War Diary: 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS, Jan 1944 - Dec 1944

Driffield, Yorkshire

1944 April 1
900 hours
First Parade.
B’ Vehicles Task No. 1.
Field Returns issued.

1944 April 2
900 hours
Battalion in Readiness from 0900 hours to 0900 hours, 3rd April 1944.

1944 April 3
820 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements
900 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 2.
930 hours
Major W.M. FOX attended a Security Day at GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION H.Q.
900 hours
19th Gunnery Trade Test at 2nd Armoured IRISH GUARDS.
1800 hours
Commanding Officer lectured all Officers in the Orderly Room.

1944 April 4
820 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements
930 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 3.
1030 hours
Lieutenant S.T. PEARSON attended a Conference at Brigade H.Q.
Captain The Honourable G.W.H. DAWNEY, Lieutenant J.A. RODNEY and Lieutenant J.H.G. SEDGEWICK took part in Exercise “BEAGLE”.

1944 April 5
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.

930 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 4.
700 hours
Spectators left Camp to attend a Demonstration of Artillery Firing.
A Party proceeded on a visit to the School of Tank Technology.

1944 April 6
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
930 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 5.

1944 April 7
1030 hours
Morning Service in the N.A.A.F.I. Tent.

1944 April 8
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
900 hours
Battalion in Readiness to 0900 hours, 9th April 1944.
930 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 6.
1000 hours
T.A. and M.T.O. attended a Conference at H.Q. 8 CORPS.
Field Returns issued.

1944 April 9
1100 hours
Parade Service in N.A.A.F.I. Tent.

1944 April 10
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements
930 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 7.
1000 hours
Commanding Officer lectured all Officers, on Security, in the Orderly Room.

1944 April 11
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
900 hours
Battalion in Readiness to 0900 hours, 12th April 1944.
930 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 8.
KIRKHAM BRIDGE allotted to the Battalion, for Wading.

1944 April 12
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
930 hours
First Parade.
B’ Vehicles Task No. 9.
1100 hours
Officers and Other Ranks, as detailed, attended a Lecture on Anti-Mine devices, at 8 CORPS H.Q.
Captain A.V. PRIESTLEY, Lieutenant J.H. BADDELEY, Lieutenant P.W. LOYD, and Lieutenant The Honourable R.T. BOSCAWEN, proceeded to WARCOP.

1944 April 13
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
930 hours
First Parade.
B’ Vehicles Task No. 10.
1440 hours
Four War Correspondents visited the Battalion.
The Battalion, as detailed, proceeded to WARCOP.

1944 April 14
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
900 hours
Battalion in Readiness to 0900 hours, 15th April 1944.
930 hours First Parade.
B’ Vehicles Task No. 10.

1944 April 15
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
930 hours
First Parade.
B’ Vehicles Task No. 11.
Field Returns issued.

1944 April 16 1100 hours
Morning Service in the N.A.A.F.I. Tent.
Anti-Aircraft fired at SPURMHEAD.

1944 April 17
-

1944 April 18
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
930 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 13.
Firing took place on FYLINGDALE Range.

1944 April 19
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
930 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 14.
Personnel, as detailed, attended Course, No. 24, at the Vehicle Handling School, SCARBOROUGH. (Period 19th - 20th April 1944).
Firing took place on FYLINGDALE Range.

1944 April 20
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
930 hours
First Parade.
B’ Vehicles Task No. 15.
Captain J.N. BINGHAM attended an Intelligence Officers’ Refresher Day at H.Q. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.
1000 hours
Battalion, as detailed, proceeded to MIDHOPE A.F.V. Range.
Map Code issued.

1944 April 21
-

1944 April 22
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements
930 hours
First Parade.
B’ Vehicles Task No. 1.
Battalion fired on MIDHOPE A.F.V. Range and returned to Camp.
The Medical Officer attended a Water Duties Revision Day at the 60th FIELD HYGIENE SECTION.
Battalion moved to SLEDMERE Camp.
Battalion Orders Part I were not issued for 21st April 1944.
Field Returns issued.

Sledmere Camp, Yorkshire

1944 April 23
The Battalion took part in St. GEORGE’S DAY Service at the Minster, YORK.
The 4th and 5th Battalions COLDSTREAM GUARDS took part also.
APPENDIX

1944 April 24
840 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
930 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 2.

1944 April 25
830 hours First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 3.
1430 hours & 1730 hours
Personnel, as detailed, attended a Security Review, at the Arcadia Cinema, SCARBOROUGH.

1944 April 26 Battalion GAS DAY. A complete Day.
Extract from APPENDIX

1944 April 27
830 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 4.
Anti-Aircraft Troop fired in the Dome Teacher, at DRIFFIELD (28th April 1944).

1944 April 28
830 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 5.
Battalion in Readiness to 0900 hours, (Period 27th to 28th April 1944).
New Area Instructions issued.

1944 April 29
830 hours
First Parade.
B’ Vehicles Task No. 6.
Major T.R.D. BATT, M.C. assumed command of Detachment, Period 30th April 1944 to 3rd May 1944.
Battalion move to new area.

1944 April 30
Battalion move to new area.

 

Officer Field Returns

[Officer Return Week Ending Personal Number Substantive Rank Higher Acting or Temporary Rank if held First Names Initials Surname Parent Regiment Division Date taken on Strength Whether present with Unit Appointment Held Date Assumed present Appointment Remarks including how employed if absent from unit Attached in Excess of W.E. less 1st Rfts. Date of Attachment Attached in Excess of W.E. less 1st Rfts. Nature of Attachment Officers in Strength counting against W.E. less 1st Rfts. Permanently Attached within W.E. (Full) - Nature of Attachment Officers Joined during Week - Unit from which joined Officers Quitted during Week - Location Officers whose Return to the Unit is particularly requested - Whereabouts if known]

1 Apr 1944 23886 Major Temporary Lieutenant Colonel R MYDDELTON Coldstream Guards 16 May 1941 Yes Commanding Officer 9 Feb 1942
1 Apr 1944 39274 Captain Temporary Major R F S GOOCH, MC Coldstream Guards 30 Sep 1943 Yes Second-in-Command 30 Sep 1943
1 Apr 1944 44016 Captain Temporary Major T R D BATT, MC Coldstream Guards 22 Nov 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 22 Nov 1943
1 Apr 1944 36201 Captain Temporary Major W M FOX Coldstream Guards 18 Dec 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 18 Dec 1943
1 Apr 1944 50866 Captain Temporary Major H R ALLSOPP, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Feb 1940 Yes Squadron Leader 26 Feb 1942
1 Apr 1944 32350 Captain Temporary Major W J St C ANSTRUTHER-GRAY, MC, MP Coldstream Guards 2 Oct 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 2 Oct 1943
1 Apr 1944 40932 Captain War Substantive Captain G W H DAWNAY, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 8 Jul 1940 Yes Squadron 22 Feb 1943
1 Apr 1944 65456 Captain G M K ST. CLAIR, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 6 Mar 1941 Yes Squadron 20 Jan 1943
1 Apr 1944 107020 Lieutenant Temporary Captain - DENBIGH, The Earl of Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 Yes M.T.O. 11 Feb 1943
1 Apr 1944 77596 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A V PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 16 Jun 1941 Yes Squadron 16 Jun 1941
1 Apr 1944 95569 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J L DARELL Coldstream Guards 1 Aug 1942 Yes Squadron 1 Aug 1942
1 Apr 1944 68162 Lieutenant Temporary Captain H CHISENHALE-MARSH Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 No Squadron 20 Jan 1943 Course - RAC Officers Tact School
1 Apr 1944 113731 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J E GULL Coldstream Guards 9 Jun 1941 Yes T.A. 11 Feb 1943
1 Apr 1944 138620 Lieutenant Temporary Captain O P DAWNAY Coldstream Guards 22 Oct 1940 Yes Adjutant 12 Jun 1943
1 Apr 1944 78257 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J N BINGHAM Coldstream Guards 5 Oct 1943 Yes Intelligence Officer 5 Oct 1943
1 Apr 1944 85276 Lieutenant P H HUNT Coldstream Guards 24 Dec 1941 Yes Squadron 24 Dec 1941
1 Apr 1944 113730 Lieutenant N S C COLLIN Coldstream Guards 14 Jun 1940 Yes Troop 22 Nov 1943
1 Apr 1944 113734 Lieutenant P F J F TOWERS-CLARK Coldstream Guards 7 Feb 1943 Yes A.A. Troop 7 Feb 1943
1 Apr 1944 138621 Lieutenant T V HERMON Coldstream Guards 26 Feb 1941 Yes Troop 26 Feb 1941
1 Apr 1944 164300 Lieutenant M A HAMILTON Coldstream Guards 3 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 3 Jul 1942
1 Apr 1944 165023 Lieutenant O K HEYWOOD Coldstream Guards 15 Oct 1942 Yes Signals Officer 21 Apr 1943
1 Apr 1944 186906 Lieutenant S BIRCH Coldstream Guards 8 Nov 1943 Yes Troop 8 Nov 1943
1 Apr 1944 156043 Lieutenant J H BADDELEY Coldstream Guards 26 Feb 1941 Yes G.O. 26 Feb 1941
1 Apr 1944 176756 Lieutenant S D NEVILLE Coldstream Guards 1 Jan 1944 No Troop 1 Jan 1944 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
1 Apr 1944 224212 Lieutenant H R HOWITT Coldstream Guards 11 Mar 1942 Yes Troop 11 Mar 1942
1 Apr 1944 229118 Lieutenant I A RODNEY Coldstream Guards 1 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 1 Jul 1942
1 Apr 1944 186917 Lieutenant T M C BODLEY Coldstream Guards 27 May 1943 Yes Troop 27 May 1943
1 Apr 1944 186916 Lieutenant B H G SPARROW Coldstream Guards 25 Sep 1941 Yes Troop 25 Sep 1941
1 Apr 1944 233949 Lieutenant D B C FENWICK Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
1 Apr 1944 233950 Lieutenant P A M GELL Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
1 Apr 1944 233951 Lieutenant J A L LEE Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
1 Apr 1944 233952 Lieutenant P W LOYD Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
1 Apr 1944 243807 Lieutenant R T BOSCAWEN, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Mar 1944 Yes Troop 16 Mar 1944
1 Apr 1944 243506 Lieutenant D S BAXENDALE Coldstream Guards 1 Nov 1943 No Troop 1 Nov 1943 Course - A.F.V. School
1 Apr 1944 210583 Lieutenant S J H MIDDLEDITCH Coldstream Guards 15 Apr 1943 Yes Quartermaster 15 Apr 1943
1 Apr 1944 89013 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J F PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 20 Jan 1944 Yes Squadron 5 Feb 1943 1st Reinforcement
1 Apr 1944 240006 Lieutenant M E LOCK Coldstream Guards 28 Sep 1942 Yes Troop 28 Sep 1942 1st Reinforcement attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron
1 Apr 1944 256492 Lieutenant P N PRATT Coldstream Guards 31 May 1943 Yes Troop 31 May 1943 1st Reinforcement
1 Apr 1944 268990 Lieutenant I L JARDINE Coldstream Guards 1 Jan 1944 Yes Troop 1 Jan 1944 1 Jan 1944
1 Apr 1944 278662 Lieutenant D V MARTYN Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 22 Apr 1943
1 Apr 1944 275674 Lieutenant J H T SUTTON Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 12 Aug 1943
1 Apr 1944 224221 Lieutenant G T PEARSON Coldstream Guards 13 Dec 1943 Yes Troop 13 Dec 1943 15 Feb 1944
1 Apr 1944 267569 Lieutenant G A HOHLER Coldstream Guards 21 May 1943
1 Apr 1944 256754 Lieutenant J H G SEDGWICK Coldstream Guards 22 Feb 1943 No Troop 22 Feb 1943 Attached REME Wading Trials 15 Feb 1944
1 Apr 1944 Lieutenant T NESBITT-DUFORT Coldstream Guards 12 Aug 1943
1 Apr 1944 221859 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J THOMPSON Royal Army Medical Corps 1 Apr 1942 Yes Medical Officer 1 Apr 1942 Y
1 Apr 1944 138621 Lieutenant T V HERMON Coldstream Guards 1 Mar 1944 X ii List
1 Apr 1944 243807 Lieutenant R T BOSCAWEN, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Mar 1944 Guards Armoured Training Wing
1 Apr 1944 Lieutenant G J B GREEN Coldstream Guards 16 Mar 1942 Guards Armoured Training Wing
1 Apr 1944 293721 2/Lieutenant D C G JESSEL Coldstream Guards 9 Nov 1943 Course - A.F.V. School
1 Apr 1944 293470 2/Lieutenant J K AMBLER Coldstream Guards 9 Nov 1943 Course - A.F.V. School
1 Apr 1944 Captain A F WEIGALL Royal Army Chaplains Department 21 Oct 1943 Church of England Chaplain

 

APPENDIX

Regimental Headquarters,
Coldstream Guards,
Birdcage Walk,
LONDON, S.W.1.

