to the unit and Capt T.J. Hirst was evacuated to the CCS, suffering from a slightly inflamed appendix, this evening. Otherwise quiet day.

Coy training continues as per training programme. No.1 pl on rafting and enemy mines. No.2 pl on weapon training, assault gap marking and enemy mines. No.3 pl on minefield clearance (as yesterday), battle drill and knots & lashings. Capt Smerdon today resumed command of No.3 pl and Capt Woodcock reverted to the rank of Lieut. Lt Robinson (reinforcement officer) transferred from 3 pl to H.Q. pl.

Coy training continues as per training programme but with effect from tomorrow training will cease as the company has fresh tasks as follows:- No.1 pl is to clear an area to be used as a rest centre for troops of 6th Airborne Div. This area is in the western outskirts of OUISTREHAM and is a square of sides approx 125 yards in length and contains 16 houses. The gardens of the houses are known to be mined and the houses are suspected of being trapped. A detached recce by the pl. comdr. will take place tomorrow morning and work will start tomorrow afternoon - the pl using one mine detector per section. No.2 pl carried out the recce this afternoon for its task, commencing tomorrow morning, of clearing mines in an area, about half a mile square, South of HEROUVILLETTE. This promises to be a thankless proposition as the area has already been swept by sappers of an infantry div. and declared clear but the work is rendered necessary by the fact that 4 vehicles have since been blown up on this piece of ground. No.3 pl continue clearing the R.A. rest centre and have lifted to date 30 assorted enemy mines. The day after tomorrow 3 pl commences work on a 2nd shelter at Div H.Q. to cope with an increase in the staff of the A.D.M.S. It is hoped that once stores are on site half of 3 pl may be released to assist 1 pl to clear rest area at OUISTREHAM. O.C. attended conference on transport and equipment build up required to cover periods in the field from 2 weeks to 6 months. Quiet day.

Recce of div. rest are at OUISTREHAM carried out this morning by Lieut A.G. Monoreiff and work commenced on clearing mines at 1400 hrs. By the end of the day the perimeter tracks around the area and the first five houses and their gardens were declared free of mines and traps, no mines having been found. No.2 pl commenced mine clearance South of HEROUVILLETTE in rather difficult country. At the end of the day two buried MkV mines and some enemy mortar bombs in doubtful condition had been found. No.3 pl completed the clearance of the R.A. rest centre; no additional mines being uncovered today.

O.C. accompanied C.R.E. on a recce over 6th Airlanding Bde. front visiting Bde H.Q. and the three Bn. H.Q's. in turn to discover what R.E. work or stores were required. Requirements were small and consisted of the oiling of some mosquito ponds, the supply of some 6,000 sandbags and the shoring up of the Oxf. & Bucks H.Q. No.1 pl continued clearing div. rest area. No mines were found during the day but datum points were discovered and mines will almost certainly be met tomorrow. No.2 pl continued clearing at HEROUVILLETTE and today uncovered two MkVs and eight 75 grenade mines, all armed and buried. This shows considerable carelessness on the part of the previous clearing party and a report will be submitted when the area is completely cleared. No.3 pl commenced the A.D.M.S. shelter with two sections, carried out a recce for, and collected, stores for strengthening of the Oxf & Bucks H.Q. to commenced tomorrow. One section assisted No.1 pl in clearing the div rest area. Warning order given to 1 pl for the construction of field structures in the div. rest area.

No.1 pl continued clearing the Div. rest area. By the end of the day some 30 French light infantry mines and "S" mines had been recovered. No.2 pl continued sweeping the area South of HEROUVILLETTE and today found nothing. No.3 pl. started work on strengthening Oxf & Bucks H.Q. The work consists of shoring up two ceilings, laying sandbags on upper floors and building blast walls. 3 pl. also continued the construction of the A.D.M.S. shelter at Div H.Q.

Late this afternoon No.1 pl completed the clearance of mines from the Div. rest area and commenced work on field structures. It is hoped to open the camp on Wednesday afternoon. No.2 pl continued mine clearing in the area of HEROUVILLETTE. No.3 pl had 1 sec. assisting No.1 pl with the remaining 3 sections on conservancy.

