09 January 1940. To France. The 5th Battalion, the Gloucestershire Regiment, under the command of Lt-Col G. A. H. Buxton, was embodied on the 2nd September, 1939. We left for overseas on the 9th January, 1940, having been inspected by H.M. the King. We marched through Marlborough before light with the drums and bugles playing, and many a window was thrown open as we were bid God Speed and an early return.

We disembarked at Le Havre on the morning of the 16th September 1939. First billets were in Caudebec. We left Normandy on the evening of the 19th January, and went (except for a road party with the M.T.) by train north to Thumeries, where we were to spend the ensuing two months.

01 March – 19 April 1940 The Saar. At the beginning of March, we were told of our impending visit to the Saar to take over the British sector. Kedange and La Maxe, some five miles behind the main Maginot Line. Halstroff, Flastroff and Zeurange. Battle of Grindorff (Hartbusch, Grossenwald, Hermesbach)

On the 6th of April, we left the Ligne de Contact for the Soutein. On the 9th of April we once more returned to the Receuil. Our immediate front line activity finished on the 19th of April, when we returned once more to La Maxe.

23 April – 13 May 1940 Interlude. Auby, some five miles south of Thumeries and three miles north of Douai. Here, we had a quiet nineteen days.