War Diaries of 621 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers

1944

 

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January 1944

Commanding Officer: Major M.L. Crosthwait 

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
At Sea 1   On Board S. S. ‘BOISEVAIN’  
  2   On Board S. S. ‘BOISEVAIN’  
  3   North Ireland sighted.  
  4   At Anchor off GOUROCK  
  5   Disembarked and left GOUROCK 1600 hrs.  
BRANDON 6   Arrived BRANDON 0700 hrs  
  7-9   Settling into camp and preparing for leave.  
  10   First party went on leave  
  11   Second  party went on leave  
  12   Third  party went on leave  
         
  25   First party arrived back from leave, including O.C., Lt. Paddock and Lt.Davies.  
  26-31   Making camp ship shape.  
      Drill, route marches, and P.T., and some mine training.  
         
      M.L. Crosthwait    
      Major R.E.  
      O.C.621 Field Squadron R.E.  
         

 

 

February 1944

Commanding Officer: Major M.L. Crosthwait 

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
THETFORD 1   O.C, visited 79 Armd Div to view latest developments in breaching concrete, minefields, etc.  
      Lt J. Hartley returned from leave.  
  2   Nothing to report.  
  4   15% dispatched on Privilege leave.  
  4   Recces for L.S.T. and Water Splash sites.  
  5-6   Nothing to report.  
  7   Div Mine School started under Lieut J.P. Blockley in unit lines. 30 students.  
  8   Lieut G. F. Norris reported for duty ex 140 O.C.T.U.RE  
  9   Advance party left for Bridging camp THRAPSTON under Lieuts Paddock and Norris.  
  10   2nd Mine Course started.  
  11   Main body left for THRAPSTON.  
  12-14   Nothing to report.  
  15   Lieut M.C. Keer reported (assigned to 2 Troop) ex 4th Parachute Sqn R.E.  
  17   Troops remaining at BRANDON inspected by C-in-C 21 Army Group.  
  18-20   Nothing to report.  
  21   Squadron returned from THRAPSTON.  
  22   Major J. G. Carr arrived. Attached pending posting.  
  23   Nothing to report.  
  24 1200 H.M. The King visited 621 Field Sqn. R.E.  
    1030 CRE’s conference  
  25   Change of command. Major J.G. Carr R.E. assumed command. Major M.L. Crosthwait left to take up Duties as Instructor Staff College.  
  26   Leave train to London. Sqn Drill Parade.  
  27   Nothing to report.  
  28   Cleanout of camp. Mines School Camp No.4. commences. M.T. fitting.  
  29   Training – Mines gapping and Map reading.  
         
         
     

E.P. Street Capt RE

 
     

9 Mar 44                                                                                                                                                                                                 For Major R.E

 
     

O.C.621 Field Squadron R.E.

 
         

 

 

March 1944

Commanding Officer: Maj J G Carr

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices

THETFORD

1.

 

N.T.R.

 

 

2.

 

Adv. Party 1 off + 22 OR’s to Wyke Regis. O. i/c records R.E. sqn.

 

Wyke Regis Hants

3.

  N.T.R.

 

 

4.

  Maj. Carr and Rev Williams to Wyke by road and main body rail to Wyke.

 

 

S.5.

  Road Pty. Main body to Wyke

 

 

6.

  F.B.E. Wyke

 

 

7.

  F.B.E. Trestles and landing trestle form balancing gear.

 

 

8.

               do,                                        watermanship.

 

 

9.

  }

 

 

10.

  }Construct 250’ CC to BPB., including, breaking 120 D.S/ span over

 

 

11.

  } pier in water to 50 ‘shore bay and 70’ landing bay.

 

 

S.12.

   

 

 

13.

  }                                                                          1 Tp. Night

 

 

14.

  }                                                                                  work.

 

 

15.

  } Light and heavy rafts with and without                   2 Tp. Do.

 

 

16.

  }   propulsion units -  Duty sqn until 19th.                  Sqn. Dance.  

 

17.

  }                                                                           night work

 

 

18.   }                                                                           1 & 3 Tp.

 

 

    }                          Inter. Sqn. Football                      Dem. TEWT.

 

 

S.19                         Sqn R/T Exercise.

 

 

20   Construct CC to EFB and H.F. Bay.

 

 

21   xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx   N.T.R.

 

 

22   Lt. Paddock & 30 back from Wyke.

 

 

23   N.T.R.

 

 

24.

  Main road and rail parties returned.

 

 

25   Rear party returned from Wyke Regis.

 

 

S.26   Preparation for Exercise MARATHON

 

 

27   Move to Misterton, Gainsborough, on Exercise MARATHON

 

 

    Capt. Street returns from leave.

 

GAINSBOROUGH 28   Bridging R. Trent; West Stockwith.

 

  29   Bridge completed 2130. Floating Bailey on tidal River. Capt. Street joined sqn. on exercise:  
  30   N.T.R.  
  31   Move to area Snaith. Build 280’ Floating Bailey on R. Beale.  
      Capt. Street Returned to unit. Det. 3 tp. returned u/comd.  
      Lt. G/F/ Norris for exercise SHUDDER with 131 Bde.  
         
         

 

 

April 1944

Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices

Didlington   

nr Brandon

1

 

Exercise Marathon IV continues Batwing Rafting R. OUSE at CAWOOD by

1 and 2Tps. Det 3 Tps under Lt Norris to 131  Inf Bde exercise SHUDDER

 

 

2

0630

1 and 2Tps complete building of one Batwing Raft each –  time 2 Tps  8hrs   1 Tp  9 ½ hours

Rafts dismantled during afternoon – weather poor -

 

 

 

1830

5 officers and 7 sen NCO’s to SME Ripon for 3 day special connvo in latest developments

 

 

3

 

Exercise Marathon IV ends – unit returns to Dixons East Comp

 

 

4

 

Capt Street and Lt BLOCKLEY return from SME for IRB course in Mil duties

 

 

5

 

Lt Beach and 2 Lt PM Acres join Sqn .Course for Officers and NCO’s att IRB begins

 

 

6

 

Capt Street to 131 Inf Bde Conference ex SHUDDER – no to RE tasks given on ex.

 

 

7

 

Capt Street and Lt BLOCKLEY to 131 Inf Bde T.E.W.T.

 

 

8

 

2 and 3 Tp on Rifle Range – Results NOT good

 

 

9

 

Easter Sunday – Party under 2 Lt Acres moves to LOWESTOFT to clear beach - mines

 

 

10

 

Lt Beach commences Assault Boat and Rafting course for 12 K.R.R.C.

 

 

11

1100

CRE’s conference – Officers and NCO’s course IRB ends

 

 

12

 

1TP continue weeks training in Mines Demolition and Water Supply

 

 

 

 

3TP continue weeks training in Minor Tactics and Battle Drill with help of NCO’s from 1/6 Queens

 

 

 

 

2TP Duty transfer and TSO ET

 

      Maj Carr returns from 7 days leave  

 

13

 

Training as above continues. Night Rafting scheme with 12 KRRC at BRANDON

 

 

14

 

Tps continue training as above. Maj Carr Capt Street Lts BLOCKLEY and DAVIS on TEWT exercise BAGATELLE.

 

 

15

 

Exercise Bagatelle continues in RE.NAAFI.

 

 

16

 

Sunday – officers mess meeting – voluntary church

 

 

17

 

1 Tp on one weeks military training – battle drill and minor tactics

 

 

 

 

2 Tp – Mines demolitions and water supply

 

 

 

 

3Tp – Duty troop and continue fitting out of vehicles.

 

 

18

 

Lt Blockley and 3 NCO’s  3 Tp to train Assault Pnr PI 1/6 Queens in minelaying and demolitions

 

 

21

 

Lt Blockley and det 3Tp with Lt Beach and 2/Lt Acres on 33 Armd Bde Exercise

                                             KELLY’S EYE II

 

 

22

0830

OC’s address to Sqn in theatre DESERT RAT –

 

 

 

1100

CRE inspects camp

 

 

 

1255

3 NCO’s & 28 men 1Tp complete erection and dismantling of 80’ DS. Br  less one ramp

                in 3 hours 10 minutes starting with Rocking Rollers in play

 

 

23

0930

Officers & Sen NCO's in Sqn TEWT in Thetford area.

 

 

 

 

Lt Paddock and 3 NCO’s to 1/5 to 1/7 Queens to train Assault Pioneer Pls in Minelaying Demolitions and Booby Traps.

 

  24  

Div RE exercise BLAST in R/T all day

 
     

Tps commence weeks tag as follows:

 
     

1 Tp - Duty and mobilisation preparation

 
     

2 Tp – Mil duties Battle drill tactics under Lt Lowry

               1/7 Queens

 
     

3 Tp – Mines Demolitions and Water Supply

 
         

 

 

May 1944

Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices

Didlington

1

0800

Strength 9 Officers 269 Other Ranks

 

 

 

0900

CRE’s Conference – Warning order to move area after 7 May – Passed on immediately to all officers

 

 

2

 

M14 International ½ Tkd to 143 Fd Pk Sqn to have Jerrican Brackets Fitted on side. Cpl Newman to Camouflage Course -  Two Traffic accidents with 2 LFA 9 injured 4 seriously.

 

 

3

 

Jeeps and Trailers 1 Ton collected

 

 

4

 

Sqn HQ loading trial – move order received. Assembly Area 55 on 9 May – 223 Officers & Men with 35 vehicles

 

 

5

 

2 & 3 Tp loading trial – Div Boating Competition

 

 

6

 

Div RE R/T Exercise BLOW

 

 

7

 

Div  RE R/T exercise BLUFF cancelled- Sqn loading up

 

Didlington

8

0900

Troops told of move – Loading completed

 

 

9

 

Sqn less Residue move from DIXONS EAST CAMP to S5 camp THORDON PK Brentwood Essex arriving 1215 hrs – a good move

 

Brentwood

10

 

Vehicle park very cramped – great fire risk – No leave – Conference all unit Comds at Sub Area HQ at 2100 hrs – Under canvas 6 RHA running camp

 

 

11

 

Waterproofing under camouflage nets begins – Remainder on PT. and recreational training & 50% of men allowed into Brentwood 2 3Ton per unit per day recreational tpt – Very warm.

 

 

12

 

CRE Lt Col A D Hunter visits – rec tpt to Chelmsford

 

 

13

 

Capt Street to CRE 21 Army Gp Rec tpt to London starts

 

Camp S5

Brentwood

14

1145

Church service – Rev William

 

 

15

 

Briefing of unit comds of Didlington by Maj. Gen. Erskine – Maj. Carr to Residue at BLACK COVERTS camp returning Brentwood for Sqn Smoker

 
  16

 

Training Programme – Each Tp – 3 Route Marches per week 1/2 hr P.T – Mine laying drill– Gas Training - TOETS Education and ABC

Sigs Rear Link arrives.

 
  17   Inspection 1 Tp and ½ HQ Kit  
  18   Church service 0930 – Ascension Day – Sigs Exercise 24 hour leave stopped – Inspection of 3 Tp Kits  
  19   Inspection 2Tp Kits – Standing Orders and Instructions CRE 30 corps received and passed to 4 Sqn.  
  20 0930 Conference Tp Ldrs & Sgts  
    1100 Sub Area comd’s conference  
    1530 Visit by Maj Gen Erskine GOC 7 Armed Div -  Rec Tpt 0900 hrs and 1400 hrs.  

Camp S5

Brentwood

21   Sevice 1130 - Tp Ldrs Conference and Lt Beach O i/c Residue at 10.30 hrs  
  22   Tp Programmes continue - Waterproofing complee  
  23   3 Cpls and 15 men short of War Establishment and no sign of reinforcements.  
  24 2015 Mov Control Conference - details of Pre Marshalling and marshalling - Signals Exercise around Tables  
  25 1000 Maj Gen Inglis CE 21 Army Gp visits Dev RE and inspects transport - Final ruling obtained "No Height restrictions to vehicles".  
  26 0001 Camp sealed - All but 1 of extra vehicles returned to residue.  
    1030 Conference with To Ldrs - All Tpt and personnel going on MT 37 - details of Marshalling given out  
    1200 CRE's Conference on Report Proformas - Decisions as follws  
                   All reports on proformas to be sent in SLIDEX except 7 Armd Div Adapted Br Recce Form.  

Camp S5

Brentwood

27   Trial final loading of G1098 – all men and personal equipment as for landing – men  crowded but not too much  
  28 1100 CRE addresses all Div RE on forthcoming operations Gen Montgomery’s words repeated – Tps morale high  
    1155 Vehicles move off from pre marshalling to Southend by pass – Sigs Rear Link and 1 Tp officer 15 cwt G.S broken down and replaced by 1800 hrs all wireless and desk fitting on 1 Tp vehicle transferred by 0 00hrs ready for loading. Brig BC. Davey CRE 30 Corps visits  
  29   Vehicles loading on MT 37 at Dock 32 Tilbury  
    1430 Grade II Briefing all officers – Very Hot  
  30 0830 Lt JP Blockley to 50 RHU Bordon for reinforcement including 4 Cpls. 7 drivers. 6 Dvr Op.  
    1730 Comd 131 Bde Conference All Officers.  

