War Diaries for Military units in the New Milton area 1st July to 31st December 1940

Record Number	War Diary	PLACE	Date	Hour	Summary of events and information
1	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	01/07/1940	0:20	Air Raid Warning Milford
2	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	01/07/1940	3:30	All Clear Milford
3	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	01/07/1940	11:00	C.O. met area Cmdr. 5 Army Corps at Lymington and visited Coy. Positions. Work on the section posts is progressing very rapidly now that tools have arrived. A/T obstacles in the shape of concrete blocks are being erected at strategic points
4	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	01/07/1940	13:30	A.D.M.S visited Bn HQ.
5	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	01/07/1940	22:30	Three 32 seater buses arrived.
6	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	02/07/1940	16:00	20 Bren guns, 10 A/T, 11 .45 revolvers and am. Arrived.
7	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	02/07/1940	18:00	Received special order of the day from 5 Corps. Placing the whole Corps. In a War Zone position and abolishing the Ceremonial Regimental Quarter Guard. A Patrolling Guard has been substituted. Lt. Col. M.R. Steel DSO. MC., received a bar to his D.S.O.
8	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	03/07/1940	9:03	Air Raid Warning in Milford
9	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	03/07/1940	9:25	All Clear in Milford.
10	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	03/07/1940	10:00	Air Raid Warning in Milford
11	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	03/07/1940	10.05	All Clear in Milford.
12	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	05/07/1940	0:22	Air Raid siren sounded in Milford.
13	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	05/07/1940	0:40	All clear sounded in Milford
14	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	05/07/1940	3:50	Air Raid sirens sounded in Milford.
15	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	05/07/1940	4:20	All clear sounded in Milford Cmdg Officer held conference with adjutant of No.2 sector of Bde Area at their H.Q.
16	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	05/07/1940	14:00	6 – 30 cwt trucks received by M.T. Section. 52,000 rds. S.A.A. arrived in bandoliers 2000 “Molotov cocktails” to be manufactured immediately by Pioneer Pltn.
17	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	05/07/1940	14:20	Air Raid warning sounded in Milford.
18	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	05/07/1940	14.45	All clear sounded in Milford.
19	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	05/07/1940	15:00	Further supplies of ammunition arrived at Bn. HQ.
20	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	06/07/1940	9:15	C.O. and Adjutant attend Bde Conference.
21	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	06/07/1940	18:00	24 bicycles and 1 A/T Rifle arrived.
22	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	07/07/1940	8:45	Air Raid sirens sounded in Milford.
23	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	07/07/1940	9:45	All clear sounded in Milford
24	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	07/07/1940	14:00	43 Bicycles and 1 Thompson sub-machine gun arrived. 6 Bicycles per Coy. Issued today.
25	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	08/07/1940	10:20	1 – 30 cwt lorry per Coy. Issued.
26	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	08/07/1940	14:30	Two Bren carriers arrived. Conference at Bn. HQ with L.D.V.
27	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	08/07/1940	15.15	Digging of slit trenches at Bn. HQ. commenced and progressing satisfactorily
28	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	08/07/1940	19:00	Position of Coys. fixed as follows:- “A” Coy---------- From Mudeford Ferry (616118) to 635133 ) “B” Coy.--------- From 635133 to 651133 Ordn Survey Series GSGS 3907 “HQ.” Coy------ From 651133 to 683126 “New Forest” 1” to 1 mile “C” Coy --------- From 683126 to 712118 “D” Coy --------- From 712118 to 725123
29	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	09/07/1940	9:30	“Z” Coy. Moved to the beach to relieve “HQ” Coy.
30	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	09/07/1940	11:20	“Z” Coy. Arrived at BECTON HOUSE to take over from “HQ” Coy.
31	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	09/07/1940	14:00	“H.Q. Coy left BARTON for HINTON ADMIRAL. O.C. “Z” Coy and Pltn. Cmdrs. Inspect the positions they had taken over
32	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	09/07/1940	14:30	S.A.A. arrived for reserve.
33	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	09/07/1940	15:00	“C” Coy transferred their Coy HQ to HORDLE HOUSE.
