View Single Post
  #30  
Old 16-10-05, 00:54
John McGillivray's Avatar
John McGillivray John McGillivray is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Quebec
Posts: 1,089
Default More Info

From the period of 14th February to the 4th of March the Seaforths were in Scotland conducting combined operations training. They then returned to Eastbourne for a short stay.

(p142-143) “ It was good to be back at Pevensey. There was a tinge of frost on the Downs, but clear, sharp days began to give way to warm, sunny weather as March slipped by. There was, as usual, plenty to do. Seven day furloughs started again, but before going on leave there was a terrific rush on the Quartermaster stores to replace boots, which had given out during the rough treatment they had had in the salt water and hills around Inveraray. Eastbourne, as usual, was bearing up patiently under almost daily air raids, and on more than one occasion Seaforths were able to lend a hand clearing the rubble from bombed homes even before the All Clear had gone. Rumours of a move were in the air too, for with the 3rd Canadian Brigade taking Combined Operations training at Inveraray, a shift in coastal defence responsibilities could be expected. In mid-March the Seaforths were shifted a few miles to the south and west to the Willingdon - Hampden Park area where they found the billets far more compact and comfortable. In fact for the first time since they left the East Delville Barracks, all companies were within a mile of each other. The new coastal area which the unit patrolled stretched between Beachy Head and Birling Gap, a lovely high part of the South Coast which, combined with the warm, sunny days made duty along the coast and cliffs almost a pleasure.

“A month after settling into the Willingdon area the Seaforths moved again, this time further west to the Seaford - East Blatchington area south of Lewes. Since it was only ten miles from their previous location, the move was made on foot. As far as that goes, if it had been two and three times as distant, the men would still have been marched, for there is nothing the army relished more than to see men march—preferably in battle order. Be that as it may, the Seaforths were hardened to it, and a ten mile walk along the coast roads was a pleasant outing, and with two pipers and drummers marching with each company, the dozen miles went by quickly and pleasantly.”
Reply With Quote