Contents
~~~~~~

Editorial
Letters to the Editor
Our Contemporaries
Editor's Notices
Life Subscribers
Obituary:
     Lieut.-Colonel Walter Francis Templer, C.B.E., D.L.
     Lieut.-Colonel Phillip Gould, D.S.O.
Prisoners of War
An Overseas Battalion:
     Beating the Retreat
     Notes
     "H.Q." Company Notes
     The Toll of War
     Obituary Mr. A. A. Mortimer - Fus. S. T. Purvis
     Acknowledgements
     The Infantry
Trained Clerks
Evils of Drink
Christmas Story
The Island Fortress:
     Malta Militant
     Historical Outline
Western Mediterranean Islands: - not transcribed but as jpgs
     i. The Balearic Islands                     "                   "
     ii. Corsica                                          "                   "
     iii. Sardinia                                        "                   "

Contents

~~~~~~

Reading Between the Lines
A Battalion in England:  B.B.C. Broadcast
Cross Country
"Barrosa"
Officers 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Fusiliers - photo
Officers and Colours 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish Fusiliers - photo
Colour Party, 2nd Battalion The R.I.F. - photo
A Rough Passage
The North African Campaign
Diary of War Events
A Battalion in the Green Isle:
     Change of Face
     Sergeants' Mess Notes
     Band Notes
     Information Corner
     "Well done that man"
     Report re Orderly Room
     These Gradings
Old Comrades' Association
The Armagh Light Infantry

Editorial

     It is with deep regret we announce the death of Lieut.-Colonel Walter Francis Templer, C.B.E., D.L., which took place on the 18th December, 1942, at the Manor House, Loughgall.  We offer our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Templer and son on their great loss.
     The funeral from the Manor and thence to the graveyard was almost private. The service was taken by His Grace the Lord Primate of All Ireland, assisted by the Rev. F. H. Kinch, Rector of Loughgall.
     The chief mourners were his son, Lieut.-General G. W. R. Templer, D.S.O., O.B.E., and his wife.  The following attended the funeral:- Major A. E. Solly, representing the Colonel of the Regiment; Major P. Marjoribanks Egerton; Major Murphy Palmer; Major E. K. Walkington; Lieutenant J. W. F. Ford; Sergeant Brown, representing Battalions of the Regiment, Depot Party and Old Comrades' Association.
     Amongst others present were:- Colonel E. G. H. Clarke, M.C.; Lieut.-Colonel Long; Lieut.-Colonel E. P. Shirley; Major F. G. Crozier; Major Brush; Captain C. Nicholson.
     Mr. Delmege Trimble, O.B.E., Honorary Secretary, Prisoners of War and Comforts Fund, The Royal Irish Fusiliers, personally attended, together with representatives of the United States Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary:- Messrs. Babington Callaghan, J. R. O. Cope, Mr. and Mrs. Robin Cowdy, Dr. H. C. C. Deane, Miss Isa McClintock and Mrs. Norman Patrick.
     Pipe Major McCormack played the Regimental Laments.
     Colonel Templer prior to his death expressed a wish that no flowers or wreaths should be sent to his funeral, but that any donations in lieu should be sent to the Armagh County Infirmary in which he has been interested for many years.  Only one wreath was therefore sent by the Regiment, inscribed: "From all ranks past and present. The Royal Irish Fusiliers."
     It was suggested that all donations intended to be sent to the Armagh County Infirmary should be set aside to name a bed after Colonel Templer and a subscription list was opened by O. C. Depot Party to members of the Regiment, his old comrades and friends.
     Subscriptions to date have been received from the following:- General Webber; General Burrowes; Brigadier Carden Roe; Brigadier Low; Colonels McCarthy, O'Leary, Gregg, The O'Donovan; Lieut.-Colonels Davidson, Olphert, Burke Murphy and Bolland; Majors Phillip Egerton, Murphy Palmer, Solly and Shewell; Captains Victor Mitchell, Charles Austin, Hudson Dougall, E. W. Jones; Officers' Mess, Sergeants' Mess and P.R.I. 6th Battalion, Sergeants' Mess and P.R.I. 30th Battalion.
     It is hoped to give further details in our next issue.

     It is also with deep regret we announce the death of Lieut.-Colonel Phillip Gould, D.S.O., who died at his residence, The Hermitage, Newport Pagnell, on 1st July, 1942.  Colonel Gould served in the Regiment for nearly 30 years.

     It is regretted that a number of obituaries must be held over for various reasons to our next issue.

     We are receiving a number of letters from subscribers, saying that they are not getting their copies of the Faugh.  There is no doubt that copies are being sent to the addresses shown in our address book and the fault must lie with subscribers not notifying the editor of change in address.  A number of subscribers have given clubs and banks as addresses, and there are mainly the ones who give the most trouble, as apparently re-direction is faulty.  Would subscribers who have not sent their addresses, as requested in the last issue, please take advantage of the address form in this issue and forward to the Editor, The Depot, Armagh.
     We are out of touch with the following and would be grateful for news and address:-
     Alexander, I. S.; Barstow, H. S. P.; Bystan, E. M.; Bradish, W. B. P.; Chance, N. F.; Davies, H. A.; Doyle, J. F. H.; Garvey, R. F. C.; Horsefall, J. H. C.; Kentish, B. L.; Kaulback; Hagan; Major, C. R; McCarthy, G. W.; McCartney, S. O.; Mertz, A. G.; McNally, H. Q.; Mead, W. P.; Morris, A. S.; Neill, P. F. S.; O'Farrell, C. P.; Patterson' Taylor, J. M.; Wood, C. J.; Wilson, F. R.     This list is by no means exhaustive.

     The Museum is being taken over by Colonel McCarthy O'Leary, D.S.O., M.C., and anyone wishing to get in touch with him can do so care of the Editor.  The Museum remains at its old site in Manor House, Loughgall.
     An officer recently home from overseas brings of Lieutenant L. P. Bradley, L.R.A.M., whom he met "somewhere in the Middle East."  Mr. Bradley left the Regiment in Bombay to take up an appointment as Director of Music to the South African Police.
     On the outbreak of war Mr. Bradley and his Band joined a South African Police Brigade.  Later he attended a Quartermaster's Course and for some time was Q.M. and O.C.H.Q. Coy of a Battalion of the South African Police, with whom he served at "Hell Fire" Pass.  Luckily he and a proportion of his Band were not in Tobruk at the time of its capture, other members of the Band not being so fortunate.  Mr. Bradley has now re-organised the Band and has been giving performances in Egypt. We wish him and his family every success.  Mrs. Bradley joined the South African Women's Auxiliary Air Force and rose to the rank of Sergeant.

Letters to the Editor

                                                              The Barracks, Armagh,
                                                                  8th December 1942
     The Editor,
        Faugh-a-Ballagh
     Dear Sir,
          I am forwarding you two photographs of the officers of the 1st and 2nd Battalions of our grand old Regiment, The Royal Irish Fusiliers, who fought in the South African Campaign 43 years ago.  I have done my best to memorise their names, but if it should happen that I have misnamed some, or not able to give the names of others, I hope the old soldiers who knew them will recognise and recall their names.  I have been helped by Jimmie Willis with the 2nd Battalion officer's names. (photos here)
     Here in Armagh we have a few of the old African Veterans left (1st Battalion), the one and only Oney O'Brien, Bill Mallaghan, Tom Phillips (catch me if you can), and the writer.  (2nd Battalion) Colonel Templer, Bill Hanley, Jimmie Willis, Billy Wilson, Bill Burgess and Jack Hassett, if there are others whose names I have omitted I deeply apologise.
     Should you decide to reproduce the photographs for the "Faugh-a-Ballagh Gazette" you are at liberty to do so, and if the originals can be made of any other use by you I am only too pleased to let you have them.
                     I remain your obedient servant,  5350 R. McCann
     The photos so kindly supplied by ex C.Q.M.S. McCann are from the Transvaal War Album and are reproduced in this issue.

Editor's Notices
Editor:

Major A. E. Solly,
Royal Irish Fusiliers, The Depot, Armagh

Produced for the Editor by:
Combined Service Publications Ltd., 67/68 Jermyn Street, London S.W.1

Printed by:
F. J. Parsons Ltd., "Observer" Buildings, Hastings

Advertisements by:
The Association of Service Newspapers, 67/68 Jermyn Street, London, S.W.1
Subscription Rates for those who have left the Regiment, and their friends:-
Single Copy     3s  2d (Officers)  2s  2d  (other ranks)
Subs. for 1 year   6s  4d       "         4s  4d        "                 
Subs for 5 years        30s  0d       "       20s  0d       "                         
Subs for life         60s  0d       "       40s  0d       "                    

     The Editor would like to point out that the interests of the Faugh-a-Ballagh would be served if subscribers would consider the claims of advertisers in the Journal.

The fact that goods made of raw materials in short supply owing to war conditions are advertised in this magazine should not be taken as an indication that they are necessarily available for export.

Our Contemporaries

     The Editor wishes to acknowledge with thanks the undermentioned publications:-

     The Dragon, The Ranger, The Sprig of Shillelagh, The Suffolk Regimental Gazette, The Snapper, The Tank

Life Subscribers to Faugh-a-Ballagh

   1. Brigadier-General A. R. Burrowes, C.M.G., D.S.O.
   2. Lieutenant-Colonel R. B. Neill, D.S.O.
   3. Major E. W. Shewell
   4. Captain E. M. McIlwaine
   5. Captain A. J. Trousdell, D.S.O., M.C.
   6. Mrs. D. W. Churcher
   7. C.S.M. P. Comerford, Seaforth Highlanders (late Royal Irish Fusiliers)
   8. Rev. A. B. Burrowes
   9. Brigadier-General R. G. Shuter, D.S.O.
 10. Mr. John McNee
 11. Mr. G. McGowan
 12. Captain G. Hennessy
 13. Lieutenant-Colonel W. A. V. Findlater
 14. Lieutenant-Colonel C. F. Meares, D.S.O.
 15. Lieutenant and Quartermaster C. Lewis, London Scottish (late R.I.F.)
 16. Lieutenant-Colonel D. A. Davison, O.B.E.
 17. Sergeant M. McGrath, Essex Regiment (late R.I.F.)
 18. Lieutenant-General G. W. R. Templer, D.S.O., O.B.E.
 19. Colonel F. W. E. Johnson, D.S.O.
 20. Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. Dobbs, C.B.E., D.S.O.
 21. Major G. M. King
 22. Captain H. E. McClenaghan, I.C.S.
 23. Captain J. E. Murphy
 24. Major J. C. P. O'Brien, M.C.
 25. Captain G. L. G. Barrington
 26. Mr. J. O'Brien
 27. Wing-Commander D. L. Allen, R.A.F.
 28. Captain F. Tynan
 29. Captain G. W. P. Fennell, R.A.
 30. Lieutenant-Colonel T. F. H. Graves
 31. Captain N. A. Rattray
 32. Colonel H. W. D. McCarthy-O'Leary, D.S.O., M.C.
 33. Colonel G. V. W. Hill, D.S.O.
 34. Mrs. W. D. Dooner
 35. Captain L. P. Bradley, L.R.A.M.
 36. Major E. Tobin
 37. R.S.M. A. J. Whiting, D.C.M.
 38. Major A. E. Solly
 39. Colour/Sergant J. Guy
 40. Lieutenant-Colonel A. V. Olphert
 41. Major E. K. Walkington
 42. Lieutenant-Colonel W. T. H. Gregg, D.S.O.
 43. W. Lucas, M.B.E.
 44. Major W. Garrard
 45. Major R. W. R. Jeudwine
 46. Brigadier-General A. B. Incledon-Webber, C.M.G., D.S.O.
 47. Brigadier W. Carden Roe, M.C.
 48. Colonel The O'Donovan, M.C.
 49. Mr. J. E. Harrington
 50. Captain B. L. Kentish
 51. Captain C. Austin

Obituary

Lieutenant-Colonel Walter Francis Templer, C.B.E., D.L.

     We regret to announce the death of Lieutenant-Colonel W. F. Templer at the Manor House, Loughgall, on 18th December 1942.
     Born on the 28th August 1865, he was the second son of the late R. B. Templer, of Cloven Eden, near Loughgall.  He was educated at Charterhouse and Cambridge.  At the end of 1886 he passed into the Royal Military College, whence he was gazetted to the Royal Irish Fusiliers on 11th February 1888.
     He was posted to the 1st Battalion, then stationed at Peshawar.  His promotion to Lieutenant took place in 18th December 1889.  A year later he was posted for a tour of duty at the Regimental Depot, Armagh, on completion of which he joined the 2nd Battalion at Kilkenny.
     In 1894 he was re-posted to the 1st Battalion in Allahabad, but on promotion to Captain on 6th July 1897, he was again posted to the 2nd Battalion.
     In January, 1899, Captain Templer transferred to the Army Pay Corps, with which he served until his retirement on 1st April 1921.  His promotion to Major took place on 11th February 1909, and to Lieutenant-Colonel on 26th October 1915.  During the twenty-two years he served with the Royal Army Pay Corps he held many important appointments, where his administrative ability and organising powers earned the recognition they deserved, and he was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire on 12th December 1919.
     As a sportsman, Lieutenant-Colonel Templer was above the average. He represented Pembroke College, Cambridge, and the Royal Military College at Association football, was a good horseman, and a fine shot with both rifle and gun.  He also represented his college at Cambridge at lawn tennis, which he continued to play until quite recent years. At the time of his death he was President of the Armagh Lawn Tennis Club.
     During the South African War Lieutenant-Colonel Templer administered the Comforts Fund of the Regiment, and with the surplus of this fund, which he had great difficulty in bringing back to the United Kingdom, was formed the first beginnings of the Old Comrades' Association.  In this he was always intensely interested, so when it was decided to remove the administration of the fund from the Depot he took over the accounts and organisation in January 1925, and for ten years spared no pains to make the Association an outstanding feature of the Regiment.
     The formation of a regimental Museum was not only his suggestion, but came into existence through his untiring seal and energy.  When the Depot was moved from Armagh, Lieutenant-Colonel Templer arranged for the removal of the Museum complete to Loughgall Manor to await the return of the Regimental Depot to its old home.  He was an authority on the uniforms, medals, and prints of the Regiment, and many of the unique articles now in the Museum were his discoveries.
     He took an active part in public affairs in County Armagh, and was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of the County in 1939.
     His kindly nature and friendliness with all were such that he never had an enemy.
     He married on 7th November 1895, in Cawnpore, Mabel Eileen, daughter of the late Major Robert Johnstone, and had one son, now Lieutenant-General G. W. R. Templer, D.S.O.  To them, on behalf of the Regiment, we offer our deepest sympathy on their great loss.

