Chronology of Noteworthy Events - Part 3 In 1946 the Canadian repatriation stream was frustrated by a dearth of seaworthy ships and Records personnel. All too often Tweedsmuir (or 1 Wing, 1 Repatriation Depot) was filled to capacity, which resulted in a temporary suspension of postings to it. By now the camp was being 'run down' and its infrastructure repaired in preparation for it to be handed back to the British. A spate of serious thefts proved difficult to contain as they served to fuel the black market economy. 1946 23 January 1946 Dinner in the Officers' Mess this evening to which all unit officers were invited. 28 January 1946 "A man drowned in one of the static water tanks this evening, due to the influence of liquor." (There is no mention as to whether the man was from the Lorne Scots Regiment, one of the transient troops or a civilian). Accommodation in the camp was reported as being "again exhausted." 25 February 1946 A cocktail party and dinner were held this evening. Cocktails were served at 1715 hrs in Col. MacIntyre's quarters and dinner at 1900 hrs. (MacIntyre was to become the CO presiding over the camp's closure at the end of the Canadian's tenure). 26 February 1946 A "man by man check ... of personnel on PE and surplus to PE " was made this day with the view of reducing the "strength ... for the establishment." Many of the PE personnel were "... put into the repatriation stream whether or not they (wished) to return to Canada." 27 February 1946 Two inches of snow fell this morning. "Trees and sides of buildings were white ..." where the snow had frozen to them. 28 February 1946 At 1000 hrs many PE personnel had left Tweedsmuir for 4 Repatriation Depot en route to Canada. 2 March 1946 High winds and wet snow fell most of the day. Road conditions were so poor that all but "... essential vehicles were grounded during the morning." The following day, 3 March, 1 Repatriation Depot Diary reported that the weather was the worst of the winter. (By 3 Mach only two depots remained, 1 Repatriation Depot and 4 Repatriation Depot.) 4 March 1946 Many outlying parts of Kent had "... been isolated by heavy snow drifts, the heaviest for 70 years. During the evening heavy winds gave a good example of a Canadian blizzard." 5 March 1946 There was a "heavy intake of personnel to fill ..." the Ile de France, one of the large ships to be used for "... transporting troops to Canada before Liberty Ships (were) put into operation." Accommodation was once again stretched in Tweedsmuir Camp. 12 March 1946 Following a general inspection, 4 adminstrative sections moved offices. The R&D office took over "... the location of the Craft Shop ..." and the Craft Shop moved into what was the SPO office. SPO moved into the MT office who in turn moved into the former R&D office. A fire of "... minor consequence occured in the Reading Room ... at 2000 hrs." The fire was quickly extinguished by the "... unit fire picquet and trailer pump ... before the civilian fire brigade arrived." 16 March 1946 A dance was held in the Officers' Mess this evening, which was described as "... an outstanding success, with a large attendance of staff and a good number of guests." 24 March 1946 The first of CAOF had returned to the UK. Tweedsmuir's draft was small, comprising 9 officers and 32 other ranks. 25 March 1946 An other ranks' dance, organised by the Men's Messing Committee, was held this evening in the gymnasium. It was "... well attended and proved to be a considerable suc cess." 30 March 1946 A party left at 0830 hrs "... to attend the Oxford - Cambridge boat race at Putney under the arrangement of the Chief Instructor." Troops took advantage of Tweedsmuir's facilities by playing tennis "... on the hardcourt on the parade square." 31 March 1946 "Unit fire picquet and trailor pump were put into action to combat a fire on Thursley Common in the area across the brook from the Officers' Mess. Though the fire had obtained quite a hold on the gorse, with assistance of civilians and Godalming Fire Brigade the fire was shortly brought under control." 8 April 1946 Since officers returning from the Continent were poorly informed of "... matters dealing with DVA", they were required to attend a lecture to help them prepare for civilian life. 9 April 1946 The first game of 'inter-wing' softball took place this evening between 1 Wing and 4 Wing. Although no mention is made of the final score, the game was won by 4 Wing. "Home games" for 1 Wing (Tweedsmuir Camp) were played on "Thursley Village Sports Grounds," ie Thursley cricket pitch. On the following day, 10 April, a total of 2,300 all ranks were expected to be dispatched through all 4 wings of 1 Repatriation Depot, with an advance party leaving on 15 April and the main body on 16 April. 