2/5 Lancashire Fusiliers, Normandy 1st Jul - 26th Aug, 1944

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by worthatron, Sep 3, 2012.

  1. worthatron

    worthatron Member

    I have posted quite a bit of this war diary on another thread, but i have now copied all of the war diary's time in Normandy.


    1st July
    Battalion in harbour area at LA HAISERIE and visited by DC. Intelligence Sec classifying enemy material at VORS-sur-MER. Battalion Motor Transport de-waterproofing.

    2nd July
    Bn in harbour, the C.O. and all the Company Commanders visited 50 Div in TILLY sector, and the 6th Green Howards at LINOEVRES.

    3rd July
    The Bn relieved the 1st North Shore Regt of CANADA in BOUANVILLE 9776 (Bombanville) as the reserve Brigade in the 3rd Canadian Div.

    4th July
    We consolidated our position – CARPIQUET taken by the Canadians, but the aerodrome is still in the Bosche’s hands.

    5th July
    CARPIQUET aerodrome still in Bosche’s hands. The Battalion remained in defensive positions at BOUANVILLE.

    6th July
    We are still in BOUANVILLE, but preparations are being made for a large scale attack. At 16:30 hours the Battalion moves to ANGUERNY 0177, and re-organises in Marshall Area. The C.O. proceeds on Corps Conference.

    7th July
    Battalion still in ANGUERNY. Recce parties moved out to view the area in which the Battalion will form up for the coming attack. Main objective – CAEN. 12 Corps plus 3rd Canadian Div and 3 Div are the main forces. During the evening there was a large scale bombing of CAEN area by ALLIED airforce.

    8th July
    At 04:15 hrs the Battalion moved up to the start line, area CAMBES HALT 0273. It was the heaviest artillery concentration since ALAMEIN on the Bosche’s position. Our Bn objective was MALON 0172 and LA FOLIE 0171 – method: - ‘A’ Coy right; ‘B’ Coy left, with ‘C’ and ‘D’ in reserve ready for counter attack role. – Tanks were to shoot us in – MALON was 1st phase and LA FOLIE 2nd phase.
    On approaching start-line the Battalion was heavily mortared and shelled with air bursting shells, a few casualties were sustained, the first one being a Stretcher Bearer (Fus. Shepherd), but the Battalion formed up and the bombing and sniping carried on. The casualties were beginning to increase and all were glad when the order to advance came.
    The leading Coys actually commenced the advance at 07:30 hrs, but were immediately pinned by accurate enemy M.G and sniper fire. By noon after several rallies only a small advance had been made. ‘A’ Coy were in the southern part of CAMBES at part 018733 and ‘B’ Coy were on the rally at square 02/73. Casualties had been heavy. 3 Coy Commanders and the Intelligence Officer were amongst them. ‘D’ Coy was brought in to reinforce ‘A’ Coy who at that time was only approximately 1 ½ plus in strength. ‘C’ Coy were covering ‘B’ Coy, who had suffered heavy casualties.
    All this time Bosche mortar fire was still falling; our own mortars were out of action.
    In the afternoon the DC came to view the situation, and had a conference with the C.O. At aprox. 1630 hrs the Battalion was withdrawn to CAMBES WOODS 020740 whilst an artillery barrage was brought down on the Bosch. At 17:00 hrs the Bn was withdrawn into reserve positions whilst 176 Brigade “went in”. We then moved to VILLLONS-LE-BUISSONS 0074.
    During the battle the Stretcher Bearers excelled themselves and but for their good work casualties would have been very much greater and more serious. The total number of killed, wounded and missing was 9 officers and 103 ORs, inclusive in this total are 3 Coy Commanders (Major Twells – killed – ‘B’ Coy; Major Wilson – killed – ‘D’ Coy; Major Kennett – wounded – ‘C’ Coy).

    9th July
    Battalion still in VILLONS-LE-BUISSONS. The C.O. proceeded on Brigade conference and at 15:00 hrs we moved to ST-CONTEST 0072, to take over from 1/7 Royal Warwickshires. We were sniped from the village, but clearing parties soon silenced the snipers. CEAN was taken by the British and Canadian forces.

    10th July
    Fighting around this area had ceased and we commenced to clear up the battlefield and bury the dead.

    11th July
    Bn still in same location, clearing up, at 23:30 hrs we moved to new location.

    12th July
    We arrived in rest area 875835 (Château de Maromme) and reinforcements arrived. Weapons etc brought up to WE.

    13th July
    Still in same location resting. C.O. on conference – Battalion sports cancelled as we expect moving. RC’s church parade. Move orders issued, all vehicles loaded.

    14th July
    Reveille 0445 hrs. Move at 06:30 hrs with Major Webb in command. We arrived at new location (867692) (Les Hauts Vents) at 09:30 hrs. Digging in immediately, hostile aircraft over during the afternoon, Anti-Aircraft ‘bag’ 2. C.O. attends Brigade conference also confers with Coy Commanders.

    15th July
    Battalion still in same location – minimum movement in area owing to the enemy air activity and observation – ‘O’ group for move tomorrow.

