Unit diaries relating to service of Geoffrey W. Fennell - Wallet 1 - Part 1

Drawing, Corp or Unit badge - refer to original document
5TH FIELD REGIMENT

WAR DIARY

MAY 1941

OCTOBER 1942

The late Major Fennell wrote up an account of what

happened to the Regiment.

Page 1 - 146 were typed. These covered part of our

training in India, the campaign in Malaya and prisoner-of-war

life, up to when all but a few of 5th. Field left Singapore,

in October 1942, in the "England Maru".

It was discovered, later, that the rest of the narrative  

existed. It was lying in the Royal Artillery Institution, in

Woolwich, in manuscript form. Lack of facilities and finance

made the rescue of the badly-deteriorating pages unlikely.

The Brigadier in charge said he would see what could be done.

That was the last anyone heard of the matter. 
Recently, Harry Blackham, of 73 Battery, visited Woolwich

and made enquiries. He discovered that the rest of the Major's

record had, in fact, been typed. He photocopied it and arranged

for two further copies to be made and bound.

Here is one of them, saved by Harry from oblivion. 

October 1987

INDIA

At the beginning of May 1941, 5th Field Regiment RA left Nowshera for its

hot-weather station at Shinkian Camp, 30 miles north of Abbottabad in the North

West Frontier Province. The Regiment formed part of the 7th Indian Divisional

Artillery and its duties were two-fold. Firstly, Frontier Defence in event of

trouble in Waziristan or elsewhere, and secondly providing equipment and

vehicles to assist in the training of 158th Field Regiment, which had been

formed partly from drafts from UK and partly from drafts from other Regiments

in India.

Owing to being very low in the priority list, replacements to equipment were

very hard to obtain and both batteries suffered by having guns withdrawn to be

sent elsewhere. 73 Field Battery commenced the period with 3.7 Hows. These

were handed over to 158 Field Regt and 3 eighteen pdrs were received as

replacements!

With the entry of Russia into the War, the chances of Invasion of India appeared 

very few, and the Regiment appeared fated to become a training Regiment for the 

duration of the War apart from an occasional visit to Waziristan.

This was a great disappointment to all Ranks as the Regiment was the third

Regiment to be mechanised in India, and it was thought that it would be certain

to go overseas at an early date. The role of Artillery nursemaid to158 Field

Regt, and possibly other Regiments was anything but welcomed.

During June, however, encouraging rumours began to fly about. Officers on leave 

in Murree brought back tales of an early shooting camp to be followed by service

overseas. In July, orders were received that the Regiment would carry out

shooting and calibration at Nowshera during August and that the role of the

5th Field and 158 Field Regts would be reversed much to the disgust of the 

latter. New officers started to arrive and the shooting was duly carried out,

one Battery at a time owing to shortage of equipment.

Finaly, orders were received that the Regiment would return to Nowshera before

Sept 12th and would commence mobilising on Sept 15th on a special establishment

of 16 4.5 Howitzers. All ranks left Shinkian in high glee, amid a lot good

natured backchat with their friends in 158 Fd Regt.

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Owing to having handed over the RA Mess, RA Station Sgts Mess and half 

barracks to the MES on leaving for Shinkian, only the minimum accommodation

was occupied. Neither Mess was opened and sub-unit Messes were opened in

private bungalows and unoccupied Warrant Officers' Quarters. In addition,

a number of garages were being rebuilt and could not be used, but who cared!

The days were spent checking stores and equipment, submitting lists of

deficiencies, preparing lists of personnel who could be recalled from Staff

jobs, issuing new stores and clothing, being medically inspected, inoculated,

vaccinated. Truly things were beginning to move. The gates of Rawalpindi

Arsenal were now wide open and when necessary Lahore, Ferosepore and even

Calcutta were called in to assist. OC 63/81 Bty went about tearing his hair

because 6 Extractor pins had been mislaid somewhere in India or Iraq and had

not arrived!

