War Diary: 1/6th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment

Month and year: August 1944

1/6th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment August 1944 war diary records the units actions in the area around Noyer and Neumer. News is also received that the unit is to be disbanded.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1377

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WO 171/1377 1/6th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment

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Page 1 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
890635	1		We are still containing NOYERS, apparently it is part of the
			big plan and it is important that this area is held firmly in
			order that a swing-round from the west can be made, using the
			NE part of the line as a hinge. There are constant indications
			that the Boche have gone, but any attempt at force is met with
			strong fire.
		0800	Coys adjust their positions to meet requirements issued on
			31 Jul and by 1100 hrs the take over is complete and Bn HQ is
			back at the old locn 890635 but by now the Bn is holding what
			would normally be a Bde Front, obviously no attack is expected.
			Capt C.V. Lilley is transferred to B Coy, he is one of our Cdn
			Officers and has done magnificent Patrolling work, he is a
			first rate offr. Todays cas 1 wounded from Mortaring.
	2		An adv party from the Welsh Regt turned up at first light
			apparently they are to take over from us although we know

Page 2 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
890635	2nd cont.		nothing about it.

		1900	Party left for new area 867657 near FONTENAY-LE-PESNEL
		2100	Remainder of Bn move by march route and dig in. Very hy
			Mortar fire was laid down on us while take over was being carried
			out and there were cas to our own tps and R Welsh. Cas today
			4 wounded.
	3		A much deserved rest, the tps lay in the sun with the only
			risk, the odd shell. Baths and Films and new kit is the
			order of the day. The indication is that the Bn may have to
			attack MONTES. The C.O. and I.O. (Capt Preston) recce fwd
			areas, there is no infm about the enemy.
867657	4		The Bde Comd (Brig Elrington) talked to the Bn at 1400 hrs, he
			welcombed our rfts and told everyone what a good job of work
			they had done, and of the satisfaction of the Army and Div Comds

Page 3 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
867657	4 cont	It was very heartening. He also spoke earlier to all Offrs
		at Bde HQ, he was optimistic about the future. It looks as
		though our attack on MONTES is off, the Boche appear to have
		gone, we are put at 4 hrs notice to get into the chase.
	5	The enemy have definitely gone, and recce are going on for
		the impending move - there is great Sapper activity as Mines
		are expelled. At 1200 hrs the warning order is received to
		move at 1430 hrs. There is an uneventful ride through lovely
		Country to new locn near ST. AGNAN-LE-MALHERBE at MR 863532
		1730 hrs the Bn 'O' GP. The intention is to move to high gd
		at P 232 near LA BESTRIE. 'C' Coy is adv Gd on bicycles with
		a Carrier Screen and if they go O.K. the Bn will take up a posn
		in this area preparitory to an attek the next day.
863532	6	There is indication that the Boche have gone back again, an
		attack is ordered on the two Ridges LA ROUQUE and LE MERIT LAVRIA

Page 4 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
863532	6	Both of these objectives are on fwd slopes and if the large
		feature of SUR LAMONTE is held will be extremely vulnerable.
		D' Coy are ordered to take LE MERIT LAVRIA and 'B' Coy LA ROQUE
		The attack is to be sp by a sqn of tks, but the tks do not arrive
		in time, so the assault is carried out without them. This is
		at 1405 hrs . 'A' Coy is to follow up and form a firm base
		at HAMARS891484. From the begining 'B' Coy go well and
		though when meeting the fwd slope of their objective they are
		heavily Mortared and sustain a number of cas no inf opposition
		is met. 'D' Coy task is more difficult, as far as can be
		ascertained no enemy were on their objective but on reaching
		the fwd slope ran into a hail of MG fire, Mortaring and Shelling.
		Cas appeared to be fairly hy. Two Pls were found by Capt
		H.R.G. Rowley, 2 IC of the Coy to be detached from Coy HQ,
		and he attempted to take them round the dead ground to rejoin

