C Sqn.
The Sqn moved through SITTARD and into GERMANY by WEHR, and out again soon afterwards to JABEEK in reserve under command 131 Bde. No role unless a breakthrough by the enemy developed, except right flank liaison, Lt Pearson.

B Sqn.
The Sqn moved to OBBICHT and C Sqn took over at JABEEK. We had no commitment at OBBICHT. There was a lot of enemy air activity, single engined fighters.

D Sqn. 1 – 8th
In reserve at OBBICHT. Moved to JABEEK on the 4th and remained there until the 8th. While there we had a very good lecture by Major Nangle DSO (2i/c 1/5th Queens) on Infantry tactics and life. We also had a very good dance with the local band aided by Tpr Wright on the piano and Sigm Buttery with his trumpet. It snowed again on the 8th and the move back to OBBICHT was a bit skiddy.

B Sqn.
We took over from D Sqn at ROOSTEREN during the afternoon. 3Tp went to the chateau, 4Tp to the centre, 1Tp to the new position at 658779 (left centre) and 5Tp to the left. 2Tp occupied a position at 657782 by night. There were no incidents during the night which was one of the quietest we had spent up here. A sudden thaw set in during the night.

B Sqn.
Tps remained in their positions by day, although 2Tp had no responsibility. The Colonel went round the patrol positions and suggested several improvements to the wire and mine defences. More wire and mines arrived during the day and plans were made for working parties during the night. Lt Gibson took out 2 wiring parties during the night and the RE’s improved the minefield.
At about 2145 hours a member of the ROOSTEREN Maquis left to visit his brother who lived about a mile out of the village. He went past the A Sqn Tp at 653774 and afterwards a burst from a Schmeiser or something of the sort was heard, followed by a shout. A Sqn looked for the man but could not find him, so he must have been caught by a German patrol which had been lying up on the road. His cap was found the next day.

A Sqn.
Moved up to ROOSTEREN in the evening and had all five Tps out in the usual positions around the village. Nothing to report.

B Sqn.
1Tp was relieved by a Staghound from SHQ. The Colonel again went round the patrol positions. Some more wiring and mining was done during the afternoon. At about 1700 hours A Sqn took over ROOSTEREN and we went to ILLIKHOVEN. 2Tp took over a position on the canal bank at 653759 and 1Tp was at 653774 for the night only.
At about 0130 hours on the night 4/5th A Sqn patrols in ROOSTEREN were heavily shelled and mortared for about half an hour. 1Tp came in for some of this, shells falling near his position. The Sqn stood-to as it was thought an attack on ROOSTEREN might be imminent. However nothing happened and the Sqn stood-down. The weather had cleared at about midnight and it started to freeze hard.

B Sqn.
1Tp returned to ILLIKHOVEN at 0800 hours. At 1600 hours 5Tp relieved 2Tp and at 1715 hours 3Tp went out to the left position. The night was quiet.

C Sqn.
Sqn moved to ROOSTEREN to relieve A Sqn. 1Tp went to the OVEREIND position, 5Tp to the centre and 3Tp to the chateau. 3Tp sent a listening post to the canal bank, near the lock gate, this was commanded by Lt Markham. This listening post returned at about 2200 hours on seeing a small party of Germans crossing the canal. This party was not seen again by us, but Maquis between ROOSTEREN and ILLIKHOVEN opened fire on what may have been the same party, and they disappeared.
Further light was thrown on this party two days later, when a civilian in ILLIKHOVEN said that a party of Germans came to his house at about midnight. Otherwise an uneventful night except that at about 2130 hours many trip-flares went up in the area – these were believed to have been caused by heavy snow or cats.

A Sqn.
Nothing reported all day. C Sqn came up and relieved us in the evening and we moved to OBBICHT.

B Sqn.
3Tp returned soon after first light. 5Tp Scout sect took over from the Tp on the canal bank for the day. At 1715 hours 4Tp went to the night patrol position at 653774 and 1Tp took over from 5Tp on the canal.
At about 2145 hours the Maquis post at 650765 opened fire and 4Tp sent a Dingo down to find out what had happened. The Maquis had seen 8 men approaching them from the canal and had fired, whereupon the German patrol retired back towards the canal. C Sqn in the meantime had reported that their listening post had seen more Germans cross the canal. Later on a few stonks were put down on the canal bank in the hope of catching the Germans on the way home. There we no further incidents during the night.

C Sqn.
Nothing to report all day and no movement seen. A listening post (Cpl Bond) went out to the canal bank again. They heard sounds of talking and coughing from the pill-box on the other side of the canal, and then there were small explosions in OUD ROOSTEREN, believed to be mines or rifle grenades.

A Sqn.
Remained at OBBICHT doing maintenance.

B Sqn.
In view of the German patrol during the night, the position of out northern patrol was altered slightly, to 655772. Mines were laid round it and flares between it and the canal. 2Tp took up this position at last light and 3Tp went to the canal bank. The 75mm of the Sqn were out of action as the barrels we worn out, and some new ones had to be fitted. It started to snow during the evening and the night was very cold. A spandau fired from the canal bank in the direction of 2Tp, otherwise there were no incidents during the night.

A Sqn.
Moved down to JABEEK and remained there ready to take up position in case of a flap. D Sqn lent us Lt Gurteen to act as LO.

B Sqn.
It snowed quite hard during the day. The Sqn relieved C Sqn at ROOSTEREN during the afternoon. The take over was completed during daylight as visibility was reduced owing to the heavy snow which was falling. At about 2000 hours 2 grenades were fired at 5Tp. We replied by shelling OUD ROOSTEREN. At about 0100 hours, 6 more were fired falling about 100 yards East of 5Tp. They appeared to have been fired from the canal bank in the area of the bridge.

A Sqn. 9 – 10th.
Stayed in JABEEK.

B Sqn.
All Tps remained in their positions. A German with a spade was seen to emerge from the tunnel at 671789 and start to dig. He was engaged by our guns. A 2” mortar bomb was fired into the middle of the village and in reply we got the artillery to shell OUD ROOSTEREN. Snow fell intermittently during the day. 1Tp sent out a listening post to the canal bank. Except for odd flares and MG fire, mostly provided by our friends on the left, there was nothing to report.

D Sqn.
Still at OBBICHT.

B Sqn.
L/Sgt Edwards and 2 men went up to the chateau to man the OP for 1Tp who with the listening post out at night had had a hard time. D Sqn took over during the evening and we moved to OBBICHT. There was thick fog and it was freezing hard so the drive was anything but pleasant.
It was decided that the 75mm guns were worn out and it was not possible to replace them. Four Cromwell tanks armed with 95mm guns were to be issued to the Regt as a temporary measure. One of these had to be manned by the Sqn.

D Sqn. 10 – 12th.
Took over from C Sqn at ROOSTEREN. Very cold and freezing, some 20° at night. nothing happened while we were there and we moved to ILLIKHOVEN on the evening of the 12th.

C Sqn.
Nothing to report all day. At 2020 hours a D Sqn listening post heard movement on his right – but nothing was heard or seen by either of our patrols.

A Sqn.
Moved to PAPENHOVEN.

B Sqn.
We learned during the morning that we would not be moving to JABEEK on the following day but to PAPENHOVEN, where RHQ was, instead. The leave ballot for the remained of people eligible for leave took place in the morning.

A Sqn. 12 – 13th.
Remained in PAPENHOVEN.

B Sqn.
Moved to PAPENHOVEN at 1000 hours.

C Sqn.
At 0500 hours, 1/5th Queens attacked BAKENHOVEN which they took without much difficulty, the small garrison having baled out as soon as the attack started. But the preliminary bombardment again fell in amongst 3 & 4Tp, particularly 4 Dog who had shells all around them. Cpl Golding remained in his isolated position for some time and then asked for permission to return which was granted.
At 0700 hours thick smoke drifted over ROOSTEREN and at the same time, considerable movement was heard in OUD ROOSTEREN, including HDT and vehicles. 4Tp reported 1 mortar firing from 105°.
At 1730 hours we were ordered to send a listening post to the lock gates in order to find out if OUD ROOSTEREN had been evacuated, but before it could start the question was answered by spandau and mortars firing on BAKENHOVEN, and the Germans launched a counter-attack against BAKENHOVEN. They succeeded in occupying one house but were evicted in the morning, leaving 25 dead. During this attack, 3 & 4Tp were severely punished by medium DF tasks, which had still not been corrected. No casualties.
The listening post (Cpl Bean) was in position at 2130 hours. At 2200 hours all Tps reported sounds of digging in the canal area. Several guns on bearings due East, fired throughout the night, intermittently into BAKENHOVEN.

B Sqn. 13 – 21st.
Remained at PAPENHOVEN carrying out maintenance and training. On Jan 18th Major Grant Thorold left the Sqn to take the duties of 2i/c of the Regt, in place of Major Lawson DSO MC, who was leaving to take command of the Inns of Court Regt. Major H Petch MC DCM took over command of the Sqn.

D Sqn.
The night was noisy due to our capture of BAKENHOVEN, followed by a counter-attack which proved a failure. The post on the canal bank was in a good place to see the whole battle.

C Sqn.
At 1328 hours 3Tp reported 2 Germans walking towards the canal with what appeared to be ammunition boxes. Ten minutes later they returned without the boxes.
At 1400 hours 1 German walked South along track 667778 and disappeared behind a house at the northern edge of OUD ROOSTEREN. Movement continued along the same track until last light, up to 8 Germans being seen at the same time. By 1830 hours A Sqn had taken over all patrols and the Sqn moved to PAPENHOVEN.

A Sqn.
Moved to ROOSTEREN and took over from C Sqn and had the usual patrols out. Nothing to report.

