Personal Diary: 67th (Suffolk) Medium Regiment RA : 1944 - 45

Discussion in 'Royal Artillery' started by Kev1, Jan 11, 2012.

  1. Kev1

    Kev1 Member

    I am posting my father's diary in the hope that it will be of interest. It covers the events from Normandy to VE day.


    WORLD WAR 2


    L/Sgt Anthony Baggaley
    A Troop 231 Battery
    67th (Suffolk) Medium Regiment
    Royal Artillery (T.A.)

    Campaign in North West Europe 1944 / 1945


    Before the war he was in the Royal Artillery (TA) at Blyth, Northumberland. On the outbreak of war he told me he was sent to guard the end of the pier at Tynemouth with a Vickers machine gun.

    He was later training new recruits and spent a time on the Isle of Wight.

    Then he was on coastal gun batteries in Norfolk. During this period he had his one and only flight, in a Walrus, which was used for shell spotting.

    Leading up to embarkation his regiment was for a short while billeted in a football ground in the east-end of London. They were then transported to the Royal Docks (Albert Dock) where they boarded a ship for Normandy.

    The name Bick is one of his mates – Bickle – whom he kept in touch with for a long while after the war.

    My father's diary was kept in a small note book. The sequence of events was recorded on the left hand page and other comments/notes written on the opposite page.

    Diary begins:

    France (Normandy)
    Landed June 28th 1944 at ASNELLE-SUR-MER

    In hide LANTHENIL.

    Visited BAYEUX & CREUILLY.

    First in action on July 2nd (Sunday morning) at CAINET

    Big Barrage on CARPIQUET aerodrome
    Supported Canadians
    O.P. at CAIRRON

    (notes on opposite page...)

    (CAINET- Saw first big allied daylight raid on CAEN. Over 500 heavies, a great sight worth seeing)

    Moved to BRONAY, July 8th

    9th (Happy Valley) MOUEN
    Shelled 5 mins after arrival. Other battery had direct hit on one gun – casualties- B troop had one man wounded (died later) name Pardy. Shelled again (heavy) at 3am.

    July 15th.
    Too hot for comfort hence the name. 2 guns had direct hits. more casualties, Coyle killed.

    Moved back at daylight to:-

    MARCELET 15th
    (spud field)
    Visited CAEN twice.
    Link O.P. between CARPIQUET & CAEN

    (notes on opposite page...)

    (Marcelet:- Night riding on bike passed aerodrome, very rough. Shell holes all over the road. Hangers riddled with holes some from own guns)

    Back to:- 23rd HAPPY VALLEY (MOUEN)

    Short stay then:- CHEUX 26th July
    (cornfield)
    Busy time repairing line to wagon lines at LES SAULET

    (notes on opposite page...)

    (CHEUX:- Cruising up and down TILLY-CAEN road with O.P. as link. Stopped at BRETTEVILLE-SUR-ORNE.)

    Next to:- 4th Aug.
    HAUT-DES-FORGES Saw plenty German graves by Chateau. Probably been Hospital. Bert tried to burn dead cow and nearly gassed everyone with the stink. Stinking place only stayed short while then moved to:-

    VACOGNES 6th Aug.
    Passed through EVRECY on the way. What a mess! There wasn’t a wall standing – never mind a house. Sitting in the tent one afternoon when Yanky Thunderbolt machine-gunned few hundred yards away. Went outside and got big surprise when more of them
    dropped bombs. We could see them leaving the plane in pairs. Very bad mistake and costly to 25 pounder battery close by.

    Next:- A FONTENELLE 11th Nothing of interest

    Over the Orne to FRESNAY 14th
    DONNAY 15th

    (notes on opposite page...)

    (Missed the road one night with Bill Johnstone and landed in deserted village near front line)

    (Bill Sharpe borrowed bike to get his cup. Got lost and returned 2 hours later after taking Jerry officer in to P.O.W. camp)

    LE MESNIL 17th
    Decided to have milk and blackberries as a luxury. Milked a cow after two hours chasing then the cow kicked the lot over.

    MARTIGNY 18th
    Plenty dead Jerries some with booby traps. Another big chateau with plenty dead cattle. What a smelly place.
    Left the battery with O.P. party to join 4 R.H.A. on flying column

    24th Aug.
    Moved out early morning through FALAISE couldn’t see much in the half light but could tell the place was in a terrible mess. Arrived at TRUN by 10 o’ clock in the morning and moved again about two hours later. Went right through the “killing area”. Dead horses and Jerries all over the place. Smell worse than any place so far. Counted twenty dead horses in one little corner of a field and about another twenty along sides of the road in less than half a mile. Rode for hours through this before we got to clearer air again arrived at COARCHES and camped waiting for orders. Dan got friendly with civvy and managed to get us a civvy bed. Quite a treat after lying on hard ground so long.

    4th R.H.A. ordered back to BAYEUX to change to S.P.’s so we returned to unit at LOUVIERS. 29th

    Moved next morning to HOUDEBOUVILLE 30th Found a billet in house and made friends with the civvies. Fed us on stewed apples and cider. Went down the road a few times to LOUVIERS to see ENSA and buy fruit nothing else to get. Regiment’s first rest. Had a stroll along the banks of the Seine on Sept.3rd. Remember this date because We saw six graves of men who had been killed by a mine in a 15cwt under the railway bridge on Sept. 1st Out with Cal.

