War Diary: 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS, Jan - Dec 1944

POINT 238

 

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
Name Henry, Alexander Edward McIntyre
Rank: Guardsman
Service No: 2661603
Regiment: 5 Battalion Coldstream Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: North West Europe 1944-45
Award: Military Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 19 October 1944
Date: 1944
Catalogue reference: WO 373/49


32nd Guards Brigade, Guards Armoured Division, 8 Corps
2661603 Guardsman Alexander Edward McIntyre HENRY, 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

Guardsman Henry is employed as a stretcher-bearer, and on two occasions he has gone out to attend the wounded while under fire. The first occasion occurred when his company were in a position in front of Cagny on 20th July, 1944. There was a wounded man in front right platoon who was being sniped at by two snipers from the buildings and woods at Frenouville. They opened fire at any movement on this platoon so it was decided to put down a smoke screen to enable the wounded man to be evacuated. Guardsman Henry left company headquarters and walked over to the platoon and was told by the platoon commander to get down and wait until the smoke screen had started. As this was a bit slow coming down, Guardsman Henry decided to wait no longer and proceeded over to the wounded man in full view of the enemy. The wounded man was eventually evacuated after being treated by Guardsman Henry.

On the second occasion in front of Frenouville two men had been killed and two wounded by an 88-mm. shell. Again it was found impossible to approach the wounded men on account of machine-gun fire by the enemy, but again Guardsman Henry walked right in and got the two men out.

These are but two examples of Guardsman Henry's courage. Ever since the Battalion has been in action he has shown great devotion to duty and extreme gallantry in action regardless of self and is a great cheering influence on the whole company.

Signed Lieutenant-Colonel ADEANE, Commanding 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards

Granted an Immediate M.M.

 

“OVER TO YOU”
The official news sheet of 5th COLDSTREAM GUARDS
Published Daily
Price:- Gratis
No. 6
Saturday 1st July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS
PREPARING FOR THE SECOND PHASE.
On the Western Front the battle South West of CAEN has eased off in the past 24 hours and both sides are squaring up for the second phase. The signs are that it may prove one of the fiercest struggles of the Normandy campaign. So far the British SECOND ARMY has set the pace and our operations are up to schedule.
In the North West tip of the CHERBOURG Peninsular fewer than 2,000 Germans are still fighting on. The American forces have now taken more than 38,000 prisoners in the Peninsular.


SOVIET ARMY PUSHES ON.
The Soviet Army driving across White Russia has drawn a great semi-circle around MINSK, the Capital. To the North advanced troops in the POLOTSK Sector are over the 1939 Polish frontier and two border towns are in Russian hands. Some 60 miles South of MINSK the Russians have captured SLUTSK on the main route from BOBRUISK into POLAND and have pressed on beyond it.


U.S. BREAK WITH FINLAND.
In FINLAND there is a fear that the new agreement with Germany will result in mass desertion from the Finnish Army.
Yesterday morning it was announced from WASHINGTON that the United States had broken off relations with FINLAND.


IN BRIEF.
The Allied Armies in ITALY have made a general advance West of Lake TRASIMENO.
In ROME General De GAULLE has been received in private audience by the Pope.

R.A.F. bombers were again over enemy occupied territory last night. Enemy activity over Southern England caused some damage and casualties.

Wing Commander Johnny JOHNSON has become the top scoring ace of the R.A.F. Over Normandy yesterday he shot down his 33rd German plane beating the record of Group Captain “Sailor” MALAN which had stood at 32 for three years. JOHNSON is an Englishman who leads a wing of Canadian spitfires.

Today is Canada’s Dominion Day, the 77th anniversary of the foundation of the Dominion of Canada.
General EISENHOWER has sent greetings to all Canadians under his command and Mr. MacKENZIE KING has issued an inspiring message to All Ranks of the Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force.


THE ENEMY SITUATION.
GENERAL.
The enemy are continuing their attack to the North East but without much success, and they now hold a small salient running BRETTEVILLE 8864 - RAURAY 8965 - short of the woods in 9086 and to LE VALTRU 9163.
It is now known that this attack is being made by 9 SS Pz Division and not as stated 2 SS Pz Division. Another attack is going on the GARVUS 9281 - BARON 9482 area, launched by 10 SS Pz Division.
Both those Divisions were rushed into the battle in bits and pieces as they arrived by train from RUSSIA and both appear to have only their Infantry present.
It is evidence of the very grave position in which the enemy is now placed, that for what was intended to be a major counter-attack he has not had time to assemble his Pz Divisions complete, before committing them to battle and that all his available reserves have been rushed in, leaving nothing to stiffen his defences in the American sector against what he must soon become a very serious menace to his entire line.


THE BATTALION SECTOR.
Retaliation against the guns and mortar firing on to the Battalion area continues and appears to be having results. The enemy gun areas have been partially located and there is plenty of excitement in store for them.
Last night a very successful patrol from No. 4 Company got through the wire and obstacles around the hangers in the South of CARPIQUET Aerodrome and located an enemy working party near the disposal sheds. They were able to withdraw unobserved and brought back valuable information.
The Battalion snipers have scored their first success, and bagged a German on the Aerodrome who appeared to be cleaning his machine-gun - at all events he was wasting his time
This afternoon the Battalion was visited by the G.O.C.
There has been a slight increase in enemy air activity and several planes have been over our positions today.


BATTALION CASUALTIES.

WOUNDED.
2662340 Guardsman KNIGHTS, A., No. 2 Company, Bomb wound (Mortar) Right side.
2665002 Guardsman LONGLOY, E., Support Company, Splinter Right hand and Left arm.
2658019 Guardsman JUBY, G., No. 4 Company, G.S.W. Lower Left leg.

BATTLE ACCIDENTS.
2663784 Guardsman CORBETT, J., Support Company, G.S.W. (Sten), Right foot.

NORMAL SICKNESS.
2657282 Lance-Sergeant REARDON, S., No. 2 Company, Impetigo
2662964 Guardsman PATTERSON, J., No. 1 Company, Exhaustion
2663834 Guardsman BATSFORD, S., No. 1 Company, Exhaustion

 

“OVER TO YOU”
The official news sheet of 5th COLDSTREAM GUARDS
Published Daily
Price:- Gratis
No. 7
Sunday 2nd July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

BUILDING UP IN NORMANDY.
In NORMANDY British troops are building up the strength of their wedge South West of CAEN. Yesterday they threw back persistent German attempts to smash through on their flank. Our guns are sending back four shells for every one put over by the Germans.
Allied aircraft continue to give strong support in spite of bad flying weather.
It is believed that ROMMEL himself had taken command at the front. He has seven Panzer Division at least and a major trial of armoured strength seems imminent.
American forces in the CHERBOURG Peninsular have now taken 42,5000 prisoners. A few Germans are still holding out in the North Western corner of the Peninsular.


BORISOV CAPTURED.
On the Eastern Front Soviet troops have made another surge forward in White Russia. They stormed a 70 mile stretch of the river and captured BROISOV the last big fortress before MINSK which is now 40 miles away.
Other forces are converging on MINSK from North and South.
At the Northern end of the White Russia front the Soviet right wing driving past POLOTSK yesterday captured two places 20 miles across the 1939 Polish frontier.


IN BRIEF.
In ITALY American troops on the West Coast are within 15 miles of LEGHORN. British troops on the Adriatic have about the same distance to go before ANCONA.
The German radio says Hitler has declared FLORENCE an open city.

In the Central Pacific United States forces are consolidating their positions on SAIPAN.
In North Burma the Chinese under General STILWELL are wiping out a Japanese pocket near MICHENAR. They have already made a good haul of equipment.

Royal Air Force and American heavy bombers from this country yesterday attacked launching sites for flying boats.
The Germans sent more of their robot planes over Southern England during the day and again last night. Some were shot down. Those that got through are reported to have caused more damage and casualties.

The British Ambassador to ARGENTINA has been recalled for consultation.


BATTALION CASUALTIES.

KILLED IN ACTION.
2654002 Lance-Sergeant BOYNTON, R., No. 1 Company
2661127 Guardsman TAYLOR, F. No. 1 Company

DIED OF WOUNDS
Major M.P.G. HOWARD, No. 4 Company

WOUNDED.
2665157 Guardsman GIBSON, H., H.Q. Company
2657973 Guardsman COLLEDGE, F., No. 3 Company
2655897 Guardsman ANDERTON, C., No. 3 Company
2660870 Guardsman WOOD, J., No. 3 Company
2663993 Guardsman FRENCH, D., No. 1 Company
2657407 Guardsman SARGEANT C., No. 3 Company
6334020 Lance-Corporal HUNTER, J., H.Q. Company
2662793 Lance-Corporal BELL, J., H.Q. Company

EVACUATED.
Lieutenant R.F.C. PARRINGTON
2663362 Lance-Corporal PERCY, J., No. 3 Company
2661756 Sergeant HERON, J., No. 1 Company
2662586 Guardsman LOWCOCK, F., No. 1 Company
855035 Lance-Corporal PARKINSON, J., No. 1 Company
2663407 Guardsman ARUNDALE, J., No. 4 Company
2665416 Guardsman ROBERTS, E., No. 2 Company
2663378 Guardsman BULLOCK, F., No. 1 Company
2657982 Lance-Corporal SMITH, K., No. 1 Company
2664021 Guardsman EDWARDS, J., No. 1 Company

 

“OVER TO YOU”
The official news sheet of 5th COLDSTREAM GUARDS
Published Daily
Price:- Gratis
No. 8
Monday 3rd July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

RUSSIANS ENCIRCLING MINSK.
The Red Army has made another great sweep forward in WHITE RUSSIA and has now almost encircled the city of MINSK. Our Allies were last reported to be only 12 1/2 miles away. To the South of the city they have cut the railway linking MINSK with WARSAW and the West.
To the North of MINSK the Soviet forces have cut the railway running up to VILNA and further North still, Soviet troops are more than 50 miles West of POLOTSK which is still in German hands.