D Sqn.
Major JAN Crankshaw MC, the Sqn Ldr, left the Regt for leave in the UK. The Sqn was therefore commanded by Capt T O’B Horsford with Lt RH Moore acting as his 2i/c.

A Sqn.
Sqn Ldrs birthday. Nothing happened during the day.

D Sqn.
This was a day of preparation for operation BLACKCOCK which was due to begin at 2100 hours, but was postponed due to fog, until the next day at 0730 hours.

A Sqn.
At about 0100 hours the listening patrol was brought back as our guns were going to shell OUD ROOSTEREN. When the stonk was finished the patrol went out again but as they were approaching the canal bank they were fired on by about 8 Germans from the other side of the canal. We immediately called for a stonk on that area and when it was finished Cpl McKissock, the patrol Ldr, got up to his position without any further trouble and called up the rest of his section. They remained in position until first light and had nothing further to report.
At 0700 hours the 7th Armd Div attack started with the 131st Bde taking DIETEREN after a preliminary barrage. At 1100 hours we were ordered to find out if OUD ROOSTEREN was held or not. 2Tp under Lt Morton was given the task. He took one of his cars right up to the edge of the canal bank overlooking OUD ROOSTEREN to try and draw fire. The visibility was so bad that he could see nothing and neither could he be seen. He sent his Scout sect under Cpl Higginson to cross the canal and work up from the South. The section crossed the ice about 200 yards South of the blown bridge and from there began to work up to the North until they hit the road running East from the bridge. The going was very slow owing to the fog.
While they were working forward, LCpl Oddie with his section from 3Tp was sent to sit on the East side of the canal to cover his withdrawal. After reaching the bridge Cpl Higginson started to move down the road but after he had gone about 100 yards he ran into 5 Germans in what appeared to be a spandau post. These chaps immediately got up and ran leaving their spandau behind and one was very nearly caught by Cpl Higginson. Both parties were so surprised at seeing each other that neither side fired. The enemy then began mortaring that area so the sect withdrew, and having found out that OUD ROOSTEREN was held, they dropped South and took up a position covering any movement South from there by the enemy on the East bank of the canal. Both sections remained out for the rest of the day and had nothing further to report.
During the afternoon we were told to have a listening post on both sides of the canal. To do this 3Tp and 5Tp White Scout sects under LCpl Oddie and LCpl Dineen were used, both under command Lt Osborne. At 1800 hours Cpl Higginson and LCpl Oddie were brought in and Lt Morton returned to his night position. Lt Osborne took out his listening posts, but for the first hour only had LCpl Dineen as his other one which had been out all day had to come in and have a meal before going out again.
About this time D Sqn had sent up two Tps under Lt Newton and Lt Hunter to help us out and this enabled 3Tp to come in for a well earned rest. Lt Osborne had a little difficulty in establishing his 2 posts, first of all he fell through the ice when crossing, luckily he was the only one. Also they could not find a slit trench on the East bank of the canal. In the end they went about 100 yards South and established a post there.
During the night the only thing that happened was that the Germans sent a patrol which passed within about 500 yards of one of our listening posts on the East bank. This patrol was driven off by our friends with a lot of firing but our post did not engage. A few shells fell during the night in the ROOSTEREN area but they only appeared to be over-throws.

D Sqn.
The object was to clear the Germans from the area East of the MAAS up to the rivers ROER and WURM. 131 Bde took DIETEREN and the Concrete works and then stabilised. A Sqn patrols crossed the canal from ROOSTEREN to OUD ROOSTEREN and captured spandau – crew fled. 2Tp and 4Tp helped out in the ‘Fortress’. Good news from the Russian Front.

C Sqn.
An operation to clear the enemy up to the river ROER started at 0800 hours. Troops taking part – 12 Corps with under command 7th Armd Div, 52 (L) Div and 43 Div. 131 Bde captured DIETEREN and 1st RTR pushed on towards ECHT.

A Sqn.
At first light 2Tp sent Sgt Gibson in his DAC up to the lock and try and draw fire as visibility was much better than the previous day. At about 1000 hours Sgt Gibson saw about 14 men walking about in OUD ROOSTEREN and engaged them with small arms fire and wounded one. After this they started mortaring and sniping him so he withdrew to his Tp position, having found out what was wanted, which was that OUD ROOSTEREN was still occupied.
At about 1700 hours a Coy of the KOSB attacked OUD ROOSTEREN and occupied it without firing a shot, capturing a Bn commander and 50 PoW. Lt Williamson went up to the bridge and contacted them by shouting. This meant that the only threat to ROOSTEREN was now from the North. It turned out that the reason the Bn CO and his staff were captured was because Cpl McKissock, unknown to us, had had their HQ under observation all day and they could not get out.

D Sqn.
131 Bde and the RB’s clear SUSTEREN and KOSB enter OUD ROOSTEREN at 1700 hours. OPHOVEN and part of ECHT were occupied. 1/5th Queens on the right met stiff opposition in area 6977. Thaw makes going ‘unsound’. WARSAW falls to the Russians.

C Sqn.
131 Bde with KOSB captured SUSTEREN but were held up at the bridge 695775 and SCHILBERG. The 8th Armd Bde came up to HEIDE and pushed East with some success.

A Sqn.
During the night the KOSB had been relieved by a Sqn of the Skins who we contacted at first light. After this we only had 2 patrols out during the day. During the morning, Cpl Higginson with his sect, went out and recced a position for another patrol to go out at night. The two Tps lent to us by D Sqn were sent back.

D Sqn.
ECHT cleared by 131 Bde, supported by 1st RTR, also part of SCHILBERG, but stiff opposition in the area 700783 held up progress on the right. 52 & 43 Divs attack begins on the right, directed on the line HONGEN – BREBEREN.

C Sqn.
9th DLI captured SCHILBERG with one Coy in HINGEN. The Sqn was then given the task of finding a route to MONTFORT. At 1115 hours, SHQ, 3, 2 & 5Tp went up to the SCHILBERG area. 2Tp went straight through SCHILBERG and started up the main road to MAASBRACHT and LINNE where he was to contact a patrol of the 1st RTR at 712815. Unknown to us however, the patrol had dropped back to the area 706800, owing to the presence of an A/Tk gun at 715813. 2Tp Lt Gale motored past this patrol who made no attempt to stop them, and continued on to the map ref previously given.
At 1300 hours his leading Dingo was knocked out by the A/Tk gun at 711813. The shot went straight through the engine, the crew, LCpl Dalloway and Tpr Chapple, were able to bale out into the ditch where they were heavily mortared by enemy mortars. Later they managed to reach a Tp of 1st RTR at 705811 and were returned to SHQ in the evening, none the worse for their narrow escape.
At the same time as the dingo was hit, Sgt Davies MM, who was behind the Tp Ldr, was sniped from a house at 712812 and was wounded in the neck. It was probably an explosive bullet, which burst on the side of his car and a piece of shrapnel struck him. He was evacuated but insisted on returning to his Tp the following day.
3Tp went to HINGEN where 1st RTR reported that any progress North was prevented by enemy Infantry with bazookas in the houses at 714806. Meanwhile 5Tp was working down the track East at 712800 but making slow progress owing to sniping from his North.
2Tp Ldr went to ECHT where he reported 695828 held by the enemy and friends told him that nothing more would be happening in that area that day. He then returned to SHQ.At 1635 hours 3Tp had reached 720796 where the track became too bad to go on. This proved a blessing in disguise, for at 1710 hours he reported 2 Germans walking about at 728792 and an A/Tk gun at 729788 very well concealed. 4Tp reported sniping in area HINGEN otherwise nothing to report. All Tps returned to SHQ at last light.
3 &5Tp had done particularly well to make contact down 2 very difficult tracks without incurring any casualties, in particular 3Tp Lt Markham for whom it was a first experience of mobile warfare.

A Sqn. 19 – 24th.
Remained at ROOSTEREN and after the 20th, we had no patrols out.

D Sqn.
SCHILBERG reported clear. C Sqn operates with three Tps out to the North and NE. slow progress, with additional hindrance from driving snow storms. 8th Armd Bde reach WALDEFUCHT along the BLACK route. DIETEREN and SUSTEREN are satisfactory evidence of the effectiveness of continuous harassing fire by our artillery during the previous weeks of inactivity. Hardly a habitable dwelling place to be seen, and the German morale must have undoubtedly been reduced to the lowest level by the unenviable living conditions thus forced upon them. The industry in their forward works (elaborate dug-outs, well fitted and sited weapon pits, assisted by the limited natural defences available, and wiring) seems to have hardly justified their efforts since they were taken with comparative ease.

C Sqn.
By the morning ST JOOST had still not been captured and civilians reported at least 300 Germans defending it. It later transpired that Regt HUBNER had been moved down from the ROERMOND area to defend it. 22nd Armd Bde was given the task of attacking it in the afternoon with 8th Hussars and 1st RB’s. At 1350 hours 4Tp went to 706800 and 1Tp Ldr in a dingo went to liase with 1st RB’s in HINGEN. The attack started at 1430 hours but was soon halted by fierce opposition in the South of ST JOOST.
At last light 5Tp moved up to the area of the dingo knocked out on the previous day. They were unable to turn it around, and while trying to do so were heavily stonked. Finally it was towed backwards all the way down the main road with the Tp Ldr, Lt Pearson, sitting on the top and steering it. This was done under shellfire and sniping from ST JOOST and was a very fine performance on the part of the Tp Ldr, who was commanding a Tp for the first time.

D Sqn.
Slow progress. 8th Hussars and RB’s push North towards ST JOOST from HINGEN and are directed on MONTFORT, with our C Sqn remaining behind them, ready to recce North towards MAASBRACHT which an independent Tp of B Sqn can observe from a point reached up the canal 696832. A PoW taken from HUBNER para Regt indicate reinforcements of troops in the area have come South from across the inter-army boundary which runs through LINNE.

