March 9 – 27, 1944

March 9 – Up early and formed up in convoy with 2 CCS – 3rd CCS – Fld Hygiene Section, Dental Co. and our own 6th FDS. Proceeded south about ten miles below East Grinstead and formed up on road at 9:30. Inspected by the King; then drove back home. It was very cold and we were nearly frozen. Am just ready now to go over to the men’s dance in their quarters.

Lance Corporal W.J. Curtis, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps, fixes the burned leg of a French boy, while his young brother looks on. Between Colomby-sur-Thaon and Villons-les-Buissons, Normandy, 19 June 1944.
Photo by Ken Bell. Department of National Defence / National Archives of Canada, PA-141703.

 

March 11 – Went into London early today – got a lot of odd jobs done and had lunch with Freddie Jenner. Saw Cal Johnson at CMHQ. In the evening caught a train to Lewes and had my car pick me up there. Freddie is going to spend the weekend with me.

March 12 – Sunday. Ronny Place and I drove in jeep down to CCS and picked up Freddie and brought him home. In the afternoon, Rus. Noble, Jack Medic, Molly Hunt, Jean Black and Peggy (somebody) dropped around. Stayed for lunch then caught a train back to London. Freddie stayed the night with me.

March 13 – Drove Freddie to early morning train then went to work. A new Dentist – Capt. Lindsay arrived today.

March 15 – Maj. McKellar arrived back from leave. He leaves on Saturday for 2nd CCS. Capt. Carson is supposed to arrive here on Saturday. Was at Corps yesterday and arranged to move to 5 miles north of Lewes on Monday, March 27th. Attended an Ensa show tonight. Not very good.

March 16 – Had a letter from Ralph today – he is on his way to England. Will try my best to claim him or at least attach him.

March 17 – Saturday afternoon, have just had a real house keeping. Three years ago tonight we left Calgary.

March 19 – Capt. CArson from 2nd CCS joined us today. This makes our Officer slate complete.

March 20 – Spent the forenoon at Corps HQ or rather 2nd Corps HQ and have two meetings there again tomorrow. On Wednesday I speak to the 17th Light Field Ambulance.

March 21 – Meeting at Bde HQ or rather 2nd Corps HQ – A&I. Followed by a medical meeting. Everything seems to be coming along OK, but there is certainly lots of work to be done. May go on leave to Scotland on the 2nd of April. I feel that I could certainly use a leave right now.

March 22 – Went over to Reigate and gave a lecture to 17th Light Field Ambulance. Spent a very pleasant evening there. Timmy Cameron’s brother-in-law is there. Had my first letter from home address to my present Unit. We are very busy getting everything in shape for our move out under canvas on Monday. The boys are having their farewell dance tonight.

March 25 – Practically everything packed up in readiness for the move to Flashett Park north of Lewes on Monday morning. We will be under canvas then for the remainder of the our stay in England. Very heavy air raid last night on London. All the planes coming in, come over us and the London barrage is plainly visible from here.

A Heinkel He 111 bomber flying over the Isle of Dogs in the East End of London, at at the start of the Luftwaffe’s evening raids of 7 September 1940. © IWM (C 5422)

March 26 – Sunday, what a beautiful day. Everything is packed ready for the move in the morning. We had a glorious sun bath today.

March 27 – We left Apsley house just north of East Grinstead and travelling south to 3 miles south of Rickville and 5 miles north of Lewes. Pitched canvas in Plaskett Park – the boys did a wonderful job – believe me, I was proud of them.

Feb. 29 – March 8, 1944: promoted

Feb. 29 – General inspection a few miles north of Lingfield. Gen. Montgomery gave his usual address. Everything went off well.

March 2, 1944 – We had a dance for the men in their mess hall. This was largely an experiment but went off a hundred percent. We are planning on another next Thursday night. Yesterday Lt. Dibb and I went to Woking where we met Col. Hazard and proceeded to the 3rd Cacru where I lectured to the Officers and then gave a demonstration of my jeep. Later gave a demonstration to the 3rd Div.

March 3 – Went with 3rd CC (Maj. Patterson) to a rendevous for a general inspection next week. On Monday I go to a medical meeting in London. On Wednesday I lecture to 3rd CCS. I am now waiting for Timmy Cameron to arrive. He will spend the weekend with me. Timmy arrived at Dormans station and I met him in a jeep. We went to East Grinstead for the evening.

March 4 – Rus. Noble (of 4th Div.) phoned for Tim and I to meet him in Burgess Hill. we took a jeep and went over. Molly Hunt (Bill Hunt’s wife) was there and a Jean Black from Toronto, also Major … ? from 4th Div. workshop. We went back to his Mess for lunch then back to Russ’s Mess for dinner. It was grand to see them all again. The old Army Tank Brigade in force.

March 5 – I took an early morning train to London to attend the Royal Society of Medicine meeting. Met a lot of chaps I knew. Came home late the same night. Timmy’s brother-in-law called for him during the day. It was a grand weekend.

March 6 – on another meeting with 4th Div and 2nd Corps – in final preparation for the inspection by the King which will take place on the 9th of March.

March 7 – Was at Corps H.Q. for a medical meeting.

March 8 – Gave a lecture on Sicily and Italy to 3 CCS today. This afternoon I go to Lewes to see Capt. Fleetwood (Eng), an old friend of mine from 14th days. I am trying to find a suitable place for going under canvas. Tomorrow will be a heavy day. The King’s inspection.

Meanwhile in Italy: Unidentified personnel of the Saskatoon Light Infantry (M.G.) in a Universal Carrier equipped with a Vickers machine gun, Italy, 8 March 1944.
Credit: Lieut. Alexander M. Stirton / Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-189892