Camp S5

Brentwood

31 1030 Lecture Supply our air to Officers. Inter unit Basketball heats and Boring. 40 men to cinema  under Lt Morris remainder for swim Thordon Pk  
    2000 Lt Blockley arrives from 50 RHU with 2 Cpls and 22 OR’s as first reinfs bringing Sqn up to full strength. Quality on the whole quite fair. Taken on strength 1 June 1944. Strength 9 Officers 238 OR’s  
         

 

 

June 1944

Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices

Camp S5

Brentwood

1  

Strength 9 Officers 262 ORs

 
    0930

Comd 131 Inf Bde conference on guards on camp presentation – officers must take more interest. Orders re issue of foreign currency received. LT ALLCHURCH in command DIV RE extra while party to go on LCT from Felixstowe. Issued with maps and briefed by Adjt. 3 more vehicles issued 2 B Ech for Sqn.

 
  2 0900

Finals of camp sports. Sqn won basketball. Second in relay.

 
    1230

Orders received for march to Camp 58.

 
  3 1000

Men from S5 & S8 by march to form ship load

 
    1430

Football and assault boat race – 1 L/Sgt casualty.

 
Camp S8 4 0830

OC’s address to Sqn.

 
    0900

Move off in 15 3 ton RASC to embark on MT37 SS FT KASKASKIA at PURFLEET -  on board by 1135

 
On ship 5 1000

Boat drill. 1 NCO landed with injured eye 590 officers and men on board very crowded.

 
         "    

Learned operation postponed by bad weather.

 
         " 6  

Boat moves to join shipping concourse at mouth of Thames.

 
         " 7 0600

Move off in convoy – pass straights of DOVER 1030.

 
         " 8 0800

Convoy arrive off ARROMANCHE ready to offload.

 
         " 9  

Waiting off shore.

 
         " 10  

 --------- do --------

 
    2100

14 vehicles taken off by LCT

 
  11 0900

Offloading really begins 5 NCO’s and men driving winches. 50 men working holds and LCTs. All Sqn vehicles off by 2100 hrs but last loads not beached.

 
    2300

All Sqn vehicles less 5 on LCT in Conc Area nr RHYES

 

Conc Area nr RHYES

11 2230

Vehicles put ashore at many different beaches.

Learn Lt Allchurch arrived with B Ech vehicles D&1

Lt Arces & 1st Reinfs put ashore on D&4 30 hours before main body. Maj Carr Capt Street to Tac Div and Tac Bde (131). Warning order from CRE one Tp and possibly whole Sqn may be required to open return route between LA BUTTE and BRIQUESSARD

 
  12   Sqn preparing to move  
  13 1030 OC conference all officers. Tps at 45 mins notice to move.  
    1630 Sqn move to SUBLES nr BAYEUX thence to LA BUTTE arriving 2000 hrs to take over defense of main & Tac Div with u/c two tps LtAA (ATk), 4 tanks HQ Sqn 7 A Div on Pl courses 50 Div Recce Regt, Recce Pl of 3 Armd Cars 3 Peeps from 2 US Armd Div  
  14 0545 Defense of LA BUTTE stood down. Nothing to report.  
    0800 3 Tp put on as mobile patrol down Div Axis.  
LA BUTTE 14 1200 Lt’s KEER and NORRIS ordered on Gen RE Recce of approx 9 square miles North and East of LA BUTTE  
    2145 Defence of LA BUTTE not necessary. Sqn at rest. One UX shell demolished.  
  15 0430 Sqn stood to until 0500. 3 Tp set up Water Point at 773709  
  16 0800 CRE conference giving GOC’s tactical lessons from battle so far and stressing excellent cooperation with 1 US Div on our right. Sqn put on maintenance of C.L. forward from LA BUTTE with two D4’s and 7 tippers u/c. One sec 2 Tp u/s 1/6 Queens at BRICQUESSARD.  
    1500 RAF strafe and bomb BRICQUESSARD  
    1700 Lt KEER to 1/6 Queens for night  
  17 0800 Work on road restarts  

LA BUTTE

ST PAUL du VERNAY

17 0900 Lt NORRIS on route recce in CAUMONT area for CRE  
  18   Work on roads continues after church services at Sqn HQ at 0800 (communion) and 0830  
    0900 CRE conference on projected new operations. Sqn to go in support 56 Bde and later 33 Armd Bde  
    1030 Tp Ldrs conference  
  19 0800 Raining all day – Tps withdrawn from rd work 1300 hrs. Mobile maintenance parties to clear surface water. Lt KEER on route recce for 56 Bde from Conc area to FUP – 2 Tp told they will be Adv Tp.  
    1830 Maj CARR & Lt KEER report route OK to Comd 56 Bde  
    1900 CRE issues stand fast order on operation.  
  20 0915 Maj CARR meets Brig Pepper & hears of change of plans.  
    1130 Lt’s BEECH & NORRIS to recce cross country route West of BREQUESSARD  
ST PAUL du VERNAY 20 1800 CRE conference giving reasons for delay in ops – Raining all day.  
    1930 Maj CARR to HQ 56 Inf Bde to explain route found.  
  21 0800

Work commenced 1 & 2 Tps on maintenance of Div C L

 
      3 Tp with u/c two Armd D7’s make one way X country tracks for 1000x one for tracks and a parallel one for which 4 Tippers u/c from 486 Tipper Coy RASC via 143 Fd Pk Sqn  
    1345 Lt Davis to dispose 1 UX shell in area 1/9 Queens and a commontion made last night by bomber near Sqn.  
      High wind cloudy all day. Lt Acres from Reinf Camp to 143 Fd Pk Sqn temporarily.  
  22 0800 Work commenced on B Route 400 yards X country 727636 to 726634 – 3 Tp with Bulldozers Tippers 300X Summerfield and auto patrol – 2 & 1 Tp on A Route  
    1430 Maj Carr to 56 Inf Bde conference for operation OCEAN SWELL  
  23   2 Tp to work on routes U & R U Route satisfactory R Route requires considerable work over 1 mile stretch. 3 Tp continue work on B Route (Corps return route for future ops. 1 Tp on A Route  
  24 0530

1 Tp on patrol of routes A B and C. NTR

 
      3 Tp complete 90% of work on drainage and marking B Route. 2 Tp continue work on R Route for Op OCEAN SWELL – reinforced by 1 Tp at 1300 hrs  
  25  

2 Tp and 1 Tp on R Route 738654 to 751654

 
      5 springs located draining into road. Stone \gutters cleared after crushing by tanks.  
      Alternative routes SW from BOIS du QUESNAY recced and found possible.  
  26 0800 All wireless sets from Tps (total 5) out as listening watch on 8 Corps attack – xxx of 2 Tp to instant xxx in minutes.  
      One Sec 2 Tp to trial loading  ATK 6 pdrs onto DUKWS  
      Raining – R Route very bad condition but draining was effective by evening. 2 Tp standing down  
  27   2 Tp resume lines on U Route at 755688  
      1 Tp and 2 Sec 3 Tp continue work on R Route  
  28  

All Tps working on maintenance U & R Routes 65 ft 12” concrete drain laid at tank crossing. Arrangements made for diversion for changing sqns of 8 H

 
      Sqn given task of finding out effect of Br MK IV and V mines and No  75 grenade on German Mk V (Panther) KO at LINGEVRES  
  29   Work on U & R Routes continues 5 tippers used – roads drying out well now estimated they will take wheels and heavy tanks with moderate rain – 40 tanks passed over 400X diversion early morning crushed in drain made of 25 pdr shell cases with 12” cover  
    1430 Lt K F PADDOCK evacuated to ADS enroute to UK for appendicitis operation and Lt KEER MC takes over No 1 Tp.  
    1630 2 Tp experiment with 75 Grenades and Mk V 8(c) mines under German Mk V tank. Report attached Appx A  
    1800 3 Tp on road patrol Routes A B and C  
  30 0800

2 and 3 Tps continue work on R Route  D4 Bulldozer and auto patrol “warned off” wet road and ditches. 1 Tp on main road LA BELLE EPINE – LA BUTTE filling in pot holes and cleaning drains work approx. 50% complete

 
      2 Tp continue experiments with mines against Panther German tank tracks.  
    1330

Maj CARR Capt STREET Lt BEECH to see 4 Sqn trials with DUKW’s and ATK guns.

 
      Strength 9 Officers 218 Other Ranks plus 38 approx in residue not yet joined.  
         

 

 

Appx A

   
   
SITREP – Results of experiments mines on Boche Mk V Tank
 

(First) Mk V Mine 8c under centre of double bogey on hard ground top of mine touching track. Result – Track broken over length of four links; hole in roadside 2’6” deep xx5’ diameter (Second) Mk V Mine 8c under single centre bogey same conditions and same result as first.

(Third) No 2 – 75 Grenades laid side by side lengthways under single centre bogey with track slightly slack and made ground under mines – result: outside third one link broken off inside bogey guide and link cracked in 2 other places. Track not completely severed (Fourth) No 4 – 75 Grenades in two layers bonded together on made ground under centre bogey – result: Track severed over a length of 5 links; 12” stone wall of house 4’ away knocked down.

 

Experiments continue 30 June 44

   
29 June 44  

 

 

 

July 1944

Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
TRUNGY 7772 1 0800 Two tps maintenance corps routes fwd and making of up and down tracks for op OCEAN SWELL 56 bde. Main lateral LA BELLE EPINE – LA BUTTE 7469 bad potholes started filling. Bitumen still required. Unless potholes are thoroughly packed and rammed, work on them is wasted. One sec experimenting on effect of HAWKINS grenades and other types ALLIED mines on tracks of PANTHERS.  
  "

Sunday 

2

1030 Unit church service in own leaguer.  
    1200 - 1800 OC and 2 i/c visited CHERBOURG. Work on clearing quays scarcely begun. Minesweepers at work outside.  
    1400 Tp offrs recccing sites for tank tracks for rapid movement div to counter-attack posns area CRISTOT 8770  
    1900 WP opened CHOVAIN 8372  
  " 3 0800 Maintenance work on rds. 50% men employed.  
  " 4 0800 Maintenance work continues. Roads being used to upmost and need constant attention. Chief troubles could be eliminated if more thorough road discipline obeying traffic circuits and tanks used only tank tracks. Mixed veh columns of gunners soft and armd vehs typical offenders  
  " 5 0900

First of residue vehicles joined: one 4x4 armd WHITE which travelled with 4 fd sqn.

Men at work on maintenance tasks. Recce for cross county track to CHOUVAIN made.

Constant daily demand to CRE for tippers as essential this road maintenance.

 
  " 6 0800 Track secured yesterday 50% complete. Lt ALLCHURCH sick in leaguer suffering from rash result using rough compo issue soap.  
  " 7 0800 One tp fully employed on tank track incl level crossing which has to preserve rails against the latter excavation of rd.  
  " 8 0800

Continued maintenance of roads.

Necy 60’ Bailey bridge being tasked as operationally urgent. Recce complete by 2200hrs.

 
  "

Sunday

9

0600 2 Tp left leaguer for br building  
    0730 Br eqpt on site 835703 BUCEELS  
    0800 Excavation bank seats to ensure final level bridge commenced  
    1030 Church service div RE in 143 fd pk sqn leaguer  
    1145 Approach tracks completed by 1 tp  
    1200 CRE & GOC visited site  
    1400 Br completed 2½ hours late. Slowness due to land being unorganized layout, insufficient appreciation of time for excavation.  
    1200 Five residue vehs joined. No trace yet of final eight.  
  " 10 0700

3 tp dismantled and rebuilt BAILEY 835703 improving final position.

Remaining tps; one no notice, others resting.

 
  " 11 1400 Training BAILEY Br built by 1 tp 60 ft DS HERVIEU 843723. Other work as reported sitrep. Reorganisation of sqn on completion joining up with residues: extra jeep available; forward control W/T moved into WHITE armd car on which SSM will live; spare in office lorry therefore less congested  
    1700 Handed over WP 8472 to 143 fd pk sqn who now hope to be able to take WPs over as soon as checked by sqns  
  " 12   Work as sitrep.  
  " 13   NTR.  
  " 14  

LT G N ALLCHURCH posted to base.

Work as sitrep. Good reports from tank regts on PIAT confirmed by all sappers who have now fired it Great increase in confidence in this weapon

 
  " 15   Work and trg as sitrep.  
  "

Sunday 

16

 

Many sports fixtures fixtures neighbouring div & RE units.

