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

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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 55
    28th August 1944.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    ALLIES MASS ON THE SEINE.
    Allied forces are massing along 200 miles of the SEINE.

    American forces have reached the River MARNE 15 miles beyond PARIS. The Allies are extending their hold on the four bridgeheads over the SEINE West of the Capital.


    PATROLS REACH SWISS FRONTIER.
    American patrols of the 7th ARMY are said to have reached the SWISS frontier South of GENEVA. Mopping up operations in MARSEILLES continue.

    TOULON has been completely liberated.

    General EISENHOWER has visited PARIS.

    There was shooting in the streets of PARIS yesterday.


    LARGE SCALE DAYLIGHT RAIDS.
    Yesterday R.A.F. heavy bombers made their first large scale attacks on GERMANY in daylight.

    Spitfires went with them to the synthetic oil plant at HOMBURG MEERBECK.

    American heavies attacked targets in North West GERMANY.

    Last night R.A.F. Mosquitoes attacked MANNHEIM.


    RUSSIANS CAPTURE GALATZ.
    The Russians have captured the DANUBE port of GALATZ. They are now about 60 miles from PLOESTI and just over 70 from BUCHAREST.

    Yesterday the Russians captured 18,000 Prisoners and the ROMANIANS 12,000 more.


    IN BRIEF.
    In ITALY the Germans are falling back towards the main GOTHIC Line defences. Allied aircraft are hitting German communications in the rear.

    In North BURMA British troops are now 1/2 mile from PINBAW and the railway to MANDALAY.

    In the South West Pacific American troops have cut across the Japanese retreat from the coast to the VOGELKOP Peninsular in DUTCH NEW GUINEA.
     
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    32nd Guards Brigade, Guards Armoured Division, 8 Corps
    2661926 Unpaid Acting Sergeant DENNIS BROOKES, 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
    On 1st August, 1944, in front of St. Martin des Besacres, this N.C.O. showed magnificent personal courage and offensive spirit as platoon sergeant to his platoon. He personally attacked a number of the enemy in the open, using every available weapon, killing a German officer and others in single combat and generally leading the hand-to-hand fighting.

    Later while his platoon was taking up a fire position behind a bank this N.C.O. stood in front of it spraying the oncoming enemy with a Bren gun, firing from the hip and inflicting such heavy casualties that the enemy withdrew.

    In addition, he damaged an enemy tank by scoring hits on it with a P.I.A.T.

    His work of an administrative nature was outstanding as his gallantry in the field, and I strongly recommend him for the immediate award of the D.C.M.

    Signed E.R. HILL, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards
    Field
    7th August 1944.

    Downgraded from D.C.M.
    Granted an Immediate M.M.

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    32nd Guards Brigade, Guards Armoured Division, 8 Corps
    207663 Lieutenant RICHARD GODFREY LOMER, 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
    On 3rd August, 1944, this officer was acting as second-in-command to his company north of Le Busq.

    Throughout the day he displayed the highest qualities of leadership and endurance, carrying forward Piat bombs to a forward platoon under heavy mortar fire which a little later it became necessary to extricate. This officer then volunteered to go up again to organize the withdrawal, which he did with great coolness and efficiency. The last section to be got out suffered heavy casualties from German mortar fire. Lieutenant Lomer, who was bringing up the rear, was painfully wounded by the same agency while going to the aid of the wounded men. Despite this, and though barely able to walk, he carried two men a distance of some forty yards each to comparative safety. He then returned to the remaining wounded men and refused to leave them until all had been evacuated or died.

    While waiting with the last man he crawled to a ditch with a Sten gun with a view to dealing with an anticipated German counter-attack.
    Throughout the whole operation this officer set a magnificent example of cheerfulness and efficiency, and I strongly recommend him for the award of the Military Cross.

    Signed E.R. HILL, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards
    Field
    7 August 1944.


    Granted an Immediate M.C.

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    ORDERS OF BATTLE
    3RD SEPTEMBER, 1944 (ENTRY INTO BRUSSELS) from A Distant Drum, Pereira


    BATTALION HEADQUARTERS
    Lieutenant-Colonel E.R. Hill - Commanding Officer
    Major W.S. Blackett - Second-in-Command
    Captain C.W. Lambton - Adjutant
    Captain I.O. Liddell - Mechanical Transport Officer
    Captain (Quartermaster) S.B.R. Cooper - Quartermaster
    Regimental Sergeant-Major S. Lonsbrough - R.S.M.
    Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant R.W. Smith - R.Q.M.S.
    Drill Sergeant S. Reason
    Captain J.B. Ingram, R.A.M.C. - Medical Officer
    Capt. Reverend R. Tomlinson, R.A.Ch.D. - Padre


    HEADQUARTER COMPANY
    Major A. Gibbs - Company Commander
    Lieutenant Earl of Plymouth - Signal Officer
    Captain J. Pereira - Intelligence Officer
    Lieutenant R. Thompson - Pioneer Platoon Officer
    Company Sergeant-Major T. Griffiths - C.S.M.
    Company Quartermaster-Sergeant S.J. Connelly - C.Q.M.S.


    SUPPORT COMPANY
    Major G.B. Mackean - Company Commander
    Captain P.L. Fanning - Carrier Platoon Commander
    2/Lieutenant E.R.S. Fifoot - Carrier Platoon Officer
    Captain J.T. Paget - Mortar Platoon Commander
    Captain M. Bendix - Anti-Tank Platoon Officer
    Captain B. Blower - Anti-Tank Platoon Officer
    Company Sergeant-Major D. Hamnett - C.S.M.
    Company Quartermaster-Sergeant G. Tilling - C.Q.M.S.


    No. 1 COMPANY
    Major C.H. Feilden - Company Commander
    Lieutenant C.D. Lawrie - (Company) Second-in-Command
    Lieutenant B. Whitehorn - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant H. Philip - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant T.R. Symons - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major - C.S.M. F. Farnhill
    Company Quartermaster- Sergeant - C.Q.M.S. H. Stevens


    No. 2 COMPANY
    Company Commander - Captain Hon. D.M.G.J. Willoughby
    Captain J.N. Agnew - (Company) Second-in-Command
    Lieutenant D.E. Plater - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant K.H. Irgens - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant P.J. Wadsworth - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major R. Skells - C.S.M.
    Company Quartermster-Sergeant D. Ayres - C.Q.M.S.


    No. 3 COMPANY
    Major The Marqess of Hartington - Company Commander
    Captain R.G. Style - (Company) Second-in-Command
    Lieutenant Hon. J. Knatchbull - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant T. Mitchell - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major - C.S.M. J. Cowley
    Company Quartermaster-Sergeant - C.Q.M.S. T. Thornton


    No. 4 COMPANY
    Captain D.I.T. Eastman - Company Commander
    Lieutenant C.N. Acheson-Gray - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant M.W. Wall - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant S. Argyll - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major N. Reid - C.S.M.
    Company Quartermaster-Sergeant F. Marsden - C.Q.M.S.
     
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    Escaut Canal Beachhead, 13th September 1944
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    Last edited: Aug 1, 2019
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    1944 September 1
    0630 hours
    Battalion 'O' Group.
    Own troops: The Corps plan is to cut the ARRAS - ST. POL road by getting 5th BRIGADE up on to the high ground by AUTOVAN and 29th BRIGADE on their left around CROSS ROADS 3307.
    Enemy: Little is known of the enemy moves, but no strong opposition is expected.
    Intelligence: 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS will attack and capture ARRAS.
    Method: The BRIGADE plane is to be carried out in five stages.
    (1) HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT cross the SOMME and make straight for the BRIGADE objective.
    (2) No. 1 Company of 1st Motor Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS and No. 1 Squadron of 1st Armoured GRENADIER GUARDS take up a position so as to contain ALBERT which is strongly held by the enemy
    (3 ) 2nd Recce Battalion WELSH GUARDS followed by the remainder of the GRENADIER GROUP and two Batteries of 153 Field Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY make straight for the BRIGADE objective and take over from HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT.
    (4) COLDSTREAM GROUP with Battery 153 Field Regiment ROYAL ARTILLERY and Q Battery 21st Anti-Tank capture ARRAS.
    (5) BRIGADE H.Q. followed by 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GAURDS move up to objective.
    The COLDSTREAM GROUP under the command of the Commanding Officer move as soon as the Centre Line is clear in the following order:-
    1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS and Q Battery, Advance Battalion H.Q., No. 3 Company, No. 4 Company, Support Company, F.2.
    No. 2 Company is to remain behind and guards the bridges over the SOMME till relieved by 32nd BRIGADE when the will rejoin the Battalion.
    The Centre Line runs: -
    CROSS ROADS 251643; HEDAUVILLE 3274; AYETTE 4487; BEAMETZ 3695; WARZUS 3799, ARRAS.
    Before entering ARRAS the Companies will form up as follows:-
    No. 1 Company at BERNEVILLE objective in ARRAS the RUE ST HUBERT and the bridges beyond.
    No. 3 Company at BEAURAINS objective in ARRAS the Railway Station.
    No. 4 Company and Battalion H.Q. will enter ARRAS by whichever way meets least opposition.
    The Battalion moved off behind the 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS at 1100 hours.
    Enemy were reported to be resisting strongly in ALBERT but there was a clear run along the Centre Line except for one point under fire from an enemy mortar and by 1300 hours the 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS reported back that they intended to go straight into ARRAS from the South, and the Commanding Officer ordered the leading Company to turn off the Centre Line and follow them in.
    At 1415 hours the Battalion halted so as to get the column closed up and organised ready to enter the town as soon as the tanks were safely in.
    The Commanding Officer then went forward to the 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS H.Q.
    There was a certain amount of resistance and sniping from houses, but this was soon dealt with and from a joint H.Q. set up at the Station No. 1 Company was ordered to debus and move on to its objective on foot.
    By 1500 hours the firing had stopped and No.s 3 and 4 Companies drove in in their T.C.L.s, followed by No. 2 Company which had caught up the Battalion column and was given the tasks of round up and guarding the numerous prisoners captured.
    At 1550 hours orders were received for the COLDSTREAM Group to move on up to ECURIE and join the rest of the BRIGADE, leaving No. 3 Company behind in ARRAS, till relieved by the 2nd Battalion IRISH GUARDS.
    By 1700 hours the Battalion was established up on the ECURIE feature, where no enemy opposition was met with, though a considerable number of Germans came and surrendered, just in time to be bombed by an enemy aircraft.
    1700 hours
    The Commanding Officer gave out orders for the consolidation of the position as follows:-
    No. 2 Company CROSSROADS 465037;
    No. 4 Company CROSSROADS 473035;
    No. 1 Company CROSSROADS 460035;
    Battalion H.Q. on the ROAD at 465030.
    The Battalion is to remain here for the night while the 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS with No. 3 Company under command go on to DOUAI.
    During the day a total of 1,300 Prisoners were collected in ARRAS, the Battalion’s contribution including the R.T.O. of ARRAS, S.S. Troops, G.A.F. Troops, several Mongolians, and a great variety of Infantry Regiments.
    1830 hours
    2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS and No. 3 Company were reported to have cleared DOUAI, though some opposition was met with, and No. 3 Company had some casualties.

    1944 September 2
    1000 hours
    The Battalion moved forward to a concentration area behind DOUAI at LES CENSES 6605, arriving at 1300 hours.
    There are not expected to be many enemy about in this area, and local F.F.I. will probably be able to deal with them, so that the chief priority is to get maintenance done on the Battalion vehicles.
    1700 hours
    No. 3 Company returned to the Battalion from under command of the 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS.
    1930 hours
    Brigade ‘O’ Group.
    Tomorrow objective is BRUSSELS.
    If the weather remains fine there is to be a large airborne landing in the area of TOURNAI.
    This will be supported by a heavy bombing programme.
    If the weather is fine and the air landing takes place the Brigade column will not be able to pass the Start Line till 1100 hours, but if the weather is bad the start will be at 0800 hours.
    Own Troops: 11th Armoured Division is going to ANTWERP.
    The Division is moving on two Centre Lines, with 32nd BRIGAE on the Right followed by 231 BRIGADE from 50 DIVISION which is under command of GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION for mopping up purposes, and the Belgian Brigade also under command of GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION
    This is the main body, and moves on the direct TOURNAI - BRUSSELS road.
    5th BRIGADE is on the Left, and goes North form TOURNAI and then by minor roads to BRUSSELS.
    Method: The BRIGADE Order of March is:-
    GRENADIER Group
    2 Batteries 153 Field Regiment
    COLDSTREAM GUARDS
    Battery 153 Field Regiment
    Q Battery Anti-Tank
    Brigade H.Q.
    14 Field Squadron ROYAL ENGINEERS
    Z Battery Anti-Tank
    2130 hours
    Battalion ‘O’ Group.
    The Battalion Order of March for tomorrow is:-
    No. 4 Company
    Advance Battalion H.Q.
    No. 1 Company
    No. 2 Company
    No. 3 Company
    R.A.P.
    Support Company plus M.M.G. Platoon
    F.2. Echelon
    If any serious opposition is met with, it is to be by-passed, leaving a minimum guards, till troops of 231 BRIGADE come up and deal with it.
    Full headlight can be used for the start of the journey, and the only difficulties expected from the air, are attacks by our own aircraft, so that all Companies will ensure they have their yellow smoke available for purposes of identification.
    Companies will be informed by 0200 hours whether or not the air landing is to take place, and the time of start tomorrow.

