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: 3rd R. Tks. | ||
Month and Year: August 1944 | (Erase heading not required). | Commanding Officer: Lt. Col. DAH Silvertop, MC |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|
677515 | 1 | 0430 | Reveille. | |
1 | 0445 | Net. Take over from 23H leading the Bde. A Sqn leading the Regt SOUTH over River SOULEOUVRE and then EAST to LE BENY BOCAGE - 6742. | ||
1 | 1030 | A Sqn leading sends troop on either side of village and one troop through centre of village. Village capture. | ||
1 | 1130 | C Sqn then follow on through LE BENY BOCAGE to high ground at Pt 243 and Pt 266 (675428 and 695425). They report area clear of enemy and proceed to the NORTH of this position. A Sqn follow to Pt 243. | ||
1 | 1500 | B Sqn with 2 Coys of KSLI then attacks from Pt 266 towards river crossing 699439 and capture it. They then move to T junction 706443 and up road leading NW to LE TOURNEUR - 683455.One tk KO SE of LE TOURNEUR and another bogged on road leading further to the SE. | ||
681424 | 1 | 2200 | RHQ rvs for night at 681424. A Sqn remains to the EAST on the side of the road. B Sqn remains area 705443. C Sqn with one coy of inf remain in area 695715. | |
2 | 0500 | Reveille. | ||
2 | 0600 | Move fwd. Route - CL 695715 - 707364 - 712345 - 712343 - 727332. Order of March - A Sqn, RHQ KSLI, C Sqn, B Sqn. | ||
2 | 0900 | Halted area 685403. | ||
2 | 1100 | C Sqn sent EAST of CL to guard flank. | ||
2 | 1730 | C Sqn having trouble area 718372. | ||
2 | 2000 | Attack on LE GD BONFAIT with KSLI, wich was successful.C Sqn pulled back to area 718363. | ||
718363 | 3 | 0430 | Reveille. | |
3 | 0500 | Stand to. At first light B Sqn took up position in area NW of LE GD BONFAIT 719372. A Sqn from first light area LE GD BONFAIT with coy of KSLI. | ||
3 | 1000 | Following reports of enemy tks moving NORTH to this area B Sqn moved patrols towards it but found little. C Sqn area 709363. | ||
3 | 1300 | Enemy conter-attack with inf and some tks. A Sqn report 7 in their area. Attack is held although GERMAN tks remain very close to ours. Observation is very difficult and country very close. The situation remainded static until nightfall.Intermittent mortar and shell fire in RHA area during morning and afternoon. At last light A and B Sqns rally in area 710370. C Sqn rally in area 706366 with RHQ. | ||
706366 | 4 | 0445 | Reveille. At first light Sqn s move to areas:- A - 718374: B - 712381: C - 709363. Sqns remain in observation all day. Throughout day there was intermittent fighting but no change in disposition. | |
4 | 1200 | COs conference. | ||
706366 | 5 | 0430 | Reveille. Sqns take up same positions as yesterday before first light.Throughout day no serious incident to report. | |
5 | 2340 | COs conference. | ||
706366 | 6 | 0430 | Reveille. As for yesterday - Sqns out in positions of observation in anticipation of a conter-attack. Throughout day minor conter-attacks appeared but were successfully beaten off. Tks reported in similar places to yesterday. It would appear that they pull out at last light and return to the same position of observation in the morning.Capt S. Farningham, M.M., rejoins unit and is posted, as 2IC, to C Sqn. | |
706366 | 7 | 0430 | Reveille. | |
