Royal Ulsters - What was happening in April 1945?

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by pmcrory, May 10, 2006.

  1. Mostonian

    Mostonian Member

    Cheers Owen.
    We went to the cemetery on our trip to the Market Garden sites. We were based on the outskirts of Nijmegen and it's only a short trip over the border to the Reichswald. I have more information on him and have a section ear marked on my website for him, but am waiting on a mate scanning some stuff for me. Although he wasn't a direct relative, it was still a strange moment.
    I felt sorry, proud and angry all at the same time. Saying that, if he'd have lasted those last few months of the war, my Nana wouldn't have met my Grandad, and I'd never have been.
    Anyway, until then, here's a photo I took:
    [​IMG]
     
  2. Warren

    Warren Junior Member

    As Owen says, it seems likely that Rfn McGrory was killed in the incident involving Major Bird and Lt Hancock. From the History of the 2 RUR in NW Europe 1944-45

    "One disaster clouded the completeness of triumph in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:eek:ffice:smarttags" /><st1:State><st1:place>Bremen</st1:place></st1:State>. When "D" Company had reached their objective, Major Bird MC, Lt. Hancock, and a section set off in the company carrier to contact the 51 Highland Division in Huchting. Not far from the Company Headquarters there was a fearful explosion, and it soon became apparent that the carrier had activated the most diabolical of all German mines - the magnetic mine. There were no survivors. This was the second accident of its kind within the month, and in each case a high percentage of the casualties had been fatal. Major Bird, a gallant leader, who had brought his Company triumphantly through many actions; Lt Hancock, whose unassuming bravery and steadfastness in action had won universal admiration; and L/Cpl McCoy, Rfn McGlennon MM, Rfn Stevens, and others who constituted the very core of "D" Company. The loss of these men in this cruelly wasteful manner stunned and shocked the whole Battalion.”

    My uncle (Rfn EJ Whitehorn) in the 2 RUR and he was an Englishman. He was killed on D-day.

    Warren
     
  3. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    <TABLE class=datatable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="97%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR id=tr_name><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Name:</TH><TD id=td_name>McGLENNON, HUGH HENRY</TD></TR><TR id=tr_initials><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Initials:</TH><TD id=td_initials>H H</TD></TR><TR id=tr_nationality><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Nationality:</TH><TD id=td_nationality>United Kingdom</TD></TR><TR id=tr_rank><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Rank:</TH><TD id=td_rank>Rifleman</TD></TR><TR id=tr_regiment><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Regiment/Service:</TH><TD id=td_regiment>Royal Ulster Rifles</TD></TR><TR id=tr_unittext><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Unit Text:</TH><TD id=td_unittext>2nd Bn.</TD></TR><!-- <tr> <td vAlign="top" align="left" width="30%">Force:</td> <td id="td_force"></td> </tr>--><TR id=tr_age><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Age:</TH><TD id=td_age>30</TD></TR><TR id=tr_death><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Date of Death:</TH><TD id=td_death>26/04/1945</TD></TR><TR id=tr_service><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Service No:</TH><TD id=td_service>7012171</TD></TR><TR id=tr_awards><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Awards:</TH><TD id=td_awards>MM</TD></TR><TR id=tr_information><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Additional information:</TH><TD id=td_information>Son of Patrick and Margaret McGlennon, of Kireubbin, Co. Down, Northern Ireland.</TD></TR><TR id=tr_type><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Casualty Type:</TH><TD id=td_type>Commonwealth War Dead</TD></TR><TR id=tr_grave><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Grave/Memorial Reference:</TH><TD id=td_grave>8. G. 10.</TD></TR><TR id=tr_cemetery><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Cemetery:</TH><TD id=td_cemetery>BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
     
  4. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    <TABLE class=datatable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="97%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR id=tr_name><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Name:</TH><TD id=td_name>STEVENS, THOMAS GEORGE</TD></TR><TR id=tr_initials><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Initials:</TH><TD id=td_initials>T G</TD></TR><TR id=tr_nationality><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Nationality:</TH><TD id=td_nationality>United Kingdom</TD></TR><TR id=tr_rank><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Rank:</TH><TD id=td_rank>Rifleman</TD></TR><TR id=tr_regiment><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Regiment/Service:</TH><TD id=td_regiment>Royal Ulster Rifles</TD></TR><TR id=tr_unittext><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Unit Text:</TH><TD id=td_unittext>2nd Bn.</TD></TR><!-- <tr> <td vAlign="top" align="left" width="30%">Force:</td> <td id="td_force"></td> </tr>--><TR id=tr_age><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Age:</TH><TD id=td_age>25</TD></TR><TR id=tr_death><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Date of Death:</TH><TD id=td_death>26/04/1945</TD></TR><TR id=tr_service><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Service No:</TH><TD id=td_service>7017250</TD></TR><TR id=tr_information><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Additional information:</TH><TD id=td_information>Son of Joseph and Florence Annie Stevens, of Putney, London.</TD></TR><TR id=tr_type><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Casualty Type:</TH><TD id=td_type>Commonwealth War Dead</TD></TR><TR id=tr_grave><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Grave/Memorial Reference:</TH><TD id=td_grave>4. G. 1B.</TD></TR><TR id=tr_cemetery><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Cemetery:</TH><TD id=td_cemetery>BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
     
