Category Archives: 1944

SECOND WORLD WAR

May 1944

(Britain)

 The fall of France in June 1940 and the Dunkirk evacuation left Britain and her Commonwealth alone to oppose Germany. When the U.S. entered the war the Allied invasion of mainland Europe, was always the intention of the Allied Forces. Operation Overlord was the code-name for the D-Day landings in Normandy in June 1944, The joint British and U.S. military planned to begin the invasion on the 1st May 1944. Eventually, on the 8th May 1944, the decision was taken to commence D-Day on the 5th June 1944, weather permitting.

On the 15th May 1944, more than 130 Allied political Leaders and military officers met at St. Paul’s School in Hammersmith, in west London. The purpose of the meeting was the final joint briefing for D-Day. In attendance were King George VI, British P.M. Winston Churchill, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, Gen. Bernard Montgomery, Lt.-Gen. George Patton and LT.-Gen. John Lee.

(Italy)

At the Monte Cassino, the fourth and final battle began at 23:00 hrs on the 11th May 1944. The battle opened with a massive artillery bombardment of 1060 guns on the British Eighth Army Front and 600 guns on the U.S. Fifth Army Front. The two armies consisted of British, American, Polish, New Zealand, South African and French troops. The U.S. Fifth Army had made little progress, but by daylight their French Expeditionary Corps colleagues had achieved their objectives. Attached to the French Corps were 7,800 fighting men of the Morocco forces. They consisted of the 2nd Morocco Infantry Division, the 3rd Algerian Infantry Division and the 4th Morocco Mountain Division. They joined forces, by crossing over mountainous terrain with the 1st Free French Division. By the 15th May 1944 the 2nd Morocco Division had penetrated the German-held Gustav Line. They fanned out across the mountains toward the British Eighth Army to their right. On the Eighth Army Front, east of Cassino, the British crossed the Garigliano River in two places. They were strongly opposed by German defenders. However, on one of the crossings, engineers of the 8th Indian Division succeeded in bridging the river. The 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade was then able to cross the river in readiness for any counter-attack from German tanks.  

On the 12th May 1944, in the mountains to the west and above the town of Cassino, the Polish 2nd Corps took the ridge at Monte Calvario (Mount Cavalry). German paratroopers immediately recaptured the area. For the next three days, Polish attacks and German counter-attacks resulted in heavy losses on both sides.  On the 17th May 1944, the Polish 2nd Corps launched their second attack on Monte Cassino. From their strongly fortified positions the German defenders attacked the Polish troops with a constant artillery and mortar bombardment. With little natural cover for protection, the fighting was fierce and at times hand-to-hand. With the advance of the Allies, the Germans decided to withdraw along Route 6, to the new defensive positions of the Hitler Line owing to their supply line being threatened. On the 18th May 1944, after linking up with the British, a patrol of Polish troops made it to the heights and raised the Polish flag. The Battle of Monte Cassino had ended with the Allies suffering 55,000 casualties, the Germans 20,000 casualties and over 2,000 civilian deaths.

As a part of the Polish victory at Monte Cassino, a fully grown bear had been recruited into the Polish Military. WOJTEK, a male Syrian brown bear, was adopted as an abandoned cub, by the Polish II Corps army. All his life he only ever experienced human company and when fully grown he was very tame. So tame was he that he would wrestle with the other soldiers and often sleep with them on cold nights. WOJTEK copied the other soldiers by marching alongside on his hind legs. He also learnt to salute when greeted, and carry ammunition in his front legs whilst walking upright. He would mimic the other soldiers by drinking coffee and beer. When the Polish army sailed to Italy, in order for WOJTEK to sail with them, he was enlisted in the Polish army as a private. He took part in the Battle of Monte Cassino by carrying artillery ammunition. The service at Monte Cassino earned him promotion to corporal and had the honour of becoming the official emblem of the company. There is at least one account of a British soldier who recalls seeing a bear carrying ammunition.

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With the Gustav Line penetrated, units of the British Eighth Army advanced inland on the Hitler Line whilst the U.S. Fifth Army advanced along the coast. An initial follow-up assault by the Eighth Army failed and they decided to take time to reorganise. It took several days for the major task of getting 20,000 vehicles and 2,000 tanks through the Gustav Line. On the 23rd May 1944 the Polish 2nd Corps attacked on the right and the 1st Canadian Infantry Division attacked the Hitler Line in the centre. On the 24th May 1944 the Canadians breached the line and poured through the gap. On the 25th May 1944 the Polish broke through the line which then collapsed. The way was clear to advance onto Rome and beyond.

The Battle of Anzio began on the 22nd January 1944 with an Allied amphibious landing. By midnight substantial troops and vehicles had landed on the unopposed beaches and penetrated 3 miles inland. When the Allies landed on the beaches, commander of the U.S. Fifth Army, Lt.-General Mark Clark had wished to swiftly move inland to capitalise on the surprise. However, commander of the U.S. VI Corps, Major-General John Lucas, to repress any counter-attack, preferred to take time to entrench. Whist Lucas was consolidating, Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, the German commander of the Italian Theatre, moved as much of his available forces into a defensive ring around the beach-head. Both ground and weather conditions did not favour either side. Despite sporadic artillery bombardment a state of stalemate was in place until conditions improved. In the meantime Clark had relieved Lucas of his command and replaced him with Major-General Lucian Truscott. On the 23rd May 1944 at 5:45 am the Allies began a new breakout from Anzio. The fighting on the day was intense with both sides suffering huge casualties. Kessselring was convinced when the Allies broke out the intention was to gain access to Route 6. To hold open Route 6, Kesselring ordered the Herman Göring Panzer Division into position. On the 25th May 1944 the U.S. VI Corps was hopeful of getting astride Route 6. On the same day Clark ordered the reluctant Truscott to turn north-west toward Rome. On the 26th May 1944 whilst Truscott’s VI Corps was implementing the change of plan Kesselring had reinforced Route 6. This allowed the German Tenth Army to withdraw from Monte Cassino and head north of Rome which they finally reached on the 30th May 1944. Clark assigned the U.S. II Corps along the coast to join up with Truscott’s VI Corps and advance on Rome. Clark entered and liberated Rome on the 4th June 1944 and he held an impromptu press conference. To ensure the event was an American affair he refused entry into the city for British military personnel. In his bid to attain the glory for himself Clark earned the contempt of both British and American generals. He also extended the European war by many months at the cost of many Allied lives. The Allies suffered 43,000casualties and the Germans suffered over 40,000 casualties during the Battle of Anzio. The irony was that two days after the glory seeking conference Clark’s ”advance” was relegated to the back pages of the press. On the 6th June 1944 the centre stage reporting was focused on the Normandy D-Day Invasion.

