War Diary: 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment

Month and year: July 1944

The 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment July 1944 war diary covers the units advance and fighting from Lingevres to Les Landes.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/1284

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Page 1 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LINGEVRES	July 1st		The Battalion, under comd of Lt-Col J.E.F. WILLOUGHBY, consisted of 36 officers and 796 O.R.'s. officers as under:- 2 i/c Major A.E.C. BREDIN A / Adj Capt. E. HANNAH (S.Coy.Comd) I.O. Lt. L.T. MORRIS Sig. Officer : Lt. D.W. MACROW. Q.M Lt. A.W. HATCHARD M.O. Capt. L.P. LASSMAN (R.A.M.C.? ?). Padre. Rev. R. WATT (R.A.Cl.D.). 11 Pln Comd G.L.F. CASE. 2 Pln Comd Lt. W.F. SCOTT. 3 Pln Comd. Lt. J.B. FORBES (Cdn Army) 4 Pln Comd. LL. B.I.C. WEEKES. 2 i/c 4 Pl. Lt. G.H.D. WALSH. 14 Pln Comd Lt. N.W. HACK 5 Pln Comd Capt. D.J. GRIMSDELL 2 i/c 5 Pl. Lt. E.G. NEAL 2 i/c Lt H.D. FOSTER (Cdn Army) Other Officers: Major R.M. NICOLL (Hospital) Lt. B.I. FORSTER (O.I/C Residue) Lt. W.J. PALLISTER (A.ech). A. Coy Comd: Major P.H.W. BRIND 2 i/c Capt. E.N. LUSHINGTON 7 Pln Comd. Lt. B.M. Mitchell 8 Pln Comd Lt. D.BIRD 9 Pln Lt. W.J.COLL. B. Coy. Comd. Capt. A.L. HARRIS 10 Pln Comd. Lt T.C. BRADLEY 12 Pln Comd G.H QUIGLEY. C. Coy Comd: Major L.S. THOMAS 2 i/c Capt. R.U. MACNAMARA 13 Pln Comd Lt P.H. LUFFMAN 15 Pln Comd Lt.G. GILLHOOLEY (Cdn Army). D.Coy. Comd Major K.E. MEREDITH 16 Pln Comd: 2/Lt. E.J.WILLIS 17 Pln Comd 2/Lt R.G.SMITH 18 Pln Comd. G. PATRICK (Cdn Army)

Page 2 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LINGEVRES	July 1st		Enemy mortaring slight during morning.
		1530	Area shelled by heavy gun, believed 155 mm.
		1900	Movement observed in "bombed house" 799665. A Coy fire P.I.A.T. at house and then go in to investigate. No sign of enemy.
		1900	Own arty. shelled "O.p. house" 803666.
		2300	D.Coy patrol shoots up M.G. post at 805666.

Page 3 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LINGEVRES	JULY 2nd		Considerable enemy activity and M.G. fire in LA TAILLE area during night. Patrols have nothing else to report.
		1200	Own arty. shelled house 803666 scoring direct hit. It has now been established definitely that this house is used by the enemy as an O.P. for mortars probably sited SOUTH of the CHAU de CORDILLON.
		1230	Own arty. engaged located enemy mortar posns. Whilst these were in action and effectively silenced them. Bearing 185° from Bn. H.Q.
		1430	A. Coy reported enemy o.p. in tree at 803661
		1500	3" mortars fire on tree, ranging with smoke and following up with 175 rounds H.E. German in o.p. seen to clamber hastly down tree. Enemy mortar fired a few bombs and stopped.
		2115	Enemy mortar bearing 160° from C. Coy HQ. - again silenced by own arty. Co-operation with gunners, who act on our sound bearings from Coys. to enemy mortars, is beginning to be very effective.

Page 4 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LINGEVRES	July 3rd		Patrols during night have nothing unusual to report beyond vehicle movement from west to east across our front.
		1200	Quiet morning, but C. Coy have a few mortar bombs in their area.
		1400	Enemy o.p. again reported using tree, but left before our mortars could engage.
		1430	C. Coy area subjected to shelling from what is believed to be a PANTHER tank, bearing given by them as 170°.
		1830	B. Coy area mortared and own arty active in reply.

Page 5 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LINGEVRES	July 4th		Patrols during night ordered by Bde. to investigate house 799665 fwd no enemy and report house clear and not booby- trapped. Very little mortaring of Bn. area during day.
		2100	3 Poles gave themselves up to D. Coy standing patrol at 805667. Identification Fus. Bn. 276 Div. marched from LE MANS, arrived in our area 3 nights ago.
		2110	X tracks 80306605 shelled by our arty. from information given by p.w.
		2210	Bn. fwd. area mortared from suspected enemy posn. at 803660, and own arty replies. Mortaring ceases as soon as our guns open up. It has been found during the preceeding period that the high trees that run along our southern Bn boundary are a great hindrance to arty shooting, the ground immediately in front of A. Coy. being impossible to cover - owing to the danger of our shells busting in the tree tops if our guns fire at short range.