  5. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    <TABLE class=datatable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="97%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR id=tr_name><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Name:</TH><TD id=td_name>McCOY, WILLIAM</TD></TR><TR id=tr_initials><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Initials:</TH><TD id=td_initials>W</TD></TR><TR id=tr_nationality><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Nationality:</TH><TD id=td_nationality>United Kingdom</TD></TR><TR id=tr_rank><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Rank:</TH><TD id=td_rank>Lance Corporal</TD></TR><TR id=tr_regiment><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Regiment/Service:</TH><TD id=td_regiment>Royal Ulster Rifles</TD></TR><TR id=tr_unittext><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Unit Text:</TH><TD id=td_unittext>2nd Bn.</TD></TR><!-- <tr> <td vAlign="top" align="left" width="30%">Force:</td> <td id="td_force"></td> </tr>--><TR id=tr_age><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Age:</TH><TD id=td_age>23</TD></TR><TR id=tr_death><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Date of Death:</TH><TD id=td_death>26/04/1945</TD></TR><TR id=tr_service><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Service No:</TH><TD id=td_service>7017351</TD></TR><TR id=tr_type><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Casualty Type:</TH><TD id=td_type>Commonwealth War Dead</TD></TR><TR id=tr_grave><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Grave/Memorial Reference:</TH><TD id=td_grave>8. G. 5.</TD></TR><TR id=tr_cemetery><TH vAlign=top align=right width="30%">Cemetery:</TH><TD id=td_cemetery>BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
     
  6. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    gasman, any thing to add to this thread?
    You are the RUR man. ;)
     
  7. sapper

    sapper WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Just a quick word about "Assault Division" Of all the books that describe war, this is the one that is from first hand. Much of what is writen I recall personally.
    It is the one book I treasure as being the true face of war.
    Sapper
     
    Chris C likes this.
  8. gas man

    gas man Junior Member

    well all i can say is that the RUR were part of the 3rd division landing at sword beach in the afternoon, they had the distinction of being the first Allied unit to enter Caen after the bitter struggle to capture it..they fought their way to Germany as part of the 3rd Division..During the Normandy Campaign Cambes wood was their Triumph, kicking the 12thss out at the point of the bayonet..there is a lovely piece i read in one of the regiments journals about the attack, that an officer observed the men attacking and coming under a heavy bombardment thought they would go to ground..as most men did and that the attack would come to a halt,when the smoke cleared and the stonking had finished he was in tears when he saw the rifles advance in perfect formation entering cambes wood and evicting the enemy..i think that sums the rifles up for me...i have spoken to a capatin at the RUR museum who informed me that the RUR consisted of men from all countries and it was amazing just how many there were.. i think she said there was one man from the ukrain!! i suppose men went where there were shortages..it amazes me when we reenact the rifles just how many people come up and say firstly how lovely it is to see the rifles and secondly that they had a relative who fought with them.. i then reach for the SRD jar and pour a big one!! i have to do some research myself on a relative,who may have been with them at Dunkirk but may have transferred to the London Irish. one chap told me how in germany after the war, his lot were there to keep the peace but it was the RUR who were out there causing it all, fighting all the time..he then laughed..i have always found the museum curator very helpful, my friend Andrew who reeacts with me, has a very good knowledge of the RUR, his grandfather was with them, he has some lovely collectable items which you can see on our website, he also has some origianl regimental journals which are full of information..i feel very proud when i am reenacting the RUR, great regiment..great lads thats why i dedicated a memorial page to them www.2ndbattalionroyalulsterrifles.com in 1921 the Royal Irish Rifles disbanded to become the Royal Ulster rifles, and during the second world war the London Irish Rifles were the Territorial regiment of the RUR, seeing action in Egypt and Italy..so i suppose even though there were men from all countries serving in the regiment, the majority were Irish so if you were one of 8 english men serving i bet you were well looked after and never sober...anyway great talking to you all, all the Best GM otherwise known as steve ps can anyone stick an rur badge under my name, or is it something i have to do
     
  9. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    can anyone stick an rur badge under my name, or is it something i have to do

    You could do it but I already have. :)
     
  10. gas man

    gas man Junior Member

    what a lovely bunch you are, many thanks for that GM
     
  11. Kiwiwriter

    Kiwiwriter Very Senior Member

    Just a quick word about "Assault Division" Of all the books that describe war, this is the one that is from first hand. Much of what is writen I recall personally.
    It is the one book I treasure as being the true face of war.
    Sapper

    Got the reprint. Terrific book!