LT G E NORRIS posted to 30 Corps tps as RE FE1

 

8977 

COULOMBS

17 0800

Sqn complete move as last unit div RE column to new div conc area COULOMBS. Dusty difficult move. Crowded rds. Generally poor rd discipline encountered. One half-track temporarily troubled brakes. LT BEACH & ½ sec as adv party overweight; found area crowded; finally found open leaguer in standing cover. 

 

 

  1300

Mtce parties on div tracks to move round to east of CAEN

 

 

  1700

Water point opened LE FRESNE-CAMILLY 9277 and handed over to FdPpk sqn to operate. Weather at last set fair.

 

  "

18 0545

Awoke to see RAF dropping 5000 tons of bombs on our objectives. 4 Field Squadron moved off hard vehs only to move well up in div coln. Div following 11 armd & Guards Armd Divs in 8 Corps order of march

 

 

  0800

LT DAVIS and party worked all day widening gaps in 51 Div minefield

 

 

  0900

3 tp moved off under comd 131 bde. Complete all wks

 

 

  1200

LT PEPPER joined unit. Posted to 2 tp.

 

 

  1500

LT BEACH and ½ sec to CAZELLE as leaguering party

 

 

  1800

Sqn at ¼ hr notice to move.

 

 

  2000

OC to CRE for orders.

 

 

  2230

Moved in twilight and darkness to CAZELLE. Very successful and fast convoy. Dusty roads. 13 miles in 1½ hours.

 

0276

CAZELLE

19 0100 Leaguering complete.  
    0400

1 tp & 2 tp left for track mtnce in nearby cleared are COUVERVILLE & DEMOUVILLE. “Liberation” for three villages has meant annihilation.

3 tp encountering small patches Tellers on rly line and booby traps in bridges

 
    1400 Sqn move to BENOUVILLE 0975. Leaguer in dusty fields amidst 6 para divs wrecked gliders  
    1600 Rain  

0975

BENOUVILLE 

20   More rain, all day.  
      Work on clearing rds and rear tracks continued.  
      Great part of Div boggded down and tpsts of bulldozers   
      " 21 1100 Lt BEACH recce of routes through CAEN which now clears. Sqn moved VAUCELLES on South side of ORNE.  
    2000 Leaguer shelled. R.Sigs L/Cpl & Dvr hit. Not serious.  
      " 22   Sqn dispositions unchanged. No major tasks.  

0670

HEROUVILLE

23 1100 Move to HEROUVILLE. Close leaguer necessary in confused area amid medium guns.  
    2300 Beguiling display Ger planes. Flames. No bombs within ½ mile. Guns added to the night distracted  
  24   Mtce of routes for new adv with div u/comd Cdn Corps  
    1400 CE 2 Cdn Corps (Brig GEOFF WALSH) to teas with OC.  
      Tps deployed for mtce worls forward as divs move south.  

0670

HEROUVILLE

25   No trouble with the routes (SD1 & SD2). 1 tp & Div HQ subject APers bomb raids during night. Dugouts at Div by 1 tp.  
  26   NTR  
  27   3 tp fully occupied with three D7 & D4 digging in 131 bde & Sp RA  
  28 0900 Laying of RD on exposed bypass track at IFS 6463 projected. 2 tp standing by with tar sprayers.  
    1700 Project abandoned. Oil unobtainable.  
          NB, This idea later tried in 30 Corps  
                  But found that if oil laid on  
                  ground before it is churned up by vehs  
                  it is useful, if not, almost totally  
                  in effective.  
STANDRE 29 0230 Dummy minefield laying up course arranged by 3Tp  
7847   0600 2 i/c i/c our leaguer recce party to TRUNGY area  
      2 i/c at HQ conference on Div conc area  
    1130 2 i/c at HQ conference on Div conc area  
      WP NOT set up and 30 Corps had already made provisions.  
    1900 Excellent leaguer, glad to be back in BOCAGE country.  
      3 Tp rejoined.  
    2000 Sqn arrived after long dusty journey on blocked roads.  
    2100 OC brought up rear.  
      Padre WILLSON rejoined as Div RE Padre, having left 4 CLY on amalgamation with 3 CLY in 8 Armd bde.  
  30 1030 Div RE Church service in our leaguer. Attendance, 80.  
  SUNDAY 1100 OC at CRE conference.  
    1400 1 Tp moved to 131 bde area & came u/comd for new op.  
  31   NTR. Move expected tonight.  
         

 

 

 

August 1944

Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices

TRUNGY

7874

1 0015

Ready to move. Following 131 Bde in order of march

 
    0130

Moved after long wait in rd

 
    0600

Each 3 tp to south of CAUMONT 7094 clearing gunner leaguers of mines. Some booby traps found.

App C I & 2
     

Works during day.

 
    1300

Moved slowly along much congested rd to CAUMONT

 
     

MO and Padre moving with us now. MO with 15 cwt truck & amb. Padre with jeep & trailer

 

CAUMONT

7094

2 0930

LO (Lt PEPPER) to CRE to get orders for CAHAGNES bypass and route for 43 div to avoid CAHAGNES.

ROBIN road which is needed clear for 7 ADIV axis.

 
    1100

Lt PEPPER reported after recee method agreed

App C3
    1200 2 tp comd requested help 2 scis  4 Fd Sqn  
    1500 3 tp comd & OC completed recce new route LIVRY – CAHAGNES.Work well dozer needed  
    2200 First BAILEY replaces scissors.  Scissors re-laid. App C4
    2100 LO from 30 corps tps arranging tie-in of routes  

CAHAGNES

7455

3 0800 All tps on routes. sec one tp with fwd bus. C5
    0930 2 i/c recced next area  
    1030 Unit moved another 35m with pause for brew 1230  
    1300 New leaguer freshly cleared of parties on inf.  
    2000

CRE & OC 4 Fd Sqn to dinner

 
      Fwd tp  little employment but practice (1/2 sec in one halftrack veh) remaining u/comd. Fwd bus. Lt BEACH much infn passing back. Gallantly employed own time when not on RE work by acting LO to fwd corps 1/5 Queens when these out of touch.  
   " 4   1 tp still u/comd 2 & 3 tps full employment improvement CAHAGNES bypasses. Sqn greatly regrets departure GOC (Major General ERSKINE) today. C 5-9
  5 0800 2 tp laying track 3tp making culvert CAHAGNES bypasses  
    0900 2 tp order fwd with D4 bulldozer & F eschelon to clear AUNAY-SUR-ODON  
    0930 2 tp completed come and left  
    1130 2 tp fwd element with 11 H through AUNAY, Lt PEPPER in recee car- One PW.  
    1400 Diversion round wrecked by tks on route AUNAY, completed  
    1500 OL with Lt PEPPER and Sgt Mutch encountered 2 Germans attempting recovery SP gun in AUNAY. One surrendered immediately when challenged. The other first dropped into the tank, them out and behind it. Sgt Mutch & Lt Pepper closed into capture but tk exploded (30 sec delay) Sgt MUTCH alone hurt; evacuated to CCS. 2 Germans PW. App C : 10
    2000 CRE ordered 2 tp unprotected to withdraw  
    2245 CRE conference  
    2330 OC ordered 2 & 3 tps eachs to start 1st light with D4 & D7  

LONGUEVILLE

7455

6 0500

2 & 3 tps left for AUNAY with OC

 
  SUNDAY 0630

CRE gave details corps RE plan for cleaning AUNAY. Confirmed his order to make NE bypass to shorter div axis. 3 tp on mines ”brush & dustpan work”  behind 22 Armd bde

 
    0700

Rise to AUNAY to pass on CRE infn

 
    1000

53RE with toward control & rear link moved to BEAUQUAY 8452

 
    1100

NE bypass completed one way

 
    1500

Rd AUNAY- COURVAUDON cleared rd & hedges by 3 tp

 
    1600

NE bypass completed two way

 
    1630

SQN residue arrived new leaguer BEAUQUAY

 
    2000

Joined br UXB in dangerous condition adjusted leaguer accordingly

 
    2030

Chicken for dinner

 
    2130

OC to CRE conference

Lt BEACH in VALLEE all day. With L/sgt TYNAN he cleared 70 atk mines from street in the village. He is supporting 1/7 Queens who are new u/comd 22 Armd bde & Lt BEACH therefor comes u/comd the tp ldr of 2tp 4 Fd sqn who is u/comd 22 Armd bde.

App C 11-14
      General instruction rd clearing App D 1

BEAUQUAY

8452

7 1300

Tps less 1 tp working on rds NORTH of AUNAY sur ODON.

Recce by Lt KEER  ( 1 POW in HT BOSQ) and Lt PEPPER to relieve shelled route forward, avoiding VALLEE

App C 15,16

App J 2

    1900 OC to CRE for orders for for colms PEPPER, MUSTARD, & Salt. An advance to CONDE – SUR- NOIREAU is projected

App E 1-2

App J 1

    2045 OC visited 1 tp, 131 & 22  bdes  
    2215

SQN O gp   1tp already in position for PEPPER

                    3tp ready to move first light to join 8H on MUSTARD this evening L/SGT TYNAN of 1 tp was in comd of a sec of sqn u/comd 1/7 Queens who were making a night attack up the road South from LA VALLEE. In the initial stages of the attack whilst waiting for his sec to be committed he saw 3 armed Germans cross the rd in front of him and these he rounded up single handed with the aid of an empty Sten gun He was subsequently given the task of cleaning a deviation to the site of a mined crater. In spite of the non-arrival of his stores truck he showed the greatest resource in borrowing shovels, tape & detectors from the inf & succeeded in clearing the deviation in time working throughout some four yards only, behind our leading tps. When traffic started through his deviation, he remained to guide it past the ruts even though a carrier pulling on to a verge exploded a tellermine within a few feet of him.

 

BEAUQUAY

8452

8 0430 OC left to join 131 bde HQ in PEPPER colm.  
    0500 3 tp left to join 8 H & take posn in MUSTARD colm  
    1030

Recces ordered to be done by LT ACRES (from MUSTARD on left) and Lt KEER (from PEPPER on right) to see if lateral rd POSTY- CAMPANDRE LA CONGRAIN clear.

8H escort needed at EAST end.

 
    1315

Fortress a/c hit above. Four of crew bailed out overhead. One landed in our leaguer. He soon regained spirits.

 
    1500

3 tp cleared turned up veh on rd south of VALLEE.

Lt BLOCKLEY supervised extremely dangerous job using recovery tk from 8H

 
    1800

MUSTARD switched to PEPPER leaving only 8H on left.

3tp moved with them. OC order 3 tp to rejoin sqn in leaguer if comds PEPPER & MUSTARD agreed

 
    1900

Rd bypassing VALLEE on WEST nut dozed by 3tp –

Working till dark

 
    2345

Warning order for service op 9 Aug received.

No action till morning.

 
BEAUQUAY 9 0900 OC & 2tp Ldr (Lt DAVIES) 1 sec 1 tpts initiate relief of 1tp u/comd.  
8452   1130 OC to CRE conference to discuss trg & ????  
    1145 1 tp complete track to tks to give access sec Burial det ??????  
      Parties standing ready for helping in advance  
    1700 CRE gave orders direct to 1tp for alterations route avoiding CAMPANDRE-VALCONGRAIN  
    2200 Lt DAVIS left with ???? for lighting Queens route from Pt 271 ?????  
  10 1100 1 tp reported its arrival ???? LES MARZURES during night  
      ??? clear to ???? App C17
    1200 Track completed by 2 tp.   “     18
    1400 2 offrs & 14 ORs left for Corps rest camp by sea  
      near PORT-EN-BASSEN   “     19
    1700 3 tp provide maintenance track VALLEE & VALCONGRAIN App E3
      6 tippers ????? App C 20 - 21
BEAUQUAY 11  

Work as Sitrep. Domestic arrangements & eqpt overhauled

App C22-23

8452 12  

Work as Sitrep

App G1

    0900

OC to CRE conference

App C-24

    1000

Forty five ORs left for 2 days, at Rest Camp

App E4

    1400

MO & LT KEER to 9 Gen Hosp for Specialist attention

 

     

Lt KEER’s ear after exposure to shell blast 8 Aug

 

     

Lt KEER detained

 

     

2i/c to rest camp

 

   " Sunday   Lt BLOCKLEY & BEACH  returned from Rest Camp  
  13   Lt DAVIES & ACRES left for Rest Camp for one night.  
      The rest camp is being a great success with the men who, suspicious after v.poor 10 Corps one experience in TUNIS agree that this is “just the job.”  
  14 0900 OC to CRE conference  
    1000 Lt BLOCKLEY and one sec 3tp and Lt PEPPER & one sec 2tp (Lt BLOCKLEY i/c) as spr det to 11H  
BEAUQUAY 15 0930 OC conference tp ldrs  
8452     Dets with 11H on left flank recce 30 Corps – mine clearing & road clearing C27, 28 J4
BEAUQUAY 16 0025 Warning order move to Cdn Army received. E6
    0420 Movement order recd E7
    0615 O Gp – Sqn to be ready to move 0830 – order of march given.  
    0830 Sqn ready to move  
    0900 One sec 3tp returned from 11 H det. E8
      CRE away in BRITTANY. OC is A/CRE.  
      A herd of cows was collected while Sqn has been in this leaguer and now amounts to about 40 head. For last four days these have been regularly milked by the men & the sqn has been provided with fresh milk. Unfortunately the farmer has not yet returned. Civil affairs informed.  
    1045 Bad delays on road. Past SP  
    1530 2i/c recced area ST AIGNAN de CRAMESNIL and visited Div HQ  
    1700 OC visits Div HQ & went on to 1 Corps HQ.  