11 April 1946 Repatriation of PE personnel was having an adverse affect on the camp. 1 Repatriation Depot Diaries mention in particular a shortage of General Duty (GD) personnel "... for various essential fatigues, luggage parties etc." 13 April 1946 1200 hrs and another gorse fire. This time across the stream south of the camp. At one time Thursley cricket pavilion was in danger of being destroyed but unit fire fighters brought the fire under control and eventually extinguished it. 15 April 1946 Motor Transport Officer's duty was dispensed with. Work tickets requiring signiture were dealt with by the Regimental Orderly Officer. One of the two Transport Officers were on duty at all times to "... make the 2 vehicle checks at night." 20 April 1946 By a new order the south entrance of the camp (from Dye House Road) was permanently closed. "Drivers (had) to sign in and out on the Regimental Provost's Guard Sheet." (The provost office was located immediately south of the camp's north eastern entrance. Across the road from the office stood the Guard House and behind that the exercise yard). 21 April 1946 "EASTER DAY" and the camp functioned in "... a holiday manner." The following day, a Monday, 1 Wing continued to operate "... on a Sunday basis." 2 May 1946 A game of softball between 1 Repatriation Depot and 4 Repatriation Depot on Thursley cricket ground was won 8 - 1 by 1 Repatriation Depot. 5 May 1946 1 Wing "... had to provide 1 officer and 6 other rank candidates for the Victory Parade (which was) to be held on 8 June." The diary mentions, however, that this proved very difficult because of a staff shortage. In addition, each nominee had to be in possession of "... at least the 1939 - 45 Star, which (eliminated) a fairly large percentage of personnel." Following cocktails at 1800 hrs and dinner at 1900 hrs, a party of 15 officers and their guests left 1 Wing at 2030 hrs to attend a "very successful" officers' dance held at Regimental Headquarters. 7 May 1946 The problem of staff shortages was once again highlighted by the diarist in a somewhat frivolous manner. "The staff of Khaki University made up of approximately 230 ORs arrived today, unfortunately without mess tins, making it very difficult to feed them." 8 May 1946 The number of personnel required for the Victory Parade had been raised to 10, making it necessary "... to obtain them amongst the transient personnel." Although under the circumstances this was considered "... a very convenient move", there had been "little success" in persuading transient personnel to volunteer for this duty. 21 May 1946 Tweedsmuir Camp was so full that extra beds had to be added to the huts. 22 May 1946 Camp command was "... endeavouring to procure additional lawn mowers ..." as the equipment they had at the time "... was in poor condition." Grass could not be cut as fast as it grew. Sailing of Il de France was delayed for about a week due to "engine trouble." Personnel drafted for this voyage were "... granted leave for a week or so ..." to relieve the problem of accommodation in the camp. A shortage of accommodation on ships sailing for Canada meant that outgoing drafts were at a standstill and efforts were being made to temporarily halt all UK postings to 1 Repatriation Depot. 24 May 1946 Whitsun was to include the Victory Parade and last for 3 days, 8 - 10 June. To reduce the likelyhood of requests for leave some "... considerable weeks later", personnel of 1 Wing on duty over Whitsun were granted leave for 15 - 17 June and "emphatically ... no other period." Exceptions were made with respect to "cooks and Records personnel" but kept to an "absolute minimum." A small number of "protected personnel" were dispatched on the Queen Mary this day. 25 May 1946 All "... posting orders for personnel from the Continent and, to a large extent, from the UK to the Depot (had been) cancelled." The tennis court was in full use and, being a warm day, many troops spent the afternoon on "... local golf courses." 