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

APPENDIX A TO BATTALION ORDERS PART I No. 19, dated 7 October 1944

DIVISION CLUB.
1. The Division Club is situated at the BARRACKS 614518.

2. The allotment of vacancies per Battalion is as follows:-
1000 - 1400 hours - 30.
1330 - 17 30 hours - 30.
1700 - 2100 hours - 30.
The 30 will be sub-allotted in each case as follows:-
Each Armoured Squadron - 6
H.Q. Squadron - 12.

3. Battalion M.T. Serjeant will arrange for transport to leave North entrance to Camp area 30 minutes before times shown above. He will liaise with Squadrons over provision of transport.

4. Parties must leave the Club at the proper time, otherwise it becomes congested.

5. Programmes of entertainments will be issued to Squadrons daily.

6. There are showers but the water does not always work.

7. There is beer for sale, but Other Ranks must take their mugs.

8. There is an Officers’ Room.

PROGRAMME FOR DIVISION CLUB.
Sunday, 8 October 1944.

1030 hours. Film - Bing Crosby in ‘GOING MY WAY’.
1400 hours. E.N.S.A. Show.
1700 hours. E.N.S.A. Show.
1900 hours. Film - Bing Crosby in ‘GOING MY WAY’.

 

APPENDIX

SUBJECT:- MOVE OF THE BATTALION
Ref. No: 1st CG 14/44

Squadron Leaders,
ALL SQUADRONS. O.C. ‘A’ Echelon.
Recce Troop Leaders. O.C. ‘B’ Echelon.
Tank Troop Leaders. O.C. ‘F2’ Echelon.
Intelligence Officer. Serjeant DAVIS.
Technical Adjutant.
Quartermaster.
Medical Officer.
Electrical & Mechanical Engineer.
Regimental Serjeant Major.

WARNING ORDER
1. Battalion will move tomorrow to area 6959.

2. Order of March
H.Q., 1 Squadron, 2 Squadron, 3 Squadron, L.A.D.
Wheels will travel with Squadrons.

3. Route
Battalion Starting Point Canal Bridge 6760 - HATERT 683586 - Squadron Areas.

4. Time
No timings yet available as present occupants of area are loth to move out, but it will probably be after dinners.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
B.L.A.
9th October 1944
[See Appendix 10th October for amendments]

 

APPENDIX

SUBJECT:- MOVE OF THE BATTALION
Ref. No: 1st CG 14/44

Squadron Leaders,
ALL SQUADRONS. O.C. ‘A’ Echelon.
Recce Troop Leaders. O.C. ‘B’ Echelon.
Tank Troop Leaders. O.C. ‘F2’ Echelon.
Intelligence Officer. Serjeant DAVIS. R.C. of SIGNALS
Technical Adjutant.
Quartermaster.
Medical Officer.
Electrical & Mechanical Engineer.
Regimental Serjeant Major.

Reference this office letter of even number dated 9th October 1944.

1. Route
The route as state din the above quoted letter is hereby cancelled.
The correct route is as follows:-
(S.P.) Br. 672604 - road junction 683607 - crossroads 685601 - crossroads 693594 (D.P.)

2. Move
Battalion will form up in the order H.Q., 1 Squadron, 2 Squadron, 3 Squadron.
Wheels will travel with Squadrons.
Move off at 1320 hours.
Time over S.P. -
Head 1330 Hours.
Tail 1350 Hours.
(Head not to pass S.P. until 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS are clear.)

3. Dinners
Dinners today will be at 1200 hours.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
B.L.A.
10th October 1944.

 

APPENDIX

SUBJECT:- FUTURE PROGRAMME
Ref. No: 1st CG 14/44

The following things are to be included in the programme of work while we are static.

1. Kit Inspections (particular attention to Boots).

2. Thorough inspection of Tanks, including check over of Ammunition, Wireless kit, etc.
Commanding officer will visit Squadrons as follows to see how this is progressing:-
1 Squadron, Monday, 16th October 1944
2 Squadron, Tuesday, 17th October 1944
3 Squadron, Wednesday, 18th October 1944

3. ‘B’ Vehicles
Inspection by Fitters.
Decarbonising by pool of Fitters under Technical Adjutant.

4. Gas
Inspection of Respirators and Gas kit.
One period per week All Ranks will wear respirators for 1/2 hour.

5. Organised Recreation
(a) Football
Lieutenant I.L. JARDINE will arrange.
(b) Baths
Mobile Baths will continue on present allotment.
(c ) Division Club
As at present.

6. ‘B’ Echelon
Weapon Training.

7. Drill Parades & P.T.
Commanding Officer’s Parade on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 0915 hours.
P.T. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0715 hours.

8. Trade Tests
S.O., G.O., and T.A. will arrange for Trade Tests as soon as possible. Tests must be supervised by an Officer from another Unit.

