War Diary: 152 Infantry Brigade

Month and year: July 1944

The 152nd Infantry Brigade’s July 1944 diary records steady frontline activity in Normandy. The brigade carried out regular patrols, endured shelling, and supported Operation Goodwood, all while maintaining pressure on German positions near Caen

National Archive Reference: WO 171/674

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WO 171/674 152th Infantry Brigade HQ

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Page 1 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
RANVILLE,	1	0400	Scheduled moves for night 30 Jun - 1 Jul complete.	Appx 'A'
		0415	Bde HQ shelled. Vigorous action taken against enemy posns	Appx 'B'
			in front by our own arty. Details of flashing light in area
			CUVERVILLE were given by 5 Seaforth, conclusion that said
			light was an aircraft beacon. This information was passed to	Appx 'C'
			Div.
		1030	Most of Bde HQ moved to RANVILLE to take over area vacated by	Appx 'D'
			HQ 153 Bde who moved into our area.
		1200	New HQ firmly established. Bde HQ has a roof over its head
			again so that for a time at least it has finished its nomadic	Appx 'E'
			life. 5 BW came u/c 152 Bde temporarily until final move of the
			change over could be completed. Similarly 5 Seaforth passed
			temporarily u/c 153 Bde.
		1645	Hy conc of Nebelwerfer on 5 Camerons causing some cas incl
			Maj. McGregor, OC, 'A' Coy. This conc came down on top of

Page 2 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
RANVILLE.	1	1645	Bde Comd who was siting A. TK guns in HEROUVILLETTE at the time.
			Patrols for the night were confined to a routine patrol towards
			BUTTE DE LA HOGUE from fwd posns which patrol ascertained that
			enemy was still holding this area in some str. 152 Bde still
			retains a special patrolling responsibility SOUTH of LONGUEVAL
			with a view to future ops towards COLOMBELLES and factory area.
			News came through in evening that two civilians had just walked
			in from COLOMBELLES. This proved to be false after much searching
			for said civilians.
	2	0205	5 BW now taken over ST. HONORINE and by 0315 5 Seaforth	Appx. 'F'
			were est in RANVILLE. The early morning of today was fairly
			quiet except for some shelling spread over the Bde Area.	Appx. 'G'
			This was probably attracted by the veh mov on roads.
		0800	Bde Cmd expressed a desire to have with Bde H.Q. someone who	Appx "H"
			knew COLOMBELLES and factory area. It was possible to procure

Page 3 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
RANVILLE.	2	0800	such an one after much wrangling with F.S. The services of
			M. Bressons were procured - Bressons brought the two Canadian
			Pilots through our lines in June and is willing to help all he
			can even to the extent of going back through enemy lines again.
			He was installed alongside C.S.M. Fitzsimmons. Comd visited
			units during the day and reviewed the mine defs of Bde area
			along with CRE. It was decided to lay fresh mines around
			ESCOVILLE and fur ther WEST to link up with 153 Bde minefds.
		2100	Situation normal, there had been little activity during the day,
			Patrolling was again restricted to that going out towards
			BUTTE DE LA HOGUE.
	3	0300	Fairly heavy shelling came down on Bde area but at first did
			not land on any of the unit areas.
		0345	A Coy 2 Seaforth whilst coming back from ESCOVILLE came under
		0400	a particularly hy conc and sustained one cas to DR. It was

Page 4 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
RANVILLE	3	0400	thought that this was attracted by the noise of the carriers
			mov in ESCOVILLE. Shelling did not cease for some time and
			during STAND TO Bde Cmd ordered that something should be given
			Boche in return for his attention. This was done - BUTTE DE LA HOGUE
			and CUVERVILLE were granted a scale 3. After this the shelling
			stopped.
		0730	5 Camerons reported having two PW who had deserted from their
			unit - I/125 Pz Gren Regt, who offered the infm that a gen
			relief was going on in Bde area - units of 21 Pz Div being
			relieved by a LUFTWAFFE fmn which had marched from PARIS. This
			confirms previous impressions.
		0900	GOC 51 (H) Div arrived at Bde H.Q. and stayed a short time with
			Comd. Both then visited the units of the Bde. M. Bressons
			proved very useful when presented with an air phot of
			COLOMBELLES and the factory. Little happened all day

Page 5 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
RANVILLE	3	1535	and the enemy were seen only once from the Bde front when
			a small party was seen to enter woods 1000 yds EAST of
			ST. HONORINE.
		1700	A conference was held by Bde Comd. Lt. Cols Andrews and Cairns
			attended.
			NTR at 2100 hrs but concs arty were laid on to be fired at
			2120, 2230 and 0400 in front of Bde. These are being fired to
			hot up new fmn which has come into line on Bde front. All
			concs were fired.
		2315	An extra conc was laid on for 0420 in BUTTE DE LA HOGUE area
			"D" Coy 1/7 Mx fired their M.Gs well into night in harrassing
			fire tasks to the SOUTH. About 30000 rds were shot off. This
			fire attracted some attention but no cas resulted to the 1/7
			Mx. "D" Coy. 1/7 Mx were back in battle posn by 0055 hrs.
	4	0500	Patrols for night 3/4 Jul back - see patrol reports.	Appx. "I"