27 May 1946 A steady trickle of replacement personnel made it possible to release for repatriaton a "small number" of serving administrators. All 4 wings of 1 Repatriation Depot were "... more than filled ..." by the end of May 13 July 1946 Remaining skeleton staff of HQ CRU moved their administrative duties to Tweedsmuir this day. 14 July 1946 "Today was the day of the big lawn party at the Officers' Mess." A large number of guests from other wings and Canadian Army units remaining in the UK attended. The Mess dining room was used for dancing and 2 large marquees were erected on the lawn in which an additional bar was installed and buffet dinner was to be served. However, a gust of wind blew down both tents and showers sent everyone to shelter in the Officers' Mess lounge. This added to the excitement and everyone's enjoyment of the occasion. The following day a work party of 22 cleaned up the party venue. (Following the disbandment of both 4 Repatriation Depot and Canadian Repatriation Unit HQ on 22 July, only 1 Repatriation Depot was left to repatriate the remaining 9,000 soldiers of the Canadian Army Overseas.) 26 July 1946 A very heavy storm played havoc in the camp. Large quantities of sand and silt had been washed along the camp road. Several offices, and in particular the medical room, were flooded. The sewer pump became clogged with heavy deposits of sand, which the camp engineer managed to clear by early evening. A dance organised by the Messing Committee went ahead despite the dance floor being flooded by further outbreaks of showers. "A good number of ladies were in attendance and the fellows generally mixed well with them". The dance was described as a "great success". 27 July 1946 "A good deal of spoil had been removed ..." from the visitors' car park site. The purchase of a motorised lawn was seen by the unit as solving a "... major problem" as it made grass cutting easier and because their previous machine did not cut grass neatly. Towards the end of the month the diarist noted "... an appreciable difference in the state ..." of Tweedsmuir's lawns. 29 July 1946 Monday morning and good news. Over the weekend an additional allocation of space on the SS Mauritania had been assigned to 1 Wing personnel, meaning that 39 officers and 450 ORs could sail for Canada on 19 August. Later, more pleasing developments. The allocation on the SS Aquitania had been "... raised to 170 officers and 1,090 other ranks ..." and that she would sail on 10 August. 1 August 1946 Six PE personnel had been granted permission to return to Canada. 3 August 1946 Half of the unit staff left the camp at 1200 hrs for the August bank holiday. Additional transport had been "laid on" to take personnel to stations. Those remaining in the camp took advantage of the good weather by sunbathing and playing tennis. 4 August 1946 Sergeants' Mess held an Open House, which was attended by "... a great number of wives and friends ..." who "... enjoyed a very fine time." The holiday spirit prevailed in the camp with only "essential" work being done. 7 August 1946 Excavation of the visitors' car park was completed this day and the base was to be laid as soon as the material became available. The unit learned that the issue of free cigarettes was possibly to end on 1 September (and certainly by 1 October) because the supply was close to being exhausted. 8 August 1946 Following "... a long wait ...", the unit managed to procure glass to mend broken window "... panes throughout the camp." Despite also experiencing difficulty in obtaining putty, enough was delivered "... to do the more urgent cases." 10 August 1946 "Two dump trucks ... were hauling gravel for surfacing the visitors' car park." A large number of PE staff, who had been working over the August bank holiday, were off site for the weekend. 12 August 1946 A n important day for 1 Wing (Tweedsmuir Camp) personnel who received advance warning that their staff was to "... be heavily reduced ... in the near future." 13 August 1946 Pay staff cleaned and redecorated the Pay Office in the evening. 14 August 1946 A staff car, No. CM 4234911, was stolen from the car park. Civilian and military police were investigating. A billiard tournament was held with the CO winning first prize; a bottle of brandy. The QM was runner up, winning a considerably "... smaller bottle of the same produce." 