152 Infantry Brigade War Diary: August 1944

The 152nd (Highland) Infantry Brigade August 1944 war diary covers the brigade's part in the advance from Caen to the Seine, beginning with the night attack on Tilly-la-Campagne and Lorguichon during Operation TOTALIZE. The period focused on crossings of the Laison, Dives and Vie through St Pierre sur Dives towards Lisieux, alongside repeated attacks by Allied aircraft, before the push north to Bourg-Achard and the Seine.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/674

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WO 171/674 152th Infantry Brigade HQ

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Page 1 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
LE MESNIL	1	Bde was occupied in cleaning up and refitting. On the rds in
		the Bde area tps of all three bns were to be seen marching smart
		and well turned out, showing no signs of their big ordeal in
		BOIS DE BAVENT. During the morning the Bde Comd spoke to Offrs
		and NCOs of all three bns in turn dealing with the importance of
		the Bde role which had just been completed and outlining the
		possible shape of future ops.
		Concert parties are at present serving the Bde well. The progress
		of Allied arms on other parts of the bridgehead brought with it
		a crop of rumours anent the role of 152 Bde which rumours
		appeared to have some substance in them.
	2	Bde Comd attended a conference at HQ 51 (H) Div relating to
		coming ops. It became obvious that 152 Bde were soon to be
		engaged in another op and conferences for Comds at all levels
		began to happen frequently. Retreat was played at 1800 hrs by

Page 2 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LE MESNIL	2		by the massed pipe bands of the Bde in front, of the Bn HQ
			5 SEAFORTH. The Retreat was attended by Comd 1 Corps.
	3	1100	Conference at Bde HQ for COs. Bde Comd attended conference at
			HQ 51 (H) Div at 1300 hrs. Planning for coming ops now occupied
			Bde HQ. A model of the area in which Bde was to operate was
			begun yesterday.
	4	1100	Bde Comd attended another conference at HQ 51 (H) Div.
		1700	A conference attended by all Comds down to Coy Comds or their
			equivalent in the Bde Gp was called, at which Bde Comd outlined
			the scale of the op in which 152 Bde were to be engaged and
			the plan for the Bde attack.
	5	0800	Another conference at HQ 51 (H) Div attended by Bde Comd B.M.
			and three COs. This was followed by Bn Comd recce of ground over	Appendix "A"
			which Bde was to operate and later by Coy Comds recce of said	(Strength return)
			ground. Bde Comd went to conference at Canadian Corps

Page 3 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LE MESNIL	5	0800	at 1100 hrs.
		1215	Bde Comd returned to Bde HQ.
		1315	Bde Comd accompanied by G3 went off on recce of new Bde area
			deciding "inter alia" on Bn areas and posn of Bde HQ. Only
			5 SEAFORTH are to be sited tactically previous to attack as
			the 2 SEAFORTH and 5 CAMERONS were to pass through 5 SEAFORTH
			holding a firm base in HUBERT FOLIE.
		1600	5 SEAFORTH used Bde Model for briefing.
		1700	Bde Comd returned from recce. Unit COs visited Bde HQ to fix	Appx 'B'
			details of their respective plans. About this time it was reported
			that the enemy were withdrawing from the area which the Bde has
			been ordered to occupy. This caused a stir and an L.O. was
			sent out to ascertain from 10 Cdn Bde if this was true. The
			report turned out to be completely false, The Op instr dealing
			with the relief by 152 Bde of 10 Cdn Bde was got under way after

Page 4 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LE MESNIL	5	1700	a day spent in recces.
	6	0745	Report came from HQ, 51 (H) Div that TILLY LA COMPAGNE was still
			very much in enemy hands and when this was later enquired into
			from the tps on the ground before TILLY it was found that the
			enemy garrison had been increased from the date of last report
			thereon.
			152 Bde moves complete tonight to area LE BRAS - HUBERT FOLIE
			which lie SE of CAEN. The Bde Coln passes SP at 2200 hrs, Bde	Appx 'B'
			HQ leaves at 2220 hrs.
		1400	Bde Comd attended confirmatory conference at HQ 51 (H) Div,	Appx 'C'
			The Bde Op Order was published today. The Bde Comd also completed
			arrangements with CRA 51 (H) Div for fire sp. 5 SEAFORTH
			again made use of model.
		1600	Tpt of Bde HQ was made ready for move.
		2000	First vehs of Bde HQ left for new location at LE BRAS 0663

Page 5 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LE MESNIL	6	2000	and Bde HQ was opened there.
LE BRAS		2200	Bde Coln of vehs with marching personnel in TCVs crossed SP
			en route for new area. The move went according to schedule
			and the change over with 10 Cdn Bde was complete, by 0430 hrs	Appx 'C'
	7	0400	including A/Tk guns and sp weapons on the ground. The move
			was NOT interfered with by enemy activity.
		0500	Bde Comd visited Bns in their new areas.
		0930	Bde Comd left HQ to visit HQ 51 (H) Div intending to see
			CO 2 SEAFORTH on the way.
		1030	GOC 51 (H) Div called to see Comd and arranged to meet him at
			HQ 51 (H) Div.
		1430	Bde Comd held confirmatory conference at Bde HQ attended by
			COs and B.M. Much liaison was done by Unit Comds with Cdn tps
			who were to operate on right flank.
		1930	"H" hour was set for 2330 and bombing was scheduled to begin

