Collins Diamond Diary

1944

Tuesday 1 February 1944

Came in to HQRA but not much to do.  Eileen phoned – swg.

Wednesday 2 February 1944

Visit to A Tk (Col Thatcher) in am. F.G. in pm where had good game v Padre (Squash)

Thursday 3 February 1944

Nothing of note.

Friday 4 February 1944

Letter from James re hockey v Cambs Univ

Saturday 5 February 1944

Goalkeeper in hockey (mixed then lazy after tea – Early to bed.

Sunday 6 February 1944

Duty offr

Monday 7 February 1944

Saw ‘Pilot no 5’ with C & F.  Letter from A.

Tuesday 8 February 1944

Bath – not a very busy am – letters from L & G.  Summary – addit.

Wednesday 9 February 1944

Busy day – CH UMP Killed – hectic am.  Summary of Ev in pm.  Visit JAG.  A phoned GBH.  Letter from A 35.99.  Wrote A.

No entries between 10February and 24^th.

Friday 25 February 1944

Met A 12.30 KX.  Bags to room 612 then good lunch at Majnca – back to KX then good tea (1/6) at Chorlton – News meal & Dinner dance at Simpsons – Soup boiled duck coffee – walk back to RP bath bed early.

 Saturday 26 February 1944

Saw A off at 7.30 KX very soon having b’fast alone do hope A got a bit of food alright.  Arr C at 11.15 day taking over – wrote to A

Tuesday 1^st February 1944.

Beautiful sunshine this morning.  Met Josephs in morning.  He went on to Beirut.  Shall see him in Jerusalem on Sunday.  Saw Douglas, Violet and Sylvia at Carmella.  They were married in Beirut this morning.  Saw Lottie for half an hour.  She gave me a beautiful writing case because of my majority.

Wednesday 2^nd February 1944.

Busy day paying out all the WOGs and B.O.Rs.  Page left for Rafah.  Sgt Hogg posted to 13^th F.B.  Heard that Hobbs may be going home.  Lucky blighter.  Russians inside Estonia.  Yanks invade Marshalls.  Dined with Lottie at the Astoria.  Quite a good dinner.  Prawn cocktails.  Almost a luxury.  Received letter from Joyce Godfree.

Thursday 3^rd February 1944.

Page returned from Rafah & Tel L*** not able to move machines at T.L. as voltage only 110.  52 Aldershot’s arrived, all incomplete.  Also baking tins.  The wrong type again.  Had an early night & read book about Lidice massacre.

Friday 4^th February 1944.

Fairly quiet day in office.  Wrote to Dudley.  Still can’t lose my cold.  Weather grand.  Sunny & cold.  Dined at Lottie’s.  Grand pork chops!!  Stayed in the flat for the evening.

Saturday 5^th February 1944.

Went to Rafah.  Had to change car at Hedra as petrol pump failed.  Got a good one in exchange!  Rafah O.K. but still awaiting generator.  Visited El Jiya.  New Sgt seems quite happy.  Think he may be alright.  Stayed night at the Yarden Tel Aviv.  Went to Pils with Charona & Galila.  Saw Pisey Hicks.

Sunday 6^th February 1944.

Went to Amman in T.J. to see RAF Bky.  Had lunch in RAF mess.  C.O. very charming.  Went on to Jerusalem.  Arrived 18.00 and stayed at the Carmelite.  Spent a quiet evening in bar with Sgt Sesiter, SIB.

Monday 7^th February 1944.

D.D.S.T. conference in morning.  Lunched at Officers’ Club and left for Haifa.  Arrived Haifa 18.00.  Only one puncture en route.  Josephs arrived.  He came with Lottie & I to Carmelia Ct.  Saw Jim & Greta.

Tuesday 8^th February 1944.

Went to Hadra with Col. Hull & Josephs.  Met Thorne & sited new bakery.  Back in Haifa for lunch Off Club with Josephs.  Went to the Waiter’s Ball at the Carmelia.  Lottie, Pisey, & Josephs.  Very crowded & many drinks.

Wednesday 9^th February 1944.

More rain today.  Obtained authority to draw my car.  My new civvy driver arrived.  Just come from Partional on the Nyassa.  Seems a very good type.  German from Berlin.  Stayed in camp and had an early night.

Thursday 10^th February 1944.

Fine day with plenty of sun.  Josephs phoned from Cairo to say that Halli would be in Cairo on leave on the 15^th.  Must try & see him.  Wonderful letter from mother.  Pictures with Lottie.  Saw Alice Faye in “Hello Frisco”.  Good film.  Alice Faye can come to my next party!

Friday 11^th February 1944.

Went to Jerusalem saw DDST re local cereal samples.  Must gradually decrease amount of Canadian flour.  Oil ovens at Rafah broken down.  Burners split.  Lunched at Carmelite.  Back at Haifa 18.30.  Finished in office 20.30.  To bed.