21 August 1946 "Considerable number of applications for recreational transport received ... especially from ORs. The favourite journeys appear to (have been) Bognor Regis, Worthing, Cranleigh, Guildford, Maidenhead and Hazelmere." Transport to Brighton had been banned "... on account of high incidence of VD." 23 August 1946 Continual rain had prevented the grass from being cut. Since the grass was too long, it was felt that the mechanical mower would be of little use. Rustic fences around the camp were being replaced "... by a single strand of 1/2" wire." 26 August 1946 One officer dispatched by road to sail on the Queen Mary from Southampton. 27 August 1946 "Inspector Whitfield, Sergeant Price and one other sergeant, all of New Scotland Yard, spent the day in the camp interrogating personnel who were on leave in London on 17 - 19 August 46. They (were) looking for the murderer or murderers of a civilian." The perpetrators of the crime "... were described as three men in Canadian battle dress." A chesterfield (man's knee-length overcoat) was stolen from the Sergeants' Mess. 28 August 1946 "Three members of the CID Scotland Yard continued their investigation concerning the murder hunt. One of the soldiers concerned in the murder was alleged to (have been) in the Canadian Paratroop Regiment. 4 PE paratroopers were closely questioned." In the early hours of the morning unidentified soldiers tried to break into the Sergeants' Mess. The roving piquet gave chase but to no avail. The diary mentions that over "... the last 3 weeks there (had) been an epidemic ..." of thefts with items such as typewriters, civilian motorcycle parts, kit and cigarettes being taken. 29 August 1946 A man claiming to be Private VJ Jones arrived at the camp without any documents or identification and requested to be returned to Canada. He was immediately placed under close arrest and confined to the Guard Room because a soldier with the same number, rank, initials and surname had already been repatriated. He was reported to the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) who were investigating. 1 September 1946 Sunday and the Sergeants' Mess held an Open House, which was "widely attended." A few officers who had to remain in the camp brought their wives and "sweethearts" to the event. 3 September 1946 Heavy rain once again flooded the camp. Pumps failed due to water being heavily contaminated with sand. The same scenario was reported the following day. The inclement weather caused fuses to fail, leaving Officers' Quarters in darkness. Thieves broke into the theatre, taking the stage curtains. Civilian police and SIS were investigating. 4 September 1946 By now Camp Superior was being disbanded and on this day its personnel were moved to Camp Huron where they were "documented ... by a train of personnel from Tweedsmuir." 5 September 1946 Another theft. This time a window was broken in the store from where 20 tyres and inner tubes were taken. "It very much appears," wrote the diarist, "that this is an organised gang at work who undoubtedly dispose of the stolen goods on the black market. Certainly such acts have reached serious proportions." Although the replacement of rustic fencing with 1/2" wire had almost been completed, another problem was discovered. The electric light poles were "... in an advanced state of decay ..." and all would need replacing. 6 September 1946 "RSM Puddicombe caught two ... PE privates siphoning petrol into a 2 gallon can." The SIS and civilian police were investigating to "... assertain if (the private soldiers were) part of a black market ring and responsible for the extensive thefts from (the) depot." 8 September 1946 Very heavy rain again brought flooding to the camp. "This has probably been the heaviest rain yet." 10 September 1946 Recovery of 3 of the tyres stolen on 5 September was reported this day and 2 ORs were under arrest on suspicion. SIS and civilian police were of the opinion that if the tyre thieves were apprehended, "... all but petty thieving (would) end." The authorities held the view that the major thefts were performed by an organised gang. 11 September 1946 A large "Field Day" had taken place at 4 General Reinforcement Wing. Planned on 7 September, it included, among other attractions, "... the Dagenham Girls Pipe Band, a small circus, fun fair, pictures, live shows and refreshments." Personnel left at 15 minute intervals starting at 1300 hrs. "Transport for civilian friends ... called at Elstead, Milford, Thursley and Hindhead." A fatigue party were "... painting the new fences." (Presumably this was an on-going duty, consisting of weather-proofing the fence posts). 