The Sherwood Rangers in April 1945

Discussion in 'NW Europe' started by Ramiles, May 2, 2015.

  1. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Hi all,

    Just looking for information and associations with the actions of the Sherwood Rangers in April 1945

    All the best,

    Rm.

    (Thread work in progress just at the mo. put please feel free to add any info or associations that you may have!)
     
  2. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    The Sherwood Rangers in April 1945 - Links

    A Short History of the 8th Armoured Brigade:
    The Crossing of the Rhine to VE day:
    http://www.warlinks....d/chapter_6.php

    Some associated units at this time:
    Essex Yeomanry,
    4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards,
    4th & 7th Somerset Light Infantry,
    130 Brigade : http://en.wikipedia....United_Kingdom)
    Royal Engineers
    Royal Hampshire Regiment : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Hampshire_Regiment & http://www.7thhampshires.co.uk/
    2nd Lincolns
    13th/18th Hussars
    12th Battalion The King's Royal Rifle Corps,
    4th & 5th Wiltshires : War Diaries - The Wardrobe housing The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum

    WW2talk threads

    The Battle of Cloppenburg - April 1945: The Battle of Cloppenburg - Lower Saxony - April 1945

    The Battle for Bremen - April 1945: The Battle for Bremen - April1945

    The SRY in NWE: Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry (SRY) in North West Europe

    The SRY in Jan 1945: The Sherwood Rangers in January 1945

    The SRY in Feb 1945: The Sherwood Rangers in February 1945

    The SRY in Mar 1945: The Sherwood Rangers in March 1945

    Maps

    Some maps of the NWE campaign: Department of History - WWII European Theater


    [sharedmedia=gallery:images:28107]


    [sharedmedia=gallery:images:28108]


    [sharedmedia=gallery:images:28106]

    Books

    An Englishman at War: The Wartime Diaries of Stanley Christopherson DSO. Author Stanley Christopherson. Ed. James Holland. : An Englishman at War: The Wartime Diaries of Stanley Christopherson DSO MC & Bar 1939-1945

    By Tank into Normandy - By Stuart Hills

    Monty's Marauders - Patrick Delaforce - Monty’s Marauders

    Requiem for a German Past: A Boyhood Among the Nazis - By Jurgen Herbst : Requiem for a German Past
     
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2019
  3. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    The Sherwood Rangers in April 1945 - Events

    Operation "Forrard On" (Isselburg to Hengelo, Cloppenburg (AKA Kloppenburg) and Bremen).

    For six days on route (i.e. in direction of Bremen) the 8th Armoured division advanced in face of enemy rearguards which defended every village and bottleneck. Blown bridges, mines and road blocks were encountered without end.

    Encirclement of the Rhur - (29th March - 4th April 1945) : http://www.westpoint.edu/history/SiteAssets/SitePages/World War II Europe/WWIIEurope80.gif

    Sunday 1st April 1945

    The Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry 1939-1945


    [April 1, 1945], HQ Twelfth Army Group situation map.

    Monday 2nd April 1945

    A way is forced through to Hengelo and the Twente canal is crossed


    [sharedmedia=gallery:images:28107]

    Tuesday 3rd April 1945

    Hengelo liberated with Dutch civilians reported to be jubilant. The SRY were to have a few days rest at Hengelo before moving on.

    The Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry 1939-1945

    Friday 6th April 1945

    8th Armoured Brigade on road to Cloppenburg (minus SRY resting at Hengelo?)


    [sharedmedia=gallery:images:28108]

    4th Wiltshires - move to OLDENZAAL and plan for their advance to BREMEN : War Diaries - The Wardrobe housing The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum

    Saturday 7th April 1945

    8th Armoured Brigade on road to Cloppenburg (minus SRY resting at Hengelo?)

    5th Wiltshires - War Diaries - The Wardrobe housing The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum

    Meanwhile also on this date elsewhere: The Japanese battleship Yamamoto is sunk north of Okinawa in the last of Japan's major naval operations of WW2.