(Eastern Front)

In the Ukraine, by early May 1944 the Soviet Union had secured the Dnieper-Carpathian region as the Germans retreated. A significant portion of Soviet troops advanced into the Crimea and   recaptured the southwest town of Sevastopol on the 9th May 1944. The whole of the Crimea was under the control of the Soviet army on the 13th May 1944. The remaining Soviet army would confront the Germans during Operation Bagration in June 1944.

(Pacific – Burma)

In August 1943 the Allies created the South East Asia Command (SEAC). American Joseph Stilwell was appointed the deputy supreme Allied commander of SEAC under British Vice-Admiral Mountbatten. He was also an adviser to Chiang Kai-shek, leader of China, and learnt to speak the Chinese language. Chiang Kai-shek was the military leader who also served as the leader of Republic of China. The Burma Campaign of 1944 was conducted along the borders of Burma, China and India. The participants were the British Commonwealth, China and U.S. forces against Imperial Japan and the Indian National Army. 175,000 Chinese attacked the Japanese in northern Burma on the 12th May 1944.                 

Mitkyina is a town in North Burma and was attacked by the Allies in April 1944.  Stilwell built up a special force, known as Merrill’s Marauders, whose role would be similar to that of the British Chindits. The aim was to commence long-range jungle penetration missions behind Japanese lines. During February 1944 the Marauders marched into Burma. In April 1944 Stilwell ordered three Marauder battalions to launch a gruelling 65 mile jungle outflanking movement toward Mitkyina to support the main advance. The Marauders were seriously depleted from both combat losses and disease, having been deployed since February 1944. Having joined up with two Chinese Infantry regiments the Marauders began to suspect Stilwell’s commitment to their welfare, hence his nickname “Vinegar Joe”. Despite their sacrifices, Stilwell seemed unconcerned about their lack of air-dropped supplies. Losses weren’t replaced and rest and rotation were ignored. On the 17th May 1944, Mitkyina airport was attacked by the remaining 1,310 Marauders together with two Chinese infantry regiments. The airfield was very quickly captured as it was only lightly defended. Stilwell’s intelligence reports indicated that the town would be just as lightly defended. The town was garrisoned by well-equipped Japanese troops who were being reinforced. When two regiments of Chinese troops attacked the town they were driven back with heavy losses. By the time additional Chinese troops arrived to attack, Japanese defenders numbered 4,600 fanatical Japanese troops. Not having the manpower to overwhelm Mitkyina’s defenders, the Marauders were forced into a stalemate and a siege. The Marauders were going down with tropical diseases owing to the monsoon season being at its height. When front line commanders and surgeons requested the Marauders be evacuated, Stilwell denied the request. He also ordered any Marauder already evacuated to be sent back to serve.Stilwell was forced to send in thousands of Chinese reinforcements and Mitkyina was captured on the 4th August 1944. He later blamed the length of the siege partly on the British for not responding to his demands to assist. Conversely he had not kept his Allies informed of his forces movements.    

(Pacific)    

The Admiralty Islands are located north-east of New Guinea and had been under Japanese control since 1942.  With the U.S. advance in the region the Admiralty Island Campaign began in February 1944. The United States 1st Cavalry Division attacked the islands and a furious battle ensued. With the aid of aerial and naval bombardments the last Japanese resistance was on the 18th May 1944. The Japanese had 4,000 defenders of whom 3,280 were killed and 75 captured. The remainder presumably evacuated to New Guinea. The Americans had a task force of 35,000 of which 326 men were killed, 1,190 wounded and 4 missing.

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Letter to Mrs E. Wilkinson dated 2nd April 1944

R.A.F. Station,

Tempsford

Nr. SANDY

Beds.

25th April 1944

TEM/C.801/399/P1.

Dear Mrs Wilkinson,

Please let me thank you for your letter of 22nd April.  In reply I would say that I cannot give you the names of the Next of Kim of your Husband’s crew, but suggest that you write to Air Ministry (P.4.Cas)., 77, Oxford Street, London W.C.1.

Your new address has been recorded and Air Ministry advised, accordingly.

Yours sincerely

G.J. Holdcroft

S/Ldr.

for Group Captain, Commanding

R.A.F. Station Tempsford.             

Mrs. E. Wilkinson,

1064 Bury Road,

Breightmet,

BOLTON,

Lancs.

Telegram to Mrs E. Wilkinson 1st April 1944.

POST OFFICE

TELEGRAM

12.22 pm                   11.15 BEF/T  80                               Postmark Little Lever 1 Ap 44.

OHMS

Priority C.C. Mrs. E. Wilkinson 84 Settle Street Littlelever  Nr. Bolton Lancs.

Deeply regret to inform you that your husband 2211329 Sergt. Wilkinson E. is missing as a result of air operations against the enemy on the night of 31st March/1st April 1944  please accept my deepest sympathy  letter follows any further information received will be immediately communicated to you pending written notification from Air Ministry  no information should be given to the press 

O.C. 138 Squadron.

SECOND WORLD WAR April 1944

(Britain)

Whilst stationed in Britain, American Lt-General George Patton was given command of the U.S. Third Army (the Phantom Army) on the 21st January 1944. Patton was kept busy by preparing the newly formed Third Army’s inexperienced soldiers for combat in Europe. He was also a prominent figure in the deception scheme in convincing the Germans the Allied invasion of Europe would be at the Pas de Calais, not Normandy. He made various speeches whilst stationed in Britain. The most controversial was a speech given at the Welcome Centre in Knutsford on the 25th April 1944. He stated “the United States, Britain and Soviet Union” were destined to rule the post war world. Next day a reporters’ story left out the Soviet Union and the Kremlin was offended. For this incident, Supreme Allied Commander of Europe, Dwight Eisenhower reprimanded Patton. Patton would return to combat command during D-Day landings in June 1944.

It always the intention of the Allied Forces to invade mainland Europe, once the U.S. entered the war. Operation Overlord was the code-name for the D-Day landings in Normandy in June 1944, The Allies were to land on five separate beaches using combined British, U.S. and Canadian troops. In order for the vast new, conscripted, enthusiastic but inexperienced U.S. army to gain experience, a simulated training programme was introduced. Slapton Sands on the south Devonshire coast was chosen as the conditions they would face were similar to those of Utah beach in Normandy. On the 27th April 1944 full scale operations began. On the 26th April 1944 landing ships and landing craft left Devon harbours with a full complement of men, vehicles and ammunition. As the first wave reached the beach everything went according to plan. However, when the second wave of Landing Ship Tank’s (LSTs) left Plymouth twenty hours later they were attacked by German E-boats. Based in Cherbourg nine E-boats were on patrol in the English Channel. British destroyer HMS Onslow located the E-boats on radar but because of radio communication problems the landing craft were not informed and were vulnerable for attack. The E-boats, carrying torpedoes and cannon, launched an attack on LST 507 at 2:00 am on the 27th April 1944. Hit by a torpedo LST 507 burst into flames, and minutes later LST 531 was torpedoed and exploded. Having witnessed the attacks, LST 289 had her stern blown away by torpedo despite taking evasive action. She eventually limped into Dartmouth despite having lost her rudder. The planned assault and landings of the second wave of the remainder of LSTs was a complete success, but they were completely unaware of the fate of the three LSTs who had been attacked. Once the tragedy became known an immediate security restriction was imposed. All troops and naval personnel were threatened with court-marshal unless they remained silent. The official U.S. toll was 749 dead soldiers and sailors. Even now there is still doubt whether the dead were buried in a mass grave at Slapton or buried in cemeteries elsewhere. However, the training exercises at Slapton Sands gave the U.S. army an insight into what they would face on D-Day.