    (notes on opposite page...)

    (Went to see football match but army team didn’t turn up so we played the locals – Louviers – in “cossacks” Had embarrassing few minutes when local captain presented me (our captain) with bouquet. Lost 5-2 and arranged to bring proper team down following Sunday. Saved our prestige by winning 5-0. No bouquets this time)

    LOUVIERS too handy and men too happy so regiment moved to God forsaken forest at LES-ANDELYS by the SEINE. 5th Sept.
    Saw old castle used by Richard the Lionheart. Jerry well on the run now and AGRA left behind. Plenty B.S. and well browned off.
    Filled the time in playing football and cards. Awakened one night about 12 o’clock and told to report to 232 Bty with bike and kit at 8 o’clock following morning. Reported to Capt. Stoney and found we were going on sector control on Belgium-Dutch frontier.
    Crossed the Seine at LES-ANDELYS and got to AMIENS for dinner. Had dinner in café free of charge and visited cathedral.

    Passed through CAMBRAI and MAUBEUGE to MONS. Halt at MONS for the night and met M. THEOPHIL LEONARD leader of MONS underground movement. Slept at headquarters and had great welcome from men of the “WHITE ARMY”

    On the road again early next morning. Passed through SOIGNIES, BRAIN-LE-COMTE, NIVELLES. Stayed behind with LAWMAN (R.H.A. DR.) and had look round town of NIVELLES. Standing looking at some grapes in shop window but couldn’t buy any as we only had French money. Belgian fellow must have been thought-reader as he handed us a bag full. Nice people the Belgians!

    Started out to catch convoy but got thirsty with the dust and stopped for a drink by the scene of the Battle of WATERLOO. Got a good laugh when the old lady started up the big Pianola with “The Siegfried Line”. We didn’t know at the time but we were to hear that and a lot more 1939-1940 songs on the Belgian & Dutch Pianolas.

    Jumped on the bikes again missed BRUSSELS and passed through LOUVAIN, AERSCHOTT, GHEEL and found the others at 12 Corps H.Q. at MOLL. Received orders to go to MOLL bridge on first job controlling traffic and stayed there about five days. Lawman lost his bike at LOMMEL leaving mine the only one left as we lost Ryan with other bike coming up.

    British cross ESCAUT CANAL and Jerry on the run again.

    Cross into Holland at LOMMEL and carry on job at STEENSIL near EINDHOVEN. (12 Corps H.Q. at VELDHOVEN)

    See 1st Airborne Div. go over to Arnhem Sept 15/16 ?

    Move back to WESTERHOVEN for one day then get orders to move 24th Sept. to rejoin unit at WAREGEM in BELGIUM. Stoney decides on easy run back as we had done about 300 miles in less than two days coming up and we had four days to rejoin Regiment.

    Made first stop at LOUVAIN and spent a day there. First met SMITS and made good friends with old folks and Maria.

    Next day in BRUSSELS (25th Sept.) for first time. Beautiful city, saw most of the sights including unknown warriors grave with the
    “eternal light”.

    Left BRUSSELS 27th Sept. and spent most of day in GHENT.

    Joined Regiment 28th Sept. at WAREGEM.

    Left 3rd Oct.
    on journey to Holland and passed through BRUSSELS and LOUVAIN again. Called in to see Maria on way up and got clogs for Tony. Camped outside LOUVAIN for night and moved into Holland to WESTERHOVEN

    4th Oct.
    Through EINDHOVEN to WYCHEM near GRAVE on the 5th. Saw gliders used in airborne attack on GRAVE bridge (also saw them going over while at STEENSIL ).

    Passed through Nijmegen on 6th Oct. to position between rivers WAAL & LEK. Out on link O.P. work most of the time and stationed on JANSEN’S farm for a few weeks. Helped old man with the fruit picking in orchard. Plenty of fruit and eggs. Had some sticky moments there as Jerry shelled the jam factory intermittently for ten days. Factory hit a few times and civvies cleared out. Supporting 101st U.S. Airborne on that front.

    Moved link O.P. across river to WISSEN for two days then recalled.

    Regiment moved from island on 9th Nov. and spent the day in NIJMEGEN. Plenty shells flying around but nothing too near. Moved at night and got to WEERT following morning.

    Went on 48 hrs leave to BRUSSELS next day (11th) with Mac and Coe. Had a good time – billeted at Hotel Albert in GARE-DU-NORD.

    Went to LOUVAIN next day to see SMITS and had to stay the night. Went to pictures with the old man.

    Back In action 13th Nov. at WEERT.

    Moved to LEVEROL (16th)

    Stayed one day then on 17th Nov. to ROGGEL.
    Not a great lot there. Shelled one day and two infantrymen killed in billet by the road. Moved in there next day.

    Next move to VENLO Sector at MAASBREE (23rd).
    Plenty of work keeping line through to sound ranges. X roads shelled fairly often and H.Q. had hot time. 59th Mediums lost gun and tractor with complete team and Sgt. Major down towards BLERICK.