February, 1944.

ST. GEORGE’S DAY, 1944.
A MESSAGE FROM THE COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT.

As mentioned in Regimental Standing Orders, St. George’s Day is observed in the Coldstream because he is the Patron Saint of England, and the Coldstream is an English Regiment.
St. George was a soldier in the army of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Having become a Christian, St. George tried to persuade the Emperor to put a stop to the persecution of Christians then being carried on. The Emperor tired to induce St. George to give up being a Christian, and on his refusal, St. George was tortured and put to death on the 23rd April, A.D. 303.
Since my last message was sent, our troops have invaded ITALY, and the 2nd and 3rd Battalions are serving in the Mediterranean. At the landing at SALERNO, severe casualties were suffered by the 3rd Battalion, but the object of maintaining the position gained was achieved.
It is though that the year 1944 may be an important one in the history of the present war, and that we are on the eve of great events. Troops have been, and are, in training at home for operations overseas, and I feel confident that, when the full force of the Brigade of Guards is brought to bear on the Enemy, the effect, to say the least of it, will be important.
In these operations, the Coldstream Regiment will have its share, and, as throughout its history, will strive to be “Second to None”.

Signed A.E. CODRINGTON
Lieutenant-General,
Colonel, Coldstream Guards.

 

Extract from APPENDIX, names listed with Coys when noted

BATTALION GAS DAY 26th April 1944

No. of Stand / Subject / Instructors

1. The Light Respirator and Respirator Drill
Lance Serjeant R. PERRIN
Lance Serjeant R. TAYLOR
Lance Serjeant B. CLOUGH (3)

2. Personal Decontamination
Lance Serjeant R. JACKSON (H.Q.)
Lance Serjeant E. PRESLAND (2)

3. Decontamination of Weapons and Vehicles
Lance Serjeant E. STEEL (3)
Serjeant J. BLAKE (3)
Lance Corporal W. WOODS (H.Q.)

4. Gas Exercises in the Field
Serjeant A. WILKINSON (2)
Serjeant A. TOMLINSON (2)

5. (1) Inspection of Gas Equipment
Lieutenant H.R. HOWITT
(2) Testing Respirators
Lance Serjeant H. THOMPSON (H.Q.)
Lance Corporal A. GRAYBURN (H.Q.)

 

Special Area

1944 May 1
Battalion arrived in Special Area.

1944 May 2
830 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 8.
Tank Recognition.

1944 May 3
830 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 9.
Operational Role, and Wireless Procedure.

1944 May 4
830 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 10.

1944 May 5
830 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 11.

1944 May 6
830 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 12.
1000 hours
The Commanding Officer inspected Billets.
Field Returns issued.

1944 May 7
1100 hours
Parade Service in HOVE Parish Church.

1944 May 8
830 hours
P.T. under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 13.
1030 hours
Lieutenant-Colonel R. MYDDELTON attended a Study Day at H.Q. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.
Battalion Waterproofing Teams in operation T.F.O.
Telegrams RE. 90the Birthday of the Colonel of the Regiment.

1944 May 9
830 hours
P.T. or Drill under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 14.

1944 May 10
830 hours
P.T. or Drill under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 15.
1415 hours
Book Checking in Orderly Room.
1730 hours
Lecture to all Squadrons by Mr. Douglas REED.

1944 May 11 830 hours
P.T. or Drill under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 16.
1100 hours
The Commanding Officer attended a C.O.’s Conference at Divisional H.Q.

1944 May 12
830 hours
P.T. or Drill under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 1.
920 hours
Captain J.N. BINGHAM and Lieutenant D.B.B. FENWICK attended an Intelligence Officers’ Refresher Day at Divisional H.Q.
1230 hours
Visit of Major-General R. BRIGGS, C.B., D.S.O.
Major W.J. ST. C. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY, M.C., M.P. attended a Demonstration, Instruction Issued.

1944 May 13
830 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 2.
1000 hours
Lecture on FRANCE in Drill Hall, Dyke Road by Colonel N. SUTTON.
Officers and Warrant Officers, as detailed, attended.
Letter from the Colonel of the Regiment on his 90th Birthday.

1944 May 14
815 hours
Holy Communion.
1030 hours
Confirmation Class in Battalion Chapel.
1100 hours
Parade Service in HOVE Parish Church.
Weekly Field Returns issued.

1944 May 15
830 hours
P.T. or Drill under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 3.
The Commanding Officer held a Conference, on Planning.
1200 hours
Lecture by Lieutenant-General Sir Richard N. O’CONNOR in the Garrison Theatre, EASTBOURNE.
All Officers attended.
Lieutenant O.K. HEYWOOD took part in Exercise “DRAKE”.

1944 May 16
830 hours
P.T. or Drill under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 4.
900 hours
The Battalion Second-in-Command, all Second-in-Command of Squadrons and the Lieutenant Quartermaster had a meeting in the Intelligence Office.

1944 May 17
830 hours
P.T. or Drill under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 5.

1944 May 18
830 hours
P.T. or Drill under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
‘B’ Vehicles Task No. 6.

1944 May 19
830 hours
P.T. or Drill under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 7.
930 hours
Major R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C. attended a Study Day for W.S.Os, at Divisional H.Q.

1944 May 20 Field Returns issued.
845 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 8.
1000 hours
Technical Adjutant and Lieutenant Quartermaster attended a Lecture, by Movement Control Liaison Officer, at H.Q. 2nd (Armoured) IRISH GUARDS.
1700 hours
Personnel, as detailed, attended a Security Review, at the Hippodrome Theatre, EASTBOURNE.

1944 May 21
1100 hours
Parade Service HOVE Parish Church.
1430 hours
Captain The Honourable C.M.K. ST. CLAIR and Captain The Honourable G.W.ff. DAWNEY attended a Conference at Divisional H.Q.

1944 May 22
835 hours
P.T. or Drill under Squadron arrangements.
915 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 9.

1944 May 23
845 hours
First Parade.
'B’ Vehicles Task No. 10.

1944 May 24
1115 hours
Captain A. PONSONBY (WELSH GUARDS) Gunnery Officer G.A.T.W. visited the Battalion.
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.

1944 May 25
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
1100 hours
Personnel, as detailed, saw Training Films at the Curzon Cinema.
RE. A visitor. (Appendix H)

1944 May 26
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
930 hours
Captain J.N. BINGHAM attended a Study Day, at H.Q. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.

1944 May 27
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
Field Returns issued.

 

APPENDIX

SUPPLEMENT TO BATTALION ORDERS PART I BY LT-COLONEL R. MYDDELTON, COMMANDING 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 99
12th MAY, 1944.

NINETIETH BIRTHDAY - COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT.
The following copy of a letter received from General CODRINGTON to the Regimental Lieutenant-Colonel is published for information:-

“THE BAY HOUSE, PRESTON, UPPINGHAM, RUTLAND.
6th May, 1944.

May dear Trew,
Thank you very much indeed for your charming letter of the 3rd instant, conveying greetings and good wishes on my 90th birthday on behalf of the Regiment, and particularly on behalf of the Old Coldstreamers’ Association.
I can only assure you that your letter has given me great happiness and pleasure.
I had a telegram from the KING, which I consider an honour to the Regiment, and the 2nd Battalion in a telegram, mentioned that they anticipated sending me a telegram of greetings in 1954. I have replied that I will do my best to reach that objective.

Signed A.E. CODRINGTON”

 

APPENDIX

SECRET
SUBJECT:- VISIT
Ref No:- 1st CG/36/44
List “A”

A.
1. A visitor will see the Battalion between 1300 and 1315 hours on Thursday 25 May 1944.
2. Dinners on this day will be at 1200 hours. Work will NOT stop before 1150 hours.
3. Squadrons will send all available Officers and men to that part of THE DRIVE near No. 2 and No. 3 Squadrons Offices.
4. The visitor will dismount at the junction of EATON ROAD and THE DRIVE and walk up the road to CROMWELL ROAD.
5. No. 1 and H.Q. Squadron will be on the East side of the road, No.s 2 & 3 Squadrons on the West.
6. DRESS. It is emphasised that the visit is informal. Any order of dress is permissible
7. No. 2 Squadron will arrange that those men who would normally be working in vehicles in this area are in fact by their own vehicles ready to answer questions on waterproofing or other work.
8. No. 2 Squadron will arrange for Anti-Aircraft protection. At least two .50 Brownings and one Bren will be manned.
9. Squadrons will NOT fall out until given the order by the Adjutant, this should be after 1315 hours.

B.
1. The same visitor will be seeing the 32nd GUARDS BRIGDE on the Cricket Ground in front of Battalion H.Q. between 1345 and 1500 hours.
2. The M.T.O. will arrange for one waterproofed Jeep to be on the Cricket Ground by 1200 horus, when the Brigade Major 32 GUARDS BRIGADE will place it. This jeep must be fully painted and have all the correct signs.
3. The road in front of Battalion H.Q. will be closed to All Ranks between 1345 and 1500 hours. Work may continue on the waterproofing Park provided it is done quietly and no engines are running. Personnel wishing to enter or leave Battalion HQ. will do so by the side entrance and the field behind the building. All windows on the front of the building will be kept closed while the visitor is present. Personnel of the Battalion will NOT watch this parade.
4. The R.S.M. will arrange necessary Police to ensure that these orders are carried out, and that there is a minimum of noise anywhere near the buildings.

C.
The identity of the visitor will not be discussed, nor will his visit be mentioned in public.

Signed Captain & Adjutant
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
APO England
23 May 1944

 

Officer Field Returns

[Officer Return Week Ending Personal Number Substantive Rank Higher Acting or Temporary Rank if held First Names Initials Surname Parent Regiment Division Date taken on Strength Whether present with Unit Appointment Held Date Assumed present Appointment Remarks including how employed if absent from unit Attached in Excess of W.E. less 1st Rfts. Date of Attachment Attached in Excess of W.E. less 1st Rfts. Nature of Attachment Officers in Strength counting against W.E. less 1st Rfts. Permanently Attached within W.E. (Full) - Nature of Attachment Officers Joined during Week - Unit from which joined Officers Quitted during Week - Location Officers whose Return to the Unit is particularly requested - Whereabouts if known]