7 | 0700 | A Sqn move forward to WARWICKS area - 720345 - to take up position of observation SOUTH and to both flanks. They relieve 23H. Major W.H. Close, M.C. contacts CO of WARWICKS and 23H to consider best positions. WARWICKS depleted in strength can only send small patrols foward.1 Tp 77 Ass Sqn under command.C Sqn area 712365. Another day of reports concerning infiltration with infantry and tks. On the whole quiet. | ||
7 | 1000 | Mortar bursting in tress in RHQ area wounds Adjt - Capt T.L. Kinton - and 3 ORs. | ||
706366 | 7 | 2100 | A Sqn reports 2 Tigers at 720345 and endeavour to engage them from 100x.Tigers open up and sub-sub-unit has to withdraw. | |
7 | 2300 | COs conference. Task tomorrow same as today. Observation SOUTH, SE, EAST in anticipation of conter-attack. A Sqn remain 720345. C Sqn harbour in RHQ area. | ||
8 | 0445 | Reveille. At first light C Sqn proceed ot posn of obsercation as yesterday. A Sqn still in area 720345. | ||
8 | 1500 | Capt J.A. Kempton and Lt J.G.H. Moorhead arrive as reinforcements and are posted to B and A Sqns respectively. | ||
8 | 1505 | Bde now at 6 hrs notice to move, but no move likely for 72 hrs. Signal from Bde that A Sqn would withdraw from area on receipt of codeword SPARROW. In event of B Sqn having to support 1 HEREFORDS codeword ARCHIE is to be used. | ||
8 | 2200 | CO to Bde. | ||
8 | 2230 | COs conference - Orders for first light 9 Aug. | ||
9 | 0330 | Codeword SPARROW received. A Sqn return to RHQ area. | ||
9 | 0445 | Reveille; | ||
9 | 0600 | Recce move forward in postition of observation with one tp of B Sqn in support. | ||
9 | 1000 | COs conference. 11 Armd Div taking over dispositions of Gds Arm Div. A Sqn At 1/2 hrs notice to move to support 1 HEREFORDS area 724378 in event of infiltration or counter-attack. | ||
9 | 1100 | B Sqn move to LE GD BONFAIT. | ||
9 | 1130 | C Sqn move to area 724384 - position of observation. | ||
9 | 1200 | RHQ - 119 Bty - 1 Tp 77 Ass Sqn move to area 719378. | ||
9 | 1430 | 29 Armd Bde Op Instr No. 7 received. | ||
9 | 1500 | B Sqn have to take over LE BUQ from IG tonight n support of 4 KSLI taking over that area. Major N.H. Bourne, DSO, (2IC) and Major J.C. Balharrie, M.C. recce positions. | ||
9 | 1700 | CO to Bde. Conference on reorganisation.Throughout day no incident except odd shelling from area unidentified which did no damage. Weather:- warm, dry, sunny. | ||
719378 | 10 | 0445 | B Sqn reveille - now under command 4 KSLI, 1 Tp area 736373 observing NE and EAST. | |
10 | 0630 | Reveille for A and C Sqns and RHQ. (Area 719378) | ||
10 | 1130 | Brigadier and BM visit Unit. | ||
10 | 1800 | COs conference - Promotions - Awards. | ||
10 | 1830 | Tp of 77 Ass Sqn revert from our comd. | ||
10 | 1830 | 159 Inf Bde Adm Order No. 6 received. | ||
10 | 1900 | BSO to 159 Bde for conference - 3 R Tks to be under comd 159 Bde for operations commencing tomorrow, 11 Aug. | ||
10 | 1930 | Lt J. Ormrod joins unit and is posted to RHQ. Lt R.P. Brookshaw rejoins unit and A Sqn. | ||
10 | 2230 | 159 Inf Bde OO No. 6 received. | ||
10 | 2245 | 29 Armd Bde Op Instr No. 8 Received. | ||
11 | 0615 | Reveille. | ||
11 | 0700 | C Sqn move to join 159 Bde Dp at cross roads 707364. B Sqn remain in same area in support of 4 KSLI. No incidents apart from odd shelling reported throughout day. | ||
11 | 0745 | CO and BSO move to 159 Bde, area 707367. | ||
12 | 0600 | Reveille. | ||