Page 6 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LE BRAS	7	1930	at 2300 hrs.
		2300	Hy bombers went overhead in prelude to attack.
		2330	2 SEAFORTH reported that their coys had crossed S.L. on time.
			5 CAMERONS were all ready to cross their S.L. but were
			waiting for the Armd Coln of 154 Bde to go through before
			starting. About 2359 hrs 2 SEAFORTH reported that their fwd
			coys were being engaged by S.A. fire. It became very difficult
			to gain information regarding progress of 2 SEAFORTH as the
			wireless to CO was not working and it became necessary to relay
			infm by runner from fwd tps to rear link set and from there to
			Bde. Little concrete news was heard of 2 SEAFORTH for some time
			until 0042 hrs the left fwd coy was reported to be close to its
			objective and engaging the enemy in close fighting. About ten
			minutes later the reserve coy was reported to have reached its
			objective just to the NW of TILLY. At 0100 hrs the right fwd

Page 7 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LE BRAS	7	2330	coy was reported on its objective with 'B' Coy close beside it.
			'B' Coy was later reported to have gone through 'D' Coy and to
			be nearing its objective but this was found to be incorrect and
			it transpired that both 'B' and 'D' Coys were engaged in dealing
			with enemy posns to the WEST of TILLY. 'A' Coy on the right
			were still hotly engaged, the enemy putting up a very stubborn
			defence so much so that the reserve Coy was sent to its assistance.
			The reserve Coy too was soon committed to close fighting but no
			progress was made into the village. The enemy on the EAST side
			of, and in the village were extremely strong in automatic fire.
		2200	One Coy of 5 SEAFORTH was sent to replace the reserve Coy of
			2 SEAFORTH which had been sent to the assistance of the left
			fwd coy attacking TILLY. This coy too were soon pinned down on
			the WEST side of TILLY and no appreciable progress was made.
			At 0400 hrs after some time without news of true posns it was

Page 8 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LE BRAS	7	2200	established that the village was still held by the enemy and
			that all coys of 2 SEAFORTH were only on the fringes of it on
			the NORTH and WEST. Bde Comd decided to use 5 SEAFORTH to help
			take TILLY and that Coy which was in reserve to 2 SEAFORTH
			to NORTH of the village was sent fwd to deal with enemy pocket
			on WEST side of village. It was reported that the two left
			Coys of 2 SEAFORTH could not be expected to hold out much
			longer on the NORTH side of the village as both had had a
			number of cas. Accordingly Bde Comd decided to commit whole
			of 5 SEAFORTH to take TILLY and at 0445 went fwd to give orders
			for this to be done. 2 SEAFORTH were informed of this and were
			instructed to provide a guide for one Coy which was to be sent
			to sp the two left coys on the NORTH of the village. This was
			to be a temporary measure only until CO 5 SEAFORTH could make
			a recce and form a plan of attack. About 0545 while attack

Page 9 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LE BRAS	7	2200	by 5 SEAFORTH was in progress of being planned it was reported
			by 2 SEAFORTH that the total strength of the two fwd coys was
			only 40 - 50 men and that they had been pulled back about 500
			yds NORTH of TILLY. Arty fire was put down on EAST side of
			village and 1/7 Mx were ordered to give fire sp on TILLY as
			well. Tks of 33 Armd Bde were ordered to help in attack on
			TILLY. The attack by 5 SEAFORTH was timed for 0640 hrs but a very
			hvy ground mist delayed the attack. At 0650 tks moved into
			village and reported the presence there of two Mk IV enemy tks.
			Still the mist delayed 5 SEAFORTH attack owing to CO not having
			been able to see any of the ground over which he was to operate.
			At 0810 hrs tks reported having been through the village.
			About 0900 hrs the mist cleared and 5 SEAFORTH began to move fwd.
			Some PW were taken and at 1015 hrs the German Comd in TILLY
			offered to surrender. 5 SEAFORTH investigated carefully and

Page 10 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LE BRAS	7	2200	cleared the village systematically with tks in sp. By 1200 hrs
			the village had been cleared and sp weapons incl A/Tk guns were
			being put in posn. Meanwhile 5 CAMERONS had been successfully
			capturing their objective. 5 CAMERONS were directed on
			LORGUICHON and were routed there behind the armd coln going
			further SOUTH. 5 CAMERONS were delayed through this coln being
			halted, it having taken two hours to move only a few hundred
			yds. At 0130 hrs Bde Comd ordered 5 CAMERONS to go fwd on right
			of Tk coln. This they did and slowly worked fwd. At 0330 hrs
			it was thought that 5 CAMERONS were on their objective but this
			was not firm as fighting was still in progress. Those Coys
			directed into LORGUICHON and on rly to NORTH of it were on
			their objective by 0445 hrs but the Coy directed on to the
			woods to the SE of LORGUICHON was held up by fire for a little
			while and had not reached its objective at this time. By 0600 hrs

Page 11 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LE BRAS	7	2200	5 CAMERONS had taken all their objectives and were in process
			of reorganising and getting fwd A/Tk guns and Mortars and
			Carriers. The attack by 5 CAMERONS was successfully at little
			cost to the Bn.
	8	1200	Bde Comd visited Bns. Bde Comd decided to relieve 5 SEAFORTH
			in TILLY and leave 2 SEAFORTH to hold the village while
			5 SEAFORTH took up posn further NORTH just SW of HUBERT FOLIE.
			TILLY was put in a proper state of defence during the afternoon
			though there was considerable shelling throughout this period.
			The total PW taken by the Bde during the battle was fifty six
			but there were many dead Germans in TILLY.
		2000	All Bns settled in new posns.
		2359	Quiet save spasmodic shelling of TILLY which shelling was
			slacking off now. It now became apparent that because of
			successful ops by the other two Bdes of 51 (H) Div 152 Bde would

