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

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    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 84
    Saturday 31st October 1944.


    NEWS FROM THE FRONTS. Monday.
    BREDA and BERGEN OP ZOOM were captured yesterday and the Germans are now pulling out from this sector fast, so that any day now we can expect to be up to the line of the WAAL. Now that the ANTWERP - NIJMEGEN road has been freed, and our communications with the Isthmus firmly established by the capture of BERGEN OP ZOOM, there is very little point in the Germans holding on, and their main concern will be the successful evacuation of their 15th Army to the Northern banks of the WAAL, which is not likely to prove a very simple operation across the long and vulnerable MOER DYKE Brigade and some rather perilous ferries. That all is not going quite according to plan, is evident from the large increase in the number of Prisoners coming in from this front, and, with any luck, there should be a further haul

    Operations along the SCHELDT Estuary are also progressing favourably, though here there will be no question of a German withdrawal, and presumably the Germans will attempt to hold out regardless of what happens.

    The slight concern caused to us by the German advance from MEIJEL is somewhat abated by the discovery that this operation appears not to be an attempt to ease the evacuation of their 15th Army, but a purely local attack to straighten their positions protecting the VENLO sector. They mustered about 40 tanks for this attack and drove North West up the two roads towards HELMOND for about 5 miles, but the have been successfully halted. In any case the Germans must appreciate that the close of our advance up to the WAAL must prelude a renewed series on attacks on the MAAS pocket that we have had to leave in comparative quite since since we halted at VER? in order to reinforce our attacks up to the WAAL, and to continue advancing out from MEIJEL would only be stretching out their neck for the next blow.


    TIDYING UP THE GERMAN ARMY.
    When the somewhat tattered Armies of the West arrived back from FRANCE and were confronted with the task of defending the frontiers of GERMANY, it was immediately evident that with the very heavy losses they had sustained there were not enough of them to go round.

    The result was that training and administrative formations that had got involved in the battle were forced to continue as Field Formations and fill the gaps between the regular Infantry Divisions. Because of their organisation, which is quite difficult from the Field Division and unsuited to operational use they did this in a series of very mixed battle groups that added together formed nominal Divisions.

    The Germans have not been able to withdraw those ersatz or training Divisions, and though it is more or less killing the goose that lays the golden egg, they are not gradually re-organising them into some reasonable shape. The rather erratic Battle Group Nickel and Battalion Goebbels etc that played about in the REICHSWALK are now becoming fairly normal numbers, 1, 2, 3, Battalions of normal Infantry Regiments, though this change in name is not going to bring about any improvement in their personnel or hide the fact that they have lost a very large portion of their replacement system.

    What caused the Germans even greater concern was the fact that in a great many sectors, they had to hold the line in Panzer and S.S. Divisions. The Panzer and S.S. Divisions are the counter attack forces, and the main strength and power of the German Army, and with them in the line, the Germans had no counter attack force, which very probably cost them the loss of AACHEN.

    Accordingly task number one of the German Army at present is the withdrawal of as many of these Divisions from the line as possible, and so far they have managed to withdraw six, which are now being refitted and recuperated.

    These Divisions constitute the famous Fire Brigade, and with no Fire Brigade there is practically no limit to what can be achieved by a breakthrough, so it is of particular interest to us to see how far they are able to succeed in refitting the Fire Brigade before the next big offensive.


    TAIL PIECE.
    The following is an extract from a captured enemy order:-

    “On 30th September a staff car of the Wehrmacht cut a corner at HAARLEM contrary to regulations and in so doing forced a cyclist, who was riding on his proper side, on to the pavement. In reply to the cyclist’s expression of annoyance the Officer riding in the car threw a hand grenade at him, causing serious injury to a 15 year old girl and a 35 year old man, both of whom had absolutely nothing to do with the matter.

    It must be demanded of Officers and men that they comply with the traffic regulations. It is not permissible that owing to faulty behaviour on our part the civilian population be unnecessarily provoked by such thoughtless actions and as in the present instance placed apparently in the right as regards the consequences of such actions. The action of the Officer cannot be justified in any way and is to be deprecated.”


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.

    KILLED IN ACTION.
    2661936 Lance-Corporal STROUD, V., No. 2 Company
    was killed during a recent air attack.


    B.B.C. NEWS 0800 HOURS.

    MORE AIR ATTACKS ON GERMANY.
    Over 850 R.A.F. bombers last night attacked COLOGNE. It was the 7th attack on the area since Saturday. BERLIN was also attacked.

    In daylight yesterday British and American heavies attacked the German rail centres of HAM and MUNSTER and oil plants in HAMBURG and the COLOGNE area.

    ROYAL NAVY carrier aircraft operating with the Home Fleet off the Northern Norwegian Coast have sunk or damaged 28 ships. They also attacked a ‘U’ Boat depot, oil tanks and shore batteries.


    7,000 PRISONERS FROM SCHELDT POCKET.
    In the Western NETHERLANDS British 2nd Army troops are now less than two miles from the River MAAS and are shelling German troops escaping across the water. Canadian 1st Army tanks and infantry have liberated ROOSENDAAL and are within 3 miles of the last water obstacle before the MAAS Estuary.

    In the SCHELDT pocket Canadian troops have taken Prisoner 7,000 of the 10,000 Germans there and are driving the remaining 3,000 into an area five miles square.

    On the American 3rd Army front the town of MAIZIERES near METZ has been liberated.


    IN BRIEF.
    The Russians have kept up their advance in Eastern CZECHOSLOVAKIA and North Eastern HUNGARY. In other sectors there has been fighting of local importance. IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA the Russians have taken over 21,000 Prisoners in the last 10 days.

    In GREECE British troops have liberated KOZANI 14 miles from the Northern border.

    In the PHILIPPINES the Americans have advanced to within 10 miles of the West coast of LEYTE Island.

    In Northern BURMA British and Chinese forces in a new drive have freed nearly 2,000 square miles of territory.

    In ITALY the weather has improved, but the ground is still too wet for more than patrolling.
     