Page 6 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LINGEVRES	JULY 5th		B. Coy patrol, with Pioneer detachment, searched area house 803666 and report house not booby-trapped but full of odds and ends of German equipment. Mines and booby-traps in hedges located east of house, some are neutralised by Pioneers. Patrol withdrawn at 0015 hrs to allow our mortars to fire on suspected enemy reliefs and located posns. of 4. Coy Fus.Bn. 276 Div. Above patrol also reports the use by the enemy for the first time - of rifle grenades.	For speciman patrol order and reports for nights 4/5 July and 13/14 July, see App. A.
		1200	Mortaring slight on Bn. front during morning - only 10 to 20 bombs falling. W/Comd. JUDD, D.F.C. , A.F.C., of 2. T.A.F. accompanied Bde. Comd. on visit to Bn. HQ.
		1300	Fwd. Coys heavily mortared but no cas.
		1730	Enemy M.G. located at 800664 by snipers of 7 Green Howards.
		1930	A. Coy send out fighting patrol to engage enemy at 800664.
		2000	Patrol engaged by 2 M.G.'s from east of track at 800664. Patrol leader was wounded but withdrew with the patrol. 876989 Cpl. DAVIDSON A, patrol leader sustained wounds from WOODEN bullets. There are believed to be used by the enemy for A.A. practice, and are the only time they have so far been used against the Bn.
		2245	Position at 800664 engined by our 3" Mortars. Cas. this day 5. O.R's. wounded.

Page 7 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LINGEVRES	JULY 6th	0015	A. Coy. area subjected to considerable M.G. and mortar fire.
		0200	Cap t. E.H. LUSHINGTON 2 i/c A.Coy reported missing. After a search had been made, he was found dead, having been killed by mortar fire as he went round the Plns. He was another of the "Old Guard" having seen service with the Bn. in MALTA and SICILY. The whole night is very noisy, due to 56 Bde attach on our right, and retaliatory fire coming down in our area. Several shells fell is Bn. H.Q. area, and an enemy counter attack is susspected, in front of A. Coy area.
		1200	N.T.R. during day.
		2300	Broadcasting equipment (Designed to lure p.w. into our line) is tried out on 1 HAMPS front with no results. It had been hoped that numerous p.w. would give themselves up. This was later tried with more success. Cas. this day 1 officer, 1.O.R. killed, 3 O.R.'s wounded. Officer cas. Capt. E.N. LUSHINGTON killed. Lt-Col J.E.F. WILLOUGHBY went to hospital. Major BREDIN (2 i/c) took over comd of the Bn.

Page 8 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LINGEVRES	JULY 7		Patrols during night report all quiet nothing seen or heard
		1200	NTR except slight mortaring on whole front
			Preperations are made for hand-over of Bn. area to 6.D.L.I. (O.C. Lt-Col. GREEN).	For order for relief see App. "B"
		2230	Location Bn. H.Q. moves to new location 820681. The old location had become rather a target, two vales., incl. amn. truck, had been "brewedup" and the R.S.M. wounded.
LES LE-GALLOIS	JULY 8	0200	Relief of Bn. by 6 DLI complete Bn. HQ now at 820687 A Coy 820681 B 820680 C 818682 D 819680. Sp. 821681.
			The relief had as its object the relief of 1 HAMPS by, 1 DORSET in the area NORTH EAST of the Chau de CORDILLON, while 157 Bde tool over the sector to the WEST incl. the area occupied by 1 DORSET. 1 HAMPS when relieved were to go in to reserve and to be in a posn to rest and cany out a certain amount of training in preparation for a coming Bde. attack.

Page 9 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LES LE GALLOIS	JULY 8 (cont)		Day spent in above area prior to taking over 1 HAMPS area. Recce parties went fwd. in afternoon to recce new area.
		1930	Adv. parties leave.
		2045	Main Bn. WQ. move.
		2359	Take-over proceeding. B. Coy incure two cas. from enemy mortaring.
			Cas. this day 1 O.R. killed 1 OR wounded Major BREDIN was informed this day that he had been confirmed in comd of the Bn. and promoted Lt-Col. (authy MS/21/1070 of 10 July). Once again a DORSET officer is in comd. of the 1st Bn. - the first since Lt.-Col. W.H.B. RAY, D.S.O.
816677	July 9	0110	Bn. in new location Bn.HQ. 816677 A 821671 B 820668 C 814669 D 816673 O.P. established by C. Coy at FERME DE LA BRIAJERE814665 ("Brigadier's Farm") Mortar Pln at 817672. A/Tank guns and carriers with coys. Enemy mortaring intermittent. C. Coy push out a standing patrol to hole in CHAU de CORDILLON wall at 813665. The post includes an L.M.G. which in posn to shoot along the inner of western side of the CHATEAU enclosure.