    Sapper, how can I get your signature on my copy?
     
  12. von Poop

    von Poop Adaministrator Admin

  13. gas man

    gas man Junior Member

    one brilliant book i read not relating to the RUR, is "fear is the foe" the title sums it all up..looks at a british soldier stanley whitehouse from D Day to germany..read it 4 times..made me laugh made me cry.. it really touches on the points not really talked about, soldiers running away..how he had to fight fear every day, how he was constantly at breaking point i related to some of what he said when i was in the police..not saying being a copper was anything like what he went through but as he says fear really is the foe,its what made me ill and i had to retire from the force, constant violence, shaking so much i couldnt write or hold a pen,one day i was shaking so much i couldnt attach the wire to my radio..i was ashamed because my mates were there watching me..wondering what was going on..i was like tom hanks in saving private ryan..thats why i dont watch it...but you still have to open that door and walk into the darkness..id never read a book where a british soldier really explained what it was like..if you havnt read it then its a must.. my mate Andy is just finishing of a regimental History of the rur for our web site..very interesting reading..i should be putting it on soon..all the best Gm
     
  14. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Last edited: Jan 8, 2019
  15. Quis Separabit

    Quis Separabit Junior Member

    Hi Paul

    Just been invited to this forum and found your post re 2nd Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles.

    After enlisting with the Royal Engineers in '39, my dad (M.P.Scanlon) was in 2 RUR from 1943 starting as CQSM before becoming a captain at battalion/brigade headquarters and finally acting Town Major somewhere in/around Bremen.

    I've got a copy of his "History of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Ulster Rifles in North West Europe 1944-45" and from the roll of honour it would appear that, taking in to account the last major battle had taken place a couple of days earlier, Riflemen P McCrory was almost certainly one of the group of D Company casualties (my dad's company) on the 26th April resulting from a company carrier hitting a magnetic mine (see below).

    Major A C Bird, MC. 26 Apr 45
    Lieut A S Hancock. 26 Apr 45
    14219374 Rfn Horrocks R. 26 Apr 45
    1475975 Rfn Martin F. 26 Apr 45
    7017351 L/C McCoy W. 26 Apr 45
    7012171 Rfn McGlennon H. MM. 26 Apr 45
    14424793 Rfn McGrory P. 26 Apr 45
    14778403 Rfn Mullen J. 26 Apr 45
    7017250 Rfn Stevens T. 26 Apr 45

    Enclosed is an extract from the history of the days leading up to the 26th, including details of the 26th itself - hope it is of interest....

    Unfortunately my dad passed away a couple of years ago and didn't talk much about the war so if you (or anyone else!) have any other details relating to 2 RUR during their time in training and NW Europe I would be very interested in sharing - particularly as it is likely they knew each other.

    I've added a few photos on my profile and will add more as I come across them.

    Regards.

    Paul Scanlon

    =====================================

    THE ASSAULT CROSSING OF THE OCHTUM FLOODS

    This was the first occasion on which 2 RUR had been called upon to go into battle in Buffaloes. As part of a Division which had planned and carried out the initial assault on the Continent, and later had specialised in assault river crossings, we had battle experience of every other type of amphibious craft. Some of us had attended a demonstration of the Buffaloes in February, and obtained some idea of its potentialities. None had actually used it, or assisted in its use.

    This lack of knowledge and experience was, however, fully made good by the skill and co-operation of the officers and men of 4 RTR, who manned and controlled the Buffaloes. From them we learned all about the craft. It could carry either 28 men, or a carrier, or a jeep, or an anti-tank gun, but not a 15 cwt. truck, or any of the more bulky forms of transport. It mounted a 20 mm gun and so, if necessary, it could defend itself effectively. On the other hand, the armour basis was small, and the craft was reckoned to stop small arms fire and nothing else. The whole construction had been subordinated to the one purpose of producing a vehicle which could swim in deep water and heave its way across waterlogged and boggy ground.