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    LEUNEN

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    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=66449&stc=1&d=1320799227
     

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    SITTARD & WEHR

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    5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
    NOMINAL ROLL OF OFFICERS AND WARRANT OFFICERS BY COMPANIES, 14th NOVEMBER 1944


    BATTALION HEADQUARTERS
    Lieutenant-Colonel E.R. HILL - Commanding Officer
    Major M.E. ADEANE - 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, R.A.Ch.D. - Padre
    Regimental Sergeant Major A.W. SMITH - R.S.M.
    Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant E. LOVEJOY - R.Q.M.S.
    Drill Sergeant R. SKELLS.
    Drill Sergeant J. COWLEY


    H.Q. COMPANY
    Captain A. GIBBS - Company Commander
    Lieutenant H. WHITWELL - M.T. Officer
    Lieutenant Earl of PLYMOUTH - Signal Platoon Officer
    Lieutenant R. THOMPSON - Pioneer Platoon Officer
    Company Sergeant-Major A. SEATHERTON
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant T. CONNELLY


    SUPPORT COMPANY
    Major G.B. MacKEAN - Company Commander
    Lieutenant C.D. LAWRIE - Carrier Platoon Commander
    Captain B. BLOWER - Anti-Tank Platoon Officer
    Lieutenant M. BENDIX - Second-in Command Anti-Tank Platoon
    Company Sergeant-Major D. HAMNETT
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant G. TILLING


    No. 1 COMPANY
    Major D.A. KENNARD - Company Commander
    Captain I.O. LIDDELL - Company Second-in-Command
    Lieutenant A.B. PEMBERTON - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant E.R. FIFOOT - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant J.G.B. CHESTER - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major F. FARNHILL
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant R. PATERSON


    No. 2 COMPANY
    Captain The Honourable D.M.G.J. WILLOUGHBY - Company Commander
    Captain J.N. AGNEW - Company Second-in-Command
    Lieutenant D.E. PLATER - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant T.R. SYMONS - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant The Honourable P.A. STRUTT - Platoon Commander


    No. 3 COMPANY
    Major C.W.S. BLACKETT - Company Commander
    Captain W.J. STRAKER-SMITH - Company Second-in-Command
    Lieutenant J.A.F. NORTHCOTT - Platoon Commander
    2/Lieutenant D.H. FLETCHER - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major S
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant T. THORNTON


    No. 4 COMPANY
    Major J. d'H. Hamilton - Company Commander
    Captain D.I.T. EASTMAN - Company Second-in-Command
    Lieutenant C.N. ACHESON-GRAY - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant M.W. WALL - Platoon Commander
    Lieutenant G.D. WAUHOPE - Platoon Commander
    Company Sergeant-Major N. REID
    Company Quartermaster Sergeant F. MARSDEN


    ON ATTACHMENT.
    Lieutenant E. STRAGHAN - Attached H.Q. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION
    2/Lieutenant G.L. WATHEN - Attached 34 ? [? R.H.U.]
     
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    1944 November 1
    The Battalion on a new counter attack role for which purpose everyone is now at two hours’ notice.
    The new role is in support of 2nd Battalion HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT who hold the line of the MAAS from CUYK 7149 down to BOXMEER 7740.
    They hold this position with a series of Observation Posts in each village along the river line.
    Al the bridges along the river line are blown except at GENNEP 7746 where it is still possible to cross on foot over partially destroyed bridges, and the enemy have for some time past held both ends of the bridges.
    The reason for the introduction of the counter attack role is that the enemy have recently reinforced their troops in this area with two Panzer Divisions and GENNEP is a point from which a spoiling attack might be launched by infiltrating across the river.

    1944 November 2
    -

    1944 November 3
    See also News Sheet
    1500 hours
    The Second-in-Command went to an ‘O’ Group at Brigade H.Q.
    The Infantry Battalions of 11th ARMOURED DIVISION have now been in the line for a very long time and they are to be relieved and rested for a week, 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS and 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS taking their places.
    11th ARMOURED DIVISION is in the VENLO Sector.
    The most important recent event here has been the attack which captured MEIJEL 7106 last week, and reached up to the village of LEISEL 6714 and HEUSDEN 611.
    This thrust is now being driven back by 15th (S) DIVISION and hold from DEURNE 6520 to VENRAY 7727.
    From VENRAY to the MAAS is held by 3rd DIVISION.
    The take over is to be as follows:-
    5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS from 8 Rifle Brigade are LEUNEN 7725;
    1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS from 4th K.S.L.I. area VEULEN 7622.
    The Battalion is to cross the GRAVE Bridge at 1100 hours and move into a Concentration Area behind LEUNEN; the take over will be completed by last light.

    1944 November 4
    0800 hours
    The Recce Party left HATERT 6858 and after picking up a guide from H.Q. 11th ARMOURED DIVISION went to the 8th R.B. H.Q. behind HEIDE 7624.
    The Battalion left at 1045 hours and arrived at the Assembly Area at 764247 at 1500 hours, by which time Company Commanders had completed their inspections of their respective areas and the Companies were brought forward on foot with only the ‘F’ vehicles to take over from the 8th R.B.s.
    The take over was completed by 1700 hours.
    The Battalion sector extends from including the village of LEUNEN 7850 to the BECK at 770228.
    Remaining on the position are:-
    23rd HUSSARS,
    3rd ROYAL TANKS,
    Battery 118 Anti-Tank Regiment,
    and in support Field Battery 13 H.A.C.
    The position forms a horseshoe shaped line around the LEUNESCHE VELD 7724 which is a large, flat, open area of root fields and stubble.
    The main enemy localities are at the tips of the horseshoe where the string of farms and orchards which provide cover for Companies extend on into the German position.
    The two closest enemy localities are in the BRICK FACTORY at 778228 and to the North some houses at 782230, then all the enemy movement visible is behind the dykes and ditches of the OVERBEEK 7823, till the WOOD at 791240 in which there are numerous Germans.
    From here the line goes North to a big wood in 8624 which is strongly held.
    There has been no identification for some time, but it is believed that II Battalion Grasmail is in the big wood and I Battalion Grasmail holds the rest of the area opposite us.
    Grasmail is a Regiment of Para Div Erdman or 7 Para Division.
    The Company localities are laid out as follows:-
    No. 2 Company holds the village of LEUNEN and has with it a Squadron of tanks, troop of 17 pounders, Section 6 pounders and M.M.G. Section.
    No. 4 Company holds the area of the Square WOOD at 775246 and has with it as a squadron of tanks.
    No. 2 Company holds from the ROAD JUNCTION at 773244 to the ORCHARD at 773238 with a Squadron of tanks, troops of 17 pounders, Section 6 pounders and Section M.M.G.
    No. 3 Company holds the three woods South of SCHEI in the area 7723, with the tanks of 3rd R.T.T. who are in VOOLEN 7623 but with a Squadron forward.
    They also have a troop of 17 pounders.
    The control of the complete group is done from a joint 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS, 23 HUSSARS H.Q. North of HEIDE at 250763.
    A thin minefield has been laid ringing the entire positions, with a field of A.P. mines in the wood at 777234 and astride the ROAD at 784243.
    For details of the position see enlargement attached as Appendix.
    During the day the numerous Church steeples and windmills round about give good observation to both sides and in daylight no movement is allowed forward of the LEUEN - VOULEN road as the enemy Artillery is fairly active particularly on LEUVEN.