Saturday 12^th February 1944.

Glorious day.  Unfortunately missed Lottie for coffee again at 11.00.  Was busy with Col. Johnny Haines called to see me.  Was unable to get to Beirut for the dance at 84 S.A.  Dined at Carmelia with Lottie, her boss, and his girl friend.  They had a row and left early.

Sunday 13^th February 1944.

Visited Sarafand.  Met Col. Hacking and lunched with him at Tel Aviv.  Back to Sarafand after lunch.  Left for Haifa at 16.00.  One puncture.  Arrived back at 19.00.  Phoned Lottie & went to bed early.

Monday 14^th February 1944.

O.C. R.A.S.C. 15 Area inspected camp & baking at Haifa.  All O.K!  Got some action at last on poor sanitation.  D.A.D.H. visited bakery in afternoon with R.E’s.  Had dinner at Lottie’s.  Did not go out at all.

Tuesday 15^th February 1944.

Windy day, no sun.  Collected new motor cycle and a Hillman Minx Utility.  Hope to get a four seater later in place of the Hillman.  Too small for long trips.  Phoned Lottie.  Early to bed.  Reading “Last train from Berlin” by Howard Smith.

Wednesday 16^th February 1944.

Windy, dull.  Page left for Rafah & El Jiya.  Josephs phoned to say that Halli is being posted here.  Grand news.  He arrives Sat.  Four ovens for Sarafand on their way.  Remaining four awaiting fire bricks.  Saw Sgt Harding & told him he was not capable.  He admitted same!  Went to pictures with Lottie.  Saw “Mission to Moscow”, Walter Huston as Ambassador Davies, U.S.A.

Thursday 17^th February 1944.

Dull day, very windy.  Drew money from bank and paid out men.  Douglas & Sylvia returned from their honeymoon in Cairo.  Spoke to Dudley on the phone.  Letter from angel.  She seems a little upset about some of our gallant allies!!  Had dinner at Lottie’s & went to bed early.  Feeling very weary.

Friday18^th February 1944.

Wet & strong wind.  Went to Sarafand in the new Hillman.  She goes well.  Saw Col. Franklin & fixed up the odd sort of trouble.  Lunched at Tel Aviv.  Drove back myself to Haifa in just two hours.  Cleared up office work and early to bed.

Saturday 19^th February 1944.

Halli arrived today.  Just like old times to see him again.  He’s just the same only much fatter.  We lunched at the Officers’ Club.  He’s over for a fortnight’s leave & may be stationed here.  What a do!!  Met Halli in evening at C. Ct. and then he came to unit dance.  Grand evening.

Sunday 20^th February 1944.

Beautiful weather.  Like English spring.  Met Halli for lunch at C.C.  Session at piano.  Shades of long ago.  My new S.S.M. arrived.  Seems a reasonable chap.  Dined at C.C. with Halli and Lottie.  Halli played one of the best nights for years.  Lottie was so happy, bless her.

Monday 21^st February 1944.

R.E.’s started work on the ovens in Haifa.  Feeling very weary today.  Had a good sleep in the afternoon.  Halli took Lottie and I to dinner at the Zion.  Quiet evening.  Very pleasant.  Lottie & Halli get on well together.

Tuesday 22^nd February 1944.

Raining again.  In office all day.  Still pretty tired.  Lottie phoned in the evening.  She is out with some Col. tonight!  Did it sound very excited.  Phoned Halli & arranged to meet him 07.50 tomorrow.

Wednesday 23^rd February 1944.

Went to Sarafand & Tel Aviv.  Halli came with me.  Stayed night at Jordan Hotel, Tel Aviv.  We had dinner at Gat Rimon then went to Pils and Maxim’s.  Had quite a good evening.  Visited Degoria in afternoon.

Thursday 24^th February 1944.

Went to Rafah & El Jiya.  Car going extremely well.  Arrived in Jerusalem at 18.00 hrs.  Took Thorne & Halli out to dinner at Finks.  A quiet evening but very enjoyable.  Stayed at St. Julian.

Friday 25^th February 1944.

Saw Thorne in morning.  Left for Haifa at 11.10, arrived 13.30.  Had lunch with Halli at Carmelia.  Played a few of Halli’s new songs.  Halli & I took Lottie & Pisey to dinner at Carmelia.  Very good evening.

Saturday 26^th February 1944.

Perfect day.  Feeling very weary.  Sgt. Nunn posted on promotion.  What a blow!  Lunched at Carmelia with Lottie, Pisey & Halli.  Had dinner with Lottie at flat, Alfie & husband & Halli were there.  Had a wee tiff with L. but all O.K now.

Sunday 27^th February 1944.

Busy in the office all day.  Bakery at Haifa beginning to look a picture.  Drew up plan with Page of proposed bky at Sarafand.  Bed at 22.30 hrs.