C Sqn.
An attack was put in on ST JOOST by the 9th DLI during the night, but in the morning the enemy was still in possession, and 9th DLI who have fought consistently in every campaign since Alamein reported some of the stiffest opposition they have ever encountered.
At first light 5Tp went to 704812 where there were also two Tps of the 8th Hussars. There was heavy shelling and mortaring in the area but by 1200 hours 5Tp had managed to get to a house at 708815 where he had a good view NW and reported men at 712823.
At 1245 hours 4Tp went out to 5Tp’s old position at 704812 and throughout the day reported on odd enemy men in ST JOOST.
At 1400 hours the area of White patrols was heavily stonked by enemy guns, some falling extremely close to 4Tp Ldr, who however, refused to be shifted from his position.
At 1700 hours the enemy made a final attempt to shift 4Tp Ldr with shelling, all of which landed within a few feet of his car. 4Tp Ldr remained adamant and the German gunners realised they had met their match and did not trouble him any more. Both Tps returned at last light.

D Sqn.
At 1600 hours the Sqn was ordered to take over BERKELAAR from the Commandos who had captured it the previous night. all round defence was necessary since vicious fighting was still in progress at last light in ST JOOST and at 1900 hours, 2 Germans were seen to leave the village itself.
Lt Moore went to the UK on leave and Lt Newton took over 2i/c of the Sqn.

C Sqn.
At first light 1Tp was in position at 704812. It was soon apparent that the remnants of the enemy had at last evacuated ST JOOST and 22nd Armd Bde pushed on without delay towards MONTFORT, and the Sqn was able to carry on with the task it had been trying to do for the last 3 days.
1Tp by 0900 hours had reached 712815 and 3Tp was working up through ST JOOST. At 712816 1Tp took a PoW from Regt HUBNER and by 0930 hours had reached 713821 where he picked up several mines on the level crossing. At this time 1Tp and 3Tp saw movement of men in the area 716830 and it was obvious that the enemy had not pulled back far, civilian reports substantiated this. Both Tps had a good duffy, and the men disappeared.
2Tp was then sent out to work up the track running NW from 712818. At 1030 hours 1Tp had reached 714826 and 3Tp joined the main road at 719833, turned right and worked NE up the main road. 1Tp continued up the main road and then turned up the track leading North to BRACHTERBEEK. At 1115 hours 3Tp had reached 728838 where he was halted by HE fire. 1Tp reached 718844 where some Germans in a slit trench were very close to his Dingo. They threw grenades, one of which landed in his Dingo but was thrown out by the commander Cpl Bown. The crew then dismounted from the Dingo and while doing so Cpl Bown was wounded in the leg and arm by spandau fire from the slit trench, they took cover behind the Dingo and the Tp Ldr Lt Brett Smith came up to the spot in his Daimler. He managed to get Cpl Bown on to the back of the Daimler and engaged the Germans with 2pdr and Besa fire. Two Germans were definitely killed, one by having his head removed by a 2pdr shot, and the spandau was knocked out. The remaining Germans went to ground and the Tp Ldr, having done all he could, withdrew.
Within a few minutes, CC Bty 5th RHA had kindly volunteered to support us throughout the day, brought down a heavy and extremely accurate stonk on the area, which was observed by 3Tp, who were in a good position to see all that was going on. This was repeated during the next hour, whenever curiosity or the love of English cigarettes induced the Germans to come out and examine the Dingo.
At 1141 hours 3Tp was fired upon by AP from 734849 and withdrew to a position of observation at 720834. 1Tp was withdrawn and 3Tp remained in observation. Further advance was out of the question, and D Sqn on our left had contacted the enemy in MAASBRACHT.
At 1300 hours D Sqn took over our patrols and the whole Sqn returned to SCHILBERG, 1 & 3Tps having done extremely well.

B Sqn.
The Sqn moved out to operate in the gap between the 7th Armd Div and 52 (L) Div and to advance in a NE direction. The front necessitated a three Tp front and 2, 3 and 4Tps went out at 0700 hours.
2Tp was in the centre and advanced to KLOOSTER LIBOSCH after making detours due to blown bridges and bad tracks. At KLOOSTER LIBOSCH he met up with a road block and was forced to detour. He then carried on to the X tracks at 758784 and was unable to proceed farther NE owing to mines. He made a large detour and advanced to X tracks at 766799 where his leading car was blown up on a mine. Whilst in this position he was fired on by two 88mm guns from the area of POSTERHOLT and was forced to withdraw under cover where a posn of observation was taken until last light.
3Tp advanced to 754815 by devious ways owing to bad going and blown bridges. At this position he was shelled and MG’d and was forced to drop back. He engaged a number of Germans in the woods at 751806 and killed one German who was armed with a bazooka, and wounded another. He also picked up 2 airmen from a farm at 756806. They had been living with the farmer for a number of months.
4Tp was on the right and contacted friends of the 52 Div at 730762 where he remained for the day. On his way to this position his leading car was blown up on a mine. All Tps were called in at last light to SHQ which was set up at PEIJ.

D Sqn.
At first light, Cpl Rivers began to work up the canal bank with his Scout sect and soon reported that he had reached the area of the lock but could detect no movement in MAASBRACHT or in the houses to the South. 1Tp Lt Alton confirmed the progress made by his Scout sect and using the track running parallel to the canal bank, reached the southern edge of the town without incident.
2Tp Lt Hunter was sent to the X roads 706840 to watch the rear and East flank of 1Tp who had now started to work his way up the road running North along the edge of the town. 2Tp nosed their way to the windmill at 710844. Cpl Chapman showed his dexterity in handling his Vickers K guns when he accounted for a German in the act of firing a bazooka at Lt Hunter’s car at 10 yards range. One barn which the enemy were seen occupying was set on fire by tracer.
2Tp then withdrew to the X tracks and remained observing the southern edge of the town. From this position they could see 5Tp Lt Nation Tellery who had taken over from C Sqn Tp at 716830 on the main LINNE road. Remarkable was the enemy’s failure to react, for 2Tp was in an entirely exposed position, overlooked from his North and NE, without a trace of cover on the ground to assist him. Half a dozen fairly accurate shells were the enemy’s only response.
Meanwhile Lt Alton had worked his way right into the town and reported that, in spite of odd parties of enemy Infantry, he had reached the church. A minor battle followed, in which Lt Alton, on foot with his Scout sect, worked round the back of some houses and engaged the enemy with grenades, Sten guns and revolvers. Cpl Chester in his Dingo showed remarkable coolness and gave great assistance to the skirmishers with his K guns. During this engagement every weapon in the Tp was used – and to great effect, for when Lt Alton was finally ordered to withdraw to the southern edge of town, they had accounted for 4 definitely killed, and several probably wounded out of a party estimated at 14 in strength. During this spirited action, the Tp Ldr reported he was outside a ‘wonderful shop full of tomato katsup’ and hoped to make his trip worthwhile.
Throughout, the party of enemy engaging 1Tp showed unusual spirit and under heavy fire did not hesitate to throw grenades and shoot automatic weapons at the cars at point blank range. Good fortune accompanied Lt Alton and his Tp, for they returned without a scratch, having undertaken an operation hardly deemed suitable for ACs.
No less enterprising was 2Tp who had entered the town at 706844, and had succeeded in taking 4 PoW (2nd Coy, Para Regt HUBNER) with the aid of LCpl Rose and his Scout sect. With them was taken a spandau and 2 machine pistols. Both Tps remained without further incident on the edge of town and at last light withdrew to SHQ, 5Tp remaining out for the night to cover the main road.

C Sqn.
Remained in Regtl reserve in same area.

B Sqn.
3Tp advanced to 756806 and was held up by heavy mortar fire from the NE and was unable to advance any further. He remained in observation during the day and reported snipers and an enemy OP at 755814. Also an enemy OP at 769814 with 300 Germans in the woods behind at 7781.
4Tp advanced to 767793 but was heavily mortared from the NE and was forced to withdraw. He also reported large numbers of Germans in the woods at AAN DEN BERG.All Tps returned to SHQ at last light at PEIJ.

D Sqn.
At first light 4Tp moved to 706840 in his Dingo and reported no sign of life in the MAASBRACHT area. At 0830 hours a Sqn of 1st RTR moved up and took over from him, to support the Commandos who went in to clear the town. 5Tp worked forward to 730840 but were forced to withdraw by fire coming from the houses and undergrowth at 733843. Lt Campbell in his Dingo reached 727846 and engaged odd Germans in the area of the windmill. He contacted some Commandos near there who seemed uncertain as to their location or destination.
At 1200 hours the Sqn was told to withdraw all patrols and return to BERKELAAR. Major Lawson came to say goodbye to the Sqn before going to take over command of the Inns of Court Regt.

C Sqn.
Sqn moved to PAPENHOVEN.

B Sqn.
1Tp advanced to 767803 where he was held up by a road block. He was forced to withdraw due to shelling and MG fire and remained in observation during the day. He reported 9 Germans at 773808.
5Tp advanced to 768789 and was fired upon from the woods and houses in AAN DEN BERG. He was also accurately shelled whilst picking up his Scout sect which had been doing a recce forward on foot. He extricated his Tp and withdrew to 765795 where he remained in observation.
2Tp advanced to 764787 where he was held up by a road block and unable to proceed. He took two PoW during the day.
4Tp advanced to 776779 and remained in observation. During the afternoon the Sqn was relieved by the 1st RTR and returned to PEIJ.

D Sqn.
The Sqn remained in reserve. 2Tp escorts a party of RE’s engaged in clearing mines and a road block.

C Sqn. 25 – 30th.
Still in PAPENHOVEN carrying out maintenance and a general clean-up. We shared a good Café with D Sqn, to act as a Canteen.

A Sqn. 25 – 28th.
Moved to PAPENHOVEN where we remained until the 29th, carrying out training and maintenance.

