Although some reinforcements arrived to the Battalion at this stage, it was no easy task to provide all the necessary guards and the Battalion worked very hard to maintain its high standards of turnout, discipline and bearing. Nevertheless, although nearly every man was called upon for guard duties, it was possible to run a few small tours out to the Vienna Woods and other places of local interest. These off duty periods, though few, were greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all ranks. During this period, too, the Sergeants and Corporals of the Battalion took advantage of being together again and held several very successful dances.
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On November 15th, a month after the Battalion had assumed the responsibility for the International Area, control passed from the British to the French. The ceremonial handing over was similar to that held when the Battalion took over from the Americans. Men from Baker Company, led by the Company Commander Major L E Stringer, with Lt H Spicker and Lt R H Garbett in support, again took part in these proceedings. This time the Union Jack was lowered and and the French Tricolour raised over the Palace of Justice and the large French band gave stirring renditions of The King and the Marseillaise, followed by the Durhams' Regimental March.
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The next day, the Commanding Officer received a letter from the Brigadier G V Palmer OBE, TD, Commander of the Vienna Area. In this letter Brigadier Palmer said: 'Would you please congratulate the officers and men of Baker Company on the excellence of their general bearing and turnout at the hand-over ceremony this morning. They were extremely smart and I am indeed grateful for the work put in by your Battalion during the month we were in command in Vienna.'
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After another fortnight in the capital of Austria, during which a most successful All Ranks dance was held in the barracks, the Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Battalion the Hampshire Regiment and returned to Wildon on November 28th. The civilians in the old area were delighted to welcome the Battalion once again but, despite the numerous guard commitments in Vienna, the majority of the men would have preferred to to stay there rather than return to the much quieter and less exciting life of southern Styria.
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One thing was certain and that was that the Battalion had performed its task with distinction and had enhanced its reputation by a high standard of discipline, drill and general bearing. It had proved very worthy of the honour of being sent to Vienna as the first representative of the 46th Division.
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EYEWITNESS INDEX PAGE
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Major Stringer leading the Parade.
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