    1944 November 5
    In the early hours of the morning two enemy patrols were engaged.
    Opposite No. 3 Company a strong German patrol ambushed one of our Standing Patrols.
    All the Standing Patrols are missing.
    A small patrol also ran into No. 1 Company were driven off - we had one man wounded.

    1944 November 6
    See also News Sheet
    During the night No. 3 Company sent out a Fighting Patrol into the COPSE at 778233 to clear it of snipers and cover a ROYAL ENGINEERS Party closing a gap in the minefield near this point.
    No enemy were found in the copse, but some were seen digging in 50 yards beyond.
    They returned after the gap was closed and fire was brought down on the enemy seen digging in.
    Later in the night one of the enemy was blown up on the minefield.
    No. 1 Company sent a Recce Patrol out that found R. mines out on the road at 791250 and following the road down to the South East discovered that the houses down this stretch of the road were all occupied by the enemy.
    One patrol came in, in the reverse direction and passed through No. 1 Company in LEUNEN going due West.
    They were fired on, but kept going and have not been seen since.
    The local houses are being searched against the possibilities of the patrol having gone to ground behind our lines.
    In order to reduce the enemy patrol nuisance, the Commanding Officer has ordered that after last light there is to be no movement between one company and another, and sentries have been ordered to shoot anyone moving about on sight.
    No. 3 Company has been put under command of the 3rd R.T.R. with whom they are operating, in order to simplify the problem of command.

    1944 November 7
    Two patrols were sent out from No. 1 Company during the night.
    A Fighting Patrol went to attack some Germans in the houses at 788248, but on passing the two houses at 785251, which were empty the night before, it was found that they were occupied.
    An attack was accordingly put in, but they did not manage to get inside the houses owing to some wiring around them.
    A Recce Patrol went out through the MINEFIELD GAP at 783342 and down to a HOUSE at 788239 which was found to be unoccupied and they set it on fire.
    There is a certain amount of uncertainty about all these houses to the East of LEUNEN, some of which appear to be held only by night and in some of which movement is seen by day.
    During the night it rained very hard and the roads already in a bad state are now only usable by jeeps in some places.

    1944 November 8
    The Fighting Patrol sent out by No. 1 Company to deal with the enemy in the houses around 788249 found them all unoccupied.
    ROYAL ENGINEERS with a Covering Party from No. 2 Company have thickened up the minefield opposite them during the night.
    One enemy patrol was located opposite No. 1 Company at 783244 and after being fired on it moved off Westwards, was seen again by No. 2 Company then disappeared.
    During the day enemy NEBELWERFERs were rather more than usually active and now it has been arranged that each time they fire we automatically bring down a concentration on the WOOD at 784217 where they are thought to be located (To be changed according to current information.)
    During the day a Section from No. 1 Company occupied the houses at 788249 and at last light the Section was replaced by a Platoon which is to remain there till dawn and lie in wait for an enemy that may attempt to return and occupy this area.

    1944 November 9
    The Platoon from No. 1 Company was successful with their ambush and a German patrol of 10 that approached the houses was shot up and only three got away.
    They carried no papers, so no identification was possible but they were wearing parachutist uniform and undoubtedly come from 7 Para Divsion.
    No. 3 Company were also approached during the night and they shot up the enemy patrol in the booby trapped wood, inflicting several casualties.
    On the 12th November the Division is due to take over a Sector of the line on the left of the American Army North of AACHEN.
    The Recce Parties are to leave tomorrow.

    1944 November 10
    During the night 100 shells landed on LEUNEN but caused no casualties.
    Our patrols now dominate the buildings out to the East of LEUNEN by night and by day, and the enemy have not attempted to re-occupy them.
    In the course of the day there were two several fairly heavy enemy concentrations on the forward localities, but no casualties were caused.
    The Commanding Officer, Intelligence Officer and Company Seconds-in-Command left to recce the new Battalion position near SITTARD.

    1944 November 11
    Enemy patrols gave no trouble during the night and our own activities were confined to keeping a careful watch on the houses East of LEUNEN, but there was no repetition of the previous night’s catch.
    1130 hours
    The first Company of the 8th R.B. arrived to start the hand over, which was completed by 1530 hours without incident, and the Battalion after assembling by the main road behind HEIDE move on to VALKENSWAARD where the night was spent.

    1944 November 12
    The Battalion was the leading Serial of the Divisional column and moved off from VALKENSWAARD at 0405 hours.
    At 0600 hours there was a halt just short of HECHTEL.
    Then the column moved on and arrived at the bridge over the MAAS at BERG 6269 at 1130 hours where a guide was waiting to lead the Battalion on to the D.P.
    The Battalion moved into GERMANY at 1215 hours, crossing the frontier between SITTARD 6968 and WEHR 7267.
    Here Company guides were visiting to lead the Companies to their areas.
    WEHR and the buildings on the main road to the East of it are the two reserve Company areas and originally it was planned for the Battalion to go to an assembly area further back and then move up the next day when the official take over from the Americans takes place, however the area allotted was already partially occupied and provided no cover from the weather, and as WEHR has not been shelled the Commanding Officer arranged for the whole Battalion to move into the reserve Company areas where there is accommodation available for the night.
    1600 hours
    The Commanding Officer held a co-ordinating Conference.