B Sqn.
Moved to PAPENHOVEN.

D Sqn.
At 1100 hours, the Sqn, having moved back to ECHT and taken over the RHQ billets, came under Div. 131 Bde was ordered to reach the East edge of the thick pine wood, MUNINGS BOSSETT, working through from the SW in conjunction with 1st RTR. D Sqn was allotted the role of recce forward of this line towards ST ODILIENBERG – POSTERHOLT.
1Tp lifted mines along the track and reached 786809 where they reported 4 men with a spandau in the woods to their West. When engaged these men were seen to go North. Shortly afterward 131 Bde reached the edge of the woods and dug in.
2Tp followed up behind 1Tp and turned NE at 786809; mines on the track delayed progress and at 797815, Lt Hunter reported that the bridge across the VLOOTBEEK was blown. Turning SE in an attempt to find another crossing, Cpl Chapman in a Dingo was blown up on an R mine, the 2 DAC having already crossed over it.
4Tp having failed to find a way round the South, due to blown bridges, was brought back and joined 2Tp in an abortive attempt to cross the stream. Meanwhile 1Tp had reached the bridge at 785821 and reported it blown. Having cleared mines in the immediate area of the bridge, 1Tp with the assistance of some 1/5th Queens and civilians (who were beginning to flood back from ST ODILIENBERG – POSTERHOLT) managed to repair the bridge sufficiently to get their Dingo across. Lt Alton with Cpl Rivers and his Scout sect then worked forward on foot and reached the southern outskirts of ST ODILIENBERG and reported themselves 200 yards away from an enemy MG post on the edge of the copse at 784838, the occupants seeming to be facing West.
Lt Hunter with Cpl Rose and his scout sect, and Lt Nation Tellery with a Scout sect, together with an RE officer, crossed the blown bridge at 798815 and, clearing mines along the road and in the diversion around a road block of felled trees, reached POSTERHOLT, where they reported more mines, which were lifted, and another road block at 802823. Lt Nation Tellery turned South in the town and reached 808818.
All Tps were then called back and returned to the billets in ECHT, the return trip being made just as it was getting dark. The day had been bitterly cold with a temperature throughout in the nature of 20° F. the Div Commander personally expressed his appreciation of the work done by the Sqn during the day. The numerous mines, covered by frozen snow, had made progress a hazardous undertaking. The Tps concerned had showed themselves to be inquisitive and thereby reached positions that the less ambitious would have deemed unattainable. In fact, a certain amount of incredulity was evident within the Div concerning the furthest point reached by the enterprising foot patrols of 1, 2 and 4Tp.

B Sqn. 26 – 30th.
Remained at PAPENHOVEN carrying out maintenance and training. During this period Capt Lockett MC embarked for the UK and Capt Ballingal MC took over 2i/c of the Sqn.

D Sqn.
From 0700 hours the Sqn came under command 131 Bde and was asked to recce forward towards the ROER in the direction of PAARLO and VLODROP. The 131 Bde with 1st RTR were given priority across the scissors bridge at 785821. It was not until 1030 hours that 3Tp and 5Tp managed to squeeze through the traffic jam and continue on through REUTJE. 4Tp was ordered to move up across the bridge and remain in reserve in the REUTJE area, with SHQ.
5Tp after having cleared several mined tracks, reached 813817 on the southern edge of open ground SW of VLODROP. In an attempt to reach VLODROP, 5Tp was compelled to cross the open ground overlooked by the church tower at VLODROP and also HARKENBOSCH on the North of the R ROER. The Tp was heavily fired on when it had reached 817822 and was forced to withdraw to cover at 813817. So vicious was the stonk that it was impossible to assess accurately the number or location of the guns, but it was estimated to be four 88mm sited in the VLODROP area. This was certainly sufficient evidence that VLODROP was held by the enemy, which was the role allocated originally to 5Tp.
Sgt Luke, later in the afternoon, inadvertently engaged a foot patrol of 52 Div in the area if HINGEN but succeeded in identifying them and making personal contact.
3Tp having encountered many small groups of mines on the way reached the outskirts of PAARLO where Lt Campbell reported enemy Infantry patrols in the immediate area, including men armed with bazookas. These he engaged and remained in observation in the area 811838. The visibility was limited but he could see across the ROER with difficulty. He reported no movement seen except for the stray Infantry in the area.
Since 1/5th Queens had ‘gone firm’ in the area of the woods 795830 and did not intend pushing NE, it was considered advisable to withdraw 3Tp to area 799829 where they remained until withdrawn at 1530 hours and returned to ECHT. At last light 4Tp and 5Tp were called in and together with SHQ returned to ECHT for the night.
Lt Hickman did excellent work during the day by recovering a DAC of B Sqn and Cpl Chapman’s Dingo. It was an unpleasant undertaking as he had to take the RHQ Scammel along mined tracks to reach them. Both were returned to the LAD by last light.

D Sqn.
Sqn came back under command of the Regt and at 1100 hours moved back to rest in PAPENHOVEN, where everyone was well billeted. Major Crankshaw MC returned from leave and resumed command of the Sqn.

D Sqn. 29 – 30th.
Still at PAPENHOVEN carrying out maintenance and cleaning vehicles etc.

C Sqn.
Sqn moved with the Regt to OUDENBOSCH in readiness for taking over from the 18th Canadian AC Regt.

A Sqn.
Moved to HOEVEN with the Regt.

B Sqn.
The Sqn moved to OUDENBOSCH preparatory to taking over from XII Manitoba Dragoons on the river MAAS.

D Sqn.
Sqn moved with the Regt to OUDENBOSCH to take over from 18th Canadian AC Regt.

C Sqn.
Sqn took over sector from 12th Manitoba Dragoons. A total front of about 14,000 yards with five Tps out. The river MAAS was on an average one mile wide between us and the enemy. We had a Battery of 90th Fd Regt in support. There was a Coy of Belgian Fusiliers under command also 100 OD. Capt Wingfield Digby MC and Lt Brett Smith were both on leave and Lt Gale was 2i/c. Very little could be seen of the enemy but many V1’s were launched from across the river to the North. Some of the sites were pinpointed by cross-bearings when the machines could be heard starting up. Several crashed on take off, which was pretty to watch.

A Sqn. 1 – 4th.
Stayed in rest at HOEVEN carrying out maintenance.

B Sqn.
Sqn establishment of officers and Sgts was:-

Major H Petch MC DCM	SSM Emery
Capt JR Ballingal MC	SQMS Smith
1Tp	Lt ATR Nicholson	Sgt Wilkins
2Tp	Lt IG Troup	Sgt Rader
3Tp	Sgt McGuire	Cpl Evans
4Tp	Lt RA Flood	Sgt Truswell
5Tp	Lt RCT Sivewright	Sgt Shakespeare
6Tp	Lt CB Gibson	Sgt Hughes
Gun Tp	Lt EAI Young	Sgt Richmond

The Sqn moved out to ZEVENBERGEN. Three patrols were used, 1Tp on the left at 806471, 2Tp centre at ROODE VAART and 3Tp right at MOERDIJK. The changeover was complete by 1400 hours. We had under command a Coy of Belgian Fusiliers who were responsible for manning the outposts at MOERDIJK. There were also 100 members of the Orange Bde (Home Guard) who were responsible for road checks and police duties.

D Sqn. 1 – 8th.
On Feb 1st Sqn took over from XII Manitoba Dragoons. Six patrols were out, 3Tp Lt Campbell at GERTRUDENBURG with 100 OD under command with 3 posts on the river BUND. 1Tp Lt Alton and 2Tp Sgt Lyon were at LAGE ZWALUWE with 100 OD under command. 5Tp Lt Hickman with 100 OD at DRIMMELEN and 4Tp Lt Gurteen at HOOGE ZWALUWE. The only good OP was in the windmill between LAGE ZWALUWE and MOERDIJK bridge which was manned daily. Much of the land is badly flooded. No incidents occurred during the 8 days we were there except the arrival of Brig Hackett (ex 8th Hussars) 1st Airborne Div and Cpl Warwick of the same outfit. This was a pleasant surprise and they spent the rest of the night after their 13 mile canoe ride at SHQ at MADE. During this period Sgt Luke was instructing at the school in BRUSSELS. Capt Horsford MC went on leave.

C Sqn. 2 – 5th.
Position remained the same. No incidents to report. 12 – 20 flying bombs passed over (or failed to) daily. Occasional men seen on the far bank of the river especially opposite WILLEMSTADT and were engaged by artillery. Two small enemy patrols were seen on this bank at night but both made their escape. In the evening 5th Feb A Sqn took over and we moved to HOEVEN in reserve.

B Sqn.
The patrols remained unchanged and reported that 4 doodle-bugs were launched during the night from the North and flying in a southerly direction.

B Sqn.
During the day 2 doodle-bugs passed over having been launched from the North. During the evening there was some slight shelling in the area East of MOERDIJK and slight activity heard at WILLEMSDORP and a searchlight shining from North to South between the 2 bridges.

B Sqn.
The V1 launching during the night was between 15 and 20 from the North and NW. during the day little or no activity was reported from all patrols.

C Sqn. 5 – 8th.
Sqn remained in reserve.A Sqn. 5 – 19th.
Moved up to FIJNAART and took over from C Sqn. We had 4 patrols out with a fifth consisting of 2 Scout sects under Lt Osborne. This went to Fort SABINA, 4Tp to WILLEMSTADT, 2Tp to BOVENSLUIS, 3Tp to TONNEKREEK and 5Tp to NOORD SCHANS. The Tp at Fort SABINA had a platoon of Belgian Fusiliers under command. 4Tp had a Coy of Belgians and some OB, 5Tp had some OB’s.
This front consisted of looking at a very few Germans across a wide expanse of the MAAS. There were no incidents during our stay on this sector except for one day when Cpl Wilson when out mending the ‘phone lines got his DSC stuck in full view of the enemy who immediately started to shell it. The fire was very accurate and Cpl Wilson had to abandon ship and the DSC was left out until dusk when it was fetched in. The main trouble during the period were the civilians who kept on wanting to go where they were not allowed to. On Feb 19th B Sqn came up and took over from us and we moved back to HOEVEN.