Page 6 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
RANVILLE	4	0800	Sitrep for night throughout Bde NTR save for some shelling which
			caused some cas to 5 Camerons.
		1100	GOC 51 (H) Div and CRA visited Bde H.Q. and conferred with Bde	Appx. "J"
			Cmd for some time.
		1700	CO 148 RAC visited Bde H.Q. 148 RAC are to relieve 13/18 H
			in sp of 51 Div EAST of the R. ORNE.
		1815 -	Enemy aircraft were overhead and were met by considerable AA
		1830	fire. No bombs were dropped in Bde area but one ME 109 was
			shot down in flames landing near BREVILLE in 6 Airborne Div area.
		2045	Minefds in 5 Seaforth area were lifted to conform to new def
			layout.
		2230	D Coy 1/7 Mx again shooting on haraasing tasks. This shoot
			was completed by 2335 hrs.	Appx. "K"
	5	0500	Patrols night 4/5 Jul all returned. Bde H.Q. was shelled by one
			gun. Our arty replied somewhere after shell rep had been	Appx. "O - 1"

Page 7 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
RANVILLE	5	0500	rendered and shelling stopped.
		0800	The night was quiet except for the above shelling.
		0800	In view of persistent reports by patrols of no activity in
			BUTTE DE LA HOGUE and infm that if this place is held by a	Appx "L"
			new and second rate fmn namely 15 GAF Div, Bde Comd decided to
			send a raiding party into this area night 5/6 Jul 44, Bde Comd
			visited 153 Bde to tie up arrangements with that formation.
		1445	Conference at Bde H.Q. re 5 Seaforth raid,	Appx "M"
		2100	This was the only activity of the day.
	6	0030	Bde Comd went to H.Q. 5 Camerons while the raid was in progress.
		0200	The raid by 5 Seaforth went off without a hitch but there were
			no enemy in the area of the raid. One Spandau but no PW were
			taken. No cas were sustained by 5 Seaforth during the actual
			raid but some light mortaring on the roads ESCOVILLE -
			HEROUVILLETTE wounded one offr and one Or of the raiding Coy.

Page 8 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
RANVILLE	6	0215	Raiding Coy all back.
		0800	Situation normal with nothing to report throughout the Bde.
		0930	Bde Comd went to Div H.Q. for conference. The subjects under
			discussion were general but the arrangements for the attack
			on CAEN were gone into as part of the Div was implicated.
			It became fairly well known today that 152 Bde would relieve
			154 Bde in the triangle area in the BOIS DE BAVENT.
		1400	Arrangements put under way for take over from 154 Bde. and Bde
		1500	Cmd and B.M visited 154 Bde area, This afternoon was quiet
			like most afternoons with only the occasional shells to remind
			the Bde that they were still in the line.
		1615	As 152 Bde was to take over 154 Bde area on 9 Jul 44 the OC
			of the M.G. Coy u/c 154 Bde came to see if we had any objections
			to his carrying out a long harassing shoot on the enemy supply
			routes from TOUFFREVILLE, There were no objections but it was

Page 9 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
RANVILLE	6	1615	decided to await the results of the night's patrol activity
			before beginning in order to see if in fact, TOUFFREVILLE
			was occupied by enemy. Patrols observed nothing in
			TOUFFREVILLE so that shoot did not begin.
		1900	Still NTR from Bns. Items of interest were being collected
			from the ex engineers school of the enemy in HEROUVILLETTE.
			incl plans for about nine brs over the R. Orne around CAEN.
			These plans were fwd to CRE for examination.
		2359	The night was uneventful.	Appx. "N"
	7	0545	5 Camerons reported they were being shelled and had sustained	Appx. "O" Appx "P"-1
			four cas.	Appx. "P"
		0600	Enemy aircraft strafed 5 Seaforth but no damage was done.	Appx. "Q"
		1900	The day was quiet throughout.
	8	0400	Patrols must have had a good time getting so close to enemy	Appx. "R"
			working parties that in the words of the patrol comd " the

Page 10 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
RANVILLE	8		enemy were heard to fart"	Appx. "S"
		0450	Bde Comd left for LONGUEVAL to observe the progress of the	Appx. "Q 1"
			attack on CAEN returning about 0800 hrs.
		0500	Infm recd from 154 Bde that II/46 GAF Regt had been relieved in	Appx. "R" I
			triangle area overnight by I/858 GR. The same posns had been taken over
			so that there was no real worry attached. It is not thought that
			the I/858 are any great shakes of a regt. Throughout the day
			great interest was shown by everyone regarding the attack on
			CAEN but it was hard to sit back and watch which we have been
			doing for sometime now. No doubt our turn will come.
			2 Seaforth changed round with 7 A & SH and passed temporarily
			u/c 154 Bde - 7 A & SH coming u/c 152 Bde!
		1430	Comd 154 Bde visited Bde H.Q.
			M. Bressons who had come to give us a hand to patrol
			COLOMBELLES went away to join General de Gaulle today.

