| 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: The Royal Dragoons | ||
| Month and Year: December 1944 | (Erase heading not required). | Commanding Officer: Lt.Col. H.W. Lloyd |
| Place | Date | Hour | Summary | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 'D' Sqn relieved 'A' Sqn at mid-day in the Southern sector. Last night a German patrol approached a Dutch post at VEERLINGSBEEK. They approached in single file and when challenged answered in English -"We are English but do not know the pass-word for tonight". They then began to fan out and encircle the post. The leading man then called out in English - "Send your Sergeant out to me". This leading man was promptly shot dead. The man behind him fell flat on his face and was taken prisoner. The remainder made off. The PW admitted that the object of the patrol was to capture a prisoner and stated that he had been this side of the river for nearly two days. Captured documents include a safe conduct pass and a diary. The weather has been fine but it has suddenly turned very cold. The Allied Air Force flew 6000 sorties, ranging from Halifax bombers to Spitfires, in support of the American Armies fighting the German counter-offensive. The Christmas spirit is infiltrating successfully into our lines, notwithstanding the endless patrols, day and night and in all weathers (mostly intolerable) which Sqns have carried out, almost without a break, over the last three months. These patrols have sometimes been carried out at considerable risk but have more frequently been dull and tedious and (especially at night) extremely unpleasant. The very bad weather (apparently exceptional even for this country) did nothing to lessen the strain on all concerned. However, RHQ, 'A' and 'B' Sqns, the two resting Sqns are preparing for a festive Christmas which 'C' and 'D' Sqns will duly celebrate when they are relieved. At 1800hrs. this morning a Regimental concert party produced by Cpl. Fields, was held at LACTARIA. An excellent Theatre forming part of the monsastary occupied by 'A' Sqn was used. The concert was attended by about 300 troops from 'A' and 'B' Sqns and RHQ and about 25 officers. It was a very great success and the audience was highly appreciative. The Signal officer Lt. Pitt-Rivers assisted in the production, scenery and lighting which our Belgian officer (attached) Lt. Yvon Surdiacourt gave invaluable help and advice with make-up and dress. By means which we did not enquire into he produced a number of ladies under-garments of a very intimate nature which made the "Lactaria Follies" a devastating success. The programme attached gives full details of the production, but special mention must be made of Cpl. "Gracie" Fields who gave an excellent performance in which he was supported by a first rate caste. |
Source: Jeroen Koppes, TracesOfWar.com, transcribing: Hans Houterman.
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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