34	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	10/07/1940	03.00 – 05.00	An intercommunication test was held between the L.D.V. 6th Green Howards and 69th Inf. Bde.
35	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	11/07/1940	9:00	Gen. Martell inspected Coy positions. Maj. Dixon met Col Smythe, 5th Medium Regt R.A. at HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE.
36	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	11/07/1940	15:00	5 New officers arrive. Posted to Coys as follows:- Lt Crawshaw “A”, 2nd Lts Conway and Farrar, “B”, Priestley “C”, Booth, “Z”. As a result of the C on C’s inspection it was decided to move the section positions of “C” and “Z” from the beach to the cliff top because of the high tides and storms which will occur in the winter months.
37	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	13/07/1940	11:00	C.O. sited several new pillboxes. Positions of 13 and 14 Pltns of “C” coy raised to cliff top
38	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	13/07/1940	11.05	Signal equipment and 60 “Molotov Cocktails” per coy. Issued.
39	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	13/07/1940	14:00	Captain Chapman and 18 men left Bn. To join 50 Div T.C. Coy.
40	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	15/07/1940	9:00	Lt Cooper and 2nd Lt Edwards posted to “Z” Coy.
41	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	15/07/1940	15:30	“Z” Coy took over new position on cliff top. Total “Molotov Cocktails” now made is 1,548. 260 per Coys. Have been distributed. Remainder in Bn. Reserve.
42	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	15/07/1940	21:30	2 Bren carriers arrived.
43	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	16/07/1940	11:00	“A” Coy commenced to clear trees from the cliff tops to make way for pill boxes.
44	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	17/07/1940	12:00	Two officers visited Bn. H.Q. to interview men who volunteered for Special Duties.
45	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	18/07/1940	15:30	Corps. Cmdr. Inspected Coy. positions.
46	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	18/07/1940	18:30	Bn. Held Anti-Paratroop practice with L.D.V.
47	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	19/07/1940	16.25	Air Raid sirens sounded in Milford.
48	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	19/07/1940	17.15	All clear sounded in Milford.
49	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	20/07/1940	11:00	Coys involved in demolishing beach huts and strengthening their positions.
50	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	20/07/1940	16:40	“Z” Coy transferred HQ from Becton House to BARTON HOUSE HOTEL, BARTON.
51	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	21/07/1940	9:00	Coys. Now on 2 Pltn. Fronts with 1Pltn in reserve. Defence works continue on all fronts.
52	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	21/07/1940	19:00	Five Motor cycles arrived.
53	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	23/07/1940	13.45	One Bren gun, 4 – 2” Mortars, 33 Bicycles, 22 Lorries arrived.
54	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	24/07/1940	7:50	First party of 9 O.R’s left on 7 days leave.
55	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	24/07/1940	20.45	2” Mortars issued to Coys.
56	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	26/07/1940	10:20	21 Motor cycles and 3 combinations arrived.
57	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	27/07/1940	14:00	Lieut. General Montgomery and Gen. Martell visit Coy. positions. Major G.R. Dixon assumed command of Bn. during absence of C.O.
58	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	28/07/1940	13:10	Operation Order No.1 (M.T.) issued after receiving Brigade Operation Order (M.T.) No. 1. C.O. visited Coy positions to prepare second line defence scheme. Coys engaged in strengthening shore defences.
59	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	29/07/1940	12:00	Major-General Eastwood, G.O.C. 4 Div. Major-General Martell G.O.C. 50 Div. arrived at Bn. HQ with Brigadier to discuss alteration to Div. boundaries.
60	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	30/07/1940	15:00	Coy. Cmdrs conference. Advance party move orders to East Moors Farm Camp (5423) issued.
61	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	31/07/1940
62	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	31/07/1940	14:00	Advance Party move off. 40 Hand Grenades arrive.
63	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	01/08/1940	10:00	Commanding Officer visited East Moors Farm Camp to fix position of Coy. Lines.
64	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	01/08/1940	11:30	Air Raid siren sounded in Milford.
65	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	01/08/1940	11:50	All Clear sounded in Milford.