27 May 1944 23886 Major Temporary Lieutenant Colonel R MYDDELTON Coldstream Guards 16 May 1941 Yes Commanding Officer 9 Feb 1942
27 May 1944 39274 Captain Temporary Major R F S GOOCH, MC Coldstream Guards 30 Sep 1943 Yes Second-in-Command 30 Sep 1943
27 May 1944 44016 Captain Temporary Major T R D BATT, MC Coldstream Guards 22 Nov 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 22 Nov 1943
27 May 1944 36201 Captain Temporary Major W M FOX Coldstream Guards 18 Dec 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 18 Dec 1943
27 May 1944 50866 Captain Temporary Major H R ALLSOPP, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Feb 1940 Yes Squadron Leader 26 Feb 1942
27 May 1944 32350 Captain Temporary Major W J St C ANSTRUTHER-GRAY, MC, MP Coldstream Guards 2 Oct 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 2 Oct 1943
27 May 1944 40932 Captain G W H DAWNAY, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 8 Jul 1940 Yes Squadron 22 Feb 1943
27 May 1944 65456 Captain G M K ST. CLAIR, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 6 Mar 1941 Yes Squadron 20 Jan 1943
27 May 1944 107020 Lieutenant Temporary Captain - DENBIGH, The Earl of Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 Yes M.T.O. 11 Feb 1943
27 May 1944 77596 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A V PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 16 Jun 1941 Yes Squadron 16 Jun 1941
27 May 1944 95569 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J L DARELL Coldstream Guards 1 Aug 1942 No Squadron 1 Aug 1942 Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron
27 May 1944 68162 Lieutenant Temporary Captain H CHISENHALE-MARSH Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 Yes Squadron 20 Jan 1943
27 May 1944 113731 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J E GULL Coldstream Guards 9 Jun 1941 Yes T.A. 11 Feb 1943
27 May 1944 138620 Lieutenant Temporary Captain O P DAWNAY Coldstream Guards 22 Oct 1940 Yes Adjutant 12 Jun 1943
27 May 1944 78257 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J N BINGHAM Coldstream Guards 5 Oct 1943 Yes Intelligence Officer 5 Oct 1943
27 May 1944 89013 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J F PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 20 Jan 1944 Yes Squadron 5 Feb 1943
27 May 1944 113730 Lieutenant N S C COLLIN Coldstream Guards 14 Jun 1940 Yes Troop 22 Nov 1943
27 May 1944 113734 Lieutenant P F J F TOWERS-CLARK Coldstream Guards 7 Feb 1943 Yes A.A. Troop 7 Feb 1943
27 May 1944 138621 Lieutenant T V HERMON Coldstream Guards 26 Feb 1941 Yes Troop 26 Feb 1941
27 May 1944 164300 Lieutenant M A HAMILTON Coldstream Guards 3 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 3 Jul 1942
27 May 1944 165023 Lieutenant O K HEYWOOD Coldstream Guards 15 Oct 1942 Yes Signals Officer 21 Apr 1943
27 May 1944 186906 Lieutenant S BIRCH Coldstream Guards 8 Nov 1943 No Troop 8 Nov 1943 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
27 May 1944 156043 Lieutenant J H BADDELEY Coldstream Guards 26 Feb 1941 Yes G.O. 26 Feb 1941
27 May 1944 224212 Lieutenant H R HOWITT Coldstream Guards 11 Mar 1942 Yes Troop 11 Mar 1942
27 May 1944 176756 Lieutenant S D NEVILLE Coldstream Guards 1 Jan 1944 No Troop 1 Jan 1944 1st Reinforcement Attached 257 Corps Delivery Squadron
27 May 1944 229118 Lieutenant I A RODNEY Coldstream Guards 1 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 1 Jul 1942
27 May 1944 186917 Lieutenant T M C BODLEY Coldstream Guards 27 May 1943 Yes Troop 27 May 1943
27 May 1944 186916 Lieutenant B H G SPARROW Coldstream Guards 25 Sep 1941 Yes Troop 25 Sep 1941
27 May 1944 233949 Lieutenant D B C FENWICK Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
27 May 1944 233950 Lieutenant P A M GELL Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 No Troop 25 Jul 1942 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
27 May 1944 233951 Lieutenant J A L LEE Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
27 May 1944 233952 Lieutenant P W LOYD Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
27 May 1944 243807 Lieutenant R T BOSCAWEN, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Mar 1944 Yes Troop 16 Mar 1944
27 May 1944 243506 Lieutenant D S BAXENDALE Coldstream Guards 1 Nov 1943 Yes Troop 1 Nov 1943 1st Reinforcement
27 May 1944 210583 Lieutenant S J H MIDDLEDITCH Coldstream Guards 15 Apr 1943 Yes Quartermaster 15 Apr 1943
27 May 1944 240006 Lieutenant M E LOCK Coldstream Guards 28 Sep 1942 Yes Troop 28 Sep 1942
27 May 1944 256492 Lieutenant P N PRATT Coldstream Guards 31 May 1943 Yes Troop 31 May 1943
27 May 1944 85276 Lieutenant P H HUNT Coldstream Guards 24 Dec 1941 Yes Squadron 24 Dec 1941
27 May 1944 268990 Lieutenant I L JARDINE Coldstream Guards 1 Jan 1944 Yes Troop 1 Jan 1944 1 Jan 1944
27 May 1944 278662 Lieutenant D V MARTYN Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 22 Apr 1943
27 May 1944 275674 Lieutenant J H T SUTTON Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 12 Aug 1943
27 May 1944 256754 Lieutenant J H G SEDGWICK Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 No Troop 24 Apr 1944 Attached Training Battalion Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944
27 May 1944 293470 2/Lieutenant J K AMBLER Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 No Troop 24 Apr 1944 Attached Guards Armoured Training Wing 9 Nov 1943 Course - A.F.V. School
27 May 1944 293721 2/Lieutenant D C G JESSEL Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 No Troop 24 Apr 1944 Attached Guards Armoured Training Wing 9 Nov 1943 Course - A.F.V. School
27 May 1944 267569 Lieutenant G A HOHLER Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 No Troop 24 Apr 1944 Attached Guards Armoured Training Wing 21 May 1943
27 May 1944 224221 Lieutenant G T PEARSON Coldstream Guards 13 Dec 1943 Yes Troop 13 Dec 1943 15 Feb 1944
27 May 1944 267569 Lieutenant G A HOHLER Coldstream Guards 21 May 1943
27 May 1944 256754 Lieutenant J H G SEDGWICK Coldstream Guards 22 Feb 1943 No Troop 22 Feb 1943 Attached REME Wading Trials 15 Feb 1944
27 May 1944 Lieutenant T NESBITT-DUFORT Coldstream Guards 12 Aug 1943
27 May 1944 221859 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J THOMPSON Royal Army Medical Corps 1 Apr 1942 Yes Medical Officer 1 Apr 1942 Y
27 May 1944 267569 Lieutenant G A HOHLER Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 Guards Armoured Training Wing
27 May 1944 Lieutenant A WATKINS Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 Guards Armoured Training Wing

 

Special Area

1944 June 1
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
The Regimental Lieutenant-Colonel and Regimental Adjutant visited the Battalion.

1944 June 2
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
1800 hours
Captain The Honourable C.M.K. ST. CLAIR and Captain The Honourable G.W.ff. DAWNEY attended a Lecture at Brigade H.Q.
1500 hours
The Commanding Officer , Major W.J. ST. C. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY, M.C., M.P., Lieutenant Quartermaster S.T.N. MIDDLEDITCH and Other Ranks, as detailed, attended a Memorial Service to Brigadier-General J. CAMPBELL, V.C., in the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, LONDON.
Copies of Telegrams RE. the Birthday of Her Majesty Queen MARY.

1944 June 3
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
1000 hours
All Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants attended a Lecture at the State Hall, HEATHFIELD.
Field Returns issued.

1944 June 4
1100 hours
Commemoration of DUNKIRK, Parade Service in HOVE Parish Church.

1944 June 5
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
1000 hours
The Commanding Officer attended a Lecture at Divisional H.Q.

1944 June 6
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.

1944 June 7
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.

1944 June 8
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
945 hours
All Ranks addressed by G.O.C. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION, in Savoy Theatre, BRIGHTON.

1944 June 9
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.

1944 June 10
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
830 hours
Roman Catholics addressed by R.C. Padre (Reverend TRONSON) in Sergeants Mess.
Field Returns issued.

1944 June 11
1100 hours
Parade Service in HOVE Parish Church.

1944 June 12
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.

1944 June 13
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.

1944 June 14
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
900 hours Roman Catholics Parade at Battalion H.Q.

1944 June 15
800 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
715 hours
Roman Catholics Service in Church of the Sacred Heart, HOVE.

1944 June 16
830 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.

1944 June 17
830 hours
First Parade under Squadron arrangements.
Field Returns issued.

Marshalling Area

1944 June 18 - 29
Field Returns Issued 24th June 1944.
Battalion left Special Area - BRIGHTON and HOVE and arrived at Marshalling Area - HORNDEAN near PORTSMOUTH.
Left HORNDEAN for Embarkation Area on the 29th.
During this period Battalion paraded for P.T. or Route March daily, under craft arrangements, and for lectures by various officers.

Gosport

1944 June 29 Battalion embarked at GOSPORT.

At Sea

1944 June 30 Battalion At Sea in a variety of craft.

 

APPENDIX

NOTICE.
The following copy of telegram despatched and the reply thereto are published for information:-

“Her Majesty Queen Mary,
Buckingham Palace.

All Ranks of the Five Regiments of the BRIGADE OF GUARDS offer to your Majesty their sincere and most loyal congratulations on the occasion of your Majesty’s birthday.

Signed J.S.N. FITZGERALD, Colonel,
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding IRISH GUARDS,
Senior Lieutenant-Colonel BRIGADE OF GUARDS.”

APPENDIX

“Colonel FITZGERALD, IRISH GUARDS Headquarters.

Deeply appreciate birthday congratulations from the Five Regiments of the BRIGADE OF GUARDS and send my heartfelt thanks and best wishes to All Ranks of the Brigade.

Signed MARY R.”

 

Officer Field Returns

[Officer Return Week Ending Personal Number Substantive Rank Higher Acting or Temporary Rank if held First Names Initials Surname Parent Regiment Division Date taken on Strength Whether present with Unit Appointment Held Date Assumed present Appointment Remarks including how employed if absent from unit Attached in Excess of W.E. less 1st Rfts. Date of Attachment Attached in Excess of W.E. less 1st Rfts. Nature of Attachment Officers in Strength counting against W.E. less 1st Rfts. Permanently Attached within W.E. (Full) - Nature of Attachment Officers Joined during Week - Unit from which joined Officers Quitted during Week - Location Officers whose Return to the Unit is particularly requested - Whereabouts if known]

3 Jun 1944 23886 Major Temporary Lieutenant Colonel R MYDDELTON Coldstream Guards 16 May 1941 Yes Commanding Officer 9 Feb 1942
3 Jun 1944 39274 Captain Temporary Major R F S GOOCH, MC Coldstream Guards 30 Sep 1943 Yes Second-in-Command 30 Sep 1943
3 Jun 1944 44016 Captain Temporary Major T R D BATT, MC Coldstream Guards 22 Nov 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 22 Nov 1943
3 Jun 1944 36201 Captain Temporary Major W M FOX Coldstream Guards 18 Dec 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 18 Dec 1943
3 Jun 1944 50866 Captain Temporary Major H R ALLSOPP, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Feb 1940 Yes Squadron Leader 26 Feb 1942
3 Jun 1944 32350 Captain Temporary Major W J St C ANSTRUTHER-GRAY, MC, MP Coldstream Guards 2 Oct 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 2 Oct 1943
3 Jun 1944 40932 Captain G W H DAWNAY, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 8 Jul 1940 Yes Squadron 22 Feb 1943
3 Jun 1944 65456 Captain G M K ST. CLAIR, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 6 Mar 1941 Yes Squadron 20 Jan 1943
3 Jun 1944 107020 Lieutenant Temporary Captain - DENBIGH, The Earl of Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 Yes M.T.O. 11 Feb 1943
3 Jun 1944 77596 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A V PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 16 Jun 1941 Yes Squadron 16 Jun 1941
3 Jun 1944 95569 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J L DARELL Coldstream Guards 1 Aug 1942 No Squadron 1 Aug 1942 Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron
3 Jun 1944 68162 Lieutenant Temporary Captain H CHISENHALE-MARSH Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 Yes Squadron 20 Jan 1943
3 Jun 1944 113731 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J E GULL Coldstream Guards 9 Jun 1941 Yes T.A. 11 Feb 1943
3 Jun 1944 138620 Lieutenant Temporary Captain O P DAWNAY Coldstream Guards 22 Oct 1940 Yes Adjutant 12 Jun 1943
3 Jun 1944 78257 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J N BINGHAM Coldstream Guards 5 Oct 1943 Yes Intelligence Officer 5 Oct 1943
3 Jun 1944 89013 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J F PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 20 Jan 1944 Yes Squadron 5 Feb 1943
3 Jun 1944 113730 Lieutenant N S C COLLIN Coldstream Guards 14 Jun 1940 Yes Troop 22 Nov 1943
3 Jun 1944 113734 Lieutenant P F J F TOWERS-CLARK Coldstream Guards 7 Feb 1943 Yes A.A. Troop 7 Feb 1943
3 Jun 1944 138621 Lieutenant T V HERMON Coldstream Guards 26 Feb 1941 Yes Troop 26 Feb 1941
3 Jun 1944 164300 Lieutenant M A HAMILTON Coldstream Guards 3 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 3 Jul 1942
3 Jun 1944 165023 Lieutenant O K HEYWOOD Coldstream Guards 15 Oct 1942 Yes Signals Officer 21 Apr 1943
3 Jun 1944 186906 Lieutenant S BIRCH Coldstream Guards 8 Nov 1943 No Troop 8 Nov 1943 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
3 Jun 1944 156043 Lieutenant J H BADDELEY Coldstream Guards 26 Feb 1941 Yes G.O. 26 Feb 1941
3 Jun 1944 224212 Lieutenant H R HOWITT Coldstream Guards 11 Mar 1942 Yes Troop 11 Mar 1942
3 Jun 1944 176756 Lieutenant S D NEVILLE Coldstream Guards 1 Jan 1944 No Troop 1 Jan 1944 1st Reinforcement Attached 257 Corps Delivery Squadron
3 Jun 1944 229118 Lieutenant I A RODNEY Coldstream Guards 1 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 1 Jul 1942
3 Jun 1944 186917 Lieutenant T M C BODLEY Coldstream Guards 27 May 1943 Yes Troop 27 May 1943
3 Jun 1944 186916 Lieutenant B H G SPARROW Coldstream Guards 25 Sep 1941 Yes Troop 25 Sep 1941
3 Jun 1944 233949 Lieutenant D B C FENWICK Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
3 Jun 1944 233950 Lieutenant P A M GELL Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 No Troop 25 Jul 1942 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
3 Jun 1944 233951 Lieutenant J A L LEE Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
3 Jun 1944 233952 Lieutenant P W LOYD Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
3 Jun 1944 243807 Lieutenant R T BOSCAWEN, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Mar 1944 Yes Troop 16 Mar 1944
3 Jun 1944 243506 Lieutenant D S BAXENDALE Coldstream Guards 1 Nov 1943 Yes Troop 1 Nov 1943 1st Reinforcement
3 Jun 1944 210583 Lieutenant S J H MIDDLEDITCH Coldstream Guards 15 Apr 1943 Yes Quartermaster 15 Apr 1943
3 Jun 1944 240006 Lieutenant M E LOCK Coldstream Guards 28 Sep 1942 Yes Troop 28 Sep 1942
3 Jun 1944 256492 Lieutenant P N PRATT Coldstream Guards 31 May 1943 Yes Troop 31 May 1943
3 Jun 1944 85276 Lieutenant P H HUNT Coldstream Guards 24 Dec 1941 Yes Squadron 24 Dec 1941
3 Jun 1944 268990 Lieutenant I L JARDINE Coldstream Guards 1 Jan 1944 Yes Troop 1 Jan 1944 1 Jan 1944
3 Jun 1944 278662 Lieutenant D V MARTYN Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 22 Apr 1943
3 Jun 1944 275674 Lieutenant J H T SUTTON Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 12 Aug 1943
3 Jun 1944 256754 Lieutenant J H G SEDGWICK Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 No Troop 24 Apr 1944 Attached Training Battalion Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944
3 Jun 1944 293470 2/Lieutenant J K AMBLER Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 No Troop 24 Apr 1944 Attached Guards Armoured Training Wing 9 Nov 1943
3 Jun 1944 293721 2/Lieutenant D C G JESSEL Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 No Troop 24 Apr 1944 Attached Guards Armoured Training Wing 9 Nov 1943 Course - A.F.V. School
3 Jun 1944 267569 Lieutenant G A HOHLER Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 No Troop 24 Apr 1944 Attached Guards Armoured Training Wing 21 May 1943
3 Jun 1944 Captain A F WEIGALL Royal Army Chaplains Department 21 Oct 1943 Church of England Chaplain
3 Jun 1944 221859 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J THOMPSON Royal Army Medical Corps 1 Apr 1942 Yes Medical Officer 1 Apr 1942 Y