     Colonel Gould was born at Southsea on 22nd August 1870. He was the son of Captain Lewis P. Gould and Mrs. Gould. His father served in the old 96th Regiment.
     Colonel Gould was educated at Shrewsbury and later went on to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, from which he passed out to be commissioned as a 2nd/Lieutenant in the Royal Irish Fusiliers on 12th April 1891.  In 1900 he was promoted Captain, later he was promoted Brevet Major and Major in 1910.  At the time of his retirement he was Lieutenant-Colonel.
     Colonel Gould saw much service abroad and was in three campaigns. In the South African War he was present at the defence of Ladysmith and was twice mentioned in despatches.  He held the Queen's Medal with five clasps and the King's Medal with two clasps. It was in this campaign he was promoted Brevet Major.
     During the Great War he served with the Regiment on the Western Front and from 1916 until the Armistice he was commanding a battalion of Connaught Rangers.  He was also mentioned in despatches and during the battle of St. Eloi on 15th March 1915, he further distinguished himself and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order.
     Prior to the South African campaign he saw service in the Sudanese War and took part in the battle of Omdurman.  After the Great War he volunteered and went to Russia with the Archangel Force.
     In 1914 Colonel Gould marries Maria Augusta, daughter of Major Alexander Frederick Stewart.  She survives her husband, also two sons and one daughter - Lieut. Phillip Francis Stewart Gould, R.N., who holds the D.S.C. and bar, Lieut. Myles Tyrer Gould, who is at present serving in the Regiment, and Miss Gillian Leigh Gould.  Another son of Colonel Gould, Flying Officer Dermot Evelyn Gould, was killed in action in April 1940.  His death was a great blow to his father.
     On the formation of the Home Guard in this war, Colonel Gould immediately joined up and was Second in Command of the Newport Pagnell Platoon.  Since his retirement he took great interest in the British Legion and was president of the local branch.  He was also interested in the Soldiers' Sailors' and Airmen's Families' Association.  For some years he held the position of Honorary Secretary to the Buckingham Boy Scouts' Association.
     To his widow, his sons and daughter on behalf of the Regiment we offer our deepest sympathy.

THE ROYAL IRISH FUSILIERS
List of Officers and Men in the Royal Irish Fusiliers who are Prisoners of War
This list has been obtained from the British Red Cross and re-checked by the Officer in Charge Records.

An Overseas Battalion

                                                    President, Regimental Institute,
                                                     The Royal Irish Fusiliers,
                                                            17th February 1943
     Royal Irish Fusiliers,
     The Depot, Armagh,
     Northern Ireland.
          Dear Solly, Thank you very much for your cable regarding "Faugh" Notes and also the old copies which have since arrived.  Will you please let me know how many you despatched and the amount owed and I will send you a cheque.
     I am sorry to say that owing to extreme pressure of work it has been quite impossible to get down to notes and although I have asked Companies and sent reminders, no results have been achieved at the moment.
     In the meantime I will enclose a few notes and items of interest which you may like to use and add as much "colouring" as the censor will allow.  The Commanding Officer will as soon as possible write and send to you obituaries for Gough, Low and the others, and, all being well, they may arrive in time for your next issue.  I am sure you will understand there is mighty little news these days, and apart from numerous visits to various villages by the "Drums and Pipes," where retreat has been beaten, the social life is non-existent.  There have been few changes apart from the departure of Algy and the arrival of Maurice to take over in September.  Algy's departure was during a fairly good raid and Dick Norman, the Adjutant, Dougie, and myself saw him off in the end after two days effort.  Shortly after he left the Drums and Pipes beat retreat and I send you cutting and also a copy of which I am sure you will agree is something the Battalion regards with much pride.
     We all heard with the greatest regret of the death of Colonel Templer, and perhaps you will kindly mention this too, with appreciation of all here for the great interest he took in the Regimental Museum and all Regimental affairs.
     The enclosed poem is by our old friend and liaison officer, Captain Salamone, who is very well and putting great energy into the local Home Guard.  His photograph is also forwarded and you will remember he has contributed to the "Faugh" on a previous occasion.
     We are all pleased to welcome the arrival of our new R.C. Padre, Captain Alwyn, and his keenness in the Regimental Football team, which is doing extraordinary well, is much appreciated.  The R.M.O., Captain Barber, who is an Ulsterman, keeps busy and fit writing picturesque stories in his Sanitary Dairy and swats flies in his spare time.
     Dick Norman, the versatile Adjutant and student of Early English, who has done so much in keeping the Drums and Pipes up to the high standard which earns the admiration of everyone, is very fit and enjoys his daily 24 hour's work with pleasant interludes when he initials the Officer's Leave Book.  He has a noble assistant in O.R.Q.M.S. Shaw (Pooh Bah), the well-known placid telephonist.  Tom Tarny, the genial Q.M. and his assistant, R.Q.M.S. Renton are both well and busy pulling G 1098s and L.D.R.s to pieces.  Mr. Palmer, the R.S.M., is now in form again after a most harassing and anxious period during the recent shortages here.  It was with the greatest relief he heard the news of the safe arrival of the convoy ship at the - Harbour, and his supply of moustache wax was hastily unloaded.  After the recent exercises, Mr. Palmer (Mr. Middleton's representative here) feels quite qualified to enter the Land Development Profession as his knowledge and selection of "sites" is nothing ordinary.
                              Yours sincerely, BINDON

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cutting from the Premier Local Paper
Local News
BEATING OF THE RETREAT CEREMONY

     The fourth ceremonial Beating of the Retreat of the war was performed last Friday afternoon by the Drums and Pipes of the Royal Irish Fusiliers in the presence of His Excellency the Governor, and distinguished representatives of all three Services.
     An Air Alert has just concluded as the Drums and Pipes marched on the Place headed by the Drum Major.  The colourful saffron kilts of the pipers with their green be-ribboned bagpipes combined with the impeccable precision of the ceremonial drill were in accord with the romantic but strongly defined music of the Pipes and Drums.
     The evening hour drew a big crowd of spectators, many of them civilians on their way to or from the bus and a considerable number of representatives of all Services.  It was amusing to note how people's steps quickened as they came within sound of the stirring pipe music.
     The scene as evening fell was one of a strange and haunting serenity in contrast to the preceeding Air Raid, with the possibility of another attack as dusk came on.  The peace-time smartness of the parade, the simple formality of the ceremony, combined with the carefree delight of the onlookers do give a significant little picture of life in war-time with the unbreakable resilience of spirit which has kept high the heads and hearts of people and garrison alike.  There was prolonged applause for the Drummers and Pipers of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, a Regiment that has made itself known and respected through the long months of every sort of conditions here.

NOTES

     The new C.O. made his first public appearance, as Commanding Officer of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, on Friday, 16th October, 1942, when the Drums and Pipes presented a magnificent performance of "Beating Retreat."
     The parade was attended by H.E. The Governor, the G.O.C., and senior representative of all services.
     The following copy of H.E. The Governor's letter to the C.O. and the C.O.'S reply to H.E. The Governor's letter is appended without comment.

                         Copy of the Governor's letter to the C.O.
                                                                        The Palace,
                                                                       October 1942
     My dear -----, Having been present at the beating of the Retreat on the square on Friday night I want to write a few words of congratulations to the Battalion which you have the privilege to command.
     Nobody who was present on parade could fail to carry away a vivid impression of an old and historic ceremony carried out with perfection by the Royal Irish Fusiliers.  The drill, the turn out and the music were all faultless.  It is good for all of us in these times to see such a fine example of soldierly Esprit de Corps.
     May good fortune attend you during your period in command of this magnificent Battalion.
                                     Yours sincerely,
                                                            --------

                                         Copy of the C.O.'s reply
                                                        The Royal Irish Fusiliers,
                                                                       October 1942
     My dear --------, On behalf of the Battalion I have the honour to command, I am writing to let you know how deeply we appreciate the gratifying tributes, not only to the Drums and Pipes, but to the Battalion as a whole, paid to us in your kind letter of 18th October.  It makes us proud indeed to feel that our Commander-in-Chief should entertain so high an opinion of us.  We shall endeavour always to see that this is not misplaced.  For myself I must thank you for your good wishes on assuming command.  I am sensible both of my high privilege and of my trusteeship.
                                     Yours sincerely,
                                          -----------

     The Drums and Pipes beat Retreat at ------- on the evening of Monday, 24th August 1942, by special request of the people of that village which is so well known to the Battalion.
     The Commanding Officer received a silver cup from the parish priest, the Rev. Victor Gauchi, and responded to the speech recorded below.
     "Colonel, officers and men of the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
          "It gives me the greatest pleasure to welcome you in our midst on behalf of the citizens of -------, on this memorable day, the feast of our Patron St. Bartholomew the Apostle.  It is occasions such as this that strengthen the bonds that exist between the military and the civil population.
          "Since the last time I had the honour to greet you in our midst we have gone through some troublesome times and things looked very gloomy, but with the grace of God, the courage of our airmen and the vast amount of work put in by the soldiers, we have pulled through, and now with the most welcome addition of the convoy and valuable supplies, we look forward to the day when we shall strike with all our might and power at the common foe.
          "Many of the farmers around here are indebted to your soldiers for the valuable help they gave in assisting to collect the harvest.  Hundreds of other little good deeds are done unostensively and without advertisement which all go to strengthen the good will between our peoples and your soldiers.
          "Sir, it is on behalf of the citizens of ------- that I present this cup as a token of appreciation and friendship, and wherever you go in the future, God always guard you and your Battalion."

H.Q. COMPANY NOTES

     We were all sorry to bid farewell to Major and Mrs. P. M. M. Egerton who left in August and we hope that they both, and indeed Miss Egerton, are benefiting by the change after their long stay here. They take our best wishes for good luck and the hope of a meeting in the near future.
     Major L. Bindon Blood, who spent many pleasant months with the ----- Battalion whilst waiting to join us, eventually arrived and took over command.  C.S.M. Finch has recently arrived from Captain Dougall's Company to take over the duties of C.S.M. and is now well in his stride.  C.Q.M.S. Billing continues to work very hard, when he isn't on leave, and is still trying to fathom the mystery of rations, the daily issue, the broken and unexpired portions, and reserve, surplus, spare and what's over at the end and why.  In this interesting occupation he has the assistance of Lance-Corporal Chapman and also Lance-Corporal Lowey, who will give anything away from the stores providing he obtains a receipt.  Lance-Corporal Chapman keeps the Company Army Savings Book and the figure for the Company is now nearing the £3,000 mark.  It will be interesting to compare notes with the various "H.Q." Companys of the Regiment on this subject in the future.  Lance-Corporal Barton is at present Company Clerk and gets through an enormous amount of work and has now reached the stage that a return goes to the Orderly Room before it is even asked for and in this way it is hoped to cut down unnecessary correspondence.
     We have a charming view from our Company Office of the Grand Woods Hotel and occasionally we get a glimpse of one of the residents reclining in one of the many armchairs after breakfast, reading the morning paper with much interest.  Sergeant Woods and Corporal Gumley take round cigarettes and chocolate at intervals and a sweet gong is gently sounded when each of the four meals is about to be served.  It is a pleasure to all when one of their old friends, often former residents, look in and usually end up by agreeing to stay the night or 28 days, depending on how they can fit it in.  It is certainly a dream house with most lavish hospitality extended to guests at all times and our congratulations go to the resident manager, Sergeant Woods.
     Captain Callaby, the optimistic M.T.O., recently joined the Married Family List and we extend our heartiest congratulations to him and with both him and Mrs. Callaby good luck in the future and this expression goes for his petrol returns too.
     Mr. Johnson, who has just arrived, has now joined the M.T. and is giving Captain Callaby much assistance.  Sergeant Montgomery, who handed over the remains of the M.T. to Sergeant Dawson, has now joined the Mortar Platoon and Sergant Dawson continues the search.
     Sergeant Donaghy is a great asset on the technical side of the M.T. and were not for his great keenness and wish to do guards on every occasion he would be able to devote even more of his time to the G 109s.
     Corporal Hanna and Fusilier Harrington, who enjoy the benefit of Sergeant Donaghy's library and stroll down to meals in the sunshine, fit in a bit of work during the intervals.
     The cookhouse still functions under the personal direction and supervision of the Maitre d'Hotel, Sergeant Cox, who is a host in himself, and his efforts at Christmas would have to have been seen to have been believed!  The food and general feeling of good-will and well-being was indeed a pleasure to note on Sergeant Cox's face, and indeed many of us who participated and enjoyed the fare on that day.  The Commanding Officer visited dinners and conveyed his greetings, whereupon his health was drunk with great enthusiasm and after the customary "Faugh-a-Ballagh," reserved for special occasions, was given, all set to, to deal with the four pounds fifteen ounces of most excellent food which was assisted on its downward journey by bottles of beer.
     On the afternoon of the 24th of December, a party was given for the married families' children, which was very well attended and many old friends came, including Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Holmes, whose husbands are now on the staff.  A large illuminated Christmas Tree was decorated and all children received presents and prizes for the many games which were organised with great success by the two Padres, Captain Tollit and Captain Alwyn.  The Regimental Band contributed to the success of the afternoon and it was most pleasant to see the delight and happiness in all the children's faces.  It is hoped that the next party will be held soon again and that it will be the Victory one.

