Monument record TR 03 NE 276 - Probable site of London Infantry Brigade camp, 1941

The War Diary of the London Infantry Brigade for 1941 (seen in the National Archives) contains a map of a camp. The site is probably south-east of Bonnington. 1946 aerial photographs show no remains of the site although it is believed that significant earth-moving took place.

Several units are mentioned on the plan. The Newfoundland Heavy Regiment were essentially Canadian volunteers equipped by the UK. In 1942 their war diary says they were at Ashford armed with 7.2” howitzers. The diary shows they also fired 25pdrs, 6” guns and 9.2” howitzers. The 10th Berks were formed from 50th Holding Defence Battalion and later saw heavy action in Italy. (1)

<1> The National Archive, 1941, Appendix B from the London Infantry Brigade War Diary for 1941 (Archive). SKE58792.

<2> The National Archive, 1941, WO 166/1043 BRIGADES: 168TH. INFANTRY BRIGADE: Headquarters (HQ) 1941 Jan.-Dec (Archive). SKE58793.