Squadrons will submit proposed programmes for next week to the Orderly Room by 1800 hours Saturday 14th October 1944.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
B.L.A.
12th October 1944.

 

Officer Field Returns

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

28 Oct 1944 39274 Major Lieutenant Colonel R F S GOOCH, MC Coldstream Guards 30 Sep 1943 Yes Commanding Officer 1 Sep 1944
28 Oct 1944 32350 Captain Major W J St C ANSTRUTHER-GRAY, MC, MP Coldstream Guards 2 Oct 1943 Yes Second-in-Command 1 Sep 1944
28 Oct 1944 50866 Captain Major H R ALLSOPP, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Feb 1940 Yes Squadron Leader 26 Feb 1942
28 Oct 1944 40932 Captain Major G W ff DAWNAY, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 8 Jul 1940 Yes Squadron Leader 22 Feb 1943
28 Oct 1944 75569 Lieutenant Major J L DARELL Coldstream Guards 1 Aug 1942 Yes Squadron Leader 1 Aug 1942 5 Aug 1944 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
28 Oct 1944 85276 Lieutenant Major P H HUNT Coldstream Guards 13 Sep 1942 Yes Squadron Leader 27 Sep 1944
28 Oct 1944 68574 Lieutenant Captain H T WATKINS Coldstream Guards 28 Sep 1944 Yes Squadron 28 Sep 1944
28 Oct 1944 107020 Lieutenant Captain - DENBIGH, The Earl of Coldstream Guards 11 Jun 1940 Yes M.T.O. 11 Feb 1943
28 Oct 1944 121324 Lieutenant Captain B FEILDING, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 9 Oct 1944 Yes 9 Oct 1944 Pending Posting
28 Oct 1944 113731 Lieutenant Captain J E GULL Coldstream Guards 9 Jun 1941 Yes T.A. 11 Feb 1943
28 Oct 1944 89013 Lieutenant Captain J F PRIESTLEY Coldstream Guards 20 Jan 1944 Yes Squadron 5 Feb 1943
28 Oct 1944 113730 Lieutenant Captain N S C COLLIN Coldstream Guards 14 Jun 1940 Yes Squadron 22 Nov 1943
28 Oct 1944 165023 Lieutenant Captain O K HEYWOOD Coldstream Guards 15 Oct 1942 Yes Adjutant 21 Apr 1943
28 Oct 1944 164300 Lieutenant M A HAMILTON Coldstream Guards 3 Jul 1942 Yes Squadron 3 Jul 1942
28 Oct 1944 186906 Lieutenant S BIRCH Coldstream Guards 8 Nov 1943 Yes Squadron 8 Nov 1943 6 Aug 1944 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
28 Oct 1944 186916 Lieutenant B H G SPARROW Coldstream Guards 25 Sep 1941 Yes Recce Troop 25 Sep 1941
28 Oct 1944 224212 Lieutenant G T PEARSON Coldstream Guards 7 Sep 1944 Yes Troop 7 Sep 1944
28 Oct 1944 229118 Lieutenant I A RODNEY Coldstream Guards 1 Jul 1942 Yes Signals Officer 1 Jul 1942
28 Oct 1944 233950 Lieutenant P A M GELL Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Troop 25 Jul 1942 1st Reinforcement Attached 268 Forward Delivery Squadron, RAC
28 Oct 1944 233951 Lieutenant J A L LEE Coldstream Guards 25 Jul 1942 Yes Intelligence Officer 25 Jul 1942
28 Oct 1944 243807 Lieutenant R T BOSCAWEN, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 16 Mar 1944 Yes G.O. 16 Mar 1944
28 Oct 1944 256574 Lieutenant J A G SEDGWICK Coldstream Guards 12 Aug 1944 Yes Troop 12 Aug 1944
28 Oct 1944 262112 Lieutenant K F C PARRINGTON Coldstream Guards 8 Jul 1944 No Troop 8 Jul 1944 Attached Div Transit Camp
28 Oct 1944 268990 Lieutenant I L JARDINE Coldstream Guards 1 Jan 1944 Yes Troop 1 Jan 1944 1 Jan 1944
28 Oct 1944 267569 Lieutenant G HOHLER Coldstream Guards 5 Aug 1944 Yes Troop 5 Aug 1944
28 Oct 1944 278663 Lieutenant T NESBITT-DUFORT Coldstream Guards 12 Aug 1944 No Troop 12 Aug 1944 Attached Div Transit Camp
28 Oct 1944 275674 Lieutenant J H T SUTTON Coldstream Guards 15 Feb 1944 Yes Troop 15 Feb 1944 12 Aug 1943
28 Oct 1944 293490 Lieutenant J K AMBLER Coldstream Guards 24 Apr 1944 Yes Troop 24 Apr 1944 9 Nov 1943
28 Oct 1944 295069 Lieutenant W A WESTERMAN Coldstream Guards 27 Aug 1944 Yes Troop 27 Aug 1944
28 Oct 1944 295109 Lieutenant J TENNANT Coldstream Guards 27 Sep 1944 Yes Troop 27 Sep 1944
28 Oct 1944 297321 Lieutenant D C G JESSEL Coldstream Guards 17 Jul 1944 Yes Troop 17 Jul 1944
28 Oct 1944 315898 Lieutenant A HORN Coldstream Guards 27 Sep 1944 Yes Troop 27 Sep 1944
28 Oct 1944 315898 Lieutenant M W RIDLEY Coldstream Guards 9 Oct 1944 Yes Troop 9 Oct 1944
28 Oct 1944 326838 Lieutenant M E JOICEY, The Honourable Coldstream Guards 18 Oct 1944 Yes Troop 18 Oct 1944
28 Oct 1944 210583 Lieutenant S J H MIDDLEDITCH Coldstream Guards 15 Apr 1943 Yes Quartermaster 15 Apr 1943
28 Oct 1944 221859 Lieutenant Captain J THOMPSON Royal Army Medical Corps 1 Apr 1942 Yes Medical Officer 1 Apr 1942 Y
28 Oct 1944 Captain H L DAVIES Royal Army Chaplains Department 17 Sep 1944 Church of England Chaplain
28 Oct 1944 Temporary Captain J E GULL Coldstream Guards 22 Oct 1944 Hospital
28 Oct 1944 224212 Lieutenant Acting Captain H R HOWITT Coldstream Guards 11 Mar 1942 22 Oct 1944 205 CRC
28 Oct 1944 233949 Lieutenant War Substantive Lieutenant D B B FENWICK Coldstream Guards 12 Aug 1942 12 Oct 1944 Hospital