At the beginning of 1944, production of supplies and equipment by British factories was increased. Approximately nine million tonnes of supplies and equipment were transported to Britain from America. Allied forces from the U.K., U.S. and Canada were beginning to assemble. Free French/Polish/Belgian/Czechoslovak/Dutch/Norwegian forces were also involved. By the 30th April 1944 vast preparations were taking place all over southern England for the D-Day landings.

Eastern Front

In early April 1944, USAAF bombers restarted air attacks on Romanian oilfields, The Germans doubled anti-aircraft guns, set up more smoke generators and increased the number of fighters to cover the Ploesti oil refineries. Owing to the increased German defences, both the U.S. and RAF bombers suffered losses. This was despite the fact they were escorted by P-51 Mustang fighters and had flown from the captured airfield at Foggia in Italy.

On the Eastern Front, on the 3rd April 1944, several hundred U.S. bombers flew over Romania. This was an attempt to aid the Soviet Union, and the aim was to survey and attack targets of economic importance. Taking off from Foggia in Italy, they attempted to destroy the main Bucharest railway station. Lasting over two hours the operation destroyed hundreds of buildings including the railway station. The casualties were over 5,000 people killed or injured, who were mostly civilian.

The Germans had taken control of the Crimean Peninsula in 1942. The Battle of the Crimean, which began on the 8th April 1944 was a series of fights between Soviet troops and the German-held Crimea garrison. By the 18th April 1944, the Red Army had the German defenders retreating to Sevastopol, on the Black Sea coast. The evacuation of the Crimean was a complete success when German and Romanian warships escorted many convoys from the Crimea. The evacuation was via the Black Sea and ended on the 12th May 1944.

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Pacific

During the Burma Campaign, the Japanese army had crossed the border into India on the 20th March 1944. and launched the U-go offensive. The intention was to capture the British army supply base at Imphal. The British 14th Army had attempted to retake Burma in early March 1944, but received intelligence reports that the Japanese  were about to cross into India. The 14th Army Commander, Field Marshall William (Bill) Slim, together with Lieutenant General Geoffry Scoones, of the IV Corps, ordered their troops to retreat to Imphal on the 13th March !944. The Japanese attacked Imphal from several directions from the beginning of April 1944. The Japanese 33rd Division attacked from the south onto the Imphal plain. The British together with the 17th & 23rd Indian Divisions were regrouping after their retreat, but the Japanese had advanced and almost isolated them in Imphal.

In central Burma, the metalled road into Imphal was attacked on the 4th April 1944. It was essential for the Japanese to break through the Indian defences in order that their tanks and heavy artillery could gain access to one of the two all-weather airfields on the plain. The metalled road into Imphal traversed five peaks and between the 8th to the 22nd April 1944 a number of these were occupied but British and Indian counter-attacks regained land previously lost. The Japanese infantry weren’t ready for battle and British anti-tank guns destroyed twelve tanks. British artillery imposed severe losses on leading troops, but they were mainly halted through lack of supplies, approximately 10 miles (16 km) from Imphal. Casualties on both sides were heavy. With the Japanese were the Indian National Army’s Ghandi Brigade who were ordered to attack Palel airfield. On the 28th April 1944 the Ghandi Brigade withdrew after suffering 250 casualties.

Attacking from the north, the Japanese 15th Division encircled Imphal and captured a supply depot. To their dismay the depot had been emptied of food and ammunition. The Japanese 51st Regiment posed a major threat to the British IV Corps after a bridge was seized. The bridge gave access to steep ridges overlooking the main airstrip at Imphal. Supported by airstrikes, massed artillery and M3 Lee tanks of the Carabineers, the 5th Indian Division counter-attacked on the 13th April 1944. Driven from the ridge through lack of anti-tank weapons, the Japanese had not expected the Lee tanks to climb the steep slopes, and consequently suffered heavy casualties. The Allies also took many casualties, every officer of the Carabineers was either killed or wounded, plus the majority of the Indian 17th Dogra Regiment,

The turning point for the Japanese U-go offensive into India was the Battle of Kohima. Located 44 miles (70 km) north of Imphal, Kohima was the town supplying the besieged town of Imphal. The Japanese had entered India in mid-March 1944. Good progress was made despite the arduous conditions. They were hampered by a shortage of transport, therefore approximately half of their heavy weapons and guns were left behind. What supplies were carried was only three weeks food and ammunition. On the 20th March 1944, the Japanese clashed with Indian troops of the 56th Indian Parachute Brigade. The Japanese were handicapped by the lack of artillery, but the Indian brigade withdrew after six days because of the loss of 600 men. The 14th Army Commander, Bill Slim was fully aware there were few fighting troops in Kohima, and a Japanese siege began on the 6th April 1944. From the 18th April 1944 British and Indian reinforcements counter-attacked and British and Indian forces at Kohima were relieved.

The Battle for Imphal continued into May 1944 and the Battle of Kohima continued into May and June 1944.

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In the meantime, the Japanese advantage in the Pacific began to slip away following the Battle of Kohima. In and around Papua New Guinea, the Americans staged further advances.  On the 22nd April 1944 U.S. troops simultaneously landed at the northern port of Hollandia, codenamed (Operation Reckless), and the northern coast of Aitape, codenamed (Operation Persecution). Hollandia is located to the east of Aitape. At Hollandia 30,000 U.S. assault troops attacked 11,000 Japanese defenders and was an unqualified success. Of the Japanese defenders, 3,000 had been killed and 300 captured whilst the remainder withdrew to a new strategic defence line further east. The U.S. troops receivedrelatively light casualties with 152 killed and 1,057 wounded. Final U.S. mopping-up was completed by the 6th June 1944. When U.S. troops landed at Aitape the objective was to support the Hollandia landings. The Japanese defences were very light with only about 1,000 men to defend the beach. Of these only approximately 240 were combat troops with the remainder being anti-aircraft artillerymen and service personnel. The only resistance was some rifle fire with most of the Japanese defenders fleeing into the hills as the attacking force continue to arrive. With the beachhead secured the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) went ashore to secure and repair Tadji Airfield. Between the 22nd April and 4th May 1944 Japanese casualties were 525 killed and 25 captured. During the same period U.S. casualties were 19 killed and 40 wounded. The Allied push toward western New Guinea and the Philippines was effectively a result of the landings at Hollandia and Aitape.

