Iceton, George Edward (Oral history)

British private and NCO served with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, France, Belgium, Cyprus, Iraq, North Africa and Sicily, 1939-1943; served with Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in GB, 1944-1946; NCO served with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, 1956- 1964

REEL 1 Background in GB, 1920-1939: family; education; opinion of education; discipline; time in OTC; civilian work; details of pay; journey to work; working week; war work undertaken; joining of army and call-up. Aspects of period as private with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, 9/1939-2/1940: medical; issue of uniform; accommodation; signs of approaching war including opinion of equipment taken to France and year delay of war following the Munich Agreement; outbreak of war; duties of making Sergeant Major Fox's breakfast; reactions to start of war; memories of war; training for trench warfare and air raids; opinions of training; opinion of how long war would be and who would win; story of forgetting Lord's Prayer; fear of how would behave in certain situations. REEL 2 Continues: uniform and equipment issued; description of Barnard Castle drill hall; sleeping arrangements and second night in drill hall; duties; cooks in drill hall; problems from NCOs from his school; summary of training; night march with Colonel Watson; description of a broken march; location of training; march to railway station; march with band into Bishop Auckland; firing course and competitions at Whitburn; visit to colliery bath; visits home; leisure activities; sports in Cotswolds; duties in drill hall; details of section and platoon training; officers in company; family spirit in battalion; foot inspections; bayonet training; opinion of Boyes anti-tank rifle; gas precautions; training with gas mask; news of posting to Cotswolds; journey to Kingham; march into village stealing cider apples; accommodation; sleeping arrangements; washing facilities; relationship with civilians; rations and cookhouse; description of Kingham; role as company runner in exercises and reprimand from Major Jeffreys for saluting on field; hill in three counties; transport in battalion; support from Royal Army Service Corps; weather conditions. REEL 3 Continues: accommodation in Kingham; methods of keeping warm; relationship with civilians; exercises; reprimand from Major Jeffreys; training in ground cover as company runner; loss of troops to 10th Battalion; reinforcements including memories of Colonel "Titchy" Dawson and Quarter Master Sergeant Barnes; process of charges and punishments given; opinion of reason for posting as officers mess cook; meal cooked for officers and ladies; draft from King's Shropshire Light Infantry; reasons given for draft; troops recalled to work; formation of rear party; definition of pool items; problems with pool vehicle driven; transportation of officers; duties in rear party; 8th Battalion dance; night in Burford with RAF Reserves; journey to Cherbourg via Southampton. Aspects of period as private with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in France, 2/1940-5/1940: arrival in Cherbourg; train taken to Fresnay sur Sartre; first French civilians seen; posting as driver and batman to Major Peter Jeffreys; duties with Jeffreys; accommodation; rats in rafters; visits to café; relationship with civilians; rations; food bought to supplement rations; latrines; visits to cleansing unit; leisure activities; defences built at Emerin; motorised training; reasons for not undertaking motorised training in GB. REEL 4 Continues: motorised transport exercise in GB; Royal Army Service Corps support; first motorised journey from Fresnay to Tourouvre; leading a convoy with Major Jeffreys; movement in motorised column; anti-aircraft Bren guns; staging points; practising embussing and debussing; split of column at end of journey; knowledge of destination; correcting mistakes en route; accommodation on Tourouvre; training in forest; young lady friend; discussion of how weather can jog memory; weather conditions in Torouvre; sleeping arrangements; problems from drinking; relationship with civilians; morning batman duties; posted to Molliens Vidame; cemetery; forest training; roads in France; posted to Emerin; relationship with civilians; accommodation; trips for NAAFI supplies; selling of goods bought; cashing postal orders for troops; details of pay; mail; complaints among troops; free time; charge for taking vehicles without leave; relationship with officers; opinions of training. REEL 5 Continues: description of Emerin and billets; relationship with civilians; preparation of an anti-tank range at Etaples; opinion of Reilly anti-tank rifle; Emerin market; shooting at Boulougne; problems with sand; contact with and opinion of French troops; lack of RAF sightings; story of friendship with prostitutes and contact with women during service; opinion of brothels in France; explanation of how anti-tank ditches worked; description of anti- tank trenches dug in Emerin; continuation of training and marches during trench digging; own duties with Major Jeffreys; sports; visit of Colonel Stobart; ENSA shows in Lille; more on batman duties; relationship with Major Jeffreys; information privy to; opinion that not ready for war and let French population down. Recollections of operations as private with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in France, 5/1940: air activity; activities on night of 9th and 10th May; apprehension at situation; start of preparations for move. REEL 6 Continues: grenade training; activity during wait for move to Belgium; importance in timing of move; refugees on road; reception in Tournai; journey to Brussels with message for 2nd Battalion; reactions to seeing refugees; opinion that wouldn't hold Germans; disappearance of heavy artillery; route taken through France and Belgium; arrival on River Dendre; accommodation; charge and punishment