B Sqn.
The V1 report during the night was that between 10 & 15 were launched from the North. During the day visibility was restricted to between 800 & 1000 yards and no movement was seen. Three V1’s were launched between 1400 and 1630 hours, flying South.

B Sqn.
The Belgian Fusiliers manning the outposts at MOERDIJK commenced a short training programme under Lt Gibson and Sgt Edwards. They were given practical instruction in small arms and mines. During the day a little activity was seen and the causeway leading to the bridge at 856517 – 6 men were seen digging and in the afternoon 2 small explosions were observed. They were engaged by 25pdrs but with little effect. Seven V1’s were launched between 1600 & 1730 hours.

B Sqn.
There were no V1 launches during the night.

B Sqn.
During the night six V1’s were launched from the area 7454 and nine were launched from area 8257. During the day 12 men were observed working in area 835518.

C Sqn. 9 – 23rd.
In the evening of the 9th the Sqn took over from D Sqn at MADE. Again five Tps out on a front of about 12,000 yards. There were also 426 OD spread out along the front to thicken it up. The river was considerably narrower here being only 500 yards at the eastern end and enemy crossings were more frequent. Besides the enemy crossings, crossings by ex British PoW and civilians were frequent and care had to be taken not to shoot up the wrong party. V1’s and V2’s were also frequent over the area.
On the 22nd Feb at 0730 hours the right hand OD post reported that a number of Germans were approaching their position. A foot patrol of 4 men was immediately sent out and saw 12 Germans approaching; they made their intentions of deserting quite clear by waving white handkerchiefs and carrying no arms. They consisted of 3 NCOs and 9 ORs of 1 Coy, MG Btn 30 – the entire garrison of the small island OUDER PLAAT 9950. They were browned off with the war, not having seen their Coy commander for 12 days. They all talked freely and gave useful information. Their arms had been left on the ground on landing. A foot patrol went out and recovered 2 spandau, a tommy gun and a verey pistol. During this period of a fortnight in the line, just over 100 civilians came through our lines and also several ex PoW.

B Sqn.
During the night 12 V1’s were launched, 3 from 7454, 5 from 8257 and 4 from 8061 and during the day 2 launched from 8257 and 1 from 7171.
The working party in area 8351 were in evidence again and 4 pillboxes were seen occupied at 835512, 836512, 837512 and 838513. These targets were engaged by 37mm under Sgt Hornsby. Three direct hits were observed on an OP at 835512 and 12 men were seen to bail out of the pillboxes and withdraw North. During the afternoon 4 men were seen on the causeway at 857517.

D Sqn.
C Sqn took over and the Sqn moved into reserve at HOEVEN, 2 miles from RHQ.

B Sqn.
During the night 11 V1’s were launched from 8257, 2 from 8062 and 4 from 7454. During the day 15 to 20 men were seen in the area of the pillboxes at 835512. They were engaged by Shelldrake and our mortars and 37mm successfully. Also 1 V1 launched from area 8256 and 1 V2 from area 7953.

D Sqn. 10 – 13th.
Still in reserve at HOEVEN.

B Sqn.
During the night 4 V1’s launched from area 8051 as also were 20+ but launching sites not confirmed. Slight activity of men observed at 835518.

B Sqn.
During the night 4 V1’s from area 8257 and 1 from area 7454. Shelldrake engaged 15 men at 535522 and from observation it seemed to be very effective, only 2 men getting up after the shoot. Visibility was restricted to 800 yards from 1200 hours onwards.

B Sqn.
A quiet day with visibility restricted to 1000 yards from 1300 hours onwards.

B Sqn.
During the night 10 V1’s were launched and also 10 V2’s from no known areas. During the afternoon D Sqn (Major Crankshaw) relieved us and we went into rest at HOEVEN.

D Sqn. 14 – 28th.
The Sqn took over from B Sqn at ZEVENBERGEN. There were 3 Tp positions. One near MOERDIJK with a coy of Belgian Fusiliers attached. Another at ROODE VAART with an OD post of 13 men 300 yards to the West on the BUND and the third in a farm 2500 yards East of NOORD CHANS with an OD post in the next farm 500 yards East of him. In the main Tps were out for 2 days and 1 day in SHQ, with 2 days in every 10 days.
Very little was seen at all except a few men on the North ends of the bridges. In the main the weather was bad with rain and fog being prevalent. Large numbers of V1’s and V2’s were seen and reported, and their take-off positions worked out.
Pilot Officers Nunn and Mitchell came to stay with us for 4 days. They were pilot and navigator of night operating Mosquitoes, 42 Sqn RAF. During this period Lt Hunter and Lt Nation Tellery went and stayed with the RAF.
Capt Horsford returned on the 18th and went to hospital on the 27th with pneumonia, having been ill since the 22nd. Latterly the weather improved and much of the flood water disappeared. The river is about 2200 yards wide and visibility to the other side was only clear on really good days, which were few and far between. News came through that Lt Alton was awarded the MC and Cpl Rivers the MM for their hand-to-hand combat in MAASBRACHT.
We handed over to C Sqn on 1st march and returned to 4 days reserve at HOEVEN. Sgt Lyon MM went to the School as SSM, Cpl Cairns went to the School as W/T instructor and SQMS Carnes went to UK on leave.

B Sqn. 15 – 18th.
Remained at HOEVEN carrying out maintenance and inspections.

B Sqn.
The Sqn moved out and relieved A Sqn, Major Turnbull. There were five patrol positions to occupy and beginning from the West they were: FORT SABINA 691472, WILLEMSTADT 7248, BOVENSLUIS 748477, TONNEKREEK 761472, NOORD CHANS 780472 with SHQ at FIJNAART. At Fort SABINA, 2 Scout sects under Sgt Hughes together with a platoon of Belgian Fusiliers were responsible for the observation of enemy movement on the island of OVERFLAKKEE. 1Tp went to WILLEMSTADT, 2Tp to BOVENSLUIS, 3Tp to TONNEKREEK and 4Tp to NOORD CHANS. Visibility was restricted to 800 yards due to mist and no movement seen. Five V1’s were launched from area 6468.

A Sqn. 20 – 23rd.
Remained in rest at HOEVEN and got the LAD working on the cars.

B Sqn.
Tps remained in the same area and during the night 6 V1’s were launched. Visibility was again restricted to 1000 yards and no movement seen.

B Sqn.
Four V1’s launched during the night from area 8257 and 4 V2’s from area 7368. Between 1600 and 1800 hours an enemy gun, presumably 105mm, fired 50 rounds into area of KLUNDERT.

B Sqn.
During the night 3 V1’s and 3 V2’s were launched. An appreciable number of explosions heard during the day in area NE of NUMANSDORP but it was impossible to determine whether it was demolition work or preparation of defences.

B Sqn.
During the night 42 V1’s were launched. Other than 2 men and 2 HDT in area 660473 no movement seen.

C Sqn.
In the evening A Sqn took over and we went in rest at HOEVEN again.

A Sqn. 24 – 28th.
We moved up to MADE in the afternoon and took over from C Sqn. We had all five Tps out in this sector. 5Tp went to GERTRUDENBURG and this Tp had 100 OB under command and was ringed by 5 OB posts. 3Tp went to DRIMMELEN where it had 90 OB under command in posts all round. 1Tp went to HOOGE ZWALUWE and they had 30 OB under command. 2Tp and 4Tp went to LAGE ZWALUWE where they had 124 OB under command.
On the night of the 25th a German patrol came across and fired at two of 3Tps OB posts but no damage done to either side. Except for a few mortar shells fired at DRIMMELEN and 10 shells fired at LAGE ZWALUWE on the 27th the front was very quiet. The whole area was a very good one for wild fowl which were shot at all day and every day.

B Sqn.
During the morning odd rifle shots heard in area 7553, and a working party of 5 men seen at 661479 on OVERFLAKKEE.

C Sqn. 25 – 28th.
Remained in reserve at HOEVEN.

B Sqn.
During the night 17 V1’s were launched, 2 from 8257, 7 from 6468, 7 from 6862 and 1 from 6873. During the day 5 V1’s were launched, 2 from 8257, 1 from 7454 and 2 from 6468.

B Sqn.
Nine V1 launchings from 6468 and 1 from 7454. During the day 6 men and 1 HDT seen in area 7551.

B Sqn.
During the night 4 V1’s launched and during the day another 8. Enemy activity was again very slight.

B Sqn.
During the night 9 V1’s from 6164, 3 from 6468 and 1 from 7454. Five were seen to be shot down. Propaganda leaflets were fired onto WILLEMSTADT. During the month a total of 251 V1’s were reported and 18 V2’s all of which were launched from an area South of ROTTERDAM.
2Lt Wood joined the Sqn on the 21st and was allotted to 4Tp for instruction in the art of Troop Leading.

C Sqn. 1 – 16th.
Sqn moved to ZEVENBERGEN. Three Tps out, 1Tp at MOERDIJK, 2Tp at LOCHTENBERG and 3Tp at 807472. There was a Coy of Belgian Fusiliers under command at the ends of the MOERDIJK bridges and two sections of Dutch Infantry in between the centre and left patrols. The enemy could be seen on the far bank on clear days and on these occasions they were engaged either by mortar or by a Tp of 25pdrs who were in support. A few flying bombs came over – they were duly plotted and reported.