THE TOLL OF WAR

     It was a day long air raid, that fateful Sunday, 15th February 1942.  The alarm sounded early in the morning and the "all clear" did not go till late in the evening.  At about 1750 hours a lone enemy plane unleashed from a cloudy sky its deadly missile: the bomb crashed in between the ----- and the Regent picture house, which was showing "North-West Mounted Police" and which was just filling for the last show of the evening.  Death and destruction descended in dreadful din, dust and debris.
     The news of the tragedy soon spread to every nook and corner and everywhere mourned the loss of an acquaintance, of a friend or of a relative.  At about 2030 hours, Joe Slattery was telling us the awful story, his clothes dusty and untidy, he was there.  We were in the Mess anti-room, Algy Allen, George French, Captain Jack Barber (R.A.M.C.) Lieutenant H. Callaby, Lieutenant Tom Tarry, Lieutenant E. F. Boland and I.  The telephone bell in the hall blurred out.  "Bow" answered it.  "Sir, may I speak to you?"  The C.O. left the room, we waited in mute expectation, as though elsewhere, somewhere, something terrible was happening.  The C.O. spoke on the phone for a minute or two then came back to us, sullen, speechless, followed by Boland.  "Callaby, have my car ready and the bus,"  spoke the C.O., and, after a pause, in a slightly lower tone full of emotion and gazing absently into the fire, went on, "George - Peter is gone - and most probably Hugh also.  Father Navin has just rung up.  Rescue work is still going on, he is keeping any men on leave to help.  They will return in our bus later!"  We all heard, the blow had fallen heavily on all of us, we spoke not a word.
     Captain Peter F. Low was the Adjutant at Battalion H.Q., and Captain H. Gough was O.C.  "A" Company at ------, Peter's body was amongst the first to be removed from the debris but Hugh Gough's was not found and recovered till about midnight.  Fusilier Albert Haunce, it seems, was killed on the pavement outside the picture house.  The C.O. and George left for ------ at about 2100 hours.
     The bodies of the three unfortunate victims were brought by Father Navin to our A.D.S. that same night in the Unit ambulance, which Captain Barber has sent out with stretcher bearers to render what assistance might be required.
     On the Monday preparations were made for the funeral and all Companys were circularised accordingly.  Father B. Navin, S.C.F. (R.C.), who is attached to our Battalion H.Q. for messing and other general purposes, saw to every detail and arranged to say Holy Mass "de requie" on Tuesday at 0900 hours in the small church at ------.  The C.O., all officers at Battalion H.Q. and about 80 other ranks attended.
     As soon as Father Navin ascended the altar, the strident warble of the siren announced the approach of enemy aircraft and immediately B---- Battery opened out in hot reception.  Nothing materialised in our sector but, to use the now familiar expression, "X" "got it again."
     After the Gospel, Father Navin in a few well chosen words singled out each man's individual merits and expressed sympathy with the absent relatives of the deceased, with the C.O., with officers and men on the loss of three young lives full of promise, three very valued friends.  Mass ended at 0940 hours.  By this time an erstwhile serene and beautifully clear sky became overcast and threatening and in a matter of minutes, the gathering clouds let loose a torrential downpour of sleet and rain, accompanied by lightning and thunder.
     At 1030 hours the trucks detailed to hearse the coffins moved out of ----- with their mournful loads, each embedded in floral tributes and covered by a Union Jack.  The bearer parties brought up the rear in a Unit bus.  The C.O. followed in his car, taking with him the second in command and the C.E. Padre, who had just come up to Battalion H.Q. on his bicycle.  Father Navin, Lieutenant Boland and myself went by ------ in my car.
     On reaching ------ we took up our route positions, the C.O. being the chief mourner, and the funeral procession wended its way, first in quick and then in slow march towards the cemetery to the dirgeful skirling of the pipes, the muffles rumble of the drums, and the drenching patter of the storm.
     At the cemetery gate the coffins were unhearsed by the bearer parties and being met by the Acting Chaplain General, the Very Rev. Foster, S.C.F. (C.E.), who conducted the burial ceremony.  Mourned and mourners moved up slowly to the graves which were ready for the final stage of the committal service.
     "earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hopes of the Resurrection to Eternal Life!"  The Firing Party, under Signal Sergeant S. Henry, Peter's favourite when he was O.C. Signals, fired three volleys and the bugles gave out the shrill, plaintive notes of the Last Post, followed, after a brief ominous pause, by the mystic call of Reveille, symbolical of Life and Eternity beyond the Tomb.
     To them the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over and their work is done.  With heavy hearts and measured beat, one by one their comrades walk up to the graveside to render a last tribute of farewell.  They pause, they salute and leave them in the peace and silent communion of the dead.
                                          WALTER SALOMONE
                                            17th February 1942

INTERMENT AT ST. ANDREW'S CEMETERY

     The short obituary notice hereunder will be read with real regret by the older officers of the Regiment who served in Cairo during the 1920's.  Mr. Mortimer's great kindness and hospitality to many of us will always be remembered.  He had his leg amputated in Egypt some years ago and came here in 1938 to live with his sister-in-law.

Obituary.

     With deep regret we announce the death of Mr. A. A. Mortimer, which took place at the Blue Sisters' Hospital, on Friday morning, 30th October 1942.  Mr. Mortimer had been in failing health for some time.
     We offer our sincere sympathy to his sister-in-law Mrs. Elizabeth Mortimer, to his nephew, Mr. Arthur Mortimer, and to his nieces in England.
     The funeral will take place privately at the cemetery, to-day, Saturday, at 3.30 p.m.

0979112 FUSILIER PURVIS, S. T.

     It is with deep regret that we report the death of Fusilier Thomas Purvis by enemy action on the 26th April, 1942.
     Fusilier Purvis lived at Church Street, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, and joined the Regiment at Omagh on 27th December, 1937, was then drafted to "D" Company, Royal Irish Fusiliers in which he served in Palestine and Malta.  He was very reserved, keen in his work, reliable and extremely popular among his fellow men.  All "D" Company join his brother in grief at the loss of a comrade, who has passed on to duty in a higher sphere of Life.

Acknowledgements

     The following Christmas greeting cables were received with the greatest pleasure by all ranks.
          "Best Wishes of all Ranks 1943" - Low
          "Seasons Greetings all Ranks" - O'Donovan
          "A Happy Xmas to you all and Best Wishes for the New Year" - From Colour-Sergeant and Mrs. Stent
          "Xmas New Year Greetings to you and all Ranks. Everyone here proud of you. Good Luck" - Philip Barbara Egerton
          "Every Good Wish for the New Year" - Neville Chance
          An Airgraph letter sending Greetings to All Ranks was received from Brigadier-General A. R. Burrows, C.M.G., D.S.O.

The Premier Local Paper
12th September 1942

THE INFANTRY

           An Appreciation

          The heavy tramp of marching feet
          In the early misty dawn,
          Awakes the narrow slumbering street,
          With high and mighty scorn.

          Up the dusty winding track,
          To a bomb scarred battered drome,
          The Infantry are there again,
          They look on it as home.

          In the heat of the blazing sun,
          They toil throughout the day,
          Even the bombs of the devilish hun,
          They treat as fairy play.

          The sun is setting in the west,
          An orange ball of fire,
          And through its rays come silhouettes,
          Of men who seldom tire.

          These are the men of the bulldog breed,
          The Infantry of the line,
          Who can forget such men as these,
          In the mortal march of time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mac                 Mike                 Bert
Convalescing

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Battalion in England

The following is the script of a B.B.C. broadcast which took place on Monday, 25th January, 1943.

The Royal Irish Fusiliers,
Monday, 25th January, 1943,
2.20-2.40 p.m.

     (Fade in on pipes and drums playing "Faugh-a-Ballagh: fade as background for announcement)

ANNOUNCER: "Pipes and Drums," a programme of pipe band music by the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Fusiliers. The Pipe-Major is T. Woods. Hugh MacPhee has written the programme, and Maurice Shillington presents it.

     (Brings up "Faugh-a-Ballagh"; holds, and fade behind opening speech)

NARRATOR: That's the tune that stirs all Irish Fusiliers. It calls to mind their Regimental Battle Cry first shouted at the Battle of Barrosa in the Peninsula War, and since heard on many a hard-fought field all over the world.
     Faugh-a-Ballagh" is Gaelic, and is translated as "Clear the way." It is the Regimental Motto, and the Regimental nickname - "The Faughs" - by which they are known throughout the Army bears witness to the way they have lived up to it.

     (Bring up "Faugh-a-Ballagh": hold, and fade out behind next speech)

NARRATOR: The Regiment is entitled to six Regimental Badges - most of them marks of Royal favour. The 87th and 89th Regiments, now the Royal Irish Fusiliers, were both raised in 1793 in the counties of Tipperary, Galway, Clare, Wexford, Kilkenny, Waterford, and Limerick. It is from such grand fighting materials that the traditions of the Regiment grew. An English officer who served with the "Faughs" from 1815 to 1825 wrote in his memoirs: "In that Corps there was a unity I have never seen in any other: and as for fighting, they were devils."
     The Regiment won undying glory at Barrosa in the Peninsula War. In 1811 the Prince Regent ordered that its title in future should be "The Prince of Wales' Own Irish Regiment," and that it should appear as a Badge of Honour on the Regimental Colours and Appointments, the Eagle with a Wreath of Laurel above the Harp, in addition to the Plume of the Prince of Wales, this is to commemorate the capture of the Eagle Standard of Napoleon's 8th Infantry Regiment.
     In 1827 it became the National Fusilier Regiment of Ireland, and as such wears the Fusiliers' Badge - "A Grenade Fired." Queen Victoria granted the privilege of wearing Princess Victoria's Coronet to perpetuate Her Majesty's regard for the Regiment. The Harp and Prince of Wales' Feathers were the original badge of the 87th who were raised as the 87th or Prince of Wales' Irish Regiment. The Sphinx superscribed Egypt was granted for the part they played in the 1801 campaign, which ended in the capitulation of Cairo. The early Irish warriors wore the saffron kilt. The pipers of the Royal Irish Fusiliers who are playing to-day still wear it. Their pride in it is expressed by this slow march by Pipe-Major Flynn, who is serving in one of the other Battalions. It is followed by two traditional airs, "O'Donnell Abu" and "Kelly the Lad from Killane," all played on the Irish was pipe.
          "The Saffron Kilt"
          "O'Donnell Abu"
          "Kelly the Lad from Killane"
     The story of the Royal Irish Fusiliers is one that deserves to be told around the ceilidh fireside with the tales of the Tuath de Danann, Finn MacCoul, and the other warriors whose fame is legendary. The capture of the French Eagle at Barrosa could in itself form the subject of an epic worthy of the great bards. It was in this fight that they captured the French standard. This was the Eagle standard decorated with a Golden Wreath, a distinction presented to the 8th Infantry Regiment to mark their gallantry against the Germans in the Jena Campaign. General Graham, afterwards Lord Lyndoch, who raised the glorious 90th, now the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), said of this battle; "The example was given and the first decisive blow was struck by the 87th. The battle was one of the bloodiest and one of the most creditable to the British troops in the history of the Army."
     Field-Marshal Lord Gough paid this tribute to the regiment: "To gallantry in the field they have added the most essential requisite in a soldier - orderly conduct in garrison. Fellows like these, fighting as they have done and acting as they do, what is there not to be expected of them? Such men you may trust. The chivalry of the Regiment was seen when the men, on their own initiative, gave a day's pay for the relief of the homeless Spanish peasants for whom they were fighting. At Tarifa the enemy strongly invested the town. The walls had been breached, and the 87th was given the task of holding the gap. The enemy were determined to take the town but the Faugh-a-Ballaghs, encouraged by their Drums and Fifes playing such stirring Irish airs, as "St. Patrick's Day" and "Garryowen," defied them. We shall hear the band playing these old tunes later on, but, in the meantime, here is one of their old national airs - "O'Neill's War March," followed by "MacGee's Reel," "Paddy Carey," a jig, and to finish the set the "6th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers," composed by Pipe-Major Woods, who is playing with the Drum and Pipes to-day.
          "O'Neill's War March"
          "MacGee's Reel"
          "Paddy Carey," a jig
          "The 6th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers," which Pipe-Major Woods composed as a tribute to the Regiment and his Commanding Officer.
     The habit of winning trophies began early in the history of the Regiment. In one of its first campaigns it stormed the citadel at Monte Video and captured the flag that flew over the fort. That is now one of the exhibits in the Royal United Services Museum. Quartermaster William Grady, the first man to enlist, was a member of this expeditionary force. Later in the campaign before the assault on Buenos Aires he was left in charge of the baggage with about twenty-six men as escort. Seventy men and two officers of the enemy attacked, thinking they had an easy prey, but they reckoned without the Irish and William Grady. They took the whole attacking force prisoner.
     One of the most prized of all the regimental trophies is Field-Marshal Jourdain's baton, seized by a drummer boy at the Battle of Vittoria, where the enemy was utterly routed.
     Another feature of regimental history is its family traditions. Many serving to-day bear names that have always been on the muster roll. The descendants of Patrick Masterson, who captured the Eagle at Barrosa, were members of the Regiment until the last of his line became Colour Sergeant. He was afterwards given his commission in the Devonshire Regiment, and gained the V.C. in South Africa.
     When the 1st Battalion went into action in France and Belgium in 1940 they were commanded by a Gough, a descendant of Field-Marshal Lord Lough, who commanded the Regiment in Spain.
     Through the years the Regiment has shown by outstanding marches how to take every chance of bringing the enemy to bay. "Blaney's Bloodhounds," they used to call them. Ability to march far and fast, and, however far, to go straight into action has always been a point of honour and pride. One of their favourite marching tunes has always been "Killaloe," and the shout at the end of the first part will recall many memories to many old comrades. It is followed by "Let Erin Remember," the first bar of which is the Regimental Bugle Call, a tune of which the men serving in the Regiment to-day say, "Mile Failte," to all their friends in the four provinces, with a special greeting to their comrades in arms in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
          "Killaloe"
          "Let Erin Remember" which is played to friends at home and Irishmen everywhere.
     To follow the history of the Regiment you need to know the geography of the world. They have served with distinction in Egypt, South America, Spain, Java, Burma, the Crimea, the Soudan, Malta, and South Africa. They have fought three times in Flanders. The Green Hackle, one of their proudest distinctions, marks their gallantry in the South African Campaign. Two V.C.s were gained in the last war and ten Battle Honours. Battalions of the Regiment served in France, Macedonia, Gallipoli, and Palestine, and no doubt the enemy had cause to remember that it was as the English officer said 100 years ago: "As for fighting, they were devils."
     The Drums and Pipes now return to their war stations. They do so to the strains of their regimental marches, which are almost as numerous as their badges. There are four tunes, "St. Patrick's Day," and "Garryowen," which recall the Siege of Tarifa: "Norah Creina," a traditional Irish air played by the 89th, the 2nd Battalion; finishing with "Barrosa," which commemorates the Battle, and with them we salute the men of the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
          "St. Patrick's Day"
          "Garryowen"
          "Norah Creina"
          "Barrosa"
     (continue "Barrosa" and fade for closing announcement)

ANNOUNCER: The programme you have just heard was by the Drums and Pipes of the Royal Irish Fusiliers.

     (bring up "Barrosa" and fade to end)

"Barrosa"
5th March 1811

   1. On the 21st of February from Cadiz we set sail,
       As many a gallant Frenchman had reason to bewail;
       Straight for Gibraltar our gallant fleet did steer,
       And on the 23rd, my boys, we landed in Algerciras.

   Chorus:
       For we are the lads of honour boys, belonging to the Crown,
       And death to those who dare oppose the saucy "Princess Own"

   (Repeat)
   2. The next place we arrived at was called Tarifa Bay,
       Where waiting for the Spaniards, in a convent long we lay,
       But when the Spaniards joined us there, we marched both night and day,
       Determined when we met the foe to show them British play.

   Chorus:
   3. Our officers explained to us the hardships we should bear,
       Well knowing British courage would triumph everywhere,
       O'er plains and lofty mountains, our army marched along,
       And though our numbers were but few our courage it was strong.

   Chorus:
   4. The Spaniards took the front my boys, their country for to free,
       And bid our troops bring up the rear, that glorious day to see,
       But when BARROSA'S plains appeared we never saw then more,
       Their column drew behind the woods upon St. Petri's shore.