No.1 pl engaged all day on reconstruction work in the Div. rest area. No.2 pl continued clearing mines near HEROUVILLETTE. No.3 pl were, in the morning, placed, on short notice, under command 6th Airlanding Bde so that if an advance was called for Sapper sections would be already with bns. to clear the route of mines. At the moment pl H.Q. and one section are with Bde H.Q. and one section equipped with mine detectors and mine marking equipment is attached to each of the bns. During the period of attachment, but prior to any advance, 3 pl with half of 2 pl under command will construct a new Bde H.Q. at AMFREVILLE consisting of six underground shelters.

No.1 pl continued work on the Div. Rest Centre and by the end of the day work was 95% complete. Only small items, such as blackouts, retiling of broken roofs and glazing, remained to be done. All major work and the two ovens ordered yesterday should be complete by tomorrow. No.2 pl today completed mine clearance South of HEROUVILLETTE and submitted plan of mines discovered to HQRE. No.3 pl commenced the excavations for 6th Airlanding Bde HQ at AMFRÉVILLE. The ground proved hard going and the work progressed slowly. 3 pl has an infantry working party of 20 and two sections of 2 pl under command for this job.

No.3 pl and half No.2 pl still engaged in the construction of shelters at the new 6th Airlanding Bde. H.Q. By this evening work was 40% complete. Second half of No.2 pl was employed on domestic duties in the afternoon having been on stores collection for No.3 pl in the morning. No.1 pl engaged in finishing off work at the Div. Rest Centre. Although, by the end of the day, all major work was completed it will be necessary to keep small parties engaged for up to a week finishing off routine jobs such as glazing, tiling and blackouts. Just before midnight a Ju 88 crashed on one of the houses in the Div. Rest Centre.

At 0340 hrs this morning a message was received at this H.Q. requesting help at the Div Rest Centre at first light. An officer from No.1 pl despatched on recce at 0400 hrs and pl arrived on site at 0500 hrs. By 1300 hrs all debris had been searched and the seven missing accounted for by bodies recovered from the wreckage. Some pioneer labour was placed under command of 1 pl during the morning and with its assistance 2 sections of 1 pl have cleared most of the rubble and debris from the road and beach and generally tidied up and refenced the area. The remaining 2 sections continued routine work replacing slates & glass etc. No.3 pl, with half of 2 pl under command continued work on the shelters for 6th Bde. which were 75% complete by this evening. The remainder of 2 pl continued work on 12th Devons H.Q. L/Sgt Muir was wounded by a fragment of mortar bomb as sections of No.3 pl were packing up in Bn. area prior to their concentration in coy locality; which arrangement has now been agreed, as it considerably facilitates the execution of work.

No.3 pl increased pressure on the construction of their shelters today and had under command half of 2 pl and one section from 1 pl. Work progressed well during the day and by the evening 4 shelters (which were first priority) of the 6 were ready for occupation. No.1 pl was split up with two sections on the Div. Rest Centre and one section commencing the preliminary work on a sector of the BENOUVILLE - TROARN road which is to become a major Div. R.E. responsibility. The remaining half of No.2 pl continued work on strengthening 12 Devon's H.Q. at AMFREVILLE and work by this evening was 75% complete. Coy Commanders conference at H.Q.R.E. in the evening at which the main points were the priorities of future work and the redistribution of tpt. throughout the Div. R.E. It was also agreed that Lt Woodcock would take over the Mines School at the Div. Maintenance Area for two weeks commencing on Monday 14 Aug 44.

No.3 pl still engaged on the construction of shelters at 6th Bde H.Q. with one section from 2 pl and a small party from Coy H.Q. under command. No.1 pl continues to employ one section and tradesmen from other pls. on the fitting of window frames and glass and in retiling broken roofs in the Div. Rest Centre. The remainder of No.1 pl was engaged on road repairs on the BENOUVILLE - TROARN road in the area of LE HOM. 2 pl. had its three remaining sections also employed on road repair in the same sector. H.Q. pl. constructed for itself a bath house in the pl lines which will prove a very great benefit indeed.

Platoons engaged in a precisely similar manner as yesterday. Work progressed satisfactorily and without incident.