GERMANS SWITCH OVER A PANZER DIVISION.
In NORMANDY the British SECOND ARMY has beaten of a series of sharp attacks against its bridgehead across the River ODON.
The Germans are reported to have switched an entire Panzer Division from RUSSIA to NORMANDY. This brings their forces in the sector between CAEN and TILLY up to 11 divisions in all.
Allied fighters last evening shot down 21 enemy fighters over the battle area. Our losses were 3 machines.
All resistance in the CHERBOURG Peninsular has now ended and the number of German prisoners taken there by the Americans has mounted to 43,000.


FURTHER PROGRESS BY 5TH AND 8TH.
In ITALY 5TH ARMY troops have captured the West Coast town of CECINA, 18 miles below LEGHORN.
On the 8TH ARMY front British troops were yesterday clearing enemy remnants out of a village to the North West of Lake TRASIMENO.
Over on the ADRIATIC Sector Allied troops have forced another river barrier in their drive up the coast towards ANCONA.


IN BRIEF.
More than 500 American heavy bombers from the Mediterranean yesterday again raided the BUDAPEST area.


ENEMY SITUATION.
GENERAL.
With the definite identification of 9 and 10 Panzer Divisions on this front all the enemy armour is now involved. The B.B.C. statement that ROMMEL now has seven Armoured Divisions in action is highly misleading and inaccurate. The fact are as follows:- He has elements of eight Panzer Divisions none of which are up to strength, three are probably not even up to half strength i.e. 130 Panzer Division, 12 S.S. Panzer Division and 21 Panzer Division. 2 S.S. Panzer Division has also had heavy losses. Of the remaining four, only 9 S.S. Panzer Division has so far got its Tank Regiment present and when these Panzer Regiments do turn up they will find that the Infantry of their Divisions has been seriously depleted.
The heavy tank casualties inflicted on the enemy during this recent battle comes to 130, including 35 Panthers, 31 Tigers, 24 Kiv IV. It is also heartening to hear that the P.I.A.T. has had even greater success than was anticipated and claims a large number of successes.


TREATMENT OF CIVILIANS IN BATTLE AREAS.
Except for civilians who have returned to their own homes, and are living where they are not an embarrassment or inconvenience to the Company tactically, all civilians wandering about the front line should be directed to the nearest Prisoner of War Cage which is also a refugee collecting point.
Tell them that they will be fed there and get news of their relatives and sent them firmly away. This may seem hard on them but it is for their best interest in the long run.
Civil affairs are arranging for the local Gendarmes to deal with livestock in the area to recruit labour to bury the dead cows and herd all the others out of the area. This should be soon.


BATTALION CASUALTIES.
EVACUATED.
2660399 Lance-Sergeant HALLIWELL, F., No. 2 Company
2662818 Guardsman READ, G., No. 4 Company
2662083 Guardsman SHELTON, J., No. 3 Company
2662602 Guardsman COUGHLIN, G., No. 4 Company
2664509 Guardsman RICHARDS, F., No. 4 Company
2664867 Guardsman FOUND, T., No. 4 Company
2660456 Guardsman BECKETT, J. No. 1 Company

 

“OVER TO YOU”
The official news sheet of 5th COLDSTREAM GUARDS
Published Daily
Price:- Gratis
No. 9
Tuesday 4th July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

RUSSIANS CAPTURE MINSK.
The Russians have captured MINSK, Capital of White Russia. The City had been in German hands for just over three years. The Russians retook the City following deep outflanking movements to the North and South of it. They have already pushed spearheads 80 miles to the South West along the main railway which runs from MINSK through CENTRAL POLAND while other Soviet forces are more than a third of the way along the railway running North West from MINSK to VILNA.
At the Northern end of the White Russia front street fighting is reported to be taking place in the rail town of POLOTSK, gateway to the Baltic States.


NEW DRIVE IN NORMANDY.
In NORMANDY the American forces have started a new drive down the Western side of the CHERBOURG Peninsular. In spite of very bad weather and stubborn German resistance they have advanced from 1 1/2 miles to 3 miles on a 10 mile front in the first day’s assault.
To the South West of CAEN the Germans are still re-grouping after the decisive defeat of their counter-attacks agains the British salient.
Our patrols have been very active and have penetrated about a mile beyond the salient at some points while our naval guns and land artillery have continued to pound troop concentrations behind the enemy lines.


IN BRIEF.
In ITALY French troops of the 5th Army have occupied the city of CECINA. The city has suffered practically no damage and the people gave the French troops an enthusiastic welcome.
More than 500 American bombers were out again yesterday pounding oil targets in HUNGARY, ROMANIA and YUGOSLAVIA.

In the South West Pacific American troops have landed on NOEMFOOR Island in the GEELVINK Bay area of DUTCH NEW GUINEA and have already captured one of the airfields.

More flying bombs have come over Southern England in the last 24 hours. Damage and casualties are again reported.


CANADIANS ATTACK.
A special B.B.C. announcement issued during the morning stated:-
“Soon after dawn this morning Canadian troops launched an attack West of CAEN. By 0800 hours they had captured the village of CARPIQUET and were fighting on the airfield. Our progress so far is excellent.”

CARPIQUET is an area where the Germans have been hanging on with great determination. It is one of the main CAEN airfields but the R.A.F. drove the Luftwaffe from it some time ago. The airfield is thick with Anti-Aircraft guns which the Germans have been using as Artillery. It is reported as being the main German strongpoint at the neck of our salient.


POSTAL NOTICE.
It is notified for the information of all ranks that in future the outside of envelopes (including NAAFI letter cards) must NOT state the Unit name. Only the No., Rank, Name of the individual and B.W.E.F. may be stated.


THE ENEMY SITUATION.
GENERAL.

AMERICAN OFFENSIVE.
The American offensive has started, but for the moment the B.B.C. news is all that there is available.

CANADIAN ATTACK.
On our flanks, VERSON and VILLENEUVE are in our hands, and this morning’s reports of enemy tanks coming North from MOUEN and enemy infantry in VILLENEUVE are incorrect.
This morning’s attack was opened at 0500hours by a barrage from 480 guns firing 80,246 shells in about two hours and fire from battleships and monitors at sea.
Up to 1600 hours the situation is as follows:- CARPIQUET village and the Northern hangers have been cleared and are firmly held. In the Southern hangers a pillbox and an 88mm gun have held out and defied all attempts to clear them out. The recent “noises off” were directed against this post and has probably liquidated them. The enemy are still in the Buildings in 9767. The positions held by the 12 SS “Hitler Jugend”, some of whom from the look of prisoners are very jungend, or young indeed. Strength probably a Battalion about 50% complete. (A Prisoner of War just in at Battalion H.Q. is identified as 1 Battalion - the Battalion that suffered such heavy casualties in this area which confirms the 50% strength.)


SECURITY.
1. LETTERS
On the 10th July you are allowed to write home about your personal battle experiences and say you have been in the line SOMEWHERE. (This is the Standing Rule i.e. 14 days after the event). It is also permissible to send home French money (up to 5/-) and local purchases provided that they in no way refer to the place where they were bought. The NAAFI pack letter blanks have on the outside a space for sender’s name and address. On no account will this be filled in.


2. CIVILIANS
Amplifying the points about control of civilians given in the last news, the following should be noted. Any civilian attempting to pass from our lines to the enemy will be detained immediately and sent to the nearest F.S. H.Q. This also applies to civilians coming from the enemy lines to ours. It is vital that this to and fro movement is checked.
The two women in No. 4 Company area who were suspected of being snipers were after careful checking found to be entirely harmless. Country peasants of this type are the most reliable and helpful section of the population, so don’t go calling everyone a sniper just because there has been some sniping.


BATTALION CASUALTIES.

WOUNDED.
2662618 Guardsman SAUL, T., No. 4 Company, Bomb wound, Mortar.
2664088 Guardsman WHITLEY, W., H.Q. Company, Bomb wound, Mortar.
2663270 Guardsman GOODALL, M., H.Q. Company, Bomb wound, Mortar.

EVACUATED.
2654363 Guardsman BUTLER, F., No. 4 Company
2656540 Sergeant WAKEFORD, L., No. 4 Company
2655812 Sergeant PALFRAMAN, K., No. 2 Company
2658757 Guardsman REILLY, A., No. 3 Company
2663302 Guardsman MARTIN, D., No. 4 Company
2662756 Lance-Corporal JOHNSON, J., No. 4 Company

 

"OVER TO YOU".
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 10
Wednesday 5th July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

POLOTSK FALLS.
The Russians have had another great day. One Red Army force has captured the big rail junction of POLOTSK known as “the gateway to the Baltic”, while another has by-passed the town and is now fanning out more than 60 miles to the West of it. One Army of this force is striking up towards the Latvian republic and at one point is less than 14 miles from the border. The other Army is pushing South West towards VILNA.