   Chorus:
   5. Bold Graham who was our General not knowing their design,
       Resolved that British soldiers should never stay behind,
       But whilst advancing through a wood, not dreading any snare,
       The enemy in an ambush lay and closed upon our rear.

   Chorus:
   6. Some watchful eye the foe espied and to the General flew,
       Which news an oath of anger from the gallant Graham drew,
       "O cursed is my lot," he cried, "This is a wretched day,
       When Britons must deplore their fate by Spaniards led astray.

   Chorus:
   7. "Turn to the right about my boys, for Britain knows no fear,
       Extend your files my Irish lads, and keep the outflanks clear,
       Look back to Cape Trafalgar boys, where Nelson bled before,
       The blood that conquered on the sea shall triumph on the shore."

   Chorus:
   8. We jumped into their lines my boys, their ranks were overthrown,
       All in confusion first to fly, charged by the "Princess Own,"
       Two Generals left behind them, their guns and Eagle, too,
       Whilst the Faugh-a-Ballaghs cheered and charged and boldly did pursue.

   Chorus:
   9. The 87th and 95th they formed a hollow square,
       And in the dead hour of the night to keep their wounded clear,
       'Midst hollow sighs and dismal cries, 'twould grieve your heart full sore'
       Like lions we protected them upon St. Petri's shore.

   Chorus:
 10. Here's a health to Gough and Graham, and the soldiers on that field,
       Who though they fought them ten to one, soon taught their foes to yield;
       Who put them in confusion and their Eagle took away,
       Long live our Irish lads to cheer on each BARROSA DAY

   Chorus:
 11. Then this cup to all the living and in memory of the slain,
       Who bravely fought in freedom's cause upon BARROSA's plain,
       Pass it round beside the eagle which our soldier's bore away,
       Long live our Irish lads to cheer on each BARROSA's Day

   Chorus:

Subject: Trained Clerk

     To: The Adjutant, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
     Since taking over command of "D" Company I have not had a Company Clerk.  The then existing clerk, Fus. Scannel, was returned to duty shortly after I arrived and since then there have been a procession of individuals trying hard but failing completely to make up the deficiency.  About six months ago I asked for some intelligent Fusilier, in order to train and I was presented with Corporal Baron, who also failed to stay the course and I am once again back to where I started and at the moment I employ Lance-Corporal Waide, who has no idea how to do the job and is merely employed to dust the office, mix the files and remind me to send in returns (after I have typed and signed such).  In the short time he has been in the office (one week) he appears to have reached a much better standard than all other competitors, inasmuch that he can be relied on to dust the office occasionally, and has taken a rather disastrous interest in the files, as all are now of equitable distribution, e.g., the files now all have an equal number of letters in them, the bulkiest files having been distributed amongst the slender files.  They all look quite neat, but chaos reigns supreme when a reference is required.
     As all intelligent Fusiliers have been posted to H.Q. Company at some time or another, is it possible for H.Q. Company to push or post one intelligent Fusilier from their numbers back to "D" Company?  I realise that this is an excellent opportunity for H.Q. Company to jettison some very promising material and I respectfully request that if this application be received favourably, that I be given a week's grace to consider whether to accept or otherwise.
                                                 -------, Captain
                                                        Command "D" Company
                                                           Royal Irish Fusiliers
                    2nd November 1942

