War Diary: 4th - 7th Dragoon Guards

Month and year: September 1944

The 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards September 1944 War diary covers the units advance from Amiens through Belgium and into the Netherlands.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/838

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Page 1 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1		Early start in accordance with last night's orders at 0730 hrs.
			The Regiment crossed the SOMME (no opposition) just W of AMIENS
			at 1100 hrs. and then diverted on to the left route. First
			opposition met by "B" Sqn. at VIGNACOURT where some Infantry
			and 3 tanks were reported. In this area a lot of horse
			transport was shot up and some P.W. taken. VIGNACOURT was
			cleared and we pushed on to CANAPPLES where "B" Sqn. was pulled
			up by 88 mm A/Tk gun. which was eventually shot up. "B" sqn.
			brewed up one panther, captured one 150 mm horse drawn gun.
			Another Panther brewed itself up on our approach. "B" sqn.
			claims for the day were 5 A/Tk guns, one panther and a lot of
			transport, and "A" sqn. got a S.P. RHQ also had a shot at a
			Mortar and men just through CANAPPLES. Opposition occurred at
			FIENVILLERS which had to be by passed. In the meantime the
			rest of the Brigade pushed on through DOULLENS on the right

Page 2 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Contd.		route of the Bde. Harbour area near REBREVITTE The Regiment
			completed their tasks and were all in Harbour by midnight N. of
			DOULLENS with the rest of the Bde.
	2		O Gp. 0930 hrs. 11 Armd.Div. reported up at BEL
			and that we were to continue the move to BRUSSELS. No orders
			for actual move given out. The rest of the day spent by "A"
			and "B" Sqns. in maintenance while "C" Sqn. went out on BOCHE
			killing expedition taking a few prisoners and killing a few
			Boche. The Regiment was now in the midst of the flying bomb
			sites, two not being mo re than 3 miles away at LA BONNIERE and
			VILLERS L'HOPITAL.
	3		The Regiment moved at 0830 hrs. at early notice on route for
			ALOST. We passed through ARRAS and LOOS, 8 Armd.Bde being with
			30 Div. and the Regiment leading the Gp. with "A" Sqn. No
			trouble at all was met until a Bridge just E. of LOOS which was

Page 3 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	3 contd.		found to be blown; a diversion was made. Then opposition in the
			form of A/Tk. guns was met at HOUBLIN and "A" sqn. were ordered
			to deal with the trouble crossing a small river obstacle
			through SECLIN to the S. of the Bridge. However, the
			opposition was well covered with some A/Tk. guns and "A" Sqn.
			had a sticky time having 3 tanks knocked out and Major
			J.A.d 'Avigdor Goldsmid and Captain A.C. Hawkins wounded and
			Tpr. Catlow killed. Meanwhile "B" and "C" Sqns. with "A" Coy.
			12 K.R.R.C. were pushing on to LILLE which they liberated
			without opposition. They were completely mobbed by the
			inhabitants of LILLE and dirty and tired tank crews were
			embraced and given a tremendous welcome by the French. They
			were withdrawn to Harbour just W.of SECLIN in the evening,
			"A Sqn. remained out all night with the 9 D.L.I. who were to
			clear up the enemy pocket in the HOUBLIN area.

Page 4 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
4		O Gp. 0630 hrs. Reported that 11 Armd.Div. had crossed into
		BELGIUM. We were to continue advance in the 50 Div. Gp.
		towards BRUSSELS being ready to move by 0830 hrs. though "A" Sqn.
		still had a Troop operating with the D.L.I. These orders were
		later cancelled and no move took place till 1400 hrs. when 8
		Armd.Bde. were iven the role of blocking the routes running
		S.E. from LILLE to prevent any pockets of the Hun escaping from
		the N. "B" and "C" Sqns. were grouped with the 12 K.R.R.C. and
		8 D.L.I respectively for this purpose. "A" Sqn. remaining with
		RHQ. Sqns. escorting their Bns. to the blocking areas whence
		they pulled back and remained in support. RHQ moved to area
		near Tac Bde. just S.E. of CYSOING.
5		No move for anybody and no enemy seen though many wild reports
		of even up to 4,000 Huns reported in various places.
	2000	We received orders for move to area S.W. of BRUSSELS commencing