66	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	01/08/1940	16:00	M.C.O. 4th Div. visited Bn. HQ.
67	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	01/08/1940	23:20	Air Raid siren sounded in Milford.
68	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	02/08/1940	1:20	All clear sounded in Milford. Coy. Cmdrs of 2nd Bn Lancs. Fusiliers (4th Div) made a recce of Bn Front preparatory to taking over.
69	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	02/08/1940	11.15	Air Raid siren sounded in Milford. Move Orders issued. Camp Standing Orders issued. Bombs dropped at Hurst Castle. Civilians in Keyhaven Creek machine gunned.
70	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	02/08/1940	11.36	All clear sounded at Milford.
71	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	03/08/1940		69th Inf. Bde. Operation Order No. 2 received.
72	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	04/08/1940	0:40	Air Raid Siren sounded at Milford.
73	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	04/08/1940	1:00	All Clear sounded at Milford.
74	6th Battalion the Green Howards	Hinton Admiral	04/08/1940	14:30	Handing over of Coy. Positions to 2nd Bn Lancs. Fusiliers completed and Coys started to move to East Moors Farm Camps (5322) for six weeks training.
75	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	04/08/1940		Bn. Lorries embussed to new area. Bn HQ and HQ of D Coy in New Milton. C Coy in Mudeford. A at Barton, C at Milford. Taking over is completed same day.
76	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	05/08/1940		Coys settle into new billets which are surprisingly good. Bn. HQ. is in a prep school which makes an excellent HQ
77	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	06/08/1940		CO decides front is too thinly held. D Coy is sent to Highcliffe area between C and A. Work on front line defences is completed. Main Pillboxes are built late by contractors.
78	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			Work continues during this period in August. Contact in illegible with L.D.V. Highcliffe and Lymington respective Co-Leaders Group Captain Brooke and Capt. Sullivan RN.
79	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			Various operations orders received from Bde. But owing to paper shortage they were not copied and had to be handed over on relief.
80	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			Local inhabitants are very kind and do a great deal in the illegible illegible.
81	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	14/08/1940		A draft of 100 O.R.s arrive from JLO YTC They seem a very good lot indeed.
82	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			The front is still being worked on hard. We man the defences as follows: 1/3 on duty. 1/3 on 5 mins notice. 1/3 on illegible. We find it works well. The Bn is very happy here and playing havoc with the hearts of the local ladies.
83	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	23/08/1940		Bombing of New Milton. Illegible Illegible air activity has been quite intense especially at night.
84	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	23/08/1940	18:00	CO and Adjutant observe Bosche two engine bomber flying inland at about 5000 ft.
85	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	23/08/1940	18:30	Plane heard flying overhead. Almost immediately explosions heard from direction of village. CO and Adjt immediately proceed to village where there is an awful shambles. The main X roads have been hit and most of the shop fronts blown in. The decorators shop is on fire. There seem to be numerous casualties mostly women. Illegible dead soldiers some of ours is seen. An M.G. sports car with corpse inside is in flames.
86	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	23/08/1940		The local ARP and illegible are soon on the spot and work magnificently.
87	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	23/08/1940		There has been no air raid alarm. Soon order is restored and the fire is under control. It is discovered that the corpse in the car is a gunner officer from the 77th Field Regt. The stretcher bearers do sterling work and the local ARP and AFS are magnificent. On checking up, we find we’ve lost illegible 3 illegible. No. 3447692 L/Cpl Davies T. a very good fitter, No. 3449320 Fus Dean and No. 3445151 Fus France A. Davies wife Ivy, was killed with him. Total casualties were 29 killed, of which 20 were women. The Bosche was shot down soon after.
88	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			For the remainder of the month, work continued. Our mobile col under Capt Hudson was formed and did a few exercises. A very good concert was given by the people of New Milton and a party came over from Bournemouth. Air activity was still fairly intense and alarms occurred 3 or 4 times daily. A few bombs were dropped in the area but did no damage. Nothing else of interest happened.