    16th July
    Battalion move commencing at 06:30 hrs arrive in rest area 877667 (Saint Martin) –
    Battle already in progress. Order of Battle: - 5 E. LAN. R. to take and hold area 873653 to woods 873/649 including road and X-roads immediately due west – 177 Brigade to take area BORDEL and 49 Div to take VENDES. – Then 2/5 L.F to push on and occupy LANDET and hill 124 at 862640. 1/7 Warwicks to take LANDELLE. By 10:45 hrs 5 E. LAN. R. had reached their objective and began mopping up and regrouping. At 12:30 hrs an enemy attack with tanks was launched against them. This resulted in 5 E. LAN. R. being pushed back suffering heavy casualties. The enemy then began to shell and mortar our positions. By 15:00 hrs our C.O. decided to make a stand and pushed the Coys in defensive positions. A plan was decided on and ‘A’ and ‘C’ Coys were moved forward to contact remnants of 5 E. LAN. R., and exploit their positions. Remainder of Battalion to move forward. The Battalion was now at 874662 (between Saint Martin and Le Montoir), this exploitation was successful and remainder of Battalion were moved up to consolidate 5 E. LAN. R’s positions. By 17:15 hrs Battalion was dug in and the C.O. and a Brig went to a recce. Coys were located at – ‘A’, 873652, - ‘C’, 673649, - ‘D’, 871653, - ‘B’ was to launch an attack at night in the area 863653 (La Bijude). This proved unsuccessful, and ‘B’ Coy were pulled out. During the night hell was let loose and the forward Coys were Mortared from dusk till dawn.

    17th July
    Of 17 casualties the majority were shell shock. Still they held on. Mortaring and shelling continued and day break brought snipers with Spandau MGs, but by this time 2/5 L.F were well dug in and on a firm base. ‘B’ Coy were re-grouped and it was found they had NO Officers, the ‘B’ Coy Commander being killed the previous night. Capt Wilson took command of ‘B’ Coy and launched a daylight attack with tank support, taking the positions easily. The Bn then stood firm after all snipers had been “attended to”. 30 enemy tanks were reported heading NW and a counter attack was expected but It didn’t materialise. And with the exception of mortar fire everything was quiet.

    18th July
    Still spasmodical mortar fire; the command post moved to Bomb Happy Woods – ‘D’ Coy area.

    19th July
    Still the same. Battalion pulled out of line commencing at 19:30 hrs back to Rest Area 867692 (Les Hauts Vents) – C.O. (Lt-Col C.W.D Chads) left Battalion, Major Webb A/C.O.

    20th July
    Rest and reinforcements arrive ( 21). A/C.O. went on Brigade Conference.

    21st July
    C.O and Coy Comds Recce taking over posns from the 11th Durham Light Inf. area JUVIGNY 847669 (Juvigny Sur Seulles), 18:00 hrs take over completely. Bn now in Bde defensive posn. Reinforcements distributed amongst Bn.

    22nd July
    Bn still in JUVIGNY area. Activity confined to patrols.

    23rd July
    New C.O arrives (Lt Col. JMK Spurling). The old C.O visits Coys and gives farewell message. Patrol activity.

    24th – 25th July
    Still in same area.

    26th July
    Planning move to take over fwd posns from 1/7 Royal Winnipeg Rifles. To commence at midnight and be complete by first light of the 27th.

    27th July
    Fwd Coys in posn without incident. D Coy moves at 14:00 hrs. Bn HQ then moves into D Coy area 839662 (Le Pont De Juvigney). Patrol activity only.

    28th July
    Still in same Posns. 2 Polish deserters gave themselves up to B Coy. Patrol activity only.

    29th July
    Situation as at first light. B and C fwd. B Coy area 838647 (Les Deaberts)with 1 Pl fwd in outpost posn in valley - area LES MORINS 835644. C Coy area 840644. D Coy area 844654. A Coy area 840653. Bn HQ 851650. Patrols from B and C Coys during the night had been very successful and had gone fwd up to 1000x locating enemy posns.

    06:30
    'O' Gp preliminary planning for Bn attack - as part of a Bde attack - Objective approx grid line 63. A Sqn 7 R.T.R (Churchills) under command. B Coy right with 1 Tp under command, 1 Tp in support, D Coy right 1 Tp under command, 1 Tp in support. Objectives B Coy spur feature 833635 (near Le Heuze), D Coy LE COISEL 840632. A Coy to mop up down centre of fwd Coys advance. C Coy to send 1 Pl to clear up LE PROEUX 843637, remainder to form time base in present location. Carriers to form right flank protection area 832646.

    09:30
    Bde 'O' Gp. Fire plan - Div Arty in support and 1 Medium Regt on Bde front. Bn to be supported by 110 Fd Regt and 1 Bty medium. Tie in with A Sqn.

    13:00
    C.O. and OC. A Sqn Recce ground.

    13:30
    'O' Gp - Orders for Attack H 18:00 hrs. Fire Plan. 2 Bty firing concentration in B Coy area. 1 Bty D Coy area. Medium Bty on LE COISEL and LE PROEUX.

    18:00
    H hour. B and D Coys cross start line. A move up to assembly area in B Coys original posn. Battalion Command Post (843642) had observation of part of B Coy's objective and tops of trees in D Coy area. Arty plan was observed as going down correctly. No information from fwd Coys.

