Lieut. Ronald Clifford Thomas Goodwin (47456) - Missing Diary of 1940
Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Ronald Clifford Thomas Goodwin who was with the 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment.
Lieutenant R. C. T. Goodwin (1939) |
Monday 1st January 1940 Tuesday 2nd January 1940 Wednesday 3rd January 1940 |
Thursday 4th January 1940
John Tomkinson tried to clear up deficiencies of H.Q. by sending everyone down to Q.M. stores by 9.0 a.m. Of course they all returned without success.
The above made us late starting for the trenches, as I was in charge of 133 H.Q. men, and had to take them out and fill the trenches we had lived in. Got out in 1¾ hrs – 7 miles – freezing till 3.0 p.m. Rations for lunch and 3 digging parties of 1½ hrs. Ground frozen right through – terribly hard work. The Colonel brought out General Grogan who talked to the men. Managed to get some hot tea sent out for 4.15 p.m. Came back in dark – 1 hr 40 mins marching. Rush to get ready for mess – very good dinner as General Grogan (Colonel of the Worcestershire Regiment) and Honorary Colonel Tomkinson were present. Hon. Col. broke down in his speech – very cheery evening otherwise – batman with accordion.
Grand Avenue (1940) |
Capt. John Tomkinson |
Bear Inn, Hungerford |
Friday 5th January 1940
The signallers were very late getting up to breakfast so general raspberry all round and promise of charge sheet if late tomorrow. Set them to exchange work and buzzer reading. After lunch deficiency parade at Q.M. stores of issue of battle-dress, boots and greatcoats.
Tea at St. Patricks tearoom, quite fun over mix-up over dates.
NO ENTRIES IN THE DIARY FOR 6TH TO 10TH JANUARY 1940
Thursday 11th January 1940
The morning I spent with the Signal Platoon and doing odd jobs and after lunch went to ‘D’ Company and gave my 16 Platoon a foot and rifle inspection.
Friday 12th January 1940
Very cold and frosty. Tony Whitaker and self took Company up to the Grand Avenue for kit inspection after a lecture by Terry Viney on expected behaviour of a Platoon commander.
Stayed to see lunches and in afternoon, very little to do.
Tea at St. Patricks and a steak at the Castle and Ball with Jean, Dick and Kitty before going on to dance at the Aylesbury.
Dance was quite good fun but terrific crowd and Jean and I didn’t stay till the end. Air Force Band was quite good.
Saturday 13th January 1940 Sunday 14th January 1940 |
ss Amsterdam troopship sales for France |
Monday 15th January 1940
Dick and I got up at 6 a.m., dressed and went round our prospective platoons. Still foggy and sea very calm. Breakfast in the saloon, after seeing men’s meal.
Parade at 10.30 a.m. – inspection including rifles, mess tins and emergency rations, then P.T. which was difficult as my Platoon was on the hatch of the well deck. Convoy moved off shortly after midday when fog had lifted. After lunch, P.T. on foredeck and I took a few photos. Sea still calm, and at 6.30 p.m. dropped anchor outside Le Havre. Speed over was 18 knots. Men very cheerful. Ward has abscess in tooth. At 7.0 p.m. we weighed anchor and came into the harbour, lifting the buttress’s on the key hard three times. After short Company confab we went to bed. I think convoy was of 8 troop ships and 4 destroyers – good journey and very comfortable.
Tuesday 16th January 1940
Reveille was 5.30 a.m. and after seeing men’s breakfast and having had our won on ship, we paraded and marched off ashore.
Arriving at the Maritime American – a colossal mass of new buildings, we took off our kit, the men had a hot meal and the officers went down to the Rest Room, where we fed and changed our money. I took a photo of the “City of Paris” in Le Havre harbour.
1.19 p.m. we went in train to Yvetôt, then detrained. It was frightfully cold and snowing. We march 2 miles and then found we were on the wrong road, came back and went another mile, and were met by R.A.S.C. transport who took the Battalion, in relays, to St. Giles – 9 miles – as there were insufficient trucks. Got to our billets about 8.0 p.m. worn out and very cold.
Wednesday 17th January 1940
Our billets consisted of a small disused house, a loft and a barn – not very good.