PROGRESS IN NORMANDY.
In NORMANDY British and Canadian forces have gained ground in a new attack West of CAEN. The Canadians have captured the village of CARPIQUET and after an advance of 1 1/2 miles have fought their way on to the airfield South of the village. They were last reported to be engaged in a fierce struggle for possession of this key point.
The Canadian assault began at dawn yesterday after hundreds of Allied guns on land and sea had pasted the German positions in front of CARPIQUET for 75 minutes. While the Canadians were advancing British troops further South pushed along the upper bank of the river ODON, seized the small town of VERSON without opposition and linked up with the Right wing of the Canadians.
Meanwhile the American forces striking Southwards from the CHERBOURG Peninsular have extended their front to 25 miles and have made good progress towards the road and rail centre of LA HAYE DUPUITE. They were last reported to be less than two miles away.


IN BRIEF.
In ITALY 5th Army troops have reached a point 16 miles from the West Coast port of LEGHORN in spite of stubborn German opposition.

In the Pacific American carrier-based planes have attacked harbour works in an island group within 800 miles of TOKYO. They sank or beached three Japanese destroyers, sand two other vessels and destroyed 25 enemy planes.

R.A.F. bombers were over occupied territory during the night. More flying bombs have come over Southern England.


MAIL.
The average delay in the mail is about 6 - 7 days. The reason for this is that the poor weather has made the sailing of convoys uncertain with a consequent delay in mail.
It is hoped that fairly soon Air Mail will start when letters should arrive within 2 or 3 days of their being posted in the U.K.


MUGS.
New mugs are at present extremely difficult to get so please look after yours carefully.


A ECHELON.
A Echelon, T.C.L. Park and L.O.B. are altogether in some cornfields just North of BRAY and have not been moved for two days which is quite a change.
They are surrounded by guns of all sorts which have so far failed to draw the enemy counter artillery.
To M.E. 109s were shot down practically over them yesterday afternoon, one falling a few hundred yards away.
The old Battalion H.Q. position at HAUVEN and No. 3 Company’s original wood can be seen with glasses from the roof of the T.C.L.s, so are frequently under anxious observation from the rear.


THE ENEMY SITUATION.
GENERAL.
Yesterday evening left the Canadians in possession of the village of CARPIQUET, the Northern hangers at 965685 and half way through the Southern hangers at 965674.
During the evening the Southern hangers had to be evacuated and the Battalion holding them pulled out, and at this juncture the Battalion took up its present position around MARCELET.
The enemy have occupied the Southern hangers and the string of woods going West from them, but otherwise they have shown few signs of activity.
To the South of the Southern hangers the ground slopes down to the ODON valley and then up the other side. Enemy tanks have been taking advantage of this dead ground and covered by 88mm guns on the high ground across the river, small numbers make an appearance opposite No. 4 Company at intervals. An unwary Pz Kiv IV was knocked out this morning while playing at this game, and apparently unaware that it was being stalked by a 17-pounder.
For those who like a preview of things, the promised land of CAEN is just visible from the No. 2 Company position.
There have been no major alterations to the British front line today except at VERSON which we have evacuated.


BATTALION CASUALTIES.

KILLED IN ACTION.
2659276 Guardsman DIGGINES, F., No. 3 Company

EVACUATED.
2665560 Guardsman BUSBY, J., No. 4 Company
2665757 Guardsman TREEN, R., No. 4 Company
2665599 Guardsman NIBLETT, R., Support Company
5104312 Guardsman PALMER, H., Support Company
2663639 Guardsman THOMPSON, H., No. 3 Company
2661126 Guardsman NORMAN, H., No. 4 Company
6011869 Guardsman BIRD, A., No. 4 Company
2663756 Guardsman BROWN, T., No. 4 Company
2661982 Guardsman PHILLIPS, J., No. 4 Company
2658598 Lance-Corporal STEVENS, L., No. 2 Company
2655435 Sergeant HITCHENS, H., No. 3 Company
2663940 Guardsman KNOWLES, B., No. 4 Company
326725 Driver BARTHOLOMEW, M., ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS

BATTALION REINFORCEMENTS.
The following have arrived at “A” Echelon as Reinforcements:-
2656327 Lance-Sergeant PAULEY, A.
2658928 Guardsman MOORE, A.
2666296 Guardsman PICKETT, T.
2661161 Guardsman HARRIS, J.
2662886 Guardsman BURNS, R.
2664059 Guardsman PASHLEY, J.
2665609 Guardsman MORGAN, C.
2662491 Guardsman HOYLE, R.
2665758 Guardsman BAYLISS, A.
2661971 Guardsman MEESON, F.
866802 Guardsman KAY, A.
6094138 Lance--Corporal HORROCK, A.
2666159 Guardsman BUCKLEY, A.
2662719 Guardsman HALL, K.
2657705 Guardsman WILKINS, H.
2660134 Guardsman COX, K.
2664831 Guardsman BAKER, G.
2658071 Guardsman MATTOCK, J.
2663371 Guardsman WELSBY, W.
2665697 Guardsman STANLEY, K.
2663511 Guardsman BULL, C.
2660809 Guardsman WHITEHURST, J.

The following have now returned from hospital:-
2661756 Sergeant HERON, J.
2662606 Guardsman COUGHLIN, G
2662586 Guardsman LOWCOCK, T.
2662086 Guardsman BABBINGS, J.


STOP PRESS.
American troops have entered LA HAYE and captured the railway station.

 

"OVER TO YOU".
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 11
Thursday 6th July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

BITTER STRUGGLE AT CARPIQUET.
In NORMANDY American troops driving down the West side of the CHERBOURG Peninsular have captured the railway station of LA HAYE DUPUITS and were last reported to be fighting in the streets. Other American forces have pushed well beyond the town and control the railway from it to CARENTAN.
At the other end of the Allied front Germans and Canadians are facing each other across the airfield of CARPIQUET, four miles West of CAEN. A bitter struggle for the airfield went on all day yesterday and was still going on last night. Further South British troops have again enlarged their bridgehead across the river ODON.
Supreme Headquarters announce that the Allies have taken more than 50,000 prisoners in NORMANDY.


THE ITALIAN FRONT.
In ITALY German resistance has been stiffening in front of the West coast port of LEGHORN and in the central sector Allied troops have got to within five miles of AREZZO.


RUSSIAN PROGRESS.
The Russians have increased their threat to the lateral railway that serves the German force between the BALTIC and the PRIPET marshes. Soviet spearheads were yesterday less than 50 miles from DVINSK and about the same distance from VILNA.
The German High Command yesterday announced the evacuation of KOVEL on the Southern fringe of the PRIPET marches. The Russians have not yet said anything about this.


IN BRIEF.
In the South West Pacific, American troops have now occupied the second of the three air strips on NOEMFOOR Island of the coast of DUTCH NEW GUINEA.

R.A.F. bombers were over enemy occupied territory during the nigth.

United States flying fortresses yesterday returned to Britain after a triangular trip to RUSSIA and ITALY during which they bombed targets in GERMANY, POLAND, HUNGARY and FRANCE. On their homeward hop from ITALY yesterday they attacked the rail yards at BEZIERS in Southern FRANCE.

American heavy bombers yesterday attacked targets in both FRANCE and BELGIUM. In particular they kept up the offensive against the German flying bomb base in the PAS DE CALAIS.

More flying bombs have come over Southern England in the last 24 hours.

General DE GAULLE who left ALGIERS by air yesterday is expected in WASHINGTON this morning.


PREMIER’S STATEMENT ON FLYING BOMBS.
The Prime Minister disclosed in House of Commons this morning that 2764 flying bombs had been discharged over ENGLAND. Fatal casualties numbered 2752 about one for each flying bomb. 8,000 people had been injured or detained in hospital. A large proportion were discharged after a few days.


POSTAL ADDRESS OF RESIDUES.
In order to facilitate the speedy delivery of mail to residues still in the U.K., arrangements have been made for unit residues to use an open address.
For information the following method of address will apply:-
Number, Rank & Name e.g. 2657240 Guardsman Snooks,
Unit:- 5 Coldm Gds.
Camp address:- 44 Wilbury Rd, HOVE.
Where a unit designation discloses the formation to which it belongs, i.e. 32 Inf Bde Worshop (Gds), Gds Armd Div Sigs, this designation will have to be used, but care should be taken that the address does not indicate that the unit is part of formation residue.


FOOD.
At present no food from the Army ration or civilian sources may be sent home.


BOOBY TRAPS.
Reports, although not officially confirmed, have been received that the Germans are not only booby trapping bodies of their own dead but also of ours. The greatest of care, therefore, should be taken in dealing with any casualty found.


BOILING OF MILK.
As there is a heavy infection of Bovine Tuberculosis amongst cows in FRANCE, all milk will be boiled before use.


BATTALION CASUALTIES.

KILLED IN ACTION.
2664486 Guardsman O’BRIEN, J., Support Company

EVACUATED.
2661644 Guardsman PANTON, P., No. 3 Company
2662086 Guardsman BABBINGS, J., No. 2 Company
2657282 Lance-Sergeant DEARDON, S., No. 2 Company
3449225 Guardsman LITHERLAND, F., No. 3 Company
2664002 Lance-Corporal TIFFANY, N., No. 2 Company
2660836 Lance-Corporal BEANLAND, S., No. 2 Company

 

"OVER TO YOU".
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 12
Friday 7th July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

HEAVY AIR ATTACKS ON NORMANDY.
In NORMANDY Allied aircraft yesterday made one of their heaviest attacks on German communications. They attacked targets over an area of 9,000 square miles, destroyed 9 bridges and knocked out hundreds of enemy vehicles. The enemy lost 32 planes and the Allies 14.
American troops gained more ground around LA HAYE DUPUITS but the Germans were apparently still in possession of the town last night.
At the other end of the front there has been further fierce fighting for the CARPIQUET airfield four miles West of CAEN.
Field Marshal Von RUNSTEDT has been relieved of his post as German Commander-in-Chief in the West and has been replaced by Field Marshal Von KLUGER.