    Link O.P. out at SEVENUM for two days

    On 9th Dec. moved to GRATHEM Nothing of interest. Guns went to LOMMEL on calibration.

    Move to RAATH 22nd Dec. on SITTARD sector for quiet Xmas.

    Went back to GRATHEM for gun platforms and tried to take short cut from MAASYECK. Got chased back by Jerry shelling

    First trip into GERMANY on 24th for Xmas trees. Went to SUSTERSILL and WEHR.

    Xmas day at ACKERMAN’s with big Xmas tree. Entertained the kiddies.

    Had “slap-up” feed at 11 o’clock at night with the old lady, Sgt major, Bick and Maria on New Year’s Eve.
    Jerry plane crashed and shook the place just as big ben was striking the last of the old year. Thought it was our guns firing salvo. Jerry tried a sly trick that night all over Holland & Belgium but came unstuck as usual.

    Had longest stay ever in RAATH as it was nearly a month before we moved.

    Crossed the frontier into Germany on 20th Jan. and took up positions at GANGELT

    Went on leave to England on 25th Jan 1945. By lorry to BOURG-LEOPOLD in Belgium. Nightmare train journey from there
    to CALAIS. No lights and no heating for the 15 ½’ hrs journey. Ice ½” thick inside windows. Just frozen stiff.

    Landed CALAIS 26th across channel in LADY OF MANN.

    Landed at HARWICH 27th. Home same night and saw Kevin first time (2 months old)

    Returned same route on 4th Feb.

    CALAIS 5th

    Bourg-Leopold 6th

    left on 7th for HERENTALS then to BREDA-TILBURG and OISTERWIJK. 1st Canadian leave Centre.

    From there to NIJMEGEN 8th then rejoined unit at BEERS (HOLLAND) on the 9th just as they were getting ready to pull out early next morning.

    Arrived BOXMEER on 10th Regiment supporting Canadians in push between MAAS and RHINE attached to 4th AGRA.

    WERLINGSBEEK 21st Feb.
    Stayed one day then out on shelldrop O.P. to ASPERDEN near GOCH. Plenty shelling to report all round. Came back to position on bike and got puncture in GENNEP. Regiment crossed MAAS

    (notes on opposite page...)

    (Crossed MAAS at GENNEP Bridge)

    24th Feb.
    through GENNEP-REICHSWALD Forest, CLEVE to LOUISENDORF.
    Met Sgt Major and stood talking while waiting for troop. Had to duck a few times as shells came over pretty heavy. M2 hit a mine and had to go and pick up kit also Bick. Saw CLEVE on the way. One big heap of rubble. Jerry won’t forget this war in a hurry.

    Moved to HOLLEN 2nd March near UDEM.

    Canadian R.Q.M.S. told us about some Jerries hoisting the white flag here and when French Canadians went to take them prisoners the Jerries opened fire with tank and killed 40 of them. No more prisoners for Frenchies and don’t blame them. Wicked lot these Jerries. Our troops went up with the Yanks coming up from the south.

    Jerry pulling out towards WESSEL and we follow up to :- SCHREIBERSHOF 7th March

    Little place with a big name. Run into SONSBECK for baths. Another heap of rubble. Plenty of rebuilding for after the war. Don’t know what the civvies think as they look at us but don’t worry in the least.

    Went down to BALBERG on 11th with Priest & Law as holding party for next position, waiting for troop to move in. Civvies not too bad. Old lady does the washing up for us. Fed well here, had four chickens in four days. Only two eggs, one went in rice pudding.

    Guns arrive 16th March, go into old Jerry Ack-Ack site. Under orders today to take Mike truck out on line maintenance. Report to 157 INF. BDE. H.Q. and take over line from 13 Med. Signallers. Maintenance post at VEEN. Line from SONSBECK-VEEN to WINNENTHAL. Two breaks first morning but having easy time in good billet. Had walk to VEEN (alles Capote).

    Still on the job 19th March with 52 Div.

    Packed up kit on 22nd and rejoined Regt.at WARDTERHOLZHOF northwest of XANTON. Getting ready for big do of RHINE crossing. Supporting commandos and 15th Scottish 23rd starts the big event with air raid in WESSEL at about 1730hrs. Approx 200 heavies coming over to wipe out the town. Bit too hazy to see all the fun. Nice day for a raid. Guns open up at 1800hrs and are still going strong. Don’t know how Jerry can take such a beating as the noise at this end is terrific. Guns everywhere. Commandos due over the river north of WESSEL but know what time. We are due to support them. Got all the dope today on the whole event. 51st H.D. on our left going over at 2100 hrs. News just came in. They have got across alright. Black Watch and Argylls have done it. Next move is the Yanks on our right. They go at 2200hrs and should be there now. No news yet. Just been watching the RAF stir the pot up again on the other side in front of us. It’s just one big rumble tonight with guns and planes and this is just the opening round. Heard the 32 barrel mortars going just now so they must be in it too. Some of the 15th Scottish left on their way to the river 5000 yards away. They go over in front of us at 0200 hrs tomorrow. Good luck to them!