for urinating behind tree; journey to Brussels; navigation skills of Major Jeffreys; contact with 2nd Battalion; digging in on River Dendre; transportation of Major Jeffreys; proximity of German troops; reaction of troops to situation; opinion that should have stayed in France; march back to France and driving within column; air activity; relieving boredom of the drive; problems from refugees on road; organisation of Military Police; rests on march; other vehicles in column and problems with feet; emergency ration pack; rations. REEL 7 Continues: roads in Belgium; Major Jeffreys on march; equipment carried by troops on march; equipment carried on platoon truck; other trucks in column; organisation of column; details of vehicles; guy truck; problems with and description of carriers; foot inspection at end of march; treatment of blisters; joining with transport at Brossuit; time in Methuen; description of a forced march; march to Lannoy; driven to La Bassee canal; accommodation; officers' reconnaissance of canal; communication en route and description of a personal utility vehicle; French main roads and dirt tracks; news of threat to Arras; units travelled with to Thelus on Vimy Ridge; meal at deserted farm; No Man's Land; impressions of Vimy Ridge; positions taken on ridge; role on ridge; difficulties in feeding Jeffreys. REEL 8 Continues: activity seen from ridge; trenches dug and used; rota for sleep and duty; wait for battalion and action; hold up of battalion and communications; journey of battalion to Thelus; replenishment of rations; condition of battalion; summary of activity since 10th May 1940; 4th Battalion Northumberland Fusilier reinforcements to D Company; Stand To on 21st May; policy towards German air activity; order for move; plan of attack; drive to head of column; state of Major Jeffreys; news that would not meet main force before attack; reactions to news; Major Jeffreys left to march; shells over head; mood of march; ammunition carried after platoon trucks left behind; formation taken during shelling at Wagonlieu; reason for separation from battalion; attack of Allied tanks and surrender of Germans; shelling; attempt to keep Major Jeffreys in sight; realisation that someone trying to signal him; wounds and evacuation of Corporal Brown to Dainville; return to attack; delays to action; near miss of shell on drive towards Beaurains. REEL 9 Continues: discussion of reasons for shell not exploding; formation of artillery; opinion of preparedness from training; state of German troops; accidental move ahead of the company; took cover in sunken road; drive behind advancing forces; story of German artillery discovered and captured; state of troops on artillery position; prisoners handed over to infantry; journey with company towards Beaurains; stop of attack and orders for Beaurains; communications and difficulties in redirecting attack; discovery of Major Jeffreys and wounded; evacuation of wounded to Achicourt; start of shelling on Achicourt and Beaurains; description of Junkers Ju 87 Stuka attacks; reaction to first Junkers Ju 87 Stuka attack; POWs; collection of medical officer; position of battalion headquarters and its withdrawal to Achicourt; tanks activity at battalion headquarters including shooting up of Red Cross truck; position taken by infantry on crossroads; destruction of scout cars; told Major Jeffreys attacking tanks with grenades; decision to join him. REEL 10 Continues: arrival among tanks; decision to alert British tanks to crossroad problems; breakdown of vehicle on railway crossing; state of Colonel Miller; told not possible to send tanks; discovery of wound; story of how wound received; reasons for Colonel Miller's dejection; form and morale of battalion; opinion that lack of artillery support crucial; further opinion on Colonel Miller's morale; evacuation to Belgian hospital; story of looting chemist shop for supplies; thoughts during attack; officers performance at Arras; family's prayers he would get a blighty wound; forgetting Lord's Prayer and reading it later in Belgium; activities during attack; terrain fought over; nightmares following battles; example of soldier who lost nerve; reason for award of Military Medal; announcement of award; preparation for award of medal at Pirbright; reason not going to palace to collect it; other medal awards to regiment in France. Aspects of period of hospitalisation in Belgium and GB, 5/1940-7/1940: time in Belgian hospital; journey to Dunkirk; scenes from jetty; voyage on hospital ship; reception at Dover; journey to Bromsgrove; description of Bromsgrove Military Hospital; help given in hospital; discovery of shrapnel in leg. REEL 11 Continues: discipline; nurse from Cadbury family; help given to staff and Belgian soldier; contact with parents and Major Jeffreys' wife; visits to Longbridge and Bromsgrove; reaction of civilians to situation; need for quick return to unit. Aspects of period as private with Depot and 2nd Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, 7/1940-8/1940: return to unit at Depot in Brancepeth Castle; camp at Brancepeth Castle; differences between army life in GB and France; troops in camp and depot; discovery that tanks had returned to crossroads near Achicourt; visits to Crook and Willington; posting with Regimental Police at Gilesgate Drill Hall in Durham; duties with Regimental Police; sent to 2nd Battalion at Weymouth; reactions to posting; walks to Portland Bill; visit of 6th Battalion Quarter Master and return to battalion at Litton Cheney. Aspects of period as private with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, 8/1940-5/1941: position of Major Jeffreys; break-up of army and affect on Divisional Organisation; accommodation of Jeffreys and himself; location and description of Litton Cheney; command post and area of coast held; morale of battalion; story of Major Perry upsetting troops; talk among troops; morale boost from action at Arras; equipment situation; story of catching a