On the 29th April 1944, the U.S. Navy sent aircraft carrier fighters into the effectively besieged Truk Lagoon in the Caroline Islands. The Caroline Islands are located north of Papua New Guinea. The original attack on Truk Lagoon, codenamed Operation Hailstone was a major air and surface attack on 17th /18th February 1944. A surprise attack and follow-up attack on the lagoon destroyed many merchant vessels leaving the remaining defenders desperately short of supplies and virtually besieged. Between Operation Hailstone and the follow-up attack, the remaining defenders had started to rebuild Truk as a bomber air base. They also increased their anti-aircraft defences. The attack, when it came, destroyed the defences and the bombers parked at the airfield. For the Japanese, Operation Hailstone was a disaster. Over 4,500 troops were killed. Out of a total number of 68 ships, they lost 56 sunk or damaged. Over 250 aircraft were damaged or lost out of a total of 350 planes. Whereas the U.S. lost 40 troops killed, 2 ships damaged, out of a fleet of 63 ships and 25 aircraft destroyed out of an attacking force of 500 planes. With the neutralisation of Truk Lagoon the U.S. gained an eventual foothold in the region, in readiness for the invasion of the Philippine Islands.

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Diary of Major D.G. Fisher March 1944.

Wednesday 1st March 1944.

Glorious day.  My eye cured from mosquito bite.  New Chief Clerk arrived.  Shall not form an opinion too soon.  Lunched with Halli at C.C.  Went to a party in Lottie’s new flat in the evening.  Quite a merry affair.  Lottie looked very sweet.  Halli & I in good form.  Stayed the night there.

Thursday 2nd March 1944.

Bakery at Haifa closed for repairs.  All scraping of walls & ceiling completed.  Tank placed on roof.  Had boozy evening with Halli & some R.E. officers at Carmelia Ct.  Sang with Greta over mike.  Finished up in Movements Mess.  Very tight.

Friday 3rd March 1944.

Page, Halli & I went to Sarafand.  All feeling very grim.  Got pulled up by MP for speeding in built up area!  Bakers walked out at Rafah.  Submitted proposed Bky plan at Sarafand to Col. Franklin.  He approved.  Spent quiet evening with Lottie at flat.

Saturday 4th March 1944.

Repairs to Bky nearing completion.  Discussed state bky in Syria with Major Overman.  He is to ask me to Beirut for some purpose.  Had a farewell dinner for Halli at C.C. Lottie came as well.  A great evening.

Sunday 5th March 1944.

Took Halli to Jerusalem.  Went via Nazareth, pretty run.  Lunched at Officers’ Club.  Left Halli just after lunch & returned to Haifa.  He will phone when he is fixed up.  Bed early & read “Four in hand!”  Priestly.

Monday 6th March 1944.

Visited Mafrae with Knowles.  He is now S.Q.M.S.  Went via Tiberias.  Most glorious scenery.  Came back same way at sunset.  Colours just amazing.  Dined quietly at Lottie’s flat.  Elfie was there for a short time.

Tuesday 7th March 1944.

Met Mr. Shipton, 2i/c to Spinney.  Advised him on their bakery.  He asked me to dinner next week.  Had my second attempt on a m/cycle today.  Doing well!  Pictures with Lottie.  Saw “Manhattan Madness”.  Great cast.

Wednesday 8th March 1944.

Work at Haifa Bky completed.  Baking to start tonight.  Col. Hull inspected the place in afternoon and congratulated us.  Finished in office about 19.30 and went straight to bed.  Grand to have an early night.

Thursday 9th March 1944.

First bread out at Haifa.  All O.K. so far.  Had third m/cycle lesson.  Getting on well.  Met Frank Powell, old cityman.  Hadn’t seen him for 12 years.  Had a few beers with him.  Went to C.C. with Lottie & had some more drinks.  Night at flat.

Friday 10th March 1944.

Page & Knowles left for Rafah & El Jiya.  Colin Harrison arrived as my 2i/c.  brought back many Beirut memories.  Homan came down to see me.  He has just refused an infantry commission.  Took Harrison, Homan & Hopkinson to the “Behal”.   Still spending money like water!!

Saturday 11th March 1944.

Had a coffee with Lottie at 11.00.  Chief Clerk advised new filing system.  He promises to be a good chap.  Halli phoned from Rehovat.  Had dinner at C.C. with Lottie.  Met the Wheatman’s.  Pessy’s birthday!  Very cheery evening.  Discussed leave question with Lottie.  To meet Lt. Col. Byrne on Cairo train at 09.30 hrs.  Cancelled.

Sunday 12th March 1944.

Harrison left for Sarafand on m/c to take up duties.  Page reported Rafah & El Jiya improving all round.  Harrison should wake ‘em up.  Byrne not coming till Monday.  Shall miss him.  Took Capt. Davis to Jerusalem.  We dined at Fink’s with Perkins.  Stayed at “Pantiles”.  Davis not very well.

Monday 13th March 1944.

Attended D.D.S.T. Supply Conference.  Usual waste of time.  Had lunch at the “International” with Davis, O’Callgan, Wheatly & Helen Barrat.  Back in Haifa 19.00.  Pictures with Lottie.  Saw “The Reluctant Dragon”.  Had eggs & chips at flat afterwards.  Feeling a bit sick & tired!

Tuesday 14th March 1944.

Garden beginning to take shape at Fr. Ganmin.  Breadstone painted at Pott’s.  Plans for static oven nearing completion.  Dined with Lottie & her friend Marie at C.C.  Marie very chic & charming.  We had a grand evening.  Got back to camp about 24.00 hrs.

Wednesday 15th March 1944.

Held a fire practice at Fr. Ganmin.  Satisfactory.  75 DID getting agitated about my snotty letter.  Emir of Transjordan visited Haifa.  Had coffee in afternoon with Lottie & Marie at the Café Sterkein.  Saw Lottie in the evening.  Stayed in the flat.  She cooked me eggs & bacon.  Just like home.  She’s a sweet child.

Thursday 16th March 1944.

Page attending Ct. of Enquiry at the C.S.D.  Col. Hull sent for me and told me to enquire into a “dud cheque” affair concerning Segt. Marshall.  Picked up Halli’s kit at C.C.  Met Major Williams, O.C., R.E. Beirut.  Back in camp early.  Phoned Lottie & went to bed.  Dinner with Mr. Shipton at 19.30 hrs cancelled.

Friday 17th March 1944.

Went to Sarafand & El Jiya with Harrison.  El Jiya greatly improved.  Ovens at Sarafand still sooting up the place.  Picked up Halli at Rehovat Stn and took him to Tel Aviv.  Hall, Colin & myself went to a party with Lottie.  We three stayed the night at the Yarke Hotel.

Saturday 18th March 1944.

Took Halli back to Rehovat.  Went on to Rafah with Colin.  Bakery clean but bread poor.  All labourers as bakers gone.  Car broke down at Gaya on way back.  Got a taxi back.  Car towed to Stn. Maint. Sarafand.  Back in Haifa by 20.00.  Had dinner at Lottie’s flat.