Page 5 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
5 contd.		mid-day to-morrow. - Harbour parties to leave early.
6		Harbour parties left at 0615 hrs. and the Regiment followed
		leaving at mid-day, "A" Sqn. leading and crossing the frontier
		into BELGIUM at 1300 hrs. where we went into Harbour at
		WOLTHAEEM.
7		O Gp.held 1045 hrs. The Regiment is coming under command of
		69 Inf.Bde. and we should move to their location at ALOST by
		1230 hrs. taking A2 Echelon with us as 8 Armd. Bde were to
		remain in their present area near WOLTHAEEM. The Regiment
		moved out at 1130 hrs. "C" sqn. leading going via SLETTIN, 3457,
		KIRKCKEN - ALOST. At ALOST we joined with 69 Inf. Bde. "C" Sqn.
		moving on ahead with the 6 Green Howards. All along the route
		and especially at ALOST civilians gave us a great welcome and
		showered us with apples and tomatoes.
	1600	Orders were changed and we returned to 8 Armd. Bde command moving

Page 6 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
7 contd.		on to AARSCHOT going via WILLEBROCK and MECHLIN, harbouring
		N.E. of AARSCHOT for the night. The commanding Officer gave
		out orders 2230 hrs. Our intention being to cross over the
		Bridge on the ALBERT CANAL at BEERINGEN (which had been captured
		by the Guards Armd.Div.) turning left and exploiting the
		Bridgehead and getting behind the enemy who are holding the
		crossings over the N.W. thus helping 50 Div. to obtain some
		Bridges. "B" Sqn. to lead with "A" Coy. 12 K.R.R.C. under
		command. Bridgehead at BEERINGEN was only half a mile deep.
8	0700	The Regiment moved out and halted with our head short of
		BEERINGEN at PAIL where we stayed until just after mid-day.
		while going down a steep hill in DIEST, Lieut.J.H.G.Ford's
		Crusader lost its air pressure and crashed into a pylon
		carrying electric cables which caused a great display of sparks
		in the wires and bringing the Pylon to the ground. The tank

Page 7 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
8 contd.		and its occupants were unhurt.
	1110	o Gp. Information. The Guards Bde. have reached BEVERLOO
		Intention. "B" Sqn. will push on through BEVERLOO to OOSTHAM
		and then to OLNEEN and shoot up Germans retiring from the canals
		"A" Sqn. would send a patrol to HEPPEN. RHQ to move behind a
		Coy of the 12 K.R.R.C. deploying at BEVERLOO.
	1345,	Brigadier gave us orders to move on and the Regiment crossed
		the Bridge at BEERINGEN- After some opposition had been dealt
		with "B" Sqn. reached GENNEBERG, two miles N. of BEVERLOO and
		there were confused civilian reports as to what was in OOSTHAM.
		However it appeared that there was one S.P. and a lot of German
		Infantry in the village and in the woods round it. "B" Sqn.
		brewed up one S.P. near OOSTHAM and shot up a lot of German Inf.
		in the woods.
	1800.	"B" Sqn. got another S.P. which had, however, knocked out a "B"

Page 8 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
8 contd.		Sqn. tank. All the crew of this tank became lost including
		Sergt. West who had been a Troop Sergt. in "B" sin. and in action
		ever since "D" Day.
		The Hun definitely intended to hold OOSTHAM as in the evening
		3 lorry loads of Infantry were observed coming into the village
		from the EAST.
	2015	"A" Coy, 12 K.R.R.C. were nearly in the middle of the village after
		quite a bit of fighting. By darkness the village was in our
		hands, "B" Sqn. remaining with "A" Coy, 12 K.R.R.C. throughout
		the night in the village.
9		Just after it became light a party of Germans consisting of a
		Lt-Col. and 40 men of a Suicide Squad to reach and destroy the
		Bridge at BEERINGEN at all costs, attacked the Bde A1 Echelon
		at close quarters which had the previous evening crossed the
		Bridge over the Canal. Some thirty lorries in the Bde. 13 of