Sergeant dying his hair; transport in battalion; attempt to post him in officers mess. REEL 12 Continues: reasons for not wanting to go to officers mess; ways he stuck out and opinion of reasons he was wanted; support from Major Jeffreys and opinion of reasons for support; dressing for mess and story of using light as excuse to miss a mess function; more on reasons for not wanting to go to officer mess; duties driving and carrying messages including story of coming off bike onto dannet wire; batman duties; artillery demonstration on Salisbury Plain; transfer of Major Jeffreys to Staff College; move to Motor Transport Platoon; trips undertaken for platoon; formation of bicycle tank hunting and motorbike platoons; motorbikes in platoon; crash of Triumph; burning out of clutches and repairs made to them; role of platoon; reasons for not using carriers in this role; make-up of motor transport platoon; duties of platoon; invasion scares; duties of troops on beach; leisure activities; visit to Bridport; air activity; bombing of fields; German planes shot down in battalion area; brewery visit in Bridport; relationship with civilians; story of invasion scare while at dance; nerves of troops in dark; troops charged for shooting dogs; need to account for all shots fired. REEL 13 Continues: accommodation; sleeping arrangements; story of a boot fight after a party; locks bought for kit bag; money belts; accommodation of officers and rifle companies; motor transport piquets; background of reinforcements; memories of Colonel Battiscombe and problems with reinforcements; posted to Maiden Newton with Motor Transport at Chilfrome; accommodation; memories of Motor Transport Officer Lieutenant Lockhart; NCOs in motor transport platoon; story of a cow landing on Paddy Campbell's truck; reputation with local police; driver mechanics course at Glastonbury; navigation on trips around country; process of driving in a column at night; story of losing shoes en route to a dance in Cattistock; reason for not having exercises to begin with; exercises and boxing in Maiden Newton; rumours sea set on fire during invasion attempt; opinion would be lucky to live to 23; new equipment in battalion; artillery support; mobile role of battalion; fear of troops on beach; summary of period at Maiden Newton; parades in Maiden Newton; start of guard duties. REEL 14 Continues: draft received at Uffcombe; vehicles in platoon; involvement in parades; work with motor transport platoon; insignia and number painted on vehicles; new vehicles sent to 6th Battalion; carrier sections; work with carriers in desert; difficulties with carriers; reliability of track vehicles; handling of 3 tonne truck; sloping of windscreens; description of Maiden Newton; motorbike cross country competitions; opinions of motorcycles in platoon; parachutist scares; relationship with civilians; help on farms and cider; work on ex-RFC officer's Rolls Royce; attendance of dances; duties helping local population; uses of free time; visits to public baths; washing and ironing of clothes; latrines. REEL 15 Continues: move of Headquarters to Uffculme; location of Uffculme; split of battalion; accommodation; motor transport platoon's base; location of parades; status as mobile reserve; scheme on Dartmoor; reinforcements; troops leaving battalion; duties at rear of column on exercises; later separation from column in North Africa; spares carried; regular problems with vehicles; vehicle inspections and checks; keeping carrier tracks clean; check books; discipline of Lieutenant Lockhart; discipline in convoy; navigation in Dartmoor; civilian attitude towards army; convoy stopping stages; organisation of motor transport stores; problems faced by stores from strange vehicles; battery acid made in Iraq; ordering items in for stores; tradesmen and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in platoon; duties of the motor transport officer and NCOs; opinion of Lieutenant Lockhart. REEL 16 Continues: dance band driven to venues and concert parties in Military Hospitals; gentlemen's agreement concerning girls; settling of fights in boxing ring; use of side cars; water carts trips to Bristol and Liverpool; marriages; details of embarkation and New Year leaves; story of drunkenness on journey home; reception given by village; issue of khaki drill; knowledge of destination; signs that embarkation imminent; send-off from Collumpton; embarkation at Gourock. REEL 17 Continues: Aspects of journey from Gourock, GB, to Port Suez, Egypt, aboard the Duchess of Richmond, 5/1941-7/1941: equipment taken to Gourock; boarding of ship; background and description of ship; accommodation; 21st Birthday and beer; convoy; seasickness and supply of rations; conditions onboard; reasons why promotion would be difficult; chain of command; fatigues; work as artificer; relationship with crew; concerts in ballroom; rations; prisoners on ship; leisure activities; lectures; weapons training; health of crew and troops; boat sellers in Freetown; air activity; news of Germany's invasion of Russia; departure of escort; crash of the Exeter's Albatross; discipline; Crown and Anchor board; scenes en route to South Africa; deaths onboard; crossing of the equator ceremony. REEL 18 Continues: conditions and thunderstorm at Freetown; scenes at night in Freetown; arrival in Durban; parade through town; relationship with civilians and between and white and black South Africans; opinion of Durban; route sailed up east coast of Africa; stop in Mombasa; burial of troops in Red Sea; conditions in Red Sea; attitude towards better treatment of officers; arrival in Port Suez. Aspects of period in transit through Egypt, 7/1941: disembarkation; parade by oil refinery; knowledge of destination; climate lectures; baths on ship and acclimatisation; mail received and sent to girlfriends on voyage; evacuees in Cullompton; effect on morale of Dear John letters; dust storm at Port Suez; impressions of Qassassin; description of an Indian Tent; problems