    RHINE CROSSING

    Waiting for the big spectacle tomorrow morning now. Two Airborne divs. Due at 1000hrs directly overhead. The 6th British due first on the left with the U.S. 17th div. on the right. Waiting for morning now. Looking outside I can see WESSEL burning. The RAF were on the target again.

    Next morning. (24th March) Guns still at it. All going well. Commandos crossed with no trouble. One battalion 15th Scots. held upon far bank but rest OK. No news of Yanks. An hour to go for the Airborne troops. Twenty mins. to ten out in front of us lookout to stop the guns so we won’t hit any planes. They are coming now a few minutes to ten right on time. The Yanks are first on our right but the British are just a little behind.

    The first waves are passing over. the guns stop. We are all watching, what a sight, the sky is full. Can’t see the end of their journey through the haze, but it’s a lovely day. The first lot have turned now and are coming back (troops gone). Fortress coming towards us very low, he is hit, two starboard engines on fire. Crew are baling out overhead. One OK drops 300yds away. U.S. Colonel, only cut eye and sprained ankle. Two, coming down drops 200yds from No.4 gun. He is OK. C.B.S. and B.B.C. war correspondent. Three is unlucky, can see him falling, parachute has failed to open. Poor Guy, wouldn’t know when he hit the ground.

    Next three come out OK in the distance and are floating down. The others are still coming in, first the right then the left in straggling lines 600 feet up. It’s a wonderful sight. They are like flies on a hot summer day. We can see them enter the haze in the distance over the RHINE then they are coming out again in one continuous stream. The Yanks turn to the right, the Tommies to the left, leaving the middle clear for strays. Another one going down on the left in a trail of smoke, crew baling out over the HOCHWALD forest. Can just see a third in flames towards the RHINE going straight down. Now a fourth has crashed on XANTEN setting a house on fire. Can see it burning fiercely. Still the others are coming in. What must Jerry think.

    No signs of Luftwaffe but fighters are swarming overhead just in case. Another plane crashed in the distance (that’s 5) out of hundreds. Here comes another but he may get home as he doesn’t look bad. Second one smoking a little away over the forest. The gliders are coming in now, both sides, hundreds of them as before Yanks right Tommies left. The Yanks are towing them in pairs the British singly. There are Dakotas on one side and Lancasters and Stirlings on the other. Dakota must have lost one, rope hanging free. One loose on the left, he is circling over the forest looking for a place to land. He is coming this way must have seen good landing place in this field. Yes here he comes, straight through the fence. A perfect landing alongside us. We go across to greet them. Some of the British Div. Thought they weren’t going to make it a bit shaken but all OK.

    Another glider coming down a mile away. He has made it also. Still some more coming in. Trying to count them but having a job. Other two planes crashed away in the distance can see the black smoke coming up amongst the trees. Still no Luftwaffe. Lightnings circling up in the blue sky looking like twin bodied silver moths. They are slackening off now but the guns are still silent as we may hit any of them The last lot have gone now, managed to count 550 paratroop planes and 537 gliders but may have been a lot more. The last lot has gone with the time a few minutes to eleven. A very exciting hour. They are not finished yet though. About 1130hrs more gliders are coming in. I expect they are supplies. Another lot just after 1200hrs and so far all is quiet again. Wonder what is happening on other side. Patten managed to cross alright, but no other men so far. Expect to be moving up shortly.

    Recce party has gone out. More supplies going over, Lancasters at tree top height. Just had reporter in command post been up in Typhoon all morning, says we are 15 miles in, good going so far. According to the news today it has been about the biggest event of it’s kind. The Artillery put down the biggest concentration of fire in history and the airborne do at EINDHOVEN was like a flea bite compared to this one. There were 1500 ‘planes and gliders and 250 transports used


    ( Pencilled note:-
    1572 planes
    1326 gliders
    889 fighters - escort
    2153 fighters – to give cover over area with defensive screen to the eastward )

    Jerry is making a very feeble effort tonight. A ‘plane is flying around doing a spot of machine gunning and has started a fire towards the river.

    Followed with a quiet day today (Sunday 25th March) and have moved up to the RHINE at WARDT 7th Armoured div. just moving out to cross the river and I expect we have the job to support them so should be moving over after them soon. Went for a walk with Bick and saw the RHINE for first time. Stood watching light vehicles going over pontoon bridge and tanks being ferried across. Plenty activity. Jerry overhead again plenty Ack-Ack going up.

    Orders to move again on 26th.
    Passed through XANTON and crossed the RHINE there. Passed through BISLICH and one or two other small villages.
    Through DIERSFORDT forest. (First objective of 15th Scots.) in position at other side in middle of Airborne landing scene (MUHLENROTT). What a sight. Gliders all over the place most of them smashed up by running into trees, ditches and fences and by Ack-Ack fire from Jerry. Don’t fancy that job at all. Nasty sight on edge of wood, about 40 of our fellows burned beyond recognition and being buried in one grave. Talked to one or two glider pilots and found they had very rough time. More here than was expected. Pilot officer told me he landed OK and while trying to get the jeep out Jerry spandau opened up at them each time they showed at the door. Surprised why Jerry didn’t just riddle the glider and kill the lot of them. Must have been of low intelligence not to think of it. Found a white parachute with Bick for souvenir. Parachutes of all colours litter the place, hundreds of them in the trees and in the fields. Plenty Jerry prisoners here, coming in by hundreds all day long must run into a thousand or two. Used some for cookhouse fatigues. All seem to be glad they are out of it. Slept in glider last night and making it my billet until we move again.
    Very little news coming in Patten advanced 75 miles and still going. About 10 miles in on this sector. 43 Welsh Div. crossed the river and expect to move up with the 15th Scottish. Plenty of armour over here. Piling up all day and night.