 

In Transit
1944 July 1
SECOND ARMY disembarked from L.S.T.s between ARROMANCHES and COURSEULLES.
5th GUARDS ARMOURED BRIGADE under command 12 CORPS.
Field Returns issued.

Esquay-sur-Seulles, Normandy, FRANCE

1944 July 2 - 16
Battalion remained in Concentration Area.
Time spent in visiting the Battlefield - Lectures - Talks - Bathing - Shooting.
On the 16th June at 1200 hours the Divisional Commander addressed all Officers on the coming battle
Field Returns issued for 8th and 15th July 1944.

River Orne area North of Caen

1944 July 17
The Commanding Officer gave out orders at 1100 hours.
At 2115 hours Battalion moved.
The move was done by cross-country tracks during the night and owing to the dry state of the ground, the dust was very bad, but the Battalion arrived at its Halting Area, about one mile short of the River ORNE, in the early hours of the morning of the 18th.

Into Battle

1944 July 18
Battalion rested, topped up with petrol and had breakfast.
At 0800 hours just after we had witnessed the 2,000 bomber raid, a Staff Officer from 8 CORPS arrived, and ordered the Battalion moved immediately.
The Battalion crossed the River and Canal by an ROYAL ENGINEER Bridge and drew on down to the Start Line.
Le Mesnil Frementel The Battalion advanced 2 up and reached CAGNY with comparatively little opposition.
Arriving at LE-MESNIL-FREMENTEL, the Battalion was ordered to approach CAGNY from the West.
The Battalion did this, CAGNY being finally occupied by the 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS and took up a position facing South, between the road and railway, Battalion H.Q. being at 105642 (Sheet 7F/1).
At about 2200 hours there was slight enemy air activity, during the harbouring, but no casualties were incurred.
No. 1 Squadron claimed the only enemy tank - a PANTHER - knocked out by the Battalion that day, it was seen to catch fire.
During the night, a sharp air attack was made on the Brigaded ‘A’ Echelons, who were harboured on a large glider park - near the bridges across the River ORNE - bombing and attacks with M.G. and Cannon fire caused casualties (wounded) as under:-
Sergeant HICK
Lance-Sergeant JACKSON
Guardsman CASSIDY
Guardsman BEVIS
T.Q.M.S. BOTTERILL
Guardsman BERESFORD, and
Lance-Corporal TURNER,
and damaged more or less severely, 9 wheeled vehicles.
They were the only casualties suffered by the Battalion during the course of the day.

1944 July 19
Orders were received, first thing in the morning, to resume the attack and capture VIMONT, but these orders were cancelled just after the Battalion had started.
The Battalion remained in a defensive position, by our harbour area, all day, watching to the East, whilst infantry came up and consolidated.

1944 July 20
Battalion remained in the same area, in a defensive role.
There was occasional enemy shelling.

Mondeville

1944 July 21
Battalion moved in the afternoon, with the remainder of the Division, into CORPS reserve, and came under command of 2nd CANADIAN CORPS.

Giberville

1944 July 22
Battalion harboured for the night.
Field Returns issued.

1944 July 23
Battalion rested in this area.
There was intermittent mortar shelling by day and short bombing attacks during the night.

1944 July 24
Received orders, be prepared to move, in the near future, to take part in Operation “SPRING”.
The Commanding Officer gave out orders at 2100 hours.
This Operation, carried out by 2nd CANADIAN CORPS, was designed to thrust South towards FALAISE, seizing the high ground just North of BRETTEVILLE-SUR-LAIZE.

Giberville

1944 July 25 Operation “SPRING” did not prove successful, and though the first objectives of MAY-SUR-ORNE, TILLY-LA-CAMPAGNE and VERRIERES were taken, most of the ground won, including the two former places, were lost by the evening.
The GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION were therefore not required, as it was only to be used in the later phases of the Operation, which were dependent on the success of the first.

1944 July 26 - 30
The Battalion remained concentrated at GIBBERVILLE
On the 30th the Battalion moved first to ESQUAY-SUR-SEULLES, where it remained until 2240 hours and then moved again to the Woods near TROMQUAY - Map Reference 7174, Sheet 6F/4.

Cormolain

1944 July 31
The Battalion moved to near the village of CORMOLAIN, Map Reference 6763 Sheet No. 6F/2.
Came under command of 32 GUARDS BRIGADE, No. 1 Squadron being put under command of 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS and no. 3 Squadron under command of 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS.
APPENDIX

 

Officer Field Returns

[Officer Return Week Ending Personal Number Substantive Rank Higher Acting or Temporary Rank if held First Names Initials Surname Parent Regiment Division Date taken on Strength Whether present with Unit Appointment Held Date Assumed present Appointment Remarks including how employed if absent from unit Attached in Excess of W.E. less 1st Rfts. Date of Attachment Attached in Excess of W.E. less 1st Rfts. Nature of Attachment Officers in Strength counting against W.E. less 1st Rfts. Permanently Attached within W.E. (Full) - Nature of Attachment Officers Joined during Week - Unit from which joined Officers Quitted during Week - Location Officers whose Return to the Unit is particularly requested - Whereabouts if known]

1 Jul 1944 2657988 Lance Corporal E READING Coldstream Guards 30 R.H.U.
1 Jul 1944 2659244 Guardsman G PRICE Coldstream Guards 30 R.H.U.
1 Jul 1944 23886 Major Temporary Lieutenant Colonel R MYDDELTON Coldstream Guards 16 May 1941 Yes Commanding Officer 9 Feb 1942
1 Jul 1944 39274 Captain Temporary Major R F S GOOCH, MC Coldstream Guards 30 Sep 1943 Yes Second-in-Command 30 Sep 1943
1 Jul 1944 44016 Captain Temporary Major T R D BATT, MC Coldstream Guards 22 Nov 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 22 Nov 1943
1 Jul 1944 36201 Captain Temporary Major W M FOX Coldstream Guards 18 Dec 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 18 Dec 1943
1 Jul 1944 50866 Captain Temporary Major H R ALLSOPP, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Feb 1940 Yes Squadron Leader 26 Feb 1942
1 Jul 1944 32350 Captain Temporary Major W J St C ANSTRUTHER-GRAY, MC, MP Coldstream Guards 2 Oct 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 2 Oct 1943
1 Jul 1944 40932 Captain G W H DAWNAY, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 8 Jul 1940 Yes Squadron 22 Feb 1943
1 Jul 1944 65456 Captain G M K ST. CLAIR, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 6 Mar 1941 Yes Squadron 20 Jan 1943
1 Jul 1944 107020 Lieutenant Temporary Captain - DENBIGH, The Earl of Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 Yes M.T.O. 11 Feb 1943
1 Jul 1944 77596 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A V PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 16 Jun 1941 Yes Squadron 16 Jun 1941
1 Jul 1944 68162 Lieutenant Temporary Captain H CHISENHALE-MARSH Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 Yes Squadron 20 Jan 1943
1 Jul 1944 113731 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J E GULL Coldstream Guards 9 Jun 1941 Yes T.A. 11 Feb 1943
1 Jul 1944 138620 Lieutenant Temporary Captain O P DAWNAY Coldstream Guards 22 Oct 1940 Yes Adjutant 12 Jun 1943
1 Jul 1944 78257 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J N BINGHAM Coldstream Guards 5 Oct 1943 Yes Intelligence Officer 5 Oct 1943
1 Jul 1944 89013 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J F PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 20 Jan 1944 Yes Squadron 5 Feb 1943
1 Jul 1944 113730 Lieutenant N S C COLLIN Coldstream Guards 14 Jun 1940 Yes Troop 22 Nov 1943
1 Jul 1944 113734 Lieutenant P F J F TOWERS-CLARK Coldstream Guards 7 Feb 1943 Yes A.A. Troop 7 Feb 1943
1 Jul 1944 138621 Lieutenant T V HERMON Coldstream Guards 26 Feb 1941 Yes Troop 26 Feb 1941
1 Jul 1944 164300 Lieutenant M A HAMILTON Coldstream Guards 3 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 3 Jul 1942
1 Jul 1944 165023 Lieutenant O K HEYWOOD Coldstream Guards 15 Oct 1942 Yes Signals Officer 21 Apr 1943
1 Jul 1944 156043 Lieutenant J H BADDELEY Coldstream Guards 26 Feb 1941 Yes G.O. 26 Feb 1941
1 Jul 1944 224212 Lieutenant H R HOWITT Coldstream Guards 11 Mar 1942 Yes Troop 11 Mar 1942
1 Jul 1944 229118 Lieutenant I A RODNEY Coldstream Guards 1 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 1 Jul 1942
1 Jul 1944 186917 Lieutenant T M C BODLEY Coldstream Guards 27 May 1943 Yes Troop 27 May 1943
1 Jul 1944 186916 Lieutenant B H G SPARROW Coldstream Guards 25 Sep 1941 Yes Troop 25 Sep 1941
1 Jul 1944 233951 Lieutenant J A L LEE Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
1 Jul 1944 233952 Lieutenant P W LOYD Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
1 Jul 1944 243807 Lieutenant R T BOSCAWEN, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Mar 1944 Yes Troop 16 Mar 1944
1 Jul 1944 243506 Lieutenant D S BAXENDALE Coldstream Guards 1 Nov 1943 Yes Troop 1 Nov 1943 1st Reinforcement
1 Jul 1944 210583 Lieutenant S J H MIDDLEDITCH Coldstream Guards 15 Apr 1943 Yes Quartermaster 15 Apr 1943
1 Jul 1944 240006 Lieutenant M E LOCK Coldstream Guards 28 Sep 1942 Yes Troop 28 Sep 1942
1 Jul 1944 256492 Lieutenant P N PRATT Coldstream Guards 31 May 1943 Yes Troop 31 May 1943
1 Jul 1944 85276 Lieutenant P H HUNT Coldstream Guards 24 Dec 1941 Yes Squadron 24 Dec 1941
1 Jul 1944 268990 Lieutenant I L JARDINE Coldstream Guards 1 Jan 1944 Yes Troop 1 Jan 1944 1 Jan 1944
1 Jul 1944 278662 Lieutenant D V MARTYN Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 22 Apr 1943
1 Jul 1944 275674 Lieutenant J H T SUTTON Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 12 Aug 1943
1 Jul 1944 75569 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J L DARELL Coldstream Guards 1 Aug 1942 No Squadron 1 Aug 1942 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
1 Jul 1944 186906 Lieutenant S BIRCH Coldstream Guards 8 Nov 1943 No Troop 8 Nov 1943 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
1 Jul 1944 233950 Lieutenant P A M GELL Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 No Troop 25 Jul 1942 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
1 Jul 1944 221859 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J THOMPSON Royal Army Medical Corps 1 Apr 1942 Yes Medical Officer 1 Apr 1942 Y
1 Jul 1944 Captain A F WEIGALL Royal Army Chaplains Department 21 Oct 1943 Church of England Chaplain

 