    Sunday 8th April 1945

    8th Armoured Brigade on road to Cloppenburg (minus SRY resting at Hengelo?)

    Monday 9th April 1945

    SRY after resting at Hengelo for a few days start their own move towards Cloppenburg. "B" squadron SRY whilst at the head of the march reported at least 3 tanks "brewed" up over the next few days.

    Wednesday 11th April 1945

    "B" squadron SRY in lead together with infantry support from 130 Brigade passed through Herzlake and encountered Panzerfausts there. Pressing on to Lonningen more opposition was faced and the squadron moved to clear nearby woods and make a firebase. A further 2 "B" squad SRY tanks had been lost.

    SRY KIA on this date:
    2nd Lieutenant Hunt, Kenneth (SRY) – KIA 11/4/1945 : Casualty Details
    Trooper Trooper Tyler, John Alfred (SRY) – KIA 11/4/1945 : Casualty Details
    Trooper RUDLAND, PHILIP LEONARD : Casualty Details

    Thursday 12th April 1945

    5th Wiltshires - Detail :: The Wardrobe

    SRY KIA on this date & Bill Clough IWM interview at: Clough, Bill (Oral history) (22602)
    Lance Sergeant BUDNER, HAROLD : Casualty Details
    Trooper YOUNG, ARTHUR EDWARD : Casualty Details

    Meanwhile also on this date elsewhere: US President F.D.Roosevelt dies suddenly and H.S.Truman becomes president of the US.

    Friday 13th April 1945

    SRY reported to be outside Cloppenburg firing at 3,500 yards at infantry concentrations, almost running out of HE.
    The SRY tanks then moved into the town itself with "B" squad SRY in the lead, 4th troop "B" squad SRY forming the spearhead, and "4 baker" at the front. Destroying an A.P. gun on the way. 4th troop "B" squad SRY's leader Lt.R.G.(?)Hyde found one bridge that had not been demolished and "4 baker" again led the way. Running out of HE ammo "4 baker" had to pull aside to let the tank behind take this lead and this tank of Sgt. "Shoey" Sage had barely gone a few yards before being stopped by a road block and hit by a Panzerfaust at which time Sgt. Sage was killed. (p85 "Dad's War" by Andy Cropper) : Casualty Details

    Also SRY KIA on this date:
    Trooper FLETCHER, GEORGE HARRY : Casualty Details
    Trooper HULLAND, ERNEST JACK : Casualty Details
    Trooper SNEDKER, JOHN (aka "Jack") IRVING : Casualty Details

    The 7th Battalion Hampshire Regiment ‘was ordered to clear the town of Cloppenburg and to secure two bridges over the river which ran through it Nb. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Daniels . Some accounts suggest that final resistance in Cloppenburg ended on this date after a very stiff action was fought far into the night. Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Morgan, was awarded the Military Cross whilst a Major at the Battle of Cloppenburg, south-west of Bremen, in 1945. : http://www.telegraph...cis-Morgan.html
    The last main road from Bremen into the Netherlands that can be used by the axis is cut.


    [sharedmedia=gallery:images:28108]

    Sunday 15th April 1945

    Meanwhile also on this date elsewhere: Bergen-Belsen concentration camp is liberated by the British army.

    Monday 16th April 1945

    The 5th Battalion The Black Watch was reported to be just short of Delmenhorst : http://www.rememberingscotlandatwar...of-my-war-The-Allied-Armies-victory-in-Europe

    Wednesday 18th April 1945

    The town of Stuhr is taken by the allies amidst land flooded by the Germans south of Bremen. "C" squadron SRY were with 2nd Lincolns at Stuhr.

    Thursday 19th April 1945

    Sgt. Wheeler (SRY) dashed into an enemy position and engaged 200 Germans with revolver and hand grenades to win the DCM.

    SRY KIA on this date:
    Lieutenant ELMORE, JOHN DENIS* : http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2107569/ELMORE, JOHN DENIS
    Trooper HARKNESS, CHARLES EDWARD WATERSTONE : http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2198984/HARKNESS, CHARLES EDWARD WATERSTONE
    Trooper MILES, DENIS ROY : http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2199523/MILES, DENIS ROY

    * Lieutenant Elmore was a childhood friend of Stuart Hills (SRY) - the writer of "By Tank into Normandy".