Page 10 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
816677	July 9	0407	Above patrol returns having neither seen or heard anything .
		1245	Enemy mortaring heavy in Bn. area for 15 minutes, but Bn . area mostly quiet during the day.
			Cas this day 1 O.R. wounded.
	July 10		Patrols during night by A , B, C Coys to locate enemy posns. C.Coy locate enemy 811660, who fired on our patrol causing no cas. B. Coy patrol fired on from 821663 by at M.G. No cas. A Coy found no enemy.
			Patrolling contuned during day to establish enemy positions as for an possible, prior to scheduled Bde. attack on July 11.
		1500	B. Coy patrol under 5723973 Sgt STEVENSON, E., returns Patrol Leader found and neutralised booby trap in hedge and found enemy o.p. of two men in slit trench at 818663. Patrol leader reported killing both Germans with 36 grenade. Also. heard tanks at 815662, and saw camouflaged vehicles at 818663. The information obtained by this excellent patrol was late proved to be substantially correct.
		1600	D Coy patrol returned with 2 O.R's . missing, having encountered enemy M.G. fire from area previously believed clear.
		1710	Area 813662 engaged by 3" mortars.
		2330	Second D-Coy patrol sent out to find two missing men, found them - both had been killed.
		2335	Own arty. fired on located enemy posns, between 815662 and 817663.
			Cas. this Day 2.O.R's killed 1 O.R. wounded.

Page 11 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
816677	July 11	-	BDE operation MAORI , carried out by 1 HAMPS and 2 DEVON on HOTTOT, with 1 DORSET acting as firm base and right flank protection, scheduled to commence with arty barrage at 0700 hrs.	For detailed account of Bn's part in this action see Appx "C"
		0615	Patrol reports indicate the re-occupation by the enemy of south end of orchard south of C.Coy's posn. at Brigadiers Farm and the presence of another o.p. at 818664 (the previous one having been wiped out by B. Coy patrol).
		0700	PH. I of Op. MAORI starts with arty barage Sherwood Rangers who are supporting the DEVONS and HAMPS move up a specially prepared tank track. (These are now to become a regular feature of all attacks in the Bocage country, the hedges being blown in advance of the tanks by Bn. pioneers and assault R.E. detachments.) The DEVONS and HAMPS move fwd. under heavy enemy mortar fire - DEVONS left, HAMPS right (going through our fwd posns, Between Bregadier's Farm and 82 Easting)
		0730	1. HAMPS clear orchard S. of "BRIGADIER'S FARM" O.P. est. by I.Sec. personel at "BRIGADIER'S FARM".
		0830	PH-II of attack commences with further arty. Barrage. D Coy under Major K.E. MEREDITH start to move fwd. Designed to guards HAMPS right flank.
		0815	CROCODILES (flame-throwing tanks) move up. These are intended for use in HOTTOT village.
		0850	Enemy mortar fire directed at our tanks as they move up tank track.
		0910	Two enemy tanks reported in HOTTOT area.

Page 12 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
816677	July 11	0915	C. Coy send party with L.M.G. and P.I.A.T. to southend of orchard 813664
		0924	Lull in barage used for Regimental shoot by 90 Fd. on located enemy mortar position at 795646. Air O.P. reports succesful shoot mortaring continues from other localities.
		1000	D. Coy waiting to move to posn at approx 813662 to cover right flank. But Bde. orders move fwd not to take place yet. DEVONS attack on left going well and BN. nearly in HOTTOT. HAMPS on right going more slowly and meeting heavy mortar and small arms fire.
		1000-1100	Re-organisation of fwd. Bns. prior to continuation of advance.
		1120	D. Coy ordered to move fwd. to occupy ln junc and area 813662.
		1132	Sherwood Rangers engage and destroy two enemy tanks area 820663.
		1200	P.W. sent back by HAMPS (Fusilier Bn. 276 Div) state they have about 12 tanks in sp. along whole front (HOTTOT area).
		1300	D. Coy now in posn. area ln. junc. 813662.
		1305	HAMPS moving slowly fwd. to western end of HOTTOT, still under heavy mortar fire.
		1400	HAMPS report counter attack brewing-up on right flank, S. of CHAU De CORDILLON. D. Coy establish Pln. posn at X tracks 814658 and an anti-tank gun is also got fwd. to there. This Coy is in a very exposed posn. in the CHAU. area is still not cleared of the enemy.