    The task which the Buffaloes were now set was well calculated to test them. Bremen, south of the Weser, was protected from attack by the line of the Ochtum canal, the last line of defence before the town. In itself, it was not a formidable obstacle; but artificial flooding of its banks had submerged the land on either side - particularly the south side of it - to a total distance of about 2000 yards. The water varied in depth from about four inches to the maximum depth of the Ochtum Canal; so that from the Buffaloes point of view, the pitch was likely to be at the best, uneven, and at the worst sufficiently boggy to bring them to a standstill. Part of the course selected for the Buffaloes ran across a dummy airfield - now completely waterlogged - which had been bombed by the RAF, and it was felt that immense bomb craters might present some difficulty. Finally all the flooded fields were intersected with cattle fences, and it was feared that if too much wire became caught up in the sprockets of the Buffaloes they might be unable to continue.

    The uncertain conditions of the ground was one of the problems set to Captain Harris, the Buffalo Squadron Leader, and his men. The question of navigation was another. The task of leaving a start line, crossing 2000 yards of water and arriving at a pre-arranged "debuffing" point was no mean one. They were fortunate in having as landmarks, half way across the course, the large square buildings of the dummy airfields which on a light night could be picked out from seven or sight hundred yards distant. But even then the canal itself had to be crossed, and the "debuffing point", though considerably closer had still to be found. It was not surprising that 4 RTR, who had driven the Highland Division across the Rhine, and the Canadians across the Ijssel, reckoned this to be the most difficult task that they had yet been called upon to undertake.

    The axis for the Brigade attack was the main road running North from Brinkum, crossing the Ochtum by the bridge at Kattenturm, and so on into Bremen. The village of Kattenturm lay astride, though mainly to the East, of the main road, and its Southern side was demarcated by the tortuous line of an embankment or bund, which also marked the Northern extent of the floods. The bund ran away Eastwards from the bridge along the Canal as far as the most Eastern extremity of Kattenturm, finally reached Arsten, 2000 yards East of Kattenturm, while the canal trickled away towards the South East.

    The water was however, right up against the bund even at the right angular hook in the bund which had been selected as the "debuffing" point, so that the Buffaloes had to drive to the bund and then back up against it in order that men and vehicles could both land dry.

    Information about the enemy was extremely scanty, and was based more upon supposition and deduction than on reliable evidence. The vital thing was that the Bosche had not yet blown the Kattenturm bridge, though it was supposed to be prepared for demolition with a charge consisting of two heavy bombs. Therefore it was probable that he would have something deployed on the South side of the bridge, even though patrols from 8 Brigade had been to within 200 yards of the Bridge without discovering anyone. On the bank itself air photographs revealed diggings, and the strength of the garrison was reckoned at a company. Most of it was thought to be covering the main axis, which, thanks to the flood, was literally the only roadway into Bremen in that sector and would inevitably be the focal defensive point. Of German artillery nothing was known, except that it was not thought to be very considerable.

    With this background, preparations for the battle began in earnest. The night 24/23 April was fixed for the attack, and as we first heard that we were to carry it out on the morning of the 22nd, there was, for a change, sufficient time allowed for every preparation to be conceived and organised. In the afternoon 22nd. April the Commanding Officer and Second-in-Command visited an observation post in Leeste a mile South East of Brinkum and Brinkum itself. An excellent view of the expanse of floods, of the main road, and of the dummy airfield, was obtained, but Kattenturm and the bridge was obscured by trees, and even the "debuffing point" - the crook in the bund - was difficult to pick out. Next morning, company and platoon commanders set off from Barrien .and completed the same tour. Meanwhile the Commanding Officer and Second-in-Command were evolving, with Capt. Harris the Buffalo Squadron Leader, a loading schedule for men and vehicles into the Buffaloes. A squadron of 47 Buffaloes was available for us, and this absorbed the whole fighting strength of the Battalion at a stroke. All that would remain to be taken across after the first run would be some carriers and a few jeeps.

    The craft were allotted to companies, and the same afternoon each company practised loading on to its own craft, its men, its carrier, and its jeep. Each Buffalo had its number printed in large figures upon the front, back, and sides, and by the end of the practice every man knew exactly the number of his craft, its position in the column, and in most cases he had not been slow to meet the crew that was to motor him across the floods.

    On the same day, the GOC 3rd. British Infantry Division spoke to all officers of the Brigade Group in Barrien, and outlined the higher plan or the capture of Bremen. On the right 52 Lowland Division was to attack Bremen North of the Weser at the same time as 3 British Infantry Division was attacking on the South side. On our immediate right, 185 Infantry Brigade was attacking simultaneously along the axis Dreye - Arsten - Habenhausen. 2 KSLI was to attack Dreye at 2300 hrs. followed by 2 Warwicks attacking Arsten in Buffaloes at 0200 hrs - some two hours after our own attack had begun - along a track which in its initial stages, ran almost parallel to our own. On the left, 51 Highland Division were launching a "Chinese Attack" on the railway North of Huchting, in the direction of Bremen. Sounds of tanks and gun preparations were to make it appear that the advance which had cut the railway line some three or four days earlier was now being resumed.