No.1 pl continued road maintenance in the area of LE HOM employing two sections. A third section continued work on the Div. Rest Centre. No.2 pl also continued its road maintenance employing three sections on the work. No.3 pl employed two sections on the A.D.M.S. shelter at Div H.Q. The remaining two sections, with one section each from Nos 1 and 2 pls. under command, continued work on the new of 6th Airlanding Bde H.Q.

No.3 pl continued building its shelters at Div H.Q. and the new 6th Airlanding Bde H.Q. No.2 pl had three sections on road maintenance in the LE HOM area, the remaining section resting in turn. No.1 pl employed two sections on road maintenance and one on the work at the Div Rest Centre while the fourth build blast walls outside both "G" offices and shored up the ceiling at the Royal Netherlands Bde H.Q. at BREVILLE. At 2115 hrs a message was received from 6th Airlanding Bde that operation "Paddle" (i.e. the advance up to the Rives Dives) was imminent and that No.3 pl was to come under command and distribute its sections to the battalions at once. All sections concerned reported to their bns by 2200 hrs and the unit stood by at one hours notice to move in support of 6th Bde. Up to midnight tonight no move had taken place.

Today, No.3 pl, under command 6th Airlanding Bde, cleared mines and established routes suitable for the passage of "Jeeps". The left hand section with the R.U.R. reached the coast rd FRANCEVILLE PLAGE - CABOURG. Half of No.2 pl established an advanced stores park at BREVILLE and with the help of two D.4 bulldozers improved No.3 pls main left hand road to make it suitable for Class 9 traffic. The other half of 2 pl remained in reserve in coy location until 1800 hrs when it took over the construction of an R.A. O.P. from 1 pl. Two sections of No.1 pl were engaged until 1800 hrs on the construction of an Observation Post for the 9th Survey Regt. R.A. The remaining two sections were in reserve in the coy location. In the afternoon No.1 pl were placed under command of 591 Para Sqn. R.E. About 1800 hrs they commenced the construction of a ford across the River Dives at TROARN alongside the demolished bridge and the F.B.E. bridge built by 591. By midnight the ford was finished.

O.C. received orders from C.R.E. at approx 0400 hrs to take over maintenance of F.B.E. bridges at TROARN from 591 Sqn. No.1 pl was detailed for this job and the laying of Summerfield approaches. No.2 pl stood by all morning for possible further work at TROARN. 3 pl reverted to command of O.C. 249 as from 0800 hrs today but remained in support of 6th Bde. Their work continued to be mine clearance and the making of "Jeep" by-passes around several large craters (40 to 60 feet in diameter and 8 to 10 feet deep and in many cases water filled). At 1400 hrs C.R.E. ordered the coy, less 3 pl, to move to area of TROARN. Only five three tonners were available and coy. moved by stages. Advanced coy H.Q. opened at TROARN at 1700 hrs; move was complete (less 3 pl and Coy HQ stores) by 2000 hrs. Coy HQ stores remained at ECARDE. About 1930 hrs O.C. received orders to stand by for a bridging operation making Bailey and F.B.E. bridges. No.2 pl moved off at 2115 hrs to area ST. RICHER. Recce of site impossible and no bridging operation could yet take place. It was decided to leave 2 pl and the bridging column (which had moved up under command 2 pl) parked in the area of ST. RICHER throughout the night. Capt. Neilson and a recce party remained forward with orders to attempt to recce demolition at map reference 237719 at first light. No.1 pl, who had handed back bridge maintenance to 591 sqn, moved up at 2200 hrs to ST. RICHER in support of No.2 pl in case the approaches of the proposed bridge site were heavily cratered.

