War Diary: 3rd Bn Royal Tank Regiment

Month and year: September 1944

The 3rd Bn Royal Tank Regiment September 1944 war diary covers the units advance from Servins, France to Overloon in the Netherlands.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/866

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Page 1 of 14

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	1	0600	Reveille.
		0730	Bn moves fwd on CL - in reserve- Order of March B, RHQ, C,A G Coy. A1.
		1400	G Coy send patrol to wood to investigate whether it was V1 site of not -
			2816 (MR) - Rpt unfinished site possibly V1, probably V 2. BSO takes 50 PWs.
		1800	Bn moves through AUBIGNY 3407.
Servins		1830	RHQ in area SERVINS 3814.C Sqn in observation area N & NE of HERSIN 3919.
		2030	COs conference - General idea to continue adv tomorrow EAST - further orders
			later.
		2215	IO to Bde for maps.
	2	0305	Orders for adv received.
		0600	Reveille.
		0630	COs conference. Adv to continue on three routes. 23H - right 3 R Tks - centre - 2 FF Yeo - left.
		0730	Cross SL X-rds in SERVINS 3814. Order of March;- B, Recce. RHQ, C,A,G Coy & A1. Raining heavily throughout morning. Visibility low.
		1000	Progress held at LENS on left route as bridges blown. In particular the main bridge was blown in 1940 and has never been repaired. This necessitates recce
			for crosssing to the N & S - all bridges blown or not strong enough to take tanks.
		1100	Ordered to cross on CL bridge and to follow Tac Bde over.
		1130	Cross river and go to area 5622. Ordered received that we are to be responsible for crossing at 5519 and keep observation to N & NE.
		1200	C Sqn area of bridge 5519.
		1300	Tp of B Sqn push North and report BAUVIN (5624) clear also rpts from French that PROVIN 5923 clear. Some PW taken.
		1430	Enemy rpted in LA BASSEE 5037 SECLIN rptd in enemy hands.
		2000	COs conference.
	3	0600	Reveille
		0700	Bn move on left route.
		1600	Bn cross BELGIUM border - resistance NIL.

Page 2 of 14

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
3	1930	Halt with head 290560. Column attacked - tank brewed up.
	2000	Move fwd and leaguer at
4	0300	410670
		Apart from incident at 290560 opposition slight. Many horse drawn transport and MT retreating on road destroyed during day and night.
	0530	Reveille.
	0630	Bn moves continuing adv on ANTWERP . Orders being to enter ANTWERP with all speed and proceed straight to harbour area with the object of preventing
		demolitions, 3 R Tks move on left route. Routes taken direct from LO's maps.
	1200	Reach BOOM 6481 and make successful crossing of bridge against certain amount
		of opposition including mined crossing.
	1600	Reach outskirts of ANTWERP and within 15 minutes have entered the town.
		Resistance from snipers and machine gun fire increases as the centre of the town is reached.
	1630	Bridge across canal rptd mined and under hvy fire.
	1645	Bridge successfully crossed by Lt. Stubbs, who had already been first across
		at BOOM.
	1700	Orders received that only 1 Sqn plus pln of Inf should stay in ANTWERP. By
		this time whole of Bn was across and a troop down in harbour area - Order therefore cancelled.
	1800	Resistance in centre of town fairly consistent, but being dealt with.
	1930	Bn ordered to area 858962 less 1 Sqn remaining in dock area.
	2030	In leaguer.
5	0630	Reveille.
	0900	CO to C Sqn in ANTWERP where they are observing and holding dock area.
	1100	Orders received from Bde. 11 Armd Div to clear ANTWERP. 29 Armd Bde to
		liquidate enery pockets. Probable stay 2 days . Units to conc on maintnenance.
	1130	Div Comd. Major-General G.P.B. Roberts, DSO, MC pays personal visit to CO to congratulate the Bn on its magnificent performance during the last two days.