    On 24 April, at 1000 hrs, the Commanding Officer gave out his orders in the backyard of Bn. HQ. It was a glorious day and the weather, fine for three successive days, seemed to augur well for the night's operation. It was to be an imposing operation and the machinery for orders was on an appropriate scale. '0' Group in this case consisted of 28 different people, while the operation order produced by the Adjutant, Capt. Hatton, ran to some sixteen pages.

    The intention was clear; 2 RUR would, capture Kattenturm and seize the bridge. Zero hour was to be midnight, and companies were to lead exactly as practised, and be ready to move up to a forward assembly area by 2130 hrs. From that point it was the responsibility of the Buffaloes to put us down at the "debuffing point" on the bund. On landing "C" Company was to clear the bund and establish a firm bridgehead to cover subsequent landings. "A" Company clearing the bund, "D" the main axis for about six or seven hundred yards; and then "B" Company was to pass through and seize the bridge. Finally "C" Company was to leave its bridgehead advance up the main road for some five hundred yards and consolidate. If the bridge was secured, the main road would be thrown open, our transport would join us, and the whole operation would immeasurably be speeded up.

    An impressive number of guns were deployed for this operation. They had started to wage a private war with the Germans for some nights previously, and it was hoped that a normal barrage on this night would efface the sound of the Buffaloes plodding across the floods. Artillery support could not be as close as usual on account of the infirm timings imposed by the Buffaloes. They were, however, on call, and a preliminary canter by the mediums early in the evening did much to demoralise our foe. Beside the normal gunner support, a pepper pot had been arranged. This consisted of a hotchpotch of 4,2 Mortars, Machine Guns, and Bofors firing in a ground role, operating against known enemy positions and probable areas of defence. It was to continue incessantly from about 2200 hrs. onwards, and Bosche prisoners were later to remark how disconcerting they had found it. Finally, a single Bofors gun was detailed to fire three rounds at one minute intervals along the line of the Buffalo route in order to assist them in maintaining direction.

    Morning and afternoon were spent in briefing the whole Battalion, and then most people snatched a few hours rest before the rigours of the night, which was certain to be a sleepless one. At last preparations were complete, and at 2100 hrs. the companies marched down to the waiting Buffaloes and climbed aboard. It was a warm, yet fresh, Spring evening, with a glorious sunset, and the men were whistling and singing in great spirits as this strange convoy moved forward. At a forward assembly area just South of Leeste, we paused for an hour to drink hot tea and a tot of rum before settling down to the business of the night. Again the note of cheerfulness among all ranks was predominant. Everyone knew that this advance would be the longest that the Buffaloes had ever made, and appreciated the difficulties that faced them. As zero hour approached an air of rising excitement was visible and tangible in every member of this attack. Never had morale been higher, or the Battalion more certain of its ability to defeat the Bosche and achieve its purpose.

    At last the word was passed down the line. Everybody clambered aboard, and a great roar rose up as 47 Buffaloes sprang into life. Just as the convoy was moving off the Brigade Commander, with a clutch of press reporters, arrived, and wished the Battalion good luck and bon voyage.

    The barrage had already begun, but now there was a marked crescendo and it seemed certain that the sounds of the Buffaloes were effectively muffled. On our left the "pepper pot" could be seen in action as hundreds and thousands of tracer bullets and young shells winged through the air, lighting the sky in a veritable galaxy of colour and sound. Overhead the three guiding rounds of Bofors tracer sailed periodically by. They looked mysterious, almost ghostly, and so evidently fired for a specific purpose that we thought that the Bosche might tumble to it, until we realised that the trace was in the base of the round, and so would not be seen by the other side. The sound of the gun firing would have been impossible to pick out among all the noise that was going on.

    The convoy moved on past the point just North of Leeste where the Second-in-Command, Major Wheeler, had established his control point for vehicles that were to be ferried over later, and where the Adjutant was in position with the rear link wireless set to Brigade Headquarters. The column was a memorable sight. The moonlight was so vivid, and the night so luminous that the ugly silhouettes of these monstrous amphibians could be seen at six or seven hundred yards distant. Somehow one could not help but think of H. G. Wells' fantastic conceptions in "Shape of things to come". Yet here were machines, at once more strange and more practical than anything he devised, being used in the year of grace 1945. The water seemed to emphasise the line of these silhouettes, and the first companies were quite prepared to expect a warm reception as their craft drifted into view.

