War Diary: 1st (Armoured) Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS, 1944

See link for full transcript: New Resource - 1st Armoured Bn Coldstream Guards, 1944​

WAR DIARY
1ST (ARMD) BN. COLDSTREAM GUARDS
COMMANDING OFFICER: Lt.-Col. R. MYDDLETON
JUNE 1944​

1 JUNE
SPECIAL AREA
08.00hrs
1st Parade under Sqdn arrangements.
The Regimental Lt.-Col. And Regimental Adj. visited the Battalion.

2 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Sqnd arrangements.
18.00hrs
Capt. HON C.M.K. ST. CLAIR and Capt. HON. G.W. DAWNEY attended a lecture at Brigade HQ.
15.00hrs
The Commanding Officer, Major W.J. ST.C. ANSTRUTHER-GRAY MC. MP, Lt.-QM S.T.N. MIDDLEDITCH and other ranks, a detailed, attended a Memorial Service to Brig.-Gen. J. CAMPBELL VC, in the GUARDS CHAPEL, WELLINGTON BARRACKS, LONDON.

3 JUNE
08.00hrs
First Parade under Sqdn arrangements.
10.00hrs
All officers, warrant officers and sergeants attended a lecture at THE STATE HALL, HEATHFIELD.

4 JUNE
11.00hrs
Commemoration of DUNKIRK Parade Service in HOVE PARISH CHURCH.

5 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Squadron arrangements.
10.00hrs
The CO attended a lecture at Divisional HQ.

6 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.

7 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.

8 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.
09.45hrs
All ranks addressed by G.O.C. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION in SAVOY THEATRE, BRIGHTON.

9 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.

10 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.
08.30hrs
R.C.s addressed by the R.C. Padre (Rev. THOMPSON) IN Sgts Mess.

11 JUNE
Parade Service in HOVE PARISH CHURCH.

12 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.

13 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.

14 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.

15 JUNE
08.00hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.
07.15hrs
R.C.s Service in CHURCH OF SACRED HEART, HOVE.

16 JUNE
08.30hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.

17 JUNE
08.30hrs
First parade under Sqdn arrangements.

18 JUNE - 28 JUNE
MARSHALLING AREA
Bn left SPECIAL AREA - BRIGHTON AND HOVE and arrived at MARSHALLING AREA - NORNDEAN near PORTSMOUTH. Left HORNDEAN for embarkation area on the 29TH. During this period Bn prepared for P.T. or route march daily, under craft arrangements, and for lectures by various Officers

29 JUNE
GOSPORT
Bn embarked at GOSPORT.

30 JUNE
AT SEA
Bn at sea in a variety of craft.

 

WAR DIARY
1ST (ARMD) BN. COLDSTREAM GUARDS
COMMANDING OFFICER: Lt.-Col. R. MYDDLETON
JULY 1944

1 JULY
IN TRANSIT
Second Party disembarked from L.S.T.s between ARROMANCHES and COURSEULLES.
5TH G.A.B. under command 12th CORPS.

2 - 16 JULY
ESQUAY-SUR-SEULLES, NORMANDY, FRANCE
Bn remained in Concentration Area. Time spent in visiting the Battlefield - lectures - talks - bathing - shooting.

On the 16TH, at 12.00hrs, the Bn Comd addressed all Officers on the coming battle.

17 JULY
The Commanding Officer gave out orders at 11.00hr

At 21.15hrs Bn 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 Bn arrived at it halting area, about 1 mile short of the River ORNE, in the early hours of the morning of the 18TH

18 JULY
INTO BATTLE
Bn rested, topped up with petrol and had breakfast.

At 08.00hrs, just after we had witness the 2000 Bomber raid, a Staff Officer from 8TH CORPS arrived, and ordered the Bn to move immediately.

The Bn crossed the River and canal by and R.E. bridge and drew on down to the Start Line.

LE-MESNIL-FREMENTEL
The Bn advanced 2 up and reached CAGNY with comparatively little opposition. Arriving at LE-MESNIL-FREMENTEL, the Bn was ordered to approach CAGNY from the WEST. The Bn did this, CAGNY being finally occupied by the 2ND G.GDS and took up a position facing SOUTH, between the road and railway, Bn HQ being at 105643, (Sheet 7F/1). At about 22.00hrs there was slight enemy air activity, during the harbouring, but no casualties were incurred.