GARACELLES

 

1900

Whole unit arrived leaguer

 

SEQUEVILLE

17

0830

2TP F Ech with u/comd 2 scissors brs 1 armed D7 bulldozer on tptr and 1 tipper

7 Armd Div RE 004

0858

 

 

Moved off to join 131 lor inf bde

Of 17 Aug 44 App E9

 

 

0900

CRE Conference. OC attended

 

 

 

1130

Lt Beach & leaguer party moved to conc area MAIZIERES

 

 

 

1430

131 bde in action. 2 sec of 2tp u/comd fwd bus 1/6 & 1/7 QUEENS

 

 

 

1900

Moved at last (long delays before 22 Armd bde could move ahead of us) with u/comd one D4 on 10 tom lorry & 3 tippers

 

 

 

2000

Div plan changed – now diverted on LIVAROT OC visits 131 bde & 2tp at ST PIERRE

 

 

 

2045

Sqn arrived leaguer MAIZIERES 1749

 

MITTOIS

300484

18

0600

Moved to ST PIERRE SUR DIVES without adv parts, ahead successful rapid leaguer.

 
    0700

br tp 143 Fd Pk sqn came under comd.

Advance proceeding steadily towards LIVAROT after0900 good continuous reporting from Lt PEPPER as FWD recce offr.

App C 29
    1145 OC left with CRE to visit 131 bde and see area of possible br site to care traffic problem in ST. PIERRE  
    1700 Br recce party left under LT BEACH  1400 2 i/c out to look for new leaguer.  
    1715

Heavy shell landed in leaguer severe damage to br tp

4 vehs written off, 5 men killed, 4 men wounded.

 
    1730

Move to MITTOIS

Sitrep
    2310

Flares dropped overhead

App C 30
    2315

Heavy airraid. Bombs in ST PIERRE, apers bomb 400x

SW our leaguer

 
    2359

1 tp closed ST PIERRE br for improvement

 

MITTOIS

3048

19 0515

ST PIERRE br reopened

 
    0800

3 tp arrived blown bridge 4074. Will repair by laying culverting and blowing in sises & filling

 
    1130

LT PEPPER on to br NORTH of LIVAROT report on bridge intact. & scissors laid alongside. Got in his report 50 mines ahead of report from ldg tps to bde comd

 
    1930

3 tp completed 2-way crossing at 404748

    -    Has been one way since 1600 hrs.

C 31, 32, 33
  20 0015

Heavy air raid – flares - APers bombs within 200 yds

1 tp vehs – two 250 kg bombs UX in middle own leaguer

 

 

 

0040

All quiet

 

 

 

0715

Orders to 1 & 3tps – as reported complete in sitrep

App C : 34 & 34A

 

 

0820

2 tp comd reported for orders : given responsibility for laying Scissors br at LIVAROT, cleaning LIVAROT, and remaining u/comd 131 bde likely to severt evening. LT PEPPER again passing much useful infn all day

C 35 -37

MITTOIS

3048

21

0615

Lt ACRES returned from night patrol with 1/5 QUEENS having seen br 3 m NORTH of LIVAROT which much wanted for div adv. Br blown 25 ft gap alternative one way br awkward approach alongside Br held by sn during the patrol.

 

 

 

0630

3 tp left with exact requirements for the br job

 

 

 

0900

Scissors laid by 1 tp 4 Fd Sqn 467765 on one side of highway

  App C 38

 

 

1300

Br sqpt brought up to site & 3 tp commenced unloading

 

 

 

1545

Main traffic stopped

           C 40

 

 

1615

Lifting of scissors completed

 

 

 

1650

Br rolled over on rollers laterally to central posn on road

C 39

 

 

1715

Br open

 

483800

22

 

Main task 1 tp important xing over 20’ gap 448792

Sitreps 0700 hrs and 1800hrs C40 &41& C42 & C43 J5

483800

(Rd LIVAROT- LISIEUX

23 1230

3 tp moved fwd to deal with LISIEUX

 
    1300

Forward control and rear link with DK with LT BEACH & SSM moved halfway, to fwd tp to form W/T link

Work Completed as sitrep

 
    1430

Lt BROCKLEY with Sgt KELLY in recee car (DVR SMITH) hit by en bazooka in LISIEUX.

All baled out, V slight injuries.

 

HOTELLERIE

6487

24

0900

Lisieux cleared en inf.

 

   

1030

3 tp fully at work inside LISIEUX one way route onto good roads EAST opened by 1300. 22 Armd bde diverted traffic instantly

 

   

2030

2 roads for traffic opened in LISIEUX

C 45& 46& 47

   

1600

Moved though Cdn area to HOTELLERIE. Lt BEACH again ahead with leaguering parts, moving by shortest route though LISIEUX

 

   

 

This move the first really happy one in FRANCE – cheering, cheerful civilians all along route. The Marquis have been in evidence ever since LIVAROT. PARIS free: great days for France

 

ST GEORGE DU VIEVRE

25

1215

Recce party (LT KEER) left to join 22 armd bgd for crossing of R. RISLE at PONT ARTHOU 8895

 

8296

 

1330

Unit joined by whole platoon BAILEY & moved by special arrangements via LIEURY in 49 div area to ST GEORGE DU VIEVRE

 

Timings shown here

 

1615

1 tp and br pl moved on to within 1mile of river

 
incomplete but lesson   1700 First bulldozer on site  
learnt is that AMPLE time   1730 TD 18 moved up to river  
must be allowed for   1830 Bulldozer (TD 18) on site  
bringing bulldozers on tptrs   1800 Sqn in leaguer  
up crowded roads to site     Further bulldozers brought fwd See sitrep C48
      Task is crossing of three 40’ craters and felled  
      RC, br, being done by bulldozers, NO Bailey Sketch J6
    2100 One way completed  
ST GEORGE DU VIEVRE 25 2330 Shells 1 tp leaguer one killed  
  26 0105 Shells sqn leaguer C49
      Work as sitrep C50
  Sunday 1830 Padre- burial service for Dvr ROBERTS  
  27 1000 Roller on tptr arrived from corps for improvement crossing PONT AUTHOU  
    1030 CE Service (Padre WILLSON)  
    pm bathing parties in RISLE from 1tp.  
    1800 Det left with TD18 for MONTFORT SUR RISLE C51
  28   Replacement R/T set installed. 3 tp recce car  
      W/T net now as shown Appendix J7
  29 0745 Warning order move to 12 corps area  
    0830 Recce party left  
    2030 Left leaguer   21.00 Passed S P PONT ARTHOU  
    2340 Arrived ST AUBIN D’ECROSVILLE near LOUVIERS  
ST AUBIN0982 30 1700 2 i/c attended comd 13/bde conference E11
    1730 OC at CRE conference C52
    1900 OC O SP D2
    2300 Det143 br tp (bulldozers) and assault boats joined E12-14
Enroute R. SOMME 31 0800 Ready to move. 2 lorries, assault boats & one with Armco culverting joined.  
    0815 Moved out with above plus armd D7 and D4 which were routed separately over C140 br & sent off with Sgt MANN  
    1500 Colm crossed R. SEINE at LES ANDELYS  
    1550 3tp moved forward to join 4 armd Bde in area CAMPEAUX 6830  
    2000 Long halt for meal. GOURNAY-EN-BRAY 6616  
    2300 Leaguered FEUQUIERIES 7633  
      Drivers have been at the wheel for 13 hrs of the last 15 & have moved 75 miles. Everyone is in great heart.  
         

 

 

SITUATION AT 1800   HRS. DAILY

UNIT WAR DIARY APPENDIX "A"

Unit  621 Fd Sqn RE.  

Ref. Map Series    FRANCE   

 Sheet No.           1  

Commanding Officer  Major J G Carr RE

Scale   1/100,000  

Month  and Year Aug 44    

Sheets  6F/7F/8E/8F + AMEINS sheet 

DATE

LOCATIONS Map Ref

CHANGES IN COMMAND

APPROXIMATE STRENGTH

APPROXIMATE CASUALTIES

P.W.s

Weather

How was unit employed?

Ops, trg, defence works?

 

Visits

HQ

 

Sqns, Btys Coys, etc

(if widely dispersed)

Formation

 

Dets under command

Own Tps detached

Men

Tks,

Armd C8, Guns

Men

Tks,

Armd C5, Guns

Aug           1

706596

1 tp 704592

7 Armd Div

Det Br Tp  143

1 tp

253

 

 

 

--

Misty

Ops

 

 

 

 

 

Fd Pk Sqn

With 131 bde

253

 

2

 

--

The Wet

 

Aug           2

706596

1 tp 7454

251

 

1

 

--

Fine

 

Aug           3

744555

1 to 734551

250

 

 

 

--

 

4

        

250

 

 

 

3

 

5

1 tp no change 2 tp AUNAY 819511

250

 

 

 

--

 

6

841523

1 tp 826545

 

 

 

 

3+1

 

7

841523

1 tp 864524

251

 

 

 

--

 

8

         

251

 

 

 

--

 

9

         

251

 

 

 

--

 

10

1 tp reverted

--

--

252

 

 

 

--

Ops & rest

 

11

         

--

--

252

 

 

 

--

Works & rest

 

12

         

--

--

252

 

 

 

--

 

13

         

--

--

252

 

 

 

--

Rest

 

14

         

--

2 Offrs & 2 Sec u/comd 11 H

252

1

 

 

--

Ops & rest

 

15

Det with 11 H CLECY 9338

--

251

 

 

 

--

 

16

084563

         

--

252

 

 

 

--

Ops

 

17

2 tp en route ST PIERRE

sur DIVES

Det  br tp

2 tp u/comd 131 Bde

252

 

 

 

--

Then clouding over

 

18

301484

2 tp 258497

“ + ½ Pl Bailey

252

 

 

 

--

Fine

 

19

2 tp 315488

253

 

 

 

--

 

20

301787

2 tp 431748

7 Armd Div

1 det br tp 143

2 tp

249

 

3

 

3

Showers

Ops

 

 

 

 

 

Fd Pk Sqn

u/comd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inc 1 sec Scissors ex 365 CTTC

131 Bde

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

      

2 tpp reverted but same loation

7AD

---

249

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

 

22

483800

            ---

7 Armd Div

---

249

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

23

            ---

7 Armd Div

---

249

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

 

24

640893

            ---

---

249

 

2

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

25

824960

            ---

“ also

---

247

 

 

 

--

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pl BAILEY

---

 

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

26

            ---

Det br tp and

---

245

 

2

 

--

 

 

 

27

            ---

Sec tippers

---

 

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

SUNDAY

            ---

Also one Roller

---

245

 

 

 

--

 

28

            ---

nil

---

245

 

 

 

--

Cloudy

Windy

Rest

 

29

 

            ---

nil

---

245

 

 

 

 

Wet

Ops

 

30

090824

            ---

nil

---

 

 

 

 

 

Wet

Ops

 

31

Xing of SEINE

            ---

Det br tp

3 Tp u/comd

245

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

 

 

 

 

143 Fd Pk Sqn

4 Armd Bde

245

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 1944

Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
CAVILLON 9461 1 0300 One close support raft (4 lorries) and gridlayer & accessories lorries BAILEY joined  
    0600  OC in recce car and SSM with sup for 3tp went forward  
    0700 Ech with sups t’prt came up C1
    0800 Br & acc BAILEY lorries and close sup raft fwd to 3tp  
    0945 Moved to P.O. 1X 8649. 1 tp clearing 2d block same area  
    1215 2i/c at CRE – recce reports in over Armd car R/T from RE offrs of SOMME crossings  
    1230 OC at CRE HQ  
    1300 Br pl joined sqn in fwd leaguer  
    1315 Lt BEACH from ROYALS reported at main div  
    1400 OC orders on air  
    1420 2 tp left leaguer with br lorries for mass shelling area near SOMME  
    1430 1 tp forward to CAVILLON  
    1630 Remaining sqn moved to CAVILLON 9462  
    1800 Br op commenced PICQUIGNY 9964 which finally quiet after intermittent but accurate shelling & S A fire since 1100 hrs  
    2000 Preliminary order from CRE Div directed on GHENT in 3 days  
    2100 Warning order: no move before 0800: tp to go u/comd 131 bde: u/comd 4 armd bde units  
    2230 Br completed over SOMME at PICQUIGNY 30’ss. other two hours over split river intact  
      Lt BEACH with L/sgt TYNAN captured 1 P/W on a flying boat site; 1 tp rescued 10 British P/W in En hands  

BONNEMAISON

2

0645

3 tp ldr in for orders

 

7693

 

0800

Moved over SOMME at PICQUIGNY 9965

 

 

 

0845

Temporary leaguer in open fields on hill the other side

 

 

 

1000

Lt Davis ordered to supervise & restrict traffic over doubtful bridge in

 

 

 

 

PICQUIGNY crossing.