    1944 September 3
    0200 hours
    Air landing programme cancelled.
    The Battalion is to cross the Start Line at MONTCHEUX at 0830 hours.
    At 0945 hours the Battalion column halted just clear of MONTCHEUX, owing to a strong enemy post in PONT A MARQ, which was reported to contain several Anti-Tank guns and about 200 Infantry.
    The GRENADIER Group put in an attack, but were unable to clear the position up and finally they left a Company to guard the Centre Line at this point, and the rest of the column moved on by a diversion to the South of PONT A MARQ.
    The diversion took the Battalion past the old billets occupied by the 2nd Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS in 1939.
    While passing PONT A MARQ there was a small skirmish at the tail of the column and Support Company captured 7 Prisoners.
    At 1330 hours the Battalion crossed the Belgian frontier by MOUCHIN 8523, and from here with an exception of a short halt in TOURNAI, there was a clear run through to FRASNES 0938 where the column halted owing to enemy holding out at LESSINES 2442.
    By 1530 hours the GRENADIER Group had cleared LESSINES and the Battalion passed through at 1600 hours leaving a Platoon of No. 3 Company behind to guard the main bridge in the town.
    32nd BRIGADE reached BRUSSELS first, and when the Battalion arrived it was already dark.
    The column halted about three miles out from the city and the Commanding Officer gave out orders for the occupation of our sector as follows:-
    The Battalion is responsible for guarding the West of BRUSSELS and in particular the three bridges where the main roads cross the Railway.
    Companies will be responsible for guarding the following bridges:-
    No. 4 Company at 606573;
    No. 2 Company at 601585;
    No. 3 Company will be in the square at 663555.
    Battalion H.Q. and the tanks of the 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS in the SQUARE at 60855.
    These position were taken up at 2200 hours.
    No opposition was met with, though the enthusiastic welcome of the inhabitants caused some delay and difficulty.
    What Germans there were in the City were mostly mopped up by the members of the Armee Blanche, the remainder have fled to the woods outside where various pockets of resistance were reported to be holding out.

    1944 September 4
    1400 hours
    The Battalion moved to the suburbs to the North of the city and took up a position along the ridge that runs East and West above MERCHTEN.
    It is not expected that the enemy will attempt to attack BRUSSELS, but we are to act as a stop to any isolated groups that may try to withdraw through BRUSSELS from the West and North West.
    The airfield South of BRUSSELS is still held by the enemy and occasional guns shell the centre of the town now and then.
    The Companies held positions as below:-
    No. 1 Company blocking the main road in the area 5959;
    No. 2 Company blocking another road just by the site of the BRUSSELS Exhibition in the area 6060;
    No. 4 Company blocking the main road 6161;
    No. 3 Company in reserve at Battalion H.Q. at 615599;
    the Carrier Platoon blocking a main road junction at 632633 and 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS whose tanks were mainly occupied on maintenance provided a troop of tanks to watch each of the main roads on the flanks at 5759 and 6661.
    Two Batteries of Field Artillery were put under command, but were unable to register their D.F. Tasks as all the countryside is inhabited.

    1944 September 5
    1100 hours
    Platoon of No. 3 Company guarding the bridge at LESSINES returned to the Battalion.
    1200 hours
    A quite untrue rumour that the war was over spread all over BRUSSELS and the celebrations and crowds in the streets became even worse than the day before, making it quite impossible for any vehicles to get through at all.
    1500 hours
    Warning Order received that the Battalion is to advance to LOUVAIN tomorrow, and join the GRENADIER Group which is now there.
    2300 hours
    Battalion ‘O’ Group.
    The DIVISION is to advance tomorrow and get a crossing over the ALBERT CANAL.
    The GRENADIER Group now at LOUVAIN will be in the lead and starts at 0830 hours.
    Tac Brigade H.Q. with the COLDSTREAM Group behind will join the tail of the GRENADIER Group and then move up to the Canal on the following route:-
    DIEGEN 6860; HERSEELT; AVERBODE 0877; VEERLE; TESSENDERLOO.
    The 32nd BRIGADE Group is moving on another Centre Line on the Left.
    Battalion Order of March:-
    1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
    No. 2 Company with 1 Section of Mortars
    153 Battery complete
    Battalion H.Q.
    No. 3 Company
    No. 4 Company
    No. 1 Company
    R.A.P.
    Support Company
    F.2. Echelon

    1944 September 6
    No opposition was met with till the Canal was reached, where the bridges were found to be all blown and the GRENADIERS reported the enemy to be holding the opposite bank in some strength.
    The bridges on the 32nd BRIGADE were also found to have been blown, though the bridge at BERINGEN 2375 had only been partially destroyed and the opposite bank was not strongly held, so that it was decided to form the Divisional bridgehead across there.
    At 1430 hours the Battalion moved off the Centre Line into the village of TESSENDERLOO.
    The WELSH GUARDS Group crossed the river at 1600 hours and reported that there was little or no enemy opposition.
    The bridge was expected to be repaired in a few hours, so that the rest of the Division could start crossing at midnight, and the Battalion received orders to harbour for the night at TESSENDERLOO and be prepared to move at 0800 hours the next day, when the Division would go on to the MEUSE - ESCAUT Canal.
    2300 hours
    TESSENDERLOO shelled from across the Canal.
    Few casualties were caused, but the Battalion lost a number of vehicles.

    1944 September 7
    The bridge, owing to technical difficulties was not ready till the morning, when the IRISH GUARDS Group began to cross but came under heavy shell fire and it was found that during the night the enemy had moved up large numbers of troops.
    As a result of this the IRISH GUARDS Group took up positions defending BERINGEN and the move to the ESCAUT was cancelled.
    It was also reported that a strong enemy column was moving up towards our direction from LIEGE and 5th BRIGADE were ordered to move South and block the approaches to DIEST 1168 in order to meet this threat.
    At 100 hours the Battalion move to South East of DIEST and took up a position blocking the main road junction at 0664.
    The Commanding Officer and ‘O’ Group went ahead and recce’d positions as follows:-
    No. 1 Company in the area of ROAD & TRACK JUNCTION 068625;
    No. 3 Company ROAD & TRACK JUNCTION 068625;
    No. 4 Company on the hillside at 073635;
    No. 2 Company in a counter attack role at 667637.
    The 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS is to go up on to the high ground to the North West at 0565.
    The top of the ridge at 065635 is protected by a M.M.G. Carrier Platoon group, with a Section of Anti-Tank guns.
    A Section of Anti-Tank Platoon also covers each road.
    Battalion H.Q. at 078651.
    The Battalion arrived and moved into these positions at 1300 hours, and at 1600 hours the Brigade Commander came to Battalion H.Q. and told the Commanding Officer that the Battalion was to join 32nd BRIGADE across the Canal and attack BOURG LEOPOLD the next day so as to expand the bridgehead.
    There has been heavy fighting around BERINGEN most of the day, and this evening 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS are to attack and capture a large slag heap to the North of the town which the enemy have been using as an Observation Post to shell the bridge site from.
    1900 hours
    Battalion is to move across the Canal in preparation for tomorrow’s attack, starting as soon as possible.
    The Second-in-Command went ahead to recce an area for the night and the Commanding Officer went to 32nd BRIGADE H.Q. to arrange the details of the attack.
    It was found that the bridgehead was not large enough for the Battalion to move across the Canal that night, and by the time the ‘O’ Group got across the Canal it was too dark for any recce of the attack to be made, and finally the Battalion was moved into an area just short of the bridge at TERBEEK ?95748.
    2400 hours
    Battalion ‘O’ Group.
    Intelligence: 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS will attack and capture BOURG LEOPOLD.
    Method: 1st bound the VILLAGE in 2478 up to the North edge of the houses.
    To be captured by No. 3 Company on the Right and No. 1 Company on the Left, supported by fire from H - 10 to H + 5, from the 55 Field Regiment and Brigade Heavy Mortars.
    Start Line in front of the slag heap 244773.
    2nd bound the line BEVERLOO - DEN HOEK.
    This attack is to be carried out by No. 2 Company and a Squadron of tanks, supported by concentrations to be fired on the objective from H - 10 to H + 10.
    3rd bound. The main road junction in HEPPEN 2481.
    This attack to be made by No. 4 Company and a Squadron of tanks, with Artillery fire to be brought down on call.
    4th bound. BOURG LEOPOLD. The orders for this bound to be given out at the time.
    H Hour is 0800 hours.
    Breakfasts will be at 0430 hours and the Battalion will move off at 0500 hours in the following Order of March:-
    M.M.G. Platoon,
    No. 3 Company on foot with F. vehicles only,
    No. 1 Company as above,
    Battalion H.Q.
    No. 2 Company as above,
    No. 3 Company as above,
    No. 2 Squadron 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
    No. 4 Company,
    Support Company,
    No. 3 Squadron 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    F.2 Echelon to remain in its present location.

    1944 September 8
    The Battalion moved off at 0500 hours, crossed the Canal and formed up in front of the slag heap without difficulty, except for the vehicles which had a little trouble on the road by the slag heap owing to an S.P. gun firing straight down the road from the area of the railway bridge at 237783.
    At 0759 hours it was found that the Artillery would be unable to give their supporting fire as arranged.
    However the attack went in at 0800 hours, but was soon up against opposition from the area of the railway bridge at 237783, and from some sheds at 235778.
    By 1000 hours No. 3 Company were on their objective in front of the village and engaging some enemy firing from the WOOD at 245794 and from the Right of BEVERLOO at 350796.
    No. 1 Company were pinned down and unable to advance across the railway line.
    The Commanding Officer then ordered No. 4 Company to attack to the Left of No. 1 Company and clear up the enemy that were holding them up.

    After some heavy fighting in the woods No. 4 Company advanced up to the RAILWAY at 235783 and No. 1 Company were able to get on to their objective at 1115 hours.
    At 1120 hours the Commanding Officer decided that as a great deal of fire was coming from BEVERLOO it would be necessary to attack up to the next bound with No. 4 Company as well as No. 2 Company and the Squadron of tanks.
    This attack was made at 1215 hours with support from a Field and Medium Regiment and b 1330 hours both Companies reported that they had reached their objectives without much difficulty.
    The enemy had several S.P. guns, three of which were knocked out by the tanks, but one continued to give trouble firing down the road that runs into BEVERLOO from the North East.
    The Commanding Officer then decided that as there was still some enemy opposition the next bound would be halved, and No. 1 Company attacked up to the STATION at 245810.
    This attack started off at 1500 hours and with Artillery support they were able to reach their objective by 1600 hours though the

    Squadron of tanks were unable to get up owing to a number of Anti-Tank guns firing from the Right flank, which knocked out 7 of our tanks.
    No. 1 Company were unable to get into the station owing to a PANTHER Tank but they consolidated a position just short of it and the Commanding Officer then ordered No. 4 Company to go round their Left flank on to HEPPEN.
    After the start of the attack, communication with No. 4 Company became impossible.
    However they were unable to capture the village and the Company Commander Major CHANDOS POLE was wounded.
    Later in the night the Second-in-Command of the Company went out, found the Company and withdrew them back to BEVERLOO.
    At 1700 hours 8th ARMOURED BRIGADE passed through BEVERLOO and turned Left with the objective the village of OOSTHAM, 2181, and at 1900 hours orders were received from Brigade to hold fast on the objectives captured during the day.
    139 Prisoners of War were taken, mostly from 2 Para Regiment which has only just come up to the bridgehead, and reinforces 719 Division which has had heavy casualties already and is now rather thin on the ground.

    1944 September 9
    At 0845 hours the attack was continued and the Battalion attacked HEPPEN 2481.
    Right No. 3 Company with objectives the ROAD & TRACK JUNCTION 249821 and Left No. 2 Company objective ROAD & TRACK JUNCTION 241816.
    During this attack the enemy put in an attack along the line of the Canal bank towards the bridge site, and our F.2 Echelon became involved, but managed to drive them off without difficulty.
    No. 2 Company reached their objective at 0915 hours and reported little opposition.
    No. 3 Company met much greater opposition and were held up for some time, so that No. 2 Company was ordered to clear the village Eastwards, and try and link up with No. 3 Company had got their objective.
    The Company Commander Major The Marquess of HARTINGTON was killed during this attack.
    1000 hours
    No.s 2 and 3 Companies have consolidated the position and the 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS are sending up a Squadron of tanks to the North East of the village with their Second-in-Command who will form a combined strong point in HEPPEN.
    It was not possible to move Battalion H.Q. up as on the road between HEPPEN and No. 1 Company there is still an enemy S.P. gun which covers the whole approach.
    The road is also blocked with felled trees.
    At 1030 hours No. 4 Company were moved into a position in BEVERLOO to guard against any complications that might arise from the enemy counter attack along the Canal back and F.2 Echelon moved up to Battalion H.Q.
    By 1130 hours the route up to HEPPEN had been cleared and the Commanding Officer went up to No.s 2 and 3 Companies.
    1230 hours
    3 Tanks and some infantry made a rather half hearted attack on HEPPEN from the WOODS to the North East at 2582.
    It has been found from the interrogation of Prisoners of War that this was to have been part of an attack by 2 Para Regiment from BOURG LEOPOLD up to the bridge site, but our capture of HEPPEN upset their plans and after some Artillery fire had been brought down on the woods, the attack petered out.
    1600 hours
    Order received from Brigade:-
    At dusk the Battalion is to be relieved by the 15/19 HUSSARS and the COLDSTREAM Group will then withdrew to a Division Concentration Area at 1978 preparatory to an advance up to the ESCAUT CANAL tomorrow.
    2100 hours
    No.s 1, 2, 3, & Battalion H.Q. moved off to new area.
    2130 hours
    No. 4 Company, Command Post, and Support Company followed suit.
    2200 hours
    Battalion complete in Concentration Area at 253774, behind the famous slag heap.

    1944 September 10
    0800 hours
    Battalion ‘O’ Group.
    The advance is to continue, and today’s objective is to get a crossing over the ESCAUT CANAL.
    As a preliminary the WELSH GUARDS Group is to capture HECHTEL 3483, and the GRENADIER Group will follow through into three objectives, 1st the village of VLASMEER 3487, 2nd the CROSSROADS 3493, and finally the CANAL.
    The COLDSTREAM Group is in reserve.
    1000 hours
    The WELSH GUARDS were unable to capture HECHTEL and they remained behind to contain the village whilst the rest of the Brigade made a diversion to the West.
    The Battalion passed the S.P. at STALL 2673 at 100 hours, and then went via ?SPIEKELSPADE 3280 across country between BOURG LEOPOLD (which the enemy still hold) and HECHTEL to LOCHT STATION 333859.
    The whole route was over difficult sandy tracks which soon became unusable and the main bridge over a small stream broke down and another had to be reconnoitred all of which made the going very slow.
    On the main road the GRENADIER Group after capturing their first objective were held up for a long time by some tanks and 88 mm guns, dominating the whole line of the road.
    By 1700 hours they had managed to find a route avoiding this difficulty, and reached their objective, after which the HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT went on up to the Canal.
    They reported all the bridges except the main one at DE GROOTE BARRIER to be blown.
    At this stage the 32nd BRIGADE were ordered to advance on their Centre Line which is clear of enemy, and them make for the DE GROOTE BARRIER Bridge, which they did, and late in the evening the IRISH GUARDS rushed the bridge and captured it.
    1800 hours
    The Battalion received orders that no further advance would be made that night, and a position was taken up protecting Brigade H.Q. and blocking the main road from HECHTEL.