MORE FLYING BOMBS.
British and American heavy bombers have kept up the assault on German flying bomb bases on the coast of FRANCE.
More of the bombs have been over LONDON in the last 24 hours. Many of them were destroyed but damage and casualties have been reported.
Mr. CHURCHILL has announced that up to 6 a.m. yesterday 2,754 bombs had been launched from the FRENCH Coast. Total casualties up to that time were 2,752 killed and 8,000 injured.


IN BRIEF.
In ITALY the Allied armies continue to make steady progress. More than 500 American heavy bombers attacked targets in Northern ITALY yesterday.

The Russians have pushed forward on a broad front to a point little more than 30 miles from VILNA.

In the Pacific American troops have followed up their landing on NOEMFOOR Island off DUTCH NEW GUINEA by taking the nearby island of MINIM.

The KING and QUEEN and Princess ELIZABETH have made a tour of R.A.F. and American airfields in BRITAIN.

General DE GAULLE is conferring with President ROOSEVELT in WASHINGTON this week end.


A POSTAL REMINDER.
All Ranks are again reminded that the Unit must NOT be stated on the back of envelope of outgoing mail, especially the NAAFI Letter Cards. To do so may result in delay in forwarding.


TELEGRAM SERVICE.
Private telegraphic services between the U.K. and the North West European theatre of ops will not be available until a later stage. This does not preclude the despatch of private telegrams at normal rates to other theatres of war which can be sent by surface route to the United Kingdom for onward transmission.
In order that facilities may be available for the transmission of urgent private compassionate messages between U.K. and the North West European theatre of ops, a modified concession (CSN) telegram service will be put into operation. This service will be used ONLY for matters of vital importance. Congratulatory messages and terms of endearment will NOT be accepted.
Full details of this service may be obtained from C.S.M.s or C.Q.M.Sgts for these at ‘A’ Echelon.


WHAT I AM BEING FIRED ON BY.
Instead of sitting in a slit and saying “I’m being mortared” it is suggested that it is worthwhile giving a little thought to what weapon is firing on you, what damage it can do, and any possible remedy, on the following lines.
1. (a) Have the enemy got any position from which they can observe your position?
(b) Where are their forward troops in the area from which the fire is coming?
(c) What is the interval between the firing of the shot and the explosion of the shell.
From this you can form some idea of the range from which you are being fired at.
2 (a) What size of shell is coming down? How big is the bang?
(b) What size of crater does it make?
This will give you a line on its calibre.

If you can give an adequate answer to those questions, then with a little knowledge of enemy weapons you can take your pick. Below is given a list of the commonest enemy mortars and artillery weapons etc.


TABLE OF WEAPONS BY RANGE.
Weapon / Calibre / Range / Remarks
Light Mortar / 5mm / 400 yards / -
Rocket projector / 28mm / 2000 yards / Leaves smoke trail
Heavy mortar / 8mm 2600 yards / -
Light Infantry gun / 7.5mm / 3700 yards / -
Heavy Infantry gun / 15mm / 5300 yards / -
Six barrelled Mortar / 10mm / 7800 yards / High pitched whine (Minney) (Stick of six)
Five barrelled Mortar / 21mm / 9600 yards / High pitched whine (Minney) (Stick of five)
Field Gun / 10.5 / 11500 yards / Tps of 4 guns, 12 to a Battery

Any longer range is Medium or Heavy Artillery.


TABLE OF WEAPONS BY WEIGHT OF SHELL.
Weapon / Calibre / Weight of Shell / Remarks
Light mortar / 5mm / 2 lbs / -
Mortar / 8mm / 7 1/2 lbs / -
Light Infantry gun / 7.5mm / 12 lbs / -
Field Gun / 10.5 / 32 lbs
Six barrelled Mortar / 15mm / 71 lbs / 23 lbs bang. Semi Rocket
Five barrelled Mortar / 21mm / 245 lbs / 90 lbs bang. Semi Rocket.
Heavy Infantry gun / 15mm / 83 lbs / -
Rocket projector / 28mm / 183 lbs / 79 lbs bang. Rocket.

This list is very incomplete and has been considerably simplified, but it may help to give some indication of what the enemy is up to.
Don’t forget that an accurate SHEEL REP is a help to our own gunners retaliations. They want the information and you can help to get it.


COMMANDING OFFICER’S APPOINTMENT.
The Commanding Officer has been appointed the MARCELET Fortress Commander.
It is very comforting to review the extent of his command. At the time of writing the fortress consists of:-
5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS complete, with under command
B’ Company QUEENS OWN RIFLES from the 8th Canadian Infantry Brigade,
one armoured Squadron (Shermans) from the 10th Canadian Armoured Regiment,
Q’ Battery (i.e. 8 17-pounders mounted on Sherman chassis) from 21st Anti-Tank Regiment, and
a Battery (i.e. 12 17-pounders towed by quads) also from the 21st Anti-Tank Regiment.
In support we have the 55 Field Regiment, one Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery, and 2 Medium Regiments.


BALLOONS.
There is now a Meteorological Section attached to H.Q. ROYAL ARTILLERY who forecast weather conditions.
In order to find out wind speeds the Met. Sec. send up balloons which are usually red and have a piece of coloured paper by day, or a small white light by night, trailing from them at the end of a 60 foot length of string.
Do NOT shoot at these balloons.


STOP PRESS.
The Commanding Officer has been informed that all correspondence posted from this theatre of war up to, and including 29th June, was delivered at home by 5th July.

 

"OVER TO YOU."
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 13
Saturday 8th July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

2,000 TONS OF BOMBS ON CAEN.
In NORMANDY Royal Air Force heavy bombers yesterday dropped well over 2,000 tons of bombs on German troops, guns and tanks just North of CAEN.
American troops in their new attack behind CARENTAN have established a bridgehead across the River VIRE.
There has been no great change in the fighting around CAEN.


AIR BATTLES OVER GERMANY.
In the first major Allied air battle since ‘D’ Day , American heavy bombers and fighters yesterday destroyed 114 German aircraft over Central GERMANY and then went on to bomb LEIPZIG. 36 American bombers and six fighters are missing out of a force of more than 1,600 aircraft employed.
Our home based bombers were over occupied territory last night and Mosquitoes attacked BERLIN.
Bombers from ITALY yesterday attacked synthetic oil plants in South East GERMANY.


GERMAN RESISTANCE IN RUSSIA.
The Red Army has kept up its stride to the West along a front more than 300 miles long.
They are increasing their threat to VILNA and BARANOVICHI in spite of stubborn German resistance. The Russians are within 4 1/2 miles of BARANOVICHI. They are destroying the German forces trapped East of MINSK.


IN BRIEF.
In ITALY bitter fighting has continued on both flanks and in the Central sector. 5TH ARMY troops now hold two thirds of ROSIGNANO just over 12 miles South of LEGHORN.

German flying bomb attacks on LONDON and Southern ENGLAND continued yesterday and last night.

The first of LONDON’s five new deep shelters will open tomorrow.

15,000 LONDON children yesterday left for safer areas.

JAPAN has had its third air attack of the war. United States Fortresses have bombed the naval dockyard of SASEBO and YAWATA, Japan’s biggest steel centre.


MAIL.
Delivery of mail by air has now started so we can expect a greater improvement in our mail. If flying conditions are bad special boats will rush the mail across the CHANNEL.


NOTICE.
ON 29th June 1944, Lance-Corporal McNESS of the 11th ARMOURED DIVISION PROVOST COMPANY left his motor cycle and kit in the care of a Guardsman on receiving a minor injury. Among the kit is a pink Provost Warrant Card No. 04018 which is urgently required. Anyone with any knowledge of the whereabouts of this kit should report the fact to Battalion H.Q.


NEW COMMANDER OF No. 4 COMPANY.
Captain The Marquess of HARTINGTON has joined the Battalion to take over command of No. 4 Company in place of the late Major M.P.G. HOWARD.
Lieutenant T.A. MITCHELL has also arrived from 34 R.H.U. and Lieutenant R.F.C. PARRINGTON has left to join the 1st (Armoured) Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.


THE BATTLE FOR CAEN.
A B.B.C. announcement at 1800 hours today stated:-
In NORMANDY the great battle for CAEN is in full progress. Up to now it has gone well. Troops from Britain and Canada who went into the assault at dawn had by this morning already captured six villages, and at one point British troops had captured ground only half a mile from the centre of the town.
No big scale tank clashes have been reported yet. Up to now it is mainly a battle of the infantry.
It is on the Left flank that we have pushed to within 1/2 mile of the city. On our Right flank Canadian troops have made slower headway against tough defence.
The battle started in earnest just before sunset last night when 450 heavy bombers gave a record ‘softening up’ by dropping 2,300 tons of bombs. Only one of our planes is missing. Then the Artillery supported by Naval Guns put down a great barrage to pave the way for the infantry.