Page 3 of 14

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
858962	5	1200	Bn moves to new area - Chateau 633878.
		1300	Arrive in new area.
		1330	COs conference.
		1800	5 3tonners to ANTWERP for evening.
	6	0700	Reveille.
		0730	Net.
		1000	COs conference. No news of further move received. Full maintenance to be carried out.
		1400	50% of Bn to ANTWERP for afternoon. Raining heavily throughout afternoon and evening.
		1800	COs conference. No further details of move available.
		1900	Warning Order. - move tomorrow, not likely before 0800hrs.
		1930	Rpt Germans in area HEMIXEN - SCHELLE - NIEL.
		2000	G Coy send patrol to HEMIXEN 6288 - all clear. SCHELLE & NIEL rpt all clear as well, although possibly German infiltration recognised.
		2100	Order expected in 3 hours - does not arrive. Order of March for tomorrow B, G Coy, RHQ with Recce, A,C,.
	7	0530	Reveille
		0600	Net.
		0640	29 Armd Bde OO No. 18 received.
		0715	Bn moves to ANTWERP. Head halted at bridge. 690992
		1100	Bde ordered to return to orignal area pending change of plan, due to MERXEM 6998 being strongly held.
		1300	Bn arrives at area 633878.
		1330	COs conference.
		1800	COs conference. No further news re move- anticipated it may be tomorrow
			first light.
		1900	Warning Order from Bde. Prepare to move first light tomorrow Sept 8 in SE direction.

Page 4 of 14

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	8	0530	Reveille.
		0900	Bde Move. Order No.3 Bde to concentrate area DIEST 1169.
		1030	Bn moves. Order of March RHQ, A, B,C, G Coy, A1.
121663		1730	Bn arrives at new area.
		1745	Cos conference. A Sqn to recce psn. Recce to recce.
		2000	CO to Bde.
		2100	Conference. Routine tomorrow Rev. 0615 Net 0630.
	9	0615	Reveille.
		0630	Net.
		0730	Bde Order arrives.
		0740	COs conference. Bn to move to 2 FF Yeo area N & NE of BEERINGEN 2475. Order of March G Coy, B Sqn RHQ, A,C; A1.
		1200	CO receives orders direct from Maj-General G.P.B. Roberts DSO, MC (11 Armd Div)
			and in consequence Bn is ordered to clear energy resistance in area NW & N of BEERINGEN up to railway line. A Sqn take main rd running North from town
			B Sqn take rd running north just over canal. C Sqn recce TERUANT 2176.
		1300	Contact made with Belgium Bde and in consequence it comes under command of
			29 Armd Bde and ordered to clear up the area.
		1700	The whole of the area lying NW between the ALBERT CANAL and main rd running
			NORTH from BEERINGEN cleared. Opposition was slight and PWs up to 80 or so came in during the afternoon.
		1930	Bn HQ 239752 . Squadrons leaguer in town.
		2030	COs conference. Bn coming under 159 Bde wef tomorrow to continue doing right flank protection to Guards Armd Div.
	10	0615	Reveille.
		0630	29 Armd Bde OO No.20 arrives for information with 159 Inf Bde Op In.
			Intention - to protect right flank of 30 Corps. 159 Bde Gp have under
			command 15/19 H. 3 R Tks & R Dutch Regt. 159 Bde will provide right flank
			protection initially from all incl BEERINGEN 2475 to X Rds 2871.

Page 5 of 14

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
239752	10	1030	Bn with 3 Mons ordered to clear woods and area WEST of X-Rds 3574.
		1130	Plans made for B & C with sub sub-unit of 3 Mons each to sweep NE through woods. C to move only to area of main crossing 3574
		1600	Out of touch with Bde. Send LO to keep communication. Woods all clear. No opposition.
		1700	Orders received to clear village of LAAK 3474 - then sweep NE through woods and return to area of X 3475.
		1800	Opposition from LAAK considered too strong for possiblity of clearing village before last light. "A" Sqn observing area 3575 South - East.
			C area 3475 - B area 3575 NE.
		2030	Bn leaguers area 348758.
		2130	COs conference. Plan tomorrow to clear village of LAAK 3474. B to support coy of Mons from the WEST. A & C to return to areas 3575 and 3475 and give
			fire support when required.
		2300	B & C OCs to 3 Mons Order Group.
348758	11	0600	Reveille.
		0715	Bn moves fwd to co-operate with 3 Mons clearing village of LAAK 3474.
			Plan changed - attack to go in from EAST instead of WEST.
		0800	Attack commences.
		0900	Village clear-little oppostition.
		1000	Wooded country to EAST of LAAK as far as Powder Magazine (3873) to be cleared
		1030	B & C Sqns with a coy each of 3 Mons commence the task of sweeping through the country.
		1330	Wooded area EAST of LAAK reported clear.
		1400	Ordered to clear wooded area WEST of LAAK. Again same two squadrons sweep
			this area supporting two coys of Mons.
		1700	Area reported clear.
		1800	RHQ , B, C in leaguer 348758
		1930	A Sqn who had been observing NORTH of LAAK all day come into leaguer.