    Information :-
    Own troops: American 1st and 9th Armies are carrying out an operation which is designed to get them eventually up to COLOGNE.
    In order to assist them in this plan 30 CORPS are taking over their Left flank.
    43rd DIVISION on the Right, and GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION on the Left.
    43rd DIVISION are also to do an attack to capture GEILENKIRCHEN and until this is done GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION hold from incl GANGELT 7767 to incl NIEUWSTADT 6872.
    When 43rd DIVISION have done this attack they will take over more of the ground to their left and GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION will similarly move move Westwards.
    The Brigade sector is from excl HASTENRATH 7668 to be held by 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, to excl TUDDERN, to be held by 1st Battalion WELSH GUARDS.
    North of WEHR 7267 there is a large fir wood and rising ground.
    The wood is very thick and continues very nearly to the crown of the hill which runs along the 70 GRID.
    The only way to hold the position is to hold the front edge of the wood, and this is at present being done by C Company, 744 U.S. Lt. Tank Battalion with three troops of tanks dug in along the front of the wood.

    Enemy: It is possible that the enemy reaction towards a drive on COLOGNE will be to put in a strong counter attack on the flank of the salient thus formed.
    Hence the importance of the position being strongly held.

    At present the Germans are holding the line opposite us with 176 Division, a scratch collection of reinforcement, training and G.A.F. troops.
    The particular Regiment in front of the Battalion is 22 G.A.F. Regiment.
    This hill which the Battalion holds slopes down on the far side into the wooded valley of the SAEFFELER Beck, and then up again to the village of KONIGSBOSCH 7573.
    The enemy hold the line of the beck, HONGEN 7370 and KONIGSBOSCH which is suspected of being an H.Q.
    They are thin on the ground and at the present this sector is very quiet.

    Intelligence: 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS will take over and hold the sector now held by C Company 744 U.S. Light Tank Battalion.

    Method: The Battalion has under command:-
    1 Squadron 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS,
    1 Troop 17-pounders 21st Anti-Tank Regiment,
    1 Troop S.P. Anti-Tank guns, 21 Anti-Tank Regiment
    Platoon M.M.G.s
    Battery 55 Field Regiment will take over from the American gunners and be in support of the Battalion.

    The positions is to be held with
    Right: No. 2 Company holding from the corner of the WOOD at 745690 to incl the ROAD at 737697.
    Three Platoons up each with one 17-pounder in their area, the M.M.G. Platoon sited to fire East and West from the area 738697, a section of Carriers holding the extreme Right end of the wood, and at Company H.Q. one Troop of tanks with a counter attack role.
    Left: No. 4 Company from excl the road to the WOOD at 728697, with one S.P. Anti-Tank gun in each Platoon area, and at Company H.Q. a Troop of tanks with a counter attack role.
    No. 1 Company in reserve in the area of the WOOD at 740693, with a counter attack role via the outside of the wood up to No.s. 2 and 4 Companies.
    No. 3 Company is in the area of WEHR which forms a strong point and contains Battalion H.Q. and the R.A.P. in a LARGE FARM at 728681.
    Support Company is responsible for the Left flank of the position which is held by the Anti-Tank Platoon and the Carrier Platoon less one Section.
    The Squadron 1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS less its two troops forwards with the Companies is in the area 735694 and has the role of supporting No. 1 Company in any counter attack.
    The Americans have put down a great deal of wire and mines along the whole front. (For further details of the position see Enlargement attached as Appendix.)
    Tomorrow morning recces will be carried out down to and incl Section Commanders.
    The relief is to start at 1400 hours and be completed by last light.
    Adm and A Echelon and the T.C.L.s are just outside SITTARD in a BRICK FACTORY at 680685.
    The F2 remains with Companies, except for the vehicles of the forward Companies which are to be looked after by the two rear Companies.
    The civilians at present in WEHR are to be evacuated the day after tomorrow.

    1944 November 13
    The take over was completed without incident by 1830 hours.
    As the location of the American mines is very uncertain no patrols were sent out.
    In view of the need for extra security now that the Battalion is in GERMANY, all telephone conversations are to be governed by the same rule of Security as apply to the wireless.

    1944 November 14
    The enemy have been extremely quiet all day and no shells have been reported to have fallen in the Battalion area.
    The only movement visible is of occasional military vehicles moving up from KONIGSBOSCH.
    The civilians in WEHR have been evacuated except for some men left to round up and remove the livestock, and a few bedridden.
    At last light two patrols were sent out.
    No. 1 Company sent a Recce Patrol to KLEINWEHRHAGEN.
    They could not get close enough to see any wire or digging as there were enemy in the village who sent up a number of verey lights, but there were several dogs barking from the houses and the enemy were definitely in these.
    The other patrol was an ROYAL ENGINEERS Party protected by No. 2 Company, that went out to find a path through the minefield opposite No. 4 Company, which was successfully done at 733697.
    They made a six yard gap and left a line to guide patrols out and in by.

    1944 November 15
    In the afternoon the Battalion was visited by the G.O.C. and later by a number of Press Correspondents.
    By day the reserve Companies are virtually in rest areas, and can sent men to baths, Cinemas, etc, in SITTARD.
    By night they provide any patrols ordered.
    Two patrols went out.
    No. 1 Company sent a Recce Patrol to make a further investigation of KLEINWEHRHAGEN and found that it was unoccupied but located a number of mines, trip wires and road blocks in the village.
    On the way back they encountered a German patrol.
    After a great deal of firing the enemy withdrew.
    It is probable that they suffered at least one casualty.
    No. 3 Company sent a patrol to find out whether the front edge of HONGEN Left of the TRACK 734705 was wired or mined.
    After investigating the area of a small WOOD at 733705 which was found clear they moved Westwards and after going about 300 yards exploded a mine.
    Another mine exploded when they were trying to get out casualties.
    One man was only slightly wounded and the remainder were more serious.
    He brought back two men blinded by blast then guided out a Rescue Patrol from No. 4 Company to try and get back the Patrol Leader Lieutenant FLETCHER and another man still on the minefield. CWGC :: Casualty Details
    When the patrol came back to the minefield they were unable to find either of the two wounded.

    1944 November 16
    No patrols were sent out this night as the CORPS policy at the present is to restrict patrols to the minimum required for keeping watch on the front, and no Fighting Patrols are being sent out at all.
    During the night a few shells landed in the forward Company areas.
    Over the whole front there has recently been a slight but noticeable increase in enemy shelling.