Page 11 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
RANVILLE	8		He had served his purpose and was keen to enlist under his own
			tricolour. Comd visited Bns in the afternoon. There was talk
			about change of plan of relief of 154 Bde in case 51 (H) Div
			adv into COLOMBELLES and factory area to conform with adv
			WEST of R. ORNE. In this event 5 Seaforth were to go u/c
			153 Bde and 152 Bde were to assume comd of a bn from 6
			Airborne Div and retain u/c 7 A & SH, less one coy. This op
			did not materialise.
		2359	All quiet and NTR.
	9	0500	Patrols back- see reports for details. One offr and three ORs
			of 5 Seaforth did not return from patrol.
		0800	The two remaining bns namely 5 Seaforth and 5 Camerons were to
			change over this morning one bn at a time. 5 Seaforth moved
			first between 0700 - 0800 hrs.
		0815	Morning sitreps brought nothing to report again but 153 Bde

Page 12 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
RANVILLE	9		on the right identified 32 L.T.R. at COLOMBELLES.
		1015	Bde Comd visited 2 Seaforth in new area.
		1200	The morning was occupied in the change over with 154 Bde.
		1415	Bde Cound warned to stand by for Div Comd orders which were
			held at 1600 hrs at Div H.Q. This conference dealt with future
			ops but 152 Bde were to proceed to BOIS De BAVENT regardless.
		1700	Move of Bde H.Q. had gone on all day - single vehs filtering
			fwd to new locations in order to avoid a congestion in fwd area
			which is under fairly regular shell fire.
		1740	Bde H.Q. est in new location in woods.
BOIS DE BAVENT		2010	Code word "Churchill" was given signifying change over of
			152 Bde complete.
		2015	Bns reported a fairly quiet day.
		2359	No patrols were sent out tonight, bns being allowed to settle
			in and in any case the country is so thick that night	Appx. "T"

Page 13 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT.	9		patrolling is nearly impossible and yields fairly inaccurate
			results.
		2400	2 Seaforth reported having knocked out an enemy M.G. post on
			their front.
	10	0500	Dawn brought into 5 Seaforth lines some five deserters incl
			1 Russian and 4 Poles. All were glad to get into our lines and
			stated that all their friends would be coming over sometime
			soon. Arrangements were put in motion immediately to broadcast
			to these Poles and Russians in their mother tongue. The
			broadcast was to be accompanied by a hy stonk.
		0900	Bde Comd visited 5 Seaforth.
		1000	Stonking is the order of the day in the new location. As much
			amn as could be spared was shot into the woods in front of
			Bde area.
		1100	GOC 51 Div visited Bde H.Q.

Page 14 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT	10	1600	The Parachute Bde on left of 152 Bde put in a raid without
			having given any warning of their intention to do so. As a
			result the Hun retaliation caused a few cas in the Bde which
			could have been avoided if we had been told that the raid was
			to take place.
		1700	Several enemy aircraft have been up and about today taking
			advantage no doubt, of the cloudy conditions. Bochs Supply Pt
			was shelled when it was thought that ration parties would be
			congregated. This infm comes from PW.
		2359	The day revealed nothing of great note and only spasmodic
			shelling fierce enough while it lasted, rounded off the day.
	11	0500	Again no patrols were sent out but daylight brought annother
			six deserters into our lines, these were all Russians incl
			one from Russian Army of Liberation!
			153 Bde put in an attack on COLOMBELLES this morning which

Page 15 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT	11	0500	made a great deal of noise and drew much fire on Bde area
		0800	It was considered that owing to the influx of deserters there
			was no need to broadcast to the enemy which would apparently
			be persuading an already willing horse. Stonks were ordered
			but no broadcast. If desertions are indicative then these
			shells are haveing due effect. It is proposed to shell enemy
			with leaflets. As a footnote to above the two Russian deserters
			who entered 2 Seaforth lines came in behind a herd of cattle
			which they drove before them - perhaps the Russian nomadic
			spirit made itself manifest.
		0900	Bde Comd made a round of units.
			An increase of shelling was apparent, all day the Bde are
			coming in for a fair amount. Enemy shelling was answered
			suitably with a fair amount of arty activity on our part. The
			great thing is to dominate enemy arty and mortars - if each time

Page 16 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT	11	0900	they shoot they are met with a considerably superior return
			then they are very loathe to shoot. This is especially
			the case with the enemy against us at the moment - the
			enemy being 346 Inf Div one of the coastal Divs formerly
			guarding coast at LE HAVRE.
		2300	2 Seaforth reported a small enemy raid on one of their fwd	Appx. "U"
			coys. This was easily dealt with and no cas resulted.
	12	0001	Arty fire was fairly constant on both sides throughout the
			night with the weight of shell this time on enemy side.
		0315	Patrol of 5 Seaforth back again.
		0800	The feature of the night had been enemy shelling which over
			the whole Div Fwd area in particular coming down around the
			H.Qs of all three Bdes. It was wondered if by some mischance
			a map had been captured showing such locations as Bde H.Q.
			Enquiry was made into this and it was found NOT to be the case

Page 17 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE	12		but the necessity for security of locations was firmly brought
			home.
		0830	Report had it that some of the chimneys in the factory at
			COLOMBELLES had been demolished by the enemy. This was found
			to be untrue on further observation.
		1000	Bde Comd made his daily tour of Bde area.
		1310	Bde H.Q. was sharply shelled but no damage resulted.
		1500	Bde Comd visited 5 Camerons.
		1545	Bde H.Q. and 5 Camerons were again shelled sharply and
			accurately this time. One carrier belonging to 5 Camerons rec-
			eived a direct hit and two Jeeps of Bde H.O. were peppered Bde H.Q. was shelled again.
		1630	with shell fragments. This was too much and a hy arty programme
			was laid on and fired. Moreover R.A.F. was asked to take on
			offensive enemy btys which they did at 1700 and 1900 hrs
			respectively. In both attacks the guns were seen and engaged