    18:30
    Tank Liaison Offr reported "Panther" in area 831643? (north of Le Heuze). Managed to stop him bringing Arty down as this is in area of Carrier Pl.

    19:05
    Tanks report they are on B Coy Objective.

    19:10
    C Coy Pl gained Objective (LE PROEUX).

    19:12
    D Coy report 200x from objective, heavy fighting.

    19:15
    Tanks report re-organising on B Coy Objective. (Assume this is Infantry).

    19:30
    Command post moves to C Coy area.

    20:00
    B Coy heavily mortared. Reported OC. Major York - Killed? Wounded?
    The above log would give the impression that from the C.O's point of view everything had so far gone well and was under control. In actual fact, although fwd Coys had done extremely well and helped by tanks had done their job - the info arriving back to command post was very sketchy and had come almost entirely through Tank and Gunner channels. The C.O decided, therefore, to move fwd to C Coy area and see if this could be remedied. But after arriving at C Coy HQ, no communications with B, D or A Coys were established until after midnight, and then only with D Coy on line - except by runner.

    20:15
    A/Tk guns started moving up to B Coy. D Coy still fighting on objective.

    20:30
    Brigade Commander arrived. Spasmodic mortaring near Command Post.

    21:15
    A Coy runner in. Sent orders to A Coy to re-organise in orchard between D and B Coys.

    21:30
    C.O went fwd with Tank Commander to D Coy.

    22:00
    Sig. O went fwd with ammo on jeep to B Coy.

    22:30
    Command Post moved to B Coy old location.
    Situation at 23:39 hrs. B Coy right. Re-organised with A/Tk guns in posn. Major York (Coy Comd) Lt O'Leary and CSM all casualties. But Coy firm Commanded by Lt. Prown
    D Coy left Re-organised but A/Tk guns not yet in. Capt Walsh wounded
    A Coy centre Reorganising
    Carriers right flank Dug in.
    Casualties as far as then known were approx fifty and this was confirmed lated as be more or less correct.
    Gains 1000x of Bocage Country plus a few German dead or wounded
    Losses 1 Major, 3 Subalterns and 50 OR's.

    30th July
    08:00
    C.O to Bde HQ. Orders to reorganise where Bn is and no exploitation.

    08:30
    C.O orders Bn HQ up to Command Post. Lt Brown 'B' Coy had been wounded in the early hours of the morning and Major Cottrell Given Command B Coy.
    Throughout the day fwd Coys were sniped and mortared, especially B Coy who were slightly discouraged as a result of this and loss of Commanders.

    31st July
    Slight mortaring and Shelling throughout the day. 3 prisoners taken in C Coy area (2 German, 1 Polish). During afternoon B and C Coys exchange posns. Occasional sniping in fwd Coys.

    1st Aug
    MINDEN DAY. Half of Bn is drawn from front to enjoy a concert and Minden Dinner. The remaining half changed over in the afternoon. The show was good and the Dinner better. The Div Comd made a speech and the response in the way of cheers was 100%. Roses, as usual, were worn.

    The day passes uneventfully in the Front Line. Contact patrols went out at night but found nothing. A general feeling prevailed that the Bosche had withdrawn. Numerous mines and booby traps encountered everywhere. 3 Polish Deserters gave themselves up to C Coy.

    2nd Aug
    Bn advanced another 1000x without opposition, except from booby traps. Command Post moved fwd with advancing Coys. 2 more Polish prisoners gave themselves up. Info about enemy still impractically NIL, but apparently he is booby trapping everywhere, and quite a number of casualties were caused. Intermittent mortaring and shelling on Bn area. Direct hit on 22 set at Command Post killing Sig. Offr, Lt Turnbull and 1 operator. Long range shelling continued throughout the night.

    3rd Aug
    Bn firm on the ground, astride the road in area LE FAINS 8362, and LE COISEL, 8363. Bn HQ 837634.

    Bde 'O' Gp at 12:30 hrs. Info that the enemy had withdrawn and the Bde was to advance on triple axis with 2/5 LF on Right down the main JUVIGNY - VILLERS BOCAGE rd. Under command Bn 2 Tps Churchills, 2 Flails, 2 WASPs, and 2 Secs RE. It was assumed that rds and fds would continue to be mined.

    Bn plan - D Coy to form Vangd Gp with Tks, Flails, and Sappers under Comd. Order of March - Sappers to be up with fwd Pl, Tp of Tks, Pl, Tp of Tks, remainder of Coy, Flails and WASPs, and the usual Bn Sup Arms, bringing up the rear. Start line - 885619 Objective VILLY BOCAGE.

    The advance started at 16:30 hrs, and after a slightly hectic half-hour due to shortness in time of preparation, settled down. A belt of 40 tellers was picked up in the road about 2 miles North of VILLY (Fains), but no opposition was encountered untill about 300x short of VILLY BOCAGE, when a rd block and mine belt was located. All except 2 mines had been lifted when a fierce mortar crump came down on the REs, wounding 5. This happened at 17:30 hrs. From then on any movement in the area of the rd block caused fierce Mortaring.