Page 5 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
863532	6 cont	the other Pl with the Coy Comd Major G.M. Roy. Capt Rowley
		eventually found the other which had made its objective and the
		Offrs and Pl Comds sat down in the Gully to decide on the next
		move. An 88mm shell landed in their midst, seriously wounding
		Major Roy, Capt Rowley, Lt Walker and several N.C.O's & men.
		By 2200hrs it became apparent that "D" Coy could not hold its
		objective as cas had been very heavy and although it was not
		known at the time it had no comds. "A" Coy was ordered to occupy
		the same feature and was given for its support a Sqn of Tks.
		The attack was planned by Major Ball OC "A" Coy and from the
		beginning went extraordinary well though cas were from mortaring
		and by dark the Coy Was firmly est on its objective. The loss
		of "D" Coy leaders consideralby affected the remainder of the
		much depleated coy and it was attached to "A" Coy with CSM
		Balding in temp comd. CSM Balding did some first class work

Page 6 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
863532	6 cont	the whole day, he was a magnificant example to the troops and
		was untiring in his efforts to rally the coy.
	7	This was one of the worst possible days the whole Bn incl Bn HQ
		was on a fwd slope and was mortared and shelled throughout the
		day. Capt Lilley did a fighting patrol to the Fm Blgs at La
		NAUCELLE, valuable infm about MG posns was obtained unfortunately
		by the loss of two men. Although there is every indication that
		the Boche is withdrawing they seem to be in strength opposite us.
	8	Nothing very much to report this day. The shelling is just as
		bad as ever and we are forced to live near our holes. The Comd
		Offr is ill and has to go back for treatment. Major MacDonald
		assumes Command of the Bn.
893487	9	Shelling during early hrs of the morning, our patrols have been
		active during the day. Enemy have been shelling road which they
		have under observation, at the rate of one shell every few minutes.

Page 7 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
893487	9 cont	and more if they get a target. This makes movement very difficult
		and there have been a few cas. At an "O" Gp at 1800hrs Comd Offr
		outlined our active policy for the future. On any signs of enemy
		withdrawal "A", "B" with "D" Coy under Command of "A" Coy to
		seize any objective which the enemy leave. They will do this
		by patrolling and infiltration, not fighting for posns, until
		they have reached "A" Coy Sur-Le-MONT 9047 and "B" Coy La
		VAUCELLE. They only occupy rear slope posns but will patrol fwd
		slopes. "C" Coy will then go through them to occupy LE PAUGEAIS
		using the Same tactics. Each will have support of Mortar, Carrier
		and Assault Pl Sections atted.
	10	From PW and other sources it was suspected that the enemy had
		withdrawn from the SUR-LE-MONT feature. The plan tied up on
		the "O" Gp on the 9th therefore can go into operation, after
		careful observation of known enemy posns. No movement was seen

Page 8 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
893487	10 cont	At 1100hrs the first patrol of 11 pl "B" Coy started out with
		their objective ORCHARD 893467 this and to Pl attack on LE VAUCELLE
		896470 went well and at 1310hrs "B" Coy had consolidated fwd of
		these places on the reverse slopes of Pt 172. "A" Coy with ob-
		jectives SOUS-LE-MONT and SUR-LE-MONT 9047 sent out a Recce Patrol
		of three OR's to area WOOD 913475. They were fired on from enemy
		and one OR was wounded on this Jucture L/Cpl Walker Comd Patrol
		dashed fwd with his Sten Gun to single handed capture five
		Germans who attempted to escape thro' the edge. After handing
		over the PW to the remaining man he went on again this time with
		a grenade and took three more. One of the PW, a Cpl, directed a
		shoot onto his own coy posns by our Arty, after which "A" Coy
		attacked meeting no more opposition, "D" Coy on their left
		took Pt 152 by 1400hrs. "C" Coy who were to occupy LE PAUGEAIS
		had to attack as the enemy were reported to be there. This was