Page 9 of 34

Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
9 Contd.	them our own and "A" Sqn's Jeep and a 15 cwt. W/T were
	destroyed and 2 O.Rs killed, 10 missing including SSM. Knox of
	"C" Sqn. and SSM.Rattenbury of "B" Sqn. a big blow. However,
	the Echelon saved the day and the Bosche attack never reached
	its objective. The Commanding Officer held O GP. at 1000 hrs.
	Information- situation very confused in this area as we have
	succeeded in cutting off a lot of Bosche who were holding the
	Canal, their only line of retreat being due N. past OOSTHAM.
	"B" Sqn. were ordered to remain with the 12 K.R.R.C. and
	establish themselves at OOSTHAM, and "A" and "C" Sqns. and RHQ
	were to send Patrols to watch the road from BEVERLOO - GENNEBERG	-
	OOSTHAM ready to shoot up any Bosche trying to get out. "B"
	Squadron had quite a shoot during the day, and 431 Bty. 147
	Fd.Regt. landed at least 5 shells right in the middle of a
	concentration of about 60 enemy. A lot of snipers in OOSTHAM

Page 10 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
9 contd.		and occasional shelling and mortaring by the enemy.
	1845	O Gp. Information - warning to evacuate OOSTHAM and not to
		attempt to extend the Bridgehead any further in this direction.
		8 Armd.Bde. were now under comd. Gds. Armd.Div. and were to move
		to-morrow to S. of BOURG LEOPOLD covering the left area of the
		Gds.Armd. Div. Intention - We were to move to the area
		BEARMAUS WOOD in the morning, taking up position covering the
		N. edge of that wood and holding an important feature of high
		ground to the S.E. of BOURGLEOPOLD. This town was still in enemy
		hands. "B" sqn. and "A" and "C" Coys of 12 K.R.R.C. withdrew in
		the late evening from OOSTHAM and the enemy quickly followed our
		departure into the village. The Recce Tp. took one prisoner
		during the night - a Cpl. of an A/Tk. Regiment - who strayed
		towards our lines and was knocked down by one of the Recce.
		Tp. N.C.OSs.

Page 11 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	10		The Regiment moved in accordance with last night's orders to
			take up it's new position S. of BOURG LEOPOLD. Conflicting
			reports ere received as to whether or not BOURG LEOPOLD is held.
			This modern town had been occupied by SS Tps. and in May that
			portion of it had been almost totally destroyed by the RAF in
			which raid it is understood nearly all the SS were
			killed numbering over 1,000, and it is also understood there
			had been imprisoned in BOURG LEOPOLD some 300 Belgium political
			prisoners.
			In the evening "C" Sqn. were ordered to send a patrol in from the
			East to find out whether the village was held or not, and if
			not to go in. A Patrol of two Tps. under the Sqn. Ldr. carried
			out this task and when within about 800 yds. of the East end of
			the town, two tanks of "C" sqn. were quickly brewed up and one
			other had it's track knocked off (Lieut.N.S. Wide's tank). by a

Page 12 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	10 contd.		S.P. gun which we were unable to spot, A considerable amount of
			shooting was done into the area where the S.P. was thought to be
			and some Bosche who were seen were shot up. A very high O.P.
			tower which it was thought might contain a Bosche O.P. was shot
			up by "A" squadron and it was later discovered that a Bosche
			O.P. in it had been killed. In the evening "C" coy of the
			12 K.R.R.C. entered the East end of the town from the South
			in an attempt to stalk the S.P. However they found
			nothing at that particular end and withdrew. "C" squadron
			also came back to their Harbour in the late evening. Civilians
			reported that the Bosche was carrying out atrocities against
			women and children in the town and implored us to help them.
	11		A watching patrol of "A" Sqn. to the East of the town was
			posted and 13/18 H were to the West of BOURG LEOPOLD. A
			Belgian Gp. was put under command of 8 Armd.Bde. with the