Sunday 19th March 1944.

Congrats from A.C. 15 Area on Pott’s Bky!  Feel very pleased about it.  Notified that new truck awaits collection at Sarafand.  Made Keen a L/Cpl.  A.A. officer came to see me about accommodating his men in Fr. Ganmin.  Think it good idea.  Phoned Lottie & went to bed early.

Monday 20th March 1944.

Visited Stn. Maintenance & blew them up about the car.  They admitted their bad work.  New truck arrived only not so “new”!  Col Hull & I took Lottie & Marie to dinner at C.C.  We finished up at Area Commander’s dance.  Wonderful evening.  All of us in good form.  God bless Lottie.

Tuesday 21st March 1944.

Don’t feel so good today!  Harrison & Sgt. Fancott at Degania Bky to teach them our methods.  P.O.W.’s at Hadrea still complaining.  Are we getting soft again!  Phoned Lottie & had an early night in camp.

Wednesday 22nd March 1944.

Truck into W/S for initial inspection.  Had my photo taken in afternoon.  Had tea with Lottie & Page.  We bought some more stockings.  Went to fetch Lottie for pictures in evening but she had some friends from Damascus.  We all dined at Bosses.  Went on to C.C.  Lottie very sad when we got back.  She cried a lot & said she had nearly deceived me.  Hurt me at first but made it up again.  All well now and both of us very happy.

Thursday 23rd March 1944.

Saw Mr. Sperrey in morning & discussed his bky.  [Meet Mr. Sperrey at 10.00 hrs.  Thurs.  To discuss waste of labour or production losses in his bakeries.  Think I can help him quite a bit.] He is arranging to send me two men for training.  D.A.D.S. & Col. Hull inspected Pott’s.  All O.K.  Held unit dance in camp.  Best we’ve had.  Plenty of “bints”.  I took Naomi from the house near the camp.  Quite a sweet kid.  Colin came up for the occasion.

Friday 24th March 1944.

Martial law and curfew from 6 – 6 proclaimed in Haifa, Jerusalem & Tel Aviv, owing to recent bomb outrages.  Col. Hull & I were unable to meet Lottie & Mary as poor Lottie is in restricted area.  Hull & I dined at C.C. and finished up at his mess.  Managed to get a taxi home.

Saturday 25th March 1944.

D.D.S.T. visited bakery in afternoon at Haifa.  Baking looked a picture but D.D.S.T. not the man to give any bouquets!  Had coffee with Lottie in morning.  She moved to C.C. for duration of curfew.  Dined with her & back in camp by 24.00 hrs.

Sunday 26th March 1944.

Saw the proofs of my photos.  Grinning like a bloody ape!  Had lunch with Lottie at C.C.  Left her at 16.00 hrs & went back to camp.  Cleared up in office & was in bed by 20.30 hrs.  Reading “The Lautermack Bros” by L. Feuchtwanger.

Monday 27th March 1944.

Very dull, heavy day.  Became Subst. Capt today.  Mr. Nuttall arrived back!  Hope he will go or all men recently promoted will have to come down.  Dined with Lottie at C.C.  Heavy storm started about 22.00.  Wind & rain.  Herman picked me up at 24.00 and took me back to camp.  Blowing all night.

Tuesday 28th March 1944.

Still blowing & raining like hell.  Messed up all the garden in the camp.  Haven’t had a letter from angel for nearly 3 weeks.  Feel worried and depressed.  Things don’t seem to be going so well.  Dinner with Lottie at C.C.  She gave me small photo in gold frame of mother to put on my watch.

Wednesday 29th March 1944.

D.D.M.S. inspected camp at Fr. Ganmin.  All O.K. despite the mud & rain.  Col. Hull called to discuss move to DID site.  Decided to remain at Fr. Ganmin for time being.  Left Haifa for Tel Aviv at 12.00.  Arrived at 15.00.  Booked in at Officers’ Club & inspected Degaria Bky.  Great involvement by Colin.  Back in club by 17.00 owing to curfew.  Spent evening boozing with two South African Officers.

Thursday 30th March 1944.

Visited Sarafand, El Jiya & Rafah.  Bread at Rafah shocking owing to lack of skilled bakers.  Must get some P.O.W.s.  El Jiya looks much better.  Arrived Haifa at 19.30.  Phoned Lottie & had an early night in camp.

Friday 31st March 1944.

Visited SPLCO in morning re cook at camp.  Had coffee Lottie in afternoon.  She gave me my photos.  Not bad.  Page bought some more stockings from her.  Had dinner with her at C.C.  She got a little tight with wine.  Very happy eve.

P.C. Benham’s

Collins Diamond Diary

1944

Saturday 4 March 1944

Left C at 8 am – arrived Colchester at 11.45.  Lunch at Ox Rd –n Caught 3.43 to L met A Kings X at 6.5 super minute – Dinner Liverpool St.  Then caught 7.30 to C – arrived just after 9 ocl – chat etc and so to bed after bath.

Sunday 5 March 1944

Quiet day – in pm went to see The N.S.O. at the Regal.

No entries Monday 6 March 1944 to Sunday 19 March 1944

Monday 20 March 1944

Conference SECO.

Tuesday 21 March 1944

Duty officer.

Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service March 1944.

Date                Time   Location         Damage

02/03/1944    Between   Great       A private motorcar property of Dr J B Radcliffe of 1

14.00      Wakering   Tudor Way Hawkwell was pierced by an incendiary

and 16.00                  bullet from a Thunderbolt Fighter.  N.C.

14/03/1944    23.00  Herongate     2 – H.Es exploded in fields at rear of “Old Dog”

                                                            P.H.  N.D.C.

14/03/1944    23.05  Canvey          1 – Container of I.Bs. exploded in field on White

                                    Island             Farm Haven Road.  N.D.C.

14/03/1944    23.05  Canvey          7 – Ux.H.Es fell in Cook’s field Haven Road. 

                                    Island             N.D.C.

14/03/1944    23.05  Canvey          1 – Ux.Ph.I.B. fell in White’s field W of Haven

                                    Island             Road.  N.D.C.

14/03/1944    23.05  Canvey          1 Container of I.Bs fell in Hole Haven Creek. 

                                    Island             N.D.C.

14/03/1944    23.15  Ingrave           1 – H.E. exploded on 13th fairway, Thorndon Park

                                                            Golf Course.  N.D.C.

14/03/1944    23.15  Mountnessing          6 – H.Es exploded in field between Belman’s

Farm and the ‘George and Dragon’ P.H.  Damage to property.  N.C.

14/03/1944    23.15  Shenfield       2 – Ux.Ph.I.Bs fell in garden of ‘Trevosper’ Worrin

                                                            Road.  N.D.C.

14/03/1944    23.20  Great Warley A number of I.Bs fell on Stoneyhills Farm.  Stack

                                                            fire.  N.C.

