Saturday, January 31, 2009

June 1941

The red patch insignia, made famous by the First Canadian Division in the World War, was offically authorized for wear on the upper sleeve of uniforms and greatcoats of the 1st Canadian Division CASF. All ranks were required to wear the patch on their uniforms and greatcoats.

Some companies, of the unit, acted as the enemy in conjunction with exercises held for the Corps Commanders inspection of the Seaforths and Loyal Edmonton Regiment. Pte. Doherty, of the 48th Highlanders, was one of the two Canadians to represent the Canadian Army in the British Army Boxing finals held in the Albert Hall in London on 7 June. He was not successful.

Major Ganong returned to the unit from his posting in London. The new Tomahawk aircraft flew over the battalion area for purposes of aircraft recognition and familiarization. Exercise Waterloo commenced 14 June. Unit marched to Pebblescombe Hill-Bletchingly-Newdigate and then to the area North of Rusper. Bivouaced at 0200hrs. Marching next day via Horsham to Marlpost Wood arriving at 1715hrs. Rested 1 hour and moved to the area North of Washington. Arrived at 2100hrs and bivouaced. Exercise commenced at 0400hrs 16 June and the objective at Chantonbury Ring on the South Downs was attacked. BHQ established at Green Farm east of Washington. This was an exercise held in conjunction with tanks of the Royal Tank Regiment.

Exercise ended at 1200hrs 16 June and unit returned to Kingswood by TCVs. Field General Court Martial held at BHQ on Pte's Utton, Slater and Ferguson, the charges being Absence without Leave. D Company moved to Westerham to act as the guard at the estate of the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill.

Brigade Sport's Day on 26 June. We moved out on exercise Maple on 27 June and moved by transport to the start line at Godalming. Moved on 28 June to Bramshott-Winchester. BHQ established at Winchester Station. Battalion attacked 28/29 June. Exercise ended 1420 hrs 29 June and returned to our billets at Kingswood. CSM Church was awarded the Efficiency Medal and Pte D. Williams was awarded the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal.


 
The Red patch

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