    1944 November 17
    Six major attacks on other parts of the front began today:
    a drive North East from AACHEN by the American 9th Army, North from STOLBERG American 1st Army, encircling METZ American 3rd Army, through the BELFORD Gap 1st French Army and to clear up the MAAS pocket British 2nd Army.
    On the AACHEN sector it is expected that the Germans will withdraw across the ROER River, if hard pressed, and this will also have to apply to the enemy on our front as they intend to flood the valley when this withdrawal is carried out, and the ROER also lies behind 176 Division in front of us.
    A careful watch is being kept for any signs of the enemy pulling out.
    An Ambush Patrol went out at last light and lay up at 748693, but no enemy were seen.

    1944 November 18
    The 30 CORPS attack began at 0200 hours and good progress has been made up the WURM valley, so that GEILENKIRCHEN is now isolated and expected to fall into our hands shortly.
    After dark a Recce Patrol from No. 1 Company was sent to GROSSWEHRHAGEN.
    They found a Teller minefield running North East - South West along the ROAD at 751703.
    GROSSWEHRHAGEN itself showed no signs of being occupied, but neighbouring patrols confirmed that other places are still occupied and during the day the usual quota of traffic was still using the road up to KONIGSBOSCH which we have under observation.

    1944 November 19
    During the morning the two reserve Companies took over the positions of the forwards Companies, No. 1 Company from No. 2 Company, and No. 3 Company from No. 4 Company.
    The relief was carried out without incident.
    Movement of M.T. on the KONIGSBOSCH road was observed during the day and at dusk a suspected S.P. gun opened fire on No. 1 Company but otherwise there has been little to report.

    1944 November 20
    Last night’s patrols from 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS found two out of their three objectives unoccupied, and there is a suspicion that the enemy may be thinning out.
    At last light two patrols were sent out to get further confirmation of this possibility.
    All the time that the patrols were out the enemy seemed to be very much on the alert.
    A great number of flares were put up from HONGEN, and Machine Guns fire was going on most of the night, frequently aimed at nothing.
    Both patrols were from No. 2 Company.
    One went through the gap between KLEINWEHRHAGEN then circled round behind GROSSWEHRHAGEN and got to within about 300 yards of the Northern portion of HONGEN when they were fired at by an L.M.G. from the East end of the village.
    They also located an L.M.G. in GROSSWEHRHAGEN and a house occupied by the enemy in KLEINWEHRHAGEN.
    The other patrol went South of KLEINWEHRHAGEN up the track via Point 60 757708 to within a couple of 100 yards from the BRIDGE at 755705.
    They were fired on from SAEFFELEN 7571 and a verey light was sent up from the bridge.
    On their return they passed an enemy patrol, but avoided it.

    1944 November 21
    In the morning smoke was observed coming from some of the chimneys in KLEINWEHRHAGEN.
    It appears that this village that was frequently found unoccupied in the past is now permanently held.
    The violent enemy reaction last night, and the slight change in dispositions and habits makes it appear likely that 176 Division has either been relieved or been reinforced; at all events it is clear that no precipitate withdrawal is likely to occur
    A Recce Patrol that went out from No. 4 Company at last light between HONGEN and GROSSWEHRHAGEN to about 745705 confirmed that both these places were still held, and an enemy patrol 12 strong was seen going towards GROSSWEHRHAGEN, though as they were wearing greatcoats and moving unusually fast they may have been a relief and not a patrol.

    1944 November 22
    The offensive North East of AACHEN has reached the ROER River from LINNISCH 9665 to JULICH 0158.
    Fighting beyond GEILENKIRCHEN is particularly severe by 43rd DIVISION have no got to HOVEN 8868.
    Late in the evening three large explosions took place in KLEINWEHRHAGEN.
    With the suspicion that some change or alteration has occurred in the enemy order of battle opposite us, high priority is being given to the capture of a Prisoner of War.
    An ambush lay up North East of No. 1 Company on the route that the Germans most frequently use but none were spotted.

    1944 November 23
    The weather during the last two days and today has been very bad, and a great deal of rain has fallen.
    A strong Recce Patrol went out from No. 2 Company with the object of visiting the East edge of HONGEN and bringing back a Prisoner of War if the opportunity of getting one arose during the time out.
    Movement was heard in a house in HONGEN at 739704 and they threw a grenade in, but as this is an enemy positions it was considered impossible to follow this up with only 4 men.
    On the way back there was some firing from GROSSWEHRHAGEN, but it was not directed at the patrol.

    1944 November 24
    Just before last night three Germans were observed crawling along the skyline about 200 yards out from No. 3 Company.
    They moved behind the slope going towards the WOOD at 728699.
    Soon after last light there was a sustained noise of battle from KLEINWEHRHAGEN.
    Grenades were thrown and Machine Guns fired and it lasted for nearly an hour.
    None of our troops were in the vicinity and the incident remains unexplained.
    An Ambush Patrol again lay up on the CROSS TRACKS at 748696, but no enemy patrol approached them.

    1944 November 25
    Soon after last light a Machine Gun opened up on No. 3 Company from the direction of the small WOOD at 728699, but the shots were very high and it is not though that observed fire is possible from there.
    In the afternoon the two Reserve Companies changed over with the Forward companies.
    No. 2 Company relieved No. 1 Company, and No. 4 Company relieved No. 3 Company.
    No patrols were sent out.
    At night the enemy is in the habit of sending over some 10 - 20 rounds on to some portion of the Battalion area.
    The Commanding Officer has now arranged a system whereby as soon as this occurs an automatic vengeance shoot takes place on some pre selected point.
    There is reason to believe that the enemy gun giving the trouble is a roving S.P. gun.

    1944 November 26
    A Prisoner of War has been captured by the 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS, and they confirm that no relief has taken place, but Prisoner of War was not very well informed or able to say anything about reorganisation or reinforcements.
    Two patrols were sent out.
    No. 4 Company sent a Standing Patrol to the WOOD at 726698, which was able to dispel the possibility that the Germans are using this wood.
    They were also able to locate the booby traps laid by the Americans and find a free way into the wood.
    Owing to the conformation of the ground it was not possible to observe HONGEN as hoped and the patrol came back at first light.
    A patrol from No. 1 Company got to within 100 yards of the WOOD at 746713.
    They found an S minefield with an elaborate trip wire obstacle behind it running parallel to the wood.
    They reported the house on the edge of the WOOD at 746713 occupied.
    An enemy patrol was out during the night and passed by No. 2 Company, but they were not close enough for them to open fire.

