The 141st Royal Armoured Corps December 1944 war diary covers the units actions and time in the Netherlands and Belgium assisting infantry and detailing the actions of each of the squadrons.
This diary was handwritten with some sections being challenging to transcribe, a few words I've been unable to decipher have been marked with ???.
National Archive Reference: WO 171/877
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Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
VALKENSWAARD 415082 | 1 Dec 44 | The beginning of January saw the Regt rest, | ||
Regt Headquarters at VALKENSWAARD, A Sqn under | ||||
Comd 30 Armd Bde at GELEEN665654 after | ||||
their action in NOV at GEILENKIRCHEN, B | ||||
Sqn in BELGIUM at BROECHEM 8293 under Comd | ||||
1 assault Bde RE and C Sqn at OERLE | ||||
3515 in 8 Corps res. The Sqns have | ||||
been employed in maintenance and been | ||||
given ample opportunities for relaxation | ||||
in the shape of film shows, ENSA | ||||
concerts, and the issue 41??? last??? leave | ||||
allocations to Brussels, Antwerp etc. | ||||
VALKENSWAARD | 3 Dec 44 | Pursuant to 30 Armd Bde OP instr no 50 the complete | ||
regt prepared to concentrate in 30 Corps |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
VALKENSWAARD | 3 Dec 44 | area | ||
WINTERSLAG. | 5 Dec 44 | Moves to concentration area were made, TAC HQ | ||
4166 | leaving by road in advance of the | |||
remainder of HQ Sqn. B and C Sqns arrived | ||||
the same day by transporters. A Sqn | ||||
who were already EAST of to R. MAAS | ||||
remained in their original area. | ||||
The CO. atended a conference at 30 Armd | ||||
1100 | Bde HQ (GELEEN) and received poliminary | |||
instrs for 30 Corps OP "SHEARS". The infm | ||||
was given there that the whole Regt | ||||
would concentrate EAST of to MAAS in | ||||
the NIEWEN HAGEN area and that a move | ||||
would be made before 9 Dec 44. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
GELEEN | 6 Dec 44 | 0830 | TAC HQ moved from WINTERSLAG area to GELEEN, | |
the remainder of the unit staying in | ||||
WINTERSLAG | ||||
KAKERT | 9 Dec 44 | On orders from 30 Armd Bde, TAC HQ, A, B and | ||
773564 | C Sqns moved across the MAAS. TAC HQ by | |||
the BERG Bridge. The Sqns on their tracks by | ||||
the MAASTRICHT bridge. TAC were then located | ||||
at KAKERT and the Sqns on arrival | ||||
in the WAUBACH - NIEWEN HAGEN area adjoining. | ||||
The move did not go wholly to | ||||
plan in the case of C Sqn, who | ||||
lost the route in a snow storm and | ||||
crossed the MAASTRICHT bridge 3 hours late. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
KAKERT | 9/12/14 | The unit then entered the planning stage | NOTE | |
for OP SHEARS in earnest. The plan, | all op orders and | |||
which was four fold was as follows:- | instrs relating to | |||
A and C Sqns were placed under Comd of | this operation were | |||
130 Inf Bde of 43 Div, and were to assault | destroyed on instrs | |||
in conjunction with 147 RAC. They were | received from 30 | |||
to be committed on the Div left in | Armd Bde | |||
a night attack, which was to follow | ||||
the success of an attack on the right | ||||
by day of 214 Inf Bde, with in sp | ||||
B Sqn and 2 Sqns of 9 RTR | ||||
The night attack on to left was to | ||||
assault as follows:- | ||||
On D D say in accordance with instrs | ||||
issued by 34 Tk Bde movement instr No 1 |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
KAKERT | the two Sqns were to move from NIEWENHAGEN | |||
to a SP at ROBROEK 763631. Order of | ||||
move was C Sqn followed by A Sqn and | ||||
they were to fit into the Div left | ||||
column. From the SP they were to proceed | ||||
to an assembly area at STAHE 8067 - | ||||
8266. Prior to executing the attack | ||||
guides from 147 RAC were to meet the | ||||
col and allot specific areas. at | ||||
1800 hours on D Day, dependant on the | ||||
success of the right attack the two Sqns | ||||
were to move fwd with the 5 DORSETS | ||||
via WALDEN RATH835695 - PUTT829707 to the | ||||
An armoured bulldozer was incl in this | ||||
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