    "C" Company crossed the startline at midnight, "A" and "D" Coys in two parallel, snake like columns at 0020 hrs. The route was expertly taped and lit to the startline, and subsequently the leading Buffaloes dropped off buoy lamps to guide those who followed. Not a single Buffalo was either lost or permanently bogged, even though all of them were severely tested by the almost perpendicular slopes of the Canal. One of the Buffaloes had to tranship its load in midstream, and in Tactical Battalion Headquarters the 22 set wireless link to the Adjutant and to Brigade was for some time marooned 50 yards from the shore. But both were soon recovered and set on their way, thanks to the inspired recovery drill and co-operation of the Buffalo Commanders.


    When "C" Company were still 50 yards from the crook of the bund which they were to consolidate as a bridgehead, two red verey lights went up from behind it, and immediately small arms and bazooka fire began to come at the Buffaloes. They pushed on unflinchingly however, and landed each of the three platoons exactly on the parts of the bank which had been prearranged as the platoon objectives. This was not done without incident. The left hand platoon under Sjt McAleavy, cleared its objective after an exchange of rifle shots, and collected six prisoners. On the right, the leading section, under Cpl. McMullan, rushed from their Buffaloes to find two 3.7 flak guns just being brought into action against the Buffaloes. This section promptly disposed of the crew by killing one, wounding five, and capturing eleven others. It was a great start, and a vital one, for if the guns had been allowed to fire, it might have been disastrous for the oncoming Buffaloes. As it was, two guns were now turned and fired against Arsten until the ammunition ran out.

    Quite a lot of resistance remained to be mopped up even after "A" and "D" Companies had come into land, and "C" Company in a thorough search of this part of the bund, found many Boche skulking in their slit trenches. Not all of them however. As the first troops of "A" Company ran ashore, they were greeted by a fusillade of panzerfausts, which burst all round them, wounding several of them, including Sjt. Bonass. This was disconcerting but was not allowed to hinder the advance; a quick rush, a few shots, and the Company's first prisoners were brought in.

    "A" Company's advance along the bund now began, and it swiftly became clear that theirs was to be a difficult passage. The enemy was dug in all along the bund, which was only about four yards wide, and he was defending his positions stubbornly with unsparing use of panzerfausts and small arms. The leading Platoon of "A" Company fought its way along the bund, literally "winkling" the enemy from every position. It was precarious fun, for the Boche kept popping up from the backside of the bund, appearing and firing usually at point blank range. Rfn Loughran was sniped as he crawled across the bund to deal with one of these posts, but straightaway Rfn. Mellon crawled across and brought him back with bullets whistling all round. Casualties were sustained in twos and threes but the advance went on.
    The opposition was particularly stiff round a large house set back about twenty yards from the bund. It was defended obstinately with spandaus and many panzerfausts, and a fierce fight waged between this knot of opposition and a platoon of "A" Company under Lt Songest. Several NCOs and men, and Lt Songest, were hit, though he was able to retain control until the action ended. A second platoon was brought forward by the Company Commander, Major Tighe-Wood MC, who was continually forward giving encouragement, and keeping his men cool and steady in these difficult conditions. But this platoon was in fact never deployed, because a gallant rush by Cpl. Lambourne and his section - from Lt Songest's platoon - had carried the position. The reason for the opposition now became apparent. In the garden of the house was a well concealed 88 mm gun, in perfect working order. Fortunately it had been unable to traverse sufficiently far to the left to trouble the Buffaloes. It was a great success and Cpl Lambourne was subsequently awarded the MM for his supremely courageous performance.

    This splendid action of "A" Company broke the back of resistance of Kattenturm. The Company fought magnificently, displaying throughout a determination to crush the enemy and gain their objectives. Typical of this fighting spirit was the behaviour of Rfn Wilkes, the company runner, who, though hit in the face by the explosion of a panzerfaust, refused to be evacuated until the action was complete; or again that of L/Cpl. Dalton. who, when all other NCOs in his platoon had been wounded, took over the duties of platoon Serjeant and carried on in a most able manner. "A" Company took some 40 prisoners, and besides this, killed and wounded an appreciable number. Booty included the 88 mm gun, three lighter flak guns, and a host of small arms. As against this, their own casualties were one officer and 24 wounded, and most of these were fortunately not serious. "A" Company has much cause to be proud of this achievement.

    Meanwhile "C" Company's bridgehead was now the scene of furious activity. Vehicles, anti-tank guns, and men poured out of the Buffaloes and were directed onwards by Capt. Gray who, as Battalion Landing Officer, had come in with "C" Company to search out a landing ground and routes forward for vehicles.