Page 13 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	11 Contd.		intention of sapturing BOURG LEOPOLD in the afternoon.
			However, there were reports that the Hun had evacuated the town
			during the night, retiring N.W. and the Belgians supported by
			"C" Sqn. entered the town quite unopposed in the afternoon.
			There were enemy, however, to the N.W. of it in the area of
			HEPPEN and their existence was confirmed by an Armd. car Patrols
			"C" Sqn. stayed the night in BOURG LEOPOLD.
	12		Situation unchanged. 8 Armd.Bde still under command Gds. Armd.
			Div. who had by now not only got a crossing (in the nick of
			time) across the ESCAULT CANAL but had also got Patrols across
			DUTCH border.
	13		"B" Sqn. relieved "C" Sqn. of their duties at BOURGLEOPOLD.
			It was reported that the SRY had had a day of heavy fighting
			in GHENT area on the 11th when a large number of enemy
			fanatical SS Tps. attempted to break out. very many were

Page 14 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	13.Contd.		killed, some even standing up, shouting "I die for the Fuhrer".
			The SRY had 11 tanks knocked out in this action, but the Bosche
			attacks all failed. 50 Div. on the left in the GHELL area
			were relieved by 15 Scottish Div. and moved down into our area,
			and 8 Armd.Bde. came under comd. 50 Div. once again. "A" Sqn. carried out a patrol N. from the road running East out of
			BOURG LEOPOLD across the Artillery Range and discovered no
			signs of the enemy, and other reports indicate that he is
			pulling out behind the ESCAULT CANAL.
	14		The Regiment moved with A1 Echelon into BOURG LEOPOLD itself
			for 3 or 4 days maintenance and refit. Most of the men were
			found houses or buildings in which to be billeted. Our only
			operational commitment now was to maintain 24 hrs. watch from
			an O.P. tower N.E. of the village.
	15		Back to semi peace time rule. Sqns. did maintenance and

Page 15 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
	15.contd.	admin.inspections.
16		Squadrons at disposal of Sqn.Ldrs. The commanding officer
		having attended Corps Commander's conference in the morning
		at which the plan for future operation was outlined, spoke to
		all Officers and NCOs in the afternoon.
		Squadon Leaders conference held at which Commanding Officer
		outlined forthcoming operations. Airborne landings were to be
		made in the area EINDHOVEN - NIJMEGEN - ARNHEM on 17 Sep.
		with the object of securing the Brs. at these places. Gds.
		Armd.Div. followed by 43 div. with the Regiment under comd.
		214 Bde. were to drive through over the ESCAULT Canal through
		EINDHOVEN - NIJMEGEN - ARNHEM, the Gds. having as their
		objective Zuyder Zee.
	17,18,19,	No move yet made. Regiment still remains resting at BOURG
		LEOPOLD.

Page 16 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	20		Lt.Col. R.G.Byron DSO who had been in comd. of the Regiment since
			December 1941, to-day handed over comd. to major G.K.Barker.
			Lt.Col. R.G. Byron DSO who completed his 3 years as Commanding
			Officer on the 19th September had commaded the Regiment during
			possibly one of its most event ful and historical periods, and
			his departure would be much regretted. He took comd. from
			Lt Colonel L.E.Misa DSO during the difficult period of training
			in England after Dunkirk, then the conversion DD, and then
			finally commanding the Regiment in its assault landing on D Day
			and on through the Normandy campaign and up to this date.
			The following changes were to be made on his change of commands-
			2nd in comd - Major W.N.D.Barlow (on posting from F.& F.YEO).
			O.C."A" Sqn. - Major I.G.Gill MC (Major J.A.d'Avigdor Goldsmid
			not having yet recovered from his wound).
			O.C. "B" Sqn. - Majors.R.M.Jenkins (who is acting 2nd-in-Comd.