    Friday 20th April 1944

    Lt. R.Hyde's troop of "B" squadron SRY cut the main road to Bremen, whilst German gunboats in Bremen harbour shelled the SRY.

    Saturday 21st April 1945

    Delmenhurst is taken by the allies.


    [sharedmedia=gallery:images:28106]

    Monday 22nd April 1945

    Heavy allied air bombing of Bremen.

    Tuesday 24th April 1945

    Across the Elbe "A" Squadron SRY supporting the 5th Wiltshires involved in street fighting in Bremen and "B" Squadron SRY with the 4th Wiltshires into Osterholz and Hastedt. "C" squadron SRY were apparently with the 7th Somersets attacking the main German HQ in Bremen in the Park.

    Nb. 4th Wiltshires - Bn relieved by CDN recce and moves to LANGWEDEL (9887) in readiness for drive on BREMEN : http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/research/war-diaries/detail/19225

    Wednesday 25th April 1945

    5th Wiltshire - preparing for attack on Bremen :

    Detail :: The Wardrobe

    1945-04-25 - Regiment : 5th Wiltshire
    Location : Conc area for Bremen, Germany
    Entry - 1150hrs. Bde places complete Bde Gp at immediate notice to move. Order later rescinded (1320) and put into effect again (1330). 1700hrs. Bn move to area 9093 - in temporary conc area - preparatory to taking part in the assault on BREMEN.


    Thursday 26th April 1945

    5th Wiltshire - detail - http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/research/war-diaries/detail/20010

    SRY KIA on this date:
    Trooper HARRIS, ARTHUR : http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2198989/HARRIS, ARTHUR

    Friday 27th April 1945

    General Becker, the garrison Commander of Bremen was taken captive by Lt. Talbot's troop of "B" squadron SRY. Stiff fighting was experienced on the eastern outskirts but once the town had been entered resistance crumbled and by the 27th the whole town was in allied hands.

    Nb. 4th Wiltshires - "D and B Coys move fwd to occupy area of rly (7201). D Coy capture garrison comd of BREMEN, General SIBER and his staff in the military barracks at 734005. Other notable captures were the Nazi Bishop of BREMEN and Vice-Admiral UTZE who was in comd of the ferry services along the R. WESER. Later on in the day a further 80 offrs and men were rounded up in the military barracks. During this 48 hrs action approx 600 PW were sent back to PW cage." : http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/research/war-diaries/detail/19228

    5th Wiltshires - detail : http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/research/war-diaries/detail/20011

    Saturday 28th April 1945

    5th Wiltshires - detail : http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/research/war-diaries/detail/20012

    Sunday 29th April 1945

    Stalag X-B nr. Sandbostel just north of Bremen is liberated by the British Armed Forces of XXX Corps following fighting with the German 15th Panzergrenadier-Division (conditions were so bad, they referred to the Stalag Sandbostel as "Little Belsen"). : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalag_X-B

    5th Wiltshires - detail : http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/research/war-diaries/detail/20013

    Monday 30th April 1945

    SRY involved in minor action in the capture of Bucholz where Sgt Webbs tank was hit by a Panzerfaust which luckily hit the extra track plate welded to the front. "C" squadron SRY supported the Devons into Harpstedt where they lost tanks on mines, while "B" squadron SRY were at Hastedt.

    Suicide of Adolf Hitler in his bunker during the Battle of Berlin.

    Some selected subsequent events:

    1st May 1945

    "A" squadron SRY capture Rhade.