Page 18 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT.	12		but results were not observed. After this there was no more
			shelling of Bde area for some hours.
		2000	Bns reported hy shelling during day and a few cas.
	13	0415	5 Seaforth patrol back again with good infm.	Appx. "V"
			Some shells were again put into Bde HQ.
		a.m.	There was quiet on Bde ft. Some enemy mov was seen but nothing
			indicating anything of note. A point of interest though, was
			the demolition by enemy of large chimney in factory area. This
			is chimney from which enemy has been observing. Four bombs
			were dropped in 5 Seaforth area in early morning but resulted
			in no cas.
		1730	Bde Comd attended conf at Div HQ dealing with policy and
			future ops.
		1800	Bde HQ was shelled, two cas resulting there from.
		2000	Conf for COs and Comds sp arms on policy and future ops at Bde HQ

Page 19 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT	13		More mines and wire were ordered to be laid and a drive was
			started against enemy mortars.
		2210	5 Seaforth reported a large coln white smoke in direction of
			GIBERVILLE. No expanation was forthcoming from Div as to the
			nature of this.	Appx. "W"
	14	0001	The day finished quietly with our arty carrying out a
			comprehensive harassing shoot in front of us.	Appx. "X"
		0322	5 Seaforth patrol back with infm about an enemy working party.
			This infm provided the substance for an arty target and the
			enemy working party was treated to a scale five symphony.
		0800	All Bns reported an exceedingly quiet night - this inactivity
			on enemy part was continued throughout the day.
			A feature of ops at the moment is the use by units of as many
			as twelve 2" mortars on one target. This had a salutary effect on
			hostile MG posts which had been active. This might be developed

Page 20 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT.	14	0800	even further into bde shoot of 2" mortars when the weight of
			HE able to be put down would be considerable. PIATS have also
			been fired at human targets and at least have a noisy effect.
		1215	Div Comd visited Bde H.Q. quickly followed by CRA. A four pen
			recorder has been installed in Bde HQ with the microphone
			thereof stretched across Bde front and the front of the Bde
			on the right. It is reported to have done sterling work on other
			fronts and is now in operation with 152 Bde. Great interest is
			being taken in it as there is a great anti-mortar drive within
			the Div. The aim is to fix every mortar which is active and
			stonk it, so we hope, depriving enemy of this weapon or at
			least deprive him of his best posns for using same.
		2100	5 Seaforth reported that one of their snipers got so close to
			an enemy post as to hit the German on the chest with a grenade
			which fortunately burst there. Paratroops jackets were borrowed

Page 21 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT	14	2100	for our snipers as they are excellent camouflage - this was
			the initiation of said jackets. Patrols as per appx and log.	Appx, "Y"
		2200	Comd warned to attend conference at H.Q. 3 Br Div at 0830 hrs
			15 Jul 44.
	15	0500	The night was uneventful except for some light mortaring in	Appx. "Y - 1"
			front of 5 Seaforth.
		0830	Bde Comd went off to above conference. There is a sense of
			more impending ops about Bde H.Q.
		1105	Comd 185 Inf Bde called to see Bde Comd.
		1400	Conference COs at Bde HQ when future ops for this Bde were
			outlined and unit Comds set task of working out details in
			conjunction with Bde Comd.
		1450	Bde Comd went to 5 Seaforth on a recce.
		1530	New type air ph ordered today. A mosaic is gridded and annotated
			expertly then photographed, which photos are going to be issued

Page 22 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT.	15	1530	down to Pl Comds. This is it's first initiation within Bde -
			reports there on later from light of experience.
		1900	5 Seaforth snipers downed another two enemy this evening.
		2359	Apart from usual shelling activity which was slight, the
			evening was quiet.
	16	0500	Patrols all back and inf gained coming back by I.O.	Appx "Z"
		0815	Bde Comd attended conference at 3 Br. Div returning at.1230 hrs.
		1600	Conference COs at Bde HQ attended by COs Bde and 128 Fd Regt.
		2000	Another featureless day on enemy part save for some slight
			re-action to a shoot of 18 2" mortars by 2 Seaforth. The
			real features are still TOP SECRET and cannot be divulged but
			there is a sense of something great impending. An Op Order
			was prepared for press.	Appx. "A 1"
		2230	A few enemy aircraft moved overhead and dropped bombs EAST of
			R. ORNE but not in Bde area. Enemy were observed to put up

Page 23 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT.	16	2230	white lights on approach of enemy aircraft presumably to denote
			the line of their FDLs.
	17	0500	The night was a quiet one and patrols gained only confirmatory
			infm. With daylight the arrival of a new gun posn was observed
			by reason of it's abnormally long flight - some 27 secs. These
			guns may belong to 125 Pz Gren Regt of 21 Pz Div but this is
			conjecture.
		0930	O Gp some eighteen strong RV at Bde HQ. Orders lasted until
			1130 hrs and by this time the details of future ops were
			completely arranged. The sense of something big impending	Appx."C 1"
			is strengthened but still remains TOP SECRET.	Appx. "S 1"
		0930	Reports of enemy tracked vehs SOUTH of triangle area boiled	Appx "T 1"
			down to two vehs only which could definitely be est. Time is	Appx "U 1"
			a great healer.
		1130	Conference ends - mutual liaison in progress.