 

1944 November 1
715 hours
P.T.
Maintenance.
COLDSTREAM GROUP continue at 2 hours’ notice for counter-attack role on River MEUSE, South East of GRAVE.
APPENDIX

1944 November 2
715 hours
P.T.
Maintenance.
900 hours
Mechanical Trade Test - Captain JOHNSON, 2nd (Armoured) Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS was President of Board.
930 hours
The Commanding Officer inspected No. 2 Squadron billets.
Continue at 2 hours’ notice as before.
The curfew in NIJMEGEN extended to 2300 hours.
APPENDIX

1944 November 3
715 hours
P.T.
930 hours
The Commanding Officer inspected No. 3 Squadron billets.

1944 November 4
915 hours
Squadron Drill Parades.

1944 November 5
1130 hours
Parade Service.
APPENDIX

1944 November 6
715 hours
P.T.
Maintenance.
Baths.

1944 November 7
915 hours
Squadron Drill Parades.
Maintenance.
APPENDIX

1944 November 8
715 hours
P.T.
Maintenance.
915 hours
No. 1 Squadron Drill Parade.

1944 November 9
715 hours
P.T. Parade for H.Q. Nos. 1 - 3 Squadrons.
No. 1 Squadron Drill Parade for No. 2 Squadron.
Orders given for move.
APPENDIX

1944 November 10
730 hours
P.T. Parade for Nos. 1, 2 and H.Q. Squadrons.
915 hours
Drill Parade for No. 3 Squadron.
900 hours
Gunnery Trade Test - President Major D.R.S. FITZGERALD, 2nd (Armoured) Battalion IRISH GUARDS.
Advance Party left for new area early.

1944 November 11
730 hours P.T. Parade Nos. 1, 2 and 3 Squadrons.
915 hours
Drill Parade H.Q. Squadron.
Battalion prepare to move.
APPENDIX

1944 November 12
400 hours
Reveille
Battalion moved 0600 hours.
Voorstad, Map Reference 677683, Sheet 48, 1:50,000, FRANCE & BELGIUM (SITTARD) Harboured West of SITTARD at VOORSTAD, less No. 1 Squadron.
No. 1 Squadron moved into position under command of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS, holding a defensive line area Northern part of Woods North of WHER, Map Reference 7267, with two Troops forward.
APPENDIX

1944 November 13
Battalion less No. 1 moved out of VOORSTAD between 1400 hours and 1800 hours.
No. 3 Squadron to JABEEK Map Ref. 7466 in reserve to support 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS in a counter attack role.
H.Q. and No. 2 Squadron moved to HILLENSBERG Map Ref. 7266.
No. 2 Squadron in a counter attack role to occupy the high ground West of HILLENSBERG if ordered by BRIGADE.
Two Squadrons of 2nd Battalion WELSH GUARDS were given same role.
APPENDIX

1944 November 14
No change.
APPENDIX

1944 November 15
No change.
Danger of mines and Booby Traps.
APPENDIX
APPENDIX

1944 November 16
No change.
APPENDIX
APPENDIX

1944 November 17
No change.
APPENDIX

1944 November 18
No change.
Officer Field Returns
APPENDIX

1944 November 19
930 hours
Parade Service for No. 3 Squadron in No. 3 Squadron area.
1045 hours
Parade Service for Battalion H.Q. and No. 2 Squadron in village school.
APPENDIX