    1944 November 27
    General HORROCKS, the CORPS Commander paid a visit to Battalion H.Q. during the morning.
    Enemy patrols have recently been particularly skilful and have captured several Prisoners from neighbouring Battalions.
    A further Ambush Patrol lay up during the night to the Left of the woods, where most of the enemy patrol activity has been seen, but with no success.

    1944 November 28
    The 1st Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS are planning a “raid in force” in SCHUMMERQUATIER 7770 tomorrow, and as a cover to their patrols recce’ing that area a small patrol was sent out to demonstrate opposite KLEINWEHRHAGEN.
    They fired into the village from the CROSS TRACKS at 751694 which provoked the enemy into firing back, and then withdrew.
    SITARD was shelled during the night, and some shells fell by ‘A’ Echelon.

    1944 November 29
    The GRENADIER GUARDS raid has been cancelled as the patrols reported their objective as unoccupied.
    SITTARD was again shelled and some rounds also fell in the Battalion area which is unusual by day.
    Two runaway Belgian labourers came through the lines during the night and were picked up in SUSTERSEEL.
    The most remarkable part of their adventure is that during their whole journey they meet not a single soldier either, German or English, or any other signs of military activity.
    A Recce Patrol from No. 3 Company went out and brought back confirmation of enemy in KLEIN and GROSSWEHRHAGEN.

    1944 November 30
    During the night No. 4 Company reported flares from the direction of HONGEN.
    A combination of white over green repeated at intervals; but no particular response was noted.
    A Recce Patrol from No. 3 Company went out to the area of the CROSS TRACKS at 745700.
    They drew some fire from KLEINWEHRHAGEN but HONGEN and GROSSWEHRHAGEN did not respond to the attempts to provoke them.
     
  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 85
    Friday 3rd November 1944.


    BATTLE NEWS.
    The battle to free the approaches to ANTWERP is no virtually over, and for the latest news of this front it is best to listen to the B.B.C.

    Our own future intentions must remain a secret, but the Germans point of view is fairly obvious. They now have little to fear on their Northern flank, for it is unlikely with Winter coming on that we will try to force our way over three major obstacles and fight a campaign in country all potentially floodable, and in any case their ultimate defensive line is the ISSEL, protecting the frontiers of GERMANY; meanwhile their probable course of action is to hold the line of the MAAS only thinly and group themselves most strongly around ARNHEM where there is always a potential threat.

    The main object of the German Army as a whole remains to keep us out of GERMANY, and force us to fight the Winter campaign from HOLLAND. Maximum importance will now be attached to keeping their hold across the MAAS, on the VENLO Sector, as long as possible, and there are signs that they are reinforcing this area with a view to making spoiling attacks all along this front, in order to upset any plans we may have ourselves in this area.

    From the German point of view the most unhappy feature of the proceedings in the presence of the Americans in front of AACHEN. Here their Winter line has been pierced, but they must still make every effort to contain the breach, as if they are forced back on the RHINE, the whole of the RUHR is in danger of becoming untenable as an industrial area, and if that occurs it is more than possible that the Germans will no longer be able to carry on with the war.

    The arrival of the Winter is their great stand by, and in the meantime everything will be done in order to prevent a major Allied advance on to German soil before the weather breaks and puts a stop to large scale operations.


    V2 ROCKET.
    The V2 rocket is cylindrical and measures 46 foot by 6 foot. When fully fuelled it weights 16 tons. It is fired vertically into the air and reaches the top of its flight at 2000,000 feet or about 37 miles up. At this point the propellant fuels are cut off and it is brought on to the desired trajectory by gyroscopic control.

    It reaches its maximum speed near the top of its flight and is then travelling at about a mile a second (3,5000 m.p.h.), on the descent it slows down due to the retarding effect of the denser atmosphere below, and its speed of impact is about 2,500 m.p.h. so that visual observation is impossible. Due to this tremendous speed the first thing you hear is the explosion, which his then followed by the whistle that it makes in coming through the air.

    The total time of flight when at its maximum range of 200 miles, is about four minutes. The fuel is a mixture of alcohol and liquid oxygen. Any liquid oxygen remaining in the tanks after the explosion evaporates very rapidly when exposed to the air and so produces condensation of ice on any object it comes in contact with, which is the explanation of the coating of ice which may be seen on fragments of the wreckage.

    The blast effect is less than that of the flying bomb, as though the weight of explosion is the same, the V2 penetrates deeper and makes a larger crater.


    ENEMY METHODS.
    A German civilian recently came across to our lines and gave information that the village of WESSEM had been evacuated by the enemy. A patrol that was sent out to verify this information was promptly ambushed, and only five out of eleven returned. While German civilians have been giving good and reliable information at times, this is not the first incident of its sort, and otherwise, is one of the enemy.


    TAIL PIECE.
    A recently captured S.S. Officer was heard making the following little speech in one of our Cages the other day:-
    “Do not get the impression that I am a coward because I have let myself become a Prisoner of War. I would gladly have died a hero’s death, but I though it only fair and just to share the misfortunes of my men.”
     
  7. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    "OVER TO YOU."
    The Official news sheet of 5th Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
    Published Daily
    Price: - Gratis
    No. 86
    Monday 6th November 1944.


    B.B.C. NEWS

    ALLIES NEAR MAAS ON 50 MILE FRONT.
    Nearly all the German 15th Army has been driven back across the MAAS and Allied troops are nearing the river on a 50-mile front.

    On WALCHEREN United Kingdom troops thrusting North from FLUSHING were fighting in the outskirts of MIDDELBURG last night.

    Canadian troops have extended their grip on the East of the island.

    It is announced that British Naval casualties and losses of landing craft in the original assault on WALCHEREN were severe.


    LONDON’S NIGHT ALERT.
    LONDON had its second successive night alert when the Germans sent off some more flying bombs.

    Minor incidents are reported from several places in Southern ENGLAND. It is believed that some of the bombs were shot into the sea off the East coast.


    RAID ON SINGAPORE.
    American super Fortresses based in INDIA yesterday gave SINGAPORE its first raid since Japanese occupation.