Page 13 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
816677	July 11	1430	Tp. concentration and enemy tanks observed S. and W. of D. Coy's posn. These are heavily engaged by own arty and 3" mortars. As a result, this counter attack was NOT pressed home and in fact failed to get under way, almost certainly due to own shelling and mortaring.
		1500	Partrol of B. Coy now. established at tr junc 817663 and rem. of Coy. move fwd. to occupy area east of this tr. junc. D. Coy send patrol to contact 1 HAMPS. Reports come in from 6 D.L.I. operating in old Bn. area on our right. They have been unable to move fwd but are later going to send fighting patrols through CHAU de CORDILLON enclosure.
		1600	Own fighters attack enemy objectives, firing rockets, some of which land in D. Coy's area. No Cas. Sherwood Rangers report 7-8 tanks K.O.D for the loss of 1 SHERMAN.
		1630	Bn. is ordered to mop up any enemy in area 821662 whilst DEVONS continue advance. B. Coy sends party to do this, which finds no enemy, but confirms the presence of two enemy tanks both K.O'd) at 820661.
		1705	70 Bde of 49 Div. move up on our left flank. Enemy mortaring of Bn. area continues and D. Coy are under enemy small arms fire from between South east corners of chateau encloses and X tracks 814658. D Coy were then heavily counter-attacked and the fwd. pl. nearly ceased to exist. The remainder of the Coy, however, was rallied and held the ground well.

Page 14 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
816677	July 11	1920	A Coy patrols to area 818663 and find, several enemy tanks K.O.'d in this area.
		2040	Enemy inf and tanks active in area just S.E. of CHAU causing cas. in D.Coy from gun and mortar fire.
		2230	C Coy reports enemy still in some strength south of CHAU. These are engaged by are own arty.
		-	The only changes in Bn. disposition this day were D. Coy , who moved to area tr. junc. 813662 - immidiately in front of C Coy - and B Coy, who moved to area incl. and west of junc. 817663. 1 Sec. Carriers strengthen the latter Coy's posn by the tr. junc. Bde Comd. decided to withdraw 1 HAMPS into Bde. reserve, owing to their heavy cas. This was done at last light and during the early part of the night 11/12 June, 1 HAMPS withdrawing through D.Coy, 1 DORSET then become entirly responsible for the western half of the Bde. sector.
			Cas. this day:- 1 Officer and 7 O.R's. killed, 1 officer and 44 O.R's wounded Officer cas. Major K.E. MEREDITH killed 2/Lt. R.G. SMITH wounded. 2/Lt. A. FRASER joined the unit.

Page 15 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
816677	July 12.		Night 11/12 July spent re-organising and digging-in in new B and D Coy posns. B and D. Coys were constantly on the alert and there were some exchanges of fire.
		0915	Heavy enemy mortaring and shelling of "Brigadier Farm" area.
		1045	B. Coy fwd. Plns. report enemy force of about 30 men area 817663, moving west. These are engaged and dispursed by Sherwood RANGERS (who have remained in sp.)
		1200	Bn. locations Bn.HQ. 816677. A . Coy HQ 820668 B 820666 C 814667 D 814662
			B and D Coys are in close contact with the enemy all day
		1315	B. Coy fwd. pln. is forced temporarily to occupy alternative posns. due to enemy fire, but return soon afterwoods to their original posns.
		1400	6 D.L.I. are to send a patrol down east side of CHAU enclosure prior to establishing a pln locality inside the enclosure.
		1450	Pioneers spend most of the morning and afternoon clearing the track between tr. junc. 822672 and tr. junc. 817663, which was found to be extensively mined.
		1500	6 D.L.I. patrol badly shot up by enemy located at south earthern end of enclosure.
		1500-1800	B and D.Coys still exchanging small arms fire with the enemy who appear to be digging in only 150-200 yds in front of our posns. D Coy's 2" mortar successfully employed.

Page 16 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
816677	July 12	1840	A. Coy is ordered to be prepared to relieve D. Coy, who are to move to area 818665,
		2000	D. Coy succesfully engage enemy on their flank, inflicting many cas. The A/Coy. Comd Lieut FOSTER (Cdn. Army) and A/C.S.M. 5728242 Sqn. HORTHAM, L, did particularly good work in keeping the Coy in fighting order.
		2005	Section of carriers just north of tr junc. 817663 engage enemy approaching up track for south east and inflict casualties.
		2330	Same section of carriers again engaged enemy approaching up track and inflict further Cas.
			Cas. this day:- 5 O.R's. killed, 31 O.R's. wounded.
	July13	0110	Inter-coy relief of D Coy by A Coy completed.
		0125	C. Coy patrol to area 814663 (with object of obtaining identifications) could find no enemy dead, But reported enemy digging in at aabout 814662
		0630	Carriers section patrol from tr. Junc. 817663 brought in a prisoner found asleep in a slit trench at 818662 (Identification Fus. Bn. 276 Div). Patrol also captured one M.G. and rifle. cup??? discharger??? and grenades found in trench. mortaring fairly quite on front Slight mortaring.
		1200 -1400	A. Coy troubled by intermittent enemy M.G. fire