1944 November 20
No. 1 Squadron join Battalion at HILLENSBERG, changing places with No. 2 Squadron who moved North of WHER, Map Ref. 7267.
APPENDIX

1944 November 21 - 26
No change.
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
APPENDIX

1944 November 25
Officer Field Returns

1944 November 27
No. 2 Squadron change places with No. 3 Squadron, otherwise no change.

1944 November 28
No change.
APPENDIX

1944 November 29
No change.
A JU 88 crashed in flames just West of WEHR 7268 at approximately 1930 hours.
Three men who baled out were captured.
APPENDIX

1944 November 30
No change.
APPENDIX

 

APPENDIX

BATTALION ORDERS PART I BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C., COMMANDING 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 41.
31st October 1944
B.L.A.

1. DETAIL FOR TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, 1ST NOVEMBER, 1944.
Reveille - 0700 hours
P.T. Parade - 0715 hours
Commanding Officer’s Orders - 0915 hours

2. ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION
All possible economy must be observed in Electricity consumption in NIJMEGEN and District.
(D.R.O. 354/44)

3. THEFTS OF VEHICLES
Owing to thefts of vehicles in BRUSSELS, in future no one will leave a vehicle unattended in BRUSSELS, even in an official Car Park, except in the Transit Camp.
(D.R.O. 360/44).

4. PARCELS
It is understood that there is an impression current that parcel mails to the troops are brought into the Theatre by air. This is not so. Parcels are brought in by sea and are therefore subject to delays imposed by weather conditions in the Channel. There is also a considerable road haul involved in bringing them up to the forward area.
(Appendix C to A.R.O. 27/44).

5. DISCIPLINE
The following offences have recently been tried by Field General Court-Martial in this Theatre. Sentences as shown were passed and confirmed.

OFFENCE
Taking away an Army vehicle containing Ammunition and Stores (likely to imperial the success of his Majesty’s forces), and desertion.
SENTENCE
10 years Penal Servitude

OFFENCE
Shamefully casting away arms in the face of the enemy
SENTENCE
6 years Penal Servitude

OFFENCE
Mutiny
SENTENCE
5 years Penal Servitude

OFFENCE
Disobedience
SENTENCE
3 years Penal Servitude

OFFENCE
Desertion
SENTENCE
3 years Penal Servitude

OFFENCE
Absence
SENTENCE
2 years Imprisonment with Hard Labour

OFFENCE
Robbery
SENTENCE
2 years Imprisonment with Hard Labour

OFFENCE
Self-inflicted Wound
SENTENCE
2 years Imprisonment with Hard Labour

OFFENCE
Negligently handling rifle
SENTENCE
13 months Detention

OFFENCE
Using threatening language to a Superior Officer
SENTENCE
18 months Imprisonment with Hard Labour

OFFENCE
Sleeping at Post
SENTENCE
18 months Detention

OFFENCE
Drunkenness
SENTENCE
90 days Field Punishment
(A.R.O 214/44).


6. TREATMENT OF ENEMY PRISONERS OF WAR
The German authorities have complained that personal effects, badges of rank, etc, have been removed from GERMAN PW during the course of operations in FRANCE.

This is contrary to the provisions of the Geneva Convention of 1929 and may lead to reprisals on BRITISH PW in German hands.

Attention is directed to 21st ARMY GROUP Standing Orders (AG’s Branch)
See XVI Para 4 (ii), which is reported:-
“The treatment of prisoners of war is governed by the Geneva Convention of 1929, under which prisoners of war must be allowed to retain all personal effects and articles in personal use, including metal helmets and gas masks.
Sums of money in possession of prisoners may only be taken away from them on the orders of an Officer, and the amount taken must be properly recorded and a receipt given. Identity tokens, badges of rank, decorations and articles of value may not be taken from prisoners.
If articles of value are for some reason impounded at Base Camp, it is most important that the prisoner of war is given a detailed receipt.
The importance of preserving prisoner of war effects with the same scrupulous care as is shown in dealing with those of our own casualties will be impressed on all ranks.”
(D.R.O. 359/44).

7. GRENADES
All ranks are warned of the danger of picking up any object in the neighbourhood of gliders, as the Americans left a number of improvised hand-grenades in the area of landing. Cases have already occurred of troops being seriously injured by these objects.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

 

APPENDIX

BATTALION ORDERS PART I BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C., COMMANDING 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 42

1st November 1944
B.L.A.

1. DETAIL FOR TOMORROW, THURSDAY, 2ND NOVEMBER, 1944.
Reveille - 0700 hours
P.T. Parade - 0715 hours
Commanding Officer’s Orders - 0900 hours

2. DIVISIONAL MASS
Divisional Mass will be held at 1045 hours, tomorrow, Thursday, 2nd November 1944, at St. Stephen’s Church, NIJMEGEN.
Every facility should be given to Roman Catholic personnel to attend this Service, and they will parade outside Battalion H.Q. at 1025 hours.
M.T.O. will detail transport to convey this party to the Church.