    In BURMA our operations around KENNEDY PEAK are reported to be going well.


    IN BRIEF.
    Over 1,200 American heavies yesterday attacked FRANKFURT, KARLSRUHE, and LUDWIGSHAVEN.

    R.A.F. Lancasters bombed SOLINGEN for the second day running.

    The French Provisional Government has invited President ROOSEVELT and Mr. CORDELL HULL to visit PARIS.

    Red Army tanks and infantry were last night engaged with German armour within artillery range of BUDAPEST. In East PRUSSIA the Soviet forces have beaten off more German counter attacks.

    In ITALY the weather has improved but there has been only local fighting.

    General MacARTHUR’s troops are closing in on the last Japanese strongpoint on LEYTE Island.

    The Liberator aircraft COMMANDO which flew Mr. CHURCHILL to MOSCOW in 1942 has arrived in SYDNEY, completing the first trip of a new ROYAL AIR FORCE Transport Command Service between CANADA and AUSTRALIA.


    BATTALION CASUALTIES.

    KILLED IN ACTION.
    Captain P.L. Fanning - Support Company

    WOUNDED.
    2661827 Sergeant THEW, R., Support Company
    2664226 Sergeant WIGGLESWORTH, W., Support Company
    2657183 Sergeant GLYNN, J., Support Company
    2658591 Lance-Sergeant GARNHAM, W., No. 1 Company

    POSTINGS TO X(ii) LIST - ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL.
    3527947 Guardsman SIGLEY, J., No. 4 Company
    2659154 Lance-Sergeant EGGLESTONE, H., No. 1 Company
    2666379 Guardsman CRYER, D., No. 4 Company
    2660651 Lance-Sergeant ROWELL, R., H.Q. Company
    2659702 Guardsman OLIVER, D., Support Company
    2666721 Guardsman DUMELOW, G., No. 1 Company
     
  8. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    .
     

    Attached Files:

  9. fireangel

    fireangel Junior Member

    Hi Di
    I am a keen CDSM Researcher with over 6 years of paper, any way I finished the December part of the War Diary for the Fifth Battalion, you of course have done most of the work but would you like me to publish it.
    Kin Regards
    Steve
     
  10. keithlockwood

    keithlockwood Junior Member

    Steve

    Just finished reading through Di's excellent transcription of the 1944 5th Btn diary through to the end of November. If you have done December 1944 I would certainly appreciate being able to read the transcript.

    Keith
     
  11. morrisc8

    morrisc8 Under the Bed

    Hello,
    I have just bought these 3 photos that were taken by a US serviceman of some kia Coldstream Guards, 5 Batt and some Grenadier Guards That were KIA on Sept 3rd 44.
    some of the names Downs D.A. 2658205, Edwards 2662542, Smith T 2659937 and L/cpl Allison 2653669 all from the 5th Batt Support Company.
    One photo has a 88 across the road.
    Do you know how they were Kia.
    Regards.
    Keith
    british kia Guards photos .jpg british kia Guards photos back ..jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2018
    dbf likes this.
  12. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Hi Keith,
    Thanks for the posting and sharing the photos on this thread

    From the war diary
    The men are listed on the battalion news sheet http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/33691-war-diary-5th-battalion-coldstream-guards-jan-dec-1944/?p=419962

    and there is a brief reference to Support company at Pont a Marq in Pereira's book which I will try and post presently. I'll also check the Regimental history... (connection a bit on the slow side today, sorry)
     
  13. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From pgs 71 -72, A Distant Drum, Capt. J. Pereira:
     
  14. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From page 284, The Coldstream Guards 1920-1946, Howard and Sparrow:

     
  15. morrisc8

    morrisc8 Under the Bed

    Thank you dbf for the info, here are some close ups of the photos, i wonder if the house with the 88 is still there it has a lot of rings [ kills ] on it .
    Twenty-three British soldiers were killed in Pont-à-Marcq
    Keith
    british kia Guards photo 3 other side of road to Lille.  88 gun .jpg british kia Guards photo 3 other side of road to Lille.  88 gun close up .jpg british kia Guards photo 1 close up .jpg british kia Guards photo 2 .jpg
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2018
    dbf likes this.
  16. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    From pgs 108-111, The Grenadier Guards in the War of 1939-45, Forbes:

    Sept. 3
    The main road from Douai to the Belgian capital passes through Ath, Enghien and Hal. The Welsh Guards, who were to lead the 32nd Brigade, were given this route, and the 5th Guards Armoured Brigade, with the Grenadier Group in the lead, moved along secondary roads farther to the north through Beaumont, Pont-a-Marcq, Tournai, Lessines and Herinnes. Although the northern route was the longer of the two, it was felt that there would probably be less opposition on it and that an equal handicap would be imposed on each brigade. It was not known how many Germans had been left to defend the gateway to Brussels, but aerial reconnaissance had revealed that for the past twenty-four hours Germans transport had been sneaking out of Belgium's capital by the back door, and it seemed unlikely that more than token detachments had been left behind in the ancient provinces of Hainault and Brabant, through which the Division was to pass.

    For the first part of the morning this appreciation of the situation turned out to be entirely correct. As the Group drove across the industrial area of Northern France - true Black Country - the cheering crowds which thronged the streets and blocked the corners were the sole obstacles in the path of the advance. Had they realised how much consternation they caused the drivers of the tanks, who did not relish the thought of injuring French civilians - particularly on such an auspicious day in their lives - the people might have stuck to the pavements. By 9 o'clock the Group were skirting the old battlefields at Mons and an hour later they were approaching Pont-a-Marcq.

    There was a large cross-roads in this village at which the Group was supposed to turn right in the direction of Lessines, but, when they were still half a mile from it, anti-tank guns opened fire - the first to do so since the Somme - and the two leading tanks were knocked out. The first tank to be hit was Major F.J.C. BOWES-LYON's (No. 2 Squadron), but, although three shells landed on it, it did not start to burn until the third hit, and the gunner, Guardsman BINNS, was able to destroy two of the enemy guns before bailing out. This successful opening invited the belief that the rest of the opposition would disintegrate as soon as fire was brought to bear, but, when a troop of tanks (Sergeant WILLCOX) tried to force their way up the main road and discovered that there were infantry in support of the offending anti-tank guns, there could be no doubt that the progress of the entire Group was threatened. The King's Company were therefore ordered to debs and the troop commanded by Lieutenant M. STOOP were sent round the left flank to silence another gun. Lieutenant STOOP's mission met with every success, but, when the Brigade Commander, Brigadier N.W. GWATKIN, drove up in his jeep to confer with Lieutenant-Colonel E.H. GOULBURN, it was decided that if Brussels was to be reached that night the whole Group could not be spared to deal with the opposition. The only solution was to leave King's Company and No. 2 Squadron behind and to find a way round Pont-a-Marcq for the rest of the Group.

