June 17th, Le Bas de Ranville; A very quiet day after a quiet night. In the afternoon the officers of the battalion (less one per company) Were addressed by the Divisional Commander, Major-General D.C. Bullen-Smith, M.C. who was accompanied by the Brigade commander, Brigadier H.Haugh, M.C. June 18th, Le Bas de Ranville; Another quiet night and except for 1 hours intermittent shelling between 12.00 and 13.00 hours, and 2 hours in the evening, between 18.00 and 20.00 hours, a quiet day. In the evening, Major C.W.R.Hill, ‘A’ company commander and 2 platoons of ‘A’ company were briefed for a fighting patrol to St Honorine la Chardonerette for the purpose of ascertaining if any enemy were in the village and of bringing back a prisoner.
This patrol left their company area at 23.59 hours. During the morning our new Padre, Captain, the Reverend, G. Elliot Anderson C.F., preached his first sermon to each company in turn. Brigadier C.M.Barber DSO., Commander 46 brigade (15th Scottish Division) paid a short visit to Battalion H.Q. June 19th, Le Bas de Ranville; Major C.W.R.Hill’s patrol returned about 03.00 hours after a very successful few hours. 2 prisoners were taken (1 wounded) and no casualties were suffered by our troops. Intermittent mortaring and shelling took place during the day but nothing further developed.
In the evening from 21.00 hours to 23.30, the C.O. was in conference with the Brigade commander. On account of the inclement weather, the brigade commander authorised an issue of Rum to the troops. June 20th; Le Bas de Ranville; 09.00 hours weather still bad. C.O. again went to Brigade H.Q to receive orders regarding our second attack on St Honorine and returned at 12.30 hours. 13.30 hours, ‘O’ group conference at which preliminary orders about the attack were given.
The C.O. then had a further conference with the Divisional and Brigade commanders at 19.00 hours. In the evening there was slight shelling of ‘C’ company’s area, but no damage was done. C.O. was informed by Brigade that attack was postponed 24 hours. June 21st. Le Bas de Ranville; Weather still rough. C.O. busy all day with commanders of supporting arms and in completing his plans for the attack. June 22nd. Le Bas de Ranville; C.O. at Brigade for final conference with Divisional and Brigade commanders, returning at 12.30 hours. 14.00 hours C.O. gave out his final orders to his ‘O’ group, which was attended by Major A..M. Gilmour, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, whose ‘C’ company was lent to the 5th Camerons so that 5 rifle companies could go into the attack. From 18.00 hours onwards the companies were briefed and prepared for battle. 23.30 hours start line taped by Lt. D.W.Milne, Intelligence officer and 2 members of intelligence section.
