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War Diary: 1st Bn Royal Tank Regiment

Month and year: September 1944

The 1st Bn Royal Tank Regiment September 1944 war diary starts with the unit in Hornoy (South West of Amiens) and covers their advance through Belgium to s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands

National Archive Reference: WO 171/865

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Page 1 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh.4. HAVRE AMIENS 1/250,000 1 Sept 0530 Reveille. At first light Regiment moved on from leaguer area to the X rds
1200 at 7347, arriving there about midday. Here, orders were received to halt
and to allow 53(W) Div to pass through. This process went on all afternoon
2230 and evening, and at last light the tanks and A1 Echelon leaguered at the
X rds 7347. During the night orders were received to continue the advance
at first light next morning.
2 Sept 0600 Reveille.
0630 Regiment movied on through HORNOY 6245, MOLLIENS VIDAME 8958, across the
R. SOMME at PICQUIGNY 9965, and on through VIGNACOURT 0472, LEGER LES DOMART
Sh 5 AMIENS MONS 1/250,000 1400 to the area of the X rds 0483, S of BERNAVILLE. Here the Unit halted for an
hour. Orders were received that the Unit was to push on at all speed and
by pass enemy resistance to the cross roads at CAUCHY 2525 (sh 2 LILLE GHENT
1/250,000) This was to be reached by nightfall, 5 R Tks had met opposition
Sh 2 LILLE GHENT 1/250,000 1500 S of ST. POL 1513 and the Unit was to by-pass the town. 1 RB was under command
1530 At 1500 hrs the CO gave his orders and at 1530 the advance started.
Page 2 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh 2. LILLE GHENT 1250,000 2 Sept 0000 The objective was reached and a firm base was formed around it, with C Coy
1 RB and CC Bty 5 RHA who were under command, Throughout this advance, many
small parties of enemy infantry were encountered, who were brushed aside
or by-passed, only to re-appear, as soon as the Regtl Gp had passed by, The
night passed fairly quietly, but there was a certain amount of sniping and
Spandau fire which the RB dealt with in the early morning.
3 Sept 0530 Reveille. The Regtl Gp was ordered to push on through LILLERS and secure
crossings over the AIRE and LYS Canals. Enemy were still in LILLERS, but the
armour and guns with the RBs got through very quickl and by mid morning tps
1100 were on to the line of the AIRE Canal. All bridges were found blown except
one which was blown as soon as our tps were seen and a wooden one which was
blown when a Dingo patrol was. 200x away. Recce patrols were put along the
southern bank of the canal. In the meantime, two replenishment lorries
returning to A2 Echelon, were brewed up by enemy mortar fire in PERNES, 2323,
and it was found that an enemy pocket has established itself there during the
night. A troop of B Sqn was sent to deal with this together with some of the RB.
Page 3 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh. 2. LILLE GHENT 1/250,000 3 Sept 1100 Contd. There were still parties of enemy with MGs, "bazookas" and mortars in
the area between LILLERS and the canal. and a Sqn of Tanks with C Coy 1 RB
were detailed to clear these up during the afternoon. The remainder of 1 RB
was some way to the South. cut off from the Regt by enemy pockets across the C.L.
1600 At 1600 hrs Orders were received to withdraw through LILLERS and to move to
secure canal crossings N of BETHUNE 3927. After a number of counter orders
the plan was eventually put into operation, and 1 RB was moved up through
LILLERS to take up a position covering the road to the East and then withdrew
the whole group through the town and through 1 RB and to press on to secure
crossings at HINGES 3931, LOCON, 4331 and ESTAIRE 4639.
1700 The withdrawal was successfully completed by 1700 hrs and leading tanks had
reached LOCON and were well on the way to ESTAIRE.
0000 One Sqn had reached the bridge at ESTAIRE which was blown, and the rest of
the Gp were established at LOCON with two Sqns deployed to engage enemy
moving NE out or BETHUNE. C Coy 1 RE remained holding the bridge at HINGES
where all was A1 Echelon,
Page 4 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh. 2. LILLE GHENT 1/250,000 4 Sept 0530 Reveille.
The Regtl Gp remained in position until the late afternoon. Considerable
damage was inflicted on the enemy during the day, especially on transport
moving NE out of BETHUNE.
1600 The Gp was ordered to withdraw to an area S of BETHUNE since the rest of the
Bde was well on the way to GHENT. 18. The only way to do this was to go