    Another route was discovered and within half an hour, having reshuffled their positions and re-marked their maps, all except King's Company and No. 2 Squadron set off once again for Brussels. Thus not only did King's Company and No. 2 Squadron miss the excitement of the entry into Brussels but they went through some very unpleasant fighting as well. Sunday, the 3rd September, 1944, will be recorded as the day on which Brussels was liberated, but Grenadiers will also remember it as the day on which their senior company and its supporting armour fought and won one of the most difficult of the many actions in which the three Battalions of the Regiment were involved during the campaign.

    By 12 o'clock, when the rest of the Group left for Brussels, Major N.E.W. BAKER had led the King's Company through a thick wood which ran to the right of the road and was firmly established on its northern edge. From here he could spot at least three enemy defensive positions. In two of these there were anti-tank guns, and the third, a factory, afforded its occupants excellent observation over the flat country to the south. Over this piece of open country No. 2 Squadron could not advance, as it was being swept by anti-tank gun fire, so Major BAKER ordered the LEICESTERSHIRE YEOMANRY to fire a barrage on the cross-roads in Pont-a-Marcq while he advanced north with two platoons to destroy the enemy positions on the edge of the village. As the company moved off out of the woods they were greeted by machine-gun and mortar fire as heavy as they had ever experienced, and later the enemy opened up with rapid-firing 20-mm. anti-aircraft guns. There was little cover to protect the company and they suffered heavy casualties, but they pressed on relentlessly, and by skilful use of 2-inch mortars and supporting fire from carriers managed to close in on the enemy and overrun two 88-mm. guns as well as a number of infantry.

    This costly manoeuvre enabled Major BAKER to call up the reserve platoon, which passed through and drove the Germans out of the factory. From the factory roof further enemy positions could clearly be seen, and with the help of No. 2 Squadron, which knocked out more anti-tank guns and a large quantity of enemy transport, several parties were able to sally forth and start clearing the village. For two hours the tanks and infantry wrestled with the Germans, driving them out of house after house and riddling them with bullets when the tried to flee. By 7 o'clock the enemy was so demoralised that the combined efforts of the company and squadron and a battalion of the 50th NORTHUMBRIAN) DIVISION, which had been sent up as soon as the strength of the enemy in Pont-a-Marcq had been discovered, experienced little difficulty in ousting the Germans from their last hide-outs in the village.

    When the final count was taken it was discovered that the company and squadron had captured one hundred and twenty-five prisoners, killed twenty-five Germans, and wounded about the same number. But their own casualties had not been light: the King's Company lost fifteen men killed and twenty-five wounded, and No. 2 Squadron seven killed and six wounded. Major N.E.W. BAKER and Lieutenants M.B. AKROYD and N.G.J.H. STIFF and been wounded. Many of the inhabitants of Pont-a-Marcq were killed or maimed, as the Battalion was reminded later when the Major sent photographs of the funeral processions that took place when the bodies of the fallen were transferred to a special cemetery in the village. It was subsequently discovered that Pont-a-Marcq was a strongly held hedgehog position, part of the defences of the approach to Lille, containing altogether some twelve 88-mm. guns and two hundred men. Had the Grenadier Group been given a route farther south, as might well have happened, no opposition would have been met because the Germans were not making any concerted attempt to block the road to Brussels.


    image.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jul 3, 2019
  17. morrisc8

    morrisc8 Under the Bed

    Found this on the web.
    Sunday, September 3, 1944, a group of five FFI from Courcelles-lez-Lens drive to support the British troops and recovered weapons and ammunition. Courcelles was released the day before and the men had safely crossed Ostricourt Thumeries and Attiches. With the approach of Pont-à-Marcq, they were integrated to a British detachment which unfortunately was ambushed just after 15 pm, when trying to move around the village: "A volley of bullets after receiving the rings. Clet Moreau, FFI Voix du Nord de Courcelles falls, mortally wounded. Four of his companions of the same group were injured. "They come down from the car and end up making" The raised arms, the wounded FFI are led to the road. They crossed the entrance signpost in Pont-à-Marcq. By the time prisoners spend the Germans start firing. Courcelles FFI fall, beaten to death. " One of them, Fernand Courtecuisse seriously wounded but alive, will finally rescued by the British advanced and able to testify about the fate of his four companions. Twenty-two dead Canchomprez The ever before, up to the farm Canchomprez between Ennevelin and Pont-à-Marcq, fighting between FFI and German troops retreating towards Pont-à-Marcq had killed 22 resistant "FFI earn the edges of ditches, hiding against the hedges, scattered through the beet fields and hide the ballast of the railway. Soon, the battle rages around the farm and the Vallutte Canchomprez. The enemy is superior in numbers and equipment. Despite their bravery, the FFI must retreat, leaving killed in their battle stations, 22 of their comrades. " Sources: Voix du Nord and Nord Eclair 1948. The last resistance .
    Here is the link in french.
    http://www.lavoixdunord.fr/region/pont-a-marcq-une-cruelle-bataille-pour-liberer-les-ia25b50455n2351737
     
  18. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

  19. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Found it.
    Look for "The Factory" on the sketch map I posted with the GG History account and the house is practically opposite. The top of the painted advertising (shield and number 9) is still discernible on the gable end.

    From Pont-a-Marcq take D549 Route out eastwards - the 'factory' (building looks like it's been modernised and is possibly the building in the background to the cemetery in your photos) would be on the right-hand side and the house (now painted) on the left.

    Screen Shot 2016-04-05 at 13.23.01.png
     
  20. morrisc8

    morrisc8 Under the Bed

    Thanks dbf for the then and now photos.
    Here is a view of the house and graveyard from the air.
    Keith
     

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