OF INTEREST TO OTHER RANKS AT ‘A’ ECHELON.
A detachment of 128 Field Ambulance is now attached to ‘A’ Echelon. Anyone with minor complaints etc that need attention should report to the Ambulance (near the Office Truck) by 0855 hours tomorrow, Sunday, and they will be taken for treatment.


STOP PRESS.
The following report on the battle for CAEN has been received from Adv. Battalion H.Q.

A new offensive started this morning on the front opposite CAEN. By midday the first attack had carried the line forward to GRUCHY, BURON, ST CONTEST, and EPRON. Since then no fresh news has come in, but great things can be expected of this latest success and it is hoped that more details will be available for tomorrow’s issue.

 

"OVER TO YOU."
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 15
Monday 10th July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

MOPPING UP AT CAEN.
In NORMANDY, CAEN was liberated yesterday by United Kingdom and Canadian troops who now face the Germans across the river ORNE. The Germans still hold the big suburb on the farther bank. They left CAEN full of mines and booby traps and pockets of resistance still remain. West of CAEN Canadian troops have taken CARPIQUET airfield.
American forces have driven the Germans out of LA HAYE DUPUITS and made progress North and North West of the road centre of ST LO. Bad weather hindered the Allied aircraft in the battle area yesterday but attacks were kept up on road and rail transport over a wide are.


RUSSIANS’ 250 MILE FRONT.
The Russians are attacking on a 250 mile front North of the PRIPET Marshes. In some places they have advanced more than 200 miles in less than 3 weeks. Yesterday they captured the rail centre of LIDA, 90 miles West of MINSK, and more than 1100 other places.
There has been more hard fighting in the streets of VILNA.


IN BRIEF.
American troops sector French troops are close to POGGIBONSI last big town before FLORENCE and the 8TH ARMY is battling along the last few miles to AREZZO.

Yesterday the Romanian oil centre of PLOESTI was again bombed by Allied aircraft from ITALY.

The Italian Government is returning to ROME next week.

In the Central Pacific American forces have completed the occupation of SAIPAN Island. 10,000 Japanese are estimated to have been killed.

In the South West Pacific American troops have killed more than 3,000 Japanese on BIAK Island off DUTCH NEW GUINEA, and in BURMA this year 40,000 Japanese have been killed.

U Boot sinkings of United Nations Merchant shipping in June were almost the lowest on record.


FLYING BOMB HITS GUARDS CHAPEL.
It can now be revealed that the Guards Chapel was recently hit by a flying bomb. [18th June 1944]

A service was taking place at the time and fatal casualties to Coldstream personnel were as under:-

2653113 Musician F. KENT
390198 Lance-Sergeant A. HEWLETT
2655807 Lance-Corporal E. SELLERS
2657482 Lance-Sergeant S. NEWBOULD
2661081 Lance-Corporal E. HOLMES
2663561 Guardsman L. CONGREVE
2652792 Lance-Corporal F. MORLEY
2652730 Guardsman W. ANNALS
2656863 Guardsman G. DAVIDSON
2658383 Drummer J. COPEMAN
2656165 Lance-Corporal J. DUNN
4256661 Musician G. CARR
3649008 Musician R. SHORTEN
2661797 Lance-Sergeant J. HALL
2651598 Lance-Sergeant E. WATSON
2661159 Guardsman A. TITCOMBE
2662384 Drummer A. RICHMOND
2660806 Guardsman G. DALTON
4614268 Guardsman W. SHAW
2659836 Guardsman R. MITCHELL
853787 Guardsman A. HOOPER


MAJOR CAUSLEY WINDRAM KILLED.
Major J. CAUSLEY WINDRAM senior Musical Director of the Brigade of Guards was killed by enemy action in the South of ENGLAND recently.
The Major who was 57 years of age was senior Director of Music in the whole British Army by rank and service. He was born in Manchester and promoted from the NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS where he was bandmaster to a commission as Director of Music in the COLDSTREAM GUARDS in 1930. His father was Director of Music in the ROYAL MARINES.
Major WINDRAM’s wife was also injured.

Major JAMES CAUSLEY WINDRAM 47956, Coldstream Guards who died age 57 on 18 June 1944
Son of William Charles and Catherine Windram; husband of Olive Atkinson Windram, of Annalong, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. L.R.A.M.
Remembered with honour ST. PANCRAS CEMETERY
Grave/Memorial Reference: Screen Wall. Sec. 7 P. Grave 15.
CWGC :: Casualty Details


BATTALION CASUALTIES.
DIED OF WOUNDS
2664176 Guardsman K. DOLLING who was wounded on 28th June died in hospital the following day.


PLASTIC TOKENS FOR SMALL CHANGE.
Owing to shortage of small change in French currency, it has been decided as a temporary measure, to use tokens of the denomination of 1/2 franc in NAAFI in FRANCE.
Tokens will take the form of octagonal plastic discs, with the value (1/2 franc) inscribed on the face.
They are issued with authority and may be freely accepted as legal tender as between NAAFI and Navy, Army and Air Force personnel within such limits as may be decided by NAAFI authorities concerned.
It is emphasised that tokens are being issued as a temporary measure only and solely for the benefit of troops in making cash purchases at NAAFI when small change is not available.
They cannot be used elsewhere than in NAAFI establishments, but will be exchanged by Cashiers at home in the case of returning troops with tokens in their possession.
All tokens will be withdrawn by NAAFI as soon as possible and will be redeemed in full by NAAFI.


POSTAGE RATES FOR PARCELS.
As there seems to be some doubt as to the rates of postage payable for parcels the following is given for information:
Not exceeding 3 lbs - 9d (8 Francs)
Not exceeding 7 lbs - 1/6d (15 Francs)
Not exceeding 11 lbs - 2/- (20 Francs)
Not exceeding 22 lbs - 3/6d (35 Francs)

Size:- Length 3ft 6 ins.
Length and girth combined 6 ft.
Gift parcels must not exceed 5 lbs and will cost 1/6 (15 Francs).
There is no registered parcel service.

 

"OVER TO YOU."
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 16
Tuesday 11th July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

NEW ATTACK PROCEEDS SATISFACTORILY.
In NORMANDY United Kingdom and Canadian troop of the SECOND ARMY have launched a new attack South West of CAEN and have widened and deepened their bridgehead across the River ODON. They have also captured useful high ground between the ODON and the ORNE. The Germans have reacted strongly but our troops have beaten off several counter-attacks.
At the other end of the NORMANDY front American forces have pushed further South along the West bank of the VIRE and have enlarged their bridgehead. South West of CARENTAN American troops have advanced another mile and are beginning to threaten the German position around LESSAY.


VILNA SURROUNDED.
The Russians have now entirely surrounded VILNA and were last night fighting in the centre of the city. They also kept up their victorious drive all along the line from the Southern border of the LATVIAN Republic down to the Northern fringes of the PRIPET Marches.


PROGRESS IN ITALY.
In ITALY Fifth Army troops have pushed a few miles beyond VOLTERRA in the direction of the West coast port of LEGHORN and in the Centre of the line Eighth Army men have gained ground East of AREZZO in spite of fierce German resistance.


ENEMY INTENTIONS.
The first reaction of the enemy to our offensive which produced our bridgehead over the ODON was one of apparent panic. Four S.S. Panzer Divisions were rushed across FRANCE and precipitated into battle, incomplete, disorganised by their journey, and hardly aware of what was happening before they found themselves in the front line.
The first counter-attack was made by three Battalions all coming from different Divisions. The counter-attack on CARPIQUET was made by a scratch force drawn from four different Divisions and all these rush tactics have brought the same unfruitful results.
Whether Von RUNSTED was dismissed because he failed to produce any workable plan or for other reasons, at all events, his successor Von KLUGER is likely to try something new and more practical and the patchwork series of counter-attacks which bear the stamp of ROMMEL will probably be kept more under control.
Another factor likely to influence future enemy moves is the gradual appearance of Infantry Divisions from other parts of FRANCE to relieve the Panzer Divisions now in the line. From the fact that the Panzer Divisions nearly all appeared without their tanks and the way in which they were used, it seems they were never intended as a massed armoured counter-attack, but as the nearest and most rapidly available stop gaps. A very unsuitable role from which they are now being extricated so that the Germans will once more have an armoured reserve.
Despite the appearance of new infantry Divisions the Germans will still be very short of infantry and seriously out-numbered, and the gravity with which they regard the situation may be measured by the fact that some of their new Divisions have been brought from RUSSIA.

It is always very rash to make forecasts, but at a rough hazard the following future developments are suggested:-
1. The Germans will try to save Divisions by shortening their line, which can be done by withdrawing from Brittany.
2. The process of extricating Panzer Divisions will continue and in due course give Von KLUGER a reasonable force with which to attempt the major counter-attack that the Germans have so singularly failed to bring off since D DAY.
3. Any further advance South East from CAEN or across the ORNE will be very seriously resisted and holding this area against any further advance has probably became Priority number one.


THE BATTALION SECTOR.
The battle is steadily receding for us and yesterday our nearest Germans were over three miles away to the South East.
With the main part of CAEN firmly in our hands a new offensive opened yesterday to widen the bridgehead over the ODON to the East.
BRETTEVILLE SUR ODON, ETERVILLE and Point 122 (North East of ESQUAY) are firmly held, we have entered MALTOT but up to now fighting is still going on in this area.
Incidentally the Medical Officer who has been busy firing a 25-pounder this afternoon claims to have knocked out a German Mortar near there.
The B.B.C. state that the weather in NORMANDY is much improved (???).