No. 1 Sqdn claimed the only enemy tank - a PANTHER - knocked out by the Bn 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 atacks with MG and cannon fire caused casualties (wounded) as under:-

Sgt. HICK, L/Sgt. JACKSON, Gdsn. CASSIDY, Gdsn. BEVIS, T.Q.M.S. BETTERILL, Gdsn. BERESFORD and L/Cpl. TURNER.

Any damaged more or less severely 9 wheeled vehicles. They were the only casualties suffered by the Bn during the course of the day.

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

20 JULY
Bn remained in the same area, in a defensive role.
There was occasional enemy shelling.

21 JULY
MONDEVILLE
Bn moved in the afternoon, with the remainder of the Division, into Corps Reserve, and came under command of 2ND CANADIAN CORPS.

22 JULY
BIBERVILLE
Bn harboured for the night.

23 JULY
Bn rested in this area. There was intermittent mortar shelling, by day and short bombing attacks during the night.

24 JULY
Received orders, Be prepared to move in the near future, to take part in OPERATION “SPRING”
The CO gave out orders at 21.00hrs
This Operation, carried out by 2ND CANADIAN CORPS, was designed to thrust SOUTH towards FALAISE, seizing the high ground just NORTH of BUETTEVILLE-SUR-LAIZE.

25 JULY
GIBERVILLE
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 GAD 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.

26 - 30 JULY
The Bn remained concentrated at GIBERVILLE.
On the 30TH the Bn moved first to ESQUAY-SUR-SUELLES, where it remained until 22.40hrs and then moved again to the woods near TR??QUAY. [*TRONQUAY]

31 JULY
CORMOLAIN
The Bn moved to near the village of CORMOLAIN, map reference 6763 Sheeet No. 6F/2. Came under Command of 32ND GDS BDE, No. 1 Sqdn being put under Comd of 3RD BN IRISH GUARDS and No. 3 Sqdn under comd of 1ST BN WELSH GUARDS.

===

001 BAXENDALE DS 243506 1ST BN 21/07/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
002 BURNS T 2664276 1ST BN 20/07/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
003 NEARY L 2665211 1ST BN 06/07/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
004 ROBERTS W 2660231 1ST BN 26/07/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
005 SNELL JH 2660298 1ST ARMD BN 21/07/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS



*Thanks to James D for correction to the transcription

 

WAR DIARY
1ST (ARMD) BN. COLDSTREAM GUARDS
COMMANDING OFFICER: Lt.-Col. R. MYDDLETON / R.F.S. GOOCH, MC
AUGUST 1944

1 AUGUST
Bn moved to area ST-JEAN-DES-ESARTIENRS. Sqdns moving with their respective inf. Bns and Bn HQ with HQ 32ND GDS BDE.

2 AUGUST
Advance continued down Main Road leading to LE-BENY-BOCAGE. The Bde halted about mid-day and moved forward during the afternoon. No. 1 Sqdn with the 3RD IRISH GUARDS put in an attack at about 18.00hrs on ST. DENIS-MAISONCELLES. 2 Tps of tanks supported the leading Coys 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 Sqdn laagered just NORTH of their objective.

No. 3 Sqdn with the 1st BN WELSH GDS had arrived at about 17.00hrs near ST. OUEN DE BESSACES. They too took part in the advance to DENIS, with 2 Tps supporting the fwd Coys of the WELSH GDS, and experienced no more opposition that had No. 1 Sqdn. They were withdrawn into harbour at about 22.00hrs.

Bn HQ was now split with the CO, Adjt and IO forward with 32 GDS BDE.

HQ near ST OUEN DE BESSACES and the 2 ¼ Rece Tp and No. 2 Sqdn back, not far from AUB??? [Illegible]

During the afternoon No. 1 Sqdn moved on with the 3RD BN IRISH GUARDS.

No. 1 Sqdn received orders for an attack on the high ground SOUTH EAST of CATHEOLLES. This attack was cancelled and later in the evening the 3RD IRISH GUARDS GROUP was ordered to push on to ST. CHARLES DE PERCY, and through CORTEIL to take MONTCHAMP.. However, the leading Tps were held up soon after passing the village of ST. C DE P and in spite of fine support from a Tp of No. 1 Sqdn, they could only get ¾ of a mile from the village. In the gathering darkness it seemed impossible to push on any further and the Sqdn laagered between ST. C. DE. P. and CORTEIL. During the night a Tp went forward, but lost a tk by the side of the road.