Page 6 of 14

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
348758	11	2015	COs conference. 3 R Tks with 3 Mons to be prepared to move to HECHTEL 3483 at 0800 hrs tomorrow. Order of March Recce, A, B carrying Mons, RHQ, C carrying Mons, A1.
	12	0615	Reveille.
		0800	Bn moves in order of march as given at conference 2015hrs 11 Sept 44. Guards attack on village commences. (HECHTEL 3483)
		0930	A Sqn area 347827. B Sqn area 340825, RHQ 344823.
		1000	Guards reach EAST & WEST of main X-rds in villages. SP on tank rpt
			50 yds NORTH of main Xrds firing due SOUTH.
		1100	Recce detour around SOUTH to EAST to contact 2 FF Yeo at 378837.
		1200	B Sqn have tank hit from gun on X Rds.
		1400	HECHTEL clear. RHQ move 341827.
		1430	A Sqn move tp EAST to contact 2FFYeo and return to X Rds along main rd brassing up a number of infantry
		1500	Rptd that still at least 50 Inf holding out in area 5583.
		1600	Coy of Mons and A Sqn commence mopping them up. Provisional notice of award
			of DSO to Lt.Col. D.A.H. Silvertop, MC is received.
		1915	COs conference. Every likelihood of a pause for 3 - 4 days in order to
			clear up left flank and reorganise. Time to be spent on maintenance.
			Operational. 3 R Tks to revert to command of 29 Armd Bde.
		2000	29 Armd Bde OO No.21. Copy No. 2. received. 3 R Tks will maintain present posn and be prepared to sp 3 Mons in this area. One Sqn (B Sqn HQ & 3 tps )
			to be at 30 mins notice - remainder at 24hrs. Enemy- estimated approx
			300 PWs and 60 dead from HECHTEL 3483
341827	13	0700	Reveille.
		0730	Net.
		1100	Ordered to assist 3 Mons in clearing up woods to NE of HECHTEL and village EXCEL. B Sqn liaise direct with Coy commanders of 3 Mons. Party of 50 to
			showers at 312732.

Page 7 of 14

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
341827	13	1200	Brigadier C.B. Harvey, DSO and BM visit Bn.
		1400	COs conference. As soon as maintenance is satisfactory, sport to take priority.
		1500	CO to Bde re trade tests. Mobile baths - rations etc.
		1600	Woods and village EXCEL clear.
	14	0700	Reveille.
		0920	CO, 2IC, Major Dunlop, Capt. Stubbs and Lt. Brookshaw to meet Corps Comd in PEER.
		1400	50% of Bn to showers at factory 312732. COs conference - maintenance ppts - promotions -likelyhood of Bn moving tomorrow to new area.
		1500	Harbour party under 2IC leave to recce new area EAST of 369838.
		1700	Bn definitely moving tomorrow. Order of March and timings - RHQ 0900hrs A -0920 C - 0940, B 1000, A1 - 1020.
		1900	RC service. C of E Holy Communion. C. of E Service. 4 parties of 70 each to Mobile Bath Unit.
	15	0700	Reveille.
		1400	Bn moves to new area 369839
		1600	All in new location.
		1730	Party of 70 to ENSA show at PEER 4084.
		2000	Party of 70 to ENSA show as above.
369839	16	0700	Reveille.
		1430	Football match. 3 R Tks v. 2 FF Yeo. Result 0 - 2.
		1500	Party of 120 to Cinema Show in PEER.
	17	0700	Reveille.
		0800	RC Service. C of E Holy Communion.
		1000	C. of E Service. 4 parties of 70 each to Mobile Bath Unit.
		1130	CO to Bde.
		1400	COs conference.
	18	0700	Reveille.
		0800 - 1200	- 330 to Mobile Baths.