Page 12 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LE BRAS	8	2359	be required to move again on 9 Aug to mop up odd pockets of
			enemy still remaining in Div area and to keep contact with
			retreating enemy. Accordingly Bde Comd gave RV for Bn Comds
			at SECQUEVILLE LA COMPAGNE to give orders for clearing of woods
			NE of the village. Time of RV 0845 hrs.
	9	0727	Bde Comd left for GOCs RV. COs RV time was postponed 45 mins
			owing to Div Comds orders taking longer than was expected.
		0930	Bn Comds RV with Bde Comd at SECQUEVILLE. 5 SEAFORTH were
			given task of clearing NE half of a/m woods and 5 CAMERONS the
			SOUTHERN half of same. 2 SEAFORTH were to move up into reserve
			immediately WEST of SECQUEVILLE. These clearing ops started
			about 1200 hrs and both proceeded without incidents as the
			woods had been vacated by enemy. By 1450 hrs 5 SEAFORTH had
			completed their task and 5 CAMERONS theirs by 1500 hrs. The
			Armd advance necessitated further move of infantry to consolidate

Page 13 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LE BRAS	9	0930	ground so taken and accordingly 2 SEAFORTH were ordered to be
			at ten minutes notice to move. Owing to open nature of the
			country and the presence of a few 88mm enemy A/Tk guns, Bde Comd
			decided not to use the Armd tp carriers which had been put in
SECQUEVILLE		1530	charge of 152 Bde and sent 2 SEAFORTH fwd on foot, two coys into
LA CAMPAGNE			CONTEVILLE and two into POUSSY. Meanwhile 5 SEAFORTH and
			5 CAMERONS were being relieved by 4 LINCS and 'B' Sqn 49 RECCE
			REGT respectively. This relief was long delayed as 5 CAMERONS	Appx 'D'
			were not out of the wood until late evening which entailed a
			a night relief by 5 CAMERONS of two coys of 2 SEAFORTH in POUSSY.
			The requisite recces were done by 2 i/c 2 SEAFORTH and the
			relief was completed without incident by 0240 hrs 5 CAMERONS
			being complete in POUSSY and at 0340 2 SEAFORTH being complete
			in CONTEVILLE. Meanwhile 5 SEAFORTH moved into reserve around
			the triangular wood NW of CONTEVILLE and settled there without

Page 14 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
SECQUEVILLE	9	1530	incident. One tp of 33 CDN ARMD A/Tk Bty was sent to CONTEVILLE
LA CAMPAGNE			and POUSSY making both places veritable hedgehogs.
	10	0500	Bde Comd visited 2 SEAFORTH and 5 CAMERONS returning at 0730 hrs.	Appx 'E'
			Bde Comd went to HQ 51 (H) Div at 1000 hrs. The remainder of
			the day was on the whole quiet with the Bns in CONTEVILLE and
			POUSSY putting last touches on defs. 5 CAMERONS patrolled to
			CINQ AUTELS and discovered enemy occupied posns, in the
			neighbourhood thereof. Two more PW were brought into Bde HQ
			making a total of 48 and incidentally giving 152 Bde its first
			living contact with 272 Inf Div. 33 CDN ARMD A/Tk Bty reverted
			to Comd CDN CORPS at 2000 hrs.	Appx 'F'
	11	0500	A quiet and uneventful night with patrols safely back had been
		0900	passed. Bde Comd went to HQ 51(H)Div. There was a slight	Appx 'G'
			regrouping of units within the Div and 5 SEAFORTH were placed at	Appx 'H'
			60 mins notice to move in sp of 153 Bde. For their mobile role

Page 15 of 42

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
SECQUEVILLE	11	0900	20 - 3 Tonners were placed u/c 5 SEAFORTH. There was little	Appx 'I'
LA COMPAGNE			move on front during day though a daylight patrol of 5 CAMERONS
			discovered enemy posns which it was decided to raid that night,	Appx 'J'
		2000	All quiet with only occasional shelling to report on Bde front.
			Close liaison was maintained with 154 Bde re patrolling in
			CINQ AUTELS area.
	12	0500	Patrols back, that of 5 CAMERONS being very successful and
			succeeded in surprising active enemy working party and killing
			many of them.	Appx 'K'
		1100	Bde Comd walked round part of Bde front recceing to front of
			Bn posns.
		1600	Warning order was issued re relief of 2 SEAFORTH by 5 SEAFORTH
			in CONTEVILLE. 2 SEAFORTH were going to re-org whilst in
			reserve. The night was uneventful and even the patrols	Appx 'L'
			of 2 SEAFORTH and 5 CAMERONS had nothing to report.	Appx 'M' (Str return)
				Appx 'N'

Page 16 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
SECQUEVILLE	13	The morning was quiet until about 1100 hrs when art concs
LA COMPAGNE		were put down on suspected enemy posns. This seemed to start	Appx 'O'
		the ball rolling and at 1115 hrs bombs were dropped near	Appx 'P'
		POUSSY and 5 CAMERONS reported that the A/C which dropped them
		were MARAUDERS. This is close sp, of which more later.	Appx 'Q'
		In the afternoon things began to move quickly and orders were
		received from Div that the proposed relief between the two
		SEAFORTHS would not take place but instead 2 SEAFORTH would
		be relieved by 2 LINCS from 49 Div. This relief is a prelude
		to further ops by 152 Bde and the temporary halt in the
		offensive SE from CAEN is to be brought to a close. About	Appx 'R'
		1900 hrs Bde HQ seemed to be a combined centre for 49 Div
		Staffs and our own but this gradually evened out and the relief
		was got under way. A TCP was set up to control the relief	Appx 'S'
		and by 0600 hrs 14 Aug the relief was complete though not