During this time No. 3 Sqdn had been ordered during the afternoon, to clear ST BERRE TALENTAINE in support of Prince of Wales Coy [WELSH GUARDS]. 2 Tps 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 GDS GROUP then continued behind 3 IRISH GUARDS and at 22.00hrs 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.

3 AUGUST
At first light and enemy inf attack was put in from the SOUTH on 3 IRISH GUARDS HQ, this was beaten off and No. 1 Sqdn had a good Browning shoot through the hedges surrounding the position. That afternoon 3 IRISH GUARDS sent out a Coy and 2 Tps of tks to Pt 176. On the way up No. 3 Tp had 1 tk hit. To get to Point 176 they had to go up a narrow sunken lane between tall hedges and Mjr BATT was shot in the head by a sniper. Capt. ST CLAIR took over Comd. His 2 Tks were in contact with SP Anti-Tank guns and a coy of the K.S.L.I.s around Pt 176. There were enemy about this point; the same small groups of Tks and inf that we were now constantly encountering. ? Neither side was strong enough to drive the other back and No. 1 laagered for the night with the A Tk guns and infantry. The remaining 2 Tps were still back with HQ 3 IRISH GUARDS.

In the meantime No. 3 Sqdn was still with the 1ST BN WELSH GUARDS and they received orders. Some PANTHERS had been seen in the neighbourhood of ST. C. DE P. and 2 Tps were sent down in that direction, but they found nothing. The remainder of the day, the situation was very confused.

4 AUGUST
Orders cam through for regrouping the Bn under 3 IRISH GUARDS and placing it ? Of GAB in ? for the 2 IRISH GUARDS and 5th ? GROUP. This ? however did not materialise.

The fwd Tps of No. 1 Sqn had gone fwd from laager at first light to take up their positions at Pt 176 again. Lt. MARTYN leading his Tp was shot through the turret by a PANTHER, which had come up during the night and the next tk was also hit.

The position around Pt 176 remained unaltered.

The remainder of 3 IRISH GUARDS were ordered to take CORTEIL and MAISONCELLES and MONTCHAMP. One Tp supported the Coy into CORTEIL and met no opposition.

No. 2 Tp under Lt. COLLIN went forward to MAISONCELLES with the SCOTS GDS Coy [X Coy] of the 3 IRISH GUARDS and knocked out one PANTHER and one 7.5 cm Assault gun. There was some opposition in this village but the Coy held on to part of it that night.

To return to No. 3 Sqdn. The 1ST BN WELSH GUARDS U/C of 44th (H) BDE from 15th DIV 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, Lt BODLEY went forward to give close support while the rest of the Sqdn took up a position on the very high ground overlooking the village. However, there were very few Germans in either the village or the wood, and Lt. RODNEY’s Tp went forward to join Lt. JARDINE and his 17 pdr Tk hit by a PANTHER. It was a very long shot and luckily did not penetrate, but the driver was concussed, so Lt JARDINE put the Tk Comd in the driver’s seat and commanded the tank himself. He tried to get the PANTHER, but failed as it was about 1000yds [ 1st figure nearly illegible, possibly 1] away, and moving. Other PANTHERS were seen by No. 3 Sqdn 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 Sqdn until 17.30hrs when 2 Tps U/C Lt.s RODNEY and
????? supported No.s 3 and 4 Coys in an advance on MONTCHAMP from the NORTH. At ?hrs PRINCE OF WALES and No. 2 Coy attacked this village themselves, but were ?? immediately on arrival at their objective, as approximately 1 Bn of enemy inf and 6 PANTHERS. No. 3 Sqdn was pushed forward to their support and Lt. BODLEY took his Tp into the village behind Col HEBER PERCY. At about 1915hrs Col. HEBER-PERCY was wounded and Lt. BODLEY, having no orders from him, advanced into the centre of the village. Confused Tk fighting ensued and confused Tk and inf fighting went on in the village. Lt. BODLEY’s Tp claimed a possible PANTHER and 7.5cm Assault gun. Finally at about 22.00hrs the WELSH GUARDS had to withdraw to the area of LES-FIEFFES, having suffered heavy casualties.