3. MECHANICAL TRADE TEST
There will be a Mechanical Trade Test tomorrow, Thursday, 2nd November 1944.
Candidates will parade outside the Technical Adjutant’s Officer at 0900 hours.
Captain JOHNSON, 2nd Armoured Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS will be President of the Board.

4. INSPECTION OF BILLETS
The Commanding Officer will inspect No. 2 Squadron billets tomorrow, Thursday, 2nd November 1944.

5. CURFEW
The curfew in NIJMEGEN has been extended to 2300 hours daily.

6. CHRISTMAS MAIL TO B.N.A.F.
Letters, Christmas Cards, Printed Papers and Parcels sent by surface route intended for Christmas delivery to members of H.M. Forces serving with B.N.A.F. must be posted not later than Monday, 6th November 1944.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

 

APPENDIX

BATTALION ORDERS PART I BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C., COMMANDING 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 45
4th November 1944
B.L.A.

1. DETAIL FOR TOMORROW, SUNDAY, 5TH NOVEMBER 1944
Reveille - 0730 hours
Breakfast - 0830 hours

2. CHURCH PARADES
Church of England
0815 hours - Holy Communion in Battalion H.Q. Officers’ Mess
1130 hours - Parade Service in the same church as last Sunday. No transport will be provided.

Roman Catholics
1000 hours - Service in the Church next to No. 1 Squadron School.
1030 hours - Mass at MALDEN R.C. Church.

Other Denominations
1030 hours - Service in the Stadium (5 BRIGADE Workshops). No transport will be provided.

3. DETAIL FOR MONDAY, 6TH NOVEMBER 1944
Reveille - 0700 hours
P.T. Parade - 0715 hours
Commanding Officer’s Orders - 0915 hours

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

 

APPENDIX

BATTALION ORDERS PART I BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C., COMMANDING 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 46.
6th November 1944
B.L.A.

1. DETAIL FOR TOMORROW, TUESDAY, 7TH NOVEMBER, 1944
Reveille - 0700 hours
Commanding Officer’s Orders - 1130 hours

2. DRILL PARADES
Squadron Drill Parades will be held in Squadron Lines at 0915 hours.
Attendance -
Officers as detailed by Squadron Leaders
Other Ranks - all personnel clear of duty
Dress
Battle Dress, Web Belts, Gaiters and Berets

3. FIELD GENERAL COURT MARTIAL
2657200 Lance Serjeant J. SMITH, No. 1 Squadron, and
2659344 Guardsman H. FLETCHER, H.Q. Squadron
will be tried by Field General Court Martial at 205 GRC tomorrow, Tuesday, 7th November 1944.
Separate instructions have been issued to all concerned.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

NOTICE.
DANCE
The Serjeants’ Mess Dance will be held in The House for Roman Catholics (Parochiehuis), Akkerlaan 46, tomorrow, Tuesday, 7th November 1944.
Dancing from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Refreshments, Bar and Cabaret.
Admission by Invitation only.

 

APPENDIX

BATTALION ORDERS PART I BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C., COMMANDING 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 47.
8th November, 1944
B.L.A.

ANNIVERSARY
5th November 1854 - Battle of INKERMAN
1st Battalion, half of which was on outpost picquet, advanced with the rest of the GUARDS BRIGADE on hearing firing at the beginning of the battle. Two of the companies on picquet rejoined the Battalion shortly afterwards. From 7.30 a.m. until 9.30 a.m. the Battalion were engaged in desperate hand to hand fighting, repelling repeated attacks of Russian columns nearly three times their numbers.
The Battalion went into action 438 strong. Their casualties were:-
Killed - 8 Officers and 76 Other Ranks
Wounded - 5 Officers and 118 Other ranks
Total 207.

1. DETAIL FOR TOMORROW, THURSDAY, 9TH NOVEMBER, 1944
Reveille - 0700 hours
Commanding Officer’s Orders - 1130 hours

2. PARADES
0715 hours - P.T. Parade, No.s 1, 3 and H.Q. Squadrons.
0915 hours - Drill Parade, No. 2 Squadron.

3. COOKING IN BARNS ETC
A considerable numbers of fires have lately taken place due to cooking in barns and near haylofts and other places containing inflammable material.

4. DIVISION CLUB
The Div Club will be temporarily closed from 2100 hours 8th November 1944 until further notice.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

NOTICE

FOOTBALL
The following team has been selected by the Battalion Selection Committee to represent the Battalion in the Div Inter Unit League against Div H.Q. Squadron tomorrow, Thursday 9th November 1944 on the N.E.C. Ground (behind the Serjeants’ Mess),
Kick Off - 1345 hours
The team will parade at H.Q. Squadron Office at 1330 hours and M.T.O. will detail to convey the team to the field.
Spectators are invited to attend.