Page 17 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
SECQUEVILLE	14	without trouble as the enemy started shelling CONTEVILLE
LA COMPAGNE		when 2 LINCS were moving in. No cas resulted to 2 SEAFORTH.	Appx 'T'
		Meanwhile Bde Comd attended conf at HQ 51 Div at 1900 hrs
		13 Aug and called a conf for Bn Cmds at 2200 hrs. 152 Bde was to
		be ready with two Bns to attack EASTWARDS to the SOUTH of
		ST SYLVAIN by 1200 hrs 14 Aug. 5 SEAFORTH were to be committed	Appx 'U'
		first as this Bn had had more rest and 2 SEAFORTH were to
ST SYLVAN		follow as required. 5 CAMERONS were to be relieved in POUSSY
		by 1 HALLAMSHIRES night 14/15 Aug and were to follow on behind
		the Bde as soon as relieved. An area was chosen in which the
		two SEAFORTHS were to conc before going into action. This	Appx 'V'
		was recced and contact est with 1 N.Y. who were to sp 152 Bde.
		This area was not used however and 5 SEAFORTH were directed
		straight on to a FUP for their attack on the woods about one
		mile WSW of GLATIGNY. For this op 152 Bde had u/c 248 SP A/Tk Bty

Page 18 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST SYLVAN	14	the move of which beside 5 SEAFORTH was delayed owing to the
		bombing of ST AIGNAN by Allied bombers which bombing caused
		much damage on the routes fwd. 'H' hour for this attack by
		5 SEAFORTH was delayed but eventually the attack started at
		2030 hrs. The attack went well, 5 SEAFORTH dealing with the
		enemy in said woods in a very round fashion. By 2220 hrs
		5 SEAFORTH had cleared these woods and were re-org in the posn.
		Re-org was difficult owing to the presence of many mines which
		had to be cleared before vehs could go fwd to Coys. 2 SEAFORTH
		were ordered to move and secure their objectives which were (a)
		wood to NORTH of the 5 SEAFORTH woods and (b) road junc immediately
		WEST of GLATIGNY. The attack by 2 SEAFORTH began at 0026 hrs
		15 Aug.
	15	Progress reports were hard to come by owing to comns being faulty
		between fwd Coys and Bn HQ 2 SEAFORTH. At 0225 hrs it became

Page 19 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST SYLVAN	15	almost certain that 2 SEAFORTH were on all their objectives
		but confirmation was still awaited. This had to be obtained
		by runner which was a slow business. The question of getting
		fwd A/Tk Guns by first light presented some difficulty and 1 NY
		were told to stand by to go fwd at first light in case this
		should not be possible. 2 SEAFORTH sent out patrols into
		GLATIGNY which they found to be unoccupied. This was confirmed
		at 0700 hrs to CO 2 SEAFORTH who had been fwd to leading Coys
		engaged in this patrolling. Meanwhile Bde HQ moved to ST SYLVAIN
		at 2100 hrs 14 Aug and 5 CAMERONS began conc about one mile SW
		of Bde HQ and were fully conc by 0245 hrs 15 Aug. The posn of
		Bde tps at 0900 hrs 15 Aug was as follows - Bde HQ ST SYLVAIN - -
		5 SEAFORTH est woods to SE of GLATIGNY, 2 SEAFORTH N and NE of
		5 SEAFORTH and fwd almost to GLATIGNY into which they were
		patrolling. 5 CAMERONS were conc about one mile SW of ST SYLVAIN.

Page 20 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST. SYLVAIN	15	At 1000 hrs orders were received from HQ 51 Div that 1 BW
		would relieve 5 SEAFORTH who were in turn ordered to exploit
		down the valley of the R LAISON between GLATIGNYCONDE SUR IFS
		and ERMES. 5 CAMERONS were put at 30 mins notice to move to
		ESCURES which was across the R LAISON on the high ground to
		the E of IFS sur LAISON. 5 SEAFORTH proceeded as ordered to
		clear the valley of R LAISON. Later in the day they were
		directed into high ground as ESCURES and were ordered to cross
		the LAISON at IFS SUR LAISON. 1 NY were placed in sp of 5
		SEAFORTH for this op. Some difficulty was experienced in
		marrying up 5 SEAFORTH to 1 NY who were already across the
		LAISON and on the high ground at ESVURES, but eventually this
		was accomplished. Reports were coming in that there was still
		considerable enemy resistance around ESCURES. This high ground
		was the key to ST PIERRES SUR DIVES and at 1745 hrs 51 Div

Page 21 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST SYLVAIN	15	ordered that no advance would be attempted on ST PIERRES
		until this ground was secure. 5 SEAFORTH were having to fight
		hard to gain a footing in the high ground against enemy who
		were determined even in retreat. Tks had reported laconically
		that they were cleaning up enemy in this area and when 5 SEAFORTH
		adv on to it these enemy were still there and still fighting.
		2 SEAFORTH were ordered to occupy the Southern half of the
		ESCURES feature. By 2100 hrs 2 SEAFORTH had crossed R Laison at
		IFS sur LAISON and were conc immediately EAST of it in the
		lower slopes of the ESCURES feature. Bde HQ moved to IFS SUR
		LAISON. At last light 5 SEAFORTHS were still heavily engaged
		on the feature and had not reached their final objectives.
		At 2230 hrs 2 SEAFORTH began to adv on Southern half of feature.
		The aim was to secure this feature and pass through 5 CAMERONS
		directed on ST PEIRRES SUR DIVES - a difficult op in view of