Page 9 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
893487	10 cont	laid on for 2100hrs but was held up by the non arrival of supporting
		Tks. At 2150hrs the attack went in one Tp of Tks "marrying" in
		with the inf in time. The other Tp shot "C" Coy in from the high
		ground from the right and at last light they reported attack suc-
		cesful. Bn HQ had moved at 1400hrs to 983465. Sappers had cleared
		a great number of mines from road up to X rds 894464 but in spite
		of this Lt Mooney was severly wounded and his driver was killed
		when his carrier hit a mine at 1830hrs.
983465	11	At 0500hrs an "O" Gp and Comd Post est at 06474. "B" Coy moved
		from LA VAUCELLE area to LE PAUGEAIS, A recce patrol under comd
		of Capt Evans "A" Coy was sent out in a very heavy mist to 932467
		were they observed enemy digging in on the reverse slope of high
		ground above River Orne and St Benim. "B" Coy with Arty support
		attacked this feature successfully and dug in on the reverse slope.
		With the Boche dug in on the other side it was not possible for

Page 10 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
983465	11 cont	"B" Coy to attack further owing to the openess of the ground.
		"A" & "D" Coys therefore attacked round the right flank, up thro'
		the woods and after a brisk fight occupied fwd slopes in area of
		WOOD 929464. Enemy snipers were still active in this area and about
		one coy of enemy was suspected in St BENIM. "B" Coy were ordered
		to clear up the area on the right during the night, and at 2300hrs
		reported stiffer opposition than reported. CSM Balding was killed
		by a 88mm shell during this action.
	12	At 0730hrs a counter attack by enemy, strength about one Pl, was
		beaten off and likely enemy conc areas were "stonked" by med &
		two fd Regts, also 4.2 and 3 inch mortars. The enemy left about
		14 dead on the battle field, one Offr was captured wounded.
		3 Germen Streacher Bearers (Armed) came thro' "A" Coy to attend
		their wounded and wanted to return to their lines after finding
		none. They were held and passed back to Bn. HQ where Bde I.O.
		attended to them.

Page 11 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
983465	12 cont	At 2115hrs a counter attack was reported forming up in ST BENIM
		Area Mortaring at 1710hrs Lt Bloomfeild injured. H.E &
		smoke laid by enemy in "A" Coy area presumably a counter attack
		is about to take place, but this did not take place. 1 PW brought
		in. "C" Coy move out to strengthen the fwd coys at 1430hrs.
		From 0830hrs this morning we ceased to under comd of 59 Div.
		At 2145hrs "A" coy was counter attacked and 20 enemy were killed
		and 6 PW taken. The enemy was beten off.	Appx "A"
	13	"O" Gp at "B" Coy posn at 0830hrs. It now seems that the Boche
		has withdrawn from the ST BENIM Ridge feature although there is
		a likelyhood of enemy in ST BENIM itself and over the ridge at
		THURY HARCOURT. The 5th are to take over our posns and begin to take over
		immediately. Coys are withdrawn to area of Bn HQ which is used
		as 8 rest area. At 1600hrs Capt Lilley took a patrol to ORCHARD
		on outskirts of ST BENIM, no enemy was encountered. "C" Coy

Page 12 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
983465	13 cont	were to take over from a coy of the 5th Bn overlooking the river
		where a bridge was being constructed.
	14	A Rest Day We go and look at the ST BENIM Battle Feild, without
		doubt if the rdg had been tackled in any other way we would have
		suffered hvy cas. The taking of the ridge and the killing of at
		least 50 Boche is a tribute to the skill of the Coys. Coys pushed
		fwd O.P's up to Pl strength on ST BENIM Ridge, to give cover to
		the building of another bridge at THURY HARCOURT. but the
		war is going to fast and there is nothing but own TROOPS to be
		seen. Infm received that we are to come under command of 56 bde
		and to take over from 7th R.W. F's at LA BIJOUDE at 995444.
995444	15	Bn Recce Gp move to new area at 0500hrs. The Bn following at
		0600hrs. The latter was simple as the Bn is not in contact with
		the Boche. It is a quiet day and we are awaiting orders to move again
		We receive orders to move and revert to 177 Bde again. Orders are