     Subject: Trained Clerks

     Comd. "D" Coy., Royal Irish Fusiliers
     In reply to your un-numbered letter of 2nd November, 1942, relating to the subject above-mentioned.  I am sending to you to-morrow, Wednesday, 4th November, 1942, Fusilier Wood, H., who has expressed a desire to join you as a prospective champion in your clown competition.
     Fusilier Wood was not educated at the Royal College of Charladies, nevertheless, his Army career has taught him such domestic duties as bed making and general interior economy and I believe that he will find no difficulty in dusting your office and relieving your ash tray of its daily commitments.
     He is not possessing of a particularly aesthetic temperament and I doubt whether he will be able to maintain your files at an even size.  I have the feeling, however, that his pre-war experience will persuade him to place letters relating to the same subject in the same files, which you may consider desirable, e.g., communications dealing with "Beeswax, Bonhamie, Bonjour and Bananas" will be segregated from those relating to "Billets, Bunks, Bombs and Baths"
     I need hardly add that I very much hope for your sake and his, that Fusilier Wood will be a successful candidate for your next competition.
                                             ------, Captain
                                                Adjutant, Royal Irish Fusiliers
                         3rd November 1942

~~~~~~~~~~

     The following is a request forwarded to the P.R.I. by the Regimental Barber:-
          Sir, Please will you do me a favour and forward the money to my boy employer at -----. By doing so it will be inconvenient for both of us.
                                                Yours faithfully
                                                  C. MAMO
                                                    Barber

                                       ~~~~~~~~~~~

Evils of Drink

     The very friendly padre called on new residents in the parish and was shown into the drawing room by the maid.
     Some time later the lady of the house came in, and, after introductions has taken place, the padre said, "Mrs. Smith, you should avoid even the appearance of evil. I do not say those in this house are drinkers, but - the appearance of those three decanters on your sideboard!"
     "Oh padre!" interrupted Mrs. Smith, "You must not think anything like that. Those decanters are only filled with different colours of floor stain, because they look so pretty"
     "I know" said the padre "Feeling overcome I just helped myself to a drink from the middle one"

Christmas Story

     At Christmas time a little Belfast boy returned home after being many hours absent.  The worried mother asked him, "Where have you been all this time?" The boy replied, "Oh, Mummy, I went into the big shops to see the Christmas toys, and oh, Mummy, in Hall and Andersons there was a real live Daddy Christmas and he had a red coat, big boots and a beard just like the Daddy Christmas in the pictures, and Mummy, he spoke to me, too."
     "Oh!" said the mother, "What did he say to you?"
     "Mummy," he said, "Take your hand off thon b-----y elephant and get to hell out of here!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Cpl. E. J. Garvin, P.O.W. 2293, Oflag, 111C., writes the following to Mr. Delmege Trimble:-
     "At present we are preparing for the 17th.  I am taking the Irish Dancing classes.  It is surprising to me that although the Faughs and Skins are sister Regiments, the styles of dancing adopted by the two Regiments are entirely different.  However, I have compromised on the two styles and have arrived at a satisfactory result.  Moreover I am amazed at the way the more complicated steps are being picked up.  We look forward to "Paddy's Day." What a pity we cannot drown the Shamrock"

THE ISLAND FORTRESS
With acknowledgements to "British Survey"

     Malta is strategically one of the most important islands in the world; lying in the narrows between Sicily and Tunisia, it dominates the sea routes of the Central Mediterranean.  From the earliest times this fact has been recognised, and the islands have been held or fought for by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, Turks, French and British.  Now the island fortress is maintaining its war-like tradition, by fighting back successfully against determined attempts by the Germans and Italians to subdue it.
     Malta itself is the largest of a group of islands consisting of Malta, 91 square miles in extent, Gozo, 20 square miles, Comino, 1 square mile, and the uninhabited rocks known as Cominotto and Filfla.  Malta lies about 60 miles from the nearest point of Sicily and 180 miles from Africa.  With its magnificent natural harbours, it is one of the most important naval bases of the British Empire.  It is a place of rich colour.  The vivid blue of sky and sea; the brilliant sunshine playing on the white stone of the churches, houses, and palaces, broken by the purple shadows of the narrow streets; the vivid green of gardens and orchards; the sunbaked corn land and the brown cliffs of the rocky coastline, combine to dazzle the newcomer, used to the more subdued colouring of the other British Isles.
     In appearance the Maltese are a handsome people, about the middle height, and sturdily built. The upper classes have Norman, Spanish and Italian blood in their veins, and, at the time of the British occupation of the islands in 1814, there were about twenty four families bearing titles of nobility, granted or recognised by the Grand Masters of the Order of the Knights of St. John. They have always played a leading part in Maltese life.
     In December, 1938, the civilian population of Malta was 268,668. They are a seafaring people and there are colonies of Maltese in Egypt, in Tunisia, in Turkey, and also in Australia, where they have made good settlers, as well as in Great Britain and the United States.

Malta Militant

     On September 3rd, 1939, Malta entered the war.  There was little unusual commotion. Malta was on the very fringe of hostilities; but, as the headquarters of the Mediterranean Fleet, it saw the naval preparations which were a portent of battles to come.  Useless inflammable articles were landed from the grey fighting ships and stored ashore; white painted launches sped across the Grand Harbour from ship to shore; the haze thickened around the funnels of the long, lean destroyers in the harbour of Marsamxett, and to the casual observer the Fleet might have been preparing to leave for its usual manoeuvres.  But the Navy was taking no chances; torpedoes had been fitted with warheads, magazines were filled with every conceivable size and type of shell, from ammunition for the deadly multiple pom-poms and 3.7 quick firing anti-aircraft guns, to the mighty armour piercing shells for the 16 inch guns of the battle cruisers.  For nine weary months the Maltese, who had eagerly watched these preparations, saw little other sign of war. Destroyers were constantly at sea scouring the Mediterranean, in vain, for hostile submarines.  The life of the island returned to the normal habits of peace time.

The First Bombs

     But Malta was soon to be roused from its inactivity.  In May, 1940, the German "blitzkrieg" began; Von Bock's panzer's battered their way across Western Europe.  In June, France was beaten to her knees, and the Italian Government chose that moment to enter the war.  One early morning, within a few hours of Italy's declaration of war, the island experienced its first air raid.  The people were completely unprepared and were scared and confused; but like the people of the English cities, after several bombardments, they soon became hardened; and from that day on, the people and garrison of the indomitable fortress have consciously lived under the menace of attack by air and sea.  On the outbreak of war, it is said that the R.A.F. had three serviceable aircraft based on Malta, known locally as Faith, Hope and Charity.  Whether this is true or not, it is certain that after the fall of France, R.A.F. fighter strength was steadily built up, and by the end of 1940, the Italians had a healthy respect for our Hurricanes; by December, life was going on much the same as it had always done, except that the darkest nights were sometimes enlivened by the whine and crash of bombs dropped at random.

The Luftwaffe in Sicily

     Since January, 1941, the battle of Malta has waxed and waned according to the varying phases of the Libyan campaign; in that month the Luftwaffe came to Sicily and prepared for an intensive attack on shipping and on the island fortress, which they boasted could be reduced in a few hours.  During January, the "Southampton" was damaged so severely that she had to be abandoned and sunk and the aircraft carrier "Illustrious" limped into the Grand Harbour.  On January 16th the Luftwaffe flung themselves at the dockyard; Malta's anti-aircraft barrage - in action for the first time - hurled up a wall of fire, guns thundered from every part of the island, and into this hell screamed the Stukas, bent on destroying the "Illustrious."  They dived recklessly to the very muzzles of the multiple pom-poms, as the ship sparkled wickedly with gun flashes and wreathed herself in flame and smoke, pouring forth salvo after salvo.  At the end of the battle, the "Illustrious" though hit once again, was not seriously damaged; thirty seven of the dive bombers had been shop down or had plunged to destruction in the foaming waters of the harbour, and German losses brought their own lesson.  The Malta dockyard was able to repair the ship and she steamed away unmolested. For five more months, the Luftwaffe battered the island by day and night, causing widespread civilian casualties; but the garrison stuck to its guns.

Malta Hits Back

     On June 8th, 1941, the Italians announced that, owing to the German offensive against Russia, their allies had left Sicily, and on the 12th, a force of Italian bombers made an attack on the island, with the obvious purpose of outdoing the Germans.  Instead of the success for which they had hoped, they were mown down by a devastating fire, and eventually turned for home.  They had lost at least ten aircraft over the island and many more were so badly damaged that they probably never reached their bases.
     The garrison has had only one chance to deal with a seaborne attack; in July, 1941, a number of E-boats attempted to raid shipping in the Grand Harbour at Valletta.  This was the first opportunity for the coastal defence guns, and so accurate was their fire, that the whole of the attacking force was destroyed.
     During the summer of 1941 the R.A.F. was considerably strengthened, and the Italians realised that Malta, as an air base, was a serious danger to them; their Libyan convoys were attacked with such ferocity that our aircraft sometimes returned with wireless aerials trailing from their tail wheels. During October bombers from Malta actively harassed the enemy's supply lines; Naples, the chief embarkation port for Libya, was attacked five times with great success; Benghazi and Tripoli were heavily bombed.
     On November 8th-9th, just before the anniversary of Taranto, British naval forces under Captain Agnew wiped out two Axis convoys, sent two of the escorting destroyers to the bottom, and damaged a third. Submarines were busy, and in three days the enemy lost 25 ships of all sizes.
     On December 13th, Malta was seething with excitement, when three British destroyers entered the harbour, followed by another of the Royal Netherlands Navy, having sent two Italian cruisers, a destroyer and an E-boat to their fate; the forts and ramparts of Valletta were packed with a wildly cheering crowd; at the sound of a whistle, officers and men on board ships in the harbour stood rigidly to attention, and every available glass was levelled on the victorious destroyers, as they glided through the blue waters to their base; and over all, outlined against the sky, floated side by side the Union Jack and the red and white flag of Malta.
[These are the colours of Count Roger the Norman.  They are traditionally held to denote martyrdom and purity. They have been the national colours of Malta since the 11th century. (There is also a flag known as the Governor's flag, which is the Blue Ensign, bearing a red and white shield with a narrow yellow border, surmounted by a Crown in the right hand bottom corner)]

Axis Attacks Intensified

     Already a new, all-out offensive against the island had been announced by the German wireless and many squadrons of the Luftwaffe had returned to the Mediterranean from the frozen Eastern Front.  Since December, 1941, Malta has experienced continual day and night raids.  Figures issued in June, 1942, show that 1,869 tons of bombs were dropped on the Grand Harbour alone from March 24th to April 12th.  Harbours and airfields are the enemy's chief objectives and judging by the strength of the German offensive in Libya, which was opened in May, 1942, these tactics have met with success; for General Rommel has received vital cargoes of war materials from convoys which have crossed the Mediterranean, while our aircraft have been grounded.  The enemy's advance into Egypt and his possession of all airfields in Cyrenaica have greatly increased the difficulties of the defenders, and of the Navy in keeping them supplied,  But Malta is now the most heavily defended island in the world and any attack must entail heavy losses; the strength of its defences can be judged from the number of aircraft which are shot down, either by fighters or ground defence: on Saturday and Sunday, May 9th and 10th, 1942, 93 raiders were shot down or damaged over the island, for the loss of three of our aircraft.
     On July 1st it was announced that the American aircraft carrier "Wasp" had made several successful ferry trips, carrying fighter aircraft to Malta.  On one such occasion carrier borne reinforcements took off and flew straight into battle, repelling the enemy with considerable loss.

A People at Bay

     It must not be imagined, from the above account, that the credit for the magnificent defence of Malta belongs only to British forces drafted to the Colony; the Maltese themselves take a very vigorous part in the defence of their islands.  Conscription was introduced at the beginning of the war, and every man is liable for military service.  The King's Own Malta Regiment, formerly the Royal Malta Militia, takes its place with the other regular British units in the defence of the islands against any attempted landing by sea or air. There are also a Home Guard and Civil Defence services, as in this country. More than half the anti-aircraft batteries on the island are manned by the Royal Malta Artillery, of which H.M. the King has become the Colonel, and of which the officers, N.C.O.s and men are Maltese.  In addition, there are many Maltese serving with the Royal Navy and in the British Mercantile Marine; Maltese are to be found in all the principal ports of the world. Whenever a food convoy arrives, always a great event, dockers work incessantly, often while air raids over the harbour are in progress, to unload the precious cargoes, and "turn the ships round again."  The award of the George Cross to the island as a whole is an unique recognition of the vital part which Malta is playing in the British war effort.

Historical Outline

     Prehistoric remains show that a people of the Western Mediterranean occupied the islands before the Phoenicians from Tyre came upon the scene. The Carthaginians, who were also a Phoenician people, landed on Malta in the sixth century B.C., as friends of a sister colony of their own nation.  During the Punic Wars, the Carthaginians levied oppressive tribute; the Maltese rebelled and the island surrendered to Rome. Under the Romans, the island enjoyed considerable commercial prosperity, for the Maltese were not treated as conquered enemies, but were given the privileges of a municipium, a community enjoying Roman law.  Cicero knew Malta well and speaks of the Maltese as socii allies, Publius was "chief" of the island when St. Paul was shipwrecked, and became, it is believed, the first Christian Bishop of Malta.  The old controversy as to whether the great missionary was shipwrecked on the island of Malta or on a remote island off the Adriatic Dalmatian Coast, seems now to be settled in favour of the former. Two arguments may be cited; that soundings taken at the traditional place where St. Paul was shipwrecked, and where his statue now looks out to sea, tally exactly with the depths given in the dramatic account in the Acts of the Apostles; and that Malta was a port of call for ships on the Alexandria to Rome wheat route.  The Apostle finished his journey to Rome by way of Syracuse and Puteoli on board the Castor and Pollux, a wheat ship which sailed between Egypt and Italy.
     In 395 A.D., on the division of the Roman Empire, Malta was assigned to the Eastern half.  In 870 the island was attacked and invested by the Arabs, who occupied it for 220 years, until, in 1090, Count Roger the Norma, son of Tancred de Hauteville, then master of Sicily, conquered Malta. For the next 200 years it remained under Norman and French rule.  In 1284 the French were defeated by an Aragonese fleet.  There followed desultory warfare, in which Malta was constantly involved, until in 1530 the Emperor Charles V granted the islands to the knights of St. John, the great Crusading Order, who had been driven from Rhodes by the Turks.

The Era of the Knights

     The epic struggle, which finally checked the Turkish drive to the Western Mediterranean, and placed the Knights of St. John on the highest pinnacle of their fame, began with the Siege of Malta in May 1565.  The forces of  Islam outnumbered the defenders by five to one. The heroic defence of the castles of St. Elmo and St. Angelo has gone down to history, Under the tossing banners of Cross and Crescent the fighting was ferocious; a third of the whole population was killed during the siege; no quarter was asked or given, and it was not until September 8th that Mustapha was finally driven back to his ships. The sword of Dragut Ruis Pasha of Tripoli, the Turkish Commander-in-Chief, who was killed at Fort Tigné during the siege, has been treasured in Malta ever since.
     Knights flocked from all over Europe to join the Order.  The Grand Master, La Valette, famous for his defence of the island against the Turks, made his name immortal by building the magnificent defences of Valletta, the new capital.  For two hundred years the Knights harassed Turkish commerce; their navy took part in the great victory at Lepanto in 1571.  But with the growth of wealth and security, the martial spirit began to wane.  The civil government became neglected and disorganised and gradually the power of the Knights declined.

The Union with Britain

     With the disruption of Christendom, the Order of St. John eventually list its international character, until it became almost entirely French.  In 1797, the last Grand Master was elected - a German, one Hompesch; the end has come. Bonaparte had planned to seize Malta by treachery and in June, 1798, he took possession without resistance.  The sudden change from the feudal system to republicanism was too abrupt to make the transition acceptable to the people.  The Maltese appealed to Nelson, and in 1799 the British occupied the island. The British Government originally had no intention of annexing Malta permanently, and the Treaty of Amiens in 1802 provided for the restoration of the island to the Knights of St. John.  The Maltese, however, realising that this would mean the re-establishment of French influence, petitioned for the return of the English.  The British Government consequently refused to carry out that part of the Treaty, and the war with France was resumed. For eighteen months, in 1804 and 1805, the poet Coleridge was Secretary to the Governor.  By the Treaty of Paris, in 1814, the islanders finally became subjects of the British Crown, their laws, religion and customs being dully guaranteed; and a member of the British Empire Malta has remained ever since.

Church and State

     The eight points of the Maltese Cross represent the Eight Beatitudes, and Malta maintains unbroken the old tradition of Christendom. The Roman Catholic Church is the established religion, and the people are all Catholics, intensely loyal to the Pope in matters of faith, as they are to the King in respect of their civic duties.  It is the ambition of every Maltese family to raise a son for the priesthood, and the proportion of clergy to laity is probably higher than it is in any other country.  Few leave the islands, and fewer still take their place in the foreign mission field. The Church in Malta is thus intellectually the poorer for being confined to its own little world.  The people are deeply religious.  Many of the A.A. gunners and other soldiery may be seen at Mass in the early mornings, between shifts of duty, and all day the churches and shrines, which have survived the bombs, are crowded with black hooded women.