1 October 1946 Almost all "... personnel of the camp (had) shown considerable interest in the radio ..., listening for a full report of the Nuremberg Trials." Severe lightning and heavy rain, which cleared by 9.00 pm. 2 October 1946 "Rear party of 4 Wing (Ontario Camp), consisting of approximately 25 men, reported in. As the entire party had requested deferred repatriation, they were immediately dispatched to various departments to fill vacancies or replace personnel who (had requested) early repatriation." 3 October 1946 Since the Canadian Auxiliary Services were about to be disbanded, they gave notice that the distribution of films was to cease. Camp command took an immediate dislike to this decision by forwarding a protest to a "higher authority" in the hope "... that this last form of entertainment may be continued." 4 October 1946 A somewhat baffling remark was made this day, which reads, "It seems that at least half of the personnel reporting in (for repatriation) have houses or flats to dispose and depts to pay - a never ending stream of people trying to get their repatriation postponed until the next sailing." 9 October 1946 More thefts. Officers reported that various items had disappeared, including a bottle of whiskey, boots and dressing gowns. In the evening the Bulk Stores had been broken into and at least one radio stolen. A radio was also taken from one of the PE officer's rooms. The following day a further investigation relvealed that 20 pairs of boots had been taken from the Bulk Stores. Camp command was of the opinion "... that an oragnised ring ... (were ) ... operating in or around the camp area" and that they were "... familiar with the layout and routine of the camp." 15 October 1946 An interesting, if unclear, entry was made this day. It reads, "Numerous cases for the CO's Orderly Room. The more personnel shipped to Canada the more Courts of Inquiry and Court Martials there are." 16 October 1946 Supply of coal and coke was "... very low, with no further supply in sight. With strict control, it (was) expected the present supply (could have been) made to last approximately 10 days." An all ranks dance was held in the evening. No expense or effort had been spared "... to make this a good party." It was very succesful and "... there were at least 3 women for every man." 17 October 1946 "Evidently the Auxiliary Services and the Army (had) now reached an understanding on the supply of films. For the first time in 10 weeks a full length picture was shown in the gymnasium for ORs and Officers' Mess." 23 October 1946 The first sale of chocolate , purchased by the unit from the Canadian Auxiliary Services, had taken place on the afternoon of this day "... under the direction of Capt. AVA Williams, Assistant R&D Officer. The choice of bars (was) rather limited and more life-savers (had) to be included." 24 October 1946 All departments of 1 Wing were required "... to make a complete review of their staff in order to nominate as many as possible for repatriation"; the unit's strength had to be reduced by at least 33%. 25 October 1946 Rear party of Huron Camp (3 Wing) reported in this day. 28 October 1946 An intriguing entry was made this day. "For the first time since 4 Wing (Ontario) closed in the middle of September, the number of Court Martials pending has been brought down to one. Up to date the average has been one per day." 1 November 1946 New Scotland Yard recovered the Ford staff car stolen on 14 August. It had a "... brand new black paint job." Civilian workmen were completing the replacement of 11 rotted electric light poles. A motorised lawn mower "borrowed" from 22 Canadian General Hospital, Bramshott had to be "... returned to the British, after they became insistent ..." because it was "standard equipment belonging to the hospital, now ... operated a British Unit." 4 November 1946 Court of Inquiry, Board of Officers and Summaries of Evidence saw Capt. Davidson "... discharged from the Service" this day for being AWOL for 2 years and 2 months. 20 November 1946 Lt. Col. MacIntyre held a meeting to discuss "... a Christmas party for local children." This was to be the last of its kind held by the unit. "CMHQ called for a baggage detail of 1 officer and 40 other ranks to handle the wives' baggage being unloaded from the Empire Brent. Evidently the Brent was involved in a collision and the wives had to be unloaded and quartered in London, pending the arrival of aother boat." 2 December 1946 By now, as units across the UK were being demobilised, Canadian soldiers were being returned home as speedily and efficiently as possible. 