    "D" Company had pressed on, simultaneously with "A" Company, but the German defences were without depth, and apart from a few snipers which were cleared without much trouble, "D" Company's advance was unopposed. Tactical Battalion Headquarters moved up close behind "D" Company and established itself at the Eastern end of the village for the duration of the attack.
    "B" Company had landed without incident, and as soon as "D" Company reported their objectives gained, "B" Company was slipped through towards the greatest prize of all, the Kattenturm bridge. Almost at once they came under fire from the road and a large house to the left. The leading section, under Cpl. Holt, rushed the position and eliminated it, whilst another section dealt swiftly with the house, and soon the advance was resumed. Lt McCrainor, the leading platoon commander, had been given orders by Major Cummins to push on as fast as he could towards the bridge and to bypass any opposition which was not sufficiently serious to detain him. At the cross-roads near the bridge they encountered opposition, and were able to do this; and by slipping round the enemy, they seized the bridge before it could be blown, quickly establishing themselves on both sides of it. Subsequently the enemy on the cross-roads and along the bund, where it went towards the bridge, were liquidated at leisure. Altogether 4 Officers and 20 or 30 other ranks and one camp follower were discovered in the Company locality; so that had the position been assaulted frontally, serious opposition might have been met. As it was the Sapper reconnaissance party, following close up behind the leading platoon, quickly rendered innocuous the two bombs which were found sunk into the side of the road as a demolition charge; and soon a bulldozer arrived to assist in the clearance of a formidable -road block which the retreating Germans had left behind on the bridge.

    "B" Company had begun their advance soon after 0330 hrs., and it was just after first light when the great news passed through that the bridge had been won intact. Now "C" Company left the bridgehead area - for the attack on Arsten which 2 Warwicks were launching, had eliminated any threat to it now - moved up to the main road and completed the consolidation of the area and rounded off the Battalion's part of the attack.

    5 Officers and 128 other ranks was the final total of prisoners, while an 88 mm and five other smaller flak guns were captured, above all the bridge had been seized intact. There can be no doubt but that complete surprise had been achieved. One of the German officer prisoners said afterwards that so certain was the Bremen garrison commander that the attack would come up the line of the Brinkum road that the 88 mm gun had been taken off its wheels and given an arc of traverse which was limited to a particularly vulnerable part of the main road. He thought that the turning manoeuvre which the Battalion had carried out was the finest thing tactically that he had seen done by British troops in the whole campaign, and with the rest of the prisoners, he gazed goggle-eyed at the "Schwim-Panzer" which had traversed what was considered to be impassable country.

    The award of the Distinguished Service Order to Lt.-Colonel Drummond was a fitting conclusion to such an enterprise. Since he had taken command, the Battalion's chain of successes had been unbroken, and now the campaign had been wound up in really superb style. This last operation had been at once the most spectacular and the most difficult that the Battalion had undertaken, and, without doubt, the completeness of the triumph was due largely to his bold plan and resolute leadership.

    During the rest of the day, I KOSB and 2 Lincolns passed through to capture a vital cross-roads and a factory without much opposition, and later I KOSB resumed the advance, pushing through Bremen, pausing during the hours of darkness and resuming at first light, to reach the main railway line. In order to release them to begin this advance we were moved up to the area of the cross-roads for the night, and next morning at 0800 hrs, assisted by a squadron of tanks from 22 Dragoons, we cleared a built up area on the far side of the railway, and completed 9 Brigade's part in the attack on Bremen. There was virtually no opposition, but again the PW total was well over 100. The battle for Bremen was thenceforward in the hands of 8 Brigade, part of which began to pass through us at about 1300 hrs.

    One disaster clouded the completeness of triumph in Bremen. When "D" Company had reached their objective, Major Bird MC, Lt. Hancock, and a section set off in the company carrier to contact the 51 Highland Division in Huchting. Not far from the Company Headquarters there was a fearful explosion, and it soon became apparent that the carrier had activated the most diabolical of all German mines - the magnetic mine. There were no survivors. This was the second accident of its kind within the month, and in each case a high percentage of the casualties had been fatal. Major Bird, a gallant leader, who had brought his Company triumphantly through many actions; Lt Hancock, whose unassuming bravery and steadfastness in action had won universal admiration; and L/Cpl McCoy, Rfn McGlennon MM, Rfn Stevens, and others who constituted the very core of "D" Company. The loss of these men in this cruelly wasteful manner stunned and shocked the whole Battalion.


    MAJOR A.C.BIRD, MC

    Killed at Bremen 26 April 1945.

    The death of Major A. C. Bird, MC at Bremen on the 26th. April came at a time when it seemed that the period of danger was rapidly passing, and the prospect of peace might be looked forward to almost daily.

