July 1940

1-6 July 1940

Usual training being carried out. CO on recce to Newdigate area in Sussex for proposed assembly area/reinforcements in from the holding unit and they were on the range all week qualifying in small arms. Several air raid alerts sounded during the week. Battalion sports day held on Thursday. On Friday we were bussed on Bowling Alley to dig huge anti-tank ditch and it was a real lousy job. Air raid near Aldershot and bombs were dropped very near to our barracks. Several men in the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps barracks were killed in this raid in full daylight on Saturday afternoon. We are finding life in the barracks very hard and extremely boring.

7-13 July 1940

Church parade to St. Andres church on Sunday. Out on pass for the balance of the day. We were required to report back between 1700-1800hrs. Back out on Monday to Bowling Alley to dig that bloody anti-tank ditch. Practiced embussing on buses from No 10 Bus Carrying Company RASC. Digging that infernal ditch again at Bowling Alley. Unit on fairly long route march on Friday to West End, Ash Vale and Farnborough. Restrictions placed on leave. Commanding Officers parade and kit inspection on Saturday and then out on pass.

14-20 July 1940

We were required to dig that anti-tank ditch at Bowling Alley all day Sunday. It is bloody hard and boring work- We are still in the process of being re-kitted after the disaster in France where we lost most of our equipment. On Monday the CO spoke to us to tell us why were were going to the Newdigate area to bivouac. Advance party left for thr area Monday. Tuesday was spent in cleaning up the barracks. Left Aldershot at 1250hrs and arrived in Newdigate are at 1730hrs. The area was not in very good shape and we were required to do quite a lot of work to put the roads in shape around the company areas. Most of the unit officers away as umpires on an exercise. A lot of men were reported as AWOL. Village of Newdigate withing the battalion area so no pass is required to go into it. Allowed to go to Dorking and Horsham on pass.

21-27 July 1940

Church parades held in company area and then we were allowed out on pass for a short period. Training commenced and also 4 day leave granted to the unit on a selected basis and not to exceed 10% of the strength of the unit at any time. Raining off and on all week and living conditions not too good. Route march on Friday around the Dorking area and 12 miles were covered. Practice move held on Saturday night and it did not go to well as Royal Tank Regiment was practicing similar move in our area.

28-31 July 1940

Church parades held on Sunday area. A Dental Officer reported to the unit for duty. Training being held as usual. Local inhabitants of Newdigate put on a show for us in the village hall on Tuesday evening. CO had a meeting of the sub-units on Wednesday and explained the situation and out need to be patient.

[The Battle of Britain begins. Operation Sea Lion, set for September 1940. Churchill makes one of his famous speeches. July 19th: Hilter offers Peace terms to England but is rejected by Lord Halifax.]