12 | 0900 | CO to Bde. | ||
12 | 1030 | CO visits C Sqn. Major W.H. Close, M.C., (OC A Sqn) recces positions area 732380 for left flank protection in event of counter-attack from NE or EAST. | ||
12 | 2300 | C Sqn return to RHQ area. | ||
13 | 0600 | Reveille. | ||
13 | 0800 | C of E Service. | ||
13 | 0845 | CO to 159 Bde. | ||
13 | 0930 | RC Service. | ||
13 | 1030 | CO's conference - attended by 2IC ( Maj N.H. Bourne, DSO) A,B,C, BTA, BSO, A1 Ech Comd.159 Bde taking over from 15(S) Div. 3 R Tks to support 4 KSLI area ESTRY 7437 | ||
13 | 1115 | CO and 2IC recce new area. | ||
13 | 1500 | Bn move - Order of March RHQ, Recce, C, A, B, A1 Ech. | ||
13 | 2100 | CO to 159 Bde - conference. | ||
13 | 2230 | CO'S conference - Order Cp. Infm - enemy pullingout. 11 Armd Div come under comd 30 Corps. Intention - advance in pursuit of enemy.29 Armd Bde to capture Pt 203. 159 Inf Bde to capture VASSY. | ||
14 | 0500 | Reveille. | ||
14 | 0515 | Net. | ||
14 | 0545 | CO moves fwd in scout car to contact CO 4 KSLI. | ||
14 | 0600 | Bn moves. | ||
744381 | 14 | 0645 | RHQ at 744381. | |
14 | 2100 | C Sqn pull back to RHQ area. | ||
14 | 2200 | Area receives heavy shelling. | ||
14 | 2230 | CO returns from 159 Bde. RHQ moves back 200 yda from 744381. | ||
14 | 2245 | CO's conference. At first light KSLI moving to take Pt 212 (7634). A Sqn will suport them. Lt J. Ormorod and 1 OR wounded by shelling.Day quiet except for shelling at 2200 hrs. Fwd elements 2 NY held up area 758345 - 771348. LE THIEL (7635) occupied and consolidated by 1 HEREFORDS. | ||
15 | 0400 | Message from 159 Bde cancelling 4 KSLI party. | ||
15 | 0500 | Reveille. | ||
15 | 0515 | Net. | ||
15 | 0630 | Lt C.T.W. Lindguist take over RHQ Tp. | ||
15 | 0830 | CO's conference attended by 2IC, Sqn Comds, BTA, and RHQ Tp Leader. | ||
15 | 0900 | CO to 159 Bde. | ||
15 | 1120 | Brig Churcher holds conference with CO in RHQ area. | ||
15 | 1145 | RHQ moves fwd to 776346. | ||
15 | 1430 | Maj Gen G.P.B. Roberts, DSO, MG (Div Comd) visits above location and discusses situation with CO and CO 4 KSLI. | ||
15 | 1700 | 4 KSLI hold order Op attended by CO and Maj Close. | ||
15 | 1945 | CO to 159 Bde. | ||
15 | 2230 | CO's conference. 159 Inf Bde Op Instr No. 7 received. | ||
16 | 0515 | Reveille. | ||
16 | 0530 | Net. | ||
16 | 0600 | Move fwd to position 1000 yds SOUTH of VASSY (790323) | ||
16 | 0745 | Cross first report line on RIGHT route. C Sqn on LEFT route finds going very difficult and there is a pause until they draw level. | ||
16 | 1430 | By this time Recce were fwd of RHQ location 823262. Progress delayed by mines and felled trees blocking roads. Bridges at 822271 and 823271 on LEFT route cratered - considered impassable for several hours. | ||
16 | 1500 | 159 Brig holds conference - devoded to change CL and push on to capture crossings at 868751, and consolidate ground. | ||
16 | 1900 | RHQ 848272, B Sqn at bridgehead 868251, with two sub-sub-units across bridge. Minor battle waging. | ||
16 | 2000 | 4 KSLI and ourselves ordered to push on before last light to ST GEORGE-DE-GROSEILLES (8622). 8 RB to take over from 4 KSLI on feature. Eventually cancelled as sub-sub-unit of KSLI being held up in AUBUSSON by BGs and 2 tks, and failling light making it impossible to change over or for 8 RB to see ground in daylight. Further the prospect of a night march to ST GEORGE carrying infantry through a reported enemy position did not justify the move. | ||