By 0300 hrs O.C. decided that No.1 pls presence forward was no longer required and they were ordered to return to TROARN as coy reserve. At first light Captain Neilson succeeded in making a rough recce of the demolition which was found to be 76 feet in width thus rendering the eighty foot of Double Single Bailey Bridge at the disposal of the company useless. O.C. then ordered Captain Neilson's recce party to return to Advanced Bridging Park and O.C. reported to C.R.E. who decided to request additional Bailey Bridge. In the meantime 2 pl returned to TROARN to rest and stood ready for a bridging operation on the receipt of an extra 20 feet of bridge. No.1 pl was placed in support of 5th Para Bde. and O.C. contacted B.M. and ascertained that no urgent work was required. At 1900 hrs C.R.E. sent for O.C. It had been decided that an attack was to take place around the right flank of the demolition and over an existing Class 9 bridge which had not been demolished. C.R.E. and O.C. carried out a recce of the proposed route and a warning order was issued to No.1 pl. By 2010 hrs the recce was complete and the O.C. gave Captain Bence orders for the work to commence at 2100 hrs for route development for "Jeeps" and 15 cwts. Work continued till midnight and consisting of levelling off ditches, removing hedges and positioning chess paling over bad patches, and marking the route with long angle iron pickets.

Work continued throughout the night under persistent shellfire and by 0200 hrs all fighting vehicles of the assaulting brigade had successfully passed through. It was decided to cease work at 0300 hrs and return to TROARN leaving a maintenance section in charge until work could be recommenced tonight. Owing to shelling, the pl. did not succeed in leaving site until after 0400 hrs and at the cost of one 3 tonner and one solo m/c heavily damaged by shellfire. At 1000 hrs it was decided that if the attack, which was going well, had robbed the enemy of direct observation over the area of the demolished bridge the unit would attempt to construct a Class 9 bypass using Mechanical Equipment and Summerfield track. No.2 pl was detailed for this task and a bulldozer was taken forward by a covered route during the afternoon and camouflaged about 500 yards from the demolished bridge. Summerfield track and Chess Paling were put on wheels and Lt. Robinson dispatched to 5th Bde H.Q. as liaison officer. No.1 pl rested, with the exception of two road maintenance parties, briefed to take over from No.2 pl when this should be necessary. Meanwhile No.3 pl continued mine clearance and road improvement in support of 6th Airlanding Bde. on the route leading North East from BREVILLE and SALLENELLES to CABOURG. Warning order issued to 3 pl to be prepared to move tomorrow to join unit in TROARN area. At 1700 hrs ordered were received that a 50 foot Single-Single Bailey Br. would be built to the South of the existing "Dog" bridge at LES LONDES and that approaches following the diversion around the demolished bridge would be straightened and made fit to take traffic up to class 9 and tracks up to Class 40. Recce was carried out in the early evening by Lt. Robinson and an advance party moved off to the bridge site at 1945 hrs. It was there discovered that 50 foot of bridge as ordered by HQRE prior to recce was barely wide enough to open the gap, thus rendering the construction very much more difficult. Main body of No.2 pl with half of No.1 pl under command for works and half under command for stores deployed on the work at approx 2200 hrs. The night was extremely dark and ground mist and persistent rain added to the difficult conditions of construction were responsible for the bridge being completed as late as 0715 hrs.

At first light the position was that the far approach was finished, bridge construction almost complete but the near approach was still in a very bad way owing to the darkness preventing bulldozer work which was reqd. In error the bulldozer driver was allowed to return to Adv. Park at first light instead of then commencing his real work. O.C. inspected job at first light and ordered No.3 pl, who had joined the unit in TROARN yesterday evening, to take over the work of the near approach from 1 and 2 pls who were soaked through and very tired. By 1500 hrs new route was complete and was being used by very heavy streams of traffic. 3 pl then commenced improvements on far approaches by doubling up on the existing track. A good job done, No.3 pl less maintenance section was withdrawn to rest at 1900 hrs. At 2000 hrs numbers 1 and 2 pls received warning orders to commence work tomorrow morning on route maintenance as far as DOZULÉ and the clearance of verges from LES LONDES to DOZULÉ.

Work commenced as per warning orders with No.3 pl fully engaged in maintaining and improving the LES LONDES diversion, No.1 pl on road maintenance and No.2 pl on mine clearance. At 1400 hrs the unit moved from its present location (TROARN) to ANNABAULT some 6 miles from the river TOUQUES. This move was carried out without taking more than one section per pl off works at any one time. This, with the unit tpt, was little short of an administrative miracle. Unit complete at ANNEBAULT by 2100 hrs. Warning orders received for road maintenance and the construction of a Div Water Point tomorrow. Liaison offr. to report to CRE at 0730 hrs tomorrow.