89	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			Nothing of interest and preparing for Div exercise on 3/4
90	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			Div. Exercise. Scheme invasion command. 09.15 Lulworth area. 2LF relieved by 9th Kings Own from Bournemouth, proceed to lying up area inland where day is spent resting. Bn moves by illegible Coy. 1955 warned by Bde to stand by to move from 21.00. 2215 Bn moves first to concentration area MOYLES COURT 4 miles N. of Ringwood. 1023, Bn in reserve has to take up defensive position in front of Ringwood. Fwd Body illegible recce as far as WIMBOURNE. Exercise ends 13.40 hrs. A very good exercise indeed.
91	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			Noteworthy as first big scheme mobile col took part in. Mobile Col under Capt Hudson M.C. consists of Battle patrol, carrier PL and motor cycle PL
92	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			Nothing of interest
93	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	07/10/1940	20:00	Message from Bde that special vigilance will be maintained.
94	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton		21:50	CROMWELL i.e. invasion imminent. Bn stands to on full strength.
95	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	08/09/1940	2:00	All leave stopped. Bn waiting for balloon to go up. Those on leave not recalled. Nothing else to report.
96	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	09/09/1940		Quiet day but air activity at night. Bombs dropped but no damage done.
97	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	10/09/1940		Nothing to report. Vigilance state maintained.
98	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	11/09/1940		Nothing of interest. No invasion or any sign of it. Stand to still on, but during daylight Coys carry on with illegible
99	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	12/09/1940		As above. Everyone is rather bored with being confined to billets.
100	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			Stand by still on. Men allowed out on passes until 20.00 hrs but only 25% allowed out.
101	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	17/09/1940		Tragedy. Capt. P.J. Fulton and 2 / Lt Jefferies killed in flying accident near Longford Castle. The Bn has suffered a great loss as we have lost two fine officers who are irreplaceable. They were both in C Coy. As far as can be gathered they were in a BLENHEIM when engine cut out and the plane crashed into a hut. The pilot and Fulton were killed outright but Jeffries died on the way to hospital. Nothing else to report.
102	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	18/09/1940		Stand by still on. Special vigilance to be maintained.
103	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	19/09/1940		Illegible day. 18.00 hrs Cromwell off. Great relief to everyone. Bn. Returns to normal procedure. No. 3443602 Sgt F. Strong D.C.M killed in motor accident. [This entry is in a different hand writing and clearly written after the diary entry for this day. CWGC records show that Strong was killed on 19th August 1940]
104	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	20/09/1940		Peter Fulton is buried at Milton Church. We give him full military funeral. Col Fulton OBE MC attends. Illegible is readings we have illegible illegible Peter. Grim day. C.O. goes on weekend leave. Hope he has a good time as he needs leave badly.
105	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	21/09/1940		Message received that conditions favourable for enemy landing. Illegible day. Major Illegible now in command.
106	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	22/09/1940	12:00	Cromwell again. Prior to this Bde insists on recall C.O. which is done. Everyone very fed up. Illegible of day illegible C.O. returns afternoon.
107	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	23/09/1940		Quiet day.
108	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton		20:30	Cromwell off. Return to normal activities. Everyone very relieved.
109	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	24/09/1940		Back to normal. Nothing of interest
110	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			Coys at notice as possible LO alarms or exercises. During this period information received that we will be relieved by HD Bn. Everyone fed up as we love New Milton.
111	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton			Bn carries on normal duties. Nothing to report
112	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	04/10/1940	10:00	Mobile Col and C Coy have a scheme with RAF Christchurch to take over defences of aerodrome. A most useful and interesting exercise. Commenced with successful illegible illegible attack and continued with attacks by infantry and carrier PL. It was hard to judge illegible if attackers succeeded but umpires agreed that aerodrome would have been captured. Recce party illegible arrives.
113	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	05/10/1940		Nothing to report.
114	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	06/10/1940		C.O. goes on course at 5 Corps at Salisbury until the 12th. Bn under command Maj W.M. Lees.
115	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	07/10/1940		Nothing to report
116	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	08/10/1940		Col Oliphant 7th Wilts arrives to go round line. Illegible recce. It is now illegible that we are being relieved by the 7th Wilts, final date is the 15th
117	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	09/10/1940		A Coy find mine on their front. Bde informed. Nothing else to report.