Page 22 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
IFS SUR LAISON	15	lack of recce of ground which lay between ESCURES and ST PIERRES.
		Fighting was still hy around ESCURES and Bde Comd decided that
		in view of this it would not be possible to pass through
		5 CAMERONS to ST PIERRE.
	16	Permission was asked to delay attack on ST PIERRE until first
		light and ESCURES was firm. This permission was granted under
		provisio that patrols were sent into ST PIERRE as soon as
		possible. Enemy resistance lessened about midnight and by 0400
		hrs both SEAFORTH Bns were est on the ESCURES feature with A/Tk
		guns and sp arms in posn. By 0700 hrs 5 CAMERONS were ready to
		advance on ST PIERRE with Sqn NY in sp. Patrols from the two
		SEAFORTH Bns towards ST PEIRRE had not returned at 0700 hrs
		but later in the morning local inhabitants reported that enemy
		had withdrawn from the town after demolishing the brs across
		R. DIVES. Tks moved into ST PIERRE at 0800 hrs and the marching

Page 23 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
IFS SUR LAISON	16	tps of 5 CAMERONS joined them there at about 0830 hrs. The
		crossing of the R DIVES was difficult for wheels. This was
		overcome and F and A echelons of 5 CAMERONS were in ST PIERRE
		by 1100 hrs. Bde HQ moved to ESCURES.
ESCURES		At 1045 hrs Bde Comd attended another conference at 51 Div as
		a result of which it was decided to slip fwd 5 SEAFORTH into
		ST PIERRE there to hold the Northern half of the town while
		5 CAMERONS conc in def of Southern half. 2 SEAFORTH were to
		remain at ESCURES. All essential tpt was mov far fwd as possible
		as all rds were to be frozen to 51 Div to allow 7 ARMD DIV to
		pass through ST PIERRE going EAST. In the afternoon of 16 Aug
		and before 5 SEAFORTH moved into ST PIERRE there was considerable
		enemy shelling on the town. GOC was anxious to secure ST PIERRE
		against all possible counter attacks and as a result another Bty of
		A/Tk guns was placed u/c 152 Bde. This was 247 A/Tk Bty

Page 24 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ESCURES	16	comprised of Tk drawn 17 Pdrs. Despite difficulty in crossing
		this Bty, along with our own 243 A/Tk Bty and the A/Tk guns of
		the two Bns in ST PIERRE were all deployed into action EAST of
		the DIVES around the town. The Bde Comd was machine gunned by
		Spitfires when on the rd between ST PIERRE and Bde HQ at ESCURES.
		Instances of bad recognition by our own tps and shocking map
		reading on part of RAF are growing ever greater in number.
		The night of 16/17 Aug was not quiet. Enemy were still shelling
		ST PIERRE and Bns at last light were just settled in their new
		areas and no more. In addition 2 SEAFORTH had to provide a Coy
	17	to protect REs building a br at OUVILLE some four kilometres
		NORTH of ST PIERRE. This Coy was released at first light.
		5 SEAFORTH and 5 CAMERONS were ordered to patrol offensively as
		far as possible to EAST, SE and SOUTH. Comns during night 16/17
		Aug were sketchy but contact was maintained with fwd Bns by LO.

Page 25 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ESCURES	17	The object of 5 SEAFORTH patrol was to protect the right flank	For patrol reports
		of 154 Bde which was attacking NE from ST PIERRE. At 0830 hrs	See log appx.
		2 SEAFORTH were ordered to move into ST PIERRE and take up
		posn on EAST side of town. All three Bns were moved into a wider
		arc covering ST PIERRE and ordered to patrol offensively beyond
		this arc, as far as possible the object being to maintain
		contact with enemy at all costs. By 1300 hrs all Bns were on
		new posns though not dug in and patrols were out as far as	Appx 'W'
		HIEVILLE, BERVILLE, LIEURY where 3 CDN RECCE were contacted,
ST PIERRE SUR DIVES		and to the SOUTH of CAREL. Bde HQ moved into ST PIERRE at 1600 hrs.
		Bde Comd attended another conference at HQ 51 (H) Div. The enemy
		was withdrawing under pressure - that pressure had to be
		maintained and accordingly 152 Bde were ordered to move on
		18 Aug and attack across the R VIE at COUPSARTE est a brhead
		there and push through on to X rds 474812. Orders were issued

Page 26 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ST PIERRE SUR DIVES	17	for this at a conference for Bde O Gp at 2200 hrs.	Appx Op Order
	18	5 CAMERONS were to make brhead across R VIE followed by	Appx 'X'
		2 SEAFORTH followed by 5 SEAFORTH. A tp carrying coy was placed
		u/c 152 Bde to ferry Bns from ST PIERRE to debussing areas
		near to R VIE. Debussing areas were recced by Bde HQ and at
		1100 hrs 5 CAMERONS moved up to debussing area and almost
		immediately the marching tps moved away to COUPSARTE. At first
		all went well with the advance of 5 CAMERONS so much so that
		the O Gp of 2 SEAFORTH was ordered up in order that the Bn
		might be ready to maintain the momentum of the CAMERON attack.
		Just before the R VIE was reached at COUPSARTE a/c reported
		that the br there was still intact. However after the first
		brush with the enemy the br was demolished and tks reported
		that it was quite impassable. The country immediately
		surrounding the br was very open and 5 CAMERONS met considerable