with dysentery and latrines; cure for dysentery; training; rations. REEL 19 Continues: problems with flies; mosquito nets; leisure activities; fitness training; lectures and knowledge of destination; entrained to Port Said; voyage to Cyprus. Aspects of period as private with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in Cyprus, 7/1941-11/1941: arrival in Famagusta and announcement of destination on ship; journey to Larnaca; countryside on journey; camp at Larnaca; swimming and jellyfish; VD prevention; punishment for catching VD; VD and malaria in central Cyprus; relationship with civilians; rations; terrain in Kokkini Trimithia; leisure activities; wedding attended; problems between Greek and Turkish Cypriots; journey to and leave in Kyrenia; sports; arrival of 2 lb anti-tank guns in battalion; scenes around Cyprus; shaving of heads. REEL 20 Continues: reason for troops shaving head; exercise; sheep on Cyprus; removal of forests on Cyprus; air activity; parachutist scares; German listening in on radio activity in desert; battalion morale; description of Larnaca; story of salt lakes; visit to army base; regular army attitude to territorials; sudden departure; journey to Famagusta. Aspects of period in transit from Cyprus to Northern Iraq, 11/1941: voyage to Haifa; journey to Acre; camp at Acre; transport taken over from 4th Indian Division; vehicles in fleet; collection and condition of vehicles; knowledge of revolt in Iraq; preparations for move into Iraq; tool shortage; collection of tools. REEL 21 Continues: truck driven on journey; problems with building up stockpiles of spare parts; specifications of Canadian vehicles; Morris 6 wheeler in fleet; battalion's vehicle allocation; spare parts situation; role within column; formation of column; fuel; extracting oil from pipeline; dealing with breakdowns; route taken away from Acre; time at camp in Mafraq; description of Rutba pumping station; desert bus; RAF at Habbaniyah; swimming in the Euphrates; water problems; description of Habbaniyah; maintenance work; RAF Rolls Royce armoured cars; journey through Baghdad; reasons for recent revolt. REEL 22 Continues: route taken from Baghdad to Kirkuk. Aspects of period as private with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in Iraq, 11/1941-2/1942: description of Kirkuk; problems with oil on road; cold in nights; reception from oilfield workers; maintenance of vehicles during night; problems with batteries; method for solving problems; loss of vehicles; visits to Indian maintenance depot; story of vehicle driven into slit trench; rifle thefts; roads between Baghdad and Mosul; journeys between Eski Kelig and Kirkuk; conditions in camp at Eski Kelig; distribution of rum ration with Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant Barnes; weather conditions; leisure activities; defences dug; snowfall; chains attached to vehicle wheels; problems with water and taps freezing; water in petrol tanks from condensation; other problems with vehicles caused by cold; leisure activities. REEL 23 Continues: visits to Mosul; business trips to Kirkuk; visit with Lieutenants to Turkey; hunts; Christmas dinner; changing situation in Middle East; further details of Christmas dinner; conditions for officers; inflatable beds among troops; sleeping arrangements; use of tarpaulin to help conditions in tent; methods of keeping warm; attempts to get away from service in Iraq; boredom in life; sand and petrol fires made; morale and discipline; reluctance to send troops away to army detention centre in Palestine; punishments in camp; Stand To; description of defences dug in Iraq; letter cards; parcels; order to leave Iraq; reactions to news. Aspects of journey from Iraq to Libya, 2/1942: route taken on journey to Western Desert; towns visited in Iraq; role in column; journey through Baghdad; camp at Habbiniya. REEL 24 Continues: carriers left in Kirkuk; location of Indian maintenance depot at Kirkuk; route taken through Iraq; orders to go to Gazala; landscape in Jordan; night near Nazareth; visit to Tel Aviv; journey of rifle companies by train; formation of column; landscape around Bethlehem; opinion of Beersheba; army camp near Palestinian border; area around camp; journey through Sinai Desert; crossing of canal; journey across Egypt; formation during dust storm; navigation of column; visit to NAAFI at El Amarea; different roads and terrains driven over in desert; methods of navigation and description of sun compass; signs of previous fighting; defaulters given to Royal Engineers; railhead at Sidi Barrani; rejoined battalion; sights passed on journey to Gazala. Aspects of operations as private and NCO with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in North Africa, 2/1942-4/1943: arrival in Gazala and relief of 4th Rajasthani Rifles; description of Gazala Line. REEL 25 Continues: gaps on battalion front; opinion of box position; terrain of desert; railhead; air activity; B Echelon; holes dug for vehicles; reason for going into box; Bofors gun trench; slit trench dug in box; hiding of vehicle and supplies; collection of sheets; S Company mess; role in box and involvement in Jock Columns; supply of meals; make-up of S Company; listening post; opinion of South African armoured cars; latrines; water rations; cleanliness and delousing of troops; rations; water at Bir Talata. REEL 26 Continues: desert sores and methods of keeping flies away; sand storms; ongoing health problems of troops; boredom of box life; beer rations; runs to Tobruk NAAFI for Sergeants Mess; supplies sold by Padre; pay; items bought; Salvation Army presence; forms filled in for messages home; vehicles at B Echelon in Acroma; canteen; scents in desert; wildlife in desert; details of leave; description of Sidi Bish camp and terrain around; activities in Alexandria; anti-British feeling; mail. REEL 27 Continues: censorship of mail; removal of tooth at Sidi Bish; medical staff in battalion; inoculations; visits to Medical staff; religious