Bn HQ moved up at 19.00hrs to join the 3 IRISH GUARDS at CORTEIL.

5 AUGUST
At about 00.10hrs German inf and 4 x 7.5cm Assault guns attacked the SCOTS GDS COY at MAISONCELLES. Bn HQ stood to, this attack was driven off with the loss of al the 7.5cm Assault guns and considerable casualties to the enemy. There was some considerable firing from the direction of Pt 176. In fact the latter place was evacuated that night by the enemy and the position was occupied by a Tp of No. 1 Sqdn and a Platoon of the 3 IRISH GUARDS. The remainder of the Sqdn came back to CORTEIL and joined up with Bn HQ. No. 2 Sqdn were ordered to send a Tp up to the SOUTHERN edge of MAISONCELLES to support Capt. HOPES SCOTS GDS COY who were still there and they remained there, and also Mjr ANTRUTHER-GRAY No. 2 Sqdn for that day and the following night. However, there were no further incidents in that area. No. 3 Sqdn who had harboured in the woods N.W. of MONTCHAMP sent a Tp with a patrol of the WELSH GUARDS towards MONTCHAMP, but the enemy had withdrawn form this area and the Bn less No 3 Sqdn withdrew to a farm just EAST of ST. C. DE P.

During this time F2 Echelon U/C Lt. BADDELEY had remained with Bn HQ.
“A” Echelon U/C Maj FOX was now ordered up.

6 AUGUST
No. ? Sqdn returned to the Bn.

7 AUGUST
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 Bn area.

9 AUGUST
LE BOSCQ
Commanding Officer gave out orders at 09.45hrs.
The Bn moved to a harbour area - LE BUSQ.
No. 2 Sqdn went with the 3 IRISH GUARDS and remained with them until the 11th.

10 AUGUST
Commanding Officer gave out orders.

11 AUGUST
SOUTH EAST OF BURCY, 6934,
Bn moved at first light (05.00hrs) to an area S.E. of BURCY. There was no air support in the Bn sector and only 1 Bty of 25 Pdrs in support.
On arrival the C/O went fwd to 3IG and set up his H.Q. with them at SOURDEVALLE.

The following is an account from No. 2 Sqdn of the action of this day: -
With the SOURDEVALLE-LE BOULAY-HUBERT Road a the centre line, on the right was No. 2 Coy (Major EARDLEY-WILMOT) of 3IG, supported by No. 3 Tp (Lt. T.V. HERMON) and No. 4 Tp (Lt. P.N. PRATT) of No. 2 Sqdn. These two troops were commanded by Capt. H. CHISENHALE-MARSH accompanied by S.S.M. P. ROBERTSON.

On the left was No. 4 Coy (Major D. REID), 3IG, supported by No. 1 Tp (Lt. R.A.M. SELL) and No. 2 Tp (Lt. THE HON. R. BOSCAWEN) commanded by Capt. THE HON. G.W.H. 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 ¼ of a mile beyond the stream on the forward slope. The attack started at 09.00hrs

As soon as the leading Tps supported by the Tks crossed the start line intense mortar fire, directed from the flank, came down on the whole of our front, and very shortly the inf were compelled to take cover behind the banks and hedges. This pause left the tks very exposed and subjected them to a/tk fire from the same flank. On the left the continued heavy mortar fire made further advance across the open impossible, the inf withdrew to the sunken road which was the C.L. down which they attempted to continue the advance, supported by 2 Tks of No. 1 Tp, the third (Sgt. 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 Tk casualties to No. 3 Tp, one being the Tp Ldr Lt. P.N. PRATT (killed), increased mortar and MG fire made a withdrawal on this side necessary.

No. 3 Tp which tried to go round to the right, to support the infantry, met this withdrawal. It became necessary for the Tks, who by then had lost a further Tk casualty (Lt. HERMON), to take up a position in slightly dead ground, with what remained of the inf who had suffered severe casualties.
Owing to heavy casualties already inflicted, which were particularly noticeable among the officers, and the failure of the supporting Tps 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 16.15hrs.