     There is something of the atmosphere of mediaeval theocracy about the Archbishop-Bishop of Malta, as he is styled, his mitred Canons and the Bishop of Gozo.  The position of the Church, recognised by the original Treaty of Paris of 1814, has been respected ever since and is symbolised by the precedence given to the Archbishop, who ranks immediately after the Governor and above the Naval Commander-in-Chief.  Relations between Church and State have, on the whole, been good throughout the British period; but there have been skirmished since the endeavour to introduce representative government brought with it the bickerings of the Party system, This began with the so-called  Strickland-Mizzi Constitution, established by Letters Patent in 1887, which raised to fourteen the number of elected non-official members of the Council of Government, and debarred the six official members from voting on financial measures.  This lasted until 1903, when H.M. Government, refusing to accept the rejection of an Education Bill by the elected representatives, changes the Constitution and restored an official majority in the Council.

Experiment in Democracy

     A more serious effort to introduce parliamentary government was made in 1921, when a new legislature, consisting of a Senate and Legislative Assembly, was brought into being. It was solemnly opened by the Prince of Wales; but it was not to last for long.  The late Lord Strickland, a vigorous political fighter, had been for some time head of the Ministry, and, though a devout Catholic, had contrived to antagonise the higher clergy on various counts. A General Election having been announced for the end of May, 1930, Archbishop Caruana intervened to forbid the people to vote for the Strickland party. This forced the Imperial Government to suspend the Constitution and to reintroduce Crown Colony Government. Tempers were frayed; Italian propaganda sought to make the most of the trouble and the Nationalist Party, led by Mizzi, supported by the Italian Press, made what capital they could out of the Church's opposition to Strickland. Somewhat ill-informed debaters in the Imperial Parliament extended the scope of the controversy, and for a time diplomatic relations between H.M. Government and the Vatican were far from cordial.
     Soon peacemakers arrived on the island, a Royal Commission, headed by Lord Askwith from London, and an Apostolic delegate, Archbishop Robinson (now the Nuncio in Dublin), from Rome. In the event, the differences of Church and State, such as they were, were disentangled from the personal political feuds of the local leaders and amicably settled. The nettle of Italian Fascist propaganda was grasped; and in the restored Constitution, which the Royal Commission recommended; the Italian language was excluded from the elementary schools; English and Maltese were to be used in the Criminal Courts, in cases involving English and Italian litigants, though Italian still remained the official language of the Courts. Other reforms included the removal of the appointment of judges from the province of the Maltese Ministry.

Decline of the Italian Party

     The Nationalist Party, however, dominated by the small group of Italian speaking lawyers, continued to agitate for the use of that language, and the Italian Fascist Party duly added to their general unpopularity, by clamouring for the return of Malta to the so-called third Roman Empire. The Constitution, in consequence, was suspended again two years later, the Governor, Sir Charles Bonham-Carter, assuming the administration of the islands.  In 1934, Maltese was made the official language of the Courts, and, in 1936, English the language of the Administration.
     In 1939, shortly before the war broke out, a new Constitution was inaugurated providing for a Legislature, in which elected members number 10, nominated unofficial members 2, and official members 8. The new Constitution made no change as regard the languages to be used; and the war has reduced the controversy about the use of Italian to its proper proportions. It has revealed that, once the irritant of Fascist intrigue was removed, only a tiny handful of the professional classes felt at all strongly in favour of any cultural relations with Italy. The bulk of the people were and are, intensely British in their sympathies. These controversies are now a thing of the past.  The Church in Malta fortifies the people to fight in a good cause.  Lord Strickland and Mifsud, his old political antagonist, are dead.  Mizzis, last relic of the Italian party, is in a concentration camp. The people, united as a single body with the English forces by the incessant air-raids, have a sneaking regard for the German as a courageous fighter, but heartily despise the Italians, who do not dare to fly low in their attacks on the towns, the aerodromes and the harbours. Lieut.-General Sir William Dobbie, a God-fearing Plymouth Brother, who governed the island from 1940 to May 1942, and personified its stalwart resistance, was intensely popular with the devout Maltese.  He has been succeeded, since his retirement, by general lord Gort, of Dunkirk fame.

The Spirit of Malta

     In the sixteenth century, the Knights of St. John, aided by the men, women and children of Malta, dealt the powers of Islam a deadly blow, by defeating the besieging force, and then proceeded, as allies of Don John of Austria, to complete the rout of the Turkish fleet at the great naval battle of Lepanto, and set free the Christian galley slaves.  So now, four centuries later, the people of Malta have taken their stand beside those other nations who have joined forces to liberate the peoples of Europe from the more widespread and ruthless oppression of Nazi Germany.  Here, more than anywhere, is the old Crusading spirit alive once again in its true sense. Malta has had her share of bloodshed; but the Maltese do not suffer and fight for themselves alone, and they look beyond the dust and smoke of their shattered homes and the sacrifices of men and ships in the naval engagements of the Mediterranean, which are their own intimate concern, to the freeing of that Christendom of which they have so long been the outpost, that
          "Bursting of the hatches in and breaking of the holds,
          Thronging of the thousands up who labour under sea,
          White for bliss, and blind for sun, and stunned for liberty."
     The temper of the people, combatants and non-combatants alike, recalls the spirit of Chesterton's great ballad of deliverance, and can only be compared with that of the men and women of the Civil Defence Services, and the anti-aircraft gunners of London or Liverpool, Bristol or Southampton, during the height of the aerial bombardments of 1940 to 1941. To this capacity to endure, which comes of common effort and common sacrifice, must be added the peculiar sense of physical isolation which belongs to an island besieged; but one which has a fighting tradition of sieges outlived and sieges broken.

Life in Malta To-day

     After more than a century of peace - for Malta was unscathed in the last Great War - the Maltese people have accommodated themselves philosophically enough, during the last two years, to constant alerts, the barrage and crash of bombs. Children are growing up to look upon these noisy interruptions and their consequent life in the catacombs as normal, though lack of sleep is telling upon some of them and school work is much disorganised.  The steep narrow streets of Valletta and of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, and three cities which cluster round the eastern side of the dockyard, are quickly deserted as the sirens sound. Cellars, hewn in the rock beneath many Maltese houses, and the crypts of the churches have saved thousands of lives; so have the sixty great underground passages in Valletta, built in the days of the Knights. It is not only human life, but food as well that is saved from destruction by these engineering feats of Crusading times. Huge quantities of corn are stored in underground granaries, a multitude of stone vaults, in front of the church of St. Publius. The passage of each convoy of food and military stores for Malta, like that which, with the loss of a cruiser and five destroyers, fought its way through two days and nights of intense bombing and torpedo attacks in June, 1942, is a major naval operation and its arrival an occasion of much popular rejoicing. It has recently been found necessary to ration the staple articles of diet. The greater part of the necessary food is produced on the island. The farms yield a big crop of potatoes, as well as wheat and rye, and potato flour is mixes with wheat flour. The soil is rich and the climate, in summer, sub-tropical. Grapes, oranges and lemons grow profusely, and even bananas are to be had, at 8d. apiece. Goats provide the islanders and the garrison with milk; there are 35,000 of them and only some 4,000 horned cattle. Until a few years ago, the goats were driven from door to door and milked to order. Now all the goat milk is pasteurised in collecting stations under a Government scheme, and delivered in bottles - a less picturesque procedure, but one which has greatly reduced undulant fever - carried by the goat's milk - which used to be the ban of the island. Every inch of available ground is cultivated, but aerodromes and coastal defence works have, of course, absorbed a considerable acreage. Unemployment used to be serious in the towns, and several industries were built up before the war to relieve the situation. There are a couple of flourishing breweries, a briar pipe industry and a button factory. An important glove making industry has been started; and the old local industry of making home-spun cloth and lace - the former dating from the time of the Phoenicians - has been modernised. Now all the available men, who have not been drafted into the fighting services, are busy with auxiliary works of defence, filling in bomb craters on aerodromes and roads, clearing the debris of bombed buildings or working in the dockyard.
     Many of the venerable buildings of the islands have been destroyed or damaged by German and Italian bombs. The famous frescoes of St. John's Cathedral have been shattered by the blast of a bomb, which fell on the sacristy, but a larger one, which buries itself before the facade of the cathedral, mercifully failed to explode. The church of St. Publius is among several which have been wrecked or burnt out. The Governor's Palace and the Opera House have received direct hits. The loss of civilian life has been considerable, but it is still much less than one in 100 of the population.

 SOME BOOKS ABOUT MALTA

     General:-
  "Malte" - André Maurois. Illustrated (Editions Alpina)
  "Illustrated Guide to Malta and Gozo" (Malta Government Office and Oxford University Press), 12. 6d
  "Malta" Illustrated Pamphlet (Malta Government Office, 39 St. James's Street, London, SW1) Free on application
  "Malta at Bay" - Oliver (Hutchinson), 5s. An account of Malta in the present war
  "Here are Great Cities" (chapter on Malta) - Carroll (Heath Cranton) 7s. 6d.
  "The British Colonial Empire" (Section on Malta) - Simnett, W. E. (Allen and Unwin), 5s.
  "Malta" - Ryan, F. With illustrations in colour by Vittorio Boron (Black) Out of print

     Historical:-
  "Prehistoric Malta" - Zammit (Oxford University Press), 12s. 6d.
  "The Siege of Malta" Part 1 - St. Elmo (a novel) - Wright, S. F. (Muller) 0s. 6d.
  "Anthony O'Hara, Knight of Malta" - O'Hara (Richards), 8s. 6d.

     Politics:-
  "Report of the Royal Commission, 1931" (H. M. Stationary Office), 3s. 6d.
  "Minutes of Evidence of the Royal Commission" 5s.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cross Country

     We have concentrated hard on cross-country running for the past few months and have achieved some excellent results. We had, as in many other cases, to start completely from scratch, but found, after a few preliminary runs in which every man in the Battalion had to take part once a week, that we possessed some very fine runners. The Companies have held several runs over varying distances up to 7½ miles and have completed in Battalion competitions.
     At the beginning of January we heard that a Brigade cross-country run would be held, and the length of the course would be about 7½ miles. This started a great competition for places in the team, and at last we managed to get the best 100 names that would be required by Brigade. Although difficulties arose as to how best they could be trained, the results as shown at the end of these notes show how successful we were.
     The day arrived for a trial run by a few members of the team over the course, which included in its scope a large marsh, several large streams, woods, gorseland, and of course, the inevitable thick layer of mud. The length of the course worked out at about seven miles. The pace of the trial was fast and furious, and it certainly showed how keen everybody was.
     The race was held on the 30th January, 300 runners taking part. The Battalion wore a green square and everybody looked very fit and well and all keyed up for the race. The leading men set a very fast pace and soon the team were spread out, but with a large number of the "Faughs" to the front. After the first two miles a very muddy patch was encountered which slowed the pace down, but the men kept going well. On emerging from the mud we were greeted with a loud cry of "Come on the "Faughs" from spectators on a piece of high ground. This cheered the men on a great deal, especially as at this time a large rainstorm with hail began to add to the discomfiture of the runners. The team plodded on well through the marsh and were overhauling their opponents magnificently, all running together and helping each other on. It was great team work. At last the home stretch hove in sight and the finishing post.
     The result of the race was an excellent win for the "Faughs" by a clear 4,000 points from our nearest opponents. In the words of a spectator at the finishing point. "Don't we see anything else but green squares," rather sums up the extent of the win.
     We are now looking forward to the Divisional run and feel sure that the same wonderful team spirit and keenness shown by all ranks will again help us to put up another excellent performance.

Reading Between the Lines

              Expressions common in Military English, with meanings!

A Rough Passage
Seventeen Days to the Arctic Circle

     December 21st, 1940 - Arrived at a port on the East Coast and told by the R.T.O. to go to a hotel and be prepared to embark within 24 hours.
     December 25th - Still waiting. Learn from the embarkation staff that the skipper of the ship is not too keen on the journey and is putting difficulties in the way.
     December 31st - Had just gone to bed last night when an officer hauled me up and took me to the docks in a truck and into the saloon of a ship. Met my fellow passengers, three in number: a gunner Major and two officers in the Pay Corps, one a very senior one. Learnt that we also have on board 14 R.A.F. personnel. Being the junior of the two combatant officers, was promoted ship's adjutant - an extra 2s. 6d. a day.
     We are now steaming up the East Coast and nearing the North Sea. Later, we pass five destroyers steaming south in the line astern which gives us confidence.
     Our ship is not inspiring. About 1,200 tons and built 40 years ago for service between the Irish Channel Ports. I learn from Charles, the saloon steward, that she has a scratch crew and has never been in deep waters before. The skipper has been, since his retirement, a captain of stevedores in a Scottish port.
     January 1st, 1941 - A howling gale and a mountainous sea got up during the night so sleep was impossible after 2 a.m., especially after an extra big wave had burst open a door on desk and sent a ton of water sweeping down the passage which flooded my cabin to a depth of six inches. Donned some gum boots and waded to a cabin on the other side of the ship. In doing so passed the cabin of the Junior Paymaster whose door had also been forced open by the water. The cabin was wrecked and occupant was throwing his guts up so passed quickly on.
     4 p.m. - Have been sitting alone in the saloon all day gripping a chair and wishing I was dead. Charles says the other three are still alive, but only just. This North Atlantic storm is still blowing and it's a miracle how the ship stands it. Apparently we've put our nose into it and are just "ticking over," but making no headway. A visit to the airmen, without getting blown overboard, showed 14 seemingly dead bodies in 14 bunks in a room the size of a bathroom - so did not disturb them.
     10 p.m. - Just off to bed after sitting in this chair for 13 hours without being sick. Am absolutely certain we are going to turn turtle and prefer to be in my clothes when it happens - not that it will make much difference.
     Wading along the still flooded corridor I call on the other three, but they are all happily unconscious. A good start to the New Year.
     January 2nd - 9 a.m. - Another sleepless night. The sea has subsided a good deal and we seem to be making some headway. No sign of the other three - they must be feeling hungry by now. The 14 airmen are still as dead in their Black Hole of Calcutta.
     Over my solitary breakfast, Charles tells me we are going back towards Scotland as we have not enough coal to last the journey and the drinking water is polluted with sea water. The skipper, who has had a trying time, looks happy. So do I.
     Outside the crew are potting at a mine with rifles but are not hitting it.
     9 p.m. - At 4 p.m. we entered a harbour in the Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland. The other three emerged from their water logged cabins and began to take notice again.
     January 3rd - The ship taking on coal and water all day. We went for a walk and inspected our hell ship from a distance and marvelled that it had stood up to the gale. The most ungainly hulk you ever saw.
     January 4th - Another quiet day until 5 p.m., when the skipper, under pressure from the Second Officer, a burly Scotsman, announces his intention of pushing off, come what may.
     January 5th - Woken up during the night by a "grinding of brakes," so to speak. Look out of the port hole and find we have just pulled up in time to avoid ramming a ship in a convoy. A lot of shouting going on. Am used to anything by now so go to sleep again.
     Making good progress - weather not too bad.
     Every time we see the skipper we ask him when we shall arrive, but he says nothing - only scowls. We have been on our way now for seven days.
     January 6th - Good progress.
     January 7th - Still pulling the skipper's leg, but at 3 p.m. we sight land - apparently the south-east corner of Iceland. Our destination is the south-west corner, but no matter. We are approaching the Hofsjokull, the biggest glacier in the country. The skipper expects to arrive to-morrow, but we are still sceptical.
     January 8th - Woken up at 1 a.m. by a sea even worse than the one a week ago. It hits us with a crash every two minutes and reverberates through the ship. This suddenly stops and we get into a dead calm. Thank heavens, we've arrived at last.  Look out of my port hole, but can see nothing. Later, the sea gets up again worse than before.
     At breakfast, alone once more, Charles tells me that we went aground during the night but had managed to push off again. The "De Gaussen" system is broken and this has put the compass hopelessly out. Added to which there is no land in sight !
     The skipper looks worried. I offer him my prismatic compass at mid-day which, to my amazement, he accepts. I suggest that we are going towards Scotland again and that we should turn around. He thinks this a good idea and at 3 p.m. we sight the Hofsjokull for the second time.
     The sea has calmed down again now and it turns out a beautiful Arctic evening with a blue sky and the sun setting behind the snow covered mountains. We drop anchor and wireless for a pilot ship from Reykjavik. The skipper's taking no more risks.