services; places passed to and from Sidi Bish; return to box; positions of 151 Brigade; artillery support; role of Royal Engineers; machine gun and anti-tank supporting units; anti- aircraft guns; supporting medical staff; signallers with battalion; other supporting units; use of anti-tank guns; role of Jock Columns; formation of a Company Column and adaptations made to trucks; movement in column in day and night; sleeping arrangements; alertness to sound; later attacks on soft skinned vehicles; details of listening post; carrier patrols; raiding of tanks for guns; story of captured Italian tank. REEL 28 Continues: movement of captured tank back to column and Italian booby traps; attitude of tank transport unit; condition of tank; activities during day and night; role and organisation of columns; half and full columns; selection of campsites; best course of action when lost; memories of Freddie Cole and opinion of column leadership; changes towards end of time at Gazala; ease of catching prisoners at first; activity close to Axis lines; ridges in desert; tracks across desert; stress among foot patrols; story of Cole and Kirby's mortar shoot; reasons for not remembering many people he patrolled with; problems with petrol in carriers boiling; method of solving problem; story of suffering problem at Mareth; vulnerability of carriers; story of Cole's wounding and death of his driver. REEL 29 Continues: change in role of columns; opinion of Cheshire Regiment machine gunners and Northumberland Hussars; opinion of 2lb anti-tank guns; discussion of absence of British tanks on western side of box; description of a shoot; German use of tanks to confuse; first German attacks; distances between boxes; discovery that Axis armies moving closer; Ambulance Post and heavy Italian attack; role of Axis shelling of box; move of B Echelon into box; opinion that could have cut German supply lines; knowledge of situation; air activity; change in mood of troops; discovery of minefield behind dugout; arrival of new Motor Transport Officer; removal of ANZAC and South African troops; equipment situation and opinion of Grant tanks; ration shortage; opinion that could have stayed in box longer; destruction of 150 Brigade and supporting raids; effect on morale; story of successful column in south; formation of Apple Column; role in preparation for Column. REEL 30 Continues: make-up of Apple Column; role in column; wait for orders; plan for column; move out from box and call back; battle witnessed from ridge; return to box; story of artillery's attempted return ahead of column; second patrol with Apple Column; realisation that situation getting desperate; opinion that would fall back to Tobruk; conditions in box; opinion that would not leave box and that tank activity in west could have helped; return to box and day's rest; role of patrol in west; dismantling of Italian minefields; morale boost of fighting in west; joined with 8th Battalion patrol; use of 25lb guns; problems with transportation of 25lb guns; sorties with Italian troops; orders for firing vehicles; use of vehicles as landmarks; problems of firing vehicles; German tactics; story of last patrol out of box; orders to pack trucks for 3 day trip; items packed in own 3 tonne truck; knowledge of what was to happen; orders from Motor Transport Officer. REEL 31 Continues: reactions to news of breakout; situation to east of Gazala; instructions for breakout; confidence that it could be done; spread of Axis forces; plans for 69 Brigade, South Africans, British armour and 50 Division; reasons for burying stores; destruction of ammunition stores; organisation of battalion; vehicles lost to mines; make-up of columns; role in column; passing through of 8th and 9th Battalions; collection of outposts; position in column; swap of truck with faulty one; wait at outpost and German activity; column discipline; conditions during night; route taken; terrain of desert; need to keep on tracks; problems from burning armoured car and slit trenches; movement in column; discovery that spent night travelling in a circle and reaction; reasons for turning around. REEL 32 Continues: marking of minefields; laying of minefield and types of mines; driving across minefields; repairing vehicles in minefield; detecting mines; track layer vehicles in minefields; later method of clearing minefields; distances between mines; Italian mines; example at Alamein of infantry walking through minefields; terrain and roads along the coast between Gazala and Tobruk; plan for breakout; start of movement down escarpment; cutting of coast road by Rommel; formation at top of escarpment; damage to column and activity at top of escarpment; news of Tobruk as destination; sounds of battle; morale of troops; news of 9th Battalion's run-in with Germans; German tanks in vicinity; movement down pass; lifting of morale; shelling on road; use of carriers above escarpment; coast road; story of 25lb on damaged quad and altercation with Royal Artillery officer. REEL 33 Continues: instruction to make own way to Tobruk; reactions of troops to situation; opinion of Grant tank; troops in truck; activity along coast road; attempt to drive to 25 lb guns; truck hit and abandoned; assistance given to George Adams and start of walk to Tobruk; action of 9th Battalion at El Rassus; Major Ferens' attack on roadblocks; work of South African with 25lb gun; German activity on coast; help from artillery; dropping off of George Adams in hospital; opinion that Tobruk would be a safe haven; visit to NAAFI; rejoined battalion at Bir Thalata; dressing down from Major English and Captain Runciman for deserting truck; state of battalion; disappointment at retreat; length of time away from battalion. REEL 34 Continues: effects of retreat on memory; summary of events he can remember in and after Tobruk; description of Mersa Matruh; positions taken on escarpment road; state of 9th Battalion; 6th Battalion actions; duties at Mersa Matruh; weapons carried