Page 24 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT	17	1130	Some enemy mov reported throughout day but none which gave any
			indication of enemy having fore knowledge of attack.
		2000	The day had been quiet. All final arrangements for tomorrow's
			battle were made. Good weather was all that was needed to send
			152 Bde off on the best foot.
			GOC 51 Div visited Bde HQ. 152 Bde is now u/c 3 Br Div for the
			op due to begin 18 Jul 44.
	18	0500	The night had been quiet with only occasional Spandau fire.
			During the night certain arrangements regarding notification of
			H hour were made and at 0300 hrs it was finally notified as
			0745 hrs.
		0541	The first bomber in the colossal air sp plan crossed over
			Bde HQ and for the next hour and three quarters, some three
			thousand bombers softened up the area which was to be attacked
			The triangle which was the first objective of 152 Bde was not

Page 25 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT	18	0541	bombed owing to its proximity to our own tps. This was the
			greatest air sp ever given directly to land forces.
		0745	Two Coys 5 Seaforth crossed start line up to time and schedule.
			On the right opposition was met practically on the SL and at the
			western X- rds of the triangle. On the left opposition was met
			only on the eastern X- roads where for a little time fighting
			was severe, Both coys gained their objectives at 0900 hrs and
			the res coys were passed through.
			One Sqn 141 RAC (Flame throwers) were in sp 5 Seaforth and
			proved of great value and assistance to the inf in the close
			country around the northern side of the triangle scorching Inf
			in their deep holes. After first objective had been reached at
			0900 hrs comns with fwd coys broke down until at 0955 Hrs they
			were reported on final objective and to be settling down.
			It later transpired that both res coys had gone on to final

Page 26 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT	18	0745	objectives according to plan, the coy on the right having to
			battle fwd most of the way against pockets and snipers in woods
			while the coy on the left advanced slowly throughout meeting
			scarcely any opposition. It was obvious that owing to our
			continuous shelling before the battle of the southern part of
			the triangle only, owing to northern part being too near to
			our own tps, the enemy had moved most of his tps into
			northern ft and once they were overcome little resistance was
			met on Southern part. Meanwhile 5 Camerons moved into area vacated
			by 5 Seaforth ready to go fwd on second phase of attack.
			Enemy shelling and mortaring caused a few cas amongst
			5 Camerons. 5 Seaforth reorganised and dug in with all speed.
			Some pockets of enemy were still giving a little trouble to
			5 Seaforth especially on the left flank, but re-org went on.
			Considerable mortar fire was put down on area occupied by

Page 27 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT.	18	0745	5 Seaforth but owing to plotting active mortar posns when line
			was quiet these were well known and able to be engaged by
			arty which succeeded in quietening mortars. By 1120 hrs A TK
			guns 3" Mortars were up with 5 Seaforth and at 1150 hrs
			Carriers were called fwd. The sqn of Flame throwers were
			reported in sp 5 Seaforth to help clearing up of MG nests
			still active. By 1200 hrs 5 Seaforth were firm enough in
			triangle area to allow second phase of attack to be carried
			out. The fire plan was accordingly made and Bde Comd went
			fwd to 5 Camerons area to ascertain how re-org was progressing,
			with a view to staging phase two. H hour for phase 2 was fixed
			for 1330 hrs, this being 5 Camerons attack on X- Rds 147695
			which lay nearer TROARN than 5 Seaforth objective. An initial
			arty plan was made and for the later stages arty fire was to
			be on call and directed by FOO. 5 Camerons attack went off up

Page 28 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT	18	0745	to time. Little was heard of progress of attack until 1435 hrs
			when fwd tps were reported 50 yds from objective. A tough
			posn of enemy was still resisting in the CHATEAU area 1470
			and was delaying progress a good deal. This CHATEAU had been
			attacked by rockets and was considerably damaged which damage
			provided good inf posns for the enemy. Fwd Coys had reached
			final objective but op could not be reported done because of
			resistance still being offered in CHATEAU area. Flame throwers
			would have been invaluable in such a situation but owing to
			their hard fighting with 5 Seaforth their amn was expended and
			they had to be drawn back for re-fueling. Bde Comd visited fwd
			tps at this stage but was not able to report second phase
			complete. This state obtained until 1914 hrs when 5 Camerons
			reported op completed, the CHATEAU haveing been taken and
			the area strengthened with a Coy of 2 Seaforth to make it

Page 29 of 48

Place	Date	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT.	18	really solid. 5 Camerons were being mortared a good deal and
		great use was made of arty to search out active mortar posns.
		This was difficult owing to the close nature of the ground.
		Accurate bearings could not be taken owing to great noise
		throughout area. Again previously plotted mortar posns were
		referred to and engaged, which proved of some value in
		reducing mortar fire. The BOIS DE BAVENT can conceal many
		mortars though and the 5 Camerons remained under their fire
		throughout the eveneing and night. GOC 3 Br Div ordered that
		patrols would be sent out towards TROARN and to contact 8 Br Bde
		which was on the right of 152 Bde. This was done throughout the
		night and contact was made with 8 Br Bde. A report was received
		at about 1930 hrs that one of 5 Camerons carriers had wandered
		down to within 1/2 mile TROARN - captured 6 PW and returned
		without seeing any enemy. This was checked and could not be

Page 30 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT	18		proved. Meanwhile 12 Devons relieved 2 Seaforth freeing them
			for further ops southwards. 2 Seaforth est themselves in 5
			Camerons old area about 1900 hrs. During the days ops 93 PW
			were passed through Bde cage and some dozen or so were evacuated
			through medical channels. It was estimated that enemy killed
			amounted to approx 100. Bde cas for day were 147 killed and
			wounded. Generally the first Bde battle of the campaign was
			a great success. Tks and Inf worked very well together, each
			winning the esteem of the other. The flame throwers were a
			huge success against the deep douvres which enemy had prepared.
	18	2359	Except for mortaring and patrol activity by 5 Seaforth and
			5 Camerons the night had been quiet as far as ground enemy were
			concerned, but enemy air force were slightly active at dusk
			over the congested supply area. Some bombs were dropped near
			to Bde HQ and caused casualties amongst 'A' Coy 1/7 Mx whose

