June 1943
By June 1943, the men had been away from Britain for a year. With the surrender of the Axis Forces in North Africa, for the first time in 9 months, the 111 Fd Regt were not on the front lines. However, as detailed below, once combat ceased the training soon restarted.
| 1st – 2nd June 1943 – Sfax |
|---|
| Regimental and battery training programme. |
| 3rd June 1943 – Sfax |
|---|
| Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Norman RA joined Regt and assumed command. Major C. H. A. Barnes RA to Second-in-Command. Captain J. C. Hill R.A.Ch.D. attached to Regt as Padre |
| 4th June 1943 – Sfax |
|---|
| 211 Bty returns from leave. 476 Bty and remainder of RHQ to leave camp. |
| 5th – 12th June 1943 – Sfax |
|---|
| Regimental training and re-mobilisation. |
| 12th June 1943 – Sfax |
|---|
| Regimental training and re-mobilisation. |
| 12th June 1943 – Sfax |
|---|
| Regiment moved to area 23K south MAHDIA (Ref Map: El Djem. Sheet 12 1:200,000 L0102) |
| 13th – 23rd June 1943 – Mahdia |
|---|
| Training and re-mobilisation. Received Movement Order No. RA25/518. |
The “Tea Ladies” of the YMCA’s Mobile Canteens
On 16th June 1943, Lady Gwladys Brocklehurst, her sister Miss Nina Colmore and the Honourable Miss Dudleya North of the YMCA’s mobile canteen were attached to the 111 Fd Regt. The ladies joined the YMCA and followed the Eighth Army across North Africa and later into Sicily and mainland Italy offering free tea and snacks to troops.
| 24th June 1943 – Mahdia |
|---|
| Regiment moved to 30 Corps Concentration area “ROSSEVELT” South-West of SOUSSE – Ref: 1:200,000 SOUSSE 495 450. |
| 25th June 1943 – South-West of Sousse |
|---|
| Resumption of training and re-mobilisation. Y.O’s Cadre. |
| 26th June 1943 – South-West of Sousse |
|---|
| W/Lt K. J. Burton RA posted to 4th Field Survey Regt RA – authority RA 30 Corps 917 of 26/6/43. |
| 28th June 1943 – South-West of Sousse |
|---|
| W/Captain N Gill MC, RAMC evacuated sick W/Capt M E Moore RAMC for temporary duties as Regimental Medical Officer |
| 29th – 30th June 1943 – South-West of Sousse |
|---|
| Training continued |