KAKERT | col, in order to clear debris caused | |||
by arty fire plan prior to move. The | ||||
route from the start line was SOUTH | ||||
to SCHIER WALDEN RATH 8170 where half of C | ||||
Sqn were to flame the NE end of the | ||||
village in sp of B Coy 5 DORSETS. The | ||||
second half Sqn with A Coy were to perform | ||||
similarly on the NORTH side of to village, | ||||
thus cleaning the road from BIRGAEN 8269 | ||||
following the success of this phase | ||||
half of A Sqn with C Coy were to attack | ||||
LANGBROICH 7970, and the second half | ||||
Sqn were to assault the NE end of the | ||||
same village with D Coy. | ||||
This phase was to be completed by |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
KAKERT | first light of D+1 and A Sqn were to | |||
occupy def posns on the high ground | ||||
in the area 8070. Meanwhile C Sqn | ||||
were to concentrate EAST of rd junc 812703 | ||||
in SCHIER WALDEN RATH, refuel and then | ||||
be at call of either 32 Gds Bde & | ||||
5 Gds Armd Bde of Gds Armd Div. In | ||||
the event of C Sqn leaving less than | ||||
14 fit crocodiles a composite Sqn was | ||||
to be formed from tks of A + C Sqn | ||||
under Comd of C Sqn Comd, Maj HV Duffy | ||||
The two Gds Bdes were to pass through a | ||||
gap prepared in the minefield SOUTH of | ||||
BIRGDEN and exploit NORTHWARDS, 32 Bde | ||||
on the left with the intention of clearing |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
KAKERT | of clearing all villages and enemy | |||
localities in the area NACH BAR HEIDE 7872 | ||||
to KONIGS BOSCH 7573. The Armd Bde on the | ||||
right were to clear the rd from | ||||
BIRGDEN 8168 to BOCKET 7873 and WALDFEUCITY | ||||
7775. LOs with either party were | ||||
to be provided from C Sqn who were | ||||
prepared to move fwd each??? either on | ||||
both axis for any task at call. | ||||
The attack on the Div right carried out | ||||
by 214 Bde with B Sqn and two Sqns of | ||||
9 RTRs, was in action as follows:- | ||||
214 Bde were to capture HOVEN889687, KRAUDORF | ||||
and NIRM and to clear triangle BLAVENSTEIN |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
KAKERT | - KONIIGSHOF and ensure the start line of | |||
130 Bde's attack | ||||
B Sqn were to be employed with 5 DCLI | ||||
to secure HOVEN wood assisted by elts | ||||
of 9 RTR. | ||||
The Sqn were to move south to conc | ||||
area to the SP at WAUBACH x-rds 816590 | ||||
and cross at 0715 hrs on D Day. The Fwd | ||||
ass area was at 877606 and from there | ||||
with 5 DCLI and 9 RTRs they were to assault | ||||
the NORTH side of HOVEN wood and HOVEN | ||||
village. The time of start was at | ||||
H-3, or 1127 hrs D Day. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
KAKERT. | a considerable number of ground recces | |||
were made by the Sqn and other | ||||
sqns operating in the area, but | ||||
despite several fine days, the earthen | ||||
main road made the going extremely | ||||
hard for tks, and on the 15 Dec 44 the | ||||
operation was cancelled. | ||||
A Sqn | ||||
NIEUWENHAGEN | 10 Dec 44 | 1000 | Sqn comd attended a planning conference | |
with 5 DORSETS arrangements were made | ||||
with inf whereby negative???? schillan???? tks | ||||
and inf could easily be effected. | ||||
It was arranged to paint the Sqn | ||||
tactical sign and number on the | ||||
side and rear of Tks and trailers, and |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
NIEUWENHAGEN | 11/12/14 | a luminus??? paint??? on the rear of the | ||
trailers. | ||||
7-10 Dec 44 | Demonstrations were carried out with the inf, | |||
giving them ample opportunity to practice | ||||
walking through the flame. | ||||
The plan was laid up down to Tk-pln | ||||
level and pinpoint objectives were pieced | ||||
by careful study of air photos. | ||||
14/12/44 | 0900 | Sqn leaders attended a co-ordinating | ||
conference at TAC HQ 141 RAC when points | ||||
governing the op were detailed by Lt | ||||
Col D.T.B O'Flynn MBE. | ||||
- | ||||
B Sqn | ||||
VOORSTRANT | 10/12/44 | 1000 | a cloth model rehearsal at 214 Bde HQ. | |