118	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	10/10/1940		Mine disposed of by the Navy
119	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	11/10/1940		Advance guard of 7th Wilts arrive i.e. HQ and 4 Coys. The relief is begun. 2 Pls from fwd coy return to area of Bn HQ leaving 1 Pl to assist 7 Wilts. Relief is completed Satisfactorily at 15.00 hrs. HQ and R Coys proceed to Bournemouth
120	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	12/10/1940		Most illegible day for Bn HQ as BN HQ area very overcrowded, 7 Wilts rather in the way. C.O. returns from hi9s course. Col. Oliphant goes round lines again. Nothing else to report.
121	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	13/10/1940		Information received from Bde, that the Plns at Bn HQ may be sent to Bournemouth and that command of the sub sector will pass tomorrow at Noon. Everyone very relieved as living conditions for troops are overcrowded. Pls march off in the morning. Reserve Coy of 7 Wilts arrive.
122	War Diary of 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers	New Milton	14/10/1940		Adjutant is not in the picture as he has 3 court martials to contend with. Command passes to Wilts at 12 Noon. Bn HQ less C.O. and Adjutant and 2 I/C proceed to Bournemouth. Coy HQs also leave. Local inhabitants of New Milton very sorry to see us go. It is feared that the Bn leaves some broken hearts behind.
123	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	11/10/1940		Bn moved to New Milton and takeover defence of Christchurch Bay sub sector from 2nd Bn. Lancashire Fusiliers
124	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	12/10/1940		Defence positions manned
125	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	13/10/1940		Defence positions manned
126	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	14/10/1940		Defence positions manned
127	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	15/10/1940		Defence positions manned
128	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	16/10/1940		Defence positions manned
129	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	17/10/1940		Defence positions manned
130	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	18/10/1940		Visit of Maj. Gen. Montgomery, 5th Corps Commander
131	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	19/10/1940		Defence positions manned
132	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	20/10/1940		Defence positions manned
133	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	21/10/1940		Defence positions manned
134	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	22/10/1940		Defence positions manned
135	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	23/10/1940		Defence positions manned
136	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	24/10/1940		Defence positions manned
137	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	25/10/1940		Defence positions manned
138	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	26/10/1940		Defence positions manned
139	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	27/10/1940		Defence positions manned
140	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	28/10/1940		Defence positions manned
141	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	29/10/1940		Defence positions manned
142	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	30/10/1940		Defence positions manned
143	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	31/10/1940		Defence positions manned. Capt. Goldsmith arrived - posted to this Bn.
144	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	01/11/1940		Manning defensive positions. Lt Barber arrived – Posted to this Bn.
145	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	02/11/1940		Occupation of positions continues. No activity – bad weather, blowing gale force
146	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	03/11/1940		Visit of Col. Thompson, sub area commander.
147	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	04/11/1940		Following officers posted to this unit from I.T.C Wilts Regt. Devizes and taken on strength w.e.f. today,
148	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	04/11/1940		No. 153356. 2/Lt R.C.G. Hill to “A” Coy. No.153357 2/Lt. T.W. Powell to “B” Coy.
149	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	04/11/1940		No. 153355. 2/Lt E.N. Williams to “D” Coy. No.153353 2/Lt J.A. Sullivan to “A” Coy. For a full list of officers of this Regiment see Appendix “F”
150	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	04/11/1940		Two mines washed up on beach at Pts. 704122 and 627131. See Appendix “E2”.
151	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	05/11/1940		Occupation of positions continue.
152	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	06/11/1940		Dog fight overhead at 14.35 hrs. No planes brought down. Capt. O Goldsmith takes over command of “A” COY. Capt. H.K. Abell posted as O.C. reinforcement Coy. And takes over duties at M.T.O. Lieut. F.H.P. Barber takes over duties of B.I.O.
153	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	07/11/1940		Occupation of positions continue.
154	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	08/11/1940		Maj.Gen. Sinclair D.S.O. accompanied by Col. Thompson toured Battalion area, lasting from 14.00 hrs to0 16.30 hrs. 180 men arrived posted from I.T.C. Devizes.