Liaison Officer returned from H.Q.R.E. with instructions that platoons would not proceed on works but would stand by for large scale bridging operation involving two gaps in PONT L'EVEQUE. It was hoped that recce would be possible today and bridging could commenced tonight. In addition an area water recce was required. No.2 pl was ordered to be prepared to bridge or culvert the first and smaller gap and to supply assistance up to two sections for No.1 pl who were detailed to bridge the main gap. No.3 pl carried out a water recce and covered a very large area before a suitable source was discovered. Work began on this point at 1600 hrs. A "[Stella?]" filter unit was brought up from TROARN and the point was functioning, if not finished, by 2100 hrs. During the morning and afternoon repeated attempts were made to recce the main gap which was a contested area. An accurate recce was impossible although a rough estimate was obtained. In the evening our troops withdrew behind the river and attempts to recce were abandoned for the day. During the afternoon, bridging equipment arrived in the Advanced Park. This was checked and numbered by No.2 pl and the operation was organised so that the unit could commence bridging at very short notice. The position remained unchanged throughout the night. The unit spent some of its spare time today erecting large signboards giving the names of the main towns and villages along the route of advance.

Attempts at recce. were again useless as first light but at 1100 hrs our troops pushed forward and an accurate recce was made. There were now three priorities:- the causeway, the main gap and a second bridge over the main gap; work to be divided between ourselves and a Corps Field Coy. Recce reports went straight to Div for decision on allotment tasks. Decision was given at 1500 hrs and unit was responsible for bridging first gap with culvert and causeway and the second gap with a Double Single Bailey Bridge (70 feet). The unit advance parties and bankseat parties were deployed by 1600 hrs and work commenced. Main difficulty was the fact that the main road, which was piled high with debris, had to be cleared through the town and that the culvert had to be well on the way before bridging lorries could pass through on the way to the main gap. No.2 pl pitched into the work with a will and the compressor truck and grillage lorry succeeded in crossing and reaching the bridge site at 1720 hrs. From then on the work went with a swing and a two way causeway, properly culverted, was complete with a rolled surface by 2145 hrs. The Bailey Bridge was complete and the approaches through the far end of the town clear by 0055 hrs. Taken all over this bridging operation was a great success. The fly in the ointment was the Divisional R.E. intelligence organisation which failed until 2200 hrs to inform the unit that ¾ mile outside the town there was a third demolition with a gap of 28 feet. Fortunately, however, the Corps Field Coy arrived to build the 2nd bridge and instead took on the task of bridging this 3rd obstacle. Also at 2200 hrs the unit received warning order to bridge a 4th demolition on a secondary route running due North from PONT L'EVEQUE. No.3 pl warned for this task to be commenced tomorrow morning. During the day No.3 pl completed the water point at Map Reference 502007. Casualties on bridging operation - 2 men slightly injured.

0830 hrs 3 pl received warning order to bridge the demolition on the North-South exit from PONT L'EVEQUE with 40 feet Single Single Bailey. This rd formed supply route to 6 Airldg Bde & a diversion route round the demolition on the main PONT L'EVEQUE - STE. BENOIT D'HERBERTOT rd. Setting out br. began at 1115 hrs. Much work was required on the bankseats as the br. was built w/o end posts. Bank seats were complete by 1800 hrs. Work then proceeded rapidly & br was open to traffic by 2100 hrs, & christened "AVON BRIDGE". 2 pl carried out maintenance on the causeway they constructed in PONT L'ÉVEQUE. 1 pl carried out maintenance on their bridge in PONT L'ÉVEQUE now christened "BULFORD BRIDGE". They had assistance from 2 pl in clearing rubble from the approaches. 2 secs from 1 pl were also engaged in searching captured vehicles & eqpt. for booby traps & none were found. Unit received orders to move area STE. BENOIT by dark tomorrow but as unit was so far behind the battle it was decided to begin the move as soon as possible. O.C. ordered 2 pl to move to area STE. BENOIT & himself set off with Adv Coy HQ - the remainder of the unit to follow at first light tomorrow. Owing to the demolition of the only br on rd PONT L'ÉVEQUE - STE BENOIT, a narrow diversion route had to be used, on which were continual traffic jams. Neither of the above moves were complete by midnight.