Monday 28^th February 1944.

A.D.S.T. inspected Haifa Bky.  Very pleased.  The place looked fine.  Tiling, painting, etc all completed.  Went to C.O. for dinner with Lottie & Halli.  Then to pictures to see Deanna Durbin & Charles Laughton in “**** with Eve”.  Excellent.

Tuesday 29^th February 1944.

Catastrophe!  Fire in Haifa Bky last night at 01.00 hrs.  Ovens damaged.  Place blackened by smoke. S/Sgt Atherfold nearly in tears!  No baking possible & called on Lottie.  She has moved into new flat.  Saw Halli at C.C.  He has written new number called “Mexico”.

Date                Time   Location         Damage

03/02/1944    21.00  Thundersley 1 – Ux. A.A. Shell in wheatfield nr Oak Cottage. 

                                                            N.D.C.

03/02/1944    21.00  Laindon         1 – A.A. Shell exploded in Hardy Road, slight

                                                            damage to 2 bungalows.  N.C.

03/02/1944    Unknown  Canvey   1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in rear garden of Wilburn

                                           Island     Dovercliff Road,  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.00  Ramsden       1 – Ph.I.B. exploded in grounds of Ramsden Hall. 

                                    Heath             N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.00  Great              1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field 100 yards N of

                                    Burstead        Acres Farm.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.00  Hawkwell       1 – Ph.I.B. exploded in field 400 yards SW of Bells

                                                            Nurseries.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.00  Hockley          7 Unexploded and 2 exploded Ph.I.Bs in field 

                                                            N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.00  North              1 – Ux. A.A. Shell in Windsor Road.  N.D.C.

Benfleet

04/02/1944    05.00  Hawkwell       1 – H.E. fell in open field.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.00  Hawkwell       1 – Ph.I.B. exploded in field 400 yards SW of Bells

                                                            Nurseries.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.13  Downham     1 – H.E. exploded in a field at Whites Lillies Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.13  Laindon         1 – Unexploded A.A. Shell at Norfolk Road, slight

                                                            damage.  N.C.

04/02/1944    05.13  Ramsden       2 – Ph.I.Bs Ux. fell in field at Dowstetts Lane and

                                    Heath             Hawkwood Farm.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.15  Ramsden       1 – Ph.I.B. exploded in orchard 100 yards W of Mill

                                    Heath             Lane Ramsden Heath.   N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.20  Rochford       Number of I.Bs.1 Straw stack destroyed.  N.C.

04/02/1944    05.20  Herongate     4 – H.Es exploded in field off Mount Thrift Farm,

                                                            Billericay Road.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.20  Childerditch  1 – exploded and 2 unexploded H.Es in field 30

                                                            yards N of Hill Farm.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.20  Paglesham    3 – H.Es exploded and 1 unexploded fell in

                                                            Clements Marshes.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.20  Paglesham    2 – Ux.Ph.I.B and 3 ex at Clements Marshes. 

                                                            N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.20  Childerditch  1 – A.A. Shell exploded at Childerditch killing one

                                                            mare.

04/02/1944    05.20  Paglesham    1 – H.E. Ux. In field N Waterside Lane.   N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.20  Downham     1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field at Lt Prestons

                                                            Farm.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.25  Brentwood     1 container of I.Bs AB 1000 fell in a field at rear of

                                                            St Faiths Hospital.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.25  Brentwood     8 – Ph.I.Bs exploded in fields between Calcott Hall

                                                            and Gt Charles School.   N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.30  Canvey          Number of I.Bs slight damage to property.

Island

04/02/1944    05.30  Shenfield       1 – H.E. exploded at Herds Farm.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.30  Herongate     1 basket of a number of I.Bs ignited in field 3/4

                                                            mile N of Fouches Farmhouse.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.30  South Weald 1 container of I.Bs in meadow at Vicarage Lane. 

                                                            N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.30  Shenfield       5 – H.Es exploded and 5 unexploded in fields at

Sawyers Hall Farm.  Damage to cables at Wireless Station.  N.C.

04/02/1944    05.30  Foulness       A number of I.Bs ignited in field NW of Foulness

                                                            Church.   N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.30  Wallasea        A number of I.Bs ignited at Old Pool Farm.  3 ricks

                                    Island             burnt out.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.30  Canvey          3 – H.Es exploded at Pantiles Farm.  N.D.C.

Island

04/02/1944    05.30  Wallasea        1 – H.E. exploded and a number of Ux.I.Bs fell at

                                    Island             Grass Farm.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.30  Canvey          1 – I.B. container fell 300 yards off shore.  N.D.C.