    The 51st Highland Division prepared for the final battle at Bremervoerd on the River Oste. Facing west, the objectives were Bremerhaven and Westermuende. The River Oste was crossed successfully and the bridges were repaired. Some opposition was encountered but many German solders surrendered. In the towns white sheets were hung out of windows. : http://www.rememberingscotlandatwar...of-my-war-The-Allied-Armies-victory-in-Europe

    2nd May 1945

    Following the suicide of Adolf Hitler on the 30th April the Flensburg Government is formed : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flensburg_Government

    SRY KIA on this date:
    Trooper CARTER, LAWRENCE : http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2107291/CARTER, LAWRENCE

    3rd May 1944

    "B" squadron SRY helped 7th Hampshires take Karlshoffen just south of Gnarrenburg : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Hampshire_Regiment#The_7th_Battalion

    4th May 1944

    "B" squadron SRY helped 4th Wiltshires in a drive to the canal at Hamme.

    To quote 4th Wiltshires for 4/5/1945 : "Bn remains in BUCHOLZ after 7 HAMPS (130 Bde) cross canal and capture own Bn's intended objective. Orders are received for Bde to cross canal and break out of 7 HAMPS br hd and advance towards BREMERHAVEN this being timed for AM 5 May. News received over BBC that German army fighting opposite 21 Army Group has surrendered. This news was received with great jubilation amongst the men and the Commanding Officer a double rum ration to be issued." : http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/research/war-diaries/detail/19235

    Germans surrendered unconditionally on the 4th May 1944 at 1820hrs.

    7th May 1945

    Act of Military surrender signed in Reims, France

    8th May 1945

    Act of Military surrender signed in Berlin, Germany

    12th May 1945 : Victory Parade, Bremerhaven* May 12th 1945 - Nice pic at: http://www.creullyclub.freeuk.com/sept05.htm
    Nb. there's also a small reference to what looks like this parade here: BBC - WW2 People's War - My Father's Experience of the end of the War in Germany
    Quote: "A couple of days after the capturing of the town, the English troops organised a parade, with flags, armoured personnel carriers and tanks, with the Scottish troops in kilts, all processing in the Kaiserstrasse northwards."

    *Nb. Some of the SRY docs say that they had their victory parade at "Wesermunde" http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wesermünde
    But this seems synonymous with Bremerhaven - so was perhaps all part of the same parade? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bremerhaven
    After this a lot of time was spent in police duties dealing with looters and acts of drunken behaviour.

    Got to say had some real pleasure in this "find"
    Victory Parade at Bremerhaven: 12th May 1945
    http://www.iwm.org.u...em/object/21284
    Image Watercolour - made 1945-5-12 by Edward Raymond Payne
    A view looking down on a street hung with allied flags, from a bomb damaged building. A row of soldiers wearing Scotch Bonnets and black berets stand on the balcony below, also looking down towards the street. They watch a procession of Sherman tanks driving by, crew members standing in salute and the road lined with Marines.


    Though I did for a split second wonder why there were so many French in their berets looking over the victory parade in Bremerhaven (!!!) ;)

    Rm.
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2023
  4. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

    In and around Cloppenburg was the Panzer-Grenadier-Ersatz-Brigade "Grossdeutschland" ( Armored Infantry Replacement Unit) alongside Panzer-Jäger - Abteilung 20.
    These units also hold the bulk of the few remaining tanks in this area.
    A "Hetzer" from PzJAbt 20 was shot up at Cloppenburg, recovered and fell into a german(!) tank trap SW Oldenburg were it was buried by the locals. In the 1980´s the remains were recovered during street reconstruction. It´s now restored at the Bruce Crompton Collection.
    http://the.shadock.free.fr/Surviving_Hetzers_G13.pdf (Page 2)
    Lived some 20 km from CLP years ago and made for years research of the closing days of war there. Must have a look at my old archive as I remember of some original British accounts for the fightings there...

    regards
    Olli

    [​IMG]

    OB-Regiment: Offiziers-Bewerber-Regiment = Officers candidate Regiment

    Gef.Std.: Gefechtsstand = command Post

    Rgt. Poe.: Regiment Poeschmann (OB Rgt. "GD")

    Rgt. W.: Regiment Wackernagel (WO Rgt."GD")

    See also: http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/46627-8th-armoured-brigade-tank-casualties-1945/?p=552022
    I hold some accounts about this incident also

    (edited faulty linking)
     
    Osborne2, dbf and Ramiles like this.
  5. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Thanks Olli,

    I've started: The Battle of Cloppenburg - Lower Saxony - April 1945

    As clearly this subject deserves to have a thread of it's own now that such an interesting map has come to light! :)

    Thanks for the link to: http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/46627-8th-armoured-brigade-tank-casualties-1945/?p=552022

    ...too. I had a glance through it yesterday and I am considering going through them carefully one by one at some stage :eek: Might be a bit of a tall order though! To tie done some of the real specifics there.