Page 17 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	20th contd.		until the arrival of Major W.N.D.Barlow),
			O.C . *C" Squadron - Captain W.P. Riley.
			Captain D.J.B. Richards was in command of "B" Sqn. while
			Major S.R.M. Jenkins was acting as 2nd-in-Comd.
			Commanding Officer held O Gp.at 1000 hrs. to tie up our departure
			on Operation MARKET.
			This Operation was part of the Airborne landings made on 17 Sep.
			and the whole consisted of a great drive by 30 Corps across the
			ESCAULT CANAL to GRAVE, across the WAAL at NIJMEGEN and the
			Lower Rhine at ARNHEM. 30 Corps was to be led by the Gds. Armd.
			Div. with 43 Div. following, the Regiment being under comd.
			214 Inf.Bde. (Brigadier Essame DSO). The Gds. Armd.Div. had
			already got through to NIJMEGEN and linked up with the 101 US
			Airborne Troops at EINDHOVEN. If the Bridge over the Rhine was
			blown, i.e. thus proving the failure to force the crossing,

Page 18 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	20th contd.		43 div. were to come through, their operation being divided
			into 4 Phases as follows:-
			Phase 1. 130 Bde. capture the south bank of the River.
			phase 2. 214 Bde. with the Regiment in support carry out an
			amphibious operation in Duxks crossing west of the Bridge.
			Phase 3. 214 Bde. clearing the houses and down the other side
			of the River.
			Phase 4. Crossing the River at ARNHEM, the two Bdes. and 20
			tanks of the Regiment were to be put into barges at NIJMEGEN
			sail up the Rhine and then turn North and then west along the
			Lower Rhine to a point of landing on the North bank on some
			concrete landing stages which were known to be in existence
			at ARNHEM. Fire power of the tanks, if necessary, to be used
			during the voyage.
			The Regiment, "A" Squadron leading was scheduled to leave

Page 19 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
20th.contd.		BOURG LEOPOLD at 1200 hrs. but time of departure was postponed
		until we actually moved out about 1700 hrs. Driving all night
		we passed up the only Corps route arriving at a place North of
		EINDHOVEN at day break on the 21st.
21		After breakfast the column moved on preceded by Harbour parties
		over the Bridge at GRAVE to a Harbour area about 3 miles
		further on where Squadrons went into own areas.
	1430	Commanding Officer held. O Gp. having attended at 8 Armd.Bde.
		for orders. Intention - 30 Corps to liberate the 1st British
		Airborne Div. who landed in the ARHEM area on 17 Sep. This
		Division though still fighting was reported running short of
		supplies and coming under heavy enemy pressure. The guards
		have captured NIJMEGEN and we hold the two Bridges and a small
		Bridgehead to the North of the WAAL about 1 mile deep. The
		504 US Para.Bde. being in possession of this Bridgehead which

Page 20 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	21st Contd.		the Guards are going to enlarge. There was extremely grim
			fighting for the road bridge at NIJMEGEN, but the American
			Paratroops after crossing the River in small boats succeeded
			in capturing the Bridge intact although the enemy had laid
			remote charges the night before, but the fuse wires to these
			had been cut during the night by a sapper party especially
			detailed for the job. We, with the 147 Fd. Regt. all under
			comd. 214 Inf. Bde. were to cross the River by the Railway
			Bridge, turn West after crossing the Bridge and then move
			North skirting ELST to the west making for ARNHEM. The SLI
			with "A" Squadron under command and a Battery of the 147 Fd.
			Regt. and two sections of our Honeys were to form the advance
			guard of the Bde. Next were to come the DCLI Gp. and the
			Worcs.Gp. "B" and "C" Sqns. returning the Regimental command.
			The advance guard will not be allowed across the other side

