War Diaries
During both the First and Second World Wars,each unit was required to complete a War Diary ,documenting the units activities for that day.Original copies of these Diaries are generally kept at the Regiments Museum as well as the Public Record Office ,nr Kew Gardens in London where they can be viewed. Below is a fascimilie of a war diary (The format in the true tradition of the army is specific although content was the responsibility of the commanding officer. ). These diary entries are in general written on the day of the individual entry. Please note in certain circumstances (generally in times of greatest stress ie. The entire Regiment being overrun or on the retreat) there may not be a diary entry.
Entries written in a War Diary are entered using Military Terms (Jargon). For a better understanding of these terms follow this link :-
| Instructions Regarding War Diaries and Intelligence Summaries are contained in F.S.Regs,Vol 1. Monthly War Diaries will be enclosed in A.F. C.2119. If this is not available ,and for Intelligence Summaries the cover will be prepared in manuscript |
WAR DIARY or INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY |
Army Form...C.2118 Unit.....1ST BN THE SUFFOLK REGT
|
| Month and Year......JUNE 1944 | (Delete heading not required) | Commanding Officer..Lt Col. J.G.M.B Gough |
| Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
| CAZELLE | 28 | AM | A comparitively quiet night was spent by the BN. 'COMPO' was brought round | - |
| - | - | - | between One + Two o'clock abd BN H.Q. prepared to move forward at 0400hrs. | - |
| - | - | - | - | APP D |
| LA LANDEL | 0-- | 0415 | The attack started .BN HQ moved forward but stayed at the corner of LE MESNIL | - |
| - | - | WOOD . LE LANDEL under heavy + mortar fire. | - | |
| - | - | 0530 | Apparently 'B' + 'C' had reached the objective but no news was received until much later | - |
| - | - | - | Wireless communication had broken down. | - |
| - | - | 0615 | MAJOR PAPPILLON reported severely wounded | - |
| - | - | 0650 | BN HQ moved to Northern Edge of LA LANDEL | - |
| - | - | - | Enemy shelling and Mortaring continue | - |
| - | - | 0830 | 'B' Coy runner reported numerous casualties to Coy. Requested S.B Assistance | - |