NOTICE.
In future, as far as circumstances permit, “OVER TO YOU” will be published in the morning instead of the afternoon.

 

"OVER TO YOU."
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 17
Wednesday 12th July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

FIERCE FIGHTING IN NORMANDY.
In NORMANDY there has been more fierce fighting North East of CAEN on the Right bank of the River ORNE. British troops attacked there early yesterday, then the Germans launched a strong counter-attack and won back some of the ground.
South West of CAEN Canadian troops command the West bank of the ORNE in the open country near LOUVIGNY. Further West other SECOND ARMY troops have made local gains in hard fighting between TILLY and CAUMONT.
On the American Sector General BRADLEY’s troops have captured a point four miles East of ST LO and were last night reported less than three miles from the town.
It is now revealed that the British 49th Division has been in action in NORMANDY.


RUSSIANS’ ADVANCE MAINTAINED.
The Russians have kept up their advance towards the BALTIC and East PRUSSIA. They have completely mopped up the enemy forces trapped East of MINSK. In all they took more than 27,000 prisoners in the MINSK pocket.


FIGHTER BASE ON SAIPAN.
In the Central Pacific American fighter aircraft are now operating from SAIPAN Island. In the South West Pacific Allied heavy bombers have made another attack on the Japanese airfield on YAPP Island in the Carolinos.
In North BURMA the Japanese have now been driven from the road between MOGAUNG and KAR?ING.


IN BRIEF.
In ITALY the Allied armies have gained more ground in face of stubborn resistance.

R.A.F. bombers made two more daylight attacks yesterday on flying bomb installations in Northern FRANCE.
LONDON had its second successive quiet night but there was some flying bomb activity over the Southern Counties of ENGLAND.


N.A.A.F.I. OPENS NEXT WEEK.
The N.A.A.F.I. will open next week and first issues are on Tuesday 18th July.
Included in the possibilities are
Beer, 1 bottle, and not a pint but a quart,
Cigarettes 75 or baccy in lieu,
Chocolate 1 1/2 bars,
Matches 1 box every two weeks,
Razor blades one a week (it’s fantastic),
Writing paper and envelopes also included, plus
the usual soap,
toothpaste,
blanco (what a nerve),
pencils,
and they even allow you one shaving brush but it is only one every 144 weeks, so if you lose your brush, Rip Van Winkle will have nothing on you.
BUT if you break your beer bottle or use it to put candles in, then you’ve had it for the future, so look after your beer bottle as you would your wife.


NOTICE.
Officers’ clothing coupons for the current year may be obtained from the Quartermaster on application.

 

"OVER TO YOU."
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 18
Thursday 13th July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

GROUND GAINED IN NORMANDY.
In NORMANDY the Allies gained a little more ground yesterday at various points after hard fighting and the Germans lost heavily in unsuccessful counter-attacks.
At the Western end of the front American troops were last reported within two miles of LESSAY and further East other American forces were within the same distance of ST LO.
On the British SECOND ARMY front yesterday was mainly a day of consolidation after recent advances.


RUSSIANS’ NEW DRIVE.
The Russians have now extended their summer offensive Northwards along a front of nearly 100 miles. In a new drive towards the Eastern frontier of the LATVIAN Republic they have advanced up to 20 miles and captured more than 1,000 places.


45,000 JAPS TRAPPED.
In the South West Pacific, the 18th Japanese Army of about 45,000 men trapped in NEW GUINEA between WEWACK and AITAPE is reported to be concentrating for a desperate effort to break out the West.
In the Central Pacific more than 20,000 Japanese have been wiped out on SAIPAN Island.
American casualties in the battle for the island total just over 15,000 including 2,359 killed.


IN BRIEF.
In ITALY the Allied armies continue to fight their way slowly forward in face of stubborn resistance.

U.S. War Secretary Mr. Henry SIMPSON has arrived in ENGLAND from ITALY.

R.A.F. bombers from BRITAIN were over enemy occupied territory in great strength last night. No activity was reported over ENGLAND during the hours of darkness.


SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING DARKNESS.
Owing to the number of accidents involving loss of life which have occurred during the hours of darkness, the attention of All Ranks is drawn to the necessity of taking the normal precautions. It is pointed out that drivers of vehicles are often unable to see personnel on foot in sufficient time to avert an accident. In places where no footway is in existence, and it becomes necessary to walk in a roadway, personnel on foot will always walk on their left side of the road.


USE OF BRITISH AND AMERICAN CURRENCY.
Cases are occurring of the tendering of British and American currency in payment for civilian goods. This practice must cease at once. The Civil Authorities have been instructed to refuse to accept British and American Currency.


WORK THIS OUT.
It seems that some miraculous agency has been at work in the A.P.C. for it is reported by the T.C.L. Platoon that a letter stamped as posted on the 11th arrived here on the 9th. Maybe you can work this out in the fourth dimension.


GENERAL SITUATION.
The final stages of the battle for CAEN have produced a strong enemy reaction and there has been some very heavy fighting to the South West.
As forecast the Germans have held tenaciously to all of CAEN across the ORNE. We were unable to capture the factories South of COLOMBELLES 0770, and the building across the river are very strongly defended.
To the South West we have got LOUVIGNY 0065 and the Battalion that held it is now dangerously split with little hope of escaping across the river. MALTOT 9872 has proved to be a death trap and we have withdrawn from it to the high ground further North. Point 122 further West has been the scene of many enemy counter-attacks but is now in our hands.
The heavy fighting of the last few days has given the enemy little time to carry out his programme of relieving Panzer Division from the front line, and the brunt of the battle has been borne by 9 S.S. Division and 21 Panzer Division, though the latter has not been identified for two days and may now be in reserve.
It is a mistake to count German Divisions as out of the battle because they have received very heavy casualties, none the less 21 Panzer Division, 10 S.S. Panzer Division and 12 S.S. Panzer Division have all been very severely mauled and cannot be counted as effective Divisions for some time to come. The remnants of these three Divisions are all now withdrawn out of the battle and from some sort of reserve, but the only really dependable Panzer Division available is 1 S.S. Panzer Division which has only been slightly involved in the recent fighting.
No new arrivals have yet been reported, but it is to be expected that Hitler will court all sorts of disasters on other fronts in an effort for success in the West, and new Divisions are to be expected. It is worth bearing in mind that the present Russian successes are in no small measure due to the numbers of German Divisions we are eating up over here, and the Russians now have under 100 miles to go to reach East PRUSSIA.


BEWARE OF BAD MAP READING.
You may have wondered how the Germans got the news of our arrival here. There are a number of possible explanations such as wireless interception, civilians passing through the lines, interrogation of captured Canadians etc, but the most probable seems the adventures of an ROYAL ENGINEERS Sergeant of this Division who visited CAEN on a motor bicycle several days before it was captured, and not surprisingly has failed to return.


NORWICH OLD COLDSTREAMERS.
It is notified for the information of all concerned that the address of Mr. C.W. BARRETT, Honorary Secretary of the Norwich Branch, Old Coldstreamers’ Association is now:- 23 Victoria Street, NORWICH.


NOTICES.
FOUND:- Near the R.A.P., a bunch of keys.
LOST:- In Battalion area, a conway Stuart fountain pen.
Information to the Office Truck.

 

"OVER TO YOU."
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 20
Friday 15th July 1944.


FUTURE OF “OVER TO YOU”.
Now that the wirelesses are available in Company areas, and newspapers also to hand, “Over to You” will be discontinued, except for the occasional issue to give you news of any changes in the Battalion. When we are again in action it will be a daily feature once more.


B.B.C. NEWS

STEADY PROGRESS BY AMERICANS.
In NORMANDY American troops have kept up steady pressure all along their front and last night were just over a mile from LESSAY. German resistance has stiffened round ST. LO. There has been little change in the CAEN sector.
Allied aircraft yesterday gave German communications one of the heaviest hammerings they have had in the last fortnight.


RUSSIANS PUSH ON.
The Russians have pushed closer to the German defence line covering WARSAW, East PRUSSIA and the BALTIC Coast. They have captured PINSK in the PRIPET Marshes and the big junction of VOLKOVYSK further North.


JAPS CHECKED.
In NEW GUINEA American forces are checking Japanese attempts to break out of the trap between WEWAK and AITAPE. Further up the NEW GUINEA Coast Allied troops have captured the airfield at SAWAR.
American Carrier-based aircraft have again bombed GUAM and ROTA Islands in the MARIANNAS.


IN BRIEF.
In ITALY French troops of the 5th Army have taken POGGIBONSI about 20 miles South of FLORENCE. Heavy bombers from ITALY yesterday attacked oil plants in HUNGARY and rail yards at BUDAPEST.

R.A.F. bombers were over enemy occupied Europe again last night and Mosquitoes were over GERMANY.

More flying bombs have been over Southern ENGLAND. Some of these launched in daylight yesterday reached the LONDON area.


CORRESPONDENCE.
A great deal of unnecessary trouble is caused by people who do not sign the certificate on the outside of the Green Envelope. This only causes delay for whoever wrote the letter, as they have to be opened to ascertain the sender and then sent back for him to sign it.
Complaint number two is Officers who fail to frank the letters they have censored, on the outside. At least a dozen of these come in each day.


BATTLE NEWS.
There is no change to report today.

 

"OVER TO YOU."
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 21
Thursday 20th July 1944.