    "Dicky" Bird was commissioned in the Regiment from the Artists' Rifles in October 1939, and he joined the 2nd Battalion at Lezennes in March 1940, being posted to 'D' Company as a platoon commander. He fought throughout the dark days in France and Belgium, gaining the complete confidence and support of his platoon to a man, and making for himself the reputation of a very determined and brave leader.

    Dicky landed in Normandy on 'D' Day as Second-in-Command of 'A' Company, and his great spirit did much to create confidence and cheerfulness during those hard days. On the death of Major Aldworth he was posted to command 'D' Company, and it was as a leader, with a command of his own in the field, that the great qualities of Dicky became apparent. He commanded 'D' Company throughout the remainder of the campaign, and in the many attacks and actions he seemed to bear a charmed life. Wherever danger threatened or he was most needed, Dicky was always to be found, cheering and encouraging his men with no thought to spare himself. At the fierce action in Blitterswijk, where 'D' Company fought a great battle in very difficult conditions, Dicky particularly distinguished himself, and he was awarded the MC for his fine work.

    After the fighting in the early spring in the Reichswald Forest area and the crossing of the Rhine, came the assault on Bremen, the last battle in the campaign to be fought by the Battalion. After the town had been cleared, and the last shot fired, Dicky was killed by a sea mine, planted in the road by Germans who had already retreated or surrendered. He was buried the same evening together with the lads of his Company who had died with him, their graves making a neat row in a meadow by a German Inn, a strip of ground, one felt, very personal and sacred to 'D' Company. Dicky had seen the thing through from beginning to end. He had died in the hour of triumph, and has probably missed the disillusionment of post-war years. To his friends he will be a memory of a well known figure, pipe in mouth, up with the leading platoon working his Company forward, or the centre of a party, seated at the piano, playing the old tunes he loved so much.



    LIEUTENANT A. S. HANCOCK

    Killed at Bremen 26th. April 1945.

    Tony Hancock joined my Company in September 1944 and was immediately posted to 16 Platoon commander.

    His quiet manner and scholarly appearance demanded respect and before long his was the best platoon in the Company. The men in that platoon, and in the Company loved him, both for the excellence of his leadership and for his profound understanding regarding all personal matters.

    In action he was outstanding, a fearless leader always cool and unafraid no matter how trying the circumstances or how fierce the battle. Typical of him was a remark which he passed when a bullet narrowly missed its mark in the course of the action at Blitterswijk. He appeared at Company Headquarters bleeding from the throat saying that he'd got a slight scratch. On examination I discovered that the enemy bullet had passed underneath his chin and had dented his "Adam's Apple" !

    Although wounded twice in battle he always refused to be evacuated and remained with his platoon until the end of the day.

    His untimely death, right at the end of the campaign was a cruel blow. His carrier ran over a mine on a road on the outskirts of Bremen, and all the occupants were instantly killed. But we shall long remember his quiet unassuming personality, and in recalling his worth as a friend we can offer with feeling our deepest sympathies to his bereaved relations.
     
    Owen and von Poop like this.
  16. pmcrory

    pmcrory Junior Member

    Hi Paul (QS),

    Many, many thanks for that. That's something that I didn't know, and will pass on to the family, who may well also not have heard this. Patrick's (and James') brother still lives in Ireland.

    I wonder if there is any chance of pinning-down the "...outskirts of Bremen..." location where the mine detonated any better? Anyone any ideas?

    Paul
     
  17. Quis Separabit

    Quis Separabit Junior Member

    Hi Paul

    Have just stumbled upon this having now obtained the remainder of 2RUR War Diary for April/May/June and can now help to narrow down the search if you are still looking....

    Official History States
    Major Bird MC, Lt. Hancock, and a section set off in the company carrier to contact the 51 Highland Division in Huchting. Not far from the Company Headquarters there was a fearful explosion, and it soon became apparent that the carrier had activated the most diabolical of all German mines - the magnetic mine. There were no survivors.

    War Diary 26 April 1945 States
    upload_2019-1-8_12-34-47.png

    Major A.C. "Dicky" Bird Battalion Obituary
    Dicky was killed by a sea mine, planted in the road by Germans who had already retreated or surrendered. He was buried the same evening together with the lads of his Company who had died with him, their graves making a neat row in a meadow by a German Inn, a strip of ground, one felt, very personal and sacred to 'D' Company.

    I found my Dad's map of Bremen and, assuming my map reading is correct, that would place it around here....
    upload_2019-1-8_12-43-12.png

    which on Google would place around here - Google Maps
    upload_2019-1-8_13-2-20.png

    I could be completely wrong but location cited of 698974 lies between starting point at 697973 and Huchting so presumably at some point along the "Wardamm" road, no obvious sign of an Inn but presumably at or near the crossroads with Grollander Strasse.....

    Hope this helps.

    QS
     

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