Page 31 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT.	18		4.2 mortar posns were in the midst of the area attacked.
			Offensive patrols were ordered to be sent out along the Bde
			ft. This was done by 5 Seaforth and 5 Camerons, the latter
			also sending out patrols to keep touch with 1 East Yorks
			which was the left bn of 8 Br Bde.
	19	0730	2 Seaforth were ordered to move up to new area to strengthen
			flank of 8 Bde and add depth to 152 Bde area. At 0745 Bde Comd
			recced new area for 2 Seaforth along with CO and Coy Comds
			of that Bn.
		0930	GOC I Corps visited Bde HQ whilst Comd was out on recce.
			Offensive action was the order of the day and plans were made
			to raid the shrine to the SOUTH of 5 Camerons posn. However
			by the time plans were ready a Bn of 9 Bde attacked the shrine
			en route to TROARN. The attack by 2 Seaforth on shrine did not
			materialise though all was ready for such an attack.

Page 32 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT.	19	1230	GOC 51 Div visited Bde HQ.
		1400	By this time 2 Seaforth were settled down into new area. The
			rest of the day was more or less uneventful with nothing more
			in the air than the aftermath of a battle. Bde Comd laid down
			patrol boundaries for Bns on Bde front but night patrolling
			in the close woods was not considered to be profitable.
			5 Camerons however have some open ground to their front which
			they are setting about patrolling keenly. The CHATEAU area is
			still infested by Germans and 2 Seaforth are taking steps to
			make life unpleasant for them. A new Bde HQ recced. Bde HQ
			was to have moved today but the mov was postponed for 24 hrs.
		2000	Considerable sport was had by 5 Camerons plus a few tks from
			'C' Sqn 148 RAC in killing and gen shooting up Germans in
			Bn area. This was an enemy patrol which showed itself in 5
			Camerons area. Another 12 PW of assorted units came in today.

Page 33 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT.	19	2000	They had been burying German dead in triangle area for 24 hrs
			hence delay in their onward routing to PW cage.
	20	0600	Patrols in with infm regarding enemy on Bde front. 5 Camerons
			reported having captured two 75MM A/TK guns in working order
			along with a quantity of amn. These were towed out of the
			front line by quads of 243 A.TK bty and brought to Bde HQ.
			Later they were taken back to Ord Dump by Bde L.A.D. The
			capture of said guns will make interesting reading in
			5 Camerons War Diary. 5 Seaforth also reported having captured
			two A.TK guns one of which was pulled out of line but was out
			of order - the other being in full view of enemy was not
			removed.
		0900	Bde HQ began to move to new location, doing so by stages as no
			tpt was available to lift it complete, and Jeeps had to be
			used to ferry equipment.

Page 34 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT	20	0900	Bde Comd visited all three units. All were happy and firm.
			Meanwhile the enemy in his usual sadistic manner had set alight
			to the CHATEAU by incendiary bombs. GOC visited Bde HQ just
			after Bde Comd's return from units.
		1400	Bde HQ had by now completely left old location but were not yet
			dug in. A torrential rain storm came down on the uncovered
			Bde HQ and thoroughly drenched everything. Bde HQ began to
			function though, but fortunately little was happening.
		1945	GOC 3 Br Div visited Bde HQ.
		2359	Inclement weather made the night uncomfortable for everyone
			but for once the enemy did not contribute to the discomfort.
	21	0440	5 Camerons patrol back. Patrol had been spotted and engaged
			during which Offr i/c patrol was wounded.
		0730	Rain again started to fall ending in flooding the Bde HQ
			dug-outs to some 14" of water. Pumps were got up from REs

Page 35 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT,	21	0730	but before they could be got working, much paper had been
			destroyed. Fortunately, none of it was important. Jeeps were
			the only vehs which could move with any degree of certainty in
			the mud. Four wheel drive is very essential in such country.
			Rain stopped most play among the arty of both sides during the
			morning which was accordingly quiet.
		1500	GOC 51 Div visited Bde HQ and Bde Cond returned thither with him
			to discuss question of rfts for Bde. CO 191 Fd Regt visited
			Bde for purposes of general liaison as his Regt was now placed
			in sp 152 Bde. This makes immediate arty available to Bde up to
.			two Fd Regts with a call on more.
		1800	Two deserters walked into 5 Camerons area from III/857 Gren Regt.
			Apparently this bn has been moved South to combat threat to
			TROARN and BURES occasioned by advance by 152 Bde and 3 Br Div.
		2000	Slight shelling and mortaring. was experienced by units and Bde HQ

Page 36 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT	21	2000	The latter having three cas from such in the afternoon.
			By this time the rain had stopped and everybody was happy
			at the thought. Bns were drowned out as well so that the cessation
			of rain was a matter of bde rejoicing. Only 5 Camerons had any
			patrols out. Night patrolling in dense woods is not likely to
			produce accurate results owing to difficulty of keeping
			direction and remembering were one has been, and the fact that
			it is impossible to move silently.
		2359	Except for shelling of bn areas - NTR.
	22	0500	Camerons patrol back having encountered no enemy on it's route
		0800	Another quick visit of Luftwaffe cost them at least one plane
			shot down.
		0930	Bde Comd visited bns.
		1015	GOC 3 Br. Div visited Bde HQ - confirmed policy unchanged. The
			morning was fairly quiet save for occasional mortaring and