16 | 2230 | B Sqn have tk brewed up by A tk gun at 869251. | ||
16 | 2300 | RHQ, A and C Sqns area 864253. | ||
16 | 2330 | Wireless commn with Bde useless. No orders received. | ||
17 | 0500 | Reveille. | ||
17 | 0600 | Lt Lindguist arrives with orders from 159 Bde. | ||
17 | 0700 | March to ST GEORGE-DE-GROSEILLES (8622), C Sqn leading. RHQ location 865233. | ||
17 | 1030 | Fwd elements 2NY rpt mines on CL at 916203. | ||
17 | 1100 | C Sqn in FLERS (8620). | ||
17 | 1200 | A1 Ech located at 887211. | ||
17 | 1400 | RHQ moves to 908207. 2NY held up by mines at 908201. | ||
17 | 1430 | 2NY rpt 1 88mm gun at 975180. | ||
17 | 1500 | At least 15 enemy rpt area 965185. | ||
17 | 1610 | 4 KSLI and 3 R Tks ordered to proceed to BRIOUZE (0014) and capture bridges at 022150 and 035155. | ||
17 | 1700 | RHQ at 931196. | ||
17 | 1730 | Rpt from Bde that at least 200 inf -SS- area ST OPPORTUNE (9719). | ||
17 | 1740 | Order to proceed to BRIOUZE cancelled. New order to clear up enemy in last area - 9719. As 2NY information not full enough CO moves to position 953187. | ||
17 | 1800 | CO 1 HEREFORDS and CO 4 KSLI with CO 3 R Tks recce fwd from 953187. | ||
17 | 1900 | Brig 159 Bde arrives and plan is made. | ||
17 | 1915 | Maj Gen G.P.B. Roberts arrives to see Brig 159 Bde. | ||
17 | 1930 | C Sqn moves fwd to X rds 956185. | ||
17 | 2000 | RHQ to 958188 - slight shelling which ceased as attack went in. A and B Sqn location 953187. Progress again held up by mines and one strong point.Enemy were giving themselves up all morning in FLERS and to the NORTH of FLERS. | ||
18 | 0230 | Orders received from Bde. Pursuit to continue to BRIOUZE (0014). | ||
18 | 0530 | Reveille. | ||
18 | 0545 | CO's conference. C Sqn to continueon LEFT route joining CL 120149. A Sqn cith Recce sub-unit in front to lead on CL. | ||
18 | 0600 | Move from harbour on to CE. Very heavy mist - visibility about 50 yds. | ||
18 | 0800 | Enter BRIOUZE (0014). Fwd elements report being fired on by mortars at 021150. | ||
18 | 0830 | Personal contact made with AMERICANS in BRIOUZE - confirmed that shelling at 021150 is that of AMERICANS. Fire ceases. | ||
18 | 0900 | Brig Churcher (159 Bde) and Brig Channon (9 Amer Div) meet in BRIOUZE. | ||
18 | 0930 | Maj Gen G.P.B. Roberts DSO, MC, has conference whith AMERICANS. | ||
18 | 1400 | Bn moves to area 041165 and are under 6 hrs notice. | ||
18 | 1430 | Notice to move reduced to 2 hrs. | ||
18 | 1500 | Notice to move now reduced to 1 hrs. | ||
18 | 1515 | Orders received for Bde move to area ECOUCHE (1916). Order of March - 3 R Tks 1 HEREFORDS. | ||
18 | 1520 | CO's conference. Order of March - A Sqn, RHQ, B & C Sqns, A1 Ech. | ||
18 | 1615 | Cross start line. | ||
18 | 1830 | Arrive ara 178157. A Sqn ordered to take up position of observation along road 177156 to 162156 - facing NORTH and NW with slight interest in observation NE and EAST. Tk hits mine at 174154. | ||
18 | 1835 | 2 Mk IVs rpt at 177175. RHQ area shelled. | ||
18 | 2245 | CO to Bde. | ||
18 | 2345 | CO's conference - no orders received for tomorrow - will be received later. | ||
19 | 0530 | Reveille. | ||
19 | 0730 | CO and CO of 1 HEREFORDS recce area 1715 for suitable rv for Brig and other 'SUNRAYS', | ||