Officer Field Returns

[Officer Return Week Ending Personal Number Substantive Rank Higher Acting or Temporary Rank if held First Names Initials Surname Parent Regiment Division Date taken on Strength Whether present with Unit Appointment Held Date Assumed present Appointment Remarks including how employed if absent from unit Attached in Excess of W.E. less 1st Rfts. Date of Attachment Attached in Excess of W.E. less 1st Rfts. Nature of Attachment Officers in Strength counting against W.E. less 1st Rfts. Permanently Attached within W.E. (Full) - Nature of Attachment Officers Joined during Week - Unit from which joined Officers Quitted during Week - Location Officers whose Return to the Unit is particularly requested - Whereabouts if known]

15 Jul 1944 23886 Major Temporary Lieutenant Colonel R MYDDELTON Coldstream Guards 16 May 1941 Yes Commanding Officer 9 Feb 1942
15 Jul 1944 39274 Captain Temporary Major R F S GOOCH, MC Coldstream Guards 30 Sep 1943 Yes Second-in-Command 30 Sep 1943
15 Jul 1944 44016 Captain Temporary Major T R D BATT, MC Coldstream Guards 22 Nov 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 22 Nov 1943
15 Jul 1944 36201 Captain Temporary Major W M FOX Coldstream Guards 18 Dec 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 18 Dec 1943
15 Jul 1944 50866 Captain Temporary Major H R ALLSOPP, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Feb 1940 Yes Squadron Leader 26 Feb 1942
15 Jul 1944 32350 Captain Temporary Major W J St C ANSTRUTHER-GRAY, MC, MP Coldstream Guards 2 Oct 1943 Yes Squadron Leader 2 Oct 1943
15 Jul 1944 40932 Captain G W H DAWNAY, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 8 Jul 1940 Yes Squadron 22 Feb 1943
15 Jul 1944 65456 Captain G M K ST. CLAIR, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 6 Mar 1941 Yes Squadron 20 Jan 1943
15 Jul 1944 107020 Lieutenant Temporary Captain - DENBIGH, The Earl of Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 Yes M.T.O. 11 Feb 1943
15 Jul 1944 77596 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A V PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 16 Jun 1941 Yes Squadron 16 Jun 1941
15 Jul 1944 68162 Lieutenant Temporary Captain H CHISENHALE-MARSH Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 Yes Squadron 20 Jan 1943
15 Jul 1944 113731 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J E GULL Coldstream Guards 9 Jun 1941 Yes T.A. 11 Feb 1943
15 Jul 1944 138620 Lieutenant Temporary Captain O P DAWNAY Coldstream Guards 22 Oct 1940 Yes Adjutant 12 Jun 1943
15 Jul 1944 78257 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J N BINGHAM Coldstream Guards 5 Oct 1943 Yes Intelligence Officer 5 Oct 1943
15 Jul 1944 89013 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J F PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 20 Jan 1944 Yes Squadron 5 Feb 1943
15 Jul 1944 113730 Lieutenant N S C COLLIN Coldstream Guards 14 Jun 1940 Yes Troop 22 Nov 1943
15 Jul 1944 113734 Lieutenant P F J F TOWERS-CLARK Coldstream Guards 7 Feb 1943 Yes A.A. Troop 7 Feb 1943
15 Jul 1944 138621 Lieutenant T V HERMON Coldstream Guards 26 Feb 1941 Yes Troop 26 Feb 1941
15 Jul 1944 164300 Lieutenant M A HAMILTON Coldstream Guards 3 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 3 Jul 1942
15 Jul 1944 165023 Lieutenant O K HEYWOOD Coldstream Guards 15 Oct 1942 Yes Signals Officer 21 Apr 1943
15 Jul 1944 156043 Lieutenant J H BADDELEY Coldstream Guards 26 Feb 1941 Yes G.O. 26 Feb 1941
15 Jul 1944 229118 Lieutenant I A RODNEY Coldstream Guards 1 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 1 Jul 1942
15 Jul 1944 186917 Lieutenant T M C BODLEY Coldstream Guards 27 May 1943 Yes Troop 27 May 1943
15 Jul 1944 186916 Lieutenant B H G SPARROW Coldstream Guards 25 Sep 1941 Yes Troop 25 Sep 1941
15 Jul 1944 233951 Lieutenant J A L LEE Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
15 Jul 1944 233952 Lieutenant P W LOYD Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942
15 Jul 1944 243807 Lieutenant R T BOSCAWEN, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Mar 1944 Yes Troop 16 Mar 1944
15 Jul 1944 243506 Lieutenant D S BAXENDALE Coldstream Guards 1 Nov 1943 Yes Troop 1 Nov 1943 1st Reinforcement
15 Jul 1944 210583 Lieutenant S J H MIDDLEDITCH Coldstream Guards 15 Apr 1943 Yes Quartermaster 15 Apr 1943
15 Jul 1944 240006 Lieutenant M E LOCK Coldstream Guards 28 Sep 1942 Yes Troop 28 Sep 1942
15 Jul 1944 256492 Lieutenant P N PRATT Coldstream Guards 31 May 1943 Yes Troop 31 May 1943
15 Jul 1944 85276 Lieutenant P H HUNT Coldstream Guards 24 Dec 1941 Yes Squadron 24 Dec 1941
15 Jul 1944 268990 Lieutenant I L JARDINE Coldstream Guards 1 Jan 1944 Yes Troop 1 Jan 1944 1 Jan 1944
15 Jul 1944 278662 Lieutenant D V MARTYN Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 22 Apr 1943
15 Jul 1944 275674 Lieutenant J H T SUTTON Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 12 Aug 1943
15 Jul 1944 224212 Lieutenant H R HOWITT Coldstream Guards 11 Mar 1942 No Troop 11 Mar 1942 Residue
15 Jul 1944 75569 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J L DARELL Coldstream Guards 1 Aug 1942 No Squadron 1 Aug 1942 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
15 Jul 1944 186906 Lieutenant S BIRCH Coldstream Guards 8 Nov 1943 No Troop 8 Nov 1943 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
15 Jul 1944 233950 Lieutenant P A M GELL Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 No Troop 25 Jul 1942 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
15 Jul 1944 221859 Lieutenant Temporary Captain J THOMPSON Royal Army Medical Corps 1 Apr 1942 Yes Medical Officer 1 Apr 1942 Y
15 Jul 1944 Captain A F WEIGALL Royal Army Chaplains Department 21 Oct 1943 Church of England Chaplain

 

APPENDIX

ORDER OF MARCH - 32 BRIGADE

3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS with under command
No. 1 Squadron, 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
One Tp (towed) 21 Anti-Tank Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY
One MMG Platoon
Sec 128 Field Ambulance

Of which
Tp Tks
Pln
Coy H.Q.
2 i/c No. 1 Sqn
Two Plns
Tp Tks
Sec Mortars
Sec 6-pdrs
Tp RE
Bn HQ
Sqn Ldr 1 Sqn
Coy
Sqn less Two Tps


Y Bty Anti-Tank Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY

32 Brigade H.Q. (incl. 2 Tanks H.Q. Tk Tp)

1 Independent MG Coy less three pls.


1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS under command
No. 3 Squadron, 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
One tp (towed) 21 Anti-Tank Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY
One MMG Platoon
Sec 128 Field Ambulance

of which
Tp Tks
Pln
Coy H.Q.
2 i/c No. 3 Sqn
Recce Sec A.P. Pln
Sec Carriers
Sec Mortars
Reserve Plns
Tp Tks
Pn O Gp
Sqn Ldr 3 Sqn
Coy
Sqn less Two Tps


1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS less Two Sqns, plus F2 Ech
2 i/c
Spare Rear Link
Bty Comdr ROYAL ARTILLERY
Recce Tp
R.A.P.
No. 2 Sqn
ARVs
F2 Ech (Two A.A. Tks)
LAD


55 Field Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY

21 Anti-Tank Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY less Two Btys and two tps

324 Bty 94 LAA Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY

128 Field Amb

A Ech 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS (One AA Tk)

LAD & AWD 32 GUARDS BRIGADE

 

St. Jean des Esartiers

1944 August 1
Battalion moved down to area ST-JEAN-DES-ESARTIERS.
Squadrons, moving with their respective Infantry Battalions and Battalion H.Q. with H.Q. 32 GUARDS BRIGADE.
APPENDIX K.

1944 August 2
Advance continued down main road leading to LE-BENY-BOCAGE.
The Brigade halted about mid-day and moved forward during the afternoon.
No. 1 Squadron with the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS put in an attack at about 1800 hours on ST. DENIS - MAISONCELLES.
2 Troops of tanks supported the leading Companies and although enemy tanks were seen, in the close country South of the objective, they were not engaged and the attack met with no opposition.
No. 1 Squadron laagered just North of their objective.
No. 3 Squadron with the 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS had arrived, at about 1700 hours near St. OUEN DE BESACES.
They too took part in the advance to St. DENIS, with 2 Troops supporting the forward Companies of the WELSH GUARDS, and experienced no more opposition than had No. 1 Squadron.
They were withdrawn into harbour at about 2200 hours.
Battalion H.Q. was now split, with the Commanding Officer, Adjutant and Intelligence Officer forward with 32 GUARDS BRIGADE H.Q. near ST. OUEN DE BESACES and the Second-in-Command Recce Troop and No. 2 Squadron back, not far from AUBIGNY.
During the afternoon No. 1 Squadron moved on with the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS.
The 32 GUARDS BRIGADE was moving behind 5 GUARDS ARMOURED BRIGADE and late in the afternoon No. 1 Squadron received orders for an attack, on the high ground South East of CATHEOLLES.
This attack was cancelled and later in the evening the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS Group was ordered to push on to ST. CHARLES DE PERCY, and through CORTEIL to take MONTCHAMP.
However the leading troops were held up soon after passing the village of ST. CHARLES DE PERCY and in spite of fire support from a Troop of No. 1 Squadron they could only get 3/4 of a mile from the village.
In the gathering darkness it seemed impossible to push on any further and the Squadron laagered between ST. CHARLES DE PERCY and CORTEIL.
During the night a Troop went forward, but lost a tank by the side of the road.
During this time No. 3 Squadron had been ordered, during the afternoon, to clear ST. BERRE TARENTAINE in support of Prince of Wales Company [1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS].
2 Troops went up onto the high ground overlooking the village, to support them in their advance which was quickly successful and then came down the hill to join up with them again.
The WELSH GUARDS Group then continued behind 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS and at 2200 hours laagered at PEVILLON.
A minor counter attack was put in that night from the enemy, but finding his position untenable, the enemy withdrew in the night.

1944 August 3
At first light an enemy Infantry attack was put in from the South on 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS H.Q., this was beaten off and No. 1 Squadron had a good Browning shoot through the hedges surrounding the position.
That afternoon 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS sent out a Company and 2 Troops of tanks to Point 176 (Map Ref 700895, Sheet 6F/6).
On the way up No. 3 Troop had one tank hit.
To get to Point 176 they had to go up a narrow sunken lane between tall hedges and Major BATT was shot, in the head, by a sniper.
Captain ST. CLAIR took over command.
His 2 Troops were in contact with S.P. Anti-Tank guns and a Company of K.S.L.I. around Point 176.
There were enemy about this point; the same small groups of tanks and infantry that we were now constantly encountering.
However neither side was strong enough to drive the other back, and No. 1 laagered for the night with the Anti-Tank guns and infantry.
The remaining 2 Troops were still back with H.Q. 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS.
In the meantime No. 3 Squadron was still with the 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS and they received orders.
Some PANTHERS had been seen in the neighbourhood of ST. CHARLES DE PERCY and 2 Troops were sent down in that direction, but they found nothing.
The remainder of the day, the situation was very confused.