Page 37 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT	22	1015	shelling which fell mostly in the bn areas of 2 Seaforth and
			5 Camerons. 2 Seaforth brought in to Bde HQ a new type German
			AA sight which was duly passed on to higher formation.
		1600	Three Polish deserters from the remains of I/858 GR walked
			into 5 Camerons area. They stated that bn ration strength on
			previous night was only 90 which fitted in with bde estimates
			and paid fitting tribute to the thoroughness of the attack by
			this bde on 18 July.
		1730	Bde Comd left for 9 Bde.
		1830	An unlucky mortar bomb wounded Lt-Col Cairns, Cmd 5 Camerons.	Appx. "D - 1"
			Cmd 5 Camerons was assumed by Major Noble, MC
		2300	Daylight closed with mortaring. This question of mortaring is
			acute because of the lack of observation and the multitude of
			possible mortar posns. Bearings are taken but there are so many
			possible posns on one bearing that the active mortars are hard

Page 38 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT.	22	2300	to locate. Searching fire by arty seems to be effective.
			Likely posns are always fired at and PW have stated that they	Appx E - 1.
			fear our arty retaliation to mortar fire, and fire only 5 or 6
			bombs before going to ground. The recent adv has testified to
			the accuracy of our counter mortar fire, several mortar
			posns being found with the wrecked remains of mortar and
			Nebelwerfer in them.
		2315	5 Seaforth had one bomb dropped in area resulting in 1 cas.
	23	0500	NTR during night.
		1000	3 Para Bde asked us to fire on a place where they thought the
			enemy to be. We did this with about 80 smoke bombs from 4.2"
			mortar pl.
		1200	GOC 3 Br Div again called when Bde Comd was out at Bns. Again
			no change in policy. Comd 9 Bde asked us to restrict arty fire
			to NORTH of Bde bdy.

Page 39 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT.	23	1515	Bde Comd visited Tac 51 Div, found no-one and went to Main Div.
		1630	5 Seaforth spotted an enemy working party or at least heard it.
			This party was engaged by arty and no more sounds of digging
			were heard.
		1800	Mortar fire on 2 Seaforth wounded Adjt, Q.M., and OC HQ Coy.
			Fortunately Adjt and OC HQ Coy were only slightly wounded.
			This mortaring is a constant drain on personnel in a static
			posn like this. The ideal must be hold area with as few men
			as possible thereby reducing risks of cas but in this thick
			country more men are needed to cover ground. So far this is
			an impasse of no mean dimensions. Bn I Secs are all out
			getting bearings in an endeavour to fix offending mortars.
			Results are not obvious but we act on these sound bearings.
			Seach, search, search every possible posn - that is the	Appx F - 1
			Bde motto against enemy mortars.

Page 40 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT.	24	0500	A quiet night.
		1000	Comd and B.M. were at 5 Camerons discussing plans for raid	Appx. "G - 1"
			with CO 5 Camerons. Mortaring killed B.M. wounded Comd and
			CO 5 Camerons, and Comd "D" Coy., 5 Camerons. Bde Comd remained
			on duty but the remainder were evacuated.
		1200	Bde Comd visited 2 Seaforth and 5 Seaforth.
		1400	Bde Comd was called to conference with GOC 51 Div at HQ
			6 Airborne Div. They met outside outside HQ 6 Airborne Div and
			proceeded to HQ 51 (H) Div.
		1530	Capt. J.St.L Thornton late I.O. 152 Inf Bde took over
			appointment of B.M.
		1700	Bde Comd returned to HQ and called conference of COs for 1900 hrs.
		1800	Considerable arty activity had been maintained against enemy
			mortars all afternoon - 128 and 191 Fd Regts dishing out shells
			all over the place where mortars were thought to be.

Page 41 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE Bavent	24	1900	Conf COs at Bde HQ. Future ops for 152 Bde were discussed and
			plans were made for the alteration of the Bde area involving an
			increase in the frontage held.
			5 Seaforth brought their snipers bag up to six certainties today.
			The report came from 5 Camerons that the raid on enemy FDLs
			had been successful, and that the tks had been very effective
			in the engagement. Ambulances were observed coming up after the
			engagement had been completed. This seems an ideal way of
			disposing of enemy in posns too close to our own tps, to be
			shelled and H.E. from TK guns is very effective combined with
			their MG fire. Recce should be made before such a raid is started
			to detect presence or otherwise of A/Tk guns. One of 5 Seaforth
			snipers observed an arty shoot today and was able to describe
			its effects. This is an extremely good check for the gunners.
			2 Seaforth were mortared by a Reihen Werfer this evening ie.

Page 42 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT.	24	1900	a series of some sixteen mortars mounted on a half-track. The
			bombs are fired in ripples and the sound is distinctive.	Appx. "H - 1"
	25	0500	The night was uneventful and except for an occasional enemy MG
			was completely quiet.
		1930	There was some mortaring as there always is and some retaliation
			from our guns which is entirely necessary. 191 Fd Regt which
			had been in support since 21 July 44 reverted to Cmd 51 (H) Div
			and was placed in sp of 6 Airborne Div. This Regt is still
			available for DF tasks.
		2300	A certain amount of air activity started up at this time.
			Some bombs were dropped on 5 Seaforth locality but no cas
			resulted. A system of enemy ground fire recognition was observed.
			Whenever enemy aircraft are over our lines enemy puts up white
			lights over his lines with five green rockets into ours. Our
			arty was very active during the night dishing out VICTOR and	Appx "I" 1.