A Sqn. 1 – 11th.
In position at MADE and nothing happened except for a lot of crossers coming in and excellent duck shooting.

B Sqn.
During the night 11 V1’s were launched, 6 were shot down and one exploded at source, also 11 V2’s from ROTTERDAM area. During the day 5 V1’s were launched from 6164, 7 from 6469 and 2 from 7468.

D Sqn. 1 – 5th.
At HOEVEN in reserve, maintenance and training.

B Sqn.
The V1 launchings increased slightly during the night, 8 from 6468, 1 from 7161, 1 from 8255, 2 from 6164 and 16 V2’s. 55 cyclists were observed moving East at 769527 and were seen to change direction towards STRIJEN before disappearing from sight. 2 V2’s were launched during the day.

B Sqn.
During the night 12 V1’s were launched. The working party at 661483 were 11 present today and finished work at 1300 hours, today being Saturday.

B Sqn.
During the night 7 V1’s were launched. V2’s were also launched.

B Sqn.
19 V1’s and 1 V2 were launched during the night. A 105mm fired from 771560 and gunners answered with a few rounds. At 636506 20 men were seen working on the dykes.

B Sqn.
4 V1’s launched during the night. D Sqn took over our section and we returned to HOEVEN.

D Sqn. 6 – 21st.
At FIJART, take over from B Sqn. St up as follows:-
WILLEMSTADT.
3Tp Lt Campbell. The Germans occasionally fired 37mm at the church. The town was shelled once ineffectively. The Tp harassed the far bank with 2pdr and Besa periodically. Had Belgian fusiliers under command.
BOVENSLUIS.
5Tp Sgt Luke. Nothing occurred here. Duck shooting HQ.
TONNEKREEK.
1Tp Sgt Cooper and 4Tp Lt Hunter took alternative 48 hour tours. Nothing happened here at all.
NOORD CHANS.
2Tp Lt Tellery. The OD at the harbour entrance was shelled twice very lightly. A boat came in the creek and set off a grenade and booby. The occupants were unknown, presumably agent dropping. 18 OD under command.
FORT SABENA.
Lt Gurteen with Cpl Rivers White Sect (1Tp) and LCpl Thomas White Sect (4Tp). Unfortunately the first night, Tpr Price fell off the top of the Fort in the dark and had to be removed to hospital. The fort was shelled the next day without effect as a result of the ambulance coming up with headlights on. Otherwise it was quiet all the time. One Plt of Belgian Fusiliers under command.
SHQ spent most of the time dealing with civilians, having got the Burgomaster M. van UFFORD well organised. He was most helpful. All civilians were evacuated from WILLEMSTADT due to telephone lines being cut.Major Gerrard Leigh C Sqn 1st HCR came up and took over from us and the Sqn moved to HEIJTHUIZEN.

B Sqn. 7 – 10th.
At HOEVEN carrying out maintenance.

A Sqn.
Relieved by B Sqn and moved back to HOEVEN.

B Sqn.
Sqn moved and relieved A Sqn at MADE. All five Tps were employed which meant that they remained in the same patrol positions during all the period spent at MADE. A navigable creek at 8950 was used by the Dutch Underground for ferrying Dutch refugees from North Holland.

A Sqn. 12 – 16th.
In HOEVEN in rest.

B Sqn.
Slight mortar activity reported by 4Tp.

B Sqn.
Slight mortar activity again in 4Tp area DRIMMELEN. At LAGE ZWALUWE 22 civilians and 4 Allied soldiers were ferried across during the night.

B Sqn.
During the day two 105mm guns were active from area 982522 firing at the powerhouse at GERTRUDENBURG – little damage done. During the night 23 civilians came over and 1 German deserter and 2 Italians from a forced labour camp.

B Sqn.
In the early hours a German patrol were seen firing from a rowing boat. During the night 52 refugees came across. 3 V1’s and 2 V2’s launched during the night.

C Sqn.
A Sqn relieved us in the evening and were went into Regtl reserve at HOEVEN. Very slight enemy activity during the fortnight. 1Tp salvaged and repaired an enemy 75mm gun together with ammunition and fired about 100 rounds with it at its former owners. Three Dutchmen and one American crossed the river and were intercepted by 3Tp.
A flying bomb fell short and landed in the river just in front of the night position. Frequent canoe patrols were carried out by all officers along the river edge which abounded with geese and every type of duck.

A Sqn.
Moved to ZEVENBERGEN and took over from C Sqn.

B Sqn.
11 refugees came over during the night. A German patrol landed at 951509 and spent the night at a farm 958499. They captured a member of the OD at first light and returned to their own side.

C Sqn. 17 – 20th.
Sqn remained in HOEVEN.

A Sqn. 17 – 21st.
Stayed in the line at ZEVENBERGEN with nothing happening at all. During this time some HSC came up to us as they were going to take over from us.

B Sqn.
72 refugees came over during the night also 10 Allied military and 2 deserters.

B Sqn.
65 refugees and 10 members of Allied Military Forces ferried across during the night.

B Sqn.
51 refugees ferried across during the night. At 0915 hours enemy fired 12 shells, presumed 88mm, into GERTRUDENBURG which killed 5 and wounded 2 civilians.

C Sqn.
At 0700 hours the Sqn left to rejoin 7th Armd Div. March of about 100 miles was without incident or accident. Arrived at HEIJTHUIZEN soon after 2300 hours.

B Sqn.
22 refugees came across.

C Sqn. 22 – 24th.
Spent preparing for mobile operations as opposed to static line of observation jobs or limited advances against comparatively organised resistance. Intelligence were promising us “Motoring after the first few days”. Reorganisation of Echelon loads were undertaken, accordingly all vehicles had a good inspection. Some of them were feeling their age a bit having been operating since before D Day.
1Tp Lt Brett Smith
2Tp Sgt Davies (Lt Gale on leave)3Tp Lt Markham
4Tp Sgt Berry
5Tp Lt McAdam (Lt Esch at Regtl School)Scout Tp was allocated to Tps. Gun Tp had regrettably been disbanded owing to the inability of the Army to supply us with guns, the barrels of our original ones having worn out.

A Sqn.
Moved with the Regt to HEIJTHUIZEN.

B Sqn.
Handed over to HCR and moved to HEIJTHUIZEN in Div area.

A Sqn.
Stayed at HEIJTHUIZEN.

B Sqn. 23 – 24th.
Spent in HEIJTHUIZEN preparing for advance across the RHINE.

C Sqn.
Sqn moved up to concentration area just West of the RHINE.

A Sqn.
Moved to concentration area 012257.

B Sqn.
Moved to staging area near XANTEN.

D Sqn.
The Colonel spoke to all officers and Sgts about the forthcoming operations and said that the RHINE had been crossed at 0200 hours and the show was going well. We moved via VENLO to GELDERN where we parked in the woods preparatory to moving over the RHINE.

C Sqn.
Warning Orders and counter orders came in throughout the day and night until after midnight. Advance party left during the afternoon and crossed during the evening.

A Sqn.
Sqn moved across the RHINE in a night march which took nearly all night. We arrived at 305595 at 0500 hours on the 27th.

B Sqn. 26 – 27th.
Regt moved across the RHINE at XANTEN. We crossed at 1030 hours and moved straight up to BRUNEN arriving at 1200 hours. At 1300 hours the Sqn moved out on patrol. The centre, 1Tp Lt Troup, advanced to 331518 where he was held up at the bridge which was covered by shellfire and SAA. 2Tp the northern patrol was unable due to a blown bridge. 3Tp the southern patrol advanced through the woods to the SE and reported the going as very sticky. Tps returned to SHQ at night at 305499.

D Sqn. 26 – 28th.
As is always the case we were ordered to move and it was cancelled. We finally moved at 0350 hours to XANTEN where we stopped for 2 hours and crossed at 1000 hours on the 27th, moving up to a farm at HAMMENICH where we parked. Next day we moved in stages to a few miles South of BORKEN. At 1830 hours 3, 4 and 5Tp went up to BORKEN to try and get through. This was impossible due to bombing and resulting rubble. The Sqn parked 1000 yards South of BORKEN only 1000 yards from an ammunition dump which exploded 2 hours after we arrived. No damage was caused. All the lorries were stuck in the mud South of RAESFELD and the Scammel was at work getting them out.

C Sqn.
0330 hours – finally moved off towards the bridge. By 0530 hours we were within 1 mile of the bridge – held up in the world’s record traffic jam watching staff officers caravans etc crossing the river while we were not allowed to move. 1100 hours crossed the river without incident – rejoined advance party and later up to RHQ.

A Sqn.
By 0600 hours the Sqn was still not complete after the night march, 1Tp and 5Tp being missing having broken down. Our orders were to lead the 22nd Armd Bde along the centre line which ran through HAMINKEIN, BRUNEN and RAESFELD. We started with 3 patrols, 3Tp under Lt Osborne going along the CL, 2Tp under Lt Morton went parallel to the CL on the North up a minor road to try and get on the high ground and 4Tp went North of him to try and get over at 250500.
3Tp after passing through 6th Airborne Div on the high ground found that BRUNEN was clear but he was held up a bit by rubble. 3Tp got into the high ground with no opposition but 4Tp found 50 stray enemy who were a little troublesome. 3Tp carried on past BRUNEN and the first enemy he bumped into was at 298493 where the road crossed the stream. The bridge was blown and there was an MG post covering it. He opened fire on the MG and drove them out, wounding 4 Germans who were picked up later. He found a way round the blown bridge and carried on down the main road.
At this time 1Tp was sent NE along the track starting from 280487 to see what the track was like. After he had gone along it for about 2 miles he got badly stuck and had to remain there all day and that night which was not very pleasant as there was quite a bit of shelling in the area. 4Tp remained in his area all day as he could not find a good track to get up North and also there few a few enemy in his area which kept holding him up.
3Tp carried on down the main road and a little further on fired on a half-track which brewed up. A little further they ran into some dug in enemy round the X roads at 321508 who were supported by 2 guns and two 20mm flak guns. These forced him to pull back a little and he remained in observation.
When 5Tp reached the X roads at 315505 he was fired on by small arms and a suspected tank and had to drop back rather hurriedly and in so doing got his Dingo ditched and had to abandon it. 2Tp was also fired on from the same area and in dropping back the same thing happened to his Dingo. By this time B Sqn had come up and taken over the main road from 3Tp and also the Skins had arrived up behind 2Tp and 5Tp and began dealing with the enemy.
They quickly cleared the enemy from the X roads in front of 3Tp and also the pocket in front of 2Tp and 5Tp and all Tps were able to carry on. 3Tp went down to the X roads that had given all the trouble and then went up North and the other two carried on North. By this time it was getting dark and the Tps were called in and the Sqn spent the night near BRUNEN with 1Tp still out having been unable to get anything to pull him out.
Total bag for the day – 25 PoW, 1 ambulance and 2 half-tracks.