Island

04/02/1944    05.30  Rayleigh        1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 80 yards S of Lt

                                                            Wheatleys Farm.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.40  Mountnessing          1 – A.A. Shell exploded by side of Railway

                                                            Line.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.40  Bowers           7 – H.Es exploded in Marshes 1/4 mile S of

                                    Gifford            Rookery Farm.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.40  Foulness       Crashed Aircraft.  German aircraft, make not

known, struck sands 1/2 mile SE of Eastwick Head MR 457098 and disintegrated.  Parts of bodies recovered with German AF uniform.  Number of crew not known.

04/02/1944    05.40  Doddinghurst            1 – H.E. Ux. In field at Shops Farm and 1

                                                            H.E. at Pettits Farm.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.40  South             1 – Ux.H.E. 800 yards W of South Benfleet Station

                                    Benfleet         and 120 yards .W. of track.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.45  Pilgrims          Number of I.Bs Slight fire, 2 houses damage.  N.C.

Hatch

04/02/1944    05.45  Shopland      2 – H.Es exploded in Beauchamps Farm.  4 calves

                                                            killed.  Damage to electric mains.  N.C.

04/02/1944    05.45  Shenfield       Approximately 100 I.Bs fell at Hall Farm.  All failed

                                                            to ignite.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.45  Vange            4 – H.Es exploded Southview Avenue, Gordon

Avenue, Fairview Road, extensive damage to property.  5 fatal casualties, 28 N.F. casualties.

04/02/1944    05.45  Rochford       1 – H.E. exploded 1/4 mile E of Newlands Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.45  Vange            2 – I.B. containers fell in field S side of Clay Hill, 1

container failed to ignite.  The other burned itself out.  N.D.C.            

04/02/1944    05.54  Brentwood     Number of I.Bs in Highwood Hospital, minor fire. 

                                                            N.D.C.

04/02/1944    05.55  Raweth          2 – H.Es exploded in open ground.  Damage to

                                                            property.  N.C.

04/02/1944    05.56  Canewdon    Number of I.Bs in fields.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    06.00  Stambridge    Large number of I.Bs at Barton Hall Farm.  Farm

                                                            buildings destroyed by fire.  6 horses killed.  N.C.

04/02/1944    Unknown  Brentwood         1 – A.A. Shell exploded at Hartswood Road.

 N.D.C.

04/02/1944    Unknown  Hutton     1 – A.A. Shell exploded in Roundwood Avenue. 

                                                            N.D.C.

04/02/1944    Unknown  Laindon  1 – A.A. Shell exploded in Northumberland

                                                            Avenue.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    Unknown  Herongate          1 – Ux. A.A. Shell 100 yards of Mount Thrift. 

                                                            N.D.C.

04/02/1944    Unknown  Brentwood         1 – A.A. Shell Ux. Fell in Weald Park. 

                                                            N.D.C.           

04/02/1944    Unknown  Rochford             1 – Ux.Ph.I.B. in field at New England Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

04/02/1944    Unknown  Raweth   1 – A.A. Shell ux. in field at Carters Farm.  N.D.C.

04/02/1944    Unknown  Rochford A Barrage Balloon grounded at Mays Nurseries Nr

                                                            Cock P.H.  Collected by RAF.

04/02/1944                Paglesham    Number of I.Bs in fields.  N.D.C.

05/02/1944    16.30  Foulness       2 Steel auxiliary petrol tanks dropped from an

Island             aircraft at Landwick.  1 bearing Serial No. 7496 Assembly No 5398. Interpretation No 608 Wgt. 90 lbs US Gallons.  Both smashed.

06/02/1944    17.00  Paglesham    Norman Victor Brown age 12 years of Boards Row

was playing with German I.B. when a slight explosion occurred slightly cutting his left hand.

09/02/1944    Unknown  Mountnessing   1 – Ux. A.A. Shell in field at Fitzwalters

                                                            Farm.  N.D.C.

09/02/1944    Unknown  Childerditch       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell in field 300 yards S of the

junction of Brickfield Road and Arterial Road.  N.D.C.

12/02/1944    16.15  Great              John Graves age 27 of School House and David

Stambridge    Cornwall age 21 of Walden Farm were burning some German I.Bs on a wood fire in an isolated spot at Walden Farm.  Graves put a complete I.B. on the fire.  They both stepped back from the fire and when about 2 yards from it an explosion occurred.  The clothing of both men caught fire.  Graves sustained severe burns to the face and Cornwall received only slight burns to the left hand and did not receive medical aid.

13/02/1944    20.30  Great              1 – A.A. Shell exploded 20 yards rear of Bereden

Warley            Cottage, Cranham Road, slight damage to cottage.  N.C.

13/02/1944    20.30  Brentwood     1 – A.A. Shell exploded in piggeries at Brentwood

                                                            Mental Hospital, 1 sty damaged.  N.C.

13/02/1944    21.00  Foulness       10 – Ph.I.Bs 1 mile SE of Post P.18 in open fields. 

