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The Lincolnshire Regiment
History of the Lincolnshire Regiment
There were two Regular Army battalions of the Lincolnshire Regiment between the two World Wars, the 1st and the 2nd. There was no 3rd battalion, but there were also the 4th and 5th battalions--Territorial Army units, comprising civilian volunteers who trained for one or two evenings a week and sometimes at weekends.
The Lincolnshire Regiment was active on all fronts, during World War II. The Regiment served in the following campaigns of WW2: Vist, Norway 1940, Dunkirk 1940, Normandy Landing, Cambes, Fontenay le Pesnil, Defence of Rauray, Caen, Orne, Bourguébus Ridge, Troarn, Nederrijn, Le Havre, Antwerp-Turnhout Canal, Venraij, Venlo Pocket, Rhineland, Hochwald, Lingen, Bremen
Arnhem 1945, North-West Europe 1940, '44-45, Sedjenane I,
Mine de Sedjenane, Argoub Selah, North Africa 1943, Salerno, Vietri Pass, Capture of Naples, Cava di Terreni, Volturno Crossing, Garigliano Crossing, Monte Tuga, Gothic Line, Monte Gridolfo, Gemmano Ridge, Lamone Crossing, San Marino, Italy 1943-45, Donbaik, Point 201 (Arakan), North Arakan, Buthidaung, Ngakyedauk Pass, Ramree, Burma 1943-45.
Battle Order
Four rifle companies: each three platoons of three sections. The section contained 10 men with one light machine gun; the platoon one officer and 36 men with one 2-in. mortar, and the company five officers and 122 men with three PIATs at company headquarters.
Men in the Territorial Army were known as "Terriers", or sometimes--jokingly--as the "Saturday Night Soldiers".
Many of the men in the Terriers had joined with their friends from work, the pub or perhaps even the same football team. Some were brothers. It was the thing to do--a bit of a laugh. The annual highlight was the fortnight's summer camp, usually held at a different place each year.
Training was not particularly rigorous. There was plenty of off-duty time at the summer camp and it was seen as a holiday. In fact, some men had joined the Terriers just so that they could go on the annual jaunt to the camp, for in those days it was probably the only holiday that many of them were likely to get.
Below is the Enlistment Contract used during WW2
"TO THE YOUNG MEN OF LINCOLNSHIRE"
"If you wish to lead an honourable, useful, active and happy life With excellent prospects of promotion, I invite you to join your County Regiment, the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. The Infantry is the back- bone of the Army and the Royal Lincolns have a record and traditions which are second to none.
You may apply to join the Regiment if you are between 17 and 35 years of age, provided you are fit and healthy. If you have been in the Army previously, you may be able to deduct your former full time service from your present age in order to bring you within the age limit for enlistment.
Terms of Service. The Army offers you a secure career with a pension after 22 years service. You may either enlist for 22 years with the right to terminate your service after each period of three years, provided you give six months notice; or you may enlist for three years with the Colours and four years on the Reserve.
Pay. The amount of pay a soldier receives depends on how long he undertakes to serve. The minimum rate of pay on enlistment for men who undertake to serve:-
3 years is 63/- a week)
6 years is 77/- a week)
Plus free food and clothing, and if married and extra 42/- per week. A skilled soldier will get considerably more.
The Regimental Band. Boys between 15 and 17 years of age, who pass the necessary intelligence tests, may now enlist for service with the Regimental Band for a period of 6 years with the Colours and 3 years on the Reserve. Pay for boys is from £1.1s.6d per week, plus free food and clothing. Bandsmen may enlist up to the age of 33.
Required Kit
Ammo Boots, black, cap-toed, pebble grained, hobnails and irons
Bandoleers, tan
Blouse and Trousers, wool, British Battledress, P37 or P40
Braces, white elastic (holds up the trousers)
E-Tool w/ carrier and MKII handle for probing
British Field Dressing, first aid dressing
Anklets or Spats, British P37, brass buckles w/ cloth straps
Ground Cloth or Rain Cape, Tan or Green
Field Service Cap, w/ Lincolnshire Regimental Sphynx
Helmet, Mk II, Brodie
Helmet Net, British, khaki or green
Mess Kit, aluminum, (do NOT eat from earlier tinned ones)
Mug, Brown or White
P37 Webbing, w/Brass fittings: Equipment should not be blancoed
-Bayonet Frog
-Belt
-Shoulder Braces
-E-Tool w/Cover
-L Straps (for small and large packs)
-Mk II Pouches
-“Skeleton” Water Bottle Carrier
-Small and Large Pack
Scabbard, for No. 4 Mk II spike bayonet
Socks, grey wool
Stripper clips, .303 (for No. 4 rifle; try to get at least 20)
Undershirt, khaki, flannel wool, collarless
Water Bottle, green body with khaki wool cover.
Required Weapons
Bayonet, No. 4 Mk II
Sling, Khaki Web for No. 4 Rifle
British .303 Caliber No. 4 Mk I Lee Enfield
Additional Equipment:
This is not necessary to participate, but is encouraged to enhance the impression. Remember, we are an Infantry Regiment, and you will carry everything on your back.
Bag, Rations, cotton, white
The MK VII (MARK SEVEN) Bag w/ respirator
Blanket, wool, grey w/wo dark blue stripe
Blouse and Trousers, Denim, British Battledress, P37 or P40 (over wools for warmth) Should be larger size than wools.
Bomb, Mills, No. 36 (inert; for display)
Breech Cover, .303 rifle
Bren Magazines, two
Drawers, long wool
G.S. Cap
Gloves, knit wool, khaki
Greatcoat, P40
Holdall (Toiletry Roll)
House wife (sewing kit)
ID Discs, one red and one gray, on white cord
Jerkin, Leather
Jumper, wool, V-neck
Kit, Shaving
Knife, Clasp/Jack
Lanyard, clasp knife
Pouch, Wire Cutter
Powder, Foot
Ration, Emergency, Tin
Respirator, Lightweight
Scarf, scrim, camo
Stringbag
String Vest
Towel, white
Wire Cutter
Other Clothing:
Undergarments were white, tan or green colored
T-shirts and Draws or boxers; should be worn to absorb sweat, these maybe either color listed above.
To participate, it is not necessary to have all your eguipment. Recommend getting uniform and weapon first. Those who are interested in portraying a typical WW2 British Soldier in the field, feel free to contact me at the enlistment link below. We have a group page, on Yahoo groups, LincolnshireRegiment, just join and state your interest.
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