    March 28th
    Start race through Germany in support of 7th Armoured Bde. Move through HEMINKELN on to autobahn (objective of airborne landing) town taken undamaged. Arrive at BRUNEN fire a few rounds then on same day to BRINK near RAESFELDT.

    On the road next day again to GRUTLOHN (March 29th) Push going well move same day to GEMEN (BORKEM)

    March 30th
    at WESEKE then RAWERT. First time I have known of 5.5’s on flying column. Still keeping up though.
    Passed through STADTLOHN 31st March. Destruction worse than Evrecy (in France) and Cleves. Not a building in the town standing. Arrive at AHLE in hide but ready for action.

    1st April
    through WETERINGEN to MAXHAFEN Advance going too fast and left behind. Under 3 AGRA again on 2nd and still here. Little scare through the night and just “stood-to” from 5-7 all quiet just now. Small pocket in RHEINE up the road. Plenty eggs on the farm but plenty of competition. Doing “stags”on the nests all day.

    Moved to RHEINE April 4th
    and received “warm” welcome. Jerry shelled area all day with 75mm or 88mm. Survey jeep had direct hit but nobody hurt. Shells dropping all around but nothing to worry about as they are fairly harmless. First class billet here. Plenty civvies around. On search party for hidden radios and picked up nice camera. Right flank open and having to do special guards with stand-to in morning.

    On the move again April 6th
    this time to DREIERWALDE supporting 157 Inf.Bde. 52 Div. and keeping right up with infantry. Moving up as each place is cleared.

    April 8th
    through HOPSTEN to HALVERDE. Few dead Jerries around and some live ones in woods a few hundred yards away when we arrived. Infantry go out on patrol from our position to clear woods bit of a change from mediums. Not much trouble though and things fairly quiet.

    Night move April 10th
    to HAARHOF a little place near RECKE. All quiet here and ready to move again. The weather is on our side once more and it is just like summer today. The sun is shining, there is no wind, the birds are whistling and the only signs of war is the cooks burner going next door getting the tea ready. The news is still good Bremen is on fire and will fall any time. Hanover is also on fire and is encircled by the 6th airborne and the 11th armoured. The Yanky 1st is just over 100 miles from Berlin and the Canooks have linked up with the paratroops in Holland. There are a few hundred thousand Jerries trapped in different pockets he is on the run everywhere and still he won’t pack up. There is one consolation;- the longer he fights the more he will have to remind him what war is like and that it doesn’t pay. The Russians have captured Konigsberg and are in the heart of Vienna. That’s all for today.

    Same day (April 10th)
    move to NEUENKIRCHEN out on link set between LINTERN and UFFELN.
    Knocked civvies up half past one in the morning (11th) for billet. Took a room in a pub and found next morning that the beer was on tap. Same stuff as Belgium & Holland. Joined up with column and carried on to ALFHAUSEN orders for big move next morning postponed. On 12hrs notice from “ H hour” (1300hrs) Ready for 52 Div. move at midnight 12th April. Pulled out about one o’clock in morning on 60 miles run towards HAMBURG.

    Route:-

    BERSENBRUCK – HOLDORF – STEINFELD – DIEPHOLZ – BARNSTURF – BASSUM – ENGELN

    April 13th
    S.M. on leave today taking over his job on recce and out to EINSTE at 1400hrs. Rough evening from Jerry shells HE and airbursts plaster village and fields around. No casualties.

    President Roosevelt died yesterday April 12th.

    Russians captured VIENNA. Yanks 50 miles from BERLIN. 2nd Army meeting usual stiff resistance but still going.

    Sunday 15th
    April, plenty air activity from Jerry tonight. Just been watching a few bombs bursting close by.

    April 17th
    switching over to other part of sector to join guards armoured brigade. About 40 miles run through MARTFELD – HOYA (over River WESSER) – HASSEL – EYESTRUP – HAMMELHAUSEN – RETHEM (still burning, town nearly wiped out, civvies still dazed. Saw flak train by the station) – GR. EILSTORF - SCHNEEHEIDE in hide for the night. A troop attached to 25 pdr. Regt. of the guards.
    Out with Recce to WALSRODE to contact 25 pdr. R.H.Q.

    April 18th move to EBBINGEN on the BREMEN sector.

    19th at TEWEL

    20th at DEEPEN near ROTENBURG.
    Jock Adams (BHQ) killed by sniper 21st April. Recce new position at SCHEESEL but recalled. Saw plenty of RUSSIAN workers
    here. 22nd Russians reported 3 miles from Unter Den Linden. Expect to link up with Yanks to the south today.