Page 17 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
816677	July 13	1530	9 D.L.I. (Comd. Lt-Col MOGG) send recce partie to Bn HQ. to recce Bn area prior to reliving Bn.
		2045	Pioneer truck in Bn HQ. area loaded with explosives, backs or a Hawkings Grenade and catches fire. The Pioneers under comd Lt. SCOTT, manage to remove 5 cas. caused by the original explosion, before the ammunition and explosives on the truck (incl. 30 Bangalore torpedoes) blows up, completely destroying the truck.
		2250	A. Coy report one enemy tank heard moving in front of them. Cas. this day :- 3 O.R's. wounded. Major W.N.HAYES rejoined the unit - to comd. D. Coy. (his original company).
LES LE-GALLOIS	July 14	0230	Bn. relief by 9 D.L.I. completed and Bn now located in same area as on July 8th.
821681		0500	C. Coy patrol under Lieut P.LUFFMAN returns. Their task was to destroy a disabled enemy tank located at 815661. A section of pioneers accompanied the patrol . The tank was located and completely destroyed by the pioneer section. Patrol sufferes no cas. The tank in question was almosts certainly the one bady damaged by P.I.A.T. manned by. 5728242 C.S.N. NORTHAM L. on 11 July. Bn spent day in concentration area LES LE GALLOTS in Bde. reserve. Cas. this day: 2 O.R's. wounded. Lt H.R.A. DARTNELL and 2/Lt. A.G. SMITH rejoined the unit. Capt. R.W. JACKSON joined the unit, taking over duties as Adjutant, from Capt E. HANNAH, who resumed Comd of S. Coy.

Page 18 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LES LE-GALLOIS	July 15	-	Bn. remains in above area. Preparations are made for the relief of 2. DEVON by the Bn.
		2100	Bn H.Q. established at 821672. Considerable enemy mortaring is encountered during relief and cas. are suffered Cas.this day 6 O.R's. wounded Capt J.P. LUFF re-joined the unit, took over his old duties as M.T.O.
821672	July 16	0145	Relief of 2 DELON completed. Coy posns. A 823666 C 824665 B 821669 D 820668
			Nothing to report during day, except continual light mortaring and shelling of the whole Bn area; Following promotions took effect this day:- Capt. A.L. HARRIS to Major, O.C. B. Coy. Lt. L.T. MORRIS to Capt I.O. Lt J.B. FORBES to Capt, O.C. 3 Pln. Lt. B.C. WEEKES to Capt, O.C. 4 Pln. Lt. H.D. FOSTER to Capt, 2 i/c D. Coy.

Page 19 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
821672	July 17		Active patrolling by all Coys tool place during night 16/17 July, to locate enemy posns. Little infmn about these was passed on by 2. DEVON on relief (the latter Bn. had reached these posns after the attach on 11 June, had suffered considerable cas. and had NOT done much patrolling). Our patrols were very successful and enemy posns are located all along north side of houses on north of HOTTOT road, with M.Gs sited, as always, at hedge junctions and mortars in the yards of the houses. LA MARMONNIERE house at 828664 is held by the enemy and is his nearest posn. to our line. An attempt was made by A Coy patrol to lay mines on the HOTTOT road, but patrol could not reach this road.	For patrol orders and reports for night 16/17 July, see App "D".
		-	Enemy mortaring and shelling is severe during the day, mostly along line of trench 818663 to 823673 and 200 yards each side of it.
		1400	The only five remaining members of the Bn. to win awards go to Div HQ for presentation of awards by the C-in-C. General Sir Bernard MONTGOMERY:- M.C. 49794 Lt. COL A.E.C. BREDIN M.C. 62624 Major R.H. NICOLL. M.C. 95488 Major W.N. HAYES M.C. 5722842 Sgt. A.W. TALBOT M.M. 5725371 L/Cpl H.J. BARNES M.M. 5727062 Pte. R. GOODARD The following also won awards, but could not be present for the presentaion:- DSO 52007 Lt.-Col.E.A.M. HORIE. M.C. p/41527 Capt C.R. WHITTINGTON D.C.M. 5724115 Cpl.S. THOMPSON, M.M. M.M. 5728237 Cpl. W. HAWKINS. M.M. 6087919 Cpl.V.CARTER. M.M. 5727321 Cpl.J.REDPATH MM 5730229 L/Cpl. G. HOCKLEY MM 6092620 L/Cpl J. MILLER.