through war; party left on escarpment during battles; organisation of attack column; details of action seen by column; return to start position; reason for column; position and role in column; reactions to action; success of column; faith in officers; story of troops who went on strike later in Sicily; opinion of need for 25 lb guns in anti-tank work; discussion of equipment situation and opinion of German troops. REEL 35 Continues: activities following night attack; run flat tyres; disposal of water and petrol cans; opinion of drivers; news of breakout for Fukah; German attack on Major Dick Ovenden's scratch force; awards given for action; capture of German maps; capture of German maps; approach of Honey Tanks; attack on tanks by artillery; events on breakout for Fukah and story of Frank Hall; route taken and skirting of captured Fukah; navigation; story of retreat from tank; care over dust trails; arrival at Alamein Line; terrain driven through; use of sand mats and sheets; petrol supplies and cans; rations on journey; methods for coping with heat; problems from overheating engines, fan belts and points; running of Bedfords; movement of column; opinion of drivers. REEL 36 Continues: journey through Alamein line and arrival at Brigade camp; description of camp; morale of battalion; food and rest; move into Alamein Line with D Company; role in line; laying of minefield; German Teller Mines used; supporting units and Pioneer Platoon; Bangalore Torpedoes; Italian booby traps; method of lifting traps; reactions to booby traps; story of fleas in items looted from Headquarters captured at El Daba; army attitudes towards looting; position in line; pull back to Amarena; description of camp; accommodation; RAF presence; role in airfield defence; reinforcements; collection of vehicles from Geneifa and truck production line; opinion that situation starting to change; opinion of Sherman Mk IV. REEL 37 Continues: signs of changing situation at Geneifa; treatment of civilian workers; aircraft on aerodromes; dust sent up by aircraft; problems with bombing vehicles in desert; airfield defence and exercises; changes in command; opinion of Colonel Percy; getting badges on uniform up to date for inspection; new shorts issued; chain of inspections; later inspections after big actions; re-emergence of peacetime duties; opinion of Colonel Percy; swimming in sea; loss of driving duties; vehicle concentration area; new equipment in battalion; return to line; make-up of composite battalion; role servicing trucks at El Alamein station for attack; split of battalion; wait to go forward and vehicle pulled out of minefield; opinion of reason for not going forward; reactions to events; opinion of reasons for failure. REEL 38 Continues: communication problems; wireless sets used; listening-in system; discussion of problems with attack; explanation of firing on fixed lines; return of stragglers; barrage; move back to Amarea after long wait; morale; reinforcements; change in battalion command; length of time on airfield defences; expectation of an attack from Rommel; move south into Delta airfields; role in airfield defences; size of battalion; description of mobile searchlights; maintenance of lights; night exercises; damage caused by carriers; air activity; dummy airstrips; paranoia from flares and moonlight; attack from Rommel; improvements in equipment. REEL 39 Continues: relief of New Zealand troops in Alamein Line; description of Alamein Line; conditions in line; beer and water supply; brewing of tea and cookhouses; reason for keeping in groups of five; rations; supply of rations and ammunition; activities during day; reasons for low speed limit; proximity of German troops; dangers in terrain when driving; patrols in No Man's Land; split of battalion between front and reserve positions; vehicle maintenance course; location of battalion headquarters; air activity; wiring and mining of positions; patrol commander's preparations; activity of carriers and terrain of No Man's Land; details of work clearing debris in No Man's Land; casualties; role in attacks with 44th Division and Greek troops; story of man directing traffic on one attack; visits of Horrocks and talks from Montgomery; leave from airfield; mail; hygiene; standard of turnout; falling out with Colonel Watson. REEL 40 Continues: problems with flies and desert sores; treatment of desert sores; midges and chameleons; activities during day; comfort of dugouts; wet spells and mud in desert; visits from high ranking officers; Salvation Army visits; changes in 50th Division; skirmishes with different troops; plan for attack in north; attacks in south; lifting of mines; accuracy of Navy shelling before attack in north; attack of neighbouring units; role in 2nd November action; barrage; following of battalion; use of tracer; role of 6th Battalion; pushing through of vehicles; ammunition trucks; halting of tanks by 88s; opinion that experience of earlier attack with Colonel Battiscombe helped; method to help tanks in trouble from 88s; opinion that such attacks becoming routine; wait for relief; return to line; POWs from battle. REEL 41 Continues: mood of battalion; time at Tel El Eisa Station; discussion of similarities with Colonel Battiscombe's attack; casualties; memories of Regiment Sergeant Major Page; memories of Colonel Watson; description of Tel El Eisa; move up to 9th Australian positions; reason for subsequent move to El Daba; burnt out 88; sniping on march; arrival of transport; changes in movement of transport; signs of battle through North Africa; condition of POWs; removal of 88 guns; arrival at El Daba; defensive box set up; people guarding dump against; items retrieved by himself and others; contents of dump; entertainment; fleas in silk underwear; movement back and return; arrival of Brigadier Beak; move to south of Alamein Line to clean battlefield; opinion of reasons for clearing battlefields; reinforcements; training given to drafts; formations of troops; role of