                                                            N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.00  Hullbridge     1 – I.B. fell through roof of Limedale, Perry Road. 

                                                            Minor fire.  N.C.

13/02/1944    21.00  Hullbridge     1 – I.B. container fell 100 yards SE of Post N.2

Coventry Hill also 1 – I.B. container at Hill Top Avenue approx. 20 bungalows damaged in Oakleigh and Sth Ave.  3 persons treated for shock slight leg injuries received by Dennis Hemmings age 21 years of La Mascot, Sth Ave.

13/02/1944    21.00  Basildon        1 – A.A. Shell exp. at Rectory Road.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.00  Wallasea       8 – Ph.I.Bs exp. at Grass Farm.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.00  Wallasea       1 – AB 1000-2 I.B. container at Cracknells Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.05  Rochford       1 – Ux.Ph.I.B. in field approx 100 yards E of Smiths

Farm, Eastwood Rise, Eastwood and approx. 20 Ux.I.Bs and approx 60 exploded I.Bs.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.05  Eastwood      1 – Ph.I.B. in field at Eastwood.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.09  Hockley          2 – camouflets and 7 – Ph.I.Bs at Beckneys Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.10  Paglesham    3 – H.Es exploded at East Hall also 4 flares at

                                                            same location.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.15  Hockley          1 – H.E. fell on house Crouch View Wood Avenue. 

                                                            Serious damage to bungalow.  N.C.

13/02/1944    21.15  Hockley          1 – A.B. 1000 container burnt out in crater and Ux.

I.B. scattered over woods at Beckney, Plumbers Ave.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.15  Billericay        1 – A.A. Shell exploded in garden at rear of

                                                            Greenway Western Road.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.15  Doddinghurst            1 – Ph.I.B. exploded in field 30 yards from

                                                            Solid Lane.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.16  Foulness       Plane seen to crash in sea 2 miles SE Rugwood

                                                            Head.

13/02/1944    21.21  South             I.Bs in field 1 mile S of Post No. 10.   N.D.C.

Fambridge

13/02/1944    21.30  Basildon        1 – A.A. Shell Ux. in Nelson Road Basildon.  N.C.

13/02/1944    21.30  Thundersley 2 – A.A. Shells Ux. in Church Road Thundersley. 

                                                            N.C.

13/02/1944    21.34  Thundersley 1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field 100 yards E of

                                                            Church Road.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.35  Hutton            1 – A.A. Shell exploded 40 yards NE of Mavis

                                                            Cottage, Hall Green Lane.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.40  Pilgrims          1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell at Coxtie Green Farm.  40

                                    Hatch             yards from Fair Lane at side of footpath.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.40  Thundersley 1 – A.A. Shell exp. in field at Rushbottom Lane. 

                                                            N.D.C.

13/02/1944    21.46  Hullbridge     I.Bs in Oakley Avenue, several small fires.  2

                                                            bungalows slightly damaged.  N.C.

13/02/1944    Unknown  Rayleigh 1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in meadow 70 yards of The

                                                            Warren.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    Unknown  Mountnessing   1 – Ux. A.A. Shell in garden opposite

                                                            Mountnessing Hall Cottages.  N.D.C.

13/02/1944    Unknown  Little         1 – A.A. Shell ux. in field at Sudburys Farm. 

                                        Burstead   N.D.C.

13/02/1944    Unknown Rayleigh  1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in meadow 70 yards of The

                                                            Warren.  N.D.C.

14/02/1944    11.30  Havengore    Body of German Airman found on sands 1 mile SE

of Havengore Creek M.438062.  Body conveyed to Rochford Mortuary and searched by RAF I.O. Rochford.  Identified as Kurt Urhan age 19 Oberleutnant.  Believed to have come from aircraft shot down on night of 13 February 1944.

19/02/1944    00.57  Rochford       4 – H.Es exploded in field 200 yards West of Lt

Stambridge Hall Lane.  One high tension electric pylon severely damaged.  No casualties.  

19/02/1944    01.10  Billericay        1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell at 50 yards N of Stack Yard

                                                            at Browns Farm Cox’s Farm Road.  N.D.C.       

19/02/1944    01.15  Mountnessing          1 Container of I.Bs fell at Fitzwalters Farm

                                                            and burnt itself out.  N.D.C.

19/02/1944    01.15  Hawkwell       1 – Ux.Ph.I.B. fell in field on Clement’s Hall Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

19/02/1944    01.30  Billericay        1 – A.A. Shell exploded in Outwood Common

Lane, Billericay opposite to bungalow “Pembroke” which received very slight damage.  N.C.

19/02/1944    01.40  Pilgrims          1 – Ux. A.A. Shell in field 250 yards E of Crow

                                    Hatch             Green Road.  N.D.C.

19/02/1944    Unknown  Shenfield            1 – A.A. Shell exploded on Palmer **. 

                                                            N.D.C.