    The C.O appreciated that VILLY BOCAGE was not held by enemy, and that there was, therefore, in putting in a Bn attack. This was confirmed by the Bde Comd, and the Bn laagered for the night, having accomplished its task of contacting the enemy. Bn area - D Coy 828603, B Coy and Comd Post 835622, A Coy 836622, and C Coy holding the high ground at pt 137, 823619. Sporadic mortar fire and long range shelling throughout the night. No casualties.

    4th Aug
    Bde 'O' Gp at 04:30 hrs. Bde plan to continue the adv with Arty Sup of 10 Fd and 3 Med Regts on suspected enemy mortar posns. Bn Plan - To cut across country to the east of VILLY BOCAGE and estab 2 Coys on high ground pt 213, 8359. A Coy to lead with Sappers clearing and taping path. B Coy to follow. Objectives - A left and B right to re-organise on reverse slopes on high ground area pt 213. D Coy to remain as form base astride the rd north of VILLY BOCAGE. C Coy to move up from pt 317 and form Bn res. H hour 18:30.

    Gunner fire went down according to plan, and was thickened on the line of the rd VILLERS BOCAGE - VILLERS BOCAGE by 4.2 and own 3" mortars, plus Arty smoke to give the Bosche the impression that we were coming that way. The adv continued slowly and according to plan, but no enemy mortar fire came back. From about 11:00 hrs onwards, a most unpleasant sensation was experienced at Command Post, as still no mortar fire came back and it was thought we might be walking into a trap. At 12:00 hrs, however, a Sapper Sjt appeared and said that he had been into VILLY BOCAGE to recover the body of his dead Officer and that all was quiet. This confirmed our suspicions that there was no trap and the Bosche had, in fact, gone.

    The C.O immediately ordered A and B to push fwd faster. One Sec of Sappers was diverted to clear rd blocks and mines at VILLY BOCAGE, and C Coy were ordered to prepare to move fwd and take up posns on high ground overlooking VILLERS BOCAGE - 825587.

    The I.O went to Bde with a sit rep where he received orders to estab the Bn and send fwd patrols only. The Battalion finally established itself B Coy area - 836587, A Coy 837591, D Coy - astride main road south of VILLY BOCAGE - 825592, and C Coy area Bn HQ - 827603. C Coy sent out Pats to VILLERS BOCAGE Stn and EPPINAY - 8457, these returned at 17:00 hrs to report no enemy contact. The Pat under Sjt Broxton which went to VILLERS BOCAGE Rly Stn and arrived there at approx 15:15 hrs is considered to be the first formation to re-enter that town.

    5th Aug
    Rest. Re-organisation of Coys, and baths. A minimum of Patrolling which contacted nothing but our own tps. Major Cottrell (O.C B) left and Capt Follet took over B Coy.

    6th Aug
    Church parade in the morning. At 12:00 hrs ordered to prepare to move at 16:00 hrs to Bde Assembly area at ST AGNAN LE MALHERBE - 8753. Order of March - Bde HQ, 2/5 L.F, 5 E.L.R, and Warwicks.

    Moved as ordered but as Bn was about to cross SP received fresh orders to concentrate Bn at LA CAINE 9052. C.O to go to 176 Bde HQ and meet the Bn at LA CAINE with orders. Bn arrived at LA CAINE 16:00 hrs and dispersed in area 910525. C.O arrived with orders. 176 Bde were crossing the river in area of bridge (Blown by enemy) - 951520. (1) Bn was to take over area Gd AUNAY - OUSSIERIS and act as right flank protection to river crossing. (2) Bn was to mop up enemy in area of wood 9350 and if necessary wood west of CROPTON.

    I.O sent to contact 7 Norfolks at OUFFIERS. They were due to cross the river at 20:00 hrs, and it was arranged to move our Bn in but NOT to take over exact posns located by them at approx that time. The Bn moved in according to plan and took up posns C Coy 943514, A Coy 935509, B Coy 926508, D Coy 922510, Bn HQ 924511.

    I.O was then sent to contact 177 Bde who were known to be on the right. 5 S Staffs were contacted at CURCY 9149. They had just put in an attack on an enemy pocket on high ground MARTINBEAU, 9448. This meant that the second Bn task of clearing the woods was unnecessary. The Bn settled down for the night and was sporadically shelled and mortared. Casualties light except C Coy who lost 1 Offr wounded Lt Webb, Sjt Campbell, and 3 men.


    7th Aug
    Bn in same area. Sounds of certain amount of activity from Br head where 176 were estab with 2 tps of tanks. Several ineffectual counter-attacks by 271 Inf Div had been repulsed by them.

    OP estab 932510 (Church). Good work done in locating enemy Mortar posns.

    Bn was given a Warning Order to move across the river, following up the Warwicks, to exploit the br head to the south.

    18:00 hrs. 'O' Gp at Bde. On arrival C.O was told to neet Brigadier at 176 Bde HQ at 733526. He arrived there at 19:00 hrs approx to find 176 Bde being heavily counter-attacked by a battle group from 12 SS Panzer Div (our old friends HITLER JUGEND from the CAEN area). A certain amount of chaos was apparent but no sign of commander 197 Inf Bde. At about 20:00 hrs the C.O decided to return to Bn.