    So far I think "B" squad SRY lost at least 5 tanks in or near Clobbenburg, about a quarter of the squadron, as a lot of the accounts say that during the advance they were often in the lead of the brigade. They seem to have fought in Cloppenburg too but I am still looking through all the detail of this and there's such a lot still to go through! :salut:

    All the best,

    Rm.
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2018
  6. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    I'll try to pull out the detail of the SRY tank losses around Cloppenburg here:

    A.59 - Post #19 - Moving into Cloppenburg was fired at from the first floor of a house. Fate of Crew: Commander and Operator killed. Gunner wounded (superficial). Driver and Co-driver unhurt.
    Nb. the SRY were apparently in the vicinity of Cloppenburg around the 13th-14th April 1945. Rm.

    A.60 - Post #20 - Was going through a village in 2nd gear, penetrated through right hand side of the turret at the level of the gunner's head. Tank caught fire immediately. Fate of Crew: Driver and co-driver unhurt. Commander, Gunner and Operator killed.
    Nb. probably in a village between Hengelo and Cloppenburg, Herzlake or another such as Loningen might be suggested here? - Rm.

    A.58 - Post #21 - HC penetration. Going through a village. Gearbox destroyed. The commander got out to capture the man who fired at them. Fate of Crew: unhurt.
    Nb. probably in a village between Hengelo and Cloppenburg, Herzlake or another such as Loningen might be suggested here? - Rm.

    A.148 - Post #22 - HC penetration through the left hand side of the hull opposite the operator. Fate of Crew: Operator killed. Driver: 2 degree wounds to face and wounded by mortar shell subsequently. Commander, Gunner and co-driver unhurt initially but killed outside after escaping as mortared whilst getting onto another tank.
    Nb. location as yet unknown - but the level of opposition seen here suggests that this was probably quite a fierce fight and hence Cloppenburg or around Bremen perhaps seem possible at the moment? Rm.

    A.149 - Post #23 - HC non-penetration. Leading tank going into Cloppenburg. Oblique hit on the front glacis plate removed a welded track plate and partially penetrated the armour. Fate of Crew: unhurt.
    Nb. the SRY were apparently in the vicinity of Cloppenburg around the 13th-14th April 1945. Rm.

    A.150 - Post #24 - Going down the main street at Hengelo when fired at simultaneously from both sides. Fate of Crew: unhurt.
    Nb. the SRY were apparently in the vicinity of Hengelo around the 2nd April 1945. Rm.

    A.151 - post #25 - Hit on the front of the right track from 10 yards in front. Tank unable to move so crew bailed out. Fate of Crew: initially unhurt but whole crew killed by MG fire after escaping.
    Nb. location as yet unknown - but the level of opposition seen suggests that this was probably quite a fierce fight and hence Cloppenburg or around Bremen perhaps seem possible at the moment? Rm.

    B.33 - post #26 - Ap penetration. 4th tank in column going through Cloppenburg shot at from the right flank. Penetration of approx 75mm. Fate of Crew: Commander and operator - killed outside after escaping. Gunner - unhurt POW. Driver - unhurt in tank. Wounded outside after escaping.
    Nb. the SRY were apparently in the vicinity of Cloppenburg around the 13th-14th April 1945. Rm.

    Nb. date of death (i.e. from wounds) may occur later than any action that was the cause.