1944 August 4
Orders came though for regrouping the Battalion under 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS and placing it under command of 5 GUARDS ARMOURED BRIGADE in exchange for the 2nd Battalion IRISH GUARDS and 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS Group.
The plan however did not materialise.
The forward Troops of No. 1 Squadron had gone forward from laager at first light, to take up their position around Point 176 again.
Lieutenant MARTIN leading his Troop was shot through the turret by a PANTHER, which had come up during the night and the next tank was also hit.
The position around Point 176 remained unaltered.
The remainder of 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS were ordered to take CORTEIL and MAISONCELLES and MONTCHAMP.
One troop supported the Company into CORTEIL and met no opposition.
No. 2 Troop under Lieutenant DOLLIN went forward to MAISONCELLES with the SCOTS GUARDS Company [X Company] of the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS and knocked out one PANTHER and one 7.5 cm Assault Gun.
There was some opposition in this village but the Company held on to part of it that night.
To return to No. 3 Squadron the 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS under command of 44th (H) BRIGADE from 15th (S) DIVISION were putting in an attack on a large wood above COURTACON, just over the River from CORTEIL, where the Germans had been giving some trouble.
Lieutenant BODLEY went forward to give close support while the rest of the Squadron took up a position on the high ground overlooking the village.
However, there were very few Germans in either the village or the wood, and Lieutenant RODNEY’s Troop went forward to join Lieutenant BODLEY’s with a counter-attack role.
As the rest of the Squadron followed Lieutenant JARDINE had his 17-pounder hit twice by a PANTHER.
It was a very long shot and luckily did not penetrate, but the Driver was concussed, so Lieutenant JARDINE put the Tank Commander in the Driver’s seat and commanded the tank himself.
He tried to get the PANTHER, but failed as it was about 3,000 yards away and moving.
Other PANTHERS were seen by No. 3, also a very long way off, but unfortunately no artillery fire could be brought to bear on them.
Apart from very heavy shelling nothing else happened to No. 3 Squadron until 1730 hours.
When 2 Troops under command Lieutenant RODNEY and Lieutenant SUTTON, supported No.s 3 and 4 Companies in an advance on MONTCHAMP from the North.
At 1830 hours Prince of Wales and No. 2 Company attacked this village themselves, but were counter-attacked immediately on arrival, at their objective, by approximately 1 battalion of enemy infantry and 6 PANTHERS.
No. 3 Squadron were rushed forward to their support and Lieutenant BODLEY took his Troop into the village behind Colonel HEBER PERCY.
At about 1915 hours Colonel HEBER PERCY was wounded and Lieutenant BODLEY, having no orders from him, advanced into the centre of the village.
Confused tank fighting ensued and confused tank and infantry fighting went on in the village.
Lieutenant BODLEY’s Troop claimed a possible PANTHER and 7.5 cm assault gun.
Finally at about 2200 hours the WELSH GUARDS had to withdraw to the area of LES FIEFFES, having suffered heavy casualties.
Battalion H.Q. moved up at 1900 hours to join the 3rd Battalion IRISH GAURDS at CORTEIL.

1944 August 5
At about 0010 hours German infantry and four 7.5 cm Assault Guns attacked the SCOTS GUARDS Company [X Company] at MAISONCELLES, Battalion H.Q. stood to, this attack was driven off with the loss of all the 7.5 cm Assault Guns and considerable casualties to the enemy.
There was also considerable firing from the direction of Point 176 in fact the latter place was evacuated that night by the enemy and the position was occupied by a Troop of No. 1 Squadron and a Platoon of the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS the remainder of the Squadron came back to CORTEIL and joined up with Battalion H.Q. No. 2 Squadron were ordered to send a Troop up to the Southern edge of MAISONCELLES to support Captain HOPE’s SCOTS GUARDS Company [X Company] who were still there and the remained there, and also Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY under command No. 2 Squadron, for that day and the following night.
However there were no further incidents in that area.
No. 3 Squadron who had harboured in the woods North West of MONTCHAMP sent a Troop with a Patrol of the WELSH GUARDS towards MONTCHAMP, but the enemy had withdrawn from this area and the village was occupied that night by the 15th (S) DIVISION.
The Battalion less No. 3 Squadron withdrew to a farm just East of St. CHARLES DE PERCY.
During all this time ‘F2’ Echelon under command Lieutenant BADDELEY had remained with Battalion H.Q.
A’ Echelon under command Major FOX was now ordered up.

1944 August 6 - 9
No. 3 Squadron returned to the Battalion.
Battalion in support of 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS and a Squadron was ? forward in support of 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS for close support, but no incidents occurred.

1944 August 7
East of St. Charles de Percy During the night considerable artillery fire, by both sides, took place, but all shells passed overhead and none fell in the Battalion area.

1944 August 8
-
APPENDIX
APPENDIX A.

Le Boscq, 6934, Sheet 6F/6

1944 August 9 Commanding Officer gave out orders at 0945 hours.
The Battalion moved to a Harbour Area - LE BOSCQ.
No. 2 Squadron went with the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS and remained with them until the 11th August.
C.O.s ORDERS, 9th August, 1944.
GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION INT SUMMARY No. 31
Up to 2300 hours 9 Aug 1944
APPENDIX A.
A GERMAN CORPS H.Q.

1944 August 10
Commanding Officer gave out orders.
APPENDIX

South East of BURCY, 6934, Sheet 6F/6

1944 August 11 Battalion moved at t first light (0500 hours) to an area South East of BURCY.
There was no air support in the Battalion Sector and only 1 Battery of 25 Pounders in support.
On arrival the Commanding Officer went forward to 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS and set up his H.Q. with them at SOURDEVALLE, 714341, Sheet 6F/6.
The following is an account from No. 2 Squadron of the action of this day:-
With the SOURDEVALLE - LE BOULAY - HUBERT road as the Centre Line, on the Right was No. 2 Company (Major EARDLEY-WILMOT) of 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS supported by No. 3 Troop (Lieutenant T.V. HERMON) and No. 4 Troop (Lieutenant P.N. PRATT) of No. 2 Squadron, these two troops were commanded by Captain H. CHISENHALE-MARSH accompanied by S.S.M. P. ROBERTSON.
On the Left was No. 4 Company (Major D. REID), 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS supported by No. 1 Troop (Lieutenant P.A.M. SELL) and No. 2 Troop (Lieutenant The Honourable R. BOSCAWEN) commanded by Captain The Honourable G.W.ff. DAWNEY.
The Start Line was the crest of a hill, from which the ground dropped sharply to a stream at the bottom, with two small farms standing in orchards just short of the stream.
The objective was a crossroads about 1/4 of a mile beyond the stream on the forward slope.
The attack started at 0900 hours.
As soon as the leading troops supported by the tanks, crossed the Start Line intense Mortar fire, directed from the flank, came down on the whole of our front, and very shortly the infantry were compelled to take cover behind the banks and hedges.
This pause left the tanks very exposed and subjected them to Anti-Tank fire from the same flank.
On the Left the continued heavy mortar fire made further advance across the open impossible, the infantry withdrew to the sunken road which was the Centre Line down which they attempted to continue the advance, supported by 2 tanks of No. 1 Troop, the third (Sergeant STEELE) already having become a casualty.
On the Right the advance got a little further to just short of the Right hand orchard, but here there were 2 tank casualties to No. 4 Troop, one being the Troop Leader Lieutenant P.N. PRATT (Killed), increased mortar and Machine Gun fire made a withdrawal on this side necessary.
No. 3 Troop which tried to go round to the Right, to support the Infantry, met this withdrawal.
It became necessary for the tanks, who by then had lost a further tank casualty (Lieutenant HERMON), to take up a position in slightly dead ground, with what remained of the Infantry who had suffered severe casualties.
Owing to heavy casualties already inflicted, which were particularly noticeable among the Officers, and the failure of the supporting troops to neutralise the heavy mortar fire concentrated on our front, it was decided to withdraw all troops to behind the Start Line.
This was carried out at about 1615 hours.
The following were the tank casualties in the Squadron:-
No. 1 Troop - 1 tank (Lieutenant P.A.M. GELL - Wounded)
No. 3 Troop - 1 tank (Lieutenant T.V. HERMON - Wounded)
No. 4 Troop - 2 tanks (Lieutenant P.N. PRATT - Killed)
During the action No. 2 Squadron claimed 2 PANTER tanks shot by No. 3 Troop’s 17 Pounder (Sergeant SHIPLEY) and 2 Anti-Tank Guns.

1944 August 12
At 1800 hours orders were received that the advance on this sector would not take place, that 8 CORPS, consisting of 11 (ARMOURED) DIVISION - GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION and 3 (BRITISH) DIVISION would take up a defensive position on their present line, to include that held by 15th (S) DIVISION, who were to leave the Corps.
“Desperate” enemy attacks were to be considered a possibility and as the Corps would be thinly disposed on the ground, the utmost secrecy, including W/T silence, concerning the move, was to be observed. The “COLD” [COLDSTREAM] Group would move to and take over an area at LE BUSQ and LE GRAND BONFAIT, now held by a Battalion of the K.S.L.I. and a battalion of the Ant-Tank Regiment.
Officer Field Returns

1944 August 13
Battalion left BURCY at 0915 hours and lay up in a park area at LE GRAND BONFAIT and at approximately 1600 hours, when a Battalion of the ROYAL TANK REGIMENT moved out, the Battalion moved into and harboured in their area.

1944 August 14
Nothing happened

1944 August 15
The Battalion was visited by the Corps Commander, Lieutenant-General Sir Richard O’CONNOR, who remained to tea at Battalion H.Q.
He was accompanied by the G.O.C. Major-General ADAIR and Brigadier N.M. GWATKIN, and members of their Staffs.
The Corps Commander was introduced to Squadron Leaders and the Officers of Battalion H.Q.

1944 August 16
-
APPENDIX

1944 August 17
In accordance with Divisional Operation Orders, the Battalion was concentrated under command of 5 BRIGADE.
No. 3 Squadron who had been just behind the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS in a counter-attack role, returned to the Battalion.
The 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS reverted to command of 32 BRIGADE.
A’ and ‘B’ Echelons joined ‘F’ Echelon.

1944 August 18
Battalion rested in the area GRAND BONFAIT (7337 Sheet 3a & 8, 1:250,000 FRANCE)

1944 August 19
Ditto. No change.

1944 August 20
Ditto. No change.

1944 August 21
Ditto. No change.

1944 August 22
Major-General commanding BRIGADE OF GUARDS visited the Battalion.
No change.

1944 August 23
No change.

1944 August 24
Battalion moved short distance to a new area at LA BEZOQUE (8525, Sheet 3a & 8, 1:250,000, FRANCE)

1944 August 25
No change.

1944 August 26
No change.

1944 August 27
Battalion was given a warning order to lead on transporters.

1944 August 28
Near MONT DE CERIS tanks left in the morning to load on to transporters for journey to the SEINE.
Wheels, HONEY tanks and A.R.V.s left on their own, driving all night.
Battalion H.Q. under Major R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C. left independently and harboured at the ECOLE DES ROCHES near VERNEUIL, 0038 (1/250,000, Sheet 7).
Major R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C. and Lieutenant O.K. HEYWOOD succeeded Lieutenant-Colonel R. MYDDELTON and Captain O.P. DAWNEY as Commanding Officer and Adjutant respectively.

1944 August 29
Wheel Party and tanks arrived at VERNEUIL.
Tanks left about 1230 hours for VERNON.

1944 August 30
All three parties crossed the SEINE by the bridges held at VERNON 4473 in early morning.

1944 August 31
Battalion concentrated in the 495753 (1:50,000, 9F/4).
The Commanding Officer gave out Orders.
Advance resumed SOMME reached in the evening.
Halted just short of River until GRENADIER Group got the crossing Brs. intact.
Battalion harboured at CORBID 2569 (1:250,000, Sheet 5).
No opposition encountered.
Very fast drive.

 

APPENDIX K.
1 Aug 1944

C.O.s ORDERS, 31st August, 1944.

INFORMATION - OWN TROOPS
The advance to be continued N.E. towards BRUSSELS and ANTWERP.
1st U.S. ARMY - Right
2nd BRITISH ARMY - Centre
2nd CANADIAN ARMY - Left

The 2nd ARMY will advance on a two Corps Front.
30 CORPS - Right
12 CORPS - Left

43 DIVISION, 11th ARMOURED DIVISION and 8th ARMOURED BRIGADE are across the SEINE.
43 DIVISION hold the bridgehead.
Canadians are making a bridgehead at ROUEN.

ENEMY
Estimated that there are 7 weak Divisions, on the whole front.
PAS DE CALAIS Tps guarding the bomb sites.

OBJECT
To keep the Germans on the run.

METHOD
Tps under comd. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION - 2nd HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT and 84 Med. Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY.
Division will advance in the order 5 BRIGADE GROUP. DIV H.Q. 32 BRIGADE GROUP.
The Division is responsible for clearing the Corps Centre Line
On both Centre Lines a Brigade of 50 DIVISION will follow for mopping up.

ROUTE
CHAUMONT, AUNEUIL, BEAUVAIS, FROISSY, MOREUIL, VILLERS, BRETTONEUX.

INTENTION
5th GUARDS ARMOURED BRIGADE will force a crossing of the SEINE, East of AMIENS.
We will push forward relentlessly by-pas opposition and ignore our flanks.

ORDER OF MARCH
(a) 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GROUP under command of O/C 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS consisting of
1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS less a Coy
1 Bty of 153 Field Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY
Recce Party of ROYAL ENGINEERS
F2 Echelon and L.A.D.
A Echelon
1 Bty of 153 Field Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY

(b) 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS

(c ) 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS GROUP under command O/C 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 4 Coy (Captain STANLEY) 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS
Recce Party of ROYAL ENGINEERS
1 Bty of 153 Field Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY
F2 Echelon and L.A.D.

(d) Brigade H.Q.
153 Field Regiment H.Q.
5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
Q Bty 21st Anti-Tank Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY

 

APPENDIX

GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION INT SUMMARY No. 30
SECRET
(Up to 2359 hours, 8th August 1944)

To be destroyed within 48 hours of receipt.