across the HINGES bridges and then go S. The withdrawal was started, and
ing. guns and two Sqns had already got to HINGES when the counter order
came to return to LOCON and hold the bridge there during the night at all
costs, The rearguard Sqn was counter marched and had just got back into
position, when the next counter order was received that the LOCON bridge was
to be evacuated and the HINGES bridge held at all costs.
2230 By this time it was nearly last light, HINGES was held by 2 Sqns of tanks
5 Sept 0400 and 1 RB until 0400 hrs when the whole was relieved by inf of 53 Div.
0700 The Gp concentrated in reserve S. BETHUNE. By this time communications with
22 Armd Bde were non existent owing to distance, and the Gp was under command
Page 5 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh. 2. LILLE GHENT 1/250,000 5 Sept 0700 Contd. 12 Corps who were the only HQ nearby. The leaguer area was at 391162,
Remainder of the day spent on maintenance.
6 Sept 0700 Reveille, Heavy rain until afternoon.
1500 Unit moved to SAINS EN GOHELLE 3817 where billets were available for all
troops.
7 Sept 0700 Reveille. Maintenance and Recreation. Orders were receive from 12 Corps
HQ that no move was permitted owing to the petrol situation and therefore
that the Unit not join the rest of the Bde which was around GHENT.
8 Sept 0700 Reveille. Normal Routine.
9 " 0700 Reveille. Normal Routine.
10 " 0700 Reveille. In the evening, orders came from 7 Armd Div to move next morning to
join the rest of the Bde.
11 " 0530 Reveille.
Sh 43 WETTEREN 50,000 0630 Regt moved through LENS 5315, CARVIN 6121, PECQ 8941, AUDENARD 0958 to
HALTBUNDER 349677 arriving at 1800 hrs. The CO & Adjt at once made contact
with 22 Armd Bde HQ which was at LEDE 3669.
Page 6 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh. 43 WETTEREN 12 Sept 0600 Reveille. Unit remained at the same area, Day spent on maintenance.
Sh 3. ANTWERP 1/100,000 13 Sept 0600 Reveille.
1100 Unit moved through TERMONDE 4576, BOOM 6482, RUMPST 6880 to WAVRE ST CATHERING
1600 arriving at 1600 hrs. The Regt in the area 735798.
14 Sept 0600 Reveille. The weather was inclement and it was decided to move into
billets in WAVRE ST CATHERINE 7379. This took place during the morning.
There was a dance for British troops in the village during the evening.
15 Sept 0700 Reveille, Normal Routine, Orders were received that the Regiment was to
take over the defence of the ALBERT CANAL next day,
16 Sept 0600 Reveille.
0700 Unit moved out through DUFFEL 7482, LIERRE 7886, KESSEL 8286, RHQ went
to 883863. A Sqn took over defence of the ALBERT CANAL excl the
bridge at 839932 to track at 895913, with their HQ at 866896. B Sqn was
responsible for the sector from the bridge 967895 to tr at 016872 with their
HQ in WOUT 9786. The gap was covered by infantry of the Division.
C Sqn was in reserve at 892858.
Page 7 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh. 3. ANTWERP 1/100,000 16 Sept. Contd 1400 During the afternoon, patrols of Recce Tp., probed up the road N from
HERENTHOUT 9186 to the canal and encountered parties of enemy infantry with
machine guns, who tried during the course of the evening to make their way
S o. the canal. These were efectively stopped and beaten up. The Regt
remained in these positions all night.
17 Sept 0600 Reveille, Sub units remained in positions on the canal. The enemy tried
during the morning to get back S of the canal again N of HERENTHOUT, but a
troop of tanks were set to deal with them which it did effectively. The rest
of the day passed quietly.
18 Sept 0600 Reveille,
0700 RHQ moved out to MORKHOVEN and established itself in billets at 965852.
During the morning the Sqns and Recce Tp pulled out and billeted themselves
around RHQ, The Regt was now in reserve,
19 Sept 0600 Reveille. Normal Routine.
20 Sept 0600 Reveille, Normal Routine.
Page 8 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh 3. ANTWERP 1/100,000 21 Sept 0600 Reveille,
0730 Regt moved from MORKHOVEN to OSTERLOO 0782 and billetted in a convent.
Normal Routine. RHQ was at 069824.
Sh 4. MAESEYCK 1/100,000 22 Sept 0530 Reveille.
0600 Regt moved from OSTERLOO to MOLL 1690, arriving at 1100 hrs. The troops
were satisfactorily billetted and entertainments arranged for them in the
town. RHQ was at 172907.
23 Sept 0700 Reveille. Normal Routine.
1900 Orders were received to move at first light next morning to the area
EINDHOVEN.
24 Sept 0500 Reveille.
0545 Regt moved to VELDHOVEN 3714 and leaguered around RHQ which was at
365135, arriving at 1100 hrs.