19/02/1944    Unknown  Cranham            1 – Ux. A.A. in field adj. Moor Lane.

19/02/1944    Unknown  Warley    1 – A.A. Shell exploded in Mental Hospital

                                                            Grounds.  N.D.C.                

19/02/1944                Thundersley 1 – A.A. Shell exploded on Burches **.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    21.20  Raweth          1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell on Lower Barn Farm.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    21.30  South             1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell on waste land 50 yards S of

                                    Benfleet         Croft Road.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    21.50  Crays Hill       1 -Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field on Gurnard’s Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.00  Brentwood     1 – Ux. A.A. Shell struck house.  Slight damage. 

                                                            N.C.

20/02/1944    22.00  Barling           3 – Ux.H.Es fell in fields.   N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.00  Canvey          1 – A.A. Shell exploded in road.  N.D.C.

Island

20/02/1944    22.00  Wickford        6 – Ux.Ph.I.Bs and 4 Ph.I.Bs exploded, fell in Swan

                                                            Lane.  Slight damage to 2 houses.  N.C.

20/02/1944    22.00  Stambridge    1 – Ux.H.E. in river bed, 2 H.Es exploded in marsh

                                                            and 2 H.Es exploded in River Roach.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.00  Thundersley 5 – Ux.Ph.I.Bs and 4 – H.Es exploded in fields. 

                                                            N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.00  Langdon        1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field S of High Road. 

                                    Hills                N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.00  Billericay        1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field on Hatches Farm.

N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.05  Wickford        Large number of I.Bs Slight damage to 3 houses.                                                         N.C.

20/02/1944    22.05  Little                4 – H.Es exploded, 6 H.Es unexploded and 2

Burstead        containers of I.Bs fell near Hatches Farm.  Slight damage.  N.C.

20/02/1944    22.05  Canvey          1 – A.A. Shell exploded.  1 Naval rating killed.

Island

20/02/1944    22.05  Ramsden       1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field on Barn Farm.  N.D.C.

Heath

20/02/1944    22.05  Billericay        1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field E of Blunt’s Wall

                                                            Farm.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.10  Ingrave           1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field on Willow Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.10  Billericay        2 – Ux.H.Es fell in field W of Blunt’s Wall Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.14  Great Warley 2 Containers I.Bs 2 Stacks destroyed.  N.C.

20/02/1944    22.15  Rayleigh        Large number of I.Bs fell in fields.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.15  Ingrave           1 – H.E. exploded in field on Willow Farm.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.15  Nevendon     1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field on Does Hill Farm. 

                                                            N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.15  Rayleigh        1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell at Brockley Drive.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.15  Hutton            1 – A.A. Shell exploded in Bush Wood.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.15  Crays Hill       2 – H.Es exploded in fields.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.15  Crays Hill       1 – A.A. Shell exploded in Hope Road.  Damage to

                                                            1 house.  N.C.

20/02/1944    22.20  Great Warley 1 – A.A. Shell exploded in Selo Works.  Slight

                                                            damage.  N.C.

20/02/1944    22.20  Hutton            1 – A.A. Shell exploded.  Slight damage to 1

                                                            house.  N.C.

20/02/1944    22.20  Wickford        2-A.A. Shells exploded in field off Runwell Road. 

                                                            N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.30  Laindon         1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field NE of Merrylands

                                                            Road.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    22.35  Laindon         1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field.  N.D.

20/02/1944    22.35  Wickford        9 – Ph.I.Bs exploded on open land.  1 house

                                                            damaged.  N.C.

20/02/1944    Unknown  Shenfield            1 – Ph.I.B. exploded in field adj. Priests

                                                            Lane.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    Unknown  Hutton     1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field at rear of Wood’s

                                                            Cottages, Hanging Hill Lane.  N.D.C.

20/02/1944    Unknown  Little         1 – A.A. Shell exploded in spinney.  N.D.C.

       Burstead

23/02/1944    00.30  Hutton            1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field N of Wash Road. 

                                                            N.D.C.

23/02/1944    00.30  Laindon         1 – 1000 A.B. container exploded in Heywick Drive. 

                                                            N.D.C.

23/02/1944    00.30  Wickford        4 – H.Es exploded on open ground at Shotgate. 

                                                            Damage to property.  N.C.

23/02/1944    00.30  Fobbing         1 – A.A. Shell exploded rear of house in High Road.  N.D.C.

23/02/1944    00.30  Langdon Hills 1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field.  N.D.C.

23/02/1944    00.30  Crays Hill       A number of I.Bs fell in field.  N.D.C.

23/02/1944    00.35  Vange            1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field.  N.D.C.

23/02/1944    00.40  Little Warley  2 – Containers of I.Bs exploded on Little Warley

Hall Farm.  Stack destroyed and slight damage to property.  N.C.