    Hengelo

    A.150 - Post #24 - Going down the main street at Hengelo when fired at simultaneously from both sides. Fate of Crew: unhurt.
    Nb. the SRY were apparently in the vicinity of Hengelo around the 2nd April 1945 and resting there until the 9th? Rm.

    Between Hengelo & Cloppenburg
    Nb. the SRY were apparently moving from the vicinity of Hengelo - leaving there on the 9th April 1945 and arriving at Cloppenburg around the 13th? Rm.

    Possibly at Herzlake? Loningen? Rm.
    SRY KIA on 11th April 1945: (detail could match A.60 below???)
    2nd Lieutenant Hunt, Kenneth (SRY) – KIA 11/4/1945 : http://www.cwgc.org/...8/HUNT, KENNETH
    Trooper Trooper Tyler, John Alfred (SRY) – KIA 11/4/1945 : http://www.cwgc.org/...ER, JOHN ALFRED
    Trooper RUDLAND, PHILIP LEONARD : http://www.cwgc.org/... PHILIP LEONARD

    A.58 - Post #21 - HC penetration. Going through a village. Gearbox destroyed. The commander got out to capture the man who fired at them. Fate of Crew: unhurt.
    Nb. probably in a village between Hengelo and Cloppenburg, Herzlake or another such as Loningen might be suggested here? - Rm.

    A.60 - Post #20 - Was going through a village in 2nd gear, penetrated through right hand side of the turret at the level of the gunner's head. Tank caught fire immediately. Fate of Crew: Driver and co-driver unhurt. Commander, Gunner and Operator killed.
    Nb. probably in a village between Hengelo and Cloppenburg, Herzlake or another such as Loningen might be suggested here? - Rm.

    Lastrup : (about half way between Loningen and Cloppenburg)

    At Lastrup according to Bill Clough's IWM audio interview (thanks "Itdan"!) : Clough, Bill (Oral history) (22602)
    SRY KIA on 12th April 1945:
    Lance Sergeant BUDNER, HAROLD : http://www.cwgc.org/.../BUDNER, HAROLD
    Trooper YOUNG, ARTHUR EDWARD : http://www.cwgc.org/..., ARTHUR EDWARD

    B.33 - post #26 - Ap penetration. 4th tank in column going through Cloppenburg shot at from the right flank. Penetration of approx 75mm. Fate of Crew: Commander and operator - killed outside after escaping. Gunner - unhurt POW. Driver - unhurt in tank. Wounded outside after escaping.
    Nb. the SRY were apparently in the vicinity of Cloppenburg around the 13th-14th April 1945. But the IWM interview with Bill Clough seems to tie this tank to Lastrup (nr. Cloppenburg to the SW) and events on 12/4/1944 Rm.

    Cloppenburg
    Cloppenburg for the SRY was c13th-14th April (whilst later in the month they were fighting for Bremen etc.)
    Nb. date of death (i.e. from wounds) may occur later than any action that was the cause.


    13th April 1945

    Sgt. Sage (a tank commander in 4th troop "B" squadron SRY) was killed. ("Dad's War" by Andy Cropper p85) : http://www.cwgc.org/...E, HARRY ARTHUR
    Trooper FLETCHER, GEORGE HARRY : http://www.cwgc.org/...R, GEORGE HARRY
    Trooper HULLAND, ERNEST JACK : http://www.cwgc.org/...ND, ERNEST JACK

    Nb. Trooper SNEDKER, JOHN (aka "Jack") IRVING : http://www.cwgc.org/...ER, JOHN IRVING
    Was the gunner on "Blue Light Special" (aka "Baker 4" - a '4 manned Firefly' in "troop 4" -"B" squad SRY") he and Frank Milner (driver) went out to try and rescue the crew of Sgt.Sage's tank - but only Frank came back ("Dad's war" - Andy Cropper p85)

    Nb (4 KIA's at present have been noted below (both of which were commander and operator) and these seem to match the top 3 above but seem at present to be missing a Tank commanding officer or NCO? Nb. Trooper Snedker was the gunner of "Baker 4" who went forward to assist in crew rescue, but did not come back. ("Dad's war" - Andy Cropper p85). Not sure yet whether A.59 or B.33 is more likely to be Sgt.Sage's tank. I think I'd go with A.59 at the mo. though as it looks like Sgt.Sage was killed by the Panzerfaust shot that got the tank he was in and not whilst bailing out.