19 | 0815 | Adjt, to Bde re returns. | ||
19 | 0845 | CO to Bde for conference. | ||
19 | 1145 | CO's Order Gp. Adv to continue in NE, NORTH and NW. Division to link up with 29 Armd Bde SENTILLY (1921). Order of March A Sqn, CO's tk, B Sqn, RHQ less CO's tk, Recce, C Sqn. A1 Ech to stay in present area. | ||
19 | 1300 | Pass through ECOUCHE (1518) and push on slowly EAST of MONT CAROULT (1819). | ||
19 | 1315 | One tk runs of mine at 188168. | ||
19 | 1330 | Fwd elements going well - no contact made with enemy. | ||
19 | 1830 | Contact with adv elements of 29 Armd Bde made in SENTILLY. | ||
19 | 1900 | RHQ - 197191 - Bn in close leaguer - raining and misty. | ||
20 | 0130 | Signal from Bde - no major movement before 1130 hrs. | ||
20 | 0600 | Reveille. | ||
20 | 1530 | Warning Order - Harbour Parties 30 mins notice, main bodies to be at 60 mins notice. | ||
20 | 1600 | Harbour Party under 2IC moves off. | ||
20 | 1645 | CO to Bde. | ||
20 | 1715 | CO's conference. Bde moving to area miles EAST of ARGENTAN (2618). Order of March - 4 KSLI, 1 HEREFORDS, 159 Bde, 3 R Tks. 3 R Tks Order of March - RHQ, A, B, C, A1 Ech. | ||
20 | 1945 | Pass SP 259191. | ||
20 | 2045 | Arrive new location 329199. | ||
20 | 2315 | CO to conference Bde. | ||
21 | 0200 | CO's conference. Pursuit to continue to GACE (5448) | ||
21 | 0530 | Reveille. | ||
21 | 0600 | Order of March - A, CO's tk & Sc car (BSO), B,C,. A1 remain in present location. | ||
21 | 0900 | Adv held up by mines and felled trees on CL. Bridge at 454509 blown. | ||
21 | 0930 | Recce for new route over bridge found at 485508. | ||
21 | 0945 | New bridge will not take futher tks. By this time scissors bridge at first crossing (454509) rpt in position. | ||
21 | 1400 | 15/19 H pass through. | ||
21 | 1600 | 3 R Tks move fwd again towards GACE. | ||
21 | 1700 | Leading tp come under AP and mortar fire at railway - 543488. | ||
21 | 1730 | Lt J.F. Langdon leading his tp pushes on through GACE destroying MT and | ||
21 | 1830 | eventually reaches outskirts of GACE (553491). | ||
21 | 1900 | 4 KSLI come through to consolidate. | ||
21 | 1930 | No. of PW from garrison approx 190. | ||
21 | 1945 | Tp observing NORTH approach at 545503. | ||
21 | 2200 | Bn area GACE (5448). RHQ 546487. | ||
22 | 0615 | Reveille. | ||
22 | 1130 | Bn moves to LA TRINITE-DES-LARTIERS (6048). Order of march - Recce, C, RHQ, B, A. | ||
22 | 1200 | LA TRINITE-DES-LARTIERS rpt clear. Recce adv SOUTH to 617454. | ||
22 | 1230 | RHQ pull off rd 611484. | ||
22 | 1245 | Recce having rpt veing fired on by MGs CO sends C Sqn fwd in support.C Squadron dispositions. 1 Tp observing NORTH area 618486, 1 Tp observing EAST 619488. CO goes fwd to 611484 - No further incident rpt. | ||
22 | 1300 | CL confirmed - rd running S & N - La Trinite des Lartiers-St Andre d'Echauffour | ||
22 | 1315 | Ordered to move NORTH of T Junction 607423. | ||
22 | 1600 | Move to 607423 completed. | ||
22 | 1630 | Contact made with 2FF-(29 Bde) area 606422. | ||
22 | 1700 | Harbour Party under 2IC moves to recce new location. | ||
22 | 1900 | Bn move to area of 267- 643410. | ||
22 | 2100 | Bn in close leaguer. | ||
23 | 0630 | Reveille - Harbour Pary under 2IC moves off. 159 Bde Gp leaving present location and moving to conc area. Route - Direct to main rd to area 7341. S.P. 638387 D.P. 700403. On arrival at D.P. 3 R Tks revert to command 29 Armd Bde. | ||