Page 21 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
21 Contd.		until sufficient space had been obtained by the Guards and
		Americans enlarging the Bridgehead.
	2000	The Regiment harboured in woods immediately East of the Main
		road one mile south of NIJMEGEN. The commanding officer had
		great difficulty in finding 214 Bde. in the dark for an O Gp.
		not getting back until 0130 hrs. morning 22nd September.
22	0630	O Gp. Yesterday's orders stood with the addition of a barrage.
		Bridgehead had been slightly enlarged and yesterday's plan to
		be proceeded with. the SLI crossing at 0730 hrs. and the 130
		Bde. were to attack due North up the road towards ELST, 214
		Bde. going West through OOSTERHOUT and then North through
		WAALBURG. "A" Squadron moved out of their location near
		Railway Bridge at 0630 hrs. followed by RHQ 1 hour later, and
		"B" and "C" Squadrons took up position to the South part of
		the town some 4 hours later.

Page 22 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
22	Contd.
	0800	SLI over the River, "A" Squadron at Southern edge of Bridge
		starting to go across.
		Report received that Guards last night contacted elements of
		the 1st British Airborne Div. thus proving that a patrol of
		the Household Cavalry had actually reached the Southern bank of
		the Rhine linking up with the Polish Para.Bde. and meeting some
		of the British Div. who had come across the River. A large
		number of Bosche appeared to be in the area of OOSTERHOUT, and
		it was appreciated that once this crust was broken then an
		armoured drive could successfully be made up to DRIEL on the
		Southern bank of the Lower Rhine. The supply situation of
		Airborne Division was now critical and it was decided that
		once the SLI and "A" Squadron had cleared the Bosche from
		OOSTERHOUT a column consisting of "B" Squadron the the DCLI

Page 23 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	22 contd.		with supplies in Duxks should make a dash up to DRIEL. "A"
			Sqn. battle with the SLI was still going on at 1700 hrs. but by
			now the attack was going very well, a lot of Bosche had been
			killed, and "A" Sqn. had destroyed 2 Mk. IIIs and at least two
			A/Tk. guns. At 1830 hrs. "B" Sqn. were ordered to start
			their drive through. The Worcs. were crossing at this time
			and "C" Squadron and RHQ were to follow after and go into
			harbour the other side of the River. The commanding officer
			stayed the night at the 214 Inf.Bde. HQ just West of NIJMEGEN
			The news of "B" squadron's advance was listened to with much
			excitement and everybody was delighted to hear that they had
			reached DRIEL in darkness late that night although it was not
			known what success the Duxks had had in getting any supplies
			across. Later it turned out that the column was in fact cut
			by two enemy tigers which joined it in the darkness West of

Page 24 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	22 Contd.		ELST. These Tigers were destroyed by a very gallant Infantry
			man who fired a Piat at them at so lose range that he himself
			suffered severe burns. The leading Troop of "B" Squadron
			which led this drive was commanded by Lieut.Simmonds and the
			leading tank by Cpl.Raybould. On reaching DRIEL they linked
			up with the Polish paratroops, but also, unfortunately, shot
			up an armd. car belonging to the Household Cavalry, this
			happening in the failing light, the leading tank not
			expecting to see any friendly AFVs on the road. Thus "B"
			Squadron had completed the attempt to relieve the Airborne
			Forces, but the supplies could not be got across the River.
	23		"A" and "C" Squadrons were to carry out at attack to-day
			against ELST, the attack scheduled to commence in the morning
			"C" Sqn. with the Worcs. "A" Sqn. with the SLI, "A" Sqns.
			party was postponed until 1500 hrs. owing to enemy being in

Page 25 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
23 Contd.		the axis of their advance. "C" Sqn. started at 1200 hrs. with
		the Worcs.
	1300	1 Panther reported captured by the Worcs.
	1315	"C" Sqn. reported 3 Panthers ditched and 1 Tiger brewed up,
		the ditched Panthers were destroyed by us when we came across
		them.
	1400	"C" Sqn. still helping the Worcs on to village of LIENDEN
		immediately West of ELST. "A" Sqn. still waiting for the
		word go.
	1500	LIENDEN now clear. "A" Sqn. and the SLI commenced their
		attackk, they were going through the Worcs. direct on ELST
		it-self.
	1730	"A" Squadron attack still going well and they later reached
		their objectives with the SLI which were the centre and southern half of the town of ELST.