    1944 September 11
    0430 hours
    Battalion ordered to moved up behind the bridgehead forthwith.
    0600 hours
    Battalion is Assembly Area to the East of CROSSROADS 3493.
    At first light the Companies dug slits as a protection from shelling, and camouflaged the vehicles from observation from across the Canal.
    Patrols were sent out to see if the FACTORY 3695 was clear of enemy, and breakfasts cooked.
    1000 hours
    The far side of the Canal is free of enemy, but on this side several tanks have been trying to make their escape Eastwards from LOMMEL 3175.
    This does not affect the Battalion as the GRENADIER Group is in between us and the enemy, but the Centre Line is now endangered by them, added to which it is very nearly unusable.
    It is not expected that there will be any advance until HECHTEL is captured and the main road in use.
    1100 hours
    Platoon from No. 4 Company sent to block the ROAD JUNCTION West of the FACTORY at 373954.
    During the day No. 3 Company which is now reduced to 1 Platoon was dissolved and the Battalion is now on a three Company basis, though to make these up to strength we still require 7 Officers and 60 Other Ranks.
    No. 2 Company and No. 1 Company have been put under command of 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS, for the defence of the bridgehead and it is expected that tomorrow the whole Battalion will cross over and take up a position there.
    During the night a Patrol from No. 4 Company went across the Canal and then to HALENHOEK 3996 which was found to be clear of enemy, but civilians reported ACHEL 4297 as full of German troops, and also a Battery of 88s on the CROSSROADS to the South.

    1944 September 12
    1100 hours
    HECHTEL captured by the 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS.
    1115 hours
    Patrol sent out from No. 4 Company to investigate the Battery of 88’s reported by the civilians.
    It found that the Battery had been moved, but met a German patrol on the way and civilians reported that German patrols cover the whole area around ACHEL and also have Machine Gun posts along the Canal Bank, covering the approaches to the demolished bridges.
    An Intelligence man sent out the NEERPELT confirmed this and found that several of the bridges were not completely demolished and could still be crossed on foot.
    A culvert running underneath the CANAL at 384955 was also discovered.
    1500 hours
    The Commanding Officer went to the H.Q. of 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS to arrange the take over of the bridgehead.
    The Battalion is to move in at 1630 hours and the IRISH GUARDS will then withdraw to the near bank except for 2 Companies.
    The Battalion is disposed as follows:-
    Support Company Group with the M.M.G. Platoon in the WOOD at 365985;
    No. 1 Company with Platoons put out to protect Support Company;
    No. 2 Company on the edge of the big WOOD at 350464;
    Battalion H.Q. next door at 352964;
    No. 4 Company by the BRIDGE at 354962.
    An IRISH GUARDS Company protects the bridge itself, and there is another to the Right of it.
    There is also a Squadron of 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS within the bridgehead and ready for counter attack.
    During the night there were no signs of any enemy about, but only local patrols were sent out, in order to maintain contact between the Companies, and civilians report that there are large numbers of Germans in AALST and in the woods South of VALKENSWAARD.

    1944 September 13
    Commanding Officer went to Brigade ‘O’ Group.
    At 1200 hours 32nd Brigade is to be re-formed in its normal composition for the holding of the bridgehead.
    At the present the lack of Channel ports is causing grave admin difficulties and therefore no advance is likely to take place till the 17th by which time the situation will have been cleared up.
    1100 hours
    Battalion ‘O’ Group.
    Own Troops: The bridgehead is to be held with 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS in the area of the big WOOD 3497.
    1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS protecting the bridge site and the Right flank area 3506, and
    5th BAttalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS forward in the area between LA COLONIE 3507 and the frontier.
    Intelligence: The Battalion hold the area between LA COLONIE and the frontier.
    Method: No. 1 Company, astride the MAIN ROAD 367988;
    No. 2 Company Left on the forward edge of the WOOD at 364984;
    No. 4 Company by the Canal bend at 366982;
    Battalion H.Q. at LA COLONIE 358976.
    Supporting Arms:
    17 pounders: 2 with No. 2 Company firing North West and North East; 1 with No. 1 Company covering main road.
    6 pounders: 2 with each company
    M.M.G. Platoon - Section firing East with No. 1 Company, Section firing South West with No. 4 Company.
    Squadron of tanks in support o the Battalion to be at Battalion H.Q.
    The Squadron of 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS to be relieved by the 15/19 HUSSARS.
    1130 hours
    The Commanding Officer went forward with Company Commanders to recce the position.
    No.s 2 & 4 Companies were put on the ground, but it proved impossible to reach No. 1 Company as a large number of enemy came marching down the road at that moment and a battle broke out in that area.
    The M.M.G. Platoon already in position engaged them at once and Artillery fired was brought down, but the enemy continued to fire back and the Commanding Officer decided that it would be necessary for No. 1 Company to put in a local attack in order to occupy their position.
    The attack was launched at 1215 hours with the M.M.G. Platoon giving supporting fire down the main road, and a Troop of IRISH GUARDS tanks, to support the Company on the Left of the road as soon as they reached their position.
    The objective was captured at 1345 hours with only two casualties, one of whom was unfortunately the Company Commander Major C.H. FEILDEN.
    The Company cleared the main road, which is lined with houses and gardens, as far as the Dutch frontier South of PETHER 3799, then withdrew back to a positions just South of the frontier, with the forward Platoon just by the Belgian frontier post.
    1430 hours
    General HORROCKS, the Commander of 30 CORPS visited the Battalion and spoke to Company Commanders.
    During the night two Recce Patrols were sent out.
    They were to leave No. 4 Company at 0100 hours and then go by the big wood at 3798 across the frontier to a ROAD JUNCTION at 387997 where they were to split, one going to HOEVEN 3902 and the other to VOORSTEGROG 3900.
    Two Dutch patriots volunteered to lead the patrols.
    Once across the frontier however the ground unfortunately proved to be marshland closely intersected with dykes and ditches, and the patrols were unable to find the road junction, and had to return without reaching their objective owing to the pressure of time.
    Enemy aircraft dropped several bombs in the are of the bridge, but failed to hit it.

    1944 September 14
    1100 hours
    No. 1 Company reported enemy about 80 strong, advancing in file down the line of the main road.
    The M.M.G. Section opened fire on them and the enemy went to ground and replied with a great deal of small arms fire.
    1130 hours
    An enemy Machine Gun started firing down the line of the LA COLONIE road and several Germans were seen crossing to and fro over the main road.
    They were reported by the civilians to be in quite large numbers.
    1145 hours
    No. 1 Company reported that the enemy attack was being supported by four or five S.P. guns.
    The 17 pounder guarding the main road was knocked out after missing one of the S.P. guns at about 300 yards, but the Anti-Tank Platoon knocked out two of them and the troop of tanks which went to support No. 1 Company got another two of them.
    Our Artillery put down a great deal of fire on the enemy, but they continued to fire back for about two hours, and got within about 100 yards of the forward Platoon before the attack fizzled out.
    The only supporting arms the enemy had was the troop of S.P. guns, mortars, and a very occasional shoot from some Field Artillery.
    The attack from the North was made by 6 Z b V Battalion, a penal Unit, and though only six Prisoners come in they probably had very heavy casualties.
    The attack from the West was made by I Battalion 6 Para Regiment, who were badly caught in the flank by the IRISH GUARDS from the HEUVELSCHE HEIDE area 3497.
    120 Prisoners were taken and their dead were very numerous.
    We had only four casualties, two killed and two wounded.
    1900 hours
    Tomorrow the Battalion is to be relieved by the DEVONSHIRE Battalion from 50 DIVISION, and Recce Parties came to Battalion H.Q. to arrange the take-over.
    2300 hours
    A Fighting Patrol led by Captain LIDDELL went out to the bridge at MAAY 3601 and successfully attacked an enemy post there, killing a number of them.
    A Dutch patriot led the party, with another Dutchman to act as interpreter, also two Dutch agents and their guides, who were passed through the line. (An account of this patrol is attached as Appendix A)
    A Recce Patrol from No. 4 Company went to the ROAD JUNCTION at 382018 and reported enemy movement in the woods all along the main road.
    They were to have gone to HOEVEN, but as they were unable to keep to the main road the journey took much longer, and they idd not have time to reach HOEVEN.
    What little Artillery the enemy have got, has mostly been engaged trying to hit this bridge, though in the evening a Concentration on Battalion H.Q. unluckily hit an ammunition truck, which burnt for two hours and set several other vehicles on fire.

    1944 September 15
    0630 hours
    A series of harassing shoots put down on all known enemy localities.
    The enemy replied with mortar fire but did no damage.
    During the day one or two enemy vehicles were shot up in the main road and occasional enemy shoots came back at us, but they did not resume yesterday’s attack and everything was pretty quiet.
    The first Company of the DEVONS came in at 2030 hours and by 2200 hours the relief was complete.
    The Battalion marched out to the village of DE GROOTE BARRIER and there embussed in the T.C.L.s and drove to a rest area at LINDEL 367905.

    1944 September 16
    The day was spent in Maintenance of vehicles, rest, and baths.
    During the day the Commanding Officer went to a Corps Conference at BOURG LEOPOLD, where the plans for Operation ‘MARKET GARDEN’ were explained by the Army Commander and the Corps Commander.

    1944 September 17
    0900 hours
    Battalion ‘O’ Group.
    The Commanding Officer explained the following points which were made during yesterday’s Conference, firstly by the Army Commander.
    1. SECOND ARMY has been through a difficult and dangerous administrative period, owing to the very long advance we have made and the lack of Ports.
    Now we have LE HAVRE and DIEPPE this is overcome and CALAIS and BOULOGNE are expected to fall shortly.
    2. The pace of the advance also outran air support, but this has also been brought up now, and the whole of 83 Group R.A.F. is East of BRUSSELS and able to support the Army up to to the ZUYDER ZEE and across to the RUHR.
    3. In the forthcoming operation the Canadian Army will cover our Left flank, and is ultimately directed on HILVERSUM.
    The 1st U.S.A. Army will be moving on to COLOGNE leaving a gap between the two Armies, but ample reserves are at hand to deal with any complications that might arise from this.
    4. The reason for our going North to the ZUYDER ZEE instead of straight into GERMANY, is that the Cabinet has decided that firstly East HOLLAND must be sealed off and an end made of the V.2 sites.
    5. After re-grouping by the ZUYDER ZEE the next move is to go Eastwards into GERMANY and get MUNSTER.

    The Corps Commander made the following points:-
    1. 30 CORPS is being led by GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION and the CORPS is to be got across the obstacle of the RHINE, MAAS, WAAL, etc by the 1st Airborne Corps which is to seize the crossings and enable the DIVISION to pass on Northwards to the town of NUNSBERT.
    2. The Breakout from the bridgehead will be supported by 10 Field Regiments and 3 Medium Regiments, firing a barrage down the line of the main road to VALKENSWAARD in front of the DIVISION.
    3. The first day is likely to be the most difficult, after which the going should prove progressively easier.
    The DIVISION is being led by the 5th BRIGADE Group which is due to cross the Start Line just across the frontier at 1420 hours (70 minutes after the landings take place).
    32nd BRIGADE Group then follows in the order:-
    WELSH GUARDS Group
    BRIGADE H.Q.
    COLDSTREAM GUARDS Group
    The Battalion will join up with the 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS at the level crossing at OVERPELT and then move in the order:-
    No. 3 Squadron 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    No. 4 Company
    H.Q. of both Battalions
    No. 2 Squadron
    No. 2 Company
    No. 1 Squadron
    A.R.V.s
    No. 1 Company
    R.A.P.
    Support Company with M.M.G. Platoon
    Troop of towed 17 pounders 21s Anti-Tank Regiment
    F.2. Echelon of both Battalions.
    No move is expected before 1700 hours.
    If everything goes according to plan it is hoped to have the head of the BRIGADE column at HELMOND by dark, when the DIVISION will halt, so as not to get involved with the airborne troops.
    1700 hours
    The Commanding Officer went to Brigade H.Q.
    The situation at present is that the parachute landings have taken place successfully, and the IRISH GUARDS Group breaking out from the bridgehead have reached VALKENSWAARD.
    In places enemy resistance has been very stubborn but it is though that a break through has been achieved.
    The Battalion will not be crossing the Canal tonight and has been ordered to move to new positions to hold the South bank from exclusive the FACTORY 3695 to inclusive the BRIDGE at HEERSTRAAT 9695, so as to prevent any enemy crossing the bridges on foot during the night.
    The Commanding Officer then went forward with Company Commanders to recce the bridge sites, but it was found that they were already being held, on the Right by troops of the 3rd DIVISION and on the Left by troops of 50th DIVISION, though in front of NEERPELT 3995, there was only a Recce Troop in position and No. 4 Company were accordingly ordered to take up a position here, while the remainder of the Battalion stayed back South of OVERPELT.
    Battalion H.Q. moved up to just North of OVERPELT at 386984.