training; reactions to being left out of advance. REEL 42 Continues: period training on Alamein battlefield; start of journey along coast; thunderstorms near Mersa Matruh; driving through mud; reason for not using main road; details of journey across desert; exercise with 50th Royal Tank Regiment at El Adem; battle with an Italian Division; Christmas 1942; Boxing Day route march; weather following continuation of journey; diversion to coast road for Benina; reorganisation of vehicles; running of supplies out from Tobruk; maintenance of vehicles; stop-offs in villages; storage of rifles; relationship with civilians; sleeping arrangements on journeys; destinations; terrain; Horticultural Depots; relationship with Italian settlers and orders for fraternisation; competition made out of these duties; description of Barce. REEL 43 Continues: description of Tocra Pass and Tocra village; destinations visited; landscape along coast; rejoined battalion at Benina for training; activities of carriers; scenes on journey along coast road; marble arch in Tripolitania; markings on houses and flags; contact with civilians; staging areas; maintenance of vehicles; protection of vehicles against sand; treatment for carbuncle on hip; relationship with medical officers; heath of battalion and desert sores; description of Sirte; journey from Beurat across desert; medals awarded at Alamein; opinion that to get award you have to be lucky; troops he felt should have won awards; story of Colonel Watson planning Alamein; morale and comradeship; memories of Sergeant Major Housam; relationship with troops; promotion to Lance Corporal. REEL 44 Continues: arrival at Wadi Zemzem; reflections on journey; vehicles travelled on; common reasons for breakdowns and description of filling vehicles with petrol; journey through Bir Duffane; scenes around Zliten and along coast; Italians in area; brief loss of convoy; help from B Echelon; travelling through the khamsin; mines along road; repairing vehicles in heavy traffic; area around Tripoli; movement in column; night at Castel Benito; civilians around Tripoli; standard of turnout; landscape in Tunisia; relationship with civilians; knowledge and rumours of destination; carriers in Ben Gardane; sense of urgency in air; news of fighting in Tunisia; opinions of American troops; signs of air activity; Tunisian women; camp among olive tress; rations on journey; reliability of vehicles. REEL 45 Continues: transfer of serious repairs; formation of depots along route; cannibalisation of vehicles; types of carrier; portee; proximity to Light Aid Detachment; problems with springs; organisation for use of road and staging areas; order of column; exhaustion at end of day; moving out of column; area travelled through; signs of battle and Stand To; description of Bedanin; training with Scorpion Tanks; reunion with carriers; activity of Rommel before Mareth; knowledge of destination; training in wadis; tension among troops; training with artillery; activity of 69th Brigade; description of Mareth Line and anti-tank ditch; position at Wadi Zigzaou; reconnaissance patrols; own position behind A Echelon; military policeman on journey to forming-up place at Chet Meskine; shelling of truck; German guns being used. REEL 46 Continues: terrain at Chet Meskine; plan of attack; reason for delay until following night; method to help tanks across wadi; Maurice Kirby's attempt to take carriers around wadi; problems getting vehicles over wadi; crossing with carriers; activity across anti-tank ditch; creation of and activity in Regimental Aid Post; German use of tracer and anti-tank shells; description of bank; light from flares; infantry's use of hand grenades; role in action and shelter on battlefield; use of carriers; scenes during evacuation following morning; gaps in memory; discussion of problems with battle; memories of Maurice Kirby at Mareth and hot meal brought up by Eric Short; morale following battle; General Officer Commanding's inspection; medals awarded for action; casualties and memories of Eardley Wilmott; success of battle; morale following inspection from General Leese; later inspection from General Nicholls. REEL 47 Continues: examples of shellshock witnessed; reactions of other troops; role of Sergeants in rear; reactions of man going into action for first time; reactions to relief from 56 Division after Enfidaville; General Leese's inspection; relief of Guards; carrier patrol discovery that Axis forces had gone; description of Mareth South; cleaning up of battlefield; burial parties; booby traps; baths in sea; casualties and reinforcements; visit of Brigadier Senior; terrain around Wadi Akarit; role in reserve; orders to fill gap; difficulty climbing ridge and opposition faced; communication problems; loss of carrier; approach of armour; details of new B Company; role in attack; problems faced by anti- tank gunners; position within A Echelon; briefing for static situations; problems from not attending briefings before attacks; methods of discovering plans. REEL 48 Continues: items recovered after battle; wariness of booby traps; return to Mareth South; inspection from General Nicholls; opinions of General Nicholls; company commanders; move to Sfax area; description of Sfax; trip to Gafsa; journey through Karouane to Sousse; description of Sousse; contact with American troops; arrival at Enfidaville's defences; description of terrain; preparations for battle in Sousse; relationship with New Zealand troops; story of position taken by Guards and lost by Americans; position taken with Guards; reconnaissance patrols; activities of Lieutenant Pringle; mortar activity from sandbank; fleeing of Axis troops. Aspects of period as NCO with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in North Africa, 4/1943-7/1943: reactions to news of return to Delta; rumours of reason for return; reason for travelling cross country; return of carriers; movement in column; marching on final stages; changing time in Benghazi; troops