| Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence
Summaries are contained in F.S. Regs., Vol. 1.
and the Staff Manual respectively Title pages
will be prepared in manuscript. |
WAR DIARY or INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY |
Army Form C.2118 |
| Unit: 23rd Hussars | ||
| Month and Year: April 1945 | (Erase heading not required). | Commanding Officer: Lt.Col. R.P. HARDING, DSO |
| Place | Date | Hour | Summary | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | 23rd Hussar Group was ordered forward to establish itself north of UELZEN, which was being attacked by 15th Scottish Division, in the area of the high ground 8898, 1/100,000 Sheet M5 and to link up with 6th Airborne Division which was outflanking UELZEN from the east. At about 10.00 hours 23rd Hussar Group passed through 159th Infantry Brigade Group at EBSTORF, 8096, but as enemy were reported in the direction of BARUM, 8698 it was decided to approach the objective from the north via NATENDORF, 8201 and X roads 8701. Within two hundred yards of the latter, the two leading tanks of "A" Squadron were brewed up by three 88mm guns and four 20mm guns which were later abandoned. "C" Squadron Group in the meanwhile were diverted south and having cleared HOHENBUNSDORF of some enemy were approaching BARUM from the west. After two of their leading tanks were hit on the long open slope leading into the village the Squadron was withdrawn behind the ridge. It remained there ubtil the late afternoon until the whole Regiment, having encircled the place, could give it its undivided attention. During this time "B" Squadron Group was despatched by a rapid manouevre and a small track through SEEDORF, 8601 to establish themselves astride the main road at 879998. From there "B" Squadron Group sent a troop to the railway line west of BEVENSEN, 9001 to attempt to link up with 6th Airborne Division, or failing this, to brew up the fleeing Germans. This was duly done and a great score was produced. "C" Squadron - H Company Group were meanwhile tying up the place for the final attack. At the same time R.HQ moved up to the area of Point 80, 8600, to support from the north. "A" Squadron sent a troop to the area 877007 to cover exits to the north east. "B" Squadron pushed a troop to the outskirts of TATENDORF to cover exits to the south east. The attack went in at 19.00 hours and was completely successful. Total Bag - "A" Squadron Group 3 x 88mm guns, 1 x 20mm gun, 1 x 75mm gun, 1 x halftrack. "B" Squadron 3 x 88mm guns, 1 x 88mm gun captured, 1 x halftrack captured intact, Two large half-track lorries, 1 x towed 75mm gun, 2 x Volkswagen, 1 x Omnibus, 1 x Tractor, 30 x dead, 45 x POW. "C" Squadron 2 x 88mm guns (two disputed with HQ), 3 x 20mm guns, 4 x 40mm guns, 120 x POW, approximately 30 killed. A fuller account is attached. 4 x Other Ranks killed in action, 1 x Other Rank missing believed killed, Lieut Goss and 5 x Other Ranks wounded. 1 x Dodge 15-cwt truck received from 8th Corps CS and VP. 1 x Comet tank destroyed by enemy action. 3 x Comet tanks left for recovery. |
Source: Neil Grimshaw.
Disclaimer: This War Diary is based on its original, but typos might be corrected. Locations are calculated, so might not be in the correct place. For historical research, always check the originals.
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