Page 13 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
995444	15 cont	Received from both 56 and 177 Inf Bdes and what we are to do
		does not become apparent until next morning, We are prepared
		to move from 0430 hrs. The move is to be in T.C.Vs and they
		arrive and are marshalled in the Bn area all day long AGRAs and
		rear tps are going through. It is obvious that things are going
		fast. We are just inside the FALAISE - AGENTAN gap and it looks
		as though it is intended that we are to help to close it.
	16	After a night during which we waited for orders to move, orders
		were finally given 15 minutes notice from 1200 hrs. The QM took
		the opportunity to have clothing exchanges throughout the morning,
		for which a great many were indeed thankful! At 1530 hrs the
		tps were moving by TCVs to area 995345 and Bn Conc in this area
		by 21.00 hrs, being in range of Shells and Mortar Fire, Slits were
		dug. After a very brief 'O' Gp on arrival 'O' Gp less the 4.2.
		Mortar PI C.omd and M.G. Pl Comd (7 NF) in sp left for quick recce
		before dark.

Page 14 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
995345	17	For the first time since the start of our adv in NORMANDY do
		we find Farms and Villages which are untouched. Our adv
		started at 0730 hrs after an early meal with Coys having limited
		objectives which they reported clear at the early stages. The
		Bn route took us through OUILLY - LE HAUT DE 'OILLY along the
		main FALAISE Rd then SW to LE DETROIT 0333 It was a very welcomed
		sight to see the French TRICOLOUR flying along the route even
		from the tops of trees and the French people lining the rds and
		tracks by their Farms and homesteads. From LE DETROIT a small
		amount of enemy opposition was encountered and Prisoners were
		taken. The biggest opposition held up the Bn in the afternoon
		approx 3 MGs in a bldg at 049318 could not be KO. The Bn
		re-organised during the night. The bag of PW was upwards of
		50 for the day. The French people helping the total by bringing
		in odd ones throughout the day.

Page 15 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
995345	18	A 'B' Coy Patrol reported early that the enemy had withdrawn
		during the night from the Village and an early attack had been
		arranged with tk sp. However this went in according to plan
		and the objective was extended to the original Bn objective.
		Pt 205 Mr 0630 (FALAISE map) The adv goes well with 'A' Coy
		on the Right and 'C' Coy on the left. There was a spasmodic
		amount of Shelling but this was probably intended for the tks,
		no cas were reported. Both assaulting Coys walked up the Hill
		to Pt 205 with no enemy opposition and sp by tks from the
		forward slopes of the other hill. On reaching the crest there
		was an occassional MG fire and Mortars, but there was no serious
		opposition. At this stage it appeared as though the enemy on
		the other side of the Ridge may have been Br tps. Major Ball
		and Major Barber went on a recce

Page 16 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
995444	15 cont.	Major Barber went fwd on a recce to the crest, apparently
		the Boche were using Bren Guns for undoubtedly they were
		enemy and Major Barber was shot in the chest and evacuated,
		'B' Coy, now under comd Capt C.V. Lilley, were pushed fwd to
		strengthen the defenders and took up posn on the right of the
		ridge. 'D' Coy were given the task of controlling MINIL VIN.
		At dusk Bn HQ moved to new locn at Orchard 058308, while going
		through MINIL VIN the Scout Car belonging to Major A.L.P. Sandy
		443 Bty RA Comd hit a Mine and there were 15 cas, Major Sandy
		was wounded and another Gunner Officer was sent out to take over.
		Remainder of the night was quiet except for an occasional
		Mortar. Major Macdonald reported seeing twin engined flying
		bombs going over the Bn area.
	19	We receive orders the Bn is going into rest, that the whole Div
		is going into res. Morale goes up and the adv party is sent off.