C 2 and 3 and 4

 

 

1015

CRE R/T orders to reinforce existing br by laying BAILEY on surface to one side without disturbing flow one way traffic (0760)

 

 

 

1045

3 tpr br lorries left for this task

 

 

 

1300

Moved NORTH routed VIGNACOURT – CANAPLES – CANDAS0981 – FIENVILLE0683 – HEM 1287 OL fwd ditching co/n onto route by R/T

 

 

 

1700

2 tp left coln to go fwd to FEVERE 1299 to clear felled br and bomb debris

D4 & a sec of tippers from u/comd 4 fld sqn sent up to 2 tp

 

 

 

1730

Into leaguer BONNEMAISON 169937. Captured 88mm gun (PAK 41) intact

 

 

 

2000

3 tp rejoined from SOMME

 

 

 

 

1 tp in leaguer 152074 – have been all day with 8H hot on heels en fleeing bodies.

APP C 5

NR. ST. POL 1306

SUNDAY 3

0800

1 RTKs reported on to tonights objective LILLERS

 

 

 

1015

Moved in RE coln to area 1306

LT BEACH joined 11.H. as recce offr

App E1
    1200

Inf report En active 600x WEST our leaguer

Alert

 
    1330

Tp lots recces completed, liaising with 1/6 Queens fwd p/s

1tp in sp 1/7 Queens who are attacking ST.POL

 
    1600 Decision to go to LILLE. ST.POL attack stopped  

 

 

1900

½ BAILEY P1 incl 1 offr came u/comd

LT BEACH shot in back, while on br on LA BASSEE canal

Sqn ready to move – packed up, dossed down.

 

8m NW of ARRAS 4015

4

0200

Sqn moved, leading div RE coln

App E2

 

 

0500

Arrived 407158 – The injured with first aid from PF1 who reported accurately on all En dispositions nearby.

 

 

 

0600

Patrol co-operated FFI rounding up collaborators

 

 

 

1900

Two lorries of assault boats joined bridging det

 

SE of LILLE

5

0045

moved to 754325

 

7532

 

0600

in leaguer open fields astride axis nr airfield which some NCOs & men of the unit had helped to construct in 1940.

 

 

 

1700

Orders by RT move to area SOUTH of GHENT

 

 

 

1800

moved

 

 

 

1900

Entered Belgium. Coln moved by enthusiastic crowds.

 
    2300 Sgn less br det in leaguer near AUDENARDGE at EDNAME 116586  
EDNAME 6 0300 br tp into leaguer App C6
1259   1400 OC to CRE for orders  
    1415 orders by R/T for three demolition parties  
    1500 2 sqn parties left : composition 1 offer & two half sections in armd ½ tracks with all explosive from 2 & 3 tps C7
    1700 tps commenced work on brs  
    1830 Sqn HQ moved to 253677  
    2000 Sqn HQ arrived new leaguer. Joined by 1 tp  
    2130 All brs blown as follws:  
      2 Tp Lt DAVIS DEYNZE                  045738 (1)  
                                                                 047732 (2)  
               Lt PEPPER DEUXLE                094759 (3)  
      3 Tp LT BLOCKELY GRAMMENE011729 (4)  
      Object: to make 30’ gap, Covered by patrols 11H  
          -      Immediate demolitions  
      (3) successful  
      (4) obstacle made by bending up rly rails, cratering & erecting Mine signs.  
      (1) RC bridge – 10 T-beams – first blow using 600lbs explosive succeed only in weakening abutment & bearing the reinforcements. Cutting charges being laid on these when dem partu & 11H forces to withdraw under aimed SA fire  
      (2) Girder & timber br – cut – fired on withdrawing from (1). Party unable return to see nature of the gap made  
      Communications : Oc at Sqn HQ C Sqn 11H at089685. All infn & orders by 11H net. OC reported to CRE direct on CRE net.  
      Explosive All tp expl vehs necessary to ensure distribution expls between brs, but we had not got theses as we have three recce cars deficient and the remaining two are used.  OC 2. tp  u/comd bde.  

OSTERZEELE

2567

7 0030 Last dem det (Lt BLOCKLEY) with OC returned leaguer. All parties in without incident except that 2tp party tickled up a hedge near rd at 1067 & extracted five unprotesting bosche.  
    1100 br det reverted comd own cot u/comd 30 Corps  
    1430 CRE orders by IORE to send strong mtce party to br in GHENT 2004768 & prepare to built alternative br alongside App E4
    1515 1tp reverted to comd sqn App E3
      Lt KEER left with 1 sec for br task  
    1800 CRE decided no br to be built 200768. Civs to proceed at all possible speed to repair it themselves C8
      1 tp remained in GHENT overnight. App J1

OSTERZEELE

          2567

8   The payment of Belgium money. No exchanging of French francs yet possible because little original Belgium notes available.  
    1515 CRE orders by L/T Liase 131 Bde to provide spare parties to accompany Queens in attack in NORTH part of GHENT (all industrial quarter) OC let to unit comd 131 Bde (Lt Col Freeland)  
    2000 OC & LT Keer at bde conference. 1tp leaguered in Ghent with 1/6 Queens.  
    2100 Recce br at 194874 ordered. Plan made by 1tp to swivel it back into position. It is a WARREN truss br sqan 160 (?). Swivelling on central on pier. Mechanism appears intact.  
    2300 CRE orders by L/T: brs at DEYNVZE must be repaired with greatest economy Bailey and possible help 4 Sqn & Tpt from 143 Fd Pk sqn to bring up many RSIS etc.  
   

2330

OC returned to HQ to rollout swr cables for 1tp.

3tp comd Lt Brockley left to TERMONDE to classify br used by 4 Armd Bde for advance on LOKEREN & ST NICHOLAS.

 
2567 9 0120 Cable reached 1tp, but moon too high to allow wk on site. 2567
    0300

OC returned to leaguer

LT Keer completed recce swivel br at 193825 by swimming out to the pier. For water on observation & SA fire.

 
    0430 Lt Brockley returns to from TERMONDE.  
    0700 Lt Davis left to recce DEYNZE brs with cover from 46 (H) bde with whom he is to RV at GAVERE.  
    0800 OC to 131 bde conf GHENT  
    0900 2 i/c to CRE conference to tac up DEYNZE OP  
  9   Blown brs even more & gaps are 90’ & 50’  
    1130 CE decided 7 Armd Div E not to undertake DAYNZE brs.  
      A letter from GOC informs Lt DAVIES awarded MC  
      [- periodic award for Italian campaign at - Dec 43]  
    1400 1tp completed swinging of br 193825 by working hand mechanism . In shellfire but no SA during this op  
ORDORP   1545 Sqn move to OPDRP 545756  
4575   1700 Recce off another damaged br are in Ghent by OC and Sgt Blackley. mr 175817. Needs improvement decking  
    1545 Stores Recce for this be our complete  
    2300 br our decking completed with assistance from pl 1/5 Queens  
  10 1200 3tp Relieved 1 tp in Ghent in sp 131 bde Capt Street i/c C10
    1430 Sgt LEE while on reece with tp comd shot by Dv soldier C11
ORDORP 11 0010 br 175817 closed for two hours strengthening decking  
4575   0130 br reopened. Party returning through Ghent met heavy shellfire in town which continued for rest of night C12
    1400 tks crossing on br 175817 without mishap C13
      3tp A Ech & 10 ton Tptr and & coles crane commenced with preparing materials for making wooden decking to stay br at 193825  
    1700 Want to move out of Ghent on relief 131 bde by Polish Armd Div  
    1900 completed handover to Polish Fd sqn  
    2300 Whole tp completed move to ORDORP  
      2 tp party on MTCE TE RMONDE bro be all 4576  
   " 12 1200 TERMONDE br handed over to Corps Fd Coy.  
      Doing this pause a large number of NCOs were appointed in the week above  
      This was to fill the vacancies off tpsgt etc which they were de facto. All were impressed with the fact that this was done for the proper establishment of the sqn and they must not reckon on Subst promotion. This is in part new Practise in this unit, and the correct one. Total promotions 2 L/Sgts - Sgt, 4 L/Cpls - Cpl, 2 Cpls – L/Sgt. One difficulty is still defined sprs & dvrs who are fit for promotion to L/Cpl. The unit is almost dry of potential junior ncos. Some are able but not willing.  
TREMELOO 13 0530 Sqn move to TREMELOO  
8771   0830 move (via suburbs of BRUSSELS) completed  
      Sqn for next rest for 3 days, thereafter to be at 24 hrs notice. Excellent billeting arranged each tp in a dance hall annex to base bar. Offrs Mess in hospitable house in grounds of which spr HQ leaguered  
  14   NTR  
  15 0900 CRE address to whole sqn on past and future OPS.  
      Grave warnings of poss attitude of German Civs when border crossed. Everybody expecting this to be in a few weeks.  
TREMELOO 16 0900 CRE inspection all vehs  
8771   1300 1pt det took over br at BORN 6482 from 53 Div  
  17   NTR except OC & 2i/c (Capt Street) to Brussels for 24hrs leave  
  18 1800 Lt PEPPER completed rd recce C13 C16
    2000 CRE to sqn HQ to give orders for building C140br on 12 Corps mtce router at 200928 nr MOLL  
  19 0800 Lt Davies left for site 2092.  4 LISTER (143 Fd Pk Sqn) left for store to BRUSSELS, taking message for OC.  
    0900 1 & 2 tps & COLES Crane left for site  
    1100 Work begins winching RSTs out of water Appendix j(2)
    1430 Lt BLOCKLEY to CRE Corps tps  
    1630 OC on site  
    2100 Major Bloomer at Sqn HQ conference with OC on stores  
  20   Work at MOLL continues – trouble with pile driver C18 & 19
MEERHOUT 21 1000 Sgn less 1 & 2 tps moved to MEERHOUT  
I1485   1230 Move completed. All men under cover in school  
MEERHOUT 22   NTR  
I1485 23 1130 Lt ACRES & 1/2 sec to br recce with 8H area MOLL  
    1200 orders for recce AART br 6794 to see if it can brd with 80’ DS BAILEY. C20
    1245 Capt STREET left to see if possible. 1 Tp warned by DR to be ready to move if 3tp require reinforcement for this task.  
    1315 Message from Adjt – Will scissors do?  
    1340 Capt Street on site  
    1430 Message from OC to Div by DR demanding scissors & 50 flexboards.  2 & 3 Sec 3 Tp left for site  
    1500 OC with Div Comd. Told that only requirement is to ferry over a “patrol” of 11H.  
    1600 2 & 3 secs 3Tp on site  
      CRE on site. Orders patch up FBE raft already on site – though riddled – after 15 (S) Div attempt four days earlier to cross. Ferry to be ready by 1700.  
MEERHOUT 23 1710 C Sqn 11H On site all waiting to cross  
I1485   1740 ferry ready for careful use. Leaky but useable  
    1805 Scissors br in position over lock nearby and cross country route to be cleared and passable thereafter  
    1810 11H Armd car coming onto br blew up on mine  
      no casualties. Systematic cleanng commenced  
    1820 one more mine located and wrecked car towed away  
      11H decide not enough time now to cross, recce, and leaguer back this site tonight.  
    1830 HMO and TDG commenced bulldozing good ramp to scissors site  
      Bulldozing abandoned. Whole plan abandoned.  
      Capt Street and 1 sec remained to take up scissors with local protection from 11H. Lt Acres returned to MEERHOUT with the rest of tp.  
    2110 Abandoned attempt left the scissors in down laid Hawkins mines around gen approach to br and withdrew  
      having QUEENS standing patrol at site  
    2230 Capt Street to Sqn HQ for orders for next days move  
    2359    “        “    back with sec at 11 Gp at MART C21
      Works at 200928 : 2 piles driven 2 capsills in place  
      All stores at last on site. 2 Trestles 60% completed  
RIETHOVEN SUNDAY 0500 3 TP lifted mines & commenced lifting scissors APP I
3608 24 0700 Complete lifting  
HOLLAND   0950 Sqn move picking up 1 & 2 tps en route  
      Lt DAVIES composite br handed over to Corps tps  
    1300 Arrived Div conc area RIETHOVEN 365087  
    1800 Tp ldr conference C22
    2100 LT DAVIES to 131 bde conference  
      LT WINSTANLEY reported for duty. Atd 1tp  
  25 0700 2Tp moved u/comd 131 bde 440306  
    0745 OC, CAPT STREET & LT KEER fwd to recce task at  
OEDENRODE      OEDENRODE 4231 where it is necessary to make the town passable for 4-way traffic to allow two corps maintenance routes to pass through it.  
    1000 OC reported R/T to CRE. Single way C130 and two way C140 already good. Required to build 70’ DS BAILEY & make 150’ approach rd over meadows ETC  12 hrs after arrival sqpt. Materials for road available in area.  
    1015 Lt AIRES with two compressors and light sees of 1 & 3 tps despatched  
    1040 Sqn moved followed by drs 145 with br eqps.  
    1300 Sqn arrived 420318. 1Tp commenced wk on br C23
      3 Tp wk on approaches making timber causeway. C24
    1830 Lt WINSTANLEY recce of rly br 462378   475384  
      Reportd ok tks one way  
    2000 br completed  
    2100 Recces to br now OK but all traffic, but timber causeway not completed  