     January 9th - The pilot boat arrives after breakfast and 14 hours later we enter Reykjavik Harbour and the first part of my journey is over. Nine hundred miles in ten days: an average of 3½ knots.
     January 10th to 15th - Round the island to my destination in an Icelandic boat. Shared a cabin with a Finnish skipper, whose ship had been wrecked at the place where we went aground. He had four revolvers which he was keeping for the second round against the Russians

P.S. This ancient hulk, the Hell Ship, as the troops afterwards named it, did sterling service, under a new Master round the Icelandic Coast and bravely stood up to the seas which only the Icelandic Coast can produce. It finally caught fire in a blizzard during the night and all credit is due to the ship's crew for the way in which they got the passengers ashore on a rocky and uninhabited part of the island.       B.L.K.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Change of Face?

     One so often sees in "Punch," those excellent pictures by a chap called Fougasse entitled "The Changing Face of Britain" and they are remarkably good and most amusing, and very true as well, but I have seen another "Changing Face" which, to my mind, has him whacked.
     Go out any day you like on to the Assault Course here, when some poor ruddy Company is going to be "put through it." You will see perfectly nice, clean and young looking soldiers laughing and talking, as they prepare to fall in. Possible it is not very appropriate to mention "falling in" just here, as the very first spot of bother which they encounter is the water jump, and there's quite a lot of "falling in" one way and another. Its a swine of a thing to my mind, not being made any easier by having an impossible take off in a quagmire of mud and an equally impossible landing on the other side. There are various methods of going at this obstacle. One method is to charge at it like a mad bull, in which case, if you manage to take off without any regrettable accidents, you are almost bound to crash land on the other side and so slip gracefully back into the water again. Another method which I saw a few days ago, was to start off at a mad gallop, reduce your speed to about 10 knots, execute a few of the more complicated steps of the rumba, leap high in the air . . . and come down in the middle of the water. A third way (and I must say that it looks the easiest) and that is to amble gently down to the water's edge, perform a species of ever-quickening "knees bend knees stretch" exercise, and giving a strangled sort of whimper, consign your body to the deep. Whichever form of approach you choose, you've little hope of missing a ducking. I have been led from my theme by this dissertation on the water jump. There are many other hideous obstacles on this Assault Course, and as the men progress round it, their faces change from those of the nice clean lads who started off, and they become mud stained, and venomous with hate and the lust to kill. Whether the hate and the l.t.k. is directed towards the imaginary Hun, or the luggers who first thought of erecting Assault Courses for the misery of the already somewhat over burdened soldier, I shall never know, but what I do know is that the lads who come in at the end of the Assault Course don't look in the least like the same men who started out on it !!  Half of them are unrecognisable, anyway, underneath the mud. They look grim and determined, and sometimes just a bit exhausted. as they make their weary way back to the huts.
     If you happen to see them half an hour later at their tea, a very vast change has occurred in them, and they are once more the boys who started off on the Assault Course, clean, refreshed, and laughing and talking about very different things than wall, ditch, tunnel, wire, etc. !! I should like Fougasse to come down to this place for an afternoon. We could show him the changing face of the Army.                                   BUNNY HILL

A Battalion in the Green Isle

     Encourages by the magnificent achievements of the Regimental tea, from the I.T.C. during the previous two seasons, culminating in their defeat Glentovan in the second of the two matches in the Irish Cup second round last year, no effort has been spared to produce a team capable of holding its own with all comers from the Army and of giving a good account of itself against senior opposition. Appreciation of last year's great performances by the Regimental team was shown by the Irish Football Association, which elected Captain V. Mitchell a member of its council for this season.
     Only four of the old team are left in Ireland, the remainder having gone to show their worth on the field of battle rather than of sport. Good luck to them, one and all, and may they be spared to return to the football grounds which they have adorned.
     Every opportunity of testing all the material available to build a new team round the four "old hands" has been taken when training permitted, and we have had a successful run in the few games we have been able to play since coming to our present location. As luck would have it, we are drawn against Glentovan again in the Irish Cup and. although our fate will be known when these notes appear, we will give of our best and play the game, win or lose. Fusilier "Johnny" McCartney has been appointed captain of the team and, although he is "crocked" at the moment, we hope that he will recover in time for the Irish Cup and that the team will have the benefit of his clever head and nimble feet. Old friends will be glad to know that goalkeeper Squance has lost none of his brilliance.
     The Officers v. Sergeants football match took place on Xmas Day, the latter team being piped on to the field in traditional style. Amongst others in their ranks could be seen such famous players as Minnis (Muscle Factory), Evans (Pen Club) and Belcher (ex-Fordsons).
     After roll call and a re-count, 11 players were selected and the officers' team then took the field. In addition to the conventional type of association ball, a rugby football was in use throughout the subsequent proceedings.
     The teams having lined up, the referee touched off a thunder-flash and play commenced. A brilliant run down the field on the part of the officers would undoubtedly have scored had not the goal posts at the Sergeants end have been boldly removed to a flank by an ardent group of supporters believed to have been in the pay of the R.S.M.
     Undaunted by this set-back, the officers rallied bravely and Lieutenant -----(Borstal Old Boys) surprised everybody (including himself) by a sudden right flanking movement which resulted in a reputed goal.
     Soon afterwards the Sergeants slapped one or two between the uprights, but as the Officers had selected an alternative goal in quite a different field, none of these can be considered to have been in the target area.
     Proceedings had hotted up nicely towards the end of the game. Thunder-flashes were going off all over the arena, and a heavy smoke-screen helped to blot out the more blatant efforts at foul play be either side.
     The Sergeants now played their trump card. Headed by Commander Leader McCormack (Frothblowers), a solid phalanx of non-playing Mess Members linked arms and counter attacked the Officers from the rear, to the martial music of the Pipes.
     This basely conceived stratagem all but turned the scales in their favour. In the ensuing melee, however, Major ------ (United Breweries), one of the Officers goalkeepers, concealed the ball in a bucket, and, making excellent use of ground and cover, broke into a run and scored a brilliant try. Soon afterwards the proceedings broke up, victory being claimed by both sides.
     The issue is still in doubt.
     A Treasure Hunt was held on Boxing Day and provided good exercise for the ten teams entered.
     No. 2 team of "D" Company finished up as winners, closely followed by "Mixed" team. The Carrier Platoon were third.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The North African Campaign

     The climax of the Allied campaign in North Africa cannot at the date of writing (the middle of March) by much longer delayed. Nor is there much doubt as to its final result. The most that the Axis forces there can hope for is to postpone as long as possible the day of their final expulsion from the small area of Tunisia which they now hold.
     The balance of forces is clearly and irrevocably on the Allied side. The least optimistic estimate can hardly put it at less than three to one in our favour. Not all these forces can of course be concentrated in Tunisia for the decisive offensive, but there are ample troops available for victory once the necessary preparations and preliminary moves have been completed, the weather clears, and the ground in North Tunisia dries sufficiently to allow of full scale and continuous operations.
     The delay in the launching of the Allied attack has caused considerable public bewilderment and disappointment, for which a full knowledge of the circumstances shows little justification. As is known, the original plan of campaign for the expedition did not include, and could not have included, the conquest of Tunisia. The complete occupation and consolidation of Algeria and Morocco was quite as much as could reasonably be counted on, unless the French resistance proved, as it in fact did, to be negligible. Immediately on the news of the Allied landings, the Axis rushed troops by air and sea across the Sicilian channel into Tunisia, and established a foothold in the coastal plain covering Tunis and Bizerta. This was accomplished just in time to forestall the Allied attempt to capture these harbours, which had to be made with the few troops available, working at the end of a long and ill-established line of communications. Once this attempt had failed, it was impossible to renew it in greater strength, as our defective supply lines could not support a larger force for some time, and by the time they had been improved the wet winter weather had come to enforce a cessation of further large-scale operations until the following spring.
     The Allied High Command therefore decided to devote the ensuing three months of enforced inactivity to intensive preparations for a large scale combined attack. General Eisenhower's Command, in its positions in the mountains of northern and central Tunisia, was regrouped into two armies, the British First Army under General Anderson in the north, and the American Fifth Army under General Clark on its right. French troops held the southern wing of the line in the lower hills overlooking the central plain west of Sfax and Gabes. Much heavy and necessary work was done on roads and railways, ports and airfields, and naval and air harassing of enemy rear areas, ports, and shipping trying to slip across the Sicilian Channel, sorely limited the influx of his reinforcements and supplies. On this part of the  theatre of operations, then, the preparations for the forthcoming Allied offensive went steadily ahead throughout December and January, with little attempt in hostile interference except by sporadic air attacks.
     Meanwhile, the 8th Army, fresh from its triumphant march through Libya, crossed the frontier into southern Tunisia on the heels of Marshal Rommel's beaten forces, which, after fighting a delaying action at Tripoli, were apparently preparing to stand behind the old French defences south of Gabes, known as the Mareth Line. The outlying posts of this Line at Ben Gardane, Medenine, and Foum Tatahouwine fell into our hands in the course of February with little attempt at resistance. By this time, then, the Axis forces in Tunisia, under the command of General Arnim in the north and of Marshal Rommel in the south, were freed with the peril of an overwhelmingly powerful combined attack from the south and the west, against which they could not hope to hold out for long.
     The Axis Commanders apparently decided that in this compromising position the only course of action which offered them any prospect of postponing their ultimate fate was to apply the strategy classically known as that of "interior lines." By this an army holding a position between two converging hostile armies, the combined strength of which exceeds its own, strikes in full force first at one and then at the other before they can affect their junction. The ratio of forces in Tunisia was not such that the Axis Commanders could have any real chance of defeating or driving far back either of the two Allied masses opposed to them, but they might score some partial successes, which would disarrange the Allied plans and preparations and thus gain time and elbow room.
     The first of these blows was launched in the area west of Sfax, where a small American force, composed for the most part of inexperienced troops, had taken over the front from the French, who were being withdrawn to be re-armed and re-equipped. This attack therefore met with considerable initial success: the whole coastal area was overrun, and the Allied forces were thrust back into the hills to the west, where it appeared that Tebessa, the forward base for all this part of the front, was for the moment in danger. Allied reserves sent down from the north restores the situation and thrust the enemy back out of the hills back to the coastal plain, inflicting considerable casualties.
     In the hope that our front up north had been dangerously weakened to parry this danger in the south, Arnim now launched a series of thrusts into the mountains west of Tunis, but though a few of our forward posts had to be withdrawn, on the whole these efforts were unduly costly and quickly petered out without bringing the enemy any success worth the name. Our casualties were much lighter than those suffered by the Axis troops, and no ground of any importance to us was lost.
     While these operations in the north were in full swing, Rommel in the south struck a heavy blow with strong armoured support at the western flank of our 8th Army. It was repelled so vigorously as to discourage its repetition, and the enemy paid heavily for his defeat.
     With the failure of all these attacks, the offensive power, or at least the offensive will, of the Axis Commander exhausted itself for the time being and by mid-March an ominous quiet reigned on the Tunisian battle fields. It was not to remain unbroken for long, indeed by the time these lines appear in print the long awaited Allied offensive will probably have been launched. It is doubtful if the previous struggles of the enemy to avoid, or at least postpone, the closing in of our forces upon him and his ultimate destruction, had any real effect at all. It is certain that they were not worth the effort and the losses which they cost him, for they seriously reduced his own fighting powers and resources, while leaving those of the Allies still heavily superior. It is unlikely that they availed in any way to postpone the date of our offensive, which in due course was to be launched with all the forces at our command as soon as our chosen time came.

                                                              Woodlands,
                                                             Wrecclesham,
                                                              Farnham, Surrey.
                                                                      May, 1942.
     During the past year there has been a falling off in the subscriptions from the Battalions at home. It was felt by the I.T.C. and the commanders of the Home Battalions that, as men were so often drafted from them to other units, the O.C.A. had no claim on their pockets. Personally, I do not hold with this point of view. Mt belief is that "once a Faugh, always a Faugh." A man who has served in the Regiment and appreciated its spirit will never grudge the small amount he has paid to funds which will help his successors.
     The Battalion abroad has continued to subscribe, but not being certain of my whereabouts, has sent the money to the Colonel of the Regiment, who holds it in his Regimental fund.
     Subscriptions from officers have fallen slightly. These are all paid by bankers' orders, few of which have been made since the outbreak of war. Consequently, the death of every pre-war officer is a reduction in our income. I do hope that all officers who read this report will either send me a subscription or a banker's order for as much as they can afford.
     The number of widow pensioners has been raised from eight to ten. The two new pensioners have been put on the list on the recommendation of the Irish Branch Secretary.
     The grants to the London and Irish Branches are on a small scale: all but the aged and infirm are in employment.
     Out thanks are again due to Messrs. Lloyds Bank, 6, Pall Mall, for their unfailing courtesy and advice.
                                        A. V. Olphert, Lieut.-Colonel,
                                            Hon. Secretary and Treasurer

Old Comrades' Association, the Royal Irish Fusiliers Central Fund

Statement of receipts and expenditure for the period April 1st, 1941, to March 31st, 1942

                Receipts:-                                                   £     s.    d.

              Expenditure:-

     Investments of the Fund - £900 N.S.W. 3½ per. cent. Stock 1930/50; £100 Queensland 4 per. cent. 1940/50; £100 Commonwealth of Australia 3¾ per. cent. 1946/49; £200 Local Loans 3 per. cent. ann. stock cert.; £1,552 4s. 6d. 3½ per. cent. War Loan; £250 5s. 3½ per. cent. Conversion Stock; £625 3 per. cent. Defence Bonds
     Annual Subscriptions are paid to the following:- Soldiers' and Sailors' Help Society; S.S. and A. Families' Association; Royal Cambridge Home for Soldiers' Widows; National Association for ex-Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen; Royal National Hospital for Consumption; Royal Drummond Institute; Royal Victoria Hospital; St. Dunstan's; Royal National Sanatorium; Royal Soldiers' Daughters' Home; Corps of Commissionaires; British Legion.

THE ARMAGH LIGHT INFANTRY

     Those who have studied the history of the Armagh Light Infantry, which later became the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, know that when the Regiment was embodied for home service during the Crimean War, they sent a large draft to the Durhams, then the 68th Light Infantry. It is now so well known that at the same time the Armaghs also sent drafts to a number of other regiments.
     Recently when going over a number of old papers to make up a parcel of waste paper to help in the present war, I came across a parade state of the Armagh Light Infantry on which was set out the numbers transferred from the Regiment to various units of the Regular Army, and I am informed that this is the only known record of these transfers.
     Dated March 21st, 1856, the State sets out that the Regiment was embodied on December 27th, 1854, and that 407 men volunteered for active service, and were distributed as follows:-

     The second document which I turned up bears a sketch of a game cock, which is the crest of the Achesons (the family of the Earls of Gosford) and on the fly leaf is written:-
     "The Game Cock (Acheson Crest) proclaims the fame of the Armagh Regiment in modest song.
     "Not a bad front for forage cap?"
     Evidently a suggestion that the crest of the Earl of Gosford, Colonel of the Regiment, should be adopted as a cap badge.
     Major William Cross, who signs the parade state, belonged to the old County Armagh family of Cross of Dartan, Killylea. He was a D.L. and J.P. for the county, of which he was High Sheriff in 1847. Major Cross had formerly been adjutant (and captain) of the 68th Light Infantry, which was probably why so many of the men went to that Regiment. He later become Colonel-Commandant of the Armaghs. Born in 1815, he died in 1882.
     The Armagh Light Infantry at this time had Archibald, third Earl of Gosford and His Majesty's Lieutenant for the County, as their Hon. Colonel. Lord Gosford, who previous to succeeding to the title had been created a peer of the United Kingdom as Baron Acheson of Glencairn, County Armagh, was born in 1806 and died in 1964.

September 13th - Heavy fighting continues at Stalingrad
September 14th - Successful combined raid on Tobruk; H.M. destroyers "Zulu" and "Sikh" lost; R.A.F. raid Bremen and Russians Rumanian oilfields at Ploesti
September 15th - Germans penetrate into Stalingrad suburbs; Japanese attack on American positions in Solomon Islands beaten off; R.A.F. bomb Wilhelmshaven
September 16th - French authorities in Madagascar ask for armistice