    1944 September 18
    0300 hours
    Heavy enemy mortar fire brought down on the NEERPELT area.
    No damage was done, but an enemy attack was suspected and No. 2 Company was ordered to move to the FACTORY area to protect Division H.Q.
    0820 hours
    The Battalion left NEERPELT and married up with the 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS down the road at 356934.
    1330 hours
    The Battalion crossed the Dutch frontier.
    Throughout the day going was again slow and difficult.
    The HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT managed to by-pass EINDHOVEN and link up with the American Airborne troops to the North.
    The IRISH GUARDS Group were held up by very strong opposition just outside EINDHOVEN, and the WELSH GUARDS Group after branching off on to the 32nd BRIGADE Centre Line to the Right of EINDHOVEN were also held up in front of LEENDE 4807, and HELMOND further on was reported as very strongly held.
    The GRENADIER Group working round the the Left reached VELDHOVEN 3714.
    1600 hours
    The Battalion was moved up into the woods just South of VALKENSWAARD at 4210 and the Commanding Officer went off with Company Commanders to recce the route which the GRENADIER Group are pushing round to the Left of EINDHOVEN.
    On reaching WAALRE 4012 contact was made with the GRENADIER Group who said that the IRISH GUARDS were now through EINDHOVEN and up to the canal bridge at ZON 1425 which is blown, so the Recce Party returned to the Battalion to await further orders.
    2130 hours
    Brigade ‘O’ Group.
    Both the IRISH GUARDS and the GRENADIER GUARDS Groups are now through EINDHOVEN and up to ZON where the canal is to be bridged tonight, ready for the advance to continue at first light.
    The future moves of 32nd BRIGADE depend on our original route through LEENDE, GELDORP, HELMOND is clear by tomorrow or not.
    If it is still held then we will follow down the main Centre Line behind 5th BRIGADE.
    Patrols are to be sent out during the night to investigate the position, and a Platoon from No. 2 Company is to go out to the CROSS TRACKSS at 416112 which lead on to the Centre Line from WAALRE to guard against any of the enemy from VELDHOVEN who may come down this way, in an attempt to escape Eastwards.

    1944 September 19
    0630 hours
    GELDORP and HELMOND are still strongly held by the enemy and the BRIGADE was accordingly switched on to the main Centre Line.
    Order of March:-
    5th BRIGADE
    Divisional H.Q.
    COLDSTREAM GUARDS Group
    32nd GUARDS BRIGADE H.Q.
    WELSH GUARDS Group
    0930 hours
    The Battalion after marrying up with the 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS on to EINDHOVEN where there was a slight hold up due to the traffic congestion caused by the troops of the 11th ARMOURED DIVISION leaving the column to guard EINDHOVEN, and the there was a straight run through via ZON, ST. ODENRODE 4332, VEGHEL 4737, UDEN 5342 to the big FOREST beyond at 5545 where the column halted at 1230 hours.
    The bridges all the way along were held by detachments of the American 101ST Airborne Division, though a certain amount of enemy interference was going on by the bridge at VEGHEL when the tail of the Battalion column passed through.
    The position at the bridges ahead is that at GRAVE we hold the crossings over the MAAS intact, at NIJMEGEN the enemy still hold the bridge over the RHINE or WAAL but the 82nd U.S. Airborne Division are holding this bank and the 5th Brigade have connected up with them and are only a few hundred yards from the bridge, which is held by a number of 88 mm guns.
    At ARNHEM the British Airborne Division is in the town and close up to the bridges West of it, but have not yet been able to capture them.
    1730 hours
    The Battalion was ordered forward into a harbour area across the MAAS at VALENBERG 6557, and moved in at 1900 hours.

    1944 September 20
    During the night an attempt to rush the bridge at NIJMEGEN was unsuccessful, and pending the capture of the bridge the Battalion is under command of the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division, with a counter attack role up on the high ground East of the MAAS-WAAL canal.
    No major enemy attack has been made here so far, but small engagements with enemy feeling their way forward from the German frontier have become more insistent, and the village of GROESBEEK 7755 is under heavy German Artillery fire.
    0600 hours
    The Commanding Officer went up to the American Divisional H.Q. and at 0700 hours the Battalion moved into an area in the FOREST at 734554 with the 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS just to the North, ready for any counter attacks required.
    0930 hours
    504 Regiment from the U.S. Division aided by the GRENADIER GUARDS Group is to attack the NIJMEGEN bridge this morning, and No. 4 Company was sent to relieve them at the bridge over the MAAS-WAAL Canal at 700538, which they took over at 1010 hours, assisted by a Squadron of tanks.
    1430 hours
    During the morning enemy to the West of the MAAS at CUYK 5249 started to mortar the RAILWAY BRIDGE at 715527 and cross over by the ferry half a mile to the South, where they joined with some more Germans moving East, and put in an attack on MOOK at 7271.
    By 1430 hours they were reported to have driven the Americans out of MOOK and reached the RAILWAY BRIDGE at 715527, and the Battalion was ordered to move on foot to the STATION at 719539 while the Commanding Officer went ahead and contacted teh Americans North of MOOK to find out the exact position and arrange a counter attack.
    Orders were given out for No. 1 Company to go down the main road through the Americans and clear the VILLAGE up as far as the CHURCH, while No. 2 Company moving along the line of the WOODS and high ground East of MOOK were to establish themselves astride the main road at the other end of the village.
    However it was later found out that the Americans had already started a counter attack and were now half way through the village, so the Companies were ordered to halt on the line of the Railway and the Battalion was told to stand by in this position awaiting the outcome of the American counter attack.
    A Troop of the 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS was sent to aid them.
    By 1900 hours MOOK was still not completely clear, but it was then growing too dark for the Battalion to be of any assistance and permission was received for No.s 1 and 2 Companies to move back and harbour at 715545.
    2100 hours
    Information received that the bridge at NIJMEGEN has been captured intact, and that tanks of the 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS area now across the RHINE.

    1944 September 21
    0930 hours
    During yesterday the enemy attacked Westwards from the German villages of BEEK 7660 and WYLER 7858 but were driven back to the line of the Canal 7759.
    Early this morning they again attacked here and formed a bridgehead out as far as DEN HEUVEL 771569 and the Battalion was ordered to move up to a CLEARING in the FOREST at 748567 ready to counter attack in this direction if necessary.
    The Battalion moved off at 0930 hours and went via GROESBEEK 7554 to the new area just by KLIENE V LIEREBERT 748567 where they arrived at 1030 hours.
    The 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS who have a Squadron out watching the enemy say that they are now halted.
    This attack made no further progress during the day and was eventually counter attacked and driven back by the American Airborne troops.
    2000 hours
    Brigade Commander came to Battalion H.Q.
    The DIVISION is to be re-grouped, with the WELSH GUARDS Group and the IRISH GUARDS Group in 5th BRIGADE, and the COLDSTREAM GUARDS Group and GRENADIER GUARDS Group in 32nd BRIGADE.
    5th BRIGADE are across the river but have not been able to get very far up the road to ARNHEM.
    The going here is very unsuited to tanks, and tomorrow 43rd DIVISION is to take the lead.
    The Polish Airborne Brigade has landed North of ELST and is now moving North to aid the British Airborne Division who are being very hard pressed on the other side of the river.
    2200 hours
    At first light No. 4 Company is to be relieved and rejoin the Battalion.
    It is expected that American troops will take over the Battalion’s counter attack role early tomorrow, and we will again revert to the command of 32nd Brigade.

    1944 September 22
    0900 hours
    No. 4 Company rejoined the Battlaion.
    1100 hours
    Battalion relieved by American forces and moved back to an area just of the main road to NIJMEGEN at 735575.
    1330 hours
    The Commander of the American 82nd Division still considers that another attack on MOOK is likely and the Battalion was ordered to its old harbour area at 715543 to the North of MOOK ready for this eventuality.
    The column moved off at 1400 hours and arrived at 1600 hours.
    1630 hours
    G.O.C. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION arrived.
    The Centre Line has been cut North of VEGHEL 4837 by a strong enemy attack from the East.
    The GRENADIER GUARDS Group has been ordered to move South immediately to deal with the situation and the COLDSREAM GUARDS Group is to be ready to move also.
    1700 hours
    The Commanding Officer went to H.Q. 32nd BRIGADE.
    The COLDSTREAM GUARDS Group is to move as soon as the GRENADIER GUARDS Group is clear.
    The GRENADIER GUARDS Group is expected to reach UDEN tonight and the Battalion will harbour further back down the Centre Line.
    The Battalion is also to send a detachment - a Company strong with a Troop of tanks, to protect a very large enemy food dump that has been captured at OSS 4754.
    1840 hours
    The Battalion moved off behind the GRENADIER GUARDS Group with No. 2 Company and the troop of tanks, who are going to OSS, in the lead.
    The OSS detachment branched off after GRAVE at CROSSROADS 580510, and the remainder of the Battalion went on to a harbour area in a large WOOD at 593493.
    One Platoon of No. 1 Company was left behind on the ROAD JUNCTION at 617518 to guard against any enemy coming in from MILL 6445 which is held by the enemy.
    2330 hours
    The GRENADIER GUARDS Group made contact with the enemy North of VEGHEL at 510404.
    The Commanding Officer is to go to their H.Q. with the Brigade Commander at 0600 hours tomorrow to arrange the clearance of the clearance of the Centre Line.

    1944 September 23
    0630 hours
    In the early morning the situation was as follows:-
    The enemy were found to be holding the LEVEL CROSSING at 510404 and the area to the South in strength.
    They were also reported on the LEVEL CROSSING at 538421 and in the village of VOKEL 5640.
    VEGHEL itself is held by troops of 50th DIVISION.
    The GRENADIER GUARDS Group was ordered to attack down the Centre Line towards VEGHEL starting at 0930 hours, and as soon as UDEN was clear of their transport the COLDSTREAM GUARDS Group is to pass through and clear VOKEL to the South East.
    0900 hours
    The Commanding Officer gave out orders:-
    The Battalion is to clear the Centre Line by clearing the enemy out of VOKEL.
    The COLDSTREAM GUARDS Group will move in the following order:-
    No. 3 Squadron
    No. 1 Squadron carrying No. 1 Company on the tanks,
    Battalion H.Q. of both Battalions
    No. 2 Squadron (less one Troop)
    No. 4 Squadron
    No. 4 Company
    R.A.P.
    Support Company
    F.2. Echelon
    The Battalion will move off as soon as Brigade inform us that UDEN is clear.
    The leading Squadron will go as far down the road to UDEN as possible, and then the Company/Squadron Group will be called forward to deal with whatever enemy are found ot be holding things up.
    The column moved off at 1045 hours and at 1130 hours reported that they had reached the WOOD at 5541 and were meeting strong enemy opposition from the houses and heath area just to the West of VOKEL.
    The Commanding Officer then moved up the 1 Squadron/1 Company Group and the Command Post to behind the wood, and gave out orders for the attack on VOKEL.
    At 1310 hours No. 1 Company will advance from their F.U.P. behind the wood and close up on a barrage from the Heavy Mortar Platoon which is coming down on VOKEL from 1250 hours.
    From there they will be helped on to their objective by fire from No. 2 Squadron now in position and a Section of 3” Mortars under command of the Company.
    As soon as the village is cleared No. 1 Squadron will move up to support them in holding the village.
    The attack went in at 1310 hours and by 1400 hours the Company reported that they were in the outskirts of the village and meeting strong opposition.
    They were also troubled by heavy mortar fire put down by the enemy just North of the village.
    However, the enemy mortars were successfully located and silenced by a heavy concentration from our Field Artillery.
    During the attack the Company Commander Major The Lord LONG was killed and the other Officer in the Company wounded.
    At 1500 hours the tanks reported that No. 1 Company was now firmly in possession of the village and that only a few Germans were still holding out.
    The Commanding Officer then ordered No. 4 Company to clear up the Wood to the Left of the road, and No. 1 Squadron to go round the village and cut the road to LANGENHEUVEL.
    Patrols of HONEY tanks went through the village to the South and reported that the enemy were withdrawing towards BOEKEL in large numbers and TYPHOONs were ordered to go and deal with them.
    1700 hours
    Enemy Artillery has been very quick to shell any villages known to be held lately, and accordingly it was decided to draw back behind VOKEL at dusk, and the Battalion took up a final position as follows:-
    No. 1 Company on the Right of the ROAD at 555413
    No. 4 Company in front of the wood on the Left of the ROAD at 550481.
    The Patrols cover the roads into VOKEL till dark and then withdraw Battalion H.Q. at 550414.
    The GRENADIER GUARDS Group attack down to VEGHEL was also successful and the Centre Line was open to traffic once more.

    1944 September 24
    0645 hours
    The Commanding Officer went to Brigade H.Q. to get details for a further advance down to BOECKEL 5736, to be made in conjunction with a U.S. and GRENADIER GUARDS Group drive on to ERP.
    However, on arrival at Brigade H.Q. it was found that HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT patrols at first light had reported that the enemy had withdrawn from both BOECKEL and ERP and it was only necessary to occupy BOECKEL with a Platoon from No. 4 Company and a Squadron of tanks.
    The U.S. troops are to occupy ERP.
    As soon as 231 Brigade of 50 Division arrive they will take over VOKEL, BOECKEL and ERP.
    The Battalion is to be relieved by a Battalion of the DEVONS.
    There was no contact with the enemy during the day.
    Recce elements of 43rd Division were able to by pass the enemy at ELST and get some supplies and aid across to the Airborne troops West of ARNHEM.
    It is feared that the troops in the town can hold out no longer.
    At about 1800 hours the Centre Line was again cut, this time by an attack from the West, which reached the road between VEGHEL and ST. ODDENRODE.

    1944 September 25
    1500 hours
    The Battalion was relieved by a DEVONS Battalion from 231 Brigade and moved to an area South West of GRAVE at 5650.
    The role of the Battalion is firstly to protect the BRIDGE over the MAAS at GRAVE and secondly to the food dump at OSS 4754.
    The enemy reported to be in very large numbers are centred on S HERTOGENBOSCH 3146 from whence they have been pushing Eastwards trying to find a way through our lines to GERMANY.
    The nearest troops on our right are the Dutch Brigade, who are responsible for the close protection of the bridge site and on the left the GRENADIER GUARDS Group is at UDEN and further South 7th ARMOURED DIVISION are moving North along the line of the canal from VEGHEL.
    The Battalion is disposed as follows:-
    No.s 1 and 4 Companies blocking the road from HEESCH, with No. 1 Company in the are of the CROSSROADS 564516 and No. 4 Company South of the ROAD at 558509.
    A Squadron of tanks have been sent to No. 2 Company at OSS, another provides patrols out in front of No.s 1 and 4 Companies and the third protects the F.2 Echelons back in the WOODS at 581497.
    Battalion H.Q. is on the roadside by a BRICK WORKS at 565510.
    1900 hours
    A large number of enemy got into the town and No. 2 Company reported that the enemy were largely in control of the North end of the town.
    Communication with No. 2 Company was maintained by a civilian line to a telephone at SCHALJK 5452 which is permanently manned by an Officer with a section of Carriers.
    However, in the dark it was not possible to clarify the situation any more or send up any assistance.