OEDENRODE

4231

26 0530 Stand to  
    0600 2 Tp 4 Sqn under 3 Tp commenced work completed causeway  
    1000 CRE visited  
    1200 Br & completed approach opened  
      Mtc handed over to 278 Fd Coy 15 (S) Div  
  27   NTR  
  28   3 Tp built short span girder & timber br VEGHEL 4738  
      Lt DAVIES wounded & evacuated. LT PEPPER i/c 2Tp  

VOORSTENBOSCH

4942

29 1530 Moved in tp gps to good billets in schools in VOORSTENBOSCH App C 26
  30 0530 Stand to  
      Lt W, T, MITCHELL joined. Lt ACRES moved as tp offr. To 2 Tp. Lt MITCHELL as 3 tp offr. C27
         

 

 

 

 

 

SITUATION AT 1800   HRS. DAILY

UNIT WAR DIARY APPENDIX "A"

 

Unit  621 Fd Sqn RE.  

Ref. Map Series    FRANCE    9E/9F BELGIUM & N.E. FRANCE 1,2,6,7,10,14

 Sheet No.           1  

 

Commanding Officer  Major J G Carr RE

Scale   1/100,000  

 

Month  and Year September 44    

Sheets  as above 

 

DATE

LOCATIONS Map Ref

CHANGES IN COMMAND

APPROXIMATE STRENGTH

APPROXIMATE CASUALTIES

P.W.s

Weather

How was unit employed?

Ops, trg, defence works?

 

Visits

 

HQ

 

Sqns, Btys Coys, etc

(if widely dispersed)

Formation

 

Dets under command

Own Tps detached

Men

Tks,

Armd C8, Guns

Men

Tks,

Armd C5, Guns

 

           1 Sep

948617

3 tp same general arwa

7 Armd Div

Br Tp  143 Fd Pk Sqn

3 tp u/comd 4

245

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 Sep

171938

1 tp 1507

 

 

Armd Bde

244

 

 

 

1

Showers

Ops

 

 

3 Sep

 

1 tp u/comd 131 Bde

 

 

 

 

16

Wet

Ops

 

 

 

135060

1 tp ST POL

½ Bailey Pl

244

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

 

4 Sep

487158

1 tp nearby

244

 

3

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

 

5 Sep

757325

1 tp area OUDENARDE 0957

241

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

 

 

6 Sep

116586

1 tp en route OOSTERZEELE 2368

241

 

 

 

12

Fine

Ops

 

 

7 Sep

253677

         

Nil

Nil

241

 

 

 

 

Wet high wind

Ops

 

 

8 Sep

      

1 tp in GHENT

Nil

1tp in Sp 131 Bde

241

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

 

 

9 Sep

545756

         

Nil

241

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

 

10 Sep

3 tp in GHENT 191800

Nil

3tp in Sp 131 Bde

241

 

1

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

 

11 Sep

         

Nil

240

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

 

12 Sep

         

Nil

----

240

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops & rest

 

 

13 Sep

872710

         

Nil

----

240

 

2

 

--

Fine

work

 

 

14 Sep

         

Nil

----

238

 

1

 

--

Showers

rest

 

 

15 Sep

         

Nil

----

237

 

 

 

--

Fine

rest

 

 

16 Sep

         

Nil

----

237

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops & rest

 

 

17 Sep

         

Nil

----

237

 

 

 

--

Fine

 

 

18 Sep

         

Nil

----

237

 

 

 

--

Showers

 

 

19 Sep

1 & 2 tps MOLL 2093

Nil

----

237

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

 

20 Sep

872710

1 & 2 tps 2093

7 Armd Div

Nil

Nil

254

 

1

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

 

21 Sep

1485

          

253

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

 

22 Sep

         

253

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops & Trg

----

 

23 Sep

1485

1 & 2 Tps 2092 3 Tp 0792

253

 

2

 

--

Ops

----

 

24 Sep

365087

         

251

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

 

25 Sep

420319

2 Tp 437306

Bulldozer Det 143 Fd Pk Sqn

2 Tp u/comd 131 Bde

251

 

1

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

 

26 Sep

2 Tp 505365

250

 

1

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

 

27 Sep

          --

----

2 Tp u/comd 131 Bde

249

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

 

28 Sep

          --

----

249

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

 

29 Sep

489418

          --

----

249

 

1

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

 

30 Sep

          --

----

248

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 1944

Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices

VOORSTENBOSCH

4942

Sunday

1

  11H now deployed on NORTH & NW sector of village no stand to considered necy. C1
      Padre WILLSON staying two days. Full Sunday observed.0800; HC,0900 RC Mass at village church,0930 Church Service for unit, 17.45 community hymn singing & evening prayers.  
  2 0500 1 Tp moved off to build composite br at 502342 over ZVID WILEMS Canal. C2
  3   1Tp continuing work clearing debris 502340  2Tp refitting. 3Tp tng on mines & ramp practises.  
    1300 Warning order to standby at ½hr notice for inf role  
    1600 Tp ldrs & OC to Comd 131 bde conf.  
    1715 Tps moved to VEGHEL  
    1730 Tp ldrs recced posns with offrs of American para br from whom Sqn is to take over defense of VEGHEL.  
  3   Sqn u/comd 5 RTKS u/comd 131 bde  
      COMMUNICATIONS   
     

 
      1.OC comd post at 5RTKS HQ  
      2.Sqn HQ remained at   
      VOORSTENBOSCH  
    1815 Take over posn completed. Rt 2tp L 3tp Rest 1 TP
    1830 OL orders                                      each with lp 500 fwd  
      Quiet night. Patrols from 3 Tp fwd troop 3
      NTR  
  4 1700 OCL orders  
    1900 Change over of tps.  R 2Tp  L 1Tp  Res 3 Tp  
    2200 Patrol & Capt STREET & four to Canalbank C4
      454386 Stayed 2hrs & returned. & J1
      Sqn maintaining guard on br in VEGUEL on main Corps axis  
                                                           480376  
VEGHEL 5 1900 3Tp found battle patrol Capt STREET, 2 NCOs + 6 to make feint on Canal bank 454386 J1 (32)
4737   2200 Patrol in. NMS.  
  6 0020 Defensive patrol from 1tp fwd to 465393. NTR.  
    1200 OC orders. Change over R 3Tp L 1TP Res 2Tp.  
    1730 Change over effected.  
  7 1145 3Tp ordered u/comd 1/6 QUEENS to take over from 11H & carrier PL in front of DINTHER 4340, 4450 & 4439  
    1800 3Tp in posn. J1 (34)
  SUNDAY      
  8 1630 OC & 4 MITCHELL going round 3Tp posns shot at by unidentified en  
    1700 4 sec at LUK 433406, surrounded by small en patrol who had crossed at 425410, withdrew in disorder. 1 sec at 438401 ordered to withdraw. C5
VEGHEL 8 1900 3Tp found battle patrol Capt STREET, 2 NCOs + 6 to make feint on Canal bank 454386 J1 (32)
  8   Situation immediately restored and all secs in posn by 2030 hrs. One spr wounded and carried off from 4 sec by en  
VEGHEL 9   No changes  
4737   0800 CRE conference  
    1000 Bde conference  
    1200 Tp leaders conference C6
  10   V. heavy rain all day, continuous through night C7
  11 0800 Incident at LOCK 433406 C8
    1900 Sqn relieved by 1/6 QUEENS  
    2100 Relief of 3Tp by C coy 1/6 QUEENS  
HEESH 12 0800 OC recce with tp offrs to HEESCH 4750  
4750     Preparatory to taking over from I Coy 1 RB in firm base. Moved u/comd 22 Armd bde  
    1500 Take over from I Coy 1RB complete  C9    J2
  13   NTR  
  14   NTR on ops  
      5% Men now sent daily to small town of OSS nearby where some missions permit. 2 or 3men every four days go for 24 hrs to JERBOA CLUB in EINDHOVEN.  
HEESH SUNDAY 1100 Major J.G. CARR to ANTWERP for 48hrs leave.  
4750 15   Capt E.P. STREET in command  
      Padre WILLSON took services in village hall  
  16   Football matches with RB & local team  
      OC returned from ANTWERP  
  17 1930 Heavy rain & heavy shelling  
    2100 Stood to. Nothing happened  
    2300 Stood down.  
  18   Lt L.P. BLOCKLEY appd A/Capt & posted 279 Fd Coy  
      in 15 (S) Div as 2i/c  
  19   Capt E.P. STREET reassumes appt. 2i/c  
    1400 2Tp 4 fd sqn reverts comd own sqn  
  20 1100 Sqn relieved by 1 OX & BUCKS (53div)  
    1700 CRE visits with orders for op ALAN  
      Sqn reverts command. CRE   C10   E1&2
LOOSBROEK 21 1030 Moved to LOOSBROEK to conc for ALAN   C11&12   E3
4645   1900 Lt P.M.C. WESTON arrives for duty, not yet posted to tp   
LOOSBROEK 22   Sqn fully committed all day clearing mines and marking tracks. 3Tp with secs  u/comd bus 131 Bde. Right 1tp. Left (to MIDDLERODE 3942 2tp.   C13
4645 23  

Sqn re-deployed

Right (with 1/6 Queens) 1tp, centre (with 1/5 Queens) 3tp, left (with 1/7 Queens) 2tp. All in sp.

  C14
  24   Mine clearing bridging all day.  
      Total of mines lifted whole sqn last 3 days: 257 all types, incl 98 Tellers 48 R mines   C15, C16
    2300 Orders for op DON received   E3
  25 0800 Tps to work as follows: 1tp clearing mines p1 previously only marked off, 2tp finishing off composite br 406430, 3tp recce & clearing mines.

  J3

  C17

    1400 OC talks to whole sqn giving outline of future ops, summary of successful adv to ‘S HERTOGENBOSCH already captured   E4
BOXTEL 25 1700 Move postponed until tomorrow - under 131 bde for move only.  
3232 26 0900 OC to CRE  
    0930 Orders for move by R/T from 131 bde  
    1100 Moved, crossing br DINTHER 426410 at 11.30  
    1430 In leaguer at BOXTEL  
    1600 Lt Col HUNTER with next CRE   Lt Col ARMITAGE visited & met all offrs.  
      Mtce parties moved on to trs 357342 & 329363 which have been taken over from 51(H) Div.  
    1830 Orders to send off offr contact recce to travel with HH towards WILHELMINA canal, expecting to br area OOSTERHOUT 9942, but this still 15 miles in front of our a br tps   C18
    1930 Lt ALRES left for 11H  

UDENHOUT

27

1115

Moved while sqn with BAILEY PL in/comd to UDENHOUT

  C19

2038

 

1400

In leaguer, joyfully received by inhabitants who are more demonstrative than any so far met in HOLLAND.

 

UDENHOUT

2038

28

0700

Slight shelling, one lorry in br pl damaged but still a runner.

 
   

1115

Lt Col HUNTER said goodbye to whole sqn.

 
   

 

Gathered in rooms in school here.

 
   

1200

CRE visited to indicate changed plan

 
   

1400

Lt WESTON left to recce new area.