14/03/1944    23.20  Shenfield       2 – Ux.Ph.I.B. fell in Worrin Road.  N.D.C.

14/03/1944    23.20 Great Warley 5 – Ux.H.Es and 3 exploded H.Es fell in woodland

                                                            near Stonyhills Farm.  N.D.C.

14/03/1944    23.30  Langdon        1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in garden of “Oakdene”

                                    Hills                Eastleigh Drive.  N.D.C.

17/03/1944    21.30  Brentwood     1 – A.A. Shell exploded in garden of “Three

                                                            Cables” Cornlands.  N.D.C.          

19/03/1944    17.45  Vange            3 children were seriously injured as the result of a

fourth placing a partly ignited I.B. on a fire burning on waste land and are detained in hospital.        

22/03/1944    01.00  Rochford       1 – I.B. container exploded in field 200 yards W of

                                                            Butler’s Farm, Shopland.   N.D.C.

22/03/1944    01.00  Shenfield       1 AB/1000/2 container of French I.Bs fell in field

                                                            adj. Herd’s Farm Cottage.  Slight damage.  N.C.

22/03/1944    01.00  Rochford       1 AB/500/1 container of mixed I.Bs fell in field on

                                                            Butler’s Farm, Shopland.  N.D.C.

 22/03/1944   01.00  Little Warley  1 – H.E. exploded in field W of Hall Lane.   N.D.C.

22/03/1944    01.05  Rochford       An enemy aircraft crashed in flames and was

totally destroyed.  2 of crew captured and 1 found dead.  Plane crashed in field on Butler’s Farm.

22/03/1944    01.05  Rochford       2 – Ux.H.Es and 1 exploded H.E. on field on

                                                            Butler’s Farm Shopland.

22/03/1944    01.05  Rochford       1 – Ux.H.E. fell in field 400 yards SW of Butler’s

                                                            Farm, Shopland.  N.D.C.

22/03/1944    01.05  Rochford       1 – Ux.H.E. Fell 150 yards of Butler’s Farm

                                                            Shopland.  N.D.C.

22/03/1944    01.10  Ashingdon    1 AB/1000/2 container of mixed I.Bs fell in field

                                                            200 yards S of Ashingdon School.  N.D.C.

22/03/1944    01.10  Ashingdon    1 AB/1000/2 container of mixed I.Bs fell in

                                                            Canewdon Road.  N.D.C.

22/03/1944    01.10  Ashingdon    1 AB/1000/2 container of mixed I.Bs fell in field

400 yards NW of Ashingdon School.  Damage to property.  N.C.

22/03/1944    01.12  Billericay        A number of I.Bs fell in 40 acre and surrounding

fields.  Damage to property and telephone wires.  N.C.

22/03/1944    01.16  Ashingdon    A number of I.Bs fell at Beckney’s Corner.  Stack

                                                            fired.  N.C.                            

22/03/1944    01.20  Pitsea             1 – A.A. Shell exploded in garden of “Gorlestone”

                                                            Winifred Road.  N.D.C.

22/03/1944    01.30  Bowers           1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field 350 yards NNE of

                                    Gifford            Gun Inn.  N.D.C.

22/03/1944    01.30  Hutton            1 – A.A. Shell exploded in garden of ‘Laburnum’

                                                            Rayleigh Road.  Slight damage.  N.C.

22/03/1944    01.50  Rochford       1 – Ux.Ph.I.B. fell in field on Butler’s Farm

                                                            Shopland.  N.D.C.

22/03/1944    07.15  Barling           An empty metal container 2′ in length marked

‘O.H.M.E.’ together with balloon was found at Burton Farm.  N.D.C.  Date and time of falling unknown.

22/03/1944    07.30  Barling           1 – German machine gun and 1 cannon gun with

part of turret attached were found on mud flats at Barling Point.  N.D.C.  Date and time of falling unknown.

22/03/1944    08.00  Great              1 – German rubber dinghy with equipment

Wakering       including wireless transmitting set was found at Oldbury Farm.  N.D.C.  Date and time of falling unknown.

24/03/1944    00.05  Langdon        1 – A.A. Shell exploded rear of ‘Lilac Cottage’ Dry

                                    Hills                Street.  N.D.C.

24/03/1944    23.30  Wickford        1 – A.A. Shell exploded in field rear of London

                                                            Road.  N.D.C.

24/03/1944    Unknown  Brentwood         On night of 24/25 roof of Police house in La

                                                            Plata Grove was damaged by shrapnel.

24/03/1944     Unknown  Pitsea     On night of 24/25 1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in garden

                                                            of  ‘Parkville’ Northland Park Drive.  N.D.C.

24/03/1944    Unknown  Brentwood         1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in field 300 yards S of

                                                            railway bridge.  Nags Head Lane.  N.D.C.

25/03/1944    00.30  Billericay        1 – Ux. A.A. Shell fell in meadow 400 yards NE of

                                                            Oak Farm, South Green.  N.D.C.

27/03/1944    17.45  Coxtie Green A meteorological balloon with kite attached was

found on Red Lion Farm.  Date and time of falling unknown.

31/03/1944    08.30  Rayleigh        Found on railway track 1 mile NE of Hambro Hill

railway bridge (M.108/261111) portion of cardboard box measuring approx. 5 1/2″ x 5″ bearing words Berax Universal BILBFILPREATE MIT HALTED N.R. 128 Berax GILBFILTER’ on the reverse thereof.  Figures 126 on back of box.  Also 1 camera filter in black metal with spring clip attached but bearing words ‘Berax’.  Also a piece of camera filter glass.  Time deposited between 08.30 30.3.44 and 08.50 31.3.44.

SECOND WORLD WAR

March 1944

(Britain)

During March 1944 a series of RAF bombing attacks were conducted against various German cities. In February 1942 Sir Arthur “Bomber” Harris was appointed commander-in-chief of Bomber Command. He is quoted as saying “They sowed the wind – now they will reap the whirlwind”. A raid of 30 RAF planes attacked Dusseldorf, without much success, on the 4th March 1944 which was the beginning of the whirlwind.  Frankfurt was bombed with heavy civilian losses on the 22nd March 1940. Heavy bombing over a period of 24 hours was conducted against various German cities beginning the 24th March 1940. When the RAF attacked Nuremburg on the 30th March 1940, they suffered great losses. Of the 795 RAF bombers attacking Nuremburg, 95 were shot down, and over 700 men were missing. As many as 545 died and over 160 were taken prisoner. On the raid one Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously to Flying Officer Cyril Barton. He was piloting his Handley Page Halifax bomber when the aircraft was badly shot-up. Despite loss of one engine, radio and rear-turret and leaking fuel tanks he continued on to the target. In the meantime three of the seven man crew had bailed out during the engagement owing to a misunderstanding in on-board communications. The three crew members were the navigator, bombardier and wireless operator. Having reached the target Barton dropped his bombs and headed for home. He crossed the North Sea with only one engine still running. Desperately short of fuel he attempted to land near the village of Ryhope near Sunderland. He steered away from the village and crash-landed and was pulled from the wreckage seriously injured but died on the way to hospital. The remaining three crew members survived the crash-landing.