    On return he found the Brigadier had been in his absence and ordered A and D Coys to take up posns on west bank of ORNE in immediate support of 176 Inf Bde across the river, in case the worse happened. A separate Command Post with Major Webb was set up near 176 Inf Bde HQ, and C Sqn, 59 Recce Regt came under comd to help Bn hold its original posns. This was accomplished by 01:30 hrs Aug 8, and no further incidents occurred, 176 Bde remaining firm as had been expected.

    8th Aug
    The Warwicks had crossed the bridge in the early hrs of the morning, and were fighting on the southerly limits of the br head. we were ordered to cross and take up posns on their right flank.

    Planning. It was decided that B and C Coys should ford the river starting at 00:30 hrs Aug 9 and capture and hold high ground spur 953514 and feature 958513 respectively. A junc pt was arranged with the Warwicks and the A/Tk were to cross the bridge as soon as Coys were in position and contact had been estab with the Warwicks.
    Throughout the day sporadic mortaring caused a few casualties.

    9th Aug
    00:30 hrs. B and C Coys lead by the Pnrs fixed a rope across the river and crossed. B Coy actually lost their way and crossed by the bridge. The first man across was Lt Heap the Pnr Officer. B Coy reached their objectives with relatively no opposition, C Coy however, got disorganised on the other side of the river in the dark and did not get as far fwd on their objective as planned. Both these Coys before the attack were under strength; B Coy did a magnificent climb to get up from the river and C Coy were thoroughly wet after crossing, and their attack although only partially successful must be regarded as a great attempt.

    Just after dawn B Coy had a short but extremely heavy stonk from mortars and NEBEL - WERFERS and suffered some 8 casualties. it was then decided to send D Coy across the bridge to get on to C Coys original objective. They were supported by a tp of tks and succeeded after a lot of hard work against an elusive enemy rear guard of nuisance value spandaus . A Coy was then pushed through to to capture the 2 bridges at 965507 and 965504. Command Post remained just west of OUFFRIERS, an excellent view point and for once were able to follow the battle and put down fire where it was most required. An enemy mortar posns was spotted at 969505 and was stonked by our own gunners and our mortars, the latter putting over 300 rds on to it.

    On A Coys success, Bn HQ moved across the river to 954517. Prisoners captured 2 Offrs, and 17 ORs. Also we picked up 2 mortars and 4 74 mm Light Infy Guns and a considerable numbers of small arms left by the enemy. Quiet night."

    10th Aug
    56 Bde (replacing 176 in the Div.) Passed through. Quiet day spent in re-organising and regrouping. Ordered to move Battalion before 07:30 hrs Aug 11 to area GRIMBOSQ 9552, in order to clear the area and rds for 53 Div who were passing through the next day.

    11th Aug
    Moved as ordered by 07:30 hrs and had a quiet day resting. No tactical role except own security.

    12th – 13th Aug
    Ordered to take over from 5 E Lan R in resting area CHATEAU DE VILLERIE 968504 and to push south to contact enemy. Route EPPINAY, LA MOTTE, CESNY BOIS HALBOUT, cross rds 995444 and finally DONNAY 9843. A sqn of tks in Sup.

    O Gp and planning was completed by 12:15 hrs, and A crossed SL at 13:30 hrs making good progress and taking a few prisoners but not meeting much opposition until the crossroads at BIJUDE were reached. Here there was a certain amount of confusion as a Bn of the Oxf and Bucks from 53 Div were having a battle of its own there. A Coy Comd wisely kept this to his left and reached Gd DONNAY about 1500 yds short of his objective. Tks were then reported on our front, and as it was getting late the C.O decided to harbour up for the night. Contact was made with the Bn of 53 Div on our left (now the Royal Welsh Fusiliers), and the Bn harboured in as follows:- A Coy fwd area Gd DONNAY, C Coy right fwd astride rd, B Coy behind A Coy, and D Coy in res at PLASSY.

    Plans were now made to put in a Dawn Attack on DONNAY with D Coy right and B Coy left. Each Coy was to send fighting pats and then to consolidate fwd with whole Coy.

    14th Aug
    First light came and as hoped was ideally misty. Probing fwd was started according to plan and D meeting no opposition pushed fwd and established themselves in the right half of the village. B Coy pat however encountered a packet of enemy digging in south of the village. The pat Comd did not make use of his obvious advantage of surprise, and instead of shooting them up returned with a report. OC B Coy immediately pushed his Coy fwd, but it was too late as it was fully light and the enemy were organised. B Coy now had to make plans for a Coy attack, and while this was in progress, the C.O was planning for further exploitation assuming the success of B Coy’s operation. B Coy, however, were NOT successful, and after losing a section complete, the C.O decided to withdraw them and put in a Coy attack by A Coy behind a stonk from the Fd Regt, a Med Regt and the 3” Mortars. The stonk came down at 15:00 hrs, and A Coy went in to find that the enemy had gone. The Mortar Pl between 15:00 hrs and 15:35 had fired over 1,000 rds.

    The posn now was that A and D Coys were fwd with B Coy in res and C Coy moving up on D Coy’s right. 20:00 hrs Bde O Gp. Warwicks to do a night attack to gain high ground area 9642, on their success 2/5 L.F. to exploit fwd to VILLERS 981417.

    15th Aug
    Warwick success came through at 04:00 hrs and by 08:00 hrs we had estab A Coy in VILLERS and D Coy in wood 977442. Bn HQ moved to 982435 and at 12:00 hrs 6 N Staffs who had replace 5 E Lan R in the Bde, were pushing through down the main rd through the BOIS DE ST CLAIRE, with objective southern edge of wood. They encountered no opposition, and the Bn which had had a few hrs rest moved down through the BOIS to an assembly area 986390.

    The Bn received orders to push on south through PIERREFITE EN CINGLAISE, 002373, through the heavily wooded country to the south and thence to HAUT D’OUILLY 015343 (rechristened for ever by the Bn as High Willy) and so get astride the main FALAISE rd.

    D Coy were van gd and lead off as a combat gp at approx 19:00 hrs. At this time things were fairly quiet with sporadic mortaring to the front. By 22:00 hrs D Coy reached the stream at 013360 where they encountered a sqn of the Recce Regt, who told them that the enemy were in some strength to the south of the stream in the area of High Willy.

    The Bn harboured in the area PIERREFIT and made plans to attack the next day.

    16th Aug
    A certain amount of info had been gleaned from French civilians and 2 Maquis who knew the country, were sent to us from Div. The plan was that the Bn would adv with 3 Coys up – A right, D left and B central and slightly in rear. C to hold firm on line of the stream. Reorganisation to take place on High Willy and one Coy then to be pushed fwd to MESNIL-VILLEMENT 002320. The morning was spent at Bde O Gp and Recceing routes.

    The attack started at 14:30 hrs with no arty fire laid down, but on call with fwd Coy Comds. The attack was entirely successful and by 16:00 hrs 3 Coys were in High Willy with very slight casualties and over 150 Germans were in the bag. Some difficulty was then experienced in getting the A/Tk guns up, but this was accomplished by 18:00 hrs when A Coy were ordered fwd to seize the bridges at 0017314 and 020314. These were vital to the Div, as 177 Bde were to use them in continuing the adv the next day. C Coy had by now moved to High Willy and Bn HQ were estab in a fd at 017344. A Coy moved off as a combat gp at 17:30 hrs. after an unfounded tank scare and a lot of good work in the dark by 23:59 hrs they had reached a posn just north of MESNIL.

    17th Aug
    At first light Command Post fwd to A Coy and the remainder of the Bn also closed up. By 07:30 hrs A Coy had reported the bridges intact and held by them. The Bn then set down in a posn of sup in area 0532 to watch 177 Bde go through and carry on with the adv. 25 more prisoners were taken that morning. The Bn rested for the remainder of that day.

    18th Aug
    Bn still resting. Preparation to be withdrawn as Corps. Res. 18:00 hrs ordered (1) to send recce parties to res area and (2) to send recce parties to 56 Bde on our left for one night only.

    19th Aug
    C.O to HQ 56 Bde for orders at 10:00 hrs. Bn was to take over area FOURNEAUX-LE-VAL 0932 from 56 Bde who were leaving to go under command 43 Div. Bn moved in at 12:00 hrs. Bn HQ and B Coy area 209732. D Coy wood 0831. C Coy north of D and A Coy area wood 0631.

    Received orders at 14:00 hrs to send pats fwd to clear all enemy south of riverfor a distance of 2500 yds in front of FOURNEAUX and CORDEY 1131. B Coy moved 2 pats, each with one ass sec Pnrs and 1 carr Sec and left at 17:00 hrs. The area infront was, however, heavily mined. No sign of any enemy was seen, but by 21:00 hrs reports had come in that 2 accidents had occurred with mines. (1) when Lt. Heap, Cpl. Shaw and 1 Pnr, and the other caused by a French civilian tampering with mines that had been lifted when Sjt Lomas and Cpl Pizer were both seriously wounded. The I.O was sent out to bring the Pats back, and this was accomplished by 23:30 hrs.

    20th Aug
    Bn moved to Rest area west of River ORNE at COMPILIERS 9452.

    21st Aug
    Div Comd spoke to Bn at 11:00 hrs in pouring rain. He spoke of the high praise which the Div had received from the higher Commanders for the work they had done, and then went on to give out the shattering news that the Div was to be broken up. He said that each Bn would be sending out Coy Gps to other Bns within 21 Army Group. The Bn received this news with great sorrow as it was felt by all that the work which we had accomplished in the last few weeks had produced a team which was working with extreme efficiency and good will. However, the majority had decided that if it had to be, and if it would bring about the end of the War any quicker, that they would take it with sad hearts, but with determination to carry on.

    22nd – 25th Aug
    Preparation for breaking up of the Bn. Aug 25th Lt-Col Spurling left to take over Command 4th Welsh Regiment.

    26th Aug
    O8:30 hrs. Rifle Coys each with a part of Sp and HQ Coys left to join their new Bns.

    A Coy Commanded by Maj Deeks to 6th Royal Scotts Fusiliers. – 53 Div

    B “ “ “ “ Follet to 2nd Gordon Highlanders. 15 Div

    C “ “ “ “ Brigs to 2nd Glasgow Highlanders. “

    D “ “ “ “ Tomlinson to 1st East Lancashire Regiment. “

    Capt Marling and Capt Lewis, the A/Tk and Mortar Comds, with cadres from their Pls remained behind to train various other arms of the services.

    Major Webb took over command and with Bn HQ the QM and some 120 ORs of HQ Coy remained behind to wind up the Bn.

    A sad day. 5 years of training for 8 weeks fighting, and unfortunately the break up of the Bn leaves the Regiment without representative in this Theatre of War.

    Before closing this War Diary a word of Praise must be said for the 110 Fd Regt Royal Artillery, and in particular 208 Bty Commanded by Major Roberts who had been in sup of this Bn throughout the fighting. Maj Roberts has been almost continually at battalion HQ as main OP and no Bn could with for better co-operation or quicker and better service from any gunners.
     
    Tom OBrien and Owen like this.
  2. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Great addition to the forum.
    Thanks for posting.
    I can hear their pain at being disbanded echo down through the years.
     
  3. worthatron

    worthatron Member

    This is all i can upload for pictures from the diary as the rest are too big.

    Saint-Contest - aerial photograph
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 22, 2022
  4. worthatron

    worthatron Member

    The following message has been received from Brigadier J.C Lingham, MC, Comd, 197 Inf Bde:-

    " . . . I send you my hearty congratulations on the complete success of your attack on the 29th July 1944.

    The Bn attack on a frontage of 1,200 yds and captured all of it's objectives to a depth of over 1000 yds. The operation was carried through with that combination of dash and shrewdness which i have learned to associate with 2/5 L.F.

    Tomorrow you celebrate that great occasion in the history of your Regiment - Minden Day. Your own achievements have now added fresh laurels to that long Regimental History.

    Well done in deed - and good luck to each one of you!

    B.L.A. D.Turner.Capt.
    JC. Adjt., 2/5 Lan. Fus.
     
  5. worthatron

    worthatron Member

    'G' 59 Inf Div
    I 2/5 LF
    Recce Patrol of 1 Sjt and 3 Men operating from 1 rifle Pl. as firm base.
    Time Out 1415 hrs. Time In 2145 hrs.

    The task given to this patrol was to discover if enemy holds br 839635 and WEST face of orchard from 842636 to 843634. The Pl commanded by Sjt AMER est itself as a firm base in area 837643 at 1545 hrs. The recce patrol followed the stream 836643 SOUTH to br 839634. Patrol Leader left his patrol about 59 yds from the br and went fwd to recce the br himself. He found that the underside of the br on the EAST had been blocked with rubble. As he could not proceed under the br he recced the rd and decided to cross it, and went back for his patrol and led them to the br. At this moment someone was heard coming down the rd towards the br from the enemy side. Patrol Leader and 2 men went under the br, the 3rd man concealing himself in the undergrowth a few yds from the br on the WEST side. 12 Germans came down the rd and stood on the br looking at a dead horse on the WEST side of the br. They were in various states of dress and NOT carrying arms. After remaining on the br for 10 minutes, the Germans went along the track to the SE at 840633 and thence into the buildings at 841632. The patrol Comd kept observation on the bldgs for 40 minutes and heard voices but the Germans did NOT re-appear. The man in the patrol who was concealed in the undergrowth saw one of the Germans had white piping round his epaulets.

    Patrol Leader finding that he could not continue on his original route to the WEST face of the orchard 843634 returned to the firm base and took following route - hedge junc 844643 - SOUTH to hedge junc 845640 - WEST to figure 4 at 843638. here he heard voices from bldgs 843637. He kept observation on the bldgs; the voices continued but enemy was not seen. He found it impossible to reach the orchard 843634 and returned to firm base Pl at 2055 hrs. The Pl returned at 2154 hrs. The recce patrol was lead by L/Sjt Wilson k.
     
  6. worthatron

    worthatron Member

    2. 2/5 LF Recce Led by Sgt Broxton with 9 ORs sent out at 1815 hrs to 2100 hrs to observe enemy buildings at 843636 and to take a PW if opportunity occurred. Route as follows: - 843644 - hedge junc 844644 - hedge junc 844640 - hedge junc 844638. On the route out patrol heard an MG somewhere behind his objective but carried on and searched the orchard EAST of the buildings 843*** and found nothing. Patrol then returned to the buildings which are particularly masked from view by a wall. Patrol Comd decided to post a sniper to cover the buildings from the wall while he worked round to the WEST side with the remainder of his party, no sooner was the sniper in position then an automatic weapon opened up at very close range and hit the sniper who fell into the area of the buildings, simultaneously the patrol was fired on from the whole area of the buildings. Grenades were also thrown or fired at them. The patrol Comd directed the whole of his fire on to the wall and buildings and under cover of this dashed through a gap in the wall and recovered the body of the sniper who was found to be dead. Covering the withdrawal of his LMGs by the fire of his riflemen from further away Sgt Broxton withdrew his patrol together with the casualty and all enemy fire ceased except for the lone LMG or MG wich the patrol had heard from the outset.

    3. 2/5 LF Fighting patrol of a Pl led by Lt. Ainsworth. Time Out 1930 hrs Time In 0300 hrs. Route as follows: - Buildings 845651 - rd and track junc 843651 - hedge and rd junc 842646 - stream 836646 - br 839635, Same route back. One Sec and Pl HQ was dropped at 837637 remainder got to the br which is described as in poor condition and carried on towards the buildings 838634. The leading Sec was about to enter the area of the buildings when there was a loud explosion behind them and it was found that one of the men following had been killed and six injured. Neither before or after the explosion was there any fire or other sign of enemy. The patrol collected the injured, removed the tunic of the dead man and withdrew without further incident.
     
  7. TTH

    TTH Senior Member

    Two quick notes RE 2/5 Lancs CO's...CWD Chads had briefly led a battalion of the Green Howards in 50th Div (I think in the Desert), while JMK Spurling went on to command 69th Brigade of the 50th in the Netherlands.
     
  8. worthatron

    worthatron Member

    Map pictures for Villy Bocage, st. contest & Malon, and the Juvigny area.
     

    Attached Files:

  9. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Interesting to read this .

    I'm just reading 'They Have Their Exits' by Airey Neave & his companion from Switzerland through Vichy France & into Spain in the Spring of 1942 was Hugh Woollatt , who was later killed in Normandy.

    http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2348443/WOOLLATT, HUGH AUSTIN

    WOOLLATT, HUGH AUSTIN
    Rank:Major
    Service No:71125
    Date of Death:17/07/1944
    Age:27
    Regiment/Service:Lancashire Fusiliers 2/5th Bn.
    Awards:M C
    Grave Reference V. A. 5.
    Cemetery FONTENAY-LE-PESNEL WAR CEMETERY, TESSEL
    Additional Information:
    Son of Ronald Hugh and Dagmar Louise Woollatt, of Weymouth, Dorsetshire; husband of Christina Mary Woollatt.
     
  10. worthatron

    worthatron Member

    He was my grandad's Company Commander after Major Twells (he'd witnessed Twells' death. A few minutes earlier he told my grandad to get going).
    He remembers the night of La Bijude as the worst.
     
  11. worthatron

    worthatron Member

    70th Anniversary of the battle at Malon, today.
     
  12. I know this is an old one, but I'll resurrect as I'm not sure worthatron is very active anymore, so maybe someone else can help. I'm interested in finding any mention of Capt. T. P. Shaw in the war diaries. He would have been one of the nine officers wounded 8 July. The casualty lists (No. 1500) confirm 2/5 Lancs as his battalion. I'm curious to know which company he was in or if in HQ. I have his file coming from MoD as he's one of the few who died over 30 years ago, but it's going to be a bit longer of a wait.

    Capt. T. P. Shaw - 156165

    Knowing his company will help determine which regiment he went to next when 2/5 was dissolved in August....IF Shaw was still with them and not still in hospital?

    Thanks,
    Robert
     
  13. Robert Till

    Robert Till Member

    I have just noticed this site my dad was in the 2nd /5th he was a Piat gunner wounded on the 17th July ,and he is still alive i will ask him if he remembers Cpt shaw ,do anyone have a pit head badge i cant find one Regards Rob
     
  14. That's amazing, thank you!

    I should update my post as I have both the 2/5 Lancs WDs now as well as Shaw's service file...it took long enough that I forgot I posted here. When I am home tonight I'll take a look. I do recall that he did not return to the regiment after his evacuation, so his Normandy tour was quite short.

    Robert
     
  15. Robert Till

    Robert Till Member

  16. Hopefully I am not hijacking the thread - Shaw is listed only as a "Coy Offr" with rank of Temporary Major. I have B Coy as a guess for his assignment based on other context clues (many included above), but as he's not listed as Coy Comd I suspect his role may be Exec Officer or....? Hard to say.

    Robert
     
  17. Robert Till

    Robert Till Member

    Hello spoke to my dad he does remember him ,he said he was shot in the neck a week before the 17 july when my dad was wounded ,he said he was shot and there was a lot of blood but he was bandaged up and still giving orders after that he didn't know what happened to him then they came under attack with mortars ,Germans used air burst mortars,on the 17th he was wounded he herd the incoming mortars and dived to the ground and was wounded by shrapnel to his back either side of his spine and his face ,he was carried back by another soldier and put on the bonnet of a jeep and was taken back to the field hospital to be operated on he was only 18 years old ,his name was Thomas Albert Joseph Till his number was 14584022 ,with the 2nd/5th LF and in the 59 Inf Div, wounded in the Attack on Barbee Farm and Vendes july 1944.he was also awarded the Legion de honour.
     
  18. worthatron

    worthatron Member

    Sorry for not being on in a while.
    All I have on S/Capt Shaw is he joined the battalion on the 4th of May 1944 (being transferred from 2/8 Lancashire Fusiliers) as a Company Officer,
    He was admitted to Margate Hospital on the 17th and returned to the battalion on the 31st (according to the war diary there was a divisional training exercise named "Exercise SPES" from the 15th to 17th),
    Was Injured on the 8th of July, the battalion asked for him to be returned when he recovered, but never returned to the battalion.
     
  19. jonas

    jonas Junior Member

    A long shot but does anybody know who commanded 8 platoon, 'A' Company, 2/5th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers , on 8th July 1944 ?
     

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