We spent the morning cleaning up, and breaking up ice for water. After route march, I was told that as part of an advance party I had to go to Blangy – 50 miles distance – immediately. We finally left at 2.0 p.m. in an 8 cwt and a 15 cwt. Party was George Coventry, Andy, Keith Evers, Pat Monahan and myself and 5 NCO’s. I drove the 15 cwt and was nearly killed by the cold. Arrived at Blangy after dark and luckily met Simon Green there, who took us on to Airaines. The NCO’s were in the back of the 15 cwt – poor devils.
We finally found billets and fed at the Ecu de la France. Found that actually only one officer should have been sent for our job – another ballsup!
(6 of the transport ill with flu.)
Route taken by 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment to Airaines |
Thursday 18th January 1940 Did not get up very early and after breakfast went round with M. Blandin the Billetting Officer of Airaines, to fix up billets for transport, who were supposed to arrive today. Heard that they were help up by bad weather – snow and ice – and were coming tomorrow. Current drinks here, seems to be Cognac grog and Pigmante. Found I could make myself fairly well understood by the French people. At 4.0 p.m. we went to Amiens – 28 km – in P.U. Very little doing there, and after tea at the Hotel de Universe came back. Bought some “hot” magazines at Amiens causing great amusement. After dinner we went to bed, Andy and I in different billet to previous night – very comfortable room, owned by people named Levis. |
Friday 19th January 1940
Breakfast at 10.0 a.m, and George and I left in the 15 cwt at 12.0 p.m. to meet transport at Blangy, but ran into the convoy, headed by the C.O.’s staff car about 4 miles out of Blangy.
Turned round and started to lead them back when my bus ran out of petrol. George went on in staff car while I switched over to reserve tank. Back at Airaines was total confusion over billets as they had brought 4 extra officers, but it was sorted out eventually. Brigade had also arrived with the Glosters and 8 Worcs.
Heard we were moving on to Beaumetz tomorrow, and I was stay behind to get a “clear” report on billets.
David slept with Andy and I.
Saturday 20th January 1940
Today was, I think, the worst I have yet experienced in the army. I had to get up at 3.0 a.m. to visit the Guard over the transport, and later the C.O. told me to bring on the “crocked” vehicles, of which there were 10. Having cleared billets, we started about 12.0 p.m., and had our first mishap immediately, tow rope attached to stearing bar, which of course bent. From then on nothing but trouble – frozen radiators and burst, petrol pumps, and worst of all, lack of petrol, which I eventually scrounged, 24 gal from a Tank Regt., and 24 gal from R. Grd at Douai. The roads were solid ice, and we got lost and had to turn convoy (three on tow) in Rôste. Finally arrived at Le Forest at 2.30 a.m., dead beat, and after knocking up the local gendarme, found billets for the night with H.Q. cooks.
Sunday 21st January 1940
Up again at 8.0 a.m., met the C.O. and had breakfast with him, and later heard that the Technical Truck (which we lost in Rôste) had turned up. I spent the morning cleaning myself up and settling into my billet, which was with Tony Whitaker, in a very neat little house in Le Forest. In the afternoon, I went up to ‘D’ Company, which were situated in Rue de Citédubois in empty houses.
The cold was terrific, and it was snowing occasionally.
Went to bed after supper fairly early, but didn’t sleep much, as I was very cold – floor of our room is stone.
I had borrowed a bed from Pat Monahan.
NO ENTRIES IN THE DIARY FOR 22ND TO 24TH JANUARY 1940
Thursday 25th January 1940
Up at 7.0 a.m. and saw breakfast at ‘D’ Company Parade at 9.0 a.m., with webbing and haversack for Battalion Route march.
Passed starting point at 9.30 a.m., and marched for 9 miles. Conditions were very bad for marching as roads were solid ice, but I got terribly hot after 2 hrs.
We got back at about 12.45 p.m. feeling very tired – I had had rifle of Dukes who fell out early on.
In the afternoon I went with the CQMS in a 15 cwt to draw a Co. rum ration and blanco. Censored a few letters, then went and had a hair cut and shampoo – very good and cheap – 6.50 frs. At 9.0 p.m. I went up to ‘D’ Company to see rum ration and then came back to billet.