Page 8 of 14

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
18	1400	75 ORs to Cinema Show in PEER.
19	0700	Reveille.
	1030	Warning Order - ready to move at 1200hrs.
	1100	Last order cancelled.
	1200	Come under command of 159 Inf Bde.
	1600	Ready to move - although no move anticipated before first light tomorrow.
	1800	CO to 159 Bde. 159 Inf Bde OO No.8. received.
		Div Intention ;- Will establish itself on the line of rd LEENDE 479073 - MAARHEEZE 578035 with a view to adv NORTHEAST. 29 Armd Bde adv on Right route
		159 Inf Bde Gp adv on left route.
20	0700	Reveille.
	0900	COs conference. Order of March C, Recce, CO's tk, B carrying Mons, RHQ A carrying Mons, 3 Mons less 2 coys, A1.
	1130	Bn moves.
	1150	Cross S P X rds 427961.
	1400	Reach HAMONT 4797.
	1530	Reach BUDEL 4999. Opposition which had been slight increases. Bazookas
		encountered and large numbers of enemy seen moving in woods NE of CLat 5001.
	1730	Efforts made to clear these woods, but it was decided to push on for
		SOERENDUNK 4902 before dark.
	1930	SOERENDUNK held firmly.
	2000	COs conference. RHQ 492027. Tomorrow MAARHEEZE to be captured. Move as follows;- 0730 hrs A Sqn with sub sub-unit of recce, and A Coy of Mons to
		work to SE. 0800 hrs C Sqn with C Coy of Mons move to loop road NORTH of MAARHEEZE. 0730hrs B Sqn move direct down CL.
21	0615	Reveille.
	0630	Net.
	0700	Bn moves as ordered at last nights conference.
	0900	MAARHEEZE 5203 entered and rptd clear.

Page 9 of 14

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
21	1030	Process of going in MAARHEEZE completed.
	1100	New order received. Revert to 29 Armd Bde immediately and push on to GELDROP 4816.
	1200	CO to Bde.
	1345	Bn móves to GELDROP. Order of March B, Recce, RHQ, C, A, A1. 3 Mons.
	1445	GELDROP clear and patrols pushed NORTH to level of railway and EAST to MIERLOO 5219.
	1500	Enemy tks rptd in MIERLOO. Two sub-units sent. One from NORTH. and one from SOUTH.
	1630	Village of MIERLOO cleared.
	1700	Orders received to push these two squadrons north across canal to cut rd from HELMOND at 541216.
	1800	Opposition experienced at crossings of canal but "C" Sqn cross main bridge at 536191 and later "A" Sqn at 532190.
	1900	"B" Sqn ordered to move EAST along line of railway to 523207. Opposition at crossing still continues; AP and LMG fire.
	2000	1 coy of Mons fwd holding bridge; "B" having encountered opposition and being seperated from main party. of 3 Mons, leaguers 1,800 yds short of
		objective.
	2100	COs conference. Tomorrow push on to objective - cutting rd at 541216. RHQ 532183.
22	0515	Reveille.
	0530	Net.
	0615	C Sqn crosses bridges and pushes on for railway crossing.
	0830	Opposition met at railway crossing. AP fire, bazookas and LMG's. RHQ At 541203
	0930	Opposition continues but is steadily broken down. RHQ comes under Nebelwerfer fire
	1130	C across railway and pushing for Y Junc 541216.
	1200	Leading sub-unit reaches "blue" at 544217.