THE BATTALION SECTOR.
Since this latest offensive in which we took part, the line has been pushed forward from CAEN by about five miles and we have taken the following places, VAUCELLES, GRENTHEVILLE, CAGNY, BANNEVILLE, and are fighting on the outskirts of TROARN.
Over 70 prisoners passed through our hands here, and the total number counted last night was over 1,000. A considerable amount of equipment was also taken. As an indication it is consoling to note that in the Battalion area alone 13 Moaning Minnies were found and that is to say 60 fewer barrels to inconvenience us in the future. We have also got several Anti-Tank guns and the usual collection of telephones etc which the Germans seem to shed with such profligacy.
Interesting documents come in at intervals among them a marked map with a history that is a pleasing comment on the present situation. One side was a map of part of the English Coast, the map being headed as one of a series printed for the Invasion of ENGLAND. This has been crossed out and the reverse of the map used to print a map of the French Coast. One wonders if the Germans are award of the irony of the situation.
Among a pile of letters etc brought was a piece of paper with a poem printed on it and the bearer of it was eager for a translation. I’m not sure what he expected it to be about but for his information it was a long and boorish discourse on the importance of dying for the Fatherland which its owner seemed to have put into practice.
During our move up here we have come into contact with quite a number of different types of German units. COUVEVILLE and DEMOVILLE were occupied by 16 G.A.F. Division, most of whom were Polish, Russian, and anything but Germans and all of whom appeared to be in very poor spirits and agreed that it was most important that the war end this year and that they personally were quite indifferent who won.
Further on and in our present area many prisoners were collected from the Infantry Regiments of 21 Panzer Division a better type of Division than the G.A.F. but very battered by now. These troops are probably still opposite us though they may changed any day and a recent identification give 1 S.S. as having been in action just to our right. 1 S.S. are a tough proposition and to be treated with some caution when encountered.


BATTALION CASUALTIES.

KILLED IN ACTION.
2662502 Guardsman LEIGHTON, S., No. 4 Company
2664845 Guardsman MANSELL, J., No. 2 Company
2661746 Guardsman FARRAR, F., No. 2 Company
2663876 Guardsman FLETCHER, S., No. 3 Company


WOUNDED.
Major W.S. S. BROWN
Major J. d'H. HAMILTON
2656083 Guardsman CLAYTON, C., No. 1 Company
2661956 Guardsman WILLIAMS, H., No. 1 Company
2664403 Guardsman WILDIN, W., No. 1 Company
5109352 Sergeant RAFFERTY, W., No. 2 Company
2663841 Lance-Corporal TAYLOR, D., No. 2 Company
2664307 Guardsman FULLER, D., No. 3 Company
2661337 Guardsman GAUNT, W., No. 3 Company
2658957 Guardsman TURNER, G, No. 3 Company
2661667 Guardsman LEES, S., No. 1 Company
2656940 Lance-Corporal WILLIAMS, A., No. 1 Company
2663622 Guardsman READER, B., No. 1 Company
2663821 Guardsman WARD, F., No. 2 Company
2654476 Drill Sergeant STANLEY, W., H.Q. Company
2660911 Guardsman YATES, G., No. 2 Company
2662818 Guardsman REID, G., No. 2 Company
2653581 Guardsman THORPE, E., No. 2 Company
2659191 Lance-Sergeant CHAPPELL, T., No. 4 Company
2655024 Guardsman FARR, H., No. 4 Company
2661009 Guardsman BARRATT, H., No. 4 Company
2660577 Guardsman WATSON, J., No. 4 Company
2665400 Guardsman PALFREY, C., No. 4 Company
2663670 Guardsman BATES, R., No. 4 Company
2662092 Guardsman RUSSELL, S., No. 4 Company
2661938 Guardsman THORNTON, A., No. 2 Company
5249190 Lance-Sergeant SIMPSON, G., No. 2 Company
2656203 Sergeant WILSON, S., No. 4 Company
2659863 Guardsman RUTHERFORD, T., No. 4 Company
2660614 Guardsman TEMPLETON, H., No. 4 Company
2662606 Guardsman COUGHLIN, G., No. 4 Company
2662926 Lance-Corporal BRADLEY, F., No. 4 Company
2658402 Lance-Corporal JACKSON, G., No. 4 Company
2666159 Guardsman BUCKLEY, A., No. 4 Company
2656148 Guardsman GRAINGER, R., No. 3 Company
2662243 Guardsman WILSON, W., No. 3 Company
2663170 Lance-Corporal ASHCROFT, F., No. 3 Company

EVACUATED.
2661756 Sergeant HERON, J., No. 1 Company
2661990 Lance-Corporal MARSDEN, J.
2662294 Guardsman BENSON, C.
2653978 Guardsman RICHARDSON, C.


B.B.C. NEWS. 0900 hours

GOOD PROGRESS IN NORMANDY.
In NORMANDY the British SECOND ARMY now holds a triangular bridgehead over the ORNE with its apex close to TROARN a town 7 miles due East of CAEN. It was stated at Allied Headquarters last night that the battle was going “extraordinarily well”.
American troops are mopping up in the ST. LO area.


LEGHORN CAPTURED.
In ITALY American troops of the 5th Army have captured LEGHORN and reached the river ARNO on a front of about 25 miles. On the ADRIATIC Coast 8th Army troops have captured ANCONA.
Allied Headquarters announced this morning that torrential rain in ITALY had seriously interfered with our advance.


NEW RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE.
The Russians have launched a new offensive on the BALTIC front. They have already torn a gap of 40 miles in the German defences around OSTROV on the LATVIAN border and advanced up to 25 miles. Our Allies have driven closer to BREST LITOVSK and further South have forced the River BUG and got to within 10 miles of LVOV.


IN BRIEF.
The Japanese forces in NEW GUINEA have lost 600 more men in a fresh attempt to escape from the AITAPE area. In the Central PACIFIC United States warships have kept up the bombardment of GUAM.

TOKYO radio has announced the resignation of the entire Japanese Cabinet.

More flying bombs were over Southern ENGLAND last night.


The following extract from Act IV, Sc iii of SHAKESPEARE’s KING HENRY V is quoted for interest:

This story shall the good man teach his son;

And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,

From this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remembered-

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

For he to-day that sheds his blood with me

Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so base,

This day shall gentle his condition;

And gentlemen in England now-a-bed

Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,

And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks

That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

 

"OVER TO YOU."
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 22
Friday 21st July 1944.


THE BATTALION SECTOR.
The latest gains to date are on our Rght the capture of TROARN, in the Centre our own battle for FRENOUVILLE and on the Left and advance to somewhere South of BOURGEBUS.
In addition to this the Canadians from across the river have joined up with the Left flank of the advance and several enemy pockets have been cut off and surrouned.
This morning on arrival in FRENOUVILLE we found that the bird had flown, civilian accounts seem to give a fair picture of what happened and they state that the enemy departed last night leaving about 20 men in the village, from which one would presume 16 ran away on our entry and four who stayed behind were duly liquidated. The civilian informant added that VIMIONT where he had come from was full of troops, many S.P. equipments and some tanks, which again seems likely as soon after our arrival the enemy became active and bombed up from many directions, presumably having been rushed up from VIMONT to try and deal with us.
From the Germans we caught in the village it is now known that this was occupied by 26 P.G.R. of our old friends 12 S.S. Division of CARPIQUET days. It seems unlikely that these are the people who have been so busy around us today, but no doubt time will provide an answer. (If you can help with any documents etc they will be very welcome).
Some successful sniping from No. 4 Company during today has accounted for at least half a dozen of the enemy and No. 3 Company have also recorded a good bag.
In case you don’t know keep clear of the main road through No. 2 Company’s position. It may be the road to PARIS and all that, but at present it’s more likely to get you to heaven than anywhere els.


ENEMY POSITIONS AROUND FRENOUVILLE. (Up to 2000 hours on the 20th)
The gist of civilian reports is that the enemy departed yesterday leaving about 20 behind. Of these, we shot four. Lack of paybooks makes it impossible to say more than that they were 26 P.G.R.
The enemy now around us are probably different as they took up their present position very hurriedly subsequent to our arrival.
Their present localities are as follows:-
1. About a Company well dug in around the area of CROSS TRACKS 116617.
2. Front edge of WOOD 1261 constant movement and a high velocity gun variously reported as a tank, S.P. Anti-Tank gun and 88mm.
3. Infantry along hedge and on ridge 128624. Move quite openly at times and many have been shot.
4. Movement down and on far side of road from 129625 to infantry position at forward edge of orchard 124628. This position contains an Anti-Tank weapon covering the length of the main road, any movement on which is fatal.
5. Possible S.P. Infantry guns in front of orchard at 630128.


BATTALION CASUALTIES.