Lance Corporal MARSH, No. 1 Squadron

Lance Serjeant MIDDLETON, No. 1 Squadron
Guardsman DAVIES, No. 3 Squadron

Craftsman WILLCOCKS, L.A.D.
Guardsman MURPHY, H.Q. Squadron, Team Captain
Lance Corporal F. BROWN, No. 2 Squadron

Signalman BAKER, ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
Guardsman MORRIS, No. 3 Squadron
Lance Serjeant ROSE, No. 3 Squadron

Corporal COLE
Signalman DUNCAN, ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS

Reserves to travel:-
Lance Serjeant LOWE, H.Q. Squadron
Lance Corporal LOVELOCK, No. 1 Squadron
Lance Corporal LONG, No. 2 Squadron

Referee:-
Serjeant Instructor JOHNSTONE, A.P.T.C.

 

APPENDIX

BATTALION ORDERS PART I BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C., COMMANDING 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 49.
10th November 1944
B.L.A.

1. DETAIL FOR TOMORROW, SATURDAY, 11TH NOVEMBER, 1944.
Reveille - 0715 hours
Adjutant’s Orders - 1130 hours
Commanding Officer’s Orders - 1200 hours

2. PARADES
0730 hours - P.T. Parade. No.s 1, 2 and 3 Squadrons.
0915 hours - Drill Parade. H.Q. Squadron.

3. LEAVE IN BRUSSELS
All Ranks when in BRUSSELS will salute when they pass the tomb of the Unknown Soldier which is at the foot of the Congress Column.

4. POSTAL
The Air Letter Card Service to Prisoners of War and Internees in EUROPE is now in operation again.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

 

APPENDIX

SECRET

OPERATION “CYGNET”

Movement Order No. 1

1. Route
Road junction 702585 - road junction 7070542 - HEUMEN - OVERASSELT - crossroads 624548 - GRAVE Bridge - thence main CLUB route to HECHTEL, thence BOURG LEOPOLD - BEERINGEN - road junction 332665 - road junction 319662 - GENCK 4365.

2. Staring Point
Battalion S.P. - 702585
Division S.P. - GRAVE Bridge

3. DIS P
(a) Divs Dis P Bailey bridge BERG 613693.
(b) Guides will meet units here and take them on by route:-
URMOND 6167 - GELEEN 6565 - SITTARD 6868. This route will be signed ‘TWO BAR’.
(c ) If bridge is damaged ‘ONE BAR’ diversion will be used.

4. ORDER OF MARCH
Intelligence Officer
C.O.s Car
Squadron Leaders Jeeps
Regimental Serjeant Major
All Fireflies (to form up head to tail in order 1, 2, 3 Squadrons on main road with head 100 yards short of Battalion S.P.)
No. 1 Squadron less Fireflies (to join main road at 703594)
No. 2 Squadron less Fireflies (to join main road at 703591)
H.Q. Squadron
No. 3 Squadron less Fireflies
A.R.Vs
Wheels in Squadron Groups
L.A.D.

5. SPEED
Day - 25 miles in 2 Hours
Night - 15 miles in 2 Hours
Change from night to day 0700 hours

6. DENSITY
40 v.t.m. [vehicles to mile?]

7. HALTS
(a) No 20 minute halts.
(b) Following halts of 1 hour will be observed between Division S.P. and Division P.
1200 - 1300 hours
1800 - 1900 hours

8. LIGHTS
Side and Tail.

9. INTERCOMN
Wireless silence from 0100 hours 11th November until further notice.

10. TIMINGS
Reveille - 0400 hours
Breakfast - 0445 hours
Head of column passes Battalion S.P. - 0610 hours
Head of column passes Division S.P. - 0726 hours (Not to turn onto main road at 624548 till 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS are clear).
Tail of column passes Division S.P. - 0805 hours

11. TRANSPORTERS
(a) All Fireflies (15) will be carried on transporters.
(b) They will start the move in main column as shown in para 4 but leave the route for leading where signed, probably at road junction 580510.
(c ) Every commander and driver of a Firefly must know where he has to leave the route. Exact details will be issued later.
(d) When loaded transporters will travel at tail of Division column leaving at approx 1500 hours 12th November 1944.

12. RFC
Rec Posts at GRAVE Bridge, ZON Bridge - EINDHOVEN - JOE’S Bridge - HETCHEL - ASCH

13. MED
Medical installations as follows:-
Casualty Clearing Station GRAVE
9 Field Dressing Station BOXTEL
79 and 86 General Hospital EINDHOVEN
47 Field Dressing Station VALKENSWAARD
31 Field Dressing Station WYCHMANEL 3784
14 Field Dressing Station BOURG LEOPOLD

14. RATIONS
(a) Haversack rations will be taken.
Firefly crews will need haversack rations for dinner, tea and supper.
(b) Thermoses should be filled.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
B.L.A.
10th November 1944

 

APPENDIX

SUBJECT:- SECURITY
Ref No:- 1st CG 21/44

Squadron Leaders,
ALL SQUADRONS

1. TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS
Now we are in a hostile country, the possibility that our telephone lines may be tapped has greatly increased.
From now onwards units and sub-units will be referred to by their code names and the conversation will be conducted on much the same lines as on the wireless.