—

(Eastern Front)                                                                                                                                                                                 

On the Eastern Front the strategically important Narva Isthmus in Estonia in the Bay of Finland was attacked by the German Army on the Soviet Leningrad Front. The offensive began on the 1st March 1944 and lasted until August 1944.

The harbour city of Tallinin, Estonia, located in the Bay of Finland, was occupied by the Germans. As part of the overall Soviet offensive the Soviet air force bombed the city in two waves on the 9th/10th March 1944. Between 6:30 – 9:00

 pm on the 9th 300 Soviet aircraft dropped 3068 bombs. The second wave of bombers attacked at 2:00 am on the 10th which lasted for an hour and half. Approximately 20% of the buildings were destroyed and over 750 people died of whom most were civilians.

The Dnieper-Carpathian offensive was well established on the 8th March 1944 when 3,500,000 Soviet soldiers advanced along a 745 mile (1,200 km) front. The aim was to split the 3,500,000 Axis soldiers from the Ukraine and Moldovian territories. By rapidly advancing, on the 23rd March 1944 the Red Army had successfully achieved their aim by capturing Chorikova, which cut off the supply line to the German Panzer Army.The Soviet offensive continued and ended in May 1944.

Hungary was part of the Axis from early in the war. However, Hungarian Prime Minister Miklos Kallay and Regent Miklos Horthy wished secretly to enter into a separate peace with the Allies. When German Fuhrer Adolf Hitler became aware he wanted to prevent the Hungarians abandoning Germany. He therefore invited Horthy, to meet on the 18th March 1944 for discussions in Austria. Whilst discussions were being conducted, German forces marched into Hungary. The discussions were a distraction to keep Horthy out of the country and leave his Army without orders. On the 19th March 1944, Operation Margarethe, the German occupation of Hungary began, and being a complete surprise, was quick and bloodless. 

—

(Italy)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

During the Second World War, the Vatican City in Rome was neutral. Both allied and axis air-crews were ordered to respect the neutrality, if and when bombing Rome. With Italy now out of the war following an armistice with the Allies, the German Army was the sole occupiers of Rome. However, the Vatican City was bombed twice by the allies. The first occurred on the clear and cloudless evening of the 5th November 1943. At approximately 20:10 a single aeroplane was heard consistently circling Rome and the Vatican. At the same time a squadron of Allied aircraft passed over Vatican City. Once the squadron passed over the single aircraft dropped four bombs on Rome and flew away. There does not appear to be any documentation as to the perpetrators. The bombs dropped landed in the Vatican gardens. The blast caused all the windows to be blown to pieces in the outer buildings but there were no casualties. The Vatican itself did not suffer any damage. The second bombing of the Vatican occurred on the 1st March 1944 when a British aircraft dropped his bombs on Rome. Unfortunately six bombs landed too close to the Vatican wall and one workman was killed and a number of injuries were sustained. The bombers caused damage to a number of the Vatican buildings, and most of the glass in the Vatican was shattered. However, the glass with the image of Our Lady remained intact. Later two sculptured shield-bearing Angels were installed on either side of the image. Beneath the Angel sculptures was an inscription – AB ANGELIS DEFENSA KAL MART. A.D. MCMXLIV. This translates into – Protected by angels. 1st March 1944 AD. 

The Battle of Anzio had begun on the 12th January 1944 and was an amphibious landing by the U.S. VI Corps of the U.S. Army. They were opposed by the German 14th Army. The U.S. plan was to draw the German forces away from Monte Cassino south of Anzio. Initially the surprise attack was successful and U.S. troops proceeded inland.  Rather than advance toward Rome they dug-in expecting a German counter-attack. Whilst the U.S. troops consolidated, Field Marshall Albert Kesselring, German commander of the Italian theatre, moved as many forces he could spare into a defensive ring around the beachhead. His artillery had a clear view of every Allied positions. Desperate fighting occurred during February 1944 and by the beginning of March 1944 both sides had realised that a decisive result could not be achieved until the spring. With both sides building up their fighting capabilities they indulged in artillery duels. On the 3rd March 1944 Kesselring ordered the preparation of the Caesar C Line. This was to run from just south of Rome, across Italy to the eastern Adriatic coast of Pescara. This would enable the German defenders to retreat behind the line should the need arise. During March 1944 both sides saw many changes.  Many British troops were replaced after suffering heavy casualties The Germans, although well dug-in, lacked any reserves through the shortage of Officers and NCOs.   

Whilst the winter continued the Allied commanders decided the Battle of Monte Cassino would continue with a bombing campaign. The third battle began on the 15th March 1944 with the bombardment of 750 tonnes of 1,000 lb bombs, fitted with delayed action fuses, being dropped from 8:30 am. The bombardment lasted three and half hours. However, the bombing concentration was not accurate, with only about 8% of the bombs landing within a 1,000 yards from the German defenders amongst the ruins. Of the rest only approximately 50% landed a mile or less from the target. What bombs did land on target managed to kill approximately 50% of the 300 German paratroopers stationed in the town. In the meantime 746 Allied artillery pieces provided a creeping barrage for the New Zealand advance. The momentum was lost as the defenders had acted far quicker than had been expected. Allied armour was also held up by the bomb craters. A follow-up assault was too late as the defenders had been reorganised far quicker. The most critical factor in the failure to advance was that the rain had started again, which flooded bomb craters and turned rubble into a muddy morass. But more importantly, communications were lost as the radio sets were incapable of surviving constant immersions in water. Moonlight was blotted out by dark rain clouds, which hindered clearing routes through the ruins. By the 19th March 1944, Allied commanders decided to mount an attack on the town and monastery ruins. This was to be in the form of a surprise attack by tanks of the 20th Armoured Regiment Any possibility of an assault on the monastery, by the tanks, was completely disrupted when the German defenders counter-attacked. Owing to lack of infantry support all the tanks were destroyed by mid-morning. The initiative was gradually passing to the Germans. To counter this the Allies committed some of the 78th Infantry Division to the battle in order to provide a greater troop presence in the town. The plan was that the cleared areas of the town would not be re-infiltrated by the German defenders and secondly prevent any possible reinforcements. However, the defenders held out and the Allied gains in the town were measured by taking house by house. The Allies spent the remainder of March 1944 replacing exhausted troops. Fighting continued through April 1944 which prevented the Germans from reinforcing the army facing the Allied invasion of Operation Overlord in Normandy. The Fourth and final battle for Monte Cassino would begin on the 11th/12th May 1944.