entrained from Tobruk to Sidi Bish for leave; conditions at Mena Camp; journey through Cairo; location of Kabrit; wet and dry shod training at HMS Saunders; loading vehicles onto LCTs. REEL 49 Continues: waterproofing of vehicles; lectures on operation of boat; knowledge of destination; description of Winchester Castle; rations; population of ship; LCAs; areas confined to; annoyance at not getting leave; training at Kabrit watched by Colonel Dempsey; fitness training; journey to Gulf of Aqaba; Exercise Bromyard; accidents; morale of troops; return to Suez; combat of boredom and interest in training; talk from Montgomery; training on barges; journey to Port Said; scenes at Port Said; removal of identification; route march; problems with fitness on ship. Aspects of journey from Port Suez, Egypt, to Sicily aboard the Winchester Castle, 7/1943: embarkation from Suez; formation of convoy; news of destination; reactions to news; briefings given on ship; opinion of reasons for inaccuracy of landings. REEL 50 Continues: commanding officer's war group; plans for landing of battalion; description of Avola; roles of companies on beach and on operations inland; maps, photographs and model of area shown; absence of alcohol on voyage; war service of Winchester Castle; activities onboard; own role in invasion; physical training; familiarisation exercises; storm on July 9th; extra ships joined with in evening; scenes across sea; discussion among troops about possible cancellation of invasion; confinement below decks; seasickness; tension and fear during wait for disembarkation; movement of LCIs beside ship; takeover of training movement starts; meal and tea; atmosphere among troops through night; boarding of LCAs; boarding of LCI; journey to beach. Aspects of operations as NCO with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in Italy, 7/1943: items carried on person; items carried by other troops. REEL 51 Continues: discussion of problems with landings; description of Sicilian coastline; role of paratroopers; journey aboard LCI to beach; landing points of companies and mixing up of Divisions; landing south of marina; disembarkation from landing craft; establishment of D Company Headquarters; attempts to locate other Companies; opposition to landings; opinion that scattering of landing may have helped; activities of D Company; details of vehicle beach S Company needed to find; organisation of Avola; machine guns met at crossroads missed by D Company; movement along streets; support from tank; march to vehicle beach; chased off by Beach Brick to vehicle point; activity with vehicles; supporting units; ease of landing; objective in early days; casualties; state of vehicles. REEL 52 Continues: removal of water proofing; securing of perimeter; Americans filling gaps; state of A Company; relationship with American troops; opinions of paratroopers; picking up of American's stores; move into olive grove; rations and opinion of Quarter Master Runciman; emergency rations; heating blocks; Stand To; report from Motor Transport Officer; reaction to news that need to be aware for German paratroopers; opposition on beaches; main forces and fears of counter attack; air activity; activities of Beach Brick; move north through 5th Division lines; countryside and terrain; contact with civilians; organisation of movement along roads; charge for lending an American his motorbike; description of vineyards; move into Solarino and use of carriers; description of Priest assault gun; Italian tank; change in terrain and opposition; shelling of Solarino road; clearing of lower slopes; set-off of group with Captain Pringle to make contact with 51st Division; relationship between carriers and tanks; opposing tanks dealt with; joining up with 51st Division; orders to remove bodies from tanks. REEL 53 Continues: description of removal of bodies from Italian tanks; methods for pushing tanks aside; preparation of bodies for burial; Italian troops faced; capture of General; description of Fiat truck taken; starting the truck up; other vehicles captured; plans for movement of 5th and 50th Divisions; change in terrain near Sortino; description of Sortino; movement of troops along road; German air activity and shelling; position of German artillery; arrival in Lentini and camp in olive grove; 9th Battalion's attack at Primosole Bridge; wounding in olive grove camp; initial treatment; evacuation to Avola; voyage to Tripoli. Aspects of hospitalisation in North Africa, 7/1943-12/1943: treatment at No 2 General Hospital and description of wounds; bed bugs; opinion of hospital staff; other patients on ward; journey to Alexandria; walking calliper fitted in Cairo; voyage to Liverpool. Aspects of hospitalisation in GB, 12/1943-6/1944: description of Warthington Hospital; Welcome Home Fund; time in Sedgefield Hospital; last visit on D-Day; rehabilitation centre at Halifax. Aspects of period as sapper with Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in GB, 5/1944-7/1946: passed as B2 and unable to return to Regiment; joining of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at York; drill; battle training; parades around the country; details of pay; trade tests; stationed at Leicester; end of war in Europe; transfers to 8th Battalion and 6th Battalion; transfer to Ordnance Vehicle Park at Raby Castle with Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. REEL 54 Continues: demobilisation medical and advice from parents; process of demobilisation at York; marriage; story from time with Infantry Holding Unit in Nottingham; final pay; reasons for not applying for pension; later problems with wounds. Aspects of period with 6th Bn Durham Light Infantry in GB, 1956-1964: recalled during Suez Crisis; joined 6th Battalion Machine Gun Platoon as Sergeant; Queen's Cup for Machine Gun wins; reason for leaving army; regrets at leaving; Zedra Service; worst moments in army; best moments in army; comradeship in army; memories and opinions of officers.