At 0110 hrs convoy halted on diversion. O.C. discovered caused to be a 3-tonner completely bogged on a very bad uphill stretch. The events of the next few might have been a Sappers nightmare, but with the aid of a bulldozer, much sweat & bad language, some brushwood & as many of 2 pl as could be collected trucks were unditched, the road surface was improved & by 0340 hrs the last vehicle was through. The few vehicles that followed got through without much difficulty. Move of 2 pl & adv HQ complete by 0715 hrs. At 0830 hrs instructions arrived from C.R.E. by Coy. L.O. to complete move forthwith (= as soon as possible), to improve diversion, to strengthen AVON bridge to double single & generally clear rubble from routes in PONT L'ÉVEQUE. All above requires Corps sanction but as preliminary work, 2 pl & 1 pl carried out maintenance on causeway & Bulford br [?] in the afternoon 3 pl rested. Remainder of Coy arrived at STE BENOIT during the day the move being complete by approx 1600 hrs.

The Div is to advance no further & is apparently destined for a new rôle. Div is staying put for 72 hrs at least, only essential work to be done i.e. maintenance of Corps & Div routes in area PONT L'ÉVEQUE - a job for two platoons only. 1 pl rested, 2 pl worked in PONT L'ÉVEQUE - clearing rubble from streets & maintaining the Bailey Bridges & causeway. 3 pl was at work on Corps & Div routes in remainder of Coy area, roughly an arc between a point 4 miles North of Pont L'Éveque to a point 4 miles EAST of Pont L'Éveque. Bailey Bridges in PONT L'ÉVEQUE will NOT be strengthened by this unit. Main occupation today was speculation as to our future & exploration of neighbourhood.

1 pl engaged on general route maintenance in Coy area, 2 pl rested, 3 pl occupied in PONT L'ÉVEQUE clearing streets & making new friends. Everyone is giving us a terrific welcome, nothing [ersatz?] about it, it is really genuine. Our host M. LEUDET of TRIANON STE BENOIT is doing us very well, nothing is too much trouble. There was a big tea party today at which we met other members of the Resistance, a movement in which M. LEUDET has played an obscure, but obviously important part.

3 pl rested today, 1 & 2 pl carrying on with the usual routine maintenance of roads in Coy area. Fate of 6 Airborne has been decided, we are to return HOME commencing 2 Sept. We revert to comd 21 A.G. from 1 Corps wef. 30 Aug. Everybody is in high spirits, the good news & the rest & regular working hours of the last 3 days have done the Coy a lot of good. Cider is flowing freely, everyone has a smile for us & the kids never tire of waving or of begging "Cigarettes pour Papa". About 1700 hrs orders were received to send a party of 1 officer & 14 ORs to Field Park preparatory to return to U.K. as Advanced RE stores party. Lt Freeman & 14 ORs from 1 pl arrived 286 Fd Park about 2300 hrs. Preliminary orders received today re move to UK. We take jeeps & trailers any special Airborne equipment, instruments, mine detectors, everything else will go back to ORD. We go from in TCV's to Transit Camp. We shall get one suit B.D. on arrival in BULFORD, where according to HQ, it is now waiting with Div Signs already sewn on and we shall get 10 days leave, why NOT 14?

249 to leave here 4 Sept 44 spend one night in Transit, sail 5 Sept. Vehicles leave here 5 Sept 44, Captain Smerdon O i/c, go straight to PORT. Started to return unit equipment to ADOS dump. Coy occupied in clearing up lines & generally in preparation for move to U.K. Div reverted officially to comd. 21 A.G.

Continued to return stores to ADOS dump. Ammo & explosives to 398 Comp Coy RASC. Bulk of Company occupied in last minute search for souvenirs in shops of Deauville, Trouville, Honfleur. The shops are surprisingly well stocked, but prices are exorbitant at our rate of exchange 200 Francs to £1. M. LEUDET our host has given us a calf, it was killed this evening. We have filled his water tank for him & are now working on his car.

Army No.

2020566

2075593

2137868

2133430

2160944

14532203

1882122

2003091

6300399

2156029

3866332

14367543

2161713

2125916

2158201

14272964

2003100

2003327

2113921

1985945

3608439

2154621

2074435

1876745

2193826

Rank

W.O. II

C.Q.M.S.