There was much speculation as to whether the Regiment would receive new

vehicles to replace the existing ones which had already had 3 years of wear

and tear and had been used to instruct 158 Field Regt, Sikhs, Gurkhas,

Madrassis, doctors, padres, and even the Staff of Nowshera Bde! Would the

4.5 Howitzers be exchanged for 25 pdrs, which were rumoured to be standing in

rows in Bombay? Would the wireless sets be replaced for the latest makes?

Was the Regiment to fight in Libya, Iran, Malaya, or join forces with the

Russian in the Caucasus? Were the followers to accompany? At one moment -

"Yes", a few days later "No", a few days later "Only a few".

One by one the questions were answered. The vehicles were replaced by brand

new vehicles recently issued to 158 Field Regt. The guns and trailers were to be

drawn by Karrier Spiders. No new wireless sets would be issued. Green camouflage

paint was indented for, making the experts say "Aha! Malaya for you my boys!"

The followers were finally reduced to 3 Mohamedan shoemakers, who arrived from

the Recruiting Centre at Campbellpore. The two Mohamedans in the LAD were

replaced by 2 Hindus. After sending a wire asking whether the Regiment could

move on Oct 1st, and receiving a reply in the negative, AHQ issued orders for the

guns and vehicles to proceed to Bombay in three special trains with a suitable

escort on October 11th.

Before the guns left, 73rd Field Battery and 18th Mountain Battery fired 5 Rounds

gunfire in a Concentration over two Battalions of Bombay Grenadiers, who were

placed in position 500^x from an area marked out on "Slag" on the Nowshera Ranges.

The demonstration was most effective and was a very suitable moment for Lieuts

Godman, Archer, Ratcliffe and Armstrong to arrive on the Ranges fresh from UK.

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All the rounds fell in the area, which was quite small, and showed the value

of the calibration previously carried out.

The guns and vehicles left under Capt Firth, Lt Ratcliffe and Lt Reid, according

to schedule. This, in spite of the fact that the gates of the level crossing

had been stolen by an officer disguised as a 5th Columnist. The last week of

mobilsation was hampered a little by a complete blackout being observed owing

to Northern Command ARP manoeuvres. The Regiment were not required to carry

out the scheme in its entirety and the above mentioned officer received a

rocket from Higher Authority for his misplaced zeal!

Again, after two false alarms varying by 48 hours, October 18th was fixed as

the final date of departure. General Dening, GOC Peshawar District, came

over and addressed all officers and NCOs and wished the Regiment good luck.

On the afternoon of October 17th, a Farewell Parade was held for General

Wakely GOC 7th Indian Division, after saying how much he wished he could have

the Regt under him abroad, he added "You may find you will have to fight the

Japanese. They suffer from night blindness. Take advantage of this and hit

them as hard as you can at night." That plenty of advantage was taken of

this advice, particularly with our dealings with the Japanese Air Force, will

be seen. The day ended with a Cocktail Party given by Lt Col and Mrs Jephson.

Journey to Bombay

The morning of October 18th was spent in settling outstanding bills at the

Club Cantonment Office etc and in handing over finally to OC Depot, 2Lt Kelly,

Milrail was found to have been fairly generous with Railway stock and the

train consisted of Military cars, a Kitchen car and two very comfortable

Officers cars. Owing to weight restrictions on the hilly, North Western

Railway, 4 wagons had to be sent as far as Delhi by the 1430 Passenger Train.

Sgt Price, i/c LAD was detailed to travel with them and instructed never

to let them out of his sight. The Indians were to report at Madras at a 

later date.

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By 1730 hours the men were in their places in the train on the Military Siding and

the band of the Lincolnshire Regt struck up appropriate tunes. Brigadier Bull,

commanding the Station and various officers and NCOs of the Lincolnshire Regt were

also present, not forgetting of course wives and sweethearts. At 1800 hrs the

train moved off to the accompaniment of Auld Lang Syne and after a long journey of

half a mile, came to rest at Nowshera Main Station where it remained for an hour

as the Frontier Mail was running late and not even a stray cat was allowed on the

track within 20 miles of the Frontier Mail in case it should be delayed further!

