March 1940

1-2 March 1940

The unit was inspected at training on Friday morning by Major General Wilcox. We all had to take part in Bren gun practice with the various companies we had been assigned to. A PRO Photographer was around all day taking pictures of the training. Unit went to Caesar's Camp Saturday to complete Bren Gun firing.

3-9 March 1940

Unit paraded to church as usual. Monday spent on training while the Officers and NCO's attended a demonstration of Kapok bridging in the presence of the Brigade Commander. Band not required to take part is this training. The Brigadier gave a verbal warning that the IRA were operating in England and their main objective was to steal weapons. Live ammunition issued to picquets with orders to shoot and guards at night were doubled. We had to remove the bolts from our rifles and keep them locked in our barrack boxes. D Company could not do the bridging exercise as they lost track of where they were supposed to pick up the bridging material. Battalion started to get gas masks re-fitted. Someone tried to start a fire in the Officer's lines but it was caught in time. Sergeants held a dance on Thursday evening. Battalion route march to ASH ranges and return via Farnborough. We had a good look at the glass house [Military Prison] on this march. Went to the theatre on Friday afternoon to see training films. COMS Church married in St. Andrews Church.

10-16 March 1940

The CO and the 2 I\C proceeded to the Cotswld for a TEWT [Tactical Exercise Without Troops.] Church parade on Sunday under the command of Major "Wild Bill" Hendrie. Officer and 2 men detailed for A.A duty on ships on North Sea convoys. Route march canceled due to heavy rains. Sports afternoon also cancelled for the same reason. Anothony Eden and Vincent Massey visited the unit and observed training. Weather was particularly bad while they were here-sleet and snow. I exercised my franchise to vote on the 14th of March in the Federal General Election which was being held in Canada. This was the first time that I had voted. MackKenzie King was re-elected. Battalion took part in its first night exercise which consisted of a night compass march following a pre-determined set of bearings.

17-23 March 1940

Church Parade as usual. Lt Col Wimberley lectured the officers and NCO's in Stanhope Theatre. Parades canceled because of heavy rains. Major General Wallace visited the unit and spoke to the officers. Collective training commenced this week at the section level. GOC's inspection on Tuesday and it was quite a comprehensive inspection. Some range practices being carried out. Battalion stood down on Good Friday. Voting finished this Saturday for the Federal Election.

24-31 March 1940

Easter Sunday observed with a full church parade. Unit practiced loading vehicles on Monday. Unit hockey team played at Brighton at night. Very bad rain storms and route marches canceled. Training held in company lines instead. Pte. Sproule won the Brigade Heavyweight boxing championship. Truck loadings practiced at night in the dark, Hockey team played at Wembley Stadium in London. The month of March ended on Sunday and church parade held as usual.