155	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	09/11/1940		Occupation of positions continue. Heavy A.A. fire at night over Southampton Bournemouth districts/ Nothing of importance happened.
156	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	10/11/1940		Bad weather continues – Air Battle over area at 14.40. No planes down though many white trail marks seen in the sky - Occupation of positions continue.
157	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	11/11/1940		12th Bn. Hampshire take over our right flank in place of King’s Own Royal Rifles. Training restricted owing to gale. Major Kenrick arrives to take over 2nd. In command. Lieut. S.P. Bartlett joined this unit.
158	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	12/11/1940		Gale continues. Occupation of positions continues. Searchlight activity in Southampton area. Also heavy A.A. Fire.
159	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	13/11/1940		Scheme to test communications between Bn. H.Q. and forward Coys. At 17.00hrs. Finished at 19.00 hrs.
160	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	14/11/1940		Continual stream of enemy planes heard overhead during night, possibly on way to bomb Coventry as City badly damaged.
161	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	15/11/1940		A landmine was dropped during the night at Alma Road, Bournemouth, noise shaking Great Ballard. Also H.E. bomb on Westbourne Arcade and 40 Alum Chine. A few casualties occurred to 12th Hamps. Regt.
162	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	16/11/1940		Company Commanders conference at Bn. H.Q. at 08.45 hrs. Subject: Modification of present duties of Platoons in forward areas. Decided that 1 Platoon should man all O.Ps. in Bn Front, having two days out of three for training and recreation.
163	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	17/11/1940		At night from 18.45 onwards exceptionally heavy aircraft activity over Bn. Area. Two H.E. bombs dropped at Hordle Grange 698167 doing no damage except breaking windows at the Grange and Vaggs Farm. 6 incendiary bombs dropped at Walkford 661153. Fell in field - no damage. 1. H.E. on Pennington marshes – no damage. Incendiary bomb on Boldre – no damage. 1 H.E. dropped Waterloo Road, Lymington – damage to house – no casualties.
164	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	18/11/1940		Re-numbering front line begins. K. L. & M. Sectors instead of “A”, “B” & “C” Coys. respectively. “B” Coy. Moves No.11 Platoon to Cliff Hotel. Occupations of positions continues.
165	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	19/11/1940		Re-numbering front line completed. Coy. areas and Platoon area fixed in case of emergency. See Appendix “G”
166	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	20/11/1940		“A” Coy moved H.Q. from “The Anchorage” to “Beacon Lodge”. “D” Coy commenced to man O.P. at Sway Tower.
167	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	21/11/1940		Occupation of positions continues. S.S. “Kingsborough” ashore 157 degrees from Point 677153.
168	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	22/11/1940		Field Telephone cut in two places in K and L fronts
169	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	23/11/1940		Report from Keyhaven Coastguard that enemy may attempt to land agents. Manning of positions continues.
170	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	24/11/1940		Information received that enemy sea activity in area. All Coys. warned – may attempt raiding parties or to land agents.
171	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	25/11/1940		Information received from Naval Officer i/c Portland considerable activity in Channel. Keep watch for attempted landings. All Coys. accordingly warned. Occupation of positions continues.
172	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	26/11/1940		Occupation of positions continues. Little air activity. The Regiments first casualty from enemy air activity occurs. 5575797. Pte C.T. Stevens at St. Pauls Hospital Winchester. Killed in air raid while detached from Bn.
173	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	27/11/1940		No air activity. Red flashes seen in Southampton area. Occupation of present positions continues.
174	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	28/11/1940		Considerable air activity. Large number of planes in vicinity. Searchlight position machine gunned Hordle Cliff. Report of plane crashing in sea at 22.17 hrs Ass Appendix “E” 2 28/29.11.40
175	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	29/11/1940		A.A. fire heard in Southampton direction.
176	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	30/11/1940		Considerable activity over Southampton direction.
177	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	01/12/1940		Heavy A.A. fire Southampton area. Appeared to be large number of fires started in Southampton areas.