NO ENTRIES IN THE DIARY FOR 26TH JANUARY TO 24TH FEBRUARY 1940
Sunday 25th February 1940
George Coventry, Johnny Betts, Sam Ibbotson and myself set off about 1.30 p.m. for Aubencheul-au-Bac from Saméon to attend an Officers Tactical Training Course, run by, Corps and attached to 7th Cheshires.
We travelled in an 8 cwt, and the Batmen and luggage in a 15 cwt.
Arriving at the Château (the Mess) we were then shown to our billets. I was shown to a farmhouse, in the main-street, and found I was sharing a room with another officer of the K.S.L.I., Brook-Smith.
The French family – Cochon by name – had us on show to their friends and relations and drank our health.
Monday 26th February 1940 Tuesday 27th February 1940 NO ENTRIES IN THE DIARY FOR 28TH FEBRUARY TO 15TH MARCH 1940
|
Lieut. George Coventry |
Saturday 16th March 1940
The morning was spent on interior economy and as I was Battalion Grd. Officer. I had to go to Heuén Leitard (via Vimy Ridge) to get tickets for the party who were going to a George Formby Concert in the evening. Went I a P.U. Truck with Lea and was terribly rushed for time, but just made it. At the ticket office, met Derek Woodward of the 51st A/Tk. Regt.
Was the only one in for the evening at Mess and went to bed fairly early after orderly duties.
Sunday 17th March 1940
Was rather a slack day, mild but raining. Church parade, with service taken by a new padré, who gave a very fine sermon, using as a parable the building of Liverpool Cathedral – men carving, cutting stones, and wheeling up cement, the latter “was building a Cathedral”. – likened to the boring and tedious and apparently pointless work out here.
I had rather a head in the afternoon, so spent it quietly in my billet. Nothing particular for rest of day.
Monday 18th March 1940
Parade at 8.15 a.m., and we marched out from Agny to Neuville-Vitesse to partake in a Battalion Advance Guard action. Very mild day, and got very hot marching. We, (‘D’ Company) were at the rear of the main Guard, and moved soberly till 3.30 p.m. with a few intermittent halts. At 3.30 p.m. we ate our rations and marched to the tea trucks. Halted by an Estaminet were there was an exceedingly pretty girl watching us – greatly to the amusement of the troops. Back at Agny by 5.30 p.m. – very long and tiring day, 15 miles, which my Platoon stuck well. Conpab. at 6.30 p.m., and the John T and I were in Company Office till 9.10 p.m., preparing for tomorrow.
NO ENTRIES IN THE DIARY FOR 19TH MARCH TO 3RD APRIL 1940
Thursday 4th April 1940
The Sgt. Major and I did not get up early – 9.30 a.m.
Friday 5th April 1940 |
Enfield P.14 Sniping Rifle |
Saturday 6th April 1940
After collecting some ammunition we went out to our range, and proceeded to make some targets out of corrugated sheeting. Having done this and painted on some black bulls, we fired at them.
At 100 yards, I had 3” groups with aperture sights and some with telescopic.
A Sgt. Maclean of the Camerons had an amazing group of 2” with aperture, and ½” with tele (telephoto).
After lunch, I went in to Arras with Nigel Parker and Stewart, and bought a pair of French boots, notepaper and novel. Had tea “tout seul” at the Grand Hotel.
The Staff Capt. – David Leslie – came to dinner.
Sunday 7th April 1940
Did not get up till 8.30 a.m. and spent a very lazy day, writing letters.
Lovely morning and afternoon with hot sun.
NO ENTRIES IN THE DIARY FOR 8TH APRIL TO 10TH APRIL 1940
Thursday 11th April 1940
Passed a quiet morning digging on Section Post and Brigadier came round to see progress made.