    1944 September 26
    0600 hours
    At first light the Second-in-Command of the 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS went out to OSS with another Squadron of tanks, and reported that the enemy have been largely cleared out of OSS, but that on the road up there are still a few stray Germans about.
    HEESCH is held by the enemy, also GEFFEN 4352 AND NULAND 5150.
    Prisoners captured some from 732 Infantry Regiment of 712 Infantry Division.
    They were all Russians and it is reported that 732 Infantry Regiment has a Russian Battalion and two German Battalions both of which together with some Artillery are trying to get through us and on to GRAVE.
    This is confirmed by underground information which has been particularly fruitful here.
    The underground organisation is in constant touch with their members in S HERTOGENBOSCH by the telephone from OSS, and they are also in touch with AMSTERDAM, ROTTERDAM and any other towns in the West of HOLLAND that we wish to ring up.
    1800 hours
    Late in the day the GRENADIER GUARDS Group moved up the road from UDEN via NESTELRODE 5047 and occupied HEESCH captureing over 400 Prisoners of War.

    1944 September 27
    During the night the enemy sent patrols into OSS that were duly rounded up.
    At 0900 hours two Platoons from No. 4 Company each with a Troop of tanks from the 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS cleared the woods to the North and South of the HEESCH - GRAVE road, but found that they were quite clear.
    HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT have been along the roads on the banks of the MAAS via MEGEN 5060 and up to LITH 4059 also without meeting opposition.
    The Recce Regiment of 52 Airlanding Division who were in our area, have been moved up to the South bank of the RHINE by DREUMEL 4163.
    The Polish Airborne Brigade has been moved back and is now on our left in the RAVESTEIN area 5657.
    From underground sources it is clear that 712 Infantry Division is still concentrated between us and S HERTOGENBOSCH and Division H.Q. reported that NULAN 4050 has been dealt with by TYPHOONs.
    During the night a Battalion from 732 Infantry Regiment attacked HEESCH with orders to clear a route through to GRAVE, but they were driven off with heavy losses.
    No. 3 Company captured a few more wandering Russians, but no serious attack was made on OSS.

    1944 September 28
    Underground reports say that the enemy are digging in at ROSMALEN 3549, and on a line running South from there, and that S HERTOGENBOSCH is practically empty.
    It is possible that the Germans are pulling out Westwards, but at the same time the GRENADIERS have been in contact with the enemy a mile West of HEESCH at 455506, where they met strong opposition and large numbers of enemy are still reported in the NULAND area.
    They have now got some Artillery there, which is putting down occasional shells on OSS.
    During the night three more Prisoners of War from 712 Division were captured in OSS, but there was nothing else to report.

    1944 September 29
    By first light 7th ARMOURED DIVISION were reported on a line about 2 miles South of the S HERTOGENBOSCH - HEESCH road.
    When they are level with OSS the Battalion is to have a period of rest.
    In the afternoon No. 2 Company out at OSS was relieved by No. 4 Company.
    During the night some more Prisoners were caught in OSS.
    It is reported that the NIJMEGEN bridge has been blown up by human torpedoes.

    1944 September 30
    At 0830 hours a Platoon from No. 4 Company and a Troop of tanks were sent to GEFFEN 4353 to link up with the 7th ARMOURED DIVISION arriving from the South.
    In GEFFEN they ambushed an enemy post capturing 5 and killing 10.
    Patrols from the 7th ARMOURED DIVISION reached them at 1230 hours and the Battalion then received orders to stand down and assume an anti-sabotage role, with a guard protecting the food dump at OSS.
    At 1530 hours the Battalion was told to be ready to move at very short notice, and the Commanding Officer to go to Brigade H.Q. to receive orders for a counter attack role on the American 82nd Airborne sector, where a big attack from the REICHSWALD forest is expected.
    All the Battalion T.C.L.s except five were away under Divisional control, so two of the Companies had to be moved on the back of the 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS tanks.
    The Battalion left at 1800 hours and moved into the old MOLENHOEK area with a counter attack role on MOOK as before.
    A Liaison Officer was sent to the H.Q. of the American Battalion concerned, but otherwise it was too dark to take any other action by the time the Battalion arrived.
    A large number of reinforcements have joined the Battalion and No. 3 Company is to be re-formed tomorrow.
     
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    WD:
    A Fighting Patrol led by Captain LIDDELL went out to the bridge at MAAY 3601 and successfully attacked an enemy post there, killing a number of them.
    A Dutch patriot led the party, with another Dutchman to act as interpreter, also two Dutch agents and their guides, who were passed through the line. (An account of this patrol is attached as Appendix A)


    APPENDIX A

    On the morning of 14th September I was given instructions by the Commanding Officer to take a Patrol to the village of MAAY that night and to beat up any opposition we might find there. This village in actual fact consisted of two small bridges over two streams which ran side by side, and two farm houses.

    The Patrol consisted of 14 men, and to assist me I took two Dutch Policemen who had come over the border to us on the previous day. One was the local constable of the area we were going to visit and the other spoke English and therefore was able to interpret my wishes to the other. The former we christened “Willy” and the latter “Charles” at his own request as he considered he looked very like our Adjutant who bore that name and “Who looks so distinguished”.

    We were due to set out at 2300 hours, but when I arrived at Battalion H.Q. at 2230 hours, I found that a complication had arisen in the form of two Dutch spies who had been sent to us by G.H.Q. with orders to take them over the Dutch border. They were expected to find their own way through the enemy to a town about 14 miles away. It transpired that neither of them had the slightest idea of the route and therefore we obviously could not just dump them over the border without guides. Luckily there were two more Dutch Policemen with us who volunteered to go with them. We dressed them up in civilian clothes, which we took off two old Belgian men who were sheltering in our R.A.P. and who as far as I know are still sitting there in their combinations, but which they were quite happy to do if it helped.

    This all delayed us about an hour but we did eventually get away led by the faithful “Willy” and closely followed by “Charles” who insisted on walking directly behind me with a cocked Sten gun which embarrassed me considerably.

    “Willy” led us across the marshes by a most astonishing route through dykes, woods, and fields, all of which seemed to be filled with cows and sheep which made most alarming noises at us. However it could not have been improved on as we reached a point half a mile from our objective without being spotted once. Here we parted company with our two spies and their guides. I forgot to mention that our spies were almost too good to be true. One was a small man with a large hooked nose and the other a very large man with enormous bushy eyebrows and true to type - a wooden leg. However, he kept up with us most ably and his only action before we parted was to take off his one sock and wring it out in order, as he explained, that it would not squelch. I gave them ten minutes start before we continued, and during this time gathered the whole Patrol round me and explained again what every man had to do once we arrived at our objective. When I had finished “Charles” exclaimed in a whisper which could be heard from the bridge:- “This is good foon. Like playing Red Engines”. This caused such mirth amongst the Patrol that I was seriously worried lest we had been heard.

    We then started on the last 1/2 mile. “Willy” found us a way across the first of the streams and we crept along the 6 yards back which separated the two. When we arrived within 15 yards of the bridge, I could see about 8 Germans standing there with their hands in their greatcoat pockets in the approved fashion.

    The Patrol lined the bank and then I threw two grenades right among the Germans. One passed some remark when the bombs landed on the ground but they remained standing until they exploded. The Patrol then opened up with its automatic weapons and hosed the ground thoroughly. Directly we stopped, Germans came running in from the field and stood looking at the bodies. We waited until there was a good bunch there, and then repeated the performance. Then as we were in a very exposed position on the bank we withdrew, leaving the Germans shooting at each other, which they did for quite ten minutes after our departure with great verve. I must say that during this performance “Charles” discharged his piece which left me feeling considerably more comfortable as i suspected he did not know how to re-load it. Our only casualty was “Willy” whose curiosity overcame his caution when I threw the first grenades, and thereby got his chin nicked by a fragment.

    We then returned to the Battalion. On our way we were shot at very ineffectively twice and did a most elaborate stalk on a German tank, which turned out to be burnt out, having been shot by our guns in the afternoon. We got back 4 1/2 hours after our departure, having covered about 8 miles. Each time we crossed the border, both going out and coming in, “Charles” and “Willy” shook hands with everyone in reach.

    At the conclusion I asked “Charles” if he had enjoyed himself. “But no. it was very dangerous. You go again tomorrow?” “Willy” merely nodded. He always did.
     
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    SECOND ARMY

    We are now approaching GERMANY, and I wish to make certain points clear to every man in the Second Army.

    Conditions there will be very different. We will no longer be amongst friends.

    We will be in the enemy’s country, where every man and woman will wish us ill.

    We must be on our guard against spying, and see that no telephone or telegraph facilities are left open to the population by which our movements might be reported.

    We must protect our lines of communication and stores against sabotage, and deal ruthlessly with any attempts that are made to disrupt them.

    We must evacuate the civil population from any buildings which we require.

    We must always be armed and ready for treachery.

    Our attitude to the civilian population must be correct and just in every way. But there must be no mixing with them - no fraternisation.

    We must remember always that these are the people who, twice in the last thirty years, have deliberately brought us to war.


    Signed M.C. DEMPSEY
    Lieutenant-General, Commander, SECOND ARMY.
    September, 1944
     

    Attached Files:

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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 56
    Saturday 2nd September 1944.


    THE BIG PICTURE.
    It is at the present quite impossible to keep pace with the news, and what is given here is the situation early this morning, and the only way you can get anything more up to date is to listen to the B.B.C.

    Along the coast the Canadians have reached DIEPPE and LE HAVRE, while further North British troops are at the mouth of the SOMME at ABBEVILLE; ourselves and our neighbouring Division are now within a few miles of the BELGIAN frontier, and on our Right the Americans are going North East near CAMBRAI, while to the East they are now past SEDAN and VERDUN and rapidly approaching the German frontier.

    In general a complete break though has been achieved and there is nothing the Germans can do to stop us till we reach the SIEGFRIED Line and by that time they will have very few Divisions left to man it with.

    A remarkable state of disorder now reigns throughout the German forces, and there is little left for them now but to leg it for GERMANY as hard as they can go.

    The Commander of the 7th Army has been captured, most of its Divisions are only a few hundred strong and six of them have been ordered to disarm and return to GERMANY for recuperation, though few of them ever got there as most of them are now in our hands.

    The 15th Army is not much better off and they are at present withdrawing via AUBY - VALENCIENNES and BRUSSELS, others have been flung fast down the road ahead of us to TOURNAI and GHENT and ANTWERP but they have got a long way to go from the PAS DE CALAIS and it is doubtful how many will ever get back.

    The success of the last few days has been so complete that almost anything seems possible, but taking a sober view of things there is now no possibility of any large scale hold up between ourselves and the frontier of GERMANY, and the defeat of the Armies of the West has been so complete that it is very hard to see how they can hope to hold even the SIEGFRIED Line with the remnants that they will by then have at their disposal.


    THE SMALL PICTURE.
    Prisoners of War collected in and around ARRAS now come up to 1,300 and the French say there are still many more to be rounded up. They came from an incredible assortment of different units, and the complete list of identifications comes to two pages.

    Two large ammunition dumps and a main supply centre have been captured, and most satisfactory of all three flying bomb sites. Along the whole front over 300 have now been captured and with the Germans abandoning HOLLAND and BELGIUM the days of the flying bomb are to all intent and purpose over.

    A word of warning is necessary with regard to S.S. Troops - there are as yet no signs that the collapse in morale that has overtaken the rest of the German Army in any way applies to the S.S. and they still continue to fight to the end.

    Some S.S. Prisoners who surrendered yesterday later threw hand grenades and as this is not the first time this sort of thing has happened one can’t be too careful with S.S. men about the place.

    The work done by the F.F.I. is beyond all praise and they are worth several Divisions to us. That we found the bridges over the SOMME intact was almost entirely due to their efforts and they have taken over from us the job of mopping up and looking after German Prisoners in a most efficient manner. One more word of warning - the F.F.I. are not as well armed as they would like to be and if you leave your weapons about you are liable to lose them and no one will blame the F.F.I.


    B.B.C. HEADLINES.

    British forces have pushed well beyond ARRAS and in the course of their drive have over-run VIMY RIDGE which was taken yesterday.

    West of this British drive Canadian troops are well beyond DIEPPE.

    Great numbers of German troops have been by-passed and split up and the Canadians are taking Prisoners at the rate of 2 or 3 thousand a day.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.
    During the recent drive forward the Battalion have suffered the following casualties.

    KILLED IN ACTION.
    2656924 Lance-Sergeant TULLOCH, H., H.Q. Company
    2661177 Guardsman ANDERSON, R., H.Q. Company

    WOUNDED.
    Lieutenant C.T.P. WINGFIELD

    MISSING.
    5735558 Guardsman DOWLE, R., H.Q. Company
    2661384 Guardsman LLEWELLYN, A., H.Q. Company
     
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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 57
    Tuesday 5th September 1944.


    THE BIG PICTURE.
    The War contrary to rumour is not over, or at any rate, whoever it was who told someone, who told someone else, who told all BRUSSELS, omitted to mention the fact to the Germans. None the less our capture of BRUSSELS and yesterday’s capture of ANTWERP by a neighbouring Armoured Division has measurably brought the end closer.

    The bulk of the German Army of FRANCE, now has its back to the sea and is surrounded in a ring which grows smaller hourly, but at present runs, BOULOGNE, FRUGES, BETAUN, LILLE, TOURNAI, BRUSSELS, ANTWERP.