23/02/1944    00.40  Pilgrims          1 – A.A. Shell exploded rear of Claydon’s Coxtie

                                    Hatch             Green Road.  N.D.C.

23/02/1944    00.40  Little Warley  1 – Container of I.Bs. exploded nr Glenwood Café. 

                                                            N.D.C.

23/02/1944    00.40  Great Warley 1 – exploded ‘U.P.’ Shell casing fell in garden of

                                                            No. 3 Rita Road.  N.D.C.

23/02/1944    00.45  Hutton            1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field.  N.D.C.

 23/02/1944 01.00    Brentwood     1 – A.A. Shell exploded nr Poplars Farmhouse

                                                            Brook St.

23/02/1944    01.00  South Weald 1 – Ph.I.B. exploded in meadow E of Old Vicarage. 

                                                            N.D.C.

23/02/1944    01.10  Hadleigh        1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field W of Templewood

                                                            Road.  N.D.C.

23/02/1944    01.15  Thundersley 1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field N of Church Road. 

                                                            N.D.C.

23/02/1944    01.20  Laindon         1 – A.A. Shell exploded in Pound Lane.  N.D.C.

23/02/1944    22.50  Canterbury Tye  1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field.  N.D.C.

23/02/1944    23.05  Canvey          1 – A.A. Shell exploded in garden in Surig Road. 

                                    Island             Slight damage to 1 bungalow.  N.C.

24/02/1944    22.00  Billericay        1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field 300 yards W of

                                                            Police Station.  N.D.C.

24/02/1944    22.30  Canewdon    Slight damage to tiles of Police house by shrapnel.

24/02/1944    22.30  Dunton          1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field.  N.D.C.

February 1944

(Britain)

Operation Argument or “Big Week” was a series of bombing raids on the German aircraft industry from the 20^th to the 25^th February 1944. Allied intelligence were aware the German aircraft industry was capable of producing over 2,000 aircraft per month. The Allied plan for “Big Week” was to achieve air superiority over the Luftwaffe. This was crucial for the forthcoming invasion of Northern France in June 1944. The Allied air commanders agreed “Big Week” would be to attack Germany with USAAF bomber daylight raids and RAF bomber raids by night. Escorting the USAAF bombers would be the recently introduced U.S. long-range P-41 Mustang fighters, whose aim was to draw German fighters into combat. American Major General Jimmy Doolittle, commander of the Eighth Air Force, ordered bombing missions of key aircraft factories. When the Luftwaffe fighters attacked the bombers, the P-51 Mustangs were ordered to attack the enemy fighters. On the 20^th February 1944  “Big Week” began with the USAAF and RAF bombers attacking airfields and aviation industrial areas in Germany. On the 21^st February 1944 the USAAF and RAF bombers raid airfields and flying-bomb sites in Germany and Belgium. Both air force bombers attacked Germany, the Netherlands and Yugoslavia on the 22^nd February 1944.  On the 23^rd February 1944 all the bombers attacked Germany, Austria and dropped leaflets in central France. On the 24^th February 1944 the bombers targeted V-weapon sites, ball-bearing factories, airfields and leaflet dropping in German and the Netherlands. On the final day of the “Big Week” missions, on the 25^th February 1944, the bombers were dispatched against aviation industries in Germany and leaflets dropped in northern France. The total losses for “Big Week” were, for the Allies were 357 heavy bombers and 28 fighters lost. They also lost over 2,000 aircrew killed or missing. For the Germans, they lost 262 fighters and 250 aircrew killed or missing. This figure included nearly 100 fighter pilots. Nearly 1,000 civilians were killed in raids on Nazi occupied Netherlands. The end result was mixed with neither side actually winning, but the Allies eventually achieved air supremacy in support of the northern France invasion later in the year. For further details see the separate essay on the “Big Week”.

(Eastern Front)

As part of the Red Army Winter/Spring Campaign 1944, Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin ordered a “broad front” strategy. In the Narva Isthmus, the border between the Soviet Union and Estonia was located between the Bay of Finland and Lake Peipus. The Narva River was on the border and the town of Narva and Lake Peipus was on the S.U. side of the river to the east. The Battle of Narva began on the 2^nd February 1944. The participants were the S.U. Army and the German S.S. Army. Stalin demanded the German-held town of Narva be captured by the 17^th February 1944, but that order was not attainable as the battle, and the additional “broad front” battles continued into March 1944.