23 | 0900 | 2IC arranges for D.P. to be 760413. | ||
23 | 1000 | 3 R Tks move - Order of March - RHQ & Recce, A, C, B | ||
23 | 1245 | Arrive new location area 763412. | ||
23 | 1430 | CO's conference; Likiley to be in this area for 3 -,5 days.General Maintenance - Guns - Wireless Check. Personal cleanliness & rest. | ||
23 | 1500 | Line to Bde - Rear Link closes down. | ||
24 | 0700 | Reveille. | ||
24 | 0730 | Check net, changing frequency. | ||
24 | 1000 | CO's conference. | ||
24 | 1130 | CO to Bde. Raining heavily throughout afternoon and evening. | ||
24 | 1730 | Cinema show - 100 from Bn. Factory canteen. | ||
24 | 2000 | Same show repeated 100 from Bn. | ||
25 | 0700 | Reveille. | ||
25 | 0900 | RC Service. | ||
25 | 1000 | CO's conference;- "Disposal of Unsuitable personnel" | ||
25 | 1130 | CO to Bde. | ||
25 | 1330 | ) Parties to Mobile Bath Unit, Factory Canteen. | ||
25 | 1430 | ) Parties to Mobile Bath Unit, Factory Canteen. | ||
25 | 1430 | Squadron lorry takes party to MORDAINT-SUR-PECHE. | ||
25 | 1830 | ENSA SHOW - Factory Canteen. | ||
25 | 1900 | Party of 25 to dance in LAIGLE. | ||
25 | 1900 | Radio Diffusion Van tours Squadron areas - Gramophone recital. | ||
26 | 0700 | Reveille | ||
26 | 0900 | Mobile Bath & Laundry | ||
26 | 1000 | CO's conference "Disposal of Unsuitable Personnel" and "Reinforcements" | ||
26 | 1430 | CO to Bde. | ||
26 | 1630 | Mobile Bath and Laundry. | ||
26 | 1650 | Maj/Gen G.P.B. Roberts, DSO,MC; accompanied by Brig. C.B. Harvey, DSO.visits the Bn and walks around Squadron area talking to the men. | ||
26 | 1830 | ENSA show at Main Bde. | ||
26 | 1900 | Adv parties to be ready to move from 0800 hrs tomorrow 27.8.44.Adv. Party;- Major N.H. Bourne, DSO, Major F.I.C. Wetherall & 1 D.R. | ||
26 | 1930 | Visit from Col. O'Rourke and Col. Timmins. discussing Sherman Tank. | ||
27 | 0130 | 29 Armd Bde Mov. Inst. No.1. arrives. Bde will be prepared to move to a conc area WEST of R.SEINE today. | ||
27 | 0700 | Reveille. | ||
27 | 0830 | Adv Party at 1/2 hrs notice. Considered no move likely for main bdy today. | ||
27 | 0900 | CO's conference. Interviewing 11 reinforcements. Warning order re move given. Order of March;- RHQ, B,C,A, A1,1. S.P. 785428 - LAIGLE. | ||
27 | 1000 | RC Service. | ||
27 | 1030 | C of E Service. | ||
27 | 1530 | Cinema Show Factory Canteen-50 seats. Cinema Show LAIGLE Theatre 25 seats allocated. | ||
27 | 1830 | 29 Armd Bde Mov. Inst. No.2. received. | ||
27 | 1930 | CO's Conference;- present, #2IC,OsC,A,B,C, A & A1 Echs Recce, RHQ, RBs (G Coy) and RAs (H Bty).Rev. 0445, Net 0500, Move 0530 Cross S.P. 784428 at 0555. Order of March as before. G Coy to follow A Sqn. | ||
27 | 2130 | "H" hour Midnight. Adv party to rpt to Col. R.P. de Winton, Bde location 0500hrs tomorrow 28 Aug. 44. | ||
28 | 0445 | Reveille | ||
28 | 0500 | Net | ||
28 | 0530 | Move as detailled at conference 1939 27 Aug.Arrive at new area. Location 342763 | ||
28 | 1445 | CO to Bde. | ||
28 | 1630 | Warning Order at TWO HOURS notice. | ||
28 | 1700 | CO to Bde for orders. | ||
28 | 1715 | Warning Order - 30 mins Notice. | ||
28 | 1730 | Warning Order - IMMEDIATE Notice. | ||
28 | 1740 | CO's conference. | ||