The following were the Tk casualties in the Sqdn:-
No. 1 Tp - 1 Tank (Lt. A.R.M. GELL, wounded)
No. 3 Tp - 1 Tank (Lt. T.V. HERMON, wounded)
No. 4 Tp - 2 Tanks (Lt. P.N. PRATT, killed)

During the action No. 2 Sqdn claimed 2 PANTHER tanks shot by No. 3 Tp, 17pdr (Sgt. SHIPLEY) and 2 Anti-Tank guns.

12 AUGUST
At 18.00hrs orders were received that the advance on this sector would not take place, that 8TH CORPS, consisting of 11TH (ARMD) DIV - GDS ARMD DIV and 3RD (BRIT) DIV would take up a defensive position on their present line, to include that held by 15TH (S) DIV, 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” Group would move to and take over an area at LE BUSQ and LE GD. BONFAIT, now held by a Bn of the K.S.L.I. s and a Bn of the A.T. Regt.

13 AUGUST
LE GD. BONFAIT
Bn left BURCY at 09.15hrs and lay up in a park area at LE GD. BONFAIT and at approximately 16.00hrs, when a Bn of the ROYAL TANK REGIMENT moved out, the Bn moved into and harboured in their area.

14 AUGUST
Nothing happened. [THIS HAS BEEN CROSSED OUT.]

15 AUGUST
The Bn was visited by the Corps Commander, Lt.-Gen SIR RICHARD O’CONNOR, who remained to tea at Bn HQ. He was accompanied by the G.O.C. Maj.-General ADAIR and Brigadier N.M. GWATKIN, and members of their staffs. The Corps Commander was introduced to Sqdn Ldrs and the Officers of Bn HQ. In accordance with Div Op orders, the Bn was concentrated U/C of 5TH BDE. No. 3 Sqdn , who had been just behind the 3 IRISH GUARDS in a C/A role, returned to the Bn. The 3 IRISH GUARDS returned to command of 32 BDE. “A” and “B” Echelons joined T Echelon.

18 - 21 AUGUST
Bn rested in the area GRAND BONFAIT

22 AUGUST
Major General commanding BdE OF GUARDS visited the Bn.

23 AUGUST
No change

24 AUGUST
Bn moved short distance to a new area at LA BELOQUE

25 - 26 AUGUST
No change

27 AUGUST
Bn was given a warning order to load on transporters.

28 AUGUST
VERNEUIL
Nr MONT DE CARIS Tanks left in the morning to load on to transporters for journey to the SEINE. Wheels, HONEY tanks & A.R.V.s left on their own driving all night. Bn HQ under Major R.F.S. GOOCH, MC, left independently and harboured at the ECOLE DES ROCHES near VERNEUIL.

Major R.F.S. GOOCH, MC, & Lt. D.K. HEYWOOD succeeded Lt. Col R. MYDDELTON & Capt. O.P. DAWNEY as C.O. and Adjutant respectively.

29 AUGUST
Wheel party and tanks arrived at VERNEUIL. Tanks left about 12.30 for VERNON.

30 AUGUST
All three parties crossed the SEINE by the bridge held at VERNON 4473 in early morning.

31 AUGUST
Bn concentration in the br. hd in the early hours of the morning at 495753. The CO gave out orders.

Advance resumed SOMME reached in the evening. Halted just short of river until GREN GRP got the crossing Brs intact. Bn harboured at CORBID. No opposition encountered. Very fast drive.


===

001 ARNOLD SJ 2664608 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
002 BANKS R 2659313 1ST BN 10/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
003 BAYLISS W 2664804 1ST BN 04/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
004 BICK AAD 2662672 1ST BN 04/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
005 BLACKBURN J 2659606 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
006 BLYTH D 2657980 1ST BN 04/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
007 EMMERSON N 2654852 1ST BN 10/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
008 FLEMING VC 2657309 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
009 FRANCIS FA 2665289 1ST BN 01/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
010 GEORGE R 2665275 1ST BN 01/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
011 LONGLEY FR 2665078 1ST BN 09/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
012 MARKHAM L 2659047 1ST BN 04/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
013 MARTYN DV 278662 1ST BN 04/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
014 MYERS F 2665089 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
015 PEART JW 2664943 1ST BN 04/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
016 PRATT PN 256492 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
017 SIMPSON EG 2665067 1ST BN 09/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
018 TOWERS S 2659409 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
019 WYATT E 2665083 1ST BN 09/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

 

W.S.. Lieutenant The Hon. ROBERT THOMAS BOSCAWEN, 1 (Armoured) Bn COLDSTREAM GUARDS
On 3 October [1944] at BEMEL Lieutenant Boscawen with a troop of tanks was positioned in an orchard with some Anti-tank guns but no infantry support, protecting the left flank of a battalion position. As darkness fell he withdrew the tanks to more open ground behind the orchard. Heavy enemy artillery and Mortar concentrations on the orchard and his position began at 2230 hours lasting for two hours; the prelude to a heavy German infantry attack which successfully occupied his original orchard and surrounding ones, driving the Anti-tank gunners from their guns.