Page 27 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST PIERRE SUR DIVES	18	enemy fire when they came out into this country. One coy which
		crossed at the Bridge SOUTH of COUPESARTE was held up there.
		5 CAMERONS were at this time subjected to MG fire by our own
		A/c on two or three occasions. These attacks destroyed many
		vehs and injured several key personnel such as gunner and
		regimental signallers. These attacks took the edge off the
		attack by 5 CAMERONS and increased the difficulties which
		already confronted them. New wireless sets were sent fwd
		to 5 CAMERONS to replace those destroyed in the air attack
		and comns were again est. During the afternoon another coy
		crossed the river to the NORTH of the Br. The res Coy was about
		to be committed when 5 CAMERONS and 2 SEAFORTH were again attacked by our own
		a/c. This time the attack was made by American Lightnings,
		which bombed and machine gunned the res Coy and destroyed
		another wireless veh and one Tk. Personnel of the res Coy

Page 28 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST PIERRE SUR DIVES	18	suffered heavily. This attack made it impossible for 5 CAMERONS
		to mount another attack before dark. At the same time as
		5 CAMERONS were bombed Bde HQ was also attacked by Lightnings
		one bomb destroying the house in which it was est. Bde Comd,
		BM, CO 2 SEAFORTH, CO 128 FD REGT, G3, SC Sigs Officer and OC
		275 FD COY were all buried in the broken masonry and timbers
		of the house. BM was killed BDE Comd CO 2 SEAFORTH and OC 275
		FD COY RE were wounded. Bde Comd remained on duty, the other
		two were evacuated. In addition one LO was killed and one
		wounded by bomb splinters. There were several casualties amongst
		Bde HQ personnel incl Staff Sjt who was killed. This attack
		was made despite identification signs being displayed and no
		resistance offered. Operationally it meant that no attack
		could now be mounted by 2 SEAFORTH as the CO had been evacuated
		and he alone had made a recce of the country over which his Bn

Page 29 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ST PIERRE SUR DIVES	18	was to operate. Bde HQ was quickly re-org and Comd 2 SEAFORTH
		was taken over by 2 i/c Major BLAIR. Further attacks by 152
		Bde that night were out of the question and Bde Comd went to
		51 Div HQ to find out what could be done to stop air attacks by
	19	our own a/c. 5 CAMERONS were ordered to reorg but at first light
		the coys across the river were still there and happy again.	Appx 'Y' (Str return)
		During night 153 Bde had advanced across the R VIE at GRANDCHAMP
		and 152 were ordered to exploit this success by seizing high
		ground and Rd centres SE of LE MESNIL SIMON. 5 SEAFORTH were
		to attack through 5 BW and 2 SEAFORTH were to attack through
		5 SEAFORTH as far as triangle of rds 4581. Recces and tp concs
		were completed for this attack during the morning and afternoon.
		5 CAMERONS were to cross R VIE at ST JULIEN LE FAUCON and swing
		right off the main rd ST JULIEN LE FAUCON - LISIEUX and capture
		X rds at 471824 and 469827 starting at first light 20 Aug.

Page 30 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST PIERRE SUR DIVES	19	5 SEAFORTH attack started at 1745 hrs and made steady progress
		despite enemy resistance and considerable machine gun fire,
		by 1930 hrs 5 SEAFORTH were on all their objectives and re-org.
		Bde Comd ordered 2 SEAFORTH to move up through 5 SEAFORTH to
		attack. 2 SEAFORTH had to fight their way on to their objectives
		but they captured them all by midnight. The question of getting
		sp arms up to 2 SEAFORTH was difficult but was managed but no
		wheeled vehs could be got to them across country. Tks of 1 ERY
		stood by to assist should there be any enemy attack at first
		light. The posn of both SEAFORTH Bns was satisfactory at first
		light, though the enemy who had observation on 2 SEAFORTH
		shelled their area during the morning.
	20	At 0515 hrs 5 CAMERONS moved through ST JULIEN and across the
		R VIE. Owing to enemy activity the br across the R VIE had not
		been constructed during night 19/20 Aug which meant that 5 CAMERONS

Page 31 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ST PIERRE SUR DIVES	20	vehs and tracks as well as tks of 1 ERY had to cross R VIE at
		GRANDCHAMP and come across country to join up with the Bn on
		its axis of advance. Meanwhile the inf of 5 CAMERONS went on
		alone being joined by the tks about 1130 hrs. All the way to
		their objective 5 CAMERONS had to deal with odd pockets of
		enemy resistance. Tks proved of great assistance in their
		fighting advance. A few tks and a Coy of inf are the answer
		in this wooded country. At 1345 hrs 51 Div ordered that 5 SEAFORTH
		would be relieved by 7 BW immediately and move through 5 CAMERONS
		final objective when secured, to X rds 468841. By 1700 hrs	Appx 'Z'
		5 CAMERONS were on final objective and 5 SEAFORTH were ordered
		to move as above. Bde HQ moved across the R VIE to 434818.
		By 2230 hrs 5 SEAFORTH were on objective with Sqn of tks in sp.
		5 SEAFORTH had adv along axis of 5 CAMERONS and when 5 SEAFORTH
		were on objective they were ordered to patrol down main rd

Page 32 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST PIERRE SUR DIVES	20	towards ST JULIEN LE FAUCON in order to clear same to allow of
		an adv by 154 Bde the following morning. Such patrolling was
		not possible during daylight 20 Aug and was not satisfactory
		during darkness so that the order to patrol this road was
		cancelled.
	21	Bde Comd visited both fwd Bns in early morning. Enemy were still
		in close contact with 5 SEAFORTH at first light drew back a
		little about 0900 hrs. After 0900 hrs the situation on the Bde
		front was fairly quiet. Whilst Bde Comd was out at Bns GOC
		51 Div arrived at Bde HQ and gave 152 Bde the further task of
		securing the area ST PIERRE DES IFS 4784 LA PAGNERIE 5085. This
		was at 1115 hrs. Both SEAFORTH Bns were at instant readiness
		to move and ? Gps were warned to stand by. The plan was made
		and 5 SEAFORTH were ordered to seize an area approx centre
		482844 but covering main rd to LISIEUX, 2 SEAFORTH were ordered