    On the other side of the ring we are advancing on GERMANY and reports, unconfirmed, state that the Americans are in GERMANY, presumably they have crossed the FRANCE-GERMANY frontier between LUXEMBOURG and STRASBOURG, which does not involve crossing the RHINE.

    As to our own future, if the war has to be fought on right into GERMANY, it is unlikely that we will meet with anything but minor opposition between here and GERMANY as the Germans cannot spare the troops to try and hold an intermediate line.

    To get to GERMANY by the quickest route from here, we would cross into HOLLAND at MAASTRICHT, and the cry is “One more river to cross” as the MEUSE which is the same size as the SEINE runs North and South through here, and then after a short drive across the bottom end of HOLLAND one reaches GERMANY and the town of AACHEN. Total distance 95 miles.

    When we do reach the frontier it is impossible to forecast what will happen, but at all events it is known that the Germans now have no properly organised or constituted Army with which to try and stop us, only remnants of Divisions got out of FRANCE, indifferent troops rushed from DENMARK and SCANDINAVIA and ITALY, and possibly a good Division or so from RUSSIA.

    Presumably they will not try and stop us on the frontier but fall back behind the RHINE. Even with this very considerable barrier it is unlikely that they can hold things up for more than a few days and with prospects as poor as they are now it is more likely that the war will never reach GERMANY.
     
    Drew5233 likes this.
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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 58
    Sunday 10th September 1944.


    THE ALBERT CANAL BRIDGEHEAD.

    The interrogation of Prisoners of War captured since this crossing was formed two days ago, have produced some interesting sidelights on what the enemy have been doing these last few days.

    Firstly, two days after we reached BRUSSELS, 719 Infantry Division who had been holding the DUTCH Invasion Coast, were told to move South with all speed and hold the line of the ALBERT CANAL from ANTWERP to HESSELS about a 60 mile front.

    When 32nd BRIGADE reached the near bank they found it held. It was in fact held only by the Engineers who were demolishing the bridge and 2 L.M.G.s. Consequently they managed to cross without great difficulty and found the bridge only partially damaged. No noticeable opposition was found the other side and the new bridge was to have been completed that night but for technical reasons was not ready till the next morning when the IRISH GUARDS began to cross in their T.C.L.s. The first thing that greeted them was a heavy concentration of Artillery around the bridge site and along the road.

    This was due to the arrival of 723 Infantry Regiment of 719 Infantry Division from HOLLAND, who between the time that the WELSH GUARDS crossed and the night that the bridge was built, jus had time to get Observation Posts up on the slag heap and register their guns. From that moment on increasing opposition was met with, but the IRISH GUARDS have had ample revenge for 32nd BRIGADE and in one day collected 319 Prisoners and 700 dead, and a Prisoner we had in this morning said that the Commander of 923 Infantry Regiment [sic] was running wild in the streets of MOLTZ and saying that only 60 of his Regiment were left, which taking into account their known casualties and the numbers who are said to have run away and hidden in the woods, is probably true.

    At this stage we put in our attacks up the road to BOURG LEOPOLD and it was a matter of some surprise when instead of meeting the demoralized remnants of 723 Infantry Regiment, we met 2 Para Regiment.

    By yesterday there were only three Companies of them, of which we captured 139 and probably totalled their casualties up to a round 200 with some 70 dead. They have presumably been arriving steadily all the time, but at all events they must have had reinforcements over night for this morning they received orders for a most ambitions attack, which was to recapture the bridgehead.

    The 60 men left from 723 Infantry Regiment were to attack and capture HIPPEN after which 2 Para Regiment was to go through them and get the bridge. Unfortunately for them No.s 2 and 3 Companies had also been ordered to capture HIPPEN this morning, and just as they arrived in HIPPEN down came the stonk proceeding the attack by No.s 2 and 3 Companies, and shortly afterwards the Companies themselves, which as the Prisoners explained, finished things off. It must be millions to one against an event of this sort, but at all events it happened and with disastrous results for the remnants of 723 Infantry Regiment.

    The Parachutists as a result of this were unable to attack down the road through HIPPEN and all they have managed was a rather half hearted sortie out of the woods to the West of BOURG LEOPOLD.

    It is a disappointment not to be in GERMANY as soon as expected, but in the long run it is probably easier to destroy German troops here, than entrenched in the SIEGFRIED Line and it is doubtful whether the cost of holding us up here temporarily will be worth the damage they will sustain in the process.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.

    KILLED IN ACTION.

    2653669 Lance-Corporal ALLISON, H., Support Company
    2658205 Guardsman DOWNS, D., Support Company
    2656350 Lance-Sergeant POTTS, J., No. 1 Company
    2658868 Lance-Sergeant HOYLE, J., No. 1 Company
    2656687 Guardsman BURKINSHAW, C., No. 1 Company
    2663495 Guardsman BURROWS, C., No. 1 Company
    2662553 Guardsman JELFS, B, No. 2 Company
    2661467 Lance-Sergeant ROBINSON, F., No. 2 Company
    2659162 Guardsman PLOWS, H., No. 4 Company
    2662871 Guardsman GREEN, J., No. 4 Company
    2659937 Guardsman SMITH, T., Support Company
    2662542 Guardsman EDWARDS, F., Support Company
    2655599 Lance-Sergeant PUTT, J., No. 1 Company
    2662585 Guardsman LOWCOCK, F., No. 1 Company
    14714212 Guardsman SKIDMORE, R., No. 1 Company
    14499212 Guardsman TROSH, N., No. 1 Company
    2663718 Guardsman GRAINGER, J., No. 2 Company
    2662982 Guardsman CHALK, W., No. 4 Company
    2663032 Guardsman FOY, P., No. 4 Company
    2658534 Sergeant GRANT, D., No. 4 Company

    WOUNDED.
    2662377 Guardsman CAWDELL, R., No. 3 Company
    2661644 Guardsman PANTON, E., No. 3 Company
    2666619 Guardsman SHALE, T., No. 1 Company
    2666648 Guardsman WHITHAM, R., No. 1 Company
    2665735 Guardsman RILEY, D., No. 1 Company
    2664777 Guardsman DAY, A., No. 1 Company
    2656720 Guardsman JACQUES, C., No. 1 Company
    2666516 Guardsman DICKENSON, S., No. 1 Company
    2665605 Corporal SIMPSON, J., H.Q. Company
    2663700 Guardsman BIRKS, E, No. 1 Company
    2663901 Guardsman READ, J., No. 4 Company
    2664509 Guardsman RICHARDS, F., No. 4 Company
    2660421 Lance-Corporal EDWARDS, J., No. 1 Company
    2661539 Guardsman COLDWELL, J., No. 4 Company
    2660244 Lance-Corporal BARNES, L., No. 4 Company
    2664236 Guardsman MILHAM, D., No. 1 Company
    2654653 Guardsman SOMERS, A., No. 2 Company
    2655812 Sergeant PALFRAMAN, K., No. 2 Company
    2662327 Guardsman DUNWELL, A., No. 2 Company
    2666411 Lance-Sergeant BELL, D., No. 2 Company
    2654278 Lance-Corporal ROPER, G., No. 2 Company
    2663645 Guardsman POUPARD, E., No. 4 Company
    2666398 Guardsman BURGIN, P., No. 2 Company
    2663414 Guardsman RUTHERFIELD, R., No. 2 Company
    2662941 Guardsman OGDEN, K., No. 2 Company
    2659783 Guardsman ARNOLD, A., No. 3 Company
    2931297 Guardsman MacINTOSH, D., No. 2 Company
    2663750 Guardsman TORTOISE, J., No. 2 Company
    2666288 Guardsman PRENDERGAST, P., No. 2 Company
    2665990 Guardsman GAZZARD, A., H.Q. Company
    2661026 Guardsman WIDDOWSON, N., H.Q. Company
    2658896 Lance-Corporal KNOWLES, E., No. 2 Company
    2666260 Guardsman CROSSLEY, F., No. 3 Company
    2661483 Lance-Sergeant HORTON, W., No. 4 Company
    2665957 Guardsman KNIGHTON, K., No. 3 Company
    2666524 Guardsman LOWE, W., No. 1 Company
    2659086 Guardsman STEVENS, S., No. 1 Company
    14681068 Guardsman PAINE, J., No. 1 Company
    2664304 Lance-Corporal MILLMAN, O., No. 1 Company
    2661452 Lance-Corporal OGLES, S., No. 4 Company
    2659008 Lance-Corporal GALLOWAY, E., No. 4 Company
    14442737 Guardsman GOODMAN, E., No. 1 Company
    14716524 Guardsman PERKS, M., No. 2 Company
    14435008 Guardsman HALL, R., No. 2 Company
    14704928 Guardsman REDMAN, D., No. 4 Company
    2659746 Sergeant DALE, A., No. 2 Company
    2661906 Guardsman ARROWSMITH, H., No. 2 Company
    14713009 Guardsman RANDALL, A., No. 2 Company
    2660722 Lance-Sergeant FRAMPTON, G., No. 2 Company
    2652855 Guardsman PHILLIPS, G., No. 3 Company
    2666086 Guardsman HANNIS, J., No. 3 Company
    2666018 Guardsman PURBRICK, R., No. 2 Company
    2657104 Guardsman HYDE, J., H.Q. Company

    WOUNDED BUT RETAINED WITH UNIT.
    2666394 Guardsman STONE, A., Support Company
    2664748 Guardsman COATES, J., Support Company
    2661686 Guardsman HONOUR, N., No. 1 Company
    176203 Guardsman HEWLETT, T., No. 1 Company
    2659790 Guardsman DENNIS, J., No. 2 Company
    2666623 Guardsman BAILEY, G., No. 3 Company
    2665079 Guardsman BAKER, W., No. 1 Company
    2655257 Guardsman HUNSLEY, J., No. 1 Company
    2658352 Lance-Sergeant RICE, F., No. 4 Company
    14672114 Guardsman SMITH, C., No. 2 Company
    2666725 Guardsman TUCKER, D., No. 4 Company

    BATTLE ACCIDENTS.
    2665166 Guardsman THOMPSON, E., Support Company
    2666705 Guardsman SHORES, R., No. 1 Company
    2664708 Guardsman SCRIPPS, F., H.Q. Company
    2663686 Lance-Sergeant DALES, V., No. 4 Company

    POSTINGS TO X(ii) LIST.
    2661053 Guardsman PERRY, G., No. 2 Company
    2659048 Guardsman COPE, A., Support Company


    OFFICER CASUALTIES.

    KILLED IN ACTION.

    Major Marquess of HARTINGTON
    Lieutenant S. ARGYLL
    Lieutenant T.A. MITCHELL
    2/Lieutenant K.H. IRGENS

    WOUNDED.
    Major J. CHANDOS POLE
    Captain B. BLOWER
    Lieutenant G.T.P. WINGFIELD
    Lieutenant The Honourable J.U. KNATCHBULL
    Lieutenant M.W. WALL
    Lieutenant A.A. PHILP
    2/Lieutenant P.J. WADSWORTH
     
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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 59
    Tuesday 12th September 1944.


    BATTLE NEWS.
    Monday night.
    Early yesterday morning the IRISH GUARDS crossed the ESCAUT CANAL, and this afternoon armoured cars went over the DUTCH frontier a few miles beyond and found little signs of the enemy for over ten miles. Since then they have been coming up and though as yet the bridgehead is the most peaceful place in the neighbourhood by tomorrow the enemy will probably have brough up what troops he can muster and be swarming all round.

    So far most of our knowledge of the enemy across the canal comes from inaccurate civilian sources who report groups of Germans in neighbouring villages.

    Most of the fighting has been on this side of the canal. To the East several tanks and S.P. guns have been trying to find a way of escape along the South side and have had quite a sharp engagement with the GRENADIER GUARDS. HECHTEL is still holding out which is a great inconvenience to us, as all traffic is confirmed to the by pass that we came along and the tracks are rapidly deteriorating, and finally our old bugbear BOURG LEOPOLD appears to be still held though civilians say the enemy are withdrawing from it.

    No.s 1 and 2 Companies have gone across the canal to help the IRISH GUARDS hold the bridgehead, and if they do any patrolling they will be able to tell you what HOLLAND looks like as they are only a mile from the frontier.


    THE BIG PICTURE.
    ANTWERP is now in the last stages of being mopped up and in between us and ANTWERP there is another bridgehead over the ALBERT CANAL, but so far ours is the only one over the ESCAUT - MEUSE CANAL.

    Over on our right there has been some heavy fighting and our next door Armoured Formation has reached PEER and captured 2,000 Prisoners of War.

    American progress has also been very much slower but they are still pushing steadily towards the frontier of HOLLAND at MAASTRICHT.

    The enemy now against us are a scratch lot. 719 was the last Division the Germans had available and now they have no command in action much larger than a Regiment. The Germans in HECHTEL and all the other little pockets holding out are “ad hoc” bodies of troops of a Company or two strength often formed only the day before and rushed into battle with apparently no H.Q. to control or administer them. The bulk of the defenders of HECHTEL are men from searchlight sites, and recently a lot of aircraft ground staffs have been put in the bag, some of them have never handled a rifle in their lives before.

    The startingly stubborn fight that they have put up on occasions, is perhaps due to the fact that unlike the men of the 7th and 15th Armies they have not been subjected to a smashing defeat. They do not know the full measure of the disaster that has overtaken the Wehrmacht, and have none of the battle weariness and defeatism of the regular units. Indeed they have some of them never fought before and so can be expected to show some enthusiasm the first time.

    By and large they are of very grave nuisance value and a serious hindrance to us, but their composition and nature confines them to this role and there is no formation available that can seriously influence the battle against us.

    The menace of the future is likely to be the S.S. Divisions who have all been extricated from the fight and are no doubt re-forming now, while German irregular soldiers attempt to hold the fort.


    GERMAN PROPAGANDA.
    Today’s German news broadcast gave a good first hand example of the German habit of getting hold of some scrap of genuine news and dressing it up to look like something big, with plenty of detail to bolster up its authenticity.

    German version - “our paratroops today penetrated the British bridgehead as far as the town of BERINGEN where they blew up ammunition and supply dumps.”