Lieutenant Boscawen in circumstances of extreme difficulty and danger from bazooka fire in close country and in the dark, ordered his tanks forward and cleared the enemy from his original orchard saving the Anti-tank guns from destruction. All this in addition was under heavy enemy mortar and shell fire. As a result he successfully prevented the enemy from establishing themselves in a position from which at daylight tehy could have seriously threatened the position of the infantry battalion which he was supporting.

His decision to risk himself and his tanks in close country and in the dark was a very bold one. By it he restored a most embarrassing and dangerous situation. He fully realised that a desperate situation required desperate measures and he accordingly took them with the most satisfactory result.



Robert Boscawen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Armoured Guardsmen: Amazon.co.uk: Robert Boscawen: Books

 

Link to results for search for all 1 Bn Coldstream Guards War Diaries held at TNA, Kew.

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WO 166/4091 1 Coldstream Guards 1940 July - 1941 Dec.
WO 166/12460 1 Coldstream Guards 1943 Jan.-Dec.
WO 166/8564 1 Coldstream Guards 1942 Jan.- Dec.
WO 167/698 1 Coldstream Guards 1939 Sept.-1940 June
WO 171/1250 1 Coldstream Guards (Armoured Battalion) 1944 Jan.- Dec.
WO 171/5141 1 Coldstream Guards 1945 Jan.- Dec.

 

Nicely sorted, thank you.

 

Since this thread is entitled 1 (Armoured) Bn, I limited my search to deaths which occured between the above dates; 17th June 1941 being the date that the Guards Armoured Division was formed.

001 ADAMS HS 4131939 1ST BN 07/10/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
002 ARCHER A 2756249 1ST BN 23/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
003 ARNOLD SJ 2664608 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

004 BALLARD T 6259203 1ST ARMD BN 23/09/1943 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
005 BANKS R 2659313 1ST BN 10/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
006 BATEMAN BR 2667147 1ST BN 22/01/1946 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
007 BAXENDALE DS 243506 1ST BN 21/07/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
008 2664804 Guardsman William BAYLISS, 1 Coldstream Guards attached 2 Irish Guards: 04/08/1944
009 BICK AAD 2662672 1ST BN 04/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
010 BLACKBURN J 2659606 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
011 2657980 Guardsman David BLYTH, 1 Coldstream Guards, 2IG reinforcement: 04/08/1944
012 BRADBURY HT 2665175 1ST BN 01/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
013 BROUGH F 2658813 1ST BN 08/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
014 BRUNT S 2655010 1ST BN 19/02/1947 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
015 BULMER AR 2660740 1ST BN 08/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
016 BURNS T 2664276 1ST BN 20/07/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

017 CANFORK C 2665469 1ST BN 08/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
018 CARRICK R 2661236 1ST BN 26/02/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
019 CATLING F 2659028 1ST BN 04/10/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
020 CAULFIELD R 2657240 1ST BN 01/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
021 COLLIGAN M 2666190 1ST BN 26/10/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
022 COLLINGWOOD S 2664988 1ST BN 08/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
023 COTTON K 2665586 1ST BN 08/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
024 COWDREY MJ 2666860 1ST BN 08/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
025 COX R 14592845 1ST BN 08/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
026 CULHANE J 2660376 1ST BN 08/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

027 DONOGHUE J 2666809 1ST BN 18/06/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

028 EMMERSON N 2654852 1ST BN 10/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

029 FLEMING VC 2657309 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
030 FOREST ERR 2665039 1ST BN 29/11/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
031 FOSTER EHJ 2665069 1ST BN 31/03/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
032 FOSTER A 2664177 1ST BN 22/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
033 FRANCIS FA 2665289 1ST BN 01/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