Campbellpore was reached eventually at about 2130, where Major Carrol-Leahy of 158

Field Regt came down to wish the Regiment good luck. Next morning a halt of an

hour was made at Lahore and later there were halts at Jullundur and Ambala and

the men were allowed to leave the train. At Jullundur an item of interest was

the NWR War Demonstration Train which consisted of large vans containing exhibits

and war photographs, and also a 3.7 How and a small Naval gun mounted on trucks,

complete with Indian detachments. All meals were served direct from the Kitchen

car to compartments for both officers and men. This proved a godsend as the

train was still running an hour late and the whole time at halts could be devoted

to taking exercise, not to mention buying tea from tea stalls.

Delhi was reached about midnight and there were the 4 trucks and Sgt Price safe and

sound. Owing to the train having to reverse, a certain amount of jugglery was

necessary to get the trucks into their proper position, and to take the guard van

from what was now the front to the back, but at last the fussy little shunting

engine got tired, an aged RTO with rows of medals declared himself satisfied, a

BBCI express engine came on, and we were off.

The driver, very smart with brass peaked cap and a large corporation, had evidently

been given instructions to get a move on, with the result that few people saw

Muttra, the future home of all heavy baggage and the Unit accountants, and Bayana

was reached on time. Here there was a long halt, to be followed by others at

Siwai Madhopur, Kotal and Ruttam. it had been arranged that the train timings

should be slightly modified so that the evening halts should be at large stations

where tea could be bought, and platforms were available for exercise.

Next morning, a long halt was made at Dohad, where the men were taken for a short

route march. The day passed without incident except that at the evening halt at

Surat there was an amusing fight between two rival tea vendors until a diminutive

policeman took control, and a tearful mineral water man demanded two rupees for six

bottles of lemonade alleged to have been stolen for use of the Officers Mess!

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Bombay was reached early the following morning, and, by 0700 hrs, the train was

slowly approaching Ballard Pier Station. What would the boat be like? Soon old

friends like the "Lancashire" and "Neuralia" were spotted but were passed by.

At Ballard Pier we were met by a Staff Officer. "You think you are going straight

on board, don't you?" he said. "Aha! No you aren't, but never mind, when the

ship does arrive, you will find that we have done really well!" This remark

could be taken in two ways, but everyone hoped for the best!

The train was checked and the only damage proved to be a small window cracked

and was assessed at one rupee two annas, a very satisfactory result as units have

been known to use the tables for firewood or even throw them out of the window

after the last meal! An attempt to charge for 10 non-existent padlocks in the

Kitchen car was thwarted by the guard, who told the checker not to be silly or

words to that effect.

All ranks were marched off to breakfast in a shed nearby, and were informed that

owing to the kindness of the Bombay Ladies Hospitality Committee, a canteen was

available to supply as much free tea and buns as they wanted. The funds of the

Committee must have received a severe set-back, as the fullest advantage was taken

of this offer until well on into the afternoon. Shore leave from 1100 to 1400 hrs

was granted to Officers, and "The Harbour Bar" and the Royal Bombay Yacht Club

benefited accordingly!

About 1600 hrs, a large grey ship was seen approaching. She proved to be the

Orient liner ss Orion. Apart from a somewhat damaged bow, due we discovered to a

difference of opinion with HMS Revenge, when in convoy, she seemed a most

suitable ship, and the voyage in her showed that the Staff Officer had really

spoken the truth. Embarkation started shortly afterwards and then the business

of loading the baggage and stores commenced.

In the operation of loading a ship in Bombay Docks, the following dignitaries 

play an important part:

1. The Embarkation Staff Captain and his Corps of RASC Conductors and Sgts.
2. Coolie labour provided by the above.
3. The representative of the Port Authority, and Harbour Board, in this case a tubby Lieutenant in spotless white shorts, stockings and large helmet complete with blue puggaree.
4. The Regimental Baggage officer.
5. An unseen foreman who controls the cranes and represents the ship.
6. The Chairman of the Stevedores Union.
7. The ship's Chief Officer and the Staff Commander who pay occasional visits to see how things are going on.

When all the above work in the spirit of sweet harmony, the loading wil be an

easy matter, but if not.....!!