A. ENEMY SITUATION
The biggest news today comes from the Americans who are now firmly established South and North East of LE MANS. They have thus completely outflanked what is left of the German line South West of CAEN. South of CAEN the Canadians have broken through both lines which the Germans had constructed East of the ORNE, one through ROCQUANCORT and the other East from BRETTEVILLE-SUR-LAIZE. They reached a point two miles South of BRETTEVILLE. On our own sector, the Germans have once again shown their determination to maintain the present line by fighting desperately and successfully for ESTRY.On the right at VIRE the Americans hold Pt 251, 6430 and are in ST. GERMAIN DE TALLEVENDE 6227. Immediately to the East of VIRE the Germans have made a local withdrawal to the line of the railway. Thus it can be seen taht the only place where the line is holding is between VIRE and MT PINCON. Norht of MT INCON 277 Infantry Divsion is withdrawing across the ORNE, and NoRTH OF THAT OUR BRIDGEHEAD OVER THE orne AT 9553 is being counter attacked by 12 SS Panzer Division, both PGRs of which have been identified, and some tanks.
This it can be seen that the whole German position in NORMANDY hangs on a very slender thread, outflanked in the South and broken through in the North. The only hope for the Germans is to continue their counter attacks against the Americans in the MORTAIN area.
Further details are now available about the German attacks yesterday. They were made both North and South of MORTAIN. The Northern thrust reached CHERENCES and was then thrown out of that town. The Southern and smaller attack in which 10 PGR of 9 Panzer Division participated went in South West of M??ENNE. This had no more success than the Northern one. The Southern attack seems to have been on a small scale with 9 Panzer Division; that North of MORTAIN on a very considerable scale with tps of 2 SS, 2 Panzer and 116 Panzer Divisions involved. It is also thought that part at least of 1 SS Panzer Division came from East of the ORNE to take part. This latter fact alone is enough to show the importance the Germans attach to this attack, in as much as they were apparently prepared to take away mobile reserves from the vital sector South East of CAEN. The final figures for R.A.F. claims in this attack are 84 tks destroyed and many damage; 104 MET destroyed and 81 damaged.
There is every indication that the Germans will continue their attacks in the same place tomorrow against the Americans.
Until these attacks against the Americans in the MORTAIN area have finally and conclusively failed, the Germans will hold on for all their worth to the present line North East of VIRE, i.e. on our sector. These attacks have neither the strength nor the support from air or artillery to succeed. There are signs that ‘intuition’ and not military counsel was behind them.
What will happen when these attacks have failed? There will be nothing for it for the Germans but to withdraw what they can back to the SEINE. With the present shortage of transport the bulk of the German infantry will not get away, they will probably suffer the fate of the Italians at ALAMEIN.
If the situation on the American front is desperate for the Germans, that created by the Canadian advance is very serious indeed. The only identification so far by the Canadians has been 89 Infantry Divisions, though tks have been seen, doubtless belonging to one of the Hitler Divisions, 1 or 12 SS Panzer Divisions.
It is appreciated, therefore, that in view of this the Germans will probably withdraw 10 SS Panzer Division from this sector, marry it up with its tks, which have not been identified here, and send it East to the ORNE. 12 SS Panzer Division will have to go back and be content with leaving sufficient to contain and not counter attack our bridge over the ORNE.
It is interesting to note that 10 SS Panzer Division’s counter attacks on 6 & 7 August were made with approx two battalions of infantry, 600 Eng Bn and tks of II Bn 16 Regt of 116 Panzer Division.
Tac/R this evening has been rather confusing. 100 tks were seen at 1630 hours moving North West from GER 698131 to SOURDEVAL. At 1640 47 Tigers were reported heading East from SOURDEVAL and at 1930 many German tks and MET were seen at T893294. It may be that whilst continuing with his intentions to attack again tomorrow, the enemy will have moved one or two tk bns to be placed centrally.
At APPENDIX ‘A’ is a translation of “Account of 2 Panzer Division Operations” written by the G.O.C. of that formation.

Signed
Lieutenant Colonel,
GS,
GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION
PART II
INDENTIFICATIONS
189 Trg Div, Area ST MALO, 5 Aug
3/1 SS AR, Area MORTAIN, 7 Aug, PW states 1 SS Pz Div involved in would-be thrust to the sea
4/1 SS Pz Recce Unit, 7032, 7 Aug, A stray
? 3 Coy 460 Bn?/160 Regt, LA CAVERIE 7640, 8 Aug, PW. A confused identification but almost certainly 165 Trg Div sending bn rfts for 125 PGR
3 Trg Bn Hohenstaufen, ? Estry, 8 Aug, Non-German speaking Russian deserter who arrived in a Sports coat and ?top hat.
PGR Zollhilfe, Estry, 9 Aug, 19 & 20 SS PGRs amalgamated, Regt str 3-4 bns. 20 - 30 men per coy. (Armd coys have gone to 9 SS Pz Regt for close co-operation with the tks).

ENEMY DUMP
At CHANTIES (not shown on the GSGS map), in the area bounded approx by points 700 m from VIESSOIX Station (718295), 500 m from the road VIRE - VASSEY and 400 m from the village of BERNIERES-LE-PATRY, a large number of French labourers have been working for about five months on underground installations, the purpose of which is as yet undetermined.
A previous ground report of January 1943 mentioned the same activity in this area.

MINEFIELDS
Mines are reported at 65315.
There are possible mines in LE THIEL 7635.

ENEMY ORGANISATION

9 Pz Div
Comd: Genlt MAX FREMEREY
Wehrkreis: XVII (VIENNA)
Emblem (in yellow): [drawing, like Y with mirrored image below and joined, or elongated I.

33 Pz Regt
I Bn
II Bn

10 PGR
I Bn
II Bn
Comd: Oberst GORN

11 PGR
I Bn
II Bn

102 Pz Arty Regt
9 Pz Recce Bn
50 A Tk Bn
86 Pz Eng Bn
81 Pz Sigs Bn
287 Army Flak Bn
Services - 60


HISTORY
9 Pz Div was formerly 4 Lt Div with largely Austrian personnel. It fought in POLAND and was converted to 9 Pz during the winter 1939/40. It was continuously engaged in operations in the West and was reported to have covered a greater distance than any other Pz Div. Since then the Div has fought in YUGOSLAVIA, GREECE, in the UKRAINE, in the KURSK offensive of Summer 1943 and in the Southern Sector, where it was defeated in March 1944.
It moved to AVIGNON March/April 1944 when it absorbed 155 Pz Trg Div and since then it has been reported as reforming in the NIMES area and identified in the MARSEILLES area and at LYONS. It is known to have moved North up the RHONE valley at the end of July, probably picking up Panther replacements at MAILLY on the journey North. Elements of 10 PGR have been identified South West of MAYENNE.

ORGANISATION OF 155 Panzer Trg Div
For reference the probable organisation of 155 Pz Trg Div, from which 9 Pz Div was formed, is given, as in some cases paybooks may not have been changed. On the other hand units of this div may have been shed in the reorganisation.

5 Mot Trg Regt of 54, 56 and 75 Mot Trg Bns.
25 Mot Trg Regt of 14, 35 and 119 Mot Trg Bns.
35 Mot Trg Regt of 34, 109 and 111 Mot Trg Bns.
86 Mot Trg Regt of 84, 86 and 215 Mot Trg Bns.
? 35 Pz Trg Regt of 7 and 18 Pz Trg Bns.

25 (Mot) Arty Trg Regt.
215 Pz Eng Trg Bn.


9 SS Arty Regt
According to PW the organisation is as under:-

I Bn
4 x 15 cm Hows SP (WASPS)
8 x 105 cm gun-hows SP (BUMBLE BEE)

II Bn
12 x 10.5 gun hows towed by 5-ton half-tracks.

III Bn
12 x 15 cm hows towed by 3 and 5 ton half-tracks.

PW stated there was a IV Bn, but he had no knowledge of its organisation, although he knew it had guns of some sort. One PW said he had heard that III Bn had 8.8 cm Flak, but he did NOT know how many. None of the PW had any knowledge of a 10 Tp.


ENEMY EQUIPMENT
TYPHOON
Said to consist of bottles containing some form of gas or vaporising liquid, flexible pipe nozzle and electrically fired igniter. A hole is made in a pill box with a hollow charge mine and the nozzle inserted. The bottles are then turned on causing gas to flow into the pill box. An electrically fired igniter causes the gas to explode and destroy the contents of the pill box.
As there are no pill boxes on the sector of the employment of 600 Engr Bn, it is not surprising to learn that as yet they have no Typhoons and are in fact fighting as infantry.

VULNERABILITY OF Mk IV and SP GUNS
The following information has come to light as a result of interrogation of PW:-
(i) Considerable trouble has been caused for the Germans as a result of splinters from near misses damaging bogies and tracks of tks, particularly the Mk IV. Spares for these are in particularly short supply, and as a result of this sort of damage armour has been immobilised for considerable periods.
(ii) A PW from the CAEN area reports that men lying underneath dug-in Mk IV tks have been killed, as a result of direct hits by what probably were 105 mm shells (Priests). The PW reported that hits behind the turret set the tk alight and that splinters from the explosion passed right through the hull.
(iii) Previous experience has shown that the dual purpose 88 non SP is particularly susceptible to damage by shell splinters. A strike by one or two splinters frequently renders the gun unserviceable.

ENEMY ACTIVITY on new Div Area 7 - 9 August
The following notes have been received from the Day we have relieved, showing enemy activity as reported in the last three days.

728355, Enemy dug-in, Position includes about 4 MGs and 20 men.
729353, Enemy dug-in, Position includes about 4 MGs and 20 men.
721358, No enemy, 081721
698333, Very light opposition in this area, 090720
698332, 2 Coys reported in this area, now presumably withdrawn, 7 Aug
704318, 88 mm gun and some tks, 7 Aug
7232 - 7332, Main concentration of enemy armour reported, about 15 tanks, 6/7 Aug
7233, Approx two coys inf area CHENEDOLLE, 9 Aug
718338, Identification 718338 2 and 3 Coys 600 Eng Bn. Str 3 Coy 60. Bn recently committed in inf role sp by Tiger tks (Note 600 Pi Bn withdrawn 7/8), 7/8 Aug
699338, Reported clear of enemy, 7 Aug
697335, Reported clear of enemy, 7 Aug
699334, Reported clear of enemy, 7 Aug
697335, Burnt out tk and SP 8 mm gun, 7/8 Aug
727335, Tks heard moving SE, 7/8 Aug
7032, 30 inf moving about, 7/8 Aug
716331, One tk reported, 7/8 Aug
721360, Enemy movement - one sec ?, 071715
720340, One tk, 071730
720348, Two Panthers, 071730

Tks and SP guns in area South of CHENEDOLLE feature occasionally moving up to crest and engaging fwd tps from very well camouflaged posns.
Very difficult to locate enemy in fixed posns - dug-in in some places, but in the majority - movement spotted in hedges of small groups - on or two secs.
Camouflage has been a very big point in the tactics of German inf in this sector.
Very thorough search of every possible hiding place is necessary if thorough mopping up is to be effected. Camouflage suiting of SS tps assists them greatly in employing such tactics.
Favourite lying up places for inf appear to be:-
dried up beds of streams (marked on maps as containing water),
ditches at the bottom of hedges,
junction points of hedges.
In general, buildings seem to have been avoided.

Inf with “bazookas” have ben included in ‘infiltration’ parties and have proved a considerable nuisance to tks in sp of inf in fwd areas.

Incidents - too numerous to mention - have indicated the laying of mines on rds and verges to the South of our posn.

Cases have been reported of abandoned German uniforms having been found - indicating confirmation of one report that certain Germans are changing into civilian clothes.

N.B.:-
Our own patrols 8/9 Aug reported the following clear:- orchards 716365, 721362, 720357 and 719355. Guns and mortars had been reported a.m. 8 Aug at 715362.

Patrols from a neighbouring div 8/9 Aug also reported shooting from 600 yds SE of ROULLOURS, 800 yds SW of ROULLOURS and rd at 678316. The enemy at TEINTURIE 6932 had withdrawn. Also hy fire from 698323 p.m. 9 Aug and hy fire from 696316 p.m. 9 Aug and from the village of VIESSOIX.

 

APPENDIX A.
Account of 2 Panzer Division Operations
17 June - 7 July 1944

326 Inf Division
Ops No. 2044/44 Most Secret

Div Battle HQ, 17 July 1944

Ref: 2 Pz Div Ops no. 675/44 Most Secret, dated 14 July 1944 (only to Div)

17 Copies
Copy No. 4.


Extract from battle experiences from recent operations by 2 Pz Division whose sector is being taken over by 326 Inf Div.

The fighting of the Div on the invasion front is characterised by

(a) the special nature of the country of NORMANDY.

(b) the great material superiority of the enemy, even on so-called quiet fronts.