With Italy out of the war the allies were able to establish an airbase at Foggia. The allies, located north-east of Naples and south-east of Rome were in an ideal position to attack the enemy. On the 17th March 1944 Vienna in Austria was attacked in the first of a number of heavy bombing raids by the USAAF. Included in these attacks were the Floridsdorf Oil Refinery which suffered untold damage and the city also. The attacks on Vienna continued right up to the end of the war in April 1945. 

In Rome, on the 24th March 1944, German occupation troops conducted the ”Fosse Ardeatine massacre”. The massacre was a reprisal by the S.S. Police Regiment Bozen at Via Rasella who were ambushed by Partisans the previous day, the 23rd March 1944. Twelve partisans of the communist resistance group carried out an ambush by placing an improvised explosive device in a rubbish cart. When it exploded the blast caused the immediate deaths of 28 S.S. policemen. The partisans drifted away into the by-standing crowd. The commander of the German Security Police of Rome was Herbert Kappler an S.S. officer, who was on the scene shortly after the explosion. He was summoned to the German Headquarters of Kurt Mälzer who had decided that reprisals were to be carried out. Mälzer and Kappler both agreed that a suitable ratio of ten Italians should be executed for every German policeman killed. Upon hearing the news Hitler endorsed the executions, which he stipulated should be carried within 24 hours. By the time the executions were to take place on the 24th March 1944, the German Police toll had risen to 33 dead. A total of 335 Italian prisoners were transported by trucks to the Ardeatine caves. They were forced to kneel down and were shot through the Cerebellum to ensure that only one bullet was required for each prisoner. The Cerebellum is the largest part of the brain located at the top and front of the skull. Following the executions, the bodies were buried under tons of debris. German military engineers had used explosives to seal the entrance to the caves. This deliberant act was to cover up the atrocity and to prevent the executions from becoming known which, for the Nazis, was the aim.  

—

(Pacific)

The Japanese-held Admiralty Islands are located east of New Guinea. U.S. troops invaded the Admiralty Islands by attacking Los Negros on the 5th-7th March 1944. On the 15th March 1944 the Americans quickly took Manus Island as the Japanese were completely taken by surprise. The U.S. army finally achieved victory over the Admiralty Islands on 18th May 1944.

The island of Bougainville had been administered by Australia as part of New Guinea since before the Second World War. As part of their advance into the South Pacific the Japanese had invaded and landed on Bougainville during March-April 1942. By early March 1944 U.S. troops were on Bougainville. On the 8th March 1944 they were attacked by the Japanese at Hill 700 and by the 13th March 1944 had failed to establish control of the area. For the time being the planned building of an airbase so that Rabaul could be attacked had to be put on hold. 

In 1942 the British Burma Corps was commanded by Field Marshall William (Bill) Slim who was forced to retreat to India. The corps had been attacked and heavily out-fought by the advancing Japanese. General Archibald Wavell, Commander-Chief of the Middle East Command, was based in India and part of his responsibility was the defence of Burma. In March 1942, Wavell requested the services of Brigadier Orde Wingate in Burma. Wingate was to assist Slim in the eventual Burma Campaign. Wingate arrived in Burma in March 1942. Using tactics he had developed in the East Africa Campaign, he began to train troops in the jungles of India during the wet season. He formed the “Chindits” for deep penetration raids against the Japanese. The word “Chindits” was a corrupted form of the Burmese language for “Lion”. By February 1943, in the first “Chindit” operation, a force of 3,000 men marched over 1,000 miles in order to harass the Japanese lines of communications. By the end of April 1943, after taking heavy losses, the order was given to return to India. Slim by now was the new commander of the British Fourteenth Army, and had trained his forces to take the fight to the enemy. Military equipment for the Fourteenth Army was being delivered to the Imphal and Kohima supply bases in India. The second and larger force of “Chindits” operation began training and by the 6th March 1944 had been deployed by making several successful forays into Burma.  Slim issued an order to Wingate to inflict the greatest possible damage and confusion on the enemy in North Burma. In order to liaise with air force commanders regarding air supplied equipment, Wingate flew to Imphal on the 24th March 1944.

 On the return journey the USAAF B- 25 bomber possibly flew into a thunderstorm and crashed in the jungle, killing all on board including Wingate. The Burma Campaign continued into April 1944. On several fronts the war was going against the Japanese at the beginning of 1944. However, Burma remained under Japanese control following the British retreat to India. Their ability to re-supply their occupying troops was becoming more difficult. Japanese merchant ships, carrying supplies to the troops, were under constant attack by Allied submarines and aircraft which were based in India. To counter these, the Japanese plan was to isolate the Allied units in their forward positions, destroy them, advance and capture the British supply bases at Imphal and Kohima. The supply base at Imphal was commanded by British Lieutenant General Geoffry Scoones of the IV Corp as part of the Fourteenth Army. When British intelligence informed Slim and Scoones of the Japanese offensive, they planned to withdraw forward troops onto the Imphal plain. This would force the Japanese to fight at the end of a long march through the jungle. However, Slim and Scoones misjudged the date and strength of the Japanese attack. On the 7th March 1944 the Japanese began an invasion attempt on India. By the 13th March 1944 Scoones ordered his forward divisions to withdraw to Imphal. On the 20th March 1944 Japanese troops crossed the border into India. The Battle of Imphal continued into April 1944. The Battle of Kohima also began in April 1944.

—

Other Theatres)   

General Charles de Gaulle was recognised by the UK government as leader of the Free French and had been exiled in London since June 1940. Various resistance groups had begun in France following the German occupation in 1940. A unification committee was proposed by de Gaulle, broadcast from London, to act as a resistance group against the Nazis. On the 1st January 1942, de Gaulle delegated Jean Moulin to form the committee. The committee was to be called the Council of the French Resistance. Moulin formed the committee and met for the first meeting in Paris on the 27th May 1943. After months of negotiations, agreement was reached and the document signed. On the 15th March 1944 the document was adopted as the National Council of the Résistance (CNR). Shortly after the formation of the CNR Moulin was arrested by the German S.S. An officer of the S.S., Klaus Barbie, known as “The Butcher of Lyon”, personally tortured Moulin for three days. During that time Moulin did not divulge any information to the Nazis. He was being transported to Germany when he died. His silence allowed the CNR to pursue its resistance activities.

——————————————————

P.C. Benham’s

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 24th.

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

Diary of Major D.G. Fisher February 1944

Tuesday 1st 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 2nd February 1944.

Busy day paying out all the WOGs and B.O.Rs.  Page left for Rafah.  Sgt Hogg posted to 13th 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 3rd 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 4th 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 5th 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 6th 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 7th 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 8th 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 9th 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 10th February 1944.

Fine day with plenty of sun.  Josephs phoned from Cairo to say that Halli would be in Cairo on leave on the 15th.  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 11th 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 12th 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 13th 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 14th 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 15th 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 16th 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 17th 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.

Friday18th 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 19th 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 20th 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 21st 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 22nd 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 23rd 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 24th 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 25th 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 26th 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 27th 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 28th 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 29th 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”.