28 | 1800 | Harbour party 2IC & BSO leave for area 473780. Bn with under command H Bty 13RHA G Coy 8 RBs and 1 Tp 612 Fld Sqn to move to area as above.Order of March;- Recce, RHQ, RMO's, B, C, G Coy, A and A1. A Ech remains present area. | ||
28 | 1830 | Bn. move to new area. | ||
28 | 1950 | Cross R. SEINE at VERNON. | ||
28 | 2030 | Bn in open leaguer area 473780. | ||
28 | 2130 | CO's conference. 29 Armd Bde on two routes. R - 3 R Tks, L - 2 FFY.Obj. to push on to R.SOMME - to prevent enemy establishing def. posn there.Objective; - ETREPAGNY 5596Enemy Inf; -, Nothing definite known. Appreciated enemy will fight strong rearguard actions;-Own tps;- On right 8 Armd Bde, On left - not know.Method. 3 R Tks will adv 1 up. B Sqn leading, A left, C right.H Bty will bring funs fwd when line TOURNAI(4983) - GIVIERES (5281) is reached. G Coy will follow in rear. MO's travel rear of Motor Coy.B Sqn will cross S.L. PANILLEUSE (4680) - TILLY (4879) at 0700hrs 29 Aug.44. | ||
28 | 0022 | Squadrons form close leaguer. | ||
29 | 0545 | Reveille. | ||
29 | 0600 | Net. | ||
29 | 0700 | Bn move - A Sqn leading. | ||
29 | 1200 | Good progress made throughout morning although weather is bad. Heavy rain continued throughout day. | ||
29 | 1500 | Reach HENDACOURT (5999). Continual rpts of enemy pulling out towards AMIENS.PsW caught from 49 Germ Div. | ||
29 | 1700 | Recce pass through SANCOURT (6002). | ||
29 | 1800 | B Sqn fired on by tk. C Sqn fired on by A tk gun - both area 618030.Decided to try crossing at ROUVILLE (6202) instead of one on CL at MAINNEVILLE (6103). | ||
29 | 1830 | Crossing OK but first sub-unit across meets a tk fire. | ||
29 | 1900 | Ordered to secure crossing and high ground Pt 151 (6903). | ||
29 | 1930 | A, B and RHQ across - but B, turning NW to rejoin original CL is fired upon and loses three tks. C Sqn SOUTH of MAINNEVILLE push on and lose three tks. | ||
29 | 2000 | 23H ordered fwd to high ground overlooking MAINNEVILLE. Panther rpt wood 610036. | ||
29 | 2130 | Bn commence to form close leaguer area 616025. | ||
29 | 2330 | CO's conference. G Coy senfing patrol to crossing ARNECOURT (648050). Today's advance represents a distance of 25 miles. | ||
30 | 0430 | Report received from G Coy patrol that crossing at ARNECOURT was OK - enemy movement heard throughout night on other side - mostly horse-drawn tpt. | ||
30 | 0545 | Reveille. | ||
30 | 0600 | Net. | ||
30 | 0700 | Bn moves. Order of March B, RHQ, A, C, At Ech. 3 RTks follow 23H, Tac Bde on RIGHT route. | ||
30 | 0745 | 29 Armd Bde Op Instr No. 15 received whilst on the move. | ||
31 | 0615 | Arrive outskirts of AMIENS (1259) A and C Sqns move into town. Fired on by a tk guns. Transport engaged successfully. Prisoners rolling in throughout morning. | ||
31 | 0700 | Both Sqns in AMIENS and endeavouring to secure crossings over R SOMME. | ||
31 | 0800 | Main crossing blown - other crossing reported blown or mined and prepared for demolition. | ||
31 | 0900 | Crossing at 1058 reported OK with 1 Sqn of 23 H across. | ||
31 | 1000 | Orders received for Bn to follow 23H over this crossing. | ||
31 | 1200 | Bn moves over R SOMME to area 161109. | ||
31 | 1400 | CO's conference. Adv continue tomorrow tp AUBIGNY on three routes.3 R Tks centre following 23H. Order of March B, RHQ, C, A, G Coy, A1 Ech. |
Source: 11th Armoured Division.
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.