Page 26 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
23.Contd.
	2100	"C" Squadron returned to harbour near RHQ whi ch had now moved to
		field south of WAALBURG. "B" Squadron remained near DRIEL
		with the DCLI and "A" Squadron stayed out the night with the
		SLI on the West side of ELST.
		Great air supplies were seen to be dropped by parachutes in the
		ARNHEM area, but it was not known how much of these fell into
		our own Troops hands.
24		It was proved to-day that yesterday's joint claims of ourselves
		and the Infantry in the ELST battle were 6 Tigers and 2 panthers.
		"A" and "C" Squadrons continued their advance in the ELST area
		with the SLI and Worcs. starting at 0800 hrs. The reserve Troop
		of "A" and "C" Squadrons were each committed to support the 129
		Bde in their advance North along the main road to ELST. 129 Bde.
		advance had been held up completely and had not progressed much

Page 27 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
24		further than the perimeter won by the Guards and U.S. Airborne
		Troops.
	1000	Lieut.N.S. Wide (Troop Leader of "C" Squadron Troop with 129 Bde)
		reported that he had scuppered five dual purpose 75 mm guns,
		and they had taken a number of Prisoners of War. These two
		Troops returned to the Regiment at 1300 hrs. going into reserve
		again. "A" Squadron Troop co-operated with the 4 SLI and "C"
		Squadron Troop with the 4 Wilts.
	1200	The Commanding Officer visited "B" Squadron in the DRIEL area
		where they were now a coming under some hARRASsing artillery
		fire from the North side of the River Rhine.
	1400	"B" Squadron escorting DC LI to new position further SE to form
		a defence flank facing ELST. This move was made with no enemy
		opposition. The Luftwaffe turned out about fifty planes, all
		fighters, FW 190 and ME 109s though they did not attack our

Page 28 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
24 Contd.		positions, but were seen machine gunning what appeared to be
		the Airborne Div. positions. It was proved later that most of
		their efforts were directed to shooting up a wood which had a
		parachute caught on top of a tree which they evidently thought
		marked the British positions. In actual fact it was in enemy
		ground. A number of these fighters were shot down during the
		day by our Spitfires.
25	0845	The Commanding Officer held O GP. He recapitulated the events
		of the last few days saying that our activities, particularly
		of "B" Squadron in their drive on to DRIEL had been much
		appreciated (account of part played by "B" Squadron is at
		Appx."A"). The first Gds. Ardd.Bde. were to take over this
		area and the Bde and 50 Div. should take over the area from
		ELST to NIJMEGEN BRIDGE. The Regiment would then move about
		4 miles to the West near area of HERVELD. Lieut.J.H.G. Ford was

Page 29 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	25 Contd.		sentmon recce.
			Admin.points were then dealt with. Tech.Adjt. would set up
			recovery point near RHQ where he would base himself with the
			3 ARVs and Fitters half tracks and one LAD recovery vehicle.
			The supply line was continually cut N.of EINDHOVEN and although
			we would never be short waste was to be avoided. RAF were
			landing considerable quantities of supplies near GRAVE by
			Dakotas. Lastly great attempt by 130 Bde to establish small
			Bridgehead over the Lower Rhine (The Leck) would be made to
			enable as many as possible of the 1st British Airborne to be
			evacuated. "A" and "C" Squadrons will still help SLI and
			Worcs in ELST area and in the evening the BOSC he appeared
			definitely to be pulling out of the area, our Troops
			reaching the Railway line. "A" Squadron had a Troop shot up