C Sqn.
The Sqn role was to recce 4 roads running North from the Div CL, to give left flank protection. Tps left the Sqn at 0600 hours. 4Tp went as far as 545285 by which time the track had become impassable to wheels, so the tanks took over and carried on. A few enemy were seen in the woods on the sides of the tracks but no real contact was made.
5Tp went to 314535 which was reached by 0830 hours, contacting a Tp of 53rd Recce who were held up by a number of enemy in the woods, just to the North, with mortars and bazookas. 5Tp carried on slowly up this track to the North, encountering many enemy in the thick woods on both sides of the track.
1Tp went North as far as the bridge at 324537 which was blown. 3Tp went North as far as the track junction at 342533. Here he could see enemy through the trees about 500 yards to the NW and guns, probably self-propelled, 800 yards NNW and firing South.
By 1030 hours Div CL at 352544 had been opened up as far at BRINK. 2Tp went out to track junction 375537 and from there NW. they got as far as the bridge at 363550 where they met a number of enemy. These they engaged and took 2 PoW. 2Tp were then ordered as far back as 368546 and North to junction 359559. They reached here OK and took PoW a German artillery officer who was trying to find out the situation.
3Tp were diverted up the same road as 2Tp as there were many enemy in the area who were nor surrendering as easily as they might. 1Tp had meanwhile reached X roads 330544 together with a Tp of 5th RTR. Here they were held up by 4 SP guns which shelled them. 5th RTR were trying to open up the road to the NE from this X roads. They found it held for most of the way by Infantry in the wood with bazookas and supported by SP guns.
4Tp had made slow progress against numerous disorganised enemy as far as 303553 together with some tanks. At this time (approx 1300 hours) there appeared to be a general hold-up. 2Tp and 3Tp were ordered to advance NW to try and cut the road off in the 3556 square to get behind the enemy who were holding up 1Tp and the 5th RTR. They encountered a lot of enemy with bazookas on the way but dealt roughly with them and took 12 PoW and probably killed as many and burnt down the farm they were occupying.
Meantime 2Tp continued to lead the tanks at 303553; tried to push North. The Dingo (Cpl Bell) which was leading had 3 very near misses from an SP at 304557. This was stonked by tanks. 5Tp then tried to make their way NE to THEBING but the going was very bad. 1Tp had meantime reached the road at 333577, the dingo with Lt Jaffray leading. The Tp Ldr came up to join him when a bazooka was fired at both cars and a brief withdrawal was required. The Dingo got ditched but was extricated with a tow rope. 2Tp had meanwhile got on well to the NE and had nearly reached BORKEN when he was shot at by an A/Tk gun, again near misses.
5Tp was still trying to get NE to THEBING. The Tp Ldr’s car got stuck and whilst they were trying to get it out 2 very large shells arrived. Tpr Hastings was killed and Cpl Bell wounded in the forehead. Tpr Hastings had been with the Regt for many years, joining in 1935.
It was now nearly dark so all Tps were recalled to join SHQ in area 3253 for the night. 5Tp could not get in due to bad going and rejoined the next day. It was a hard day – all Tps being fully employed. About 30 PoW were taken and many more by-passed who probably gave themselves up later. The country was thickly wooded and the tracks limited the cars to about 5 mph. Had the enemy shown determination any advance would have been extremely difficult; as it was there were several near misses.

A Sqn.
B Sqn took over our task and we remained doing maintenance. At 1940 hours the Sqn moved to 395604 and we were ordered at first light to send three Tps through BORKEN and then to GEMEN and then on to RAMSDORF where they would fan out North and NW. 4Tp was sent to spend the night at BORKEN so as to get a flying start in the morning. We also had to send a Tp SE from BORKEN to recce the tracks and see if the area was clear.

B Sqn.
At first light three Tps were despatched along the CL and on to capture RAESFELD. At approx 1130 hours RAESFELD was captured and the patrols were able to fan out. 4Tp took the northern route to BORKEN. Light A/Tk guns and Infantry were encountered but were dealt with by the Skins and at last light BORKEN was in our hands.
5Tp Lt Sivewright in the centre made little progress due to bad going and was recalled. 2Tp Lt Troup advanced to 393535 stropping up odd groups of Infantry on the way. At this point he ran into an 88mm A/Tk gun, possibly a Jagdpanther and unfortunately was put out of action. His car was brewed up and the Tp Sgt’s car damaged. Casualties suffered were; Lt Troup killed, Cpl Mayes, Cpl Sykes, LCpl Oliver, Tpr Gray, Tpr Quantrill and LCpl Clarke wounded.
1Tp went out immediately to give assistance. He was soon on the spot and decided against taking his cars across open ground and so went forward on foot with his Scout sect and succeeded in moving all the wounded who had been well controlled by Cpl Sykes. Lt young then went back to search for Lt Troup but found he was still in his car which was on fire. 1Tp then carried on with the patrol and made contact with 1st RTR who were also directed on HEIDEN. At last light a night attack was staged by 1st RTR and the town was in our hands.
During the day 60 PoW were taken. Tps were called in at last light to SHQ except 4Tp who remained with A Sqn for the night and rejoined the next morning.

C Sqn.
In the morning the Sqn moved up to BORKEN and remained same area all day.

A Sqn.
4Tp moved up to GEMEN at first light and then went NE to RAMSDORF with a Tp of D Sqn. 1, 3 & 5Tp followed him up and 2Tp under Lt Williamson who had just returned from leave, went down SE.
Soon after leaving GEMEN 4Tp ran into some enemy with bazookas which held him up and from then on progress was very slow. He was joined by the 1st RTR and went along with them all day against opposition. 2Tp going SE ran into a few enemy and had quite a good shoot but found the tracks rather hard to get along. He contacted 1st RTR and then called in as there was no future along the tracks in his area.
1Tp and 5Tp remained at GEMEN as 4Tp was getting on so slowly. 3Tp was sent to 409637 to have a look at the bridge there and to try to find a way to RAMSDORF via the tracks. He found the bridge OK but after crossing it ran up against a tank and some Infantry at 409643 and in trying to back out one of his cars got badly stuck. The crew had to bale out and he remained in observation of the area all day and recovered his car in the evening when the Infantry had cleared the area.
During this 4Tp was getting on very slowly and had run up against a large road block just West of RAMSDORF which took a long time to clear and also friends were finding quite a lot of opposition in the town itself. 1Tp and 5Tp remained around GEMEN during the day and got involved in a stonk from 2 SPs. Tpr Corbett, Lt McLean’s driver being wounded but luckily not badly. During the evening we moved up to 405675 and called in all Tps except 4Tp who spent the night with the 1st RTR.
Total bag – 1 PoW.

B Sqn.
5Tp Lt Sivewright was sent at first light to VELEN but was recalled and the patrol taken over by the Inns of court. The Sqn was recalled into Regtl reserve.

D Sqn.
5Tp worked out West of BORKEN in a thick mist and had a car brewed up by a tank hull down by a stream – Tpr Timlin was slightly wounded. 3Tp and 4Tp pushed on up the CL to WESEKE and to the Y roads just South of SUDLOHN. 1Tp worked out to the right of the CL and killed 3 Germans in a house by the railway station in WESEKE. It rained all day.

C Sqn.
0600 hours Sqn moved up to RHQ area 4067. 0915 hours SHQ, 3Tp and 4Tp moved up to just South of STADLOHN. Here there was still considerable fighting inside the town. 3Tp tried to bypass it to the left but the going was impossible. D Sqn found a bridge and crossed at 445782. 4Tp followed up but could not get back across country to the main road leading North. Sqn leaguered just South of STADLOHN which was practically clear by dark.