783582 |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
VOORSTRAT | was attended by Lt Banks, Comd 7 troop. Reps | |||
from 1 WORCS and 9 RTR attended. | ||||
" " | 10/2/44 | 1200 | a rehearsal with D Coy 5 DCLI was carried | |
out by No.8 Tp (Lt Ward) giving the inf | ||||
the opportunity of practicing movement with | ||||
flame assistance. | ||||
" " | 11/12/44 | 1200 | A similar rehearsal was carried out | |
by No.8 Tp. | ||||
The Sqn comd attended an O Gp at | ||||
214 Inf Bde HQ. | ||||
12/12/44 | 1000 | All offrs of B Sqn attended a cloth model | ||
rehearsal at HQ 5 DCLI. | ||||
" " | 12/12/44 | 1500 | The Sqn Comd made a fwd recce | |
of ground over which approach would | ||||
be made, and made contact with |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
VOORSTRAAT | 12/12/44 | 1500 | inf holding the area, and discussed the | |
ground with them. | ||||
" " | 12/12/44 | 0900 | Sqn recce Offr (Lt Sander) made a further | |
ground recce of route and FUP, and | ||||
selected the most passable routes and area, | ||||
with view to the poor going quality | ||||
of the ground. | ||||
" " | 14/12/44 | 0830 | Elts 8+9 Tps rehearsed with elts of 5 | |
DCLI (D Coy) | ||||
" " | 14/12/44 | 0900 | The Sqn Comd attended COs Coordin- | |
ating conference at TAC HQ 141 RAC | ||||
" " | 15/12/44 | Whist making preparations to move to | ||
the FAA the op was cancelled. | ||||
C Sqn | ||||
NIEUWENHAGEN | 9/12/44 | 1700 | The Sqn comd attended a planning conf at |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
NIEUWENHAGEN | 9/12/44 | at 5 DORSETS HQ. | ||
10/2/20 | 1000 | Daylight demonstration at 43 Div Battle School | ||
at BRUNSUM with 5 DORSETS. | ||||
10/12/44 | 1400- | Demonstrations continued, the main object | ||
2000 | being to practice the inf in moving through | |||
flame at night. The combination of | ||||
flame and searchlight providing artificial | ||||
moonlight brought the attention of one | ||||
hostile aircraft which dropped two bombs | ||||
with nill result. Every pl of 5 DORSETS | ||||
was able to practise. | ||||
" " | 11/12/44 | 1430 | All pln at tp comds had a "get logics" | |
and discussed the practicalities of the operation | ||||
in all its aspects. | ||||
12/12/44 | 1500 | Sqn Comd and 2 i/c attended a conf at 5 Gds |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
Armd Bde HQ, and following this went to | ||||
32 Gds Bde HQ. They discussed the | ||||
movement of supply echelon for refell | ||||
of C Sqn tks for second phase of the | ||||
battle. | ||||
NIEUWENHAGEN | 13/12/44 | 1100 | Sqn Comd and 2 i/c attended 5 DORSETS O Gp | |
and during this period all tks in the | ||||
Sqn fired their 75 mm guns and besas | ||||
14/12/44 | 0900 | The Sqn Comd attended a co-ordinating conf | ||
at TAC HQ 141 RAC | ||||
1030 | 2 i/c and LO and all Tp leaders attended an | |||
O Gp with A+B Coys 5 DORSETS, where final | ||||
detail of plan was gone into. | ||||
1430 | On return to the Sqn the Sqn Comd held | |||
his O Gp. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
KAKERT | 10/12/44 | LO's from each Sqn stayed at TAC HQ awaiting | ||
movement instructions for leave back to | ||||
WINTERSLAG - WATERSCHEIDE area. After receiving | ||||
a message from The WDgns (admin HQ) to | ||||
the effect that 141 RAC would move at | ||||
0130 hrs on 17 Dec 44, it was decided that | ||||
a LO should go to HQ 30 Armd Bde to | ||||
collect details which in the message had | ||||
been non evident.The order was brought | ||||
back to Tac by 0030 hrs, and the Ret | ||||
moved at 0830 the same morning, being | ||||
moved back to WINTERSLAG via MAASTRICHT | ||||
and MECHLIN. | ||||
Another move was made the following | ||||
EIKEREINDE | 17/12/44 | morning to EIKEREINDE 3405 and the Regt |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
EIKEREINDE | 17/12/44 | reverted to under Comd 31 Tk Bde. The move | ||
was made in different columns - | ||||
The tks moving by transporters. The trailers | ||||
being towed by RA Matador tractors, and | ||||
the wheels moving independantly. | ||||
EIKEREINDE | The unit remains in this area until | |||