    Actual event, as some of our F.2 involved can vouch for:- “A few paratroops infiltrated along the canal bank into the woods where No. 4 Company did their attack and managed to blow up a couple of ammunition trucks etc before being seen off by the drivers.”

    I expect the Q department would very much like to have had such a thing as a dump as far up as this even if the Germans were able to shoot at it.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.

    KILLED IN ACTION.
    2659930 Lance-Corporal KEITH, T., No. 3 Company
    2666357 Guardsman SMITH, W., No. 3 Company
    2664242 Lance-Corporal SMITH, J., No. 3 Company
    2659473 Guardsman SHAW, A., No. 3 Company
    2664222 Lance-Corporal MORLEY, J., No. 3 Company
    5683025 Guardsman PARFITT, C., No. 3 Company

    WOUNDED.
    2661287 Guardsman JONES, C., Support Company
    989652 Guardsman JOBSON, R., No. 3 Company
    2666102 Guardsman WILSON, T., No. 3 Company
    2666368 Guardsman HALL, R., No. 3 Company
    2659291 Lance-Sergeant WHALEY, H., No. 3 Company
    2658565 Guardsman SKIDMORE, H., H.Q. Company
    2663668 Guardsman HOULKER, J., No. 3 Company
    2666700 Guardsman DENT, J., No. 3 Company
    2558757 Lance-Corporal REILLY, A., No. 3 Company
    2666564 Guardsman FOOTE, I., No. 3 Company
    7344791 Guardsman MOLYNEUX, J., No. 4 Company
    7962862 Guardsman FIRTH, H., No. 3 Company

    MISSING.
    4264378 Guardsman DONNELLY, J., No. 4 Company
     
  14. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 60
    Thursday 14th September 1944.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    AMERICANS CAPTURE ROTGEN.
    The British SECOND ARMY in fierce fighting has forced the Germans to withdraw from the ALBERT CANAL line. Between BELGIUM and HOLLAND other Allied forces are driving towards the SCHELDE to cut the German retreat.

    The American First Army has captured ROTGEN the first German town to fall into Allied hands, and are driving into the SIEGFRIED LINE defences.

    The American Third Army has made more crossings over the River ? and has liberated NEUFCHATEAU.

    The Americans have taken 320,000 Prisoners since ‘D’ Day.


    MORE BIG ALLIED RAIDS.
    R.A.F. Mosquitoes last night attacked BERLIN the fourth night running. Before dark other British bombers hit rail targets behind the SIEGFRIED LINE at OSNABRUCK and attacked oil plants. Earlier 1,000 American bombers struck at GERMANY’s oil plants. It was the third consecutive 1,000 bomber attack in three days. 53 German aircraft were destroyed.

    American losses were 27 bombers and 9 fighters.

    Italian based bombers hit oil targets near BRESLAU and at CRACOW.


    IN BRIEF.
    In ITALY both the 5th and 8th ARMIES have gained ground.

    American troops have captured LOMZA and the Southern approaches to East PRUSSIA. Yugoslav troops have contacted the Russians near the Yugoslav border.

    Under the Armistice between RUSSIAN and the Allies, ROMANIA is to pay in kind £75,000,000 for damage caused to RUSSIA by military operations.

    CANADA, AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND are now represented at the QUEBEC Conference talking about plans to beat JAPAN.

    American carrier planes have destroyed over 200 Japanese aircraft in attacks on island of the CENTRAL PHILIPPINES.

    Another German General LINDEMANN has been arrested in BERLIN for the plot against HITLER. He is an ex-artillery General.

    Mr. DUFF COOPER British Ambassador to FRANCE has arrived in PARIS.


    NOTICES.
    LOST:-
    Binoculars No. 1681316 between 2200 hours 10th September and 0700 hours 11th September in the area of I/327862, Sheet 26/36/

    Denim Jacket, the property of T/1710610 Corporal PEARCE, A.R. containing A.B. 64 Part I, A.B. 412 for Motorcycle 4992874, 200 French Francs, on 11th September.

    Information regarding either of the above to the Office Truck.
     
  15. dbf

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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 61
    Friday 15th September 1944.


    THE ESCAUT BRIDGEHEAD.
    The enemy have now abandoned their attempts to push us back over the ALBERT CANAL and now there are very few of them still South of the ESCAUT.

    As a result of this our own bridgehead over the ESCAUT, which is the only one, is of greatly increased importance and likely to receive the full attention of any forces the enemy can muster.

    All the day before yesterday civilians reported enemy in large numbers in the woods to our North and to the East, and No. 1 Company in order to get to their position had to put in an attack upon some enemy who apparently were also about to occupy the same place.

    This morning large numbers of enemy have been swarming in on us from the North and to a lesser extent from the East. Swarming rather than attacking is the best way one can describe what they have been doing, as they still appear to be very vague as to where we are and when first seen by No. 1 Company they were not formed up as for an attack, but walking along in file, visible in large numbers.

    Prisoners of War captured were unaware of any supporting armament and said they had nothing but their Machine Guns. However a Troop of 5 S.P. guns came into action against us, and three were knocked out, two by the Anti-Tank Platoon.

    Some Artillery fire also came back and they probably had a troop of guns helping them. Not very adequate support for an attack on a strongly held bridgehead.

    Prisoners of War stated that they were ordered to eliminate our bridgehead and then go on to the ALBERT CANAL, and that it would all be quite easy, but the high casualties they must have sustained have probably convinced them to the contrary.

    It is not yet very certain exactly what is against us. Prisoners of War from one Company came from a Penal Battalion, one of whom stated that they were very much reduced. The Prisoners of War who came from our Right were of 6 Para Regiment, a more formidable affair, but also very much reduced by the fighting on the ALBERT CANAL, and now probably only a couple of Companies strong.

    This in total means that we are probably confronted with Infantry about 500 strong, some of very good quality, the others very bad, and almost no supporting arms.

    Other miscellaneous troops will no doubt swell this rather mixed force in the next day or so, but there is little likelihood of anything really formidable coming along, though they are almost certain to put in more counter attacks.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    AMERICANS ONE MILE FROM AACHEN.
    American forces in strength beyond the German frontier are less than a mile from AACHEN and their guns are shelling this gateway to the RHINELAND.

    Some 40 miles to the South, other American troops have penetrated seven miles beyond the frontier.

    British SECOND ARMY men have cleared almost the entire area between the ALBERT and ESCAUT CANALS in BELGIUM and have taken Prisoners.

    American troops are fighting around BREST and the seize is stated to be almost at an end.

    In Eastern FRANCE Seventh Army troops have kept up their advance in all sectors.


    NEW LANDING IN PACIFIC.
    In the Pacific Allied forces have made a new landing on the most Northerly island of the HALMAHERA Group and have established a beach head.


    THREE DAY ATTACK IN PHILIPPINES.
    In the Central PHILIPPINES the Japanese lost 500 planes in a three day attack by carrier based aircraft. Over 170 Japanese ships were sunk or damaged.


    B.B.C. NEWS IN BRIEF.

    Russian troops have driven the Germans from the WARSAW suburb of PRAG after bitter hand to hand fighting. Other Russian forces reached points 16 miles from the East PRUSSIAN border.

    Russian and Romania troops have advanced in Central TRANSYLVANIA.

    The Finnish Premier now in MOSCOW on the peace mission had a stroke last night. His condition is serious.

    EIGTH ARMY troops have made gains in fierce fighting on the ADRIATIC Coast of ITALY.

    Marauder fighter bombers from CORSICA are now operating in the EIGHTH ARMY area.

    Mr. EDEN has joined Mr. CHURCHILL and Mr. ROOSEVELT in QUEBEC. He flew non stop from ENGLAND in 17 1/2 hours.

    Lieutenant General Sir EDMOND SCHREIBER is the new Governor of MALTA. He replaces Lord GORT now High Commissioner and Commander in Chief of PALESTINE.

    Units of the French Fleet with the battleship ‘Loraine’ and nine cruisers have returned to their base in TOULON.

    The British Submarine ‘Ultor’ is home after 18 months in the Mediterranean. In 16 patrols she sank 28 enemy ships, scoring more hits than any other British submarine.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.

    KILLED IN ACTION.
    2653255 Drill Sergeant REASON, S., H.Q. Company
    2653845 Sergeant ROLLINSON, T., H.Q. Company
    2663294 Guardsman GILLETT, E., H.Q. Company
    2654411 C.S.M. GRIFFITHS, T., H.Q. Company
    2661649 Lance-Sergeant OLNEY, J., No. 3 Company

    WOUNDED.
    2665483 Lance-Corporal SIMMONS, G., No. 1 Company
    14651091 Guardsman MOCK, J. - No. 1 Company
    2666740 Guardsman HALES, D., No. 4 Company
    2663779 Guardsman BURRELL, A., No. 1 Company


    NOTICE.
    LOST:-
    Pair Wetzlar Binoculars, property of Private SAUNDERS (PRINCES IRENE REGIMENT). Information to Office Truck.
     
  16. dbf

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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 62
    Friday 22nd September 1944.


    THE BIG PICTURE.
    Thursday night.
    It is probable that by now the enemy fully appreciate the object of the manoeuvre we are at present carrying out, in fact it is possible that they foresaw the present situation before the battle began, as a very accurate forecast of the moves of the British SECOND ARMY was made by the Chief German Military commentator sever days before this operation began.

    The significant fact seems to be that despite their having correctly appreciated the situation they have been unable to put any decisive spoke in the wheels of this most complicated manoeuvre.

    The last few days have seen the use of Airborne troops on a scale far bigger than ever before and by this means the British Army has crossed more and bigger water obstacles in four days than any Army has ever done in history.

    At the same time we are meeting more opposition than has come our way since NORMANDY days, and this opposition is being put up not by seasoned veterans but by scratch bodies of troops often recruited by almost press gang methods from frontier towns, only a few weeks before.

    More and more Prisoners are captured nowadays who have no idea what Regiment Division they belong to, or what is going on, but at the same time they put up a very stubborn fight and the closer we get to GERMANY the more stubborn and fanatical they are likely to become.

    Today our own Gunners have been firing into GERMANY and if you go back down the road to GROESBEEK you can see German hills in the distance about three miles away. Although we are being confronted by seemingly endless hordes of fresh troops battling to defend their beloved Fatherland and a depressing record of field bakeries etc fighting to the last round against all normal expectation one can at the same time take very good heart from the fact that all these desperate measures have been unable to halt our advance.

    Probably Hitler and the Nazi Party are well aware that the war is irrevocably lost and these last minute throws of total warfare are being made to gain time to achieve two objects.

    Firstly time for the Nazi Party to organise themselves on an underground basis and secondly time for the key posts in GERMANY to be transferred to Germans unconnected with the Nazi Party so that they can lay the blame for surrender on someone else, and also probably in the hope that we will be willing to deal with non-Nazi Germans in a way we wouldn’t wit the Hitlers and Himmlers, and in this connection it is significant that the command of the Army of the West has probably been taken over once more by VON RUNSTEDT who was retired in disgrace for suggesting that the situation was beyond hope in the days of NORMANDY.


    THE LOCAL PICTURE.
    We are now well and truly across the RHINE, or as it is called in HOLLAND the WAAL. Our own troops took part in the crossing but the main credit must go the the American Airborne forces and the Dutch Underground. The bridge by which we still cross was originally built by the Germans in 1935 and with true German thoroughness they incorporated in the structure of the bridges a complete demolition system connected for glowing purposes to the town main. Unfortunately for them this was well know to the Dutch patriots who destroyed the wiring system so thoroughly that despite the fact that the Germans held the bridge for two days, they were unable to blow it up.

    By now our leading troops are well on the way to ARNHEM where we have got to cross the lower RHINE. Here our own Airborne Division is in possession of the town and the ground to the West, but not of the bridge itself. However with our arrival on the near bank tomorrow, this situation will probably be cleared up. Meanwhile the Germans continue to counter attack continuously in this area, and in expectation of a break through that has happily never occurred we have been kept very busy running to and fro to the threatened points.

    1,500 Prisoners of War have just been seen marching down the road under an American Escort.


    GOVERNMENT PLAN FOR RELEASE FROM FORCES.
    A Government plan for the release of men and women from the Forces after the defeat of GERMANY has been announced.

    There will be two schemes, the main scheme and a special one for men wanted for urgent work of reconstruction.

    The first men released under the main scheme will be those aged 50 and over. Priority will then be arranged according to age and service.

    Two months service will count as being equal to an additional year of age. For instance men aged 24 with 5 years service will rank with men aged 30 with 4 years service.

    When the size of the force needed against JAPAN and to occupy GERMANY is decided releases will keep pace with the intake of new recruits.

    Men released under the main scheme will get at least two months leave with fully pay, a ration allowance, dependent’s allowances, a gratuity, and civilian clothing.

    There will be no priority for married men but it is reckoned that 90% of the first half million released will be married men.

    Those who have served overseas will receive an extra day’s leave on full pay for every month abroad.

    Released men will get their jobs back if they want them with full pension and social insurance rights.

    That is the main scheme. The Special Scheme for recapturing work will affect relatively few men, mainly those wanted for house building. Only Ministry of Labour applications for release will be considered. If men leave the occupation they have been directed to they will be sent back to the forces.

    There will be a Parliamentary debate on the White Paper and these proposals fairly soon.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    BRIDGE AT NIJMEGEN CAPTURED.
    British tank forces and American Airborne troops have captured the vital road bridge at NIJMEGEN. In spite of fierce German resistance in and around the town our forces have pushed on towards ARNHEM to relieve the Allied Airborne troops in that area. Latest reports say our guns have got within shelling distance of the enemy.


    RUSSIAN TROOPS PUSHING ON.
    Russian troops after pushing through the TRANSYLVANIAN Alps are fanning out to the Central European plane and have reached points only 20 miles from HUNGARY.

    In Norther ESTONIA Soviet forces have made sweeping gains and reached a place 50 miles from TALLINN the Capital.

    The Russians in BULGARIA have arrested several former Bulgarian leaders including Prince Cyril and Filov who was Premier when Bulgaria joined the Axis.


    IN BRIEF.