    April 22nd MECKELSEN Still with the guards.

    24th at HEESLINGEN. 2 i/c’s scout car blown up with a mine. No one hurt. Same day moved to POITZENDORF nothing of interest so far. B troop away with forward support. Took some snaps today (4) Recce going out early in the morning.

    April 25th Yanks & Russians definitely link up.

    April 26th at GYHUM A bit close here but got no trouble. Good looting.

    April 27th at ZEVEN, BREMEN cleared by the 2nd Army. Mussolini captured, tried and executed by ITALIAN PATRIOTS.

    April 28th at SELSINGEN Few more links up with Russians. HIMMLER reported to have offered surrender to Western Allies. Offer refused. HITLER expected not to live long through illness. Won’t live long in any case now as Jerries finished on all fronts and may pack in any day now.

    April 30th at ROTTORF on the HAMBURG sector. Moved across from BREMEN to support 3 Divs. who have bridgehead over the ELBE ( 7 armoured, 52 & 53 div)

    May 1st
    Still here but expecting to move up again. Recce gone forward. Moved up today as expected. May 1st at DRENNHAUSEN right on the banks of the ELBE. Not sure whether Jerry is on other side. Had to do about occupation. Little air activity at night from a few jet planes but nothing much.

    May 2nd
    Signs of war drawing to a close today. HITLER reported dead ADM. DOENITZ taking his place. Took two photos of the Elbe today from windows of a house. Later took other two of guns firing what seem to be their last shots of war. Just came through German army in Italy has surrendered unconditionally to FD. MARSHALL ALEXANDER. Reported nearly a million men (900,00) have packed up.

    May 3rd
    This is the day we have been waiting for. Berlin was completely cleared yesterday. High German reporter informed Russians that HITLER and GOEBBELS committed suicide.

    HAMBURG & HARBURG have surrendered to 2nd Army. C.C.R.A. entered HAMBURG this morning and returned to H.Q. with DOENITZ? R.H.Q. sent word up that the war in Europe is over at 1230 hrs. Cease fire was announced at 1630 hrs.

    Can’t understand that war is over after all this time. Managed to dig up a wee droppie to celebrate. Looking forward now to Group 19 and leave. So ends just over 10 months of action through FRANCE-BELGIUM-HOLLAND and GERMANY which could have been a lot worse. Expect to go on garrison duties now with plenty of B_ S_.

    May 4th
    crossed the ELBE on foraging expedition. Decided to go and have look at HAMBURG. Saw the town from top of a hill but didn’t go further than outskirts. Returned to camp with 3 geese and found troop was moving. Crossed the ELBE again and took over job of P.O.W. cage at MUHLHOF. Prisoners come in in hundreds and must have had few thousand in and out first day. Took photo of section of camp from window.

    May 5th Still at P.O.W.
    Announced on news all resistance against Brit. 2nd Army and Canadian 1st and in Denmark ceased 0800 hrs.

    May 6th Reported Norway is out of war. Cleared all prisoners out today. expecting to move tomorrow.

    May 7th back to DRENNHAUSEN in same old billets.

    May 8th 1945

    VE DAY


    Holidays all round today. Short talk by Colonel then B.C. rest of the day in the sunshine taking snaps. Thanksgiving Service in church this evening.

    May 13th moved take over guard duties at NEUENGAMME (ex concentration) camp. now P.O.W. Nice weather but rotten job. Am on now for 36 hrs to start with.
    Plenty of Russians next to main camp. Examined some incinerators where Jerry burned the dead bodies. Saw containers labelled ready for posting with name of body in. Contained ashes of victim, one name John Smith must have been English but need not have been proper name.
    Gas chamber around but haven’t seen it yet.

    May 21st
    Still at NEUENGAMME.
    Went on train journey from BERGDORF yesterday nearly to the coast just below Danish frontier. Took over a thousand prisoners and dumped them other side of KIEL CANAL.

    25th May Listened to GENERAL RITCHIE today in Hamburg.

    7th June left NEUENGAMME on 300 miles trip with advance party. Passed through HAMBURG, BREMEN, ARNHEM, NIJMEGEN and GOCH. Returned to NIJMEGEN for the night and left next morning for destination – TWISTEDEN Nr. KEVELAER.

    11th June moving again to RHIENBERG

    Diary ends













    (Kev1's son...)
     
    dbf and Rob Dickers like this.
  2. Thank-you Kevin. What an amazing document -Your Dad's eye-witness account of the Rhine-Crossing is invauable.
    Mel
     
  3. Rob Dickers

    Rob Dickers 10th MEDIUM REGT RA

    Kevin
    A really great account of your dad's 3AGRA Regt in action.
    Many thanks for sharing.
    Rob
     
  4. Oldman

    Oldman Very Senior Member

    Kevin
    Many thanks for sharing your fathers diary "Great Account"
     
  5. Kev1

    Kev1 Member

    Pleased you appreciated it gentlemen.