    A.59 - Post #19 - Moving into Cloppenburg was fired at from the first floor of a house. Fate of Crew: Commander and Operator killed. Gunner wounded (superficial). Driver and Co-driver unhurt.
    Nb. the SRY were apparently in the vicinity of Cloppenburg around the 13th-14th April 1945. Rm.


    A.149 - Post #23 - HC non-penetration. Leading tank going into Cloppenburg. Oblique hit on the front glacis plate removed a welded track plate and partially penetrated the armour. Fate of Crew: unhurt.
    Nb. the SRY were apparently in the vicinity of Cloppenburg around the 13th-14th April 1945. Rm.

    On the road to Bremen and Bremen etc. for the SRY.
    Nb (8-9* KIA's at present have been noted below, for the SRY if these were not in Cloppenbury or before later in the month they were fighting for Bremen etc.) * assuming an entire SRY tank crew could be either 4 or 5 men.

    A.148 - Post #22 - HC penetration through the left hand side of the hull opposite the operator. Fate of Crew: Operator killed. Driver: 2 degree wounds to face and wounded by mortar shell subsequently. Commander, Gunner and co-driver unhurt initially but killed outside after escaping as mortared whilst getting onto another tank.
    Nb. location as yet unknown - but the level of opposition seen here suggests that this was probably quite a fierce fight and hence Cloppenburg or around Bremen perhaps seem possible at the moment? Rm.

    A.151 - post #25 - Hit on the front of the right track from 10 yards in front. Tank unable to move so crew bailed out. Fate of Crew: initially unhurt but whole crew killed by MG fire after escaping.
    Nb. location as yet unknown - but the level of opposition seen suggests that this was probably quite a fierce fight and hence Cloppenburg or around Bremen perhaps seem possible at the moment? Rm.
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2017
  7. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

    Happened at Lastrup, 12th April 1945.
    I would assume it was loss of tank B.33??
    see also: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/80021223

    Interview Bill Clough

    Object description

    British trooper served with Sherwood Rangers at Lastrup, Germany, 12/4/1945; POW in Germany, 4/1945-5/1945


    Content description

    Aspects of operations as trooper with Sherwood Rangers in Lastrup, Germany, 12/4/1945: approach to village; hit on Sherman Firefly by German 88mm; crew casualties; abortive attempt to escape from tank under cover of smoke; capture by Germans; initial treatment by captors. Aspects of period as POW in Germany, 4/1945-5/1945: march away from Lastrup; character of train journey on Red Cross train; boat journey on River Weser; in solitary confinement in camp in Bremenhaven; conditions during truck journey on route to Sandbostel POW Camp; drunken state in station hotel; arrival in Sandbostel POW Camp; issue of Red Cross pack; contracting scabies; digging slit trench under hut; liberation by Guards Armoured Div; flight back to GB and medical treatment for scabies; how his sister contracted typhus.

    I owe the 1st part as German transcription and will post it re-transcripted soon
     
  8. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Interesting link Itdan

    Clough, Bill (Oral history) (22602)

    I'm listening to it now, but I might have to go back through (It's fun listening with all the whistle-pops and the barking dog ;) )

    Listening to it I think that this chap was in "C" squadron SRY, though he also mentions "B" squadron, obviously still plenty of researching / cogitating to do in assessing things there :salut:

    He clearly mentions:
    Lance Sergeant BUDNER, HAROLD : http://www.cwgc.org/.../BUDNER, HAROLD
    Trooper YOUNG, ARTHUR EDWARD : http://www.cwgc.org/..., ARTHUR EDWARD

    About 2.5mins in.

    Interestingly he mentions Sandbostel too, I wondered if he was one of the last allied PoW's captured by the Germans? But if he was a PoW from 12/4/1944 - there were probably lots of others being handled even at this late stage though too.

