2nd Battalion
Royal Scots Fusiliers
Ypres-Comines Canal
May 1940
1/9th Manchester Regiment war diary
The 1/9th Manchester Regiment was machine gun battalion attached to the 5th Division. A the need arose they would deploy companies with each of the Brigades.
A Coy was attached to the 17th Brigade during the actions along the Ypres- Comines canal.
May 24th (Seclin)
04:45 – BHQ and HQ Coy. Arrive Seclin (6727)
10:00 – Order received to proceed to Thumesnil, Recce party dispatched.
15:00 – Bn HQ established 69 Rue Carriot, Thumesnil.
18:00 – CO and IO report to Div HQ.
May 25th (Thumesnil)
17:00 – Orders received to proceed to Douai area.
17:30 – Above orders cancelled.
22:00 – Order received to move to Ypres area.
22:30 – Company Commanders conference
23:45 – Bn departs. CO, Adj, IO and OC “C” coy. Proceed ahead.
May 26th (Wulverghem)
03:30 – Bn HQ arrives at Wulverghem (5551)
07:00 – CO, IO and OC “C” coy, recce line west of Ypres 578577 - 612553 (Voormerzeele – St Eloi. ¾ mile SW of Hollebeke)
09:00 – CO and IO report to Div HQ. Orders received for “C” coy. To take up previously recce positions. Bn HQ moved out to nearby farm.
23:45 – OC “D” Coy reports in position.
May 27th (Wulverghem)
09:00 – CO, Adj and IO visit all coys.
May 28th (Wulverghem)
03:30 – CO and IO report to Div HQ. IO spends morning locating Coys. “A” Coy reports all guns lost, - 62 men present strength. “B” Coy reports all guns lost. “C” Coy not located. “D” Coy reports 6 guns strong.
13:00 – News received of capitulation of Belgian Army on night of 27th.
14:00 – Orders received from 5 Div. To dump and destroy all stores and transport except arms and equipment and enough transport to carry remaining personnel.
Coys move off independently.
20:30 – Rear party (CO, IO, MO and TO) leave Wulverghem.
20:40 – HQ party arrive in Burghmolen (469779)
May 29th (Burghmolen)
07:00 – CO and IO arrive at Burghmolen
10:00 – HQ Coy, “C” Coy and “D” Coy report in.
10:30 – CO and IO report to 5 Div HQ Isenberg (4478) Orders received to form two composite Infantry Coys and 1 MG platoon.