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The Embarkation Staff Officer, having seen the ship safely tied onto the land (?)

departed, having completed a good day's work. His successor, an RASC Sgt who rejoiced

in the name of Maloney, soon came to loggerheads with the Port Authority representative,

who wanted things done his way. While the discussion became more violent

the unseen foreman proceeded to load the "Wanted on Voyage" baggage into No 3 Hold,

where the "Not Wanted on Voyage" Baggage was already reposing! This joke was

however discovered by the Regimental Baggage Officer, 2Lt Hogshaw, before much

harm had been done, and was quickly rectified.

Sgt Maloney ceased his wrangle with the Port Authority, and promptly accused the

unseen foreman (No 5) of being drunk! Unfortunately the Staff Commander made one 

of his periodic visits, overheard this accusation and flew to the aid of his

subordinate. The Port Authority then joined in, but the Staff Commander then rounded

on him and abused him heartily for preventing the British Crew of the Orion from

having shore leave by mooring them far out in the stream, whereas lordly P & O ships

and others lay comfortably in dock, though manned by Lascars, Jews, proselytes,

Cretes, and Arabians!

Finally, the Regiment decided to take charge. The Regimental Baggage Officer and

the Battery Quartermaster Sgts Union set to work on the coolies and superintended

the loading of the crane-slings, the ships donkey engine man returned from shore-leave

and brought his derricks into action. Sgt Maloney departed, and his place

was taken by a compatriot called Muldoon - a man of terrific energy, and more coolies - 

an attempt by the Port Authority to send the ship away altogether was nipped in the

bud by O/C Ship, one Col McNaught, and the last load was hoisted aboard amid cheers

shortly after midnight. But wait, who was that lonely individual sitting on some

cases. It turned out to be 2Lt Lomax, the Signal Officer, guarding the acid for

the wireless sets like a hen her chickens. He and his precious charges were duly

swung aboard, and the loading party retired thankfully to bed.

AT SEA

ss Orion proved in all respects a "Happy" ship. Apart from 40 Naval Ratings, a

Searchlight Battery, and about 40 unattached officers, the Regiment had the run of

the whole ship and made the most of it. The Swimming Bath was a never-ending source

of amusement. Cinema shows were given on most days and the films shown were excellent,

including as they did Anna Neagle in "Irene", Big Hearted Arthur Askey in "Charley's

Aunt", "French without Tears", Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in "Irene and Vernon

Castle", and a generous allowance of Donald Duck and Silly Symphonies. Only "Knights

of the Range" failed to find favour. Some film executive must have dug up an aged

silent film, about cattle rustling and the sheriff's daughter, out of a mouldy vault,

added sound effects and half a dozen hilly-billy crooners disguised as cowboys, and

issued it as a masterpiece "proudly presented" no doubt! The audience were thankful

when good finally triumphed over evil and the much rustled cattle were restored to

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to their rightful owners. Not even the sheriff's daughter was worth looking at!

Capt Owen, the Commander, and all his officers, ^and Col McNaught did all they

could make the voyage pleasant. The food was excellent and plentiful. There were

even no complaints about the beer provided in the Canteen, though those that went

ashore at Colombo had something very forcible to say about the price charged there,

many men having drunk a bottle before asking the price. There were no English

cigarettes on sale but we were introduced to Camel, Lucky Strike and Chesterfield

brands.

The convoy consisted of 5 other ships, Glaucus, Nieu Zeeland, Johan de Witt,
Fangitiki, and Largs Bay, with Hector, an armed merchantmen as escort as far as
Colombo, and HMS Mauritius, a cruiser, onwards. In addition to doing escort duty
the cruiser obligingly released hydrogen balloons for units to practice Anti-aircraft
Defence. Occasionally, the Commodore, an Admiral, who had made the Orion
his flagship, carried out a little “Driving Drill” with his flock, which caused
the slowest ship in the convoy to emit clouds of black smoke when trying to catch
up to form Battery Column from Column of Route.
Col Jephson had acquired an air-conditioned room off the dining saloon as a lecture 

room, and much valuable time was spent in discussing the new establishment of 
vehicles, and how best to use them, from B Echelon to the various reconnaissance 
groups. Other problems were: how to compete with the shortage of motor cycles, 
the allotment of wireless sets, the deployment of the Troop, the Battery and 
finally the Regiment, issue of Verbal Orders, the Regimental Signal layout and 
many others. All this was very necessary, as the Regiment had not had an opportunity 
of actually parading with the vehicles on the new establishments. As a result of 
these discussions, many useful points were raised, and it was felt that the Regiment 
could go into action at once should need arise.