    Mel, you mentioned in your email about photographs.
    He did mention taking snaps in the diary but I'm afraid I don't have any.
    I don't really remember seeing any, except one of himself on Tynemouth pier!
    Sorry lads

    Kevin
     
    RosyRedd likes this.
  6. peaceful

    peaceful Senior Member

    Thank you Kevin for posting the great diary your dad kept. This is true history straight from a vet who was part of this--not a reporter, not a writer and not from all those who call themselves experts. This is what I like to read. You must be very proud of your late father.

    peacrful
     
  7. Kev1

    Kev1 Member

    Thanks for that Peaceful.
    I'm a keen student of military history and like you I get more satisfaction from first hand accounts than sweeping statements by historians.
    Kevin
     
  8. Les Peel

    Les Peel Junior Member

    Thanks For posting that Kev ,
    it really brings it home what it must have been like to witness first hand what the war was like.
    Id like to think that was my Grandfather that he mentioned .
    Thanks again it was a pure joy to read.
    Les.
     
  9. Albionman

    Albionman Junior Member

    Hello,my father,Sgt.Jack Burgess,1438672 67th ( Suffolk ) Medium Regt.(TA) also wrote some notes in a pocket book,but not so much info.he just wrote in were he was which is incredibly similar to your note book,eg.Landed Arromanches June 26th 1944,Lantheuil June 29th,Cainet,dig-in big barrage July 2nd,Broney ( Brouay) July 9th,and' Happy Valley' (La Biyude) 2 killed 3 injured July 10th.My wife and I live in South Brittany,and we are visiting Normandy in late June,to try and retrace my fathers footsteps,so far the only place that I cannot find on any map,including Michelin,is' Happy Valley,'which my father wrote in as La Biyude,I see that in your notebook 'Happy Valley' is near Mouen?
    According to the Regimental Handbook,'Happy Valley' is near La Biyude,and was situated south of Caen,in a sloping shallow valley in a very exposed position,which the enemy could see from their positions on high ground,and resulted in many casualties,which my father described,I hope we can specify exactly where 'Happy Valley' is,as I would like to visit the site on our visit.
    Kind Regards Albionman.
     
  10. Kev1

    Kev1 Member

    Hello Albionman. I've only just spotted your post.
    I have a copy of the Regimental diary and it certainly agrees with your dad that they were at La Biyude.
    However, I also have an old Michelin map from 1955 and have looked on google earth, but cannot find this place! Curious. I would suggest maybe a chat with the locals around Mouen and a large scale map with contours to possibly pinpoint the place.
    A bit of a longshot though, I'm afraid.
    Unfortunately my father is no longer around to ask.
    If your father's notes could flesh out what we have so far in the diary that would be great.
    Regards
    Kev 1
     
  11. Albionman

    Albionman Junior Member

    Hi Kev1,thank you for replying to my enquiry about La Biyude 'Happy Valley'my Dad has also passed away,but he very rarely talked about the War,I found his notebook when clearing his personal things etc.and have marked on a map where he indicated his unit passed through,we might just stumble on 'La Biyude'when we visit Normandy in July,I have also found a reference to 231 Battery,which your Dad was in,my Dad was also a L/Sgt,maybe they knew each other?I also have several photos of other L/Sgts taken in Germany,might be your Dad? Kind Regards Albionman.
     
  12. Kbak

    Kbak Senior Member

    Hi Albionman,

    I do believe happy valley is in Belgium near oudenbosch, I might be wrong, something to look at?
    Hope this helps in some way
    Keith
     
  13. Albionman

    Albionman Junior Member

    Hi Kbak,thank you for info on 'Happy Valley' there well maybe another 'Happy Valley' in Belgium,but the one I am looking for is according to the 67th ( Suffolk ) Rgt RA Handbook south of Caen,I have looked on the satellite photos,but no joy!but will continue looking,we visit the area late June. Kind Regards Albionman.
     
  14. Toby

    Toby Member

    Have read your post and thought you may be interested in site we put up for dad's artwork who was Lance Bombardier on 25 pounders

    Introducing a new website of 300 images dedicated to Des Bettany who served during WWII with Lancashire gunners on 25 pounders. Evacuated from Dunkirk and posted to North Malaya he was imprisoned by the Japanese at various sites POW camps in Changi. He painted to keep his sanity.

    This artwork of his service life before and after the Capitulation of Singapore is a range of fascinating illustrations, done sometimes with humour.
    This new website has been put together by us, Des’ family as a tribute and to help raise awareness of what the POWs went through, as seen through the eyes of one man, Des Bettany.
    After 60 years in a cupboard, at last, this artwork is available to all who have access to the internet.
    The site can be found at The Changi POW Artwork of Des Bettany | Prisoner of War at Changi, Singapore
    Cheers Keith (Toby) Bettany
     
  15. Toby

    Toby Member

    Thank-you Kevin. What an amazing document -Your Dad's eye-witness account of the Rhine-Crossing is invauable.
    Mel
    Have read your post and thought you may be interested in site we put up for dad's artwork who was Lance Bombardier on 25 pounders

    Introducing a new website of 300 images dedicated to Des Bettany who served during WWII with Lancashire gunners on 25 pounders. Evacuated from Dunkirk and posted to North Malaya he was imprisoned by the Japanese at various sites POW camps in Changi. He painted to keep his sanity.