the 24th and was mainly employed in | ||||
maintenance. | ||||
" " | 23/12/44 | The ballot for leave to the UK was | ||
made, the allocation being 6 offrs and | ||||
109 OR's. Details of their admin arrangements | Appx G1 | |||
and movements are in appx G | ||||
23/12/44 | Movement orders for the Regt were also | |||
issued and the unit came u/c 30 Armd | Appx G2 | |||
Bde in to 30 Corps area, The tks of the |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
EIKEREINDE | 22/12/44 | 0900 | thus again loaded onto tptrs at WESTERHOVEN | |
Xrds 374062 and moved SOUTH A Sqn | ||||
under 53 Div moved to LA HULPE J7143, B Sqn | ||||
under 43 Div to HASSELT, and C Sqn in | ||||
30 Corps res to BLAURBERG K0475, RHQ at SICHEM K0772 | ||||
27/12/44 | 0900 | Regtl HQ remained in this area until 27th | ||
when it moved to HASSELT. The authority for | ||||
this move was given as a result of conversations | ||||
between the Co and Comds of 30 Armd and 34 Tk | ||||
Bdes. | ||||
NOTE | The moves of the Sqns during period 24 Dec 44 | |||
to 1 JAN 45 are dealt with separately. | ||||
A Sqn | ||||
During the above period the Sqn was attached | ||||
to 53 Inf Div and was allotted to 71 Inf Bde |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
LA HULPE | 24/12/44 | 1000 | Maj mills attended a confluence at 71 Bde HQ | |
where the roll of the Bde and SP | ||||
arms was discussed. | ||||
2000 | The tks arrived in LA HULPE area and | |||
off loaded at GENVAL 7140. The trailers | ||||
were to follow | ||||
2230 | An LO from 71 Bde reported to Sqn HQ with | |||
the infm that all units were to be prepared | ||||
to move at 0800 hrs 25 Dec, destination, edulis??? | ||||
timings and task unknown. | ||||
2245 | The Sqn comd reported to 71 Inf Bde and | |||
contacted 53 Div HQ on the telephone and | ||||
it was confirmed that the Sqn were | ||||
to move SOUTH with 71 Bde Gp. The Div | ||||
were infm that as the trailers had not |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
LA HULPE | 24/12/44 | arrived the Sqn could not be regarded as | ||
operational as crocodiles. Div requested | ||||
that the arrival of the trailers should | ||||
be made known to them and in | ||||
the meantime preparations were made for | ||||
the move. | ||||
24/12/44 | 2359 | O Gps took place at Div HQ and then | ||
25/12/44 | 0100 | At 71 Bde. Here the destination and task | ||
were explained but movement orders were | ||||
not yet available. | ||||
The trailers had arrived in the meantime | ||||
and were connected to the tks, and the | ||||
Sqn, now fully prepared awaited movement | ||||
instrs from 53 Div. | ||||
25/12/44 | Sqn 'O' Gp held. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
LA HULPE | 25/12/44 | 0300 | Movement orders were received and the Sqn | |
were due to cross the SP at GENAPPE 6729 | ||||
at 1515 hrs 25 Dec 44. The route was | ||||
GENAPPE - Xrds 790185 - Xrds 867150 - rd junc | ||||
823139 - FOSSE 8404 - ST. GERRARD 8898 - rd junc | ||||
873864 - Sqn conc PHILLIPPEVILLE 7282 | ||||
25/12/44 | 1515 | Tks moved on their tracks and arrived at | ||
2300 hrs, and all completed the journey with | ||||
one exception which had a broken | ||||
track some 8 miles short of the destination | ||||
the distance was 62 miles. | ||||
PHILIPPEVILLE | Arrangements were made to have RASC | |||
replenishments incl 2nd line FTF and | ||||
amn moved to new locn. It arrives at | ||||
2100 hrs. Owing to a shortages of 3 ton |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
PHILIPPEVILLE | 25/12/44 | trucks (3 in w/shops) the 2nd line replenishments | ||
was considered essential should OPS lake place | ||||
in the immediate future. | ||||
25/12/44 | 1800 | Sqn Comd contacted 53 Div HQ, and was infrm | ||
that the OP requirements had undergone a | ||||
change and 71 Bde Gp was to move back | ||||
on 28 Dec 44. | ||||
53 Div were asked if the Sqn could move | ||||
back by the shortest route on 27 Dec | ||||
if trprts were not available. This was | ||||
agreed to and 71 Inf Bde infm. | ||||
26/12/44 | The Sqn Comd contacted Lt Col Walker | |||
of 1st Fife and Forfar Yeo at 53 Div and | ||||