    But we usually hear of the German's surrendering themselves in their droves at this stage, so it adds something to go through with him the process of becoming a very late war British PoW.

    All the best,

    Rm.
     
    Last edited: Jan 19, 2018
  9. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    This letter from Ben, dated the 29th April 1945:

    [sharedmedia=gallery:images:29466]

    Some parts quite hard to read so I've transcribed:


    7880500 Sgt. B Symes
    Sherwood Rangers
    B.L.A.
    My dearest Phyl,
    My friend Murphy digs into his great coat pocket this morning and brings out a letter for me. Today being the 29th, the letter was written on the 17th and posted on 21st, so it’s had a bad run yours* and owing to absentminded Murph, this end also.
    This game of clearing up is very trying for everyone at home and over here. Days drag into weeks and weeks into months and still the wretched thing goes on.
    Bremen fell a lot quicker than we expected but there is still Hamburg, Denmark and Norway to clear though with the front shrinking there should be more troops available for the jobs.


    I think that they (the SRY) had already been told to prepare for Burma too and there are some jokes that that's what B.L.A. actually stood for i.e. Burma liberation army.

    I think they were pretty much on their way to Denmark via. Bremerhaven etc. though when it ended and I do wonder if they really had Norway too ever in their sights? Although he might just be speculating that there was still a job to do for someone there.

    * I suspect that he was downplaying a bit that the mail was having quite a hard time getting through and catching up. The first name of "Murphy" was Jerry. I guess they didn't use his first name much though for obvious reasons ;) i.e. where's Jerry?...Jerry's over there... , etc.

    All the best,

    Rm.
     
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2016
    stolpi and Guy Hudson like this.
  10. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Padre Skinner's War

    "A Remembrance Sunday feature based on the war diary of Padre Leslie Skinner, Chaplain with the Sherwood Rangers from D-Day to VE-Day. With the memories of the Padre's comrades - Major John Semken, Lt. David Render and Cpl. Ernie Hawkins - and readings by serving chaplains and Rev. Skinner's daughter, Annette Conway.
    First broadcast on 15th November 2005 BBC Radio 4
    Produced by Alan Hall
    "

    This talks (over about 30mins) about the SRY from Normandy to the end of the War in Europe. Including interviews with SRY veterans etc.

    With the very last section re. April and May 1945 (about 7mins). It also mentions some of the names in some of the posts above.
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2017
  11. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Karl recently posted a 14th April 1945 - picture of the SRY Firefly "Blue Light Special" on the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry 1939-45 - Face Book page.

    The picture was taken the day after the battles in Cloppenburg, Germany, and surviving members of 4th Troop, B Squadron pose in front of the Sherman Firefly 'Blue Light Special'.

    The Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry 1939-1945
     
  12. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Last edited: Apr 3, 2019
    stolpi likes this.
  13. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

  14. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

  15. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

  16. Frank Roossink

    Frank Roossink New Member

    Here’s the same footage of units of the 130th infantry brigade and B squadron SRY advancing towards Hengelo from the direction of enschede, but in high quality.

    Digital map from 1945 Topotijdreis: 200 jaar topografische kaarten
    upload_2022-5-8_10-21-3.png
     
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  17. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Bevrijding Hengelo

    Bevrijding Enschede en Hengelo
    1 APRIL 1945
    Beelden van bevrijding Hengelo en Enschede. Dolblije menigte wuift naar de bevrijders, die in tanks en pantserwagens door de straten trekken. Mensen geven aan de militairen versnaperingen. Anderen houden in triomf buitgemaakte nazivlaggen omhoog. De Nederlandse vlag wordt gehesen Leden van de Binnenlandse.

    ... x ...

    Liberation Enschede and Hengelo 1 APRIL 1945 Images of the liberation of Hengelo and Enschede. Overjoyed crowds wave to the liberators, who move through the streets in tanks and armored cars. People give refreshments to the soldiers. Others hold up captured Nazi flags in triumph. The Dutch flag is hoisted Members of the Interior.
     

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