    This artwork of his service life before and after the Capitulation of Singapore is a range of fascinating illustrations, done sometimes with humour.
    This new website has been put together by us, Des’ family as a tribute and to help raise awareness of what the POWs went through, as seen through the eyes of one man, Des Bettany.
    After 60 years in a cupboard, at last, this artwork is available to all who have access to the internet.
    The site can be found at The Changi POW Artwork of Des Bettany | Prisoner of War at Changi, Singapore
    Cheers Keith (Toby) Bettany
     
  16. Toby

    Toby Member

    Hello,my father,Sgt.Jack Burgess,1438672 67th ( Suffolk ) Medium Regt.(TA) also wrote some notes in a pocket book,but not so much info.he just wrote in were he was which is incredibly similar to your note book,eg.Landed Arromanches June 26th 1944,Lantheuil June 29th,Cainet,dig-in big barrage July 2nd,Broney ( Brouay) July 9th,and' Happy Valley' (La Biyude) 2 killed 3 injured July 10th.My wife and I live in South Brittany,and we are visiting Normandy in late June,to try and retrace my fathers footsteps,so far the only place that I cannot find on any map,including Michelin,is' Happy Valley,'which my father wrote in as La Biyude,I see that in your notebook 'Happy Valley' is near Mouen?
    According to the Regimental Handbook,'Happy Valley' is near La Biyude,and was situated south of Caen,in a sloping shallow valley in a very exposed position,which the enemy could see from their positions on high ground,and resulted in many casualties,which my father described,I hope we can specify exactly where 'Happy Valley' is,as I would like to visit the site on our visit.
    Kind Regards Albionman.
    Have read your post and thought you may be interested in site we put up for dad's artwork who was Lance Bombardier on 25 pounders

    Introducing a new website of 300 images dedicated to Des Bettany who served during WWII with Lancashire gunners on 25 pounders. Evacuated from Dunkirk and posted to North Malaya he was imprisoned by the Japanese at various sites POW camps in Changi. He painted to keep his sanity.

    This artwork of his service life before and after the Capitulation of Singapore is a range of fascinating illustrations, done sometimes with humour.
    This new website has been put together by us, Des’ family as a tribute and to help raise awareness of what the POWs went through, as seen through the eyes of one man, Des Bettany.
    After 60 years in a cupboard, at last, this artwork is available to all who have access to the internet.
    The site can be found at The Changi POW Artwork of Des Bettany | Prisoner of War at Changi, Singapore
    Cheers Keith (Toby) Bettany
     
  17. Toby

    Toby Member

    Thank you Kevin for posting the great diary your dad kept. This is true history straight from a vet who was part of this--not a reporter, not a writer and not from all those who call themselves experts. This is what I like to read. You must be very proud of your late father.

    peacrful
    Have read your post and thought you may be interested in site we put up for dad's artwork who was Lance Bombardier on 25 pounders

    Introducing a new website of 300 images dedicated to Des Bettany who served during WWII with Lancashire gunners on 25 pounders. Evacuated from Dunkirk and posted to North Malaya he was imprisoned by the Japanese at various sites POW camps in Changi. He painted to keep his sanity.

    This artwork of his service life before and after the Capitulation of Singapore is a range of fascinating illustrations, done sometimes with humour.
    This new website has been put together by us, Des’ family as a tribute and to help raise awareness of what the POWs went through, as seen through the eyes of one man, Des Bettany.
    After 60 years in a cupboard, at last, this artwork is available to all who have access to the internet.
    The site can be found at The Changi POW Artwork of Des Bettany | Prisoner of War at Changi, Singapore
    Cheers Keith (Toby) Bettany
     
  18. Toby

    Toby Member

    Have read your post and thought you may be interested in site we put up for dad's artwork who was Lance Bombardier on 25 pounders

    Introducing a new website of 300 images dedicated to Des Bettany who served during WWII with Lancashire gunners on 25 pounders. Evacuated from Dunkirk and posted to North Malaya he was imprisoned by the Japanese at various sites POW camps in Changi. He painted to keep his sanity.

    This artwork of his service life before and after the Capitulation of Singapore is a range of fascinating illustrations, done sometimes with humour.
    This new website has been put together by us, Des’ family as a tribute and to help raise awareness of what the POWs went through, as seen through the eyes of one man, Des Bettany.
    After 60 years in a cupboard, at last, this artwork is available to all who have access to the internet.
    The site can be found at The Changi POW Artwork of Des Bettany | Prisoner of War at Changi, Singapore
    Cheers Keith (Toby) Bettany
     
  19. Kev1

    Kev1 Member

    Toby,

    A really marvellous collection.

    Des must have kept up the spirits of all those who came into contact with him in those long dark days.

    Thanks very much for sharing these works of art. And, such a broad range of subject and medium!

    Regards

    Kev1
     
  20. Rhineman

    Rhineman New Member

    I'm looking for information on the 67th (Suffolk) medium Regiment RA, and June 1945. My interest has been the 118th HAA but I've just come across some information that the Suffolks were attached to them. They took over a huge prison camp from the Americans (100,000 prisoners) and I'm trying to find out more about how this was done. Any help would be appreciated.
     

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