Page 17 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
995444	19	'D' Coy send a Patrol fwd to find if the village at 072293 was
		occupyed, they reported it clear. The Bn is ordered to clear
		the area immediately in front of its posn, this is done without
		finding any Boche. Area of Bn HQ is recced at MINIL VIN.
		At 2000 hrs an LO arrives to say that the plan has been changed,
		the Div was required to clear a large area in what had previously
		been the Gap between BAZOUCHES 1027 and CHANICERIE 1125 and an
		area 4/5 kilos to the East. Bde 'O' Group at 2230 hrs. The
		Brigadier gives areas for Bns and says that the Bns should be
		clear by 2000 hrs at the latest, they would then return to conc
		in own areas. Bn 'O' Gp at midnight, the orders are given out.
995444	20	Bn embussed and moves off at 1030 hrs through LA GUIBERDIERE078303
		to BAZOUCHE 1027. Although everyone was rather upset about
		losing a days rest it in fact turned out a most pleasant day.
		There was absolutely no opposition and the day was one of constant

Page 18 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
			goodwill with the French who welcomed us with open arms, many
			villages were Liberated in the sense that we were the first Br
			tps there. HQ was sent up in CHANTCERIE and the total captures
			were One Italian, one Austrian, two Russians and two Poles, all
			of which were very fed up with the German Army and the Allied
			Arty. All except two were captured in Civvy clothing. The
			day is utterly and completely spoiled for every man of the 1/6th
			by the sad knowledge gleaned at 1600 hrs that the Division is
			to be disbanded. The explanation offered to us is that we are
			part of the junior Division and reinforcements have to be found.
			This is exceedingly poor consolation for us, the Bn and the Div
			have been constantly praised and the men have faught doggedly and
			really well, nothing they have ever been asked to do has ever
			been left undone, and we are all ver, very fed up. We do
			realise that it all probably fits into the bigger picture, but to

Page 19 of 21

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
CHANTCERIE	20	to us it is really very difficult to understand. The Bn is
		instructed to move back to MINIL VIN at 1800 hrs where all Coys
		are concentrated. The C.O. (Major R.C. Macdonald) announces
		the bad news of the impeding disbandment and gloom
		prevails, it really seems a great pity. Tps leave the COs
		Talk with glum faces muttering in groups of three or four.
		Orders for the move to Rest ? ( and presumably disbanding)
		Area received at 2200 hrs. We are to move to an area NW of
		THURRY HARCOURT at NEUMER940597.	Transcription note: appears 940597 should be 940519
NEUMER	21	We move off at 1000 hrs. Everything goes according to plan
		and the Bn is safely lodged in its allotted Rest Area in the
		pouring rain. This Rain is well befitting the Bns present
		mood, they have accepted all manner of difficult and seemingly
		odd jobs with a smile, but the news of the disbanding really has
		got them down, this rain certainly does'nt help any.

Page 20 of 21

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
NEUMER	21	cont.	The men settle in and make themselves comfortable in this
			War racked village, and nothing of any importance happens.
"	22		A late Breakfast. Clothing exchange. All Field Officer go
			to Div HQ to listen to a talk given by the G.O.C. in C. General
			Sir Bernard L. Montgomery. The General apologises for the
			breaking up of the Division and explains the reasons for it in
			detail. He certainly seemed very optimistic for the future.
			It seems that the men are to be split into Coy Groups and posted
			as complete coys. HQ and Sp Coys and all specialists are
			classed as Riflemen and posted to Rifle Coys for this purpose.
"	23		Today the Divisional Comd and the C.O. spoke to the assembled battalion
			and thanked the Bn for the way they have fought and how they regretted the
			break up of the Division. The day is spent in re kitting and rest.
	24 to 31		Al, these days are similar, the details of posting of Officers and OR's
			cannot be given as the Battaliens to which the men have been posted have

Page 21 of 21