30.
The Regiment had a complete inspection of vehicles, quarters,
kitchens, etc on the 2nd April
by the
CRA
Brig R.O.G. Morton.
During the month much time was spent on command post exercises,
SA
firing, and night occupations.
On the 28th April the Regiment moved off on Exercise Gunbuster I which
included firing
at ALFRISTON. LARKHILL and SENNYBRIDGE and returned to CHAPELWOOD
MANOR on the 11th May.
In both May and June the Regiment had
it's
regular monthly firing practice at ALFRISTON brushing up on the drill for
predicted smoke screens, datum point shooting
Arty/R
shoots with Merton Obliques,
CB and
HF tasks,
UNCLE
targets, quick and predicted barrages, Oboe smoke screens, airburst
HE
and a great deal of course shooting.
31.
Unit training being pretty well completed throughout the Division a move was made
in early July to NORFOLK where an area was available for deployments on a
divisional level.
The move there was highlighted by the division moving complete less tanks
in a divisional convoy through the heart of LONDON.
The Regiment was centred in a hutted camp at DISS with 76 battery at
ATTLEBOROUGH.
This was the first time any Canadian troops had been stationed in this area and it was
here that the unit received the warmest welcome of anywhere in ENGLAND.
Everyone was very friendly and at every convoy halt they rushed out with tea and
cakes which were really appreciated.
Despite the fact that the unit's stay in NORFOLK consisted of one scheme after another
with hardly ever more than a two-day break between, everyone soon had a girl friend and most of
the men consider this the most pleasant period of their stay in ENGLAND.
The only gripe was that we were kept so busy.
Owing to the use of the deployment area being allotted on a definite
schedule no leaves, late passes etc were given in order to derive the fullest
advantage from the facilities.
In addition there somehow was a scheme every weekend.