    Polish Sky Pilots went down to help the Airborne forces at ARNHEM yesterday and more supplies were dropped. American fighters covering this operation shot down 20 German planes for the loss of four.

    We have beaten off more attacks on our corridor linking NIJMEGEN with the BELGIAN border. At some points this corridor is now 25 miles wide.

    American 1st Army troops are fighting a ring of battles around AACHEN which is reported in flames.

    The American 3rd Army now has a wide salient across the MOSEL and has begun to attack the next river.

    Canadian troops are steadily tightening their grip on CALAIS and DUNKIRK.

    Greek troops of the 8th Army have driven the Germans from ? The 5th Army is driving deeper into the GOTHIC Line positions North of FLORENCE.

    Service pay increases are announced. The cost of all these will be at least £100,000,000 a year.
     
  17. dbf

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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 63
    Sunday 24th September 1944.


    THE BIG PICTURE.
    In our last issue it was rather rashly stated “that the Germans despite the possibilities open to them were unable to put a spoke in the wheels of our advance”.

    Since then two very determined efforts have been made to do so, but both happily have now been dealt with.

    Firstly the action in which we ourselves took part. The day before yesterday late in the afternoon the steady flow of supplies and transport streaming down the 45 mile Centre Line to NIJMEGEN were suddenly rudely cut by a large enemy force which attacking from the East planted themselves firmly astride our lines of communications at VEGHEL.

    Our BRIGADE was ordered to move at once and restore the situation, which threatened to leave everyone from VEGHEL onwards without any of their urgently required supplies until the enemy were shifted out.

    That evening the head of our column reached UDEN where they found the Germans holding a position across the main road between UDEN and VEGHEL and also strongly encamped in VOKEL to the South East.

    Our task was to clear VOKEL and the task of the GRENADIERS was to open the road down the VEGHEL. The attack was carried out most successfully by No. 1 Company with two Squadrons from the 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS. The opposition which was pretty stubborn came from a Company of our old friends 9 S.S. We have wiped out 9 S.S. so many times now that it is perhaps just as well to explain that 9 S.S. is now composed of a very different type of HUN from the days when we met them in NORMANDY and some of the men captured yesterday in all the trimmings and finery of S.S. troops were only four days previously instructors of gunnery at an Anti-Tank school at ?HINERSUM. The entire staff of the Anti-Tank School were roped into the ranks of the S.S. the day the air landings took place and have since come by a hazardous and roundabout route to VOKEL and a prison camp. A very familiar story these days.

    The second cause for concern was the situation of our Airborne Division on the North banks of the lower RHINE at ARNHEM. For three days they have had to hold out on their own with very meagre supplies and resources in supporting arms, and at one time owing to the very determined enemy opposition at ELST, between the airborne forces and the column moving North to help them, it was feared that they might be unable to hold out any longer. Since then a route round to the East of ELST has been opened up and medical and other badly needed supplies ferried across to them. Unfortunately both the bridges over the river are still in enemy hands, but they have not yet blown them, so there is still hope that we may be able to capture them intact.

    To sum up the important events of the last twenty-four hours - the supply route is now open once more, contact has been made with the airborne troops across the lower RHINE, and as soon as we have got a bridge across, everything will be ready to go forward once more.

    During all this No. 2 Company have been having a comparative holiday guarding a food dump. It is not known whether guarding the dump includes eating any of it, but I have calculated that even if the entire Company were to feed from it for the rest of their lives and they all reached the age of 100, there would still be something left for their children.


    B.B.C. NEWS (1200 HOURS).
    The latest developments near ARNHEM where the Airborne forces have been fighting against great odds is that patrols have crossed the river to make contact with General DEMPSEY’s men, but there has been no solid link up yet.

    Fighting was particularly fierce in the area of ARNHEM yesterday where men have been trying to break through to the relief of the ARNHEM forces. The SECOND ARMY are fighting desperately to get there in time and the Germans are fighting to prevent it.

    Our position around NIJMEGEN has been improved.

    In the ANTWERP area our troops have made another crossing of the ESCAUT Canal.
     
  18. dbf

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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 64
    Monday 25th September 1944.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    BRITISH TANKS REPORTED IN GERMANY.
    The British SECOND ARMY has driven a narrow corridor through from NIJMEGEN to our airborne troops across the river.

    Supplies are going through and paratroops have gone across as reinforcements. The corridor is under fire but the NIJMEGEN bridgehead has been stiffened.

    Back at EINDHOVEN the corridor is now 20 miles wide.

    British tanks are reported to have entered GERMANY near NIJMEGEN, the first British troops fighting on German soil.

    The Canadians in BELGIUM attacking on a 30 mile front have advanced up to 10 miles beyond the ESCAUT CANAL. They hold a bridgehead across the next Canal to the North.

    RUSSIANS TAKE ESTONIAN NAVAL BASE.
    The Russian Baltic fleet has captured the Estonian Naval base of BALTISKI escape port for a trapped German force.

    Russian troops are clearing the Germans out of ESTONIA and closing in on the escape corridor to RIGA and RIGA itself.

    Russian aircraft have sunk five more German transports.


    THROUGH THE GOTHIC LINE.
    In ITALY Allied troops are through the GOTHIC Line except at its Western end. The 5th Army is within 15 miles of BOLOGNA also threatened by the 8TH ARMY. Our troops are pushing beyond RIMINI and they are over the River MARECCHIA on a broad front.


    IN BRIEF.
    Hundreds of Allied aircraft from ITALY yesterday attacked ports and airfields in GREECE to speed up the Germans pulling out of the country.

    The Cruiser Taranto bombed in SPEZIA Harbour before the Germans could use her to block the entrance is partly submerged with her foredeck awash.

    On Saturday night a very strong R.A.F. force attacked an industrial town near DUSSELDORF and MUNSTER and BOCHUM. 22 are missing.

    Some more flying bombs were over ENGLAND during the night.

    Allied troops are in action nearly 50 miles down the MANDALAY Railway from MOGAUNG.

    American aircraft have again attacked Japanese shipping in MANILLA Bay in the PHILIPPINES.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.

    KILLED IN ACTION.
    Major The Viscount LONG
    2666373 Guardsman BUCKLEY, S., Support Company
    2663707 Guardsman CARPENTER, T., No. 1 Company
    14686885 Guardsman BURTON, W., No. 1 Company

    WOUNDED.
    2664871 Lance-Sergeant ADAMS, D., Support Company
    2664748 Guardsman COATES, J., Support Company
    2653965 Lance-Corporal CANT, J., No. 1 Company
    2663905 Guardsman BROMAGE, T., No. 1 Company
    2662130 Guardsman WALLEY, S., H.Q. Company
    2663736 Guardsman POOLE, C., No. 1 Company
    2665434 Guardsman PARKINS, R., No. 1 Company
    2657177 Guardsman MILLS, A., No. 1 Company
    2664342 Guardsman DAWSON, G., No. 1 Company
    14655719 Guardsman CROWN, G., No. 1 Company
    2662187 Lance-Sergeant MICKLEWRIGHT, C., No. 1 Company
    2660840 Lance-Corporal LISTER, R., No. 1 Company
    2660028 Lance-Corporal CROFT, J., No. 1 Company

    MISSING PERSONNEL REJOINED.
    2661384 Guardsman LLEWELLYN, A., H.Q. Company

    BATTLE ACCIDENTS.
    2658724 Guardsman SOUTHALL, R., No. 1 Company
    2666413 Lance-Corporal DAVIS, J., No. 1 Company
     
  19. dbf

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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 65
    Wednesday 27th September 1944.


    THE BIG PICTURE.
    Enemy movements and intentions over the past two days are now sufficiently clear for a fairly complete picture to be formed.

    The only really organised and formidable threat has been the 9 S.S. 1027 Panzer Gr. Group which cut the Centre Line from the East two days ago. This job was to make a corridor through our Centre Line, through which to extricate the Germans to our West.

    After we had turned them back, the Northward advance of the Corps on our right made their continued existence increasingly perilous till finally they withdrew altogether, and now all the ground to our Right up to the MAAS is free of enemy.

    This leaves the very large number of Germans to our West in a poor position. Yesterday they attacked strongly South of VEGHEL and cut the Centre Line for 48 hours, but did not succeed in escaping and they appear to be growing increasingly discouraged.

    Throughout today reports of large numbers of Germans on the move Eastwards towards us have been frequent, but after feeling their way forward and find opposition they have not persisted and though their orders are to fight their way out if necessary, it is now unlikely that they have the organisation, information, or morale to do so.

    To the North the picture is not quite so happy. After a long and hard unsupported fight our airborne forces North of the lower RHINE were compressed into a small bridgehead, which had no tactical value as at this point the river is not bridgeable, and they have accordingly been evacuated.

    Where the RHINE and the lower RHINE converge West of NIJMEGEN the Germans have carried our extensive flooding and turned the ground North of NIJMEGEN into a sort of island which is at present held by us except for the Eastern end, where the lower RHINE and the RHINE proper join. Here the enemy are in the process of withdrawing.


    THE SMALL PICTURE.
    All eyes for the last 24 hours have been turned on OSS, where No. 2 Company aided by two Squadrons of our 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS tanks have been holding out in a somewhat isolated position.

    No major enemy attack has been made, but OSS is a town of considerable size, which is always a difficult thing to hold, and also contains one of the most valuable food dumps in EUROPE.

    A very fine underground Intelligence system, which it is not possible to give details of, has given them good information of the enemy moves which reached a crisis on Monday night.

    After a sharp engagement with the enemy who got right into the town and attacked the food dump, the enemy were turned out, and it is probable that no further attempt on any large scale will be made, though there are still a very large number of enemy in that district, centred on HERTOGENBOSCH.


    TAIL PIECE.
    You may have been mystified by seeing on the roadside by German slit trenches a stake with a bundle of straw tied up on the top.

    This is done by the Germans when they are retreating in order to show any of their own troops who may be following that they have gone off, so it is worth bearing in mind that if you see this sign by the roadside it probably means that you can go ahead without much danger of meeting anybody.


    NEWS IN BRIEF.
    The Russians yesterday liberated 300 more places in their drive towards RIGA.

    SOFIA Radio says BULGARIA has broken off diplomatic relations with HUNGARY.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    THE POSITION IN HOLLAND.
    There has been no news during the past 24 hours from Field Marshal MONTGOMERY’s headquarters of the situation in the ARNHEM area. The British 2nd ARMY have greatly widened their corridor and have now got an airfield inside it. Supplies and reinforcements were landed there yesterday.

    We have almost cleared the Germans from our side of the MAAS river bend and have reached the river on a front of several miles close to the German border.

    The weather improved yesterday and R.A.F. tactical aircraft have been out in strength.

    American heavy bombers attacked German rail centres on the supply routes to HOLLAND and also went for BREMEN.

    The Canadian assault on CALAIS is going well. The main body of the German garrison has pulled back into the town. R.A.F. heavies again battered the enemy positions yesterday.


    WAR MINISTER’S STATEMENT ON LEAVE.
    BRITAIN’s War Minister Sir James GRIGG made a statement yesterday about home leave for British forces overseas.

    He said that within the past three months he had directed that the highest priority be given to replacement drives. He hoped that by next January the maximum tour of service in INDIA and BURMA would be reduced to four years or even less.

    For troops overseas elsewhere the tour would not exceed 4 3/4 years.


    NEWS IN BRIEF.
    BRUSSELS Radio announces the formation of a new Belgian Government under Monsieur PIERLOT.

    8TH ARMY troops have taken a village six miles beyond RIMINI and have secured several bridgeheads across the RUBICON.

    5th Army troops have pushed closer to BOLONIA.

    President ROOSEVELT and Mr. CHURCHILL have announced that ITALY is to have an increasing measure of self control. The Italian Government will be invited to appoint direct representatives in LONDON and WASHINGTON.

    American troops have almost reached the Northern tip of PELELIU Island. American super Fortresses have again attacked Japanese war industries in MANCHURIA.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.

    WOUNDED.
    14244989 Lance-Sergeant HENSHAW, T., No. 2 Company
    11264122 Guardsman RUSSELL, G., No. 2 Company
     
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    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 66
    Thursday 28th September 1944.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    FIRST AIRBORNE DIVISION WITHDRAWN.
    The British 1st Airborne Division has been withdrawn from the North bank of the RHINE near ARNHEM.

    We had about 8,000 sky men in the ARNHEM area. About 2,000 of them were able to withdraw through the German lines with some British 2nd Army infantry and Polish sky troops who had go across the river.

    About 1,200 wounded British paratroops were left behind in the care of ROYAL ARMY MEDICAL CORPS Officers and men.

    The withdrawal began on Monday night and was completed yesterday morning.

    Correspondents describe the nine day stand as an epic of endurance and bravery that can have few rivals in British Army annals.

    Without this operation we could never have captured the vital NIJMEGEN Bridge.


    AIR FORCES OUT IN STRENGTH.
    To the East of the corridor General DEMPSEY’s men are steadily forcing the enemy back towards the German frontier.

    Canadian troops were last reported to be just over 1/2 mile from CALAIS Harbour.

    R.A.F. heavies have given the German defences another pasting. Over 1,100 American heavies attacked key points in Western GERMANY yesterday and with their escort destroyed 41 enemy planes. American losses were 42 bombers and 7 fighters.

    R.A.F. bombers were over GERMANY last night.


    NEW INJURY INSURANCE SCHEME.
    The British Government have published an Industrial Injury Insurance Scheme under which Workmen’s compensation will be treated in future as a social service and not as part of the employer’s liability.

    Victims of industrial accident are placed on the same footing as soldiers wounded in battle and compensation will be paid for “loss of health, strength and the power to enjoy life”.


    IN BRIEF.
    According to enemy reports the Russians have launched a big offensive against HUNGARY and are not fighting inside the country at some points.

    Seaborne and Airborne troops of “Land Forces Adriatic” are operating on a wide front in ALBANIA and the islands off YUGOSLAVIA.

    The Allied Armies in ITALY have made more progress against stiff resistance.

    Aircraft from AUSTRALIA have attacked Japanese positions in BATAVIA in a reconnaissance flight of over 3,000 miles.
     

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