Page 33 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST PIERRE SUR DIVES	21	to seize (A) X rds 4949834 - X rds 492837 and (B) Pt 144 in
		5084. 5 CAMERONS were to follow behind 2 SEAFORTH and occupy
		2 SEAFORTHS first objective. 'H' hour was fixed for 1615 hrs.
		Opposition on way to objective was not hy but Bns had to fight
		for their objectives. 5 SEAFORTH were on their objectives at
		1805 hrs and 2 SEAFORTH on their first objective by 1840 hrs.
		2 SEAFORTH reported having reached final objectives by 2130 hrs
ST PIERRE DES IFS		and well est by 2210 hrs. All sp weapons of two fwd Bns were in
		posn by 2230 hrs. 5 CAMERONS being firm on their objective
		by 2300 hrs. Bde HQ moved to 466832. Patrols went out from all
		Bns during night 21/22 Aug in order to exploit as far fwd as
		possible and take every advantage of enemy withdrawal and defeat.
	22	This patrol activity was continued during the morning 22 Aug
		carrier patrols of 2 SEAFORTH going as far as R TOUQUES there
		making contact with 7 ARMD DIV and to high ground 5287 overlooking

Page 34 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST PIERRE DES IFS	22	LISIEUX. French inhabitants were of great assistance in
		rounding up straggling enemy gps and PW continued to come in during
		that morning. The Bde area was thoroughly cleared of enemy and
		the Bns settled down for a short rest. During the past two
		weeks the Bde advanced some 39 kilos as the crow flies, fought
		six battles captured 251 PW and killed many more Germans. This
		was a fair record of achievement in so short a time. Tks of
		1 ERY proved of great assistance during this time and co-
		operation between tks and inf became very good. The Bde was
		occupied in clearing up Bde area completely of the odd pockets
		of dispirited enemy tps. French civilians were extremely useful
		offering infm of enemy whereabouts and guiding our tps to them.
		Some thirty PW were taken in this way. The Bde. as a whole rested
		today despite these clearing ops. At 2245 hrs an order came through
		to be prepared to attack on 23 Aug. It was not stated where or

Page 35 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST PIERRE DES IFS	22	when the Bde was to attack but simply that it was to attack.
		Fortunately the baldness of this order was eradicated by its
		complete cancellation at 0130 hrs 23 Aug.
	23	There was a fair amount of speculation and doubts as to future
		ops which troubled only the staff of Bde HQ and Bn Comds, the
		tps of the Bde rested quietly all day and were as wise as the
		staff etc at the end of the day.
	24	Another quiet day with interior economy and reorg taking first
		place in units routine.
	25	Another of the same with more reorg amongst units. Ops are in
		view again and Bde Comd attended conf at HQ 51 Div which conf
		was primarily intended for 153 Bde but which was of interest
		to 152 Bde as well.
ST GEORGES DU VIEVRE	26	A quiet morning. Bde Comd attended conf at HQ 51 Div at 1430 hrs.
		Immediately on Bde Comds return to HQ recce parties from all

Page 36 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ST GEORGES DU VIEVRE	26	units of Bde Gp were summoned and given instrs to recce the new	Appx A-1 (Str return)
		Bde Gp conc area. These parties went off at 1630 hrs. Owing to
		TCVs not arriving on time the order of march of Bde Gp was
		altered in order to keep rd space filled up. The whole move was
		non tactical and the Bde Gp moved in following order: Bde HQ,
		128 Fd Regt, 5 SEAFORTH Gp, 5 CAMERONS Gp, 175 Fd Amb, 2 SEAFORTHS,
		Bde 'B' Echs and LAD. The move started at 1745 hrs and was
		finally complete at 0500 hrs 27 Aug when the Bde Gp was conc in
		area SOUTH of ST GEORGES DU VIEVRE.	See Appx B - 1
	27	A warning Order came in from HQ 51 Div placing the complete Bde
		Gp at one hours notice as from 1200 hrs 27 Aug and 5 CAMERONS
		Gp at half-hour notice as from that time. Bde Comd attended conf
		at Div HQ at 0930 hrs and on his return to Bde HQ a Bde 'O' Gp
		was called. The gist of the Bde Comds orders were that 152 Bde
		Gp was to move to a conc area 9296 and be prepared to exploit

Page 37 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
ST GEORGES DU VIEVRE	27	to area ROUGEMONTIERS. The requisite orders for this move and
		exploitation were given and Bde Comd went fwd to a Tac HQ in
		conc area. The Bde Coln crossed start point at 1400 hrs with
		5 CAMERONS leading. After Bde Coln had started mvg a Sqd of
		2 Derby Yeo was put u/c 152 Bde and was fitted into Bde Coln
		without trouble. Before Bde Gp was conc the Bde task was
		changed and new orders were given COs by Bde Comd direct.	Appx C - 1
		The new Bde task was to push up rd BOISSEY LE CHATEL - BOURG
		ACHARD and est a firm posn around the latter place with one Bn
		whilst the other two bns firmed up on the axis further SOUTH.
		5 CAMERONS were ordered to move to BOURG ACHARD and to exploit
		3500 yds NORTH of it on same axis. The adv was ordered with
		sqn 2 Derby Yeo leading followed by 5 CAMERONS in tp carriers.
		The remainder of the Bde Gp move in the following order:
		5 SEAFORTH, BDE HQ, 2 SEAFORTH, 275 FD COY RE. The Sqn