Page 43 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT	25	2300	UNCLE targets all over the place but on our own front all was
			normal.
	26	0500	Still nothing to report.
		1000	It was decided to attempt to set alight the BOIS DE BAVENT in
			the afternoon. 4.2" Mortars were to fire 900 phosphorous smoke
			bombs into the wood whilst arty brought down cones on rear of
			wood. This was to be called op "STAG"
		1330	"STAG" was started but the wood did not burn. The attempt	Appx. "J - 1"
			brought on a fair deal of retaliation from the enemy resulting
			in some cas to 5 Camerons and 5 Seaforth.
		2300	The evening was quiet and almost still.
	27	0130	An enemy air-raid began in which one OR of Bde HQ was killed
			and Major Thornton B.M. slightly wounded. One bomb came through
			the roof of the Cmd Post but did no damage.
		0545	Enemy shelling of Bn areas began. This is the first time enemy

Page 44 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT.	27	0545	has been active at this hour since Bde took up present posns.
		1000	It became known that proposed extension of Bde area would not take
			place. Bde Comd attended conference at 51 Div at 1200 hrs and
			again at 1500 hrs. The Bde is to be relieved but the time is not yet
			known. 152 Bde has now been in the line without a break since
			12 Jun 44 and 5 Camerons have been in the line since 9 Jun 44.
		2000	Bns report mortaring and shelling in their respective areas.
			5 Seaforth snipers had another kill bringing their total up
			to 7.
		2300	Enemy aircraft again dropped bombs near Bde area. A point of
			interest arose during this activity. Enemy ground troops put	Appx K - 1.
			green lights over 5 Camerons as an indication to German aircraft
			where our tps were. 5 Camerons immediately shot back several
			green Verey lights over enemy posns with a result that the enemy
			were bombed by. their own aircraft.

Page 45 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
BOIS DE BAVENT	28	0700	Bns reported a quiet night after air activity died down. About
			20 enemy vehs were observed by Tac R in the rd running NE from
			5 Seaforth posn. Arty engaged stretched of the rd.	Appx L - 1.
		1000	Comd 154 Bde arrived at Bde HQ. 154 Bde is to relieve 152 in
			its present area on 29 July. Bde Comd and Comd 154 Bde went	Appx M - 1.
			over Bde lay-out and details of relief were arranged.
		1125	GOC 51 (H) Div paid his first visit to Bde HQ since taking
			over the Div. GOC and Bde Comd went round units accompanied
			by Comd 154 Bde.
		1827	GOC 3 Br Div called to see Bde Comd,
	29	0100	5 Seafort reported that a Polish deserter had walked into
			their area. He gave a good deal of information which by	Appx V - 1.
			subsequent interrogation, was found to be largely untrue.
		0700	It was decided to keep arty quiet on 152 Bde front, in order to
			allow Bn reliefs to proceed as quickly as possible. Odd vehs of

Page 46 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
BOIS DE BAVENT.	29	0700	HQ 154 Bde began to arrive at HQ 152 Bde about 0900 hrs. The
			Bn relief was due to begin at 1330 hrs. This proceeded according
			to schedule and by 2000 hrs all units of 152 Bde had been relieved
			and had settled into their rest areas. For new Bde area see Appx.
			152 Bde HQ opened at LE MESNIL at 1600 hrs but Bde Comd did not
LE MESNIL			arrive until 1900 hrs having seen the Bn reliefs completed before
			leaving old location. 152 Bde passed out of Comd 3 Br Div on
			relief being completed and reverted to Comd 51 (H) Div.
		2100	Bde Comd visited units. Complete rest was the order for personnel
			of Main Bde HQ. All guards etc being found by B Ech personnel.
	30		A thorough check up of all vehs was carried out by B.T.O. This
			was necessary as those vehs of Main Bde HQ had been in operational
			use for about 7 weeks without a break.
		1400	Bde Comd visited units.
		1730	A conference of all Comds in the Div plus heads of Services was held,

Page 47 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LE MESNIL	30	1730	at Bde HQ. GOC 51 (H) Div addressed conf which concerned
			general policy with an epilogue for Bde Comds only relating
			to further ops.
		2200	G.S.O.I 51 (H) Div phoned to say that the substance of above
			epilogue had been cancelled and that new plans would be issued
			in due course.
	31	1000	Bde Comd visited units of the Bde and addressed all officers and
			senior NCOs.
		1600	Retreat beat by 5 Camerons which Bde Comd attended.
		2200	The month closed for 152 Bde in well earned rests with concert
			parties etc., in full swing. July's ops for this Bde have been
			hard if not spectacular all the time. One lesson has been
			learned and that is if a def posn is to be held at all comfort-
			ably enemy mortars must be silenced. In this respect a vast
			increase in mortar reports from fwd coys has been observed.

Page 48 of 48

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LE MESNIL	31	2200	If tps know that their reports of mortar activity are going to
			bring shells on to these mortars then these reports will be more
			numerous and more accurate. Accurate reporting is essential to
			effective retaliation.

			Intelligence Log Sheets for the month are attached as Appx,
			"N - 1". These sheets contain all patrol reports.
			ADMIN SITREP IS ATTACHED As Appx D-1

Units Referenced in this war diary

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