"""(c ) the country in which the fighting is taking place consists of meadow and bush land enclosed squarely by hedges, with embankments and sunken roads. This does not lend itself to engagements over large areas. All engagements soon resolve themselves into shocktroop and individual engagements. The possession of """"dominating heights"""" is often not as decisive as the possession of traffic junctions. Often the former cannot be exploited because hedges and trees limit visibility and field of fire, whereas road traffic arteries are essential, since it is only by roads that the heavy weapons, artillery and tanks can be brought forward. Nevertheless certain features always retain their dominating role, whereas conversely some traffic junctions can be dispensed with.""

(d) The incredibly heavy artillery and mortar fire (of the enemy) is something new, both for the seasoned veterans of the Eastern front and the new arrivals from reinforcement units. Whereas the veterans get used to it comparatively quickly, the inexperienced reinforcements require several days to do so, after which they become acclimatised. The average rate of fire on the Division sector per day is 4,000 artillery rounds and 5,000 mortar rounds per day. This is multiplied many times before an enemy attack, however small. For instance, on one occasion when the British made an attack on a sector of only two companies they expended 3,500 rounds in two hours. The Allies are waging war regardless of expense. In addition to this, the enemy have complete mastery of the air. They bomb and strafe every movement, even single vehicles and individuals. They recce our area constantly and direct their artillery fire. Against all this the G.A.F. is conspicuous by its complete absence. During the last four weeks the total number of German aircraft over the Division area was six.

From the operations point of view, our own offensive operations by day, after complete assembly, etc - i.e. attacks prepared all “according to the book”, have little chance of succeeding. The assembling of troops is spotted immediately by enemy recce aircraft, and smashed by bombers, fighter bombers and artillery directed by aircraft; and if, nevertheless, the attacking troops go forward they become involved in such dense artillery and mortar fire, that heavy casualties ensue and the attack peters out within the first few hundred metres. The losses suffered by the infantry are then so heavy that the impetus necessary to renew the attack is spent.

Better results have been obtained by attacks prepared down to the last details by assault detachments operating by night on a broad front. These penetrate the enemy positions noiselessly and in each individual case surprise and overcome the enemy, without the enemy artillery or air force having a chance to intervene. The primary conditions for this is that each individual assault detachment be fully acquainted with its neighbours, and that the heavy artillery weapons and artillery know exactly when to come into operation (usually only in the case of local failure when the element of surprise has not been achieved). The direction of such operations is less a question of large-scale elaborate planning than that of practical instruction and reminders. The mere fact that “assembly has been completed” before the attack begins is of less importance than the fact that every company and platoon commander has thought of everything necessary to ensure the success of the operation of his assault detachment. It is an essential duty of the staff planning the operation to put everyone down to the lowest-ranking commanders completely in the picture. An attack of this nature attains no far-distant objective, but proceeds only by small stages, night after night. But in the end it reaches its objective without paying a heavy toll in man-power. The more cunning and variable the fighting, the more successful the operation. This “infiltrations” has proved its worth in every case hitherto, as far as this Division is concerned.

The fact that modernly equipped Panzer Divisions with two tank battalions and two infantry battalions with armoured half-tracked vehicles is not necessary for such fighting methods is another questions.

In defence we must reckon with the fact that the attacking enemy simply smashes down the forward battle area with his massed artillery fire and aircraft. Hitherto the enemy has always succeeded, usually after a very short time, in occupying our main line of defence after a heavy barrage of this kind. It is, therefore, essential to maintain reserves in at least every battalion sector, which come forward immediately after the barrage has ended. The enemy infantryman is no fighter in our sense of the term, and consequently only a few machine-guns are necessary to hold him - but these must be there at the right time. The Divisional reserves must be employed immediately without waiting for the “All Clear” in order to throw back the enemy, assault-troop fashion, in lot of smoke from weapons of all calibres, everything is hidden in a blinding pall, and a clear picture is impossible. But once the enemy has brought up his Anti-Tank guns and F.O.Os and dug himself in, it is usually too late. Then the only remedy is to infiltrate on the following night. After several abortive attempts the British become cautious and finally discontinue their attacks.

Individual arms
1. Panzer Grenadiers.
The Panzer Grenadiers must be able to withstand the heavy artillery fire of the enemy. This is the decisive factor. They must therefore be dug-in deeply. Since the enemy use a very sensitive fuze, over-head protection is necessary against shells which explode on striking trees. During the barrage the weapons must also remain under cover, or else they get clogged with mud and rendered useless.

Our soldiers enter the battle in low spirits at the thought of the enemy enormous material superiority. They are always asking: “Where is the G.A.F.?” The feeling of helplessness against enemy aircraft operating without any hindrance has a paralysing effect and during the barrage this effect on the inexperienced troops is literally “soul-shattering” - and it must be borne in mind that four-engine bombers have not yet taken part in attacking ground targets in this Division’s area. It is, therefore essential for troops to be lifted out of this state of distress the moment the counter-attack begins. The best results have been obtained by the Platoon and Section commander leaping forward uttering a good old-fashioned “hurrah”, which spurs on the inexperienced troops and carries them along. The revival of the practice of sounding a bugle call for the attack has been found to answer the purpose, and this has been made a Divisional order. Moreover the use of the bugle in territory where visibility is restricted enables the troops to know when and where the attack is taking place. An attack launched in this manner is an experience which new troops will never forget and stimulates them into action again.

The Panzer Grenadiers fight as assault detachments, in this more depends on the N.C.Os than ever before. Only an energetic commander will get his men to go forward. For weaklings there is every inducement and opportunity to hide in the hedges. Close-combat weapons (flame-throwers, anti-tank close-combat weapons, mines and explosive charges) are specially effectively in country of this nature. In defence it may be expedient to deplete the front line in order to maintain sufficient reserves for counter-attack. Specially efficient N.C.Os should be selected for this. The battle outposts and outlaying piquets of all kinds must change their position frequently and at regular intervals. The enemy, especially the Americans, are experts in creeping up under cover of the hedges and making frequent attempts to dislodge our piquets. They then cover their withdrawal with heavy mortar and defensive fire.

The heavy weapons are compelled by the heavy enemy fire to change their positions frequently. The enemy get their range very soon. It is not unusual to change positions ten times during the day. Therefore heavy and light infantry guns use only their “roving guns” (see para 4). The evaluation and employment of enemy tactics has proved profitable. In one instance a counter-attacking company succeeded in turning the enemy mortars and firing smoke on the enemy, with the result that the enemy was misled into believing that a penetration had been achieved on the breadth of front covered by smoke, and brought down heavy artillery fire on his own troops.

2. Tanks.
There is no question of tank employment in the true sense of the term. They can only be employed to accompany infantry. Their mobility is limited by the sunken roads and hedges. They can only penetrate the square areas enclosed by hedges at certain points, and these points are registered by the enemy Anti-Tank guns. Therefore the Anti-Tank weapon must be neutralised before the tanks advance again. Since the country favours close Anti-Tank combat, each single tank must have strong flank protection. It is unprofitable to employ more than one troop of tanks at the time. On sunken roads, which are often the only places where tanks can move, the first and last tanks of the column get knocked out and those in between are wedged in. Therefore the tanks must work in the closest cooperation with their infantry. The tanks must give H.E. and M.G. covering fire along the ridge of the hedgerow until the infantry have reached it by passing along the hedgerow running at right-angles to it. The infantry then mop up, and then the tanks make another bound forward to the next hedgerow and the process is repeated. In this case the actual punch is delivered by the infantry and the fire power supplied by the tanks, and thus the control of the operation lies with the infantry.

3. Anti-Tank.
(a) S.P.
The employment of self-propelled anti-tank guns is extremely limited in country of this kind. Their low structure is a disadvantage, and in many cases they are unable to shoot over hedges and walls. Since the turret cannot be traversed, SP guns are completely helpless in sunken roads. The best method of employing them is to have them in a concealed position at the side of main roads. Therefore SP Anti-Tank guns should be kept back as reserves in order to intercept enemy thrusts along the main roads in the event of an armoured breakthrough.

(b) Tractor-drawn.
There are not enough of these available. If it were possible to employ these regardless of loss (see News Sheet for Tank Troops, Issue No. 12, page 19) they would be the best weapon in the main defensive line, since they can be properly camouflaged and dug in and can destroy enemy tanks at closest range and inflict severe casualties on the enemy infantry in the hedgerows by HE fire. But then they cannot get away again, and their loss has to be reckoned with as a matter of course. Losses and damage inflicted by enemy artillery fire must also be taken into account. The enemy uses his anti-tank guns in this way, but the German can no longer afford to do so. Therefore tractor-drawn anti-tank guns have been withdrawn and placed in depth in the main battle area, where they form the backbone of the main defence zone. The only available anti-tank weapons in front line proper are the close combat weapons.

4. Artillery.
The highest demands are made on the elastic use of artillery. Since our own artillery can only fire one tenth of the amount fired by the enemy, success can only be achieved by closest concentration and best possible ground observation. Therefore, forward observers must be placed well forward. Ample provision of means of communication are essential. Even in counter-attack the forward observers must be well forward. It is essential to maintain ample reserves of forward observers in order to avoid loss of all forward observers and their equipment during the enemy barrage. The allotment of “sos” tasks which can be brought down automatically during an enemy attack has proved profitable. The artillery must change is positions frequently, since it is spotted very rapidly and engaged with the aid of observation from the air. Good results have been achieved by ‘roving’ guns and ‘roving’ artillery troops which misled the enemy as to the siting and strength of our own guns. Every attempt at harassing fire on the part of our artillery is promptly repaid many times over by the enemy. The artillery must take up different positions by day and night. Here on the Western front, too, the siting of the artillery for all round defence is the chief support for the main battle area.

5. A.A.
The Anti-Aircraft cannot protect everything. It is better to concentrate all the light and heavy troops on the point of main effort instead of scattering over the whole Division area in troops and sections. In bad weather the A.A. men can be used successfully in an artillery role. In this case, but in this case only, they are placed under command of the artillery. The siting of light A.A. troops in concealed positions close behind the main line of defence with the sole task of engaging any artillery spotting aircraft. By this means the Division succeeded in shooting aircraft keep a safe distance of approximately three kms from the main line of defence, whereas formerly they used to fly right over it.

6. Engineers.
The engineers have been particularly successful in an infantry role in this terrain, thanks to their good training in assault and close combat methods. Since they are limited in their employment as infantry they must, however, be restricted to exceptional cases, since, owing to their numerical inferiority in this close country, their technical engineering tasks in front of and in the main defensive area, and the consolidation of positions, in rear is of special importance. The commander of the engineers must exercise control over all engineers employed, including all engineer platoons. Owing to the limited means available this is the only way whereby points of main effort on the part of the engineers can be created. Since the whole operation in this territory demands special skill, the construction of obstacles must be carried out with resource and variety. In this cut-up territory it is impossible to construct a continuous line of obstacles which can be covered by our own fire from medium and long range. The improvised anti-personnel mine S.150 issued to the engineers has proved unsatisfactory, since the chemical igniter is unreliable. In order not to waste effort of the engineers in purely labour tasks the Division has combed out all surplus personnel from the supply columns to provide labour for consolidating the main battle area and rear positions. This method, adopted from the Eastern front, has also proved successful here.

7. Recce.
This is performed exclusively as battle recce. The best results are achieved by bringing back Prisoners of War, even if these scarcely disclose anything. Sigs interception within the Division area scarcely provides any result, since the enemy hardly carries on any WT traffic, and if he does, it is impossible to determine if this is taking place in front of our own sector. Listening in has so far produced no results. It is only done for monitoring our own traffic.

8. Sigs.
The principle remains the same. The Division avoids WT traffic as far as possible. No enemy attempts at direction-finding have yet been confirmed, but this must still be reckoned with. There are signs that the enemy is monitoring our WT traffic.

9. Supplies.
The entire supply system, including the receiving works by night. The time is very short, with the results that losses are constantly incurred due to journeys made in the daytime (also by moonlight). The supply of ammunition is insufficient. Hitherto it has been out of the question to engage the enemy artillery. The enemy, too, is gradually realising this, and is, therefore, moving up closer and closer in order to take full advantage of the range to disrupt our communications in the rear. Consequently our supply lines are under constant artillery fire, even at night. Our supplies of POL are adequate, since the Division is in a fixed position. THe use of MT traffic is reduced to a minimum. The supplies of food obtained from the land are very good, but those obtained through supply channels are mediocre.

The question of spare parts and tyres is a serious problem. The Division has to fetch everything over distances of hundreds of kilometres, so that in spite of the Division being engaged in static warfare, its mobility gradually becomes less and less.

The enemy’s air superiority presents an almost insolvable problem with regard to supplies.

Signed: Frh von LÜTTWITZ


Above battle experiences of 2 Pz Div forwarded herewith for information and exploitation.
Signed: MARCKS, GSO 1, for comd 326 Infantry Division.

(Source: Second Army I.S. No. 62)