MarkN wrote:[The notion that all those undertrained and ill/unequipped infantry divisions, LDV and Home Guard Units would perform to the same level as the professional 3rd Infantry Division (for example) is fantasy. 12th, 23rd, 46th and Beauman are the benchmark.
You could hardly be more wrong.
From the War Diary of the 2nd/4th South Lancashire Regiment, on the east coast but typical of the battalions defending the coast.
Found at the superb
http://www.walberswickww2.co.uk/
"
Bulcamp June 30th
The Battalion, as a result of a really hard month’s work in which every man has
played his part is now fully prepared for any eventuality. We can assure any
prospective visitors, whether they are coming to protect us or not, of a warm
welcome. All forward companies have completed very good defensive positions. In
the interior there is plenty of room and the men are very comfortable when they have
to sleep at their posts. On the exterior there is a diversity of camouflage varying from
rubbish heaps to innocent looking fishing huts. Along the beach both at Dunwich and
Southwold, also Walberswick, there is an imposing array of concrete anti-tank
obstacles, which in some places pass right in front of the section post.
All personelle have fired their rifle and L.M.G. courses and ach company in turn fired
at toy balloons by way of A.A. practice. Several balloons were shot down. D.
Company with four were the top scorers. As many men as there were ammunition for
fired the Anti-Tank rifle. They found it to be far less frightening than they had
expected. It has now been found possible to allow one platoon of each company to go
out training locally each day."
Bulcamp 26 [July]
The Unit completely fitted in ’37 equipment – first time since the war that the Unit
has had uniformity in equipment; included in above – officers and specialists
equipment ’37 web. All ’08 and leather equipment returned to Ordnance. All
personnel have two suits serviceable (B.D.) and two pairs of boots. All Anti-Gas
equipment up to War Scale. The Unit holds in addition reserves of Clothing,
Equipment, and Anti-Gas Stores.
The Ammunition position is very happy, the Unit holding full War Scale of S.A.A. in
forward positions, after having created a Battalion Reserve of 20,000. A surplus of
rifles is held to meet replacements under repair. Revolvers to supply all officers in
possession of Unit for first time. Unit now in position to carry out our own boot
repairs and equipment repairs, as necessary kits are now in possession.
Guns, etc., - Unit holds full complement of Bren Guns (50) and 12 2” Trench Mortars
with bombs. No 3” Trench Mortars yet supplied to the Unit.
Bulcamp Aug.
General
During the month the Unit was instructed to submit 1098-modilisation indents to
complete all equipment to War Establishment scale. An interesting acquisition was
the Thompson sub Machine Gun firing .45 bullets and 4 Hotchkiss guns. The 2 3”
Trench Mortars arrived at last but we are still awaiting another 8 anti-Tank rifles to
complete our establishment. Towards the end of the month we received 7 Bedford
trucks and three vans for the Motorcycle Platoon. The Battalion was honoured by
being the only one in the Division to which Officers of the Dutch army have been
attached and we hope that they thoroughly enjoy their time with the Battalion and will
gain valuable experience.
4.10.40
General
All defence positions are in good order, and it is certain that the enemy would meet
with a very warm reception should he care to test them. The past month has been
marked by increase in the numbers of 2” and 3” Mortar bombs bringing the numbers
up to approximately War Establishment, the receipt of U.S. Army Smith Wesson
Revolvers (8) for the use of D.Rs, and the full establishment of compasses liquid. The
unit has been issued with shoulder titles (Worsted) for use on great coats and indents
have been submitted for winter underwear. An additional two blankets per man have
been issued prior to 1st October owing to inclement conditions, and so many personnel
sleeping in exposed positions. A very gratifying feature has been that many friends
have come forward to offer gifts of fruit and vegetables for the use of the troops, and
in certain cases the unit has been allowed to help itself in orchards. The weekly daily
leave recently instituted has been very greatly appreciated by all concerned, and it can
be said that the morale of the troops is of a high standard.