Pte

Dvr

Spr

Cpl

Spr

Dvr

Spr

L/Cpl

Spr

Dvr

Spr

Name

Isaac R.

Jones O.C.

Redgrave E.R.

Jeffery A.E.H.

Allan W.

Woodley C.W.

Bond H.W.

Jermy A.E.

Manser E.B.

Shorey F.G.

Taylor H.

Riley J.F.

Jones G.

Burns J.

Larkin C.H.

Bower A.

Larkin C.W.

Fuller F.J.

Tarry R.M.

Williams P.

Marshall C.

Hudson J.F.

Shoolbred A.H.

Martin E.C.E.

Ashburner R.T.

Reg. or Corps

R.E.

A.C.C. att. R.E.

R.E.

Wednesday 12th	AM Conservancy cycle maintenance & complete water point. PM Assault demolitions. Bangalores. Clearing obstacles & tank destruction. F.T.?
Thursday 13th	Mk.III Assault Boat Raft and Hoddy Raft.
Friday 14th	AM Battle drill - use of smoke & enemy mines & igniters. PM N.C.Os. recce of rafting sites & knots & lashings.
Saturday 15th	AM Mine laying and marking & deliberate mine clearing. PM Road clearance drill. And booby trap clearing.
Sunday 16th	AM Cycle maintenance & conservancy and P.T. PM Spare.
Monday 17th	AM Mine clearing & assault gap marking. PM Battle drill & wood clearing & weapon training. Range?
Tuesday 18th	AM Rafting. PM Enemy mines and igniters.

Monday 31st July	AM Conservancy. PM Training (Pl. Comds. disposal).
Tuesday 1st August	Mine clearance and assault gap marking.
Wednesday 2nd August	AM Rafting. PM Enemy mines and igniters.
Thursday 3rd August	Assault demolitions - Bangalores etc - clearance of obstacles & tank destruction.
Friday 4th August	AM Battle drill - use of smoke - enemy mines. PM Training (Pl. Comds. disposal).
Saturday 5th August	AM Weapon training & use of flame throwers. PM Use of flame throwers & weapon training.
Sunday 6th August	Coy mine laying and recording scheme.

Monday 31st July	AM Conservancy. PM Training (Pl. Comds. disposal).
Tuesday 1st August	AM Weapon training and minefield clearance PM Enemy mines.
Wednesday 2nd August	AM Weapon training and assault gapping of minefield. PM Road block assault.
Thursday 3rd August	Assault demolitions - Bangalores etc - clearance of obstacles & tank destruction.
Friday 4th August	AM Weapon training & use of flame throwers. PM Use of flame throwers & weapon training.
Saturday 5th August	AM Rafting. PM Training (Pl. Comds. disposal).
Sunday 6th August	Coy mine laying and recording scheme.

Monday 31st July	AM Conservancy. PM Training (Pl. Comds. disposal).
Tuesday 1st August	AM Assault clearance of obstacles and map reading & compass. PM Map reading & compass and assault clearance of obstacles.
Wednesday 2nd August	AM Knots and lashings & battle drill (attack). PM Battle drill (attack) & knots and lashings.
Thursday 3rd August	AM Use of flame throwers & weapon training. PM Weapon training & use of flame throwers.
Friday 4th August	Assault demolitions - Bangalores etc - clearance of obstacles & tank destruction.
Saturday 5th August	AM Training (Pl. Comds. disposal). Enemy mines? PM Rafting.
Sunday 6th August	Coy mine laying and recording scheme.

Wednesday 12th	AM Weapon training & minefield recording. PM Enemy mines.
Thursday 13th	AM Weapon training & assaulting road blocks. Bren range? PM Section route march.
Friday 14th	AM Weapon training & road clearance. PM Enemy mines.
Saturday 15th	AM Weapon training & minefield clearance. PM Enemy mines.
Sunday 16th	AM Weapon training & conservancy. PM Spare.
Monday 17th	AM Weapon training and rafting. PM Rafting.
Tuesday 18th	AM Weapon training & assault gapping. PM Road block assault.