034 GAMBLE RH 2659786 1ST BN 19/11/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
035 GEORGE R 2665275 1ST BN 01/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
036 GREEN JT 2660425 1ST BN 01/05/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

037 HALL A 2668177 1ST BN 29/10/1947 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
038 HANSON L 4690279 1ST BN 01/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
039 HAYWARD KA 2659674 1ST BN 08/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
040 HEY B 2662961 1ST BN 26/02/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
041 HINCHLIFF M 2670856 1ST BN 15/09/1947 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

042 LOCK ME 240006 1ST ARMD BN 09/03/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
043 LOCK F 2665134 1ST BN 01/05/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
044 LONGLEY FR 2665078 1ST BN 09/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
045 LOWE J 3855596 1ST BN 06/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
046 LYON E 7344668 1ST BN 08/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

047 removed - BEF POW
048 MARKHAM L 2659047 1ST BN 04/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
049 MARTYN DV 278662 1ST BN 04/08/1944COLDSTREAM GUARDS
050 MASON AA 2661033 1ST BN 27/02/1942 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
051 MCCULLOCH J 266060 1ST BN 08/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
052 MCKONE EA 2661504 1ST BN 06/10/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
053 MOFFATT E 2656810 1ST BN 08/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
054 MONTGOMERY T 2659223 1ST ARMD BN 28/03/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
055 MOORE RG 14225385 1ST BN 01/05/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
056 MYERS F 2665089 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

057 NEARY L 2665211 1ST BN 06/07/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

058 OWEN TA 2662433 1ST BN 12/03/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

059 PARKIN EG 2657244 1ST BN 07/10/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
060 PEART JW 2664943 1ST BN 04/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
061 PLANK GW 2666057 1ST BN 12/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
062 PRATT PN 256492 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

063 RABJOHNS MR 2657397 1ST BN 17/05/1943 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
064 ROBERTS W 2660231 1ST BN 26/07/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
065 ROSE AE 2659091 1ST BN 04/02/1942 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
066 RUSSELL R 2663413 1ST BN 09/03/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

067 SELL L 2665651 1ST BN 30/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
068 SELLARS HJ 2664958 1ST BN 08/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
069 SHIPLEY CL 2659049 1ST BN 08/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
070 SIMPSON EG 2665067 1ST BN 09/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
071 SMITH WH 2658969 1ST BN 22/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
072 SNELL JH 2660298 1ST ARMD BN 21/07/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
073 SOLLITT G 2666030 1ST BN 10/09/1947 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
074 SOMERSET S 2666893 1ST BN 01/05/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

075 TASWELL WJ 2659277 1ST BN 08/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
076 TAYLOR-HURST AGFW 2666407 1ST BN 01/05/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
077 TOWERS S 2659409 1ST BN 11/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
078 TURNER A 2654693 1ST BN 30/03/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
079 TURNER R 2659443 1ST BN 14/10/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
080 TYLER GR 2669104 1ST BN 22/09/1947 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

081 USHER TR 2666204 1ST BN 09/03/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

082 WESTON F 2669143 1ST BN 20/03/1946 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
083 WHEELER WR 2663191 1ST BN 29/06/1942 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
084 WILBY F 2654553 1ST BN 08/12/1941 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
085 WILKINSON AE 2656938 1ST BN 02/01/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
086 WILSON RJ 2664894 1ST BN 01/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
087 WILSON B 2660554 1ST BN 30/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
088 WOOD EF 2659360 1ST BN 15/05/1942 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
089 WOODROW RAT 2664536 1ST ARMD BN 30/04/1942 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
090 WRIGHT FJ 2664979 1ST BN 01/04/1945 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
091 WYATT E 2665083 1ST BN 09/08/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
092 WYNNE SG 2658382 1ST ARMD BN 26/01/1943 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

093 YARDLEY RA 2659341 1ST BN 08/09/1944 COLDSTREAM GUARDS
094 YOULDEN AA 2654543 1ST BN 13/02/1947 COLDSTREAM GUARDS

 

dbf submitted a new resource:

courtesy of Drew:

1st Armoured Bn Coldstream Guards, 1944 - War Diary only, no appendices transcribed

Read more about this resource...

 

see also Resource (Field Notes, 1CG) submitted by Gratefulson
1st Amoured Battalion Coldstream Guards