2. DEALING WITH THE CIVILIAN POPULATION
It will again be impressed on All Ranks how important it is to be security minded.
There area two sorts of security.

(a) Offensive
Which entails being inquisitive, investigating any suspicious thing. Reporting any incident, however trivial. By doing this we gain the initiative and we make it extremely difficult for efforts at sabotage to be successful.
(b) Defensive
Learn to keep your mouth shut. Do not discuss impending operations or moves in public places, i.e. Cafes, because although the Hun may not be in sight he may well be within earshot by means of microphones in the walls etc.

It is an established fact that for the last 18 months the Germans have been building up an Underground organisation. This consists not only of active saboteurs and terrorists but also of a most elaborate system of enemy agents who are left behind when their fighting forces withdraw. They have also made arrangements for a first class system of communications. Many of the agents left behind have been blackmailed into doing their work because of the fear of reprisals against their families behind the German lines if they fail.

3. Squadron Leaders will continuously impress on All Ranks that we are in a HOSTILE country. They will remind them of the suffering wrought on EUROPE and by means of Air Raids on our own country and homes, by the Government of and active participation by the very people we are now dealing with. Our dealings with the population will be firm (no nonsense), correct and security minded to a degree.

Signed R.F.S. GOOCH
Lieutenant Colonel,
Commanding,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
B.L.A.
13th November 1944.

 

APPENDIX

SUBJECT:- LOOTING
Ref No:- 1st CG 14/44

Squadron Leaders,
ALL SQUADRONS

1. Furniture, utensils, etc, left behind in billets by the owners and not locked up may be used.

2. Nothing may be taken away from the houses.

3. No cupboards, doors etc, which are locked, may be forced open. The owners have been allowed to put their belongings into a room and lock it up.

4. Vegetables etc., may be taken, within reasonable limits.

5. No domestic fowl or beast may be killed without permission of an Officer.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
B.L.A.
14th November 1944

 

APPENDIX

BATTALION ORDERS PART I BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C., COMMANDING 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 50.
14th November 1944
B.L.A.
Last Part I Order issued No. 49 dated 11th November 1944.

ANNIVERSARIES
8 November - 1st and 2nd Battalions reached VALENCIENNES.
9 November 1918 - 1st Battalion entered MAUBEGE.

1. DETAIL FOR TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, 15TH NOVEMBER, 1944.
Reveille - 0715 hours
Commanding Officer’s Orders - 1200 hours

2. TRAFFIC SIGNS
Much chaos has been caused by traffic in this area disobeying “ONE WAY” and “NO ENTRY” signs. These signs must be strictly obeyed.

3. REVEILLE - CALLING UP
The use of the phrase “Wakey-wakey” in the mornings will be discontinued forthwith, and a less provoking exhortation such as “Get up” or “Wake up” will be substituted.

4. ROUTES
The road SITTARD -WEHR - HILLENSBERG is out of bounds to tanks. A tank track round HILLENSBERG is being recce’d and will be made known.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

 

APPENDIX

SUBJECT:- MINES AND BOOBY TRAPS
Ref. No: 1st CG 20/44

Squadron Leaders,
ALL SQUADRONS

1. AMERICAN MINES
‘Activated Mine’ - Mine is booby trapped and must be destroyed in situ. No attempt must be made to lift or neutralised it.
Hasty Minefields’ - Indicate that the mins are NOT laid to the standard American pattern the mines may or may not be laid on the surface.

2. SABOTAGE OF TANKS
(a) Enemy agents have been given instructions to stick ‘clams’ (magnetic containers with plastic explosive inside) on the undersides of tanks.
(b) These operate with a delayed action, mechanism giving a delay of from half to two hours.
(c ) All tank crews will therefore:-
(i) Prevent civilians approaching tanks.
(ii) Carry out periodical inspections of the undersides of tanks.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
B.L.A.
15th November 1944

 

APPENDIX

BATTALION ORDERS PART I BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C., COMMANDING 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 51.
15th November 1944
B.L.A.