 
   

1500

Lt WINSTANLEY left with ½ sqn – scissors br to RV 5RTKS 235403

 
   

1600

Scissors laid 258418

  C20
    1915 Lt ALRES returned from 11H with br recces.   C21

UDENHOUT

2038

29 0800 Lt WESTON and ½ sec 3 Tp Det to clear rd block at 153398. 80 Schumines lifted and remainder masked of. Minefield located and clearly marked   C22
    1315 Sqn orders for move leaguer in ENSCHOT  2034. Found our billets found occupied by 11 H  
    1630 Sqn moves to TILBURG 162343          

TILBURG

162343

30 0705 Order (R/T) to lift Scissors at M/R 258418 and return   C23
    0706 Order (R/T) 3/5 left at 340170 when lifted to be returned to Fd Pk  
    0900 ½ sqn of 3Tp with D4 to Rd Blk at M/R 141331.  
      Scissors br lifted & returned by 2Tp  
    0900 1,2 & 3 Tps takeaway & Cl Sp up raft  
    1215 Rd blk at M/R 141321 cleared for 2 way traffic, D4 retnd to Fd Pk  
    1650 2 decks 1 paned 1Acc (Bailey) & 4 Sqn RE for br at M/R 999424  
    1702 O/S Raft packed and retnd to Fd Pk  
    2040 L/O & OC for appointment at 2000 hrs  

TILBURG

162343

31 0600 Capt Street & Lt Pepper recce br 073471  069470   C24
      070457 & route 069470 - 076458  
    1015 3Tp commence building br at 163348 Bailey.   E5
      Capt Street. 1Tp to unload  
    1432 2Tp put scissor br down at 070457, & routes N-S maintained. Charges taken off br prepared for demolition at 069470.  

TILBURG

162343

31 1802 Message – leave scissors down for tonight, Stores from 143 Fd Pk will be on site first light.  
         

 

 

SITUATION AT 1800   HRS. DAILY

UNIT WAR DIARY APPENDIX "A"

Unit  621 Fd Sqn RE.  

Ref. Map Series    HOLLAND

 Sheet No.           1  

Commanding Officer  Major J G Carr RE

Scale   1/100,000  

Month  and Year Oct 44    

Sheets           

DATE

LOCATIONS Map Ref

CHANGES IN COMMAND

APPROXIMATE STRENGTH

APPROXIMATE CASUALTIES

P.W.s

Weather

How was unit employed?

Ops, trg, defence works?

 

Visits

HQ

 

Sqns, Btys Coys, etc

(if widely dispersed)

Formation

 

Dets under command

Own Tps detached

Men

Tks,

Armd C8, Guns

Men

Tks,

Armd C5, Guns

      1 Oct

489418

----

7 Armd Div

----

2 Tp u/comd 131 Bde`

257

 

--

 

--

Showers

rest

----

2

489418

1 tp 502340

---

258

 

2

 

--

Fine

Rest & Ops

----

3

489418

All tps area 4737

131 Lor Ind Bde

---

---

256

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

4

475375

Rear HQ 4942

---

---

266

 

10 Rfts

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

5

475375

Rear HQ 488374

---

---

266

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

6

475375

---

---

266

 

1

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

7

475375

Rear HQ 488374 3TP 454426

---

3Tp u/comd 1/6Q

265

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

8

---

---

265

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

9

---

---

265

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

10

---

---

265

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

11

---

---

265

 

1

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

12

471503

All soft wehs 496476

22 Armd Be

2tp4Fdsqn

---

264

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

13

---

264

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

14

---

264

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

15

---

264

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

16

---

264

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

17

---

264

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

18

---

264

 

1

 

--

Fine

----

19

---

---

263

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

20

---

---

263

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

21

460450

---

7Armd Div

Det 143FdPk Sqn

3 secs u/comd 131 Bde

263

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

22

---

263

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

23

---

263

 

1

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

24

---

----

---

262

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

25

---

----

---

262

 

1

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

26

323356

---

----

---

262

 

1

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

27

207387

---

Pl BAILEY br

---

262

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

28

207387

---

----

262

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

29

207387

---

----

262

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

30

162343

---

----

262

 

3

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

31

162343

---

 

 

 

259

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

 

 

 

November 1944

Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
TILBERG 1 0800 3 TP complete 100’ span centrally supported Bailey bridge at MR162348. Maintenance party left on bridge. Bridge (Bailey) maintenance also at M.R. 1353480.   C1
    1000 1 TP had repairs to southern approach to br at M.R. 1623480  
    1600 route and br maintenance to scissors br at M.R. 070457  
    1730 2 TP work commenced on replacement of scissors br at M.R. 070457 near RAMSDONK of a composite bridge.  
  2nd 0245 2 troop completed construction of composite bridge at M.R. 070487. Handrail fixed & painting till 12.00 hrs.  
    0900 1 Troop road maintenance, routes North of TILBERG all day.  
    0900 1 Troop Lt KEER & section checked & reported all mines in area 44 confirm lifted.  
      3 Troop responsible for maintenance 2 Bailey bridges one Tilberg MR. 135349 & MR. 162348   C2
    1500 O.C. went to C.R.E’s conference.  
TILBURG 3rd 0800 1 Tp. Road maintenance Bde routes North of TILBURG all day  
      3 Tp. Br. maintenance at Mr 163348 and 135349  
      2 Tp. Delay charge and booby trap search 2 civil buildings in Tilburg  
  3 0800 MR. 1533 all day  
    1930 Sqn dance in local gymnasium . 15 (S) Div band. 500 attendees.  
TILBURG 4 0930 2 troop. 1 sect maintaining bde roots N. of TILBERG. Laid new decking to br 099438. 1 section.   C3
    1400 O.C. made route recce, TILBURG to UDENHOUT  
    1500 1 Tp supplied 1 sec two maintain route to UDENHOUT  
    1500 Lt WINSTANLEY examined Cl V raft which had Sunk at Mo. 175332. It was declared fit, but all small stores missing.  
    1530 3 Troop recce for sign posting of routes N. of TILBERG. Removed 5 booby traps from church. MR 175320 on stairs to tower.  
    1600 2 TROOP took over maintenance of bridges 135349 and 162348 (Tilberg) from 3 Tp.  
TILBURG 5 0830 LT WESTON and 1 sec, 1 TROOP continued clearing Schȕminefield at MR 158392. 2 TROOP on Sqn.rd commitments. Rifle range 1289363 cleared of Booby Traps.   C5
    1030 Cpl PLIKINGTON blown up on Schȕmine and evacuated  
    1900 CRE and OC 629 Fd Sqn to dinner – Sqn dance.  
  6 0800 Lt Pepper deployed 2 Tp on island improving communications and removing charges from bridges around HEUSDEN.   C6
      1 Tp maintain mean lateral and takes over br maintenance 280470 3 Tp clearing Schȕminefield LOON OP ZAND.  
  7 0830 OC on recce of new commitments do to change of the Div boundary. Lt Winstanley to recce Tp area at KROMVOIRT.   A1
      2 Tp do ARP rescue work at HEUSDEN with mech shuffle and BULLDOZER. Town Hall apparently demolished on top of civilians. Sqn deployed on many FALSE REPORTS of Booby Traps and both Civs and Mil (incl Div HQ) personnel   C7
  8   1 Tp moves to KROMVOIRT in support 131 Inf Bde – Br Building and mine lifting, also Br Mtc   C8
      2 Tp in Rd Mtce – 1 L/Cpl ad 1 Spr killed on R Mines stacked off road and apparently Booby Trapped   C9
      3 Tp on Br Mtce. Trouble with Br F85 at 248443 – Rd Bearers damaged owing to drop in canal level. Football Sqn vs 619 Fd Sqn. Lost 7-4  
         
  9   1 Tp have been very busy in vicinity ELSHOUT VLINMEN and S’HERTSGENBOSCH   C10
      2 Tp on Road Maintenance and Mine Clearing. Orders received for move of Div   A2
      1 Tp return to TILBURG. Lt Weston on Recce BREE area & BILLETS found in NEERHOVEN  
  10 1000 hrs Sqn move with Div take 2 hrs to clear TILBURG – 2 Cdn Div coming opposite way over many Brs. 75 mile Route were West of TURNHOUT – GHEEL those E of BREE  
      Arrive NEERHOVEN 2330 hrs after after 6 difficult hours night convey. Wireless silence  
  11   Sqn on Mtce – Br Recce for Br on BREE MAESEYEK Rd over canal OPPHOVEN Br  
      Taken over from 51 Div Engr 570788.  
  12 0730 OC to meet DRE to here about OP ASCOT with 51 (H) Div. Then to meet CRE 51 Div & planning OP ASCOT all day. Sqn warned of move to 0700 but stood down at 1900 hrs as it   C11
    1700 Was unnecessary to move to 51 Div area. O.C. to 153 Inf Bde Orders.   A3
    1900 Lt Pepper in close recce of proposed site.  
  13 1000 hrs 2Tp mover to WEERT area to build Br Vehicles Allotment of stores & equip for OP ASCOT received from 51 (H) Div, alos 153 Inf Bde O.O. No 10   A5 and 4
      2Tp off load two transporter pontoons onto water N of Canal. crossings & vehs to WEERT for decking  
      OCs orders for OP ASCOT & 1 Tp on Route Mtce & approaches. 2 Tp to build Br with u/c 2 secs 3 Tp to help with lowering Pontoons into canal and if necessary, build Cl40 Bailey Pontoon Br  
NEERHOVEN 13   Sigs arrangements of OP ASCOT received   A6
      51 (H) Div RE Op order No 9 received   A7
  14 1330 Sqn less billet holding part left NEERHOVEN for OP ASCOT  
    1600 H Hour Op Ascot. Lt Pepper and Recce Party on site 1900hrs  
  15 0900 100’ T/S Bailey completed having been launch with fwd end resting on Girder on 2 Pontoons.  
      Plus this was necessary because of slope ½ approx. of Grad Some near misses by shelling  
      Detailed timings in Appx   A8
    1030 Sqn less 2 Tp returns to NEERHOVEN. 2 Tp at WEERT.  
    1800 O.C. to CRE 12 Corps Tps to see Maj ET Collins re design of KELPEN N. Br.  
  16 0800 OC on suite to take over control of KELPEN North Br design decided by 1000 hrs.  
      3 Span Bailey 80’ O/S. 150 D/O 70’ O/S on 2 T/D Piers approx. 15’ high.  
      NO THEODILITE available – setting out NOT accurate – Detailed report at Appx   A9 – not yet available
      Lt Marshall posted to 31 RHU OSTEND as result of AFB194E   Will fwd with duplicate
  17   } Continuous work on KELPEN NORTH BRIDGE (647947) near WEERT.  
  18   }  
  19 0600 KELPEN N Br open to Cl24 Traffic finished by 1 Tp. 2 and 3 Tps having returned previous evening  
      3 Tp return to tidy up site with Br Mts Pty 584 A Fd Coy   A10
  20 0730 Sqn took over Route Mtce ELL and KINROY Rds – MASSEYCK – BREE Rds with

u/c 25 civilians from Burgomaster at BREE

  C12
  21 0800 Route Mtce continued. Rain and cold  
  22 1430 Work on Taping out routes form 3 RHA – 3 Tp. 1 & 2 Tps on Route Mtce   C13
  23   Leaguer Recce at HUNSEL – 5 TM lifted – Work on 3RHA tracks 1 & 3 Tps with working party 80 RHA. Killifter plough use with some success   A11
NEERHOVEN 23 1700 Br 570799 handed over to 7 GHQ Tps after 2 day delay by them.  
  24   Route Mtce and work on 3RHA track continues. Sqn move to HUNSEL  
      4 Sqn moving to u/c 49 Div Sqn to take over all Rds and tracks forward BREE, with 2 parties of civilians (total 44 approx)   C15
      Recce of tracks to 1/5 & 1/7 Queens.  
  25   Officers now reshuffled as follows 1 Tp – Lts KEER and ACRES 2 Tp Ts HURLEY & PEPPER 3 To Lts WESTON and WINSTANLEY.  
    0800 3 Tp to NEERITTER to hold billets of 4 Sqn.  Tippers U/C Sqn.  
    0800 1 Tp take over from 4 Fd Sqn Br Mtc also readings of CANALE at PANHEEL LOCK  
      2 Tp with 2 Pls 1/5 Queen’s work on track to HEEL, repairing approaches to Br at BRATHAN - Mine clearing up entrance BEEGOEN track.   C16
      Lt KEER with sec to instruct 1 RTR on mines.  
      1 Tp building up civ Br abutment preparatory to moving Bailey  
      2 Tp take over control of 2 gangs of Civs one on ELL Rd other on NEERITTER track. NCO and 1 on 1/5 Queens patrol brought back 1/5 Q casualties after damp evening  
      3 To with 2 Sec 1 To continue work in 3RHA tracks  
  26 0900 Tp allocation of work as per 25th. Work finishes 1230 hrs – Church Services 1630 hrs.  
      1 Tp stopped from closing bridge without permission   C17
  27 0830 2 Tp with working parties 1/5 and 1/7 Queens also Autopatrol complete tracks to HEEL and BEEGOEN  
    1000 1 Tp adjust Br bank seat E side lowering it in time 1 sec 4 hours  
      3 Tp complete 3 RHA tracks. Simplified Tk on brush wood on open corduroy   C18
HUNSEL 28   All tps on mtce Rd KINROY – NEERITTER with Gang civilians   C19
      6:3:1 mix of cement used Portland on verges FONDU on crown  
      ½ Sec 1 Tp still on Br Mtce also ½ sec on Br abutments  
  29 0830 All Eng Stores from 3RHA track returned to 265 Corps Fd Pk. Work on main Rd continued with cement also cold bituminous construction and 1 inch gravel   C19A
  30 0830 Work on main Rd continued half day given. Leave party to EINDHOVEN   C20
         

 

 

SITUATION AT 1800   HRS. DAILY

UNIT WAR DIARY APPENDIX "A"

Unit  621 Fd Sqn RE.  