Page 10 of 14

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
22	1230	"B" Sqn clearing up buildings at 544217.
	1400	"B" Sqn pushing NORTH and meeting opposition - LMGs, snipers and bazookas "C" Sqn still facing opposition this side of canal on crossings to
		HELMOND 5622.
	1500	All bridges reported blown and impassable.
	1700	Still clearing up pockets of resistance both NORTH & SOUTH of railway.
	1900	RHQ 542218.
	1930	Bn moves into close leaguer area 540219.
23	0545	Reveille.
	0600	Net.
	0745	Bn moves across canal at ASTEN 6113, via GELDROP, HEEZE.
		29 Armd Bde Gp leading,object to seize DEURNE 6520. Raining heavily all morning.
	1000	23H beyond ASTEN held up.
	1200	RHQ. at 567119.
	1300	Ordered to send 1 Sqn and 1 coy of 3 Mons through ASTEN then EAST. Object to seize and hold LEISEL 6714 prior to pushing NORTH again on DEURNE.
	1500	Further Sqn may move for LEISEL.
	1600	"A" Sqn leading, held up by a/tk fire from 656167.
	1730	Bn 2,000yds short of LIESEL - owing to failing light and size of LIESEL Thought that we cannot push on for DEURNE tonight as LIESTEL itself cannot
		be cleared before last light.
	1800	Attack on LIESEL - 2 Coys and 2 Sqns. Opposition slight, but MG fire
		encountered.
	1900	3 Mons holding 300 yds NORTH and 300 yds SOUTH of main crossing.
	2000	Bn leaguers. RHQ 669145. A & B in town. C just off CL at, 664146.
	2200	COs conference. Tomorrow push on for DEURNE.
24	0530	Reveille.
	0545	Net & Stand to.

Page 11 of 14

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
24	0600	Recce move out towards DEURNE with the intention of recce routes to the
		EAST and then NORTH to find crossing over railway to take them to ZIJLBERG and thence coming into DEURNE from the EAST.
	0645	Bn & 3 Mons move on CL. Order of March A, RHQ, B, C, A1.
	0800	B Sqn move around to EAST on route rptd OK by recce. A Sqn continue direct
		on to DEURNE.
	0830	RHQ move to area ZIJLBERG opposition consisting of mortar fire & nebelwerfer.
		& m mgs continue.
	1300	3 Mons have coy on CL crossing at 652191 and A Sqn have moved fwd of the crossing
	1600	Opposition still persisting, but PWs coming in.
	1700	Contact made with 23H in centre of DEURNE- which is now clear to the centre
		up from the SOUTH. Brigadier visits colonel. Orders are to go fwd on Y fork at 259209 while 159 Bde Gp pass through to BAKEL.
	1800,	Resistance to the NORTH EAST at 259209 very strong and it is definite that it will not be possible to go fwd at that point before last light. B Sqn shoot
		up a Chateau
	1900	RHQ at 652196.
	2030	COs conference. Tomorrow C Sqn observe East and South as today. B Sqn to be prepared to support Mons coy on Y fork. Approx 200 PW - 60-80 dead.
25	0545	Reveille.
	0690	Net.
	1300	Bn move. Order of March C Sqn (+D Coy Mons.) COs tk, B Sqn + B Coy, RHQ , A, & A1.
	1400	Leading elements beyond RIPS.
	1500	Leading Squadron passes through OPLOO.
	1600	Leading squadron covering approaches from WEST, NORTH & NORTHEAST beyond ST. ANTHONIS.
	1630	Brigadier visits colonel in ST. ANTHONIS. Lt. Col. D. A. H. Silvertop, DSO,MC killed by armd car which came through village. 2 armd cars + 2 half-tracks K.O