1. DETAIL FOR TOMORROW, THURSDAY, 16TH NOVEMBER, 1944.
Reveille - 0715 hours
Commanding Officer’s Orders - 1200 hours

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS

 

APPENDIX

LEAVE

THESE ORDERS SUPERSEDE ALL OTHERS ISSUED ON THIS SUBJECT

Sec. 1 BRUSSELS 21 ARMY GROUP SCHEME
1. ACCOMODATION
(a) Officers - Hotel PLAZA, Avenue ADOLPH MAX

(b) Other Ranks -
Hotel des Colonies, Place Charles Rogier
Hotel Siru, Place Charles Rogier
Hotel West End, Boulevard D’Anvers
Hotel Cecil, Boulevard Jardin Botanique
63 Rue de la Loi
Billets (Report centre 67 Avenue Jupiter)

2. RATIONS
Haversack ration required for the journey to BRUSSELS and food will be taken for eating on the return journey.
No other rations needed.
Charge for Officers only - 5/- per day.

3. EQUIPMENT
(a) Steel Helmets
(b) No bedding, arms or other equipment

4. PAY AND EXCHANGE
(a) No pay
(b) Exchange up to
£10 Other Ranks
£20 Officers

5. DISCIPLINE
(a) Units take turns to supply an Officer to be in charge of the Division party.
(b) All Ranks passing the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the foot of the Congress Column will salute.
(c ) Absentees
Officer i/c party will report absentees to BRUSSELS Garrison before departure, and to units on arrival.

6. PASSES AND DOCUMENTS
(a) All Ranks must be in possession of A.F. B. 295 and usual identity documents.
(b) Officers will collect passes from the Adjutant before the day of leaving
(c ) Senior NCO of the party will collect Nominal Roll in duplicate from the Orderly Room before leaving and hand it to Officer i/c Division Party at the R.V.

7. DRESS
Battle Dress, Web Belt, No Arms, Gaiters optional.

8. R.V.
R.V. for outgoing and returning leave parties will be The Square at 660652.

9. TIMES
(a) Outgoing
0930 hours Unit Parties report to RV.
0945 hours Division Party leaves R.V. for BRUSSELS
1400 hours - 1600 hours Party reaches BRUSSELS

(b) Returning
1400 hours - 1600 hours Division Party leaves BRUSSELS
2015 hours Unit transport meets party at R.V.
(M.T.O. will automatically detail this transport when we have leave parties returning)

10. ROUTE
MAASTRICHT - ?TOUGRES 3945 - ST. TROND 2049 - TIRLESMONT 0349 - LOUVAIN

11. ALLOTMENT
Drivers of Officers’ Jeeps not to count against the allotment.


Sec. 2 ANTWERP 30 CORPS REST SCHEME

1. ACCOMODATION
(a) Officers - 14 Van EYCKLEM
(b) Other Ranks - 10 Koningen Elisabeth Lei

2. RATIONS
Haversack rations for journeys.
Otherwise none needed.

3. EQUIPMENT
(a) Bedding required by ALL Ranks.
(b) Other Ranks to bring knife, spoon and fork.
(c ) No arms or equipment.
(d) Steel Helmets

4. PAY AND EXCHANGE
(a) No pay
(b) Exchange
Officers 200 Gldrs
Other Ranks 106 Gldrs

5. DISCIPLINE
As for BRUSSELS with the exception of para 5 (b)

6. PASSES AND DOCUMENTS
As for BRUSSELS.

7. DRESS
As for BRUSSELS.

8. R.V.
As for BRUSSELS.

9. TIMES
(a) Outgoing
1030 hours Unit parties report to R.V.
1100 hours Division party leaves for ANTWERP.
1500 hours Division party arrives.

(b) Returning
1145 hours Division party leave ANTWERP
1500 hours Unit transport meets party at R.V.
(M.T.O. will automatically detail this)

10. ROUTE
MAATRICHT - BILSEN 4355 - HASSELT 3262 - DIEST 1268 - AERSCHOT 9669 - LIFERE 7886


Sec. 3 BRUSSELS EYE CLUB (Officers)

1. ACCOMODATION
48 Avenue D’Anspach near METROPOLE HOTEL

2. RATIONS
Unexpired portion
Charge 50 francs per night.

3. PAY AND EXCHANGE
No facilities

4. PASSES
To be collected from the Adjutant on the day before leaving.

5. TIMES
Officers must not arrive before 1400 hours and must leave before 1200 hours.

6. DRIVERS AND SERVANTS
Field Officers can take servants.
Drivers will be put up at Transit Camp and must have a pass showing them to be on duty.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
B.L.A.
16th November 1944

 

APPENDIX

BATTALION ORDERS PART I BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL R.F.S. GOOCH, M.C., COMMANDING 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
No. 52
16th November 1944
B.L.A.

1. DETAIL FOR TOMORROW, FRIDAY, 17TH NOVEMBER, 1944.
Reveille - 0715 hours
Commanding Officer’s Orders - 1200 hours

2. SALE OR EXCHANGE OF WAR DEPARTMENT GOODS
It is forbidden to dispose to civilians by sale or exchange goods which have been issued by the War Department or NAAFI.
(G.R.O. 755)

3. FIRES
No fires may be lit in billets before 1500 hours.

Signed O.K. HEYWOOD
Captain & Adjutant,
1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS