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

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by dbf, Sep 28, 2011.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 25
    Monday 24th July 1944.


    LATEST BATTLE NEWS.
    Our line now runs excl EMIEVILLE incl FRENOUVILLE - incl FOUR incl BOURGEBUS - incl VERRIERES - incl ST MARTIN DE FONTENAY, though there was an enemy penetration South West of VERRIERES yesterday.
    There was little activity yesterday and the enemy opposite us although still pretty active at times seem to have quietened down. All along the front the Germans have shown themselves reluctant to give ground and once more they have rushed up troops in front of us and formed a fairly thickly held position which it is unlikely they will abandon; in fact they might even counter attack as our advance from CAEN is in a direction in which they are very sensitive and causes them considerable uneasiness.

    The 88mm gun in front of No.s 2 and 4 Companies has a busy day. For fun or on the chance of it being an Observation Post they shot up our Church Tower. It was, for an Anti-Tank gun, an almost unparalleled piece of bad shooting and the first three shots were all misses. From one or two places you can see it quite clearly when it fires, so that we have been able to discourage it, though not as yet to knock it out.

    Battalion H.Q. suffers from the presence of an over-affectionate and bomb-happy goat.


    NEW COMMANDING OFFICER.
    Lieutenant-Colonel M.E. ADEANE has taken over the command of the Battalion with Major B.E. LUARD, M.C. as Second-in-Command.


    PERSONAL ITEMS.
    Lieutenant-Colonel The Lord STRATHEDEN who was wounded in both legs during the shelling on Thursday is not seriously ill, but it will be a long time before he is fit again.

    News has been received from the C.C.S. that Major W.S. STEWART BROWN, D.S.O., is better than expected, and that he is now off the danger list.

    Forward Divisional H.Q. came in for a bit of shelling the other day and several people were killed and the General wounded, but it is expected that he will be in action in a day or two.


    SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY OF VEHICLES.
    Recovery of our knocked out tanks has been very successful and 50% of those put out of action in the battle are now in action again, whereas all the enemy vehicles knocked out are in our hands.
    The Battalion Rear Link received a direct hit for the second time.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.

    KILLED IN ACTION.
    2663654 Lance-Corporal WALSHAW, F., No. 3 Company
    2659919 Guardsman ASHTON, A., No. 3 Company
    2663511 Guardsman BULL, C., No. 3 Company
    2661474 Lance-Corporal READHEAD, A., No. 3 Company
    2663444 Guardsman MILLER, E., No. 1 Company
    :poppy:

    WOUNDED.
    2664396 Guardsman EMERSON, J., No. 1 Company
    2658655 Lance-Corporal NEWTON, B., No. 3 Company
    2663508 Guardsman TAYLOR, W., No. 3 Company
    2657015 Sergeant TODD, R., No. 2 Company

    EVACUATED.
    2663713 Guardsman DAVIES, J., No. 1 Company
    2663993 Guardsman FRENCH, D., No. 1 Company
    2663066 Guardsman HORROD, P., No. 1 Company
    2661186 Guardsman CLEMONS, G., No. 3 Company
    2660311 Guardsman TINKLER, G., No. 3 Company
    2663716 Guardsman EVERALL, J., No. 4 Company
    2659315 Guardsman BRIDGELAND, F., No. 2 Company


    B.B.C. NEWS

    MR. CHURCHILL’s VISIT.
    Mr. CHURCHILL has been on a three-day visit to NORMANDY. He had talks with General MONTGOMERY, watched a tank battle South of CAEN and visited CHERBOURG.

    R.A.F. bombers last night made a heavy attack on the German Naval base at KIEL.
    BERLIN was attacked by R.A.F. Mosquitoes.
    Flying bomb bases in Northern FRANCE were also attacked.
    Last night flying bombs were again over Southern ENGLAND including the LONDON Area. They caused destruction and casualties.


    RUSSIANS CAPTURE PSKOV.
    The Russians have captured PSKOV the last town of any sized held by the Germans in pre war Russia.
    Further down the Russians have cut the railway North East of DVINSK. Other Russian armies are within four miles of BREST-LITOVSK and are fighting in the streets of LUBLIN.


    IN BRIEF.
    In NORMANDY United Kingdom and Canadian troops have straightened the line below CAEN.
    The Germans have again been thrown out of the village of MALTOT.

    The 5th Army in ITALY is in the Southern half of PISA, that part of the city South of the River ARNO.

    In the Central PACIFIC United States Marines have landed on TINIAN Island.
     
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 26
    Wednesday 26th July 1944.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    RUSSIANS STILL FORGE AHEAD.
    The Russian have forged ahead North and West of LUBLIN and have reached a point within 7 miles of the VISTULA. To the North they were last reported less than 28 miles from the East PRUSSIAN border. Still further up the front they have out the enemy’s last escape railway out of DVINSK.


    SOVIET STATEMENT ON POLAND.
    The Soviet Government issued a statement last night saying that the Red Army was entering POLAND a the land of a sovereign friendly power and that there was no intention of setting up any Soviet organ of government in the country.


    NORMANDY PROGRESS.
    In NORMANDY the new Allied advance South of CAEN has been maintained. On the American sector General BRADLEY’s troops are reported to have broken into the German defence West of ST LO following a terrific air bombardment in which 3,000 places, half of them heavies, took part.
    General EISENHOWER yesterday visited NORMANDY and conferred with British and American Field Commanders.


    TO THE “LAST OUNCE”.
    HITLER has ordered the mobilisation to the “last ounce” of GERMANY’s war strength. GOERING has been placed in charge of the drive with GOEBBELS as his right hand man.


    IN BRIEF.
    R.A.F. bombers were over GERMANY in great strength during the night. STUTTGART was their main target for the second night running.

    The KNG began his visit to the Allied forces in ITALY with a tour of NAPLES harbour and has since flown out to the battlefields.


    THE ENEMY SITUATION.
    The Canadian attack launched yesterday has met with exceptionally strong resistance from the infantry of 1 S.S. Division.
    VERRIERES is in our hands and the enemy are counter attacking hard. On either flank MAY SUR ORNE and TILLY CAMPAGNE changed hands several times during the day and the situation is far from clear. In general our attack has met with very fierce enemy opposition which is likely to grow rather than diminish and air recce reports enemy reinforcements moving North to reinforce the German counter attack.


    MOVEMENT OF CYCLISTS.
    The journey of 277 Division to the battle area may not have been so arduous as was first supposed. A document has been captured giving detailed instructions on the towing of bicyclists behind vehicles. Extracts from this order are given below:-
    (a) Tow-rope. Washing-line or thin wire 20in long. Connecting lines attached.
    (b) Dress. In cold weather overcoat and gloves (additional warmth by means of newspaper).
    (c) Towing Group Capabilities.
    Lorries - Up to 20 men.
    Semi-tracked MG with trailer - Up to 10 men.
    Med cross country lorry - Up to 10 men
    Volkswagen - At most 8 men.
    MC with side car - At most 8 men.
    (d) Mounting. The soldier stands close by his bicycle on its left. The right pedal is up. The inner hand holds the wooden handle of the rope and the handle-bars with the string between the first and middle fingers. It is forbidden to wind the string round the hand, as the soldier must be able to let go the tow-rope in a fraction of a second. On the signal or the command ‘mount’, the right leg is swung over the frame and placed on the right hand pedal.
    (e) The Journey, Principle. Main and connecting lines must always be taut. The rider ensures this by an elastic yielding or pulling back of the arm or upper body.


    ___________________
    Thanks to VP & Owen:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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


    A REPLY TO CRITICISM.
    Stubborn fighting continues yesterday in the VERRIERES sector with little but local changes. We have driven in the enemy outpost line but no his main defences, which are strongly held and have received reinforcements.
    There has been a certain amount of Press criticism that our advance is too slow and a process of inching forwards, and there has also been criticism that Intelligence sources are continually saying that all reserves are now committed when an apparently inexhaustible supply divisions continue to arrive. To both these complaints there is a very good answer.
    Firstly the Intelligence appreciation was that if Hitler moved sufficient Divisions from the Russian front to this front to influence the battle here it would bring about a collapse in RUSSIA and therefore it was unlikely that anything would come from RUSSIA. The fact that there still are reserves in FRANCE and that fresh Divisions continually appear from RUSSIA is surely most amply compensated for by the fact that the Russian front is showing every sign of a collapse.
    More immediately in our own recent offensive we have drawn over 80% of the German armour in FRANCE on to our sector, as well as eight of the ten new Divisions that have appeared on this front in the last month. This should soon bear fruit in a very considerable American advance.
    It is a very great mistake to look to the American front or the Russian or Italian fronts and compare them like competitors in a race for BERLIN. Our job has been to draw off German reserves, which necessarily means a tough and a slow fight for ourselves, but the measure of our success comes in big advances on other sectors.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    NO HOLDING THE RUSSIANS.
    The Russians have taken NARVA 7 miles inside ESTONIA and pushed 10 miles beyond the town. Further South they have driven deep into the heart of LITHUANIA and reached a point less than 100 miles from the BALTIC Coast.
    Other Soviet troops have reached the VISTULA on a wide front and have taken a place within 50 miles of WARSAW.
    Back East our Allies have cut the enemy’s last escape railway out of BREST - LITOVSK and 150 miles to the South they have broken into the suburbs of LVOV where the Germans are now completely encircled.


    COUNTER ATTACKS IN NORMANDY.
    In NORMANDY American tanks have smashed a five mile wedge into the German defences West of ST LO. They have captured the village of ST GILLES and the town of MARIGNY on the road leading West from ST LO to the big road centre of COUTANCES.
    United Kingdom and Canadian troops have had to give up most of the ground they gained South West of CAEN before their push across the ORNE. The Germans were last night reported to be back in ESQUAY and to be holding the high ground North East of EVRECY. They were also back in MAY-SUR-ORNE. To the South East of CAEN our forces are keeping a tight hold on VERRIERES.


    IN BRIEF.
    R.A.F. bombers were over occupied territory last night. Mosquitoes attacked GERMANY.
    Flying bombs were over Southern England including the LONDON area.


    TAIL PIECE.
    HITLER has made GOEBBELS “Reichsberellin achtigter fur den Totalin Kriegreinsatz”. It is doubted whether anyone GOEBBELS knows what it means, but it sounds good.
     
  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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


    THE ENEMY SITUATION.
    There is little change to report today and our line runs incl ST MARTIN DE FONTENAY incl VERRIERES ex TILLY incl BOURGUEBUS incl FRENOUVILLE.
    The enemy armour is still opposite us despite the American offensive, and incidentally this is one of the reasons for our continued stay in this slightly unrestful area. As you can see for yourself a large part of the Division is visible to the enemy on the hills about five miles away. Any move on our part might be taken by the Germans as relieving the treat on this sector and possible our going to the American sector, and anything which might tend to make them change the concentration of armour on our front that has been so carefully decoyed there, cannot be risked.
    Typhoons seen in action the night before last went for concentrations of tanks and S.P. guns in the ROQUANCOURT area and also broke up a counter attack being put in on VERRIERES.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    30 MILES FROM WARSAW.
    The Russians have captured six enemy strongholds between the CARPATHIANS ahd the BALTIC including STANISLANOV, LVOV, BIALYSTOK, DVINSK.
    They have also taken a town 35 miles South East of WARSAW and are reported within 30 miles of the city.
    Our Allies have deprived the German armies in LATVIA and ESTONIA of their last major escape routes by capturing one of the most important road and rail centres in LITHUANIA.


    ENEMY THREATENED ON WESTERN SECTOR.
    In NORMANDY American armoured columns are threatening to cut off a considerable German force on the Western sector. The enemy are falling back on the big road centre of COUTANCES. The American columns were last reported to be only 5 miles from this town.
    No important changes have been reported from the CAEN sector where United Kingdom and Canadian troops are containing the bulk of the German armour.


    HEAVIES ATTACK BUDAPEST.
    Hundreds of American heavy bombers from ITALY yesterday attacked HUNGARY’s largest industrial plant in BUDAPEST.
    In ITALY 8th Army troops have reached a point about 8 miles South West of FLORENCE.
    The KING has been visiting the 8th Army front and has knighted the 8th Army Commander General LEESE and decorated three of his men with the V.C. THE KING IN ITALY - British Pathe


    IN BRIEF.
    In the Central Pacific American Marines now control one third of TINYAN Island.

    R.A.F. Mosquitoes attack STUTTGART last night.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.
    The following were wounded during a recent air raid:
    2659969 Lance-Corporal HODGSON, G., No. 1 Company
    2664197 Guardsman HOWE, J., Support Company
    2658842 Guardsman BROWN, L., Support Company
    2662828 Guardsman REID, G., No. 2 Company
    2663285 Lance-Sergeant ATKINSON, B, No. 2 Company
    2665553 Guardsman JOSEPH, J., Support Company
    2664336 Guardsman ROBBINS, G., No. 1 Company
    2666309 Guardsman JANEWAY, G., No. 2 Company
    26635-4 Guardsman OLDEN, H., No. 2 Company


    EXTRACTS FROM WEEKLY NAVAL NOTES.
    Where NORMANDY is concerned history tends to repeat itself, or to provide interesting precedents for the events of today. For example, HMS Black Prince (Captain D.M. LEES, D.S.O., RN) while attached to the Western Task Force under Rear-Admiral KIRK, U.S.N., took part in the operations off the East coast of the Cotentin and, as being the westernmost of all Allied units engaged, was busy shelling enemy positions near Saint Vaast la Hogue from D DAY onwards.
    It was on 12th July 1346, that King EDWARD III landed with an English Expeditionary force at Saint Vaast-le-Hogue. The Prince of Wales, afterwards famous as the Black Prince, was with his father, and a few hours after the landing the King, standing “upon a knoll hard by the shore where all could see” conferred the accolade of knighthood on his son. The Prince was then sixteen. It will be remembered that in the following August, when the Prince, finding his First Division hard pressed at CRESSY, sent to his father for reinforcements, the King replied, according to Frissart, “Let the boy win his spurs”, and contented himself, according to Baker, with sending twenty men-at-arms. The expeditionary force had arrived in a vast convoy of a thousand or more small craft which had sail from Spithead on 11th July, escorted by a covering forced commanded by the Admiral of the West, Richard “Copped Hat” Earl of Arundel. On arrival the Earl of Arundel turned over the command of this covering force to William Earl of Huntingdon and went ashore to become Second-in-Command to William Earl of Northampton, the Lord High Constable of the Third Division, which later in the campaign formed the English left wing at CRESSY. The King waited for five days for what would now be called the “build-up” to be completed. Then on 18th July he marched to Valognes and two days later to Carentan. On the 22nd he reached St Lo, then turned eastwards and marched to Fontenay-le-Pesnel, near Tilly-sur-Seulles, where the Second Army has just been having so much fighting. On the 26th July King EDWARD began to attack CAEN, which was then considered to be “larger than any city in England except London”. The warlike Bishop of Bayeux held the castle while Rober de Brienne, the Constable of France, with the Count of Tancarville, the Chamberlain, held the fortified bridge across the Odon at its junction with a branch of the Orne which connected the two halves of the town, the Grand Bourg and the Ile Saint Jean, into which the whole civilian population had been withdrawn. The English politely by-passed the Bishop in his castle and advanced to the Odon, where boats manned by crossbowmen opposed their passage. The English archers shot the crossbowmen, captured their boats and used them for ferrying part of the Army, while the Welsh contingent, impatient of delay, swam or waded across and turned the flank of the defence. This led to the fall of CAEN, in which the Constable and the Chamberlain of France with more than a hundred knights and squires were taken prisoners. On that occasion the English had, unfortunately, not come as liberators, and according to the custom of the age, sacked the town, although King EDWARD was claiming to be King of France and, if only for propaganda purposes, might have been expected to show some compassion for his Norman “subjects” even if they had been in arms against him.
     
  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 29
    Saturday 29th July 1944.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    RUSSIANS TAKE BREST LITOVSK.
    The Russians have taken BREST-LITOVSK and in their drive up the VISTULA have reached points little more than 20 miles from WARSAW.
    Further South they have stormed the twin fortresses of YAROSLAV and PRZEMYSL thus opening the road to CROCOW. Up on the BALTIC front our Allies have swept the Germans out of 550 more towns and villages.


    AMERICAN PROGRESS IN NORMANDY.
    In NORMANDY two American tank columns have reached the outskirts of COUTANCES and others are striking much further South. The Americans have advanced 15 miles since the present attack began and have taken well over 4,000 prisoners.
    On the British sector United Kingdom and Canadian forces are still tying down a large part of the German armour.


    8TH ARMY NEARING FLORENCE.
    In ITALY New Zealand troops of the 8th Army have fought their way within six miles of FLORENCE after taking SAN CASCIANO. On the ADRIATIC Sector Polish troops have got patrols across the river MISA.


    IN BRIEF.
    Super Fortresses made a daylight attack today on MUKDEN in MANCHURIA.

    In the Central Pacific American forces have extended their grip on both GUAM and TINLAN.

    R.A.F. bombers attacked STUTTGART and HAMBURG in very great strength last night.

    Flying bombs were again over Southern ENGLAND including the LONDON area.

    The Polish Prime Minister Mr. MIKOLACZYK is on his way to MOSCOW.
     
  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
    18 Aug 1944 - Normandy


    BATTALION HEADQUARTERS
    Lieutenant-Colonel E.R. HILL - Commanding Officer
    Major C.W.S. BLACKETT - Second-in-Command
    Captain C.W. LAMBTON - Adjutant
    Captain J. PEREIRA - Intelligence Officer
    Captain Quartermaster S.B.R. COOPER - Quartermaster

    Captain J.B. INGRAM, R.A.M.C. - Medical Officer
    Captain The Reverend R.H. TOMLINSON - Padre (Permanent Attachment)
    Regimental Sergeant Major E. LOVEJOY - R.S.M.
    Drill Sergeant S. REASON


    HEADQUARTER COMPANY
    Captain A. GIBBS - Company Commander
    Captain I.O. LIDDELL - Motor Transport Officer
    Lieutenant The Earl of PLYMOUTH - Signal Officer
    Company Sergeant-Major T. GRIFFITHS - C.S.M.
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant J. CONNOLLY


    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 B. BLOWER - Anti-Tank Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant M. BENDIX - Anti-Tank Platoon Officer
    Captain J.T. PAGET - Mortar Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant R. THOMPSON - Pioneer Platoon Officer


    No. 1 COMPANY
    Major C.H. FEILDEN - Company Commander
    Lieutenant D.C. LAWRIE - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant A.B. WHITEHORN - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant A.A. PHILPS - Platoon Commander
    2/Lieutenant T.R. SYMONS - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major F. FARNHILL
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant H. STEVENS


    No. 2 COMPANY
    Major The Honourable D.M.G.J. WILLOUGHBY - Company Commander
    Captain J.N. AGNEW - (Company) Second-in-Command
    2/Lieutenant K.H. IRGENS - Platoon Commander
    2/Lieutenant D.E. PLATER - Platoon Commander
    2/Lieutenant P.J. WADSWORTH - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major R. SKELLS
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant B. AYRES


    No. 3 COMPANY
    Major The Marquess of HARTINGTON - Company Commander
    Lieutenant H. WHITWELL - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant The Honourable J.U. KNATCHBULL - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant T.A. MITCHELL - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant C.T.P. WINGFIELD - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major J. COWLEY
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant R. FOWLER


    No. 4 COMPANY
    Captain D.I.T. EASTMAN - Company Commander
    Captain R.G. Style - (Company) Second-in-Command
    Lieutenant C.N. Acheson-Gray - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant M.W. Wall - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant S.E. ARGYLE - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major N. REID
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant F. MARSDEN


    ATTACHED H.Q. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION
    Lieutenant E. STRAGHAN
     
  7. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    LE BUSQ
    P1390057.jpg Screen shot 2011-10-05 at 09.44.18.png Screen shot 2011-11-10 at 22.53.48.png
     
  8. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    LE BAS PERRIER - 13th August 1944
    P1390055.jpg

    Screen shot 2011-10-05 at 09.37.49.png Screen shot 2011-11-10 at 23.22.45 1.png
     
  9. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
    18 August 1944

    BATTALION HEADQUARTERS
    Lieutenant-Colonel E.R. HILL - Commanding Officer
    Major C.W.S. BLACKETT - Second-in-Command
    Captain C.W. LAMBTON - Adjutant
    Captain J. PEREIRA - Intelligence Officer
    Captain Quartermaster S.B.R. COOPER - Quartermaster

    Captain J.B. INGRAM, R.A.M.C. - Medical Officer
    Captain The Reverend R.H. TOMLINSON - Padre (Permanent Attachment)
    Regimental Sergeant Major E. LOVEJOY - R.S.M.
    Drill Sergeant S. REASON


    HEADQUARTER COMPANY
    Captain A. GIBBS - Company Commander
    Captain I.O. LIDDELL - Motor Transport Officer
    Lieutenant The Earl of PLYMOUTH - Signal Officer
    Company Sergeant-Major T. GRIFFITHS - C.S.M.
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant J. CONNOLLY

    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 B. BLOWER - Anti-Tank Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant M. BENDIX - Anti-Tank Platoon Officer
    Captain J.T. PAGET - Mortar Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant R. THOMPSON - Pioneer Platoon Officer


    No. 1 COMPANY
    Major C.H. FEILDEN - Company Commander
    Lieutenant D.C. LAWRIE - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant A.B. WHITEHORN - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant A.A. PHILPS - Platoon Commander
    2/Lieutenant T.R. SYMONS - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major F. FARNHILL
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant H. STEVENS


    No. 2 COMPANY
    Major The Honourable D.M.G.J. WILLOUGHBY - Company Commander
    Captain J.N. AGNEW - (Company) Second-in-Command
    2/Lieutenant K.H. IRGENS - Platoon Commander
    2/Lieutenant D.E. PLATER - Platoon Commander
    2/Lieutenant P.J. WADSWORTH - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major R. SKELLS
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant B. AYRES


    No. 3 COMPANY
    Major The Marquess of HARTINGTON - Company Commander
    Lieutenant H. WHITWELL - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant The Honourable J.U. KNATCHBULL - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant T.A. MITCHELL - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant C.T.P. WINGFIELD - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major J. COWLEY
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant R. FOWLER


    No. 4 COMPANY
    Captain D.I.T. EASTMAN - Company Commander
    Captain R.G. Style - (Company) Second-in-Command
    Lieutenant C.N. Acheson-Gray - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant M.W. Wall - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant S.E. ARGYLE - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major N. REID
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant F. MARSDEN


    ATTACHED H.Q. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION
    Lieutenant E. STRAGHAN
     
  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    1944 August 1
    0830 hours
    A patrol from No. 2 Company reported LA MANCELLIERE and the line of the stream clear of the enemy.
    0900 hours
    The Brigade Commander came to Battalion H.Q. and ordered an attack on the the enemy holding up No. 3 Company in the ORCHARD at 675585.
    The attack is to be made by No. 1 Company passing through No. 3 Company and supported by a Squadron of tanks.
    Artillery support is not possible as the distance to the objective is only about 400 yards.
    1000 hours
    The attack was put in but after the first 200 yards came under very heavy fire from enemy tanks and was unable to get on.
    Seven of our own tanks were knocked out and both No.s 1 and 3 Companies had a number of casualties, including the Commanding Officer and Major THORNTON Commanding No. 1 Company, who were both wounded.
    After several unsuccessful attempts to stalk the tanks with PIATs the Company withdrew back to the Start Line.
    1100 hours
    Major The Marquess of HARTINGTON took over command of the Battalion.
    1115 hours
    The enemy tanks started to advance and a counter attack on a small scale came in, but was early stopped.
    However No.s 1 and 3 Companies being by now rather thin, No. 2 Company was moved into position for purposes of immediate counter-attack.
    1200 hours
    The Brigadier decided to try and clear the enemy out by attacking up on to Point 238 with No. 4 Company and a Squadron of tanks, then on to ST DENIS MAISONCELLES 6747.
    The attack is to be supported by concentrations from two Field and one Medium Regiment.
    1300 hours
    Major LUARD, M.C. arrived up from ‘A’ Echelon and took over command of the Battalion.
    1400 hours
    No. 4 Company reported that they have occupied ST DENIS MAISONCELLES without opposition.
    Civilians state that the Germans about 100 strong withdrew when the Artillery fire came down.
    They were due to leave at 1500 hours, but the attack speeded things up.
    1500 hours
    A Company from 1st Motor Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS has been put under command and is to clear the ORCHARD area opposite No.s 1 and 3 Companies.
    1600 hours
    ORCHARD reported clear, though there is still some fire coming down the road from Point 192.
    2000 hours
    No. 2 Company took over from the Motor Company in the ORCHARD and the Motor Company revert to command of Battle Group 2.
    No. 1 Company have moved up to a position on the Point 238 feature, and No. 4 Company are on their Right just to the North of the village of ST DENIS MAISONCELLES.
    2200 hours
    The enemy are reported to have withdrawn back to the BENY BOCAGE feature, the West end of which is now occupied by 11th ARMOURED DIVISION.
    1st Motor Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS have advanced down the road to LE TOURNEUR 6845.

    1944 August 2
    0400 hours
    Preliminary orders received from Brigade H.Q.
    The advance is to be continued tomorrow with Battle Group 2 leading.
    Companies were ordered to close on the area of Battalion H.Q by 0500 hours, cook breakfasts and be ready to move from 0700 hours onwards.
    0600 hours
    Battalion ‘O’ Group.
    The Brigade is advancing on one Centre Line up to road and track junction 699439 where Battle Group 2 goes East along the track to MONTCHARIVEL 7442 and ‘Battle Group’, when the Centre Line is clear goes South via ST CHARLES DE PERCY 6941, then via ESTRY to VASSEY where the Northern Centre Line joins again.
    1200 hours
    Battle Group, with 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS in the same order as the day before, ordered to advance.
    1300 hours
    No. 4 Company reached the bridge at 699439 and were ordered to debus, park the T.C.L.s, and proceed on foot with the tanks.
    No. 3 Company came under Machine Gun fire from the HILL 7143 and were also debussed.
    The bulk of the Company are being carried on the backs of the tanks to speed up the advance.
    1530 hours
    No. 2 Battle Group is completely held up by MONTCHARIVEL and the high ground around Point 279, 1741, is still held by enemy.
    As a result of this, Machine Guns and a PANTHER put down harassing fire on the ROAD JUNCTION 705443 and the ROAD 7004366 is also being mortared.
    All this caused delay and difficulty in the advance and the Commanding Officer Major LUARD was wounded.
    1700 hours
    No. 4 Company and No. 3 Company got forward to Point 175, 701413, and were held up when 88mm opened fire on the tanks.
    Meanwhile the situation behind was cleared up and it became possible to bring up No.s 1 and 2 Companies in T.C.L.s.
    1900 hours
    Major The Marquess of HARTINGTON now in command of the Battalion held an ‘O’ Group and orders are given out to by-pass the opposition on the ESTRY road in accordance with instructions from Brigade.
    Intention: 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS will by-pass COURTEIL 7140 and MONTCHAMP 7340 and establish themselves on the ESTRY ridge 7437.
    No. 4 Company will hold Point 181, 7239, while No.s 2 and 3 Companies go to Point 187, 7338, from which No. 2 Company will patrol to ESTRY and if it is possible capture it.
    No. 1 Company and Battalion H.Q. will follow and if necessary an attack will be launched on to ESTRY from Point 187.
    Each Company with a Squadron of tanks excl NO. 4 Company.
    2000 hours
    Owing to the very difficult nature of the country, enemy tanks encountered by No. 4 Company on Point 181 and the rapidly failing light, Companies were unable to carry out the plan and got into the best positions they could find in the dark.
    Battalion H.Q. led by the tanks got lost and was unable to join up with the rest of the Battalion as it was now too dark to manage difficult cross-country going and the roads towards the RendezVous at Point 187 were found to be held by enemy.
    Finally by first light the battalion was sorted out in positions around LA MARVINDIERE.
    There was a certain amount of enemy opposition during the night but mainly of a scattered nature and few casualties were suffered except by No. 4 Company who met the tanks around Point 181.

    1944 August 3
    0400 hours Orders received from Brigade to continue the advance to VASSY on the same axis as before starting at 0600 hours.
    0600 hours
    'O’ Group.
    Owing to the confusion and difficulties of the night before it was decided that no advance would be possible till 0900 hours by which time the tanks would be able to re-fuel and rations and water got out to the Companies.
    As a result of the previous day’s fighting it was known that MONTCHAMP and Point 181 and ESTRY were held by the enemy and it was decided to try and get through between ESTRY 7437 and LE BUSQ 1236 and then get back to the Centre Line at THEIL 7635.
    The advance continued cross-country with the infantry riding on the tanks as on the previous day, and No. 3 Company leading.
    0900 hours
    Opposition was met soon after starting, and tanks, Anti-Tank guns and infantry were encountered along the ESTRY ridge, mainly from a WOOD at 734376, a sunken lane at 730374 and the direction of LE GRAND HONFAIT.
    1200 hours
    It proved impossible to by-pass any of these positions and the advance was held up while a further plan was made.
    1230 hours
    Orders were received from Brigade that no further advance was to be made till the next formation came up level with us on our Left and the Battle Group was to hold its present position as a defensive pivot.
    1600 hours
    The Battalion in position as follows:-
    No. 3 Company forward in the area of a SUNKEN LANE at 727377.
    No. 4 Company holding an ORCHARD 726378.
    No. 2 Company behind them at 726379.
    No. 1 Company in reserve at 725379.
    Battalion H.Q. at 723379.
    The Regimental Aid Post and ‘F’ Echelon is back at LA MARVINDIERE at 723386.
    1900 hours
    The tanks of the 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS are withdrawing into close lager for the night and at the same time No. 3 Company who are in rather an exposed position will withdraw back to the edge of the ORCHARD at 723378.

    1944 August 4
    The enemy by-passed the previous day have been giving some trouble.
    There are some tanks and infantry in position just below SIEURMOUX 7138 and this puts our route back via FRIOUZE under fire.
    It is possible for trucks to run the gauntlet as it were, but wee have not been able to evacuate the wounded or get up any supplies as yet.
    The enemy though not very numerous seem to be unaware of our exact position and frequent clashes occur.
    A half track towing a 7.5 mm gun drove into the R.A.P. at LA MARVINDIERE this morning and was shot up by some of our Anti-Tank guns before they could get into actio.
    Infantry in half tracks have been moving about in the WOOD at 731382 and we mortar each other at frequent intervals.
    There are also enemy in the WOOD across the valley at 736375.
    On our Right the 11th ARMOURED DIVISION have come up into LE GRAND BONFAIT and contact has been established with them.
    Throughout the day rather confused fighting went on all round with the enemy holding on firmly in MONTCHAMP Point 181 7239, ESTRY 7437 and LE BUSQ 7336, but the Battalion position has not been counter attacked as expected, and though nuisance enemy are able to get very close up in the thick country, they have not been able to get through into the Battalion position.
    Lieutenant-Colonel E.R. HILL arrived and took over command of the Battalion from Major The Marquess of HARTINGTON.

    1944 August 5
    1600 hours
    An enemy tank and some infantry have got into an ORCHARD by LA MARVINDIERE at 723385 and they now dominate our ‘F’ Echelon and the Regimental Aid Post area.
    1630 hours
    Wounded evacuated under cover of Red Cross flag.
    1700 hours
    A Platoon from No. 3 Company supported by a Squadron of tanks put in an attack on the ORCHARD and the enemy have withdrawn.
    Throughout the afternoon a great deal of firing has been going on round about mixed with occasional shelling and mortaring.
    It appears to be mostly due to enemy withdrawing from an attack being made by the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS to clear up SIEURMOUX.
    This attack was successful and by evening the route back was clear.

    1944 August 6
    Patrols sent to the WOOD at 732383 and to the ROAD JUNCTION at 739377 reported these places clear, and it now appears that the enemy have withdrawn and everything is clear up to ESTRY - LE BUSQ ridge.
    0200 hours
    Orders received from Brigade for:-
    (1) Patrol to find out if PONT A L’ECRIVAIN 733397 is held by the enemy.
    (2) For the Battalion to be prepared to attack LE BUSQ 7237 sometime today.
    0900 hours
    Commanding Officer and Company Commanders made recce of forming up area, Start Line etc.
    Owing to the conformation of the ground, and the very thick bocage hedges it is not possible to see anything of the objective.
    1200 hours
    Commanding Officer held ‘O’ Group.
    Own troops: 15 S Division have advanced South to 7434.
    29th Brigade is holding LES GRANDS BONFAITS 7232.
    Enemy, only a dozen or so and no tanks have been reported.
    5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS with Squadron 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS under command, will attack and capture LA BUSQ.
    Method: Start Line Sunken Lane from 726374 to 732374.
    Inter Company boundary through ORCHARD 730372.
    Left No. 1 Company will capture the village of LE BUSQ and exploit down to the valley beyond.
    Right No. 2 Company will capture TRACK JUNCTION 730365 and conforming with No. 1 Company exploit down into the valley.
    In reserve No. 4 Company will move to area of ORCHARD 730374.
    One Platoon of No. 4 Company will capture WOOD at 726371 which may contain an enemy tank.
    The Squadron of tanks will break out of the lane on our Right and then go to the forward Companies to help in consolidation.
    Artillery programme cancelled.
    Battalion H.Q. will move down inter Company boundary.
    1330 hours
    The Battalion moved off on foot to the Start Line via the road to the LES GRANDS BONFAITS 7237.
    1400 hours
    Attack went in.
    The village itself was found to contain only a few snipers, but as soon as Companies came on to the forward slope they were heavily engaged by Machine Guns and Mortars from just across the valley and the Commanding Officer ordered them to withdraw back off the exposed slope.
    The Mortar and Machine Gun fire was followed up by fairly heavy shelling and Nebelwerfer concentrations along the area of the main road which caused some casualties.
    The Battalion finally consolidated with No. 1 Company area CROSS TRACKS 733371, No. 4 Company between the main road and SUNKEN LANE 731369, the Carrier Platoon in an ORCHARD 727368 and No. 2 Company in an ORCHARD 725368.
    Battalion H.Q. 728373.

    The Anti-Tank Platoon has two Sections available covering the main road.
    The Mortars are ready to fire on 742370, 736363, 736357.
    Artillery D.F. 131 (S.O.S.) - along the stream North East and South West from 730358; 133 - 735364; 134 - 738365; 132 - 742369.
    Most of the trouble at the moment comes from enemy in a wood and along the valley at 737359, and the enemy are also reported to be very numerous in the valley but this is not visible.

    1944 August 7
    No. 3 Company has been relieved from Point 181 and as we have been ordered to take over LES GRAND BONFAITS from the KING’s SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY it is going in here.
    0430 hours
    Patrol from No. 4 Company reports noise of vehicles and men moving in WOOD 727357.
    0600 hours
    Patrols from No. 4 Company reports WOOD at 736364 unoccupied, but two half track vehicles moving East up the valley.
    During the morning patrols from No. 3 Company contacted the KING’s SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY on our Right at 709368 and a patrol of HONEY tanks sent to our Left report that ESTRY is half held by the 15 S DIVISION and half held by the Germans.
    Contact was also made with the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS at LES ECOUBLETS 7329 and 1st Motor Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS at FRIOUNGE [?] 7138 who have the job of counter attacking this position if we are overrun.
    1800 hours
    Warning order from CORPS to expect counter attack by 10 S.S. DIVISION
    1900 hours
    Commanding Officer gave out orders for patrols tonight and tomorrow.
    With a view to getting warning of any counter attack forming up against us in the VALLEY at 7336, two Standing Patrols in touch by line and telephone are to be established at 0530 hours at 727357 and at 736664.
    Composition 1 N.C.O. and 3 Other Ranks, the Right hand one from No. 2 Company and the Left hand one from No. 1 Company.
    Tonight No. 4 Company will send recce patrols to these places and across the river to the two woods opposite to see if they are held or no.
    2000 hours
    Observation Posts have been able to get good observation of some enemy Nebelwerfers shelling us during the day and our gunner claims to have knocked some out.

    1944 August 8
    0100 hours
    During the night enemy crossed the river and opened up with Machine Gun fire and Mortar fire on our positions.
    D.F. and S.O.S. task put down and after an hour or so the situation quietened down.
    It is not thought that a counter attack was coming in but owing to the enemy being loose in the area which our Standing Patrols are going to, their going out was delayed.
    1000 hours
    Both Patrols established.
    The Commanding Officer has arranged that tonight when the Standing Patrols come in, the two Observation Post sites will be held by a Fighting Patrol, so as to prevent the enemy getting in and dominating that ground as they did this morning.
    1200 hours
    Shelled by the guns of the 11th ARMOURED DIVISION, who are shooting in an attack on ESTRY.
    1600 hours
    The enemy still hold ESTRY.

    1944 August 9
    0200 hours
    Orders received for representative from the Battalion to go to Brigade H.Q. to get details of change over with KING’s SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY in the Point 218 area that is to take place today.
    0800 hours
    Representatives from KING’s SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY arrived to recce Battalion position.
    1000 hours
    KING’s SHROPSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY moved in and took over the LE BUSQ position.
    1200 hours
    Battalion complete and in position around Point 218.
    The Battalion is disposed as follows:-
    Two Carrier Patrols out blocking the bridges in 7135 and a Platoon of No. 3 Company on the ROAD JUNCTION at 711359 with the rest of the Company in the ORCHARD behind.
    No. 2 Company facing East in the area of a TRACK JUNCTION 708363 and No. 4 Company to the West in the are of TRACK JUNCTION 710360.
    No. 1 Company is in reserve over the HILL at 706366 and Battalion H.Q. is in the ORCHARD behind.
    The 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS are down the road from PRESLES 7135 in LE BAS PERRIER 7234.
    There is very little threat from the enemy except possibly up the valley from the East, but quite a lot of shelling goes on, dust on the main road being the chief course.

    1944 August 10
    1400 hours Commanding Officer to ‘O’ Group at Brigade H.Q.
    The enemy are holding CHENEDOLLE and Point 242 fairly strongly.
    The Brigade is to put in an attack at dawn tomorrow in three phases:-
    (1) 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS attack the two villages 723336 and 727328 then clear the spur to the EAST.
    (2) From a Start line between the two villages 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS attack and capture CHENEDOLLE.
    (3) 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS reform and attack LE BOULAY AUX CHATS 7331, where they are to establish themselves in a defensive position.
    1930 hours
    Battalion ‘O’ Group Orders 10th August.
    Phase 1. 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS attack to clear RIDGE and our Start Line.
    Phase 2. 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS attack CHENEDOLLE.
    Phase 3. 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS on to high ground LE BOULAY AUX CHATS.
    Intention: 1. 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS will seized CHENEDOLLE.
    2. 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS will seize LE BOULAY AUX CHATS and cut main road.
    Method:
    (a) 1. Approach march to F.U.P. about WOOD 721338.
    Order of March - 2 Sections Carriers, No. 4 Company, No. 2 Company, Pioneer Platoon (to clear Centre Line), Command Post, 2 Ambulances, No. 1 Company, Section ROYAL ENGINEERS (who help in clearing the village), A.V.R.E.s, Squadron 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS [noted in War Diary as 3IG - who were Inf Bn].
    Move at 0630 hours past Start Point 711359.
    F’ Echelon form up in field 705365 and led by Adjutant will be sent for by W/T when wanted.
    (2) Capture of CHENEDOLLE.
    Air bombardment on LE BOULAY AUX CHATS 0730 - 0800 hours.
    Zero 0815 hours if air is on, or 0900 hours if mist prevents air support.
    Barrage 1,000 yards x 1,000 yards on CHENEDOLLE, 10 minutes on Start Line, then forward at 100 yards in 5 minutes.
    Behind the barrage Right No. 2 Company and No. 3 Company composite.
    Left No. 4 Company.
    Each Company1 Squadron of SCOTS GUARDS CHURCHILL Batalion.
    Right objective in area of TRACK JUNCTION 714330
    Left objective in area of TRACK JUNCTION 731332
    On reaching here No. 1 Company supported by Squadron A.V.R.E.s and troop of ROYAL ENGINEERS will go into CHENEDOLLE.
    3. Reorganise for further advance.
    Right Company goes forward and reorganises at 723325, Left Company goes forward and reorganises at 732328.
    (b) 1. Order of March to LE BOULAY AUX CHATS.
    No. 2 Company in lead with Squadron 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS in support, Battalion H.Q., No. 4 Company, 1 Battery S.P. Anti-Tank, No. 1 Company, Support Company (incl Troop 17-pounders).
    2. Consolidation on LE BOULAY AUX CHATS feature.
    NO. 2 Company to ORCHARD and HOUSES 732310; No. 4 Company to ORCHARD 733314; No. 1 Company to ORCHARD 731313.
    Carrier Platoon to protect the rear.
    Anti-Tank: Y Battery to No. 3 Company; 17-pounders to No. 4 Company; 6-pounders to No. 1 Company.
    2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS Squadron: Harbour in the centre.
    Battalion H.Q. No. 1 Company area 732314 TRACK JUNCTION.
    Adm: Reveille. Breakfasts.

    1944 August 11
    0600 hours
    No. 4 Company on foot passed Battalion Starting Point at PRESLES 710359 and moved on, followed by No.s 3 and 1 Companies, to a WOOD at LE BAS PERRIER 716347.
    Parts of the road were under heavy shell fire most of the time, but fortunately there was a thick mist which prevented it from being very accurate.
    Some casualties were incurred.
    0800 hours
    Battalion complete in Assembly Area.
    Occasional shells fell on the area but nothing very serious.
    Owing to mist the bombing programme was cancelled and Zero fixed for 0900 hours.
    0830 hours
    The attack by the 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS to clear our Start Line met with very heavy opposition from three PANTHER tanks and enemy Machine Guns.
    One the Left they had still not got forward at all, but a few minutes before we were due to cross they managed to deal with the tanks, though on the Left one enemy post still held out.
    As the barrage could not be postponed the two leading Companies had to get off as best they could.
    1000 hours
    No.s 2 and 3 Companies have been amalgamated and called No. 3 Company under the command of Major The Marques of HARTINGTON.
    At 1000 hours No. 3 Company reported that they had captured their objective to the West of the village, and were engaging enemy fire coming from the village itself.
    No. 4 Company reached their objective to the West of the village, and were engaging enemy fire coming from the village itself.
    No. 4 Company reached their objective about 15 minutes later.
    The enemy turned out to be the Engineer Battalion of 9 S.S. Panzer Division, most of them dug in, in front of and to the flanks of the village.
    Prisoners of War stated that the village itself was not held, which turned out to be correct.
    1030 hours
    No.s 3 and 4 Companies ordered to move forward to their previously arranged re-organisation areas, prior to the attack.
    1100 hours
    Before putting through No. 1 Company it was necessary to put in an attack to clear up the enemy post still holding out.
    This was successfully done by the WELSH GUARDS, and No. 1 Company cleared the village without opposition.
    It was not mined as expected, but the main cross roads were cratered and had to be dealt with by the ROYAL ENGINEERS Bulldozer before the Battalion transport could get through.
    1200 hours
    No. 1 Company established in the ORCHARD at 728323.
    Orders received from Brigade that no further move was to be made till ordered.
    1300 hours
    Commanding Officer gave out orders for the consolidation on No. 1 Company’s position.
    No. 3 Company took up a position blocking the TRACKS at 726324, and No. 4 Company between two ORCHARDS at 730325.
    Battalion H.Q. was set up by the STREAM at 727325.
    Each Company had two of the Battalion 6-pounders.
    The 17-pounders could not be got up, but some S.P. M.10s were put into position and the Squadron of 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS moved into the area behind us at 727327.
    A Carrier Patrol was sent out to watch the main road.
    1600 hours
    Orders received, attack on LE BOULAY AUX CHATS not before 1800 hours.
    1700 hours
    Commanding Officer went back to meet Brigadier.
    The Battalion is not to make the attack on LE BOULAY AUX CHATS, as it has been decided that this would make the Division too strung out, and accordingly our present position is to be made into a permanent defensive position.
    2000 hours
    Patrols ordered for the night, and Company positions finally settled.
    Captain FEILDEN has come up to take over from Captain F.D.W. BROWN who has been wounded.
    2100 hours
    Quite a lot of traffic is passing up and down the main road and just opposite the Carrier Patrol there are some enemy infantry and a PANTHER tank which scored a hit on a SHERMAN.

    1944 August 12
    Patrols produced the following information:-
    though early in the evening a great deal of transport was passing up and down the VIRE - VASSY road and the road South from ESTRY, this slackened off and by morning the roads were not being used, very likely because of the fire we have been putting down on them.
    There are some enemy in an ORCHARD at 735316 and more in an ORCHARD to the North at 739323.
    Early in the morning the Carrier Patrol captured two Prisoners from 5 Para Regiment of 3 Para Division.
    The boundary between this Division and the 9 S.S. whom we have been fighting previously runs North West South East just South of CHENEDOLLE, so it is probable that the hill LE BOULAY AUX CHATS opposite us is occupied by them.
    It has been extremely hot all day, and the dust on the road is particularly bad, and produces a certain amount of enemy shelling as the enemy guns open up every time there is an extra large cloud of dust to be seen anywhere.
    1600 hours
    Commanding Officer to Brigade ‘O’ Group.
    Owing to the encirclement of the German armies now going on, there is no longer any point in attacking on our Sector, and GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION is going over to the defensive, holding the CHENEDOLLE feature as part of this programme.
    The Battalion is to withdraw from its present position starting at 2230 hours and take over a position at 9234 to the East of LE BAS PERRIER, now held by a HEREFORD Battalion, 11th ARMOURED DIVISION.
    1915 hours
    Commanding Officer and party representing Companies down to Platoons and Specialist Platoons left to make recce of new position.
    2230 hours
    Leading Company started to pull out.

    1944 August 13
    0200 hours
    The take over has now been completed.
    The Battalion is now disposed as follows:-
    On the Right No. 2 Company (reformed at 1800 hours this evening Major WILLOUGHBY in command), is at 728340 and connects up with the 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS to our South.
    No. 3 Company 732342;
    No. 1 Company 731345;
    No. 4 Company 726346.
    This Company was to connect with the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS at the BRIDGE at 725355 where they have a Standing Patrol just across the stream in the wood.
    The contact patrol from us to go out once every hour, in order to ensure that the enemy were not infiltrating up the valley between us.
    This was however impossible, as there is an enemy S minefield at 727354 which bars the way, and the guide wire through this minefield has been lost.
    The Squadron of tanks 2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS are still under command and are being used dug-in at various points round the perimeter.
    There is a Troop of towed 17-pounders, and a Troop of S.P. M.10s also under command.
    The main trouble here has been the very thick cover, which the enemy takes advantage of at night, by creeping up the hedgerows and then firing indiscriminate Mortar and Machine Gun fire in our direction.
    Last night there was a good deal of this going on, but tonight has been much quieter.
    S Minefields are reported at various places in the Valley 7235 and our predecessors lost some vehicles here.
    1600 hours
    Carrier Patrol to a wood on the road South from ESTRY at 744340 report that they fired on an enemy Section post at 743337.
    The think that this is probably an outpost to a main position on the reverse slope over to the East.
    1630 hours
    The G.O.C. visited the Battalion.
    1800 hours
    120 reinforcements arrived, the Companies are now each 100 strong, and No. 2 Company has been reformed.

    1944 August 14
    During the early hours reports from patrols placed enemy at 735350, 738338 and 735334.
    In all cases these are reported to be probably only posts about a Section strong and very possible only occupied by night.
    The main position are across the ESTRY road and PIERRES 7434 and FRESNEY 7433.
    ESTRY itself was abandoned this morning with the happy consequence that our position is now no longer under observation and the enemy have stopped shelling the road back through PRESLES.
    1700 hours
    It appears that the enemy are pulling out from in front of us and the 11th ARMOURED DIVISION had been ordered to follow them up from ESTRY down the road to VASSY.
    1900 hours
    The 11th ARMOURED DIVISION have reached the line Point 212 7634, THEIL 7634, LA ROCQUE 7936.
    Tonight patrols are to be sent out to contact the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS on the bridge at 726356, to beat up the enemy post at 735350 and report whether PIERRES 7434 is still held.

    1944 August 15
    0400 hours
    The patrol from No. 4 Company was established on the bridge at 726356 but the IRISH GUARDS failed to contact them.
    The Fighting Patrol from No. 3 Company led by Lieutenant KNATCHBULL found that the enemy were still in PIERRES in large numbers, but appeared to be moving out, though the main road was covered by Machine Guns and they were fired on several times.
    1200 hours
    The 11th ARMOURED DIVISION are now in VASSY.
    2000 hours
    There will be no patrols tonight.
    The WELSH GUARDS are to clear PIERRES and FRESNEY, and whenthis has been done we will be out of the battle.

    1944 August 16
    The Brigade moved out of its battle positions back to a rest area around MAISONCELLE 7139.
    The Battalion left LE BAS PERRIER at 1100 hours and marched back to an area of meadows and woods just off the main road at 703385.

    1944 August 17
    -

    1944 August 18
    Lecture for all Officers by the Commanding Officer of the 55th Field Regiment on the correct method to be used by Infantry in directing an Artillery shoot.
    It has also been arranged for Company Officers to go and practice this procedure with the Gunners on their miniature range.

    1944 August 19
    T.E.W.T. for all Officers, to discuss the best composition and action of the Battalion Group with a Squadron of tanks acting as an advance guard in close country.
    The Commanding Officer has agreed on a final order of march for the Battalion column, which is attached as an Appendix.

    1944 August 20 - 21
    -

    1944 August 22
    The 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS sent over a team, to take part in the Battalion Sports Meeting, which they won by a narrow margin of points.

    1944 August 23
    The Battalion was visited by the Major General.
    In the evening there was a Battalion concert given in honour of the Liberation of PARIS, the local French came as guests.

    1944 August 24
    The Division moved to a new area South-West of CONDE SUR NOIREAU 8832.
    The Battalion left in two parties the tracked vehicles going first by a track route at 0830 hours and the wheeled vehicles leaving at 0950 hours and going via VASSY 7832 and CONDE 8832 to the new area on the hill beyond CONDE at 871274.

    1944 August 25
    The Intelligence Section is helping to carry out a count of enemy vehicles and equipment destroyed in the FALAISE pocket.

    1944 August 26
    The Battalion ordered to be at 12 hours notice to move.
    Brigade Boxing Competition held in the Battalion area.
    The competition was won by the 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS.

    1944 August 27
    The Battalion sent a team over to the 4th Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS to take part in a Sports Competition, which we won.
    In the evening the Band of the HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT gave a concert in the Battalion area.

    1944 August 28
    'O’ Group.
    The enemy are withdrawing fast, on the line of the SOMME, and now only a small number remain this side of the SEINE.
    These will be dealt with by Artillery and the Air Force.
    Our own troops are at present along the line of the SEING with a bridgehead across the river at VERNON 4575 which joins up with the American Bridgehead at MANTES 6151.
    The advance up to the SEINE is to be carried out with the Canadian Army on the left from the coast to the line BEAUVAIS - ABBEVILLE; 2nd ARMY from this body to the line BEAUVAIS - AMIENS, which is the dividing line with the American Army.
    GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION is now re-grouped in 30 CORPS which consists of 43rd DIVISION and 50th DIVISION who are at present holding the bridgehead, and 11th ARMOURED DIVISION who are to advance on the left, 8th INDEPENDENT ARMOURED BRIGADE in the Centre, and GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION on the Right, along the line of the American Boundary.
    The Division moves first of all to a staging area at AAIGLE 7844, and then probably into an assembly area just West of the river, before crossing over to the bridgehead.
    The Armoured Brigade is moving today, and it is expected that the Battalion will leave at about 0200 hours tomorrow.
    An Advance Party has been sent forward to recce our area just South of LAIGLE at CRULAI 8136.

    1944 August 29
    At 0300 hours the Battalion left MONTILLY 3828 and moved via FLERS 8721, ARGENTAN 2616, LAIGLE to an area in the fields behind the village of GOURNAY 889855 where it arrived at 1200 hours.
    1200 hours
    Orders received that the Battalion is to come under the command of 5th BRIGADE.
    The advance from the SEINE Bridgehead is to be led by 5th BRIGADE.
    1500 hours
    Battalion issued with 1800 maps to cover move to the SOMME.
    1900 hours
    Brigade ‘O’ Group:-
    The information and general plan is the same as was given out at the 32nd BRIGADE Conference yesterday.
    11th ARMOURED DIVISION and 8th INDEPENDENT ARMOURED BRIGADE are now across the river and progressing satisfactorily with very little enemy opposition.
    The tanks were moved yesterday by transporters and are already across the SEINE and concentrated within the VERNON Bridgehead.
    The next move is for the wheeled vehicles of the Brigade and 5th COLDSTREAM GUARDS to join with the tanks in the bridgehead.
    This move starts tomorrow and the Battalion is due start at 0330 hours.
    Timings are late at the present moment owing to the very heavy traffic on the road from FALAISE to the bridgehead, and the ceaseless rain which has made the going very bad.

    1944 August 30
    0330 hours
    Battalion moved off to join 5th BRIGADE across the SEINE.
    Route:- BRETEVIL 0049, EVREUX 1867, GALLION 3482, VERNON 4474.
    1230 hours Battalion across the SEINE and concentrated in an area just South of HARICOURT Village at 4976.
    1300 hours
    Orders from BRIGADE brought by Liaison Officer.
    11th ARMOURED DIVISION have reached the FORET DE LYONS 4505 where they are held up by the bad going.
    8th ARMOURED BRIGADE are at present clearing up GISORS 6794.
    As soon as 5th BRIGADE has completed its re-organisation the advance up to the SOMME will be begun.
    Order of March:-
    1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS with a Company of 1st Motor Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS,
    2nd Armoured Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS with 1st Motor Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS less a Company,
    153 Field Regiment
    Brigade H.Q.
    14 Field Squadron ROYAL ENGINEERS
    2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS
    5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
    Q Battery 21st Anti-Tank
    A’ Echelons of the Brigade.

    The Centre Line runs:-
    GASNY 5373, DANGU 5289, GISORS 6793, where the Brigade splits and moves on two Centre lines.
    The Battalion follows 1st Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS on the Left hand Centre Line via TRIE LA VILLE 789?, BACHIVILLERS 8394, BERNEUIL 8696 and BEAUVAIS 9207.
    The Battalion crosses the S.P. crossroads 5373 at 1350 hours.
    1545 hours
    Orders received that the Americans have moved across on to our Centre Line, and the whole Battalion will therefore have to continue on the Left Centre Line.
    The route is reported cleared as far as AUNEUIL.
    When the column halts for the nigh the tail must be clear for TRIE CHATEAU 6793.
    2100 hours
    Battalion halted just north of GISORS, then received orders to move off the road and harbour for the night in the fields.
    2110 hours
    Commanding Officer went to Brigade H.Q.
    The situation is that the enemy are withdrawing fast and the Brigade is to seize the crossings over the SOMME tomorrow.
    We have now reached a general line GRANVILLE CROEVICOEUR - BEAUVAIS.
    To make as much time as possible the advance is to continue by dark at 0200 hours so as to get up to BEAUVAIS by first light.
    The Centre Line runs BEAUVAIS, BRETEUIL 0728, PAILLART 1032, MOREUIL 2343 and then across the SOMME to the East of AMIENS.
    The Brigade O.M. remains the same.
    The Battalion is moving in the order:-
    No. 2 Company
    Advance Battalion H.Q.
    No. 4 Company
    No. 1 Company
    F.2.
    Support Company

    1944 August 31
    0200 hours
    Battalion moved off.
    0800 hours
    Long halt due to unknown causes, gave time for breakfast to be eaten, and wash and shave.
    The head of the Battalion is just East of AUNUIL 8403.
    0900 hours
    Advance continued.
    By 1400 hours the Battalion had reached PAILLART 1032 where the Column halted.
    The GRENADIER Group have reported that they are across the river and the bridges are intact.
    1700 hours
    Battalion halted near MOREUIL 2343.
    No opposition has been encountered during the day, though quite a lot of Prisoners of War have been collected in.
    Most of them are hiding in the woods either side of the road, and are being mopped up by the F.F.I.
    1730 hours
    Commanding Officer to Brigade H.Q.:-
    The Brigade is to establish a firm bridgehead over the river forthwith, in preparation for continuing the advance tomorrow.
    The Battalion is to occupy a position in the re-entrant 2562 and is to protect the bridges over the river in corbie 2558 and beyond.
    The Commanding Officer went ahead with Company representatives to recce the area, and the Battalion is to move in as soon as the 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS ahead of us are clear.
    1800 hours
    Enemy North-East of the Battalion position has knocked out two tanks, but is being dealt with.
    Enemy are also reported in the woods either side of the village.
    2100 hours
    The Battalion is now in position as follows:-
    No. 3 Company just East of the ROAD at 254024, No. 2 Company on the other side of the road level with No. 3 Company, No. 1 Company guarding the village of BONNAY and ROAD JUNCTION 255815.
    No. 4 Company with the Carrier Platoon under command is responsible for guarding the bridges over the SOMME and the CORBIE road.
    Battalion H.Q. is at the Road and Track Junction 255615.
    During the night contact patrols back to the bridge in CORBIE reported all quiet and no signs of any enemy.
    Patrols were also sent up to the high ground at CROSSROADS 251843 and found it all clear.
    Several stray enemy came in during the night and gave themselves up including a TURKISTAN and a couple of S.S.
    Some indication of the enemy’s confusion can be gathered from the fact that over 30 different units have been identified from Prisoners captured on the Divisional front during the advance.
    The F.F.I. mopping up behind us have counted up 800 Prisoners of War so far, and estimate that there are several hundred still to be brought in.
     
  11. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    LA MARVINDIERE - 3rd August 1944
    P1390105.jpg


    Screen shot 2011-10-05 at 11.37.05.png Screen shot 2011-11-10 at 23.47.15.png
     
  12. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    CHENEDOLLE - 11th August 1944
    P1390106.jpg

    Aerial view of Chenedolle, 1947
    chenodolleignfpva101947.jpg


    Screen shot 2011-10-05 at 11.40.02.png
     
  13. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    PRESLES
    P1390104.jpg

    Screen shot 2011-10-05 at 11.30.36.png Screen shot 2011-11-11 at 00.01.16.png
     
  14. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
    Name Brookes, Dennis
    Rank: Acting Serjeant
    Service No: 2661926
    Regiment: 5 Battalion Coldstream Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: North West Europe 1944-45
    Award: Military Medal
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 19 October 1944
    Date 1944
    Catalogue reference WO 373/49


    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 BESACES, 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 PIAT.

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

    Signed Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards

    Field
    7 August 1944


    Downgraded from D.C.M.
    Granted Military Medal.
     

    Attached Files:

  15. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details
    Name Lomer, Richard Godfrey
    Rank: Lieutenant
    Service No: 207663
    Regiment: 5 Battalion Coldstream Guards
    Theatre of Combat or Operation: North West Europe 1944-45
    Award: Military Cross
    Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 01 March 1945
    Date 1945
    Catalogue reference WO 373/51


    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 cCompany, 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 Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding 5th Battalion Coldstream Guards

    Field
    7 August 44.

    Granted an Immediate Military Cross
     

    Attached Files:

  16. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU".
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 30
    Tuesday 1st August 1944.

    B.B.C. NEWS

    AMERICANS PUSHING ON - LINK UP WITH BRITISH.
    In NORMANDY American troops have occupied the port of AVRANCHES after a rapid thrust of over 12 miles and are pushing beyond it. GRANVILLE some 15 miles North of AVRANCHES is firmly in Allied hands. Further inland the Germans have been resisting strongly but have not been able to hold up the Allied advance.

    East of the river VERE American troops have linked up with the British drive South of CAUMONT. By last night British troops had advanced about six miles.


    2000 PLACES LIBERATED IN A DAY.
    The Red Army yesterday swept the Germans out of more than 2,000 places, the largest number they have liberated in one day’s fighting. Last night Soviet troops were only 25 miles from REGA, 15 miles from EAST PRUSSIA and 10 miles from WARSAW.


    NEW LANDING IN S.W. PACIFIC
    In the South West Pacific American troops have made a new landing on the coast of DUTCH NEW GUINEA 60 miles North East of SORONG and have outflanked 15,00 Japanese.


    IN BRIEF.
    The Polish Prime Minister arrived in MOSCOW from LONDON yesterday for talks with the Soviet Government.

    In Italy 8th Army patrols have pushed deeper into the hills overlooking FLORENCE.

    The KING continued his tour of the Italian battlefronts yesterday.

    Over 1,200 American heavy bombers from BRITAIN attacked MUNICH and LUDWIGSHAFEN yesterday.

    Admiral Sir Bruce FRASER has been appointed Commander in Chief, Eastern Fleet.

    A small number of flying bombs went over Southern ENGLAND during the night.
     
  17. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU".
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 31
    Wednesday 2nd August 1944.

    THE ENEMY SITUATION. (Tuesday night).
    Today it seems with some reserve, safe to say that the long awaited break-through has occurred.

    Throughout the last few days German reactions have been largely conditions by the American successes. In view of the slightly harassing day we have ourselves had today, it much be borne in mind that the American forces that went into actin were more than three times as large as our own, and that the bulk of the German forces were on our front which they hoped to hold firm as a pivot upon which to withdraw from the American Sector.

    There is little doubt that the Germans decided to withdraw to the line of ORNE, LE BENY BOCAGE, VIRE, and AVRANCHES, to plug our advance with new Panzer Division rushed up from other parts of FRANCE, and then as new Infantry Divisions arrived from the new line given above, which would not stretch them very much more than before.

    This scheme has almost certainly been frustrated as this evening the Americans are entering BRITTANY, and have reached VIRE. We are only a few miles from VIRE and hold the BENY LA BOCAGE feature.

    It is much too early to say that the front is in any way cracking up, but there is every hope that soon we will be seeing new parts of FRANCE and having difficulty in keeping up with the map situation.


    THE BATTALION SECTOR.
    When the battle opened yesterday it was difficult to assess the enemy strength opposite us. Before our attack on the Point 238 feature we were told that it was very strongly held.

    After several large ‘O’ Groups had been held in full view of this hill without any enemy reaction, it became abundantly clear that at any rate the forward slopes were clear.

    During the attack we bagged 1 Prisoner of War and 1 Armoured car on the way up and as the light went reports from Companies indicated that the enemy was dug in on the reverse side of the hill.

    We knew from the Prisoner of War that our enemy were 326 Infantry Division who have borne the brunt of our CORPS attack along a very wide front for some days past, and therefore could not be very thick on the ground.

    Early in the morning it was hoped that an attack by No. 1 Company would clear what was still left in front of us, but when the attack went in we found that the core of the opposition was not infantry but tanks, and despite every effort No. 1 Company were unable to get their objective and we suffered some casualties and lost some tanks trying to get up to the objective, over ground very completely covered by the enemy tanks.

    Lieutenant-Colonel M.E. ADEANE and Major K.M. THORNTON were wounded and at one time a tank counter-attack appeared to be coming in on us.

    Incidentally the tanks were not TIGERS but Pz Kiv VI’s, with the extra shield on them. Finally at this point we managed to hod fast and at this slightly crucial juncture No. 4 Company put in an attack on a village behind the enemy in front of No.s 1 and 2 Companies. The attack was completely successful and the enemy reported by civilians as about 100 strong, withdrew when the opening barrage came down.

    Finally our Motor Company friends cleared the wood in front of No.s 1 and 3 Companies.

    A Guardsman from No. 4 Company had the very harrowing experience of being wounded and captured by the Germans in the morning, but fortunately was rescued when this attack went in, and he stated that the enemy left in some confusion and hurry as this attack came in.

    Since then troops of our own Division have followed up the very hasty enemy withdrawal and joined up with our friends on the BENY LE BOCAGE feature.


    NEW COMMANDING OFFICER.
    Lieutenant-Colonel B.E. LUARD, M.C. took over command of the Battalion yesterday afternoon.


    B.B.C. NEWS (0900 hours).

    PUSHING ON IN FRANCE.
    In FRANCE American tank forces have pushed more than 12 miles South West of AVRANCHES and reached the border of BRITTANY. In a week the Americans have advanced more than 50 miles and taken 18,000 Prisoners.

    British forces had yesterday advanced more than a dozen miles South of CAUMONT.