September 17th - Germans enter north-western area of Stalingrad; Russians check hostile advance in North Caucasus; heavy fighting in New Guinea; British armistice terms in Madagascar rejected by French; heavy R.A.F. raid on Essen; 39 bombers lost
September 18th - New British landing on east coast of Madagascar; fighting in Stalingrad suburbs continues; Russians attack in Voronezh sector and make progress
September 19th - Fierce fighting for Stalingrad still in progress; successful Australian raid on Japanese shipping in Buna Harbour, New Guinea
September 20th - Russians recapture lost ground in Stalingrad; R.A.F. bomb Munich and Saar area; British forces in Madagascar continue advance on Antananarivo
September 21st - Germans claim advance in Mozdok area of Caucasus; Japanese advance in New Guinea slows down
September 22nd - Russians in Stalingrad regain more ground; British raid Axis bases in  Egypt; Germans make exaggerated claims of losses inflicted on Arctic convoy
September 23rd - Russians commence counter offensive against German flank north-west of Stalingrad; British in Madagascar occupy Antananarivo
September 24th - New German attacks at Stalingrad repulsed; R.A.F. raid Flensburg and Russians bomb Budapest
September 25th - Fighting in Stalingrad main street; 40 enemy aircraft and two submarines claimed destroyed in attack on Arctic convoy
September 26th - Russians gain more ground north-west of Stalingrad; R.A.F. raid Oslo in daylight without loss
September 27th - Russians repulse German thrust in centre of Stalingrad and retake more buildings on outskirts of city
September 28th - Fighting in Stalingrad area continues; Australians assume offensive in New Guinea; U.S. aircraft damage Japanese warships and transports in Solomons
September 29th - Russians counter-offensive north-west of Stalingrad reaches River Don; R.A.F. raid Munich and Bremen
September 30th - Enemy attacks held at Stalingrad; Australians recapture Ioribaiwa Ridge in New Guinea
October 1st - Russians counter-offensive north-west of Stalingrad gains ground; enemy attack in Mozdok area checked; local British attack in Egypt; Australian in New Guinea occupy Nauro
October 2nd - Russians retake lost ground in Stalingrad; R.A.F. raid Flensburg
October 3rd - Fighting in Stalingrad still heavy
October 4th - Australians in New Guinea occupy Elogi
October 5th - Germans gain ground in outskirts of Stalingrad; British occupy whole of Madagascar railway system; heavy fighting in Solomons; U.S. troops hold all positions
October 6th - New heavy battle in Stalingrad; Russian advance north-west of city continues; R.A.F. raid Western Germany; Australian advance in New Guinea still goes forward
October 7th - German attacks in Stalingrad held in check; but make slight progress in Caucasus; R.A.F. raid Osnabruck
October 8th - Germans fetter British prisoners in reprisal for alleged binding of German troops during raid on Sark; British announce that equal number of German prisoners will be fettered; Australian advance in New Guinea slows down
October 9th - New German attack at Stalingrad repelled; heavy R.A.F. and U.S. Air Force daylight raid on factory at Lille; German threat to fetter three times number of British prisoners if any German prisoners fettered
October 10th - German attack at Stalingrad slackens; heavy fighting in Mozdok area; German prisoners of war fettered in reprisal for fettering of British prisoners. One hundred and five hostile aircraft destroyed or damaged in R.A.F. and .U.S. air force raid on Lille
October 11th - Battle dies down at Stalingrad; heavy R.A.F. raid on Axis bases in Western Desert of Egypt
October 12th - German attack in Mozdok area repulsed; Japanese launch naval attack on Solomon Islands
October 13th - Minor activity only at Stalingrad; Japanese attack in Solomons repulsed; six enemy ships sunk; forty-eight Axis aircraft shot down over Malta; R.A.F. raid North-West Germany
October 14th - Naval engagement between light craft in North Sea, one hostile E-boat sunk; heavy R.A.F. raid on Kiel
October 15th - Heavy new hostile attacks launched at Stalingrad and at Tuapse in Caucasus; fifteen Axis aircraft shot down at Malta; heavy fighting in Solomons; successful naval attack on enemy shipping in Channel
October 16th - German attacks in Stalingrad checked; U.S. troops arrive in Liberia; Australians cross crest of Owen Stanley range in New Guinea
October 17th - Germans continue slow advance in Stalingrad; successful R.A.F. daylight raid on Le Creusot armament works in France
October 18th - Germans progress in Stalingrad slows down; Japanese reinforcements land in Solomon Islands; enemy raids on Malta continue, total of aircraft destroyed last week now 112
October 19th - Fighting slackens down in Stalingrad; U.S. warships shell Japanese positions in Solomon Islands; hostile air raids on Malta less intense
October 20th - Hostile attacks in Stalingrad repulsed; Australians in New Guinea repulse Japanese counter strokes
October 21st - Russians regain ground in Stalingrad; U.S. Air Force bomb Lorient; R.A.F. fighters raid Western Germany; intensive air activity in Egypt
October 22nd - German attack in Caucasus repulsed; Australians in New Guinea continue advance in Kokoda
October 23rd - German attacks in Stalingrad checked; heavy R.A.F. raid on Genoa and daylight attacks on targets in France, Low Countries and Germany; allied air attacks in Egypt continue
October 24th - Eighth Army launches offensive in Egypt; R.A.F. raid Genoa; German attacks in Mozdok area die down
October 25th - Eighth Army offensive continued successfully; R.A.F. raid Milan by day and night; Germans make slight gain in Stalingrad; allied bombers sink 11 Japanese ships at Rabaul; Japanese attack in Solomons repulsed
Octobers 26th - Eighth Army holds gains in Egypt; Russian counter-attacks regain lost ground in Stalingrad; Japanese suffer naval losses and damage in Solomon Islands
October 27th - Hostile counter-attacks beaten off in Egypt; Russians recover more ground in Stalingrad area
October 28th - Hostile tank counter-stroke beaten off in Egypt; Germans gain ground in Stalingrad; Russian success in Tuapse area; enemy attacks on U.S. positions in Guadalcanal repulsed
October 29th - German attacks repulsed at Stalingrad; fighting breaks out in Nalchik area of Caucasus
October 30th - Eighth Army gain more ground in Egypt; Russians hold ground at Stalingrad and advance to north-west and south of city; Japanese fleet withdraws from Guadalcanal area; British enter Fianarantsoa in South Madagascar
October 31st - Pause in fighting in Egypt; German attack in Nalchik area of Caucasus continues
November 1st - Successful U.S. air attack on enemy shipping in Solomons; Eighth Army makes fresh advance in Egypt; fighting at Stalingrad less intense
November 2nd - Axis detachment enclosed in pocket in Egyptian battle, attempts to break ring fail; Russians evacuate Nalchik; Japanese naval forces compelled to evacuate Solomons area after  considerable losses from U.S. attacks
November 3rd - Axis positions in Egypt broken through in centre; Australians continue advance in New Guinea
November 4th - Axis forces retreat under close pursuit and heavy attack; Germans launch new general attack at Stalingrad
November 5th - British pursuit of Axis remnant in Egypt continues; German attack on Stalingrad fails
November 6th - British forces reach area 100 miles west of El Alemein 4,000 more hostile prisoners taken; armistice signed and hostilities cease in Madagascar
no 7th?
November 8th - U.S. forces land on coast of French North Africa with support of British Navy and R.A.F.; appeal to French people and armed forces to co-operate with Allies; precipitate Axis retreat in Egypt continues; R.A.F. raid Genoa and targets in Western Europe
November 9th - U.S. forces in North Africa attack Algiers, Oran, Rabat and Casablanca; British troops land in support; relations between U.S.A. and Vichy France broken off; Axis rearguard cut off at Mersa Matruh surrenders; R.A.F. and U.S.A.A.F. bomb St. Nazaire and Havre
November 10th - Algiers capitulates to U.S. forces under general Eisenhower; fighting continues at Oran, Casablanca and Rabat; Germany denounces armistice with France and proclaims intention of occupying all French territory in Europe
November 11th - Oran and Rabat surrender to Allied forces; German troops enter Vichy Francs and send airborne troops to Tunisia; British forces in Egypt capture Axis rearguard at Buq Buq
November 12th - British First Army in Algeria commence advance on Tunisia. Eighth Army cross frontier from Egypt into Cyrenaica
November 13th - British First Army occupies Bona; Eight Army reoccupies Sollum, Bardia and Tobruk
November 14th - British First Army crosses frontier from Algeria into Tunisia; Eighth Army occupies Gazala; Japanese in New Guinea driven from Wairopi
November 15th - Thirteen enemy U-boats destroyed off North African coast; Eighth Army occupies Tmiimi, and total of Axis losses in Egypt now 75,000; R.A.F. raid Genoa again; Germans complete occupation of Vichy France except for Toulon
November 16th - R.A.F. bomb Tunis aerodrome and Genoa; Eight Army occupies Martuba; U.S.A. fleet defeats Japanese in Solomons, sinking enemy battleship, five cruisers, five destroyers and 12 transports for loss of two cruisers and five destroyers
November 17th - Eighth Army occupies Derna and Mekiki; Allied forces in New Guinea close in on Japanese base at Buna and Gona
November 18th - Germans renew attack in Stalingrad; allied advance in New Guinea continues
November 19th - German attack in Stalingrad repulsed and Russians win decisive local victory in Central Caucasus; British First Army drives back German advanced troops in Tunisia; R.A.F. raid Turin
November 20th - Eighth Army occupies Benghazi; three Japanese warships sunk or damaged off New Guinea
November 21st - Russian counter-offensive on both flanks of German forces engaged before Stalingrad launched; allied forces in New Guinea close in on Buna and Gona
November 22nd - Russians cut railways leading west and south-west from Stalingrad and make large captures of prisoners and material
November 23rd - Russian progress west of  Stalingrad continues; Eight Army occupies Jedabia; Allies in New Guinea capture Gona
November 24th - Russians capture three enemy divisions west of Stalingrad; Eighth Army occupies Jalo; First Army in Tunisia occupies Medjez-el-Bab
November 25th - German forces retreating from Stalingrad cut off and captured or destroyed; heavy fighting continues at Buna in New Guinea
November 26th - Russian successes west of Stalingrad continue; two Japanese destroyers sunk off New Guinea
November 27th - Germans occupy Toulon, last free area of France, French warships in harbour scuttled and sunk. First Army in Tunisia advances to within 20 miles of Tunis and Bizerta
November 28th - First Army occupies Djedeida; R.A.F. raid Turin
November 29th - Russian attacks in Stalingrad area and on central front continue successfully; R.A.F. raid Tripoli and Turin; two French submarines escape from Toulon, reach Algiers
November 30th - Russian offensives make continued progress; First Army continues offensive towards Tunis and Bizerta; Allies clear Japanese from Gona in New Guinea; French Island of Reunion in Indian Ocean declares for Allies
December 1st - Russians continue advance in Stalingrad area and on central front
December 2nd - Axis counter-attack west of Tunis repulsed by First Army; two hostile destroyers and four supply ships sunk in Mediterranean; H.M. destroyer "Quentin" lost; six Japanese destroyers and one U.S. cruiser sunk in naval battle off Solomon Islands
December 4th - Russian offensives in both areas continue successfully; two enemy merchant ships sunk off Tunisia; R.A.F. raid on Naples, Italian cruiser sunk and battleship and cruiser damaged
December 5th - Russians cross Don south-west of Stalingrad; First Army in Tunisia evacuates Djedeida and Tebourba
December 6th - Fierce fighting in Rzhev and Veliki Luki areas on central front in Russia; R.A.F. again raid Turin
December 7th Heavy German counter-attacks on Russian battlefronts fail; Axis counter-attack at Tebourba in Tunisia repulsed; Allies in New Guinea gain more ground at Buna
December 8th - Russian offensive progress on both battlefronts slowed down by enemy counter-attacks
December 9th - Heavy fighting on Russian battlefronts continues; Japanese attempt to land reinforcements in New Guinea frustrated
December 10th - R.A.F. raid Turin again; Allies in New Guinea occupy whole of Gona area.
December 11th - Allies in Tunisia repulse hostile counter-attacks at Medjez-el-bab; hostile counter-attacks in Stalingrad area fail
December 13th - New enemy counter-attacks in Tunisia repulsed; successful allied attacks on Axis shipping and transport aircraft in Mediterranean; R.A.F. raid Turin again. Russian claim 170,000 Germans killed and prisoners in recent offensives
December 14th - Axis forces in Libya evacuate Agheila defences; German counter-offensive south-west of Stalingrad gains some ground
December 15th - Axis retreat into Tripolitania continues. German offensive in Stalingrad checked; Allies in New Guinea capture Buna
December 16th - Eight Army continues pursuit of Rommel's Army in Tripolitania; Russians recover ground lost south-west of Stalingrad
December 17th - Eighth Army cuts off part of Rommel's rearguard west of El Agheila; heavy allied raid on Tunis
December 18th - Eighth Army occupies Nofilia. British submarines sink Axis shipping in Mediterranean
December 19th - New Russian offensive south of Voronezh cuts railway to Rostov. 30,000 Germans killed or captured; Indian troops advance across frontier of Burma north-west of Akyab
December 20th - Russian offensive continues to make rapid progress; heavy raids by day and night by R.A.F. and U.S.A.F. on French and German targets; Allies gain more ground in New Guinea
December 21st - Russian advance foes on; Eighth Army occupies Sultan; heavy allied air raids on Duisburg and Romilly-sur-Seine
December 22nd - Russians approach Millerovo; R.A.F. bomb Munich; allied attacks progress in New Guinea
December 23rd - Russians claim capture of total of 36.600 prisoners in Don offensive; allied advance in New Guinea continues
no 24th or 25th
December 26th - Russians continue advance successfully in Don bend and south-west of Stalingrad; Admiral Darlan assassinated at Algiers; Eighth Army advance in Tripolitania goes on
December 27th - First Army makes local advance near Medjez-el-Bab in Tunisia
December 28th - Russian advance continues across Don bend; General Giraud replaces Admiral Darlan as High Commissioner in French North Africa; Eighth Army in Tripolitania occupies Sirte
December 29th - Russians occupy Koyelnikovo; First Army evacuates ground recently gained in Tunisia
December 30th - Russians advance in Kalmuck Steppe area south of Stalingrad; R.A.F. and U.S.A.F. raid Lorient
December 31st - Russian advance continues on whole front south of Don; German casualties in recent offensive stated to be 175,000 killed and captured; Allies make fresh advance in New Guinea
1943:
January 1st - Russians capture Veliki Luki on central front and Elista in Kalmuck area; British submarines sink Axis destroyer and two supply ships in Mediterranean; twenty Japanese aircraft shot down in raid on Lae, in New Guinea
January 2nd. - Russian advance in Don front continues; allied aircraft raid Rabaul and targets in Burma
January 3rd - Russians occupy Mozdok and Malgobek in Northern Caucasus; Allies in New Guinea occupy Buna Mission Station; R.A.F. and U.S.A.F. bomb Crete and St. Nazaire
January 4th - Russian advance continues in Don, North Caucasus areas; R.A.F. bomb Ruhr; Axis attach on French in Tunisia repulsed
January 5th - Russians occupy Tzimlyansk on Don front and Nalchik and Prokhlacnaya junction in North Caucasus; Eighth Army in Tripolitania occupies Buerat
January 6th - Russians on Kalmuk front reach river Manych; First Army makes successful local attack west of Mateur
January 7th - Russian advance continues on all sectors; Fighting French from Chad territory capture Italian post of Cum-el-Araneb in Fezzan; First Army evacuate gains at Mateur
January 8th - Russians on Don front capture Zimovniki; heavy Axis air and surface attacks on Russian-bound convoy beaten off; H.M. destroyer "Archates" and enemy destroyer sunk; heavy allied air attacks on Japanese convoy bound for New Guinea sink two transports
January 9th - Russian advance on whole southern front continues; allied air attacks on Japanese New Guinea convoy sink another ship; R.A.F. bomb Ruhr
January 10th - Russians cross Kuma river in Caucasus; R.A.F. bomb Ruhr again; Japanese losses in New Guinea convoy total 133 aircraft and six ships lost or damaged
January 11th - Russians occupy Georgievsk and whole of Caucasus Spa territory
January 12th - Russians continue advance; R.A.F. bomb Naples; Fighting French complete conquest of Fezzan by capture of Murauk and Sebha
January 13th - Russian advance in north Caucasus continues. U.S.A.A.F. bomb Tripoli, destroying 40 hostile aircraft. Heavy Allied daylight raids on Lille. St. Omer and Abbeville. R.A.F. bomb Ruhr at night
January 14th - R.A.F. raid Essen. Allies in New Guinea, capture Mubo, south of Salamaua
January 15th - Russian advance goes forward in Caucasus area and north of Donetz. R.A.F. and U.S.A.A.F. raid Lorient
January 16th - New Russian offensive south of Voronezh advances to depth of 50 miles, and captures 32,000 prisoners. 8th Army drives Axis troops from positions on Wadi Zemzem. R.A.F. raid Berlin
January 17th - Russians capture Millerovo and cross Donetz river at Kamensk. Axis forces in Tripolitania retire from Wadi Zemzem position. R.A.F. raid Berlin again. Germans lose 10 machines out of 60 in raid on London
January 18th - Russians raise 16 months siege of Leningrad. 8th Army's advance toward Tripoli continues. Allied aircraft sink 4 Japanese ships in raid on Rabaul
January 19th - Russians capture Valuiki and Kamensk. 8th Army occupy Misurata. Allies reach sea at Sanananda Point in New Guinea
January 20th - Russian advance continues in all fronts. Enemy attack gains ground in Pont du Fahs area of Tunisia. 13 Axis ships sunk in Mediterranean in 3 days. Hostile day raid on London, 11 machines shot down
January 21st - Russians capture Voroshilovsk in Caucasus. 8th Army occupies Homs and Tarhuna. Enemy progress in Tunisia checked
January 22nd - Enemy offensive in Tunisia resumed. Russian advance continues all along front from Voronezh to Caucasus
January 23rd - 8th Army occupies Tripoli. Russians occupy Armavir in western Caucasus. Remnant of Japanese forces at Sanananda in New Guinea destroyed
January 24th - 8th Army advances beyond Tripoli towards Zuara. Russians occupy Starobielsk
January 25th - Russians continue advance; Germans evacuate Don bridgehead at Voronezh. Hostile advance checked in Tunisia. R.A.F. raid targets in Sicily and Holland
January 26th - Meeting of President of U.S.A. and Mr. Churchill at Casablanca announced; also meeting of Generals Giraud and De Gaulle. Russians destroy all but small remnants of German forces cut off at Stalingrad. 8th Army occupies Zaura
January 27th - R.A.F. raid Dusseldorf, Russians commence new offensive north-west of Voronezh
January 28th - Russians occupy Kastornaya, west of Voronezh
January 29th - Russians capture Novo Oskol, west of Voronezh and Vcropotkin in Caucasus. 8th Army cross western frontier of Tripolitania
January 30th - Russians occupy Tikhorets junction and Maikop oil fields area. R.A.F. raid Berlin in daylight, and also Emden, 5 machines lost
January 31st - Field-Marshall Paulus and greater part of German forces surrounded outside Stalingrad surrender. German attack launches west of Sfax in Tunisia. R.A.F. raid Messina
February 1st - Mr. Churchill's visit to Turkey announced. Russians capture Svatovo, south-west of Kharkov. 8th Army enters Zuara. R.A.F. raid Messina again
February 2nd - Remnant of German 6th Army cut off outside Stalingrad surrenders. Naval action begun in Solomon Islands area. Mr. Churchill's visit to Cyprus announced. Local fighting in southern Tunisia begins
February 3rd - Russians cross Orel-Kursk railway and capture Kuplansk, also Kushchevka on Rostov-Krasnodar railway. R.A.F. raid Cologne in force
February 4th - Russians close in on Kursk, occupying Tim and Schchigry. Allies make local advance in north Tunisia. R.A.F. bomb Hamburg; 16 machines lost. U.S.A.A.F. raid north-west Germany in daylight. Heavy Axis shipping losses in Mediterranean reported
February 5th - Russians occupy Izyum, Mr. Churchill's visit to 8th Army at Tripoli announced. Local advance effected by 1st Army near Bou Arada in Tunisia. R.A.F. raid Turin and Spezia
February 6th - Russians capture Barvemkovo in the Ukraine, and Baraisk and Yeisk in Kuban area. Mr. Churchill arrives back in Britain