(Italy)

The Battle of Anzio began on the 28^th January 1944 when the U.S. launched a surprise attack to bypass the German held Monte Cassino. By the 10^th February 1944 the advance had stalled, despite Allied troops and stores still arriving. Instead of advancing onto Rome from Anzio, the element of surprise was lost, when U.S. Major General John Lucas preferred to entrench against expected counter-attacks. These local German counter-attacks caused the Allies serious losses. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill requested that British General Harold Alexander, should order more aggression from his field commanders. Alexander was the overall commander of the U.S. and British armies during the Italian Campaign. Field Marshall Albert Kesselring, the German commander in the Italian theatre, was aware of the landings and began to provide defensive reinforcements. The Germans launched an offensive on the 16^th February 1944 with reinforcements supported by Tiger Tanks. The recently arrived British 167^th Brigade was overrun with many losses. By the 18^th February 1944 the Allies had prepared defences at the original line of the beachhead. They sustained huge losses. Following Churchill’s request to Alexander regarding a breakout as soon possible, Alexander hosted a high level conference to discuss the circumstances. In attendance were American Lt. General Mark Clark and Harry Wilson commander of Allied Forces Headquarters. Two deputies were appointed to assist Lucas, American General Lucien Truscott and British Major General Vyvyan Evelegh. However, on the 22^nd February 1944 Clark replaced Lucas with Truscott and appointed Lucas deputy commander of the Fifth Army until being sent back to America. The Battle of Anzio would continue into March 1944.

The Battle of Cisterna, part of the Battle of Anzio Campaign, ended on the 2^nd February 1944. Located NE of Anzio the town of Cisterna was defended by the Germans behind the Gustav Line. 0n the 30^th January 1944 at 01:30 a small force of 810 U.S. 1^st and 3^rd Ranger Battalions attempted to infiltrate the town as a surprise attack. Bypassing numerous German positions, by first light they were short of the objective. The infiltration had been discovered, by German intelligence, and an ambush had been prepared. With open ground still to go the Rangers were attacked by German forces of the 715^th Infantry Division and at least 17 tanks of the Hermann Göring Panzer Division. One tank was destroyed by the 1^st Battalion commander Major Dobson. Two additional tanks were captured but were mistakenly destroyed by Rangers who were unaware of the capture. With the Rangers in open ground and despite fierce fighting there was little chance of success. 700 Rangers were captured and taken prisoner. Despite the German victory, an attempt by the U.S. troops to rescue them, and break through the Gustav Line failed. However they did push the Allied lines forward on a front 3 miles (4.8 km) deep and 7 miles (11 km) wide which the Germans failed to recover.           

British Royal Navy light cruiser HMS Penelope was sunk on the 18^th February 1944. Penelope was leaving Naples to return to the Anzio area when she was struck by a torpedo fired from German submarine U-410.  A second torpedo hit the after boiler room after the first had hit the after engine room. She sank immediately and 417 of the crew, including the captain, went down with the ship. 206 members of the crew survived.

When the Battle of Monte Cassino began in January 1944, Germany declared the hilltop abbey/monastery was a holy place. It was not to be included in the Gustav Line German defences, and the Pope in Rome together with Allies were informed. Heavy fighting between the German defenders and U.S. Marines continued, and on the 7^th February 1944 the marines reached a round-topped hill immediately below the monastery. This hill was approximately 400 yards (370 m) from the monastery, but heavy machine gun fire from the German defenders prevented any further advance.  What was left of the Marines were withdrawn from Monastery Hill and Cassino town after a final unsuccessful three-day assault on the 11^th February1944. After over two weeks of battle the marines were worn out and sustained losses.

(Pacific)

In the Marshall Islands, U.S. Armed Forces secured the Kwajalein Atoll, which is a curved coral reef in the sea. Code-named Operation Flintlock the amphibious landings on Kwajalein began on the 31^st January 1944 and ended five days later on the 4^th February 1944.  Following the securing of the atoll, American Navy construction workers (Seabees) began building Kwajalein into a major base on the 4^th February 1944. When completed an airfield, a seaport and craft repair depots were built. The major functions on Kwajalein atoll were for radar and tracking stations.

Between the 17^th to the 23^rd February 1944 various U.S. naval operations occurred on the remote Japanese held island chains in the Pacific Ocean. These attacks on Eniwetok, the Truk Islands, the Mariana Islands of Saipan, Guam and Tinian were all successful.

(Other Fronts)

Belgium had been occupied by Germany following the invasion on the 10^th May 1940. Prior to the Belgian government evacuating the country on the 15^th May 1940 Alexandre Galopin was appointed chairman of an informal group of businessmen to act as a kind of Belgian shadow government. The businessmen included ex-politicians, bankers and industrialists who were known as ”Galopin’s Committee”. Their aim was to keep Belgian industry and economy strong, so that at the war’s end, the economy would not be destroyed as it had been after the Great War. Despite the committee’s policy for the production of non-military equipment, the policy was difficult to maintain. Individual business committee members were forced by the Germans to co-operate with the threat of the confiscation of their business. They were also threatened by personal punishment. German occupation officials nicknamed Galopin the “Uncrowned King of Belgium” for his power and influence within the Belgian wartime economy. On the 28^th February 1944 Galopin was assassinated by a pro-Nazi radical paramilitary group.

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