178	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	02/12/1940		Fires in Southampton area still visible from O.P. 677153. Early this morning. Slight activity during night. A.A. fire from Bournemouth and Southampton areas.
179	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	03/12/1940	19.04	Bombs and 15 incendiaries near Aerodrome at Hurn, 3 miles N.W. of Christchurch Railway Station. No casualties.
180	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	04/12/1940		Occupation of positions continues. Slight enemy activity.
181	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	05/12/1940	12:30	Land explosion on beach point 673130. Number of windows broken in vicinity. No casualties. Believed mine exploded on beach.
182	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	06/12/1940		Captain Miller, R.A.Ch.D. joined the unit today.
183	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	07/12/1940		Little enemy activity. Occupation of positions continues.
184	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	08/12/1940		Five H.E. bombs in Marshes at Woodside Sq 7514 (No casualties or damage)
185	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	09/12/1940		No enemy activity in area
186	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	10/12/1940		3 H.E. bombs at Waterditch pt.622164. No damage or casualties
187	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	11/12/1940		Occupation of positions continues.
188	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	12/12/1940		3 Bombs H.E. dropped in are. 2 near New Road, Sq 7311. 1 Approximately 1 mile N. sq.7312. No damage or casualties. Activity continued in Southampton area until 01.30 hrs. Lt. F.P. Day joined the unit today and is posted to “A” Coy. See appendix “E” 3.
189	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	13/12/1940		Re bombs yesterday correct report is as follows: - 3 H.E.’s S.W. of Lower Pennington between 738132 and 741128. 1 was a D.A. and exploded at 15.15 hrs. today. No casualties – only damage to telephone wires.
190	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	14/12/1940		No air activity in Bn. Area
191	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	15/12/1940		No air activity over area during day but heavy A.A. and S/L activity from 08.05 hrs onwards in Southampton and Bournemouth areas. Enemy aircraft passed continuously over O.P. 677153 all flying N.E. 2/Lt Rogers joined this unit today as Bn. Signals officer from I.T.C. Devises.
192	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	16/12/1940		No air raids at all
193	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	17/12/1940	6:30	Red flashes seen and loud explosions heard S. of Needles
194	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	17/12/1940	14:00	R.V. for tactical exercise Crown Inn Sq 6218. 2/Lt Glass-Hooper joined this unit today and is posted to “C” Coy. 2/Lt J.K.O. Black also joined today and is posted to “B” Coy.
195	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	18/12/1940	23.15	C.G. Keyhaven reports hearing fast motor boat near Needles. Unable to obtain confirmation from Needles as phone is out of order.
196	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	19/12/1940		P.B No 68 falls down cliff as cliff collapses at pt. 677130
197	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	19/12/1940	14:40	Loud explosions heard. Bomb disposal Unit working on Ocknell Plain Sq 6713.
198	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	20/12/1940		Manning of positions continues
199	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	21/12/1940	21.56	1 H.E. bomb dropped at pt 707138. Farm buildings and cottage damaged. No casualties. Occupation of positions continues.
200	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	22/12/1940	22.45	Report from Christchurch A.R.P. re White Rocket seen in Burley direction. ‘Planes overhead at time seen to change course to west. This being direction rocket was seen to travel. No confirmation received of this report.
201	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	23/12/1940		2/Lt C.R. Dale joined this unit and is posted to H.Q. Coy to understudy B.I.O.
202	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	23/12/1940		Slight air activity. Occupation of positions continues.
203	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	24/12/1940		No air activity over Bn. areas.
204	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	25/12/1940		No air activity over Bn. areas.
205	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	26/12/1940		No air activity over Bn. areas. Occupation of positions continues.
206	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	27/12/1940	18:24 - 22:46	Air Raid. First for three days. Occupation of positions continues.
207	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	28/12/1940		No air activity over Bn. areas.
208	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	29/12/1940		White cylinder washed up on beach Nr. P.B. 73. Pt 693126. Short air raid alarm. Occupation of positions continues. See Appendix “E” 3.
209	War Diary of 7th Battalion the Wiltshire Regiment	New Milton	31/12/1940	15:00 - 15:05	Short air raid warning. Occupation of positions continues.

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