1.40 p.m. I was called to Battalion Orderly Room with Pat Monahan and told to report to Orchies – the Mairie – for T.C.P. conbab. Pat and I went in by 15 cwt truck and had a cup of tea first. Got back to Battalion O.R. (Orderly Room) by 7.30 p.m., to find everyone in a flap, and at 2 hours notice to move. Frightful rush from then on, organising T.C.P. Transport all came up from Marchieunes and everything was packed, preparatory to move into Belgium. I had No. 3 Police Motorbike, and did Rumegies-Saméon 6 times, and finally settled back at Saméon at 2.45 a.m., and slept for two hours in my clothes on my bed, and was woken twice for messages coming in.
Friday 12th April 1940
Woke up early – 5.30 a.m. – and rolled out of bed, and after digging out the batman, was able to “wet” my face and hands. Was called to Company Office to answer phone – the Colonel – who blew up not finding an officer ready by phone. Had breakfast in Company Office. Biked to Rumegies, and got soaked in mud running into a ditch.
Pay parade before lunch, and after lunch went to Rumegies again and confab with Sandy Watson who was on same T.C.P.
Went to bed fairly early, - a well organized bed this time and had a good nights rest, with no break.
Saturday 13th April 1940
Was in Company Office censoring letters till 10.0 a.m., when I received message that T.C.P.’s were to report to Landas complete by 11.00 a.m.
Terrific rush to get organised, but managed it, and arrived in Landas at 11.05 hrs in my P.U. truck, with Stickman, driver, Sgt. Breakwell, Walker, and Donovan. Stood about on the green for over an hour, and then got our trucks lined up on the road outside Landas, facing Belgium. Sandy and I had lunch (late) with Anti-Tank Company (Simon Green) and later went and found out our billets and got the men back to them, leaving a guard over the vehicles.
Sunday 14th April 1940
Spent the day settling in and getting organised. Sandy and I went into Rumegies to collect mail and had a drink with ‘B’ Company.
In the afternoon we moved the trucks from yesterdays’ position, back to Landas into the school yard. Much easier for picketing, and only had to have one Don R. (Dispatch Rider) on duty.
The remainder of the day was very peaceful – nothing to do.
Sandy Watson and I have gat a very comfortable little billet and Walkers my batman is sleeping in with us.
Monday 15th April 1940
Rained like hell all morning, so stayed indoors, while John and Pat went into Rumegies to draw rations.
In afternoon, John, Pat and I went to Beuvry hord to the R.E. shower baths, and had a darn good shower.
I purchased a fine .22 Colt Automatic from Nigel Parker, with 750 rounds of amo. Gave him a cheque for £8.10.0. Cleaned it during the evening.
We have surprisingly little to do here, except to keep at short notice to move. We’ve started a little Mess for all T.C.P. officers at a café near the church at Landas, very cheap and good food – 7 frs, 14 frs and 14 frs.
Circular route taken on the 16th April 1940 |
Tuesday 16th April 1940 |
Wednesday 17th April 1940 NO ENTRIES IN THE DIARY FOR 18TH APRIL TO 23RD MAY 1940 Friday 24th May 1940 |
Capt. Basil Dykes |
Names mentioned in Diary |
|
Andy |
- |
Basil Dykes Capt. |
David Basil W. Dykes |
Bell-Syers |
Lieut. Richard Leslie Bell-Syers |
Chesshire |
Lieut. George Pountney P. Chesshire – Signals Officer |
David or David G. |
2nd Lieut. David George Goodwin (killed 26/05/1940) |
David Leslie |
- |
Derek Woodward |
- |
Dick or Dick Boulter |
2nd Lieut. Richard Henry Boulter |
George or George Coventry |
Lieut. George William Reginald Victor Coventry (10th Earl of Coventry) – killed 27/5/1940. |
Ge. Grogan |
General George William St. George Grogan V.C., C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. (Colonel of the Worcestershire Regiment) |
Hon. Col. Tomkinson |