A Sqn.
At 0900 hours we were ordered to patrol out to WINTERSWIJK and up to VERDEN. 4Tp and 5Tp were sent to WINTERSWIJK and 1Tp and 2Tp to VERDEN. 3Tp were nearly off the road having to leave 1 DAC behind for the fitters to repair.
2Tp went up North but could not get through owing to the tracks and eventually got a car so badly stuck that he had to leave it. During this swan he collected 5 PoW. 1Tp eventually got a way through to 381741 and was followed by 4Tp and 5Tp. We had with us a Sqn of SAS who were going with 5Tp to help down the small tracks as they had Jeeps.
5Tp moving West ran into trouble almost immediately at 374751. He ran into an enemy position held by a 20mm and Infantry and Lt Newnham had his car brewed up almost straight away. Sgt Murray, his Tp Sgt, ditched his car trying to back out of it and had to bale out and it was hit and brewed up soon afterwards. The White and Dingo managed to get out of it; also Sgt Murray’s crew got back except for the driver, Tpr Hunter. Lt Newnham’s operator was wounded but brought back by Sgt Murray but Lt Newnham and his driver Tpr Toughill, failed to get back. 4Tp under Lt Woodhouse was immediately sent to assist and as soon as he got there he covered the area with fire and went up to the brewing cars on foot but could see no sign of the men left out and had to get back owing to the enemy fire. For about 3 hours 4Tp remained in observation of the area, firing at any movement and sending his Dingo up twice to look for the missing men, each time it was driven back by fire. A new officer, Lt Sheepshanks, was in command of it. After about 3 hours one man was seen trying to crawl back to 4Tp from near one of the cars and the dingo went out to try and help him, supported by the SAS on foot each side of the track. The man turned out to be Lt Newnham who had had his leg blown off below the knee. He was put on the back of the Dingo and the SAS also found Tpr Toughill who had been badly wounded in the arm, and Tpr Hunter who was alright. All 3 were brought back and the 2 wounded were fixed up by the MO of the SAS and sent straight back. Lt Newnham had put on his own tourniquet.
4Tp remained in the area until dark and then drew back to cover the X roads at 380730. 1Tp and 2Tp dropped back to 385764 and SHQ went to 394734 for the night.
Total bag – 14 PoW.

B Sqn.
Regtl reserve at SUDLOHN.

D Sqn.
4Tp found the bridge at STADLOHN not blown. Shot up enemy party coming to mine it and with 3Tp and a Sqn of 1st RTR pushed on 2 miles North. 1Tp was in area of main road bridge which was covered by the enemy and came under some mortar and artillery fire. Lt Nation Tellery accidentally wounded by a shot in the arm, was evacuated. LCpl Nuttall wounded by rifle shot.

C Sqn.
0530 hours 3Tp and SHQ went to main bridge at STADLOHN which was completed by 0600 hours. The road was badly crated just beyond and a bulldozer had to be got up to make the road passable. 3Tp went West from T roads at 461843 and almost immediately ran into a number of enemy Infantry, about Coy strength. There was a large road crater ahead and woods on either side. A considerable quantity of small arms ammunition was expended by both sides without loss to 3Tp. It is probable that a number of enemy were hit as they were completely surprised at first. Two cars from 2Tp came up to thicken the barrage. 3 PoW were taken. Soon after the 5th DG and a Tp of B Sqn came up and took over.
1Tp and 4Tp went into AHAUS which 1st RTR had entered the previous evening. 1Tp tried to go NE down the CL and 4Tp tried to go NW. 4Tp were held up early on by a covered road block and made no progress. 1Tp together with Recce Tp 1st RTR reached 523891 when the leading tank was KO’d by an A/Tk gun. 1Tp Ldr who was 30 yards behind had 3 near misses. It was not until 1800 hours that we could make any further progress down the road. In the meantime 1st RTR had done a difficult advance across country parallel to the road.
Whole Sqn leaguered at 528885.

A Sqn.
At 0100 hours the 5th RTR came through us to try and get to VERDEN and capture the bridge. At first light the Sqn moved up to VERDEN but the bridge had been blown and we were just sending out patrols to the East and West to try and find a way across when the 5th RTR and us were ordered back.
Lt Williamson as he was moving West suddenly saw a Mk VI tank about 100 yards from him and he withdrew. The 5th RTR got up a Firefly and brewed it up with the third shot. The Sqn then moved back to 402735 where we stayed for the rest of the day and that night.

B Sqn.
Sqn had to supply left flank protection to the CL. Three Tps were used and worked with the Skins and 5th RTR. 5Tp was sent to WINTERSWIJK but was held up by craters and remained at 432810 in observation. 1Tp was despatched on the road to OTTENSTEIN but was also held up by craters and remained in observation at 452852 where he took 5 PoW. 4Tp went along the road to WESSUM and met the enemy at 481865 in the form of 30 Infantry and 1 SP gun. Despite a prolonged argument the Tp was unable to make further progress. All Tps returned to SHQ at WULLEN at last light.

D Sqn.
3Tp and 4Tp reached AHAUS, 3Tp had a DAC and a DSC blown up on Teller mines near the station, when trying to get out to the right. Tpr Smith, Tpr Morris and LCpl Jenner were wounded and evacuated. No progress, to speak of, was made. 1Tp captured a staff car and 8 Germans. Lt Hickman took over 2Tp. Sqn concentrated for the night at WULLEN where it rained.

C Sqn.
At 0530 hours 2Tp and 3Tp advanced down the main road as far as the leading troops at 560917 where there was a large concrete and wood road block. A Sherman bulldozer destroyed and removed this within ½ an hour. Meanwhile 2Tp Dingo and 1 Scout sect tried to work round to the left down a very bad track. 2Tp passed through the road block and advanced to Y roads at 565921, where he met a tree across the road – which he removed – and a number of mines of a type not known to us and which an RE officer showed us how to remove. 2Tp followed by 3Tp went to STENBORG where they saw and engaged a number of enemy. 4Tp went to HEEK where they joined 5th DG who had got there across country.
SHQ, 3 Scout cars, went to a schloss to have breakfast. The sudden appearance of number of Germans in the grounds of the schloss caused breakfast to be abandoned rather hastily. The Germans were engaged, but not it is thought, with conspicuous success.
4Tp together with the 5th DG got as far as half mile short of METELEN. Here the Tp was held up for a time by a large road block of 12 trees and some mines. The tanks got around it but were themselves held up by another block. Meanwhile 2Tp had gone NE as far as 586965 where he amongst a number of enemy which he engaged. 3Tp went as far as 585962 then SE to 620947 where he met a large road block and mines.
2Tp decided that the enemy might pack-up if boldly attacked. The Dingo commander, LCpl Garner DCM led, followed by Sgt Davies MM. They got right amongst the enemy and, as was later found out, only 2 yards from some mines. The Dingo had 2 bazookas fired at it from about 10 yards range and went into the ditch. The DAC had 3 A/Tk gun shots from the flank which missed. The DAC reversed out of it and the Dingo crew got back on foot. LCpl Garner had been captured in 1940 with Lt Pitman. After several unsuccessful attempted escapes, which were very severely punished, he finally succeeded in getting back to our own lines in Italy in 1944. He rejoined C Sqn after just over 4 years absence.
By 1120 hours 4Tp got through METELEN just ahead of 5th DG and was then directed on RHEINE – a distance of about 12 miles. At 683980 there were some mines across the road which Sgt Berry removed, and then motored straight on without any halts to within 1 mile of the outskirts of RHEINE. Here a 75mm A/Tk gun opened up on him, but missed with 5 shots. Sgt Berry halted his Tp behind a house, which if he went either to the left or right of it, he got shot at. At this stage he noticed that the house was a pub so he went inside and had a well deserved glass of beer. 5th DG and the DLI came up shortly and took over.
In the afternoon 1Tp and 3Tp had to go out to 698022 and 713030 as left flank protection. They stayed there for the night.

A Sqn.
Moved off at 0615 hours up the CL to catch up with the rest of the Regt. We carried on up the CL until we reached NEUENKIRCHEN where C Sqn were held up about 1 mile North of it. 4Tp were sent to try and get to SALZBERGEN and 3Tp was sent to OHNE, Lt Morton in command as Lt Osborne had gone on leave to England.
4Tp got on well encountering only a few enemy with rifles until he got to an aerodrome in area 739112 and here he was held up by exploding bomb dumps. He found the Germans in process of blowing them up and a dump of incendiaries were exploding in the middle of the track, which prevented him from going any further. 1Tp was sent out to help him and protect his rear as there were quite a few enemy milling about in the area.
3Tp had not gone very far along his route before he ran into an enemy position consisting of two 20mm guns and Infantry. His leading car was hit and the driver wounded in the foot. Lt Morton had to drop back but the driver was got out OK and Lt Morton went back on foot to see if he could help the other two, Sgt Turner and Tpr Smith ’91. The enemy kept firing at the car and pinned the 3 in a ditch for some time, and brewed up the car. 2Tp under Lt Williamson was sent to help and soon after he arrived, the 3 missing people turned up alright, except that Sgt Turner had a small bit of shrapnel in his forehead. The rest of 3Tp was sent back to SHQ and 2Tp remained in observation of the enemy position until dark.
Just before last light SHQ moved to 7408 and 1Tp and 4Tp came in, but 2Tp remained out all night with a Coy of Infantry who were protecting his left flank. 2Lt Sivewright joined the Sqn and was put under Lt Williamson.

B Sqn.
From first light a small swan gathered momentum from AHAUS and was brought to a halt at RHEINE. The Sqn travelled along the CL in a good position for a sprint down the straight. There were two Tps at the head of the advance, with SHQ and the reserve Tp well placed a short way behind, with yet another Tp about 2 miles further behind. This Tp was called upon to deal with some Infantry who tried to snipe the thin-skinned kit moving behind the armour.
Incidentally, this enemy Infantry surprised C SHQ HQ at breakfast. Lt Flood dealt with the enemy Infantry and then finished off C Sqn’s breakfast, which was still warm.
On reaching NEUENKIRCHEN three Tps swung East to recce the bridge over the river EMS at MESUM and then to fan out to the bridges over the DORTMUND – EMS canal at BIRGTE, REISENBECK and BEVERGERN. 3Tp Sgt McGuire was given the BIRGTE bridge, 5Tp Lt Sivewright the REISENBECK bridge and 1Tp Lt Nicholson the BEVERGERN bridge.
At MESUM the leading Tp met up with friends from the 11th Armd Div which necessitated a change of orders. 11th Armd Div were over the bridge at BIRGTE and to prevent a duplication of tasks we were ordered to advance on RHEINE from the SE between the river and the canal. 5Tp were on the left and advanced to FIEDLER where he was held up by Infantry with bazookas in the woods at 8306. 3Tp in the centre and 1Tp on the right were unable to progress further than 907065, where they were bogged down on the soft