explained the posn Lt Col Walker agreed | ||||
to contact 30 Armd Bde on topic and trailer |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
PHILIPPEVILLE | 26/12/44 | situation and if the Sqn received no notification | ||
by 1900 hrs on 30 Dec they were to carry | ||||
out preparations already made, and move | ||||
by tracks in troop packets AM 27/Dec. | ||||
Most of the soft vehs were dispatched | ||||
PM on 27 Dec in order to have billets | ||||
prepared for the tks on return. | ||||
27/12/44 | 0830 | The tks moved off by troops between 0830- | ||
1030 hrs. Route through CHARLERO, a distance | ||||
LA HULPE | 27/12/44 | 1500 | of 41 miles and arrived at 1500 hrs | |
28/12/44 | arrangements were made for the Sqn to | |||
move to NAMUR area and post??? to 30 | ||||
Corps res, and concentrate with the | ||||
remainder of the Regt. This situation | ||||
changed again though, and the Sqn moved |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
LA HULPE | 28/12/44 | by tpts back to the 79 Armd Div "Div Heap" | ||
area SOUTH of EINDHOVEN | ||||
EIKEREIND | 31/12/44 | Difficulties in moving was encountered due | ||
to ice on to roads and the wheeled | ||||
vehs completed the move but the | ||||
tks were held up; coming in one day | ||||
later. | ||||
The Sqn now joined the regt in the | ||||
Regt area and remains in 2 army | ||||
reserve. | ||||
B Sqn | ||||
EIKEREIND. | 23/12/44 | The Sqn was prepared to move South | ||
to HASSELT K3162 and for OPs with 43 Inf | ||||
Bde. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
EIKEREIND | 24/12/44 | 0900 | Sqn loaded on tptrs and moved to HASSELT | |
and occupied a Belgian Barracks in the | ||||
town W/T watch was sent to 43 Div, and | ||||
RHQ. | ||||
HASSELT. | 25/12/44 | Sqn came under comd 34 Tk Bde, and was | ||
ordered to move to area BILSEN 4354 | ||||
Prior to the move a tk of 8 Tp fired | ||||
a wet shot which ignited on hitting | ||||
fuel near an 8 Tp tk the trailer and | ||||
tk catching fire. The fire was dealt | ||||
with, the tk being undamaged but the | ||||
trailer damaged. | ||||
BILSEN | 27/12/44 | Sqn completed move, and at MR | ||
459545 and was places at 3 hrs notice | ||||
having reverted to 30 Corps res. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
BILSEN | 26-29 /12/44 | Sqn was engaged in moving with inf for | ||
an OP in the future. | ||||
BILSEN | 30/12/44 | Orders were received for the Sqn to concentrate | ||
in 30 Corps reserve area, near NAMUR but | ||||
were almost immediately alloted??? and on | ||||
31/12/44 | 31 Dec the tks moved on tsptrs and the | |||
remainder on wheels to "Div Heap" area at | ||||
EIKEREIND | ||||
C Sqn | ||||
EIKEREIND | 24/11/44 | The Sqn moved to BLAUWBERG and were | ||
placed in 30 corps res, and remained | ||||
BLAUWBERG. | 24/31 12/44 | in the locn until the 31 Dec when | ||
they moved back to "Div Heap" area. During | ||||
the stay at BLAUWBERG the Sqn were | ||||
able to take advantage of their posn and |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
BLAUWBERG | in Xmas activities during 24-26 Dec. The remainder | |||
of the time was employed in training | ||||
and testing of crocodile??? equipment. | ||||
RHQ | ||||
BLAUWBERG | 27/12/44 | 0900 | following a converation between the Comd | |
Offr and the Bde Comds of 30 Corps | ||||
and 34 Tk Bde the HQ moved to HASSELT | ||||
and took over the accommodation vacated | ||||
by B Sqn & remained in the locn | ||||
EIKEREIND | 31/12/44 | until the 31st when order was received | ||
to move back to the EINDHOVEN area. | ||||
Originally an order was received to | ||||
move to NAMUR in 30 Corps reserve | ||||
area but on the Commanding Offr |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
---|---|---|---|---|
controlling the HQ of the tspts column | ||||
which was to move the Tks, it | ||||
was discovered that they had orders | ||||
to move the unit not SOUTH to | ||||
NAMUR but NORTH to EINDHOVEN area. | ||||
The CO immediately contacted 30 Armd | ||||
Bde and at 2330 locns an LO | ||||
arrived and the infmn was given | ||||
that the unit would in fact | ||||
be moving NORTH. |