Sh 5. S'HERTOGEN BOSCH 1/100,000 1700 Regt moved again through EINDHOVEN to 418215; it was last light by the time
the Unit had leaguered, and raining very heavily.
Page 9 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh 5. S'HERTOGEN BOSCH 1/100,000 25 Sept 0600 Reveille. Unit remained in position awaiting orders all day.Millson
26 Sept 0600 Reveille,
0800 Regt moved up the Div C.L. to 436306, SE of ST ORDEN RODE, Here the vahicles
1100 were parked just off the road. B. Sqn under command of 131 Bde was sent to
probe the rd towards OLLAND 3833. They reached the area 406327 and there
encountered a number of enemy infantry armed with MGs and "Bazookas". Going
was very bad on both sides of the road, and when a troop went forward on it,
it's leading tank promptly "bazooka'd". The Sqn therefore remained
1800 in observation until 1800 hrs when thay leaguered for the night at 417326.
Infantry of 131 Bde took over the forward positions.
1400 Meanwhile the rest of the Regt leaguered around RHQ which was at 403307
and remained there for the rest of the day.
27 Sept 0530 Reveille,
0700 Regt moved again up the C.L. to VEGHEL 4837 and leaguered at 487376.
0900 A Sqn was ordered to advance towards DINTHER 4341 under command 131 Bde.
Page 10 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh 5. S'HERTOGEN BOSCH 1/100,000 27 Sept 0900 Contd. This was done with little opposition, and the forward troops passed through
DINTHER to rd junc 429418 and thence S to the canal bridge at 425410.
1300 Here A Sqn took position in observation, and artillery fire was directed on to
numerous enemy in the woods S of the canal.
1400 RHQ and C Sqn moved up the road towards DINTHER, but as it was found that no
further offensive operations were required by Comd 131 Bde, they moved back again,
RHQ going to 485379. The Regt and A Sqn remained in their respective positions
for the rest of the day,
28 Sept 0530 Reveille.
0630 Regt minus A Sqn was ordered to move up the C.L. through UDEN 5342 to
NISTEIRODE 4947. The move started, but then the ordors were countermanded
and the Unit had to return to its positions in VEGHEL. This was
an awkward proceeding as the C.L. was jammed with traffic going both ways.
1000 Unit back in leaguer areas at VEGHEL and remained there for the rest of day.
A Sqn remained as before and had a quiet day.
Page 11 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh 5. S'HERTOGEN BOSCH 1/100,000 29 Sept 0530 Reveille,
0600 Regiment moved up through DINTHER, through LOOSEROEK 450460 to 473447 where
the CO gave his orders, Tha Regtl task was to cut the road DINTHER - S'HERTOGENBOSCH.
0730 C Sqn was to contact troops of 5 R Tks which had reached 400451 and then
push S to cut the road at 392440. B Sqn was to protect the right flank of
the Regt by moving to the area CORSO 388473.
0830 Sqns moved out to perform these tasks. C Sqn reached the stream and track
crossing 394444 and there found enemy infantry with "bazookas" Also there was
88 mm AP fire and mortaring coming from S of the canal. One C Sqn tank was
brewed and one hit by a "bazooka" C Sqn therefore remained in their positions
for the rest of the day. B Sqn reached the area CORSO successifully and there
took up positions of observations shooting up many enemy infantry and directing
fire from CC Bty 5 RHA.
0930 RHQ & Recce Tp went to 416444 where they remained for the rest of the day.
1100 A Sqn with the Bn of 131 Bde now tried to push W along the DINTHER - S'HERTOGENBOSCH.
road to link up with C Sqn. Going was difficult owing to intense enemy arty fire.
Page 12 of 12
Place Date Hour Summary of Events and Information References to Appendices
Sh 5. S'HERTOGEN BOSCH 1/100,000 29 Sept Contd. 1100 from S of the canal, but they succeeded in getting visual contact during the
afternoon. Their fwd troops were at 403430.
1900 At last light, B & C Sqns pulled out and leaguered around RHQ at 416444.
Inf of 1/6 Queens took over the fwd positions for the night. A Sqn remained
in position at HEESWIJK 4241.
30 Sept 0500 Reveille.
0600 At first light Sqns moved out into their positions of the previous
day. They remained there all day, shooting up enemy infantry and directing
Arty fire. A number of casualities were sustained from enemy mortaring, which
was very accurate.
1600 In the afternoon orders were received that the Unit was to pull out with the
exception of A Sqn, at last light.
1700 RHQ and Recce Tp moved to 445446, and B & C Sqns leaguered close by at last
light.
1800 131 Bde took over the fwd positions. A Sqn remained as for the previous night.

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