Page 38 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
ST GEORGES DU VIEVRE	27	2 Derby Yeo had with it one pl REs. The adv started at 1750 hrs
		and continued unopposed until Sqn 2 Derby Yeo reached outskirts
		of BOURG ACHARD. Here the enemy was still fighting and Sqn
		Derby Yeo was unable to get fwd into town. Owing to failing
		light Bde Comd decided not to mount an inf attack by 5 CAMERONS
		that night but to continue adv with Sqn 2 Northants Yeo (tks)
		at first light. During night 5 CAMERONS patrolled towards
		BOURG ACHARD and also to WEST of it. Sqn 2 Derby Yeo were
		withdrawn after dark from fwd posns.
	28	At 0715 hrs the adv was again resumed and BOURG ACHARD was
		occupied without opposition and 5 CAMERONS adv about 4000 yds
		NORTH of it to LE PAVILLON, by 0815 hrs, reorg there and began
		patrolling outwards to NORTH and EAST. Meanwhile the whole
		Bde Gp moved NORTH of BOURG ACHARD behind 5 CAMERONS, (For
		posns see appx). Bde Comd attended conference at HQ 51 Div at

Page 39 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
BOURG-ACHARD	28	0900 hrs and thereafter visited each Bn all of which were in
		process of settling down. 5 CAMERONS patrolled towards
		BARNEVILLE SUR SEINE which was reported as still being held by
		enemy. This patrol was mortared from direction BARNEVILLE.
		Another patrol went to LE LANDIN which was still held by enemy.
		This patrol (one Coy strong) had tk sp and met considerable
		opposition from enemy in LE LANDIN. The day for the two SEAFORTH
		Bns was quiet. One noteworthy feature of the day was that 5 CAMERONS
		were first tps of 51 (H) Div to catch sight of R SEINE. This
		was in 9911 from which area arty and MG was brought down on
		enemy attempting to cross the river to NORTH. Three barges were
		claimed as having been destroyed by this fire. Some enemy arty
		fire fell in 5 CAMERONS area during afternoon but no cas
		resulted. The night passed quietly enough with patrols out from
		5 CAMERONS.

Page 40 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOURG-ACHARD	29	2 SEAFORTH were ordered to send a strong patrol area X rds
		973166 whilst the Bn took up posns around LE LANDIN 1712.	Grid ref corrected from 173166 and 1712 to 1912 (first digit should be 9)
		2 SEAFORTH occupied LE LANDIN without incident by 1200 hrs but
		the adv Northwards into the FORET DE BROTONNE was delayed in
		starting and when it started was held up by one Mk IV tk and
		two SP guns. By 1930 hrs 2 SEAFORTH had reached 972155 having,	Grid ref corrected from 172155 (first digit should be 9)
		in conjunction with tks of 1 ERY, dealt with the Mk IV and two
		SP guns. About 2030 hrs 51 Div ordered Bde to occupy in strength
		the area which 2 SEAFORTH had previously only patrolled in strength.
		This completely altered previous orders and Bde Comd went off to
		see 2 SEAFORTH to explain change in plan. The adv was not
LE LANDIN.	30	continued that night but was resumed at first light, and 2 SEAFORTH
		reported that they were on X rds 973166 at 0910 hrs. The question	Grid ref corrected from 173166 (first digit should be 9)
		of getting up vehs was difficult as the rd through the woods had
		been mined and was blocked by trees which had been felled across it.

Page 41 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LE LANDIN	30	These obstacles were removed and by 1230 hrs 2 SEAFORTH were
		all in new posn and had contacted elts of 49 Div 3000 yds NORTH
		of X rds 973166. 5 SEAFORTH moved to LE LANDIN without incident	Grid ref corrected from 173166 (first digit should be 9)
		by 0925 hrs. The task of clearing up the Bde area went on all
		afternoon, and by 2000 hrs some 137 PW mostly Russians had been
		taken though there was little fighting in the taking of them.
		Bde Comd accompanied GOC 51 Div to R SEINE in 2 SEAFORTH area
		to have a look at the vehs and eqpt which the enemy had left
		behind him when crossing the river. The total count of such
		vehs was 140 MT, 150 HT, 4 Mk IV and 1 Mk V tanks, 2 Russian
		12,2 cm guns, 1 x 88 mm gun and 6 MCs. Later in the evening
	31	warning came from HQ 51 Div that a conf would be held at Div HQ
		at 1100 hrs which would be attended by all COs. This conf
		indicated further ops for 152 Bde. The conf was held and when
		Bde Comd returned there was a stir in Bde HQ to prepare for

Page 42 of 42

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LE LANDIN	31	Bde "O" Gp at 1800 hrs. The whole of 51 (H) Div is directed on
		ST VALERY where the first Highland Div was captured in 1940	Appx D - 1
		with no amn left. 152 Bde is to lead the Div across the R. SEINE.
		The boot is on the other foot now and 152 Bde is going to get
		a chance to use it. This is a fitting climax to a month of
		successful ops.

		See Appx E - 1 for observations on 'I' Sec equipment.
		Int Log sheets for the month are attached as Appx F - 1.
		Administration report for the month is attached as Appx G - 1.
		(to be forwarded later)

Units Referenced in this war diary

The following units are mention in this war diary and have their own August 1944 war diary

2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, August 1944 War Diary