Page 20 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
821672	July 17		Enemy a/c active over wide local area dropping flares and bombs. Enemy mortars still active. Cas. this day:- 1 officer, 20 O.R's. killed, 4 O.R.'s wounded Officer cas . this day:- Lieut W.J.COLL killed.
821672	July 18	0430-0500	Broadcasting equipment in use on 11. D.L.I. from on our left. This could be plainly heard this time, and is believed to have caused numerous desertions from the enemy forces opposite us.
		-	C and D Coys. patrol during night 17/18 July - C Coy to recce area LA MARMONNIERE, found enemy positions located, but booby traps left in area, one of which slightly wounded the patrol comd. D Coy patrol further east found no enemy in the located posns. but heard voices and one or two tanks on the main rd. The policy at this time was to follow up and have any enemy withdrawal but not at the momment to make any set piece attack. As a result of infmn incl. that gained by our problem, it is decided to pass 1 HAMPS through us to beyond HOTTOT. We are to cover this advance by further patrolling.
		1200	Patrolling continued throughout day and reports indicate an enemy withdrawal from the HOTTOT area. Many recently occupied enemy posns found and much equipment, but no enemy.
		1500	BN H.Q. area shelled by 155 mm guns.
		1630	A Coy take two p.w. of I/986 G.R. 276 Div.
		1700	11 D.L.I of 70 Bde. On our left, cross the HOTTOT road.

Page 21 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
821672	July 18	2100	1 HAMPS, with tank sp, pass through our fwd Coys., cross the HOTTOT road, and establish Pln posns. 1000 yds south of the main east-west road without opposition.
		2230	All Coys. report no enemy activity in HOTTOT area Cas this day 2 O.R.'s wounded.
821672	July 19th	0030	Standing patrols established at 828663 and 826662.
		0700	D. Coy establish contact with 9 D.L.I. on our right.
		-	No enemy activity to report during night 18/19/ July.
		-	1 HAMPS consoledate their posns. south of the road and 9 D.L.I on our right also push fwd. over the main road with slight enemy opposition.
		1300 - 2000	Enemy shelling and mortaring of all Bn. posns. north of HOTTOT road severe all afternoon causing cas.
		2000	Bn. moved during course of the evening to new concentration area just south of LES LE - GALLORS???. Posns. Bn. H.Q. 818677 A. Coy 823675 C. Coy 828674 B. 812881 D. 817679
		2300	Move complete. Bn. patrol activity During 17,18, 19 July was very successful firstly in locating and engaging enemy posns. and secondly in establishing the fact that the enemy had withdrawn from the HOTTOT area. Cas. this day:- 1 officer killed 4 O.R's. wounded Officer cas LIEUT P.H. LUFFMAN, killed.
			Lt L.G. PATRICK went to hospital. Major R.M.NICOLL, having returned and carried on duries as 2 i/c for a short period, again goes to hospital with malaria.

Page 22 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
818677	July 20	-	Heavy rain during night 19/20 July, and enemy shelling of TILLY-LINGEVRES road behind us.
			Day spent in concentration area. Occasional shells in Bn. area and a few at x roads 815683.
	July 21	-	Bn. in same area. Heavy rain all day interupted training by Coys. Cas. this day 1 O.R. wounded.
	July 22	1600	Bn moved by march route to rest area South of LES FIETEES at 768728 Posns. as follow :- Bn.H.Q. 768728 A. Coy 768727 C Coy 768731 S Coy 766728 B Coy 771727 D Coy 766729
768728		1900	Bn. in posns as above for rest period for first time since D.Day (Bde. is in Div reserve)
768728	July 23		Bn. commenced training for Bocage warfare weapon and recreational training
	July 24		Bn. continued training. Div. Comd. visited unit.
	July 25		H.T.R. Capt. L.P. LASSMAN R.A.M.C. posted to 200 Fd Amb. Capt. J.P. NEIL, R.A.M.C. joined unit as R.M.O. Capt LASSMAN had been R.M.O. with the Bn. in MALTA and SICILY as well as at home since then, and in NORMANDY. We were sorry to lose him.
	July 26		N.T.R. Cas. this day 1.O.R. wounded

Page 23 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
768728	July 27	1800	Preparations being made for relief by Bn. of 6 GREEN HOWARDS (O.C. Lt.-Col EXHAM) as part of the relief of 69 Bde by 231 Bde, in the area LE LION VERT - LES CROIX DES LANDES.
		2230	Relief of 6 GREEN HOWARDS completed Cas suffered by C. Coy. during relief due to enemy shelling. Posns as follow. Bn.H.Q. 780645 C Coy 783643 (with one Pln at rd junc 779640) A Coy 787643 D. Coy 789643 B 785641 S. Coy 3 Pl 785649 4}Pl sub-alloted to Coys 5} On our right with fwd. elements just in LES CROIX DES LANDES are the 2. S.W.B. of 56 Bde. Cas. this day 6 O.R's wounded.
780645	July 28		Night 27/28 July quite, apart from a few shells along line of road LE LION VERT - LES CROIX DES LANDES
			Re-adjustments of Coy. posns. tool place during the evening, D. Coy at 789640 being relieived by C.Coy 2. DEVON and moving to area LA CROIX DES LANDES, and C Coy pushing fwd slightly from 783643 across road to 782638 without opposition. A Coy moved into reserve in area 782646.
		2335	D. Coy in posn having relieved C. Coy 2 S.W.B. 2. DEVON took over our original commitments (D. and A. Coys) in area MAUPERTHAIS CHAU. 788642, So that we in one turn could relief 2 S.W.B. (one Coy) in area LES CROIX DES LANDES and the south east edge of the BOIS DE ST. GERMAINE - 56 BDE front was by now somewhat extended.