    ANOTHER MILE NEARER.
    In ITALY New Zealanders of the 8th ARMY have fought their way another mile nearer FLORENCE.


    IN BRIEF.
    President RYTI of FINLAND has resigned and has been succeeded by Marshal MANNERHEIM.

    In the South West Pacific American troops have extended their bridgehead on the North Western tip of DUTCH NEW GUINEA. In the Central Pacific all organised Japanese resistance on the TINIAN Island has ceased.

    Chinese forces have now completely surrounded the Japanese in T???CHUNG in South West CHINA.

    President ROOSEVELT has promoted Lieutenant General SILLWELL to the rank of full General.
     
  18. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU".
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 32
    Thursday 3rd August 1944


    B.B.C. NEWS

    FURTHER PROGRESS IN FRANCE.
    In FRANCE the British 2nd ARMY thrust beyond CAUMONT has reached the town of VIRE 17 miles to the South.

    American armoured columns driving into BRITTANY are reported to be threatening RENNES and ST. MALO.


    RUSSIANS NEARING EAST PRUSSIA.
    The Russian yesterday captured a town 8 miles from the border of EAST PRUSSIA. They have also taken 200 more places East and North East of WARSAW.

    The Polish Government in LONDON last night announced that underground forces in WARSAW had started open warfare against the Germans.


    7000 JAPS KILLED ON GUAM.
    In the South West Pacific American forces have extended their grip on the North Western end of NEW GUINEA and have inficted heavy casualties on the Japanese in the WEWAK area. In the Central Pacific American forces had killed over 7,000 Japanese on GUAM up to 1st August.


    MR. CHURCHILL’S OPTIMISM.
    In his war review yesterday Mr. CHURCHILL said the Germans and Japanese were recoiling before the increasing supremacy of the Allies and he said he “no long felt bout to deny” that victory would perhaps come soon.

    TURKEY has broken off diplomatic and economic relations with GERMANY.


    IN BRIEF.
    In ITALY New Zealand troops have gained more ground before FLORENCE and can see the City from 4 to 6 miles away.

    The KING arrived back in ENGLAND by air today from his Italian tour.

    American and British bombers yesterday attacked flying bomb bases in FRANCE.

    Flying bombs were again sent over Southern ENGLAND including the LONDON Area during the night.

    July was a record month for Britain’s Bomber Command. Its aircraft dropped 57,000 tons of bombs.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.

    KILLED IN ACTION.
    2660995 Guardsman WYNN, J. - No. 4 Company
    2659562 Lance-Sergeant LEWIS, J. - No. 3 Company
    2658689 Lance-Corporal WOOLLEY, E. - No. 3 Company
    2665609 Guardsman MORGAN, C. - No. 3 Company
    2666376 Guardsman GOODING, R. - No. 3 Company
    14651091 Guardsman MOCK, J. - No. 1 Company
    2661136 Lance-Sergeant QUINN, S. - No. 3 Company
    2664831 Guardsman BAKER, G. - No. 3 Company
    2663371 Guardsman WELSBY, W. - No. 3 Company
    2666266 Guardsman SCHOFIELD, R. - No. 3 Company


    WOUNDED.
    Lieutenant-Colonel M.E. ADEANE
    Major B.E. LUARD, M.C.
    Major K.M. THORNTON
    Lieutenant H.R. GRAHAM-VIVIAN

    2656941 Guardsman HOLMES, W. - No. 3 Company
    2655824 Sergeant WHITE, J. - Support Company
    2663254 Guardsman BARROW, W. - No. 3 Company
    2661979 Lance-Corporal DAWSON, J. - No. 4 Company
    2666114 Guardsman COLLINS, D. - No. 3 Company
    2661905 Sergeant DOWSE, G. - No. 3 Company
    2658655 Lance-Corporal NEWTON, B. - No. 3 Company
    2658857 Guardsman WEDDERBURN, J. - No. 3 Company
    2659126 Guardsman CARR, A. - No. 1 Company
    2661909 Sergeant CROCKFORD, E. - H.Q. Company
    2658310 Lance-Corporal DAFTER, D. - No. 3 Company
    2666354 Guardsman PATTERSON, J. - No. 3 Company
    2660968 Guardsman KENYON, E. - No. 4 Company
    4688502 Guardsman WILTSHIRE, F. - No. 1 Company
    2655174 Guardsman CLARKSON, G. - No. 3 Company
    2663205 Guardsman MOORCRAFT, F. - H.Q. Company
    2661161 Guardsman HARRIS, J. - No. 1 Company
    2662531 Guardsman CLAY, G. - No. 1 Company


    EVACUATED.
    2663418 Guardsman WILBERFORCE, G. - No. 4 Company
    2655462 Guardsman CALLISTER, E. - No. 1 Company
    2661393 Guardsman POART, L. - No. 1 Company

    It is confirmed that
    2663666 Guardsman NEWTON H. reported as Died of Wounds is well and is now in hospital in ENGLAND.
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2023
  19. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU".
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 33
    Friday 4th August 1944.

    B.B.C. NEWS

    THEY’RE TELLING US. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION IN ACTION.
    In FRANCE American troops fanning out across the neck of the BRITTANY Peninsular were last reported fighting in RENNES.

    American forces in NORMANDY have reached MORTAIN 12 miles South of VIRE where British troops were fighting grimly yesterday.

    It is revealed that among General DEMPSEY’S troops is the Guards Armoured Division.

    General EISENHOWER flew to NORMANDY yesterday and conferred with General MONTGOMERY and General BRADLEY.


    BOMBERS OUT IN FORCE.
    Hundreds of American and R.A.F. heavy bombers from BRITAIN attacked many targets yesterday including railywards in GERMANY and flying bomb bases in FRANCE.

    American heavies from ITALY went for targets in South West GERMANY.

    Flying bombs were again over Southern ENGLAND including the LONDON area during the night.


    JAP BREAK-OUTS SMASHED.
    In North BURMA Allied troops have captured MYITKYINA which has born in Japanese hands for over two years.

    In NEW GUINEA American troops have smashed four more attempts by the Japanese to break out of the WEWAK trap.


    IN BRIEF.
    In ITALY 8th ARMY spearheads are about 3 miles from the Southern edge of FLORENCE.

    The KING has sent a message to the Supreme Allied Commander Mediterranean, praising the work of Allied forces in ITALY.

    The Russians have crossed the VISTULA on a 20 mile front and have captured a place 60 miles North East of CRACOW.
     
  20. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 34
    Saturday 5th August 1944.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    NEARING ST. MALO.
    In FRANCE American armoured forces thrust closer to BRITTANY’s principal seaport and were last night reported 7 miles from ST MALO less than 50 from LORIENT and about half way from RENNES to the South of the LOIRE. To the North East of RENNES American troops have occupied the big road centre of FOUGERES.

    The British 2nd ARMY has beaten off counter attacks between VIRE and the ODON River. Our armoured patrols are reported to have found VILLERS BOCAGE deserted.


    THE OUTSKIRTS OF FLORENCE.
    In ITALY South African troops of the 8th ARMY have entered the Southern part of FLORENCE. The Germans have blown up 5 of the half dozen bridges across the river.


    STALIN RECEIVES POLISH PREMIER.
    The Russians have broadened their drive towards EAST PRUSSIA and further South they have reached a point about 80 miles from the border of SILESIA. Marshal STALIN yesterday received the Polish Prime Minister. They talked for 2 1/2 hours.


    IN BRIEF.
    Hitler last night announced a great purge of the German Armies and gave the names of the first victims. They include a Field Marshal and four Generals all of whom have already been expelled.

    The Japanese are withdrawing from their strong points at the North Western end of NEW GUINEA. American troops on GUAM now hold an important road junction half way across the island.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.

    KILLED IN ACTION.
    2659037 Lance-Corporal COOPER, C. - No. 3 Company
    2663395 Guardsman MARTIN, R. - No. 3 Company
    2655395 Guardsman THORPE, D. - No. 3 Company
    2659176 Lance-Corporal KINGSTON, G. - No. 3 Company
    2661268 Guardsman SHAW, C. - No. 3 Company
    2660931 Guardsman LIAS, H. - No. 4 Company


    WOUNDED.
    Lieutenant The Lord BALGONIE

    866928 Guardsman HEDLEY, A. - No. 1 Company
    2661391 Guardsman SALMON, G. - No. 3 Company
    2662491 Guardsman HOYLE, R. - No. 3 Company
    2661796 Guardsman ORME, C. - No. 3 Company
    6011519 Guardsman SHEEMAN, E. - No. 3 Company
    866802 Guardsman KAY, E. - No. 3 Company
    2658214 Lance-Corporal BOULTON, J. - No. 3 Company
    2660390 Guardsman COX, J. - No. 4 Company
    2655714 Sergeant REID, G. - No. 3 Company
    2660583 Guardsman HELCROFT, ? - No. 3 Company
    26634?0 Guardsman WELLS, S. - No. 3 Company
    2662063 Guardsman WRIGHT, ? - No. 3 Company
    2665049 Guardsman MAPLES, E. - No. 3 Company
    2662762 Guardsman KEY, T. - No. 3 Company
    2662929 Guardsman RITSON, T. - No. 3 Company
    2654837 R.S.M. LONSBROUGH, ? - H.Q. Company


    STOP PRESS.
    It is regretted that the casualty of
    14651091 Guardsman MOCK, J. - No. 1 Company was wrongly reported. He is now back with the Battalion.
     

Share This Page