Colonel Francis Martin Tomkinson, D.S.O., T.D. (Honorary Colonel of the 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment from July 1929 to December 1952) |
John |
Captain John Whitaker Tomkinson (‘D’ Company Commanding Officer) |
Johnny Betts |
Lieut. John Francis Betts (wounded and taken prisoner 26/5/1940) |
Keith Evers |
Lieut. Ralph H. Keith Evers |
Ken T. or Ken |
Lieut. Kenneth Ronald G. Tomkinson |
M. Blandin |
- |
Major McDonald |
- |
Nigel Parker |
- |
Pat Monahan or Pat |
2nd Lieut. Patrick Charles Watson Monahan (killed 26/5/1940) |
Sam Ibbotson |
2nd Lieut. Samuel Frank Ibbetson (killed 26/5/1940) |
Sandy or Sandy Watson |
Lieut. R. S. H. Watson |
Simon Green |
2nd Lieut. Simon M. Green – Anti-Tank Platoon (wounded, taken prisoner 28/5/1940) |
Stewart |
2nd Lieut. Stewart Edward Johnson |
Terry Viney |
Captain H. T. Viney |
Tooby or Ed. Tooby |
Captain Edward Reed Ward Tooby |
Walker |
Private Walker – batman to Lieut. R. C. T. Goodwin |
Wakelin |
2nd Lieut. Eric Noel Wakelin |
Wigs or Tony Whitaker |
Lieut. Charles M. A. Whitaker (taken prisoner of war) |
Abbreviations and words used in original hand written Diary |
|
2/Dorsets |
2nd Battalion Dorset Regiment |
5. I. Bd. |
5th Infantry Brigade |
amo |
ammunition |
A/Tk. |
Anti-Tank |
Blangy |
Village of Blangy-sur_Bresle (France) |
Bear |
refers to the Bear Inn in the village of Hungerford. |
Beuvry hord |
Village of Beuvry-la-Forét (France) |
Bde. |
Brigade – The 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment was part of the 5th Brigade commanded by Brigadier G. I. Gartlan. This Brigade included 3 Infantry Battalions of 7th Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment, 2nd Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment and 1st Battatlion The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. |
Bn. |
Battalion |
Brig. |
Brigadier |
Capt. |
Captain |
Castle and Ball |
The Castle & Ball, High Street, Marlborough, Wiltshire. This is a English Country Public House, Restaurant and Hotel. |
Cigs |
Cigarettes |
C.O. |
Commanding officer |
Col. or Coln |
Colonel |
Confab |
discussion |
Coy |
Company |
CQMS |
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
Div. |
Division or Divisional |
Don. R. |
Dispatch Rider |
Draft |
reinforcement of extra soldiers. |
emerg. |
emergency |
Exchange |
refers to setting up a field telephone exchange. |
frs |
francs |
gal |
gallons |
Glosters |
|
Grand Avenue |
Entrance to Savernake Forest, located between Marlborough and Hungerford. |
Grd. |
|
Hon. Col. |
Honorary Colonel |
H.M. |
His Majesty (King George VI). |
H.Q. |
Headquarters |
hrs |
hours |
J. |
refers to Jean Vernon. |
i/c |
in command |
K.S.L.I. |
Kings Shropshire Light Infantry |
Line Work |
refers to laying down telephone lines for communication during action. |
Lt.-Col. |
Lieutenant-Colonel |
m/bike |
motorbike |
NCO |
Non-commission officer |
Norfolks |
Norfolk Regiment |
O.R. |
Orderly Room |
P.14 |
Lee Enfield Sniping Rifle |
Pl. |
Platoon |
P.M.C. |
President of Mess Committee |
P.T. |
Physical Training |
P.U. |
Pick-up truck |
Q.M. |
Quartermaster |
R.A.S.C. |
Royal Army Service Corps. |
Rd. |
Road |
rds |
rounds |
R.E. |
Royal Engineers |
Regt. |
Regiment |
R. Grd. |
|
Savenak Forest |
correct spelling is Savernake Forest, located between Marlborough and Hungerford in the English county of Wiltshire, is privately owned by the Trustees of Savernake Estate, the Earl of Cardigan and his family solicitor. |
Sgt. |
Sergeant |
Signals |
Signals Platoon responsible for telephone and wireless communication. |
S. Staffs |
South Staffordshire Regiment. |
T.C.P. |
Troop Carrying Personnel |
“Tout seul” |
Meaning “on my own” (French) |
Wig’s |
is the nickname of Lieut. Tony Whitaker one of his fellow officer friend. |
Worcs |
Worcestershire Regiment |
8 Worcs. |
8th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment |
yds |
yards |
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