Page 30 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
25 Contd.		by a Panther (all three tanks in a row on a road),There
		were no personnel casualties.
26		Position unchanged. "B" Squadron now back in Regimental
		area leaving a Troop with the DC LI and "C" Squadron had one
		Troop out with the Worcs. "A" Squadron remaining in Harbour
		with the exception of one Troop which was sent out in a flap
		to the 12 KRRCs in the West near ORPHEUSDEN where a strong Hun
		patrol had apparently crossed the river from the North and run
		into the 12 KRRC. This flap quietened down and the patrol
		withdrew, some prisoners being taken by the 12 KRRC. At least
	X	1,500 of the Airborne Div. were evacuated successfully across
		the river last night; all these passed through the
		Divisional ADS which was next door to RHQ. There was slight
		enemy air activity in the morning and aftemoon, no attacks
		made on our position. All Squadrons were concentrated in

Page 31 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
26 Contd.		Harbour near RHQ for the night.
27	0800	Commanding Officer held O Gp. The Regiment was to concentrate
		in area OOSTERHOUT, and we would be moving in the afternoon.
		Harbour parties were sent by Squadrons in the morning. Certain
		Admin. points were also dealt with.
	1300	Flap order received to despatch Squadron to assist 214 Inf.Bde.
		in an attack to be put in in the afternoon against some enemy
		who had crossed over from North to South in the area of
		RANDWIJK. "C" Squadron were silected to follow as reserve
		Squadron to work with the Worcs. "A" and "C" Sqns. therefore
		with the usual half of RHQ proceeded to concentration area at
		ANDELST where "A" Sqn. joined up with the SLI, "C" Sqn. with the
		Worcs. The attack started from ZETTEN due North of RANDWIJK
		with the main road as the Axis. The attack went very well.
		We had no casualties and the SLI very few and some two or

Page 32 of 34

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
27 Contd.		to three hundred Bosche were accounted for. "A" and "C"
		Squadrons returned to Harbour at HERVELD and half of RHQ also
		stayed out with 214 Inf.Bde.
28	0800	The Commanding Officer attended Bde O GP. (8 Armd.Bde) and
		then briefed O.C. "C" Squadron who would remain out in that
		area under comd. 214 Bde. while the rest of the Regiment
		would return to OOSTERHOUT. RHQ and *A" Squadron were back
		in OOSTERHOUT area by 1100 hrs.
		As a matter of interest the tank state for the three Sabre
		Squadrons to-day was as follows (this was the average state for
		this period) :-
		"A" "B" "C"
		Sherman 75 mm 10 12 11
		Sherman 17 Pdr. 4 3 4
		Squadrons were organised on 4 Tp. basis and where possible

Page 33 of 34

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	28 Contd.		four tanks per Troop having one 17 Pdr. in each Troop, and if possible one 17 Pdr. in reserve with SHQ
	29		Major S.R.M. Jenkins went back to 2nd Army via the Forward
			Delivery Squadrons The day spent quietly, but there were no
			baths or cinemas possible because a number of the enemy (about 14)
			during the night swam 15 miles down the river and blew a NIJMEGEN
			Bridge. These Bosche apparently had been trained at the one man
			submarine school in VENICE brought and briefed at UTRECHT, equipped
			with rubber swim suits, oxygen apparatus and extensions in water
			proof containers. They swam nearly all the way for 15 miles, then
			placed their charges, and then swam on to turn into the wrong creek.
			Most of them were taken Prisoner of War in the hands of the Recce
			Regiment.
	30		The Commanding Officer held a conference for Squadron Leaders at
			0900 hrs. and issued orders for "A" Squadron to relieve "C" Squadron

Page 34 of 34

Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
30 Contd.	of their duties with 214 iNF.Bde. in the HERVELD area at 1700
	hrs. to-day and "B" Squadron was to be prepared to support, in
	case of a flap, the 5 DCL I to the East side of the Island
	towards BEMMEL. Apparently Hitler has given personal orders
	that we are to be kicked out of the Island (i.e. above NIJMEGEN	-
	ARNHEM).


	Captaln, Adjutant, 4/7th Royal Dragoon Guards.

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War Diary: 4th - 7th Dragoon Guards

Month and year: September 1944

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