Page 12 of 14

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	25	1630	Major N.H. Bourne, DSO takes command.
		1700	RHQ in STANTHONIS and in process of covering all approaches.
		1800	Bn & 3 Mons firmly in ST. ANTHONIS.
		2130	COs conference. Form for tomorrow;- to push on for crossing of RIVER MEUSE at 770460. Heavy rain throughout afternoon made visibility poor.
			RHQ at 715382.
	26	0545	Reveille.
		0600	Net.
		0700	Signal received no move likely before 1000hrs.
		1030	Brigadier visits CO. Responsible for area incl rd and junc 712364 - incl rd 693359 - excl rd and river crossing at 687332.
702332		1400	Bn move to area 702332.
		1630	Bn less "B" Sqn remaining in OPLOO area in posn.
		1730	Memorial service by Father Ryan for Lt.Col. D.A.H. Silvertop, DSO,MC in ST ANTHONIS RC Church. Various civilian rpts concerning enemy throughout
			the day - most unfounded but some confirmed. - Infantry and tanks in wood 732342- these were engaged by RA.
		1800	Line laid. Form tomorrow;- the same as today, protection right flank and area given - posible Bn will hold this area with 3 Mons for further 24hrs.
			B Sqn remains at OPLOO area, A & C close leaguer in RHQ area.
	27	0545	Reveille. B Sqn remains observing area SE & W of OPLOO. C Sqn at 1/2 hrs
			notice with D Coy of Mons. A Sqn at 24hrs notice occupied with maintenance.
		0900	Party of 180 to Mobile Bath Unit.
		1030	Signal received to call up "A" Ech.
		1200	Signal received - probably likely to be in this area for 3 days.
		0700	COs conference - Administration.
		1800	Memorial Service for Rev. J. Taylor at Bde HQ.
Westerbreek	28	0545	Reveille.
		0600	Net and Recce do patrol to ST ANTHONIS rpt all clear.

Page 13 of 14

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
28	0900	Ordered to send one tp and one pl of Mons to recce area 7235.
	1000	Ordered to send similar recce to OVERLOON 7631
	1030	1st patrol has tank shot up, & OP tank brewed up in area 7135.
	1100	2nd patrol which consists of 2 tps and 2 plns of 3 Mons remain in area 713346. Party of 180 to Mobile Bath Unit at HELMOND.
	1330	A Sqn at 713346 brew up Mk IV.
	1400	Ordered to patrol with inf leading, rd OPLOO - OVERLOON with the intention
		of finding the enemy's line of defence.
	1500	Both 3 Mons and 3 R Tks. not prepared to recce direct down the rd.
		Plan suggested by the OC that Inf should lead supported by 1 Tp of Tks area 713352 and 1 Tp area 712356 agreed on.
	1630	Party commences.
	1700	Inf come under shell bursts.
	1800	Memorial service in church at WESTERBEEK for Lt.Col.D.A.H. Silvertop, DSO,MC and Lt. Col. Orr and fallen comrades.
	1830	Patrols kill some Germans.
	1900	Patrol return having established presence of enemy in woods, area 721334.
29	0530	Reveille
	0900	Recce in force consisting of A Sqn + 1 Tp from B Sqn + 1 Coy of 33 Mons
		move out to area 712309 - 712348 - 710332 -713352 - with object of recce N of wood 730330 and then to NE edge of large wood area 7434 completing this
		to continue recce along main rd OPLOO - OVERLOON 7631. As anticipated troops got no further than psn above observing enemy movement throughout day.
		RA fire brought to bear continually throughout day on targets by direct and indirect fire.
	1100	100 to Mobile Bath Unit.
	1130	1 88 mm KO.
	1600	1 tk (Mk IV ? ) brewed up
	1700	A Sqn have tank brewed up.

Page 14 of 14

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Westerbeek	29	1730	CO to Bde for conference.
		1900	Squadron pulls in.
		2045	CO's conference. Tomorrow same form as today until 1200hrs or perhaps
			1500hrs. Recce out to see if Boche are still in places encountered today. 7 US Div coming up to take over area with a view to pushing SOUTH. Our
			role to ensure that there are no Boche in area they are taking over. After that possibly 5 - 6 days refitting.
	30	0530	Reveille.
		0600	C Squadron send two troops out to do local protection as well as "B"
		0700	7 US Armd Div commence take over of area prior to their attack expected to take place at 1200hrs.
		0900	100 to Mobile Baths at HELMOND.
		1530	Americans put in attack.
		1800	LO with 7 US Armd Div returns, but has no definite information.

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War Diary: 3rd Bn Royal Tank Regiment

Month and year: September 1944

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