Singapore and Ipoh

It had been noticed that, after leaving Colombo, ss Orion had done a “definite head 
left-wheel” with the result that the only question which required an answer, was: 
“Shall we land at Penang, Port Swettenham, or Singapore?” On Nov 6th, the hilly 
islands round Singapore were duly sighted, also the queer looking fishing huts on 
piles so characteristic of the Malayan coast.

On arrival at the Quay, the band of the Manchester Regiment struck up “There’ll 
always be an England” and other patriotic tunes. Ss Orion decided to join in the 
fun and moored herself so that a cascade of water, spurting from her side, nearly 
soaked the bandsmen! That they escaped death by drowning was only due to the prompt 
action of the Staff Commander, who lowered an enormous slab of canvas over the 
side and diverted the cascade elsewhere.
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General Percival GOC Malaya was on the quayside, also a host of officials, who 
descended on the ship like locusts. Disembarkation officers, Paymaster, Assistant 
Paymasters, Cashiers and their assistants, Doctors, Staff Officers requiring information 
regarding equipment, others making sure the Regiment had brought Followers, 
which it hadn’t! Last buy by no means least, who should arrive but Lt C J Cooper 
now Staff Lieutenant RA 9th Indian Division, who had left the Regiment at Shinkian 
to take up this appointment. He proved a mine of information and, with the aid 
of an enormous map pinned on the wall of the Saloon, gave a lesson in the geography 
of Malaya.

From the map it was seen that Malaya consisted of 9 States with Singapore and 
Penang Islands in addition. After leaving Singapore Island, a traveller or even a 
Regiment on the march, would cross the Johore Causeway into Johore, then through 
Malacca, Legri, Sembilan, Selangor, Perak, Province Wellesley and Kadah to the 
border of Thailand or Siam as it used to be called. Thailand being a benevolent 
neutral, and not wishing to be interned, the Regiment would return by the East Coast 
through Kelantan, Trenggenu, Pahang and back to Singapore and Raffles Hotel. 
Each State was ruled by its own Sultan, assisted by a British Adviser. All the 
States produce Rubber and Perak is the centre of the Tin Mine area. Apart from 
Tin mines and rubber plantations, the remainder of the peninsular was apparently 
a mixture of swamp and impenetrable jungle.

Orders had meanwhile been received that the Regiment was to proceed up-country to 
a place called IPOH. Up to the present, Ipoh was merely a name in the Indian 
Bradshaw Railway Timetable of a certain Railway-minded Major but we were assured 
by Lt Cooper that it was the best station in Malaya. “We intend to send you to 
the East Coast later on” he added with sinister glee, “but its all very secret at 
present.” Another welcome visitor was Major Tom Christopher, late of 63/81 Field 
Battery, who now lived on the island surrounded by Anti Aircraft guns.

The ship was to be unclosed the following day, so, at 1400 hrs, a Baggage party 
went ashore, together with the drivers of all the tractors and vehicles, which, 
we were informed, had arrived safely and were parked near at hand, together with 
the guns. The remainder were to leave Singapore  for Ipoh by special train at 
2200 hrs. They found that owing to shortage of Railway stock, the accommodation 
was very cramped, and owing to the carriages having small seats like an English 
dining car, it was impossible to lie down at night.

The Embarkation Staff Officer, an elderly officer with a Humpty-Dumpty figure, 
and a broad Scottish accent, provided and interesting Railway problem. “When is a 
“large luggage van not a luggage van?” Answer When it is a tiny, wee pipe and 
pressure gauge called a Westinghouse Brake Pump in the North East corner!

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