Ref. Map Series    HOLLAND  BELGIUN

 Sheet No.           1  

Commanding Officer  Major J G Carr RE

Scale   100,000    100,000

Month  and Year Novermber 44    

Sheets           4

DATE

LOCATIONS Map Ref

CHANGES IN COMMAND

APPROXIMATE STRENGTH

APPROXIMATE CASUALTIES

P.W.s

Weather

How was unit employed?

Ops, trg, defence works?

 

Visits

HQ

 

Sqns, Btys Coys, etc

(if widely dispersed)

Formation

 

Dets under command

Own Tps detached

Men

Tks,

Armd C8, Guns

Men

Tks,

Armd C5, Guns

1

162346

----

7 Armd Div

½ sec tippers

---

257

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

2

162346

----

---

257

 

1

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

3

162346

----

---

256

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

4

162346

----

---

256

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

5

162346

----

---

256

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

6

162346

----

---

256

 

1

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

7

162346

----

---

258

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

8

162346

1 tp KROMVOIT 2744

---

258

 

2

 

1 Offr +4

Wet

Ops

----

9

162346

 

 

---

256

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

10

en route

----

 

 

---

256

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

11

574806

----

 

 

---

256

 

1

 

--

Fine

Ops

----

12

574806

----

 

 

---

257

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

13

574806

2 tp WEERT 587970

51 (H) Div

Br pl 51 HQ RE

---

257

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

14

663977

“ + ME Det

---

257

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

15

574806

7 A Div

---

---

257

 

 

 

4

Fine

Ops

----

16

625984

----

CRE 12 Corps Tps

2 Pls Sec 28 Coy

---

257

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

17

574806

---

258

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

12Corps Comd RE 2 Army

18

625984

2 & 3 Tps NEERHOVEN 5780

---

258

 

 

 

--

Wet

----

19

574806

7 A Div

---

---

258

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

20

574806

Det Tipper

---

258

 

 

 

--

Showers

Ops

----

21

574806

---

7Armd Div

Det Tippers

---

259

 

 

 

--

Wet

Wks

----

22

574806

---

---

259

 

 

 

--

Wet & cold

Wks

----

23

574806

---

---

259

 

 

 

--

Wet & cold

Ops

----

24

657896

---

----

---

259

 

1

 

--

cold

Ops

----

25

657896

3tp NEERITTER 6486

Det tippers ME

---

258

 

1

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

26

657896

---

----

---

259

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

----

27

657896

---

 

---

259

 

 

 

--

cold

Ops

 

28

657896

---

----

---

259

 

 

 

--

Wet

Ops

 

29

657896

---

Det Tippers

---

259

 

1

 

--

Wet

Ops

 

30

657896

---

----

---

258

 

 

 

--

Fine

Ops

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 1944

Commanding Officer: Major J G Carr

Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices

HUNSEL

6589

1 0900

3Tp moved from NEERITTER 6486 to near Sqn HQ

 
    1100

Notice for br 680885 handed over to RE 53 Div

C1
     

All Rd wk

 
  2 0900 Sec tippers reverted comd 12 Corps  
      Recce patrols out all day for suitable leaguer for anticipated rest period of 10 days  
    1600 CRE visited to inform of changed future plans & warning of move tomorrow to EELEN 6176  
  3 0900 Capt C P STREET and LT KEER left for EELEN with advance parties.  
      Lt PEPPER and 1 Sgt X 5RTR for three days liaison 1 officer and 2 Sgts attached from 5RTR  
      Lt WINSTANLEY on 48 hrs leave to BRUSSELS  

EELEN

6176

  1300 Sqn moved to EELEN.  
  4 1000 Lt KEER recced road for 22 Armed Bde incl bridges  
  5 0830 Lt ARCES and ½ sec left for SITTARD 6868 to recce for new leaguer  
    1200 Lt ARCES to 615 Fd Sqn  RE to take  over Corps area minefields  
    1400 XXX Corps Comd visited Sqn to meet CCRE and O.C and 2 i/c  
  5 0830 Lt WESTON and 2 NCOs to 1/5 QUEENS for day’s mines instruction  
    1800 Lt WINSTANLEY returned from leave. Lt PEPPER and 1 Sgt returned from 5 RTR. 1 officer and 2 Sgts of 5 RTR returned to their unit.  

SITTARD

686686

6 0745 Sqn moved to SITTARD via BERG and DOUBLE DUTCH bridges causeway uninterrupted. Lt KEER a recce at shown bridge at 684705 -  Lt WESTON under D&I.  
  7 0830 Lt WINSTANLEY on recce for waterfront. Lt ACRES on recce for section for NANER. Sqn on maintenance.  
  8 0830 Work commenced on electrical for NAAFI and on track for 3 RHA at  
  9 0830 Works as above. Capt Street left to take over command of 4 Fd Sqn RE  
  10 1130 Church Service. Lt REEPER on 48hours leave to BRUSSELS.  
  11 0830 Works as above  
    1800 Lt WESTON on night patrol from TUDDERN  found tree road  
      Shot at  
  12 0830 Works as above  

SITTARD

686686

12 1700 Lt KEER on night patrol to 779700 found S mines and R mines  
    0900 Lt PEPPER from depot  
  13 0830 Works as above  Lt WINSTANLEY working for demonstration of flails and CROMWELL turning track for breaching S- and Schuminefield  
    1130 Demonstration given to Div Comd and other officers  
  14 0830 Work as above. 3Tp a tour of bridges and R MAAS and JULIANA and -------- canals. 1Tp on road bridge.  
    1530 Div Comd visited sqn. No special parade.  
    1830 ½ Sec gapped American minefield for 1/5 QUEENS patrol  
  15 1400 Lt WINSTANLEY recced proposed rifle range for 131 Bde at 645545  
    1500 ½ Sec returned from 1/5 QUEENS  
    1700 NAAFI building to be used for our canteen, breakfast 80% complete  
  16 0830 3Tp started work on rifle range and targets.  
    1200 Blackout in the canteen completed  
    1530 Lt LANDALE posted to Sqn  
  17 0830 3Tp dismantled rifle range now NOT required.  

SITTARD

686686

17 1000 Lt HURLEY posted to 143 Fd Pk Sqn  
    1500 SITTARD bombed Sgt Lennon went to recce UXB, found incendiary containers.  
  18 0830 3Tp making targets for new 131 Bde rifle range  
    1000 Sgt Lennon to GELEEN, found five small UXB, which were left, being too deep to Rd.  dangerous  
  19 1130 Capt P.G. DERA posted as 2i/f rom 30 Corps Tps  
  20

 

Squadron training 1 Troop weapon training at range

2Tp Standing derricks  3Tp Grillages

 
      SITTARD shelled - the Casualties – light 20/21  
    1500 OC’s conference at 18.00 hrs.  Progress for laying defensive minefield on 131 Bde front discussed. Orders for Sqn to move to GELEEN given out.  
  21 1000 Sqn HQ moved to new location GELEEN arrived 11.00  
      Troops employed on minefields as follows 1 troop 742683 – 747654 for 1/5 QUEENS  
      2 Tp 747685 – 751686 laid 8000 mines for 7 Div  
      3 Tp Employed making preparations for minefield E of MILLEN for 2 Devons  
      All troops recce out new billet GELEEN after works  
  22   1 Tp out all day finishing minefield for 1/5 Qs  
      2 Tp prepared canal bridge at 697697 for demolition and laid A Pers mines in front of yesterdays A/T mines  
      3 Tp busy laying mines from 717698 - 725694  
  23 0400 Including night work. Complete by 0400. 1560 A/T mines laid.  
  22   1 Spr & 3 Cpls wounded by Shrapnel mine.  
      Evacuated.  
  23   Three small minefield laid between 699676-702675 totalling 136 A/T mines.  
      The large field of 4660 A/T mines laid 718698 - 725625  
      A field of 160 A/T lain at 717700 and a dummy minefield also prepared  
      Two Br also prepared for demolition – one a Baily at 707697 and the other cratering charges - 708699  
  24   Small road repairs to brigade routes of main BERG – SITTARD and LIMBRICHT road  
      161 A/T mines laid at 719701.  
  25   Squadron assemble for Xmas dinner at GELEEN  
      Party proceeded very well and modestly  
      No work  
  26   Little work. Conservable after Xmas break.  
      Period of P.T. and Baths. Recce for operational track for 5 DG.  
      Sp Bde from 131 Inf Bde Sect  
  27   Squadron training by troops including  
      Training Derricks and Bailey Crib  
      2hrs bulldozing done for 5 D.G. on track at 695692  
  28 1800 Training as for 27 O.C’s lecture to all NCO’s on the Bailey Crib. Introduction at 1800.  
  29   Troops remained on training. Collection of 50/60 raft in progress. O.C. attended 131 Bde Conference at 1700 hrs.  
  30   Recce for Assault Bailey training completed.  
      Squadron wireless exercise - 0000 1330 hrs in which all Sqn secs took part Class 50/60 Raft was off loaded at PAPENHOVEN.  
      O.C. attended Spr Leader Conference 1400 hrs  
  31   Rear maintenance. i.e frost precautions  
         

 

 

SITUATION AT 1800   HRS. DAILY

UNIT WAR DIARY APPENDIX "A"

Unit  621 Fd Sqn RE.  

Ref. Map Series    BELGIUM

 Sheet No.           1  

Commanding Officer  Major J G Carr RE

Scale   100,000 

Month  and Year December 44    

Sheets         

DATE

LOCATIONS Map Ref

CHANGES IN COMMAND

APPROXIMATE STRENGTH

APPROXIMATE CASUALTIES

P.W.s

Weather

How was unit employed?

Ops, trg, defence works?

 

Visits

HQ

 

Sqns, Btys Coys, etc

(if widely dispersed)

Formation

 

Dets under command

Own Tps detached

Men

Tks,

Armd C8, Guns

Men

Tks,

Armd C5, Guns

1

655897

----

7 Armd Div

sec tippers

---

258

---

---

---

--

wet

wks

----

2

655897

----

---

258

---

---

---

--

Cold & showers

Wks & rest

----

3

6176

----

---

260

---

---

---

--

Wet

wks

----

4

----

---

260

---

---

---

--

Showers

wks

----

5

----

---

260

---

---

---

--

wet

----

6

686681

----

---

260

---

---

---

--

Wet

----

7

 

 

 

---

261

---

---

---

--

Dry

Maintenance

----

8

 

 

 

---

261

---

1

---

 

Dry

wrks

----

9

 

 

 

---

260

---

---

---

--

----

10

 

 

 

---

260

---

---

---

--

Dry

Day pff

----

11

 

 

 

---

260

---

---

---

--

Drizzle

----

12

 

 

 

---

260

---

---

---

--

Wet

----

13

 

 

 

---

259

---

1

---

--

Showers

----

14

 

 

 

---

259

---

---

---

--

Showers

----

15

 

 

 

---

260

---

---

---

4

Fine

----

16

 

 

 

---

260

---

---

---

--

Wet

----

17

 

 

---

260

---

---

---

--

Wet

----

18

 

 

---

260

---

---

---

--

Wet

----

19

 

 

---

---

260

---

---

---

--

Wet

Ops

----

20

669656

7Armd Div

None

---

260

---

---

---

--

Wet

Training

 

21

 

 

 

---

261

---

---

---

--

Wet

Minelaying

 

22

 

 

 

 

261

---

---

---

--

Dry

 

23

 

 

 

 

257

---

4

---

--

Frosty

“ + night work

 

24

 

 

 

 

258

---

---

---

--

Dry clr

Road maint

 

25

 

 

 

 

258

---

---

---

--

Dry clr

Xmas Day

 festivities

26

 

 

 

 

258

---

---

---

--

Dry

Conservancy

 

27

 

 

 

 

258

---

---

---

--

cold

Training

 

28

 

 

 

 

257

---

1

---

--

Cold Dry

 

29

 

 

 

 

254

---

3

---

--

Snow

 

30

 

 

 

 

254

---

---

---

--

Snow

 

31

 

 

 

 

254

---

---

---

 

Frost

Road maint

 

 

 

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