Page 24 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
780645	July 29	-	Patrolling by A and B Coys during night 28/29 July to recce enemy localities, estalished the fact that enemy on outpost line still was roughly along line of road from tr. junc. 783633 to house at 790635. 50mm mortar fire and M.G. fire was encountered by B. Coy patrol No cas. suffered.
		1400	B. Coy Comd. (Major A.L. HARRIS) reports seeing, 3 enemy in area 785635 running back to their own lines.
		-	Shelling of Bn. area continues throughout the day and numerous shellreps. are sent to Bde.; our gunners are active in replying, with some success.
		1900	Preparations made for attack on 30 July by Bde. on a two Bn front - DORSETS left. HAMPS right, DEVONS firm base on left flank, prepared to follow-up leading Bns. 1 HAMPS move to concentration area approx. 778644 during night 29/30 July. D. Coy are released by two secs. of carriers and more into area between B.Coy and Bn.H.Q., ready for the assault.
	July30	-	Patrolling by A and D. Coys during night 29/30 July establishes the fact that the enemy is still in occupation of the area LES LANDES 7863.
		0515	Arty. barrage for attack commences. B. Coy fwd platoon were drawn back into area of Coy. H.Q. for safety reason.

Page 25 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
780645	July 30	0600	A Coy left and D. Coy right, each with one tp 13/18 HUSSARS in sp (A.Coy also have one tp CROCODILES in sp) and one sec. of carriers under comd., cross start line which recce from rd. at 777635 to Xds. 785643	See App. "E" for detailed account of ops. 30 July - 2 Aug 44 Also Bde and Bn Op orders.
		-	Infm. from A.Coy very scanty during first part of operation.
		0635	D. Coy reach track at 784634.
		0712	D. Coy report track through LES LANDES passed. Heavy mortar fire being encountered and P.W. being taken. Later reports indicate that our own M.M.G. fire at this stage was very effective in keeping the enemy pinned down.
		-	A. Coy are adv. parallel with D.Coy. at this time and encountering more opposition.
		0740	HALIFAXES and STIRLINGS pass over, in cloudy weather, at "nought feet" to VILLERS BOCAGE area.
		0805	D. Coy report that they are held up by M.G. fire at 786633. This in overcome and the adv. continues.
		0820	D. Coy report they are on their way to the objective "TAME" and are at 785630, encountering stubborn enemy resistance.
		0840	A and D. Coy. report their positions as 789630 and 786630 respectively.
		0845	A. Coy report Lt. MITCHELL killed, about the same time as Coy. Comd. Capt MC'NAMARA led a bayonet change against an every M.G. posn in area LES LANDES.

Page 26 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
780645	July 30	0920	A and D. Coys send back 17 P.W. taken between LES LANDES and LA AIGNERIE ("The Piggery") - identification 5. Coy. II Bn: 987 Regt 726, D.W.	Transcription note: pencil correction to 276
		0930	C Coy ordered to move up to area LES LANDES B. Coy to remain present posn. 784640 B & C Coys are ordered to patrol fwd to line LES LANDES - tr. junc 787634 and build up on these patrols as firm base behind A and D Coys.
		1020	R.A.P. reports 37 cas to now. C.O. moves fwd to area LES LANDES and on to LA PIGNERIE.
		1100	D Coy. reaches buildings 786626 and captures 81mm mortar posn there.
		1125	Bde. orders fwd. coys of 1. HAMPS and 1 DORSET to dig in on present line D Coy. at 785625 A-Coy at 789625.
		1200	Tac. HQ. formed at LES LANDES I.O. and O.C. 3 Pln move up, and join C.O. and carrier pln comd.
LES LANDES		1220	Coy posns now A. Coy 789625 B Coy 788631 (having been moved up behind A.Coy) C Coy 784632 D Coy 786626
784634		1320	Further 4 P.W. sent back by A . Coy. identification 6. Coy. 987 Regt. 726 Div.
		1300	D. and A. Coys under constant shell and mortar fire.