WOUNDED.
2660589 Guardsman COOPER, A., No. 2 Company
2662768 Guardsman LUCAS, F., No. 2 Company
2662863 Guardsman YATES, F., No. 2 Company
2656858 Lance-Sergeant GIBB, W., No. 2 Company
2662705 Guardsman ANDREWS, W., No. 2 Company
2664441 Guardsman TAYLOR, H., No. 2 Company
2660444 Guardsman BROWNING, G., No. 2 Company
2664059 Guardsman PASHLEY, J., No. 2 Company
2666289 Guardsman GIBBS, R., No. 2 Company
2665053 Guardsman CAWTHRA, L., No. 1 Company
2658822 Guardsman WILSON, C., No. 2 Company
2662453 Guarsman BOOTHBY, W., No. 2 Company
2663950 Guardsman WHITTAKER, R., No. 2 Company

EVACUATED.
14224391 Guardsman ROPER, J., No. 1 Company
2662340 Guardsman KNIGHTS, A., No. 2 Company
2665401 Guardsman TAME, S., No. 1 Company
2659204 Guardsman SARGEANT, G., No. 2 Company
2663796 Guardsman MARSHALL, S., Support Company
2654855 Guardsman CARR, G., H.Q. Company
2660456 Guardsman BECKETT, J. No. 1 Company


ATTEMPT TO ASSASSINATE HITLER FAILS.
A German report yesterday stated that an attempt has been made on the life of HITLER. He escaped with slight injuries.
The plot it is said was planned by a small clique of German Officer.
Shortly after midnight Hitler made a statement over the German radio “to let my people hear my voice and know I am unhurt and well.”
The Fuhrer said the attempt was plotted by a small band of German Officers and he announced a new purge in GERMANY to stamp out “traitors and conspirators”.
This band who had tried to exterminate the staff of the German High Command were entirely unrepresentative of the German Army and had nothing to do with it. All had either committed suicide or been shot.
He announced that he had appointed HIMMLER to be Commander-in-Chief of the Home Front and members of the German armed forces had been told to be aware of forged orders.
The German leader who spoke for 5 1/2 minutes was convinced that providence had saved his life.
The German News Agency stated that some of the staff of the High Command had been wounded and one had died.


NEWS FROM THE BATTLEFRONTS.
The Russians have launched a new offensive West of KOVEL and have broken through on a 90 mile front. In three days they have advanced 30 miles and taken a town nearly half way to LUBLIN.

In NORMANDY British forces are now firmly established along a front beginning 5 miles South of CAEN and bending round to TROARN 8 miles to the East.

In ITALY American troops of the 5th Army are within sight of PISA and further inland other 5th Army troops have captured a town 16 miles from FLORENCE.

In NEW GUINEA the Allies have smashed more Japanese attempts to break out of the AITAPE trap.


IN BRIEF.
R.A.F. bombers from BRITAIN were over GERMANY, BELGIUM, and FRANCE last night in great strenght.

The Germans sent more flying bombs over Southern ENGLAND including the LONDON Area.

Mr. ROOSEVELT has accepted nomination for a fourth term as President of the United States.

 

"OVER TO YOU."
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 23
Saturday 22nd July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

GESTAPO TAKE CHARGE IN BERLIN.
Reports reaching STOCKHOLM in spite of a strict censorship say that the Gestapo is in charge of BERLIN.
The German radio has announced that the ring leader in the revolt was General HECK who was dismissed from the post of Chief of General Staff in 1938. He is said to have been killed.


RAIN HAMPERS PROGRESS.
In NORMANDY heavy rain has hampered the Allied troops but Canadian forces have made progress South of CAEN. To the East United Kingdom infantry hold half the town of TROARN. General BRADLEY’s men have straightened their line.


IN BRIEF.

In ITALY Allied troops are within 15 miles of FLORENCE.

Russian troops on the BALTIC front have captured the sea town of OSTROV.

United States Democratic Party has nominated Senator Harry TRUMAN for the Vice Presidency.

BERLIN was attacked last night by R.A.F. Mosquitoes.

More flying bombs were over Southern ENGLAND including the LONDON Area.


BATTALION CASUALTIES.

KILLED IN ACTION.
Lieutenant H.C.H. BOWSER
2657598 Lance-Corporal MILLER, W., No. 2 Company
5511006 Guardsman BOYCE, H., Support Company


WOUNDED.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lord STRATHEDEN
Lieutenant R. THOMPSON
2659312 Guardsman MORRIS, G., Support Company
2660903 Guardsman WALTERS, E., H.Q. Company
2661440 Guardsman HOWCROFT, R., No. 3 Company
2662886 Guardsman BURNS, R., No. 3 Company
2664663 Lance-Corporal BURROWS, A., Support Company
2662715 Guardsman WORTHY, L., Support Company
2661445 Guardsman TAYLOR, A., No. 3 Company
2662477 Guardsman WEBB, G., Support Company
2661852 Sergeant COOPER, F., Support Company
2662383 Lance-Corporal HAMILTON, E., H.Q. Company
2661399 Lance-Sergeant DIMENT, F., Support Company
2661595 Guardsman COWAN, M., No. 1 Company

MISSING.
2661562 Lance-Sergeant THURLBY, J., H.Q. Company

EVACUATED.
2660541 Guardsman ROLLINS, L., No. 4 Company
2656912 Lance-Sergeant GRAYSON, W., Support Company
2661419 Lance-Sergeant WILSON, F., Support Company
2656556 Sergeant BUSH, W., Support Company
2659115 Guardsman TILLEY, A., H.Q. Company
2664607 Guardsman DAY, J., No. 2 Company
2655360 Guardsman GOODMAN, C., No. 2 Company
2660791 Guardsman SMITH, B., Support Company
2550674 Lance-Sergeant HEPWORTH, F., No. 1 Company
2663677 Lance-Sergeant BARKER, F., Support Company
2661822 Lance-Sergeant CARR, R., H.Q. Company
2658115 Company Sergeant-Major COWLEY, J., No. 3 Company

 

"OVER TO YOU."
The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
Published Daily
Price: - Gratis
No. 24
Sunday 23rd July 1944.


B.B.C. NEWS

BERLIN DENIES DISORDERS.
Late last night BERLIN radio denied that disorders had broken out in BERLIN, KIEL, and HAMBURG and other German cities.
ROMMEL has reacted to the news from GERMANY by appointing as the new commanders of Panzer Divisions men described as “Fanatical Young Nazis”.


RUSSIANS DRIVE ON.
Russian troops driving on WARSAW have captured the railway junction of KOHIM (or CHEIM) just beyond the demarkation line GERMANY and RUSSIA set up 1939. The Germans have declared martial law in the capital of East PRUSSIA and further North Soviet troops have blasted their way into PSKOV the last German stronghold of any size in Northern RUSSIA.


MALTOT RETAKEN.
In NORMANDY yesterday United Kingdom troops South West of CAEN retook the hotly contested village of MALTOT.
Across the CHERBOURG Peninsular the Americans have crossed the river six miles inland from LESSAY.


IN BRIEF.
There has been German flying bomb activity throughout the night over Southern ENGLAND including the LONDON area.

In ITALY American patrols have almost reached the suburbs of PISA the outpost of the German GOTHIC LINE.

American forces on the Central Pacific island of GUAM are pushing on against increasing Japanese resistance.

The United Nations Monetary Conference at BRETTON WOODS, U.S.A. had ended in completed agreement on financing post war reconstruction.


BATTALION CASUALTIES.

KILLED IN ACTION.
6202354 Lance-Sergeant FARR, J., No. 2 Company
2654130 Lance-Corporal RAWSON, G., No. 2 Company


WOUNDED.
2660809 Guardsman WHITEHURST, J., No. 3 Company
2665521 Guardsman KARLEY, A., No. 2 Company
2661240 Guardsman LAWRENCE, F., No. 2 Company
2660723 Guardsman LISTER, D., No. 2 Company
2662788 Guardsman MERRILLS, J., No. 2 Company
2662376 Guardsman CRAWSHAW, R., No. 3 Company
2662358 Guardsman RYANS, I., No. 2 Company
2662475 Guardsman RODDIS, G., No. 2 Company
2664450 Guardsman BOWERS, A., No. 3 Company
2655735 Sergeant ROBINSON, T., No. 3 Company
2659134 Lance-Sergeant LEWIS, F, No. 3 Company
2660173 Guardsman WILSON, J., No. 2 Company
2653831 Guardsman CRANE, R., No. 3 Company
2662995 Lance-Corporal DURRANS, A., No. 1 Company
2661655 Guardsman CHRISNALL, A., No. 1 Company
2660468 Sergeant CREAN, T., No. 1 Company

 

BATTLE OF THE RIVERS - British Pathe

Title reads: "Battle of the Rivers".

Allied Forces invasion of France.

Various shots of mechanised units of the British and Canadian army preparing for assault on the Rivers Odon and Orne. Infantry mount the Sherman tanks and they head along the dusty road. Various shots of Sherman flail tanks passing camera (not flailing). Road bank collapses and one tank rolls onto its side

Various shots of Lancaster bombers over industrial area of Vaucelles. Aerial shots of bombs dropping from planes. Night shot of coloured markers cascading down to light up target area. More aerial shots, including L/S of Lancaster bomber crashing in flames.

Various shots of heavy artillery in action in the fields. Various shots of Royal Engineers putting Bailey Bridge across the Caen Canal. L/S of tanks crossing the bridge. Various shots of badly damaged industrial area near Caen. L/S of Canadian tanks on the move over open countryside and tracks. We see a soldier extinguishing flames where a tank's grass camouflage has caught fire. The tanks cross a railway line.

Various shots of Winston Churchill being greeted by American officers as he arrives by plane in the Cherbourg area. He then tours the peninsular, looking at structures that were supposed to be V.2. sites. M/S of Churchill climbing into spotter plane ("flying jeep"), piloted by Air Vice Marshal Broadhurst. Various shots of Churchill driving around Caen in an open-topped car, with him are Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery (Monty) and General Dempsey. Various shots of Churchill posing with a group of soldiers, he then spends some time chatting to them.

Issue Date: 27/07/1944