February 1944

By February 1944 the 111 Fd Regt were still holding the same positions in the frigid hills between Guardiagrele and Orsogna. The battle on their frontline was still at a stalemate with neither side taking ground.

1st February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
Regt now under command of 5 Canadian Armoured Division for operations and under command of 13 Corps for administration – Ammunition through 6 AGRA. Primarily supporting Westminster Regt who took over from 1/9 Gurkha Rifles on 1st Feb, with 476 Bty manning an O.P., and Bty commanders in turn as Arty reps with Battalion HQ. 211 Bty manning another O.P on left with main zone Guardiagrele in support of 5 Buffs Regt of 36 Brigade, 78 Division. Liaison Officer at 36 Brigade HQ in CASOLI. O.P’s maintaining active and aggressive policy. Regt also firing daily Divisional HF tasks on 24hr programmes. Regt also in secondary role to support 1 Canadian Armoured Division in event of advance on this front.

1st February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele

Regt now under command of 5 Canadian Armoured Division for operations and under command of 13 Corps for administration – Ammunition through 6 AGRA.
Primarily supporting Westminster Regt who took over from 1/9 Gurkha Rifles on 1st Feb, with 476 Bty manning an O.P., and Bty commanders in turn as Arty reps with Battalion HQ. 211 Bty manning another O.P on left with main zone Guardiagrele in support of 5 Buffs Regt of 36 Brigade, 78 Division.
Liaison Officer at 36 Brigade HQ in CASOLI.
O.P’s maintaining active and aggressive policy. Regt also firing daily Divisional HF tasks on 24hr programmes.
Regt also in secondary role to support 1 Canadian Armoured Division in event of advance on this front.

7th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
5 Canadian Armoured Division moved out to join 1 Canadian Corps on coastal sector. Relieved by 8 Indian Division, to whose command Regt passed. CO to 17 Canadian Brigade as Arty Rep during the change over from 5 Canadian to 5 Indian Division.

8th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
R Bty now in support of 5 Royal West Kent (21 Indian Brigade) who relieved Westminsters.
20:00hrs – Relief of 5 Buffs by 3/15 Punjabs commenced. During which Regt called upon to fire DF tasks “ROLLS” and “ROYCE” to counter enemy patrols. Lieutenant K. J. Dawes evacuated sick.

9th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
65/75 (Q) Bty 3 Fd Regt affiliated to this Regt for operations. Additional O.P. established to special purposes on CHIAMATO at 241999. 21 Indian Brigade took over from 36 Brigade at CASOLI.

10th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
Calibration on one gun per Bty per Camera method.

13th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
Enemy patrols active, particularly in area CAPOPOSTA 2195.

17th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
Lieutenant S. Swain rejoined from hospital.

18th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
Captain A. G. Williams RAMC temporarily attached while Regimental Medical Officer on course.

19th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
Captain W. R. Middleton posted on staff course. Captain W. M. Dishley appointed adjutant.

23rd February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
Change round within 8 Indian Division. 2 Para Brigade moves to relieve 21 Brigade at CASOLI, 19 Brigade took over sector supported by the Regt, with 6/13 RFF Regt. 211 Bty supporting 4 Para Battalion.

26th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
Visit to Regiment of I. G. Major Munders

27th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
C.O. and Survey Officer sent off to V Army front on special mission. Major C. H. A. Barnes assumed command.

28th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
Usual daily Divisional HF Programmes

29th February 1944 – East of Guardiagrele
Small parties going to 8 Army leave camp in BARI and 13 Corp rest camp in PAGLIETA.