Page 27 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LES LANDES	July 30	1400	C.O. orders A. Coy to draw back one Pln. to 791626 to link up with B.Coy and
			watch one open left flank (A and D.Coys were by now each reduced to two Plns).
		1700	Major A.L. HARRIS and his Batman both wounded by a mine and the Adjutant, Capt R.W. JACKSON, assumes comd. B. Coy.
		1900	Bde. Comd. orders an inf patrol, accompanied by FLAILS and CROCODILES to recce area SOUTH of ORBOIS WOOD in direction of ORBOIS village and a Coy. to be sent to take control with 9 D.L.I. on our left at ORBOIS CHAU. 801637.
		1930	C. Coy less 13 Pln., accompanied by FLAILS, on their way to contact 9 DLI at ORBOIS CHAU. ran into enemy M.G. posts and captured two of them and 4 P.W.
		2000	A. Coy fwd. Pln. at 790625 and our open left flank is counter-attacked by reserve Bn. of 726 Div. Attack is held by A. Coy fwd Pln under 2/Lt. WILLIS (they had to withdraw after being partly overrun) by B. Coy at 790628 and by the fwd. elements of 2. DEVON, who were passing through as to continue the attack Capt. M-NAMARA, O.C. A.Coy. was wounded, but was brought safely back by 5768423 C.S.M. PERREMONT, S. C. Coy effected contact with 9 D.L.I. and searched ORBOIS CHAU area. 8. Officer cas reported by R.A.P. up to now. Main Bn. H.Q. moves up to LES LANDES and is established at 785636

Page 28 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
LES LANDES	July 30	2030	C. Coy, with FLAILS in sp., attack further enemy M.G. posns located at 799638 and caused the enemy to withdraw. The Coy then occupied the ORBOIS CHAU area for the night and was late joined by 13 Pln.
		2100	13, Pl. C. Coy , which had been ordered by the C.O. to recce the S.W. corner of ORBOIS WOOD, suffer cas. from mines, and the accompanying flails being unable to operate owing to the nature of the ground (bomb craters),this patrol returned at about 0200 hrs and was then able to rejoin the remaineder of the Coy.
		2115	The C.O. goes fwd. to re-organise A and D. Coys., putting the remnants of A. Coy under Lt. DARTNELL under O.C. D. Coy. By the time 2. DEVON adv. had been halted and the area of the buildings at 786626, and round to the east as far as 789627 is being held by one Coy. of 2 Devon, one D.Coy and one ptn. of A.Coy. B.Coy continue the position to 784628 - 790628 - 790631.
		2330	D. Coy and remaining Ptn. of A-Coy ordered to take up posns in area pt.136. 791636
			to cover all northern exits from ORBOIS WOOD. (2 DEVON took over whole of area then vocated). B. Coy. remains in original posn east of the wood at 787633. Cas. this Day 3 officers and 9 O.Rs killed, 5 officers and 70 O.R's wounded officer cas:- Lts. D.BIRD B. MITCHELL 2/Lt. A. FRASER killed Major R. HARRIS Lt. R.G. SMITH Capt. R.U. McNAMARA Lt F. SCOTT Lt G.L.F. Case, wounded Capt H.D. Foster

Page 29 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LES LANDES	July 31	0500	D. and A. Coy in new posns., having encountered booby traps, which delayed their move.
		0930	B Coy patrols report north half of ORBOIS WOOD clean of enemy, but mined. Pioneers spend all day removing all type of mines from paths, woods, hedges and houses in ORBOIS WOOD area under Cpl. Gibson. A "minerep" - the first - was sent to Bde this day.	See. App "F" for copy of "MINEREP"
		1030	C. Coy patrol has no contact with enemy in ORBOIS village 800630 is in woods 799633
			mortaring of Bn. area which had been heavy in the early morning, dies down towards mid-day
		1100	B. Coy send further patrol through wood to ORBOIS church.
		1120	A. Coy send patrol south of ORBOIS and report bridge at 802628 clear. This area is subsequently taken over by 6 D.L.I. and A. Coy which had been established in ORBOIS with standing patrol at bridge, were withdrawn at 1800 hrs. to area of buildings 795636
		1200	Patrolling in area of wood by B. and C. Coys continues. A section of carriers is established at X tracks 793634 as standing patrol.
		1800	B. and C. Coys. report enemy in area 793626 and C. Coy comd. Major THOMAS, carrying out recce, is fired on. This recce was being carried out before the occupation of that area by C. Coy. This was ordered to link up with 6.D.L.I., who had repalced us in ORBOIS and to stop finally infiltration into ORBOIS wood.

Page 30 of 30

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
LES LANDES	July 31	1900	C Coy ordered to clean houses 793627 and orchard 792637, passing through B.Coy
			and taking pioneers with them to clear mines.
		1950	Area to be cleared by C. Coy engaged by 3" mortars.
		2000	C. Coy attack, but run into 4. M.G. posts and accurate and intense mortar fire, which halts Coy. adv. Owing to casualties; the Coy was finally withdrawn to 786634, behind B-Coy. The Coy suffer 20 cas. and the Coy. Comd., Major L.S. THOMAS, is wounded whist recuing his Batsman but carries on his duties.
		2300	Patrolling fwd. of their Coy. areas is carried out by B. Coy without encountering the enemy. All very quiet along whole front. Cas. this day: 1 officer and 29 O.R's wounded Officer cas: Lieut H.W. HACK wounded.	See App. G. for maps covering area operated in during July

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War Diary: 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment

Month and year: July 1944

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