I am seeking clarification on the "traffic jam" experienced by 43rd Wessex during their push towards the Materborn feature. Specifically what action Horrocks of XXX Corps did or did not take to alleviate the confused forward passage of lines. Any pointers towards published works? Charlie
Have you had a look at Horrocks' 'Corps Commander' memoirs and the divisional history by Essame of 43rd (Wessex) ? And the 'Club Route' history of XXX Corps?
Originally posted by Paul Reed@Nov 3 2004, 10:11 PM Have you had a look at Horrocks' 'Corps Commander' memoirs and the divisional history by Essame of 43rd (Wessex) ? And the 'Club Route' history of XXX Corps? [post=29130]Quoted post[/post] The memoirs are a bit vague about the staff action of the Brigadier GS and I want to learn more about what went on within the staff and the time it took to unravel the jam rather than Horrock's own recollection. I suspect the 43rd's history will not have sufficient transparency regarding the XXX Corps HQ activity but I will dig it out and that of "Club Route". Many thanks Paul. Charlie
I suspect what you want will only be found in the Operational War Diaries at the National Archives in London, in class WO171. These diaries are quite detailed and at Brigade, Division and Corps level they often include complete message logs. There is nothing on line and the only way to look at them is to make a visit.
Rhineland, by Denis Whitaker Rhineland: The Battle for Germany, by Hubert Essame One More River, by Peter Allen The Victory Campaign, by C.P. Stacey Flame Thrower, by Andrew Wilson Monty: The Final Years of the Field Marshal, by Nigel Hamilton Monty's Highlanders, by Patrick Delaforce The Black Bull, by Patrick Delaforce A Full Life, by Sir Brian Horrocks Horrocks, by Denis Warner Should also help.
Thanks both, now an embarrasment of riches from which to refine the final product for 2 December (a presentation to the Rhinedahlen Military History Society) - I fear you are right Paul in surmising the detail will be within a war diary held at PRO. A chum will be there end of November so he'll have a little extra to do! Thanks again to both of you I much appreciate the assistance, Charlie