1 Wing received "instructions for the final run-down" of 1 Repatriation Depot. By 31 December the rear party was to consist of 7 officers and 65 other ranks. (It should be noted that by the end of 1946 1 Repatriation Depot consisted only of Tweedsmuir Camp [1 Wing]. 3 December 1946 "The Court Martial, which assembeld last week in the case of Capt. CE McCann, flew to Ansterdam this morning to continue the hearing." Fortunately for McCann, after resuming on 5 December in 1 Wing, 1 Repatriation Depot, the Court Martial found him "NOT GUILTY". 6 December 1946 Morale was high among the transient personnel because they expected "... to arrive at their homes in Canada before Christmas Day." Record staff were completing rolls for repatriation drafts before themselves returning to Canada. 13 December 1946 Tweedsmuir Camp was described as being "very quiet" this day. The committee had purchased about £80 (£2,210.46 [UK] in todays money) worth of presents in preparation for the children's Christmas party and were "... tagging them with the children's names." 15 December 1946 A "small Open House" was held in the Sergeants' Mess. 16 December 1946 Royal Engineers were continuing with their final inspection of the camp in the presence of Acting Commandant, First Warrant Officer B Sullivan, who had carpenters and glaziers preparing the camp for this occasion. The Royal Engineers are reported to have been "... well pleased with the condition of the camp." 17 December 1946 Lt. Col. MacIntyre, CO 1 Wing, held a meeting to discuss the children's party and also the Officers' Christmas Dinner. 18 December 1946 The number of cats in the camp were increasing rapidly as were too the number of rats. The RSPCA was invited to arrange for "... the cats to be destroyed." 19 December 1946 The Sergeants' Mess Christmas Dinner was held this day. Col. Gordon (CO 1 Repatriation Depot), Lt. Col. Barber (2 ic 1 Repatriation Depot), Lt. Col. MacIntyre (CO 1 Wing), and Maj. Lynch (2 ic 1 Wing) joined some 65 sergeants and WOs for the occasion. 21 December 1946 The final Children's Christmas Party was held in the NAAFI. "Approximately 100 children and some parents attended. A (film) show started off the programme; Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Pte. Joe Snafu. Movies very well received. Then ... sandwiches and cake, chocolate, buns, cookies, biscuits etc, served by officers and ORs. Major KM Johnson, the SPO, being the proper shape and size, passed out the presents ... to the children, who were elated. As the children walked out the door to return home, they were given further gifts of candy and gum." 22 December 1946 An officers' cocktail party was followed at 12 noon by "Christmas Luncheon" in the Officers' Mess. 23 December 1946 It had been "... necessary to retain 40 ORs at all times from the transient strength to act as general duty personnel in the huts, around the kitchens and camp." This had been "... a decided change in policy ..." as in the past the unit would never have used "... transients except for the mobile force." 24 December 1946 Coal and coke was in short supply hence used only in the officers' kitchen and for heating water. Although there was a plentiful supply of wood for living quarters and messes, "... the stuff (was) green and (did) not burn very well." 25 December 1946 Unlike previous Christmas Day entries, the one for 1946 was rather reserved. It simply stated that Christmas Dinner had been served to approximately 100 men by officers, warrant officers and sergeants in the NAAFI, and that the only transport available to troops in the camp had been to Milford. 27 December 1946 All PE personnel except the rear party were preparing to leave Tweedsmuir Camp and sail for Canada on 17 January 1947. 28 December 1946 The officers held their last dance in the mess. 29 December 1946 This was a "very quiet Sunday." The camp was practically deserted and the Sergeants' Mess held an Open House for a few guests. 31 December 1946 "Due to wastage it (became) necessary to re-arrange the rear party. The strength of it (was) 9 officers and 76 other ranks." Copyright © 2006: Zen and Wies Rogalski Last Revised 14 November 2007