6^TH BATTALION, MARLBOROUGH

H.Q. Wing

Commander: Gen. Sir F. Gathorne Hardy; Capt. A.L.F. Fuller

Strength [ ]

Headquarters: Marlborough

PLATOONS - Strength & Commander/s

We do not have any information relating to strength, commanders or members for H.Q. Wing. If you have information please contact us

OFFICERS

A COMPANY (Marlborough)

Commander: [ ]

Strength [ ]

Headquarters: Marlborough

PLATOONS

We know that there were 7 platoons in A Coy. but do not have details of their location, strength, commanders or members. If you can assist with any information please contact us

OFFICERS

We do not have any officer information. Are you able to help?

B COMPANY (Lockeridge)

Commander: [ ]

Strength [ ]

Headquarters: Lockeridge

PLATOONS

We know the location of the 9 platoons in B Coy. but do not have details of their strength, commanders or members. If you can assist with any information please contact us

OFFICERS

We do not have any officer information. Are you able to help?

C COMPANY (Aldbourne)

Commander: [ ]

Strength [ ]

Headquarters: Aldbourne

PLATOONS

We know the location of the 4 platoons in C Coy. but do not have details of their strength, commanders or members. If you can assist with any information please contact us

OFFICERS

We do not have any officer information. Are you able to help?

D COMPANY (Shalbourne)

Commander: [ ]

Strength [ ]

Headquarters: Shalbourne; Wilton

PLATOONS

We know the location of the 8 platoons in D Coy. but do not have details of their strength, commanders or members. If you can assist with any information please contact us

OFFICERS

We do not have any officer information. Are you able to help?

E COMPANY

Commander: [ ]

Strength [ ]

Headquarters: Marlborough

We do not have any detail on E Coy. apart from that it was within Marlborough 'for a time'. If you are able to help with any information please contact us

IMAGES

If you recognise anyone in these images, we'd love to hear from you. Also, if Pl. not shown, do you know which Pl.?

C Coy., Ramsbury Airfield Pl.

Source: www.ramsburyatwar.com

TANK ISLAND

Marlborough was designated a Tank Island that should be held at all costs;

Several of the local villages were designated 'centres of resistance', that should also be held at all costs;

"Blue Line": defence line along Kennett & Avon Canal, defended by D Coy. from Froxfield to Burbage, aided by the installation of concrete 'pill boxes' and tank obstructions

B.E.M. (MILITARY)

Sgt. G.E. Smith (5567971); granted 21 July 1942

"On 7 Dec. 1941 Sgt. Smith was instructing members of the Home Guard in the throwing of live No. 36 grenades. About 25 men were under struction. One of the men, while throwing a grenade struck the sand bags which were on top of the throwing bay and the grenade lodged on the sand bags. Sgt. Smith ordered all the men to lie down, but the grenade, which was fizzing, meanwhile rolled down among other live grenades and detonators. Sgt. Smith then ran foward, picked up the grenade and just managed to throw it clear before it exploded. His prompt action in a dangerous situation prevented what might have been a very serious accident."

Sgt. F.J.L. Rosier; granted 4 August 1942

"During hand grenade practice by members of the Wilton Pl., on 24 May 1942, one of the men under instruction droped a grenade after he had withdrawn the safety pin. The grenade rolled under a board by which stood a box of live grenades. Sgt. Rosier, who was instructing the platoon, immediately ordered all those nearby to take cover. He then recovered and threw the grenade, which exploded immediately it reached teh ground. The prompt and courageous action of this N.C.O. prevented what might have been a serious accident. "What makes Sgt. Rosier's action particulalry meritorious in this instance was that the grenade fell under some boards into the trench, and therefore, there was a certain amount of delay, which would not have occurred if it had fallen clear.""

WEAPONS

Rifle;

Shotguns;

Molotov bombs;

Northover Projectors;

No. 36 grenades;

Cup-dischargers;

Machine-guns of several types;

Sten guns;

Spigot mortars;

2-pounder anti-tank guns;

Smith guns;

Grenades

ACTIVITIES

Man road-blocks and 30 O.P.s;

Digging trenches and weapon pits;

Elementary training and instruction;

Watch for enemy parachutists;

Training parades;

Map reading;

Protection against gas;

Use of portable wireless sets (signallers);

Proficient in use of rifle and one other weapon, and to know something of them all;

Squad and platoon battle drill;

Rifle practice at Marlborough College ranges;

Moving quickly to harrass or destroy enemy troops;

Tactical Exercises Without Troops (T.E.W.T.s);

Practice aiming at enemy aircraft

HOW WOMEN JOINED IN

Clerks;

Telephonists;

Drivers;

Camp cooks;

Prepared first aid posts;

Summer 1940, 24-hour vigil maintained for wireless warning of invasion